A/N Sooooooo, long time no update? I believe sooooo. Okay so a couple weeks. But I feel like I have to give it to you. But This is all I have written, I haven't written one work of chapter ten yet. So we'll see how it goes. I have written the third part to this trilogy though, it's a one shot, and the second part will be a very short story, or a one shot as well. I'm not sure of the ending...I changed it up a bit from the original way I wrote it, so I hope it's not too much. Read & Review please!

REVIEW REPLIES:
Meya-Slytherin: I know there are plenty of grammatical errors! Haha, I'm sorry, I try to do better, but sometimes I feel like...eh whatever, but I really have to pay more attention!

IndugentWriter: I completely and fully appriciate your lovely comments, thanks for reading

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Chapter Nine

Probability

The last week of the Christmas and New Year holiday went by in a whirlwind. Seventh year students made the most of what they would never have again. Soon though, new classes were approaching, and the second term of their major classes.

Hermione, Harry and Ron sat in the common room on a Sunday night, discussing the new term and the end of the year.

"Well," Hermione said as she took her new schedule from her bag, "I've heard the advanced levels of Arithmancy and Ancient Runes were excellent."

Ron and Harry looked at her, and then at each other.

"If you say so."

"Oh, and the new literature class seems good…"

"Literature class?" Harry said, confused.

"Yeah. It combines literature of muggle and magical authors from all different times." Hermione said, looking up.

"Sounds like nap time to me." Ron said, putting his feet up on the table.

"It's actually quite interesting. Plus, there's a trip to Greece in May."

"Greece?" Ron sat back up, intrigued, Harry listened closer as well.

"Don't get too excited. You need good marks in History of Magic, two teach recommendations, and your parent's permission. It's a very serious course."

"All that for extra work? Count me out. I'll be fine with my classes."

Hermione took his schedule in her hands and skimmed it, "Ron, these are all basic seventh year courses. You're not taking any extra classes?"

"Hermione, unlike you, I don't get my oxygen from books and homework." He joked.

"Yeah, Lavender has enough oxygen for the two of you anyway." Harry said.

Hermione looked up again, "Lavender?"

Ron looked at Harry, "Thanks so much." And then back at Hermione, "Yeah, uh, we're sort of…back together. I didn't tell you?"

"No." Hermione said shortly, "No you didn't." Ron looked at Harry nervously, he offered no support.

"Well that's fine. I'm off to the library. The literature class starts tomorrow afternoon." Hermione said as she gathered her things and exited the common room, "Goodnight."

Hermione was settled in the library within fifteen minutes. She had pulled out a few classic pieces by magical authors and brought her own muggle novels to compare them. To most if was dull work, but she could make it interesting in her own mind. Madam Pince had found her a few poetry books she was missing, and then stalked away. An hour had passed and Hermione was interrupted.

"I thought I'd find you here." Malfoy said approaching her.

Hermione looked up and rolled her eyes. "What can I do for you, besides be a verbal punching bag?"

"Actually I have a question." He said, sitting down across from her.

"Another? You know where we landed last time…"

"You're taking that literature class, right?"

Hermione nodded, "That's what you came to ask?"

"My mother is making me take it. But it could be interesting."

"Fantastic, I'm proud of you, is that all?"

Malfoy nodded, "Please, continue."

Hermione redirected her attention back to the book in front of her. When she realised he wasn't moving, she looked up again.

"Do you mind? You're sort of a distracting presence." She said, closing the book.

"Why, thank you."

"That wasn't a compliment," Hermione snapped.

"And you're rather tense." Malfoy scoffed.

"He's observant. At least it's something." She picked up her book again and propped it up in front of her face. Malfoy reached over the binding and pulled the book back.

"You've never been a good liar." He said.

"How would you know? You don't know me." Hermione said, snatching the book away.

"I know enough."

Hermione crossed her arms. "I'll bet."

"Fine," Malfoy stood up and began pacing the length of the table, "I know that you actually study, a lot. I know that half of the goody-goody first years worship at your feet…"

Hermione blushed and felt a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

"…I know that your parents pull teeth for a living…"

"How do you know my parents are dentists?"

He shrugged, "I have connections."

"In muggle dentistry?" she prodded, Malfoy ignored her.

"I know that you're too damn proud…"

Hermione raised a hand to interject, "Headstrong."

"Sure, And, I know the real reason you're angry is because Weasel and Brown are back together."

Hermione's smile faded, "That's not true."

Malfoy stopped pacing and leaned against a bookshelf, "I'll bet."

Hermione clenched her jaw in reply.

"See. I know you better than you thought."

Hermione took a deep breath, "I know you're not as cold as people say or thing. Not really. You feel just like everyone else, or at least you want to.

Malfoy stared down at her, she continued, looking up at him, "All those feelings that we feel at this age, I know you want to feel them too."

"Are you sure?"

Hermione shook her head, "Just a theory."

He stepped closer and leaned over the table, "And what would you be willing to put on the table in order to find out if it's true? Your image? Your reputation? Your friends?"

Hermione braved the storm, "Whatever I could wager wouldn't be enough." She said, shaking her head.

"But if it was," Malfoy continued cautiously, like walking on water, "Would you?"
She studied him. From his grey stare to his laugh lines, and the faint hair that was visible on his jaw. She had never taken the time to look closely before. And now she realised, she didn't know as much as she thought."

"I…I don't think I would have the courage to."

Malfoy shrugged, "You're in Gryffindor, wouldn't want to chance it?"

Hermione shook her head and looked down, feeling very worn out. The energy and emotions were draining to her.

"That's all life is you know. Chance, odds, probability. However you spin it." He sat down.

"You're a philosopher now?" Hermione asked, half joking.

"I try to be versatile. Looks good to the big guy sin the ministry, quidditch scouts."

"Quidditch scouts? You're considering a career in quidditch?" Hermione began laughing.

"What's so funny?"

"You! You, a professional quidditch player? Don't you have some Malfoy honour to uphold?"

"You seem to think a lot of Viktor Krum!"

"Oh, please Malfoy. Viktor Krum is hardy anything like you. At least you have a functioning brain."

"Was that a compliment? From Granger?"

Hermione stopped laughing, "No. I was just saying that you should aim higher." She felt another blush creeping up on her face as he gave her that same smirk.

Malfoy nodded, "You were just taken aback by my charm."

Hermione snorted, "I'll bet."

"Or you're afraid."

"Oh? Afraid of what?"

"You're afraid of the unexpected, what might or might not be around the corner."

Hermione turned back toward the table, "Why do you still presume to know me?"

"I thought I'd proved myself."

"Those are facts, Malfoy! Knowing facts and knowing a person are two completely different things. Anyone could know how much I study or that my parents are dentists or even that I'm a little proud sometimes. But they don't know who I am." She took a deep breath, trying to keep herself together. "And neither do you." She pulled her bag onto her shoulder."

"I'll bet."

Your mother was telling the truth when she told you gambling was wrong. You can loose everything. Your money, your friends, or your pride. It's too bad you would never listen to her. Usually you learn after you loose everything how stupid your decision to play was in the first place.

But, as new classes began, gambling wasn't the hot topic to the students. Winter holiday was over and no one wanted to return to their studies. Every teacher in every class gave the same speech. They impressed upon the seventh years the importance of their N.E.W.T exams and on the fifth years, their O.W.L exams. The morning classes were a blur and the only highlight to Hermione's day was the approaching afternoon. She had the second half of seventh year Arithmancy, advanced Ancient Runes, and the new literature class.

"Hey Granger." Malfoy said as he entered the classroom and passed Hermione, "Did you finish the Arithmancy work from before holiday?"

"Of course." She said sitting in a seat.

"Can I see it?"

"Malfoy, we have Arithmancy in less than three hours, you're telling me you haven't done it?"

He stepped aside as a few students filed in. "Well I did," he lied, "I just want to compare notes."

Hermione knew he was lying, "You really have to be more responsible. Besides, I don't have it with me."

Malfoy stepped back, feigning shock, "Granger, we have Arithmancy in less than three hours!"

She rolled her eyes, "You're funny."

"That's what they tell me."

"Fine. Maybe I'll help you after class." She turned to the front of the class as the teacher walked in. "Maybe."

He smirked and drifted to a seat on the other side of the room, "Fine."

"Don't get comfortable, students. We have assigned seats this term. You may all me Professor Dickson."

Their teacher was seemingly normal. She reminded Hermione of a young McGonnagal. She was in her late thirties, possibly, but like McGonnagal wore a tight bun in her hair. Hermione sat between Ginny and Neville, with Colin Creevey (and his camera) looming in the background. It was a small class, and most of the students were top in their houses. Susan Bones had returned in Hufflepuff.

Both Luna and Padma Patil sat nearby, closer to the rear of the room. Of course, Malfoy was in attendance, accompanied by Blaise Zambini, and Adele, much to Hermione's disappointment, as well as Zacharias Smith.

"I know you've already found your houses, and I would love to keep you with your friends, but I have decided on a seating plan and who you sit with will be your class partner." Professor Dickson pulled out a sheet from a drawer in her desk and began to call off names. She moves about the tables as she called names, "Miss Granger and Miss Lovegood, Miss bones and Mr. Smith, Miss Abbot and Miss Weasley, Mr. Creevey and Mr. Malfoy, Miss Locke and Mr. Zambini, and Finally Miss Patil and Mr. Longbottom."

The students all settled into their seats and spoke in whispers to their partners until Professor Dickson called their attention for another speech. A few students in back sank lower in their chairs as she began.

"This term, I will introduce or re-familiarize you with important pieces of Magical and Muggle Literature. We will study classic pieces such as Shakespeare's plays and Homer's epic poems. And as you know there will be a trip to Greece in May. I will also help you embrace character traits, writing techniques and themes of various pieces…"

"…so, having all that said, when you think the next dance should be?" Adele asked at the dance meeting that same evening.

Hermione sighed, Janice chimed, "Valentines day?"

Adele rolled her eyes, "What are we, twelve?"

"The second years are…" Malfoy said.

"Is there a point to all this? I have work to do." Hermione said anxiously.

"If you don't want to help then fine, go." Adele replied sharply.

"When did you become the leader Adele? This is a group effort." Hermione said, standing up.

"When I got sick you taking the lead with everything!"

"Jealous?"

"Hah! Of you?"

Malfoy leaned back in his chair, "I'm going to enjoy this."

"Fine," Hermione said, "I quit."

"What!?" Malfoy said boldly. "You can't just quit!"

"Oh I can't?" Hermione said, challenging him.

"No! You made an…unsigned promise when you applied for this!" he leaned forward again in his chair.

"I didn't apply for anything!" Hermione's voice rose, "I didn't even want this in the first place!" she began to quickly gather her things.

"You still can't quit!" Adele butted in.

"Oh yeah? Too bad." Hermione said and whisked her belongings away.

Adele slammed her fists on the table in fury, causing nearby shelves to hake. Madam Pince came around the corner, "If you have no more business here I suggest you leave!" she whispered tersely, "This is a library!"

"This meeting is officially over!" Adele said and gathered her things as she and Janice left.

"Don't worry about me." Malfoy mumbled as he surveyed the mess left by the girls, "I'll just clean up."

The next afternoon Hermione flew down the dorm room stairs, in a rush. The common room was empty; the whole house had already left for breakfast. Harry and Neville were coming up the stairs outside the tower as Hermione exited.

"Where were you?" Harry asked as the y met and started toward the astronomy tower.

"I overslept. There was a huge problem at the meeting last night, I quit." Hermione answered.

"You quit?" Hermione nodded, "Why?"

She shrugged, "Adele was driving me crazy."

"You're going to let one person interrupt your life?" Neville asked her.

"Well…no. Malfoy's no treat either, and it's not as if Janice and I are…good friends." She replied.

"Fair enough."

The three students climbed up to the top of the astronomy tower and got settled. Ron eventually came in with Lavender attached to his arm. Hermione tried to pay no attention and adverted her eyes while her heart practically broke. Ron had been a jerk. He acted as if what they discussed at the dance never happened.

"Hey Hermione," he said before class started, "Got an extra quill?"

"Why don't you ask Lavender, I'm sure she's have plenty to give." She plied frostily.

"What's your problem?"

"Nothing." She shook her head, "I'm fine." And she turned to the front of the class without another word.

After dinner, Hermione and Ginny stayed behind as Ginny got some notes from her classmates. What she was through, they started back toward the dorms.

"So," Ginny began, "You know about Lavender and by brother?"

"Oh yes." Hermione sighed, "Not like he told me. Harry let it slip. It makes me wonder if he was ever going to tell me at all."

The two girls came up the stairs, "I'm sure he would have…eventually."

Hermione smiled, "Thanks or trying."

"Anytime. Licorice wand." Ginny said to the portrait. She stepped in and Hermione stopped dead, before turning and shooting in the other direction.

"Hermione! Where are you going?" Ginny yelled down the hallway. It didn't help, Hermione was far gone. Ginny shrugged and entered the common room to see her brother in a heated exchange of…passion with a certain blonde student.

Hermione stomped down the corridors at a furious pace. She wasn't about to cry. She was too disgusted. Besides, Hermione Granger does not cry over a guy. Especially since she'd never actually been with him. The library was nearby when a person was in a hurry, and Hermione was there quickly. It was the only place she could think of to go. Only she didn't realise that she had been spotted by Malfoy and was being followed as she made her way to the rear of the library.

She pulled out a chair and slumped low with a million thoughts crossing her mind, and twice as many questions.

"Evening." Malfoy said, finally catching up, "How goes Granger?" he leaned against a shelf, facing her.

"Why must you always follow me?" she said.

"Follow you? I was not-"

"Oh, no, I'm sorry. Stalking is more your style, isn't it?"

"Re-lax Granger. Why are you so tense all the time?" He pulled up a chair across from her.

Hermione sat up and looked down. You're still angry, you won't cry. "It's nothing." She sighed. Don't cry.

Malfoy smirked, "Oh come on. As much as you hate me, you know I know the Granger pout."

Hermione didn't want to cry. She hated it. The way your eyes get all swollen if you held them back and your lips get red and your face blotchy. It wasn't pretty. And she hated Malfoy even more for making her want to cry, and making her feel like because she was with him it might be okay. She looked away, blinking several times to keep from busting, "I kept him waiting too long."

Malfoy didn't ask. He knew already. For some reason, some strange reason, he didn't want to irritate the situation. He wanted to make it better.

Hermione shook her head, "I kept him waiting, and I said nothing. I wanted to. I really did. I just…couldn't" she turned and looked at Malfoy again, with glistening eyes, who had stood up again. And leaned against the bookshelf behind her. "It's one of those things, you know, where you want something so, so badly, and everyone around you says to you that it's not how it's supposed to go. But then you just want it more right?" she closed her eyes, "So you picture it, this whole…image of what you want, and you think it's possibly for it to happen., for him to change his mind. Just when you think he's come around," she snapped her fingers and opened her eyes, allowing the tears to fall, "the picture is gone." She whispered.

Malfoy pulled out the chair next to her and sat in it. Hermione looked at her hands as he came closer, "I only wanted him to stop being such an idiot and see. But I don't think he can. I don't think he realises that his selfish actions affect others."

"Maybe you're over thinking." Malfoy said after a moment.

Hermione looked back up at him, wiping her face with a closed hand her. "What?"

"Maybe," he said again, "Maybe you shouldn't think. Maybe you should just let whatever happens…happen." Hermione gave him a confused look, "What are you saying?"

He didn't know what was going on, but the sight of Hermione helpless just made him feel…feel something. He leaned in, and she instinctively flinched back, but with a reassuring look he leaned in again and kissed her, taking her hand from her face and interlacing his fingers with hers.

"I can't do this." Hermione said when she pulled away and closed her eyes, blinking down the last few tears.

"But you want to."

Hermione searched his eyes for an answer, but none came. There were too many layers, too many locked doors; she didn't have the courage to unlock them. Don't think. She lifted her face up and kissed him back slowly, as if she meant it. Weather or not she really did, she wasn't sure. And to be completely honest, she didn't care. As Malfoy shifted in his seat and held her close, she didn't know who she was. Neither cared who found out at this moment. They didn't think. They gambled with one another's reputations. But for now, they had created the picture in their heads of what they wanted in that moment. For now, it was real.

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A/N: shields self from angry fans i hope you're not angry! Haha, we all knew this was coming right? I mean, seriously, I wasn't about to leave you with another angry scene, or a cliff hanger. But it will get worse before it gets better, sorry!!!! So I probably wont update until june or july.

WHOS READY FOR THE MOVIE AND BOOKS!?!?!?!?! Flo & I are. But I'm very very sad to see it come to an end! Anyways, review if you'd like, I'll answer questions...and give feedback to those who would like it.