A/N: Thanks to Mondo89, Mischa Rowe, and DepressionInTheFlesh for the birthday wishes. I had a great time, but I feel bad for not updating last week. I did try before I left my computer behind for the weekend. Anyway, I'm back with a new chapter that I hope you'll enjoy. Thanks to everyone who has been reading. I appreciate the reviews as well. Sorry I haven't had time to answer them personally. OK, enough of my ramblings. Happy reading. ^_^

Forget Me Not

Chapter 15: Benefitting from Betrayal

A few days after I sent my message to Draco, he replied with one of his own stating that he was slightly confused by my last message (which I figured would be the case) and that Voldemort left with his aunt, Bellatrix, to complete some secret task. The last bit simultaneously thrilled and worried me. I was glad that he and his family were free of the oppressive presence of his aunt and that bastard, but, of course, when Voldemort is plotting something, it would be a cause for me to worry.

Thanks to Snape, however, I haven't had any extra disturbances to worry about. So I spent the remainder of my week impatiently awaiting the return of my boyfriend while spending time with Ginny, the only one in my small circle of friends who hasn't been treating me differently. Of course, no one has told her about my relationship; maybe she'd react the same way as her brother and boyfriend if she learned the truth. There was no reason to do that, though. Neither of the other two told her and I didn't feel compelled to. So, sorry Ginny, guess it'll have to remain amongst the few people who know.

Since she wasn't aware of anything, she didn't notice my restless mood at dinner on Sunday, the evening before classes resumed. Most of the students who had gone away over the break had returned; Draco was amongst those who hadn't. I tried to stay focused on my meal in front of me and the conversation Ginny was trying to have, but my attention kept slipping from those two tasks to check the entrance every few minutes. Despite my impatience, I realized we wouldn't be able to meet right away, but I at least wanted to see that no physical harm was done to him. Though the pessimist in me said he may appear superficially fine and have hidden damage which could have been internal or masked by spells and potions. I sighed and tried not to focus on negative, paranoid thoughts.

Those thoughts rapidly vanished and were replaced with a large smile spread across my face when he finally appeared with Blaise. Harry, who had entered with Ron not too long ago, noticed it and checked to see why my mood was lifted and then he scowled at me. Ron must have noticed his reaction and his mood fell as when he saw the Slytherin. I didn't care though; I was content and felt the stress and worry flow from me. He was back and seemingly in one piece. I'd thoroughly examine him myself later.

A week had passed since his return and we still hadn't spent any time together. It was odd that there were so many matters keeping us apart, but I decided to fix that. I knew he had patrols this night and I intended to surprise him with a visit. The journey to the dungeons was for once a welcomed trip… that is, until I reached the darkened halls and heard two familiar voices.

"You have to end your affair with Hermione Granger," I heard Snape angrily command. I peaked around the corner and saw Draco's body tense slightly, but his voice was perfectly clear and cold.

"What are you talking about? Why would I be involved with her?" I felt the sharpest pain in my heart, but I tried to ignore it. I knew he was putting on a front for Snape. He doesn't know that Snape knows about us. After all, my message wasn't clear and I didn't have time to catch him up. That knowledge still didn't dull the sting of his words.

"Don't take me as a fool. I know about the two of you. You know I have to watch after you."

"No one asked you to."

"You know about the unbreakable vow between your mother and me." I watched Draco turn and lower his head. "I promised to protect you, and I can't do that when you recklessly put your life in danger."

"What danger? Even if I was having an affair with her, how would that place my life in danger? She's nothing."

"She'll be the death of you and your parents if anyone learns the truth. I already had to take care of Lisa Turpin and Pansy Parkinson for your carelessness."

"I would have handled them."

"Handle the tasks the Dark Lord assigned to you," he hissed at him. I couldn't see Draco's face, but I knew he was glaring at his Head of House.

"I am," he bit back.

"Then he wouldn't have summoned you home. He expected this to be finished months ago."

"I know that. And if it's escaped your attention, I had a setback. But it's working out to my benefit now."

"How so?"

"I discussed this with the Dark Lord. I convinced him that I'd be able to split up the three of them, and it's working." Snape remained silent, but I knew he was thinking about Draco's words; so was I.

As I listened to his conversation, I tried my best to give him the benefit of the doubt. Why would he continue to lie after Snape admitted to knowing the truth? Maybe he doesn't trust Snape; I noticed that he'd been more distant towards him this year than any other. I kept trying to convince myself that I believed Draco and trusted him completely, but things weren't adding up. Why would Snape make an unbreakable vow with his mother? Though it does explain why they have been maintaining a correspondence.

I withdrew from my thoughts and listened to Snape's next question. "What do you plan to do once you tear them apart?"

"Granger's the intelligence in their operation. They'll be nothing without her. Once I finish the cabinet and take out Dumbledore, I'll get her out of the way while the Dark Lord takes care of Potter."

Snape gave his student a skeptical look before saying, "You make it seem as though you're protecting her. Why not leave her here to fend for herself?"

"I can take care of her on my own, or use her as leverage should things end badly and Potter prevails. I can always lie and say I left with her to protect her." Snape's skepticism remained, and my doubt grew. He had to be telling the truth. His plan seemed too detailed to have just been made up on the spot. My heart felt like it was breaking into a million pieces. I wanted to hear the rest, but I couldn't stand hearing anything else from him.

Thankful for the charm on myself, I ran back to my dorm and crashed on my bed. Tears escaped me causing my body to be rocked with sobs. I knew I had to tell someone about this, but I just couldn't do it then. I just wanted to be alone.

Two weeks passed and I tried my best not to think about him and avoid him at all costs. I was successful for the most part until one Tuesday evening when I was alone in the library after Harry and Ron ended our study session.

The library was nearly empty and I had moved to a secluded corner to avoid distractions and annoyances. He came over to me quietly and attempted to kiss me, but I rejected his gesture. I saw the frown on his face as he reached out to touch my shoulder. I recoiled from his touch. There was a silence and stillness for a few moments; I looked up and through the window and noticed his reflection. Draco was still frowning and standing up straight in his same spot beside me.

"What's the matter, Hermione?" I stayed silent and lowered my gaze to the windowsill; I didn't want him to catch me looking at his reflection. "I thought you'd be happy to see me." I still didn't answer him; he let out a frustrated sigh. "Did I do something… or not do something?"

I weighed his question and debated how I would answer him. I wanted to believe he was lying to Snape and truly loved me, but what if I was really a fool and have been letting him use me all this time. I felt the tears forming behind my eyes; I didn't want to accept that and hoped it wasn't the truth, but how am I supposed to ask him about it? He'll think I don't trust him. Do I trust him? If I did, I wouldn't be asking these questions. I would know he was lying to Snape.

Maybe it's just been my naïve hope that after all of this time I've become something more than "Mudblood Granger."

I may have been wrong.

I listened to him sigh again before turning to leave without another word. He stopped and I felt his gaze on me; I didn't turn around though.

Three days later, I was sitting in my common room with Harry, Ron, and Ginny. Ron was playing chess while Harry poured over that potions text with Ginny at his side; meanwhile, I sat in one of the chairs along the wall with my right arm on the nearest table and my head resting upon my palm. I watched the two boys and felt the overwhelming boredom course through me.

"Hermione?" I looked over to Harry. They decided to resume behaving civilly towards me since I stopped associating with Draco. "Are you coming to the Hufflepuff party with us later?" I still didn't understand why they started having inter-house parties. Our dorm locations weren't exactly public knowledge; so starting this trend seemed to defeat the purpose to me, but I'd go. I enjoyed myself at the Ravenclaw party at the end of the break, especially since Lisa's no longer concerned with me.

I nodded, "Sure, I'll go, too." He smiled at me. Ginny perked up as well. She left Harry's side to sit beside me and began talking my ears off about outfits, hair, and makeup. I simply smiled at her; her enthusiasm wasn't contagious and didn't get me in the partying mood, but a smile could mask my indifference.

After we were all ready, we left the Gryffindor tower and went to the appropriate meeting spot. It was good to know they weren't giving out the password to their dormitory, but it was interesting to see where it was hidden. A seventh year boy and girl took turns coming out periodically to let other students in. Harry, Ron, Ginny, and I entered in with a few of the Ravenclaw sixth years; they seemed to be expecting this to be the highlight of their weekend. I wished that something like this would lift my mood, but I knew that wouldn't happen since I was still depressed over Draco's betrayal.

We passed through the barrel entrance into the common room where the other students were. Inside their common room, it was decorated in their house colors, as expected, but it had an "earthy" feel to the place. Presently, the normal furniture wasn't in the room since they cleared it to have a larger dance floor, but it all seemed very comfortable. I would have enjoyed coming back to a place like this after a day of classes.

Ginny stopped my examination of the room when she pulled me further inside. I glanced over the crowded room and noticed how many people were having a good time. Perhaps these parties weren't such a bad idea.

Once again, Ginny brought me from my thoughts when she yelled to ask Harry to dance with her. He reluctantly went along; they left Ron and I standing against one of the walls. I noticed how much he was fidgeting beside me. I was about to ask him about it when Lavender made her way in and pulled him out to the dance floor.

Not having an attachment to the area, I left my spot and went to grab a drink, which somebody had spiked. I contemplated drinking it for awhile; then I stopped worrying about it and brought it along while I found a seat along the wall on one of the remaining armchairs. I wasn't sure how much time passed before Ginny came over to me with the widest grin on her face and a cup in her hand. "Hermione, why aren't you dancing?" she asked; her words were slightly slurred. "Come on. You danced at the last party. Let's go have fun." She attempted to pull me up with her free hand. I stayed seated, however.

"I'll be up in a little while. It's still early."

She pouted for a moment and then answered cheerfully, "All right, I'm going to look for Harry." I watched Ginny head towards the dance floor; I almost jumped up when she stumbled.

I attempted to dance a little while later, but that didn't last long. Cormac McLaggen was the reason I decided to leave. He asked me for a dance, but afterward he continued following me around. Whatever was in the punch made me tolerate him more than usual, but that eventually didn't help. I decided to slip away without catching his attention and that of my friends. I was sure they'd make me stay if they saw me trying to leave.

Outside the Hufflepuff entrance, I let out a breath and enjoyed the cool air around me. After enjoying the sensation, I began heading back to my dorm. I felt myself sway a bit and realized I shouldn't have had that last cup. Sure I wasn't drunk, but I was a bit tipsy and my motor functions were feeling the effects of the alcohol. On the third floor, I stopped and leaned against the wall to rest for a moment. I heard footsteps coming towards me; I didn't bother to check where exactly it was coming from. Maybe it was another Gryffindor heading back; we could go together and I'd have someone to help me along.

The person approached a few moments later. It was a familiar face, but not one I'd hope to see.

Draco stopped when he saw me there; I caught the concern written on his features. I briefly considered it. Maybe he had been lying to his Head of House if he still showed these types of feeling for me. I stayed still and silent while we both looked at each other.

He finally broke the silence with a question. "Are you all right?" I gave him a lopsided smile and nodded.

"Perfectly well," I was surprised my words weren't slurred.

"What have you been drinking?"

"Frankly, I have no idea." I watched his perfect lips form a frown. Damn, I really want to kiss him.

For a moment, I thought he read my mind when he moved closer to me. I was slightly disappointed when he pulled me from off of the wall, wrapped his arm around my waist, and began walking. A smile formed on my face and I pressed into him. "This isn't like you…" he said quietly while he kept his attention forward. I glanced up at his serious profile and then down at his neck. I was tempted to lick the exposed flesh.

I shook the thought from my mind and looked forward. If these are the types of thought I think, I shouldn't drink. "Where were you?"

"Where was I?" I repeated absentmindedly. I stayed quiet; a few moments later, I answered. "Hufflepuff party."

"Seems like you had a good time."

"Not really. I wished I'd been with you." I wasn't supposed to say that out loud. Well, they say a drunk man speaks a sober man's mind.

Draco stopped walking and then shifted our positions so we were facing each other; he supported me by holding onto both sides of my waist. "How have I upset you? Why have you been avoiding me?"

"I heard what you said…" I whispered and lowered my gaze.

"What? What did you hear?" His tone indicated he was annoyed, not worried.

"I heard what you said to Snape." I turned my head to avoid his gaze. A moment later, he dropped his hands from my sides. Before I had time to react, he pulled me against him.

"I didn't mean it. I didn't mean any of it," he confessed; I thought I heard his voice break a few times.

"How am I supposed to know for sure?"

He gripped my arms and looked me squarely in the eyes, "I love you, Hermione." He appeared to be telling the truth, but how did I know for sure? My question stood.

I broke out of his grasp and continued on my way to my dorm. I half expected him to follow; he didn't.

Monday dragged on at torturously slow pace. After my Potions class, I rushed out and headed for my dorm. I couldn't stand seeing him anymore and was determined to put as much distance between us as possible. I was also debating skipping my library session; last time he found me there and I didn't want him doing that again.

Unfortunately, I had a paper due and needed to go there. I sighed and went to my dorm to change clothes and leave behind the books I didn't need.

I had a quiet, solitary session in the library. I thought I was home free, but that changed when I headed back to my dorm.

His hands gripped my arms and pinned me against the wall after he pulled me behind one of the large suits of armor. I wanted to glare and him yell at him for touching me, but I couldn't do it. Instead, the pain in my heart caused the tears to flow from my eyes. His right hand came up to my cheek and wiped the flowing stream away. I looked up into is grey eyes; I saw his pain, regret, and something else I couldn't put a name to. I turned my head to the side and avoided his gaze.

"I'm sorry you had to hear that." His left hand came up to turn my head towards him. "I really didn't mean a word of it. Please believe me."

His request infuriated me, and I found the strength to glare at him. "Why should I believe you? You lied to me and used me—"

"I didn't."

"I should have listened when my friends said not to trust you. You're still the same foul, loathsome brat that you've always been." He looked hurt by my words, but I didn't care. He made a fool out of me.

"You know me better than that. You know how I really feel. I've never loved anyone the way I love you."

"Pretty words, but they mean nothing to me." His pain vanished and I expected him to retort something, anything, but he didn't. Instead, he held me still and captured my lips in a fierce kiss. I held my eyes shut and resisted him… or at least tried to. My body knew what it wanted and was reluctant to listen to my head. Draco bit my lower lip and caused me to yelp from the surprise. In that moment, he slipped his tongue past my lips and deepened the kiss.

As much as I wanted to struggle against him, I was unable and felt my body temperature increase as he continued. I felt my eyelids lower when he began trailing kisses down my jaw to my neck. My breathing became labored and my hands moved up to grip his arms. I know how foolish my actions were, but I wasn't able to stop. I desperately wanted to believe and to be with him… but not at the expense of my friends and what I know to be right.

My hands squeezed his arms; I used all of my strength and pushed him off of me. "Not anymore," I said breathlessly.

"Why don't you believe me?" He was still trying to catch his own breath, but he managed to get out his question with the intended effect.

I shook my head, "You've given me no reason to…" I slipped past him, but before I was too far away, he grabbed my wrist and stopped me in my tracks.

"What can I do then? What can I do to prove that I'm telling you the truth?" Why was he trying so hard to prove himself to me? The hopeful Hermione longs for his words to be truth, but the rational Hermione just can't believe that he is that good a liar. Well, being a hopeless romantic hasn't gotten me to where I am today. I ripped my arm from his grip and continued down the hall; he didn't come after me again.

A/N: Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed this little conflict. I can't let them have a perfect relationship, now can I?