Sorry It's been so long since I updated…. The days before Christmas were completely wild for me!!! Well, here it is! And Merry Christmas!

Okay, so here's the next chappie! It's my second longest. I hope it's not moving too fast… But it's going to get to the Quidditch part now!

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN it:_(

Thanks to:

MilkMustache: Wow! Thank you so much for saying that was my best chapter! Here's the update… Please continue to review=D

VelvetRhymes: Yes… I'm trying to make Malfoy get nicer (cause he has to in order for them to fall in love with Hermione eventually) without making him out of character! Hope it's staying interesting... Enjoy the update, and review:)

Xxorangexxmonkeyxx: haha, DUN dun dun is right! Thanks for reviewing!

Amorreal: I'm glad you think it's okay! Please continue to review and enjoy the update!

Ajax. the. ax. murderss: Okay, so you creeped me out a tiny bit, but here's the update! Brownie points for being reviewer number 20 (as you pointed out)! I'm happy because you liked it!

…

"Talking"

Thinking (or a letter or dreaming)

…

Hermione was positively distraught. After Ron's icy rebuttal, she'd gone to Harry's flat, and angrily sobbed out the entire story, from leaving Ginny's flat to Ron slamming the door.

He'd listened carefully, and told her that he believed her version, and did not blame her. But, he also said he could see Ron's side, and he knew it would take time for Ron to come around. Ron was stubborn: Harry couldn't, force him to think sensibly.

Hermione was greatful for Harry's support--but at the same time, she resented that he refused to try and talk to Ron about it. Thinking back to school, Harry always tried to remain neutral when Ron and Hermione fought.

It was now Thursday night: Hermione was distractedly dueling Malfoy during their combat class.

"Granger! This is pathetic! This is just boring for me! I've been at Quidditch all bloody day, and I can still whip your arse with my eyes closed!"

"I'm trying, you prick!" Hermione growled.

"No, you aren't."

Auror Fultur strode over.

"Excellent form and wandwork, Mr. Malfoy." He cast Hermione a disappointed glance, and moved on without a word to her.

Hermione felt like crying. I'm letting my teacher down! She thought desperately. It's all ferrets fault my life is completely screwed up!

…

After another losing soundly to Malfoy more times than she could count, Hermione apparated back to her flat, thoroughly disheartened.

She finished off her book, Flying Freedom, sitting in front of her mockingly merry fire. As she closed the book, she was overcome by the wish to fly. She wanted to leave the pressure and heartbreak of the past week behind, soaring free of it all. I just need an escape…

On a whim (an extremely rare thing for Hermione Granger), she strode purposefully to her closet, and pulled on her running clothes. Then, reaching deeper into the neatly organized cupboard, she pulled out an old, dented Cleansweep 7 Ron had given her (as a joke of course) when he got the firebolt he now rode.

Jogging up the stairs, Hermione exited her apartment block via the back door, checking to make sure none of her nosy neighbors were watching.

Wow! It's so cold and spooky out tonight! She thought. But strangely, she wasn't worried. While sneaking around, she felt almost as though she was back in the good old Hogwarts days, unraveling mysteries with Harry and Ron.

After apparating to a deserted field near on the outskirts of wizarding London, Hermione took a moment to glance around. The moon had risen, and the field shown golden in the moonlight. Closing her eyes, Hermione made a wish. Dear Merlin, please don't let me fail. I want so badly to be able to fly…

With that, Hermione swung her leg over the rickety broom, imitating the movements she'd seen her friends execute countless times. She dug her toes into the earth, bending her knees and pushing herself skyward. The ground plummeted away, and suddenly Hermione felt overwhelmingly sick. Grasping the broom handle like her life depended on it (which it probably did), the shaking witch closed her eyes and hovered in place. She was petrified.

After a few seconds, Hermione opened her eyes a crack. She was about 5 feet off the ground. Silly me! This isn't scary at all!

Nudging the broom forward, Hermione began to glide choppily across the field. Reaching the edge clearing's edge, where the meadow turned to woods, Hermione slowly turned herself around. Then, glancing to the sky, she pushed the old broomstick slightly upward.

Around 2 in the morning, Hermione apparated back to her flat, completely exhausted. She had flown around the field a couple hundred times, and fallen quite a lot. I have no idea how well I'm doing, She realized. But it felt so good, I'm going to keep on trying! After all, Hermione Granger did not give up easily.

…

Hermione dragged herself out of bed on Saturday morning. For the last two nights she'd been up late, flying around her practice meadow. As she soon discovered, her extensive reading about Quidditch and flying was helpful; but practice and experience was what she really needed.

Shuffling to her kitchen, Hermione started her morning coffee. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, and glanced at the clock: it was 9 o'clock sharp. Three hours until weekly auror meetings… Crap! I'm supposed to meet Ginny for breakfast in 15 minutes! She realized as she glanced at her calendar.

Hermione downed two extremely strong and rather bitter cups of coffee. After a quick shower, she pulled on a worn pair of jeans and her softest, warmest teal fleece sweater. Hastily dabbing on a bit of makeup, she grabbed her purse and apparated to Master Russeldorf's.

…

Hermione immediately spotted Ginny's red head, curls shining in the sunlight by the window.

Glancing up, Ginny cheerily waved her over, a smile on her pretty face. Of course, Ginny looks like she just stepped out of a catalog! I look like I just rolled out of bed! Which I did.

"Hey, Hermione, you're actually late for once!" Ginny joked jovially.

"Sorry, Gin, I was up late reading," she lied smoothly. Come on, Hermione, you can't even tell your best friend the truth! Don't be such a chicken! She reprimanded herself. But I'm so bad at flying right now… I'll tell her I want to play Quidditch once I get better. She excused.

"Well, I ordered your usual… I figured you wouldn't mind."

"That's fine, Gin, you know what I like." Hermione smiled as she spotted the fresh crumpets slathered with raspberry jam beside the steaming bowl of porridge, accompanied by a warm mug of Earl Grey tea.

"Well, Mione, dig in!" Ginny mumbled enthusiastically through a mouthful of egg and sausage.

"Just a moment, Ginny, I'm gonna grab a shot."

Ginny choked on her breakfast.

"A caffeine shot?!? You hardly ever even drink coffee, let alone espresso! What about your normal tea? Are you OK Mione?"

"I just feel like a little change..."

"A little change? Espresso is a huge change from tea!"

"Well, I need energy today," Hermione snapped crankily.

With that, she stood and walked purposefully towards the counter. Now I feel awful... Ginny was just being a good friend. Hermione was so engrossed in her remorseful thoughts, she didn't notice her tatooed friend Mark was at the counter. Apparently he noticed her cloudy expression.

"Hey, you alright there?" He asked kindly when she reached the counter.

"Fine, just a bit tired... can I have an vanilla espresso shot please?" She replied with an apologetic smile.

"Any day, any day… Er, Hermione? I was wondering… well it might not be the best time if you're stressed... could you maybe meet me here this afternoon when I get off? Around 3? There was something…I wanted to ask you… But I can't take time off when there's so many customers. It'd be… a date?" Mark asked nervously.

Usually Mark was dashing and to the point. Wow! It must be a really big deal to him… She realized. She smiled kindly at him.

"Sure, I have an auror meeting at twelve but I'll be done by then."

With that, Hermione returned to her table to finish her breakfast and apologize to a very indignant Ginny.

…

It was two o'clock, according to Hermione's watch. Kingsley gathered the aurors for their weekly meeting after two hours of rigorous dueling practice.

Clearing his throat, the Minister of Magic stood and began to speak.

"As you all know, we have our annual Ministry Autumn Gala coming in two weeks," Kingsley announced to the assembled aurors.

"Last year, we employed minimal security at the event. As I'm sure you all remember, a rather nasty situation presented itself. A group of about 10 rogue, drunk deatheaters in full costume attempting to murder several ministry officials. Although we scared off these particular vagabonds , before anyone was hurt, they managed to escape. Their identities are unknown, and they remain at large.

"This year, we will hire the same basic security guards. But you aurors (who will of course attend as guests) will be paid as on-duty aurors to keep your eyes peeled for any crime, while enjoying the Gala and mingling. Remember, mingling is a perfect way to discover plots. We want the Gala to go smoothly this year.

"Each auror pair will be assigned to a certain rooms, and will be expected to manage any disruptions with your partner. To make matters easiest, if you do not have a date we request that you attend with your auror partner as your date, to make communication and observation easiest. If you have another person you plan to attend with, be sure to meet with your partner throughout the evening so you can locate the other easily and work together if anything goes wrong."

With that, Kingsley sat back glanced around at the assembled aurors.

"That concludes today's meeting. You're free to go," He finished.

Crap! I definitely don't have a date for the Autumn Gala yet… which means I might have to go with the ferret! I suppose I just have to get a date! That way, we'll barely have to talk to each other.

Draco made his way over to Hermione, smirking.

"I'm assuming an ugly little thing like you doesn't have a date; as it happens, I haven't asked anyone myself-- as of yet. But finding a date will be easy for me," Malfoy drawled unpleasantly. "I hate to break it to you, but there's no way I'm going with you."

"Like I'd go with you, ferret," Hermione snorted. "I'm perfectly capable of getting a fine date."

"I can't wait to see the squid-scum you pick up," He sneered. "After all, someone who dated Weasley can't have very good taste."

"Oh, stuff it Malfoy, I'm sick of all your guff," Hermione growled, glancing at her watch.I'll take that as a challenge. I can get a date, and a good one at that. Speaking of dates... It was quarter past 2: she had 45 minutes to get ready for her date with Mark. What is it, anyway? A real romantic date? A friendly chat kind of date? She wondered. Well, I should look presentable either way. "I need to go."

"What? Got a date or something, Granger? With Grawp, perhaps?"

"None of your bloody business, stop ferreting around!"

With that, Hermione turned on her heel, strode to the apparation point, and disappeared with a decisive pop.

…

Hermione straightened her light purple dress carefully. It'd been a long time since she'd been out with anyone except Ron, and she never tried to look nice for him anyway.

After a completely un-Hermione-ish amount of indecision, she decided to wear a nice knit lilac mini-dress with a pair of black skinny jeans underneath. Glancing at herself in the mirror, she dusted on bit of brownish eye shadow and a touch more eyeliner. Lastly, she slipped into her black and purple striped flats, and grabbed her black purse. As she rushed up the stairs to the street, she yanked her unruly curls into a messy bun.

Catching sight of herself in a shop window, she hoped she'd chosen her outfit well: it was classy but casual, she thought. She really didn't know what kind of date this was.

Jeez, chill Hermione! She reprimanded herself, realizing she was agonizing over her appearance. It's just Mark… the easygoing, tatooed, coffeeshop worker! He's seen you at your worst, when you come in for morning coffee!

But for Mark's sake, Hermione did want to look good… he'd been serious, and nervous, about their date, she felt she owed him some kind of effort.

With a small pop, she apparated to Master Russeldorf's.

She spotted Mark almost immediately. Gone was his ratty Master Russeldorf's Employee T-shirt and loose sweatpants: he looked casual, but unbelievably hot, in baggy jeans and a nice black blazer. She suppressed a laugh when she saw his shirt underneath was a masculine shade of purple: they matched! Wow, maybe things COULD work out between us…

Mark smiled enthusiastically when he spotted her, and lifted his hand in greeting, making his way towards her laughing.

"Looks like we match," he chuckled, all of the shyness she had seen earlier gone.

Hermione looked up into his bright blueish-green eyes, which she noticed were framed by long dark lashes. Weird… he's so handsome but I just don't have that queezy butterfly sensation like I used to get with Ron back in the Hogwarts days… Those kind of feelings might take time to develop.

Still, she had to admit she was attracted to him. His skin was pleasantly tanned, brown hair carelessly spiked.

"Yeah, looks like we do!" she laughed with him in response. "So what are we doing?"

"I was thinking we could kill some time walking around and chatting then go out to dinner," He suggested. "It was bad planning on my part to ask you to meet me at 3 in the afternoon… too early for dinner, but too late for lunch!"

"Walking sounds great!" Hermione beamed. "Dinner, too, if you like."

"Well, it's a plan!" He grinned back.

"So what did you want to ask me, Mark?" She asked, her curiousity eating away at her.

"Can we cover that later, over dinner?"

"If you like..."

…

Around 5 pm, Hermione was sitting with Mark in a brightly lit, casual Italian restaurant, waiting for her Pasta to be served. The two sat in comfortable silence, both tired from their wanderings around London.

Today was so fun… just walking around, browsing bookshops, talking… Indeed, Hermione and Mark had really gotten to know each other. Mark was a muggleborn, too, and although he worked from 9-2 every weekday at Master Russeldorf's, he also had a job as the assistant to the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, at the Ministry. Apparently, he learned a lot from the position and hoped to be promoted soon. Hermione had, in turn, told him all about her job and life. The entire day, the two had stayed on a strictly friendly level: almost no romantic implications, at all. I wonder if he's not interested in me that way, or if he's taking it slow…

Hermione was drawn from her reverie by Mark's voice.

"So Hermione, I was wondering if you'd like to come with the Autumn Ministry Gala with me? Just as a friend?"

Hermione positively beamed. Ha! Malfoy! Now when you find a date, you can't tease me about not having one! And he's hot, too!

"I'd love to! Is that what you were going to ask me?"

"Yeah… I'm surprised a pretty witch like you didn't already have plans!"

Hermione smiled at his subtle flattery… it was sincere. Did she have plans? Malfoy doesn't count. That's arranged, and I'm sure he'd found himself someone else to go with by now.

"Well, I didn't."

…

Hermione stuck her head into the glowing green coals.

"Draco Malfoy's flat!" She coughed.

Malfoy was standing, dressed in his Puddlemere United Quidditch robes with his firebolt leaning on the doorframe. He was obviously about to leave for a late practice.

Smirking in a manner worthy of the ferret himself, Hermione spoke.

"Just thought I should tell you to find yourself a date for the Autumn Gala. I certainly won't be going with you."

"Well, that's a relief. You managed to convince Kingsley not to make you go? Staying home to make out with your precious books?" He drawled creully.

"No, I have a date. You know, someone better to go with."

For just a millisecond, Malfoy looked stunned.

"Please offer the giant squid my congratulations," He sneered. Grabbing his firebolt, he swept out of his flat.

…

I really could have used more time to proofread this chapter... oh, well, I hope it's not too boring! Tell me what you think!

Don't worry, this isn't a HermioneXMark fic… he's just a plot-enhancer, lol!

PLEASE READ: Okay, so I was thinking of doing some chappies from Draco's POV… his thoughts instead of Hermione's, etc. What do you think? Would it mess up the flow? It would be lovely if you'd leave a review telling me, as well as any other suggestions/comments!

So I won't update until I have 25 reviews total… but I have the next Chapter written, and it's almost done… I'd like to get a chapter in with Draco's POV soon if that's what you all want!

Next Chapter: the Gala!