Disclaimer: I own nothing like always.

Chapter 5

Rehearsals and Patrols

"Ok let's try that set again." Draco said slightly winded as he took a sip of his water. "We're going to have to wrap this up early because I have to patrol here soon." He added as the music started playing again.

They moved so well together with the music played that an innocent onlooker would assume that they were more than just dance partners. Hermione had a great deal of confidence in Draco, so much that when she completely trusted him to pull her against quickly then slowly and softly dip her backwards that she never had to be frightened or tense that he might drop her or cause her to trip. The last moved they practiced before they called it a day they practiced several times. Draco spun Hermione around and at the end of the spin Hermione had to a split they be quickly pulled up and hop into the air. That way Draco could pull her to him so that she could wrap one leg around his hip while the other leg she would slowly raise into the air. Since she knew herself to be incredibly flexible she had no problems pulling off the move with a great deal of grace and ease.

After another thirty minutes the two were completely exhausted and Hermione was having a problem trying to figure out exactly how to get back to the head rooms without him realizing who she was. Which was hard for her since they were supposed to be patrolling that night, then Hermione realized that she had her uniform with her and decided to go to the Gryffindor tower and use the showers there.

Once in the tower she was attacked by Ginny and her game of twenty questions.

"So?? How did your first rehearsal go?"

"Rough, I'm exhausted and I have to patrol with him tonight." Hermione answered.

"Was it hot?"

"Well considering a need to wash this layer of sweat of my body…"

"I meant were you two getting close and hot for each other?"

"Very, but unfortunately we ended early for patrol."

"Well then you had better hurry and take a shower and get your hair dried so he doesn't gain common since and figure out that his partner is actually you." Ginny said with a huge grin.

Thirty minutes later Hermione met Draco in front of the great hall.

"Geez about time I've been waiting long enough." Draco said with a smile on his face.

"I'm sorry your assness I was in the Gryffindor tower studying with Ginny." Hermione responded trying not to sound so winded.

"Well let's go, the sooner we get this done, the sooner I can pass out of exhaustion." Draco said as he led the way to the dungeons.

'He thinks he's exhausted'

I'm sure you're both equally tired don't be selfish and make this all about you

'Really???'

Yes really. You can be selfish sometimes

'What are you talking about?'

He was kind and courteous to you today.

'And your point is?'

Nothing never mind I said something be a brat.

'Bite me.'

"Earth to Granger? Are you ok?" Draco asked looking a little concerned at how she spaced out.

"Oh, yeah I'm fine I'm sorry I didn't mean to space out like that." Hermione answered not realizing they were almost done with the patrol. "So how was your first rehearsal today?" She continued wanting to know how he thought the day went.

"Not to bad actually, the girl I chose is a fast learner I think she fits my body wonderfully." Draco answered with a smirk.

"As longs as that's all that matters" Hermione said laughing.

"It went very well. Even though I don't know who my partner is I know that she is very talented and an incredible dancer. A fast learner and even though today was only the first rehearsal I can already tell how dedicated she is." Draco said with a proud smile, hoping that what he said was earning him brownie points.

"Well that's good. Thank god we're done patrolling." Hermione said realizing exactly how tired she was when they entered the common room.

"I'm sorry that it's such a problem to patrol with me. Have a good night Granger." Draco said after slamming his room door feeling hurt after such a productive patrol.

Draco

What the hell did I do now?

I don't know what you did. Maybe she just has a rod up her ass about something.

I don't know either thought we were doing well.

Well maybe it's not worth it.

Maybe its not…

Hermione

Wow you pissed him off something great…

What could I have done, all I said was that I was tired.

Maybe he's pmsing…

Whatever I'm going to sleep.

The next morning there was an obvious tension in the air. Both not knowing whether or not it was safe to try and start up a conversation. After twenty minutes of complete silence Hermione had about all she could take. Just as she went to say something Draco stopped her.

"I don't want to hear it Granger. Don't apologize for being tired last night. I was exhausted that I didn't ever consider that you were tired and ready to relax. So please except my apology for being a complete ass and not realizing how tired you were."

The only thing Hermione could do was stare at Draco as if she had been hit in the head with a bludger. "Umm… apology accepted." Was she was able to say, "I'm going to go to the tower. Have a good rehearsal." She finished as she walked out of the head rooms.

"Wow he actually apologized for going off on you, like sincerely?" Ginny asked in shock.

"Yeah it was almost like he was afraid I'd try to kill him or something" Hermione responded with a laugh.

"So how are you keeping him from finding out that you are his partner?"

"Well if he's at all followed me after rehearsals, I'm unaware of it, but if he has then he's probably figured out that I'm a Gryffindor already so he's probably just trying to narrow it down. Though I don't think he's actually tried because of how we seem to have to patrol together after every rehearsal."

"What do you mean?" Ginny asked quizzically.

"I mean that since we have patrols he generally hauls ass just to get cleaned up in time for patrol just like I do to get up here to take a shower."

"Well that does make since, so what are you going to do today since you have rehearsal in the middle of the day and have absolutely no reason to rush back or anything?"

"Hope he doesn't decide to follow me," Hermione started with a laugh, "but if he does then I have no clue what I'm going to do, haven't thought that far a head yet."

"So basically you're screwed?" Ginny summed up trying to hold in her laughter.

"Yeah basically." Hermione agreed still contemplating what she was going to do.

Wow! Yeah I'm sure this chapter sucks but it's been rather hectic for me lately. Please forgive me and throw me any ideas of things you'd like to in the next chapter.