A/N: Hey you guys!! I'm so sorry this took long but I have quite a lot of work to do, yes I know, it sucks. Anyway...THANK YOU so much for all your wonderful reviews. I got one that wasn't as nice (but I did say I wanted all kinds of reviews so thanx). It said that I was too descriptive and my tenses are all bad and I'm sorry whoever you are. I admit I suck at grammar, I always have but I do my best. As for my descriptions, I'm sorry too but I write the way I write and I think all I've written so far are of importance to the plot. Ok, now, the thirteenth chapter!! YAY!! Confrontation time!! –lol- a lot of you were worried of how I was going to write this particularly delicate scene and let me tell you that I wrote it just as I want it and I am proud of it. I sincerely hope you all appreciate it, too. So, without further ado...

Disclaimer: Own Harry Potter...not. Just the wonderfully written plot by the brilliant girl that I am...

Ron's haunting and numbing words kept replaying on Harry's mind as Ron looked at him from across. After Ron revealed the concealed emotion that Harry had been feeling but hadn't known, he felt like he needed to sit down. Now they were sitting opposite each other in silence.

The truth and sudden realization that he was truly and completely, positively and surely, developing more than friendly feelings towards his girl friend hit him harder than he anticipated. Of course, Harry had had suspicions that his ordeal might have to do with romance. He'd have to be very stupid to not think about it. After all the moments when he longed to see her after an exhausting practice, the moments he missed her when she went off once again to the library, the uneasy pangs to his insides when Hermione seemed secretive. And after that strong surge of hatred, but especially of jealousy, when he'd seen them together, wrapped up in each other's arms, practically devouring the other one's face. Harry didn't think he ever felt more shocked in his life. It was even more than the moment he'd found out he was a wizard.

He was half hoping that he wouldn't feel so bad or winded once Ron said it out loud. He already had suspicions so he'd thought that he was at least somewhat prepared. But he was wrong. It was even worse the moment Ron broke it to him once and for all.

The honest truth was, his swift feelings for Hermione were totally unexpected. Even now, he didn't know when he started developing them for her. All he was sure of was that the moment he saw who the boy she was with, he felt as though someone had literally torn his heart out from his chest. And that was enough to confirm anyone that he cared for this girl in a slightly different way than before.

Harry loved Hermione that much was obvious. All three of them had a bond so strong, so solid and so rare that they never took each other for granted. Save of course, for the times when Hermione and Ron were at each other's throats. They had grown up together and been through more than anyone ever had in a lifetime. They were a triangle, a package; they were family. Harry had always thought of Hermione as a sister. To everyone, the boy who was more likely to be with Hermione was Ron. Everyone thought they had something going on because they were always fighting, especially during fourth year when he seemed to be overtly jealous of her fling with Quidditch champion, Krum. People saw it as a romantic, love-hate relationship and they found it charming. But to the three of them, they were simply fights.

No one ever really thought of Harry and Hermione as a couple. Sure they looked good together, what with his dark hair and brilliant eyes and her with a winning personality and a great mind. But the world just saw their friendship to be too strong that any romance wasn't relevant or possible. How wrong the world was. And Harry.

He doesn't quite know when exactly he started having these feelings for Hermione. He doesn't think he'll ever really know because more than anything, it was probably a natural progression. Hermione had always been there with and for him. They, with Ron, have spent almost everyday together since first year. During that period of time, they've evidently gotten to know each other very closely. Sometimes, they'd swear that they could even read each other's mind. They always seem to know what's happening to the other one or what they're feeling. Maybe he was bound to have these feelings for her one day. It was an incident waiting to happen.

And alas, it has, and he doesn't have a clue what to do. She was his best friend. Her friendship meant more to him than he could ever express, and the same with her. He knew that any time friends took the 'next step', it always ended badly, sometimes never talking to each other again. That was one thing Harry couldn't imagine. He didn't want anything like that to happen to them, he wouldn't be able to live with that. He cared way too much for Hermione to ruin their relationship, and being an orphan, the victim of the darkest wizard in the world and getting into trouble more often than normal, he needed her a lot.

And she's with Malfoy. Even if he did eventually conjure up the guts to tell her about his feelings, he had no chance. The slimy ass had a hold on her. Harry couldn't shake the image of them together, tightly embraced, kissing, touching, breathing hard and smiling.

Harry closed his eyes trying to remove the picture off his mind when Ron spoke. "So what are you going to do about it, mate?" he asked softly. Ron knew he was treading on delicate, as well as new territory.

Harry looked up at him after a moment, as though Ron's voice took time before it registered in Harry's head. "Do what?"

Ron gave his friend a look. "What are you going to do?" he repeated himself, "are you going to tell Hermione about this?"

Harry's eyes widened slightly. "Tell her?" he said to himself then shook his head. "No, I don't think I will." He answered slowly.

Ron sat up. "You're not going to say anything? But you have to."

"I do?"

"Yes, of course. You have to tell her because it's important for her to know. You're an important person in her life. She should really know how you truly feel about her."

"Wow, Ron. This is a side I've never seen before."

Ron's face reddened a little before saying, "Don't try to change the subject Harry."

"I'm not. I'm just surprised that you're saying all this when just a minute ago you were almost ready to throw your friend away."

When Harry said this, a look of shame and regret flitted to Ron's face. He cleared his throat uncomfortably then said, "You know I didn't mean any of that."

"I know," he said quickly, "and I'm sorry I brought it up."

"Its ok." Ron shrugged, "Anyway, if you tell Hermione, it might be the one thing that would convince her to stop her ridiculous behavior."

Harry took a deep breath, "I can't Ron."

"Why not?"

"Because I can't"

"But why not?"

"Because," Harry said exasperatedly, "I can't make her choose between me and him."

"Of course you can! She's sure to pick you." Ron said indignantly, as though Hermione choosing Draco over either of them was impossible.

Harry hesitated. "I don't know. I'm not so sure."

"What do you mean? We're her best friends! It's always been the three of us and I'll be dead with not a knut to my name before I let something like him mess it all up. We have to persuade her to look at this situation clearly. Mal- that ass probably said some sweet nothings to her or maybe even brainwashed her."

"I already said he wouldn't be that stupid."

"But he is that evil," Ron countered.

"I can't Ron. Just drop it."

"So you're just going to hand her over to that prat!"

"Do you think I want to!" Harry cried, standing up to his full height. The light from the fire illuminated his handsome features but all Ron could see was frustration. "Do you think it's easy for me to know how I really feel about the one girl I've grown up with but can't have because she's suddenly fallen for my enemy? I can't do anything about it Ron. And I don't think I'm ready for her to know."

Ron sunk deeper on the couch before straightening up. "Calm down Harry. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry about all this but-"

"No buts Ron. I can't tell her. Not just yet. I already lost her one way, I don't want to lose her in another."

"You can't lose her friendship. Hermione is a loyal person. Even Mal – even he can't change that." Ron answered softly.

Harry took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I know," he sat down. "Fuck this whole thing." He said under his breath.
Hermione giggled. They were cuddling comfortably on the couch in the little library and Draco was nipping on her neck, giving her the tickles.

"So why did you want to come here?" she asked, not really caring why, as long as she got to spend time with him.

"Nothing," he answered against her soft skin. "I didn't feel tired and you didn't look it."

Hermione laughed softly, and then asked, "Do you have any plans for Christmas? It's only a week away." She'd been wondering whether to get him a present, and if so, what could she possibly give him that he didn't already have. Maybe asking him casual questions would give her some idea.

"Nothing special. Father is at Venice for business and he can't get away. Mother decided to go visit him for the holidays so I'm staying here this year." He looked up to see Hermione smiling, obviously glad by the news. "How about you?"

"I'm staying too," she answered and the added slowly, not knowing if she should say it, "So is Harry and Ron. And a few other Gryiffindors. Some Hufflepuffs and quite a lot of Ravenclaws than usual are staying as well."

"I guess the Weasley family is too poor to take the rest of their clan home even for just the holidays." He said in a huff.

Hermione turned to look him in the eyes with a grim expression. "Please don't say that. They're my friends and just because I've warmed up to you doesn't mean I'm just going to let you speak badly about them. Especially in front of me." Draco moved away slightly but she grabbed hold of his wrist, looking at him intently, making sure he got the point.

He sighed. "I don't mean to. Its just the way I've always talked about them."

"Always? Meaning about me too, then."

He looked at her. "I'm not going to lie to you, so yes, I used to say things about you. And I'm sure you used to say unpleasant stuff about me, too."

She looked down without answering his comment.

"Look Hermione, Potter, Weasley and I are never going to be friends."

"Never is a long time. Never say never right?" she said faintly.

"I'm sorry. I just don't see it. And I know they won't feel differently about this as I do."

"Can't you at least try?"

Draco raked his hand through his hair in frustration, messing it up in a sexy way. "Don't ask me to do something I don't want to."

The words hurt more than she thought. The last bit of hope of her boyfriend and her best friends ever getting along was fading away fast. Draco saw the look on her face and his heart almost slapped him across his face for saying something so harsh. He took her hand in his. "Look maybe you're right. Maybe I shouldn't say never. I mean nothing is impossible right? We are together, aren't we?" He said comfortingly. "All I'm saying, Hermione, is that the chances of me bonding with them isn't too likely."

"But there's hope..."

"Yeah, I suppose there's always hope. There has to be if I plan to keep seeing you, right?" At this Hermione smiled. "But don't get your hopes up. It might take a while before anything you want will happen, if ever. It'll take a whole lot of hard work."

"Then it's a good thing I'm not one to give up easily."

"Hermione- "

"I know," she said quickly, "and I don't expect you to be friends...yet. But can't you at least hold back on the name calling and insults for now?" He seemed hesitant. "Please? For me?" she asked.

He took a deep breath and tilted his face to the ceiling. "Ok," he answered, "but this doesn't change how I feel about them. And don't expect the three of us to suddenly start organizing plans to get to know each other."

That's enough, Hermione thought with relief, for now anyway. The truth is, even for her, it was hard to imagine the three boys hanging out together but she hoped that a civilized conversation was still an option.

"Thank you," she said, kissing him on the cheek, making him smile despite the recent topic of conversation.

"So what do you want to do on dance night, since we're both not going." He asked, changing the subject.

"Anything really. Just hang out, I guess."

"No surprises?" he asked with a smirk.

"Why? Do you want a surprise?"

He shrugged innocently. "Well, I was just thinking. You got a pretty nice surprise tonight. Maybe it's your turn to do something sweet for me."

"But you're a guy. Its your job to be romantic." She countered him.

"For a self proclaimed fair and generous person, that was pretty stereo typical."

Hermione snuggled close to him, taking in his bodily warmth. "Fine," she breathed out, "I'll think of something. You happy?"

"Yes, I am." He whispered into her hair, closing his eyes. They both got the feeling he wasn't answering just to her question.
Draco was walking back to the dungeons after dropping Hermione off at the tower. He insisted on walking her, telling her he didn't feel comfortable just leaving her. After a quick but sweet kiss goodnight, he began to head back to get some sleep, it was half past three. He yawned widely as he reflected on tonight's events. Most of it was memorable, mostly simply because it was Hermione he was with.

He couldn't deny the growing feelings he had for her. It was definitely a new experience and he loved it. Being with her made him feel alive, as though he'd been sleeping until the moment she woke him up with a kiss.

He was also changing as a person. He began to see it bit by bit, and he knew he was changing for the better. He was more focused in school, getting better grades if that was possible. Hermione had such a passion for learning and gaining new experiences, something he'd never been able to share with another person. Also because she'd said how much potential he had and that she believed in him. He almost felt like he had to live up to her expectations, but not in a held back kind of way. It was a nice feeling. Hermione gave him a new reason to do well in school besides impressing his family.

And he couldn't believe he agreed to stop insulting Potter and Weasley. He knew he acted all stressed out, but he wasn't as frustrated as he looked. Deep inside he wanted to stop because Hermione wanted him to. Of course, he still felt the same about the two gits as always, just as irritated and disgusted as before, but he didn't feel like giving up his offensive streak towards them counted as a huge sacrifice, especially if Hermione would like him better for it.

And as he walked, he smiled to himself remembering the wonderful and grateful look on Hermione's face. He could still feel the simple kiss she'd given him afterwards and Draco couldn't help but think about her all the way through until he reached his bed and closed his eyes.
"So what happens tomorrow?" Ron asked, "Do we talk to her? Do we tell her we know?"

"You said you wouldn't be able to face her yet."

"And I don't think I could. Maybe you should do all the talking for a while."

Harry looked at him with a cocked eyebrow, reminding him of his predicament.

"Oh yeah," Ron said in understanding, "well then who's going to talk to Hermione?"

"Who wants to talk to me?"

A chill ran down both boys' spine as they heard the familiar but utterly unexpected voice from the portrait hole. Slowly, praying it wasn't, they turned around to see the concerned and curious expression on Hermione's face. Ron was shocked and frozen to his spot. Harry's pulse quickened out of surprise and his heart beat rapidly at the startlingly pretty sight of her.

"Well? Who wants to talk to me? And why are you two still up?"
Hermione had just entered the common room and was greeted by her two best friends. She was stunned to see them still up and her mind raced, searching for a reasonable excuse. She tried acting casual, as though she hadn't done anything wrong. When she came in she heard Ron say something about someone needing to speak with her.

"Hermione," Harry said, his voice sounding dry, like he hasn't spoken for a while.

"Yes that's my name." She said with a sweet laugh, when Ron turned around, making a deep noise in his throat.

"What are you doing here?" Harry asked.

"Oh," she said looking as honest as she could. "Well, I was studying in the library and I accidentally fell asleep, you know me, I get carried away and - " she was explaining when Ron cut her off rudely with an unbelievable remark.

"Bullshit!" he cried out, his face so red he looked like he was on fire.

Hermione did a double take. "Excuse me?" Not believing what she just heard.

"I said bullshit!" Ron repeated heatedly, "You weren't at the library studying, you were snogging him again! All this time you've been going to the library; it's all been a lie hasn't it! You've been going to see him!"

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

"Don't lie to me. You've been lying to us this whole fucking time. We know now Hermione, stop denying."

She looked between Harry and Ron, her heart beating furiously, her mind going blank and her insides going numb. "You know what exactly?" she asked slowly.

"You and Malfoy." Ron answered. His tone was calm but it was threatening and dangerous that it scared Hermione.

She was speechless. How did they find out? She thought, feeling dizzy all of a sudden.

"Well? Don't you have anything to say?" Ron urged.

She couldn't say anything. She looked at down at the floor, willing the tears to stay and not spill but it was hard, it was so very hard. All she kept thinking was that the two people she loved more than herself was about to abandon her forever. She couldn't live with that, she just couldn't.

"Nothing to say Hermione? Its time for you to come clean. We want an explanation." Ron demanded, standing so close to her she could feel his breath on her face.

Hermione said nothing; she stood rooted to her spot, not being able to look him in the eyes. She felt shame, regret, anger, depression and loss. She heard Harry walk over to them finally and pull Ron back, saying, "Stop it Ron. Calm down."

"Calm down! Calm down...I thought – but I -..." he couldn't go on.

"Yes, Ron. I said calm down. You'll wake the whole damn tower." Harry said evenly.

The red head turned on his heel, moving away from them, muttering to himself. "I can't do this. I can't do this. After all he's done to us. To Harry, to me and to you..."

At that moment Hermione lifted her face, daring to speak. "Ron, Harry" she sobbed through her tears.

"Ah, I see you've found your voice." Ron said from across the room.

Hermione ignored him and continued. "Please, I don't know what to say." She was crying her heart out and she wanted nothing more than Harry to move closer and put his arms around her and tell her they were okay. She would've wanted Ron, too, but he didn't look to be up for the idea. "How – How did you find out?"

"Harry saw you. Can you imagine? Finding your own best friend in the arms of the one person who's been determined to destroy you?"

Hermione cried louder, never feeling worse than she did now. This was not the way she wanted it. This was not the way.

"Ron, stop. I mean it." Harry spoke with force.

"Harry-"

"Stop talking before you say anything you don't want to."

"Right now, I don't really care."

"Ron, please." Hermione begged, her shoulders shaking and her chest heaving. "I'm sorry you guys. I was going to tell you. I wanted to tell you."

"Why didn't you?" Harry asked. Hermione was relieved that he wasn't acting like Ron but somehow this frightened her even more. By Harry's reaction, she couldn't tell just how he felt about all this.

"I – I don't know."

"You don't know?"

"Please, I'm sorry. I didn't tell you because I wanted to wait to see if there was anything to tell."

"You mean before or after he shagged you," Ron accused.

Hermione looked at him. His words stung and it hurt her deep in her core.

"Ron, shut up!" Harry yelled, just as upset as Hermione.

Ron growled. While Harry and he was talking, he thought he'd be able to handle the situation when they finally confront her, but as soon as he saw her, all he felt was disappointment, confusion, hurt and betrayal. He couldn't stop himself; the words just flew out of his mouth on their own volition. He wished he could control it because he could see what it was doing to Hermione and it hurt him, too. The pain was obvious by just looking at her. And again, he hated Malfoy. He was the sole reason for this fight, he was ruining them.

Taking a deep breath, he knew he had to leave. "I can't do this right now. Not tonight. I'm going to bed." And without another word he strode past them and into the boy's dorm, leaving Harry and Hermione alone.

"Harry, I'm sorry." She apologized quietly. "Please, I'm so sorry,"

"I know you are," he said just as silently. "But it doesn't do much, does it Hermione? You have to understand..."

"I know and I'm sorry!" she cried.

"Ron-...we feel betrayed. When I saw you – when I saw you, it was – I don't know but it felt like you'd slapped me across the face yourself."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry, too, Hermione."

She looked at him with pleading eyes. "What are you guys going to do?" she asked, tears streaming down her soft face. Even when she was crying, she still looked so pretty, Harry thought, his heart aching more than ever. "What happens now?"

"I don't know." He answered honestly. "But I do know that Ron won't be able to speak with you for a while. Just let him cool off then we can talk about this."

"But what about you?"

"I don't know. Just – give me time."

Harry turned around to follow Ron to bed when Hermione asked him, "Do you hate me, Harry? I couldn't stand it if you do." Her voice was weak and sad.

He stopped and answered without turning to face her, his fists clenched due to the difficulty, "You know I could never hate you." And with that he left, leaving the girl he loved all alone, in a room where the fire that lasted all night had slowly dwindled away.
Sob, sob, sob. Boo hoo hoo. There you are! Did you like it? I hope so because I honestly really loved writing this scene. I hope some of you are at least satisfied. –lol- ok, we must move on readers. I know it is difficult but I shall write more and Harry and the gang will not suffer! OK! That's enough. Seriously people, pls be happy with this because it's a very important scene. I hope I justified the characters well and disappointed none of you (I apologize if I was a bit harsh as Ron to Hermione but it had to be done. Think of what she did!) Well I must leave you here, with your broken hearts and tear stained faces...farewell...review!...till the next chapter. ...Toodles.