Hermione spent the whole day at school daydreaming, a rather unusual thing for her to do. She had pushed away the confusion of the night before and was now quite cheerful. Maybe she had just woken up on the right side of the bed. Maybe she was pleased with the progress of the DA.

Or maybe she had a new friend.

Regardless of her nerves from yesterday, she really did feel like she was befriending Draco Malfoy. She attributed her nerves simply to this; she was nervous that someone might think that they were extremely close, and that could be dangerous to a lot of people. That was what she convinced herself it was, and since it comforted her, she stuck to it.

They still had a date tonight ― no, not quite a date, they weren't dating, of course, they weren't even attracted to each other ― and she was having mixed feelings.

At first, the idea of hanging out with Malfoy freaked her out a bit. It wasn't like him to just casually ask a muggleborn to sneak out at night and fly around Hogsmeade. That wasn't a very normal thing to do, anyway, as far as she was concerned. Maybe it was different for Slytherins. Maybe they did it all the time.

But now, she was perfectly happy with hanging out with him. It would be nice to get out for a little while. It would also give her an opportunity to get to know him a little better, and have a conversation that didn't end in a fight, and learn things about him that didn't showcase his parents' influence. They would be free tonight, free from any judgment for being almost-friends. Her only concern today was that she hadn't seen Harry and Ron since their last class. They didn't even tell her where they'd be going.

Of course, that's what I'll be doing to them tonight, so I can't really hold it against them.

She rummaged through her clothes trunk to find something to wear for the evening. Since it'd be somewhat cold, she settled on a nice sweater with her favorite pair of jeans. She thought that sneakers would do for the trip as well; she wasn't trying to be sloppy, of course, but she really didn't have anyone to impress, especially if it would just be the two of them, anyway.

Her thoughts slowly began to drift again. What would it be like to go on an actual date? Would she be picking out something dressier, and making more of an effort, like at the Yule Ball? She did have some dressy clothing packed in case one of these days would come, but with the way most guys seemed to treat her, she'd doubt that she'd ever have the opportunity. . . .

After she had changed, she went into the girl's bathroom and examined her appearance. She was glad, at the very least, that she had nice skin; she never really had to wear a whole lot of makeup. She did, however, notice that her eyes were looking a bit dull. Brown was a very sufficient eye color, of course, but she decided they seemed a bit . . . boring. What would it hurt to put a little something extra on them anyway, just to try it? Plus, it'd be dark out, so it'd hardly noticeable anyway. . . .

She looked through her makeup bag and pulled out a small eye shadow palette. She decided on a light cream color, just to brighten up her eyes a bit. It wasn't a major difference, but she thought it made her eyes look nicer.

Her gaze drifted to an eyelash curler next, which she had only used once in her life, at the Yule Ball last year. She decided that this, too, wouldn't hurt, and promptly curled her lashes and coated them with a thin layer of dark brown mascara.

She was overall satisfied with the result, and she felt that it would be unnoticeable, so she wouldn't have to endure Malfoy's taunts about her wearing more makeup.

She then thought about the thick, bushy, tangled mess that her hair usually was. She considered just pulling it into a ponytail or something, but decided that trying the hair potion that she used last year at the Yule Ball might be better, if only to hold it in place; if her hair was in a looser style, after all, it could get so tangled with the wind and become even bushier. She put a small amount of the potion in her hair and slicked it back a little more, eventually tying it up into a neat, but somewhat fluffy bun on the back of her head.

She smiled at her reflection in the mirror. She thought she looked nice enough ― not that it mattered, of course. It didn't matter at all. She just wanted to try something out.

She then realized that wearing her casual clothes around the common room this late might raise suspicion. Not from most of the students, as they changed sometimes simply for comfort, but Harry and Ron might want to know why she changed at this hour. She decided that wearing her school robes over the outfit would probably hide most of it, as well as keeping her a little warmer when she went out.

She walked out of her dormitory, finding the common room to be quite empty now, much to her delight. Some people were already in bed, and the rest of the fifth year girls would drift in later, hardly caring about what Hermione was doing.

Her prayers were answered when the girls entered the common room, all giggling about something and heading straight to their dormitory, so that they wouldn't be overheard. Hermione smiled to herself; everything was going so perfectly.

Just then, however, her thoughts were interrupted by the portrait of the Fat Lady swinging open again, allowing Harry and Ron inside. She grinned at them awkwardly and sat down on the couch in front of the fireplace.

"Where have you been?" she asked. "I haven't seen you all afternoon."

"Ran into some trouble," said Ron, sitting beside her.

"Malfoy decided that he and his cronies wanted to pick a fight today," Harry explained, noticing Hermione's perplexed expression. "They thought they might try to bully us into giving them information about any 'secret societies.'"

Hermione was a bit reluctant to speak, but thought that it might ease the conflict within her. "Did he ― did he do anything ― anything violent?"

"Nope," Ron replied. "He actually was talking about you."

Her eyes widened and she felt her face going red. "About ― about me?"

"Yeah," said Harry, sitting beside Ron. "He said something like, 'I bet Granger would've given in and told me.' I don't know where he got it from, but he seemed a bit angry."

"Er . . . right," she said.

"Has he been doing anything to you, Hermione?" Ron asked. "On patrols? Like attempting to read your mind or anything ― ?"

"No, no," Hermione replied. "I don't think he even knows how to do that."

"Oh!" said Ron suddenly. "I forgot . . . he, er . . . said something else about you. . . ."

"What did he say?" Hermione asked, trying not to sound all too eager.

"Well . . ." He looked to Harry, who shrugged and said, "She wants to know; I can tell her, if you'd like."

"Y-yeah," Ron stammered.

Harry turned his gaze to Hermione. "He said something about you and him. Like that he wouldn't have to try to get it out of you, but that you'd just give it up willingly, like you wanted to. We got nervous, thinking that maybe he really had done something to you. Ron thought an Imperius, but I don't think he's at that level yet ― even if he was, performing an Unforgivable Curse in a school would get him in trouble . . . maybe, with the way things are now. He just made it seem like he controlled you, and we didn't really know how to respond to that."

"How did you respond?" Hermione asked.

"Harry and I have . . . er . . . reasoned with him," said Ron. "He won't bother you anymore." He shook his head. "That slimy little git."

Hermione hesitated for a moment. "R-right. Thank you both. I appreciate your help."

Harry smiled. "What are friends for?" And with that, he got up and gave her a hug. "'Night, Hermione. Sleep well. Promise me that you won't think about it too much, all right?" When she nodded, he broke away from the embrace and he and Ron left for their dormitory.

She watched them until they walked out completely, making sure that they wouldn't come back to make another remark or something before she could head to the window without raising any suspicion. She took a few steps forward and wrapped her fingers around the handle to open it.

Well, this is it.

She opened it as silently as she could and peered out to the ground below. Sure enough, Malfoy was there on the ground, looking up at her and wearing a soft smile. He held his hand out to his side and his broomstick immediately flew up into his grasp. Being careful not to fly into any trees, he flew up to the window and stopped in front of her.

"Evening, Granger," he whispered. He, too, was wearing his school robes over his outfit. He narrowed his eyes at her for a moment, examining her face. "You look different."

Hermione flushed red. "I ― I do? Maybe it's the night ―"

"You're wearing something on your eyes, and your hair is done," he said, smirking. "I notice these things."

She blinked a couple of times, shocked from his observation. "Harry and Ron didn't."

"They didn't, did they?" He raised his eyebrows and glanced at her hair again. "You have a few strands loose, you know."

Her hand subconsciously flew to her hair. "Er . . . right. Yeah, I do, could I ―"

"Leave them that way," he said. "You look fine. I didn't think you cared about your appearance ―"

"I don't!" she hissed.

"Then why did you make such an effort?" he teased, holding his hand out to her.

Hermione stared at his open palm for a minute, before she looked back up at him. He also had his hair done, slicked back and parted slightly to the side . . . but she could notice a few stray hairs.

"You've got a few strands loose, too," she said, a smile making its way out.

"You're right," he said, returning the smile. He ran a hand through his hair, messing it up and making it fall naturally. "Mess your hair up, too. I won't feel so bad."

Hermione felt her face going into a full-fledged grin as she shook her hair out of the bun. "So much for that effort. . . ."

"So it was an effort!" he said, laughing. "Now, are you going to get on this thing? I can't stay in front of the window all night, you know."

This time she took his open hand, and a shiver ran through her that was unlike anything she'd ever felt before. She took a deep breath, trying to ignore the sensation, and settled herself behind him on the broomstick. Malfoy glanced over his shoulder at her, and she tightly gripped the broomstick. He raised an eyebrow at her and she blushed.

"I ― I sort of ― I have a fear of flying," she said.

"Had I known that, we could've made other arrangements," he said. "You took my hand to get on this thing; you can hold onto me ―" He blushed redder than she had at the mention of her fear of flying. "I ― I mean, if you need to, I'm not sure if I want you suffocating me the entire time, but ―"

"I can hold onto the back of your robes," she suggested, and he nodded, still blushing slightly.

She gripped his robes as tightly as she could, prepared for when he would begin flying.

"Are you ready?" he asked, not looking at her.

"Yes, I think so," she replied.

"All right, then," he said. "Let's go."

He began to fly slowly, but eventually gained speed and began to fly at a comfortable rate. After a few moments of silence, he looked over his shoulder at her again.

"You doing all right?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied. She was actually quite enjoying the view, and since it was so dark, it was hard to see just how high up she was. "Er . . . I heard you ran into a couple of my friends ―"

"Who, Potter and Weasley?" He scoffed. "They're acting like they're all tough, aren't they?"

"I wouldn't say that, I just mean —"

"In case you're wondering, they just gave petty threats and thought they knocked some sense into me. They walked away before I could do anything else, and to be quite honest, I was glad to be rid of them. Oh ― and sorry about that whole 'controlling you' thing. I had to make up something that would get at them."

There was another silence for a few moments. Hermione looked down at the patch of forest they were flying over and sighed.

"Are you sure we won't get in trouble?" she asked.

He briefly turned to face her and smiled. "I can't guarantee that, Granger."

"It's Hermione," she said, somewhat darkly, "and unlike you, I can't risk getting expelled. I don't want to go back to the Muggle world in the middle of the school year."

He laughed. "You won't have to. I'm sure that Hogwarts isn't the only place to accommodate the brightest witch of our age." He turned around again, noticed that her face had flushed red, and smirked. "Well, it's true . . . but you're so paranoid. Have a little fun once in a while. What, do you never do things like this?"

Hermione turned even redder. "Just because my idea of fun is different ―"

He raised his eyebrows. "So I'm right, then?"

"Shut up, Malfoy!" she snapped.

"It's Draco," he said, smirking, "and the last time I checked, I'm the one that's keeping you stable on this broom. Don't be so whiny and I might not drop you."

"You wouldn't drop me," she said, narrowing her eyes.

"Oh, wouldn't I?"

Draco began to tilt the broom heavily from side to side, causing Hermione to scream horribly.

"Shut up, don't be so loud," he said, laughing. "Oh, watch out, it's going out of control!"

He did a complete spiral on the broom, laughing harder than ever. Hermione couldn't watch, but frantically wrapped her arms around his torso and buried her head into the back of his robes, just to get a grip on something.

Knowing she wouldn't see him in her blinded state, he smiled to himself. He never really thought of anything as "adorable" or "beautiful." But the way her brunette curls flowed in the wind, the way her smile lit up the night, the way that she held on to him like he was all she had left . . . that was adorable. That was beautiful. And just like that, he was, yet again, a goner.

Hermione remained in the position for the rest of the trip, barely peeking out at times to see Hogsmeade from above. It really was a beautiful night, even if she was too scared to back up and fully appreciate all of it. She couldn't back away, because ―

She now truly realized what position she was in. She had her arms wrapped around Draco Malfoy, and her head was resting on his back.

Her heart began to beat faster and she could feel herself beginning to sweat again, but she didn't pull away. She hoped that maybe he wasn't paying attention, and if she backed away, he might notice.

Of course he's paying attention, stupid. He's got a bloody human being on his back.

Her thoughts were interrupted when they came to an abrupt stop. She gained the courage to just lift her head, realizing that they were right in front of the window she had snuck out of. It was then that she noticed she had left the window wide open. Thankfully, no one else seemed to have come through the common room.

"We're here," he said, looking over his shoulder at her.

She nodded and pulled her arms back to herself. Taking his hand for stability, she slipped back through the window.

He scratched the back of his neck, staring at her. "Er . . . sorry about that spiral thing, I forgot ―"

"No, no!" Hermione whispered, trying not to wake anyone up. "It wasn't a problem at all. Thanks for letting me hold onto ―"

"Not a problem," he said, his eyes flitting to the side. "Um . . . could I ask you . . . er . . . something . . . ?"

"Oh, yes, of course!" said Hermione, smiling.

He looked back to her again, biting his lip nervously; Hermione assumed that he was simply in thought.

"You said ― you said 'it's Hermione'?" he asked.

Hermione nodded and grinned. "I think that'd be acceptable. And you said 'it's Draco'?"

"Yes," he replied. He managed to laugh softly. "So, er . . . first name basis from now on, eh?"

"I don't see why not," said Hermione. Her hand drifted to her hair again, and her smile faded slightly. "I must look like a mess ―"

"You don't," said Draco. "I ― I just mean, it's not any worse than usual," he added, rather quickly.

Hermione felt butterflies in her stomach, but didn't pursue the subject any further. She giggled and looked down at her feet. "Well, I had a lot of fun tonight, Mal ― oh, sorry ― Draco."

He smiled at her. "No problem. Well, um . . . goodnight, Hermione."

"Goodnight, Draco."

She watched him fly away, and waved back at him when he had turned around to do so. As soon as he was out of sight, she took a deep breath and practically flew upstairs to her dormitory, but still tried to be as quiet as possible.

She slipped off her robes, grabbed her pajamas, and slipped into her four-poster, which she had closed and sealed to make sure that no one would know she was missing. She quickly changed inside of the bed after casting a Silencing Charm so no one could hear her. She had learned how to do her nightly routine using magic; and afterwards, of course, she reached for her diary and quill.

Dear Diary,

I don't even know where to begin. I feel so girly and stupid for writing something like this, but no one will see it anyway, so I'll write what I want. This is something I've never thought I'd ever experience, and it's a little frightening, but I don't care. After tonight, I don't see how I could ever care.

Tonight has taught me a lot about myself, especially who I've been this past couple of days. Getting nervous randomly? That was confusing. Getting shivers from a simple touch? Just weeks ago, that would've been appalling. But it all makes sense now. I understand why I felt like that, and I don't know how long it's been coming, but it has, and I don't know how to write it out, because it feels so awkward, but . . . maybe it'll help with acceptance. I've been avoiding it for too long.

I never thought that I would admit this, but I think I actually like Draco.

And yes, it's Draco, not just Malfoy anymore, and it was on his request.

I knew that I had been getting nervous around him, but I didn't think it would be a full-on . . . well, a full-on crush. I thought I was just nervous because he was intimidating or something, but he really isn't, I know that much of him now. I can't believe I've been so stupid.

I think I realized it when I wrapped my arms around him when we were flying tonight. He did a spiral, and I got scared, so I latched on ― and that's when I knew. Once I registered exactly what I was doing, I knew.

And I think he knew, too.

But I don't think I've been terribly obvious about it. Of course, when we were in the library yesterday and I blushed when I looked at him, he seemed confused at first ― but then he smirked. He noticed.

That reminds me; he also noticed my appearance tonight. I just did something extra tonight ― and of course I know why I did it now, I don't know how I couldn't have seen it before ― and he noticed it. They were subtle changes, but he noticed all the same.

Not that I think he likes me, of course, that'd just be stupid. I think he's just observant when it comes to girls.

And now I realize that I was feeling jealousy when Charlotte was flirting with him yesterday.

Oh, Hermione . . . you've really changed.

― Hermione