Woah! Its been a really, really, inexcusably long time since I've updated but I'll post the rest of the story (still quite a few chapters left!) before the end of the summer- PROMISE. Anyway, hope its been worth the wait. Thanks to everyone who reviewed! And for people who don't really understand it all..it kind of gets explained later on so keep reading!!!

Chapter 4: Into The Dark

Hermione drew in a sharp breath as Malfoy fell in step beside her, possibly, for the first time ever.

"What do you want, Malfoy?" said Hermione, hoping to express her distaste for him with every syllable even though she wasn't sure she even….

"Why did you lie to old McGonagall just now?"

He asked, his cold eyes sweeping Hermione's recently healed face.

For the second time that minute Draco missed the bruises he had caused to blossom on the mudblood's face.

"Could've gotten me a nice detention, you could've."

"Well," said Hermione, not entirely sure of what she was going to say before she said it, "I didn't so I don't see why you're complaining, unless you like writing lines."

" I will not act like a poncy wanker." She mimicked meanly.

Draco couldn't help but betray a small smile. The mudblood intrigued him. When they reached the end of the corridor which opened onto the stairs down to the dungeon classrooms Hermione continued walking but Draco stopped. Hermione had noticed and stopped a few steps ahead. She looked back for just a moment and regretted it instantly.

Why would I look back? He's, he's a…. but what he was she wasn't sure. Only yesterday morning she would have been able to say, but now?

She was about to start off down the steps when she was surprised to feel the weight of Malfoy's fingers around her wrist. She turned her face up to look at him.

Malfoy had to admit, the mudblood was fierce. She didn't lower her eyes, but kept them fixed on his own. He didn't know why he had grabbed her wrist. It had been an impulse. And he rarely had impulses, let alone acted upon them. Now, he too, was at an utter loss.

Hermione's eyes dared him to hit her. They sparkled with some sort of fantastic anticipation that he wasn't sure even she was aware of. He brought his hand to her cheek. He could feel her breathing tense. As though bracing herself for a blow. But, but…something inside of him was breaking. He dragged his finger softly along to her bottom lip…and then he was gone.

Hermione descended the stairs in a haze. She couldn't explain her own emotions and not being able to explain things frustrated Hermione Granger greatly. Ron, it's always been Ron…hasn't it? What perplexed her most of all was that she, just like Malfoy who was now walking sulkily back to the great hall, had left the darkened staircase somehow…inexplicably…disappointed.

I will follow you into the dark.

Song lyrics by Death Cab For Cutie (I Will Follow You Into the Dark) Great song if anyone is interested.

Its short...true...oh, but just think of the really good chapters (I promise!) to come! xxx