A/N: Hope you like it! Not too eventful...but next week is supposed to be the big week! Just gotta get there slowly with me ;) Review responses at bottom!

Week 8:

Monday morning Draco kissed Hermione on the cheek, and shook her awake before departing for work. Hermione remained in the bed several minutes after he left, completely naked again and without pajamas. She could hear the TV in the living room on, and knew Blaise was already in there probably eating more of their food.

Once Hermione was dressed in some of Draco's clothes (and deciding she must start bringing clothes into his room the night before to avoid this) she wandered into the living room, and saw Blaise sitting there reading one of the books from her set of shelves.

"You purebloods cease to surprise me these days." She sat down on the couch, Blaise now occupying the chair.

"Just because I find mild interest in a muggle book doesn't mean it should surprise you. Words are words and reading is reading."

"Ah, I've noticed some of you seem to not care much about my blood stance anymore."

"Why should we?" He had yet to look up from the book. "If Draco fancies you then I don't see the issue. I will be polite to anyone he desires, so long as they deserve it."

"We've spoke about this before-"

"Actually, that was Theo you discussed this with. We talked about it on Sunday."

"You two discuss what conversations we have all had?"

"Why not? We're all tied together at this point."

"How so?"

Blaise just smiled and closed the book, looking at the TV as he set it down. Hermione noticed the title, The Lord of the Flies and raised an eyebrow. "Go make yourself something to eat," Blaise told her.

"Whatever made you pick up that book," Hermione asked, ignoring his question.

He shrugged. "Seemed interesting. Its actually rather cruel. I'm not sure I enjoy it."

"I never enjoyed it either," Hermione mused, getting up and walking to the kitchen.

"Then why do you keep it?"

She looked back over her shoulder and met his eyes. "Because people have an unsettling tendency to lose themselves in severe cases."

Blaise opened his mouth to ask her what that was supposed to mean, but shut it quickly, holding his question until later.

"That will never work."

"Its worked before. I've gone on a few dates in it."

Blaise let out a laugh. "And what even makes you think Draco will want to take you to the Ball in something you've worn to impress other men."

"Well I'm not trying to impress him." Her cheeks heated as she looked at her favorite dress.

Blaise rolled his eyes. "No, I suppose you aren't. You've already fucked him two or three times, you must be satisfied right? Taking him to the ball is just a way to look good."

"Its not like that."

"Then quit denying your feelings! God damn Hermione, you're fucking stubborn. I don't understand what Draco could possibly see in you, besides a nice body." He thought for a second. "Don't tell him I said that."

"Why? Is he going to beat you up or something? Its doubtful."

Blaise stared at her. "You doubt him alot Hermione for never having asked him his feelings, or how you effect him. You should try it sometime." He continued on speaking before she could reply. "Now, let's go shopping. I'll pick you up something nice that Draco will enjoy seeing you in."

The dress shop that Hermione and Blaise walked into was extravagant, and Hermione felt unusually out of place as Blaise talked (almost flirted) with the woman at the counter. She took one look at Hermione and rushed off to find several gowns in different colors.

Blaise found it rather amusing to watch Hermione's face as different employee's wandered up to her, there for her very need and offered her rich fabrics in lush colors she could probably not afford without financial help. She looked flustered. The witch may have been one of the main "heroes" in war but it obviously hadn't bought her an extravagant lifestyle.

Two girls took her into the back to try on a numerous amount of items, and Blaise excused himself into another changing room for a private call, casting a silencing spell to gain some real privacy. It would be a while anyways until she narrowed down her choices to anything that was worth him examining.

He never got bars around there with those damned cell phones, but nonetheless he attempted placing his call.

"What now Blaise?"

"Your girl is currently searching for something decent to wear next week, thought you might like to know that."

"Don't start picking out anything too showy Blaise. I like my women with a bit of modesty."

"So nothing that plummets down to her stomach?"

"No, it shouldn't show that much of her breasts, those are just for me." There was a short pause, and Blaise didn't fancy to think about the thoughts pulsing through Draco's head. "Now what is the real reason for your call?"

"I saw Weasley on the way in, I don't think Hermione did or she would've at least reacted. Did you find him last week?"

"No, he was tipped off that I was coming, probably that damned sister of his."

"Now who says she has anything to do with it?"

"Hermione, and its just a hunch. Sneak out of there for a moment and try to send him my message, will you?"

Blaise rubbed his head. "I'll try. If he saw me with her he's long gone."

"Try it anyways."

"Are you about done making me your bitch? I would rather be leading my own life."

"Just a bit longer alright?"

"Sure." Blaise flipped his phone shut and strode from the dressing room, grabbing one of the employee's arms and asking her to tell Hermione he stepped out to get a coffee and would return shortly. She nodded and he went about his business.

It was a cool winters day and the ground was lightly sprinkled with snow. Blaise flicked hi head around in both directions. This part of the alley was rather empty, and not much activity was going on. Having seen the Weasel approaching up the alley from the right, Blaise headed left in a useless attempt to search out the man he was sure had bolted.

He leaned against a wall and glanced around without interest, finding Diagon Alley rather empty due to the frigid weather lately and work hours of many wizards. He rubbed his temples as he looked around, seeing no red head but several people in hats, some facing towards him and others away. If Weasley was even there anymore, it would take time to find him, and if Blaise was spotted then he would leave immediately. This was proving rather useless.

He turned to go, unwilling to waste many minutes of his time on a man already gone, when he needed to be occupying Hermione and delaying her questions...and he still needed to pick up that damned coffee.

His lip suddenly curled into a smirk, something he couldn't well admit to picking up from Draco over the years. He hated the nasty smirk Draco emitted towards people he despised, and it was unsettling to Blaise that he had captured the act so precisely.

"Ronald Weasley," Blaise drawled, looking at the startled redhead who had been emerging from a nearby shop. "Just the man I'm looking for."

He watched the redheads face take on a scowl, and he slammed the door shut. "I don't have time for you Zabini. You're as bad as Nott."

"I beg to differ; I haven't even done anything yet." He watched Ron try to step by him and grabbed the bastards arm, firm enough so he couldn't get away but loose enough it didn't appear odd to anyone passing. Well. odder.

"Come with me to the coffee shop for a moment, will you," Blaise asked, already walking with Ron in tow in the general direction. "Its on me."

"I should be going."

"A couple minutes wont hurt you mate," he said with a short smile. He pushed open the door and drug Ron in with him, kicking it shut and drawing several questioning looks of the unusual pair. Ron frowned, but kept quiet. "How do you take your coffee?"

Once they were seated near the back with their drinks, Blaise's cool composure cracked. "So do you treat all women that way?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," he growled.

"Well of course you do! Hermione, of course." Blaise sipped his tea.

Ron's eyes darkened. "Don't talk about her," he grumbled, pushing away his own drink.

"I believe I withhold the right to talk about whosoever I choose. I wonder though, what has kept you at such distance for so many years? I haven't heard anything about you two even talking."

Ron rolled his eyes. "You're friends with Malfoy, I'm sure you've talked to him to gain details. I doubt you wasted your bloody time looking for articles on me!"

"Touché. And yes, Draco has informed me about Granger residing in his home-"

"She's living there!" He had jumped to his feet.

"Sit down," Blaise muttered. "You'll make a scene, unless you want everyone to know about this."

Ron sat, his hands beneath the table and his cheeks red. "Why are you bothering me?"

Blaise sipped his tea, looking around the crowded little place. "How do you feel about Marcus Flint?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Does it really matter? You're wasting my time!"

"It matters," Blaise replied. "Assuming he comes to the Ball your so very certain Hermione will accompany you to."

He glared. "No, she's got her heart set on that pathetic excuse for a human-"

"Whom happens to be my friend," Blaise interjected. "However, wouldn't you just love to have a conversation with him, about the girl you've both tried and failed to corrupt?"

His eyebrows shot up. "How do you-"

"Does it matter? Its a yes or no question Weasley, and I'll be needing an answer right now." He set down his empty glass, picking up Hermione's to go drink (tea, the type Draco had said she made often) and heating it with a tap of his wand. "After all, I have people to meet."

"Hermione."

He shrugged. "I'll take it as a no then. Good day Weasley." He turned on his heel and walked out of the shop, before he felt the tight grip on his shoulder.

"I doubt he will be at the Ball," the redhead growled.

Blaise didn't turn. "But I'm sure you're just jumping out of your skin in anticipation at the off chance that he shows. Come on Weasley, you must admit that marriage seemed more controlling, and lasted longer, then the one with Viktor Krum."

The pressure increased but Blaise took no notice, instead chose to focus on the confused stares people were giving the two. "And if he is there? Then what?"

Blaise chuckled, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a piece of paper. "If you would like to know, would like to get a chance to have a talk with him, then call Draco."

Hermione and Blaise returned to the apartment later with a beautiful pale blue dress, with a black sash. They sat in the living room and made small talk, through none of which Hermione couch pry from him what had taken him so very long to return to the dress shop.

Draco returned around seven, rubbing his temples and slouching into the chair in the living room. Blaise departed without a word, nodding to Draco whom nodded back, and then he looked at Hermione.

"How was your day?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Good. We went shopping."

"You and Blaise? What did he have you buy? I hope nothing to revealing."

"Nothing of the sort. Just a dress for the Ball next week."

"Excellent." Hermione wrinkled her nose and Draco's unusual composure. He seemed too...formal for this to be easy conversation. "May I see it?"

"Later, I'm hungry at the moment."

"Then let's eat." He stood, headed to the kitchen without waiting for Hermione to stand up.

Hermione did not end up showing him the dress that night; instead, he fell asleep promptly after dinner. Hermione remained awake for many hours, thinking about why Draco seemed so very...off that afternoon.

Tuesday the fourteenth Hermione and Draco awoke at almost the same time, Draco heading off to the shower and Hermione deciding to deal with that later, choosing to use her morning instead to work on the second book she had purchased.

Twenty minutes after she had curled onto the couch with her book, Blaise appeared in the apartment. Hermione looked up, startled by his arrival, before narrowing her eyes at him. "Its rather early for you to be here. Draco doesn't even have to go anywhere today."

"I know," he replied, not meeting her eyes. "However, he asked me to meet him here this morning to discuss some things."

"And I suppose they do not involve me?"

"If he didn't tell you about my visit, then I would assume no."

Hermione bit her lip, thoroughly annoyed that Draco was shunning her from a conversation she was almost certain was about her. She stood, throwing the blanket off of her and snatching up her book, storming into the bedroom. She threw the door shut and tossed her book onto the bed, headed to the bathroom.

She threw open the door, hearing the water running and getting hit in the face by an onslaught of steam. "Draco!"

"Ah Hermione," he drawled from his place inside the shower. "Come to join me? I can't spend too much time in the shower however, I need to speak to Blaise."

"I noticed," she snapped, not stepping closer to the shower as he pushed open the shower curtain as he continued to wash his body. Hermione's train of thought momentarily faltered as she looked as his naked form, beads of water sliding down his body...the way his hair was plastered to his skin, and the fact that she could take in every piece of his perfectly sculptured body set her mind in a whirlwind. No matter how much she hated it, her anger had ultimately been diminished for the time being.

"Join me," he said sweetly, extending a hand. "I'll be busy for a while, but I'd rather spend time with you first."

"I-"

"Please, it wont take long." He smiled, and Hermione wanted to melt into that smile. "Let me make up for my terrible attitude yesterday."

"You think this will make up for it?"

He smiled. "I hope it will begin to."

Draco sat down next to Blaise almost a half hour later, Hermione in the bedroom unhappily not included in their conversation. Blaise scowled at him.

"Whatever you did in there, I don't want details."

Draco chuckled. "As if you would get any."

Blaise rolled his eyes. "This isn't why you called me over here."

"No, its not." Draco looked towards the closed bedroom door, using his limited wandless magic to cast a silencing spell on the room, just to ensure if Hermione were listening that she heard nothing. "I heard from Weasley yesterday. I'm surprised you convinced him to call at all."

"You just have to hit the right points. Did you get your message through?"

"Yes, he'll be there, just like Flint."

"You're sure?"

"Completely. All I've done up to this point is mention that the other will be at the event. How they act the fact is up to them."

"And what makes you think they wont also come after you? You are the one who has her eye at the moment. If you ask me there is far too much drama over this girl."

"Which she began herself. She got herself locked in Krum's grasp in the first place, which led to Flint. Had she avoided Krum altogether, or at the very least his hand in marriage, she could've quite possible avoided Flint as well, been closer to Potter or something. As for me," he said, smirking, "that was just an educated choice on her part."

"And why is that?"

He raised an eyebrow. "I'm not going to hurt her like the others," he snapped. "I'm not that much of an asshole. I'll keep the others away."

"I have no doubt of that, simply of how you plan to pull this off without getting thrown into Azkaban yourself. I doubt your future wife will like that."

"As do I, although she doesn't know that fact yet."

"And you plan on going forward with that when?"

He smirked. "Not until long after the ball."

"Right," he said, shaking his head. "You amaze me Draco, with your uncontrollable confidence."

"Not confidence Blaise, simply the art of knowing when someone wants you in return."

"Right," he said again. "Now how does getting Weasel and Flint to the Ball help you? They're just going to talk to Hermione, which you wont allow, which is simply going to cause an uproar."

"None of the sort," Draco replied, taking his cigarettes from his pocket and pulling one out. "Its much simpler then that. You just let the problems fix themselves."

Hermione and Draco didn't sleep much that night, for obvious reasons. Draco was having far too much fun teaching her things. However, Draco was awake long before Hermione the following morning, again with plans of his own already underway.

He didn't shower, afraid to wake her. It was nearly eight, but he knew she was extremely tired and simply wanted her to sleep for a while. Whilst he couldn't have the luxury, it didn't mean she should suffer as well. He dressed in a pair of dress pants and button shirt, not putting on shoes or any sort of tie, before stepping into his living room to prepare some coffee. These early morning meetings were becoming habit, and he knew if he kept it up Hermione would demand to be included. He couldn't allow her to though, not yet. The thought had worn him thin.

It was nearing her two month stay, and already he felt closer to her then any of his friends. There was just something about her that made him feel comfortable, more comfortable then he had ever felt even with his parents. It was strange...but he loved it.

No, he loved her.

He sighed, rubbing his temples. Attachment was bad, terrible really, but he had known the feeling was there, for a good while. He would be keeping her in his life, and there would be many stumbles along the way before he figured he could get her on board with plan. This was going to be a very stressful time he was realizing, long after the ball was over.

"You look tired," a voice said from behind him, and Draco looked back to see Theo and Blaise sitting in his living room.

"Duely noted Theo," he said, stepping from his kitchen to lean against a wall.

"So have you told her yet,": he responded, taking a bite of some sort of pastry he had brought with.

"As I've told Blaise, not until the Ball. But Hermione isn't why your here."

"Of course not," Theo said, eating away.

"I have the addresses, it took a bit of time but they were easy enough to find, considering."

"Let me deal with Flint," Blaise said, smiling. "I've dealt with Weasel, I'm rather curious to meet the other bastard in this game."

Draco shrugged. "Take whoever you choose, I've got Hermione to make happy today."

"Don't tell us how," Theo said, making a face. "I don't see why we had to do this so early in the morning."

"I don't want her to be anymore put out by not being allowed to listen during these meetings then she is. I want her safe, and happy."

Blaise shrugged. "Whatever you say, so long as you don't hurt her by keeping her in the shadows."

"Doubtful."

Blaise raised an eyebrow. "If you say so. We best be going before she wakes up."

"Agreed." Blaise disappeared, but Theo stayed put, and Draco was thankful. "Do you have it?"

"Had it for almost a week." Theo reached into his pocket and pulled out the box. "Biggest one we had. Cost a fortune."

"It'll be worth it."

"You're rushing things."

"Trust me, I wont be using this anytime soon." He tucked the box into his pocket. "I'll pay you back next time I see you."

"I would hope so." He disparated.

Draco took Hermione out that day, to as many bookshops as he could think of, along with several clothing shops as well. She refused to allow him to purchase everything she looked at, but he ignored her rule just a bit. When he saw that twinkle in her eye over certain things, he couldn't help himself. He wanted to make her happy.

It slightly offset Hermione. He was being so nice...sincere. He was watching her intently, and everywhere they went people watched. It was so much attention! The people at the Ministry had gotten used to seeing her around him, however everyone else had not. She assumed that was mostly because of the lack of reports; since it was the Ministry, reporters couldn't parade through and request interviews and snap pictures. Out here, they could, and Draco was taking advantage.

He would kiss her neck whenever he could, and when they walked he held her firmly in his grasp. Whenever she was distracted, he would grab her and kiss her openly, despite the fact Draco was completely against public displays of affection.

Hermione however, had an idea of what he was doing. No matter what Draco thought, his aloofness only worked so well. Hermione was no idiot, she knew this wasn't horniness; the touches were too gentle and the kisses too passionate. But, it was impossible that Draco had developed feelings for her beyond a physical need.

Right? It seemed illogical, considering their differences. But Flint wasn't around, so he had no one to protect her from. They weren't really dating, and had had sex only twice. The only explanation she came to was that he was playing with her head.

Or feels something deeper. Ha! That idea sounded so sweet, so happy against all the other bullshit at the moment, yet she couldn't make herself believe it was true.

Then again, he had been acting peculiar.

The thoughts plagued her all the way into the night, right up to the moment when Draco pulled her to him as they laid down. He wanted action, but she wanted answers, and he had been too affectionate for long enough.

"Draco," she muttered, pushing him back. His eyebrows instantly drew together.

"What's wrong? Did I hurt you?" His grip loosened.

He seemed to care far too much. "No! No, not at all." She hesitated. "Why were you so...clingy today?"

"Clingy implies that I never left your side. I felt your side for several minutes at a time, and you looked at whatever you pleased. I gave some reporters the affection they sought after, and made you squirm." He smirked. "And squirm you did...just when those cameras didn't have a good angle."

"But you bought me everything! You bought me books and shoes and sweaters and a dress...and that was all for show?"

"Of course not, I don't like to waste my money." He kissed her ear. "Don't let it bother you."

"Then why did you do it?" She gasped as his hand slipped down and played with her breast through his over-sized t-shirt, her new pajama wear.

He bit your ear. "Ask yourself that question."

Thursday passed by quickly, although the day was packed with nothing. Draco stayed in, Hermione read some books and he made frequent phone calls. They ate in the living room for dinner and he convinced her that sex on the couch was not forbidden, although she felt horrified that people would eventually sit on that peace of furniture besides them, a fact that made him roar with laughter.

Sex was becoming more and more frequent.

Friday morning Draco woke her up to dress, and head to work with him. Draco had convinced Hermione sometime around noon yesterday that coming with him to the Ministry wouldn't be terrible, and maybe even fun after their outing on Wednesday. He was very interested in the reactions and looks he may receive upon bringing her with.

They arrived at Harry's office earlier they scheduled, but Draco assured her that going in would be fine. To their surprise they found Ginny Weasley (almost, Mrs. Potter) sitting on the desk, looking at her fiancé's work without interest. She glanced up as the door opened, and her eyes filled with terror.

Harry looked up as well. "Good day Mr. Malfoy, Hermione. Is there something I can help you with? You already served your training hours for this week."

"There is Potter, if you would step out with me for a moment, I have something with you I'd like to discuss."

"Of course," Harry said, standing just as Ginny cut in.

"You should speak a little nicer to your boss Draco, he pays your check."

"Ginny," Harry cautioned gently, before Draco could speak. "Lets go in the hall," he continued, beckoning to Draco, who looked at Hermione with concern.

"I'll be fine," she whispered as Harry took his shoulder and the two stepped into the hall. She looked back at the redhead, who was looking away and twirling her red hair around a finger. It was quiet for a moment.

"So...Ginny, what have you been up to lately? I haven't heard anything from you."

"Indeed," she replied, still not looking at her friend. "I've been busy."

"Of course," Hermione said, glancing at Harry's bookshelf. "It was interesting to see you outside my door the other day. I was rather surprised."

"Indeed," she said without thinking, before whipping her head around. "That was months ago though."

"Not the most resent visit," Hermione said, chewing her lip. Ginny had gotten tense quickly, a tell tale sign she was hiding something.

"I haven't any idea what you mean," she snapped, hopping off the desk and taking over Harry's chair. "I've been busy planning a wedding, something I plan on only doing once."

Hermione bit her lip harder, biting back her anger. "If you two work out, then congratulations."

"Thank you." It grew quiet.

"It was interesting though," Hermione pressed. "You disappeared like you were scared as soon as I opened the door."

"I haven't been to Draco's," she snapped. "Don't look at me like that, Harry told me you've been staying there. I would never go over there to see him."

She shrugged, trying to keep her head level. "Wouldn't explain why you were outside the door in the first place."

"I wasn't!"

Hermione leaned forward in her chair. "I beg to differ. I saw you outside my door, Ginny Weasley, right before Marcus attacked me. I'm sure Harry told you that too." Her tone was bitter. "Why were you out there? Lying isn't working very well right now, and I'd much rather you-"

The door opened, and Hermione shut her mouth, watching Ginny's face for any signs of relief. None came, to her surprise, yet Hermione didn't loosen up.

"Everything okay in here," Harry asked as he approached his desk, noticing the obvious tension in the room.

"Fine," Hermione hissed, shoving her chair back and turning on her heel towards Draco. "We were just going." She grabbed his wrist and stormed from the office, desperately towing Draco.

"Whoa," he said as he shut the door, pulling himself free and grabbing her shoulders, spinning her around to look at him. "What's wrong?"

She shuddered, not happy with her conversation. Ginny was a spitfire, always. She had an opinion that was never muted, just like her commonly shared temper. She was fun, enjoyable and full of gossip. But above all, Ginny could lie when required. The fact that she had nothing prepared, no defense and had not seem surprised by Hermione's outburst, had been startling.

Something was certainly wrong with Ginny Weasley.

"Hermione," he said, brushing a piece of hair from her face.

She gulped. "I think Ginny maybe lying to me."

He raised an eyebrow. "You think?"

"Will you be back before I go to sleep?" It was Saturday, and nearly eight at night. Hermione had been enjoying her night, right up until Draco announced that he would have to leave for a while. He was leaving often recently.

"You sound like a child."

She frowned. "Well, will you? No offense to you Blaise, but I'd feel better if Draco were here when I sleep."

Blaise held up his hands from the chair behind Draco. "As would he."

Draco chuckled. "It wont take long, maybe an hour at most. You can read another book."

She raised an eyebrow. "At this rate, if I'm always reading books while your away, by the new year I will have read everything twice."

"Its possible." He kissed her lightly on the lips. "I'll be back by nine, I swear." She squeezed his hand, and he disparated.

Blaise groaned from his chair, and Hermione glanced at him. "What?"

"You two sound like some bloody newlyweds, I can't take it."

"Hardly, we don't even have a real relationship together."

This time he laughed. "It wont be long, at this rate." She narrowed her eyes at him, but sat down on the couch and opened her book, choosing to ignore him.

"What is the urgency of this meeting?"

"As I said Potter, I am in need of some assistance."

"I gathered that, however I have no idea what you're asking. Couldn't you have done this yesterday?"

"Of course, except that I chose today instead, so I could talk to my dear friend beforehand."

"May I ask who?"

"If you must know, Blaise Zabini."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Zabini? Haven't heard much about him recently."

"You wouldn't; he has been using his parents money to live and spends most of his time at home with girls, or at bars. He's currently watching Hermione."

"You trust him with her?" Harry sounded skeptical.

"Blaise is one of my closest friends, of course I trust him!"

"Ok ok," Harry said, holding up his hands. "Can we get back to the main topic?"

"Of course." Draco leaned back in his chair. "It involves the upcoming Hogwarts Ball."

"Ah, yes. I suspect you and Hermione plan to attend together." He sounded rather irritated as he spoke.

"Of course. However, its not Hermione I need your help with, more so her husband."

"Flint?'' His eyes narrowed. "Flint wont be there."

"Of course he will, if he's intent on retrieving his wife he will go to whatever lengths to try and achieve his goal." Draco cracked his knuckles. "I'll need your help to make sure he makes it onto the grounds."

"Why?" Harry's eyes had narrowed.

Draco smirked, leaning in to begin explaining.

Hermione had been ecstatic when Draco returned later that night, but not enough so that she was up for sex once Blaise left. He tried, but was unsuccessful. In the end, they ended up sleeping.

Sunday morning Hermione woke up to an entire gourmet breakfast ready for her. She smirked at him, asking what the occasion was, and was surprised when he said there was none. They ate in a happy silence.

Draco was, once again, a perfect gentleman and seductive tease all at the same time throughout the day. He tempted her with kisses as they sat on the couch, but reframed from anything more. She was so very torn between her feelings of what to do with him during this game, she became clumsy at observing, and missed his obvious glances at her throughout the day.

He loved that he could look at her.

By nighttime, Hermione was rather horny, but Draco was tired. He hadn't slept well last night, his mind working too much and too fast about the rest of the things he had to do before the Ball. Hermione drifted into sleep, yet he remained awake until midnight.

Sometime around three, Draco awoke to screams.

His eyes flew open, and he snapped on the light. No one was in there, save them. But Hermione was twisting on the bed like she was having a nightmare, a flashback even, and her terrified screams echoed off his walls.

He panicked. He grabbed her arms, pining them down, and began calling her name. She twisted, trying to escape whatever she was trapped in, and he realized his hurried method wasn't succeeding. He spoke softly to her instead of screaming, tracing lines down her face, whispering to her. The pain was etched on her features, and he desperately wanted her to wake up.

After what seemed like a millennia, she stopped twisting, and her screams became mumbled, until he could hear no more cries. He kissed her temple, feeling her body relax into his, but it did nothing to calm his nerves.

She relaxed into sleep in his arms, yet he felt even more afraid.

She hadn't woken up, and he had no verification that she was peacefully sleeping. She had calmed down, but he couldn't be sure she was okay.

He shook her awake. "Hermione?" It was strange enough that the fall from fear hadn't woken her up in the first place.

"Hmm?"

"Wake up, please wake up."

She rolled over, hearing the distant fear in his voice. She looked into his eyes, and saw the obvious fear in them. "What's wrong?"

"Are you okay?" He was tracing marks on her face.

She wrinkled her brow. "Of course, why wouldn't I be?"

"Your dream," he replied, feeling suddenly uneasy. "You remember it right?"

"Of course. I've been dreaming about...today." She sat up a little. "Is something wrong?"

"You don't remember," he said simply, not believing that her screams came from memories of today, considering nothing bad had happened. "Did something about the dream bother you?"

She tilted her head. "No, nothing. What's going on Draco?"

"Nothing," he muttered, trying to relax and placing his arm behind his head. "Go back to sleep."

"Are you sure?" She didn't like his reaction, and she knew he was withholding something.

"Yes," he said warily, wrapping his other arm around her and dragging her down onto the sheets. "Sleep."

"Okay." She yawned, not objecting if he wouldn't tell her. She snuggled against him.

"Hermione," he said, although his voice sounded distant as she drifted back to sleep.

"Hmm?"

"You'll have to show me that dress tomorrow."

"Ok." She relaxed, and he knew she was asleep again.

Something wasn't right. The look of confusion when he had asked if she was okay, like she didn't understand...yet her screams...he rubbed his temples.

Why didn't she remember what had been the cause of those screams?

(unnamed reviewer): Thank you! As for the beta idea, I'm considering it :)

Jelisha Baby 22: Thank you! And I know, I am trying I promise! I'm glad your excited!

I vIsItEd DrAcO lAsT nIgHt: Here!

Barbie: Good! Another? Not sure about detail but they do have sex many more times...and here's your update!

lulu: Not unless they end up being super long...so for week nine it is possible! A door? Oh dear!

amy d: Yay!

The Butterfly Effect: Why, thank you :)

Reichain Blikov: Here you go!