A/N: Helloooo! It's me again. Look at me, actually updating again. I'm really really really sorry I've been gone forever I was so busy with school and exams and yadda. Well for the best part, summer is already coming so expect more updates! Thank you again you guys for sticking to this fic I love all of you ok now to the chapter:

I walked along the Dungeon corridors to attend my Potions class. The door creaked open as I went inside and that's when I realized I was twenty minutes early. I sat down on my usual table and began reading my Potions book. I had been too engrossed in my Potions book that I haven't noticed that the room is already filled with students. There was loud talking and laughing that made it hard to concentrate. I gave a sigh then I slammed the book closed, producing a loud thump. The figure beside me sat straight up, startled by the noise I had just made. Malfoy was frowning at me "Bloody hell, Granger!"

"I didn't notice you there." I said, looking at his sleepy self

He yawned, placed his hands on the table then buried his face in it. Then, the door opened again but this time, Professor Slughorn emerged. He held a bunch of books in his hands. He settled them on his table then he clapped his hands to gather our attention. The noises stopped abruptly and just like that, we were all listening to Professor Slughorn discuss all about the Girding Potion. I was too distracted by the sleeping Malfoy to even listen. I tapped him awake but all he did was groan. I went back to listening to Professor Slughorn. He had introduced the potion to us and so now is the time to make it. He told us to open our Potions book to page 234 where the instructions about the Potions are placed. I took its ingredients from the cupboards and placed it carefully on the table. I looked at the seat beside me and sure enough Malfoy was still asleep. I shook him awake out of annoyance "Malfoy! Wake up!"

He groaned but then he fluttered his eyes open. He frowned "What do you want?"

"I want you to help me with this potion!" I exclaimed, pointing at the ingredients on the table

Malfoy sat, awake. There was still a hint of sleepiness in his face but he still worked with me. I told him to do several instructions which he managed to do correctly. Then, Professor Slughorn walked towards our table. He had an amused expression in his face which I took as a good sign, of course. He nodded approvingly "Well done, Ms. Granger. I can see Mr. Malfoy has been helping you out, yes?"

Malfoy shot me a look but I just waved it off. "Yes, he's been of great help."

Professor Slughorn smiled then he walked away. Malfoy released his held breath then he continued working on the potion. I continued to help him with the potion throughout the period and once it was over, we were already finished. Malfoy gave an exasperated sigh then he slumped back on his seat. I started to collect my books as the students began filing out of the room. I couldn't help but look at Malfoy though "Didn't get much sleep last night, I see."

Malfoy glared at me, his eyes clouding with annoyance "Oh you just noticed?"

I rolled my eyes "I think you should head on to your next class. You wouldn't want to miss it now, would you?"

He looked up at me, his brow raised "If you think I care about my classes, you clearly don't know me that well yet, Granger."

I frowned at him "I was just trying to say-"

"I don't care, Granger." Malfoy groaned in exasperation "Go ahead and leave me be, I'd rather stay here."

"Git" I whispered before I sauntered out of the room. I hugged my books against my chest as I ran to my next class. I couldn't afford to be late especially I was going to take Transfiguration next. Once I was able to reach the Middle Courtyard, I was already panting. I sprinted towards Classroom 1B and when I was already in front of the door, I took a reassuring breath. As soon as I calmed down, I pushed the door open and gladly, I was just in time. Students just started settling into their seats, making it rather easy for me to sneak in. Professor McGonagall stood across her desk, her eyes scanning the room. Once we were already all settled, she smiled "Let's get started now, shall we?"

And soon enough, the class started. I listened to Professor McGonagall discussion about Geminio, although eventually something would trouble me. It was Ron who would mainly cross my mind but Malfoy just keep popping up. It was aggravating, absolutely aggravating! I didn't even realize the period was already over. I stood up then headed out the door but Professor McGonagall stopped me "Miss Granger, do you have a moment?"

"Of course, what can I be of help with?" I smiled

"You seem rather- distracted if I may say." Professor McGonagall raised a brow "You have never been like this before. Is everything alright?"

"Oh I'm sorry, Professor." I bit my lip, not knowing what to say "I was just distracted by an essay that had to be done but nonetheless, everything is alright. Thank you for showing concern."

I couldn't tell whether Professor McGonagall believed me but she quickly dropped it "Anyways, I need your help with something, Ms. Granger."

"Anything, Professor." I lit up. It's what I just needed, more work. The more work I have to do; the more preoccupied I would be which means nothing would trouble me anymore. I would be rid of them even if it is only for a while.

"As you may know, the Winter Ball is coming up and I need all the help I could get." Professor McGonagall stated "As we had decided, we want our students to be in charge of this year's ball. We needed a responsible group and you- Ms. Granger- is the first person who I thought of. If it is alright with you, I would like for you to lead the group."

"Of course, it would be a pleasure." I wasn't that very fond of extravagant gatherings since the last ball I attended seemed to end so drastically because of that stupid Ron Weasley. But again, I needed the work.

Professor McGonagall grinned in delight "Wonderful! I'm sure you would be responsible enough to gather your own group. We have it scheduled for the next week and I'm sure you wouldn't come across problems. But if you happen to come across some, don't think twice to come talk to me."

"Thank you, Professor." I bid my goodbye as I exited the room.

I spent the whole night, planning for the ball and gathering my group. Ginny, of course was on top of my list since she is the best person to ask for help. Harry and Ron weren't really fond of parties theirselves so I decided to ask Luna to join. She is one for imagination, why not right?

Once I was finished, I laid down on my bed. I laid there for an hour, waiting for sleep to wash over me. It didn't come though. I decided to go patrolling until I was tired. I didn't come across anyone in the halls for a little while but I came across someone I didn't want to see at the moment. I groaned 'Not him'

Malfoy looked at me, confused "What are you doing here, Granger? I'm supposed to be the one to go on patrol. "

I wanted to punch myself for being so stupid. How could you forget, you idiot? "I know, I just- I wanted to walk around since I couldn't sleep."

Malfoy glared at me from head-to-toe and then he smiled "You decided to go on patrol in your pajamas?"

I felt myself flush red as I looked down to see what I was wearing and sure enough, I was wearing pajamas. Not only that, I only had a tank top on and I was walking around the halls. Good thing, I didn't come across anyone but Malfoy. I bit my lip in embarrassment "Right, well…It's been a pleasure seeing you here, I have to go-"

Malfoy chuckled "Not yet, you were good timing I needed company."

"My choice of clothing for tonight isn't exactly ideal, you see." I crossed my arms over my chest

Malfoy took off the black coat he wore then he carefully draped it around me. I felt the warmth of the coat against my skin in an instant which made me grip it carefully around me. "Thank you, that was very nice."

"Don't get used to it, Granger." He remarked

"Oh I won't." I responded, my eyes resting on him. He looked awfully exhausted almost like he was sick. But he still had this charm in him, his grey eyes that glowed against his pale skin and his gaze that seemed to see right through you. Even the light illuminating from the torches around the room made him look rather godly. Hermione, stop staring I thought to myself

"What is it?" Malfoy tilted his head to the side "Why are you staring?"

"Nothing." I quickly replied

"Nothing" He said with a hint of smug in his voice "Always nothing."

We stood there for a few moments in silence. He was looking at me intently but I didn't dare look at him. I cleared my throat "It's getting late, don't you think it's time for us to go to bed?"

"Not yet." Malfoy whispered

"I'm sure Parkinson is waiting for you." I said matter-of-factly "I'm sure you wouldn't want to make her wait."

"Pansy?" He raised a brow "Since when did she ever come across that annoying little mind of yours?"

"I just—well, it just seems like she's taking quite a liking to you." I spoke too quickly

Malfoy was quiet for a moment before he spoke "Well, I wouldn't really care since I had already taken a liking to someone else."

"Right" I remembered Ginny "Well, I'm getting tired."

Malfoy nodded "Right well, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Right" I took his coat off my shoulders to hand it to him "Here, thank you."

"No, keep it. It's a cold evening." Malfoy closed the distance between us; his warm breath caressed my neck that made me shudder. He leaned in just close enough so that his lips were only inches away from my ear "Good night, Granger."

I watched him walk away and when I couldn't see him anymore, I decided to go back to the common room. It seemed such a long walk to the common room. I slumped down on my bed, still wearing Malfoy's coat. The coat smelled of lilacs which reminded me of Malfoy. I closed my eyes as I let myself drift into unconsciousness with Malfoy's coat wrapped around me.

A/N: Yay! Another chapter finished! Tune in for the upcoming chapters don't forget to review you guys please! It serves as my inspiration ;)