It had been a week since Hermione was officially cleared to leave the hospital wing, however, she had been out of her coma for almost six weeks. They kept her in the hospital wing, orginally, because her magical core had drained so much she was basically a squib. Once her core eventually replenished, her magic returned, but her memories did not. She had an above average understanding of magical theory and practice, which wasn't unexpected since she was known, by most, as "The Brightest Witch of Her Age", however she didn't seem to hold any memories connected to her time within the magical world.

Flashback (August 4, 1996)

The mid afternoon sun shown brightly through the castle windows, and Hermione grumbled To herself as she angled her arm to block out its rays from her eyes. She had been groggy since waking up from her coma, and sleeping was a better alternative when faced with this confusing new world she had woken up in. She knew researching her condition would help calm her, but she also knew that the woman- Madame Pomfrey, I believe.. Hermione tried to pull forth- wouldn't let her even go to the bathroom on her own, let alone track down the library for a bit of research.

Hermione jumped as she heard a low chuckle float in from her right and shifted over slightly to put space between her and the tall boy it came from. Hermione studied him wearily for a second before gathering herself and asking the question she felt she would never be able to stop asking, "Do I know you?"

The boy's smirk turned down into a slight frown, and he murmured contemplatively, "So, it's true... I had hoped they were wrong.. I thought... once you saw me sitting next to you, you would... that I wouldn't have to..." His brow creased and a look of irritation, and then resignation, washed over his face, which went unnoticed by Hermione, as she was observing the porcelain skinned boy in front of her. She started at his smart outfit, followed the toned planes of his chest, and lead up to a face that now showed a small smile. "I'm so glad you are alright, love."

Hermione blinked at him, owlishly, and then repeated the previous question. "Do I know you?"

"It's me, Mia... Draco...your boyfriend?"

End Flashback

Hermione spent the next month or so of recovery watched over carefully by Madame Pomfrey, as it was in her job description, but also by Draco. She smiled fondly as thoughts of her first few weeks with him swept through her most recent was beyond grateful that she had someone like him during her time of need. He had been a godsend during her recovery process. If he hadn't thought to find her diary, which had been hidden in her trunk in the Gryffindor dormitory, then she would have absolutely no idea how to navigate the confusing world she had been thrust into.

Hermione sat with her friends at one of the long tables that resided in the Study Hall. She was only vaguely paying attention to Pansy as she retold an overdramatized version of something that had happened earlier in the Great Hall, trying to ooh and ahh in all the right places. She wanted to finish the Transfiguration essay they had been assigned in class that day, but her mind kept straying to weird interactions that she had been having with Potter and the other Gryffindors.

For people who had dropped her as a friend so easily, in fourth year, they sure seemed to want to find an excuse to talk to her an awful lot. Thankfully Draco and the others have been around to help keep them away.. Hermione thought as she pulled on a curl of hair. She bit her lip as she studied her fellow Gryffindors, sitting across the room at a different table, still so confused at how they could throw away three years of friendship.

...

Harry's anger about the situation had grown throughout the previous week. It seemed like everywhere he went, Malfoy and Hermione were there as well. Seeing her and not being able to get her to talk to him had been miserable, but not as miserable as seeing them so close to one another.

Harry sat reluctantly beside Ron, not that he didn't enjoy his best mate's company, but because his spot next to Hermione had been commandeered by Malfoy. Harry couldn't focus at all on his potion, with Hermione sitting only a few feet away, or with Malfoy shooting him self-satisfied smirks every time he caught Harry looking. Luckily, he and Ron had the Half-Blood Prince's potions book to help them complete their work.

Harry's eyes never left Hermione and Malfoy, and what seemed to be a permanent scowl resided over his features.

While waiting for their potion to heat the required twenty-three minutes, Malfoy turned towards Hermione and tucked a hair behind her ear which had fallen across her face as she studied the potions book, double checking that they had done everything correctly. He brushed the hair further away as pressed his lips to her ear, tugging the small lobe between his teeth, and then whispering something to her that made her cheeks go a soft pink and made her swat him on his shoulder. She turned back to the book, tracing her finger along the page.

Harry's anger grew as he saw Malfoy flirting with her, rage making his clenched fists shake. Instantly, his demeanour softened as he looked at Hermione's expression, as she studied the book intently. Some things never change, do they, 'Mione? Harry thought as he watched her.

Ron followed Harry's gaze and nudged him. "So.. she forgets all of us but she remembers everything she's learned in school. How Hermione…" Ron snorted quietly and turned his saddened gaze back to the potion, dropping in the ground lacewing flies, his nose twitching in disgust. Harry wasn't sure if it was because of the potion or the disgusting display happening a few feet away. Malfoy now had Hermione's full attention, his hand resting dangerously low on her waist, and his eyes trained on her lips as they spoke quietly to one another.

After their potions had been bottled and their cauldrons had been wiped of the remnants of the potion, Slughorn dismissed the class. Everyone began filing out until only a few remained. Slughorn shuffled into his office, ignoring the students who were still packing up to leave.

Hermione nodded as Malfoy pointed into the hall, telling her that he would wait for her outside while she reorganized her satchel. She looked up after picking up her bag, and her eyes met Harry's for the hundredth time that day. She shifted her eyes, trying to find the easiest way out of the room in order to not cross paths with him, but she faltered when she really looked at him.

Harry's eyes, which had held tension, bordering on fury, for the entire day, relaxed immediately at the sight of her shifting gaze. He glanced around the room, quickly noting that Draco was nowhere to be seen. Harry moved forward, towards her, wanting to take this moment of recognition to speak with her. "Hermione, can I please talk to you?" Harry said in a pleading voice.

Hermione looked around her, noting that all other paths were currently blocked. She bit her lip and looked back up at Harry, halting in her attempt to escape. "What is it, Potter?" Hermione asked, bracing herself for whatever verbal sparring match was likely to take place.

Harry grabbed her hand slowly, turning it over in his gentle hand and pulling it towards his lips, brushing them softly against the exposed flesh of her wrist. Please… 'Mione... Please remember me... Harry thought, as he started into her chocolate orbs.

Hermione stared at Harry, utterly confused at how to respond and blushing furiously when his lips touched her wrist, which sent electric shocks up her arm. Momentarily forgetting everything that Draco had been telling her about Harry, and the things that she had written in the diary, she let a shy smile cross her lips and murmured, "Sure."

A look of relief shed a new light on Harry's face as he heard her response. Not letting go of her hand, for fear that she would disappear, Harry rubbed soft circle across her palm. As soon as his mouth slipped open to speak, a strong hand on his shoulder ripped him away, breaking the contact between him and Hermione.

"Potter!" Draco growled, assuming the role of protective boyfriend. "Do NOT touch my girlfriend!"

Hermione blinked her eyes furiously trying to rid herself of the sense of déjà vu that Harry kissing her hand had caused. I'm supposed to hate him. He has never been anything but rude to me. I think…

Harry was already turning towards Malfoy, gripping him by the collar, fist pulled back and ready to punch, when Hermione spoke up. "Potter! Stop it this instance!"

Both sets of eyes fell on her, and Harry stared at her completely shocked. Malfoy had started this, but she was still siding with him. Harry groaned inwardly and dropped his hand.

Hermione rushed to Malfoy's side and linked her fingers through his, pulling him out of the classroom, shooting a furtive glance at Harry before vanishing from sight.

I have to get her alone... If I don't convince her soon that Malfoy is just using her, I might never get the chance again… all of this is too new to her.. she's being swayed so easily. She may still be my Hermione now, but in a few days time, with that scum, she will be acting no different than Parkinson. Harry's eyes flitted quickly over to Pansy being snogged by Blaise Zabini, against the wall of the almost empty potions room. Zabini ran his hand up the leg that was wrapped tightly around his waist, earning a deep moan from Pansy. A shudder of disgust rolled over Harry, and he grabbed his bag and headed down to the Great Hall for dinner.