Chapter Three: A Snake is Lurking

"Without a measureless and perpetual uncertainty, the drama of human life would be destroyed."

--Winston Churchill

Hermione walked into the Three Broomsticks along with Harry and Ron, the place was packed and bits of conversations could be heard as they made their way to the table in the corner. The conversations were mostly about Quidditch, Hogwarts and current events. Hermione set her bags down and sat across from Harry and Ron and for a few minutes they spent time ordering Butterbeer and enjoyed the warmth of the restaurant contrasting the frosty winter weather outside.

"Did you do the Potions assignment?" Ron asked as Harry arrived with their Butterbeer.

"Yeah, I know you didn't," Hermione smirked as she took a sip of Butterbeer.

"Right, Can I borrow yours" Ron asked

"Fine, there's no point in arguing with you, some things never change." Hermione sighed.

Hermione's thought reverted back to last week; she hadn't seen Malfoy since then and frankly tried to avoid him at any cost. She felt sick and used after last week and she wasn't going to put up with it, she was foolish to think that a person like Malfoy would have good intentions, come to think of it Malfoy and the word good doesn't fit in the same sentence. Nevertheless, she knew the snake was up to something, it wasn't like Malfoy to not torment them a few times a week. Part of her wanted to pursue him, the crazy part; she wanted to uncover his secrets. Another part of her wanted to stay away from anything she was going to regret, but it was her last year here. She took another sip and to wash down the confusing thoughts filling her head.

"Hermione, are you alright?" she turned to her two best friends and met worried glances.

"Of course, what do you mean?" Hermione asked.

"Well, it's just that for the past few days you've been out of it that's all. It's almost like we're talking to the wall, sometimes you just zone out and I'm not sure what's going on." Harry explained. Hermione smiled to try and lighten the mood but it didn't work.

"Oh, rubbish! Come on, Harry I'm absolutely all right." She said giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"Good," Harry said finishing his butter beer. Hermione grinned as they left the Three Broomsticks and started back to Hogwarts. In the back of Hermione's mind, she knew she wasn't all right; a certain someone was consuming her thoughts. She looked at Ron and Harry, worried about what was going to happen among them. Looking back at this moment, she wasn't sure if it was her love for intriguing puzzles or Draco that motivated her to uncover his plan but whatever the reason, she wasn't going to give up or give into him.

Hermione wandered through the hallways trying to look for Malfoy, where could he be? She particularly spent more time wandering through secluded classrooms. Part of her was excited and the other was terrified, once Malfoy touched her she lost all control. She spent last night contemplating her decision but concluded that it was her last year at Hogwarts and she had to take a chance.

"Looking for someone?" a voice echoed the empty hallway as a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist, Hermione held her breath as she turned to face him and already she started to rethink her decision.

"You," she said with all the intensity she could muster, which wasn't much; it was hard to do anything when Malfoy was this close to her.

"Why?" he whispered, his lips brushing her ear, sending shivers done her spine.

"I'm not sure," she said and started doubting herself, what the hell am I getting myself into? She thought.

Draco snorted.

"Save the crap Granger, both us know that you cant resist me" he said as he started nibbling the nape of her neck. At this Hermione got angry and before she lost herself completely, she pulled away from his embrace and stepped back.

"Playing hard to get aren't we?" he smirked. Hermione felt the cool, marble surface on her back as Draco cornered her to the wall. He put his hands on either sides of the wall, caging her so that she couldn't escape. "Kinda turns me on," he whispered seductively. Before things got of out hand again, Hermione pushed him away and took several steps away from him.

"Why are you doing this? What do you want?" she asked, at this point she could care less about her plan and worried about something greater that was at risk, her chastity.

"Finally Granger, a slightly intelligent question compared to your previous ramblings, well, its simple I want you. You should be proud that I am interested in someone like you and besides I assure you, I don't disappoint." He said. Hermione snorted.

"What is this, some sort of agreement?" she asked.

"I don't remember asking you to agree with me," he said annoyed at her stupidity, he expected more from book worm Granger.

"Well, then I'm sorry to disappoint you but I am not interested," she said as she started to walk away. Draco caught up with her in three quick strides and grabbed her hand.

"I don't remember asking you for your consent either," he growled.

"Leave me alone," she snapped and yanked her arm free.

"Go ahead Granger, do as you wish, just remember that a snake is lurking in the shadows and you never know when it'll attack. Besides, I thrive on challenges and you seem to be the toughest one yet and don't think that was compliment, its people like you who fall harder." He stated.

"God, just listen to yourself, you self- centered prick" she said annoyingly.

"Why, I'm flattered that you think so highly of me Granger," he said sarcastically. "But, I'm glad you think about me, nevertheless" he added after a pause. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"You're not charming," she said.

"And yet, you're still here. Last time I checked, you were about to leave before I stopped you," Hermione spun around and walked away, Draco watched her leave, She has a nice body he thought Definitely a plus, since he had to do this, it helps that Granger has the all the right curves.

Hermione knew he was starting at her, she could feel his eyes traveling down her back; she was suddenly self-conscious at her clothing and made sure she wasn't wearing anything provocative. She turned around and saw him leaning against the wall watching her just like she predicted. He continued to stare, not acknowledging the fact that she was glaring at him. She quickly turned around with her head held high and walked away.

She was scared and he knew it and that wasn't a good thing. Right now, in this game- no, scratch that, hunt is more like it, he definitely had the edge. He knew what to say, when to say it, made her shut up and could've seduced her right there in the middle of that secluded hallway if he wanted to, but he didn't. A small part of Hermione was sort of amused that Draco Malfoy was interested in her, whatever his motives maybe, he wanted her and it scared and excited her at the same time.

Good? Bad? Let me know! Honestly, your reviews truly help me modify both the plot and my own style; just hearing from you guys is extremely uplifting...except for the flames, of course!

omg thank you soo much for the reviews!! You guys are great! and I really like your ideas:

KAT-TUN: Thank you!! you're soo nice!

Dubhesigrid: Yeah, i agree with you on making Draco more subtle and I'll keep that in mind. Right now, I've already written the next chapter as well and i'am in the process of editing it...BUT I'll keep that in mind while writing the fifth chapter!..

AlanaKirstyJenni: sweeeettt..:D..I'm glad! I will update soon!

Princesspam Yeah, I LOVE messing with Draco's head..:) Thank You!

SokkaGirl Thank Youuu!!! Yeah, I tend get off topic or my story becomes soo irregular..lol...but Im trying..Im glad you like my stylee..

playful Ohhh I havent thought of that...Blaise and Ginny eh? Maybe in my next fanfic, Ginny's not with anyone right now..but Harry's withhh...you just have to read to find out...hehe...kind of OOC but..whatever!