A/n: Focuses on romance more than any of the other chapters. Enjoy. It's going to open up some major shit soon :D Thanks again to my beta Tessa Cresswell!

Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters belong to J. K Rowling. Also, you've probably seen plots similar to this in multiple books. Hopefully this story will be just a tad different :)

If you want, like my facebook page. The link is up on my profile. I update regulary.

Part 1: Feelings, 1999 (Life Six)

Draco Abraxas Malfoy and Hermione Jean Granger

"A love letter?" Draco spat out as she ripped the seal of the letter open. Hermione could only roll her eyes at the blond and at the jealously laced in his words. Merlin, she knew he felt something for her after she began remembering things, but she had yet to really see those jealous streaks peek through. Sure, there had been that time at the bar with Viktor, but she had been too drunk to remember much of that. And as far as Snape was concerned, well, she was almost thankful for the protectiveness there.

"Doubtful," she replied, pulling the letter out. He was quick to step behind her; his dominate height allowing him the ability to read the contents over her shoulder. She huffed at this spectacle, but it did not stop her from opening the letter with him right there and proceeding to read it. Really, how bad could it be?

Hermione~

I have been trying to write to you for a long time. My Quidditch keeps me busy. I would like to see you again. When are you free? Last time we did not spend a lot of time together, we hardly spoke since we were drinking. I like spending time with you. I have a single day to myself next week on Wednesday. Are you available then? Hogsmeade like the last time? Please owl soon so I can make arrangements.

~Viktor

She inclined an eyebrow after finishing the note, which half a moment later was ripped out of her hands by a livid blond. She let both her eyebrows pop up as she watched him pace the room a second time, rereading a letter addressed to her. Sitting down, she waited for him to finish his pacing. Really, his reaction was not necessary.

"See, a love letter," he grumbled, tossing the letter back to her as he finished. Huffing, he collapsed back onto the couch across from her, arms crossed over his chest. She could practically feel the fire in his eyes, and it again unsettled her. She could understand by now that he felt someone for her, something deep, but she was not on that level with him. No indeed, she was still trying to accept the blond as a person, perhaps even an estranged friend. But each time something like this arose, that scorching anger reappeared. It was almost possessive, and that was not something she liked. But then, she never told him she wasn't his either. He seemed to believe so; it was obvious by his reaction, even sometimes by the way he looked at her. She didn't always like to acknowledge it, but it was fairly obvious that he felt things for her that she could not return. She was so confused by her clashing emotions sometimes; parts of her that had loved Draco Malfoy in her past lives wanted to fall against him whenever he was near and smother him with kisses, while her present self had a hard time talking about some things with him. Those were the conflicting feelings that kept her up late at night, her true feelings overclouded by the unexplained ones.

"He is a friend," she replied evenly, folding her own arms. "There is nothing romantic between the two of us Malfoy; you should know that. I don't feel anything for Viktor- not since the Yule Ball. Trust me; one kiss was enough to make me see how I really felt about him." She gestured to the paper by her side. "Even if his intentions are for a relationship or anything of the sort, it is not something I would pursue. Viktor has been a friend of mine for years and that is something I will not jeopardize. Will you stop being so paranoid now? You act as though we are together all the time."

Because I want us to be! He bit his tongue, fighting back the retorts that piled his head. Obviously she was not at a level where she could see his real emotions, or she was otherwise choosing to ignore them. Either way, he knew she did not feel the way he did, and it would be suicidal for him to ask now, for him to imply otherwise. He was enjoying the time he was getting to spend with her, and although he hoped for more, he would suffer along at her side until their deaths if that was all she could ever see them as; mutual friends.

That thought practically made his heart explode. He wasn't even sure he could accept that reality, not now after getting so close to having his love once again. It would be heartbreaking, and the sort of rejection he was not sure he could live through. It was one thing for her to turn him down when there was nothing for her to remember, but now everything was so very different. He did not want to consider what it would be like to not have her after so long, after getting so close.

"Will you go see him?" Draco finally asked the tenseness obvious in the tone of his voice. "Will you go see him in Hogsmeade?"

She shrugged. "Wednesday is a school day; I would have to cut class to see him."

Relief washed through him. "So you won't then?"

"I never said that," she replied, refolding the letter.

His lip twitched. "Don't do this to me," he whispered.

Hermione's head shot up at his tone, thrown by the sudden change in his attitude. The angry, cold exterior was now gone, melted away into something she was unsure how to handle; a compassionate Malfoy. That was really the only word now to describe the emotions that now hid behind his eyes. "Don't do what?"

"You know very well what I mean Granger," he said, his eyes boring into her. She squirmed under the intensity of his gaze, unable to recall a time she could ever remember him looking so very serious. "Don't do this to me; don't give me swayable answers. You know very well how I feel about you, don't even try to deny it. So please, for Merlin's sake, don't put me in suspense. Are you going to go with him? I need to know Granger."

She was unsure how to reply. He looked so concerned suddenly that it seemed almost unreal. Lately she had gotten used to seeing Malfoy portray emotions she once thought he was void of, but this was new. He looked desperate for an answer. And when she finally replied, she found she wasn't even able to control the words that slipped from between her lips.

"I don't know."

Ultimately, she knew it was the wrong answer. His face hardened, obviously meaning he had hoped to hear something else. Not wasting a second, he stood and smoothed down impeccable robes. "Well then Granger, I don't think we need to really discuss anything tonight. I will just leave you with your bloody thoughts. Goodnight."

His farewell was clipped and sharp, and she could almost hear the hurt in his voice. He had wanted her to say no, that she wouldn't go see him, but that was not what she said.

"We have plenty to discuss Malfoy," she tried, but the blond wasn't listening. Even as the words slipped from her lips he was stepping out of her door. She jumped to her feet, hurrying to follow.

"Not tonight," he said sadly, resisting the urge to turn as he heard footsteps behind him. Refusing to remain there for her to grab, spin, and argue with, he continued on his way, already headed to his common room when her voice rang down the corridor.

"Why are you so persistent for me to feel something for you Malfoy? What do you want from me?! I can't just change how I feel about you overnight; I only just got back to learning everything again!"

He didn't respond to her cries. She had known for several weeks now, and she had plenty of time to herself to contemplate things. He was growing tired of waiting for her to make a choice about him, and her careless remarks to meeting with Viktor Krum of all people were painful. If she couldn't make up her mind, fine; he just didn't want to be there if she really did intend to break his heart.

Draco couldn't recall when he last felt so torn; did he stay by her side and loyally help her like he planned to until her feelings changed, or did he leave now and avoid the greater hurt that would come if she could not learn to love him again. He just didn't know what to do in this moment, and kept right on walking to avoid another conversation.

Leave it to Krum to ruin things for him, again.

Hermione lay awake long into the night later, thinking about her conversation with Malfoy. She vaguely remembered the kiss they shared, the one that sent all of her memories tumbling back into her mind, but that was the only show of affection they had ever given in this life. Sure, she knew he was being kinder to her because deep down he was practically in love with her, but her feelings were still torn. How did she feel about him? And Viktor? And even Snape in this equation; where did one even place him?

It was with that jumble of thoughts that Hermione fell asleep.

Dreu Antoine Malfoy (14) and Harmony Joan Potter (18), 1537

She felt uneasy. Her encounter with Alabaster Snape had sent her heart into a whirlwind of beats, and she could only be thankful that Dreu had come to her rescue. Of all the people to attack her, she had not expected it to be him. And apparently, neither did her husband- Alexander Potter.

She had told the entire story to the man she had married upon meeting up with him again. Drunk as usual, he scoffed at her story and declared that she was delusion and tired, and in need of serious sleep. Offended that he so easily blew off something that really had happened to her, she had locked him from their room. Too drunk to properly use his wand, she could only presume that he had fallen asleep somewhere outside their door or against it by the sound of his snores. She did not open it, too insulted to care for the man. Why ever would she make up such a horrendous lie? When Alexander was not drunk, he could be quite caring. But of course, those moments were few and far between and she found herself quite lonely that night, nearly wishing she had asked Dreu to stay the night with her at her home, if only so that she would have someone to speak to. Alabaster's intentions had been horrifying, and her bloody husband did not even have enough compassion to take her seriously. He deserved to sleep on the floor tonight.

Having showered twice, she decided nothing would get the feel of Alabaster's callused hands on her for many a day. Perhaps if her husband showed her some concern, some compassion, it would erase his touch. But tonight, she would not know that bliss. And soon, she fell into a frightful sleep where Dreu did not return.

It was the tapping sound on glass that awoke her from the nightmares. Struggling to take in what was going on, she used her wand to light some candles. There outside her window perched an owl; one that carried an envelope. Curious by nature, she braved the cold weather to let the owl in and see what had arrived. She shivered when she read the signature of Alabaster clearly printed on the front. What could he possibly want? She thought of going to wake her husband in the corridor and show him the cold proof that something amiss had gone on that night, but decided against it. Best to read it first, yes? She tore the envelope open.

Dearest Harmony~

I apologize for thy inexcusable behavior tonight. Please accept thy sincerest apologies. Thou deserves to be treated as much more than that. We shall both be most grateful that Lord Malfoy's son remained and stopped what would be but a tragedy. Shall we thank him sometime? The man deserves this. Do not dally on what was almost, and please move on with thy thoughts. It was but a break in my control, that tis all. Do not worry thou husband with such a simple mistake, yes?

Take care Harmony.

~Alabaster Snape

She resisted the urge to gag. It was as fake of a letter if there ever was one! There was not an ounce of sincerity in his words, only the hope to avoid issues with her husband. That had to be the one and only reason this was sent- for Dreu had been a witness to what had nearly happened. Had no one been around, she doubted this would have been sent.

But Alabaster was right about one thing; she was most thankful that Dreu had remained and stopped the insane, disturbed man.

A week flew by quickly, and Hermione's memory dream was implanted in her head. It was like her mind was trying to sway her to feel compassion and perhaps even love for Malfoy. But she could not simply make those emotions appear. They had to be built.

Wednesday came sooner than she cared to admit. Since her rough dispute with Malfoy, the pair had been ignoring each other. She knew he was hurt, but what could she do? She could not simply make herself feel things she didn't yet- or never would.

And that was why she had decided to go see Viktor in Hogsmeade. She was currently walking down the path to town; she had done something that went against her whole person and had decided to skip a day of school. She would never determine if Malfoy was for her or not if she did not go and try out other things- like Viktor. Although she believed his intentions were not to seek anything more than friendship from her, Malfoy's words from the previous week kept jumping out in her mind as she walked. Damn him.

"You're so quick to ignore my words," came a voice, and immediately she whipped her wand out. Half a moment later, she realized this was unneeded. She would know that usual drawl anywhere.

"I want to see a friend," she replied, crossing her arms and turning, she found the blond standing to her left as expected. "Are you following me again Malfoy?"

He frowned, looking at her drawn wand. "Planning to hex me are you Granger?"

She rolled her eyes. "You're ignoring my question."

"You're ignoring my wishes. I asked you why you had to go see him, when we both know he only wants to get in your pants."

Her eyes widened a fraction. "Must you speak like that? I will have you know that Viktor is not a half brained twit, and he doesn't treat women like rubbish. Even if he was interested in me Malfoy, it would be for romantic-relationship type purposes, not sexual."

"Are you sure," he asked, cocking an eyebrow. "You told me yourself that you don't feel anything for him, but that doesn't mean he feels the same. Look at us for example, our opinions on each other are quite different from what I can see."

Hermione flushed, looking down. He was going to make her feel bad. "I don't know how I feel about you yet."

"Well you should," he snapped, drawing closer. Placing a finger beneath her chin, he made her look at him once more, and she did not fight him. "I don't expect you to declare your undying love at this moment Granger; I just expect that brain of yours to process things a bit faster. What keeps you from making a decision about how you feel about me? Is it that you fear the answer, or that you pity my feelings?" His hand locked on her chin as she tried to pull away. He was tired of playing games with her. "I don't want your pity; I want an answer. I need one."

She huffed. "What if I don't have an answer? What if I can't decide Malfoy," she challenged, narrowing his eyes. He was being so demanding lately, it was aggravating.

The smirk that crossed over his face was not the reaction she expected. "Then you're just forcing me to help you along." She had a snarky reply to that almost immediately, but he never gave her the chance to say it. Bending down, he caught her lips with his, the hold he had maintained on her chin keeping her from pulling away.

At first she wanted to push him off, and even attempted to shove him away, but one toned arm snaked itself around her hips, pulling her closer to him and stopping her arms as they were pinned between the pair. She glared up at him, his cool grey eyes meeting hers as he continued to hold her there in his embrace against her will, his lips toying with her own.

And then he really decided to tempt fate. Snaking out a fierce tongue, he danced it across her closed lips. Startled by a sensation she had never really experienced in this life, she gasped, and he took the opportunity to deepen what he had started.

It was only then that the walls began to fall away. The sensation was new, the feelings something she could not recall experiencing as Hermione before. Her body was suddenly on fire as his tongue danced over hers, inviting her to play. And she was suddenly all too willing. Letting her eyes fall closed, her arms slowly moved to their own accord and snaked around his neck, fastening them there and tightening their hold. Draco would be lying if he said he was not pleased with her reaction, and let his guard fall down so he could really enjoy himself.

It only lasted a few scarce moments longer, and it took all of Draco's might to pull away from this. He was finally getting what he wanted, but he had something to deliver to her, something to remind the stubborn brunette of. After all, he was selfish and did not intend to share.

Barely a few inches back, he spoke, "Let me know if Krum's tactless kisses make you feel anything like that," he said, letting her go. He released her chin, her waist, and stepped back, masking his expression. It was now her turn to think.

The look that overtook her face was priceless. "What? Malfoy, weren't you just saying-"

"That you shouldn't go? Yes, but that was before I gave you a kiss that had you hanging off me." He smirked at her frown. "I gave you something to think about, Merlin Granger I have given you everything I can to think about, but now it's all up to you. I have nothing else I can give you, no more methods of persuasion- at least none that you will accept." Her eyebrows shot up at this. "I don't know what you want from me Granger, what you expect, but you know my desires. At this point, I can only hope you don't let history repeat itself."

"Malfoy-" she began, but he cut her off.

"Don't start Granger. Don't give me anymore false hopes. Don't say things you aren't sure about, things out of spite, just don't bloody talk. You've talked and talked and talked to me, and so far we have accomplished very little. You remember- which is a big deal- but obviously it's not enough to sway you to me. I can talk to you forever, but it will not speed up a process that is six centuries in the making. It is all up to you if we are together, if this chain ends, if you can even feel real love for me- or anything close to it. We have talked, and you have had a lot of time to debate things. All that is left is an answer Granger." He pulled at his cloak as a strong wind blew past. "I do request though, that if you do find that your feelings lie elsewhere, that you do not seek me out again."

Her eyes were wide, trying to follow the large amount of things he was saying to her in this long rush. "Malfoy-" she started again, but he only shook his head.

"Go speak to the bastard," he spit out, his gaze cold. "Go do all the deliberating and thinking and trying you need to Granger, but don't come looking for me if you come to a different answer than the one we both know I want to hear." He inclined his head back towards the path. "And you better scatter; you're probably going to be late for your bloody meeting with Krum."

She sighed in defeat. It didn't appear that anything short of an "I love you" declaration was going to set the blond's nerves at ease. Had she really been holding out on him? She didn't think so. But replying would be futile. Everything she attempted to say was shot down. Reluctantly, she nodded to him.

"I guess I'll just go then," she muttered, her lips still burning from his intense kiss.

"Yes, you should," he replied hotly, not caring when she flinched. He couldn't allow himself to at that moment, nor could he let himself call out her name when she turned to walk on her way to Hogsmeade once again. God damnit, what more did he need to do to get her to see the light?

I guess I just have to wait and see.

Part 2: Deliberation, 1999 (Life Six)

Draco Abraxas Malfoy and Hermione Jean Granger

He was frigid by the time he made it back to Hogwarts. The castle itself was chilly, and he knew he would not be truly warm again until he reached his common room and able to sit by the fire. He would quite possibly end up finding himself a bottle while he was at it. The woman was now tearing his heart to shreds even before she gave him an answer, but her silence had been enough to cut him. Could he really do nothing to influence her decision?

So caught up in this thoughts, the blond never even noticed his Godfather walking towards him in the corridor until he spoke.

"You are without Granger tonight I see," the tall man said, catching Draco's attention. His posture immediately stiffened as the greasy haired man spoke. He was no longer comfortable speaking about her with him at all. He hadn't been since he noticed the changes, although Granger had never really been a topic of discussion between them in the first place.

"She does have friends," he spat bitterly, in no mood to deal with dear old Snape. He wasn't sure what to think of him, and since he had yet to discuss this issue in depth with the girl in question, he wasn't sure if he should pry for answers to some unspoken questions or make no assumptions until they knew what he was after. If it wasn't sex like they had originally been fearing, then what?

Fucking hell, I just can't get her off my mind can I?

"That is true, but you and the girl have become quite close recently, haven't you?" His eyes glimmered for a single moment, and Draco felt that usual pang of protectiveness rear its head again at that. He hated to think Snape wanted anything to do with her after their unpleasant past.

"I don't see how this is a concern to you," he snapped.

Snape shrugged, keeping his emotions unreadable and in check. Draco didn't like that one bit. "Perhaps it's not; I was merely making an observation."

"Should you really be paying such close attention to her," he snapped, and he knew it sounded a bit strange but didn't care. Snape needed to stay the hell away.

Again, he shrugged. "I could always ask you the same thing Mr. Malfoy."

They were back again at the same club, only this time it was in broad daylight. Hermione found the atmosphere far easier to handle when it wasn't overcrowded and filled with loud music, although she couldn't really enjoy it with all of Malfoy's bloody words replaying in her mind.

She also knew she was partially avoiding Krum, which was awful. In the frequent silence that had now last twenty minutes the Quidditch star had consumed three shots. She thought it was a little much in the short timeframe.

"Malfoy did not come," he noted at length, and she was surprised to hear him bring the blond of all people up.

"Of course he didn't," she replied, giving him an odd look. "Why would he come?"

Viktor shrugged. "He was… very protective and concerned with you the last time I visited. I thought he was your boyfriend, but Harry and Ron said no."

She was quick to nod in agreement. "They are right; I'm not involved with Malfoy." Or at least, I'm not yet.

A smile broke across his features at that. "Oh, good."

They quickly finished their last drinks and left after that. Hermione wandered aimlessly through a few stores she always visited whenever she came to the town, Viktor on her heels the entire time. It was after they had exited the fourth bookstore that he requested they sit down, and in the freezing cold they made the ridiculous choice to sit outside.

"Hermione," he said, mispronouncing her name as he once had. She wondered if it was just due to the cold.

"Yes?"

He slid a bit closer on the bench. "You say you are not involved with Malfoy?"

She glanced at him closely. "No…"

The man's hand came up, cautiously dancing on her cheek. "Are you involved with anyone?"

She let her eyebrows draw together. "Not at the moment."

He leaned in a bit, and she already knew what was going to happen next. "Perhaps… perhaps then you would like to be involved with me?"

"Viktor-" she began, but was cut off as his lips came down to rest on hers just as Malfoy's had done mere hours before. Well, not exactly like Malfoy's. Where his lips had captured hers and sucked her into a magnificent spell, his only rested against hers, kissing her with little compassion. Sure, she could tell that he had skill, but as she continued to kiss her she could feel the difference.

There was no heat, no longing, no desire. Just as Malfoy had dared her to feel. Had he known she could not feel that way for another? Or had it been sheer hope that she would not fall into Viktor's kiss the same way she did his?

Come to think of it, hadn't he been the one who pointed out that Viktor would probably wish to kiss her and possibly try for a relationship with her? Was the man psychic, or was he really just able to tell Krum's intentions so well?

She pulled away, turning her face to the side and his face immediately drew back. "Viktor," she said her voice stronger this time, "Please stop."

When she looked back she immediately felt bad, for the expression on his face could only be read as hurt. "You don't like?"

Hermione attempted to give him a smile, but it felt fake. "No, I did," she lied, "But… it doesn't feel right." She got off the bench, shaking her head. "I should've known," she muttered.

"What," Krum asked from behind her, sounding quite confused by the turn of events.

But for Hermione, the whirlwind of emotions was suddenly beginning to clear. She felt like an idiot for ignoring such obvious things. How could she have been so stupid? Turning back, she could only shake her head. "I have to go."

"What? Where? Why?"

She was already backing away as he spoke. "I have to go, I have to fix something." She turned to go, but he caught her arm.

"Why? Did I do something wrong? Did I push?"

For her part, she didn't dare to turn back. She knew she was hurting him by her quick rejection, but she couldn't help it. The realization of her foolishness was now eating at her by the second. "No, you did nothing wrong, you just opened my eyes."

"To what," he asked, and she flinched at the hurt in his voice.

She shook her head slowly, pulling gently from his grasp. "My own stupidity; something I have been putting off. Some would say it's a decision six centuries in the making. I've been trying to figure things out, to understand every minute detail, when the answer to so many questions has been standing in front of me the entire time."

"What do you mean?"

Finally, she glanced over her shoulder, only looking at him briefly. "How to end someone's immortal punishment."

"What does that mean," he cried as she took off. He feared she would slip on the ice, but luck was on her side and kept her upright as she bolted. He did not chase after her, for he was far too confused. Did his kiss really just send her into someone else's arms?

A/n: Keep reading and reviewing! The number of reviews plummeted last chapter, and I miss hearing your thoughts. If you have the time or just want to say something you thought, saw, liked, leave a comment for me please :)