(a/n) So I know that chapter wasn't my best, but it's kind of a filler chapter that leads into quite a bit, so hopefully it wasn't too painful to read… And hopefully this one is good. Ugh. Review please!

Avoidance and Crying

Hermione looked at her watch again: 5:51. Hermione was now officially twenty-one minutes late to her meeting with Harry in the library. She was supposed to tell him all about what happened with Ron, all about how much Ron had hurt her, how much he crushed her.

She paced her room again; she made sure all her books were in her bag, she checked herself in the mirror. Oh god, who cares what she looked like, it was just Harry!

After pacing for several more minutes she walked over to the door, placing her ear against it and listening. She could hear humming coming from the other side: Draco. He had been in the common room for an hour, blockading Hermione in her room because after the night of the toast, the two teens had been avoiding each other, going to extremes just to keep their paths from crossing. But she was so late, who knew if Harry would even still be there waiting for her.

Ten minutes later she heard Draco's door open and then close. She quickly grabber her bag and made her way out of the dorm, the common room, and into the hallway on her way, finally, to the library.

The bell signifying the start of Potions rang as Draco lay down in his bed. He looked at his watch and then sighed. He sat up and looked longingly at his book bag.

He got up and grabbed his potions book; he could at least read the next chapter, the one that Professor Johnson would be going over today. He could always read about the potion and score the ingredients later to practice it.

He wasn't going to let his grades suffer just because of that stupid mudblood Granger. Yeah, maybe she was keeping him from going to the classes that the Slytherins had with Gryffindors, but his grades were still going to stay near perfection.

He cracked open the book and began reading, slowly making notes on the parchment he had also pulled out.

Hermione sighed as she pulled out her quill and a piece of parchment. She looked at the wall, staring through it and imagining Draco being tortured in his room by some invisible force. If Draco was hurt, she could go through with her duties.

It pained her as she wrote on the parchment:

Professor McGonagall,

I'm very sorry but I am unable to go through with my Head duties tonight. I have fallen ill and need my rest to be fit for classes tomorrow.

I'm sorry again.

Hermione Granger.

Hermione sighed again and walked over to her door, listening through it to be sure Draco wasn't in the common room.

As she made her way across the room she heard movement from Draco's dorm and quickened her pace, making sure she didn't run into the boy she was trying so hard to avoid.

Draco sat in his room, listening to his stomach growl. "My god," he thought, "how long can such a tiny girl possibly spend eating dinner?"

He ran his hand over his stomach and closed his eyes. He was so hungry but he refused to go down to dinner. He would not be exposed to the mudblood smiling and laughing and enjoying herself while he sat there uncomfortable remembering her laughing at him.

Oh what the hell was he thinking making that toast? How stupid could he get? Very stupid, apparently!

He walked over to his door and sat down against it with his ear pointing toward the common room. As soon as she got back and into her room, he would go. He needed sustenance for his plans that night. He needed food… period.

Hermione sat at the table just staring at her food. She wasn't talking and she wasn't eating. All this trying to avoid Draco was making her sick with stress and anxiety.

"Hey, Mione, want to go with me to the library after dinner?" Ginny looked at Hermione worriedly, a knowing look in her eye. Hermione nodded and continued to push her food around her plate.

"So, what's going on?" Ginny asked as the two girls sat down at a table in the library half an hour later.

"Ugh, I'm under a lot of stress and stuff, I don't know, it's pretty stupid."

"What's putting you under stress?" Ginny put her arms on the table, she knew she was about to get some gossip.

"I don't know, Gin," the seventh year snapped. "Maybe because this is my last year of school before the real world, maybe because your brother broke my heart, maybe because…" she trailed off.

"Maybe because what?" Ginny leaned forward, flashing Hermione a caring look. She didn't take offense to Hermione's outburst because she knew that gossip was on its way.

"Maybe because I hate my living arrangements," the head girl sighed. "Maybe because, for just once, I want to be happy… with a boy."

"Hermione, weren't you happy with Ron?"

"You're missing the point."

Ginny paused and stared off into space. "Oh my god," she exclaimed after a couple minutes of silence. "OH. MY. GOD." The red head squealed and shimmied in her seat. "Hermione! Hermione, you did not! Oh my god!"

Hermione shrank back in her seat. "Did what, Ginny?" Ginny raised her eyebrows and wiggled them. "I have no clue what you're insinuating…"

"You fucked Malfoy!" Ginny practically shouted.

"Oh my god, no. No, no, no."

Ginny deflated in front of her friend. "No, you wouldn't, would you?" She sighed.

"I've been avoiding Malfoy, Gin."

"Ooh, why? Did he do something really naughty and inappropriate?" She asked as she leaned forward once again. She stressed the three last words making them into something they weren't.

"Um, quite the opposite, actually," Hermione said. Ginny quirked an eyebrow at her. "No, no, nothing like that. It's just… Ana was obsessed with him… long story short, we got Ana a boyfriend and because of that Draco proposed a toast. We were like… friends, it was so weird. Now I feel so uncomfortable around him and I don't want to see him at all.

"So," Ginny said slowly, "what you're trying to say is… you're avoiding Malfoy because you two were friendly?"

"Ginny, that's exactly what I just said." Ginny slowly nodded her head and made a face like she was thinking hard about something.

"There's got to be a reason that he even proposed the toast," Ginny concluded.

"What do you mean? I told you the reason." Hermione sighed and hit her head once on the table, looking back up at the red head.

"No, I mean, like, he has a motive. He's probably trying to be your friend to get to Harry. Hermione, you can't let him get you!"

"Whoa, Ginny, really, I don't think he's trying to be my friend at all. He's been avoiding me too."

"Just be careful, Mione, please."

"Oh god, I should have never told you… First you think we… had intercourse, now you think he's out to get me. Drama queen…"

Finally, after waiting until dinner was almost over, Draco made his way to the Great Hall. There were students scattered along the benches, but not many. However, Blaise was one of the people at the Slytherin table.

"Hey, Malfoy," Blaise said as the blonde plopped down next to him. "Where've you been?"

"Ugh, hauled up in my room. That damn mudblood has got me cornered in my own living space."

"What, why?"

Draco told Blaise the entire story about the toast, not mentioning why he proposed it.

"Ugh that dumb mudblood. She thinks she can be friends with anyone," he scoffed, "Oh, let's all be best friends and drink champagne and be cheery together." Blaise mimicked Hermione in a falsetto voice. Blaise ran a hand through his hair. "She's just a stupid mudblood, she's dirt, she's a fraud, and you know that, right, Draco?"

"Right, obviously!"

Blaise stood to leave just as Caleb slid on the bench next to Draco.

"So, Malfoy, I have a complaint."

"About what, Bones, I'm not really in the mood to hear eleven year old problems."

"It's Ana."

"Oh, god, what'd she do now?"

"It's just… the past couple days she's been… unnecessarily clingy, almost obsessive. And she always wants to talk and play games and… ugh it's just so annoying!"

"Listen, buddy," Draco said sharply, "who cares what you're going through, you don't understand how much you're helping me by going out with that little… shit. So, don't come complaining to me, don't complain at all. You're staying with her, and that's that."

Caleb slouched down in his seat and began eating. "Are you going to the party in the room of requirements tonight?"

"No, some of us actually have homework to do and marks to keep up."

"Sheesh, Malfoy, you're awfully snappy today, even for you."

"Malfoy has locked himself in his room," Hermione complained as she paced the Gryffindor common room. "I can't even go to the bathroom or anything without worrying I'm going to see him."

"Hermione, calm down, just stay here tonight." Harry turned the page in his book, not even looking up at the pacing head girl.

"Harry, you're totally missing the point here! Something needs to be done here! I need to be able to feel comfortable in my own living space!" Just as Hermione plopped down on the couch next to Harry, the portrait hole swung open. Ron, holding Lavender's hand, came strutting through and kissed Lavender on the cheek. He turned and saw Harry and Hermione, his face changed and his hand instantly dropped from Lavender's.

"Don't look over there, you're just torturing yourself," Harry said as he patted Hermione on the leg.

"I can't be here either. There's no one in this place for me to go, Harry; I'm going insane!"

"Well then perfect," Ginny said as she slid in between the two seventh years, "because there is a party tonight in the room of requirements and everyone is invited." The red head leaned over and pecked Harry on the cheek before turning back to Hermione. "You can borrow some of my clothes; get your mind of all the men of your life."

"You make it sound like men of interest," Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Regardless," Ginny stood and looked at Hermione, "come with me. Ron won't be there, he'll be… busy. Come on…" She pleaded and reached for Hermione's hand. Hermione looked at Harry for support but he was too busy staring at his girlfriend.

"Go on, 'Mione, have some fun," he said without looking at her.

Ginny led Hermione up to her dormitory and to her wardrobe. "So," she pulled out a black dress, "what are we thinking? Sexy?" She held the dress up to herself, it was short, thigh length, with only one sleeve that went to the forearm. "Or are we thinking…" she set the dress down and pulled out a deep green tank top with a crocheted back, "more casual but still slightly sexy?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and sat down on Ginny's bed. "Definitely more casual, I'm not trying to attract anyone to me tonight, Gin."

"Okay," Ginny sighed, "at least wear these jeans, please." She pulled out a pair of dark denim jeans with rips down the legs. Hermione sighed and changed her clothes, waiting as Ginny picked out her perfect outfit as well.

Draco sat in his room staring at the letter he had just received. He read it once again and then stared. He sighed and then picked up a quill and a piece of spare parchment.

B-

Come to the heads room

-D

He grabbed his wand and cast a spell on the parchment before opening his window and letting it go find his friend.

Draco flopped down on his bed and pulled the letter back toward his face.

Draco-

I hope that you're doing well; I've been surprised that I have not yet heard from you. Your mother told me you were doing well though, so hopefully she isn't mistaken.

I'm writing to you because, son, your time is coming up quickly. The Dark Lord is getting stronger; he is gathering more and more supporters. Your time is coming, so be ready.

-Father

After finishing reading the letter for what seemed like the hundredth time, Draco crumpled up the parchment and threw it at the wall. He stood from his spot on the bed and, without even listening to hear is Hermione was around, stormed into the common room.

"Ginny, I feel so out of place here," Hermione said as Harry, Ginny, and she entered the room of requirements. The room was set just like any teenage party- lots of alcohol, loud music, and plenty of dark corners.

"Oh, get over it," Ginny laughed. "OH wait, there's… I'll be right back."

"How's it feel to be with a social butterfly?" Hermione laughed.

"Shut up, let's get something to drink." Harry replied.

On the way over to the bar area, however, Seamus stopped the two.

"Want a hit?" He asked as he held out a fat blunt.

"No, no thanks," Hermione replied, but Harry stepped up and took a huge drag on the blunt. He began coughing after several seconds, blowing smoke right into Hermione's face.

"Hermione, are you sure?" Harry asked once he recovered. Hermione looked at Harry and over his shoulder she saw Ron and Lavender walk in.

"Give me that," Hermione took the blunt and took a hit that put Harry's to shame.

"Did you get a letter too?" Draco asked as Blaise walked into the room.

"I did." The two men sat down on the couch, but before they could even begin talking a loud thud came from against the door.

Thud. Giggle. Thud. Ouch.

Draco stood from the couch and made his way to the door. As he opened it Hermione and Harry spilled into the room, laughing as they walked.

"Someone had a good night," Blaise said as he stood from his seat and walked over to the two Gryffindor.

Hermione looked at Draco with bloodshot eyes and laughed.

"Potter… pothead… who would have thought that would ever come true," Draco laughed.

"I'm not high," Harry said as he attempted to sit down on the couch.

"And I'm not a Malfoy."

"You aren't?" Hermione asked in shock. "You look so much like one."

"Granger, you too?" Draco was taken aback. "I can't believe you like the green stuff."

"Um, my shirt is green!"

"I need to leave!" Harry said suddenly as he stood from the couch and ran out the door. Blaise followed soon after.

Draco walked him outside, waiting for a few minutes before heading back in.

After Harry left, Hermione curled up on the couch and let tears that had threatened her eyes all night finally spill out. She just lay there, curled up on a ball, letting time go by around her. She had lost track of time when the portrait hole opened. Hermione sniffled and attempted to wipe her tears as Draco walked closer to the couch.

"Granger?" Draco asked when he saw the Head Girl curled up on the couch. "What's wrong?" He then walked around the couch, sat on the floor in front of where the brunette's head rested, and looked at her tear stained face. Draco looked and the girl and wiped the tears from her cheeks. "What's wrong, Granger?"

"Ron," Hermione said through a break in her tears. She slowly sat up on the couch and looked down at the blonde boy in front of her.

"What'd he do to you?" Draco asked as he moved to sit next to the girl on the couch.

"He didn't do anything to me it's what he's doing to Lavender. Dating, having sex," She trailed off and wiped the new tears from her face. "I guess I should've known this was going to happen…"

"Wait, were you two back together?" Draco asked confused.

"No, NO! I closed the "Ron" book ages ago," she shrugged.

"Granger, you obviously didn't close the book if you're still crying about him…"

"It's just… I- I loved him, ya know" SHE said through a new batch of tears. "You don't just get over love that easily; it's really hard. I mean, especially because he was my first love. First loves are damn near impossible to get over. And now, now he's off fucking Lavender, dating her… It's not fair. I need to close that book; that part of my life is over. It's like… there's this invisible hand in-between the pages of the book. It's like a constant battle between me and this hand, and just when I think I'm about to close the book, the hand finds this new strength and pushes the book all the way open again." She sighed and wiped at her tears.

"The book doesn't want to be shut yet, Granger."Hermione snapped her head in Draco's direction. "What I mean is, you can't try and shut the book when you're just finishing a chapter, ya know? The weasel was just a chapter in the book. Don't shut the book, you'll never know what happens next, just turn the page and start the next chapter." Draco looked at Hermione with gentle eyes. "Just turn the page and start the rest of the book, my guess is you haven't even gotten to the best part yet." He bowed his head sideways until it bumped Hermione's shoulder, and the second it touched he straightened his neck again.

"I've never thought of it like that," Hermione said as she wiped the last of her tears away. "Consider this turning the page." She pretended to grab hold of a page and turn it in the air. She smiled, "thank, Malfoy."

Draco shook his head and laughed, "No problem."

"What's so funny?" She said a little self consciously.

"It's just… leave it to you to find a way to compare your life to a book…" He laughed and shook his head again.

"Hey!" Hermione playfully punched him in the arm. "Not funny!" But yet she smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder.

(a/n) sorry, I know that it gets realllll bad with the party scene and then the encounter after. Maybe one day I'll go back and fix it…