Another BIG thank you to all my reviewers I went away for a few weeks without my laptop to my shock and horror so I'm sorry about how long this took. However I have had some thoughts about the next couple of chapters so it shouldn't take too long to get out the next instalment. Fingers crossed anyways thanks again. Enjoy!

Chapter 11

Previously:

Draco smirked at her and much to her horror took a step closer.

"Mind if I join you?" He asked in his usual drawl. Hermione, taken a back at the offer, stumbled back towards the door.

"I… I… I…."

BANG! SHRIEK! THUMP! GASP!

"Oh my…"

Onwards:

Hermione POV:

It's official. The world hates me! Hermione thought mournfully.

As she had stumbled backwards towards her escape who should come charging through it but Ronald threw her forward onto the nearest solid object: Draco Malfoy. Caught off guard, Draco didn't have time to gain his bearings and the pair tumbled backwards to the ground.

"Oh my" Hermione lowered her eyes fearfully. But Draco wasn't looking at her. His eyes were squeezed tightly shut as though in great concentration. It was right about now that Hermione noticed what an awkward position they were in. She was practically straddling Draco whilst resting her shaking hands on his chest not knowing where to put them. Pushing herself up slightly Hermione could see his chest rise and fall quickly in time with her own rapid heartbeat. Her gaze slowly, subconsciously studied his angelic facial features with shy affection.A small smile was gracing her face when a moment later Draco's eyes fluttered open and warm brown was captured by intense grey. Hermione wanted to blink, heavens it was painful how much she wanted to, but Draco's eyes held hers and she was almost afraid to look away, afraid to lose this connection. It felt like hours when it could only have been a few seconds at most but at last he relinquished his stare from her eyes lowering it to her slightly parted lips and she felt suddenly breathless.

"Not again!" Ron's shout cut through the haze clouding Hermione's brain and she looked up at him more than slightly dazed. Blaise chuckled and moved closer to Hermione offering her a hand to pull her up.

"Again? This has happened before?" Ginny asked coming in behind Ron.

"Yeh But last time Drake was on top. You're losing your touch mate." Blaise's voice was lightly mocking but when Hermione looked up after accepting his hand she saw coldness in his dark eyes. Ginny let out a short, surprised laugh. Draco shook his head getting up behind Hermione.

"So how about that studying?"He asked. Hermione whirled around feeling hemmed in. In front of her was Draco looking like a predator closing in on his helpless prey. To her right was Blaise, too rigid in his stance to be as nonchalant as he was trying to look. Directly behind was Ronald looking as comical as usual, caught between boiling-point furious and completely bewildered. Ginny stood to her left, hands on hips, eyes sparkling with speculation, lips curled in a knowing smirk. All were facing her. Needless to say she was and felt trapped.

Draco POV

Her eyes were wide like a deer caught in the headlights. I couldn't help smirking at her discomfort. Hey, old habits die hard. Speaking of which… I glanced at Blaise expecting him to be similarly amused. But he was making a show of ignoring me. I knew he would be annoyed yes, shocked certainly and maybe even a bit hurt. Hell I had experienced it myself only days ago when Blaise, my best friend, had neglected to mention that he had got head boy. All's fair in love and war seemed to be my new mantra.

"Who studies on a Friday afternoon?" Weasle asked incredulously. Grateful for once at his inane interruptions, I brought my attention back to the object of my newly discovered affections. Taking a step closer, I inclined my head towards the door in invitation. Hermione swallowed nervously as she looked at me.

"It's not that important, really." She murmured slowly. I mentally rolled my eyes.

"It was a few moments ago." I replied dryly. "Besides I need help with my…um…" Think Draco think! "Ancient Runes thing…"

"Essay?" she supplied still sounding wary.

"That's it" I smiled. And now swallow my pride. "And you are the best." She couldn't help but smile at that as I knew she would. Merlin she's got a great smile. And for once it's directed at me.

The Weasle huffed and crossed his arms high on his chest and jutted out his chin looking like that 'Grumpy' guy from the muggle fairytale we had to read in muggle studies, Ice Whiteor something... Really, muggles have pathetic imaginations. Their stories are so predictable.

Hermione reluctantly moved to the door at a painfully slow pace. Feeling impatient I moved quickly up behind her till I was pressed up against her back. Jumping slightly at the contact she shot out through the portrait, me hot on her heels.

"So Hermione, what did you need to study?" I asked easily catching up to her.

"Oh um." She started and I could practically see her brain trying to come up with something believable.

"Don't worry Granger. I knew it was because you just wanted to spend time with me."I smirked waiting for her reaction. I was not disappointed. Hermione looked at me aghast, a gentle blush colouring her otherwise creamy complexion, and actually stopped walking.

"I did not!" She cried indignantly. "I just wanted to get out of there!" I grinned at her and she gasped realizing her mistake.

"Not comfortable being close to us Slytherins Darling?" I asked innocently stepping in front of her so she couldn't walk away. She glared defiantly up at me and for a moment I had a flashback to 5th year when I had taken points off her for being muggleborn. Same girl. He thought with a smile. Hotter on the outside but just as difficult on the inside.

"Look Malfoy I don't know what game you're playing here but I won't be part of it. Now I will help you with your essay on one condition." She huffed. I raised an eyebrow waiting.

"You sit on the opposite side of the table." I did roll my eyes this time. "And you don't say anything that's not to do with the essay."

"That's 2 conditions" I cut in. She raised her chin a little higher.

"That's my best offer. Take it or leave it."

I let out an exaggerated sigh. Waving my arm lazily in the direction of the library I said with a long suffering tone "Ladies first than Hermione."

She gave me a look of utter distrust as she moved passed me and glared when I chuckled.

This should be interesting. No one would be in the library at 4pm on a Friday. Round 1 to me.

Review Review Review! And tell me how fast you want this story to go! I promise more than one kiss coming up very soon *grins evilly* so hang in there!