AN: Hello loves! Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the story so far. Cookies and hot cocoa to everyone who has added my story to their alerts/favorites! I love reading your reviews so keep 'em coming. :)

Disclaimer: *looks in mirror * Dang it...I guess I'm not JK Rowling guys.

For the next few weeks Hermione found herself thinking back to Draco's actions, and how his eyes seemed to ignite when he touched her. She just couldn't shake it. Those eyes. She sat by the fireplace in her room and stuck her nose in a book she had picked from the library, trying desperately to take her mind away from her first day at the manor. Slowly but surely she eased up and let the book drag her into its pages.

"Master would like yous to meet him in the library", a voice squawked. Hermione recognized it to be Pinky's, as she pulled her mind back into the real world.

"I'll be right there," she smiled, placing a marker on her page.

The elf nodded and disappeared. She looked out the open french doors and noticed the sun starting to set in the distance, beautiful pinks and oranges gracing the horizon. "Gorgeous," she sighed, getting out of her chair. The wind seemed to agree with her as a slight breeze rustled the curtains on the doors. Giving one more glance out at the scenery, she made her way down the corridor.

Arriving in the library she had expected to see Lucius waiting, but no one was there. "Huh," she exhaled, a bit confused, peering down one of the bookcases. She decided to check a few more when she heard the small thump of a book falling. As she headed towards where she had thought the noise came from, a figure caught her eye then disappeared. My eyes must be playing tricks on me. "Hello?" she called out, a surge of fear jolting her heart to beat faster. Another small rustling was heard, but this time it was right behind her. Don't turn around. Don't turn around. Again ignoring her inner-voice she turned around to come face to face with Voldemort himself, wand out and a terrible grin plastered on his face.

Hermione let out a blood-curdling scream as she bolted upright, her eyes scanning the space of her room. It was just a dream. She noticed that she had dozed off still reading in her chair, the book splayed across her lap. She stretched her cramped limbs, let out a yawn and placed the book on the opposite chair. She didn't feel the urge to return it at the moment, the dream still fresh in her mind. Before she could do anything else, a small grumble came from her stomach. I guess I should go downstairs to the kitchen.

To Hermione's dismay, she didn't exactly know where the kitchen was. Even though the list of rules she had received forbade it, Narcissa and Lucius insisted she join them for every meal, to Draco's chagrin. After about twenty minutes of aimless roaming, she stopped and let out an annoyed groan.

"Something the matter, Granger?"

She looked over to see the blonde leaning against the wall, arms crossed and a smile pulling at the edges of his lips. She only let out a huff.

Draco lifted an eyebrow and pulled away from the wall. Her stomach growled and a swift blush painted her face. "Is the muggle-born hungry?"

A confused look crossed her face. "Muggle-born?"

"You are a muggle-born are you not?"

"Well yes, but I thought you preferred to call me a...a-"

Draco nodded his head. "I'd rather not get punched in the nose today," rubbing his nose as he remembered her punch that one time before, and Pansy's screams at her punch a few weeks earlier.

Hermione blushed. "Do you think you could show me to the kitchen?" She asked sheepishly, the words coming out in a whisper.

Draco let out a low chuckle. "Very well," he said, holding his arm out.

"Malfoy w-what are you doing?" She asked, staring at his offered arm. He rolled his eyes.

"Showing you to the kitchen, Granger. Do you want to go or not?" She reluctantly linked her arm in his and couldn't help but blush a deep red at the closeness of their proximity. Merlin, stop blushing!

"Thanks," she breathed, hoping he had heard her. He did.

"No need to thank me. What would people say if they had known I let you starve to death, lost in the corridors of my manor?" He smirked.

Now it was her turn to roll her eyes. They arrived at the kitchen and Draco slipped her arm out of his, leaving without a word. With her hand on the door she watched him start to walk away and called after him. "Malfoy."

He turned around and lifted an eyebrow. "What."

"Thanks," she tried again, giving a small smile. With an unreadable look, he turned on his heel and walked off.

After asking for a sandwich and downing it ravenously, Hermione slipped back up to her room. She was grateful that she could remember her way back. Flopping on her bed, her mind went to Ron as she remembered how she had just eaten her sandwich. "Oh Ron," she giggled. "I miss you so." She wished with all her heart that he was with her so she could snuggle up next to him and feel his warmth against her skin.

Getting up, she made her way to the french doors and pushed the handle. A cool but not-unpleasant autumn breeze whipped through her hair, assaulting her nose with the scents of the night mingled with her mango scented shampoo. She let out a pleasant sigh as she walked out onto the balcony, gazing at the night sky with its sparkling stars and silvery moonlight. This place can sure be beautiful when you look past the things that once happened here. Stargazing for only a few minutes more, she made her way to the bed. Tossing and turning for a bit, she finally closed her eyes only to see two silvery-blues staring back.

The next morning Hermione awoke to a loud banging. Startled, she realized she had forgotten to latch the two doors last night, and they swung open with each blistering wind. She groaned and got out of her warm covers, to feel the searing wind. "Brrr," she shivered aloud. "It sure is a blustery day."

With a little pop, Pinky appeared. "Breakfast is ready miss," she bowed her head and vanished.

Hermione groaned again not wanting to change out of her warm long-sleeved pajamas. "I'll just go like this, " she decided aloud, putting a hand on her hip. "They better get used to it. This is my home for now, anyways. I deserve to be comfortable," she huffed and made her way down to the dining area.

She entered the room with less confidence then she had wanted to, and decided that maybe this wasn't such a good idea. She blushed as she watched the family look her over with confusing glances. Draco was the first to speak. "Forgotten your clothes have you, Granger," amusement playing on his face. Narcissa gave him a reproving look and turned her attention to Hermione.

"Why good morning dear," she smiled. "Glad you can be so comfortable with us," she stated happily, motioning for her to sit across from her by Draco.

As she sat, she couldn't help but notice the smirk still plastered on his face. He didn't look at her, his eyes concentrating on the food before him. At least he has some table manners, she thought as she noticed the way he ate slowly, savoring the food instead of stuffing it down in huge mouthfuls.

"Enjoying the view?"

"W-what?" She blinked, unaware of her staring.

"You're staring at me," he smirked. "I know I'm so irresistible and all, but while I eat?" He let out a sigh. "If you must..."

Hermione blushed furiously. "I wasn't staring at you Malfoy," she gritted with clenched teeth. After a few minutes of silence, she thought she was in the clear.

"Although it does make sense. If you enjoy touching me, obviously you would enjoy taking in my beauty as well."

"That's it!" She mumbled under her breath. Pushing her chair away, she looked up at Lucius and Narcissa. "If you will excuse me, I'm not too hungry anymore," she smiled, controlling her temper.

"Oh dear, come now. Sit back down you have barely touched your plate," Narcissa called after her, but she was already out of sight. However, she was in ear range and a smile crossed her face as she heard Narcissa scold her son.

Arriving at her door she swung it open as the rage she tried to contain came bursting out. She paced around the room yelling and waving her arms until she felt as though they were going to fall off. That man is insufferable! Thinking a hot bath would relax her, she headed towards the bathroom attached to her room.

After thirty long minutes Hermione walked back into her room calmed and refreshed, wrapped up in a cozy red robe. Much better.

"Hermione dear," a cheery voice called from behind the big wooden door. "May I come in?"

She glanced down at her robe. "Um just a minute," she called back, frantically ripping her robe off and throwing random clothes from her trunk on. "Come in," she breathed heavily as she hopped onto the bed.

Narcissa strode in and sat down next to her. "I am dreadfully sorry about breakfast," she started, giving her an apologetic glance. "Draco can be...well...he can be quite the troublemaker."

"Yes," Hermione agreed. Quite the troublemaker indeed.

Narcissa nodded, and suddenly her eyes brightened and a smile graced her face. "I also came up here to tell you that there is to be a Halloween Ball at the end of the month!" She grabbed one of Hermione's arms. "Oh you must come,dear. There will be dancing and food and lots of socializing."

She tried to put on a genuine smile for the women. Merlin, she's so excited! How do I politely get my way out of this one? "It sounds lovely, but I'm afraid I wouldn't mingle well with everyone."

She let out a small laugh and waved her hand. "Everyone will adore you," she insisted. "You can even invite some of your friends."

C'mon Hermione. Think, think! "I fear I do not have the proper attire to wear to such an event." There. That sounded like a good reason. I'm not exactly lying to her with that one either.

"I'll buy you a dress."

Hermione's eyes bulged as panic set in. "I-I-I can't let-"

"This conversation is finished, dear." she said with a grin. "It's settled. You'll invite your friends, and I will buy your dress." And with that said, Narcissa got up and walked out the door.

Hermione leaned back on the bed. "Ugh!" This is going to be a total nightmare. Then the thought hit her. "Ron!" She cried, springing back up to a sitting position. She said I can invite my friends. Sure, Ron won't be happy with his surroundings, but I bet he would come to be with me. She couldn't help a slow smile spread across her face as a twinge of excitement hit her. The ball would be a great place to tell him I love him. It would be so romantic.

With a bounce in her step, she eagerly wrote three notes. One for Harry, one for Ginny, and one for Ron. They all said the same thing.

Dear Ron, Harry & Ginny,

The Malfoys are throwing a Halloween Ball at the end of the month. I would love for you to be able to come! I don't know any of the details yet so I will owl them to you later. Please consider!

Love, Hermione

Realizing her hunger from skipping breakfast, Hermione put the notes aside and bounded down the corridors thinking about what she might wear to the ball. The sound of voices made their way into her ear, causing her to halt and search for where they were coming from. Curiosity always got the best of her, and she found the source and leaned up against the wall.

"No!" Sounds like Draco...

"But Draco!" a voice whined. Merlin, what does he see in that girl? Well maybe because they were dating at Hogwarts and-wait, why do I care again? She leaned her ear closer.

"I can't Pansy."

"I need you Draco! I'm so lonely!" She whined even louder, her voice raising a pitch.

"Shut-up and leave!" He yelled. His voice rang through the hallway, sending shivers up Hermione's spine.

Silence. I can't hear any-

She felt a strong hand on her arm that jerked her around. "What do you think you're doing, Granger?"

Hermione looked into the face of a fuming Draco Malfoy and gulped. "I was going to the kitchens and I heard voices and-"

"Whatever," he barked. His eyes met with hers and she noted a hint of sadness.

"Are y-you okay?" She choked out.

"Sod off, Granger. It's none of your damn business," and with that he let go of his stinging grip on her arm and stormed off. Hermione stood there in shock, all of her previous enthusiasm about the ball fizzling away. As she leaned against the wall for support, she heard Pansy's voice again. I thought he told her to leave...

"You will be mine again Draco Malfoy," she hissed through tears. "No girl is going to stand in my way."

Hermione lifted her ear from the wall and started her way to the kitchen. She thought about what Pansy had just said. What does she mean by that? So Draco likes some other girl? Her mind flashed back to the sadness she had seen in Draco's eyes. Ha! Serves her right. Wait, and why do I care again?

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