Disclaimer: i do not own harry potter; it belongs to J.K. Rowling

A/N- sorry it has taken so long to update, but here it is :) dont worry everything will begin to pick up the pace from now -in fact 2 chapters time... ;D .. happy reading. and once again please review but no hate. If you dont like it then dont read it :)

The next morning Hermione awoke to the soft, warming sensation of the sun filtering through her curtains. Rubbing her eyes and sitting up she glanced at her clock which read 8:07 am. For an unknown reason she felt even more awake than usual as she optimistically made her way into the bathroom and took a shower, before changing into a grey dress, tights, boots and her new red cloak with white fur lining, which Harry bought her. Smiling as she looked at her appearance in the mirror, she casted a charm to make her hair go curly before applying a small amount of make up.

Walking into the main room, she noted the time was 9:23am and that it was time to make her way to class. Glancing to her left she realised Dracos door was already open, signalling he had probably already left for breakfast. However, she decided to skip it and walk straight to class as she would easily grab something to eat later.

Arriving outside, she was one of the first students to get there so she decided to pull out a book and sat on the cold stone floor, reading to pass the time. Soon enough the crowd began to gather and they were all quickly asked to go inside for the days lesson. Joining with Ginny as they made their way to their usual place on the bench, she noticed they wouldnt be dancing. In front of them stood two racks of elegant looking clothing.

"As you all know the ball is two weeks away, so... has asked me kindly to inform you all on "appropriate dress". For example, this is a ballroom dance, not a night club. Therefore; rule no.1 dress robes are to be worn below the knee. and we do not want to see excessive amount of cleavage." announced, pacing up and down the large room as many pairs of eyes followed him. His dark robes swaying behind him. After his first remark many boys snickered causing Hermione to scan the opposite side. Instantly she found Draco, one hand covering his smirk while Blaise whispered something in his ear.

Rolling her eyes and sighing deeply she scan and found Harry, Ron and Nevile sitting at the opposite end of the crowd. To he curiosity none were laughing, instead Ron was talking to them and the other two boys looked like they didn't want to listen. Pulling her gaze away and shaking off any suspicion she turned back to who was now going through the rest of the rules.

The lesson passed quickly and to her relief she felt the day had moved pretty normal. Everyone began to leave and she found herself making her way to the front grounds with Luna and Ginny, while the boys went to play chess.

"Lovely day, isn't it." Luna said lightly looking up at the overcast sky.

"Yes, i suppose.." Ginny stuttered out, placing on a false smile before turning to Hermione and linking her arms. "Come on... i want to take loads of pictures! after all this is our last year at Hogwarts and time is ticking... now that everything is back to normal.. this place holds a lot of memories for us." She sighed as she took pictures on her new magic camera that let out a puff of purple smoke each time.

Hermione pulled out her muggle camera and gave a tired smile as Ginny raised a questioning eyebrow.

"I guess i just can't afford stuff like that.. but it's alright im happy with this one" She shrugged her shoulders as the other two gave an apologetic smile. "Well...shall we go to Hagrids?" She asked, wanting to change the subject. The others nodded as they began to move in that direction.

A few hours passed and they had moved all around the grounds at various places. However, all three of the now stood at the Quiditch pitch looking up at the Slytherins practise.

"Where is Draco?" Ginny asked, confused. "As seeker he is a vital player to be practising.." Luna began to wander over near the lake, explaining something about a type of flower that grew there.

"I don't know, the boys told me they were all going to practise today... and look! - theres Blaise." Hermione said, but mainly too herself.

"Shouldn't you go and look for him?" Ginny asked turning towards her, smiling a little and Hermione's expression.

"Look i don't know about the others, but I find out everything. course i know 'bout you and Draco..." She explained. Hermione was stunned. Not knowing how to respond in the slightest.

"Come of it 'Mione, look i will go back to the castle with Luna.. just go and find him, we will meet you for dinner." She replied. Hermione couldn't respond. In fact she was too stunned, all she could do was smile and let out an embarrassed laugh. However, soon enough she was alone and looking for Draco. deciding to check the grounds first before going back inside she had an idea.

Calling for Blaise was harder than she thought it was going to be, but soon enough he caught on to her screeching and throwing arms. On his broom he stooped down low to her level with an elegant smile plastered on his face. His dark hair windswept.

"What is the matter my dear?" He asked politely.

"Blaise, where is Draco?" She asked quickly before she thought through any other response.

Blaise's expression faltered. "Check the memorial Hermione, but be carefull...and if he asks; don't tell him i said where he was.." He said in a hushed voice and then flew off.

Nodding she turned on her heel, her eyebrows furrowed and made her way to the south of the lake. Soon enough she caught the glimpse of unnatural white blonde hair. He was alone, dressed in dark jeans and a blazer; before she knew what she was doing she was running over to him.

"Draco.. DRACO!" she called over, instantly grabbing his attention. Spinning around she could tell he had been crying due to his red swollen eyes. Biting her lip she slowed her pace and made her way over, reaching out a hand towards him.

He looked down at her but for absent mindedly taking her and in his cold one. "I wondered where you were.. i didn't see you at Quiditch."

"No..no i know.. i just.. i needed some time alone..." He began obviously fighting back his emotions.

"Whats he matter? Whats happen-" She began, but he held up his free hand.

"Please dont, Hermione.. i just.. don't want to talk about it right now." He whispered, turning away. She noticed a tear fall as she scrunched her face up in a frown and bit her lip. Quickly he wiped it away and drew a deep breath.

Not knowing what else to do, Hermione wrapped her arms around his waist and drew him close, causing him to turn and hug her back.

"I'm so sorry, Hermione..." He whispered into her ear.

The next morning arrived quickly enough and Hermione was dancing around the room with a huge grin plastered to her face. She pulled on a pair of pale blue skinny jeans with a pink shirt and a grey jumper, followed by the cloak Harry had given her. Making her way by the fire the other three boys pushed their way through the door.

"Morning Blaise, Alex...Glen" She laughed as they all said a quick "morning'" back, their faces stuffed with food and all dressed in expensive robes. She watched Alex walk over to Draco's door.

"I take it he is still asleep?" He asked, turning towards Hermione, She only laughed as he sighed and barged in, before hearing "DRACO! WAKE UP! DRACO! For goodness sake boy!" The familiar sound of the bed creaking made her laugh even more untill Draco and Alex made their way over to the fire aswell. Draco was wearing a set of nave blue robes, accompanied with the cloak she had given him and the gloves she bought him for christmas as well as a russian looking hat. He smiled over to her before extending his hand.

"Shall we?" He asked politely as she took it in hers.

"SHALL WE!? SHALL WE? bloody hell, you make it sound like we only just got here!" Alex called out. Making everyone giggle.

Before they knew it they were on their way down the path to Hogsmeade, Hermione trailing behind all the others who all seemed to have a lot longer legs than she originally thought.

"Guys, wait up... im tired!" She complained from behind them. They all paused and turned to look at her and she only just managed to catch the evil smirk on Blaise's face before he ran at her and scooped her up and over her shoulder, causing her to gasp and then scream playfully, laughing as he tickled her.

"This is what you get for being a lazy short arse!" He laughed back as he walked forward.

"Blaise! put me down! I mean it.. i swear i will Hex you the moment you drop me! I swear yo Merlin.. you are so dead!" She yelled at him, playfully hitting his back to weaken him, but it was like hitting a wall. Sighing she dropped her head as she listened to the boys laughter. Tiredly she lifted up her head and caught Draco's eyes, who was sending a half smile towards her. "Help me" she mouthed silently to him causing him to laugh again. Moving forwards he stretched out his arms.

"Alright Blaise, times up..pass her over" He told his friend, winking towards him. Smirking and winking back Blaise passed her over, but before Hermiones feet touched the ground she was swung over the blondes shoulder causing a squeal to escape her lungs.

"Oh Merlin, Draco i swear the two of you will be hexed into oblivion the moment you put me down!" She cried. Draco lifted his hand and smacked her bum playfully, causing her to jump.

"Well then.. little Miss Granger, i guess you wont be put down anytime soon!" He chuckled as she let out a surrendering sigh.

When they finally arrived he placed her gently on the ground and held her wrists by her sides, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I will only let you go if you promise not to hex us.." He grinned wickedly at her. Rolling her eyes she nodded, smiling up at him "I promise" slowly he let go and paused, the others moved towards them.

"Alright, mate where shall we go first?" Alex asked

"Well i want to go and get something to eat fir-" Blaise began. Quickly, when they least expected it Hermione lifted her hands and smacked both boys on the top of their heads. Grinning towards them innocently.

"Ouch! what was that for!" He said rubbing his head, but smiling at the same time.

"Don't deny it but you would have made a beautiful slytherin..." Draco smiled broadly before she shrugged her shoulders and made her way towards the book shop.

"Right lads, i will see you soon then, better not piss her off anymore" Draco laughed lightly before following Hermione into the shop.

Inside the bookshop he lost her. Rolling his eyes he decided to walk around and then meet her at the desk. Wandering the isles he came the familiar one where they had been last time and quickly an idea came into mind. Moving over to the shelve he retrieved the familiar book that had caught Hermiones eye and went to the desk to pay.

"Good day sir, how may i help?" he man behind the desk asked politely. Draco smiled gently, daydreaming, before placing the book on the wooden surface.

"Just this one please." He said charmingly, looking around the small shop.

"Ah ,"The curious tales of the lost boy" Mr. Riskel is and extraordinary writer i am sure you will enjoy it."

"Actually it is for my girlfriend, a gift in fact.. i feel i may have annoyed her slightly... and she had her eye on this book in the past." Draco told the man, not knowing why...

"Well im sure she will love it" He said back, taking the money and flicking his wand, so that the book was placed in a paper bag.

On the balcony in the shop stood Hermione, she was watching him, but couldn't see what book he had or what he was saying, not that she cared. She just enjoyed to watch his stance, the way he moved so formal and so elegant it interested her. Smiling she quickly made her way down the stairs as Draco turned on his heel towards her.

"Ready to go?" he asked,

"course..." She smiled towards him, then eyes the bag under his arm, turning towards the shopkeeper and waving goodbye he called after her.

"Goodbye , enjoy your day.."

Walking through the street he lead her to the "Three broomsticks". Her hand rested in his. He licked the way it felt. Soft and delicate.

"The boys are meeting us in here, thought we could grab a drink and something for lunch?" He asked smiling down at her.

She looked up at him, into his eyes,they were paler than usual but she could tell how happy he was, causing her to grin.

"Of course." She replied, moving her way through the people, not caring about the number of students looking at the two of them.

When they arrived she was hit by the most spectacular view. There on the back table sat from left to right; Ron, Harry, Ginny, Luna, Neville, Glen, Alex and Blaise. All with a drink in front of them chatting away. To be fair everyone but Ron, who sat there on the end with looks that could kill.

"Hey...well.. this is..er .. interesting" She announced looking around the table, trying not to catch Rons eye as she knew it would start some sort of argument.

"'Mione! I invited the others other.. We all figured if you trust them...then so do we.." Ginny beamed over to her, gesturing for the two of them to take a seat. Hermione couldn't help but laugh.. inviting the over was one thing..but the fact that everyone seemed to get along was amazing.. who would have thought.. a table of Slytherin and Gryffindors sitting together and chatting.

She turned to her left to see Draco also smiling.

"Right, i will get the next round of drinks.. what do you want Granger?" Draco asked, placing a reassuring and on her left shoulder.

"Butterbeer please." Nodding he turned and made his way to the bar. They all continued conversation, mainly about Quiditch and then the soon coming ball.

"Oh Hermione, i was going to buy some material and make my dress this year, you know like a one of a kind.. i was going to ask for your help.." Ginny asked politely.

"course Gin'" Hermione said looking towards her.

"If you want, i thought maybe i could buy you some and we could make ours together?" Se asked again looking excitedly

"Oh, Ginny..i don't know if i could ask you to-"

"Oh don't be silly Hermione, I want to .. it would be fun and enjoyable.. besides i need some girl time.. yanno?" Nodding Hermione asked Luna about her dress robes for the ball. The conversation continued happily untill a loud crash sounded from the end of the table.

Ron had stood up from his seat. "Sorry, i er.. it slipped.. erm.. i think im going to head out now.." He announced awkward, his ears glowing red from anger or embarrassment, Hermione couldn't tell.

"Ron!?" she called after him, but Draco had just made his way back, levitating the drinks.

"What was all that about?" He asked confused, turning towards Hermione.

"I don't know..."

"I will go after him, don't worry.. i'm sure he is fine." Harry announced, turning to give Ginny a quick kiss before following Rons exit.

The day continued happily, the group enjoying each others company, not caring about the watching eyes from the fellow students, but what they didn't notice was the two men. The stood against the windows of one of the shops on the first floor, looking down at them, never taking their gaze off of the group. But they were only interested in two that were there.