Chapter 8

Hermione's POV

**

I seem to be stumbling through this fireplace an awful lot now-a-days, I thought. I was shaken from the encounter I just had with Draco. He dredged up feelings that I thought were long since buried.

I just can't seem to stop thinking about him. I couldn't believe that I actually let him know that I thought he was a better man than Ron was. Maybe Ron and I just need to sit down and have a long heart to heart tomorrow.

Sighing slightly, she climbed into bed next to Ron's immobile form and drifted off to a deep sleep.

Unbeknownst to her, she started to mutter Draco's name over and over with a smile on her lips.

All the while, Ron was wide awake with a frown that seemed permanently etched onto his features.

The next morning (Draco's POV)

**

My god my eyes hurt.

Draco reached up to rub his eyes and blinked to take in his surroundings. He looked around and realized he had fallen asleep on the couch.

"Why the hell-" he started to say, but then it all came back to him.

Her confession, his kiss being rejected, the tears. It was just all too much to bear. I haven't let myself show that much emotion in a long time he thought. It was so confusing. Did she still feel something for him? And if she did, was it enough to leave the weasel for him?

He was still wondering about this when Hermione's Otter Patronus came swiftly into the room. It opened its mouth and Hermione's voice filled the room. She seemed very upset.

"Draco we need to talk, it's about last night. I need to meet with you tonight, just send word back via owl so I know if it's ok."

The otter then vanished.

Highly intrigued and alarmed at why Hermione seemed so upset, he quickly grabbed a piece of parchment and scribbled the following note.

Hermione,

Of course you can meet me here. Meet me at my house in an hour if it is convienient to you. I'll be waiting.

Hope you are ok,

Draco

He hurriedly rolled it up and tied it to his eagle owl's leg and sent it to Hermione's.

He went into the living room to wait her arrival. He couldn't help but feel in the pit of his stomach that an iron knot had formed. He had a feeling that this just might not be good.