Disclaimer: I only own Professor Raven Clark, and the plot

It had been over a week since Draco had called Hermione a mudblood but it felt like only a few hours. His heart still broke every time he heard her name, when he could hear her laugh, and even at night while lying in bed. Each of those times brought that nights events flooding back like a tidal wave of bad thoughts. He only left his room for classes and Quidditch. In class Draco put all his attention in his work, only looking up to copy what was on the board. He kept his head down because he didn't trust himself to not stare at the back of her head and not beg her to come back to him. To forgive him for everything he had said and done. But that was a hopeless dream. His mind constantly battled his heart and all throughout the day his mind won out. Blaise noticed the difference in him and became worried that Draco would do something stupid so he kept an eye on the Prince.

Hermione was having the same problem. It was like something had possessed her. She acted normal around her friends but at night her conflict would come back. She didn't understand how a person could feel the same attraction as her and yet break it off so fast. No matter how hard she tried her mind told her she was overlooking something.

After confronting Draco, Blaise got the whole story. Draco told him everything, from his detention, to the things he said, and even the battle between mind and heart. He sat there drinking in Draco's story and when he did speak it was, "are you an idiot? You let her get away because of Raven? Hermione was the best thing that has happened to you."

"I know I just wouldn't be able to live with myself if she got hurt."

"Draco, man, remember Hermione is a grown witch. She can take care of herself."

"I know but I can't help it. Remember the way she looked during the ball last year? So beautiful and yet so delicate at the same time. God she looked amazing."

Draco trailed off remembering and Blaise had to snap his fingers a few times in front of his face before he came out of it. Draco grinned sheepishly and Blaise just shook his head.

"Just get her back if you're going to keep that up."

Draco just nodded his head and Blaise left his room.

Hermione was coming out of her dorm when she met Draco at the bottom of the stairs.

"Hey, I've been looking for you," Draco told her.

Hermione just walked past him with her nose in the air.

"Please Hermione, Stop and listen to me."

Hermione turned around sharply at this, almost bringing her nose against his.

"Why should I listen to a bouncing ferret? Remember I'm a mudblood, not good enough for a pureblood."

She spat the last word and then went out the portrait hole and down to breakfast.

"Bullocks."