It's been a couple of weeks or so since I've last updated, but hello again I am back and hopefully you will like this chapter. If you do/don't, please leave a review, I don't usually get many which is sad because I really like feedback, it helps me with inspiration for the story and making my writing better etc. Anyway. Short chapter, but important one :)

Chapter Eight: Masquerade

Draco was released from the hospital wing the following day. He would've felt relief, but the overshadowing sense of guilt was gnawing at him, messing with his head constantly. He'd begun his pursuit of Hermione, without thinking at all about his current relationship situation.

Pansy was clinging tighter to him that every nowadays. Even the subjects that she didn't have with him she'd show up to straight outside, when they'd finished: the undeniable fact was, he just couldn't shake her off.

And recently, there was one thing in particular that had been making her more obsessive, and it had nothing to do with Hermione Granger. The Masquerade Ball was to be held in exactly two weeks time. Now, the rule was that no one was to be accompanied by a partner, but to find one there, as it was required that all students must wear a mask. Pansy, who Draco thought would've been stricken, was delighted. ('It's so romantic, Draco!') He, on the other hand, did not want to go. There were no benefits whatsoever; he would be with his current girlfriend, whist trying to get together with Hermione, in a mask. The whole idea of it was enough to make him feel sick to the stomach.

Draco found it very hard to speak to Pansy. He needed to break up with her, but he didn't know how.

He sighed, breathing in deeply. He clasped his hand around his other forearm, in an attempt to stifle the throbbing. This was something that had begun to happen frequently when he got nervous, or upset. It was where Blaise cursed him.

Now I know what it's like to be Potter, he thought savagely. With his scar and all...

In an attempt to distract himself, he cast his thoughts elsewhere. He wondered what Hermione was doing now. Maybe she was with Ron. His brow furrowed slightly as he tried to imagine her at the Ball. He thought about the Yule Ball in their fourth year. He hadn't been able to insult her then, and thinking back at it now... she looked beautiful, he decided. And she would again. He just hoped she would come. He could see her looking like that again.

Draco looked up at the ceiling. It was a low one, a dark green with patterned swirls across it. This was the sight that he was met with every night and morning, for he was in his dormitory.

He wanted to see her looking like that, he wasn't sure about why, though. Maybe she would be easier to love, that way.

Of course, he thought, she's pretty, but am I able to love her?

He rubbed the back of his head, and pressed his head further into his pillow.

He hoped so.

what do you think about the draco/hermione dynamic right now, do you think she likes him yet? please leave a review! and have a nice day :)