Chapter 8

Draco found himself distracted throughout the entire movie. A really large part of him wanted Hermione to move over to the couch where he was. He wasn't used to that feeling at all. Sure he was attracted to many girls, but no one had that magnetic pull Hermione seemed to have. He didn't understand it. Why did he feel like this?

Halfway through the movie he noticed Hermione had fallen asleep. He couldn't help but just stare at her. Had she always been this beautiful? No… she couldn't have. Surely he might have noticed? After a while he finally justified it in his mind… she was awkward at Hogwarts. There was no way she could have looked that way before.

Silently he got up and tucked her blanket around her. When she didn't wake up he silently left her apartment and went back to his own.

Hermione woke up that morning with a serious kink in her neck. She sat up and then had to think of where she even was… it wasn't in her bed… and then she remembered. She must have fallen asleep while they were watching the movie. Draco was being odd. He was nice to her and even wanted to hang out. She really hoped this wasn't some sick joke. She kind of doubted that though – but that didn't mean she wasn't going to be careful around him. Especially at the ball…

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

The next morning Draco went into the Ministry still thinking about Hermione. He sat down at his desk completely distracted.

"Draco. Come on, we've been called out on a mission," said Harry popping into Draco's office.

Draco didn't even notice.

"Draco?" asked Harry a little louder.

"Huh, what?" he asked looking up.

"Did you hear me? We've been called out," said Harry.

"Oh yeah. I'm coming. Sorry," he said grabbing his robes and heading out.

"Everything has been taken are of, we're just going in for a bit of clean up," said Harry.

Draco just nodded his head.

"Is something wrong? You seem really distracted," said Harry.

"What? Oh, no. Everything is fine," said Draco.

"Right… well if you ever needed to talk…" said Harry.

Draco just nodded again.

"So… you and Hermione are hanging out a lot," said Harry.

"Yeah," said Draco, a small smile coming across his face.

"Well I don't know if you've heard about the Ministry's Ball, but Hermione was there last night when the owl arrived with it and she…"

"I know. I saw her last night. She was pretty upset," said Draco.

"You know? Wait you saw her last night?" asked Harry.

"Yeah. I just went to see how she was doing," said Draco shrugging his shoulder.

"Wow. You really are becoming a lot closer. Anyways, so she was upset and Ginny and I thought maybe you should go with her. It would make it easier on her," said Harry.

"We're already going," said Draco.

Harry raised an eyebrow at Draco.

"Just as friends! She's not over the Weasel yet anyways. You know that. And besides it's me… I thought of the idea just to help her get back at that git anyways," said Draco defending himself.

Harry laughed, "That is true. He really does hate you. More than me if you ever thought that was possible."

"Which is exactly why I couldn't resist the opportunity," said Draco with his smirk.

"So that's the only reason you're going with her?" asked Harry fishing for a better understanding.

"Of course. Hermione and I… no. That won't work. It can't," said Draco.

It was Harry's turn to just nod. Before he could say anything Draco walked away to help another auror.

Sorry guys! You must have thought I abandoned you... I didn't... school is just ruining my life as always. I've been too busy with everything to post. Also sorry this is short I just wanted to post something to let you know I'm still alive and haven't forgotten about this story. I should have another chapter in at least a week and then school will clear up for a bit and I'll get back to a regular schedule. :) Enjoy!