Holy wow…

I have plenty of excuses as to why it took almost a year to continue this, but none of them are enough. I am sorry for how it took months! That is seriously unacceptable... I hope I still have my beautiful followers. I just want you guys to know that I have spent the past week thinking about how I want to continue with this. I wasn't going to even continue if I didn't have ideas. But yay! I surprisingly have many ideas.

Starting here. Hope that this was worth the long (too long) wait. Let me know in a review what you guys think. Or if you have anything you'd like to say. I love you guys and hope that this is up to par with my writing. Maybe even better. Who knows?

So review! Favorite. Follow. All that jazz. And just know, I love all of you guys!

- Madi

"Learn your lines, get your story straight,
Broken bottles gonna seal your fate,
Happiness is just a glass away,

I'm trouble,

Breathe me in, like the summer nights,
It's only a mistake if we don't survive,
Kids grown up, but we're not alright,
We're trouble…"

Trouble by Natalia Kills

Still Friday November 1st, 1996

Just outside the Great Hall, half past seven in the morning

For several moments, Hermione just stood there watching Malfoy slowly walk out of the empty classroom in the opposite direction of the Great Hall. It wasn't until he was out of view that she allowed her fingers to brush against her damp lips that still tingled. The taste of spearmint still lingering upon her tongue while she folded into herself by crossing her arms.

With a sigh she sunk into a seat behind the desk in deep thought about the kiss. She couldn't quite place why, but there was something about this time that seemed different from their previous kisses. The curiosity was still there like the first kiss. The demand was still there like the time she approached him. Nibbling upon her lip, she could still remember the desperation from moments ago that had been twisting the space between them until it wasn't anymore. The slow yet ardent way he kissed her this time seemed deeper. Teetering on an edge of something that was new and unknown territory. Dangerous territory.

'He couldn't possibly…' she paused her thought as she exhaled unevenly. 'It's Malfoy. We hate each other… It's just a puerile game to him… '

Pulling at the sleeve of her dress robe lightly, she decided it was time she needed to go towards breakfast before she missed another meal. Hermione the stood up slowly making her way out of the empty classroom and rolled her eyes. Kissing her obviously was just part of the game he was playing. It was just his juvenile way of distracting her from the important questions she'd been asking, getting too close to things she wasn't supposed to know about. Things he refused to answer…

When he told her he didn't know about Theo being a death eater or about Ginny being under the imperious curse, she realized that she believed him instantly. If anything, Malfoy even if he sometimes needed an extra push, he always followed through with his deals. Hermione was sure it had to do with his upbringing as a child that had to do with keeping his word.

Rounding the corner she then noticed two adult wizards dressed identically in deep blue robes standing on each side of the great hall entrance. Instantly she knew they were aurors. Closing her fists tightly at her side she approached them sluggishly, somewhat anxious about what they were going to say to her. When she passed them into the other room without them even moving she made her way to the spot she saw that was meant for her.

"Seems a bit much to have one stationed at every entrance in the castle. The Ministry shouldn't be allowed to stick its nose into Hogwarts business…" Harry spoke in annoyance as Hermione slid into her seat.

"There's obviously more going on than we're being told Harry." Hermione added reaching for an apple, the vibrant green shade twisting an image of Malfoy in her thoughts momentarily. "Professor Dumbledore wouldn't allow the Ministry anywhere near Hogwarts if he thought he had everything under control."

Harry grunted in irritation. She sighed taking a bite of the apple while she turned to see Ron shoving a mouthful of muffin into his mouth. Scrunching her nose she shook her head looking down at letters tucked on the other side of Ron's plate.

"Any word on Ginny and how she's doing?" she asked as he swallowed slouching forward at her words.

Hermione almost felt guilty for bring her up as she could tell by the way paused the news was either bad or there was none. Reaching up she gently rested her hand on his shoulder as he shrugged.

"No word yet, but mum wanted me to come home for winter break early." He took a sip of what Hermione assumed was pumpkin juice and he then continued, "I wasn't about to argue but dad, he spoke with her, saying it's best I came home just for the weekend then going back home on the regular break." He huffed as she nodded in understand.

"Speaking of which, are you still going home for break 'Mione?" Harry nudged towards her with his chin fiddling with his glasses. It was obvious that he was quickly wanted the subject changed as he continued talking. "Cause if you're not I'm sure you could come with us to the Burrow…"

"I'm not sure, just yet." She tilted her head taking another bite of her apple. "I'm sending out a letter later today to my parents, so I'll be sure to check what their plans are."

Harry nodded before sighing. It was so obvious that he was personally affected by what happened with Ginny in a way that differed from Ron. The sight of him was heartbreaking.

"What'd Malfoy what?" Ron spoke with a mouthful of food. It was Hermione's turn to shift uncomfortably as she silently prayed there was nothing in her expression that would give her away.

"Oh, well," she rolled her eyes in pretend annoyance. "Nothing really. I asked him if he had anything to do with what happened last night though. He said he had no idea and I actually, sort of, believe him… That doesn't change the fact that he is Malfoy and still a git. But I think he is telling the truth."

Hermione noticed Harry's jaw tighten slightly for a second before relaxing. He shook his head with a huff before looking towards her about to say something when she stopped him.

"And before you go into the lecture about who he is and how I shouldn't believe him. As my friends, I need the both of you to just trust me." She put her half eaten apple upon her plate before adding, "I've said it multiple times, I can promise you both, contrary to what you think, I do know who he is and what he has done in the past. But I also know what I'm doing."

"Are you certain you know what you're doing Hermione?" Harry spoke with uneasiness. Hermione took the lack of anger as a good sign.

"No," she answered honestly, "But I do know that after what happened last night, Malfoy knows more than he's letting on. And I for one, need answers."

"What I don't get, is why he'd jump to take the spell for you 'Mione." Ron's scrunched his face as he spoke. "He's Malfoy…"

"I don't like it." Harry mumbled. "But you're right. Both of you. There are things Malfoy is doing that just don't add up and we do need answers."

Hermione nodded silently as she thought if only Harry knew what kind of answers she needed. She felt as if one question was answered it only opened up more questions. It was frustrating sure. But even though Hermione refused to admit aloud, these questions gave her the needed excuse to seek him out.

"Classes will be starting soon," she broke the silence. "I need to get my book bag from the dormitories. I'll see the both of you in potions class."

Snatching a piece of toast taking the last bite of her apple she stood and made her way out of the great hall. Her stomach flopped at the thought of potions class with Malfoy. He was gradually crossing the unspoken line into the unknown which she feared. Whether or not what was going on between them was really a game or not, it still begged the question. What happens when they cross the line too far one time?

Rounding the corner at that thought past a few straggling students in the hallways she ate her slice of toast. They both knew what the line was and where it was. It was their mutual hate for each other. She is everything he despised; a Mudblood know-it-all. And he was a pureblooded partisan with a poor upbringing. Something she could not stand, but…

Hermione stopped walking. Swallowing her last bite of toast as she reached the stairs. Suddenly it dawned upon her. It already happened. They'd already crossed that line; and more than once. She wasn't sure just when it happened exactly. If someone asked her if she hated Draco Malfoy two months ago she'd of said yes without even a second thought.

But if someone asked her right now what she felt towards him, she wasn't sure what she'd say. All she knew is that whatever she felt, it was no longer hate. And that thought scared her.

There are categories people fit into. Hate. Indifferent. Like. Love.

Grabbing the railing she bit into her bottom lip before released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Immediately she knew that Draco no longer fit into any of those categories.

Thinking back to this morning, she couldn't help but think about the way he kissed her. They were treading silently in dangerous territory and she knew it. For some reason, she liked it. This game, this dance of theirs was all leading somewhere- and wherever that is, it only spells trouble…

"Hermione?" her name pulled her from her thoughts as she realized she was panting slightly. Spinning around to find Neville looking at her worried. "You alright?"

"I- uh. Yeah." She cleared her throat and gave a tight smile. "Just heading to the dormitories to get my book bag."

He gave a slow reluctant nod. She waved at him before quickly climbing the stairs around the corner towards the painting of the Gryffindor tower. One thing was for sure, with this new found knowledge, Hermione was suddenly dreading potions class in just a few hours.

'No dreading isn't the right word…Electrified maybe…. It is a better fit though…' she thought with a small smile.

"Everybody's looking for something,
Some of them want to use you,
Some of them want to get used by you,
Some of them want to abuse you,
Some of them want to be abused,

Sweet dreams are made of this,
Who am I to disagree…"

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Emily Browning

Still Friday November 1st, 1996

Just outside the Room of Requirements, half past seven in the morning

Draco could still feel the echoes of electric drumming in his veins that he had felt when kissing Granger. Making his way down the corridor he tried to understand what he had been thinking. He already established that he was attracted to the bushy hair witch for reasons unbeknownst to him. What he couldn't figure out was why all his common sense basically disappeared when he was around her.

'The only logical reason would be that I wasn't thinking…' He decided sourly before stopping at the wall where the door usually appeared. Usually being the operative word-

"The room of requirements… Huh?" Draco spun around to see Blaise casually walking towards him while nodding his head. "S'that have something to do with your task?"

A signature sneer twisted Draco's facial features out of instinct, enough for his mocha friend to nod once in understanding. His friend then proceeded to throw his hands up in defense while exhaling softly.

"This is my task Zabini." He practically growled lowly through his teeth. "The logistics of said task are a frivolity. One that in no way concerns you."

"Be that as it may," Blaise spoke quietly. "But as your friend, I want you to know that you're not alone in this. That is not only a fact, but a promise. One I intend to keep for as long as I can."

The silence that followed was soupy and relatively thick. Draco honestly had no idea how to respond. Untainted loyalty was foreign to the best of people let alone for someone like him. The only word that came to mind was undeserving for some peculiar reason.

With a singular sharp nod of acknowledgement, Draco took a step in the other direction. There really was nothing more to say on the subject. Wincing under his breath at the sudden pain from his wound, he stared turning away from his friend, about to leave but stopped as his friend spoke.

"Draco," Blaise called causing Draco to look over his shoulder towards his friend. "I just thought you should know that the Weasley girl was transferred from the hospital wing to St Mungo's this morning. Her injuries combined with the old ones were sufficient enough that she needed proper professional care around the clock. Something to do with keeping her memories in tact..."

Looking at Blaise once more, Draco watched him leave without another word. On one hand he had been grateful to know about Weaslette but in the other he had so much going on at the moment he didn't have time to worry about this. Theo had told him that the cabinet had been destroyed. Granger was messing with his mind. The school was on lockdown with aurors. But Blaise was right about the girl Wesley. It didn't help that she was out of reach for now. It also didn't change the fact that she could well know that he bore the dark mark…

With a sharp huff Draco walked towards the familiar broom closet while the door stretched and shook. Yanking the door open quickly he made sure to shut the door behind him. The distinct pungent odor of dark harmful magic stole his breath as he made his way through piles of broken and knocked over things. The crunching sound of glass beneath his shoe filled the silence as he finally saw the cabinet.

Wood was splintering in every direction with whole chunks missing which currently littered the floor before it. Tendrils of brunt slashes decorated the cabinet while the door hung awkwardly from only one of its three hinges. Theo's disruption was spot on. The cabinet was basically destroyed.

Clenching his teeth together so harshly, Draco felt the resounding twinge of pain echoing in his jaw. His hands curled into fists so tightly he could feel the dull sensation of his nails digging into his palms. With choppy labored breaths, he took two steps closer towards the destroyed pile of broken wood before him. Inside lie a green apple, the edges browning and shriveling inwards. It was so obviously meant to taunt him.

Reaching for the apple, Draco quickly threw it as hard as he could against the wall watching it explode into bits of broken fruit. Then in panted sharp breaths tied to fitting grunts, he proceeded to kick the broken bits of wood beneath his shoes. Looking at the side of the cabinet he then saw a folded bit of parchment stuck between two broken bits of wood. Quickly taking the bit of parchment he ripped it open accidentally tearing the bottom right corner. It read…

Downright shame that is.

It only makes you wonder how much time you really have to repair the damage. If any at all…

Cheers mate. Oh and give Granger my best, will ya.

Theodore Nott

Taking a step backwards away from the cabinet, Draco rubbed his mouth with his right hand reading the words over and over again. He waited for the note to magically burn or to shred itself, but it didn't. He was able to read it over and over and over. The words played against the paper in his hand like a needle caught in a grove trying to move forward but stuck on one part.

Time…

If Nott was anything, aside from an arrogant son of a bitch, he was right. How long would it take to fix the damage done here? Hours… Days…Weeks? Whatever the answer was, it was time he did not have. Missing one deadline with his aunt Bella had warranted a personal message from the Dark Lord himself. Missing a second time-

A sheen layer of cold sweat tickled his forehead and the nape of his neck. The thought made it hard to breathe causing him to stumble backwards tripping over a larger piece of wood. Draco landed upon his knees and hands, feeling the cool cement under against his damp skin. Turning so he could sit upon the floor, he then proceeded to press his back against another solid shelf. Slowly he began to raise his hand to his face, pausing to see a slight tremble in his hands.

Fear was licking at every inch of his skin, leaving the cold beads of sweat behind. He couldn't breathe. His heart raced. Chocking back upon a gasping thought. What would happen to his mother? Would she die- no… not would- how would she die?

Quickly hopefully… Maybe slowly. Probably for his incompetence.

The pain of in his chest thudded but it was a dull throb now. Reaching for his tie he roughly yanked upon it, fidgeting with the knot while he tilted his head back and closed his eyes for a second.

He saw her face. Her brown chocolate eyes. Her pouted lips. Her smile. That stupid cinnamon. He could almost hear her melodic laugh tickling the air. Before changing to her fiery stubborn expression. One she used when there was nothing that could be said or done to change her mind.

Exhaling deeply, his abrasive movements slowed to a stop as he just held his tie in hand and swallowing thickly. He could feel his heart slowing from the erratic jumps and his breathing evening out.

He thought about her lips and how calming the felt against his…

'Stupid cinnamon…' he thought. Trying to sound bitter about it but felt his lips twitch upwards slightly before he opened his eyes.

He had still had time and whatever he had left to fix this he was going to make sure he didn't waste it. Any of it.