Disclaimer: Nope, sorry, not mine.

A/N: I'm so sorry I just updated now! Ugh, I'm really busy, you know. I'm so sorry. Homeworks, responsibilities here and there... I really have a little time to update. It's a miracle I still managed to update this week! AND, I read New Moon and Eclipse last week so I couldn't update. Hehehe, sori, I couldn't resist. I can't wait for Breaking Dawn! August 2... 3 days before my birthday! Oh the joy! Now I know what I could ask for my birthday. Anyway, I'll stop here. Enjoy reading!

I'm Sorry, you Stubborn Teenager


May 31, 1990

Hermione was seated on the bench in their meeting place. She frowned and looked at the path that leads to the Malfoy Manor. She came first rather than Draco. Hermione's frown deepened. Something's making Hermione worried. Before, Draco always arrives first in their meeting place before her. But now, the brunette was utterly surprised she arrived before him.

At first, Hermione thought he was just playing tricks on her. She almost expected him to appear out of nowhere and shout at the top of his lungs "BOO!" Hermione almost laughed at what she had thought but then, just a small chuckle didn't escape from her mouth because you see, the brunette is worried of the blond.

Hermione thought that this has something to do with Narcissa Malfoy's Birthday Ball yesterday. She greatly feels it. The brunette sighed and leaned her head against the bench. She still clearly remembers what happened yesterday. All was well at first. Hermione danced with some strange men. And then, she and Draco were also dancing in the gazebo in the Malfoy garden. She cursed herself for bringing up the topic about Lucius Malfoy being a Death Eater. But Hermione knew it should be brought up as soon as possible. She's already done with a week. 2 more weeks before she'll know whether she'll still live or simply die.

The brunette sighed again and closed her eyes. She remembered Draco's eyes when he was just about to tell her that his father is a Death Eater. The way his eyes watered… the way his lower lip trembled. He was close in telling her that his father is a Death Eater… Merlin, he was close in crying. Hermione made a sad smile. She remembered how vulnerable the 9-year-old looked like.

Rubbing her tired eyes with her right hand, Hermione looked at the path again. Nope, Draco was still nowhere to be seen.

She then stared at her hands while she was twiddling with her thumbs. 2 more weeks and she might be able to see her best friends again. Hermione bit her bottom lip as it started to quiver. She knew she was going to cry. But no one could blame her, right? She's sent in a dimension where she really doesn't belong. This time, Hermione suspected she still has no clue she was a witch. Hermione suspected that she was with her mother and father in a bookstore right now. Oh how she missed the year 1997!

Hermione groaned. She missed Harry and Ron. She missed the jokes and pranks they do, all not failing to make her amused even though some were breaking some rules. Oh good Lord, she missed Crookshanks who would always curl on her feet while she was studying. STUDYING! She missed studying. She missed reading books in the Hogwarts library. She missed writing intellectual words on a parchment for her Potions assignment. Hell, she even misses Snape! She misses his rude comments every time she's the only one who's reciting in his class. She misses Snape who only took away house points from the other three houses except his beloved house (which is unfair, mind you). She misses the war not because she enjoys it, of course. She misses the war because… well… after that it would change the whole Wizarding World. Hermione still doesn't know if it's for the better or for the worse.

The brunette then wondered if the war was still happening. Hermione wondered if Harry already killed Voldemort. Hermione wondered – she shivered and hoped that it wasn't true – if Voldemort rejoiced and killed Harry Potter.

She scratched the back of her neck, thinking about the possible outcomes of the war. If Voldemort won, Hermione would rather chose to not to fulfill her task and would gladly let Merlin take her to heaven or hell. There is no way Hermione would live under Voldemort's power, she knew that. She knew that if ever she succeeded in her plan and go back to the present while Voldemort conquered the world, she would be treated as a slave because of her obvious parentage and blood. On the other hand, if Harry Potter won, everything would be all right. The whole world, both the Wizarding and Muggle world, would be free from Voldemort. Death Eaters would be imprisoned and put to Azkaban while they wait for the Dementors to suck their spirits away from their body. Death Eaters… Hermione's blood ran cold. The 17-year-old Draco Malfoy is a Death Eater. The whole Hogwarts School practically knows about this simple fact. Hermione felt like crying. If Harry Potter won, they would sentence all of Voldemort's followers to receive the Dementor's Kiss, including Draco Malfoy. That means Draco Malfoy would die. Hermione bit her bottom lip harder. She doesn't want that to happen, of course. Because, for the umpteenth time, she has special feelings for the blond.

Now, she doesn't know if she would be happy if either Voldemort or Harry won in the war.

Hermione immediately looked up once she heard footsteps. She smiled at the sight of Draco. It seems like he was just late. But then, her smile disappeared. A look of horror crossed on her beautiful face. Standing up and approaching the blond, Hermione exclaimed, "What happened to you?!"

She hastily walked towards him and held his chin, forcing him to let Hermione see his right cheek. There on his right cheek was a big and sickening bruise, marring his pale, handsome face. Hermione ran a finger to his cheek, not missing his flinch.

"Oh my, Draco! What happened to you?!" the brunette shrieked, her eyes wide because of surprise and worry.

"Nothing," the blond muttered. "I just got it from an accident while Dobby and I were playing."

Hermione frowned, her eyes getting watery again. "You're lying," she accused as she stared at Draco Malfoy's eyes. The brunette thanked Merlin that this boy was not yet good in hiding his emotions. His eyes were greatly telling her that what he had just said a while ago was a lie.

"I'm not," he answered back, frowning.

The brunette closed her eyes and sighed. She then had let go of Draco's chin and sat down on the bench. She then pinched the bridge of her nose, her eyes closed. With a groan, she said, "Draco, do you trust me?"

Draco looked at the brunette curiously as he slowly sat down beside her. "Of course, I do, Hermione. You're my best friend," he said.

Hermione swallowed a sob as she looked at the blond beside her. "Then, why don't you tell me the truth? You said it yourself. You trust me. There's no need to hide the truth from me, Draco. We're best friends."

The blond looked down, as if ashamed, and refused to look at the brunette beside her. He felt ashamed, really. Hermione's right. He trusted her but he doesn't tell her the truth. He's not to blame, anyway. He's just a child.

"Your father did that, am I right?" Hermione suddenly said.

Draco looked up at her quickly, shocked seen on his face. "How did you… I mean, no," he said, shaking his head.

Hermione laughed bitterly. "Too late, Draco," she said to the 9-year-old blond. "I'm right, aren't I? Your father did that to you yesterday."

The blond looked at his lap, refusing to look at Hermione again. The brunette patiently waited for him to tell her the truth. She knew it was hard for Draco Malfoy to tell someone what really is the truth. She knew that.

"He… he punched me… last night… just after mother's ball," Draco suddenly said in a soft voice. Hermione didn't make a sound, urging Draco to continue. "He… he said I disobeyed him. He told me I… I should only be in the… banquet hall but I… disobeyed him." Draco swallowed and rubbed his painful bruise. "And so… he punched me."

Hermione closed her eyes again, refusing to let her tears fall. "Why don't you tell the Ministry that your father is a Death Eater?" she asked him softly… pleadingly.

Draco didn't answer so the brunette opened her eyes and looked at him. Like yesterday, his eyes became blazed because of fury. He was glaring at something straight ahead.

"Draco, he's hurting you," the brunette continued when he didn't answer. "I bet all my favorite books in the world that this isn't the first time he punched you, am I right?"

The blond didn't answer again but just clenched his fist. Hermione caught the glimpse of Mr. Beady inside his jacket.

"Do you want him to hurt more people in future, Draco?" she asked, not taking her eyes away from his beloved teddy bear. "Do you want him to hurt people you care about in the future, Draco?"

Still, Draco didn't answer.

Hermione shook her head and looked at the side of his face where his bruise was. She now could notice that he was fuming. "Do you know that he's abusing you, huh? If you grow up, Draco, he might order you to do things you don't want to do. Once you grow up, he would control your whole life. Do you want that to happen to you, huh, Draco?"

No answer.

A tear slid down from Hermione's face. "I'm telling you this because I care for you," Hermione whispered, thinking about the 9-year-old Draco Malfoy and the 17-year-old Draco Malfoy at the same time. More tears slid down from Hermione's eyes. "I care for you, Draco. I really do."

And then, the bush just beside Hermione burst into flames. The brunette gasped and looked at the flaming bush back to the blond. He was not seated on the bench anymore. Instead, he was running back to his house. The brunette shook her head again, thinking that he used his accidental magic.

Wiping her tears hastily, she called for Merlin.

With a pop, Merlin appeared. A smile was found on his face but when he saw the burning bush, a look of surprise crossed on his face. "Oh my, what happened here, Miss Granger?" he asked, getting his wand and extinguishing the fire.

"Draco used his accidental magic, Merlin," Hermione softly said, her gaze still fixed at the path that lead to Draco's house. The brunette tried her best to get rid of horrifying thoughts which consists of Lucius Malfoy abusing his son. Hermione shivered unconsciously.

"Miss Granger, are you all right?" the old wizard asked, gazing at the brunette with a worried look on his face.

Hermione seemed like she didn't hear him since she didn't answer back.

Merlin sighed, knowing that something bad had happened. "Miss Granger, I'm going to apparate you back to your temporary home. Is that all right with you?" he asked.

Again, Hermione didn't answer.

Sighing again, Merlin took hold of Hermione's arm. With a pop, they apparated.

June 1, 1990

Hermione stared blankly at her white ceiling, thinking of absolutely nothing at all. The brunette knew it was already past breakfast and a few minutes before lunch judging by the fact that her stomach kept on rumbling and grumbling. But, the brunette still didn't rise up from her bed and go to the kitchen. She's just not in the mood to.

And then, there was a knock on the door.

Hermione just stared at the door, not bothering to stand up and open it. It's just Merlin, she knew it.

Again, there was a knock on the door.

The brunette sighed and closed her eyes, a headache starting to grow. 'Go away,' she thought as she massaged her temples.

Another knock. "Miss Granger, open this door this instant," Merlin's firm yet gently voice said. "Miss Granger, open the door."

Hermione softly groaned and opened her eyes. "It's unlocked," she shouted, still not rising up from her bed. "You can open it, Merlin."

She heard the door creaking open and footsteps. The door then softly closed but still, Hermione didn't look at the newcomer.

Merlin looked at the state of Hermione Granger right now and frowned. She didn't look good at all. He slowly walked towards her bed and sat at the edge of it. "Miss Granger, do you want to eat breakfast? You missed it," Merlin asked, looking at the brunette with a worried look on his face.

"I'm not hungry," Hermione grumbled. But right after she said it, her stomach protested. The brunette slightly blushed but still refused to look at Merlin.

"I think you are hungry, Miss Granger," Merlin stated, looking at Hermione with slightly amusement. "Come on, Miss Granger, get up and we'll talk in the kitchen while you eat your brunch." With that, Merlin stood up and disappeared from her room.

Hermione sighed, knowing that she has no choice but to get up and go to the kitchens. Standing up with a soft groan, the brunette freshened up and walked down the stairs. Once she arrived at the kitchens, a mouthwatering scent welcomed her. Hermione bit her bottom lip. She's not hungry… she's famished.

She then sat down on one of the chairs and started to eat her scrumptious brunch.

Merlin had let her eat for a while, watching her carefully under his gaze. And then, he broke the silence. "Won't you meet Mr. Malfoy today?" he asked. He watched as Hermione froze and then frowned.

"No," she said, shaking her head.

"You both didn't arrange any meetings?" he asked.

Hermione shook her head. "Not really…" the brunette slowly answered. "It's just that…" – she sighed – "Maybe Draco wouldn't be there, anyway." She then bit down an apple and slowly chewed and then lastly, swallowed.

"You had a fight," Merlin said, more of a statement than a question.

The brunette frowned and nodded. She then dropped her apple on a plate and massaged one side of her temples. "You know, Merlin…" Hermione started, biting her lip. "The task you gave me of changing Draco Malfoy's heart for 3 weeks is… impossible." The brunette shook her head and took another bite from her apple.

"Why do you say so, Miss Granger?" Merlin asked.

"I've tried a lot of times already, Merlin. I've tried a lot of times to convince him to tell the Ministry that his father is a Death Eater," Hermione said, almost exasperatedly. "But I always end up angering Draco." She then drank some pumpkin juice. "You know, I think he does know that his father is a Death Eater. He just hates the idea his father is one." She then dropped her apple again on the plate and stood up. She then looked out of the window. "Merlin, really, I think I quit," Hermione said, now looking at Merlin with wide eyes. "If either Voldemort or Harry wins, I don't care. I would lose some love ones, anyway."

Merlin smiled, perfectly understanding what Hermione was trying to say. "There's still a chance for you to not to lose a love one if Harry Potter won," Merlin said. "And that is to continue doing your task."

Hermione shook her head vigorously. "You don't understand!" she exclaimed. "It's like I'm doing some futile work." She sat down on her chair again. "I've tried, Merlin. I promise I did. But Draco wouldn't let me help him. He continues to deny the fact that Lucius Malfoy is a Death Eater and that he would one day destroy many lives." She then folded her arms on the table and rested her head on it. "I think I give up."

Merlin made a tutting noise. "Where's the Hermione Granger I knew who won't give up easily?" the old wizard asked, looking at the distressed brunette in front of him. "Miss Granger," he said, releasing a sigh, "I understand that your task is very difficult. I know that it seems futile to continue working on it but believe me, it isn't." He then placed one gentle hand on her right shoulder. "Miss Granger, we chose you because Fate and I believe in you. We know that you would succeed in the end."

"You have a high expectation from me, you know," Hermione mumbled, still not removing her head from her folded arms on the table. "It's Draco Malfoy anyway." And then, she softly laughed a humorless one.

The old wizard then squeezed her shoulder. "You can do it, Miss Granger," Merlin reassured her. "I know you can do it. You are the best witch of your year, anyway."

Hermione shook her head. "It's useless to have brains if you have to change someone's heart," she said. She then lifted her head and stared straight at the old wizard in front of him.

"Miss Granger, let your love for Mr. Malfoy win over your hopelessness," Merlin said and watched as Hermione looked away with a blush on both of her cheeks. "I know that your help is what your beloved needs most right now."

The brunette closed her eyes. Merlin's doing it again. He's rubbing her feelings for Draco Malfoy against her face again. But still, the old wizard's right after all. She's starting to understand why this particular blond is a jerk in their school.

Hermione then looked at a certain spot on the floor. She always wanted to tell Draco that she's in love with him. In classes, in the Great Hall, in the Hogwarts Lake, in the Heads' Dormitory… anywhere, everywhere but of course, they're different. A Muggle-born (or Mudblood, as what some fondly calls them) having a relationship with a Pureblood is a taboo in the Wizarding World. It's a big no no. That's why she long gave up the idea of having a relationship with him. But she never gave up her feelings. It's still there, in her heart. It might be hidden to everyone including to Draco, but Hermione knew it's still there. It's here deepest, darkest secret but at the same time, her most prized secret of all.

So if helping him was the only way to show him how much she loves him, then, Hermione Granger wouldn't give up. She's a Gryffindor after all.

Merlin grinned at the look on the brunette's face. He knew that, like what he said, Hermione's love for Draco is winning over her hopelessness. 'Ah, the power of love,' he thought, stroking his long beard thoughtfully.

Both were cut off from their musings when a knocking sound was heard from the main door of the house. Hermione looked at Merlin curiously who just shrugged.

"Does someone know where I am living?" she asked Merlin who again, just shrugged.

"I'll be right back, Miss Granger," Merlin said and with a pop, he disappeared.

Hermione frowned and then stood up. Whoever that someone was continued knocking on her door and whoever that someone was, he or she sure is impatient. Hermione then slowly approached the main door. And then, as she held the doorknob, she also held her breath. And then, she opened the door.

Hermione's mouth instantly fell. "D-Draco!" Hermione exclaimed, clutching her hammering heart. The blond shyly looked at her with a small smile on his face.

"Umm… hey," he said, nervously scratching the back on his neck.

The brunette looked confused for a moment, looking around the blond to see if this is some kind of a joke. Her gaze then landed on the blond again, who, surprisingly, was holding a bunch of red roses. Hermione's mouth dropped again.

Draco then slowly gave Hermione the flower who accepted it involuntarily. "Umm…" he said, scratching the back of his right ear, "I'm… I… umm…" – he swallowed – "umm… oh for heaven's sake!" he exclaimed. He said a couple of incoherent words, making Hermione look at him as if he's deranged. He then looked straight at Hermione's eyes. "I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean to get angry with you. It's just that…" Draco then sighed and looked at the ground. "Look, I'm sorry." He then lifted his head and looked at Hermione again. "Do you forgive me now?" he asked with an innocent and adorable look on his face.

Hermione opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water. She looked around again, not really sure if she's seeing right and then, she looked back at the blond. "How did you discover my home?" she asked. "I never told you about this." She then clutched the bouquet of flowers tighter.

The blond sheepishly smiled as he rubbed his itching right eye. "Well," he slowly said, "Dobby helped me, you see."

"Uh huh," Hermione said, nodding. She then looked at the flowers on her hands. "Where did you get your flowers? In your mother's garden?"

"Merlin, no!" Draco exclaimed, a horrified look on his face. "She'll kill me if she found out," he said. "Dobby helped me, too, you know. He has magic."

"Of course I know that house-elves have magic," Hermione said, frowning. "Why did you give me a flower?"

"Umm…" Draco said, not really knowing what to answer.

"Did you know that you wasted a house-elf's magic?" Hermione asked, frowning again. Inside, she was laughing out loud. She thinks it was kind of sweet that the 9-year-old gave her a flower as a peace offering.

"Err..." the blond stuttered, now frowning. He doesn't know why he's speechless right now.

"House-elves have rights, Draco Malfoy," the brunette scolded. "They are also living things who also deserved to have rights. You spoiled brats don't have to order them to do this and that just to satisfy your needs. You wasted Dobby's powers; do you understand me, Draco Malfoy?"

"Hey!" the blond exclaimed. "I didn't hurt him or something!" He then huffed indignantly. "For your information, Dobby's the one who offered to help me!" He then rolled his eyes. Draco now discovered that this 17-year-old loves to help house-elves. "So, what now? Am I forgiven?" he asked rather rudely.

"You're making an impression that your apology isn't sincere, Draco," Hermione said. "So, for now, I think I wouldn't forgive you. Good day." And with that, she slammed the door shut.

Hermione bit her bottom lip, refusing to laugh now. After waiting a few more minutes, Hermione peeked outside the window. Draco was nowhere to be seen already. And that's when the brunette burst into laughter. She laughed and laughed and laughed until her sides started to hurt and her tears of mirth started to roll down her eyes.

Wiping her tears with one hand (the other was still clutching the bouquet of flowers), she summoned Merlin.

Once Merlin arrived, he stared at the brunette who was laughing hysterical. "Did I miss a joke, Miss Granger?" he asked, even though he knew what happened a while ago. His eyes then landed on the flowers on Hermione's right arm. A small smile was plastered on his lips. Hermione doesn't know that the 9-year-old Draco Malfoy makes her more in love with his 17-year-old form.

Hermione just raised the flowers placed at the crook of her right arm. "Draco gave me flowers as a peace offering," she answered, shaking her head. "Could you conjure me a vase?"

Merlin absentmindedly flicked his wand, conjuring a vase. Hermione approached it and placed all the flowers inside the clean vase. After her small work was done, she smiled at the outcome. The brunette then looked at the old wizard, still with a small smile on her face.

"Merlin…" she slowly said as she sat down on one of the sofas. "I think I change my mind of giving up." She then looked at the vase of flowers again. "Because, you see, I think Draco's starting to let me help him."

The old wizard grinned and sat down beside Hermione. "Do you want me to continue telling you the story about King Arthur and his adventures?" he offered and watched as Hermione's face lit up.

"Yes!" she said in exclamation as she grabbed a throw pillow and hugged it against her chest.

Merlin's grin grew wide at the ecstatic expression of the brunette. This is what Merlin wanted. A happy Hermione Granger who wouldn't give up. Everything would be interesting again, in Merlin's opinion.

June 2, 1990

Hermione had just finished eating breakfast and was now seated on one of the couches in the living room. Merlin had left her for his work, of course, so now, she was just reading another book. Just as she was in the most exciting and most romantic part of the book, someone knocked on the door.

The brunette released a frustrated groan as she placed a bookmark on her book. She then stood up and approached the door. "All right, I'm coming!" she exclaimed as the knocking became more impatient and frantic.

Once she was in front of the main door, Hermione opened it. There, again, was the young Draco Malfoy. He was wearing his usual outfit. A grey shirt and a khaki pants. His hair was slicked back, as usual. On one hand, he was carrying Mr. Beady and on the other hand, Draco was carrying a paper bag. Its content intrigued Hermione.

"Good morning, Mr. Beady," Hermione said, looking straight at the teddy bear clutched in Draco's hand. She bit a smile when she noticed that Draco frowned.

"What? No 'good morning' to me, too?" he asked, adorably pouting.

Hermione raised one eyebrow. "Remember that I still haven't forgiven you," the brunette reminded him.

Draco closed his mouth and pouted more.

"And, why are you here?" Hermione asked, a look of nonchalance plastered on her face. She watched as Draco's frown deepened and he wordlessly gave her the paper bag. Hermione looked at it with suspicion and curiosity.

"Don't worry, it's not a bomb," the blond joked, his eyes trained at the spot near Hermione's slippers.

The brunette just rolled her eyes and opened the paper bag. She gasped at its content. Quickly pulling it out, Hermione placed the paper bag on the floor. It was a lavender-colored turtleneck sweater – Hermione's favorite color.

"I thought of giving you one since you get sick easily," Draco said, his eyes still trained on the floor. But Hermione didn't miss the small smile he was flashing. "Remember to always wear that when the weather is not good at all. I assure you, it wouldn't make you sick. Dobby, with the help of his magic again," – he didn't miss the glare Hermione gave him – "offered to help me by bewitching that sweater. It's charmed so every time the owner wears it, he or she wouldn't get sick easily."

Hermione raised an amused eyebrow. "Why, thank you," she said, folding the sweater neatly again.

Draco's head shot up, a wide, hopeful smile plastered on his face. "Am I forgiven now?"

"Hmm… let me think," Hermione said, placing a thoughtful look on her face. She then scratched her chin. "No" – Draco's face fell – "but I'll still give you a chance tomorrow." And with that, she closed the door.

Once making sure that Draco already went back to his house, Hermione laughed and looked at her new sweater with admiration. Looking around to make sure that no pervert was present; Hermione removed her current sweater (a dull, white one) and wore her new one. She then looked at the full-length mirror (the same mirror Merlin conjured before Narcissa Malfoy's birthday ball) and admired herself. The brunette has to admit, this turtleneck sweater made her feel warmer and it's more snuggly than her other sweaters.

Hermione beamed and sat down on the chair again. She picked up the book and continued to read with a big, satisfied smile on her face.

June 3, 1990

Draco now walked towards the familiar path towards the house of Hermione. He was once again carrying Mr. Beady on one hand and another big box on the other. From the looks of it, Draco was having a difficulty in carrying both with his two hands.

He then decided to tuck Mr. Beady inside his jacket and carried the big box with his two hands. As he stared at the box, he couldn't wait but to see what Hermione's expression would be once she saw what's inside. Just thinking about her expression made Draco smile. He really hoped she would like it.

Once Draco already saw her home, his smile grew. Even though Hermione still hasn't forgiven him, Draco still couldn't help but smile. It's a challenge, he knew it was. And that made him excited. But a small part of him still feels quite annoyed the brunette still hasn't forgiven him. Actually, she's the one who was supposed to apologize to him, right? She angered him. Period. But actually, she was just trying to help. Draco sighed. So basically, it's still his fault since he got angry easily. He shook his head. Maybe he should learn someday to control his anger.

He then stopped outside her door. He then started to knock. The door immediately opened and there, as usual, stood Hermione looking as beautiful as before. Draco couldn't help but smile because Hermione was wearing long jeans and the lavender-colored turtleneck sweater he had given her. She was also wearing a lavender-colored headband on her head. Draco then watched as she raised one brown eyebrow while staring at the box on his hands.

"So, what is inside that box now?" she inquired, not minding to say 'good morning' or 'how are you, Draco?'

The blond secretly rolled his eyes, knowing that Hermione's a very curious person. He then gently had thrust the box on the brunette's hands, watching as her eyes grew because of curiosity. "Open it," he said. After seeing Hermione's skeptical look, the blond snorted softly. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, Hermione, but it's still not a bomb," Draco answered, earning a glare from the brunette. The blond rolled his eyes again. "I swear, it's something you would like."

Hermione looked at him skeptically again and then looked at the box. She then slowly opened it. The contents of the box made her shriek in happiness. "Are you kidding me?!" she exclaimed, removing her new set of Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. Hermione almost fainted as she saw the new book, Breaking Dawn.

She then looked at Draco who was looking at her with hopeful eyes. "I thought Breaking Dawn would be released on the 2nd of August?" Hermione asked, eyeing her new books with almost misty eyes.

"Yeah," the blond said. "But Stephenie already gave one copy to my mother since they are best buddies." At the look Hermione gave him, Draco sighed. "My mother and Miss Meyer had been friends ever since, you know. Stephenie Meyer is a witch."

Hermione gasped. "You're kidding me!" she exclaimed. Draco just merely smiled. "I never knew Stephenie Meyer was a witch."

"She is," the blond answered. "Do you like it?"

"Like it?!" the brunette said, almost practically screaming. "Merlin, no! I love it!"

Draco grinned. "Am I forgiven now?" he asked.

Hermione stopped smiling and stared at the blond. A frown then was placed on her face. "Umm…" she said. "No."

And that made Draco angry. He turned into an adorable shade of red. "No?!" he exclaimed. "No, you still won't forgive me?! What do you want now, Hermione?! I've… I've practically given you what I think you would like just for you to forgive me! And then… and then… you're telling me you wouldn't forgive me! I said I was sorry, Hermione!" Draco spluttered, still very red on his face. "I'm sorry, you stubborn teenager! I said I was sorry!"

The brunette looked at him in amazement, her jaw slightly ajar. And then, she laughed and did the unexpected.

She hugged Draco.

She hugged him very, very tight that the blond found it was very hard to breathe. Hermione laughed and hugged him tighter. "You sweet, sweet, silly boy!" she exclaimed, looking at the young boy with mirth in her eyes.

Draco, in the other hand, was very red from head to toe. Now, who wouldn't blame this cute, adorable boy? He was unexpectedly hugged by his one and only crush so it is very understandable he was blushing furiously. He then gulped. "Umm… do you forgive me now?" he asked, making a small smile.

"Of course I forgive you!" Hermione exclaimed, laughing. "I was never angry with you, Draco. I was just testing your patience."

The blond gaped. "So you mean to say I… I wasted asking help from Dobby just to discover that you weren't angry with me at all?!" he exclaimed, half-shouting.

Hermione chuckled and pinched the left side of Draco's cheek. She had pointedly noticed that the bruise on his right cheek was already gone. 'Probably it was healed by Dobby. Bless that house-elf,' Hermione thought. "Oh, don't be mad," she said, giving Draco another one, tight hug.

Again, he turned very red from head to toe. Draco, honestly, was never hugged before. He was never hugged by his father, his mother, Dobby… anyone. No one had actually dared to do it. But, here was he now, trapped between the arms of his best friend. That made him grin widely and hug her back, wrapping his small arms around her midsection. 'So this is the feeling of a hug,' he thought as Hermione started to pull back.

"Do you want to go inside?" the brunette asked. "I'll make some tea."

Draco grinned. "That's all right," he responded. And together, the two went inside Hermione's temporary home.

"Ah, I believe you and Mr. Malfoy had made up already," Merlin answered as he watched Hermione eating her dinner happily.

The brunette looked up and gave the old wizard a wide smile. "Yeah," she said with joy.

Merlin smiled back. "So, what will happen now?" he asked, watching the brunette closely.

Hermione frowned. "What do you mean what will happen now?" she asked, placing food inside her mouth.

"A few days ago, you were talking about giving up, Miss Granger," Merlin reminded her. Realization dawned on Hermione. "Do you still want to quit from doing your task."

The brunette slowly swallowed with a thoughtful look on her face. "Actually…" she slowly said, looking at the books that Draco gave her which were placed on top of vacant chair. "I think… I would still give it a try." She then shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe I would succeed in changing his heart."

Merlin absolutely grinned. "Perfect."

Disclaimer: The Twilight series are not mine. Oh, and it is not true Stephenie Meyer is a witch. Hehehe, only in my story :). I do love her as much as I love JK Rowling. :)

A/N: End of chapter! Now time for your reviews. Anyway, if you would notice before, I always updated TI! and PiS on the same day but today, I can't since I still haven't written PiS next chapter! I'm so, so sorry but I'll try to write it this week and update it maybe... Friday or Saturday? I don't know. But thanks for your patience. I appreciate it.

With love,

2booklover4