Hey readers! I know that it's been a while but I finally got around to posting this gem! I hope it's worth the wait. Thanks for all those that reviewed!

Chapter Six

"Malfoy?!" Ron shouted making Hermione jump, including Harry and Ginny, "The slimy git that almost got us killed? That Draco Malfoy!?" He said loudly his face covered with rage.

Hermione's stomach fell; she knew that this was going to happen.

"Ron not so loud you'll wake mum and dad," Ginny said strictly in a tone that almost exactly matched Mrs. Weasely's voice, but Ron wasn't having it.

"This is some sort of joke right?" He said ignoring Ginny, his famous temper once again getting out of control, "You can't actually be serious?"

Hermione stood up too, "Why would I make something like this up?" Hermione found herself echoing Malfoy's words. She almost stood in shock, was this how he felt when he told her? Hermione almost felt sorry for how rudely she had treated Malfoy.

"You're telling me that you are mates with the Draco Bloody Malfoy?" He said unbelievably, "This isn't happening," Ron said as he started to pace around the room.

Hermione looked desperately to Harry and Ginny. Harry tried to defend Hermione.

"Ron it's not like its Hermione's fault," Harry said boldly.

Ron looked at Harry wide eyed, "You're actually siding with her?!"

Harry rolled his eyes, "That's not what I'm saying-"

"I can't believe you all," He said scoffing.

Hermione's own temper was rising. Why did Ron always have to do this? Why did they always end up fighting when something serious was going on. He never had a level head when something goes wrong for him. He doesn't even listen. She didn't even know what to say.

There was a pause as Ron scoffed again shaking his head. Without warning, he strode out of the room passed Hermione.

"Ron wait-" Hermione tried but the door to the out back patio slammed shut.

Hermione gave out a loud sigh as she sunk back in her seat. She rested her elbows on her thighs as she hung her head down resting it on her fits. This was going great.

"Don't worry about it Hermione," Ginny said, "He'll come around."

Hermione didn't look up as tears started to form in her eyes, "Yeah, yeah he'll come around," She lied sniffling a little. She sat up as she forced the tears back.

It was a silent for a moment, Hermione hardly keeping it together, she felt numb.

"It's just a lot to take in Hermione," Harry said, "Malfoy he... he just isn't someone we thought we'd ever have to deal with again."

Hermione sat there still starring off into space, she nodded in response. She still was unable to think clearly.

"Hey," Harry said, "Look at me."

Hermione finally made her eyes look at Harry, his face full of concern, "I know you didn't ask for this, but it's still just as hard to take in. Ron really cares about you," Harry said, "I believe you and I will always support you, heck you have always been there for me and Ron included, so we'll be there for you too. He just needs some time," Harry said gently, "You'll always be my best friend."

He got up from his chair and walked over to her. Hermione stood up and let Harry hug her. It felt good to hug him, like he understood and still loved her. It warmed Hermione's heart that he could see past what she had just told him. Harry had done a lot of growing up.

They broke apart as Hermione's eyes were still threating to overflow.

Ginny gave her a smile as she too hugged her, "He loves you Hermione, he's just pig headed sometimes," She said giving her a tight squeeze.

Hermione nodded still feeling awful, "You guys head up, I'm gonna go find Ron. I need to talk to him alone."

They both nodded understanding, "Goodnight Hermione," Ginny said giving her one last hug. It wasn't long before they both left hand and hand to go up the stairs.

Hermione took a deep breath as she dared herself to follow Ron out onto the back patio.

The door opened loudly creaking as she tip toed outside. It was a warm night, the moonlight shone brightly making Ron's outlined figure clear. Her eyes adjusted to the lighting quickly as she closed the door.

She walked to go stand by Ron who was leaning against the railing looking out over the small pond next to the garden. She couldn't make out his expression as she leaned against the railing next to him.

Ron didn't look at her as she did so.

They sat there for a moment. Ron keeping quiet, being stubborn as always.

Hermione looked at him, "You're going to have to talk to me eventually," She stated.

Ron still didn't say anything not bothering to acknowledge her.

She started to get impatient, "Ron please say something."

Ron finally turned to her his eyes angry, "What do you want me to say Hermione? Do you want me to congratulate you? Do you want me to tell you how happy I am for you that you got someone as great and wealthy as Malfoy? Because I'm not going to."

"Ronald," Hermione said, "I didn't know this was going to happen. I'm not asking for your blessing I just thought you'd be able to at least understand."

Ron gave a short fake laugh, "Understand? Ok let me try to understand. So you want to be with the guy, that helped us get trapped by death eaters, tried to kill Dumbledore, helped torture you, and who knows what else. Now suddenly he wants you to make you his mate and slave and you're letting him," He said coldly as he took a step toward her, "This is Malfoy we are talking about Hermione, Malfoy. How in the world are you even considering it?!"

Hermione's voice grew louder, "I told you Ron I don't exactly have a say in this!"

Ron looked at her with fiery eyes, "Yes you do! You're picking him. Malfoy is nothing but a coward and you know it. A slimy snake who just wanted to save his own skin."

Hermione almost had to take a step back. She couldn't believe he could be so thick headed. She felt a familiar feeling rise up in her body as she felt her body need to defend Malfoy.

"He was doing what he thought was necessary for him and his family to survive and you know it!" Hermione said loudly back.

"Oh so your defending him now too?" Ron said, "You know I always thought you were smart but now I'm really starting to wonder about you."

Hermione felt her pride hurt as tears started to form once again in her eyes.

"Stop acting like this Ron you and I both know that you don't mean it," Hermione said lowering her voice back to a normal voice.

Ron shook his head as he looked at her with pain and anger written all over his face, "I really don't care what you do anymore Hermione. You have freaking Malfoy's werewolf blood flowing inside you. I don't even know what the Bloody hell you are. You could be a threat to all of us as far as I know. You're a werewolf now, it's in your now dirty blood and I don't want you around me or my family."

His words hit Hermione like a thousand knives to her heart. She felt a tear escape her eye as she looked at him sadly, he had gone too far.

"Well if I'm so dangerous maybe I should leave," Hermione threatened through angry tears.

Ron puffed out his chest, "Yeah maybe you should," He said glaring at her.

A couple more tears left her eyes, leaving Hermione hardly able to see out of them.

"Fine," She said her anger starting to seep out of her, she paused for a moment, "But for hating Malfoy so much you sound exactly like him," She snapped.

He said nothing as he stood there speechless as Hermione disappeared into the house with tear's streaming down her face now.

She was going back to Hogwarts. Tonight.

HPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHP

Hermione felt numb as she walked through the corridors in the middle of the night, carrying her large suit case with her. Ron had said just what she had feared the most. He was afraid of her. He loathed what she was. He hated her; he absolutely despised what she was becoming. He didn't even want to be near her. Her heart swelled with anger.

Well fine, that's just fine! She screamed to him mentally, I don't need you!

She felt her legs start to give out as she finally had to lean on the stone wall for support. The torches and moon giving off light around her. She let more tears fall as she punched the wall, "Stupid, stupid, stupid," She whispered to herself with every punch.

Hermione felt like she couldn't breathe. All of her energy was being torn away with each passing moment. She put her forehead against the wall trying to make herself breathe normally. She felt the lowest she had since the war. Hermione felt her first love slipping away from her and there wasn't anything she could do to stop it. Hermione hated it; she hated what she was becoming. She started to shake as she cried.

Suddenly Hermione felt a strong hand on her shoulder forcing her to turn around. Before she knew it, she was being pulled into a hard chest. His hands wrapping around her waist and head cradling her into him. Her body instantly relaxed. She knew that body, that sent, and that touch from anywhere.

It was Malfoy.

She didn't know how he had gotten there or how he even knew where she was. All she knew was that his body was like medicine to her in that moment. She dismissed everything else and put her arms around him tightly as she cried. He didn't try to say anything, he just simply held her. He rubbed her back with his large strong hands trying to sooth her, and trying to get her to quit shaking. Hermione couldn't have felt more comforted.

Hermione had no idea how much time had gone by as they stood like that in the corridor. It must have been a very long time because the torches started to grow dimmer. Hermione's eyes started to dry out and her body had finally calmed down. She just stayed there, burying herself into his chest.

Finally Malfoy pulled back just enough to see her beautiful face, her eyes puffy from crying.

"What happened?" He asked looking into her eyes.

Hermione couldn't look at his gorgeous eyes as she thought of Ron, pain seared through her again.

"It... It was Ron," She admitted surprising herself with how open she was, "He didn't take the news well."

She could sense the anger from his body as he tensed up, "I knew it, that stupid Weasel. What did he say?" He said with anger.

He didn't wait for an answer as he grabbed her by the hand making her follow him, "You're going to take me to where ever hole Weasel has-" But he was interrupted by Hermione who yanked back on his arm.

"Please don't, I don't need to worry about you two killing each other right now," Hermione said her voice pleading.

Malfoy gave a growl as his glowing wolf eyes appeared, "But he hurt you."

Hermione felt herself almost grateful to Malfoy that he would defend her.

"I'll live," She stated making it clear that he wasn't allowed to hurt him.

He gave a loud sigh as he focused his attention on her, "What did say?" He asked repeating his words.

Hermione shook her head trying to control her emotions, "It doesn't matter," She said looking down, not able to meet his eyes.

She felt Malfoy step close to her as he cupped her face bringing it up gently to look at him.

He was gorgeous. His skin glowing in the soft moon light, his blonde pale messy hair sitting perfectly on his head. He eyes glowed with a radiance that she had never seen before. His strong jaw bone hovering over her as she felt his breath on her forehead. She loved how he towered over her, like he was protecting her. She felt her body start to look to his lips once again. She felt Malfoy tense up as she brought her eyes back to his.

Hermione finally voiced her question.

"How did you find me?" She asked watching him carefully.

Malfoy's eyes snapped to hers, not expecting that question. Should he tell her? Would it freak her out to know that her blood was flowing through him now too? Their bodies were connecting from both ends. Not just hers. He could feel her emotions. Even from her being so far away he could feel them. They were to strong NOT to feel. He felt her despair, he felt her sadness, and he felt her rejection. He knew that she was in pain and because he was in pain he was too. His wolf took over his limps as he could feel that she was close again or at least back in the castle. Thanks to his wolf senses, he was able to smell her out. His nose leading him to her. That's when he found her.

Malfoy realized that she was still waiting for a response.

"I could tell you were in pain," He said simply, "My wolf can find you anywhere you go. I could feel," He paused for a moment hating how weak it all made him sound, "I could feel you hurting. I don't sleep, and so when I was lying awake in my bed... I felt your distress I knew something was wrong. So my wolf went out to find you," His forehead leaned against hers, lowering his voice to a whisper, "I will always find you," He couldn't help but add.

Hermione felt a familiar sensation rise up through her body as she listened to his words. He could tell that she was hurting and he went looking for her. She felt surprised. This wasn't the same Malfoy she knew before. He was changing, he was different somehow. It hit her then. He's changing because he cares about you Hermione, she thought to herself.

"I missed you," Hermione said before he could stop herself. That was not her doing! Her hand flew up to her mouth as her eyes widened in surprise waiting for Malfoy's reaction.

He actually smiled. A real smile that reached all the way to his eyes. Hermione was entranced. She instantly fell in love with it. It was the most incredibly handsome thing she had ever seen. She felt her heart start to give away to her desires as Malfoy made her defenses crumble.

"You did?" He said stepping closer to her, so close she was only millimeters from his lips.

Hermione backed away, feeling herself start to lose her senses.

"I...I just meant that. That…" Hermione tried to get out blubbering like an idiot; she couldn't get out the words as she went silent.

Malfoy's smile stayed intact, "Well Granger I think that's the first time I've left you speechless," He said as he ran his hands through her hair, tucking it behind her ear.

Hermione couldn't help but give a small smile of her own creeping onto her face.

Malfoy froze for a moment tensing up. Look at that smile, he said to himself as his wolf almost broke to the surface. He could feel himself losing control. That smile meant everything to him. He had seen that smile so many times, but for the first time in his life, her smile was directed at him. Because of him. He felt his heart soar from her plump pink lips forming such sweet lines.

He felt himself leaning into her unconsciously, his eyes closing in, coming closer and closer to her.

Hermione felt his desire for her as he inched closer and closer to her. She felt herself melt like putty in his hands as she did something that she wasn't even aware she was doing. Her hand slid up toward Malfoy's neck, running her hands through his hair. She felt herself press softly on the back of his neck begging him to come closer.

Hermione felt herself give a loud appreciative sigh as his hands snaked their way around her small waist.

Malfoy heard the loud almost moan as his wolf was set on fire. It was music to his ears, and he wanted her to make a million more sounds just like that. Malfoy was more aroused than he had ever been in his entire life and they hadn't even kissed yet.

Well that was about to change.

He gently drew her hips into his. He felt her hand pressing on his head as he finally gave in and was about to plant a kiss on her. Their lips barely brushed when suddenly Malfoy sensed someone approaching.

Hermione felt him tense up. She finally came back to her senses as she too heard someone approaching. She peaked around Malfoy's figure. She took in a sharp breath.

Malfoy turned around to see who it was.

It was Professor Stroud.

She froze. Professor Stroud simply standing there, careful to not let any emotion show on his face. He simply stared at them as if he was in shock, trying to take in the scene that was in front of him. Hermione stepped back from Malfoy, looking embarrassed that a Professor found her lurking in a dark hallway past hours with a boy. Malfoy no less. She starred at him trying to see what he was going to do.

It was then she saw a yellow glowing circle around his cornea.

Hermione had to stop herself from gasping in surprise. As soon as she realized it was gone in the next blink. It happened so fast that she wasn't sure if what she saw was real or just a trick of the light. Her heart started to pound faster as she grew frightened. Professor Stroud was a very large man. He could easily over power Hermione, and challenge Malfoy.

She noticed however, that he wasn't really looking at Hermione. His gaze was centered on Malfoy and Malfoy alone.

Malfoy cursed his luck that the stupid Professor would come precisely at the same time. It was almost too coincidental. Malfoy's eyes narrowed at him as he took a step in front of Hermione, gently moving her behind him shielding her. Malfoy didn't know why but his wolf was going crazy, and it wasn't because of Hermione. It was full of hate, so much Malfoy had to press it back from making him transition. It scared him. He hadn't had this feeling in almost eleven years. Something wasn't right about this Professor. There had to be a reason why he saw him as a threat.

Then he saw something glimmer in his eyes. Malfoy's wolf tensed up even more as suddenly it was gone. Malfoy couldn't be certain, perhaps it was his imagination. Either way his senses were alerted that he might be a much bigger threat than he ever thought possible? Malfoy's wolf growled internally. He wanted to get Hermione out of here, now.

All three of them stood like that frozen for a moment as Professor Stroud cleared his throat.

"Shouldn't you two be in bed?" Professor Stroud said monotone, his voice icy and cold. She had never seen him so distanced.

Hermione saw Malfoy's hand clench by his side.

"Sorry Professor, we were just leaving," Malfoy said grabbing Hermione's hand to lead her away.

But the Professor stopped him with his voice, "I believe the Slytherin corridor is the other way Mr. Malfoy."

Malfoy glared at him, "So?"

The Professor's face turned sour in an instant, "So you can let go of Miss Grangers hand and leave. Now," He said his voice low and demanding. It almost scared Hermione.

Malfoy was about to retort when Hermione stepped in front of Malfoy to face him.

"Look at me," She demanded.

Malfoy's eyes finally left Professor Stroud's to look down at her.

"I'll be fine," She said pleading with him, "I don't want to get into any more trouble, please just go," She as she hoped that he would listen to her.

Malfoy shook his head not wanting to leave her.

"Malfoy please," She said her thumb rubbing his hand trying to calm him, "Do it for me."

Malfoy cursed to himself. He knew that the Professor could make his and Hermione's a living hell, but it scared him to leave her with the Professor. He didn't want to leave her.

"You better do as she says Mr. Malfoy," Professor Stroud said, "I don't want to have to give either of you detention," His voice threatening him.

Malfoy tried to step forward to him but Hermione's hands stopped him.

"Malfoy," She pleaded again, "Please."

He stood there as his eyes started to grow sharp, his wolf eyes trying to come forth. He shoved them back as he knew that he was trapped. He would have to leave her if he wanted to avoid hurting her and getting her in detention again. He didn't want her to be alone with Professor Stroud in yet another detention. His logical side won his wolf's anger.

"Fine," He said vilely.

He then looked down at Hermione, leaning in closely whispering to her, "If anything happens and I mean anything, I'll know."

Hermione nodded understanding, "I'll be fine, don't worry."

Malfoy then look at her longingly his body still not wanting to leave.

Hermione could feel that he didn't want to part from her. She didn't want him to leave either but he had too.

"Can I see you tomorrow?" Hermione she whispered.

Malfoy calmed a little, "Try to stop me," He said, he would have winked if he was in a better mood. She gave him a small crooked smile in return.

Finally he tore himself away from her, every step causing a larger gap in his heart. He went to walk past Professor Stroud, glaring him as he did so. The Professor stood still as Malfoy left to go around the corner. Hermione watched him go, keeping her eyes on Malfoy until his figure disappeared as he rounded the hallway.

Hermione finally looked at Professor Stroud again, irritated that he had been so cold.

"Goodnight Professor," She said hotly as she turned to go back to her dorms.

She had only taken a few steps when his voice stopped her.

"I thought you told me that you and Malfoy weren't friends," He said his voice echoing.

Hermione turned around to look at him her eyes furrowing, why did he care?

She realized that Professor Stroud was making his way toward her. His large steps got to her within seconds. It almost scared her as he finally stopped a few feet in front of her.

"It was true when I told you," She said coldly, "I didn't lie to you."

His eyes pierced into hers, Hermione felt so small next to his giant body.

"What changed?" He asked still doing an excellent job of keeping his emotions hidden from his expression.

Hermione's eyes narrowed, what was he trying to get at?

She finally voiced her thoughts, "I'm sorry Professor I don't understand why you're asking about me and Malfoy."

He felt his stance relax a little, "I thought I asked you not to call me that when we were alone," He said his voice finally getting softer.

Hermione looked at him pointedly, "Why? That's what you are, my Professor," She said still angry, trying to making sure to make her point clear.

His face almost looked hurt. He looked down as his eyes shifted over to her wrist. Hermione followed his eyes as she looked down. She felt her stomach drop. She was still wearing the pearls that he gave her.

Hermione moved her arm but she was too late, he had already seen.

"I see you're still wearing the bracelet," He said almost too casually.

Hermione's eyes narrowed, "Yes I am," She said, "Is that ok with you?" She asked her eyes challenging him.

His handsome eyes looked into hers, "Of course Miss Granger."

Hermione finally found her voice, "I really should be getting back," She said as she stepped away from him.

He nodded to her as he didn't press her anymore.

She took a couple steps back, "Thank you for not giving Malfoy or I detention."

He scowled at the mention of Malfoy's name, "I didn't do it for him."

Hermione stomach lurched. She began to wonder... did he have feelings for her?

She started to walk away as she heard his voice again.

"Hermione... you might want to find out a little bit more about Mr. Malfoy," He said his face serious, "I told you his heritage was interesting, but you might want to think about what you're doing before you get hurt."

With that he too turned around and left her in the dark corridor.

Hermione's eyes furrowed together as she turned back once again to go back up to the Gryffindor tower, trying to understand what he meant. She froze as she pieced it together. He knew what she and Malfoy were.

HPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHP

Hermione woke up the next morning feeling a little better. It was Sunday which meant she had the whole day to herself. She couldn't help but lay in bed for a moment reliving last night's events. All of it was certainly a lot to take in. Ginny still hadn't returned from the burrow and probably wouldn't until tonight. Hermione felt a little guilty for leaving without saying goodbye, but she couldn't stand to be anywhere near Ron right now. An angry pain went through her heart as she shoved him out of her thoughts. It was then she remembered that Malfoy had promised to see her today. She felt her heart fill with joy. It was stupid and she felt ashamed to admit it but wanted to see him. She felt so much better with him around. She knew that she should still hate him, but she couldn't anymore. She wasn't physically or mentally capable to do that anymore. They would both have to learn to put the past behind them if they wanted to avoid being miserable. With that in mind, she went to get into the shower to get ready for the day ahead.

Malfoy stood in the corridor close to the Gryffindor common room waiting for Hermione to arrive. He glared at all the girls that goggled at him as they walked by. He sometimes wished that he didn't stand out so much, but he always had. He was Draco Malfoy the Slytherin Prince. Every girl looked at him like that. Every girl that is except for Hermione. Perhaps that's why his wolf (and he) liked her so much. She didn't care about looks, she could see past all that. She respected herself, and in return, it made others respect her.

Malfoy stood there leaning against the wall when he saw her. She was beautiful of course; he could feel his wolf almost jump with happiness as they spotted her. Her brown hair in soft curls laying next to her chocolate brown eyes. Her eyes caught sight of him as her eyes lit up. Malfoy couldn't help but feel relieved, like he just had a large weight lifted off of him.

Hermione saw him waiting for her and she couldn't help but feel like a silly school girl. She immediately made her way over to him as she walked shyly up to him. Her cheeks burning. She couldn't believe that she was feeling all of this for Malfoy, but somehow it didn't seem so weird for her anymore. She was growing to like him, and she would have to live with that.

She finally stood in front of him, his body pushing off softly from the wall he had been leaning up against.

"What are you doing here?" She asked him.

Malfoy looked at her softly, "I just had to make sure you were ok, I didn't like leaving you alone last night," He said remembering the lousy Professor interrupting their moment.

Hermione felt her heart warm; she felt comfort having someone to look after her.

"I know," Hermione said simply.

It was then she thought about her conversation with Professor Stroud. Should she say something to Malfoy? She didn't know how he would react if she did. Probably in a blind rage. She didn't want that to happen. But she knew that it would eat at her if she didn't talk to someone about her theory that she had come up with last night.

"Malfoy is it just me or do you get a weird feeling about Professor Stroud?" She asked her voice curious.

Malfoy looked down at her beautiful brown eyes, "A weird feeling? No. Suspicious, yes. I've never known my wolf to want to hurt someone as much as Professor Stroud. I had to control myself just standing next to him," Malfoy said.

Hermione went silent for a moment as she decided to voice her thoughts.

"Malfoy something's not right," She said her voice low so they couldn't be overheard, "Professor Stroud he... he reminds me of us. He seems to have all our abilities physically. And Last night... I could have sworn I saw his eyes glow yellow, but I don't know. It was only for a split second, it happened so fast."

Malfoy froze, having a second conformation made him know it was real, "No you're right, I saw it too," He said his mind trying to piece the puzzle together, he paused for a moment, "I dismissed it because I thought my wolf was looking for a reason to pick a fight," He looked into her eyes, "That means he's hiding something."

Hermione eyes widened, "You don't think that he..."

Malfoy swallowed hard, "It makes sense."

Hermione couldn't believe it, their Professor was the same kind of rare breed that her and Malfoy were? It was almost too much to take in. Was that why her Professor was interested in her? Because she was transitioning into a werewolf?

"Malfoy," She asked trying to pick her words carefully, "Last night after you left Professor Stroud. He... he," Hermione tried to say but couldn't get the words to come out.

She saw his eyes darken as he stepped dangerously close to her, "What did he do?" He growled.

Hermione tried to calm him, "He didn't do anything," She said quickly. She paused a moment as she tried to find the words, "I think he admitted he knows what you are."

Malfoy's wolf's blood boiled underneath his skin, "What?" He said darkly.

Hermione was taken back from his tone of voice, "He told me earlier this year that you had an interesting heritage, I didn't think much of it until now. He told me that I should learn more about you before I get hurt."

"That Professor actually dared say that to you?" He asked his wolf angry.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Yes but that's not what I'm trying to get at. I'm saying that's it's almost too big of a coincidence."

Malfoy's head started to spin, trying to put his aside his jealousy, "That fact only adds to our theory that he's one of us."

Hermione's heart started pounding rapidly, "But how can we be sure?"

Malfoy paused for a moment in deep thought.

Hermione turned away from Malfoy to the window. It was a beautiful sunny day with students sprawled on the grassy area soaking up the rays. It was a shame she couldn't enjoy it right now. Her mind was elsewhere. She searched for some way that they could find out for sure.

Suddenly it hit her. She didn't know why she didn't think of it before.

"Because I'm going to seduce on our Professor," Hermione said.