Chapter 13

Hermione just watched as they turned away and stormed out. She couldn't believe that that had just happened. Everyone said that he wouldn't show up and he did. Not only did he show up, but he showed up with her and insulted her in public! How many people just witnessed that?

"Hermione?" asked Draco behind her pulling her out of her trance.

"Huh?" she asked.

"Are you ok?" he asked giving her a concerned look.

"Yeah. I'll be fine. Let's just… get back to dancing," said Hermione.

"Uhh, Hermione?" asked Ginny.

Hermione turned around to look at her. Ginny gestured to her dress.

"What's wrong with my dress?" she asked.

"They just threw a drink down your dress…." she said hesitantly.

"Oh," she said quietly.

"I can take you home," said Draco.

"No. It's ok. I can just go by myself. Thanks," she said and stormed out herself.

"Hermione!" Draco called out after her. She didn't turn around. He wasn't sure if he should follow or not.

"Just let her go," said Ginny, "She's embarrassed and in shock."

"I can't believe Ron just did that," said Harry.

"I'm going to kill him," said Draco darkly.

"It's ok. At the rate he's going he'll do something stupid and end up getting himself killed or hexed or whatever so you won't have to," said Ginny.

"I'd rather do it myself," he said.

Ginny looked over at him curious. He looked absolutely furious. She was surprised he was hanging back. She wasn't sure why, and then she decided to go for it.

"You like her," said Ginny.

Draco snapped out of it and looked at her with a shocked look on his face.

"No… I!" he started.

"Oh don't try to deny it. I've seen everything. All the signs are there," she said.

Draco looked at the ceiling and then looked back to Ginny.

"Fine. Yes. Things were great before Weasel happened. Sorry," he said.

"No offense taken. Continue," said Ginny.

"We were dancing and it was… amazing. I don't remember the last time I had a connection with someone like that. I was about to tell her when he happened," said Draco angrily.

"I'm sorry, Draco," said Ginny.

"You can still tell her," said Harry.

"Harry… just be quiet and let me handle this," said Ginny.

"What?" he asked.

"The moment's lost! He had the perfect moment and then… you know what. Nevermind. Like I said, just let me handle it," she said.

Harry stepped back.

"Another moment will come. I'm sure she likes you too. I saw her when you two were dancing," she said.

"There better be or Weasel will really pay for it," said Draco, "So is anyone going after her?"

"You are of course!" said Ginny, "Just let us know how it goes."

"Good luck," said Harry.

"Thanks," said Draco.

Draco turned around and left the ballroom. Of course a flash of photographers followed him out the door. He ignored all the comments and accusations about what could have possibly just happened and what he did. He would deal with that later. For now, he had Hermione to catch.

Draco floo'd directly into her house.

"Hermione?" he called.

"What are you doing here, Draco?" asked Hermione stepping out from the kitchen.

Draco noticed she had tear stains down her face, her hair was falling out in random places, and she still wore the now ruined and sticky dress – but she still looked absolutely gorgeous.

"I came to check on you," he said.

"Well I'm fine, so you can leave," she said as the tears started flowing again.

"Want to say that again? This time without the tears?" he asked.

Hermione angrily stormed over to Draco and went to slap him, but his seeker reflexes caught her instantly with one hand. She glared at him and went to hit him again, but of course he caught her again.

"Why do you have to be such a jerk!" she yelled at him as she struggled, the tears still running down her face, "I'm obviously not ok and you bring your stupid sarcasm! You know, no one asked you to come here! You're not wanted!"

Draco just stood there and took it. Normally he would have gotten angry and left after hearing that, but somehow he knew this anger wasn't really directed at him.

"Just leave and let go of me!" she yelled.

"No," he said quietly.

"Why not?" she asked as she kept struggling. She was still in tears.

"Because you need someone," he said looking her in the eyes.

Hermione realized he was right. She stopped fighting and let Draco pull her into his arms.

"I'm so sorry," he said as he held her tightly against him, "I wasn't paying enough attention and I didn't see him coming."

Hermione continued to cry, but also continued to let him hold her.

"You didn't deserve that," he said.

"Of course I did! I showed up looking like this and I wanted pay back. Guess it just showed me revenge is never worth it," she said.

"It's not your fault. Don't you dare let him get to you or he's won," said Draco.

Hermione slowed her crying.

"You're right. After everything you've done for me you must think I'm such a stupid girl," said Hermione.

"Hermione, I still think you're absolutely amazing," he said as he tipped her chin up to look at him.

She gave him a small smile.

"Thanks," she said.

"Any time," he said still looking at her. He leaned in a bit closer to her wondering to see if she would respond. She didn't move. He wanted to close the distance between them. He moved forward again.

"Draco?" she asked quietly.

"Yes?" he asked with a husky voice.

"Thanks for coming here and being with me," she said as she pulled back to look at him, "You're exactly what I need right now."

He was slightly disappointed she had pulled back, but she never let go of him, and she wasn't moving any further. And she just said she needed him. Now he was really definitely going to kiss her.

"You're welcome. I'll be here any time you need," he said smiling at her.

"I know," she said smiling back at him, "But you didn't let me finish. I was going to say you're exactly what I need right now… you're one of my best friends. That's what I need right now. A friend. No pressure. Just time to rebuild myself safely without any worries like you're going to fall for me or something."

Sorry I dropped off the face of the planet again. I swear I will finish this story... hopefully soon so I won't feel so guilty all the time. Oh and I left you with a cliff-hanger though so of course that means I'll at least update soon. If not tomorrow then the next day :)