Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Thank you goes in order to my beta Blueskyshymoon08. Without her, this would probably be utter crap. And I also dedicate this chapter to her, since it was her birthday Friday.

(Blaise POV)

I had to do it.

I could see the way her eyes sparkled when she saw him, could feel the way she seemed to hesitate whenever I touched her. But, being the compassionate person that she was, she stayed with me.

I knew from the start that I was already too attached. But how could I not know? She was the epitome of perfection. Her grace surpassed those of the average person; her kindness was endless, she was just…Hermione.

Of course, I could also see that she was attracted to him. Draco.

I didn't want to be that guy. The guy who kept her away from the one that she really wanted. He was my best mate too. I could not ignore the way that things would have turned to out to be. It would have been awkward, to say the least.

I don't know if she noticed, but I resented him. I had finally got a chance to be close to her, and then he came into the picture. And Draco, being Draco, always had to insult me by acting like he didn't know how he felt. As if he wasn't attracted to her.

But I knew… I knew him. Even back at school, he had been engrossed to her. He always denied it, covering up his feelings by throwing insults her way.

I had wondered how he would react when he heard about us dating. With the way in which he glared at me two months back, I had no qualms that I was correct. He was smitten with her, but his pride always came first. Draco wouldn't stoop down and try to interfere, which I was glad for.

Still, I knew how Hermione felt. A bystander wouldn't know, but I knew. Potter's wife knew; with the way she kept dropping hints, I was surprised how oblivious Potter was in general. Even Narcissa noticed; she kept glancing back and forth between Hermione and Draco all through that dinner two months ago.

It was inevitable. I couldn't fool myself into thinking that their attraction would poof into nothingness because I wished it. It would only continue to grow and I couldn't be the one to stand in between them. She might not understand right now, but I know that it was the right decision. Maybe I'll be able to tell her later, when she finally works things out with him.

(Hermione POV)

I straightened my skirt before sitting down in the very comfortable sofa that was directly in front of Narcissa Malfoy. Her blonde hair shone in the light that came from the windows all around the sitting room. Her dainty hands picked up the teapot and poured two cups- one for me, one for herself.

I had received an owl from her yesterday, the same night that I had gone back to my little house hurt and confused. Confused with Blaise's decision, hurt that he had chosen that pathway.

After emerging from the bathroom, I had gathered my things, saying goodbye to everyone. I held in my emotions, waiting until I had entered my bedroom before sitting down on my bed, taking off my shoes, and climbed under the covers for a good crying festival.

I had done it again. I was not meant for relationships. Why else would Blaise break it off after only two months? I was better off alone, watching as my friends formed families and created their own happy lives.

I just had to face it, I couldn't completely commit to a person. I didn't feel that rush in my stomach whenever I saw my partner. It was only a dull fire, one that eventually died as time passed by. I never felt any sparks: as much as I tried to get my heart beating faster, it remained the same steady pace. Ron hadn't incited any gut wrenching feelings, and neither had Blaise.

I took the cup from Narcissa's hands, noticing how my hands were shaking. Thankfully, she hadn't filled the cup to the brim, or else the contents would have been spilled all over the very expensive rug under my feet. The tea was hot against my mouth, but I took a big gulp, wanting to ease the pain away from my throat.

Narcissa cleared her throat and I fixed my eyes back on her form. She crossed her legs at the ankles, her posture seeming relaxed yet alert at the same time. She smiled at me for the millionth time since I arrived not five minutes ago, her perfect white teeth contrasting against the red of her lips.

"How are you my dear?"

I shrugged my shoulders, placing the cup on the coffee table, careful not to accidentally touch any of the antiques decorating the table. Heavens knew that I didn't want to be in debt to the Malfoys due to my inability to control my unstable body. "I'm as fine as somebody who just got out of a relationship."

Narcissa looked at me with pity and I felt my shoulders sag. Coming from her, it felt as if the reality of the situation finally settled deep in my stomach. "You poor child. Blaise is nothing less than a gentleman, and I'm sure that he had a perfectly good reason for ending things."

"Of course, he is a fool for letting you go. Anyone can see that," she said with an air of prudence. I smiled, playing with the hem of my blouse.

"Thank you, Narcissa."

"Now, do you want a tour of the gardens? With spring approaching, the plants are starting to look green again."

"That would be lovely." She stood up, her blue attire making her look years younger. She reached for my hand as I stood up and tucked it in her elbow, the embrace seeming oddly comforting for some reason.

"I hope you like walking, because it will not be a short walk." She winked at me and then we were moving.

When the owl came yesterday I had been surprised. Surely, the offer for tea when we met at the bookshop was merely a sort of formality; something that was offered without any meaning behind the words. Like saying you were fine, when in reality, you were dying inside.

But I was wrong; her offer was in fact sincere. It took me an hour before I could sit at my kitchen table with paper and ink and write a reply.

Yes.

I agreed to meet with her at Malfoy Manor, a casual event that would only include Narcissa and me. It had appeased me that it would only be the two of us, for any more company would have surely made my head pound with pain.

The breeze felt good against my skin as we walked, Narcissa's embrace keeping me steady and feeling a little better. She pointed out different plants with her free hand and I nodded my head, marveling at the expanse of the grounds. They seemed to never end, but then, I guess that was to be expected of the residence.

What seemed liked hours later, we returned to the sitting room. Even after walking for an extended period of time, Narcissa still looked as regal as ever. Her hair was still pin straight, her clothing impeccable. I could only imagine I appeared slightly winded and a bit sweaty. I was feeling a little out of breath, but I didn't make anything out of it.

I grimaced before sitting down, my legs feeling slightly wobbly, this time Narcissa joining me in the same sofa. She patted my knee, and then snapped her fingers. A house elf appeared in front of us, bowing her little body in the direction of Narcissa. I frowned distastefully, but kept my mouth shut.

"Pinky, why don't you bring us something to drink?"

"Yes, mistress!" The elf nodded her head enthusiastically before her pillowcase-covered body was gone in a pop.

After a moment of silence, the elf popped back into the room, setting the iced teas in front of us. She bowed again and then disappeared with a resounding pop once again.

Before I could reach for my drink however, a voice that I knew too well called out from the hall. "It seems our special guest has arrived," said Narcissa contentedly.

"Grandma Cissa, where are you?"

"In the sitting room, darling." Narcissa stood up, walking in the direction of his voice.

I watched as the little boy latched on to her body, his small face looking adorably happy. They embraced with ardor, as if they hadn't seen each other in months. I looked away though, feeling as if the moment was too private, spotting Malfoy as he walked into the room, a small smile on his face.

I felt my body freeze, and I could see his body stiffen upon seeing me. He stopped mid step, a hand stopping from running through his pale hair. His pale eyebrows drew together, and then turned to look at his mother, a questioning expression on his handsome face. But he recovered quickly, a smirk making its way onto his features.

"Hello there, Granger." At his comment, I felt all three pairs of eyes look my way, and I felt my cheeks color.

"Hermione!"

Adrian's voice echoed around the vast room as he walked hurriedly my way, never letting go of Narcissa's hand until he stood in front of me. He looked at me expectantly and I beckoned him with my hands, welcoming the tight hug. He smelled sweet, his hair tickling my nose.

"Grandma Cissa, you didn't tell me Hermione as going to be here!" he said excitedly.

"I wanted it to be a surprise, darling." She smiled our way before turning to Malfoy. "Draco dear, what are you doing standing over there? Come sit with us."

The tension in the room increased, and I held Adrian closer to my body. He squirmed out of my grasp and walked to sit with Narcissa in the loveseat across from where I was sitting. Malfoy faltered in his steps before sitting next to me, a glower directed at the pair in front of us.

"How are you today, mother?"

"I'm great. I am so happy that Hermione decided to accompany me for tea today."

Malfoy peered at me from the corner of his eye, and I felt a chill run down my spine. "Um…I should go. I don't want to intrude between your family time. I mean I'm basically a stranger," I rambled on, aware that he was still looking at me.

"Nonsense, dear. Adrian loves you, and that is enough praise to be considered more than a stranger. You are practically family now," Narcissa said with sincere warmth in her eyes.

I felt my eyes prickle, and my stomach tighten. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if I stayed a little bit longer.

Walking with Malfoy was calming, seeing as he kept mostly to himself. The sun was setting, and I was taken aback by the clash of red and orange that had taken over the horizon. It was breathtaking, and I couldn't help the quiet sigh that escaped my lips.

"So Granger, mother tells me that you and Blaise are not together anymore."

His statement caused me to momentarily falter in my steps, but I regained my footing quickly, hoping he hadn't noticed. I cleared my throat, a nervous habit that was becoming a daily occurrence in my life.

"Yes, that is true." I hoped that my voice displayed none of the confusion for the sudden topic. We had been walking in silence for the past ten minutes, the only sound made by Adrian as he ran around in the very spacious garden.

He was quiet for a few minutes, but I didn't dare to look at him. There was an undertone of something hidden behind his words, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to find out what it was.

"I'm sure he had a perfectly good explanation," he drawled.

"That's what your mother said."

"Well, great minds think alike," he said nonchalantly. I smiled, watching as Adrian ran his hand through the water at the bird bath in front of us.

"And think, now you have extra time to do whatever your heart desires. But knowing you, you'll just waste it reading books."

Out of my own accord, I felt as I raised my hand to punch him in the arm playfully. However, I wasn't expecting the slight shock that ran from the tip of my fingers, up my arm and down to my toes. I stopped my feet from moving and he mirrored my stance. My spine stiffened, and I was acutely aware that my hand was still in contact with his arm. I quickly made to retrieve it, but his hand captured mine instead, his long fingers wrapping around mine. I blinked rapidly to dispel the fog that had clouded my mind.

I glimpsed up and was stunned by the intensity in his eyes. There was a hunger there; one that made my heart beat rapidly and my breath catch in my throat. His grey eyes shone brightly, the blue almost completely gone. His handsome features seemed even more attractive, if that was possible.

I was ensnared by his beauty, and I didn't know how to break free.

A/N: Thank you for reading. So what did you guys think?

This chapter was more of a filler, nothing exciting. Sorry.

So, I thought that with summer came free time, but it turns out I was wrong. My parents have me doing research for universities and such; I'm entering my last year in high school. So, if any of you guys are in college, and think I might be interested in that specific university, then leave me a note. I already have some picked out, but it doesn't hurt to learn of other universities.

Thanks!