A/N: Wow! So sorry about the delay in getting this chapter out there! I've had a pretty hectic few weeks, and this just took ages to write - I've re-written it three times I think, but I'm finally happy with it, I hope you guys are too.

Thank you to everyone who has read so far, and thanks for all my reviews, you guys are great!

xBx

~ Chapter 16: Denial ~

Draco made his way briskly to the refreshments, ignoring the curious glances and the whisperings as he passed. In retrospect, perhaps dragging Hermione to the dance floor hadn't been the best idea in the world. Now he was confronted with strange new emotions and feelings. Draco didn't do emotions and feelings. He had gotten so used to presenting a cold, calculating exterior over the past few years, so much so that the cold had travelled inwards, and for the past year he had been pretty much numb to his very core. And then he had decided to dance with Hermione Granger.

Draco grabbed himself a goblet of iced pumpkin juice from the table, still continuing his internal grumbling monologue, and was just turning to survey the room, when he felt a presence beside him. He recognised the voice at once as Dean Thomas, and this did not improve his internal grumbling – it was, after all, Thomas and his little Gryffindor entourage whom he had been intending to escape from when he had dragged Hermione unceremoniously to the dance floor, thus causing his current internal confusion.

"So," Thomas said with a feigned nonchalance as he grabbed himself a goblet. "You and Hermione." It wasn't a question, so much as an open statement, as if he was expecting Draco to voluntarily explain their situation.

"Would you care to expand, Thomas?" Draco drawled, "What exactly are you asking?"

Dean scowled, "Don't play dumb, we both know that is one thing you certainly are not." He warned.

Draco gave an exasperated sigh and turned his gaze on to the Gryffindor. "What do you want, Thomas?"

"You have a reputation, Malfoy." Dean said, bluntly, getting strait to his point. "Don't mess with her."

"And what makes you think I'm messing with Granger?" Draco asked, resigned, knowing full well he wasn't going to get rid of Dean until he had heard what Dean had to say – bloody self-righteous Gryffindors, they really were a giant thorn in Draco's side.

Dean raised a sceptical eyebrow, "We all saw the two of you out there," he said gesturing to the dance floor.

"Look, I don't want to know what's going on, I'm not a gossip, and whatever it is it's between you two. I know Hermione and I aren't the closest of friends, but we are still friends. And while Harry and Ron are out working for the Ministry, you should know Hermione is far from friendless here: Neville and I are only at the forefront of a whole tide of people looking out for her. So I'm warning you-"

"You're warning me?" Draco scoffed, "Are these words seriously coming out of your mouth?"

Dean wasn't the least bit phased at Draco's sudden antagonism, "Yes. Like I said, you have a reputation, and the last thing Hermione needs, especially so soon after the war, is someone like you messing with her emotions." Dean told him. "After the hell she went through last year-"

Again Draco interrupted him, "You don't need to tell me about what she went through, I know." Draco said quietly, unwillingly remembering that night.

"Harry and Ron weren't the only ones locked away in your cellar that night Malfoy." Dean said quietly, "I heard her screams as well. So I'm warning you, I wont tolerate anyone, and especially not you, messing her around and breaking her heart."

Draco turned to face Dean, his expressionless mask had slipped and a quiet rage was pulsating from every fibre of his being. Dean seemed to sense he might have overstepped the mark, as he remained deadly still and silent as Draco spoke.

"You will never," He whispered, seething rage colouring his tone, "Speak to me of that night again. You may have heard her, Thomas, but I was there. I saw the entire thing: I was rooted to the spot; unable to do anything to help her, so I know exactly what hell she has been through. I'm well aware of the reputation I used to have, but I can assure you that playing with Granger's heart is the last thing on my mind."

Draco slammed his goblet down and started to turn away, but he looked back at Dean, giving him one final warning, "As far as I'm concerned, we never had this conversation. You will not repeat it to anyone. And if I hear so much as a whisper from you, or anyone, about that night, I swear you will be in for a whirl of pain."

Draco stormed away from Dean, leaving him standing at the drinks table feeling slightly awkward, and made his way out into the coolness of the night. Thankfully, there weren't many people outside – most were still enjoying the music, and those who had come to seek the cooling fresh air were milling just inside the doors, completely distracted by the display put on by George Weasley and his assistant. Draco had to admit, it had been a particularly genius idea of Hermione's to talk George into doing his showcase; Draco hadn't been convinced at first, but it seemed to be going down a storm.

Just as Draco was coming through the doors, a figure stormed their way towards him from one of the pathways. When she stepped into the light flooding from the open doors he recognised Pansy Parkinson, with a face like thunder.

"You!" She snarled upon spotting Draco and recognising him.

Draco raised an eyebrow in question, wondering what on earth he had managed to do to piss her off this time.

"Your little bitch is crazy. Good luck with that." She told him, before storming back into the Great Hall without a backwards glance.

Draco had no idea what that was all about, or who his 'little bitch' was supposed to be, so he shrugged it off and decided to walk around the shrubbery that had been created that afternoon. There were a handful of pathways leading in different directions that wound around numerous rosebushes. In keeping with the tone of the evening, the bushes were full of black roses, and draped with spider webs. The pathways were lined with tiny carved out pumpkins, that were lit from inside by the glowing fairies who usually decorated the twelve giant Christmas Trees.

As Draco walked he began to contemplate his conversation with Dean Thomas. It was true that in the past few weeks he and Hermione had appeared to be getting along a lot better than ever before – why this was, no one really seemed to know. Draco just assumed the pair of them had grown up a lot, were putting the past behind them, and were simply being civil to make working, living and studying together that much easier.

But was there more to it? He had to admit, the more he spoke to Hermione, the more he was beginning to actually like her company: it was refreshing having someone to converse with who actually shared an intellectual capacity equal to his own. Hermione Granger really was incredibly intelligent, and unlike most people, her intelligence didn't excel in just one area. On the contrary, her knowledge was as wide and varied as it could possibly be, and there didn't seem to be a single subject she wasn't interested in – except divination, apparently. Draco had made the unfortunate mistake of bringing up fortune telling one evening and was treated to an hour-long rant of its failings. Unluckily for Draco, his love of playing the antagonist resulted in him countering her rant with reference to the Hall of Prophecy – 'If prophecies aren't legitimate, then why is the ministry recording them?' he had asked. Yeah, that was also a big mistake. The next rant was even longer, even angrier, and Draco suspected Hermione had some reason to be rather bitter about prophecies. But he had refrained from picking at that particular thread, not wanting to endure a third rant.

Draco had been slowly getting lost in his musings over the brunette as he wound his way around the shrubbery. He was brought back into the present by the sound of splashing, which he presumed was coming from the apple bobbing well Hermione had come up with, accompanied by a peal of laughter that sounded vaguely familiar, and followed by a disgruntled voice that he certainly recognised.

"This is absolutely ridiculous. I reckon you've jinxed the apples, 'Mione, to make it impossible." Ginny ranted while Hermione laughed.

###

Hermione left the dance floor without looking back, purposefully making her way out into the shrubbery. The cool night air was blissful against her face: the combination of a crowded room, her heavy costume and near proximity to Draco Malfoy, along with the unnerving sensations it had produced, had left her feeling a little flushed.

Draco Malfoy had completely disarmed her when he had danced with her; quite literally he had swept her off her feet. And that was unnerving. Hermione Granger did not get 'swept off her feet'. No, she was a rational human being who used her head in every situation: the head provided logic, the heart provided trouble. But why was she worrying about her heart? Thinking with the heart implied emotions, feelings, and there were no feelings in this situation. Obviously not – she certainly didn't harbour Feelings for Draco Malfoy - that was simply absurd. Wasn't it?

Hermione was spared from her dwelling when she heard footsteps approaching her from behind – rather loud and fast footsteps, as if someone was storming after her.

The instincts she had developed the past year took over: She clasped her hands gently together as she turned: the stance looked relaxed, but in less than a second she would be able to grab her wand hidden up her sleeve, should the occasion require it.

Pansy Parkinson, who was obviously livid about something, but who had a studied air of dangerous calm about her, faced her.

"Something wrong, Parkinson?" Hermione asked politely.

Pansy sneered, "Don't play dumb with me, Granger. You know exactly what I'm going to say to you."

Hermione quirked an eyebrow, still maintaining a deadly calm, not realising how much like her fellow head she appeared to be acting. Pansy, however, did notice and it did nothing to quell the temper raging inside her.

"While I am rather a brilliant scholar, and have a vast amount of knowledge," Hermione addressed Pansy with serenity, "I am unfortunately, not yet omniscient and I therefore do not have the pleasure of understanding you completely. Would you care to be more specific?"

"Stay away from Draco. I'm warning you. Stay away, or I will make you stay away." Pansy Threatened.

Hermione chuckled darkly, "Are you seriously threatening me, Parkinson? Firstly, I don't know what you're getting your back up for: there is nothing between Malfoy and I." Hermione clarified, but Pansy scoffed clearly not believing a word Hermione said.

Hermione continued: "Secondly: Threatening me is a dangerous move. You've warned me, now I will warn you. Come near me, try to attack me in any way, and you will be very sorry."

Pansy laughed manically, and then suddenly, as if to call Hermione's bluff, she lunged forward as if to strike Hermione across the face. Barely flinching, Hermione reacted in less than a second, grabbing Pansy's arm with her left hand, Hermione spun her around, pinned Pansy's arm painfully behind her back and pushed her up against the wall. At the same time Hermione's right hand pulled her wand from the hidden pocket in her sleeve and put the point to Pansy's neck.

Leaning close, Hermione whispered, "I gave you a friendly warning and now I'm reiterating it in a less than friendly way. You have no idea what I am capable of: Last year I went to hell and back, doing a job many fully qualified Wizards would quake and fail at; I fought my first battle against Death Eaters when I was fifteen, and I've had a lot of practice since then. So believe me when I say I can fight you, and end you, without a moment's hesitation. Maybe you should remember that the next time you decide to come at me." She warned dangerously.

Letting her words sink in, Hermione held Pansy for a second longer before releasing her grip. Pansy turned immediately and stormed away, with a face like thunder. Hermione sighed and turned back to follow the pathway, she had a feeling she was going to regret that outburst at a later date – Merlin, what was wrong with her emotions this evening? It was all Draco Malfoy's fault: he had broken through her calm mask somehow, and now she couldn't seem to quell any emotion at all.

"There you are!" Ginny called, bringing Hermione out of her reverie as the redhead joined the path from another walkway. "I've been looking for you." She declared, taking Hermione's arm and falling instep with her.

"So, you and Draco Malfoy. What's going on there?" Ginny asked abruptly getting right to her point.

Hermione gave her a withering look, "Absolutely nothing." She told Ginny.

Ginny snorted, clearly not believing a word. And Hermione had to wonder, was she being entirely truthful with Ginny? Was she being entirely truthful with herself?

"Come on, Hermione. The way you were dancing, it didn't look like nothing." Ginny said, as they came to a small clearing in the black rose bushes, with stone benches running around the edge, at the centre of which was a large well.

Ginny took a seat on one of the benches, pulling Hermione down next to her.

"I saw the way you were looking at each other." Ginny reiterated. "Come one, you can tell me. Explain everything. I want the gossip, please."

"It's his fault he started it." Hermione grumbled, not knowing what else to say, causing Ginny to laugh.

"It's true!" Hermione defended, "He dragged me to dance, I didn't have a chance to object, then the music changed, and he started leading. It got beyond my control." She finished lamely.

Ginny didn't say a word, but looked at Hermione pointedly, silently telling her to continue.

Hermione sighed, "We were talking, and I made the mistake of looking him in the eye, then I just couldn't look away." She admitted quietly.

"You like him, don't you?" Ginny asked with a grin.

"No," Hermione started, but faltered under Ginny's disbelieving gaze, "I don't know. I don't dislike him. But there is nothing going on, whatsoever." She assured the redhead.

"Fine, whatever you say." Ginny shrugged, clearly not believing Hermione completely.

Hermione frowned, "It's the truth. Why would I lie to you, Gin?"

Ginny sighed, "Fine. But when something happens, I am the first to know." She clarified, and then said: "Apple bobbing – fancy a challenge?"

Hermione laughed, grateful for the change of subject, "It won't be much of a challenge, I'm sure I can beat you."

"Oh-ho, challenge accepted." Ginny said as she left her seat and walked to the well, Hermione following a step behind.

She leant over the edge of the well with her hands holding back the inconvenient wig she was wearing, from the water.

Five minutes later Ginny still hadn't managed to successfully retrieve an apple and she was getting somewhat frustrated. After a particularly dismal attempt Hermione gave yet another peal of laughter and clutched her sides that were beginning to ache from the constant giggles.

"This is absolutely ridiculous. I reckon you've jinxed the apples, 'Mione, to make it impossible." Ginny ranted while Hermione laughed.

"It's not impossible, Ginny." Hermione laughed, "I swear I haven't jinxed them, watch." She said, moving to the side of the well.

She held the French hood in place with one hand, while other clutched at the fabric draping down the back of her head, to stop it falling in the water, and put her face into the well. She drew up a moment later, water running from face, a ruby red apple clutched between her teeth and a triumphant smile on her face.

Ginny looked less than impressed, as Hermione took the apple in one hand, taking a satisfying bite out of it before bringing it away from her mouth.

"See," she said, after swallowing her bite, "Easy."

Before Ginny could answer, they were interrupted by a chuckle, and Draco Malfoy approached them from one of the walks.

"Having fun?" He smirked.

Hermione's mouth went dry and her heart rate accelerated a fraction: she hoped to god he hadn't been lurking around all this time; she thought she might die if he had heard her previous conversation with Ginny.

"You know, it's not polite to sneak up on people." Hermione joked, regaining composure quickly.

"I'm hardly sneaking Granger, I was wondering around the shrubbery and I heard the splashing and laughter, then Weaselette complaining about jinxed apples." Draco shrugged, "I thought I'd come and see what all the fuss is about."

"Apple Bobbing." Ginny explained with a growl, then said: "Have a go. But I swear, if you succeed without a decent amount of frustrating tries I will hex you."

Draco laughed at the threat, but walked over to the well, "Come on, Weaselette, it can't be that difficult, you're just not trying hard enough." He goaded before leaning over and attempting to retrieve an apple. He didn't succeed quite as quick as Hermione did, but it was quick enough to infuriate Ginny.

"That's just ridiculous," she ranted, "Bloody stupid apples." She muttered, before turning and walking back to the castle.

The remainder of the evening continued on as successfully as it had started. Hermione and Draco were careful to leave a fair amount of distance between each other, both deciding to ignore the invisible barrier they seemed to have crossed, and continuing on as if nothing at all had happened. It was only at the end of evening, as the rest of school were filtering out of the Hall and back to their respective common rooms (with the exception of a handful of people who were now sneaking their way to the Heads Tower, where Ginny and Blaise would let them in) that Hermione and Draco came together again.

They were two of the last students in the hall, making sure no younger student was left straggling behind and out of bounds, while Luna and Zacharias were out in the entrance hall, chivvying students back to their dormitories, and as the last student left the hall, they were sought out by the Ministry representative form Kingsley Shacklebolt's office.

"Miss Granger, Mr Malfoy." He greeted as he walked up to them, "My name is Paisley, Walter Paisley. It's a pity I didn't get to speak to you both earlier. This was a very successful evening," he congratulated them.

"Thank you, sir." Hermione smiled, shaking hands with him. "But we really can't take all the credit. It was the prefects who came up with the initial idea. And the entire night was a complete team effort."

Walter smiled, "How very modest of you. But you must have had excellent managing skills to pull off this spectacle."

Hermione smiled at the commendation, "I had excellent help. Did you enjoy your evening?"

"I did. I've spoken to a lot of the students, their costumes were quite remarkable, and they seem to have learnt a lot about Muggle history in their preparations for this evening. I'm glad I caught you before you left." He said, reaching into his robes and pulling out an envelope.

"The Minister asked if I could pass this along to you, this evening." Walter said, handing the letter to her.

"Thank you." Hermione smiled, taking the envelope. Walter nodded, took his leave and disappeared to rejoin the group of teachers he had previously left.

"You correspond with the Minister?" Draco asked, bringing Hermione's attention away from the letter and back into the present.

Hermione frowned, and began to walk out of hall, "One letter hardly counts as a correspondence." She countered to Draco who had automatically followed.

Draco shrugged, as they ascended the staircase, not bothering to question any further as it was really none of his business. Hermione embraced the silence, breaking the seal of the envelope and reading it's contents. The letter was hastily written, but not impatient:

Hermione - It began, and Hermione couldn't help but smile at such in informal greeting – something one would expect from a good friend, not the Minister for Magic. Which, incidentally, was exactly how Hermione viewed Kingsley.

I won't waste your time, or mine, with the customary preamble expected from correspondence – I would get straight to the information you desire. As, I dare say, you know (even though such information is classified), Harry is heading a group of Aurors in Finland, Ron among them. So far, the operation has been going to plan – Hermione frowned, 'had been'? – Two members of the team returned to the Ministry a week ago with three of the Death Eaters. Harry, Ron and two others remained to follow another lead. The last I heard they were making their way East, into Russia. The two Aurors who accompanied them returned this morning, with another Death Eater. But Harry and Ron did not accompany them.

Now, Hermione, I don't want you to worry- Immediately, Hermione stopped walking and paled – what better way to make her worry! – The group were accidentally split up; we have been unable to contact Harry or Ron, but the Aurors they were with said they were in perfect health when they got separated. There is no reason to suspect foul play. After everything Harry, Ron and yourself faced last year I have no hesitation in believing they are perfectly fine, and will return to the ministry as soon as they make the arrest they set out to make. The rest of their team will be returning to Russia this afternoon to search for, and join them.

You must not stress too much, this thing is a very common occurrence in the Auror office, but I will keep you posted when I hear anything. I will give this to Paisley as he will have opportunity to hand this to you in the course of evening..

All the best,

Kingsley.

Hermione stared at the parchment, trying to take comfort from Kingsley's lack of worry.

"Are you coming, Granger?" Hermione looked up, she had come to a stop at the end of the corridor leading to their tower. Draco was stood in front of the large painting, which he had obviously just given the password to as he was holding it open. He frowned taking in her sudden change in appearance.

Upon seeing his frown, Hermione immediately composed herself, and replaced her shocked concern with a serene smile of nonchalance. She walked over, giving an apology, as she entered the tower.

The others were there waiting, gathered around the fire, already drinking and snacking on a large bowl of chips with a selection of dips – clearly Ginny and Blaise had made themselves right at home, as if they were the hosts.

A selection of large comfy beanbags had been conjured, on which Neville, Dean, Parvati, Padma, Luna and a Slytherin girl were lounging. Hermione recognised the Slytherin by sight, but didn't know her by name. Ginny was sat on one side of the couch; Blaise on the other side, with Theodore Nott perched on the arm.

"I see you found our provisions." Hermione frowned as she moved around the couch to take the vacant chair furthest from the door, opposite the chair into which Draco had just dropped. She folded the letter as she went, putting it into her corset, out of the way.

Ginny grinned as Hermione sat, "I figured we may as well give you a hand, and get things out for you, save you a job when you finally made it. And what's that you just shoved down your cleavage, by the way?"

Hermione frowned, "It's down the corset, not my cleavage." She scolded, "And it's just a letter, from Kingsley." She sad, shrugging it off.

Ginny laughed, and shook her head, "You really like your high profile correspondence, don't you?" She joked, at which a majority of the group laughed. "First Victor Krum, now Kingsley Shacklebolt."

"Kingsley Shacklebolt?" The unknown Slytherin asked, "The Minister of Magic?"

Hermione nodded, and then said, "I'm sorry, we haven't been properly introduced. Hermione Granger." She said leaning forward and holding out her hand across the coffee table. The Girl smiled and shook the offered hand.

"Emerald River." She introduced herself. "But call me Emmy. I'm in Ginny's year, which is why we've never crossed paths before." She explained.

The group fell back into effortless discussion, which became more free and uninhibited as Draco's Firewhiskey was consumed. After half an hour Hermione disappeared for ten minutes to change into something far more comfortable. When she returned, wearing her favourite pair of jeans and a close fitting t-shirt. Theo, who hadn't spoken much, addressed her.

"You know, I have to say, Granger, I never expected you to suggest something so blatantly against the rules."

Hermione tried not to look too offended, "I'm not that bad with rules." She defended as she retook her seat and Draco shot her a disbelieving glare. Dean, Neville and the Patil twins chuckled quietly, while Ginny let out a derisive snort and laughed quite loud.

"Am I?" Hermione asked them. When none of the answered but continued to giggle, Hermione defended herself again, frowning at Ginny in particular.

"I don't know how you can accuse me of being so uptight with rules, especially with the amount you know I've broken."

"Go on then," Blaise goaded, clearly disbelieving her. "Enlighten us, Little Miss Goody-Two-Shoes. Just what rules have you broken?"

"Nearly every bloody school rule there is. I broke the law a fair few times as well. Which I'm sure you're all aware of." She frowned.

"Last year doesn't count. You were on the run from a corrupt ministry." Dean pointed out. But Ginny frowned.

"Actually, she has a point. She's been breaking the law long before that." Ginny said, earning sceptical looks, causing her to add: "Come on, a couple of years ago? We broke our way into the Department of Mysteries, it was all over the Prophet." Ginny reminded them and comprehension dawned on the group.

"Yeah," said Neville, slowly. "Come to think of it, you are actually a little bit hypocritical with the rules, 'Mione. I mean you were pretty much breaking the rules from day one."

"I didn't mean to! I was forever trying to dissuade Harry and Ron from rule breaking – but unfortunately, it's a bit of a habit with them, and even more unfortunately our rule breaking always seemed like the best and right thing to do at the time. But in our defence, there was always a good reason - we did these things to help people." Hermione defended herself, which earned her some laughs and a few headshakes.

"Come on then, Granger." Blaise provoked, "Enlighten us as to whom could possibly benefit from your rule breaking."

"Hagrid, for starters." Hermione said promptly, "He'd have been in real trouble our first year, if Harry and I hadn't helped smuggle Norbert out of the castle in the middle of the night." She told them, continuing without missing a heartbeat.

"Then in second year, through a series of long, drawn out events, we cleared his name and proved his innocence. And then in our third year, we helped Buckbeak, an innocent hippogriff, who also happened to be Hagrid's favourite, escape his wronged execution. Which incidentally would be my first bout of law-breaking, as I also helped Sirius Black elude capture, as well as using a Time-Turner to change the past." Hermione didn't intend on saying all this, but the Firewhiskey had loosened her tongue and she just couldn't stop herself. She bit her lip, realising how much she had said, as the others began to question her.

"Norbert?" Ginny quizzed, at the same time that Neville asked: "Sirius Black?" and Emmy said with awe: "A Time Turner?"

"And this was third year?" Draco asked shrewdly, after everyone else, before Hermione could answer the others.

Hermione nodded to Draco, a sly grin making it's way onto her face as she remembered the reason for Buckbeak's sentence, causing Draco to scowl.

Before he continued, Hermione addressed the others in turn, addressing Neville first.

"We met Sirius that year he escaped, we discovered his innocence and became invested in his well-being." She said quickly, and then turned to Ginny.

"Norbert was a Norwegian Ridgeback." She said with an exasperated sigh, "Hagrid's pet dragon he hatched in his hut. Don't ask." She said, seeing a few mouths open as if to speak. She then turned to Emmy and told her,

"I was given a time-tuner in my third year, so I would be able to get to all my classes – I had a pretty full timetable. I wasn't supposed to use it for anything but my studies…" she trailed off, embarrassedly.

"So the Hippogriff you stole and set free?" Draco said, speaking at last and clearly annoyed, "That would be the one that tried to kill me?"

Hermione scowled at him, "Don't be so melodramatic, it did not try to kill you-"

"Did you not see it attack me?" He countered, angrily.

"And who's fault was that?" Hermione snapped back at him, losing her patience quickly.

"It was your own bloody fault, you didn't listen to Hagrid. The first thing he told us was that Hippogriffs were incredibly proud. He clearly warned us that if we insulted one, it might well be the last thing we did. And what did you do? You insulted him. That injury was self-inflicted by your own stupidity! And Madam Pomfrey fixed you in a heartbeat, you were just being a drama queen, trying to get Hagrid sacked." She added.

The room was suddenly very quiet; Hermione knew she was probably the first person to have spoken to Draco in such a way in front of his peers, and Hermione felt slightly satisfied. Taking out her frustrations on Draco had alleviated a tiny bit of the stress and anxiety that had been building up since reading Kingsley's letter.

Draco scowled: "Maybe I did exploit the situation a little bit," He conceded grudgingly, and then adding defensively. "But that animal was dangerous."

Hermione laughed, "Ridiculous. Buckbeak is friendly and sweet. I've been in close range of him plenty of times since then, and I've never seen him so much as give a threatening glare to a single soul."

"Hmph, well I bet if he was to return to Hogwarts there would be a repeat experience." Draco countered, at which Hermione laughed again.

"Buckbeak returned two years ago. In fact, he was used in one of Hagrid's lessons just the other week, and a student rode him." She said triumphantly.

Draco stared at her, not knowing what to say, he leant back in his chair, arms folded across his chest. "Insufferable know it all." He muttered, though it was loud enough for Hermione to hear.

"Arrogant Arse." Hermione scoffed in turn, and the pair lapsed into silence.

"Moving on," Neville interjected, breaking the silence and changing the subject.

"Lets play a game" Suggested Parvati, "Truth or Dare? Or I Never?"

Hermione rolled her eyes, seriously regretting her earlier bout of sudden rebellion, "Seriously? What are we, thirteen?"

"Come on Hermione, it might be a laugh" Said Dean, "And what's wrong with having a bit of fun? After the year we've had, it's not wrong to be immature for a little be." He said. "We had to grow up quick, but the wars over now. Time to relax."

"The war may be over, but there are battles still being fought!" Hermione retorted, and before she knew it she was ranting again. "Voldemort may be gone, but many of his Death Eaters are still eluding capture. And what are we doing? Sat around playing drinking games!"

"We can't exactly do anything holed up in Hogwarts." Neville said,

"I shouldn't have come back." Hermione stated, "I should be at the Ministry, I could have taken an internship. At least then I would have been there, I wouldn't be feeling so bloody useless!"

Ginny frowned, "Hermione, what… ?"

Hermione pulled herself together. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean… It's nothing…" She sighed, "I'm just tired. I need sleep. I'm going to bed." She said, standing up.

"Yeah," Ginny said slowly, looking at the others, "It's getting late, we should head back to our common rooms."

There was a general murmur of agreement, and every stood to leave. Within ten minutes the room was now empty except for the two Heads. Hermione moved into the kitchen, carrying empty goblets and mugs. Silently Draco followed, carrying a couple of bowls.

"Alright Granger. Spill." He told her as he placed down the bowls.

Hermione looked at him, shocked, "What do you mean?"

"That little outburst just now. Not to mention you've been off all evening, not your usual annoyingly-Gryffindor centre-of-the-party self. It's got something to do with the letter, hasn't it? You went pale when you read it and you've been quiet and distant since." Draco said, and Hermione was shocked that he would have noticed the difference in her, especially when it appeared that nobody else had.

Draco sighed, "You're only going to fret about it, if you don't talk about it, which means you're not going to sleep. Which, in turn, means that tomorrow you will be near useless, which will be bad, because we have that painful Arithmancy assignment to do ready for Monday, and I will probably need your help at some point."

It wasn't as though Draco was concerned for her well-being, or anything. Merlin no, he just wanted her brain to be working at top level to assist him later on, that was all. He was not concerned about Granger, he told himself, as concern would indicate feelings. And Malfoys don't have feelings.

Hermione looked at him and sighed, "Harry and Ron are missing. They've been trying to bring in the Death Eaters, based on your father's information and now their MIA." She admitted, and even just speaking the words, she felt a weight lift her shoulders. After a moment, Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Well, I think 'wondered off' is more of an accurate surmise of their actions." She began to rant, again. "Kingsley said not to worry, apparently these things happen. Aurors sometimes go AWOL for a few days, unable to make contact because it could jeopardise the mission or something. But I can't help it of course I worry. It's the first time they've gone off to do something like this without me there with them. I don't like being left behind."

"But that was your choice, you returned here." Draco pointed out, not unkindly.

"I know." Hermione whined in defeat. "I was offered a position as an Auror, but I turned it down, it's not what I want as a career. But, even just being here, instead of at the Ministry, where I could have been…" she trailed off and shrugged, "I don't know, I just feel more cut off up here. And I can't help but worry."

Draco took a deep breath and exhaled loudly, shaking his head, not believing what he was about to say, "Potter and Weasley are more than capable of looking after themselves." He assured her, "I've seen what they're capable of, and you probably know better then anyone what they're capable of doing."

"I know, but unfortunately it's that knowledge that worries me." She admitted, "I've seen first hand just what kind of trouble they can easily get into, and it's usually me that gets us out."

Draco sighed, and reaching out a hand he gave Hermione's arm a reassuring squeeze. "Look, if the Minister isn't worried, you shouldn't be either."

Hermione smiled at the reassurance, "I know, you're right." she admitted. There was an awkward moment, as the pair realised the slightly intimate position they had found themselves. Draco let his arm drop back down to his side.

"I'm going to bed." He said abruptly, turning and leaving Hermione to her thoughts.

###

As they moved further into November the weather, which had held out surprisingly well through October, took a definite turn. Rain pummelled the castle day after day, and icy drafts swept through the castle forcing everyone to start wearing scarves as they moved around the corridors. The Quidditch season was now fully under way, the first game of season saw Slytherin narrowly beat Gryffindor, which lead to a rather tense atmosphere in the head's tower for a couple of weeks – neither Hermione nor Draco was particularly ruffled by the score, but whenever Blaise and Ginny joined them the tension was palpable.

Neville also began to spend more time in the Head's tower – he used to spend most of his time in the Library studying, but after asking Hermione's help on one particularly difficult assignment, he became as permanent a fixture as Ginny had become. Not wanting to be outnumbered by Gryffindors, it wasn't long before invited Emmy to join the little study group, who started spending more time in the tower likewise – though she ended up spending more time studying with the Gryffindors, than with Blaise and Draco.

After the excitement of Hallowe'en, Hermione and Draco fell comfortably back into their separate routines, both adamant that no change should occur as a result of their unexpected proximity when they danced. What they failed to realise was that Blaise and Ginny were closely watching them; both were more and more frequently pulling Draco and Hermione out of deep reveries, during which their eyes had often unconsciously wandered to the other.

Halfway through November, another Hogsmeade trip was scheduled, and as promised Hermione took it upon herself to take the first shift of the prefects' duty, on which Ginny kindly offered to accompany her.

Hermione had kept up a regular correspondence with Andromeda since her return to Hogwarts, and since Harry and Ron were still overseas, Andromeda had suggested that she could meet Hermione for a couple of hours this time around, bringing Teddy along.

Hermione's initial anxiety over Harry and Ron had been short lived: a few days into November they had returned to the Ministry with another Death Eater in tow, just as Kingsley had told her they would. Unfortunately there were still a few more eluding capture, so they – along with the rest of their team – had headed back out into the field, this time travelling to Romania, within a week of their return (though not without sending an owl to Hermione apologising for making her worry, and telling her they were perfectly fine).

But, Harry and Ron being who they are, they were in the field only four days before they did it again. They had once again wondered off on their own, the rest of team returning to the ministry with a new captive and no idea where the pair had gone.

Hermione had received another letter from Kingsley last night, this one considerably shorter, clearly exasperated, and merely reading:

Hermione,

Your boys have done it again. Don't worry, I'm sure they are fine. But when they return, and you see them again can you please give them a piece of your mind. From what I have witnessed in the past, you appear to be the only one they really listen to.

I'll let you know when they return,

Kingsley

Hermione had been less worried this time, and more exasperated at the fact that they were clearly flouting authority so early in their Ministry careers.

"I can't stay with you too long, once Andie arrives." Ginny said to Hermione as the pair sat down with coffees in The Three Broomsticks. The place was almost empty, the only other customers were guests who had spent the night and were now having breakfast.

"Why?" Hermione asked, taking a sip from her cappuccino.

"I have a date." Ginny answered simply. "But you are not to mention this to my brother." She warned, "Ron will go off on one, I'm sure."

"Couldn't if I wanted to." Hermione sighed, remembering the letter. "So you and Blaise are dating, then?" She asked.

"How did you know it was Blaise?" Ginny frowned.

Hermione snorted, "Ginny, please. I'm surprised you haven't pounced on him already. The flirting was getting out of control, you spend every night with him in our tower, you're not exactly subtle." She told her, adding with a smirk, "Neville, Emmy and I have often discussed it while you were too busy."

Ginny scowled for a moment, and the said: "Well, at least we aren't in denial."

Hermione frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Ginny rolled her eyes, "It's clear you and Malfoy are attracted to each other. But for some reason neither of you is acting on it. I don't get it. And don't deny it," Ginny said, raising her voice as Hermione looked set to contradict Ginny's statement. "I've seen you looking at him."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Fine, I think he's attractive." She said, rather reluctantly, colour rising in her cheeks.

"Happy now? But it's not like I've never admitted that before. I believe we've discussed his appeal on previous occasions – we both agreed he was one of the most attractive males at the school. He was just an arrogant arse, with the most repulsive personality." Hermione reminded her.

Ginny laughed, "Yeah, but that was then, and this is now. You certainly don't find his personality repulsive anymore, do you?" she challenged.

"No, I don't" Hermione admitted, "But I still think he's an arrogant arse." She said, bringing the conversation to a close.

A/N: The next chapter will definitely be up a lot quicker than this one, and the one after will be pretty quick also, as I've already written a few of them, they just need some serious editing as I wrote them a while ago.

Thanks again for reading, if you feel like reviewing then please do.

xBx