A/N: I want to thank everyone who has read, reviewed and alerted this story! I truly appreciate it. I know I updated quickly but I already had half of chapter 5 done so I decided to finish it this morning instead of waiting until next weekend to post it :) I won't be able to update again until next weekend, maybe not even at all next weekend, but I promise to try as always. Anyways enjoy!

Dreams are in italics :)

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Nighttime Confrontation

Hermione coughed as she lay in her bed, tightly wrapped in her large sheepskin blanket. She pulled it closer to her body as she was consumed by another coughing fit. She weakly tried to sit up but gave up quickly as she started to feel lightheaded. She couldn't believe her luck. She had caught the muggle flu, of some sort, when she was last in muggle London. She reached for the box of tissues, by her bed. She was surprised, by the feeling of another person's hand. She looked up and her face immediately lit up.

"What are you doing here! I'm contagious and disgusting looking… "Hermione began coughing again and sneezed three times in a row. She sighed. Trying to speak with a sore throat and think cough wasn't easy and it only made her cough even more.

"You could never look disgusting, even if you were wearing a potato sack covered in dirt. And I'm here to help take care of you. You can't even reach the tissue box, for Merlin's sake. I made you some soup, if you're hungry you can have some…"

"That is so kind of you. You really didn't have to do anything…I can make myself something" Hermione tried to get out of bed. Her knees were shaking and she felt so weak. She suddenly felt herself falling forward only to be caught in strong warm arms. She blushed furiously as the man picked her up and sat her back down on the bed.

"I am almost positive that you wouldn't be able to Hermione, even if you wanted too. Let me take care of you. You always care so much for others but you need to remember not to neglect your own health in the process." The man placed his hand on her forehead and his face was full of concern. "Hermione, you're burning up. You need to lay back down." Hermione sighed in resignation. He was right.

"Okay…" Hermione shifted uncomfortably. She could feel herself sweating. She was freezing yet over-heating at the same time. She laid her head against her pillow and watched as the man brought her a bowl of warm soup. She smiled weakly at him as he transfigured her bedside table into a chair. He sat down and pulled out a handkerchief and lightly dabbed her forehead. "You really don't have to do all of this for me…"

"I know I don't have to…but I want to." His face was very loving and caring looking as he watched beads of sweat cascade down her face. Hermione watched his face and was overwhelmed by feeling. She weakly reached for his hand and took it in hers, squeezing it gently. He squeezed it back and looked down at her. He smiled and then went back to fretting over her. Hermione coughed again and felt her nose started to run. To her surprise, he wiped her nose and she flushed in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry about this…I know that this wasn't how you wanted to spend our date night…" Hermione looked up at him. He was still stroking her hair and dabbing at the occasional bead of sweat.

"Hermione, any time I spend with you is valuable, no matter how the time is spent. Here drink this." He had a spoonful of soup and lowered it toward her lips. Hermione eagerly drank the warm soup. The cold she was feeling immediately subsided. She smiled at him.

"Thank you. The soup tastes delicious. Where'd you get it?" Hermione smiled as he stroked her face and reached for another spoonful.

"I made it." He pushed another spoonful into her mouth and she quickly sucked it down.

"You…made it? I didn't know you could cook…"Hermione blinked in surprise. The kind man chuckled and smiled earnestly at her.

"Clearly, there are a lot of things you don't know about me." He bent down and kissed her cheek. "Now get some sleep. I'll stay here with you for awhile."

"Well I will just have to find out more about you then." Hermione smiled as she pulled the covers over herself and rested against her pillow. She closed her eyes and smiled as she felt the calming stroke of his hand through her hair.

Hermione woke up to the sound of rain. She blinked and glanced at the table beside her bed. And couldn't help but wonder where the chair had gone…What was she thinking? Obviously it had been a dream. She wasn't even sick. Hermione's thoughts halted. A dream… but it had felt so real. She could almost feel the man's hand in her hair. The emotion had been too pure. Hermione tried to remember the man's face but she couldn't place it. She knew it was the same man who was in her dream from the previous night. Hermione sighed. Why couldn't she see his face? Hermione felt like it was probably Ron…or at least she hoped it was. No one else would make sense. She didn't remember Malfoy so he couldn't possibly be in her dreams…Hermione refused to believe that the loving man could be Malfoy. Ron had always cared about her wellbeing…but Ron, just like Ginny, was an appalling cook. Hermione felt frustrated. She was reading into it too much. It was after all…just a dream.

Hermione slowly got out of bed and tiptoed into the kitchen. She wasn't sure what the time was and she decided that she might as well be conscientious of Harry and Ginny. It was still dark outside and the house was quiet. Hermione heard something and searched uselessly through the darkness. Hermione nearly screamed when she saw a small light come on. She held her hand over hear heart, which was thudding rapidly, when she saw that it was only Ginny and that the light was coming from Ginny's wand.

"Hermione, what are you doing up? It's nearly three in the morning." Ginny yawned and headed towards the cabinet. She grabbed a glass and looked expectantly at Hermione.

"I could ask you the same question Gin." Hermione laughed as Ginny stuck her tongue out.

"I'm pregnant. I'm hungry. I'm thirsty. And I have to pee every fifteen minutes. I think I have good reason to be up." Ginny said matter-of-factly. Hermione gaped at her for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"Gin sometimes you are so blunt, and it is quite hilarious."

"Well being pregnant does that to you." Ginny said with equal vigor as she began eating something that Hermione believed to be chocolate. "You still haven't told me why you're up, Hermione?" Ginny cocked her eyebrows and wiggled them.

"I um…had this odd dream. I woke up right as I fell asleep in the dream… Gin, do you think I could have possibly dreamed a memory?" Hermione's voice had grown quiet and Ginny's chewing had ceased. Silence filled the room for a moment as Ginny contemplated what Hermione had just said.

"What makes you ask that Hermione? Did you dream about Draco?" Ginny looked at her cautiously.

"It wasn't about Malfoy. The past two nights I've had these dreams about a man. I can't see his face but he knows me and I know him. The dream I just had, involved him nursing me back to health. I was sick with a form of the muggle flu and he was taking care of me." Hermione stared at Ginny who was gaping slightly. "It might just be a dream but it felt so real…"

"So let me get this straight… You are dreaming of some random guy and you can't see his face or physical features…but it feels real?"

"Yes that is exactly it. Gin promise you won't tell Harry or Malfoy about this… and especially not Ron. " Ginny's brow furrowed.

"Why especially not Ron… Hermione do you think it is Ron that is in your dreams? Are you sure? I mean I don't-" Ginny was cutoff by Hermione.

"The man is familiar to me. It only makes sense that it would be Ron."

"Unless it's a memory you've forgotten and the man's familiar for another reason altogether." Ginny said bluntly. Hermione avoided making eye contact with Ginny. That was exactly what she didn't want to hear. She wanted to believe it was Ron. She needed to believe it was Ron. Unfortunately she had her own doubts, especially since Ron couldn't cook but she wasn't about to tell Ginny that minor detail. So what if Ron normally couldn't cook? That didn't mean that he was incapable of doing so.

"I don't think so Ginny." Hermione shook her head, trying not only to reassure Ginny but also herself.

"Okay Hermione…But you said it felt real…so maybe it is a memory opposed to a dream. You wouldn't know if it was a forgotten memory or not, because you've forgotten that it really happened."

"Gin, I know what you're insinuating. It isn't Malfoy. Malfoy is nothing like the man in my dreams. The man in my dreams is funny, kind, loving; everything Malfoy is not and everything that Ron is. Maybe my dreams are simply desires of what I wish could happen and they aren't memories at all."

"I know you don't think that Hermione, you know they are memories but you want to find any excuse so that you can avoid the truth. Hermione I'm sorry but you're blinded by your old impression of Malfoy. He's different now. He's all of those things you mentioned and more."

"Since when were you an advocate for Malfoy?" Hermione felt herself bristle with anger.

"Since you bloody got married to him." Ginny glared at Hermione with equal vigor. "I like him Hermione. He's my friend just like you are. And believe it or not, he is suffering just as much as you, if not more. So stop being so bitter and learn to accept your situation. You haven't even bloody tried talking to him-"Ginny abruptly stopped herself from continuing and she looked extremely uncomfortable. She then turned toward the sink and threw up. Hermione stood in shock from Ginny's explosion of anger and puke. "Damn pregnancy!" Ginny cursed under her breath. An eerie quiet entered the room as the two girls looked anywhere but at each other. Hermione wanted to fight back but she knew she was being irrational. She sighed… Ginny was right. She hadn't truly thought about Malfoy's feelings and she hadn't given him a chance despite the few times he had tried to converse with her. Hermione sighed, it was time to swallow her pride and admit she was wrong.

"Gin…I…" Hermione was quickly interrupted by Ginny.

"Save it for tomorrow Hermione. I'm irritable and pregnant, which is not a good combination. Good night. I promise we can talk tomorrow." Ginny abruptly left the room and waddled toward her master bedroom. Hermione sighed and walked back into her room. She felt guilty for making Ginny so angry and she couldn't help but feel like it was partially her fault that Ginny had thrown up. Stress and anger were definitely not a good combination when pregnant. Hermione knew she would have to apologize in the morning. But she still couldn't get over what Ginny had said. It was evident that Ginny cared about Malfoy and that she believed Hermione was being irrational. Hermione knew she was being irrational but she figured that if Ginny or anyone for that matter were in her situation they would do the same thing.

Hermione stared out the large window as the sun set behind the rugged old buildings of magical London. Witches and wizards of all shapes, sizes and colors passed by with large bags of merchandise, which ranged from broomsticks to books and pumpkin pasties to chocolate frogs. She impatiently taped her foot against the leg of the table and sighed. Had she over-dressed for the occasion? They were only getting ice cream after all and it was between two colleagues nonetheless. It wasn't exactly a date but Hermione couldn't help but wonder if maybe that had been his initial intention. She looked down at her outfit and sighed. She was wearing a red sweater dress with a black belt, black leggings and black boots. She may be slightly over-done but she couldn't help it She liked him. She couldn't deny it any longer. He was charming and sweet. And they had gotten along surprisingly well.

She heard the bell of the shop door, which signaled that someone had either exited or entered; she hoped it was the latter of the two. Immediately her head turned to look at the door and to her relief he was there. She waved at him and she saw him smile warmly at her. A rush of butterflies entered her stomach as she shakily smiled back. She was acting like a schoolgirl with a crush. She chuckled slightly.

"Hello Hermione, I'm sorry I kept you waiting. I hope you weren't here to long." His voice was apologetic and soothing and Hermione felt her original impatience immediately dissipate.

"It's perfectly fine. I wasn't here to long." She smiled eagerly as he sat down in the seat across from her. She couldn't look him in the eye. Since when had she become so shy? Since she had developed feelings for him, she thought. She sighed and tried to look directly in his eyes, which were watching her. She felt herself blush slightly and she coughed to try and distract him from her ever-increasing blush.

"How about we get some ice-cream?" He chuckled as she fumbled and tried to stand up straight.

"You know, ice-cream on a cold spring evening is quite the odd suggestion."

"Yes I know, but when a man wants ice cream, he gets it. And if he's accompanied by a pretty young woman, it's a bonus." He smiled at her and wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. Hermione felt her face burning with embarrassment. She felt her heart skip a beat. He thought she was pretty! She wanted to jump from excitement. She then stopped walking for a moment. She needed to get it together. This was ridiculous. She was Hermione Granger for Merlin's sake. She wasn't the giddy over-excited drooling over boy type of girl. She was the levelheaded, logical girl but she couldn't control herself as of now. She was being anything but logical. Just because he said she was pretty didn't mean anything. She felt someone tap her shoulder and she jumped in surprise.

"Lost in thought there Hermione? Not very surprising to be honest." He chuckled and Hermione blushed again. Where had her dignity and self-confidence gone? They obviously had escaped on the back of a Norwegian Ridgeback and now she was stuck with a shy gushy version of herself.

"Um yes… I was just deep in thought. Work related stuff." Hermione failed to sound confident in her answer but she was thrilled when he didn't try to prod her for answers. She didn't know if she would be able to come up with anything believable.

"So what flavor would you like?" His voice was so charming and it exuded a gentlemanlike tone. Hermione smiled at him.

"Chocolate!" She said eagerly. He barked in laughter at her enthusiasm and to her surprise, and happiness, he ruffled her hair slightly. He ordered both their ice creams and they sat back down at their booth. When their ice cream was brought out, Hermione eagerly began shoveling it into her mouth. She stopped and blushed as she realized how barbaric and uncivilized she must look. He only laughed at her and grabbed his handkerchief from his pocket. He leaned forward and wiped chocolate off her nose. She felt her face grow red. "Um…thank you and uh sorry about that. I don't know what came over me."

"Nothing to apologize for, it was quite entertaining. Besides now I know that getting ice cream was a good idea." He smiled sheepishly. "I'm really glad you agreed to come Hermione."

"I am glad too." Hermione smiled back at him. She noticed that he had suddenly appeared less confident and that he was fidgeting slightly. She narrowed her eyebrows in confusion.

"Uh…Hermione. We've been friends for awhile now, right?"

"Yes…we have." Hermione felt her heart beat increasing steadily.

"Well I was wondering…if you'd be willing to do this again…"

"Go out for ice cream you mean?"

"Well yes but I meant…I was just wondering if you'd be willing to go somewhere with me again…except not only for ice cream…" He was looking anywhere but at her. Hermione's heart was racing. Was he asking her to go on a date? Hermione flushed. She felt excitement coursing through her veins.

"Yes." Hermione said immediately. His face shot up and he looked her directly in the eye. She had never seen him look embarrassed but his face was slightly flushed. She was thrilled. He must feel the same way. Why else would he ask her to go somewhere with him again?

"Are you sure? I mean you don't have to if you don't want to-"He was about to continue rambling nervously but Hermione placed her hand on his and he immediately stopped speaking.

"I want to. I would be thrilled to. Honestly I didn't think you…um felt the same way about me." Hermione's face was flushed and she wondered if it was possible to die from embarrassment. Her Gryffindor bravery had served her well, she had just admitted the truth out loud although she wasn't sure if she had meant to or if it had simply slipped out. His eyes had widened and a large smile enchanted his face.

"Well now you know that I do." He squeezed her hand lightly and smiled back at her. Hermione felt like she was on top of the world. She couldn't contain her excitement. She spent the rest of the night laughing with the man who was slowly invading her heart. She couldn't help it. He was brilliant.

Sunlight splashed onto Hermione's face as she tossed and turned restlessly in her bed. Two dreams about him: in one night. She sighed. Her heart was beating slightly faster than normal and she couldn't help but wonder if it was because of the dream. She was overwhelmed by emotions. She couldn't remember this ever occurring…maybe it really was just a dream. This couldn't be a memory. It just couldn't be. It would prove everything Hermione wanted to believe; wrong. But just because her and Ron hadn't gone on a first date to get ice cream…didn't rule out him as a possibility. It couldn't be Malfoy, he would never eat such simpleton food and he would never lose his composure like that. Hermione decided it was only a dream, nothing more and nothing less. She refused to look at it any other way. She was just having romantic dreams because she was confused about her life. So this mysterious man was providing, for her, the man she had always wanted.

Hermione suddenly remembered her fight with Ginny and instantly felt guilty again. She needed to talk to the redhead and apologize. Hermione slowly got out of bed and put on long black socks. She then left the room and went into the main sitting room where she saw Ginny sitting by the fire, drinking what Hermione assumed was hot chocolate.

"Good morning Hermione." Ginny said quietly. She hadn't looked up and she had kept her eyes on the fire as the flames danced softly.

"Gin…I want to apologize about last night. I shouldn't have gotten so angry with you. I mean Malfoy is your friend and it's because of me that you are friends… I just forget that I'm the reason you grew to know him now. I'm sorry." Hermione sat beside the redhead and grabbed her fragile hand.

"It's alright Hermione. I shouldn't have gotten so angry with you. I let my irritability from my pregnancy take over and I wasn't thinking. I should take into consideration how difficult this is for you but…Hermione you need to remember that you're not the only one suffering. I just wish you would talk to him." Ginny sighed as Hermione dropped her hand.

"I know Gin," Hermione let out a heavy sigh of defeat," but now is not the time. I will talk to him, I promise, just not yet. I need more time to adjust. It's only been a little over three days…" Hermione knew she needed to hear Malfoy out. Ginny was right as much as it pained Hermione to admit it.

"Lets just forget that last night's argument ever happened. It was stupid and we need each other right now. We shouldn't be fighting."

"You're right Gin, and thank you." Hermione hugged her friend. She decided that from now on she would keep her dreams to herself. There was no point in talking about them.

"Oh Hermione! I just remembered! I have a surprise for you later today!" Ginny's voice instantly became excited and happy. Hermione smiled at her friend's enthusiasm and her curiosity peaked.

"What is it Gin?"

"You know I can't tell you that! It wouldn't be a surprise if I did. But trust me, you will love it." Ginny quickly jumped up from the couch and waddled as fast as possible toward her room, leaving a dumbstruck and curious Hermione on the couch.

A/N: Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I love writing the dreams... I hope they are up to par to you all... Now I know a lot of you have been asking about Ron and who he is married to. I already have it planned and it may not be to everyone's liking but i'm going to be honest, I don't like it when people pair Ron with Lavender or Pansy and to be honest Luna and Ron is a bit strange(I am by no means trying to offend anyone who likes these pairings. I'm just not going to include them in my story). I like Ron and I don't want to simply pawn him off. So I will plan to do it the way I initially had it and hopefully people won't care, to much at least. Feel free to suggest people but i'm not sure if that will change my mind. I don't think, as a writer, that I should change my whole story (Well it doesn't really effect the whole story but you get what I mean) simply to please readers... J.K. Rowling did what she wanted, not what others wanted. But enough of my rant. Thank you for reading! Until next time- jesokaa :)