A/N: This chapter cracks me up to no end. I've been wanting to write this scene for a while. it was the inspiration for this story, to tell the truth. Its short but funny. So this chapter's reccommended song is funny too. It works! :)

Summary: In 6th year when Hermione discovers that Harry's baseless acusations about Malfoy are more true than she had anticipated, she goes to Dumbledore who stages Draco's death and sends him into hiding. But thats not where her part ends. Dumbledore expects her to tutor him on the 6th year material. Left with more time together alone then ever before, they begin to see things differently, in this, the prelude to their end.

Chapter 6: Its Been One Week Since You Looked At Me

Hermione looked nervously at the very familiar fireplace in dumbledore's office. Harry, Ron and Ginny stood next to her, each adjusting their heavy loads to go through the floo system for the holiday.

Hermione just stared at it. She could think of a million reasons why this was a bad idea, yet, she imagined, Dumbledore had a peculiar sense of humor. But she was a Gryffindor for heaven's sake! Her hands shouldn't be getting clammy at a little trip through the floo.

It wasn't just any trip through the floo, however. Hermione would be a fool to think that what they were about to encounter wouldn't strain their friendship. Lord already knows she was at her wits end with Ron. She just hoped that Malfoy wouldn't make it worse by opening his big mouth.

"Hermione? Are you alright?" Ginny's sorrel eyes peered at her curiously.

"Yes, just anxious about not seeing my parents." She lied quickly.

It was when she saw Ron's flaming hair swirl in the green flames and dissapear did she realize that both boys had gone through without her.

Oh no! She let out an undignified squawk and leap into the floo after them.

She arrived, tumbling unceremoniously onto the kitchen floor, just in time to hear a loud bang. When she regained her balance she noticed the situation in the room had quite degenerated. Malfoy was cowered behind a chair clutching his wand tightly, and Harry was livid. He stood in a battle stance, wand in front of him. Ron was similarly red faced and prepared for a fight.

Molly Weasley ran into the kitchen with her wand raised.

"What in the name of Merlin is going on here?" Mrs. Weasley she nearly screeched.

Harry wheeled around to face her. "What the hell is he doing here!" he gestured wildly in the direction of Malfoy, who was still trying to look inconspicuous.

"The Prophet said he was dead!" Ron pitched in, not taking his eyes off of the chair Malfoy was behind.

Malfoy seemed to regain his voice when he spotted Hermione.

"I thought you said they weren't going to kill me, Granger."

Hermione let out an indignant huff.

"You're not dead. And besides, this is your fault. You knew we were coming today, and I told you to steer clear of the kitchen until we could explain it to them first. And what do you do? You never listen."

Ron turned angrily toward her, "What are you talking about? You knew and you didn't tell us?"

"Of course I knew, Ronald. Where do you think I was going all this time?" She crossed her arms and frowned at him. "He's in hiding from Voldemort, and dumbledore asked me to help him continue his studies because he isn't of age yet."

"So you've...you've been spending all this time around Malfoy, alone? Have you snogged him yet?" Ron fumed angrily.

"Don't be ridiculous, Ronald!"

Harry simply looked hurt, "How could you, Hermione?"

Mrs. Weasley piped up from her place by the door. "She was sworn to secrecy by Dumbledore. As were we all."

While this had silenced both Ron and Harry, it didn't silence their thoughts. Mrs. Weasley ushered them out of the kitchen, and they both looked back at her with silent fury. Ginny, who had appeared behind her at some point and had been present for the entire exchange, finally piped up.

"Its okay Hermione, they're just being childish. I understand that what Dumbledore says, goes, even if we don't like it." Ginny touched her shoulder and followed the rest out of the kitchen.

By this point Draco had stood up and was digging through the cupboards for some food, an activity which had been so rudely interuppted. Hermione glared at him as he had his hand buried deep in a cupboard.

"Do you have anything to say for yourself?" she said angrily.

He at least had enough decency to look contrite, even if he wouldn't say it.

"I was hungry."

Hermione was livid. "I may very well have lost my friendships with them, because you were hungry!"

He shrugged, not looking at her, by this point had dug out enough food to start on a sandwich.

"Can you pass me one of those bananas?" he asked nonchalantly.

"Sure." she said in a sickly sweet tone. She walked over to the fruit bowl that was sitting so innocently on the table and picked up a banana...

...Which she proceeded to throw at him, hard. It made a satisfying THWAP! on the side of his face as she stormed out.

"What the hell Granger! Granger?" she ignored his indignant cries.

"How can I help it if I think you're funny when you're mad?
Trying hard not to smile though I feel bad
I'm the kind of guy who laughs at a funeral
Can't understand what I mean? Well, you soon will
I have a tendency to wear my mind on my sleeve
I have a history of taking off my shirt"

One Week, Barenaked Ladies