*Hermione*

Hermione sobbed into her pillows, feeling like the world hated her. Why was everything going so horrid for her these days? What had she done? She cried even harder, soaking everything around her. And Malfoy…why was he now motivated on driving her round the bend? She knew he already had a girlfriend, a rich pureblood named Olivia Jade. They had been in the Daily Prophet more than once, appearing for some benefit or whatnot. But why did she feel a twinge of jealousy every time she saw them together? It didn't add up. Unless…Hermione drew in a breath. She could not, could not, could not be attracted to Draco Malfoy. No, that was not even plausible. She hated him down to the very core! Hermione resolutely ignored the twinge in her gut and thought of Ron instead. Oh Ron, her darling Ron…no. She wouldn't think of Ron either, because every time she did, she felt like ripping Lavender's stupid curly hair out from her scalp and wiping that awful little simpering smile off from her face. That wouldn't do either.

*Draco*

"Hello", Draco said to the face in the fire. "I had a couple of questions, and I needed answers"

"Oh, hey Draco, how are you?" asked the face. "Haven't talked to you in a while. Is this about 'Mione again?"

Draco sighed. "You know me too well," he told his partner. "Yeah, it is. She was crying during lunch break today, and I went to her office afterwards to see if she was alright, but she completely blew me off. Something about calling her the M-word in second year".

"Well, she was really mad after that. And she's still really stressed about the breakup. I feel really sorry for her, wish I could do something."

"You can help me. I'm sure that I can make her happy," boasted Draco.

"Slytherins are so full of themselves," the face remarked while rolling his eyes. "Alright, here's what you can do..."

Half an hour later, Draco had all the information he needed to make Hermione see sense. He thanked his helper and bid him a goodnight, sinking into his comfortable leather chair. What a miracle, Draco mused, that he had had the good fortune to come across someone who knew Hermione well and who also was willing to help him. "Oh just you wait, Hermione", muttered Draco, "you'll fall for me. And when you do, I'll be right there to catch you."