Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

Author's Note: So, I felt like I went on a major limb writing the last chapter, because Hermione was so...promiscuous, I guess is the correct term. Thankfully, though, everyone seemed to like this fact, probably because it added to the web that Hermione had already begun weaving. Thanks for all the positive feedback. And, don't worry, Hermione and Draco will end up together. Oh, and I need major ideas, because I am having major writer's block. That's probably why this chapter was so short. Give me ideas!!!

Chapter Fifteen

Hermione and Draco began planning for the dance, things getting much more comfortable between them. She also got closer to Blaise, but they kept their relationship quiet. They weren't sure how Harry would react to the news of them dating, especially since Hermione and Harry had ended on a sour note. Soon, it was a week before the big dance. It had gotten much colder outside, so Hermione spent a lot of her time, whenever she wasn't with Blaise, in the library.

Hermione sensed someone sitting next to her, and looked up from her book. It was Harry. She was in the library, doing some homework, and hadn't noticed how quiet it had gotten. It was no wonder she felt her ex-boyfriend sit at her table.

"Um, hello, Harry," she said slowly, carefully shutting her book. "What, uh, is up?"

"Ginny and I had a conversation yesterday," he began, looking down at his hands. "She told me about...you and...Zabini."

"Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry!" Hermione cried, grasping his hands. "I didn't mean to hurt you!"

"It's okay, really," Harry said, giving her a small smile. "It was very shocking, finding out that you are dating...a Slytherin, but I cannot control who you date. And, even though I won't ever be more than polite to him, I accept this fact, and am not upset. If this sounds too...selfish, I didn't mean it, I swear. I'm not very good at this...talking thing, as I'm sure you can tell."

Hermione smiled. "Thank you. And we don't have to tell anyone, if you'd rather that."

"That would be preferred," he said, "at least for a little while. It is kind of embarrassing for my girlfriend to ditch me for a Slytherin. It's not wrong to be self-centered about this, is it?"

Hermione shook her head playfully. "Of course not. I mean, if I were in your shoes, I would definitely want to keep my reputation in tact. Blaise and I can keep quiet for as long as needed."

Harry briefly shut his eyes. "It's going to take some getting use to you referring to Zabini as...Blaise."

"You two aren't going to constantly be fighting, right? I know you don't particularly like each other, but I am going out with him, and you are my friend. Hopefully, you will be able to get along, or at least be polite to each other."

"I'm not making any promises," Harry said, smirking, "but I'll try to be nice."

Hermione and Harry continued talking late into the night, as if nothing had changed between them. Hermione was glad that their friendship had at least been re-established some what. She knew it was going to take a lot of time and commitment before the two could go back to old times, but Hermione was just glad that they were talking.

Harry walked Hermione back to the Head's dormitory, and left her with a single hug that lasted a few seconds. She watched him walk off for a few moments, then entered the dormitory. She saw Blaise and Draco lounging on the couches, and a smile lit up her face.

"Hey, you guys," Hermione said, walking over to Blaise and climbing onto his lap. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, and swung her arm around his shoulders. She looked over at Draco. "And how has your afternoon been?"

"Pretty good," he said. "Um, we should probably do some more planning tomorrow night. I'm free after dinner. How about you?"

She looked at Blaise. "You didn't have a secret, surprise dinner planned for me tomorrow, right?"

"Aw, dammit," Blaise said sarcastically, snapping his fingers. "I knew I was forgetting something."

Hermione ruffled his hair playfully. "So funny." She paused, messing with the buttons on Blaise's shirt. "Who knew I would actually be having a civilized conversation with two Slytherins? Had someone told me this, like, last year, I would have thought they were insane. Yet, here I am."

The three spent most of the night together, then, finally, Blaise stood. "I should probably get going," he said, stretching and yawning. He turned to Hermione. "I'll see you in the morning?" She smiled and nodded and gave him a quick, yet very hot kiss. Draco looked down, not necessarily out of embarrassment, more so respect, and waited for the two to be done. Hermione walked Blaise to the door, and made sure it was shut all the way after him.

She walked back over to the couch that Draco was sitting on and sat next to him. She curled her legs underneath herself, and leaned her head against Draco's shoulder. "I'm so tired," she said yawning.

Draco smirked, and said, "Well, don't fall asleep, because we both remember what happened last time you got tired." Hermione chuckled, and sat up.

"You're right. We need to keep this relationship platonic. And not just because I have a boyfriend, but also because I don't think we would work out that well dating. Maybe it's are personalities, I don't know. But how about it. Friends?" She held out her hand.

Draco looked down at it. He didn't really want to be just friends with her, but he knew how much this meant to her. "Friends," he said, shaking her hand.