Enjoy.

What in the world is wrong with me? If someone were to answer that for me, I'd be thankful. I sat down in my study, reading the latest issue of the Daily Prophet. The sun was just beginning to set, it was half past five, according to my pocket watch – somewhat a family heirloom on my mother's side, and I daresay, it is dashing. Well, the price of cabbages just went right back up, great, I know what I'm having for dinner tonight. I turned the page and my wrist ached, damn Weasley. After that whole scene, the end result was my injured wrist and a couple of scratches. What's even more unfortunate is the fact that my right wrist was injured, so I'm currently unable to really do anything pertaining to magic for a week.

"How are you feeling?" she set down the bowl in front of me, "I whipped up some porridge, it won't do much, but I thought it'd help ease your tensions."

I looked up at her, "Yes, I suppose."

She dragged a chair beside me and sat down, taking my wrist in her hands and placing it on her lap, "Does it feel better?"

She fingered the bandages with a concerned expression as she waited for my response.

"I'll tell you in a week, Granger, no thanks to Weasley. If it weren't for this, I'd hex him."

She picked up the bowl and held the spoon, filled with hot porridge, in front of my face. I stared at her oddly, I wasn't disabled, really.

"I can feed myself, Granger," I retorted.

"Would you just stuff your face already so I can talk to you without having you interrupt, Malfoy?" she spoke as she shoved the spoon, including its hot contents, into my mouth.

I swallowed it slowly, its contents burning my throat as it slid downward.

"Ronald is just overprotective, we've been friends for who-knows-how-long,"

I swallowed another spoonful, "I think 'overprotective' is an understatement," I mumbled, "He nearly killed me."

She smiled, "Stop exaggerating, you and I both know you're just mildly injured."

"I could have him in the dungeons for attacking me, you know."

Another spoonful.

"I know you can, but I know you won't," she replied, giving me another spoonful.

"I sure as heck will, Granger; don't doubt my power."

She set the bowl onto the table and turned to my hand, beginning to unwrap the bandages and change them.

"No, you won't, Draco," she reached over to get a fresh wrap, "If you do, everyone will know you got pinned down by a Gryffindor noble, and you wouldn't want that happening, would you?"

I couldn't see her face, but I knew she was satisfied. I didn't respond because I knew she had a point. If I put him in the dungeons, people will talk, and word will get out that I was beaten by a Gryffindor. I'll be the talk of the kingdoms, 'Malfoy Heir Injured By A Gryffindor Noble'. Top of the line news – news in which I don't plan on placing out in the public. This is ridiculous; if I cannot retaliate nor can I shove him into the Slytherin dungeons, what am I supposed –

"Ow!" I shouted.

The bowl fell to the floor with a loud 'clang' and shattered into pieces, more importantly, the porridge dripped over my wrist and palm causing a rather hot sensation.

"Oh!" she shrilled, "I'm sorry, Draco."

She took a handkerchief from the pocket of her cloak and began wiping away the remains of porridge, revealing a small burn mark on my palm. Great, just peachy, I sighed.

"I'm sorry, I was reaching over to get another spool of bandages and my arm knocked the bowl over," she apologized as she wrapped her handkerchief around my palm.

Turning to her side, she flicked her wand and the once-shattered bowl was like new. Picking it up form the floor, she placed it back on the table and apologized in a more quiet tone. It was then I realized, as she was looking at her lap and away from my gaze, something about her.

"Are you," I stopped midway to see if she would look at me – she didn't, "afraid of me?"

I found myself looking away as well. I felt her gaze on the side of my face and I turned back to her, her hand on my palm.

"No, I'm not afraid of you, I'm just afraid of your response."

"I don't understand, Granger."

She started to play with my fingers, "After seeing you and what you did to Ronald, I just don't want to set off your anger. I mean, I guess you can say that I'm also trying to help you limp down your anger."

I don't know if I should thank her or not, I was thoroughly confused.

"It's not in my character to be 'afraid' of you, or anyone for that matter, but –"

"Please, stop, I'm not following anything you're saying," I smirked, "I wasn't even close to being angry that a bowl broke, or the fact that you burned my hand. I guess it's just good practice for what I have to deal with from you from now on."

I lifted my injured hand and touched the ring on her necklace, "Don't you think, Hermione?"

She smiled, "I suppose."

I trailed my hand up to her cheek as she leaned into my touch. She was soft and warm. With my free hand, I took hold of her arm and pulled her onto my lap, wrapping my arms around her as my lips grazed into her collarbone. I couldn't help myself, I had to contain myself ever since that bastard Weasley appeared earlier.

"Malfoy, we're not – you're not," she stuttered, "supposed to be doing this. It's me."

I stopped, what was I doing? I opened my eyes and felt the moisture on her neck – a hickey. Her hand was on my wrist while her other was on my neck, mind you, she was sitting atop of me. I looked up at her, her eyes bore into mine. Pleading for me to stop? I felt my rage building. What was she? - In love with that Weasley? She's engaged to me.

I shoved her off my lap as I stood up and walked into the bathroom.

"Get out, Granger, go home!" I shouted as I locked the door.

I heard her rapid footsteps and the doorknob shook, "Malfoy," she spoke softly.

Gremlins, please, don't say my name in that way, Granger. I've already done too much, I've crossed the borders.

"I said leave, Granger!" Before I lose control of myself.

"But, Draco," her voice drifted off.

Stop, please, "Leave before I force you to!"

The doorknob twitched and I heard her heave a breath, "I just," she stopped.

"I'll take my leave."

No. I fumbled with the lock and opened the door.

Her essence was gone.

Thanks for reading.

Don't forget to review.

& yes, I'll be working on this story full-time from now on.

School is ending, so I have more free-time.

Whoot.

If by any way possible, spread word of this fan-fiction; thanks.