Hardest Of Hearts; Chapter Four.

Chapter Four - Amortentia.

The next few week's were hectic for Hermione. She had so much school work to do, awell as her Head Girl duties. And to top it all off, Malfoy was ignoring her. Even if they had to talk to each other for Head stuff, he was just acting like a prick towards her. She had forgiven Ron the day after her wrist broke and they were practically back to normal. It was now only one week until Christmas break and Hermione decided that she would stay at Hogwarts for it. Ginny, Ron, Harry and Luna were all heading back to the Weasley's house which sort of upset Hermione. She didn't want to go because she wasn't in any mood to watch Ron and Luna snog constantly. Also, Luna was ignoring Hermione as best as she could. Hermione was desperatly hoping that at least Harry would be staying in school with her, but he already promised Mrs. Weasley that he would spend Christmas with them. Hermione sighed, then got up from Gryffindor's table and headed for her first class of the day; Potions with Snape. By the time she got there, most of the seats were taken. The only one's that were free was one beside Blaise and one beside Malfoy. She really wanted to piss Malfoy off so she walked right by him and stopped beside Blaise.

"Can I sit here?" She asked, as he looked up at her. A huge smile appeared on his lips and he nodded happily. Malfoy looked up as Hermione passed and couldn't believe that she was sitting with his best friend. Blaise was staring at Hermione as she took her quill, textbook and parchment from her bag. He finally spoke.

"So.. There's a Hogsmeade weekend this Saturday. I was wondering do you want to go with me?" Hermione looked up at him to take in his appearance. She never properly looked at him before. He was a tall boy, with high cheekbones, dark skin, and long, brown slanting eyes. hermione couldn't deny the fact that he was gorgeous. "Um.. sure." She smiled back at him. They worked together through potions and after class had ended, he walked her to her next class which was Study of Ancient Runes. "Meet me in the Great Hall for dinner later on" He said. She nodded and he smiled as he walked away. Hermione couldn't help but smile. She really did like Blaise, he was such a nice guy.

When dinner time had arrived, Hermione ran to her Dorm to throw her bag into her room. She then made her way to the Great Hall to meet Blaise. On her way, she bumped into Malfoy, literally. "Watch where you're goi-" Malfoy cut himself off when he realised who he was talking to. "Oh, it's you." He stated. Hermione rolled her eyes and continued walking again, without saying a word to him. He caught up with her and walked alongside her until they reachedt he Great Hall. He stopped because she stopped walking. He noticed that she was scanning the Slytherin table. "Granger, look, I just want to tell you that I'm sorr-" He didn't get to finish his sentence because Hermione had walked over to where Blaise was sitting, completely blanking Malfoy. They talked for a second and then he stood up. Hermione linked her fingers in his and they both walked over to the Gryffindor table, sitting down at the very end. Malfoy's mouth dropped open, aswell as pretty much eveyrone else in the Great Hall. Malfoy caught a glimpse of Ron and Harry. Harry had an eyebrow raised and Ron's face was red. Apparently, they decided to go join Hermione and Blaise because next thing that Malfoy knew, they were all sitting together, talking and laughing. He couldn't get his head around what was happening. Did Blaise like Hermione? No way, he couldn't. He hated muggle born people. Malfoy cleared it from his mind as best as he could and walked over to his own table, sitting beside Pansy.

"Hey Draco. What the hell is Blaise playing at?" She asked, turning her gaze towards Blaise and Hermione.

"I don't care. I don't want to talk about them" He said shortly. Pansy took the hint and continued eating her apple. Malfoy took another sneaky glance towards the Gryffindor table. This time, more student's were sitting with them; Luna, Seamus, Dean, Neville, Lavender and Colin had joined them. Blaise looked genuinely happy. He was laughing and talking with everyone and he kept looking at Hermione. A few minutes later, she stood up and held her hand out. Blaise took it without hesitation and they left the Great Hall. Even bigger whisper's started flying around now; people saying that Hermione put a spell on him. Other people saying that Blaise was only using her for sex. Malfoy had enough and he stormed out of the great hall and headed back to his Dorm.

"Where are we going?" Blaise asked Hermione, his hand still in hers.

"Well, I'm going to the library, I need to study. I'll see you later on." She smiled, letting go of his hand. He smiled back to stopped her as she went to turn away. She looked up into those goegeous brown eyes and instantly she knew what was coming. Blaise lowered his head and their lips met. Hermione felt a pang of electricity, just as she had when her skin touched Malfoy's. Hermione, she thought to herself, this is not the time to be thinking about him. She cleared Malfoy from her mind and focused on the pulled Blaise closer to her, and he deepened the kiss. They broke apart a few seconds later, panting. "Wow.." was all the she could say. Blaise smiled then said "I'll see you later Hermione." He took one last look at her before disappearing around the corner. Hermione leaned against the wall and closed her eyes, replaying the kiss in her head. A smiled crept across her lips and she sighed. She was falling for Blaise Zabini.

When she entered the library, no one was around. She decided to go into the Restricted Section to browse. She was looking for a book she need for Potions but she stopped walking when a different book caught her eye. She pulled the rather large book from the shelf and read the cover 'Amazing Love Potions'. She was curious now. She brought the book over to a table where her bag was and began browsing the contents. One Chapter in particular made her eyes widen. She flipped to page 473 and began reading.

'Amortentia is the most powerful Love Potion in the world. It causes a powerful infatuation or obsession in the drinker. It has a distinctive mother-of-pearl sheen, and steam rises from it in characteristic spirals. It has a different aroma for everyone who smells it, reminding each person of the things that they find most attractive. Amortentia doesn't create actual love, of course. That's impossible. But it does cause a powerful infatuation or obsession. For that reason, it is probably the most dangerous potion around. The effects of the potion on a person are described to be near instantaneous; with the person who drank the potion appearing "pale and sickly," and becoming obsessed with the object of their affections, speaking of them as though "hit by a ray of purest sunlight," and becoming excited or dangerously unstable towards potion must be administrated continuously in order to maintain the false love in the drinker. Otherwise the effects will wear off and the victim would regain their own free will.'

Hermione's mind started to flood with questions. Do I really need to make a love potion? No, Blaise already likes me, there's no need. But do I just want attention from him? What about Ron? I could slip him some and he would fall in love with me! Well, it wouldn't really be love, just infatuation. But it's better than nothing, right? No Hermione, you really can't be considering this! What if Ron find's out? He snapped your wrist onece before, he could easily do it again. Her mind then drifted to Malfoy. I could slip him some too, afterall I do live with him, it would be easy. That way I would have three guys drooling all over me. Every girl in the school would be jealous! I would finally get some attention for once in my life! She must have sat there for three hours thinking to herself. She decided that she would write down the ingrediants just incase she needed them. Her head then whipped up just as she was packing her stuff away. She heard the library door open. Oh God, she thought, no one can catch me with this book! She grabbed it quickly and threw it back onto the shelf where she got it from. She had just enough time to get out of there before whoever it was could ask her questions. Hermione shut the door lightly before running off to her Dorm. But the person in the library had seen her putting the book and and running away. It was Pansy Parkinson. She walked over to the book shelf and noticed one look didn't belong in the right spot. She picked it up and her eyes widened. A love potion? She thought. Of course Granger had used a love potion on Blaise, it only make's sense. There was a ribbon about half way through the book, keeping the page. Pansy opened it on the page and gasped. Amortentia! The strongest love potion there is! She remembered they had learned about this potion with Slughorn. She quickly stuffed the book into her page and headed back to the Slytherin common room.

Hermione got back to her own common room 5 minutes later, panting. Malfoy was sitting on the leather couch staring at the fire. He turned around when he heard the door open. "Are you okay?" He asked her, curious as to why she was out of breath.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Hermione said shortly, heading towards her bedroom. When she got there she shut the door and collapsed on her bed. After she caught her breath, she opened her bag and pulled out the parchment that had the potion written on it. She re-read it over and over again until she began feeling tired. No Hermione, she thought, you are better than this! She ripped up the parchement into tiny pieces so no one could ever read it and chucked it into the bin. She got into her bed, and began dozing off, thinking about what it would be like if Blaise, Ron and Malfoy all wanted her.

Hardest Of Hearts; Chapter Three.

Chapter Three - Broken Wrist.

Hermione woke up the next morning thinking that she was in her own home. It suddenly hit her that she was infact at Hogwarts. She smiled and then pulled the covers off of her. She headed to the bathroom and had a quick shower then got dressed into her uniform. Within 20 minutes, she was in the common room. Malfoy was sitting on the leather couch staring at the unlit fire, lost in his own thoughts it seemed. He didn't even notice Hermione's entrance until she coughed loudly. His head whipped up and he smiled at her. Okay, Hermione thought, this is very weird. "Morning." She said, walking towards the small kitchen. Malfoy got to his feet and followed her. He stopped at the door frame and crossed his arms over his chest.

"What?" Hermione asked, getting self concious. Must he stare at her like that?

"I was just thinking about last night. Why did you get changed in front of me?" He asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

"I already told you." She said shortly, grabbing an apple from a fruit bowl that was placed in the center of the counter.

"Yeah well can you please not do it again?" He suggested.

"What, can't stand to see a 'Mudblood' in her underwear, eh?" She basically shouted, going back into the common room. His face was full of shock and fury.

"Actually no!" He shouted at her. She turned around to glare at him in disbelief.

"Yeah, right." She said, picking her bag up.

"Actually the reason I don't want you to do that again is because I couldn't get you out of my mind all night! I only slept for about an hour!" He roared at her. Her mouth dropped open but he didn't see. He had just stormed out of the common room, leaving Hermione standing frozen on the spot, gaping after him.

The day went by rather quickly and before Hermione knew it, it was dinner time. She didn't know weather to tell Ginny or Harry what had happened that morning with Malfoy. She decided that it would be best if it stayed in the common room. Ron was once again sucking face with Luna and Hermione rolled her eyes. "Ugh get a fucking room already!" She said, a bit too loudly and jumped up from the table, and stormed out of the Great Hall. Ron didn't miss her snide remark and booted after her. "Hermione! Hermione!" He shouted after her. But she didn't stop. "HERMIONE JEAN GRANGER! STOP WALKING THIS INSTANT!" He bellowed making student's passing by in the corridor stop to look at him. He had been so loud that people in the Great Hall heard. Harry came rushing out, Ginny and Luna on his heels. Hermione whipped around and shouted right back at him.

"WHAT?"

"What was up with that smart little remark you made back there in the Great Hall? Don't think I didn't hear it!" He shouted.

"Ron, just leave it." Harry was saying, placing his hand on Ron's arm. Ron shrugged it off.

"Well it's true isn't it? All you do is snog her, it's like yous are attached at ths hip, for God's sake!" Hermione roared. She took a glance at Luna, who was staring at Ron.

"Yeah, what's your point? She IS my girlfriend afterall. Boyfriend's and girlfriend's happen to do that you know? Oh wait, no you don't know because you've probably never even kissed a guy." Ron said, laughing.

"HOW DARE YOU!" She shouted and before she knew it she was throwing a punch at his face. He caught her wrist in his left hand and turned her so that her arm was in pain.

"NEVER raise your hand to me ever again, understand, virgin?" He warned. Suddenly, her wrist cracked and she screamed..

"Ron let her go!" Harry and Ginny were both shouting but Ron couldn't hear them, he was too lost in his own rage.

"OI WEASLEY! Get the hell off of her!" Malfoy had just entered the scene and he could see how much pain Hermione was in. "I said get OFF her!" He shouted, pulling Ron's arm. Ron let Hermione go and she fell to the floor, crying from the pain. Harry and Ginny were at her side in no longer than two seconds. "Get off me." Ron said, his face going back to it's normal shade. He was staring at Hermione, he couldn't believe what he had just done. "Hermione, I'm-" He was cut off by Hermione screaming at him.

"You PRICK! You broke my fucking wrist!"

"Detention for a month Weasley and 50 points from Gryffindor. Now everyone, CLEAR OFF. Weasley, go to Dumbledore's office. NOW." He shouted. "Ginny, Harry, bring Hermione to Madam Pomfrey." Harry and Ginny lifted Hermione so that she was in a standing position and brought her to the Hospital. Meanwhile, Malfoy was escorting Ron to their Headmaster's office.

"You know, I have the right mind to kick the shit out of you. Fucking hurting a woman like that. It's disgusting. Even a Slytherin wouldn't even stoop that low." Ron had pushed Malfoy up against the wall at this time, his fist clenching. "Get off me right now or it will be Dentention until Christmas break. Oh and 20 more points from Gryffindor for attacking a Head." Ron shoved him away and entered Dumbledore's office, followed by Malfoy. He informed the Headmaster of everything that had happened and then left. He needed to see if Granger was alright. He rushed to the Hospital and his heart felt like it was breaking as he watched her there, broken and crying. Harry and Ginny were on the right side of her bed. Malfoy walked over and took a seat on her left side. Hermione looked up at him and began to cry even more. He had no idea why. He was about to get up and leave when Hermione spoke.

"No! Don't go!" He sat back down and smiled at her. "Thank you. For making him get off me and for giving him punishment." She smiled through her tears.

"Don't worry about it Granger." He said, taking her hand. He felt a pang of electricity go through his entire body. Woah.. Was he falling for Granger? They were both staring at each other so intently that they didn't even notice Harry and Ginny leave. "Seriously, thank you." Hermione said again, looking down.

"I would of murdered him if I could. That scum of the Earth!" He bellowed. Madam Pomfrey appeared from around the corner and told him to be quiet.

"That wasn't like Ron at all.. He is usually very sweet.." She began saying but Malfoy cut her off.

"Wait, wait, wait.. You're actually thinking about forgiving him?" Malfoy was disgusted. How could she forgive someone who did that to her? If he was with her, he would never ever lay a finger on her. Draco, he thought, stop thinking about going out with her.

"Can we talk about this back in the Common room?" She asked and he nodded.

They were both back in the common room three hours later. Hermione was lying on the couch and Malfoy was sitting in his Slytherin chair. The silence was unbearable so Malfoy plucked up the courage to speak first.

"Well? Are you going to forgive him?" Hermione looked up at him but didn't answer for a few minutes. Finally she spoke.

"I think I will." Malfoy grunted loudly as he stood up. "He didn't mean to do it!" Hermione screamed at him.

"Yes he bloody well did!" Malfoy retorted. "You know what? Forget it. Go and forgive your precious Weasley." He stormed off to his bedroom, slaming the door hard. Hermione stared after him, then broke down into tears

Hardest Of Hearts; Chapter Two.

Chapter Two - Head Girl and Head Boy.

When they were on the Platform, Hermione saw Harry and the rest of her friends. She turned to Malfoy and told him that she would see him later. She then made her way towards them.

"What was all that about?" Ron asked, Luna still basically attached to his arm.

"You tell me." She said, shortly. She walked on ahead of him and didn't hear what his reply was. Harry caught up with her and grabbed her hand. "Are you okay 'Mione?" He asked, concern all over his face.

"No, but I will be. It will just take some time to get used to." She squeezed his hand, reassuring him then she let go. They got to the castle pretty quickly and before they knew it, the sorting was over and done with. They had a good few new students in Gryffindor with them. It was time for the meal and Hermione was really grateful, she was starving because she didn't get to get anything from the trolley on the train. Hermione was going over what had happened in the compartment with Malfoy and she wasn't aware that Ron was listening to them.

"Why were you crying?" He suddenly said. Hermione's head whipped up from her food to glare at him.

"I was talking to Harry, not you. Get back to snogging Looney." She said, looking back at Harry. Ron's face went red with anger and he was about to say something, but at that moment, Dumbledore stood up and Ron was cut off.

"Now I would like to tell everyone who the new Head's are. You Head Girl this year is none other than Miss Hermione Granger," Roars errupted from the Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables, "And your Head Boy is Draco Malfoy." The tables that were cheering for Hermione suddenly went quiet, cheers from the Slytherin table took thier place. Whisper's were flying all around the Great Hall. Hermione turned around to look at Malfoy, he looked just as shocked as she did.

"What? Draco soddin' Malfoy is Head Boy?" She heard Ron mutter.

"Would you both join me up here after the feast. Everyone else may head to bed now. Classes will begin tomorrow morning. Goodnight." Dumbledore said, and everyone began to rise from their seats. Hermione said bye to Harry then headed towards Dumbledore who said standing in front of the teacher's table. Malfoy was already standing there.

"You will both be sharing a common room and dorm. It's on the 7th floor. Follow me." Dumbledore said, and they obeyed. A few minutes later they were at the Head's dorm. "The password is 'Lust'." Dumbledore informed them.

"Lust?" Malfoy said, raising his eyebrows.

"Yes, Lust. Now go on, off to bed. I will see you both at breakfast." And with that, he dissappeared. Hermione and Malfoy entered the common room. Hermione gasped. It was beautiful! The room was huge, there was a big fireplace opposite where they just entered and in front of it there was a huge black, leather couch. On either side, a bit closer to the fire, there was two single chairs, one maroon and one green facing each other. There was also a brown coffee table inbetween them. At the left wall there was a huge bookshelf, full of big and small books. To the right there was another door. Hermione walked over to it and opened the door. It was a small kicthen. She yelped with delight, she loved baking. Everything in the kitchen was black and white. She opened one of the cabinets and discovered it was full of food. "Refilling cabinets." She said, smiling. She headed back into the common room to see Malfoy admiring the bookshelf. She looked beside the fireplace and noticed two doors. One had her innitials on it and the other had Malfoy's. She opened her door and climbed the stairs. She opened her bedroom door and screamed in delight. It looks just like my room at home! She thought. There was a double bed in the center of the room with purple cushions and blankets. The walls were a light lilac colour and there was also a dark purple carpet. To the left of the room there was a big brown desk with all of her quills and parchment on it. To the right, there was another smaller table. She walked over to it and found a box with a note attached. She opened it slowly and read aloud.

Miss Granger,
You will find your bedroom here at Hogwarts the exact same as your own one back home. I thought it would make you feel more comfotable that way. Also in this box, you will find your stereo and your CD's. As you know electricity does not work in the castle but I charmed it so that it will work with the touch of your wand. Enjoy! I will see you tomorrow morning.
Album Dumbledore.

She screamed and put the letter back down. She ripped open the box and pulled her CD's and stereo from it. She tapped her wand against the power button and placed her favorite CD in. The stereo came to life and she put the volume as high as it could go. She bagan singing:

A falling star fell from your heart and landed in my eyes,
I screamed aloud as it tore through them, and now it's left me blind.

She didn't notice that her door had opened and Malfoy was standing there. He cleared his throat loudly. She stopped signing and turned to look at him.

"What's that?" He asked, confusion on his face.

"Muggle music." She said, smiling.

"How are you playing it?" He looked genuinely curious. She tossed him the note that Dumbledore left and he read it.

"That's cool. What's the name of the band?" He asked, pointing towards the stereo.

"Florence and the Machine. They're my favorite band." She walked over to her wardrobe and began putting her clothes inside. When she was done, she turned around to see Malfoy sitting at the end of her bed. He was really enjoying this music, so she didn't disturb him. Well I have gotten changed in front of boys before, she thought, so why not now? She took off her school uniform so she was left standing in her underwear. Malfoy jumped up from the bed when he noticed her.

"What are you doing?" He gasped.

"Getting changed into my pajamas. You looked like you were enjoying the music so I didn't want to interupt you." She simple said and smiled. She put purple shorts on then pulled a black tank top over her head. When she was dressed, she went to the mirror and tired her hair up. She walked over to her bed and pulled the covers open. She climbed in and started singing again. She didn't notice that Malfoy was staring at her.

"Well.. Um.. I should be getting to bed.." He said, standing up again. He walked towards the door and opened it. When he was out of her room, she stood against the wall and ran his hands through his hair. "Wow.." Was all he managed to breathe and then he went towards his own room, more than ready for a good night sleep

Hardest Of Hearts; Chapter One.

Chapter One - The Hogwarts Express.

As Hermione ran through the wall at Platform 9 3/4 with her two best friends, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, she paused as she looked around to take everything in. It had been a year since they defeated the Dark Lord, Voldemort and here they were, returning to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for their 7th and final year. Hermione took in the sight that always made her happy on September 1st. She saw the huge red and black train called The Hogwarts Express, familiar faces, some which she loved, some which she disliked. She seen some parents kiss their children goodbye and at that moment she felt lost. She had never really had a bond like that with her own parents. They disliked the fact that Hermione was a witch and that she was attending a school like Hogwarts. They had always wanted her to attend a normal, muggle school, then when she graduated, they wanted her to go to college, get married then have a family. But for Merlin's sake, she was only 17! She didn't want to settle down, not yet anyway. She eventually turned her head away from a man and woman kissing a little girl on the cheek, to Harry tapping her on her shoulder.

"What?" She asked, looking confused.

"We have to get on the train and you were in a daze. So I decided to bring you back to reality." He smiled at her.

Harry, Ron and herself boarded the Hogwarts express and within 10 minutes, they were on their way to the place that Hermione called home. The golden trio slipped into an empty compartment near the end of the train. Hermione sat beside the window and Harry and Ron sat opposite her. She quickly glanced at Ron but he was staring at the compartment door with a huge smile on his face. What was he smiling at? Hermione turned her head to see Luna Lovegood, Ginny Weasley, Dean Thomas and Neville Longbottom enter. Luna's face lit up when she saw Ron and she went over to him and sat on his lap. He wrapped his arm's around her waist and kissed her softly on the lips. Hermione felt tears in her eyes. The guy that she loved was sitting opposite her sucking face with Looney Lovegood. She quickly wipped the tears away with her sleeve and stood up.

"I'll be back in a few minutes." She declared, heading towards the door. Harry stood up too at this moment. 

"Want me to go with you?" He knew what was wrong with Hermione. She smiled and nodded at him and they both left. As soon as the door slid shut, Harry grabbed Hermione's arm and took her in a hug. The tears began to leave her eyes again. 

"How does he not know how I feel about him?" She asked. Harry didn't answer her, he just kept his hold on her. Harry was in the same situation with Ginny and Dean. Suddenly they heard a familiar voice behind them. The familiar voice of none other than Draco Malfoy. She didn't loosen her grip on Harry.

"Oi! Granger!" She heard Malfoy shout. She wasn't in any mood for him right now. Before she knew it, her arm was being pulled and she was no longer hugging Harry. She hesitated for a moment then wiped her eyes, then turned around to face him. Malfoy was standing there already in his robes with his best friend Blaise Zabini right by his side.

"What do you want?" She asked, her voice husky from crying.

Malfoy just stared at her. "Why are you crying?"

Hermione was about to answer him telling him to mind his own business when Zabini cut her off.

"I was wondering if you would like to sit with me for the rest of the train ride, beautiful." He flashed her a sexy sort of smile. Draco's eyes widened from what he heard.

"Excuse me, What?" Draco demanded, shocked.

"You heard me. I would like Miss Granger here to accompany me for the rest of the journey to Hogwarts." He smiled viciously at Malfoy as if to say 'If you mess this up for me I will hex you.' They both seemed to be deep in conversation that it seemed like they forgot Hermione and Harry were standing there, gobsmacked. She began turning slowly but was suddenly pulled back by Malfoy.

"Wait." Was all he said to her, turning his gaze back to Zabini. Hermione was getting aggitated now. What did he want? She began feeling even more awkward than she already was when the two boys started talking again.

"You are joking right? The girl is crying for God's sake! Why would she want to sit with you out of all peopl-" Malfoy was suddenly cut off by Hermione raising her voice.

"I'm not standing here all day waiting for you to tell me what you want." He just stared at her again. Zabini was also looking at her, but they were both silent. Why did Zabini want her to sit with him the rest of the way? He hated her ever since first year. She was staring at Malfoy waiting for an answer but none was coming.

"I'm sorry Blaise, But as Malfoy stated, I have just been crying, so I'm really not in the mood right now. Maybe some other time." She said, turning her eyes to Zabini. He nodded slowly then looked at his feet. She then looked back at Malfoy. "Okay, if you are just going to stand there and look at me, I'm leaving." She turned, grabbed Harry's arm and started walking. This time no one pulled her back and she was grateful.

"Granger!" Malfoy shouted. Oh for Merlin's sake, she thought, turning around rather angrily. "What?" She practically bit his head off.

"I was told to tell you to be in the Prefects compartment in 15 minutes. But we just spent about 10 minutes," he glared at Zabini, but then continued, looking back at her, "here so looks like we have to go now."

"Us?" She asked, shocked.

"Yes, Us. As in me and you, Granger." He said, looking at Harry.

"Um.. Why? I'm not a Prefect anymore." She said, feeling very confused.

"Yeah, Why?" Harry also asked.

"Don't ask me Granger. I'm just as curious as you are. Come on." He said ignoring Harry. He turned and began walking towards the Prefect's compartment. He stopped after he walked a few steps and looked over his shoulder. "Come on." He said, holding his hand out. Hermione hesitated for a moment, then squeezed Harry's arm. She smiled at Zabini then walked quickly to where Malfoy was. She hesitated again. But Malfoy raised his hand even higher this time and she took it. His skin was really warm and smooth.

"Merlin, Granger! You're frezzing!" He said, gripping her hand more tightly. She didn't answer him. When they arrived at the Prefect's compartment, no one was there. They both stopped and looked around. Hermione's luggage was at a table to the right and Malfoy's was to the left. She didn't realise that she was still holding Malfoy's hand until he loosened his grip. She then let go of his hand altogether and walked towards her stuff. She turned around and Malfoy was also at his luggage, holding a piece of parchment in his hands.

"What's that?" She asked him.

"A letter from Dumbledore." He handed it to her and she bagan reading aloud.

Miss Hermione Granger and Mr. Draco Malfoy.
I assume by now that you are both rather confused as to why you and your belongings are here in the Prefects carriage. You will find out as soon as you arrive at Hogwarts, after the meal. But please may I ask that you both remain in this compartment and try to get acquainted, for your own sakes more than anyone elses. I shall be seeing you both very shortly. 

Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore.

She re-read it three more times to make sure that she didn't leave anything out. A slight frown appeared on her lips. What was all this about? She wondered. Ron and the rest are probably wondering where she had gotten to. Oh no, wait, she thought, he's too busy snogging Looney. She felt her eyes sting with tears again then cleared her throat. She decided that she should go tell Harry what was happening. She stood up rather slowly, and as she did so, Malfoy turned to look at her. She didn't look directly at him, but she got a glimpse of him. He then turned his head and continued gazing back out the window. She headed towards the compartment door and went to slide it open, but then she felt an electric shock. She jumped back and screamed "Fuck!" Draco turned very quickly because he heard a swear word leave Hermione's mouth, not because she screamed. He looked shocked.

"Since when do you curse Granger?" He asked, slightly amused.

"Shut up. The God damn door just shocked me!" She was still holding the spot on her right hand where the shock had accured.

"I highly doubt that." He said, pushing her out of his way. He grabbed hold of the handle with his right hand also and was immediately stung. "What the-" He was cut off by Hermione sighing loudly. "What are you sighing about?" He demanded, very angrily.

"Dumbledore said in the letter that he wants us to remain in this compartment for the rest of the trip. I'm betting he put a spell on it." She replied, sighing again as she placed the letter back on top of her trunk. She sank back down into her chair as Malfoy sat opposite, still clutching his hand.

They were both silent for a while when Malfoy suddenly spoke. "Why were you crying?"

She turned her gaze to him to see if he was smiling but he wasn't. He was dead serious.

"It doesn't matter." She muttered, putting her head in her hands. She felt his hand softly touching her arm. She looked up, shocked.

"Well it kind of does. But if you don't want to tell me, it's cool."

"I just really don't want to talk about it right now." She said. Especially with you, she thought. They sat in silence the rest of the train ride. When the train came to a halt, Hermione smiled. She was finally home.