A/N: Oh my goodness, I know, I'M SO SORRY! It's been too long, and this chapter isn't long... :( If I was being completely honest, I would have to say I am losing my vision for this story- I have a million things going on, and can't keep track of anything! Anyone have any ideas that they would love to see played out? I would love to hear what you guys think should happen next. I am also not planning on this story being super long, and already am entertaining an idea for another story... :) One at a time!

Anyways, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE AMAZING REVIEWS! It does well for my heart (and ego) to see all the wonderful things you all wrote to me. :)

ebm56- I was so surprised when you reviewed, because I have been reading the stories out of your favorite's list for the past few weeks! You are fantastic, and so sweet! :)

karmonblake- Thank you! Glad you like the Harry/Draco relationship. I know they've always been enemies, yada yada yada, but in my story, I wanted Draco to be so shaken up by the war and the loss of EVERYTHING that he realized what was important and really changed. :)

LadyNorth76, personofnoconcern3000- THANK YOU for the kind words :) I'm sorry I didn't update sooner, I really wish I had!

Now that you all know how extremely thankful I am for the feedback, onto the main event!

And don't forget to review for this chapter! :)

JKR owns everything. FYI.

Chapter Six- The Difficulty of Naming Chapters

After casting a lengthening charm on the jeans, Draco pulled them on, surprised at the way they fit. Slipping the black tee shirt over his head, he ran a hand through his hair and made his way back into the living room to where Harry and Hermione were sitting, their heads close together, speaking in quiet tones.

Draco watched the two of them together, a pang of envy hammering around inside his ribcage. He couldn't tell if his reaction was because of the fact he had no relationship that resembled Harry and Hermione's friendship, or if it was jealousy at how close Harry was sitting to her.

His eyes met hers as she turned, something fiery in their depths. Draco marveled at how open her eyes were; he could see every emotion she felt in a moment in those big doe eyes. It made him warm to think she let him in, let him see her as she really was.

Harry stood, the movement breaking their eye contact. Hermione blinked quickly and stood as well, smoothing her shirt and twisting her curly hair around a finger. Harry smiled tentatively at Draco. "Ready to go, Malfoy?"

Draco recognized Harry's olive branch, and after a moment's hesitation, decided to accept. It would be nice to have some kind of relationship with someone real. This was his last chance.

He nodded, meeting Hermione's eyes again. She smiled at him, a smile that lit up the entire room. She really was beautiful, and in that moment Draco knew something was stirring in the depths of his heart, something he had never felt before this moment.

They flooed to the Leaky Cauldron, greeted with the familiar sight of Tom wiping the bar down; he glanced up when they appeared, and grinned broadly when he saw Harry and Hermione. "Mr. Potter and Miss Granger! How are you two doin'?"

Harry and Hermione smiled and went through the usual pleasantries with Tom. Draco zoned out and let his eyes wander the homey pub. It was smaller than he remembered, but he hadn't been here since his second year. He had always thought of the Leaky Cauldron as a dirty place for old, toothless wizards to come get drunk, but being there after the war Draco saw a completely different place.

The room was dimly lit, with only a few patrons at this hour. Most were eating an early lunch, with no alcohol in sight. A small child played on the hearth by the cheery fire, while his mother (Draco assumed) was writing a letter at the table nearby, pausing to glance at her son and smile fondly.

Draco was snapped out of his thoughts by a small, warm hand slipping into his. He looked down quickly, tensing, when he saw Hermione's bright eyes looking at him curiously.

"Draco, are you alright?" Her thumb suddenly stroked the back of his hand, and he quickly took a step back, breaking the contact. He swallowed, unsure of what Hermione was doing. "I'm fine, Granger." He replied shortly, his eyes moving to Harry's face, who was watching the exchange thoughtfully.

Hermione pulled her hand to her chest, her eyes clouding for a second before they cleared; something in them was different, Draco noticed. She turned on her heel and started walking out the back door, towards the brick wall. "Good, then let's get moving. I've got errands to run." Her voice was firm, with only a slight waver at the end.

Her wand moved quickly over the correct bricks, and soon she was walking through the entryway of Diagon Alley, Harry and Draco following.

Harry's green eyes were serious when he looked at Draco, walking beside him. "You hurt her feelings, you know." Harry shook his head. "You're on your own, Malfoy. Hermione doesn't need my help anymore when it comes to this." With that, Harry caught up to Hermione, asking her where she was heading first.

Draco felt confused. What had Harry meant with that cryptic message? Okay, she he had hurt her feelings. What was he supposed to do, apologize? Malfoys just don't do that; they were above such things! You're the last Malfoy a voice whispered, you can do whatever you want.

He did want to fix this. If Draco was completely honest with himself, there was something about Hermione Granger, Gryffindor know-it-all and friend to the Boy Who Lived. He had always felt drawn to her, and the fact that his father wanted him to keep an eye on Harry Potter helped him cover up his interest in his bushy-haired friend.

Being a muggleborn, Draco was immediately upset about his awareness of the girl in school. He tried being cruel, keeping up appearances and attempting to rid himself of these un-Malfoyish feelings, to no avail.

It wasn't a crush or an attraction during Hogwarts, more of an urge to know her better. Their differences were just too great, and his pride too monstrous, so Draco was horrible to her and her friends. He had to deny himself what he wanted, which was very rare (Malfoys always get what they want) and was incredibly frustrated.

The war had taken a lot out of him.

And now, after school, he had been saved by his secret obsession, was currently residing in her home, and was becoming increasingly attracted to her.

Draco felt as if he was spiraling out of control.