Fickle Flames

Chapter 3~ Blazing

She hurried down the dark corridor, constantly checking behind her and occasionally ducking into alcoves, just to make sure no one followed. She knew that everyone was still at dinner but she couldn't risk being seen.

She came upon the closet door and slipped inside the small and even darker room.

She was quickly grabbed by unseen arms and pulled to a firm chest, “You're late Hot Stuff,” he growled in her ear.

She rolled her eyes and pushed him away, “No, you're just early.”

“Whatever. So what's the latest news, are they squirming, fighting, shagging maybe?”

Her eyes popped open at that last suggestion, “Shagging! I bloody well hope not!”

He laughed, “Oh look who's got her knickers in a twist over a couple of idiots snogging… a while ago at that!”

“I do not have my knickers, which are none of your damn business by the way, in a twist.” She crossed her arms in indignation but could see in the dim light that he was enjoying himself.

“No…. I believe you made all aspects of your knickers my business two weeks ago…”he whispered in her ear, his lips brushed the shell of her ear and she tried to suppress a shudder.

“No. I just made snogging me your business. So did you see her, talk to her?”

He sighed, “Yes and no.”

She smacked him somewhat playfully on the head, “What do you mean no? You saw her but didn't talk to her?!”

“Jeeze, calm down Hot Stuff! Think of the pressure your knickers are under already! No I can't get near her, she keeps running to him and there is no way I am going to try to talk to her in front of him.”

She scoffed, “Well you better get a move on with talking to her, we need to get the ball rolling on this.”

“Hey I was doing just fine. She was in the hall and I walked over to her and started to but then she dashed off, making some excuse and then he walked around the corner and latched onto her.”

“Dammit!” She yelled and furiously banged her fists into the stone wall.

“Whoa calm down there. Look everything is going to be okay, this is all going to work out just fine.”

Her eyes had adjusted to the dim light by now as she eyes him carefully. His face registered genuine concern as he smiled at her.

“I...I just don't know anymore. At first this all seemed like a good idea but now it's all falling apart…why can't I just be happy?”

“Hey look you will be happy. I promise. You'll get that stupid wanker back and I'll… I'll be well compensated.”

“He's not a wanker,” she defended half-heartedly.

“Just stupid then?” He smiled then turned serious, “Look you may like the git but I think he's a bloody idiot for letting you go.”

She smiled, “Getting possessive are we?”

“No, I just…uh…look can't you take a stupid complement?”

“No..I..ugh! You're so…so infuriating! I don't know why I wanted you...”

He cut her off, “Because Hot Stuff, we're perfect together for this.”

She snorted, “Look I think we need to reanalyze this thing, we need a new approach. We'll be more aggressive, more precise. I have a new idea on how to go about all this.” She pulled out a sheet of paper with an advertisement. He whispered “Lumos” to better see what it said.

“Are you kidding me? Will this really work?” He asked disbelieving.

“Yes I'm sure. It works with hair instead so once it's administered the subject will fall for whose hair is in the potion, instead of being right in front of them. We'll work out the finer details later. All I have to do is send out for it.”

“Will those gits really send it to you, no questions asked about who you're going to use it on?”

“I'll tell them its to play pranks on other people, they'll defiantly go for that.”

“Mmm sounds good, very plausible. When and who?”

“Next Hogsmeade weekend. We'll stay here and I overheard that they are too so we can pull it off then, when nobody's here.”

“Yeah okay but who, both of them?”

“No. I think that you should use it on just her, that way I stay innocent and she's ruined. We'll fix it so that he walks in at the right moment.” She smiled maliciously.

He shook his head, “You have a great power o' evil one. But why the fixation on hurting her pitiful excuse for a reputation?”

“Why the questions?”

“Just curious.”

She sighed, “If she didn't exist, then I wouldn't have this problem. And she didn't push him off or anything.”

“Uh huh.”

“What?”

“That's a pretty interesting way to say you're jealous Hot Stuff.”

“I'm not jealous.”

“Yes you are. Think about it, you tried to become her. You dropped your favorite things; you started studying and dolling up more, almost to look like her, to be like her. I miss the you before her.”

“That makes no sense, and since when do you pay attention to what I do?”

“Just because we didn't get along didn't mean I didn't notice a good looking and might I say talented, witch.”

There was a moment of silence in the closet until she spoke up.

“Why do you want her so bad?” She asked and wondered why she cared.

“Why do you care?”

“Just curious,” she replied in a mocking voice making him smirk.

“I can't have her, its almost impossible. So I want her, besides she's actually pretty hot.”

“I though you said she was ugly.”

“Cover up.”

“Do you think she's hotter than me?”

The smirk turned into a smile, “Yep.”

“Liar”

“Yep.”

She blushed, not expecting that reply, “But then I'm not impossible to have so…”

He backed her into the wall, pressing his body to hers, “No Hot Stuff, you're not impossible… you're utterly bloody untouchable, not even in my wildest dreams, can I have you.”

She sucked in her breath trying to find a response but he continued, “In fact she's just a consolation prize compared to you. But like I said, you're beyond impossible so there's no point for me to even try, so I have to settle for her. At least I get to snog you though.”

He pushed off from the wall and walked over to the door, “Let me know when you want to work out the next stage in the plan,” and he was gone.

She sighed and slipped down to the floor, berating herself when she sat head in her hands, “Bloody hell Ginny, you are not going to fall for Draco Malfoy!”

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

Hermione was walking towards the library, she wanted to get a book before curfew hit, when she was pushed into a small side corridor by none other than Draco Malfoy.

“Hello Hermione, have a good dinner?” Draco asked smiling.

She sighed, “What do you want Malfoy?”

“Just to talk Gorgeous.” He put his hands on either side of her on the wall trapping her where she stood.

“About what? Didn't we cover the pleasantries earlier this evening? When you cornered me after dinner!” Hermione was getting impatient, and fidgeted against the wall.

“Well I didn't get to ask you my question then did I?” Hermione just looked at him so he continued, “Look, the next Hogsmeade visit is fast approaching and I was wondering if you wanted to go with me, you know have a little dinner in the village and then dancing at the Three Broomsticks?”

“Dinner and dancing Malfoy? What like a date?” She replied flatly.

“Yes like a date and trust me, either activity can be substituted with shagging. So what do you think Gorgeous?”

Hermione opened her mouth in shock, “Bloody hell Malfoy I am not going to shag you!”

“So the dinner and dancing's on then?” He wiggled his eyebrows, “And we can see where it goes from there?”

“Ugh! No! There will be no dinner, no dancing, no date! And aren't you supposed to be with Ginny?”

“Ah, yes. Ginny and I have an…an understanding,” Malfoy chuckled.

“You mean you're shag buddies.” Hermione crossed her arms in disapproval.

Malfoy feigned shock, “Ms. Granger such language, I'm stunned!”

“I believe in being direct. ”Hermione replied dryly.

Malfoy dropped his act and became serious “As do I. Look Hermione, I think you're smashing, very fanciable. And I want you. I want you anyway I can have you and I want you in a thousand different ways and places if you get my drift. We can do the whole relationship thing if you want or we can just shag because God knows I could use a good romp since I only get to snog Ginny.”

“Malfoy, this is the last time I am going to say this to you, sod off. I will not go out with you, now or ever so just stop asking and I definitely won't be shagging you anytime soon. So you can drop that subject too.” Hermione growled.

“You're sexy when you're pissed Gorgeous.”

Hermione pushed Malfoy to the side and walked out of the alcove only turning to reply, “Go to Hell Malfoy!”

She was about to stomp off when his reply to her reply made her stop, “You'll give in one day because we all know I'll keep asking you and he never will.” He grinned smugly.

She turned to look at him in shock, “Excuse me?”

He sauntered towards her, “You know what I mean Hermione. I know all about that little interlude in the study room.”

Hermione lost her composure at the moment he spoke and blurted out, “How do you know about that?” She clapped her hands over her mouth realizing her instant mistake.

Malfoy chuckled at her blunder, “Oh yes I know all about what happened between you and Potty. The words and the kiss.”

Hermione closed her eyes and shook her head trying to block out his words.

Draco saw he was getting her right where he wanted her. He sighed thinking that he really didn't want to do this anymore but had to keep up his act besides Ginny would be happy that he cornered her so soon.

“Yes I know all about you two. And I find it mighty interesting that he made that move but he has yet to make another one?”

Hermione's eyes widened a little but it told him he was defiantly getting though.

“Well, you have a choice you know. You can make a move on him and risk losing him or you can forget the git and just accept my offer and be happy. And trust me when I say I know how to make a witch very happy.”

Hermione shook her head no.

“Oh but you say that now. Just think about it. In a few weeks Harry and you will be in the exact same position, doing nothing. But he might be doing something with Ginny by then. Where does that leave you? Alone right? No you can be the one that comes out on top, leave him in the dust for once.”

“Shut up Malfoy!” She growled and started to walk away again, Draco strode up to her and grasped her arm to whisper in her ear, “Let me guess, he told you that he umm what was it, oh yes, that he fell for you because you believed in him?”

Hermione's small intake of breath told him that he (well Ginny really) was correct.

He continued, gripping harder on her arm, “Oh yes, Ginny told me he said the same thing to her in the beginning. Isn't it funny that he hasn't touched you or talked about it since Ginny was found in the closet with me? I guess he realized what he lost and wants it back. The Weasel doesn't want you, Potty doesn't want you, I'm the only one that wants you. I have for a long time and I'll keep asking you until you say yes.”

“That's not true, none of what you said is true!” She hissed at him.

Malfoy shrugged, “Actions speak louder than words Gorgeous, ask anyone.”

Malfoy let go of her arm and walked off in the other direction leaving Hermione in the middle of the corridor tears building in her eyes. But she wasn't sure if she wanted to cry at what he had said, that he knew about her insecurities or that he had plain gotten to her.

But he was right, she had even said it herself, actions did speak louder then words. And a lack of actions was even louder.

Hermione forgot about the book and turned to head back to the common room, telling herself not to listen to Draco Malfoy, he didn't know anything about Harry, that he just guessed what he said.

Then she thought about Malfoy's behavior of late. It was defiantly odd to say the least, besides the fact that he switched sides in the middle of things. As soon as they got back to school, he had been hanging all over her and asking her out non-stop. He was not subtle about his intentions either, like when her cornered her last week on rounds. It was that part that irritated her friends the most. Ron had already hexed him once and Harry had forgotten his magic and done it the muggle way, he punched him. Hermione scolded both boys for such actions, and stated that she could take care of herself. However she secretly enjoyed Malfoy walking around with a bruised face for a week.

Hermione had grown into herself as all girls do at her age and her help in defeating Voldemort showed she was more than Little Miss Perfect. In short she had become very fanciable to the male population at Hogwarts. Malfoy was one of the bravest ones to ask her out, not really having much visible fear of Harry or Ron. But she couldn't figure out why Draco Malfoy kept asking her out, Seamus Finnigan, Terry Boot and Justin Finch-Fletchley all made sense but not the ferret.

But no, Harry wouldn't just try to lead her on, it was impossible. He would never do that to his best friend.

Hermione almost had herself convinced when she walked though the portrait hole and headed to the Heads room portrait of the dragon and knight napping under the apple tree.

But two figures in the shadows caught her eye. It was Harry and Ginny, talking! Harry turned his head and saw Hermione and headed towards her. Hermione uttered their password (Slytherin's Stink) and ran into the small common room she shared with Harry.

“Hermione wait!” Harry called out to her as he ran into their common room

“What… what is it Harry?” She asked, looking at the floor to hide her tears and tried, with no avail, to keep her voice from wavering.

“Are..are you all right?”

“I'm f-fine.”

“No you're not.”

Harry guided her to the couch and made her sit down with him.

“Tell me what happened. Is it a test? Did you do bad on an exam?”

“N-n-no. It..it w-was…Malfoy said something to me and it…it..”

Harry closed his eyes and took in a deep breath trying to stay calm and plotting to find Malfoy and beat the life out of him. Then he would let Ron have a go.

“H-Harry?”

“Hermione whatever that git said, ignore it. Did he ask you out again?”

“Yes” she answered quietly.

“You know Ron should have the first go for that one. Malfoy is supposed to be dating his sister and here he is asking you out the same day. He's unbelievable. And here Ginny is talking to me about being a reserve Chaser on the team, saying that it was darling Draco's idea. Ugh! I can't stand that git!”

Hermione tried to smile but the mention of Ginny brought her thoughts back.

“So are you going to let Ginny back on the team?”

Harry sighed, “Yeah. I never know what'll happen in a game and it would be good to have her as a reserve since she's a good player. I told her I just have to pass it by Ron first.”

Hermione nodded, “That's good. I'm a little tired Harry, I think I'm going to get ready for bed.”

Harry told her goodnight and left to find Ron as Hermione grabbed her pajamas and headed to the Prefect's bath.

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

Harry headed up the stairs to the seventh year dorms and found Ron on his bed reading a Quidditch magazine.

“Hey mate, so what did Gin want?” He asked sitting up.

“She wants to be a reserve chaser, since she missed tryouts.”

Ron nodded, “Okay that sounds good. I have no idea why she didn't try out again in the first place.” Harry looked uncomfortable at this.

“Harry, is something wrong?”

“Uhh, well promise you won't get mad?”

“Yeah…”

“Ginny told me that Malfoy was the one that persuaded her to get back on the team.”

Ron's ears started to turn slightly red and it looked like he was quietly counting to twenty.

“Look I don't like it either but I think we should let her back on.” Harry continued.

“Its…its not that. It's that… Harry I can't stand the fact that she's with that sodding wanker! I mean he's in Slytherin and he's well he's known to do bad things!”

“Yeah and he came onto Hermione again.” Harry growled.

“What?!” Ron yelled.

“Yeah. On her way to the library I am guessing Malfoy ambushed her and asked her out. I think he said some pretty upsetting things to her because she was in a right state when she came in. She's in the Prefect's bath right now, she said she was turning in early.”

Ron thought for a moment, didn't Luna tell him not a half hour ago that she was going to the bath? Ron decided this was his chance to have a talk with Harry.

Ron made sure that no one was in the room, shut and locked the door and sat back down.

“Harry I've been meaning to talk to you about something.”

“What is It Ron?” Harry replied apprehensively.

Ron sighed and told him most of what he and Luna had estimated. That Ginny was using Malfoy to make him jealous and to possibly distract Hermione.

And that her change in personality was because she wanted the attention that Harry brought and not to forget that Malfoy would love mucking up Harry's life.

“That's just based on what Ginny has said to Luna and what she's observed. That she wants you for what you are not who you are. I think that she's right and I think that she is just using Malfoy to get to you and possibly Hermione. I'm just a little disappointed in the way she's acted is all.” Ron looked down at the bedspread as Harry digested this information.

“You know Ron, apart form the fact that Luna probably coached you on what to say, “Ron blushed and Harry smiled, “I think that you're right. I bet Malfoy said something about me to Hermione and that's why she's so upset.”

“But how could the wanker know about what happened? I didn't tell Gin and I know Luna didn't either.”

Harry shrugged, “No idea, but I don't like it.”

“Yeah, me either. But that brings up a point Harry, what are you going to do about Hermione?”

“I have no idea.”

Ron rolled his eyes, “Harry, do you fancy the girl?”

“Yes! Of course, I'm crazy about her, I just don't know what to do about it!” Harry threw up his arms and flopped down on his bed, across from Ron's.

“Well you told her that you fancied her and you kissed her. That's a good start but if you don't do something else soon then she'll think that you were just having her on. Hermione's not going to make a move if she doesn't think you want her to. Let her know what you want from this.”

“I want her!”

“Well be more specific. Do you want to date her, shag her, marry her?”

Harry thought for a moment, “Yes, umm yes and I'm not sure yet.”

Ron sighed, “Well then tell her about the first one. Tell her you want to date her, ask her out for God's sakes! However, I would hold off on the second and third options for a while unless you want to scare her off mate.”

“Dating Luna has defiantly helped you outlook on dating.”

“Yep! She says I'm her little project” Ron stated proudly and Harry laughed.

“When should I tell her?”

Ron pretended to think about it, “How about this weekend! Just hang back instead of going. Everyone will be in Hogsmeade for most of it so they won't be here.”

“Very observant Ron.”

“Shut it Harry. Think about it, no one will be around to butt in for two days. You'll have privacy,” he wiggled his eyebrows and Harry rolled his eyes.

“Just use the Room of Requirement or go for a moonlit walk on the grounds by the lake.”

Harry eyed his friend suspiciously, “Seems like you've given this a lot of thought.”

“Not really. Luna talks about us doing those things so I figured Hermione would like them too.” He shrugged.

“I guess I better do something, it's been two weeks and I haven't said anything. But what if she has a date for Hogsmeade?”

“Umm don't worry about that mate, Luna's taking care of it.”

“What do you mean, Luna's taking care of it?”

“Trust me mate, we have this all planned out.”

Harry groaned.

“What? Harry please concentrate, I mean we are planning your love quest here aren't we?”

“Ron, if you ever use that phrase again I will have to go muggle on you.”

“What? Love quest?”

Harry punched Ron in the arm, who then countered with a pillow in the face.

“All right, all right. I give. I guess I should talk to her this weekend.” Harry laughed.

“That's the spirit mate, but what are you going to do till then?” Ron snickered.

Harry stopped laughing, “Bloody hell, I have no idea.”

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

A hot long bath, yes that was exactly what Hermione needed after her umm confrontation with that idiot Malfoy. She pulled on the door and found it locked. She turned to leave when the door opened and Luna popped her head out, “Hermione come on in, I'm just about done.”

Hermione walked into the large bathroom and set her clothes down on the bench and sat down.

Luna was standing in front of the sink combing through her wet hair. She saw the distressed look on Hermione's face and plopped down next to her.

Hermione sighed and told Luna all of what Malfoy had said and did pretty well at not crying too much.

Luna sighed when she was done and patted Hermione's hand, “I have this feeling that Ginny is using Malfoy to get to Harry and you even. I bet she's just encouraging him to come on to you as much as possible.”

Hermione wiped her eyes, “You think?”

“Mmm hmmm. I have trouble believing that Ginny is starting this thing as real.”

“What do you mean?”

“I think Ginny was jilted by Harry dumping her and I am pretty sure that she was more than just a little intimidated by you. So she pulled away and started acting very odd and not like herself. I think though that Malfoy is having an effect on her.”

“What kind of an effect?”

“I think she really fancies him!” Luna giggled.

“What! No it's not possible!” Hermione shrieked, now in a better mood.

“Yep. I think our Ms. Weasley has fallen for a Malfoy. Think about it, she's been better this past week and a half, like her old self.”

Realization dawned on Hermione, “Harry did tell me that she wants back on the team, as a reserve Chaser! And that it was Malfoy's idea!”

Luna's eyes grew wide, “Really, well that's interesting.”She paused for a moment.

“ I wonder if Gin's falling for Malfoy instead of getting Harry? I mean have you sent the way she looks at him when he walks in at breakfast? Its like her eyes are glued to him, Harry had to yell at her to get her attention away from her `boyfriend yesterday'.”

Hermione thought for a moment “Yeah I remember that. And she barely ever talks to him, when before she was all over him. Unless she is playing hard to get.”

“Possibly, but Hermione, be careful of Malfoy? I overheard some umm boy talk one day between the Slytherin's and trust me, they don't care that you're muggleborn anymore.”

“What!”

“Yeah and Malfoy was especially umm well he had some ideas about what he wanted to do to you..”

“Yes, he's been very clear about what he wants to do, exactly were, how and length of time.”

“Yuck!” Luna grimaced.

“My sentiment exactly.”

“If it was Harry would you feel the same way?”

Hermione turned pink and muttered, “Probably not.”

“Hermione…you have to do something about Harry. If you don't then the thing between you will just wither away and you'll have lost your chance.”

“I know I just don't want him to think I'm... you know…a slag.”

“Talk to him, just talking doesn't make you a slag. And he would never think that about you.”

“Mmm yes I suppose I should talk to him but when? There's always someone around?”

“How about this weekend! Everyone will be in the village for most of it and you can just stay here. That way they can't nose into your conversation.”

“That sounds good but that's three days from now!” Hermione groaned.

“What'll I do till then?”

“Study? Just say I need help with ummm something, and then you can figure out what you want to say. Oh and tell him you need to talk to him, but set a place and time!”

“I like that, lets see, where's a good place to talk?”

“The astronomy tower!” Luna cried and then blushed at the look Hermione gave her.

“You would suggest that Luna!”

“But think about it, no one goes up there in the early evening and they will all still be in the village having dinner sooo…”

“So it works, its quiet and no one, teachers or ghosts can't barge in. Then perhaps Harry and I can get this sorted out.”

“Exactly. Just send it to him in a note if you're nervous about telling him.” Luna added thinking that Ron would see it and tell her so they could plan accordingly.

Hermione nodded and Luna got up to leave, “Well I've delayed your bath enough. I'll see you tomorrow.”

“'Night Luna!” Hermione called after the blond. She made sure the door was locked and started running jasmine scented bubbles and slipped into the hot bath to soak away all thoughts of Malfoy or Ginny.

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

The next morning Ginny received a very interesting bottle of perfume from her brother's. She immediately shoved it in her bag and left the table to wait in the hall.

She ducked under a tapestry, waiting for the right person to walk by. When he did she reached out her arm and pulled him out of sight.

“Bloody hell Hot Stuff! What's got you all excited, besides me?”

Ginny rolled her eyes and held out the bottle for him. He took it and looked questioningly, “Perfume?”

“No you git! It's the Addled Amortentia, to slip to her! It's part of their shipping offers, it is disguised as perfume or something to sneak in.”

“I have to admit, that's pretty clever of them.” Malfoy tapped his chin in thought. “But how're we going to use it?”

“I overheard my brother talking to Harry about meeting her this weekend somewhere to `talk'. All we have to do is find out where and when and then make our own alterations!”

Malfoy smiled, “You know Gin, you are frighteningly devious sometimes. It's a real turn on.”

Ginny winked and reached up to kiss him on the lips, “Thanks Draco.” And she left him standing there, grinning like the idiot he was for going through with this.

Harry on the other hand was having a very difficult morning. He found a note on his nightstand from Hermione and had been trying to read it all morning. He kept fingering it all though Transfiguration, turning it over and over under his desk. Ron eyes him strangely and Harry just shook his head.

At his and Ron's first free period (Hermione had Arithmancy) they were in the library, at a table in the back. Luckily they were hidden by bookshelves all around so it was difficult to spy.

“Well, open it Harry.” Ron whispered.

Harry licked his lips and broke the seal and unfolded the note.

He let out a breath of relief after reading it.

“What does it say?”

“She wants to talk.”

“When?”

“Saturday at seven in the astronomy tower.” Harry replied.

“Cor, doesn't give you much time then, two days. I reckon you can come up with something good by then.”

Harry pulled out a sheet of parchment and wrote back that he'd be there. “I'll slip this note to her in potions. Even if Slughorn caught me he wouldn't care.”

“Yeah you are his favorite Harry.” Ron chortled.

Madam Pince was making her rounds about the library and they shut up when they heard her coming.

There was however someone who was surprised by the librarian a few shelves over from the table. Ginny had heard the date and time and accidentally knocked a book off the shelf in her attempt to escape.

“Miss Weasley, are you going to be checking that out?” The librarian asked in her normal, whisper of a voice.

“Uhh mmm no I was just seeing if I needed it.” Ginny replied putting the book gently back on the shelf and leaving quickly.

She hurried along the corridor to the doors to the courtyard where she knew Draco would be with his cronies. She sighed, she wasn't sure why she wanted to do this anymore but she had already hauled Draco in on it so… no backing out now right? This was so she could be happy she kept reminding herself.

Sure enough she found Draco lounging under a large shade tree. She got close enough so he would see her but so she wouldn't have to speak to his friends.

One of them tapped Draco to alert him to her presence. He picked up his bag and walked over to where she stood.

“What woman? Jeeze they believe that we're dating, no need to be on my back all the time!”

Ginny smacked him on the head, “You egotistical bigot, I came by because I have the umm information.”

It too Draco a few moments but then he realized the innuendo.

“Oh..oh! Do you have a plan?”

“Yes, but let's walk around the lake. That way no one can hear us.”

They reached the cool lake and then resumed their conversation, “All right, they're meeting Saturday at seven in the astronomy tower. Here's what we're going to do…”

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

Saturday dawned bright and sunny that mid-November morning. Harry yawned and rolled over to block out the sun. Ron was snoring blissfully next to him as he had elected to stay in his old dorm the last night. Harry finally woke up and grumbled at the sun but realized what day it was and a lump caught in his throat. He and Ron had decided to run to Honeydukes then do some flying until he had to meet Hermione. When Harry finally got up he realized that only he and Ron were left, Dean, Neville and Seamus had left for the Village already.

Harry woke Ron up and they quickly showered and got dressed and headed to the sweetshop. They decided it would be best for Harry's nerves if they hung around the village for a while.

They sat in the Three Broomsticks and drained a few butterbeers by the warm fire.

“How'd you feel Harry?”

“Pretty good” Harry squeaked and Ron gave him a fraternal punch on the arm.

In the Head Girl's dormitory however, Hermione was in a right state, with Luna trying to keep her calm.

“Hermione just breathe, in and out.”

Hermione did and started to hyperventilate.

“Oh dear. I think we need reinforcements.” Luna sighed just as someone knocked on the portrait to the Head dorm.

Luna answered and it was Ginny.

“Oh Ginny…hi.” Luna stammered and Hermione appeared at the doorway.

“Come in Ginny!”

“Thanks, I brought some butterbeers from the Three Broomsticks.” She held up the bottles and waved them a little.

“Ohh this is just what I need!” Hermione squealed.

Luna shot her an odd look to which Hermione winked at.

“So girls what are you all excited about?”Ginny asked as she st down on the couch.

“Oh Luna we should tell her!”

“Are you sure Hermione I mean it might be sensitive…”

“Posh, she should be just fine. Don't forget she's head over heels for Draco now isn't she.”

“Ahh you two have to tell me, please!”

Luna finally caught on; if Ginny said anything about Harry then she would let the cat out of the bag.

“Okay, Hermione is nervous about meeting Harry.”

“Why?”

“Because he kissed me two weeks ago and we are going to talk about you know...us!”

Ginny squealed and wasn't sure why, “Really that is so great!”

Hermione sat down next to the redhead.

“I was a little worried about you at first. I didn't want you to get hurt if you still liked Harry but then I found out about Draco and figured you were over him,” Hermione told her honestly and Ginny instantly felt enormous guilt and shame. All Hermione ever wanted was to be a good friend and really, Harry wasn't hers when Hermione kissed him so she had done nothing wrong.

She sighed and closed her eyes in thought, Hermione had only ever been nice to her, Luna as well. And here she thought that by being popular and acting like a twit would get her Harry. She was right but this was all wrong.

“I..I.. kind of knew.” Ginny admitted and Hermione and Luna's eyes got wide.

“Why didn't you say anything?” Hermione asked.

“Well at first I was jealous. Look Hermione, I've been a real louse about this whole Harry thing, all they way back to last year. I guess I got a little ahead of myself. Someone pointed out that I changed and he…they didn't like it.” Ginny started to fidget, what time was it? There was no clock in this common room.

Hermione was silent for a moment, “That's okay Ginny.” Luna smiled at the two of them.

“I think someone's changed your line of thinking Gin.” Luna stated and Ginny blushed.

“Well I uhh mmmm I guess I really did fall for Draco. At first I was just trying to make Harry jealous…Luna told me a week ago that she knew what I was doing and that I should stop it. I didn't want too, I wanted Harry back. But somewhere along the line, I forgot about Harry and you, Hermione, and it became about keeping Draco.”

“Oh my gosh!” Hermione shrieked, “You called him Draco, I've never heard you do that.” Luna and Ginny laughed at Hermione's silliness.

The clock in Hermione's room chimed six thirty and Ginny jumped up.

“I uhh I need to go and ummm..”

“Meet Draco Gin?” Luna asked.

“Yeah…yeah. I'll see you two later.” And she ran out to find her `boyfriend'.

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

Harry and Ron were up in their doom when the clock hit six thirty and stared at each other for a minute.

“You better get going Harry, or you'll be late and you know how much she hates that.”

“Yeah” replied Harry as he thought about the current shirt he was wearing, “Do you think I should change?”

“Harry mate, do you reckon she'll really care all that much about your shirt?”

“Probably not, but still...” He shrugged.

Ron sighed exasperated, “Ready then?”

“Yeah, I'll see you later mate.”

“Good luck Harry.” Ron clapped him on the shoulder before he walked out the door.

Up in the astronomy tower Draco was dutifully getting the room ready. The couch was fluffed, the candles were burning all that was left was spike the butterbeer that he… damn left in his room. He checked his watch, if he hurried he would have plenty of time to get there before Hermione did.

He heaved a big sigh as he ambled down to his room, he really didn't want to seduce Hermione anymore but if it was what made Ginny happy…then so be it.

The plan was that Ginny would waylay Harry for about fifteen minutes, talking or whatnot. Hermione would arrive on time to find Draco with butterbeer and candles and he would claim it was for Ginny who was running late as usual.

He would offer Hermione a drink spiked with love potion and hopefully have half her clothes off by the time Ginny arrived with Harry. Then there would be a big fight between the four of them and Ginny would use Hermione's slaggish behavior to get Harry back and Draco might be left with Hermione, if she didn't kill him first.

He grabbed the bucket of chilled butterbeers and headed back to the tower, going as slow as possible.

Ginny had run up to the tower to find Draco to stop The Plan. She was hoping she was in time but he wasn't there! Where was he?

She ran down the corridor to his dorm in case he was there.

Harry almost bumped into Ginny running the opposite direction. “Whoa Ginny are you all right? Where are you going so fast?”

“Have…to…find…Draco…” she panted. Harry glanced at his watch; he had twenty minutes to spare.

“I'll help you besides I need to talk to you.”

Ginny rolled her eyes and nodded, walking quickly but he kept up.

“Uhh Ginny you know the other day when you asked me about starting things up again?” Ginny stopped and looked at him.

“Well I ummm, look Ginny you're really great but I don't feel that way about you anymore and it wouldn't be fair to either of us if we did get back together. And you're with Malfoy now so…”

“Harry, I feel exactly the same way.”Ginny replied honestly.

“You…you do?” Harry asked surprised.

“Yes, look I've been a bit stupid about this. We had our time but after all that's happened we came back different people, wanting different things and I guess… I couldn't adjust to that fact as well as everyone else. I'm sorry if I did anything to you that was well…wrong.”

“It's..its's okay Ginny. I uhh guess I have to buy Malfoy a butterbeer.”

“Why?”

“Umm it's a thing we blokes do when…it's a thing. That's all.”

They had reached the Slytherin common room and Ginny asked a first year coming out if Draco was inside.

“No he ran out about five minutes ago, you just missed him” she replied.

“Bloody hell!” Ginny shrieked.

“What?” Harry asked, concerned.

“I ummm just surprised at how nice they are, these new Slytherin's. That's all.” She smiled unconvincingly and Harry just nodded as they jogged back to the astronomy tower.

“Ginny is something uhhhh wrong?”

“No I just really need to find Draco. Fast.”

“Okay” Harry replied as they hurried down the hallway.

When Hermione got to the astronomy tower she was surprised to find it was lit with candles and even more surprised to see Draco standing there.

“Draco! What are you doing here?” She shrieked.

“You first.” He replied.

“I asked you first!”

He sighed, “Fine. I'm meeting Ginny here. I guess she's running a little late, as usual. Want a butterbeer?”

“Oh umm sure. I'm uhh supposed to be meeting Harry here.”

Draco nodded, “Ah so I guess you're doing something then?”

“Yes,” she replied slowly.

“Good. It's about bloody time.”

“W-what? What about the things you said and your offer and…”

“Oh right, well I guess I was trying to turn you off of him and onto me since I was interested in you back then.”

“Back then?”

“Umm, bloody hell this is hard!! Look, you just don't turn me on anymore, even though Ginny wanted to hook us up for a short while. But I sort of fell for my girlfriend in the whole process.”

Hermione smirked, “Yes well that happens sometimes.”

“So look Hermione, I'm not good at this apology crap so, I'm sorry if I made a pass at you or whatever. I was doing it all in the name of love, well for myself really at first, but eventually love, there I said it. Happy now?”

“Very, now lets drink to that shall we?” Hermione raised the bottle to her lips as did Draco, who forgot that they were spiked and took a long pull from his.

The liquid was just at her lips when the door to the tower burst open and Ginny charged in.

“Stop!” She shouted, Hermione jumped and dropped the bottle that crashed on the floor, the addled butterbeer going everywhere.

“Ginny?” Draco asked as Harry ran in behind her breathing hard.

“Draco... you silly boy, I thought I told you we were meeting in the room of requirement instead of the tower?” She asked holding her side.

“Oh I suppose I got confused...sorry love.” He smiled sheepishly and Ginny winked at him.

“Hermione, sorry to barge in on your umm little talk. But Draco and I will just take our butterbeer and be going. Come on Drakey…lets go.” She grabbed the bucket and her boyfriend and marched out the door, closing it behind her.

When they were pretty far down the stairs Draco turned to her, “What the hell was that about?”

“I uhh had a change of umm heart and mind about the whole thing. I don't give a fig about getting Harry back anymore, or hurting Hermione. That was just stupid and I'm sorry I dragged you in on it. If you want to end this little act then that fine…”

Draco cut her off, “I don't want to shag Hermione anymore. That was only slightly stupid.”

“Why not? “Ginny asked, shocked.

“Because I'd rather go out with you Hot Stuff. As far as I'm concerned, she's nothing compared to you. What changed your…whatever?”

“Umm you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. I…I realized that you liked me for the me before I changed and that I really liked that and I...” but Ginny was cut off when Draco kissed her and pulled her in the nearest broom closet.

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

In the tower Harry and Hermione shuffled their feet a bit.

“So..” Harry started.

“So ..” Hermione replied.

“Hermione….”

“Yes?”

“Umm about that day in the library?”

“Uh huh…”

“I… I really liked that. Kissing you, that is. But that's not all I liked about it. I liked what it meant, you and me together.”

“I umm I liked it too Harry, a lot.” Hermione tinged pink.

Harry suddenly became very brave, “Hermione, would you like to go out with me? As in you and me together?”

Hermione blushed fully, “Yes, Harry. I would like that very much.” She giggled and he smiled.

Harry pulled Hermione into an embrace and leaned down to kiss her. He loved kissing Hermione, loved the way she smelled, loved every crevice of her mouth and that her lips were always so soft.

Hermione slipped one arm around Harry's neck and the other into his hair as they kissed. She let out a small moan in the back of her throat.

Harry broke away from her, “Bloody hell that was hot.”

Hermione giggled, “Well kiss me like that again and I'll do it again.”

“Mmm sounds good.” Harry replied as he captured her mouth again and pulled her over to the couch.

Hermione squirmed under Harry on the couch, giggling, “Oh Harry.”

“Yeah Hermione?” he whispered.

“Nothing, I just like they way it sounds.”

Harry smirked, “Yeah me too.”

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

The snow just started to fall again as Harry and Hermione staggered into the castle, a snow covered Ron and laughing Luna behind them.

“Oh admit it Ron, we beat you fair and square!” Hermione laughed.

“No I still claim it was a draw, no one could send that many snowballs hurtling at me normally.”

“No, just my Hermione.” Harry chuckled as he hugged Hermione around her waist.

“Ronald they did win...” Luna started but was cut off when Ron kissed her.

Hermione and Harry rolled their eyes as they left the snogging couple and headed to their common room.

“Say, have you seen Malfoy or Ginny at all today?” Harry asked.

“Well it's Saturday so I'm guessing they are occupying a broom closet somewhere,” Hermione shrugged, “If you ask me they snog more than what's healthy.”

“Nope, not possible. There can never be too much snogging, or shagging for that matter.” Harry replied very matter of fact.

Hermione rolled her eyes as they walked into the Head's common room. They pulled off scarves and coats and plopped down on the sofa together.

Hermione ran her hand though Harry's hair, “It's getting long again.”

“Yeah I should probably cut it.”

Hermione shook her head, “No, keep it. Like I said before its gives you lots of sex appeal, very mysterious.”

“Thanks.” Harry replied. She smiled and he bent down and captured her lips in yet another long and languishing kiss in front of a blazing fire.

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