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All is fair in love and war

a story written by Grace Robin

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Chapter 4 – Action is taken

At breakfast that morning, Harry and Ginny were starring at each other, shooting love rays from one to another's eyes.

"They are just so perfect for each other," thought Hermione as she sat down at the Griffindor table.

"So how is everyone this morning?" asked Hermione, trying to forget about how much she hated Draco.

"Hungry," blubbered Ron, as he was trying to shovel food down his throat and talk at the same time.

"We're good," stated Harry in an airy voice, still looking deeply into Ginny's eyes.

"Oh for christ's sake, please just kiss each other and stop the puke feast we have to watch!" screamed Ron, not wanting them at all to kiss each other, or at least infront of him.

"Okay, thanks for understanding Ron," Ginny practically sang and Ginny and Harry went in for the smooch. Instantly Ron's head turned away, and faced Hermione's.

"So how are you and Chris?"

"We're great in fact. I now know what is wrong with him, and we can totally deal with it – our relationship is just so strong."

"Well good for you. Just to let you know, I found Maddy," Ron proudly puffed up his chest, trying to look buff. "And guess what – at the welcome back ball, we are going to go together!"

"Oh, congrats Ron! I am so proud! Wait, you didn't do anything stupid, like faint or try to hold her hand and end up holding her elbow?"

"Nope, just fell onto her when I found her," blushed Ron.

"Well for some reason, I don't think she minded," giggled Hermione. Ron and Hermione began to get into deep conversation, but before long, they were interrupted by someone tapping Hermione's shoulder. As Hermione turned around, she saw her gorgeous boyfriend standing infront of her. He was very tall, but taller than her – by at least a foot. He was the cutest boy Hermione had ever seen and she was glad that he was hers.

"Hey Chris! What's up?"

"Can I talk to you Hermione?"

"Sure, shoot."

"Like, alone,"

"Umm, okay," said Hermione and bid Ron farewell. As Chris let Hermione away, she felt him grab her hand. It shocked Hermione. He had NEVER done that before. The only close contact they had ever had was last night when she gave him a hug. Once they had reached the Great Hall's entrance, Hermione said,

"Hey, can we talk on our way up to the Head's dorm? I left my books for our first class up there,"

"Yeah, sure, go ahead sweetie," Chris sweetly said. Hermione was starting to freak out now. This was not normal Chris like behaviour. He had always either called her Hermione or Mione, but not 'sweetie'. And why was he holding her hand? Not that she didn't mind – it was about time he make a move, but this was not normal Chris. As they found their way to the Head's room, they talked and held hands, but their conversation was more flirtatious than it had ever been. When they reached their destination, Hermione quickly slipped into the room, grabbed her book and came back out. But as she left the room, she was greeted by a kiss on the cheek and off they continued till they got to Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall.

"uh oh – now I have to face her," thought Hermione, and as she entered the class, she gave Chris a quick peck on the cheek and he went off to his next class, happy as can be.

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After class Hermione received quite a lashing by words. Professor McGonagall just couldn't get it through her head why Hermione had done what she had done to Malfoy. In the end Hermione was told that she had received a warning, but next time would loose the privilege of the imagination room.

As Hermione stormed out of the room she ran into Chris. He was just as shocked as she was, but tried not to let it on.

"May I escort this young beautiful maiden to lunch?" asked Chris, as poshly as he could.

"Why yes, you may young man. And how fine you do look in your robes," joked Hermione, trying to join his game. They then began to laugh hysterically as they made their way to the Great Hall. When they were about two minutes away from reaching the huge wooden doors of the hall, Hermione asked a question that had been on her mind for the past 3 hours.

"Chris, I don't mean to be mean or cruel, but why are you acting like you have been today? Don't get me wrong, I really like this new side of you, but I have to know where this came from," Hermione looking away, not wanting to see any sadness in his eyes. But as they stopped walking, Chris softly grabbed Hermione's chin and turned her towards him.

"I'm glad you like this side of me. Let's just say I had a bit of help from an unlikely person," Hermione hung her arms around Chris' head and questioned,

"Is this unlikely person Draco?"

"Why, how did you guess?"

"Just do me one favour – please don't turn into him," they giggled and began pashing each other in a crazy manor. Sadly for the couple they heard footsteps coming their way, so they had to pull apart. They continued the walk to lunch and as they sat down together for the first time that school year, Chris gave Hermione a peck on the cheek. Hermione was about to go in for another passionate kiss, when Chris turned away, sipping on his glass of water and ice. Then Chris grabbed Hermione's chin again and pulled her in for the kiss she longed for. As soon as his tongue entered her mouth, she felt something very cold enter her mouth. Chris started playing with it with his tongue, and Hermione realised that it was an ice cube.

"wow, that's hot. Well, cool technically," and they continued the kiss until the ice cube completely melted in their warm mouths. As they pulled away, Hermione saw 3 certain people staring at her and Chris in utter disbelief – Ginny, Harry and Ron.

"What the heck was that?" squealed Ginny with utter excitement in her voice.

"Exactly what you've been doing with Harry, just with an interest twist," said Hermione, fire in her eyes.

"Right on Chris! No offense, it's just that you've never even given her a peck on the cheek. I'm proud of you," exclaimed Harry, offering his props to Chris who gladly excepted.

Hermione felt on top of the world. True, she had just had a horrible time with Professor McGonagall, but hey, kissing your boyfriend for the first time, especially when you've been waiting for more than a few months makes you feel so wonderful and beautiful at the same time.

That night as Hermione was sitting in the common room of the Head's dorms, she saw Draco come through the portrait door. He look a quick glance at Hermione, then continued on his way to the stairs.

"Wait Malfoy," Hermione said.

"What do you want Granger?"

"Just to say thank you for what you taught Chris; we both really appreciate it," Hermione told Draco, with a tone in her voice which proved to Draco that she really meant it.

"Umm, your welcome I guess."

"By the way, I had a thought. Why don't we try to become friends? I know that you don't want to, but isn't it better to be friends than enemies who loose Head's privileges over small fights?"

"Well least I can control myself when out in public – I'm in no danger of losing privileges,"

"Please Malfoy? Besides, we have to plan the Winter Dance soon, and we will need to be civil towards each other, instead of sending daggers,"

"Fine, but we will only be civil – okay? Happy now?"

"Thanks Malfoy," Hermione smiled. "And thanks again for how you helped out Chris. Draco grunted and walked off leaving Hermione in totally bliss. Maybe this year wouldn't be all that bad with Malfoy!