A/N: Not too pleased with the breakup, I think it's okay, but I couldn't really think of another way for it to happen. This chapter took me a long time to write. The next one probably will too, I've been busy because one of my best friend's is leaving in a week for two years, with no communication except the occasional letter. I won't be allowed to see him for two years so bare with me because I might not be in the best shape to get any writing done once he leaves. Thank you to all the kind reviews so far, and thank you for everyone who has added this to their favourites and their alerts. It means a lot to know that people are actually enjoying my writing.

Disclaimer: The characters and everything do not beling to me. I just like to imagine them in an alternate ending ;)

"Ron, just leave me alone okay?" Hermione stormed into her common room screaming at the wizard who followed behind her, "You really can be an insensitive arse sometimes you know that?"

"Bloody hell Hermione what you sticking up for that ferret for anyway? He was a damn Death Eater Hermione, and he treated you like absolute shit!" Ron yelled back, "I know you like to give people the benefit of the doubt but this is bloody ridiculous!"

Hermione just stared at him, unwilling to believe what was coming from his mouth. She couldn't believe that Ron of all people could be so heartless. Especially after all that he has been through himself. "So are you trying to tell me that you don't even feel a little bit sorry for Malfoy? Are you trying to say that his mother deserved to die? Because if that's what you're trying to tell me then I don't think this," she waved her hands back and forth between them, "is going to work out at all."

Ron just stared at her before lowering his voice and stuttering, "are, are you b-breaking up with me?"

"Oh please! We both know it was going to happen soon, I know you don't feel that way about me Ron, we can barely kiss without it being uncomfortable. You're like my brother. What I'm trying to tell you is I don't even know if I can be friends with someone as heartless as yourself, or well the way you're acting right now." Hermione folded her arms across her chest. Ron stood in silence and looked down at his feet. The witch raised an eyebrow and asked, "Well?"

"I-I, gosh, I'm sorry Mione, you know I don't actually mean that. I do feel a bit bad for the bloke, really. I, well, I guess I just can't get over how bad he treated you all those years," he finally stammered. "I mean, it does look strange, you sticking up for him an' all that."

Hermione walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I know Ron. A part of me still can't get over how he treated me as well, but I figured that since he's Head Boy, I might as well try to at least be able to cooperate with him," the witch told her friend. "Besides, he really has changed. If you haven't noticed, he doesn't have many friends Ron, he spends most of his time studying or doing his duties as Head Boy. And with everything that's been going on, he doesn't have anyone to talk to. It's rather depressing really," she added.

Ron looked up at her and smiled, "you always were one to see the best in people, I mean look at me, I'm bloody obnoxious and you still put up with me. If you say he's changed, then I'll trust you. Won't like it, but I'll try to keep an open mind. Plus he does need someone to talk to about all this, and who better than you." Hermione blushed, she did love Ron, he was really a sweet friend, but that's all he was and all he ever would be in her eyes. She sighed. "What's wrong?" Ron asked as he noticed her sudden solemn demeanour.

"I just wish things between us would have actually worked out. I mean, you're an amazing wizard, and even more amazing friend, but-"

"-but there's no spark," Ron finished for her, "don't worry, I feel exactly the same way. I guess I just didn't know how to bring it up. Didn't really want to believe it I guess," he finished as he ran his hands through his shaggy, ginger hair.

"I'm sorry" Hermione blushed as she looked at the ground. Ron lifted her chin with a finger and she stared into his eyes. He took a step closer to her, closing the distance. She lifted her face towards his, stretching up to reach his lips as he leant in to place a gentle kiss on her lips. However, they were only two inches apart before they both burst out laughing.

"I- I'm sorry, it's just too weird," Ron managed to say in between fits of laughter.

Hermione took a few breaths in a failed attempt to calm down. "It's okay, it was worth a shot," she finally replied.

The pair spent the next twenty minutes talking about everything that had been up to the past few weeks, seeing as how a week ago they were practically avoiding each other. Ron told her about Quidditch, while she told Ron about being Head Girl. Some of the stories they shared had them back on the floor in pain from laughing so hard, grabbing at the stitches in their sides.

During one particular round of hysterics, a voice interrupted them from the bottom of the staircase. "Sorry for not being a part of the joke but I really don't find anything that funny, particularly in the fact that it's keeping Miss Granger from her patrol which starts in…" Draco dramatically looked at his watch, "well, five minutes ago."

Ron stood up about to open his mouth before Hermione pushed him aside, "it's okay Ron, you should probably get going anyway, Malfoy is right. Don't want me to dock off any house points do you?" she joked.

Ron just nodded and made his way back to his common room while Hermione quickly ran up to her room to grab a few things for her patrol that night. As she was about to leave with Draco he stopped her for a moment.

"You alright?" he asked her.

"Mm? Yeah, why?" she furrowed her brow at his question.

Draco looked at her as if she had said something completely ridiculous, "well I heard you and the wease- er Ron, broke up. Why else of course?"

"Oh. That. Yeah, it wasn't working for either of us. It was bound to happen, just all depended on who bucked up the courage to finally do it," she told him, as if completely brushing it off nonchalantly.

Draco snorted, "well of course Weasley would be too much of a coward. You can be outright terrifying Granger."

"Hey!" she retorted.

"Don't think I've forgotten when you broke my nose in third year," he reminded her with a small laugh. She rolled her eyes in response as she brushed by him and opened the door. "Oh come on, it's good to laugh at your past once in a while," he added.

Hermione stopped and turned around to face him. "Sorry if I don't find certain memories of you very funny, especially one's that seem to keep Mr. Malfoy from his patrol," she mocked him with a smirk and left the room not even waiting for a reply.

The next morning was a Saturday. The first Saturday that would include a trip to Hogsmeade in fact. Hermione woke up bright and early that morning in order to get ready for the day.

First, she went to her desk and made a list of things that she would need to buy. Of course there were the usual things such as treats, supplies for potions she may have run low on, food for Crookshanks, etc. But she also had a few other things she wanted to get that were usually kind of unusual to see her shop for. She needed to get a few new dresses, one in particular for the New Year's Ball. I'll need to ask Ginny for help with that she decided.

After finishing off her list, she grabbed her clothes for the day and laid them out on her bed. She grabbed a few things she needed for a shower and head down the hall to the shared lavatory. Why on earth do we only get one washroom? Honestly, this school is rather confusing when it comes to the structure of the building, even without the magic, probably more so. Hermione was lost in thought that she didn't even realise what she was doing. Next thing she knew she collided with something hard, smooth and wet. She stammered back to see what she walked into.

As her eyes focused and took in what, or who she bumped in to, her cheeks began to turn into the brightest shade of scarlet. Draco turned around and said something to Hermione but she couldn't hear, she was too shocked by the sight before her.

He stood in front of her with nothing but a towel around his waist, her eyes roamed his flat stomach, where she could see a faint trace of abs, but nothing too prominent. She never really liked too much muscle anyway. She stared at his chest noticing how much it has filled out, up his arms to his broad shoulders. Her mind became flustered as she came across his pale complexion and his smooth, pink, lips. They almost looked too inviting for anyone to refuse. As her eyes continued up his face she stared into his deep silver eyes and saw just how deep his soul had gone, and how much pain he had gone through over the years. She couldn't help but want to comfort him. She finally came to her senses as she saw one of his eyebrows raise. "Don't look at me like that Granger, I'm worth way more than to be a rebound after the weasel," he scoffed.

She shook her head, "oh sod off Malfoy." She ran into the bathroom before he could notice her face become redder than any of the Weasley's fiery locks.

As she showered she couldn't shake the image in her head of Draco's dripping body. What the hell has gotten over me? I can't possibly think that Malfoy is… well okay he IS gorgeous but I can't have feelings for him. She kept trying to reason why she was experiencing these reactions to him through the entire duration of her shower. It's 'cause I haven't had so much as a bloody kiss in almost a year. Ron doesn't count of course; it's just hormones she concluded as she turned off the water. Yeah, that's it.

After getting dressed she made her way towards the great hall to meet her friends for breakfast, reminding herself to ask Ginny for help getting a nice dress and some other clothes. As she walked over to where her friends were waiting she groaned at the thought of having to explain what happened between her and Ron. She desperately hoped Ron had told them already but her mind told her otherwise because she knew Ron would find any excuse to get out of that explanation.

Surprisingly though her wish came true as Ron came up to her. "It's okay, I already told them. They're not that surprised really," he told her, noticing the pained expression on her face. Hermione took a breath, unaware she had been holding it, as she sat down with her friends.

"So you heard the news…" she began, raising both her eyebrows, hoping to hear something positive escape her friends' mouths.

Ginny and Harry exchanged a glance before Harry finally blurted, "honestly, we both thought it was bloody strange, the two of you dating, we just didn't want to say anything. Thinking you two were actually, you know, in love." He smiled politely at his two best friends. Ginny nodded.

Hermione laughed, "Well, maybe if you had told us sooner we could have avoided this whole mess." The friends all laughed as they dug into their food.

After breakfast they waited in line in the hallway to hand their permission slips to McGonagall. The Weasley's were granted permission to sign Harry's papers while he was still in school. As they were waiting, they talked about all the past trips to Hogsmeade, how Harry had snuck out using his invisibility cloak during third year, that one scary year on their way back when they saved Katie Bell after being cursed, and all the sweets they had bought in the past, hoping some of their old favourites were still there. They then got on the topic of what they had to buy, and that's when Hermione remembered what she had really wanted to do there.

Ginny almost choked as Hermione dragged her down the hall. "Hermione! What the hell are ye doing?" she gasped at her friend.

"Quiet! I need to ask you a favour, but you can't tell anyone, okay?" Ginny nodded. "Alright, well we both know I'm horrid when it comes to shopping, for fashion that is. And well, I need a gown for the New Year's Ball, and I need your help to find one," the witch waited for a response.

"Of course, I need to get one too, but I don't get why this has to be a secret," but before she could continue Hermione had cut her off.

"It has to be a secret because of what I'm going to tell you next," she whispered. "Since I'm head girl, it is very important that I make a good impression, and well, I'm required to lead the dance," she stared at her friend before adding, "with Malfoy."

Ginny's eyes lit up with sudden apprehension on what her friend was saying, "And you want me to help you pick out a dress so stunning that not even Malfoy can make a rude remark?" Hermione sighed and nodded her head, thankful that her friend understood.

"Yes, and you can't tell anyone, because well, I'm not exactly sure I want anyone to know just yet. You can probably guess why," she rolled her eyes.

Ginny chuckled, "yeah, I doubt Ron and Harry would be too pleased," her mouth twisted into a wicked grin before adding, "unless you mean to tell me that you really want to impress Malfoy because you have a little crush," she finished by raising an eyebrow and folded her arms across her chest.

Hermione glared at her friend, "don't be ridiculous Ginny, gosh, sometimes you're just like Fred and George"

Ginny just laughed, putting an arm around Hermione they walked back to the boys as she said, "I'm kidding Hermione, and don't worry your secret's safe with me." She winked before running to Harry and jumping on his back, attempting a sneak attack, which wasn't so sneaky really because before she could jump on him, he turned around and locked his arms around her, constricting her arms against her body. He refused to let go until she gave him a kiss, which only lead to groans from Ron. Hermione shook her head as she laughed at her friends' typical reactions.

Ginny and Hermione escaped to go dress shopping while the boys decided to go look at some new Quidditch gear and then grab a table at The Three Broomsticks. They had no intentions of helping the girls shop for dresses, which was what the two witches had been counting on in the first place. After they finally found the perfect dress, and a few other things, they joined Harry and Ron for lunch and a butterbeer.

"So 'ave any of you decided if yur gun' dress up with me for 'alloween?" Ron asked, with his mouth full of chicken.

Ginny was the first to answer, "Don't you think we're a bit old to dress up for Halloween?" she asked as she looked to each of her friends. Harry was scratching the back of his head and Hermione was trying to avoid eye contact. "Oh come on! You're telling me that the three people who single-handedly saved the Wizarding World, who have been through more in the past two years than even some Aurors go through in their lifetime, are dressing up for Halloween?" the young witch scolded them.

The trio exchanged glances before erupting in laughter. "Ginny, even I like to have a little fun," Hermione chuckled, "and I'm supposed to be the serious one of the three."

"Come on Gin, it'll be fun," Harry pleaded, grabbing his girlfriend's hand.

Ginny looked at each of her friends before finally giving in with a sigh, "fine, but I'm not wearing some ridiculous costume you guys have come up with, okay? Now can we please change the subject?"

"What about that first Quidditch match coming up in two weeks?" Ron began. As Harry, Ginny and Ron began to go into deeper conversation about Quidditch, they lost Hermione. She knew the basics, but she was never interested enough to actually keep up with a conversation whenever her friends got like this. She rested her cheek in her hand as she pretended to be enjoying the conversation as she glanced around the room.

That's when she saw Draco sitting at the bar alone on the other side of the tavern. She mentioned to her friends she was just going to the washroom, not that they would have heard her really, and instead walked over to where the young Malfoy was sitting.

"How're you feeling?" Hermione asked cautiously as she slowly pulled a stool up next to him.

He took a sip of his butterbeer before turning to face her. She was taken aback as she saw suck a grave look in his eyes. He stared at her for a moment, unsure of what to say before he finally spoke, "You know, I get why you helped me a few days ago, but you really don't have to talk to me if you don't want to. I get it. You hate me. I can see it in your eyes." He went back to his drink and just stared at the wall in front of him.

She shook her head as she whispered, "Malfoy, I want to be here for you. Look, I, well, yes I should hate you. You treated me horribly, but you're the Head Boy. I feel like we should at least get along. Now, being Head Girl, I feel it is my duty to make sure my partner is physically and mentally okay, and I would hope the Head Boy would do the same for me." Hermione smiled. "Besides, I can tell you've changed," she added.

At that, he looked up at her, sorrow written all over his face. "I'm sorry," he told her, "I'm sorry for how I behaved. I'm sorry it's taken me this long to apologize, but I was embarrassed. I was embarrassed that I let the ridiculous notions of my father control my beliefs. I still am embarrassed. I'm ashamed that I let Voldemort control me the way he did. I never wanted that life, it was just kind of thrown upon me, and now my Mother, she's well, she's dead because of it." A tear escaped his eye as he quickly wiped away and faced the wall sipping on his drink again.

Hermione placed a hand on his arm, "It's okay, I understand. You were young. We can talk more later on if you'd like. I really should be getting back to my friends though." She smiled as she added, "You know where I live, so just knock on my door when you want to talk." Hermione got up to leave and smiled to herself as she swore she heard Malfoy whisper 'thank you' to her under his breath.

Once again, Draco spent the whole night lost in his thoughts, except this time, they weren't quite as upsetting as they had been the previous few nights. No, this time, his thoughts were filled with Hermione Granger and how kind she had been to him. He was surprised at how fast she accepted that he has changed.

I never thought that after all I had done to her; she would be the one trying to actually help me with something! Wow, this whole blood purity really was bullocks! She may be a muggle-born, but she's the smartest witch I know, and merlin knows she can handle herself in a duel, let alone an argument. He laughed at all the times she had outsmarted just about anyone in an argument, even if she really was wrong, she found a way to make her opponent think that they had no clue what they were talking about. She's also got a heart of gold! I wonder if that's the muggle side of her, maybe it keeps her grounded? He shook his head at that thought, sure it would make sense, but no, even if she was pure-blood she probably would still be this kind. It's not even a sickening kind of nice either though, probably because I know if I make one annoying comment she could rip my head off in a matter of seconds. He rubbed his nose as he remembered for the second time that week, the day she punched him.

Draco sat up in his bed because his thoughts were starting to give him a headache. He wanted to tell Hermione everything that happened. He knew she was right after all, they had to work together to perform their duties, so ultimately they had to look out for one another. He wanted her to know who he really was, not who his father made him seem to be.

Several times he considered walking down the hall and knocking on her door, but he knew better, she wouldn't be too pleased with that, no matter what the circumstance.

Unless you were there to shag her. His mind wickedly betrayed him as he tried to shake that thought out of his head.

It wasn't that he hadn't thought about that before. He was a man after all, and was practically living with the girl. It was only natural for those thoughts to cross his mind, especially seeing as how they already have so much tension and chemistry between them. I swear sometimes when we argue it's like the room is about to explode. It usually ends horribly though, maybe I'll have to change that.

He decided to go down to the common room to read for a bit. He had to take his mind off of things before he got any more ideas that would only end badly for him. He looked through all the books sighing as he realised he's read most of them before, or just wasn't really interested in reading the others. He decided he would try one of those muggle books Hermione was so keen on. Might be worth a good laugh or two he thought as he decided on a book that was about a rather small human and his friends that are sent on a quest by a wizard to destroy a certain ring.

He was right; he couldn't help but laugh at some of the things the muggles had thought of. The thought of elves being held in very high class was preposterous. Though despite some of the things that they had obviously gotten wrong about magic and the world that surrounds it, he thought the story was very intriguing. He made a promise to himself he would read the other two books when he had the spare time.

He looked at the time, it was five thirty, he decided to go up to his room and take a quick nap before having to get up for breakfast. He had a big day ahead of him; he needed as much rest as possible, because later that night he was going to talk to Hermione. He was also going to ask her to help him find out who his mother's murderer was. But for now, he shut his eyes and drifted off into a much needed, dreamless, sleep.

A/N: The next chapter will be a mix of things. Some laughs, some sweet moments, some arguing. All that fun stuff. Or well I hope that gets in the next chapter. Depends what my mood is when I write it.

Please, Read and Review :) I enjoy reading the feedback I get.