Ginny was not in a good mood. Harry was striding ahead of her, smelling his delicious fresh scent somewhat like fresh pine trees. She wanted to run her hands through his thick raven tresses and feel the smoothness but somehow rough texture. She wanted to put her hand on his compact chest, and feel his heart thumping inside him. She wanted to feel his strong arms surrounded her, embrace her, and keep her safe and loved and away from her harsh life.

And most of all she wanted those lips on hers. She wanted to fill the electricity, the life Harry carried around with him, flow into her. She wanted to taste him, feel him, and love him.

She wanted him to love her as well.

Malfoy even wanted him to love her. Malfoy was going to pay Ginny lots of money. He was going to promise her safety, and a big mansion to live in. If she got Harry to forget about Hermione.

You'd think it'd be easy, wouldn't you? Ginny Weasley had it all: The perfect welcoming family, the long straight blood red hair, the slim but shapely figure, the fun-loving attitude. Always smiling. Always willing to give, and never get back. She wore the right clothes, she knew that for sure. She'd seen the boys looking at her.

And sure, she was a little foolish, and she didn't get top grades. And when it came to facing up to You-Know-Who, she didn't have much talent. And, okay, she couldn't cook (Or make a slice of toast) without setting the kitchen of fire but she would be good for Harry Potter.

If he would only let her in.

What the hell was so good about Hermione Granger anyway? Her hair was frizzy, her eyes plain, and her forehead too big (Maybe because of the big brain inside it). Hermione was moody, selfish, and a book worm. She was, in all ways, boring and dull, and not worth a second look. The clothes Hermione wore! The colour brown, all the time. Long skirts, or pants and blouses buttoned up to the neck. If she was feeling particularly daring, she'd wear a tee shirt. A baggy, unflattering one.

And yet Ginny was terribly jealous of her.

She had everything Ginny wanted. She had her place in the Golden Trio. She was a hero in her own way. She was admired. She was a prefect and would probably be Head Girl next year. She had brains. She had done splendid in all her OWLS. Everything that Ginny didn't have, Hermione had.

She even had Draco Malfoy in love with her although Ginny wouldn't exactly die to be in Hermione's current place as his slave. Ginny knew that now Hermione would receive riches beyond her dreams, different outfits for every occasion and a different jewel every hour to add to her collection.

And Hermione would have Draco Malfoy. No matter how much of a git he was, he was still outside the limits of sexy. He dressed well, had money, and was in deep pure love for Hermione.

And Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, The boy destined to kill Voldemort, was her best friend and only had eyes for her.

So now you see how Ginny was feeling. Terribly jealous.

Which perhaps was why, when Malfoy offered her money to get Harry Potter to fall in love with her and forget about Hermione, she accepted so easily. In normal situations, she wouldn't have bargained with Malfoy knowing it was somewhat like selling your soul to the devil.

*

Food!

Hermione, almost with joy, spooned everything onto her plate. The house elves were more than generous with their food. They didn't treat her like a slave. When she had asked where the food was, they had treated her with outmost respect and politeness. It was strange to her now. Alien. From a different world. Her different life. But she liked it a lot.

Food was so plentiful now. She hadn't ate some decent food in so long. She only ate the slave stew twice, normally giving it to Laura or one of her friends. And after the "Lucius" event, she had barely ate anything at all.

So her jaw had dropped when she had seen the plates of food laid out in front of her, all colours of the rainbow. The smell wafted upon her, reminding her of the Great hall at Hogwarts. It was a happy festive smell and one that brought a smile to her face.

One could never deny the power of food upon a unhappy person.

*

"Harry," called Ginny.

He turned.

"Harry," she said again, but weaker this time. This was "Act Number 1."

"Ginny, are you alright?" Harry asked, frowning.

She nearly smiled at his concern. Sweet, innocent, stupid Harry. "Oh Harry," she said, her voice soft and sensual. "I-I am so scared," she looked at him with tearful blue eyes. She could just imagine herself there, standing in the moonlight, auburn hair flooding her shoulders, eyes glittering, small, slim, and weak.

A damsel in distress. How could Harry Potter, the hero, resist?

Sure enough he took the bait.

"Oh Ginny," He whispered, and stepped closer to her, laying one gentle hand on her shoulder.

Okay, she thought fiercely to herself, Now. She flung herself into his open arms, and pressed her head into his smooth and defined chest. She felt him react slowly. He was surprised, of course, but he wasn't pushing her away.

Oh how she dreamed of his strong arms around her. His scent was even more noticeable here and she inhaled him lovingly. He was so fresh, boyish, tough but with a gentle touch. She melted in the heat that radiated off him, and folded into him, moulding her shape even closer into his, until they were practically one.

Rub my hair, she told him gently. Whisper into my ear. But he didn't. He simply stood there, awkwardly and Ginny could hear him wondering what the hell to do.

She could overcome this obstacle too. Shaking her shoulders slightly, she made a soft whimpering soft, like that of a lost child, alerting him that she was 'Crying'.

Slowly and carefully, he wrapped his arm around her and used his other hand to brush a bit of her hair back from her face. Tenderly. Ginny felt a chill run down her back at this close contact. Around them, the forest was quiet and every nerve of Ginny's body felt alive. She was tingling and her knees felt weak. This was the reaction Harry had on her. This was why they should be together forever.

They stood for a while. Her pretending to cry until she couldn't do it much longer and then they just stood in a beautiful silence.

Finally Harry spoke. "Ginny, are you okay now?"

She looked up at him and was startled by the expression of his face. It was gentle, yeah, but not loving. No, she considered, it looked more like a brotherly expression. The kind Ron wore when he saw her ankle was broken. The kind Percy wore when she wasn't studying and she should have been. The kind the twins wore when she had just ate one of their sweets by accident.

"It's just," said Harry, still in his careful voice, "We, er, really need to get going."

She nodded and he released her almost instantly. He didn't hesitate to stride ahead of her once more, leaving Ginny behind to think, Damn!

*

"Come on," Pansy urged. Draco looked at her, considering. Since he was in such a good mood now (Thanks to Hermione's little display of being nice) why not? Plus, even if he did only admit this to himself, he was hungry.

He strolled down the stairs and found Hermione was already sitting down. Happiness shone in her eyes and a smile played at her lips. It took him a minute he realise why. She was eating and house elves were around her and she was chatting to them.

"But you see, if you were free…" She was saying. The house elves looked very worried indeed. Draco laughed and she looked at him, startled. She really hadn't chanced that much. He had heard of her attempts to free the house elves.

Although her face didn't totally drop when she saw, the happiness seemed to melt from her eyes. She held onto her smile though and said, "Hello."

He offered her a greeting and sat down opposite her. Pansy sat and started dishing herself out some food. The house elves scattered away and Hermione looked at their retreating backs with regret.

Then she began to eat.

A silence hung over the air. Slowly the three famished stomach belonging to the three silent teenagers became full and they all leaned back in their chairs, relaxed.

Pansy looked at Draco then Hermione. He could feel her eyes on him. Finally he turned and asked her gracefully, "Pansy? What is it that you want?"

She smiled slowly and caught Hermione's eye. "Let's go out," She said.

*

"Hermione? Could you come here for a second?"

Hermione walked over to meet Pansy. Pansy threw her some clothes.

"Try these on," She insisted, after looking at Hermione's blank face, "Seriously, you'll look great."

Hermione was too tired to object. It was only when she was in the bathroom, changing, that she realised, "Pansy! These are muggle clothes!"

"Of course," Pansy said patiently, "What do you think we're going to wear? Dress robes?"

"Where exactly are we going?"

"Muggle Night-club," Pansy said, "Now get a move on!"

"What? A Muggle Night-club? What? Why?"

"Wizarding Night-clubs are boring. Believe me, all the old wizards and witches hang out there. Seriously! I once saw Dumbledore there!"

"Does Draco know we're going to a Muggle Night-club yet?"

"Yeah, we used to always go before, you know, Voldemort took over. Are you aware of you just called him Draco again?"

Hermione didn't answer and looked through the different outfits of Pansy. She discarded the two short skirts, snorted at the low cut top, and, because she didn't really care, she picked a top and trousers at random.

When she stepped out, Pansy glanced at her and shook her head, "Please, Hermione, you could at least make an effort. Those black pants are too big for you. They make you look fat. And that top is not flattering at all."

"I don't care," Hermione said flatly.

Pansy ran around for a while. Picking up various outfits and dropping them again. Finally she came up with it, the outfit Hermione would be in for the night. Even Hermione had to admit it wasn't too bad. It was a dress, but not a short tight one like the one Pansy was sporting. Instead this was lose, but not baggy, not short but definitely not long and pretty but not attention seeking.

It was white, made out of cotton and stopped right above her knee, leaving a little bit of her pale legs showing but nothing else. Hermione liked it and when she put it on, it seemed to fit her like a second skin.

Something about looking nice set off a smile and when Hermione looked in the mirror, she didn't flinch, which was something of an unusual event for her now.

"Come on," Pansy said, pushing her into a sit, "Let me do your hair."

And Hermione let her.

Because it blocked out the pain.

*

There was another thing that blocked out her pain also. Loud, head wrecking music. With music that loud she couldn't think, yet alone feel pain. So instead she let herself be carried away.

Hermione had never been to a night-club before. When her summer holidays came away from Hogwarts she always spent her time reading, doing homework or spending quality time with her parents. She had never felt the need to go to one either but now that she was here, she was quite enjoying herself.

She looked nice. She knew it because when Draco had seen her, he had smiled and there had been something that had flared in his eyes. Then again he was in love with her.

The night-club wasn't that big, but there was sure a lot of people squeezed together. The loud dance music vibrated through the ground, making Hermione feel like she was part of a massive heart beat. Bodies brushed against her sides as she stood there and the smell of sweat, smoke, and alcohol was overwhelming. Strange lights swung around in the darkness and Hermione felt like she had stepped into another world, away from the pain and suffering that had surrounded her for so long.

"Come on," Pansy screamed, "Let's dance!"

So Hermione danced.

She was very careful not to look at Draco, in case he ruined her time of not-thinking-about-anything. She danced for a long while, but as she was not so used to Night-clubs, she soon became tired and thirsty.

"I'm getting a drink!" she yelled to Pansy.

"I'll go with you!" Draco said, his voice barely audible over the music.

"No, no thank you," When she felt a hand pull her back, she turned and looked into steely grey eyes and told him, "Look, Draco, I'm not going to try and escape. I got it. I lost the game. I only want a drink."

There was a pause and then he let her go. She nodded, and began dragging herself through the crowd. She could practically feel his eyes pouring into her back. She ordered herself vodka and lemon, feeling daring. She had never drank Muggle drink before and she was curious. She knew it was illegal but Hermione did not care.

After taking a sip of the drink though, she changed her mind, and ordered a non-alcoholic beverage instead. She finished drinking her drink at the little miniature bar, resting her poor feet that had been squeezed into one of Pansy's high shoes. When she turned to leave, she noticed a guy was looking at her with interest.

Suddenly Hermione was very aware of the little bit of skin she had showing. He was looking her up and down, his eyes approvingly. And for some Un mundane reason, Hermione didn't mind. Maybe it was because she could feel Draco's eyes on her. Maybe it was because she had changed. But she flashed him a smile. And when the boy came over, Hermione didn't run away.

"Hi," said the boy, "The name's Aaron."

She laughed, well giggled, sounding something like Lavender Brown used to when Ron had just uttered one of his jokes. "The name's Hermione," she said.

"Want to dance?" he offered.

Why not?

"Okay."

So she danced, not too close to him, but close enough so she knew Draco would be watching. And why was she doing this? Because it was fun.

Aaron was nice. He had blonde hair, brown eyes, and a slightly confused expression which made Hermione wonder how low the boy's IQ was. But he was friendly and he had a cute smile. His skin wasn't the best, so Hermione knew he wasn't a wizard. Any wizard would have cast a clearing charm on those spots.

She was caught by surprise was Aaron leaned in to kiss her.

She wouldn't have liked to kiss him. She didn't know him well enough. She was aware many girls just let strange boys kiss them at places like these but Hermione was not one of those girls.

But she didn't have to end up rejecting him anyway.

Why?

Because of Draco Malfoy.

WHAM!

He must have been watching them very closely because before poor Aaron's lips could even touch hers, he was sprawled on the ground, his cheek aflame from where Draco's fist had made contact.

Draco stood beside her, breathing heavily, glaring at Aaron. His fist was still held as if to punch him again.

Aaron looked from Draco's angry face to Hermione's.

"Who's he?" Aaron demanded, eye's wide.

"He's my, er, Brother," She answered hastily.

"Boyfriend," Draco put in roughly.

Pansy decided she hadn't spoke for a while and quipped, "Oh, they're just the same run-of-the-mill enemies that try to kill each other every now and then."

Most people had gathered around Aaron, Draco and Hermione, expecting a fight. Now everyone turned to Pansy with wide eyes, as if she was crazy.

"I think it may be time to go," Draco said slowly.

Hermione nodded eagerly.

Pansy led the way, with Draco following, holding onto Hermione's wrist.

"Call me!" Aaron shouted, still sprawled out on the ground.

Hermione didn't bother to remind him that he hadn't given her a number and waved at him. Draco gave a extra strong tug and Aaron was put out of sight by some dancers. Once they were outside, Hermione remembered what fresh air felt like and inhaled deeply.

Pansy smiled brightly and said, "Now, wasn't that fun?"

Neither Draco nor Hermione answered.

*

A/n- Now I know there isn't much going on in this chapter. Honestly I just wrote it because I wanted to have a shower, but the dishwasher was on, so I had to wait (or have a very cold shower) Honestly, it's just Ginny's plan unravelling, and Hermione and Draco getting a bit of a rest. I wanted at least one chapter in which Hermione didn't cry, and *gasp* smiled! I've just finished this chapter now, (At 17:12) and I'm going to have my shower (If the dishwasher's finished) and put this up after 6pm.

There's even a teeny bit of humour in this chapter. I'm not saying it's funny, but it's not angsty. I must be in a good mood. I don't know why.

And to all who are having a holiday or midterm now this week, have a great time!

Dedications:

My people:

To all my camping friends, although none of you will read this: I'm glad you had a good camping trip! I'm sorry I couldn't come when I promised I would! Seriously! It's not my fault I nearly fainted on Monday for no apparent reason!

To John, who'll also never read this: Stop going on about yourself. Nobody cares.

To Jes who'll also never read this: Don't be weak. Give up the fags! Well done in the tests!

To Tara who'll also never read this: Congrats to not cracking under pressure yet in fifth year! You deserve our midterm more than anybody else!

My Reviewers:

Danishgirl – Thanks very much! Yeah, I know what you mean and I'm very grateful!

Malfoy Elf –Yeah, I wrote the poem! Hehe, poor Neville! Thanks!

Soccergirl2044 – Hehe, Nobody really likes Neville! Thank you!

Pearls – Thanks very much for reading my whole story! Thanks! I try to get people to feel for the characters so I love when people say so. Thanks very much!

AeroDyna – Thanks very much! What a lovely review to read!

Miss Potter – Thanks! I'll check your stuff out soon (Once I have the time)

Koishii-Glory – Thank you very much! I liked the ending too!

Mashedpotatoe – I know my story's weird! I can't believe how weird it is! Thanks!

Unhealthily-Obsessed – Yeah, evil Ginny. I never really liked her! But as you can see is this chappie, she's not too evil! Not Draco Malfoy evil!

Lady Narcissa Malfoy – Thanks for reading my story! What do you think of your son now? Hehe, You'll come in soon enough.

Iridescentwings – Thanks! Glad you like it! I feel the same way bout Draco as you do!

CompellingGold – Pansy was happy cos Hermione was nice to Draco. Then again maybe she will be evil. We'll see, eh? Hope you didn't do too bad with your test! Thanks for liking the story!

Tanith Devika – You're probably the only person I know who likes cliffies. See, to me love is a sudden thing. That's kinda the deal with this story. I don't like when Draco falls in love with Draco and is suddenly all "Nice". Thanks for liking the story!

Tiqa – Thank you very much!!!

Hotaru420 – I'm very honoured you like it that much! Thanks!

Rhiannon40 – No, she actually thinks she's pregnant! Thanks for the review!

Heather – Thank you! Nice review!

Ardent Entity – Nice to see you back, girl! Of course all your reviews were hilarious and I enjoyed them all immensely! Update you story soon!

Someone – I doubt it'll be that easy! Thanks for the review!

Squorpionlady – Thanks for the review! You are special!

Tom4eva – Thanks! You make me smile!

Happigolucky616 – Thank you loads!

Crazy_poet – Cheers! The pairing could go either way, I dunno!

Demon Of Fear – I live to surprise! Thanks! Pansy – Human. Don't ask me where or why I came up with that one! And no comment on Neville! Hehe!

Padfootsknightingale – Thanks for the review! It means so much to me!

MoonWonderer – Thanks for the questions, of which you'll only get the answers if you keep reading! Hehe! Thanks!

Only Magic Frogs Fly – LOL – Yep, school's a pain! Thanks for the review!

American Wings – thanks for the review! Glad you like some bits! I like your honesty! Don't worry, Ginny's annoying but she won't have a major part anyway!

Heath Lover – yeah, Heath and Orloando are very fine! Glad you liked the Neville twist! Bit at the start was written by me! Thanks! Ginny's not a little angel so I don't think she should be portrayed as one! Pansy will have a couple of more parts, I think, but I'm not really sure! I don't think Hermione loves Draco just yet! And I'll try get more action! I'll get around to your stories when I have time! I'm way too busy at the mo for anything!

Couch-Potatoe01 – Glad you didn't know that one! I didn't even think of Neville until I wrote it and then I was like: Where did that come out of? Thanks for the great reviews from you! I love reading them from you! You're so honest which is really great!

Sara_D – thanks for the patience! Life's annoying!

SquorpionLady – Hi again! Thanks again! Hehe!

Sapphire Teresa – Thanks for the lovely review! Means a hell of a lot!

S_A_K_U_R_A22 – Thanks for the review! Tis wonderful!

Burgundyred – Thank you! Glad you liked the story!

Dirty Angel – Thanks very much! I like your stories very much as well!