Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

Author's Note: I have no idea why my reviewers aren't giving me ideas. It makes me really sad, actually. I have difficulties finishing this stories w/o help from reviewers, so, if I don't get more ideas, I may not be able to finish this story. And, yes, I am threatening you. I really need some ideas!!! Please!!!

Chapter Eight

Hermione hurried down the empty corridor, brushing away the tears. She could not believe she had just snogged with Draco Malfoy, her arch nemesis, not to mention the fact that she had a boyfriend! Hermione slowed to a walk when she came into view of the portrait, and attempted to compose herself. She didn't want anyone to find out about what happened in the library, and she was sure that Allegra might be able to tell that something was up. She wiped the rest of the tears away, adjusted her shirt and hair, raised her chin up half an inch, and began walking towards the portrait.

"Hey, Hermione," Allegra said, smiling, when she saw the girl. "I didn't think you would be back this early." The mermaid studied the witch for a moment. "Is something wrong? Your eyes look a little, I dunno."

"Um, yeah, I'm fine," Hermione said, putting on a weak smile, and sniffling. "I just, um, stubbed my toe, and it really hurts. Can I, um, get in?"

Allegra opened the portrait door, a concerned look on her face. "If you need anything, just ask."

"Thanks," Hermione said. She entered the common room, made sure the portrait door was firmly shut, then collapsed on one of the couches, tears streaming down her face.

She couldn't believe she had cheated on Harry, especially so early in their relationship. She loved Harry! And she was such a slut!

Calm down, Hermione, a voice in her head said soothingly. It was one simple kiss. You know what could happen if you told Harry. You're not used to being in a relationship, and you acted without thinking. Maybe, after you have left Hogwarts, and you are still with Harry, you can tell him about Malfoy. Before that, though, it would not be best to tell him.

Hermione sighed, and sat properly upright on the couch. She knew the voice in her head was right. Even though she felt bad about what she had done, the repercussions from telling Harry would be much worse than how she was feeling now. Her only dilemma was Draco. Hermione didn't think he would be affected in any way if it got out that they had kissed, at least, not as bad as her. She had to find him, and, somehow, convince him not to tell anyone.

Hermione stood and hurried to the bathroom. She quickly washed her face and pulled her hair back into a ponytail. Hermione knew that Harry still had the Marauder's Map. All she had to do was accio it to her, and she could find Draco. She just hoped Harry hadn't placed some spell on the map that protected it from other spells.

Hermione stood in the middle of the common room with her wand, and said the phrase, "Accio Marauder's Map." It took the spell about a minute to work, as the map was in another part of the castle, probably hidden under some clothes in Harry's trunk, but it came quick enough. Hermione opened the parchment, taped her wand against it, and said the now committed to memory phrase, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

The parchment filled with the familiar drawing of Hogwarts. Hermione closed her eyes and waited a few moments about continuing. She felt horrible about taking the map from Harry, and even worse for using it. She knew, though, what would happen if she did not use it.

Taking a deep breath, Hermione began looking for Draco. She saw that he was headed back to the Slytherin dungeons, probably because of Ginny's spell. She noted that he was closer to the library than to the dungeons, and assumed that he had waited some time before leaving. After a quick calculation, she saw that she could get to Draco before he reached the dungeons if she ran, and could make it back to the Head's common room before the Quidditch game was over.

Muttering, "Mischief managed," the map disappeared. She slipped the map into her back pocket, and hurried out of the common room. She told Allegra she would be back in time for the party, and ran down the corridor, hoping she would be able to reach Draco in time.

After about ten minutes, Hermione began to lose hope, when she turned the corner and saw him standing there. His back was turned, and it looked like he was talking to someone, but Hermione barely noticed.

"Malfoy!" she called out, walking towards him. He turned around, and Hermione slowed her movements when she saw that he had been talking to Blaise. It was hard enough that she had to talk to him about the kiss, but Blaise being anywhere near the two would make it disastrous.

"Hello, Miss Granger," Blaise said, smirking. "And to what do we owe this pleasure?"

Hermione blew out the breath she didn't realize she had been holding. Obviously, Draco hadn't told Blaise about the kiss, because Blaise would've taken the opportunity and brought up the kiss.

Hermione turned to Draco, and lowered her voice. "Can I talk to you alone for a second?"

"Are you avoiding me, Granger?" Blaise asked.

Draco turned to his friend. "I'll meet up with you in a few minutes." Blaise looked surprised at this, but left the two alone. He couldn't leave, though, without bowing deeply. Hermione bit her lip to keep from laughing, and looked down. Blaise could always make a situation light and airy.

Hermione and Draco moved from the middle of the corridor to one of the empty classrooms. Hermione was a little unsure about being in an empty room with Draco, but assumed he felt the same way about the kiss, that it was a mistake, and just wanted to forget about it.

The two students faced each other, and neither spoke for several moments. They were about a foot apart, and Hermione planned on keeping it that way. Hermione cleared her throat and opened her mouth, but Draco beat her to it.

"I didn't tell Blaise about the kiss," he said. "If that is what you are wondering. I did think about it, about telling someone, because I knew how it would affect your relationship with Potter. A few years ago, I would have told half the school before I made it back to the common room. Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately, I have gotten to know you over these past few weeks, and I think I can spare a few moments of my enjoyment for your relationship. Once we leave this room, we never have to speak of the kiss again, and I will never bring it up again. Agreed?" Draco stuck out his hand.

Hermione looked down at it. She had never once thought how easy this could be. She thought she would either have to threaten or bribe Draco to keep him quiet; this was odd behavior for him. Hermione didn't care, though. She was happy that he had agreed without any prodding from her.

Grabbing his hand, Hermione pulled him into a hug. Draco was a little shocked at first, but wrapped his arms around the girl's waist anyway. They stood like that for several seconds, no movement, before Hermione pulled away. She looked up at Draco, smiling.

"Thank you, so much," she said. "I have to go. We can talk later, okay?"

Without waiting for a response, she hurried out of the classroom. Draco stayed in the room for several more moments, before walking towards the Slytherin dungeons.

Draco wasn't sure what had made him say his little speech. He wasn't sure if he completely believed in what he said. He didn't want to hurt Hermione; that was true. He had started liking the girl, if only in friend terms. He wasn't sure if he didn't want to bring the kiss up again. Who was he kidding. Not only did he want to bring it up, he wanted a repeat performance. Hermione could kiss. Really well. Draco hadn't been kissed like that in a long time. He figured Hermione would never kiss him again, but that wouldn't stop him from thinking about it. And, hopefully, maybe she would do it again.

I know it is a little short, but I'm not sure where to go from here. Please give me ideas, or else I won't be able to update for a while. I think I am going to go to bed now. Good night.