Author's Note: I apologize for this update coming later than expected. I just finished my first day of my senior year, so I'm trying to juggle doing homework, college applications, and writing this all at once! But hopefully you all will enjoy this chapter. :)

Disclaimer: All characters (save a few of my own) belong to J.K. Rowling.

Chapter Five

"Malfoy."

His name came out much stronger than she anticipated; with the excessive pounding of her heart and her growing nervousness, Hermione was rather surprised that her greeting did not sound so timid. That's exactly how she felt right now... With his steely gaze resting on her, she felt like he was scrutinizing her from head to toe. And she felt more than uncomfortable.

He gingerly closed the book he had been perusing and slipped it quietly into his book bag. Hermione wondered what it could have been.

Something about the dark arts I bet.

But she promised to give him a chance. She had to push these thoughts away for now.

For the sake of the project. It's just a project, that's all...

"Well, I'd love to just ogle at each other all evening, Granger, but I think it'd be best if we get this project started at least."

Hermione took a few seconds before she could form a coherent reply. She was too busy watching him move ever so gracefully out of his chair and to the shelf beside her and pick up a few books.

"Y-yes. Let's."

Hermione reached into her book bag and pulled out some books she already possessed regarding the history behind Animagi and also Lycanthropy, courtesy of her former dear friend Remus Lupin. Upon retrieving her books, her natural instinct took over.

"Well, I already have a few books regarding Animagi. We could use those and write about the history of Animagi, the process of becoming one, and possibly list well know Animagi. We could even interview McGonagall; she is a registered Animagus, you know. And Lycanthropy, we could discuss that even. I have a couple of books from Remus we could use, he was a werewolf you know, so I think they'd be useful..."

Her thoughts trailed off as she noticed Malfoy giving her that scrutinizing look again. She could already feel the blood rush to her cheeks in embarrassment and bowed her head so that he might not see. Instead, she took the chair next to him and laid the books down on the adjacent table. Malfoy turned to eye them with interest; he reached over and picked up One's Guide to Lycanthropy and All of Its History. His molten grey eyes began to sparkle with interest as he began to peruse through its pages. Hermione simply watched him. His long, elegant fingers brushing the pages, his brow furrowed in study...

His voice broke through her trance.

"Lycanthropy... Rather fascinating, isn't it?" His voice spoke softly, but did not hide the genuine interest he apparently possessed in that moment.

"Yes, I suppose." Hermione replied just as soft spoken. She eyed him curiously as he quietly closed the book. Her breathing hitched in her throat as he returned his gaze on her. A small smile graced his face. A smile that could be considered predatory.

"I heard that."

Hermione panicked. What did he hear? She swallowed a huge lump in her throat.

"W-what?" She stammered.

"Oh, don't play coy, Granger," he laughed, "you know. I can hear it perfectly. How your breathing is labored, how your face flushes at the mere sight of me..."

At this, Hermione stood up immediately, trying to hide the furious blush swarming to her cheeks. She turned quickly and frantically headed into the next aisle. She refused to hear this.

But sure enough, footsteps began to follow her. She felt like an animal being stalked by a hunter... And she was sure she couldn't escape. As she rounded the next aisle, she gasped as Draco Malfoy had already beat her there.

"Not only that, but I see how your pupils dilate. How your hands quiver and shake in nervousness..."

His smile grew more wicked as she slowly backed her into the corner. She was undoubtedly trapped at the hands of Draco Malfoy.

"And this."

Hermione gasped as he had the nerve to place his hand against her chest, right where her heart was, no doubt hearing the frantic hammering from within.

Oh. My. God.

"Yes, Princess, I hear that. You can't fool me."

"What did you call me?" Hermione demanded as she bristled at his little pet name.

He chuckled darkly.

"Princess. But of course, it's what you are, isn't it? Gryffindor's little golden princess."

She gaped. She couldn't stop reeling at the feeling of his warm hand placed ever so gently at her heart. She couldn't help whimper when he pulled his hand away. His same wicked smile grew.

"Oh, you liked that didn't you?"

She couldn't reply. She absolutely couldn't. She was horrified at herself, so obvious in these conflicted feelings that she harbored.

His voice dropped to a husky whisper. Hermione nearly melted.

"You like it when I touch you, don't you, Princess?"

Her big brown orbs met his grey gaze. And in that moment, Hermione was lost. For once in her life, she didn't have an answer. She couldn't find the answer in a textbook. She didn't know what to do. But what she did know was that she betrayed herself. She betrayed Harry, Ron... all of Gryffindor. She fancied a Slytherin. And not just a Slytherin, but Draco Malfoy. The world was surely coming to an end.

He knew her answer.

He leaned in slowly, coming nearer and nearer until his lips were at her ear. He smiled devilishly as he heard her literally quivering from uncertainty.

"What about this?"

He placed a feather light kiss just below her ear.

Hermione nearly fainted. Her knees began to buckle, but Draco wrapped his arms around her to prevent it.

"Or this, perhaps?"

He began to trail little kisses down her neck, savoring the taste of her smooth, ivory flesh. He took the liberty to nip at the base of her neck, earning a surprised gasp from Hermione, and he gingerly kissed the abused flesh.

Hermione stopped thinking. All she could focus on was the glorious feeling of his lips on her. Dear gods, she wanted more. She just wished he would kiss her fully on the mouth.

When he pulled away, Hermione thought she would cry. She let him lead her back to their table and watched him pack his things. No, she didn't want him to leave.

"Draco." She uttered it so softly, full of anguish.

He smiled at her and came up beside her.

"Until tomorrow, Princess."

A phantom-like kiss landed on her cheek as Draco left the library.

Oh my God.

She couldn't believe it. But it was true. It was all true. She was falling for the Slytherin prince himself. How she wanted to feel more of him...

Shaking her traitorous thoughts from her head, Hermione headed back to her room and began to unpack her things. All of her books were accounted for except one: the lycanthropy book. The one Draco had been eyeing. Surely he had taken it.

But why?