AN:Hey guys, hope everyone had an awesome Christmas! Hugs to all of you who have added me to your favorites/alerts! Please read and review! Enjoy :) Oh and PS I realized I forgot to write replies to the last chapters reviews (Oopsies!) So they're there too.

Disclaimer: Santa didn't get me the rights to Harry Potter and his friends...:(

"So you and Malfoy have got a thing for one another...," Ginny's face was thoughtful.

"I don't know if one would call it a thing exactly...," Hermione looked at her friend and then down at the floor. "Don't be mad at me Ginny. It's not that I don't love Ron, it's just-"

"You don't love him like you thought you did," she finished, repeating her own statement. "You sly devil! You really do understand how I felt," a slow smile spread across her face.

"Oh Ginny!" She cried, wrapping her arms around her friend for the third time that day. "How am I going to break the news to him?"

"Malfoy? I'm pretty sure he may-"

"No no no no. Ron," she rolled her eyes.

"Oh right...him. Well, I guess I could talk it over with him first." She said, looking down at the note still clutched in Hermione's hand.

"He is going to be utterly heart broken. I don't think I'll be able to look at him again without feeling guilty." Hermione bit her lip. She felt as though she were going to cry again. What is wrong with me? Merlin, if I cry one more time I am going to end up in the loony bin at St Mungos...

Ginny waved her hand. "He'll get over it."

It had been a week since Ginny had come over, and she had assured her she would speak to Ron as soon as she could. Hermione was jittery waiting for a nasty note to come from him calling her out, but nothing came. She was so caught up in her own worry in fact, that she never noticed once that Draco hadn't been down for meals that whole week.

Trying to forget about Ron, Hermione roamed the corridors. She took random turns, went up random staircases, and opened different doors not knowing where she was going to end up. She finally came up to a big wooden door that looked strangely like hers. Knocking once, she opened it a crack and peaked inside. Draco? He lay there on his side with his back to the door, motionless. His bed covers were pulled all the way up to his neck. The only way she could tell it was him was the fact that his white blonde hair was showing. She quietly stepped in shutting the door, and made her way to his bedside. Sitting on the edge, she reached out a shaky hand and touched his shoulder.

Hermione jumped as she heard him speak. "Go away mother, I don't want to talk about it," he sighed, his voice full of pain. Unsure of what to do, she bent down and kissed the top of his head. As she went to get up, a hand caught her arm. Afraid to look at his face, Hermione stared at the floor instead. "Look at me, Granger."

"I can't," she whispered nearing tears, and walked out the door.

She had no clue where she was running, but she had to get away from that room. How had I not realized it before? I'm so selfish! I was so caught up in one thing, I didn't care to even think about anything..anyone else. She stopped out of breath and leaned up against a wall, slowly sinking down to the floor. Losing control over her emotions, she broke down. "Draco, please forgive me," she whispered through sobs. Her head was down on her knees, her knees pulled into her chest. So distraught was Hermione, that she failed to notice her onlooker lurking in the shadows.

Draco lay there facing the wall, not fully understanding the extent of his feelings for the girl he had always made sure to hate. Why am I so stupid? I did this to myself. Merlin, I made a mistake sending that note to her...she would never except who I am and who I was. No one will. I'll either be alone all my life or hitched to Pansy...He pictured waking up to Pansy and shivered. No i'd much rather be alone. Suddenly an unexpected voice interrupted his reverie.

"Hey, mate."

"What are you doing here?" Draco asked, not caring to turn around.

"Your dear old mum told me you were down." Blaise said with a chuckle.

Draco groaned. Merlin, that woman doesn't know when to stay away. "It's hardly funny, and I don't want to talk about it."

"I have an idea of what may be going on."

Draco's eyes darkened and he turned to face his friend. "Oh?"

Blaise smirked. "I overheard a certain mudb-"

"Don't," Draco interrupted, his brow furrowing and voice low.

His smirk only grew wider as his friend confirmed his suspicions. "I distinctly recall a 'Draco, please forgive me'. Does that mean anything to you, mate?" Draco was speechless. Since when did she call me Draco? "She was crying pretty hard. What did she do?"

Draco closed his eyes and inhaled sharply, dragging his hands across his face. "Damn it all. You better sit down for this one, you annoying bastard."

Pleased with himself, Blaise obeyed, and Draco began.

Hermione got up from her spot in the hall feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. She looked around, wiping the last remaining tears away and slowly made her way back to her room. It took awhile seeing as how she didn't even know where she was, but she used that time to think. Sighing when she found her door, she opened it and flopped onto the bed. Closing her eyes, Hermione sunk into a deep and dreamless sleep.

Draco paced the room as Blaise mulled over everything he had just told him. "So you fancy Granger... and you're sure about this?"

"Did I not just talk to you?" Draco growled, his heart pounding. Merlin, I do! He wasn't denying it now.

"Isn't she dating Weasel?" Blaise was rubbing his chin, thinking.

"Yes," he snarled.

"Is he coming to the ball?"

"Merlin, Blaise! What is this, twenty questions?" He barked, throwing his hands in the air and slumping into the chair next to his friend.

"Calm down, mate. You don't want to get your knickers tied into a knot," he snickered. Draco shot him a dirty look. "Ask her."

"Ask her what?" He questioned, already knowing the answer.

"To the ball of course."

"No," Draco said sternly, fists clenched at his sides.

Blaise lifted an eyebrow. "You're just going to give up and let the Weasel win?"

"No," he repeated.

Blaise grinned. "Then let's make her see what she's missing," a look of pure mischief on his face.

Hermione awoke feeling great until the days events all came rolling back, hitting her in the face like a pound of bricks. She groaned and got up to see what time it was. "Three o'clock," she muttered. She rubbed a hand across her face and headed to the balcony to get some needed fresh air. The last remaining leaves were already starting to fall. She watched the wind swirl the scattered leaves, sending them dancing into the air. She closed her eyes and imagined herself floating along, joining them in their seasonal bliss. The scent of impending rain rushed through her nose, making her eyes flutter as she inhaled the intoxicating aroma. Fall is definitely my favorite season.

At supper, Hermione was pleased to see Draco sitting in his usual seat as she made her way to hers. She sat down and gave him a small smile, and to her astonishment he gave her a dazzling one back. Her eyes grew wide and a familiar blush crept onto her cheeks as she shakily reached for her fork, averting her eyes downward. Pleased with her reaction, Draco inwardly laughed. Let the games begin.

Before anyone knew it, the day of the Halloween Ball had arrived. Narcissa and Lucius were busy setting things up and making last minute changes, while Hermione sat on her bed wondering if she should even go. Maybe this is a bad idea. I should tell Narcissa I'm not feeling well...No. She wouldn't buy that for a minute. Neither would Ginny. She let out an aggravated groan, and buried her face in one of the fluffy cloud-like pillows.

"Hermione dear!" Narcissa sang from the hall as she stopped by her doorway. Noticing it was already open, she strolled on in. Hermione sprang up, trying her best to smooth her hair and crumpled clothes. She felt like she should never look a mess in front of the always-stunning women before her. Her efforts stopped though as her eyes caught sight of the dress in her hand. Narcissa's eyes seemed to sparkle as she handed the beautiful gown over to a speechless Hermione.

"I-I-" She tried to form words to express the sudden gratitude that poured through her, but nothing seemed to fit. Moving her dress to the bed, she got up and wrapped her arms around a surprised Narcissa. Looking up to the women she noticed a few tears falling down her cheeks. Hermione blushed and went to step away out of embarrassment when Narcissa's arms stopped her, pulling her into a warm embrace.

"Oh Hermione," she whispered. The two sat there in their shared thanks for a minute more. As they pulled away they both were beaming, un-shed tears glimmering in their eyes. Hermione felt like she had to say something. She looked up at Narcissa.

"I don't think I will ever be able to thank you enough for the hospitality you have shown me and for this gorgeous dress...," she could feel the tears fall again. "I just...you just...I miss...," she choked.

"Hermione dear," Narcissa grabbed her hand in hers.

She smiled at the gesture. "I just really miss my mother, and you remind me of her. I feel as though you have treated me like a daughter...and I have only been here for a month!" She let out a little laugh and blushed again at what she had just admitted.

"I only could wish I had a daughter such as you, dear." Narcissa smiled warmly down at Hermione and gave her a hankie to wipe her tear-stained face. "Now," she said as she patted her hand. "I have much to do, but I wanted to stop by and give you your gown." She lifted Hermione's head with a gentle finger and looked her direct in the eyes. "You deserve this, dear," she spoke softly but forcefully.

Hermione watched her walk away and then put her attention on the dress. I have to go now, for Narcissa...and for mum. Walking out to the balcony she leaned over the railing and looked out over the spacious grounds. Turning her eyes to the dancing leaves on the ground, she spotted Draco sitting under a nearby tree. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of him. The sun shined brightly on his white blonde hair, as the light breeze ruffled it a bit from its usual slicked down position. His head was down, but she could still see his face. His gorgeous face. She popped up as the thought came to the surface. Where did that come from? Her eyes made their way back to the unsuspecting boy, and she bit her lip. Oh what am I kidding, he is definitely easy on the eyes. At that moment Draco looked up as if reading her thoughts and stared in her direction. She blushed and stumbled back into her room, missing the giant smirk playing on his face.

The rest of the day passed much too quickly for Hermione's taste, and it was officially time for her to get ready for the nights events. She was a nervous mess, fumbling with her hair and shakily applying makeup. She did her makeup first, applying black mascara and eyeliner, flicking the ends out a bit. Her lids were finished with a smoky eye look. Moving onto her mouth she applied a deep red lipstick. She smiled at her reflection, shocked at how well she had actually done seeing as how this wasn't her usual, more natural look. A frown instantly replaced her smile as she thought about her hair. She had no idea of where to even begin. Her brown frizzy locks were always hard to work with, not liking to be tamed by products and styling tools.

As Hermione attacked her hair, Draco was down in his room staring at his costume his mother had just delivered. His heart thumped as he thought about what he was going to do that night. Blaise's plan better work or so help me, I will avada kedavra his arse. He grabbed the clothes and hastily put them on when he noticed the time. Don't want to be late to a ball at my own house. He smoothed the jacket and slicked back his hair, although not as much as usual, letting some of it fall across his forehead. Giving one last look, he took a long breath and headed for the ball room.

Hermione glanced at the clock as she put the last finishing touches on her hair. It was half up and curled, the top voluminous, and a few stray curls hung down in the front. A thin silver clip kept it back and added a sparkly touch. Merlin! She still had to put her dress on. She grabbed the gown, and tried her best to put it on as quickly as possible. She stood in front of a full length mirror and paused. Something's missing. She put a finger to her chin and scanned her eyes across the room. Squealing as she spotted a bright red rose in a vase on her nightstand, she fastened it to her hair. Perfect. With careful steps, as she was not used to her heels, she made her way to the ball room.

Ginny, Harry, and Ron arrived at the ball right as the clock struck seven. They looked around at their surroundings and stood there taken aback. The ballroom looked gorgeous decked out in blacks and silvers. The huge room had an elegant and very massive crystal chandelier that made it's presence known, reflecting light at every turn. An extra long dark wood table stretched across one side, full of different assortments of food and drink. The ballroom was surrounded by ceiling to floor windows, letting the moonlight shine through, adding a very dark and romantic glow to everyone and everything.

"Welcome," Narcissa nodded her head at the three and smiled. "Enjoy the party." After another smile she was tapped on the shoulder and whisked away into another conversation.

Ginny's eyes searched the room for Hermione, wondering what her mysterious costume was. "I don't see 'Mione anywhere," she frowned, wondering if she decided to hide in her room instead of showing up. Suddenly Ron shook her arm.

"T-there," he barely choked out, his eyes growing wide and ears turning scarlet.

Both Ginny and and Harry turned and gasped. Hermione carefully descended down the grand staircase into the ballroom. She had her eyes focused on each step not wanting to fall in front of everyone. She was very nervous and panic stricken when she realized she had to make her way down a staircase into the room. She thought she would be entering through a doorway. Ginny squealed and pushed her way through the growing crowd to the end of the staircase. Draco heard this, and his heart skipped a beat as his eyes caught sight of Hermione.

"Bloody hell," Blaise muttered as he followed his friend's gaze. That can't be the mudblood.

Draco's eyes moved from her face to her dress. It was a creamy color that held a bit if a shine. The straps lay off her shoulders, and the torso fit her form perfectly until it cascaded into elegant pickups from her waist down. Merlin, she's breathtaking.

Hermione finally reached the last step and blushed as she noticed how many people were watching her. She was grateful to see Ginny waiting there. "Oh Ginny, you came! You look gorgeous!" She hugged her friend, and looked at her outfit. Ginny did a small spin.

"You like?" She laughed.

Her dress was long sleeved, black, and floor length. It was tight fitting and clung to every curve on her body. The neckline plunged and hanging in the space was a beautiful emerald heart pendant. A dangerous slit ran up to meet her inner thigh, inches away from showing her knickers. The outfit was paired with seductive black platform pumps. Hermione turned her attention to her friend's face. Her fiery hair was swept over to the side in loose curls that hung down just meeting her waist. Her lashes were long and black, matching her nails, and her lips were a dark crimson red. As Ginny smiled she noticed two teeth charmed to look like fangs. "Wow, Gin," she breathed. "You'll definitely catch the eyes of many guys tonight!" She laughed.

"Not as many as you! At first I was a little upset you would keep your dress from me, but now," her friend stepped back and moved her hand up and down. "I'm pleasantly surprised," she giggled.

Hermione blushed and waved her friend's comment off. She stiffened as she saw Ron approach but relaxed when Harry followed. "Wow 'Mione, you look amazing," Harry cried as he hugged her.

"Thank-" but she couldn't finish her sentence and burst into a laughing fit as she took in his costume. "Harry," she said between giggles. "You're..you're..."

"I'm professor Snape," he said mocking their former professor's voice. "Miss Granger, ten points from Gryffindor for laughing!" They all burst into laughs.

"Poking fun at me, Potter?" A deep voice drawled from behind him, and he stiffened.

"N-no sir!" He replied, embarrassed he had been caught. He felt as if he was back in school again until Snape laughed.

Hermione had forgotten how much the professor had changed since the war. After nearly dying his outlook on life had changed, and he became somewhat of a different person. He looked the same and sounded the same, but when you looked at his eyes they were no longer hard, and you could catch a glimmer of playfulness that had never been there.

"I would practice more if I were you, Potter." He smiled, nodded to the group and headed off to start a conversation with Lucius.

"Bloody hell, he still frightens me," Ron spoke, rubbing a hand on the back of his neck. "This time in a different way." He nervously peered at Hermione through hooded eyes, and cleared his throat. "Erm. 'Mione, would you care to um...dance?" He finished, blushing like mad.

"Alright Ron," she spoke gently, not wanting to hurt him any further than she already has.

His eyes brightened and he lead her to the dance floor. They swayed back and forth, but a small awkward distance seemed to separate them. As they silently danced a set of eyes watched their every move, burning with jealousy.

Fan. Sea. Pants-Mmm Malfoy is quite adorable...;P haha thanks!

Wolfie—Here ya go! :)

xxfallblossomsxx—Thank you!

jessirose85—Thanks :)

Fan. Sea. Pants-*scoops you back up* Will do haha :D thanks

bookgirl 121—Thank ya!

mtthomas—I do my best! Thanks

Dawnsplash—Thanks :D

cheesecake—Alright thanks for letting me know! And ohmygoodness! :O That sounds wicked scary! Thank youuu. :)