Disclaimer: The only reason I write this is because I do not want to get sued. Oh, and because I do not own Harry Potter, duh. God, I'm slow.

Author's Note: So I assumed that people would give me ideas without any assistance or inquiries from myself, but apparently you guys need prompting. Okay, here goes: I will happily accept any and all ideas my wonderful reviewers can think up in their pretty little heads. And by that I mean, give me ideas!! Also, sorry it took so long. I went on vacation for a week, then I got sick for another week, so I haven't had much time to write. Hopefully I'll update quicker next time!!

Chapter Five

The next couple days went by quickly. Ginny and Dean Thomas had begun dating, which surprised a few, mostly Hermione. It amazed the girl that Ginny could move from one boyfriend to another so hastily. Draco pretty much kept Hermione alone, spending a lot of time with Blaise, mostly in the common room. Blaise made a few sexual jokes towards Hermione, but she just ignored him. She was too excited about her date with Harry.

Saturday morning Hermione woke bright and early. She had learned to lock the door to the bathroom, no matter how early she woke. After a quick shower, Hermione changed into yellow, v-neck sweater, a denim miniskirt, and white sneakers. She magically curled her hair into large ringlets. She applied some mascara, eyeliner, and lip-gloss, then left her common room to meet up with Harry.

The trip to Hogsmeade was quick, and soon the four friends (Hermione, Harry, Ron, and Ginny) were standing just inside of Hogsmeade. Ginny met up with Dean, Ron joined a few guys from the Quidditch team, and Hermione and Harry walked down the streets of the magical town.

The two friends went into practically all the stores, but barely bought anything. They just enjoyed being in each other's company. Finally, at about noon, they walked into the Three Broomsticks, and quickly ordered some drinks.

Sitting down across from each other, sipping from their goblets, they began people-watching.

"Thank you for coming with me," Harry said. "It really meant a lot to me."

"No problem," Hermione said, smiling. "I'm enjoying myself."

The two friends chatted some more, soon forgetting about their surroundings. Until, of course, Draco and Blaise entered the Three Broomsticks.

"Well, how cute is this," Blaise said, walking over to Hermione and Harry. "Took you long enough, dude. I mean, I know she can be intimidating, but shit. If you hadn't asked her out, I would've."

Harry glared at the two boys, but Hermione simply smiled. "It's lovely to see you, too, Zabini. And how's the rash?"

"There's that sense of humor we all love," Blaise said, smirking.

Hermione's smile dropped. "I wasn't being sarcastic, I'm totally serious: how is it?"

Blaise's smirk widened. He turned to Harry. "So sorry to interrupt you're date, mate. If we can call it that, at least. We'll leave you two alone. It doesn't matter, I'll just see her tonight. Later, love."

Blaise and Draco left the pub, leaving Harry fuming and Hermione trying to conceal her smile. Harry turned to Hermione. "What did he mean by, 'See her tonight'?"

Hermione looked down. "Um, Zabini has been hanging out in the common room with Malfoy a lot, so I see him. Occasionally."

"There's not anything going on between…?"

"Of course not!" Hermione was appalled. "I'm going out with you!" She blushed as she realized what her words meant. "I mean, I'm out on a date with you."

"Do you, um, what to go out…?"

Hermione smiled slyly. "What are you asking?"

Harry sighed, smiling. "I'm asking if you will go out with me. Officially."

Hermione returned the smile. "Sure."

Reaching across the table, Harry lightly grasped Hermione's hand, softly stroking it appreciatively.

Later that night, Hermione was in the Gryffindor common room with Harry and Ginny. Ron was in the library, looking for a book.

Hermione had told Ginny what had happened in the pub, including Blaise and Draco's interruption of the date. For some reason, Ginny was extremely interested in the Slytherins' reactions.

"Ginny, will you please be quiet!" Hermione muttered. The two girls were seated in armchairs close to the fireplace while Harry sat a few seats away, doing some homework.

"Just, tell me what Malfoy's reaction was," Ginny was clearly enjoying Hermione's discomfort.

Hermione sighed. "He just looked a little…surprised, that's all. And, I mean, that's understandable. You were surprised when we told you."

"Well, yeah," Ginny said, slyly, "but I don't have the hots for you."

"Ginny!" Hermione smacked her friend's arm. "Shut up!" She lowered her voice. "Now that I have a boyfriend, I would rather we did not talk about other guys in that way."

"Whatever," Ginny said, rolling her eyes. "I just want to say before we stop talking about guys in that way, I think Malfoy has…feelings for you. It may just be lust, but I think something is there." She crossed her arms across her chest, and leaned back in her seat. "There, I'm done."

Hermione stayed in the common room for a little while longer, but, after glancing at the clock, realized that she was going to be late for patrolling. Giving Ginny a hug and Harry a quick kiss, she walked back to the Head Tower.

Walking down the empty corridor, Hermione began thinking about her new relationship, and Ginny's statement about Malfoy. Hermione really enjoyed going out with Harry, and did not want anything to mess them up. Of course, what Ginny had said interested Hermione. She wasn't saying she would try to make anything out of what Ginny said, but it made her think. Hermione thought she was pretty perceptive and observant, but she hadn't really felt anything from Draco. That could mean, though, that Ginny was incorrect about Draco.

Entering the common room, Hermione saw that both Blaise and Draco were sitting on the couches, deep in conversation. Hermione inwardly groaned, as she wasn't too excited about talking to either boys, after what they saw in the pub earlier that day. Trying to keep quiet, she rushed to her room. Sadly, though, Blaise had the hearing of a bat.

"Why, hello, Granger," Blaise said, glancing up. "Aren't we out a bit late?"

Hermione looked at Draco. "Does his idiocy not bother you?"

"I'm use to it," Draco replied. "It just rolls off my shoulders."

Hermione smiled. "When are we leaving for patrol?"

Draco thought for a moment. "About ten minutes. I need to get Blaise here out of the common room, so if you need to change, or whatever…"

"Why do you assume I need to change?" Hermione asked, cocking her head. "Do you not like how I look?"

"Oh, no, he loves how you look," Blaise teased.

Hermione playfully rolled her eyes. "I do need to change, though. Zabini, it was a pleasure. Now please leave." With that, she left the common room, and entered her bedroom.

Ten minutes later she came out of her room dressed in jeans and a simple tee, and was relieved to see that Blaise was gone. Draco had also changed, into jeans and a sweater, and he was sitting on the couch, flipping through a novel. Clearing her throat caused Draco to look up, and the two students walked to the door together to begin their duties.

Most of the corridors were empty, save for a few snogging students, so Hermione was forced to think about all that had happened to her since she got to Hogwarts.

She was really happy about dating Harry, she had been wanting to for several months, but for some reason, Draco Malfoy continued to force his way into her thoughts. Hermione sighed inwardly. Making a decision, she wiped all thoughts of Draco from her mind, and made the assumption that it was just last-year jitters. Hopefully, she would be able to turn all her attention to her new boyfriend, and not screw up her relationship.