Just between Friends

GhostOrchidz

Rating: R
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 6
Published: 14/12/2006
Last Updated: 21/04/2008
Status: in_progress

A work crazed bushy haired woman, a world renowned boy who lived with his Quidditch star girlfriend, a best friend's Quidditch style life with his odd at times sex crazed dirty blonde girlfriend, a fiery red headed healer meets her new icy gray eyed coworker... oh the insanity begins!

Chapters

1. Announcements and Co-workers

2. Lunch, a bet and a breakdown at Diagon Alley

3. Daily Prophet Shockers, Apologies and a plan concocted

4. The Engagement Party

5. Of Confrontations and a Christmas Party

6. Denial and Right Decisions

7. To do it, or not to do it, why can't there be another answe

8. The battle begins

9. What to do with ‘I love you’s, a mistake with paint and an i

10. Advice, a Question and a Surprise

11. At Last

12. I'm not okay, I promise

13. untitled

1. Announcements and Co-workers

Chapter 1: “Announcements and co-workers”

*******************

Hermione sighed as she walked into the flat. It had been another long day at the ministry. 10 talking toilets and 3 refrigerators that spat food out on people who opened them. She now worked in The Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office. They had been after Hermione to join their department when they realized she was muggleborn and knew a thing or two about Muggle contraptions. She had spent the day reasoning with 7 out of the 10 toilets to stop trying to have conversations with the muggles while they were trying to use the loo. The other 3 simply spat water out at her. And the refrigerators were a different story completely. She had conjured up some pretty powerful anti-possession spells that day.

The flat living room was completely dark.

“Luna!” she called out. No answer.

If you were to have asked Hermione 2 years before if she would have even considered sharing a room with Luna let alone a whole flat, she would have laughed in your face. But after the war and fighting side by side Hermione had learned Luna was actually a pretty tolerable girl. So along with Ginny and herself, the three of them decided to share the flat in order to make the cost of living a lot cheaper.

‘My goodness it’s so dark in here.’ She thought.

“Lumos.” She said. The tip of her wand lit up and she found her way to the light switch on the far side of the wall. She flicked it up and turned around. She screamed.

There was Luna. On the floor lying face first in front of the couch. Her long dirty blonde hair sprawled out all over her. Hermione rushed to her. She got down on her knees and touched Luna’s shoulder.

“Luna.” She said frantically.

Then all of a sudden Luna looked up and smiled at Hermione.

“Oh, hello.” She said brightly.

Hermione stared wide eyed at her.

“Oh hello! Is that all you have to say!” Hermione said standing up angrily.

“Oh I’m so rude! How was your day.” Luna said obliviously. “I’ve been about an hour trying to find Finnish Corkscrewed JangleHoppers. They like to hide under couches when it’s dark.”

Hermione opened her mouth to say something but closed it when she realized it wasn’t going to get anywhere.

“You scared me to death! I thought something had happened to you!” Hermione said.

“Oh no. I walked in here about an hour ago and noticed the darkness and thought it would be perfect condition for Jangle Hopper sightings.” Luna said sighing as she stood up.

Hermione rolled her eyes. She started to make her way to the kitchen. “Well I’m absolutely exhausted. I’m just going to conjure up some tea and relax. It’s nearly 10:00.” She said taking a mug out of the cupboard.

“Oh my! Really! I better go shower. I got so excited about the Finnish Corkscrewed Jangle Hoppers I completely forgot once I came home after being with Ron. I’m absolutely filthy.” Luna said and sauntered off toward the hallway.

Hermione looked after her wondering how someone could be so oblivious to the fact that perhaps no one really wants to know about her sexcapdes with Ron. Especially since he is one of her best friends.

She shook her head and summoned the tea kettle and performed a spell to have it fill with warm water up. It whistled and she poured herself a cup and dunked the tea bag in. She put some sugar in as Ginny walked into the kitchen.

“Hey Hermione.” She said opening a cupboard. “Did you just get in?”

“Yea, work was horrible. 10 charmed toilets and 3 charmed refrigerators. And it didn’t help much that I just found Luna sprawled out on the floor looking like she was dead in the dark.” Hermione said taking the tea bag out and throwing it in the garbage.

“Oh yea I saw her like that to. I asked if she was still breathing she responded with a yes so I went upstairs, no questions asked.” Ginny said taking out a cookie from the jar and munching on it.

Hermione chuckled and took a sip of her tea. “How did your day go?”

“Ugh, probably ten times worse than yours. I just met my new coworker today. Guess who it is.” Ginny said bitterly. “Draco Malfoy.” She said stuffing the rest of her cookie in her mouth.

Hermione choked on her tea. “No way!” she said crossing an arm around her stomach and leaning against the counter.

“Yea. Great huh? My boss comes in my office and says I’d like you to meet our new employee he motioned behind him…and I instantly put on a smile and stood up from my desk and then Draco stepped out from behind him as he announced his name. I swear to you my heart stopped and all I could think of at the moment was to cast Avada Kedavra on myself because I knew it would be less painful than working with him.” Ginny said looking disgusted.

“Oh, I’m so sorry Gin. What’s his position?” Hermione asked going back to sipping her tea.

“He’s the new healer at St. Mungo’s. Since Jacob Smigler was diagnosed as a lunatic we were short of staff. Malfoy was offered the job but wouldn’t take it unless they raised his salary. Ugh, what ponce! Just because he worked at some French hospital he thinks he’s better than St. Mungo’s. God, he’s so full of himself.” Ginny said raving. Her eyes burning with rage.

“ Yes, well what else would you expect from Malfoy. Even though he did fight with us on the good side he still maintains his egotistical charm.” Hermione said putting her mug into the sink.

“Charm my arse.” Ginny said rolling her eyes.

“Well I’m going upstairs to soak in a nice hot bath and relax. And then look over some papers for work.” Hermione said sighing.

“Of course you would come home from work to do, what else, more work.” Ginny said teasing Hermione as they walked down the hall.

“Well the work isn’t going to do itself.” Hermione said.

“Right, I’ll see you tomorrow morning Hermione. Night.” Ginny said walking into her room.

“Goodnight.” Hermione said.

She sighed and walked into her room. She kicked off her shoes and took off her cardigan. She walked into her bathroom in her bra and skirt still on and started her bath. She flicked her wand and it filled up quickly with a fragrance of lavender. She walked to her closet taking off her skirt on the way there.

She grabbed a towel and headed back to the bathroom. Then all of a sudden she screamed as a head appeared in her fireplace. The face jumped and then blushed bright red as he saw Hermione in her underwear. He covered his face.

“Harry!” Hermione said covering her body with the towel.

“Sorry, Mione! I didn’t know! I…I…just needed to ask a favor.” He said still shielding his eyes.

“It’s ok, you couldn’t have possibly known. What…what is it that you need?” Hermione said urging her face to stop blushing.

“Uh.. oh right, um, I need to know if Saturday you can come with me to Diagon Alley to help me find a present for Jacklyn.” Harry said still avoiding looking at Hermione.

Hermione’s heart fell as he mentioned her name. Jacklyn O’ Brien, Harry’s girlfriend. She was an Irish Quidditch star and the apple of Harry’s eyes. She was tall, blonde, blue eyed and had probably the biggest mouth possible when she smiled. She made Hermione sick.

“Oh, Saturday… um…not sure… Harry …I….. I have a lot of work to do. I’m mobbed at the ministry.” Hermione lied avoiding his eyes.

“Oh , I was really hoping you could come, I have no idea what to get her.” Harry said his face showing his disappointment.

‘No Hermione, don’t you dare say yes. Don’t give in to temptation.’ Hermione urged herself.

“Well I’m sure I can do my work later in the week….” Hermione said giving in to Harry’s cute disappointed face.

‘Dammit! Why does he have to have this effect on me! All you had to do was put your foot down Hermione! But he did look so cute…..’ Hermione’s thoughts argued with themselves.

“Really!” Harry said excitedly looking at her then quickly looked away when he remembered the situation they were in. “I’ll apparate here at 10 Saturday morning.”

“Right then. See you Saturday.” Hermione said trying to make her voice sound pleasant.

He then disappeared and Hermione sighed. She walked back to the bathroom where the water had stopped.

“Why me? Why cant Harry be with me. Why does he have to choose some air headed Quidditch star who’s blonde, blue eyed and leggy? Great I just answered my own bloody question. Well I think I look all right.” Hermione said examining her body in its bra and underwear in the mirror.

“That’s the attitude dear.” The mirror responded.

“Right! I mean my breasts are perky and they’re not exactly too big but they’re not too small. My bum is all right as well. It’s slightly big but not too big you know what I mean Charlotte.” Hermione said to her mirror.

“Right, Dear.” The mirror replied.

“I’m not extremely skinny like Jacklyn, I do have some meat to me. I mean I’m a size 5 thank you very much.” Hermione said her confidence boosting up.

“Exactly, dear.” Charlotte said.

“But then again maybe Harry likes blonde skinny girls and when I’m compared to them I have I no chance.” Hermione said sadly. She groaned and took off the remaining clothes she had on and sunk into the warm bath.

“That’s right dear.” Charlotte said.

Hermione looked at the mirror, rolled her eyes, and submerged herself underwater.

*****************

“Good morning Ms. Weasley!” Mr. Harrison, a healer at St. Mungo’s, said cheerfully as Ginny made her way to her office.

“Good morning Mr. Harrison.” She said smiling. She continued down the hallway her boots clicking against the floor. She adjusted her green sweater and black mid thigh skirt.

“Hi Ms. Ginny!” a little voice said. Ginny turned to see Sam, a little boy staying at the hospital.

“Hello there Sam! How are you feeling?” Ginny said smiling. She squatted down to be eye level with him.

“I’m feeling better, though I cant always remember where I am, I remember you!” Sam said smiling at her. She smiled back.

“You’re a cutie Sam. I need to get to work but how about I stop by during lunch and eat with you.” Ginny said ruffling his hair.

“That would be great! My healer said he would stop by during lunch to! We could all eat together!” Sam said excitedly, his blue eyes shining brightly.

“Who’s your healer, dear?” Ginny asked.

“Me, Ms. Weasley.” A drawling voice said behind her, sending shivers down her spine. Ginny didn’t want to turn around because she didn’t want to face…him. but slowly she stood up and turned around, a hard expression on her face.

“Hello….Mal…..Mr. Malfoy.” Ginny forced herself to say.

Then he did it. The notorious smirk. At that point Ginny found herself getting the urge to smack it off his face.

“Good morning. I see you know my patient Sam.” He said looking past Ginny and down at Sam who was smiling brightly.

“Yes actually. I’ve known Sam since he first arrived at St. Mungo’s two months ago. I believe you’ve only known him for what? A day?” Ginny said sardonically.

Malfoy’s smirk did not leave his face after Ginny’s comment. “Well that may be so however in that short period of time, me and Sam have gotten to know quite a few things about each other. And hopefully we’ll find out a lot more during lunch today, which will be joined by you.” Draco said putting his hands in his coat pockets and smiling at Sam.

“Yup! Ms. Ginny is really nice! Do you know each other!” Sam asked his brown hair falling in his eyes.

“Yes, we used to go to Hogwarts together.” Ginny said smiling at Sam and then turned to Draco. “Unfortunately.” She murmured so only Draco could hear.

He raised an eyebrow at her. “Sam it’s time for your breakfast.” An assistant said walking to Sam’s room with a tray in her hand.

“I have to go! I’ll see you guys at lunch!” Sam said and hugged both Ginny and Draco.

They both smiled after him. He skipped all the way to his room as the assistant entered it.

“He’s a cute kid.” Draco said.

“Yeah he’s such a sweetheart.” She said still smiling and looked at Draco then it quickly fell.

“I cannot believe you’re his healer.” Ginny said continuing to walk toward her office.

“Why is it so hard to believe that a well educated, professional, handsome, probably one of the best out there is Sam’s healer?” Draco asked walking beside her to his office.

“Well for one that cocky comment you made.” Ginny said opening her door.

“It’s not cocky if it’s the truth.” Draco said simply.

She looked at him giving him the most disgusted look of all time.

“God your so disgustingly egotistical.” She said looking over the papers her assistant had given her.

“Well we seem to have two very different opinions on myself.” He said leaning against the wall smirking.

“Clearly.” She said looking up and seeing him. She caught him looking at her differently.

‘She does look pretty cute now. Slim, nice arse, nice other assets for that matter. A little petite but that doesn’t matter.’ He thought.

“What?” Ginny asked putting her hand on her hip and giving him a stern look.

“You know you don’t look half bad now Weasley.” He said staring at her his eyes glowing mischievously.

“GET OUT.” Ginny said her voice rising and her finger pointing toward the door.

“Why so soon?” he asked grinning.

“Because I have work to do and your acting like a little kid by referring back to the days we were at Hogwarts and calling me Weasley and frankly it’s agitating me.” Ginny said opening the door and waiting for him to walk out.

“Wait, I do believe you started this whole Hogwarts name calling when you referred to me as Malfoy.” He said looking at her with his head to the side.

‘Dammit, he got me! Do I really look good? No, that’s not important. Him! Out! Now!’ she thought.

“GET OUT!” she said her voice raising even more.

“Fine, I do have patients to see. I’ll see you at lunch.” He said giving her a smile that said I know I got to you.

“Sadly! Bye!” she said and closed her door in his face.

*******************

“Luna, love. I don’t think that the team is going to appreciate you watching me as I shower.” Ron said kissing Luna outside the men’s locker room.

“Oh but Ronald! I do think it would be very pleasant to watch.” Luna said kissing his neck. “I do it all the time at your place.”

“Yes Luna but there are not 4 Quidditch members in the same room as us when you do it.” He said urging her with his arms to stop kissing him.

She frowned. “Fine, I guess we’ll shag later.” She said.

This was very difficult for Ron. He did indeed want to be shagging Luna in the shower but then he would never hear the end of it from Harry and the others.

“Believe me we will. You need to be getting to work now don’t you.” He said holding her face in his hands.

“Yes, I guess I do. But I’ll be thinking about you all day!” she said.

“And I you, love.” He said kissing her on the lips. “I’ll see you later. Now off you go.”

She gave him one last kiss and with a pop she apparated. Ron entered the locker room of the Chudley Cannons. Harry, Luis Flatger, Walter Summers and Nigel Copenhager the male side of the team were in there. The two females Henrietta Smithsburg and Cynthia Trust were in the female locker room.

“Luna keep you?” Harry asked on his practice gear.

“Yeah, she wanted to erm…come in.” Ron said blushing the color of his hair.

“Hey I say let her in! We’ll have some fun.” Walter said laughing.

Ron gave him a death look. “Not funny.” He said.

“She just cares about you is all Ron. You know she’s asked for weirder things before.” Harry said tying his boots on.

“Yeah true…remember when she was interviewing us for The Quibbler and she asked us which vegetarian octopus was our favorite.” Luis said. It was followed by a murmur of yes around the locker room.

“She really does mean well.” Ron said putting on his gear.

“So how are things with you and Jacklyn?” Nigel asked grabbing his broom.

“Great. I’m getting ready for our anniversary this Sunday. I was thinking about getting her a ring.” Harry said tossing his bag into the locker.

“No way, mate! Your going to pop the question!” Walter cried out, his face showing his amazement.

Harry grinned. “Yeah. I asked Hermione to help me look for a ring.” He said.

Ron looked up. “Hermione agreed to help you find a ring!” Ron said a little taken aback.

“Well I asked her if she’d mind coming with me to Diagon Alley to help me pick out a present for her but I don’t think she’ll make such a big deal about it when I tell her I had a ring in mind.” Harry said.

Ron raised his eyebrow. “Right.” He said.

“All right, we better get onto the field before coach starts bitching again.” Nigel said. They all agreed and walked out the locker room

2. Lunch, a bet and a breakdown at Diagon Alley

Chapter 2: “Lunch, a bet and a breakdown at Diagon Alley”

Ginny said goodbye to Mrs. Carlings, a patient of hers, and she closed the door. She sighed and pulled back the sleeve of her white lab coat and looked at her watch. It was time for lunch.

‘This is going to be a very interesting lunch.’ She thought as she walked down the hall to her office to grab her lunch and then headed to Sam’s room.

When she got there Draco was already sitting down in a chair with Sam sitting up in his bed.

“Miss Ginny!” Sam said excitedly, his face beaming.

“Hi there Sam!” she said smiling. She sat down on the opposite side of his bed facing Draco.

Draco smirked. “Hello Ginny.” He said. She looked at him menacingly.

“Hi.” She simply said.

“Oh Miss Ginny! Look what Mr. Draco brought to lunch!” Sam said pointing to Draco’s platter. Ginny leaned over a bit to look. “It’s snail!”

Ginny controlled herself from letting a disgusted look cross her face.

“Well yes Sam. In France it’s called escargot. I do believe that Mr. Malfoy transferred from a hospital there? Am I right?” Ginny said trying to have a decent conversation with Draco.

“Yes I did Ginny. It’s an elegancy there.” Draco said staring at her intently.

She looked at him and quickly looked away. ‘What is he trying to pull here.’ she thought.

“Well all I have is a sandwich as do you Sam. I guess we’re just boring.” Ginny said smiling at Sam.

Sam laughed. “Can you tell me about Hogwarts, Mr. Draco, Miss. Ginny?” Sam asked. “I always wanted to go there but my old healers never knew if I’d be better by then. I hope I can. Next year would be my first year.”

Ginny looked at him sadly. During a trip to the bathroom, a burglar had hit Sam with a memory charm when trying to rob his house.

“Hogwarts, is a great place. I’m sure, when you go there next year you’ll love it.” Ginny said putting a reassuring hand on his leg.

“You think so?” Sam asked hopefully his eyes shining brightly.

“I know so. With me as your healer, I’ll do whatever I can to make sure next year you will be walking on that stage to get sorted.” Draco said smiling a genuine smile at Sam.

Ginny looked at Draco surprised. Not only did Draco have a heart and actually cared about his patient but, he was actually being optimistic. Many of the staff knew exactly how severe Sam’s memory loss was. He wasn’t extremely young but his mind still wasn’t as developed to handle such a powerful blow.

Draco and Ginny looked at each other. Then there was a knock on the door. They all turned to the doorway to see a man and a woman. Both had worn looking cloaks and tired smiles. Sam’s mother and father.

“Hello Miss Weasley. Mr. Malfoy, we’ve come to pay a visit to Sam.” Sam’s mother said looking at her son adoringly.

“Who are you?” Sam asked a confused expression on his face.

“We’re your parents darling.” His mother said sitting down beside him. His father standing behind her.

“You are?” Sam said still looking a bit uneasy. He then turned toward Ginny and Draco whom nodded. “Oh, well, hi mum, dad.” He said smiling trying to cheer them up. They both had sad smiles across their face.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Sam.” Ginny said waving goodbye.

“ I’ll check on you before I leave, Sam.” Draco said. He nodded his head toward his parents and walked out with Ginny.

“I cannot believe you did that.” Ginny said shaking her head as they walked down the hall.

“What.” Draco said wondering what she was going on about. Ginny turned to face him.

“How could you get his hopes up like that!” Ginny said her eyes showing the passion she felt inside.

“Nothing is wrong with hoping.” Draco said stopping and turning toward her.

“Yes but surely you know about his situation!” Ginny said.

“Of course I do! He is my patient after all. And I am confident in my capabilities to help cure him.” Draco said his voice showing the emotion he felt.

“ Do you understand that’ll take a miracle, Draco!”

“Don’t you realize that I know this! But have you not noticed that one has already occurred!”

“What are you talking about!”

“He knows our names, Ginny! He remembers them! He recognizes us! That is a miracle!”

“Don’t you think I haven’t thought about that! Of course I have! But what are the chanced that he will regain all his memory back by the time he starts Hogwarts! If that ever happens!” Ginny said her voice rising.

“It will! I can do it! Look, I’ll make a bet with you.” Draco said.

Ginny scoffed. “Figures in a serious situation like this you would resolve to childish antics by placing a bet.” She said rolling her eyes and starting to walk away.

“Wait. Hear me out.” Draco said grabbing her arm and stopping her. She turned. She sighed and looked at him to continue.

“I bet in 3 weeks I can help him remember his parents. Just in time for the annual hospital Christmas party. And when I succeed, you will be my date for the party.” Draco said standing back and looking confident.

“Figures you would use this situation as a chance to shag someone.” Ginny said.

“ I would do nothing of the sort. Though if it led to that I certainly would not be complaining.” Draco said slyly.

Ginny groaned and turned to leave again.

“What are you to chicken to accept this challenge?” Draco asked. Then Ginny felt it. That competitiveness she had within her. She could never turn down a challenge.

“Alright, if you succeed I’ll go with you to the party. But if you fail, what’s in it for me?” she asked crossing her arms over her chest and eyeing him as if challenging him.

“If somehow, someway, I do not accomplish my goal…I’ll give up my place as Sam’s healer and someone can replace me.” Draco said.

Ginny stood there shocked. “What? You’d give away your position over something you hope you can accomplish.” Ginny said.

“Exactly. I know I can do this Ginny! Would I just throw away this job for nothing?” Draco said.

“Well I don’t think you would mind considering that you were asking for a higher pay before you took this job.” Ginny said.

“You shouldn’t believe everything you hear. Our bet is on.” Draco said and walked briskly passed her.

Ginny stood there staring after him, his white lab coat flapping behind him as he turned a corner.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

That night Ginny was at home sitting on the couch eating out of a carton of ice cream with Luna sitting next to her. She was telling her about the events that had occurred earlier that day.

“Am I such a horrible person? I mean I made a bet on a child’s well being!” Ginny said shoving a spoon full of Chocolate swirl ice cream in her mouth.

“No, not at all. I mean Sam’s sick, and all you two did was make a bit on whether or not Draco could make him better. If he doesn’t it does not mean he’ll get any worse or anything of that nature.” Luna said painting her toe nails a pale pink with a purple squiggly line.

“ That is true. But I cannot believe I made that bet with him. Now I might actually have to go on a date with him.” Ginny said.

“I’m sure it will not be to bad. I mean obviously he has taken some sort of interest in you if he gave u that option.” Luna said. Her face then transferred into one of concentration as she made the little squiggly line.

Ginny sighed and shook her head. She then put the lid on the carton. “You do not know how much that disturbs me.” She said. “And what the hell are you actually trying to design?”

“Oh I’m trying to draw the one eyed one horned flying purple people eater.” Luna said simply.

Ginny looked at her and then closed the lid of the ice cream carton. She went into the kitchen to put it in the freezer. She then walked passed the living room and on the way to her room. “Hey maybe later you can draw some Bingle eared monasens on my toes later.” Ginny joked.

“Hmm those are difficult to draw but I will try my best.” Luna said and flashed Ginny a smile. Ginny shook her head and walked to her room.

Luna finished doing her nails and walked into her bedroom. She gathered a few items of clothing. She was going to be spending the night at Ron’s flat.

She checked out her appearance in her mirror. She smiled to herself. Then with a pop she appeared next to Ron who was cooking dinner. Ron jumped back screaming.

“Merlin Luna! How many times have I told you to send me an owl telling me you are going to be coming instead of doing what you did just now!” Ron said clutching his chest.

“Doing what exactly Ronald?” Luna asked her eyes wide with curiosity,

“Scaring me like you just did!” Ron exclaimed.

“Oh. Did I scare you?” she asked surprised. Ron looked at her.

“Yes!” he said outraged.” Do I just scream for joy all the time.”

“Sometimes you do.” Luna said giggling. Ron looked at her. Then smiled. He could never stay mad at her for long.

He then wrapped his arms around her slender waist and brought her close.

“I do believe you, Miss Lovegood, do the same.” He said kissing her lips.

She smiled. “I do. And sometimes the neighbors knock on your door to make sure everything is ok.” She said nodding.

“Indeed they do. And you do not know how embarrassing it is when I have to make up something to tell them.” He said chuckling.

“Well I told you we should just tell them that we were doing simply what every species on this earth does.” She said. “Mating.” She brushed a lock of her long blonde hair back.

Ron laughed. “Yes Luna because that is what many people call human sex.” He said lifting her up and sitting her down on the counter.

“I do.” She said putting her arms around his neck.

“Ah yes we know that dear but I think you are the only one.” He said kissing her lips.

“Well I do think it has a sort of animalistic sound to it. I mean it just makes me want to grab you and make hard beast like sex with you!” Luna said almost in a growl and kissed him hard. Ron stumbled forward but quickly began to join Luna in trying to shed off her top as they kissed. Then the pot next to her whistled. He stopped kissing her.

“I do believe we better stop this or we wont have any dinner tonight.” He said turning the stove off.

“Oh but you see we will. You are my dinner tonight.” She said giggling and brought him closer to her once again.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Hermione walked down Diagon Alley to meet Harry at Madam Stella’s Jewelry Boutique. She walked past the Quidditch store and saw a poster of Harry promoting the latest broom. The poster Harry winked at her and Hermione found herself blushing.

‘Get a grip on yourself Hermione! Your blushing over a mere poster of him!’ Hermione said.

She saw the real Harry standing outside Boutique signing an autograph. The little kid ran off and Harry looked up to see Hermione walking toward him.

He smiled. “Hey, thanks for coming.” He said taking her into his arms and hugging her.

Hermione seemed to melt. She hugged him back smelling his cologne. “It was no problem.” She said as they pulled away.

“Oh come on Hermione I know you had work to do.” He said.

“Yes well, I always have work to do, you know that Harry.” She said. ‘Great! Atta girl, show him how pitiful you are by making yourself seem as if you have no social life whatsoever. ‘ she thought mentally kicking herself.

“That is my Hermione. Always thinking about work just like when we were at Hogwarts.” He said chuckling.

‘His Hermione…God I could only wish.’ She thought.

“All right, so what did you have in mind to get Jacklyn?” Hermione asked.

“Well, I was putting a lot of thought into and I’m going to do it.” He said grinning.

She looked at him waiting for him to continue. “Do what exactly?” she asked.

“You know….IT!” he said making it seem as if putting emphasis on the word it was going to make it clear.

“What? Have sex with her! What!” Hermione said a little annoyed at this guessing game.

Harry let out a hearty laugh. “I’m afraid it’s a little too late for that Hermione.” He said.

That made Hermione’s stomach drop. Of course she knew that Harry must not be a virgin but the thought of him being with another woman truly got to Hermione. Especially when she had dreams of him making love to her and only her. But alas, those were just dreams.

“Anyway I mean that I’m finally going to propose.” He said smiling.

That did it. That made Hermione’s heart stop. “Wh….What!” she exclaimed.

“I’m going to propose to her.” He said smiling.

“Why?” Hermione asked before she could stop herself.

Harry laughed. “I thought it would be the perfect time. I mean I really care for her.” He said.

“Care! CARE! IS THAT ALL YOU FEEL FOR HER! ARE YOU CRAZY! YOU GOING TO ABOUT TO ASK SOMEONE TO MARRY YOU WHEN ALL YOU REALLY FEEL IS A SHEER OUNCE OF AFFECTION FOR THE GIRL.” Hermione yelled losing her temper.

Hermione should have been more joyous about what Harry just said about only caring for Jacklyn. But that didn’t stop him from deciding that he was going to marry her.

“Hermione! Calm down!” Harry said looking around as other people stared at them.

“No I’m not going to calm down! Marriage is a sacred bound between two people who love each other! Not simply care!” she said fuming.

“Hermione…” he started to say, his green eyes wide with astonishment.

Hermione held up her hand. “What has happened to you, Harry. What have you become some sort of playboy or something?” Hermione said. “Goodbye.” She said and simply apparated.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

“WHAT HAVE I DONE!” Hermione cried hysterically. It was an hour later and Hermione was on her knees next to her bathtub with Ginny rubbing her back reassuringly.

“You were just a bit shocked at the news, that was all.” Ginny said.

“Shocked! Shocked is not the word Ginny. It was more like Barking Mad! I actually screamed at him Ginny! Screamed!” Hermione said smacking her forehead.

“Well ok, maybe you should not have done that. But I’m sure once you send him an owl explaining what you were thinking and how sorry you are, I’m sure he’ll forget all about it.” Ginny said nodding her head.

“I called him a playboy….someone just doesn’t ignore that.” Hermione said throwing her hands up in defeat.

Ginny laughed then put her hand over her mouth when Hermione gave her a look.

“Sorry but I just cant picture you calling him that.” Ginny said.

“What’s going on? Luna asked appearing in the bathroom doorway.

“Hermione had a bit of a nervous breakdown at Diagon Alley when she met Harry.” Ginny explained which made Hermione let out a whimper and start to cry all over again.

“Oh did Harry tell you he was going to propose?” Luna ask quizzically.

Hermione looked at her. Her eyes filled with tears. “You knew!” she said.

“Harry told the boys in the locker room which I wanted to go in but Ron thought it was going to be a bad idea.” Luna said.

“What! He told his team mates first rather than me! His best friend!” Hermione cried out and then flung her body of the bathtub rim again and continued to sob.

Luna looked at Ginny and Ginny just shooed her away and continued to console Hermione.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

3. Daily Prophet Shockers, Apologies and a plan concocted

Chapter 3: “Daily Prophet Shockers, Apologies and a Plan Concocted”

Hermione woke up the next morning to find Luna and Ginny huddled over the Daily Prophet.

“What’s in the paper today?” Hermione asked walking up to them to see. Ginny quickly brought the paper close to her so Hermione couldn’t read it.

“Ok Hermione. Now you promise you wont panic.” Ginny asked looking her in the eye.

Hermione inwardly started to panic but she told Ginny otherwise.

“Ok.” She said. Ginny then looked at Luna and handed Hermione the paper,

On the front page was a picture of Harry and her. The picture Hermione was angrily yelling at Harry while the picture Harry was standing back looking confused. The Headlines read :

A Love Reunion Gone Astray- Former Hogwarts lovebirds Harry Potter and Hermione Granger try to rekindle the fire they had once created years ago but has it all gone horribly wrong? By: Camilla Stratslater

Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were spotted in Diagon Alley right outside Madam Stella’s Jewelry Boutique yesterday afternoon.. At first Potter and Granger seemed delighted to see one another giving the other what a nearby shopper called “a very love filled hug”. Then it came all came crashing down when a nearby source heard Potter proposing marriage to Granger. She immediately dismissed the idea saying if caring was even enough for him to get married and what about love. And later calling him a “playboy” a muggle term for a man who has been with many women. Granger then ran off in tears. Leaving a heart broken Potter behind.

Did Hermione Granger actually confirm what we have been speculating all these months. Has the most talked about couple of the year, Harry Potter and Jacklyn O’Brien actually gone their separate ways. Jacklyn, who’s been training with her team mates in Dublin, has been spotted getting a little cozy with team mate William Meyers. No word yet from either Potter or O’Brien. But has Potter already been spotted with yet ano….

Hermione set the newspaper down, she couldn’t read anymore. She turned to them.

“Oh Merlin!” she said letting her head fall to the table.

“Hermione it’s going to be all right. No one reads this trash.” Ginny said.

“Are you kidding Ginny! Everyone reads Camilla’s articles. It’s Rita Skeeter take two.” Hermione said.

Camilla Stratslater was the most popular journalist for the Daily Prophet. One of the biggest gossipers, any person who was in her articles you’d better believe anything said about them was not going to be good. Though miraculously she had a fan base Rita Skeeter would be envious of.

“That’s why we don’t have gossip columnists at The Quibbler. They cause too many problems.” Luna said sighing. “Once daddy tried it and all of are readers actually thought the Whining Gulliper Goop did not exist.”

They both looked at her, shook their heads and then returned to the newspaper.

“Look this will all blow over soon.” Ginny said.

“No it wont! I mean we’re talking about friggin Harry Potter! No one is going to get over this that quickly.” Hermione said running her hands through her hair.

“Hermione! Can you be optimistic for once!” Ginny said upset.

Hermione sighed. She was being quite ridiculous.

“Your right, I’m sorry. I’m just overreacting like usual.” Hermione said.

“Harry will probably will release some press statement debunking the rumors. Don’t worry.” Ginny said.

Hermione was starting to feel a little better. She got up to go get the mail.

“So me and Luna were going to go to the beach today, do you want to come?” Ginny asked as Hermione made it to the door.

Hermione opened the door nearly being blinded by photographers as the flash of their camera’s was almost non stop. Hermione froze and then managed to close the door as they pushed up against it trying to get more pictures. She leaned against the door trying to catch her breath.

“You know what, I think I’m just going to stay home today.” Hermione said to Ginny.

Ginny and Luna who were both staring amazed at the event that had just occurred nodded their head in unison.

“Yeah, I think that would be a good idea.” Ginny said.

************************

Hermione laid on her bed as she read the page of the romance novel she was reading. She moved the fork around her bowl as she got some pasta around it. She shoved some in her mouth as she turned the page. Then a loud pop sounded and Harry appeared at the foot of Hermione’s bed.

She looked up as a strand of pasta hung from her mouth. Then realizing it she slurped it inside her mouth and smiled at him embarrassed. He smiled back.

“So, we’re in the paper.” Harry said crossing his arms over his chest.

“Yeah, you should have seen the mob of photographers outside the flat this morning. Nearly scared me to death.” Hermione said putting the bowl aside and standing up. She walked up to him.

“Are you serious! Are they still there.” Harry asked, his green eyes widening with concern.

“I don’t know I’ve been to scared to look.” Hermione said.

“Well, don’t worry this will all be cleared up by tomorrow morning. I released a statement to the press.” Harry said.

Hermione sighed. “Oh thank you Harry. This is the last thing I needed. I have so much on my mind.” She said sitting down on the bed. “I’m mobbed at work…oh merlin! Work. What are they going to say!” Hermione whined, groaning as she flopped backwards on the bed.

Harry chuckled. He then grabbed her arms and brought her back up. “They wont say anything. I talked to you boss and let him know the story.” Harry said.

Hermione’s eyes widened. ‘Oh Harry will you marry me now!’ Hermione thought. “Oh did you really, Harry! Thank you so much.” Hermione said flinging herself on Harry and giving him a hug.

Harry laughed. “It was no problem. You’re my best friend I would do that for you. Plus I still owe you back from our days at Hogwarts. All those late nights when you’d let me copy you work.” Harry said.

Hermione froze in Harry’s arms. “Harry, I never let you copy my work.” She said pulling back and looking at him.

Harry then blushed. “Oh right… I would kind of take it from you when you weren’t looking.. anyway…Uh….right I also talked to Jacklyn about what happened. She actually laughed about the whole thing.” Harry said quickly changing the subject.

Hermione’s insides turned at the mention of her name. “Why did she laugh?” Hermione asked.

“She thought the story Camilla came up with was absolutely ridiculous. Then she asked me why I was with you at the jewelry store. So, naturally, I had to come clean and well…she said yes! She’s going to marry me!” Harry said grinning.

Hermione put the fakest smile she could muster and congratulated Harry. “That…That’s great. By the way I’m sorry about how I acted. I was just a little surprised, that was all.” She lied still smiling.

Harry held up his hand. “Don’t, I understand. It’s all right. Me and Jacklyn are going to have an engagement party, next weekend, at my house. Ginny’s invited and of course I invited Ron so Luna’s going.” Harry said. “But please if you see her wearing something a little….weirder than usual can you ask her if she could mind changing….” Harry said uneasily to her, his eyes pleading.

Hermione sighed. “I’ll try but you know Luna.” She said.

“So will you be there? I really want you to come.” Harry said holding her hands in his and staring her in the eye.

Hermione smiled weakly. “Sure.” She said.

“Great. I’ll see you then!” he said kissing her cheek and apparated.

Then Hermione calmly grabbed her pillow and then she started to hit her bed with screaming.

“WHY! WHY CANT I SAY NO! WHY CANT I JUST TELL HIM I ABSOLUTELY HATE JACKLYN AND I WANT TO RING HER NECK. AND THAT I THINK HE SHOULD MARRY ME AND FORGET ALL ABOUT HER. AND I WANT TO HAVE HIS CHILDREN.” Hermione yelled hitting the pillow against the bed each time she said a word.

Ginny and Luna walked in on her after hearing the yelling and stared at her. Hermione continued to rant and rave. Her facial features almost savage like as her hair began to come out of the knot she had put it in and it was hanging wildly across her face. Ginny took a pillow without Hermione noticing and began to hit the bed as well.

“Why are you screaming at yourself!” Ginny mimicked Hermione. Hermione gasped at all of a sudden seeing Ginny next to her.

“What’s wrong?” Luna asked coming up alongside them.

“Well apparently she wants to have Harry’s babies.” Ginny said smirking as Hermione blushed furiously.

“Oh well if she wants to I think she should ask Harry first.” Luna said her big eyes looking at Hermione.

“No, I…I was just ranting. He was just here and apparently he’s throwing an engagement party next weekend. Ginny you invited.” Hermione said sitting down on the bed.

“What about me!” Luna asked putting a look of disappointment.

“Harry invited Ron so naturally he’s going to take you.” Hermione said looking at her as if why she would have asked that question.

“Oh good!” she said smiling in relief.

“Ranting my arse! You know every word you said was true!” Ginny said sitting beside her.

Hermione knew no matter what excuse she used it wouldn’t work. They had heard what they heard and there wasn’t taking it back.

“So what if it was. There’s nothing I can do about it.” Hermione said shaking her head.

“Not necessarily. I’m sure we can come up with something.” Ginny said grinning mischievously. A grin so mischievous that it would make Fred and George proud.

“What do you mean come up with something?” Hermione said, starting to get worried about what exactly Ginny had in mind.

“We’re going to have you get the guy!” Ginny said smiling triumphantly.

“Right, ok Ginny that’ll happen.” Hermione snorted chuckling at the preposterous statement Ginny had made.

“It will trust me! Luna will help to.” Ginny said.

“I will? I mean of course!” Luna said shaking her head.

Hermione looked at Ginny scared at exactly what she had in mind. She remembered the failed attempts at getting Hermione dates and for getting guys to notice Hermione.

One memory in particular was when Hermione went to one of Hogsmeade’s fanciest restaurant’s with a guy Ginny had merely described as “hunky”. Well sure, he was, but she had left out the minor detail that he had previously been a patient at St. Mungo’s who would sometimes go into little relapses which consisted of him hiding under the table and giggling madly.

“No offense Ginny but we have never had much luck when you have tried to set me up with guys.” Hermione said.

“I know but with Luna’s help we’ll definitely get Harry to dump what’s her face.” Ginny said enthusiastically.

Somehow the prospect of Luna helping wasn’t exactly comforting nor did it have Hermione forgetting the uneasy feeling she was getting with the thought of what was going to happen if she said yes to Ginny. Though she was her best friend and she should give her one more chance.

“Fine…”Hermione said. Ginny jumped up happily.

“Great! Luna try to get Ron in on this to.” Ginny said to Luna.

“Wait! Ron’s going to be in this!” Hermione said her eyes widening.

“Yeah! I mean he practically sees Harry every day! He can definitely help us!” Ginny said.

Hermione sighed. “All right.” She said.

**************************

“So, Ginny wants us to try to get Harry and Hermione together?” Ron said rubbing the towel over his wet hair.

“Yes, she does. I think it’s a rather lovely idea! Two best friends falling in love.” Luna said looking even more dreamy than she usually did as she leaned against the sink.

“Luna, come on this isn’t some sort of love story we’re involved in.” Ron said.

“What if we were…what if someone was reading what we were saying right at this exact moment.” Luna said looking as though she were in thought.

Ron looked at the woman he loved and shook his head. He took her face in his hands and kissed her lips. He then put his forehead against hers.

“Sometimes you still amaze me at the ideas you come up with.” He said. H e then pulled away and sighed. “What exactly is it that you want me to do?” he said walking into his bedroom.

“Well we were thinking something along the lines of you mentioning how you met Hermione’s date to the party and how he’s a great guy.” Luna said following him. “And how Hermione is really head over heels for him and etc. etc.”

Ron groaned as he laid down in bed with his arms behind his head. He turned to Luna.

“And who exactly is Hermione bringing to the party?” he asked.

Luna then put an uneasy look on her face. “There’s the problem…we don’t know. Ginny said she’d find someone.” She said looking at him.

Ron burst out laughing. “Oh man, how did Ginny convince Hermione to let her help set her up once again.” He said amused.

Luna shrugged her shoulders. “I have no idea. And I’m supposed to be the one who’s loony.” She said.

Ron chuckled and reached up to kiss her again. “Yes but you’re my loony.” He said. She smiled against his lips.

“Hopefully she’ll find someone who will really sweep her off her feet.” Luna said laying down next to him.

******************

“Draco please!” Ginny begged on the verge of getting down on her knees.

“No! I am not going to some stupid engagement party of Potter’s with Granger! Are you crazy.” He said as he stirred his tea and sat down.

“Oh that’s very mature. Still referring to them as that.” Ginny said rolling her eyes.

“Hey I wasn’t the one whining a moment ago.” He said taking a sip.

Ginny grabbed a scone and tore off a piece and stuffed it in her mouth. “I’m just desperate! I need a date for her.” She said sitting across from him.

“Why cant she just get a date herself. Is she that desperate.” Draco asked.

Ginny gave him a look. “I took it upon myself to get her a date. It’s all part of a plan I thought up.” She said standing up. “But since your not going to help me.”

She started to make her way out when Draco sighed and said: “Wait…” She turned around.

“I cant go because I’m working weekends to try to help Sam.” Draco said. “But I think I have someone in mind that will agree. He went to Hogwarts with us.”

“Oh thank you Draco! Who?” Ginny asked.

***********************

AN: Thank you all for reviewing! I’m so happy to hear that you all enjoy my story! I most likely will continue posting chapters on portkey. Not sure if I will continue on ff.net, but the outcome is most likely no. Thanks again and please review! = )

4. The Engagement Party

Chapter 4: "The Engagement Party"

*************

"Blaise Zabini!" Luna exclaimed staring shocked at Ginny. It was later that day and Ginny had told Luna who she had gotten to be Hermione's date.

"I know! But I had asked Draco..." Ginny started playing with the brightly colored wool blanket that Luna had gotten in Norway one summer while looking for Bippity BoBo's which lay strewn across Luna's bed.

That was the kind of vibe that Luna's room gave off. Bright colors in odd arrangements all over her room. With one big poster of a two year old edition of The Quibbler which had in the middle a very muscular red haired men with a thick beard holding up a very odd looking creature. The man kept looking from side to side grinning while the creature kept blinking looking confused.

"You asked Draco first!" Luna exclaimed once again.

"Yes! I was desperate!" Ginny insisted.

"Oh my, Ginny." Luna said simply sitting down in front of her vanity and beginning to brush her long blonde hair.

"But Draco couldn’t make it so he offered to have someone else go in his place. So naturally, I got excited! Then he tells me..." Ginny said.

****

Flashback

"My good friend Blaise." Draco said smiling as if proud of himself. On the other hand Ginny looked at him horrified.

"Excuse me! Did I hear you correctly? Did you say Blaise. As in Blaise Zabini?" Ginny asked hoping she had heard wrong.

"Yes, Blaise. As in Blaise Zabini. What's wrong with him? Many women find him a very handsome, charming man quite like myself." Draco said with the infamous grin.

"Hardly! Do you actually think that Hermione will agree to go with someone who contributed in making her life at sometimes unbearable with your repulsive cronies and yourself!" Ginny raged.

Draco looked at her with disregard. "Are you done? he asked in a bored tone.

"I think so." Ginny said groaning and sliding into a chair.

"Look, he wont treat her like dirt or like she is beneath him. I'll make sure he treats with the utmost respect. And be a perfect date. Or as close as possible to the perfect since I cannot make it." He said smiling smugly.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "I don’t know...I mean Hermione going out with B...B..." Ginny said forcing his name to come out of her mouth.

"Blaise Zabini." Draco said slowly pronouncing his name.

"I know how to say it!" Ginny said. She sighed.

"Look if I'm wrong. And I highly doubt I will be. You wont have to go with me to the Christmas party." Draco said.

"Really?" Ginny said smiling.

"Yeah. But I highly doubt that I'll be wrong. Blaise owes me one. And once I have a little talk with Blaise about the time I saved him from being hung in Cancun after sleeping with the President of Mexico's daughter he'll be more than happy to take your lovely Hermione to Harry’s party." Draco said.

"Saturday! 8:00. Tell him to be at our flat prompt." Ginny said standing up and walking out the door.

****

End of Flashback

"I had no other choice! There was no one else I could find." Ginny said.

"How about one of the guys in your address book?" Luna asked trying to style her hair in a way that would have most likely scared most children and some small nocturnal creatures.

"Oh no way!" Ginny said amazed that the thought had even crossed her mind but at the same time not surprised at all since it was coming from Luna.

"Why not?" Luna asked doing some sort of strange beauty ritual that consisted of her taking her thumb and pointing finger and putting one on her cheekbone and the other on her brow and stretching the skin in between making her eyes appear to be bulging out.

"Because those guys are wild! They like to have a good time. They'll be expecting something in return from her and you know Hermione is a bit..." Ginny said.

"Prude." Luna said finishing her sentence.

"Exactly. I mean remember when we went to The Three Broomsticks that one time and those 3 cute wizards were sitting in the table next to us." Ginny said.

"Yeah and one of them came up to Hermione and asked her on a date. And when she came home that night she had freaked out when he had tried to kiss her goodnight on the cheek." Luna said.

"Exactly!" Ginny said.

"Well lets hope Hermione doesn’t hate you completely when she finds out who you found." Luna said.

Ginny looked at her and shook her head. "Thanks." Ginny said.

"Who are you going with?" Luna asked her forming her mouth in a big O and then closing it.

Ginny was taken aback. She had not even thought about getting a date for herself.

" You know what I don’t even know. I haven’t even thought about finding one for myself." Ginny said.

"Oh well since you don’t have one you can go with my cousin Timothy! I invited him since he's coming to visit in London." Luna said turning around to face her.

"Timothy...Timothy. Wait is that the cousin that came to your birthday party with a big purple hat with leopard print?" Ginny asked.

Luna nodded enthusiastically. "He's such a spiffy dresser." she said.

Ginny smiled uneasily. "Um you know I don’t think I need a date..." Ginny said trying to get out of the situation.

"No! No! Don’t be silly! I'll send him an owl." Luna said reaching into the little night table next to her bed and opened a drawer to pull out some parchment.

Ginny opened her mouth but then shut it. She knew she wouldn’t be able to convince Luna that she really didn’t need a date but she knew even if she did not go with him she would see him there, Luna would reintroduce them, and he'd be asking questions all night. Then she thought something she could not believe had even crossed her mind...she would have rather gone with Draco.

*******************

Hermione ran a hand through her bushy hair as she set down a stack of papers with cases ranging from lamps turning off when muggles tried to go down the stairs to televisions that would play porno each time a child would have it on a children's station. She began to thumb through the papers as a voice sounded in front of her desk.

She looked up to see Maximilian Stuart. A coworker of hers whom she could not stand. He was tall with brown hair and a crooked nose.

"Read about you in the newspaper this weekend." he said leaning against the wall of her desk and looking at his fingernails.

"Yeah who didn’t." Hermione said going back to her work.

"I found the article quite humorous actually. I mean Harry Potter asking you to marry him." Max said laughing his cold laugh.

Hermione blushed with anger. "Why is that?" she asked as she continued to sort the papers.

"Because why would Harry Potter in his right mind ask YOU to marry him!" Max said.

Hermione didn’t want to admit it but that had really hurt. Then she turned angry. "You know what! Harry and I have been friends since we were 11 years old. I was just helping him pick out a ring for his now fiancé Jacklyn! And I just happen to be going to his engagement party in two days with the most magnificent guy!" Hermione blurted out before she could stop herself.

'Damn my temper!' she thought mentally cursing herself. Max looked at her and laugh.

"Wow. How pathetic!" he said laughing.

"What do you mean?" she asked completely embarrassed with herself.

"Well obviously that's all you ever will be to Potter. I mean best friend's for 12 years and nothing. I mean he actually asked you to help you pick out an engagement ring for his GIRLFRIEND. Which may I add is not you." he said sneering at her. "And you think that if you pretend that the date you have will get your mind off being in love with Harry..."

"SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP!" Hermione yelled standing up and breathing hard.

Hermione felt like someone had just crushed all of her insides. She could feel the tears starting to build up behind her eyes. She knew he was right even though it killed her to admit it.

"OOh. Did I strike a nerve?" Max asked continuing to laugh.

"Get out!" she said trying to calm down.

"It's the truth isn’t it?" Max asked.

Hermione then grabbed her wand and raised it toward him.

"Get out." she repeated menacingly.

Max chuckled and started to walk away. "You know you can't perform any spells that would hurt anyone in the workplace Hermione." he said.

Hermione knew this was true but frankly she didn’t care and she was running about 50 different types of hexes that she could throw at him that would all leave him not being able to sit down properly in a seat for months.

He then gave her one last evil smile and left. Hermione looked at the stack of papers left of work.

'Screw it.' she thought and grabbed her things and apparated home.

"You better have gotten me the best date you could muster!" Hermione said staring intently.

Ginny smiled uneasily.

****************

"I cannot believe you did this to me." Hermione said as Ginny straightened the final piece of Hermione's hair.

It was the night of the party and Hermione was in her bathroom letting Ginny attempt to straighten her hair. It now hung to her mid back in soft waves. She had even let Ginny pick out a dress for her which she now regretted. It was a tight red number that reached mid thigh. With thin spaghetti straps not much was keeping this dress from having her breasts dangerously pop out at any given moment. Which brought up another problem with the dress...they couldn’t BREATHE! Did she mention that it was incredibly tight?

"Oh Hermione stop it! You look Gorgeous!" Ginny said stepping back to admire her work.

"So does being gorgeous consist of not breathing properly." Hermione asked gasping for air as her chest raised making her breasts swell dramatically.

"Beauty requires pain, my dear! I'm so happy you had that, what is it called again, wonderful bra?" Ginny said name dropping.

"Wonder bra." Hermione corrected her putting a hand to her stomach and trying to regulate her breathing.

"Right! It makes your boobs so magnificent. You'll definitely catch Harry's eye. And your date's as well." Ginny said. "Your body is to die for in this dress!"

"Yeah, with them popping out I'm sure a lot of people will be staring at me. I look like a whore." Hermione said making a face at her reflection in the mirror.

"No you don’t! You look like a vixen!" Ginny said. "You'll definitely upstage Jacklyn."

Hermione looked at herself again. She was still a bit iffy on the get up. But then thought about it and she realized she did look rather sexy if she did say so herself. She had put some dark red lipstick and made her eyelashes longer. She really did look quite foxy.

"So what's my date's name again?" Hermione asked managing to perform a spell that made the dress a bit looser.

"Nice try but you know very well I haven't told you who it is." Ginny said now looking at herself in the black dress she had on. She tossed her red hair back and pulled the dress down a bit at the bottom.

"I honestly don't know why it's such a big secret." Hermione said looking at herself sideways and her eyes widening as she had never realized how big her bum really was.

"It's not a secret really just a surprise." Ginny said putting on some mascara.

"You two look so beautiful...like swans!" Luna said stepping into the doorway. They turned to see her in a hot pink dress that had black flowers over it.

"Um, thanks Luna. Nice outfit..." Ginny said raising her eyebrow.

"Thank you. I thought it was going to be too fancy but then I thought oh well!" Luna said.

Hermione and Ginny looked at each other and exchanged a mental laugh.

"May I say Hermione that your bosom looks quite nice." Luna said.

Hermione looked at her taken aback. "Um well thank you...Luna." she said smiling weakly.

"I mean they're nice and round and perky. Great for breast feeding children. I think Harry will notice and then ask you to marry him and bear his children." Luna said. Ginny burst out laughing. Hermione looked at her and made a gesture to stop laughing.

"I'm sure that'll happen Luna." she said.

Then they heard a loud pop outside their front door.

"That must be him! One minute." Ginny said. She then started to walk toward the door.

Hermione felt like she was going to faint. She was starting to get massive butterflies in her stomach. She took a deep breath and looked to see who was at the front door.

There stood Blaise Zabini with a red rose in his hand. His dark eyes looked at them mischievously. He wore very nice midnight blue dress robes and a smirk that could rival Draco's.

"Good evening." he said and kissed Ginny's hand.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Yeah, Yeah." she said. She knew it was all an act. He then looked past her to Hermione and his eyes seemed to flicker with surprise. His eyes looked at Ginny once again with slightly raised eyebrows as if saying 'Draco didn't tell me she changed.'

"Hello, Hermione." he said in a cool tone and walked over to her and handed her the rose.

Hermione stared at him shocked. She looked past him at Ginny who was smiling at her shyly.

"Th...Thank you." she said accepting the rose.

"You look quite stunning." he said kissing her hand. Hermione blushed.

"LUNA!" a voice yelled outside.

"Oh! That must be my cousin!" Luna said. She ran quickly to the door and opened it.

There stood a fair haired wizard with a bright orange suit with green trimming on.

"Oh Merlin!" Ginny said putting her hand to her forehead. "Help me."

"What, may I ask, happened to him?" Blaise said looking at Timothy as if he had just eaten something unpleasant.

"Luna's cousin. My date, sadly." Ginny said unpleasantly. Timothy walked in with some rather smelly flowers for Ginny.

"Hello Ginevra! These are for you." he said grinning and handing the flowers to her. Ginny took them.

"Um, thank you." she said trying not to smell them.

"They're supposed to be an aphrodisiac." Timothy said winking at her. Ginny smiled uneasily.

"I'm going to put these in the kitchen." she said and walked in there quickly.

"Timothy, this is Hermione and her date Blaise." Luna said smiling as she introduced them.

"How do you do?" Hermione said smiling. Timothy took her hand and began to kiss it and then started to kiss up her arm. Hermione's eyes widened along with her mouth.

"Excuse me but I do believe she is my date, mate." Blaise said sticking his hand in front of

Timothy's face so he could shake it.

Timothy grinned and shook it.

"Sorry but she does look rather beautiful." Timothy said.

"I definitely agree with that." Blaise said and smiled slyly at her. Hermione continued to blush furiously.

Ginny came back to the living room trying to keep the fake smile on her face. "Well, we better head over there." Ginny said. Timothy walked next to her and grabbed her rather aggressively.

"I do agree!" he said.

Ginny smiled uncomfortably and knew it was going to be a long night.

******************

"Are you sure you gave them the right venue." Harry asked Ron for 6th time that night. They were both at the food table awaiting the arrival of the girls.

"Yes, I told Luna that it was at Count Vlad's Opera House." Ron said shoving a little pink finger like food into his mouth.

"You told Luna! They're probably in Romania, knowing her!" Harry said.

"Relax. I told Hermione and Ginny to." Ron said.

"Aren't they bringing dates?" Harry asked.

"Yeah. Ginny's coming with Luna's cousin, Timothy and Hermione is bringing this really amazing guy." Ron said realizing he still had no clue who Hermione was bringing.

"Really? Who's this really amazing guy?" Harry asked.

"Um, you know I completely forgot his name. We're just so used to calling each other mate because he's such a cool friend and guy and amazing so we don’t call each other by our erm names." Ron said knowing he was digging himself deeper and deeper into a hole.

Harry looked at him as if he were crazy. "Riight." Harry said shaking his head. Then smiled as Jacklyn came over. Ron had to admit she looked pretty good. She wore a long pale blue dress that matched her eyes and hung to her body like a glove. It showed off her toned body and it's curves. Her blonde hair was up with tendrils framing her face.

"Hello love." she said smiling brightly and giving Harry a kiss.

"Hi, love. Where have you been?" Harry asked holding her around the waist.

"Oh just mingling with the guests and showing off this magnificent ring." she giggled holding out her hand making the diamond sparkle.

Ron raised his glass of fire whiskey to his lips and rolled his eyes. As his eyes settled to the other end of the dance floor he saw the girls. His eyes then widened when he saw who Hermione's date was. Ron spat out fire whiskey. Harry and Jacklyn both jumped and then turned to what Ron was gawking at.

"What is he doing here!" Harry demanded his eyes narrowing.

"You don't like him dear?" Jacklyn asked looking confused at her fiancé’s reaction.

"He was an old classmate at Hogwarts whom Ron and I didn’t get along with." Harry explained.

"Well it seems Hermione must have invited him." Jacklyn said eyeing Hermione dangerously.

"What are you talking about? Hermione isn't here yet." Harry said looking at her questionably.

"Erm, Harry. She's the one in the red." Ron said looking at her uneasily.

Harry turned and spotted her. His eyes almost popped out. He could not believe that was Hermione. She looked very...different.

Hermione spotted Harry and blushed the color of her dress. At that moment she felt like just turning around and running out of the place. Harry was giving her a look that made her feel as though he were thinking less of her.

"Oh what have I gotten myself into! I shouldn't be here." Hermione said stopping. Blaise turned to her.

"And why is that?" He asked.

" Because look how everyone is looking at me. They're probably thinking I'm some prostitute you just picked up." she said putting her hand to her face feeling how hot it was.

Blaise snorted. "Please, many of these people know who I am and clearly know that I would never resort myself to the level of hiring someone to fulfill my needs. They're staring at you like this because they probably wish that they were with you or looked half as good as you." Blaise said. Hermione looked at him and smiled. They walked up to Harry, Ron and Jacklyn.

"Ronald!" Luna said and walked over to him and kissed him. Ron wrapped his arms around her and lifted her.

"Do you like kinky things?" Timothy asked Ginny all of a sudden. Ginny coughed and looked at him.

"P…Pardon." she said.

"Do you like kinky things?" he repeated.

"UH...So Harry great place to have your party! It's beautiful." Ginny said changing the subject.

"Thanks. I found this place and fell in love with it." Jacklyn said taking credit. "I told Harry about it and told him we must have it! Forget his house!"

"Well you made a very good selection." Hermione said smiling at her trying to be nice.

Jacklyn looked at her as if she were something that she had just picked off the bottom of her shoe.

" I know." she said and turned back to Harry.

"Darling. I'm going to go to the powder room." She said and kissed Harry good bye.

"Very interesting date you brought Hermione." Harry said once Jacklyn left.

Hermione blushed. "Yes well, I...I...saw Blaise and we got to talking and we just clicked." she replied.

"Really? I'm surprised. Considering our past with...him." Harry said glaring at Blaise. Blaise looked unfazed.

"That's the one thing I adore about Hermione. Even though we all acted our age when we children, and said things we should not have said. Hermione saw past that and realized that I am indeed more mature and gave me a shot. We don’t even hold any grudges about that time in our life. However there are some people who do and can't get over it." Blaise said smoothly and eyed Harry.

Harry's jaw clenched. "What are you trying to say, Blaise." he said standing up straight.

Blaise smirked. "I think you know." he said.

"I don't hold grudges. I just know who has changed and who hasn't and I honestly think you haven't." Harry said.

"Really?" Blaise said putting his arm around Hermione's waist.

Harry's eyes wandered to her waist and his fists clenched. Then absent-mindedly his eyes traveled down to her legs and then to her breasts. The he shook his head and stepped forward. Ron got in front of him.

"Ok, mate um...why don't we say hello to your other guests. Luna?" Ron said moving Harry toward the crowds.

"Yes." she said looking at him.

"Would you care to join us?" he said.

"Well I was looking forward to seeing what would happen." She said looking from Harry to Blaise.

"Luna." Ron said frustrated.

"Well if you really want me to." she said sighing and following him.

"That was awesome!" Ginny said excitedly as they walked away.

"How was that awesome?" Hermione asked completely embarrassed.

"Because Harry was getting jealous! Did you see him checking you out?" Ginny said.

"No, he was just looking at this very provocative dress I have on and probably thinking how whorish I look! Oh Merlin! What have I done!" Hermione said putting her hand to her forehead.

"No believe me, the way he was looking at you. It looked like he was imagining throwing you on the bed and ravishing you." Blaise said.

This made Hermione turn bright red. "I...I need to use the restroom. Excuse me." she said and started to walk toward the door.

"That girl has some low self esteem." Blaise said shaking his head.

"Tell me about it. She's a beautiful girl I wish she could just see that." Ginny said taking a glass of champagne from the table and sipping it.

"You know, Ginevra. I was looking . at your bum which might I say is nice. And correct me if I'm wrong but I don’t think you have any underwear on." Timothy said grinning.

Ginny raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me, Timothy but that is none of your business." Ginny said calmly to him.

"So wait, this means we're not going to..." Timothy said. Ginny's mouth opened wide.

"No!" she said. Then she felt something ringing in her purse. She opened it up and found her beeper buzzing. They had given it to her a St. Mungo's in case of emergencies. It read: "Urgent! Please come to Sam's room."

"Oh no! I need to go. I have to see a patient." Ginny said to Blaise more then Timothy.

"Ok I will tell Hermione you left." Blaise said.

"Thank you." she said.

"I'll go with you!" Timothy said.

"NO! I..I mean, that's not necessary. They need me and non staff members are not allowed after a certain time." Ginny lied.

"Oh well. I'll tell Luna to give you my address so we can maybe have dinner naked. It's a traditional custom in Tenabuhbuh." Timothy said. Ginny looked at him as if he were crazy whereas Blaise was attempting to hold back laughter.

"Yeah, um, I'll get back to you on that." Ginny said backing away. She then walked away.

*************

Hermione walked into the bathroom and splashed cold water on her face. She needed a moment to calm down.

'Come on. Your a big girl. You can handle anything that comes your way. Harry is not thinking less of you, he was simply surprised at your appearance tonight. You do look quite difference.' Hermione told herself. Then Hermione groaned. If only she could take her own advice. She then straightened out her dress and pulled her lipstick out. She reapplied some and then stuck it back in her purse and walked out.

The echo her heels made as they clicked on the floor was the only sign she knew she was alone in the hall. She turned the corner and halted to a stop. She saw two people embraced in each other's arms kissing rather aggressively. The women's familiar light blue dress was hiked up as her leg was bent at the knee and her foot was pressed against the wall behind her. The man's hand was grabbing at her thigh and he was pressing his lower extremities against hers. Her blonde hair was messy as his other hand was playing with it.

Hermione gasped. She knew who they were. It was Jacklyn and her team mate William Meyers. Hermione stumbled back and started to run down the hall. She leaned against the wall once she turned the corner. She regulated her breathing. 'My God! Should I tell Harry? No! I can't it would devastate him!' she thought. 'Well he hasn’t exactly been too nice to me tonight.'

She then walked into where the party was. She was still thinking about what she had just saw and what exactly she was going to do when a glass of champagne appeared in front of her. She stumbled back and look to see who had handed it to her. It was Blaise.

"Thank you." she said and took it from him.

"Ginny had an emergency at the hospital. She had to leave." Blaise said.

"Great." Hermione said and then gulped it down. She then stared in front of her.

"What's wrong?" Blaise asked.

"I...I just saw something very surprising." Hermione said. She then took another glass of champagne.

"What?" Blaise asked sipping his slowly.

"I'd rather not say." she said and then gulped that one down.

Blaise looked at her knowing that this could probably be going down the wrong path.

"Hey. Be careful now. Don't want to go overboard." he said eyeing her as she grabbed another glass.

"I. I don’t care! This has started off as a bad night. Harry has been acting very rude toward me and well. I frankly do not deserve it." Hermione said taking a sip of the new glass in her hand.

"I agree." Blaise said continuing to look at her cautiously.

"I mean I'm not the simple minded, work a holic, does not go out on date, prude friend he used to know." Hermione continued feeling a sudden rush of confidence. Alcohol made her this way. It didn't take that many glasses to get her tipsy.

Ron and Luna came over with Timothy who was looking slightly discouraged at not having Ginny to look at anymore.

"What's going on?" Ron asked eyeing Hermione who was gulping down, yes, another glass of champagne.

"Hermione's taking a stand." Blaise said sipping his and smirking slightly.

"You know. I've always been a good friend to him. And I would most definitely be a terrific girlfriend. He does not know what he's missing out on! He could have this!" Hermione said and then ran her hand up her side showing emphasis on her body.

Ron looked at her wide eyed along with Blaise as Luna and Timothy studied her as if she were an exhibit at a museum.

"And I am great at sex to! Many people do not know this but oh yeah! I am!" Hermione continued taking another glass of champagne.

Ron and Blaise burst out laughing. Timothy's eyes lightened up. "Really?" he said brightly.

"Back off!" Ron warned.

"I mean he's seen me naked. He's tried to act as if he didn't see it but he did!" Hermione continued.

"What's going on?" Harry asked behind her. She turned to see him with Jacklyn who looked like she had before she had her brief romp with William.

"Oh I think she knows." Hermione said taking a swing of her champagne and staring hard at Jacklyn. Jacklyn looked at her as if she were pathetic.

"Excuse me?" Jacklyn replied.

"I just saw her outside kissing and groping William Meyers. Her team mate." Hermione said glaring at her. Luna gasped, Blaise raised his eyebrow, Ron stare wide eyed, and Timothy looked as if nothing had happened. Harry looked taken aback. Jacklyn however, snorted.

"Are you crazy!" she said taking a glass of champagne. "Oh no, wait. Your just drunk." Jacklyn said drinking her champagne.

"I am not lying! I saw them Harry!" Hermione slurred turning to him and pleading.

Harry looked at Hermione with disgust. "Your drunk Hermione. Why should I believe you?" he said.

Hermione felt her heart tear. "Because I'm your friend." she said softly.

"Really? Well, you sure are not acting like it. I mean look how your dressed, look how your talking. This isn't the Hermione I know. This is..." Harry said trying to find the words.

"Whorish Hermione." Jacklyn finished for him. Hermione's eyes widened. Then before she knew what she was doing she felt her hand burn as she had raised it to smack Jacklyn across the face. Many guests turned around to see the commotion. Jacklyn's head had swung to the side with the force of the blow. She slowly turned her head around and looked at Hermione with pure malice.

"Why you little..!" Jacklyn said rushing forward to grab at Hermione. Blaise and Harry got in the way.

"Hermione. I want you to leave!" Harry said sternly looking at her with a mix of anger and disappointment.

"But..." she began.

"Leave." he repeated more forcefully. Hermione looked at him, her eyes filling with tears.

"Come on Hermione. This party isn't even that great." Blaise said and led Hermione toward the doors. Luna stepped up. "No, it's ok. I'll take her home." he said. Hermione felt completely humiliated. All eyes were on her as she walked out of the dance hall. Blaise and her apparated to her flat.

"Thank you for taking me. I know this wasn't the best evening you had in mind." Hermione said at the front door.

"Hey, it was entertaining." Blaise said. He then smiled. "I believe you by the way. I have friends who know her, and they've speculated for months what's been going on with her and William."

"Too bad Harry didn't." Hermione grumbled.

"He's an oblivious prick. He had what was coming to him. He'll realize it sooner or later and he'll feel like the biggest idiot. Don't worry about it." Blaise said. He then cupped her cheek and kissed the other one. "I had a wonderful time nonetheless."

Hermione looked at him and smiled despite feeling like complete and utter crap. "Maybe we could try this date thing again. Another time. I'll send you an owl." he said. Hermione looked at him surprised but nodded.

"I'd like that." she said. He then took her hand and kissed it. He gave her one last smile and then apparated.

Hermione stood there for a moment not knowing exactly what happened but then found herself opening the door and heading to her room. Once there she then broke down. She grabbed each shoe and threw them across the room one by one and collapsed against the wall crying. She had ruined everything with her and Harry. She knew it.

***********

Ginny hurried down the hall as fast she could in her 4 inch heels. Then Draco heard the footsteps and stepped outside to see if it was her. He was correct. He stood there though for a moment tilting his head to the side as if confused.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "It's the shoes." she replied pointing at her feet. Draco snapped his fingers.

"That's why you looked different. I thought you had grown taller miraculously." he said smirking. She punched his arm hard.

"Is this why you interrupted my time at Harry's party?" she asked.

"No. How is it by the way?" he asked

.

"Not very good. Luna's cousin, my date, is such a pervert! He asked me if I was kinky!" Ginny said putting her hands on hips.

"No way!" Draco said staring at her wide eyed.

"Yeah! And then he said 'I couldn't help but wonder if you were wearing any underwear because I was staring at your arse and I don’t think you are." Ginny said shaking her head.

"Well are you?" Draco asked grinning.

"DRACO!" Ginny yelled.

"Ok! Right! Ah! I have some exciting news." he said.

"What is it?" she asked.

" I did it!" he said excitedly.

"Did what?" she asked.

" I got him to remember his parents!" he said.

Ginny's eyes widened. " No!" she said amazed.

"Yes! Come see." he said and led her into Sam's room.

"Hi Ginny!" Sam said smiling from his bed. He had two pictures in front of him.

"Hi there Sam!" she said smiling and sitting down next to him. "How are you?"

"I'm great!" Sam said.

"Sam. Do these people look familiar to you?" Draco asked holding up the two pictures.

Ginny saw they were of his parents.

Sam nodded. "Yeah! They're my mum and dad!" Sam said. Ginny gasped. She couldn't believe it! Draco had actually done it. She had actually thought he wasn't going to make it work. But he had proved her wrong. He had proved her wrong on a lot of things.

"Well what do you have to say?" Draco said after Ginny had been quite for a couple of minutes.

She turned and looked at him straight in the eyes.

"What color dress do you prefer on me for the Christmas party. Green or red?" Ginny replied.

Draco looked at her surprised. Then he smiled. She did the same.

"I have always been partial to green myself." he responded.

**************************

AN: Thank you guys so much for the reviews! They make me so happy when I see them! They really inspire me to write more and more. I hope you liked this chapter and as always review!

5. Of Confrontations and a Christmas Party

AN: This chapter contains a bit of suggestive situations. From here on out the rating may be bumped up so those who do not reading such things do not continue to read the future chapters. Thank u

Chapter 5: " Of Confrontations and a Christmas Party ."

************

Hermione woke up the next morning with the worst head ache. She groaned as she stood up clutching her head. She put on her robe. She walked out and headed for the kitchen. She began to conjure up a hangover potion. She sat down and waited for it to start boiling.

She sat there and thought about the events that had occurred the night before. She couldn't believe she had completely lost control. She had never done that before. She had gotten drunk, made a fool of herself, slapped Jacklyn and most likely lost Harry's interest for good. She heard the cauldron boiling and she served herself some of the potion. She really did hate this stuff. She pinched her nose and downed it. She made a face after drinking it and put it in the sink.

She walked to the front door to get the newspaper. She was met by the same photographers the week before. Her eyes widened and she immediately closed the door. She looked down at the newspaper knowing she was going to regret it. She was right.

There was a picture of Harry, Jacklyn, Blaise and herself. Her picture self kept slapping Jacklyn and the picture Harry and Blaise would pull them apart. The headlines flashed:

Potter's Two Love Interests Face Each Other Head On- Hermione Granger and Jacklyn O'Brien faced each other finally at Potter and O'Brien's engagement party and the claws were definitely out! By: Camilla Stratslater

The star studded event took place at posh Count Vlad's Opera House. O'Brien looked magnificent in her luxurious light blue dress that showed off her gorgeous body. Not to be outdone, Granger, came in a form fitting red mini dress with some assets making themselves very well known to the attendees of the party. You could have cut the tension with the knife as O'Brien clutched Potter's arm as Granger groped her date for the night, Wizarding London socialite Blaise Zabini.

In the beginning of the night both women merely resorted to evil glares and dirty looks until Granger's alcoholic habits kicked in. She began to drink excessively and pretty soon began to make a complete fool of herself. Slurring her words and making accusations that Jacklyn was having an affair with Quidditch buddy William Meyers. Jacklyn, who took it in stride, denied that she would ever do such a thing. Though just moments before she had re-entered the party after taking a 15 minute bathroom break and was shortly followed by Meyers.

Potter, obviously upset about the whole situation, told Granger she was not acting like herself and was dressed inappropriately. O'Brien then took it upon herself to tell Hermione what many guests were thinking and called her a whore! Granger then immediately retaliated by punching Jacklyn in the face! Can you say Alcoholic Mad Woman! Before things could get more out of hand Potter and Zabini pulled away they're lovers and Granger and Zabini promptly left the party at Harry's request.

Does this mark the final straw between O'Brien and Potter with his now ex lover telling him she's cheating? Only time will tell.

Hermione stared at the paper a few more moments and then threw the newspaper down and screamed as Ginny walked into the living room. She jumped and looked behind her.

"What happened!" she exclaimed.

"My life! Ruined! That's what happened." Hermione groaned.

"Uh Oh. What happened after I left." Ginny asked looking at Hermione skeptically.

"Why don't you read about it." Hermione said handing her the people and sitting down at the kitchen table.

Ginny looked at her curiously but took the paper. She sat down opposite of Hermione and gasped at the picture. She looked up at Hermione but Hermione gestured her to read. Hermione could see Ginny's eyes scanning the words.

"You groped Blaise?" Ginny said shocked.

"Can you honestly see me groping Blaise, Ginny." Hermione said looking at her.

"Right." Ginny said and continued to read.

"This is definitely going to ruin my career at the ministry! Two weeks in a row I'm on the front cover of the Daily Prophet and this time Harry's too mad at me to do anything." Hermione said groaning.

"You punched her!?" Ginny exclaimed staring at Hermione wide eyed.

"It was actually a slap." Hermione said putting her hand underneath her chin and sighing.

"I was going to say Go Hermione! Aw what the hell a slap is still good enough. Go Hermione!" Ginny said grinning.

"No! No, Go Hermione! More like BAD Hermione!" she said putting her head down on the table.

"Is it true?" Ginny asked.

"Is what true?" Hermione asked lifting her head up.

"That Jacklyn is cheating on Harry?" Ginny asked.

"Yes! I saw them. I was coming out of the bathroom and I rounded a corner and there she was against the wall making out with Colin!" Hermione said telling Ginny eagerly.

Ginny's mouth widened. "And Harry didn't believe you?!" she said outraged.

Hermione shook her head. "No. And I didn't make it any better when I got wasted." Hermione said.

"Well we have to convince him. We have to tell him that she is in fact cheating on him!" Ginny said in a determined voice.

Hermione scoffed. "Yes, well good luck with that." Hermione said.

"I'm serious! We can do it!" Ginny said staring at her intently.

"Ginny. He completely despises me for basically ruining his party by making a complete full of him and myself! He's not going to get over that easily." Hermione said. She brought up one leg to raise her chin on her knee. "And frankly I don't blame him. I acted like a woman with no mann..."

"Merlin Hermione! Stop being so analytical! We can do this!" Ginny said loudly. " I mean it seemed you and Blaise got along. I didn't let you down there."

Hermione smiled to herself. They had had a good night...well the very short night at that. "Yea...He asked me out on a date." she said.

Ginny squealed with delight. "Really!?" she said excitedly.

Hermione nodded smiling. "Yeah." she said.

"This is great! I could tell Harry was already getting jealous when you showed up with Blaise! So when he knows that you two are actually dating ohh he's going to be ticked off!" Ginny said.

"Oh Ginny and your ideas." Hermione said standing up and shaking her head.

Then Luna entered. She headed toward the door.

"I already got the paper and I wouldn't open that door if I were you." Hermione said.

Luna looked at her skeptically. She then opened it and thousands of shutter bulbs flashed and Luna stood there staring at them.

"Oh hello!" she said and closed the door and walked into the kitchen.

***********

Harry looked at the newspaper and slammed it down on the coffee table. He took his glasses off and rubbed his eyes. He had just finished reading the article lovely Camilla Stratslater had written. He really did hate her writing. Though it did make him think alot of the time. Especially about the whole accusations of Jacklyn and Colin.

"What's wrong darling?" Jacklyn's voice sounded next to him. He looked up to see her in one of his shirts. It showed off her long legs and her blonde hair was down. She put a portion of it behind her right ear and bent down to wrap her arms around Harry. She kissed his cheek.

"What got into you last night? I mean, I'm not complaining, but you were amazing!" she giggled in his ear.

Last night had been one of the worst for him. With the whole Hermione situation, he hadn't been able to think of anything but that. When he had seen her he could not believe his eyes. He actually didn't want to believe them. The way she was dressed, well it made him think of her in a way that he would have never thought he'd think of her.

He felt extremely guilty however. Because the whole time Jacklyn and him were having sex he kept imagining it was Hermione. Then he started to imagine Hermione's body that night when he had caught her in her bra and underwear. He felt himself get excited when Jacklyn snapped him out of his trance.

"That whore!" she said angrily picking up the newspaper. "I cannot believe you were actually friends with her!"

" I still am, Jacklyn. I'm just a little upset with her." Harry said sipping his coffee.

"Are you serious, Harry!" Jacklyn said outraged. "Did you see how she humiliated me! That little bitch laid her filthy mudblooded ha.."

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY!" Harry yelled standing up. Jacklyn stumbled back, frightened at Harry's reaction to what she had said.

"I said she humiliated me." Jacklyn said regaining her composure.

"Don't play dumb with me Jacklyn. You know very well what you said! And I don't want you ever saying that again. She may be muggleborn but she's one hell of a witch. You seem to have forgotten I am in fact half muggle." Harry said putting his dishes in the sink as Jacklyn followed him.

"Of course I know darling. I didn't mean anything by it I swear!" Jacklyn said attempting to hug him. Harry pulled her arms off him.

"I'm going out." he said walking away.

"Where?" she asked.

"Somewhere." he said and left.

Jacklyn rolled her eyes. This was exactly why she was cheating on Harry. He was so dramatic. She couldn't take it all the time. She stayed with him for one reason and one reason only: His money.

Yeah, they were both successful Quidditch stars but he had all that money from his dead mummy and daddy. The fame would be amazing as well. Her marrying the Boy Who Lived! She wasn't going to let some mudblooded bitch take that away from her. She was going to pay someone a little visit.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Hermione hummed to herself as she tidied up the bathroom. She put her hair up in a messy bun she was wearing a pair of pajama pants and a big shirt that had belonged to an ex boyfriend of hers. She was hanging some new curtain liners when she heard the doorbell ring. She sighed and climbed out of the bathtub. She was in a far more pleasant mood than she had been earlier. She had gotten a letter from Blaise asking her to dinner that night. She really did feel as though she were starting to like him. The photographers had left an hour earlier as did Ginny and Luna when Ginny had run out like a mad woman placing bat bogey curses to anyone who had got near her.

She opened the door and was taken aback at who she had seen. Harry walked briskly into the house and turned to face her.

"Harry! What on..." she said and then was interrupted.

"What are you doing to me!?" he cried out loud. She stared at him surprised.

"What are you talking about?" Hermione asked looking confused.

"What has gotten into you lately!" he said angrily.

"Not to be rude or anything but I do believe YOUR the one running into MY home yelling." she said crossing her arms over her chest.

"You know what I mean! With your outburst at Diagon Alley then yesterday at my party! With the accusations and you punching Jacklyn!" he said staring at her intently.

"It was a slap! You were there you saw it!" Hermione said getting frustrated.

"That's besides the point, Hermione. What has gotten into you! You never acted this way before." he said calming down.

Hermione looked at the floor trying to choose her words carefully. "I don't know. I...I guess since we're...you...your actually going to get married." she said looking at him and then at the floor.

To her surprise Harry laughed. She looked up in surprise. "Oh Hermione!" he said and hugged her. She looked around wondering what on Earth had happened to Harry himself. Then she smiled and returned the hug. They stood there for a few moments in each other's arms.

"But you have to believe me when I tell you that Jacklyn is cheating on you and I saw her kissing Samuel!" she said muffled by Harry's shirt. Harry heard her and pulled away angrily.

"Hermione!" he yelled.

"What! It's true!" she said getting angry.

"Why are you making things like this up!" he said outraged gesturing with his hands.

"Are you delirious! Or just stupid! I've been your best friend for this long and you think I would just simply make something like this up!" she screamed.

They both stared at each other, glaring and if looks could kill both of them would be six feet under. Then Ginny and Luna apparated with bags in their hands. They had went shopping at Hogsmeade.

"Ohh! Staring contest! I want to play!" Luna said running up to them smiling. They both continued to look at each other ignoring Luna's comment.

Ginny walked up beside her. "What's going on guys?" she asked setting her bags down.

"Harry is being an uncontrollable bastard!" Hermione spat looking at him menacingly.

"No I'm not! She's the one lying to me about Jacklyn cheating on me!" he said looking back at her.

"You know what. I don't have time for this. I need to be getting ready for my date with Blaise. Excuse me." Hermione said holding her chin up and walking out of the living room.

Harry looked after her with a mixture of anger, surprise and sadness. " I...I'm going to go." he said and started to leave.

"Hold on there! You know Harry she wasn't kidding. Jacklyn really is." Ginny said grabbing a hold of his arm.

Harry looked at her, then shook his head and left. Ginny looked after him with a frown on her face.

"He really is hopeless." she said.

Hermione opened her bedroom door and slammed it shut. She could not believe how oblivious he was! She groaned and flopped down on her bed. She closed her eyes and tried to relax. After a few minutes she heard her door open. She looked to see who it was. It was Ginny.

"Blaise is here." she said.

"What?! It can't possibly be time already!" Hermione said. She looked at the clock and her eyes widened. "Oh no! I must have fallen asleep! Ah! Um give me five minutes! Please!" Hermione said running to her closet. She began to rummage through her clothes.

"All right." Ginny said and closed the door. She walked into the living room where Blaise was sitting down on the couch with a bouquet of lilies in his arms.

"She'll be right out." Ginny said and sat down across from him in the love seat.

"No worry. She doesn't need to rush." he said.

"So, what are your actual intentions with Hermione." Ginny said studying him.

Blaise looked at her and chuckled. "Shouldn't her parents being asking me this?" he asked.

Ginny frowned. "Well I mean the favor from Draco worked so you don't have to keep taking her out on dates. And I'm worried your doing it for a bad reason." Ginny said.

Blaise leaned forward and looked Ginny in the eye. " I genuinely like Hermione. She's changed. I like that." he said. Ginny smiled at him.

"All right." she said.

"So you and Draco are getting pretty close..." Blaise began.

"No! No!" Ginny said laughing nervously. "We're just colleagues."

"That's why your going to the hospital Christmas party together." he said raising his eyebrow.

"It was a bet we made on one of our patients." Ginny explained.

"You made a bet on a patient!?" Blaise said surprised.

"We were trying to get him to remember his parents!" Ginny insisted.

"How old is he?" Blaise said his eyes widening.

"Well, he's 10 but..." Ginny began.

"Your making a bet on a 10 year old!" Blaise said outraged.

Ginny got to her feet and huffed. "It was his idea!" she said and walked away.

Blaise sat there chuckling but stopped when he saw Hermione. She entered the living room wearing a strapless black dress with black beading down the side. Her hair was smooth and slick and she had a black flower in her hair.

"You look amazing." he said gazing at her.

Hermione blushed. "Thank you. You look quite nice as well." she said. He was wearing a pair of black slacks and a gray button down shirt.

He handed her the flowers. "Not as good as you." he said.

She smiled and smelled them. "Let me go put these in some water." she said and walked into the kitchen. She took a vase out, put the flowers in it and poured water in.

"Ready." she said and smiled. Blaise grinned and offered his arm. She took it and they walked out the door.

Blaise had decided to take her to the nice little restaurant "Marcellos" in Hogsmeade. The hostess sat them down and they waited.

"You know what I find really funny?" Blaise said looking at Hermione across the table in the dimly lit restaurant.

"What?" she asked flipping her hair over her shoulder.

"A couple of years ago. We probably never would have thought we'd be here, with each other, on a date." he said.

"I know. It is quite funny. But I've seen stranger things." she said and looked at him smiling. A waiter poured them some wine and continued on to the next table.

"Yes, this is true. But I'm thankful that this occurrence happened. I really do enjoy your company." he said taking her hand in his.

Hermione blushed. "As I yours." she said.

"May I take your orders?" a waitress asked stepping up to them with a floating quill and pad.

They gave her their orders and she walked off the pad and quill floating behind her.

"Thanks to Draco, amazingly." Hermione said taking a sip of her wine.

"Very true. Let's just say I owed him a major favor." he said doing the same.

Hermione raised her eyebrow. "Why? What did you do?" she asked quizzically crossing her arms over her chest.

"Now why is it that you come to the conclusion that it was something I did?" he asked looking offended.

She rolled her eyes. "Come one Blaise, you've changed. But I highly doubt that you've changed completely." she said.

He chuckled. "Let's just say I had a little trouble in Mexico and Draco helped me a bit...a lot." he said.

She laughed. "Ok. Ok. I'm not going to ask further." she said.

"Yeah I think it best you not." Blaise said. He then took her hand in his, kissed it and stared into her eyes. Hermione felt her face blushing furiously.

"I'm going to go to the restroom for a moment. Excuse me." she said. She got up from her chair and walked to the back of the restaurant where the bathroom's were located. She walked in and headed toward the sinks. She bent over one and sighed. 'Get a hold of yourself Hermione. Stop acting as if this your first date.' she told herself.

She opened the tap and scooped some water up in her hands. She brought her hands up and let the water run over her face. She heard the bathroom door open and footsteps entering. She gripped the side of the sink and looked up into the mirror to see her reflection. Her eyes widened as she saw Jacklyn's face next to hers.

"Jacklyn!" she gasped and turned around. She then felt her head fly back. She brought a hand up to her cheek and looked at Jacklyn as if she were crazy. Jacklyn's face was contorted with anger.

"HOW DARE YOU TRY TO RUIN MY REPUTATION AND MY RELATIONSHIP WITH HARRY." she yelled. She shoved Hermione against the sink so that her lower back was being pressed hard against the faucet. Hermione stared wide eyed at her, not expecting it.

"I swear if you, even think of another plot to destroy my reputation, I will kill you. I'm already this close to getting kicked off the Quidditch team and Harry has been acting very distant towards me." Jacklyn said.

Hermione regained her composure and stood face to face with Jacklyn. " Do you think that I'm getting us in the newspaper on purpose! My job is on the line here as well! And just so you know, this is your own fault. No one told you to cheat on Harry and to be a conniving bitch!" Hermione said feeling her temper rise. To her surprise Jacklyn smiled.

"In all honesty, Hermione, you are a nobody. If you lost your job no one would care besides you. Me, on the other hand, has a whole Quidditch team and a fan base of millions counting on me. And about Harry..." Jacklyn said smirking. "He's my one way ticket to becoming THE most famous witch in all the wizarding world. I will not let you ruin that for me."

Hermione's rage was boiling. "How can you be so inconsiderate and horrible! Harry cares for you, doesn't that mean anything." Hermione said.

"Say that again." Jacklyn said.

"Say what?" Hermione asked.

"That Harry cares for ME."

Hermione gave her a dirty look. "Why would I do that." she said.

"Because, I want you to realize that. That Harry cares for me not you. Because if he cared for you, the way he cares for me...you'd be with him. And guess what...your not! So every night, you go to bed repeat that over and over and over..." Jacklyn said getting closer to Hermione's face and emphasizing over.

Hermione shoved her away. To her surprise, she laughed. "Wow, I never realized how much jealousy could effect someone." Hermione said. "Scared yet?"

"What?" Jacklyn asked tossing her blonde hair back.

"You heard me. Your jealous because for once your not the center of attention anymore. And that Harry might actually be liking me more now." Hermione said.

Jacklyn laughed coldly. "You actually think Harry would like you?!" she said bitterly.

"Well, I'm not going to start making assumptions but I wasn't the one banging on a best friend's door in desperation and getting jealous of the fact that they had a date tonight." Hermione said starting to walk past her. "I'd talk that over with him if I were you." she added before she pulled open the door and walked back into the restaurant smirking. Jacklyn stared dumbfounded at the door.

Hermione sat down eloquently at her chair and smiled at Blaise. She then took his hand

and placed it in her own again and stared at him. "Now, where were we?" she said.

****************

"Marvelous!" Hermione said smiling.

"Perpetually beautiful." Luna followed.

"Gorgeous!" Hermione replied back.

"Pulchritudinous!" Luna said smiling.

Ginny raised her eyebrow not exactly sure at what Luna had called her.

"Ok enough with the adjectives. They're starting to make me wonder." she said. Hermione and Luna were sitting on Ginny's bed admiring her as she stared at herself in the mirror.

She wore a lovely green satin dress that hugged her body in all the right places. It was low cut in the front. She was sure it would make Draco's mouth water. She wore 4 inch stilettos, though they were pointless considering with them on, the top of her head would only reach Draco's nose. Her red hair was down in soft curls. She sighed stepping back and turned around to face them.

"I can't believe that we are actually dating Slytherin's." Hermione said chuckling.

"Correction. You are. I am simply attending this party with Draco because of a bet." Ginny said matter o factly.

"Oh right. The bet you made on a child's well being." Hermione said smiling at Ginny.

Ginny blushed furiously.

"You make it sound so horrible!" Ginny groaned. She then jumped and yelped when she heard the doorbell ring.

"Nervous much?" Hermione asked laughing.

Ginny scowled at her. She was , even though she wasn't going to admit it, very nervous. She wanted to look especially nice this evening to show to Draco she wasn't that poor little girl anymore. She wanted to rub in his face how successful someone could be minus the fact of they're background. Hermione opened the door and nodded to acknowledge Draco.

He stepped into the light and Ginny felt like she couldn't breathe. Actually...she really COULDN'T BREATHE! The next thing she knew she was gasping for breath. She hadn't realized that she had been holding her breath in anticipation.

"Are you all right?!" Hermione and Luna asked rushing forward.

"Yeah, I'm fine! I'm fine." she said regaining her composure. She looked at Draco who had been looking at her the whole time. His eye's seemed fixed on her. He then shook his head as if clearing his thoughts.

"Right, erm, I think we better get going. Don't want Miller to drink up all the whole bar." Draco said sputtering.

'Did I just render the Great Draco Malfoy speechless?!' Ginny thought mentally laughing.

'But Merlin, he looks so good...wait...I did not just say that! No! I didn't!'

Draco wore a nice tux, probably made of some expensive material that babies in Antarctica made, with a green button down shirt underneath and his hair was tossled neatly (if that were possible).

"Yes, I think we better. Good night, Luna, Hermione. I'll see you later." she said smiling at them.

Hermione looked at them with a raised eyebrow. "All right, have fun you two." she said waving to them.

"And if you two decide to have sex here, please try to do so quietly." Luna said nodding her head.

"LUNA!" Ginny said outraged while Draco chuckled.

"We'll try to..." He responded but was pulled out the door rather aggressively by Ginny.

"I cannot believe she said that! And I cannot believe you actually were going to make fun of her by responding!" Ginny said standing still and then apparating.

She stood in the hallway of the ballroom, the hospital had rented out for the night. She could hear the music playing from the double doors down the hall.

She heard a pop and Draco was next to her. “First, I thought it was funny. Second, how do you know I was making fun of her maybe I was being serious." he said looking at her. She turned to look at him and then rolled her eyes.

"Let's just go in." she said.

"As you wish." he said and held his arm out. She looped hers through and they walked in.

The party had certainly gotten underway. Many of their colleagues were dancing, rather drunkingly, and others were sitting down at the numerous tables chatting away. Then there was Aleesha Miller, the healer that worked on the same floor as Ginny and Draco, who was telling her whole life story to the bartender who kept handing her the drinks.

"Ginevra! Draco! You two look absolutely spiffing!" Godiva Monruy said smiling brightly at them. They both returned the smile.

"Thank you Godiva. We say the same to you." Draco said warmly.

"With this big belly! I don't think so. Let me tell you, do not get pregnant anytime soon! It's the worst!" Godiva said sighing. Ginny chuckled.

"I'll keep that in mind Godiva."she said.

Godiva nodded and moved on to talk to others. "She really has gained alot of weight." Draco said guiding Ginny to a vacant table.

"I know! It makes me wonder what she is pregnant with." Ginny said. Draco laughed which took Ginny by surprise. He noticed this.

"What? A Malfoy can't laugh?" he asked pulling her chair out for her.

"I love how you have to mention your a Malfoy." Ginny said taking a glass of champagne from the tray the waiter was walking around with.

"It's a habit. Drilled into me since I was born." Draco said nodding to the waiter as he grabbed one.

"Don't you think it's a bit much? You don't hear many people refer to their last name's with so much pride." Ginny said taking a sip.

"My family was arrogant." he responded simply.

Ginny coughed almost choking on the champagne. "Wait, excuse me. Did I just hear right?" she asked putting a face of disbelief on.

"Yes, you did hear right. But let me tell you people do change Ginny. As have I." he said looking at her as he downed the glass. She frowned.

"I don't know. They usually don't change by a lot." she said apprehensively.

"Well, Ginevra I have." he said his eyes looking deep into hers. She looked away.

"I still don't know. How do I know your not using this as some sort of publicity for yourself in the hospital." she said crossing her arms over her chest.

"Would I have spent countless number of sleepless night's in the room with Sam just so I could get some sort of trophy on my wall. I don't think so. I truly care about Sam. Almost as if he were my own son. " he said his face turning serious as he passionately answered her.

"Touché." she said leaning forward in the table to stare into his eyes almost daringly. He did the same. Ginny felt her body temperature rising.

Ok she wasn't going to deny it anymore. Draco Malfoy looked utterly shaggable right then and there. And Ginny had to muster all the control she had to keep from flying over the table and pouncing on him. She then saw him stand up, take his jacket off of the tux he wore and walk up to her with his hand held out.

"Dance with me." he said. She looked at him and placed her hand in his.

He led her to the dance floor where she stepped out to the side and instantly he pulled on her arm and she was brought into his arms facing him. They both stared at each other intensely. The music began. It was a tango. Slowly they began to walk to the side with their upper body facing one another. They both made quick, swift movements as if they had been doing this all their life. Ginny wrapped her leg around Draco's hip, showing a lot of thigh, and Draco grabbed it and dragged her across the floor. Ginny set her leg down and twisted her hips from side to side taking steps as she did so. They were pressed up against each other and they could feel the other's breath. They were both looking at each other seductively. Ginny could feel Draco's upper back with her hands and could tell how muscular it was. The more she danced with Draco, the more excited she became. They weren't sure how many dances they exactly danced but Ginny could tell it was a long time when her feet could barely move.

The music ended and everyone erupted in applause. They both snapped out of the trance they were in and pulled apart. Ginny blushed furiously but smiled as Draco smirked at everyone. There were about 20 people left.

"Fantastic dancing! Where did you learn to do those moves!" Michelle Fitherpeather asked excitedly.

"I stayed in Argentina for a couple of months." Draco replied.

Ginny shrugged. "I took some classes." she said simply.

"Maybe we should call it a night." Ginny said. Draco agreed, grabbed his jacket, they both said their goodbyes and apparated to Ginny's home.

"Nice moves." Draco said eyeing Ginny.

"I could say the same." she said smiling slyly. "But then again, I didn't live in Argentina."

"I thought you were quite...sensual and lustful." Draco his gray eyes penetrating into Ginny's. Ginny however, was too busy staring at Draco's lips especially after the last word that had come out of his mouth. Ginny's breathing became heavier and Draco was moving closer and closer. Then before she knew it, she jumped on top of Draco and wrapped her legs around his waist. They both kissed each other hungrily. Moaning from Ginny and growling from Draco could be heard. Ginny's hands fumbled with the lock behind her. Once open she wrapped them in Draco's hair as they continued to kiss each other. Draco kicked the door closed and began to walk blindly down the hall.

"Second door on the right." she breathed and attacked Draco's mouth again. He groaned and opened the door to her bedroom and shut the door.

******************

AN: Thank you all for reviewing once again! I appreciate it so much! Next chapter should be up soon! As always review!

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6. Denial and Right Decisions

Chapter 6: " Denial and Right Decisions."

The sun rays poked through the curtain's over Ginny's window and danced upon her face causing her to scrunch up her face in distaste. She groaned and turned over to not be bothered by them. She then felt someone's steady breath across her face.

"MMM. Draco! Breathe the other way." she mumbled. Then realizing what she had said opened her eyes immediately.

Sure enough there was Draco. His blonde hair over his eyes, his arm around her waist. His gray eyes looking at her and his lips forming a smirk.

“Sorry, just trying to stay alive.” he said.

“Oh Merlin! What have we done!” Ginny said grasping the sheets closer to her chest.

“A very natural thing. By the way, there’s no point in doing that. I saw a lot of you last night.” he said seductively and leaned in to kiss her.

“No! We cannot do this! We are colleagues, we’re professionals. This will…” she said getting out of bed and pulling the sheets around her naked body. This left Draco with only one blanket draped across his hip.

Ginny couldn’t help but gaze at his extraordinary physique. Nice arms, back, chest, abs…other things…

Draco caught her glances and smirked even more. He got up letting the blanket fall. Ginny quickly turned around mouthing Oh my god as she did.

She felt Draco’s arms around her and him kissing her bare shoulder. “Now Ginny, you know as well as I do, that you want this. We’re grown adults, with urges just like everyone else.” he whispered in her ear. Ginny shivered.

“What will everyone say… No. I am not considering this. Get out now!” Ginny said.

Draco chuckled. “I don’t believe you.” he said stepping back. Ginny then felt very cold without his warm body around her. She then shook her head.

“I don’t care if you believe me or not. I want you out.” Ginny said.

“Why won’t you turn around?” he asked.

“Because…” she said.

“Because what?” he asked amusement in his voice.

“Your naked.” she said. Draco let out a hearty laugh.

“With due respect love, you did see me entirely naked last night. And you were not complaining and I wasn’t either, believe me.” he said beginning to pull the sheet away from her.

“No! Draco! Leave please! Right now.” she said.

Draco sighed. “Fine keep being in denial, Ginny. I’ll see you at work.” he said. She heard some rustling behind her and then heard a pop and knew he was gone.

Ginny turned back and sat down on her bed. All the memories of last night flooding her. She had to admit, last night was amazing. She could now say that Draco was the best sex she had ever had. Though she did not want to get too close to him. She was a changed woman. She had a steady and wonderful job and she didn’t want to ruin it all by having a relationship. She stood up reassuring herself she had done the right thing.

*********************

“I knew it.” Hermione said.

“You did not!” Ginny replied stirring her tea.

“I did so. There was sexual tension between you two. I could feel it.” Hermione said.

Hermione and Ginny were having lunch inside Ginny’s office. Ginny had invited her to talk further about what had happened the night before after Hermione begged her all morning.

“Oh please! Your just focusing on you and Harry.” Ginny said taking a bite of her sandwich.

“Oh hush up. I am not even focusing on Harry anymore. Blaise is all I see.” Hermione said smiling to herself.

“Oh lord…Your gone.” Ginny said rolling her eyes.

Hermione tossed her napkin at her. “He’s making me very happy!” she replied.

Ginny laughed. “I know I’m just happy for you.” she said crumbling the paper of her sandwich.

“Well, I need to go. Have some paperwork to do.” Hermione said standing up.

“As usual.” Ginny said standing up as well. “I’ll see you tonight.” They hugged and Hermione apparated.

Ginny sat down in her leather armchair and began to go through patient records. She heard a knock on her door.

“Come in.” she called. She heard the door open. She looked up and saw Draco. She frowned.

“Yes.” she said.

“I have Sam’s record’s. You asked for them.” he said looking at her with a certain glint in his eye.

“Right thank you.” she said stepping from behind her desk and taking a hold of the file.

Her hands brushed Draco’s and for some reason it sent a shock through her body. She looked at him. He had on his white lab coat and his hair was in his eyes, as was usual. His expression was one of concentration and dare she say it he looked so good!

He turned to leave. She could see his nice ass in the slacks he wore. She then began to feel hot. She began to fan herself. She knew she was going to regret it and before she knew it she was calling his name.

“Draco.”

He turned. “Yes.” he said his face expressionless.

“I…I have a question about this. Could you come over here.” she said trying to maintain a normal tone. He nodded and walked over to her.

Then she did it. She attacked him. Kissing him savagely, her hands on his face. The file fell to the floor as he moaned and laid her on the desk. Knocking a quill holder and papers down.

“Mm… Draco.” she said.

“Ginny.” he responded kissing her neck. Her eyes began to roll to the back of her head.

“Oh…Draco.” she murmured.

“Oh Ginny.” he said lifting her leg to wrap it around his waist.

She then looked towards the door and screamed.

“Sam!” she shouted shoving Draco off of her.

Draco turned to see Sam standing their gawking at them.

“Miss…Ginny, Mr. Draco.” he said looking confused.

“Sam… What are you doing here.” Ginny said straightening her skirt and hair and walking towards him.

“Yes, Sam. What are you doing here.” Draco said trying to maintain his composure.

“My mum and dad are going to take me home today. I wanted to say bye before we left.” he said still looking at them quizzically.

“Oh Sam! That was very sweet of you.” Ginny said giving him a hug. Draco ruffled his hair and smiled.

“Miss. Ginny. Mr. Draco….what were you doing.” Sam asked tilting his head to the side.

Draco and Ginny froze. They both looked at each other. Ginny opened her mouth.

“Well I had a tooth ache.” she said turning to Sam.

“Yes, she had a tooth ache and I was checking it for her.” Draco said nodding his head.

Sam stood there. Looking at them uneasily.

“Are you ok then…Miss. Ginny?” Sam asked.

“Yes, well no, Mr. Draco is going to have to come back and examine my mouth some more before I can feel full relief.” Ginny said looking to Draco.

Draco eyes widened a bit and he took a deep breath.

“Yes, so I’m going to have to walk you back to your parents, Sam.” Draco said standing next to him.

“Bye Sam.” Ginny said giving him one last hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“Bye Miss Ginny.” Sam said. Draco took a hold of his hand, gave Ginny a very suggestive look and walked Sam down the hall.

Ginny closed the door behind her and leaned against it.

“Oh lord, I’m the one gone. What am I going to do…I guess I could continue this. No feelings will have to be involved…So I won’t be that distracted at work. Yes! Excellent! I can have all the fun I want without giving my heart to him. Oh shut up Ginny! You know that‘s not true. Your already head over heels and you don‘t know why.” Ginny said sighing.

She then sat down in her chair again and continued her work.

**************************

“So I told Mr. Lunerhand if he was not going to believe me about the periwinkle spotted turkeygullers he could get right out of my office and consider himself fired!” Luna said as she chopped some onions.

She was in Ron’s flat helping him cook dinner.

“You tell him honey.” Ron said kissing the side of her head tenderly.

“I did! I could write that article myself! I know more about them. I was once kidnapped by a flock of them when I was 3 ½!” Luna said nodding and adding the onions to the meat.

Ron looked at her, raising his eyebrow and then shook his head. He took her face in his hands and kissed her.

“I love you!” he said and began to stir the noodles.

“I know. I love you to.” she said. They both heard a pop in the living room.

“Oh hi Ginny!” Luna said smiling.

“Hey, I’m here to pick up the presents for the Christmas tree at the Burrow.” Ginny said.

“Right let me get them.” Ron said and jogged to his room.

“You have a hickey on your neck.” Luna replied simply.

“What!” Ginny exclaimed. She looked at herself in the mirror on the wall. Sure enough there was a hug red spot on the side of her neck. She quickly did a spell and it disappeared.

“I know you had sex with Draco.” Luna said smiling.

“Well…” Ginny said a bit embarrassed.

“I know you just finished having sex now to.” she said sitting down on the sofa and twiddling her thumbs.

“How on earth would you know!?” Ginny said her eyes widening.

“Because the way you look. You have this aura about you. Every person does. Your aura gives off a red glow, meaning you just had sex.” Luna said standing up and walking around Ginny, studying her and nodding.

Ginny looked around, trying to see what she was talking about and realized she was trying to figure out something only Luna could see.

“Luna stop doing that, your making me nervous.” Ginny said.

Then Luna grabbed her head and put her forehead against hers. She had her eyes closed, as if concentrating.

“Most likely on top of your desk at work.” Luna said letting go.

Ginny was taken aback. She opened her mouth to reply but Ron came in with the presents.

“All right, I think these are all of them.” Ron said setting them down.

“Oh wait! I have one to! For Bill and Fleur’s baby” Luna said. She then went behind the couch and pulled out a wrapped box.

“Luna, you didn’t tell me you got a present for their baby.” Ron said giving Luna a look. “That’s why all the presents say from you and me.”

“ Well it was last minute!” Luna said. Then the box shook.

“Why did the box shake?” Ron said looking worried.

“Oh it’s alive!” Luna said brightly.

“Alive!?” Ginny said a bit scared.

“Luna, what is it.” Ron said in a stern manner.

“A hairless pygmy puff!” Luna said grinning.

“A Hair… a hairless pygmy puff Luna!” Ron exclaimed.

“Yes, Fred and George said it would be a fantastic present!” Luna said.

“There is no such thing as a hairless pygmy puff.” Ron said rubbing his eyes.

“Yes, there is. I looked at it before I bought it.” Luna said.

“How can it be a pygmy puff if there’s no….no….puff!” Ron said flailing his arms everywhere.

“I’ll show you.” Luna said and lifted the lid. They all peered inside.

“Luna, that’s a hairless rat.” Ginny said calmly with a apathetic look.

“This is what you get for listening to Fred and George. They manipulate you into buying this crap.” Ron said running a hand through his hair.

“Oh no! This isn’t a hairless pygmy puff or rat!” Luna said smacking her forehead.

“It is a hairless ra…” Ron said.

“It’s a harnar!” Luna said excitedly.

“A what!” Ron exclaimed.

“I’m going to go. I’ll see you tomorrow at the burrow you guys, for Christmas.” Ginny said shaking her head. She took the presents and apparated to the Burrow.

************************

“Blaise!” Hermione giggled. She was kissing Blaise on the couch. It was dark in the room and she was laying on her back.

“What, I’m not doing anything bad.” Blaise said grinning.

“What if Ginny comes in.” she whispered as Blaise began to kiss her neck.

“She can walk to her room.” he mumbled against her skin.

Then they heard a pop.

“Look, Hermione I know I’ve been a real jerk but…” a voice began.

Hermione looked to see Harry.

“Harry!” Hermione said. Blaise got off of her and scowled at Harry.

“Oh, did I interrupt something.” Harry said in a bitter tone.

“Yes, you did. Now if you could please leave.” Blaise said.

“Blaise. What do you need Harry.” Hermione said standing up and looking at him sternly.

“I wanted to apologize. But it seems it’s a bad time.” Harry said glaring at Blaise.

Blaise rolled his eyes and sat back against the couch.

“Yes, Harry, it is. Now can you please leave.” she said and turned around to head back to the couch.

“Wait, Hermione. Can…can I please talk to you for one minute?” he said in a desperate tone.

Hermione turned and saw his face. She sighed and nodded. They walked outside.

“What is it Harry.” she said.

“What were you two doing in there?” he asked.

“Harry!” she said outraged. Her eyes widened.

“What?” he asked.

“How dare you ask me something like that!” she said her eyes wide.

“Well, I mean he looked like he was attacking you.” Harry said nodding his head.

Hermione stared at him. “Harry…I think you’ve gotten hit one too many times in the head by bludgers.” she said rolling her eyes.

“It was only 6 times Hermione!” Harry said.

“We were kissing Harry. You know, what you and Jacklyn do…sadly.” Hermione said giving him a fake smile.

“Why?!” Harry said getting a bit upset.

“Because I’m a estrogen driven woman Harry. I get urges to, just like you.” she said sardonically.

“But…but I don’t want you to….” Harry started.

“Don’t want me to what? Kiss. Have sex? Just in case you didn’t know Harry, I’m a grown woman. I can make my own decisions and I certainly do not need your approval.” Hermione cried. Harry stared at her for a bit.

“I just…” he said trailing off.

“Harry, if you just realized something about our relationship, it’s a little too late to do anything about it. I’m with Blaise now. You, with Jacklyn. I’m sorry.” Hermione said and turned to open the door.

“Wait…” Harry called. Hermione turned around. Harry wanted to say something, but he couldn’t figure out what exactly it was.

“I’m sure Jacklyn’s waiting for you at home Harry.” Hermione said softly, then entered the house.

Harry stood outside of the house for a few moments. Looking at the closed door. He then shook his head. He turned to leave.

******************

The thunder roared outside as the rain flew at the windows in sheets.

“Oh, William!” Jacklyn giggled. She was laying in her and Harry’s bed with William. He was kissing down her neck, insinuating that he wanted another round with her.

She giggled some more and let him climb on top of her. She moaned as he nibbled her ear. She then saw something move out of the corner of her eye. She gasped as she saw Harry standing in the doorway dripping wet.

His black hair was hung in front of his face. His glasses still had rain drops on them. His dark jeans and blacks shirt clung to his body. His eyes were looking at Jacklyn and William menacingly.

“Get out.” he said in a little above a whisper.

“Harry darling!” Jacklyn said getting out bed quickly with a sheet wrapped around her body.

“GET OUT!” Harry yelled. Jacklyn jumped back. William grabbed his clothes and quickly apparated.

“Harry, what you just saw…” Jacklyn began.

“What I just saw! What I just witnessed was my fiancé acting like a complete whore! Cheating on me! And to think, I ignored everyone’s accusations. Even my best friends! Even the woman I lo…I care for! Just to be proven wrong by you.” Harry yelled.

“Harry please…” Jacklyn said.

“I want you out of my house with all your shit in less than a half hour!” Harry said eerily clam. Jacklyn opened her mouth. He turned to leave again. Then stopped. “And if you aren’t out by then I’m calling the ministry.” He then continued to walk.

************************************

AN: Another chapter done! It might take a couple of days for me to spit out the new chapter because I have exams all week. But I’ll be sure to update as soon as I can. Thank you all for reviewing! I love hearing everyone’s thoughts and opinions on all the plots and characters. It really puts a smile on my face. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and as always review!

7. To do it, or not to do it, why can't there be another answe

Chapter 7: “To do it, or not to do it, why can’t there be another answer!”

*****************

“Oh!” Ginny yelled. Draco collapsed on top of her. Both of them sweaty, Draco propped himself up on his elbows to take his weight off of Ginny’s body. His hair was matted to his forehead and in his eyes. Ginny could never get enough of how good he looked like that.

The night had started off with Ginny meeting her family at the Burrow, to eat dinner and open Christmas presents. And to have her mother crying all night about how accomplished her children were. Ginny said a tired good bye to her family members and returned home. As she walked into her room she saw a very superbly dressed Draco leaning against her dresser.

“What, how…” Ginny said turning around to see if Hermione or Luna was around in the hall. She then closed the door.

“Luna. She let me in.” Draco said.

“Why didn’t I guess before?” Ginny said rolling her eyes.

“You look nice.” Draco said looking at her outfit. Ginny opted to wear a white body hugging sweater and a brown skirt with brown boots. Her hair was up in a knot on her head.

“Thank you. You, you like pretty good yourself.” she said nodding toward his attire.

He looked down at the dark gray silk suit he had on, which matched his eyes perfectly.

“I was at mother’s for Christmas dinner. She tried to push me to talk to her best friend’s daughter Lila. The girl had a gap between her teeth the size of a Quidditch field! Though of course, she is pure blood and her family is old money, so there’s a lot of it.” Draco said sighing and pulling off the jacket. He sat down on her bed.

“ Well, maybe she’s a nice girl.“ Ginny said.

“No, she’s not my type.” Draco said. She took off her boots. She shrank about 3 inches. Draco tried to hold back his smirk. She noticed.

“Shut up!” she said annoyed. Draco chuckled and walked over to her.

“Besides, I like my girl’s petite.” he whispered seductively in her ear. He then kissed it. Ginny shivered with pure pleasure. “Well, um, good luck with that.” she managed to whisper.

Draco’s eyes began to turn a deeper shade of gray. Even though it hadn’t been long since their “relationship” began, Ginny already knew what that meant.

“Oh, but I don’t need any luck. I think I already have one.” he said pulling her close and kissing her.

Then of course, they wound up having sex. Like always. Ginny was of course not complaining. What woman in her right mind would? But she was scared of what was going to happen.

He nuzzled her neck. “You.” he said kissing it every other word. “Are.” “So.” “Beautiful.”

Ginny felt her insides tie in a knot. She didn’t want this, she didn’t want to get feelings for him. As immature, and stupid as it sounded, she was a Gryffindor, he a Slytherin. A Weasley. A Malfoy. It could never work out. But Merlin, how her heart was telling her another thing.

“No I’m not.” she said looking away. He tilted her chin toward him.

“Yes, you are.” he said and kissed her lips. She could have melted right there.

“Draco…”she whispered. He put a finger to her lips.

“Wait, first let me go. I want you to join me for dinner at Marcello’s tomorrow night.” he said smiling at her. Something she never thought she’d see him do.

“I…I…” she said.

“Come on. A nice romantic dinner for two. We could go back to my place afterwards. I would love to show it to you. I’m no interior designer but I’m not half bad.” he said.

Ginny looked at him. She didn’t want to say no, hell, she couldn’t say no.

“Ok.” she responded.

“Great! I’ll pick you up at 7.” he said grinning. He was showing his genuine happiness. He gave her a peck and got up.

Ginny looked at him in an almost adoring manner. He stood up and put his clothes back on. She wrapped the sheets around her feeling cold without his body to warm her up.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” he said still smiling. He kissed her one final time and apparated.

Ginny stared at the blank spot where Draco had stood moments earlier. She was so confused. Her mind was telling her one thing, but her heart another.

“Oh god, I just need to go to sleep and stop thinking.” she groaned and fell back against her pillows that conveniently smelled like Draco.

*************

Harry didn’t know why he was there. He hadn’t planned on going there. But somehow, there he was, standing outside the door of Hermione’s place. ‘Just go home.’ he thought to himself. But, naturally, he ignored his own advice and knocked on the door. He heard rustling inside and the sounds of the locks coming undone. The door opened and a dirty blonde head poked outside.

“Oh. Hello Harry!” she said brightly, even though it was nearly 12 at night. She had what appeared to be a male’s shirt on.

“Hi, Luna…erm…is…” Harry said looking at the floor.

“No, Hermione isn’t here. She’s at Blaise’s.” Luna said knowing exactly what he was going to ask.

Harry sighed. “Of course.” he said and then turned around to leave. “God, I’m such an idiot!”

“If you want you could talk to me. Ron’s here, as well.” Luna suggested. Harry stopped, contemplating it. Then he turned and entered the house.

Ron had come out of the hallway, his hair slightly askew and wearing just gray pajama bottoms.

“Harry?! What happened?” Ron asked surprised to see his best friend there.

“Nothing.” he said immediately regretting taking Luna up on her offer.

“He wanted to talk. I assume it’s about Hermione since she was the reason that he came here.” Luna said wrapping her arm around Ron’s bare waist.

“Is that right?” Ron said smiling amused.

“Bugger off.” Harry groaned sitting down at the table and putting his head in his hands.

“No, it’s a little late for that. Now, why exactly did you come here at midnight to see her?” Ron asked sitting across from him.

“I honestly have no idea. I was just walking around Hogsmeade and I just felt incredibly guilty about the whole not believing Hermione thing. Did she get my flowers by the way?” Harry said looking at Luna.

Luna nodded. “Yes, she sighed and put them in water.” she said.

“Well at least she didn’t throw them out.” Harry said attempting to be optimistic.

“I guess, but I think it may take awhile for her to forgive you.” Luna said sitting on Ron’s lap.

“Great, just dandy.” Harry said sarcastically putting his head in his arms.

“I still think you should talk to her mate. You know she gets worked up over things but then she cools off.” Ron said.

“Yeah, but usually it was over petty little stuff. This time, it’s something pretty serious.” Harry said.

“Well, it was your fault for not believing her.” Luna said.

“Thanks, Luna. You know how to make a guy feel better.” Harry groaned.

Then they heard the door opening and Hermione walking in with a smile on her face. Then as soon as she saw Harry, it fell.

“I’m going to bed, Goodnight. Luna. Ron.” she said and began to walk towards the hallway.

“No! Wait! Hermione! Please.” Harry said rushing from his chair to her. He stopped in front of her.

“What Harry!” she demanded impatiently.

“Please, we need to talk.” He pleaded.

“No. We don’t. I got your flowers, thank you for them. I read your atrociously long letter and I burned it. You had made your decision.” she said firmly.

“Um, Luna. Let’s go back to your room.” Ron said pulling Luna towards the room.

“Oh but I want to watch!” Luna said not walking farther and standing in front of them.

“Luna, come on!” He said and pulled her into the room.

“Oh, fun we get to continue having sex!” Luna’s voice said excitedly as the door closed.

“There is nothing further to discuss.” Hermione said.

“Yes! There is! There is plenty to discuss! Hermione I would do anything for you to forgive me. I’ve been going out of my mind with the torture that you may not forgive me again. I couldn’t possibly live with that!” Harry urged.

Hermione opened her mouth to reply when all of a sudden Harry got down on his knees and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Please!” he pleaded. He looked up at her with puppy dog eyes. Hermione felt herself laughing.

“Harry. Get up.” she said.

“Not until, you forgive me.” he said stubbornly.

“Forgive you for what?” Hermione said.

“For acting like a jerk.” he said.

“And…” she said.

“And for acting like a complete asshole and not believing my best friend in the whole wide world when she tried to warn me about the evil, deceiving, bitch of an ex I had.” Harry said.

“Oh, I like that.” Hermione said.

Harry smiled. “Do you forgive me then?” he asked. Hermione looked at him, thinking about it. She really wanted to but she wasn’t sure whether or not her pride would let her.

“All right then.” she said. Then Harry grinned and stood up. He engulfed her in a massive hug and picked her up. She laughed. He then set her down.

“But if you ever screw up like that again. There is not going to be another chance.” Hermione said looking at him to make sure he got the point.

“On my honor.” he said raising his right hand.

She smiled at him and gave him another hug. “I really missed you ‘Mione.” he said resting his chin on her head.

“I know, it felt weird not talking to you.” she said.

“Hey, why don’t you meet me at the Quidditch field tomorrow after practice so we can go to lunch.” he suggested.

“Oh, I don’t know Harry.” Hermione said thinking about all the things she needed to get done at work.

“Please!!!” he whined getting down on his knees again and grabbing her around the waist.

“OK! Ok!” she said chuckling.

“Perfect! Meet me outside the locker rooms at 1.” he said. She nodded. He then smiled and kissed her cheek. His hand placed on her other one. She looked into his green eyes with her warm brown ones and she blushed. He then stepped back and apparated.

‘Ugh, Merlin Hermione. Can’t you ever stick to a decision.’ she scolded herself. ‘But, his apology did seem genuine.’ She sighed and walked to her room.

********************

Hermione stood waiting outside the men’s locker room. She shivered as the end of December weather blew in a chill. She brought the black trench coat closer to her body. She had her pulled back, after straightening it, the night before. She wore some light make up and a pair of jeans with black boots. Dare she say she looked pretty. She wasn’t sure, on exactly why she had spent so much time on appearance, but she did.

She had told Blaise she was going to be meeting Harry for lunch and it was anything but pleased.

“He completely betrayed your friendship. He humiliated you at his engagement party and you were on the cover of the Daily Prophet, two weeks in a row!” Blaise said outraged.

“I know, but his apology was very sincere.” Hermione insisted.

“I just don’t trust him. He could always do it again. It’s like cheating. Once someone does, the chances are they’ll do it again.” Blaise said pacing in his living room.

“Blaise, honey. Just trust me with my decision. Ok?” she said stopping him and making him look at her.

Blaise hesitated but then reluctantly agreed. “Fine. But if he does anything to hurt you again…” he said.

“I’ll make sure I won’t tell anyone when you hex him into oblivion.” she said smiling.

She heard some footsteps and voices and then the male member of the Quidditch team turned the corner. All of them sweaty and with wind blown hair. Among them were Harry and Ron. Ron noticed Hermione and waved to her

“Hey, Hermione.” he said. Harry turned his head, after talking to Nigel and stared for a minute. Then his face broke out in a grin.

“Hey! You’re here! I’ll be out in a sec.” he said giving her a quick hug.

“Ok.” she said smiling. They all walked in and Hermione waited. It took about 10 minutes before Ron and Harry emerged.

“Hey, ready?” Harry asked stepping next to her. He had obviously taken a quick shower, Hermione smelled the brisk clean smell of the soap. It was mixed in with his wonderful smelling cologne. His hair was wet and disheveled but it looked nice. He had changed into a pair of jeans and a button down blue shirt.

“Yea, all set.” she said.

“You going to come Ron?” Harry asked.

“Naw, told Luna I was going to meet her at the flat for lunch. She wanted to try this new concoction she made up. So if I don’t see you in practice mate, you know where I’ll be.” Ron said putting his hand on his shoulder.

“Yea, slumped over a toilet. Or being taken care of by your sister at St. Mungo’s .” Harry joked. Hermione laughed as Ron nodded. He waved them off and then apparated.

“So where did you have in mind to go?” Hermione asked walking down the hall.

“I was thinking of this little café in Diagon Alley. It’s very nice and is very private.” Harry said putting his arm around her waist.

Hermione wasn’t sure, what to take of this. Her and Blaise were basically an item now and she wasn’t sure if it was appropriate for her to let Harry do that. But she shrugged it off and didn’t mind.

They made it to Diagon Alley and walked into a small café called The Cauldron. It was a very warm and cozy place. A few witches and wizards were dining in there having soft conversations. The friendly waiter sat them down and handed them a menu.

“The Caesar salad is very good, as well as the club sandwich.” Harry said skimming the menu.

“Oh good, I’ll have the salad. I’m going to have a big dinner with Blaise tonight.” Hermione said closing the menu and straightening her coat.

Harry made a noise. Hermione looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

“What was that?” she asked staring at him.

“Nothing.” Harry said continuing to look at the menu.

“May I take your order?” the waiter asked.

“I’ll have the Caesar salad with a water please.” Hermione said handing them the menu.

“I’ll have the Deluxe club sandwich, thank you.” Harry said.

The waiter nodded and left. Harry looked at Hermione.

“So, where are you and Blaise going for dinner.” Harry said trying to keep the bitterness out of his voice. Hermione had already sensed it.

“We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to Harry.” Hermione said tearing off a piece of a breadstick.

“Why, I don’t mind.” Harry said stuffing one into his mouth. Hermione frowned.

“All right. Well, he was planning on cooking a dinner for the two of us.” Hermione said.

“Pshh…That’s original.” Harry murmured.

“Harry!” Hermione scolded.

“What?!” Harry said trying to act cool.

Hermione shook her head. “Anyway, how was your practice?” Hermione asked, thinking it was best to change the subject.

“It was ok. Coach worked us nearly to death.” Harry said.

“Yes, well the finals for the world cup are a few weeks away.” Hermione said.

Harry looked at her, surprised. “What?” she asked. Harry chuckled.

“Didn’t know that you were keeping up with Quidditch.” Harry said pulling out the utensils from his napkin, so he could set it on his lap as their food arrived.

“Of course, I do. One of my best friends is the star seeker.” Hermione said sticking her fork into the salad.

“Yes, well back in Hogwarts, you rarely knew what team was playing who.” Harry said taking a bite of his sandwich.

“Yes, well that was because I was always obsessed with studying. Now, I just have my job and well, things change. I actually fancy the game a bit more.” she said delicately eating her salad.

“Ok.” Harry said amused.

“It’s getting a bit warm in here.” Hermione said and then took off her coat. She had a red v neck shirt on. Harry smirked. She had a string from the coat across her shoulder. Harry reached over to take it off. Hermione looked alarmed and smacked his hand away.

“Ouch! What was that for!” Harry said rubbing his hand.

“You were reaching for my breast!” she said.

“I was not! I was going to take that string off.” he said pointing.

“Oh, well, I’m…I’m sorry.” Hermione said feeling embarrassed.

“I know your with Blaise, Hermione. So no matter how bad I would love to do that, I have respect for you.” Harry said not thinking. Then Hermione’s eyes widened and Harry realized what he had said.

“Erm, right. Um, let’s just eat.” Harry said and took a huge bite of his sandwich.

“Yes, let’s.” Hermione said blushing furiously.

“That was the money shot!” Camilla Stratslater said as her photographer snapped the picture of Harry reaching over to touch Hermione’s chest. They were outside the café peering in.

“Yer, I have to agree with you there.” he said grinning.

“I already have the perfect, juicy story to type up about it.” Camilla said grinning. “Harry Potter getting frisky with longtime lover in Café. What will Jacklyn think! Oh, I smell the drama brewing.”

“You always know how to ruin people’s lives, boss.” the photographer said.

“Of course I do, darling. That’s my job.” she said examining her nails.

“Now let’s move on to Jacklyn’s house. I want to catch Meyer’s leaving Jacklyn’s home.” Camilla said and began to walk off. Her photographer followed.

***************

“Luna….why does the house smell like something is burning.” Ron said apparating into his flat.

“Oh, the chicken just got a little toasty in the oven.” Luna said stepping out from the kitchen. She had an apron and oven mitts on. She was holding a small tray with a burnt chicken in it.

“A little toasty Luna?” Ron said looking at it uneasy.

“Yea, it just stayed in the oven a little longer than usual.” Luna said smiling.

“How much longer?” Ron asked scared.

“About an hour.” she replied.

“An hour Luna!” Ron said shocked.

“Yes, is something wrong?” she asked, cocking her head to the side.

“Erm, no.” Ron said.

“Great! I’ll carve the chicken up.” she said brightly.

“Wait! Um…Luna. Why don’t we um….have sex instead?” Ron said knowing that she would quickly agree.

“You want to have sex now?” she said looking at him quizzically.

“Yes.” Ron said.

“With the chicken?” Luna said raising her eyebrow.

“Ye…No! What! No. No way Luna.” he said looking disgusted.

“Then what’s going to happen to the chicken?” Luna said looking down at the chicken disappointed.

Ron immediately regretted suggesting the sex thing. He hated to make Luna feel bad.

“Honey, it’s ok. We can eat the chicken now. Sex can wait.” Ron said hugging her and kissing her temple. Then Luna set the chicken down and jumped on top of Ron. She wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him.

“Never mind. I want to have sex now.” Luna said grinning. Ron was surprised.

“We don’t have to…” Ron said but was cut off with Luna’s mouth over hers. His eyes rolled into the back of his as she kissed him passionately. He then walked them into the wall. Luna was pressed against it, attempting to raise his shirt over his head.

“Yea, we’ll definitely have the chicken later.” Ron muttered.

**************

AN: Hello. *readers throw tomatoes* AH! I’m very sorry for the extremely long wait for the chapter. First I had exams, then my computer went kaboom! Then I had the dreaded *dramatic music* writers block. *scream* I typed up 2 chapter 7’s and deleted both of them, not satisfied. Then I finally was able to write this one and I hope everyone enjoyed it! So please review and let me know what u think! I loved reading your reviews from the last chapter! And don’t worry I have already gotten started on chapter 8. It should be out, at the latest by next Monday. Bye!

8. The battle begins

Chapter 8: “The battle begins.”

*************

“You didn't tell me he groped you.” Blaise said.

“What are you talking about?” Hermione asked confused.

“Do you enjoy being on the front cover of the Daily Prophet every week for absurd stories?” he asked dropping the newspaper. Hermione was sure that she did not want to look down at the cover but she couldn't help herself and looked.

There splattered on the front cover was a picture of Harry leaning over the table of the restaurant they were in yesterday and reaching for her breast. The Headline read: Boy wonder gropes his long term mistress.

“Oh Merlin, this is bad.” Hermione groaned.

“Damn right this is bad! How could you let him do this to you!” Blaise cried.

“He did not do anything! He was attempting to brush a string that was strewn across my chest. He was not grabbing my breast!” Hermione said.

“Right. Hermione, I'm a guy. Harry, who I really do not want to associate him with being one, is unfortunately one as well. I know what he was thinkingâ€¦” Blaise said.

“And what is that, Blaise.” Hermione said her eyes flashing.

“ He wanted to grope you, among other things.” Blaise said.

“You think I would let him do such a thing! And in public mind you! What kind of woman do you think I am!” Hermione said her voice rising.

“No! I don't think you were letting him. He was being sneaky.” Blaise said.

“He was not! My god, do you think I want to be on the cover of the daily prophet every week being portrayed as a whore!” Hermione yelled standing up and throwing the newspaper at him.

Blaise caught it and his eyes widened. “Of course not! I just, I don't trust him Hermione.” Blaise said.

“Well maybe you should learn to trust me!” Hermione said angrily. She grabbed her jacket and walked towards his door. She turned around. “I have to get to work. Bye.”

She then pulled open the door and left.

Blaise stood their staring at the door. He was a mix between upset that Hermione was furious with him and angry at Harry for getting involved in their relationship. He then knew what he had to do. He was going to pay Harry a visit.

***********************

Harry ran a towel over his hair as he walked down the stairs to answer the door. He had just come home from a grueling practice and had just taken a nice relaxing shower. There was another knock and Harry pulled open the door. He was very surprised to see Blaise standing there.

“Blaise.” he said taken aback.

“Harry. We need to talk.” Blaise said staring at Harry intently.

“About.” Harry said not opening the door any farther.

“Hermione.” Blaise said.

Harry opened the door and motioned for Blaise to step in. Blaise entered and eyed the living room. He had an unimpressed look on his face.

“Look, if this is about the Daily Prophetâ€¦” Harry began.

"Your damn right this is about the Daily Prophet!" Blaise said shoving the newspaper in Harry's chest rather aggressively, causing Harry to teeter back on his heels. Harry mustered up all the strength to not punch Blaise right in the face.

"What do you think, gives you the right, to grope my girlfriend in public!" Blaise demanded.

"First off, how dare you come into my home, yelling and shoving me. Second, I did not grope Hermione in public! I was brushing something off. That was it." Harry said angrily.

"Right. I know that since the day you broke up with Jacklyn, you have been trying to seduce Hermione and corrupt her."Blaise said looking at Harry menacingly.

Harry laughed. " Seduce her?! Corrupt her!? How do you figure?" Harry asked crossing his arms over his chest.

"I know how you Quidditch players are. Stay up all night, party, sleep with anything that has a vagina!" Blaise said looking disgusted. "I will not let you get a hold of Hermione!" Harry's blood boiled.

" I would never introduce Hermione into that type of lifestyle! I care about her too damn much to do that." Harry said his eyes flashing.

"I knew it! You just admitted it!" Blaise said pointing his finger at Harry.

"Admitted what?" Harry said.

"You love her." Blaise said.

Harry was quiet for a moment. Then looked Blaise straight in the eye. "Yes, I do Blaise." he said simply.

"Well your going to stay away from her. I don't want you to see her or talk to her." Blaise said clenching his fists.

" I think Hermione is capable of making her own decisions." Harry said.

"Hermione's smart enough to stay away from you." Blaise said getting close to Harry."You'll hurt her. She knows that, that's why she gave me a shot. And right now she's very happy with me."

"If telling yourself that makes you feel better..." Harry said walking towards the kitchen.

"It's the truth!" Blaise said glaring at him.

"OK." Harry said smirking slightly.

"Hermione will never be with you." Blaise said. "You've ruined your chance with her."

" Look, I made a mistake and now I'm making it up to her." Harry said turning to face him.

"Well I'm going to make sure that it doesn't work." Blaise said and with those final words he departed.

Harry stood there for a few moments, staring at the door. Trying to collect his thoughts. He knew he needed to be with Hermione. It was the one thing he felt right about. He could not stand for her to be with such a feeble-minded idiot. She was too good for him. He wanted her to be happy and Harry hoped that she would realize that it was him that could help fulfill that.

******************

Ginny couldn't believe it. She didn't want to believe it. But yes, Ginny Weasley had in fact, just snorted when she laughed at insanely funny joke that Draco Malfoy had just shared. It was beyond embarrassing, especially when Draco didn't not make the situation better by turning an unnatural color of red that was caused by his laughing at her.

"Oh Merlin just kill me now." Ginny groaned putting her head in the cup of her hands.

"You...that...do it again!" Draco said trying to calm down as he laughed.

" I will not! That was so awkward Draco! I usually do not do that! The elderly woman sitting at the next table gave me a dirty look!" she said giving him a hard look.

"Hey, snorts happen." he replied regaining his composure.

"Ha-ha." she said breaking off a piece of a bread stick and daintily nibbling on it.

"I guess that joke made an impression." he said eating some pasta.

"Obviously." she said rolling her eyes. "Who would have known that Draco Malfoy could be funny, not counting when he's turned into a ferret."

"Who would have known that when Ginevra Weasley finds something overly humorous she snorts." he said focusing on her.

"Oh hush!" she said looking away. Draco chuckled. The waiter brought the check over. Draco took out a massive amount of galleons, sickles and knuts. Ginny gasped.

"Draco! How much is dinner!" she said wide eyed.

"Don't worry about it." he said handing the booklet over to the waiter.

"Draco..." Ginny started.

"Don't worry! Now let's go." he said standing up and pulling Ginny's chair back so she could stand up. She gave him a frown but stood up.

They apparated to Draco's flat. It was nicely decorated for a bachelor. There was a black leather coach against the wall in the living room. Next to one of the arm's of the coach was a statue of a black panther, ready to pounce. A gorgeous glass coffee table was set in front of it. There was a metal book case filled to the brim of books.

"This is very nice Draco." Ginny said surprised at the nicely decorated place.

"I try." he said loosening his tie. Ginny set her purse down on a table and then looked at the dining room. There was a big painting of a naked woman, lying on a chaise hanging on the wall.

"Figures." she said.

"What?" he asked.

"Naturally, you would have a painting of a naked woman." Ginny said looking at him.

"This is a beautiful painting Ginny. If you study it, you will find how amazing it truly is." he said. "Let me explain. See the subtle brush strokes that he used to color her complexion. Not too much, he wanted to show the delicacy of a woman's skin. Then the very fine lines that make up the curves of her body, the artist wanted to show how enticing and voluptuous a female's body can be. Why are you looking at me like that."

Draco caught her looking at him oddly as he pointed toward the areas he was talking about.

"I'm....I'm just pleasantly surprised." she said smiling.

"What, that I can look at a woman's naked figure and now just think about how badly I want to have sex with it." he said raising his eyebrow.

"Yes, actually." she said and then laughed.

"Well, I'm pleasantly surprised that when you laugh you can sound absurdly close to a pig grunting." Draco said grinning.

"Your never going to let me live that down are you?" she asked crossing her arms over her chest.

"Never." he said smiling. He then walked towards her. She looked at him. He then gently laid his lips down on top of hers.

"See this piece of art, is such a great pleasure to describe." he said beginning to walk around her studying her. Ginny felt slightly uncomfortable though she didn't know why.

"The auburn color of her hair, delicately frames her oval face which is sprinkled with freckles. This in turn makes her beautiful almond shaped brown eyes to stand out. Her pouty lips draw attention to her gorgeous face. Her petite frame is well proportioned and the dress she is wearing shows off the divine curvature of her body which any man would go crazy for. I am proof of this." he said gracing his fingers of her hips. Ginny shivered.

"Though there is more to this craft than just sex appeal. It is pure beauty that not many can achieve. However, the beauty is not merely on the outside alone. She contains even more desirable traits, inside. Intelligence, passion, sincerity. Any man would instantly fall, and this man is beginning to." he said tilting her chin up as he stood in front of her. She looked into his gray eyes momentarily. Then she was overcome with a wave of emotion. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. It was gentle kiss but was overflowing with feeling. She pulled away and smiled.

"This woman is more than willing to welcome these feelings from both herself and this man." she said. He smiled and kissed her.

********************

"It's such a beautiful day out." Luna said dreamily. She looked out the window and smiled.

Hermione raised her eyes from the paperwork she was doing. She then moved them toward the window. The rain was splattering against the window hard. She then turned them toward Luna again with a raised eyebrow.

"It's raining..." she said.

"I know." Luna said nodding her head.

"OK..." Hermione said rolling her eyes and getting back to her work.

"Samuel the purple shiny horned imble timble octohippogirafiger was the best octohippogirafiger! Though he never knew he was a octohippogir...." Luna sang.

"Luna!" Hermione interrupted irritably.

"Yes?" Luna said cocking her head to the side.

"Shut up." she said.

"OK." Luna responded.

"Hey, Hermione. Luna." Ginny said walking into the house smiling.

"Guten tag!" Luna said.

"Hello." Hermione said simply.

"Do you guys want to go meet Ron and Harry at the bar tonight to play some billiards?" Ginny asked setting her purse down on the table.

"Sure!"

"No."

"Oh Hermione come on! You've been doing work all weekend. Time for a break." Ginny said sitting down next to Hermione and putting her arms around her shoulders.

"Look I'm on my last paper. After this I want to get a head start on next weeks papers." Hermione said marking something down on the paper.

"Uh Uh." Ginny said shaking her head. "I don't think so. Your coming with us tonight."

"No Ginny I'm not." Hermione said.

"Yes, you are. Be ready by 7." Ginny said. She got up and then walked towards her room.

"Ginny, I don...." Hermione began.

"La La La. Can't hear you." Ginny said covering her ears and closing her door.

******

"Ah ha! I knew you'd come." Ginny said grinning.

Hermione smiled. She knew she needed to get her mind off of her work and of the argument with Blaise.

"Oh you look so pretty Hermione!" Luna said smiling. Hermione had opted to wear a pair of semi form fitting jeans and a red halter top. She wore a matching jean jacket. Her hair was in loose curls.

"And you do to." Hermione said looking at Luna. She was wearing a light pink shirt and jean skirt.

"Ok." Ginny said. "Let's go." They all apparated to the bar. It was already full when they got there. There were loud voices over the already loud music. Cigarette smoke caused a haze. They saw the guys sipping a beer and laughing. Harry was leaning against a billiard stick while Ron set his down on the table.

"Hey Ronald!" Luna said wrapping her arms around him and kissing him. Ron smiled.

"Hey." he said his arm around her waist. Harry then saw Hermione. He couldn't help but stare. She did look quite beautiful. She smiled warmly at him and he returned the gesture.

"Hey." he said hugging her. She wrapped her arms around him and breathed in. She loved the way he smelled. A mix of cologne and aftershave.

"Ok. So the teams!" Ginny said. "Same as always?"

"Yup. Harry and Hermione go first. As usual since they always win. I don't even know why we bother to play." Ron said setting up the balls.

"Don't be bitter Ron." Hermione said laughing.

"I'll go get us some drinks."Luna said and walked towards the bar.

"You know he always says the same thing." Ginny said rubbing some chalk on the edge of her stick. Hermione was up first. She took off her jacket revealing her smooth shoulders. Harry stared. As Hermione bent over the table to break she flipped back her brown hair.

"Wow..." Harry said without noticing.

"Huh?" Hermione asked turning her head.

"I said ow. I stubbed my toe." Harry said. Hermione turned back to the table and pulled back the stick. She shot it forward and the balls moved everywhere. Harry looked at Ron and Ginny who were smirking back at him.

"We're solid." she said turning around.

Harry nodded. Luna then came back with three beers. Hermione took one and so did Ginny.

"Cheers." Ginny said and all of them raised their glass. They all took a drink. Harry set his down at the table where Ginny and Luna were sitting.

He then walked over to the pool table. He aimed for the red and yellow solid ones. He got them in.

"Good shot." Hermione said smiling.

"Thanks." he said and grinned.

"Yeah, yeah. My turn." Ron said.

"Oo! Go Ronald!" Luna cheered.

"At least you have one fan." Ginny cracked.

"Shut up." Ron said. "Next time your not going to be on my team!"

Ginny clutched her heart. "No! Don't do this to me Ron." she exaggerated. Harry and Hermione laughed. Ron grumbled as he bent over the table prepared to hit.

Hermione sipped her beer. She caught Harry looking at her. She turned toward him and he smiled awkwardly.

"Good beer huh?" He said lifting up his mug. Hermione nodded, tucking a curl behind her ear.

"You know Hermione, I wasn't sure whether or not to tell you..." Harry said looking down. He wasn't sure if he should tell Hermione about Blaise's visit or not. He knew she would be more than upset with Blaise if she found out that he was undermining her decision on who she could and would see. But he didn't want to be seen as a rat either.

"What is it Harry?" she asked.

"Um, well, I've decided to um paint my house and I wanted to know if you would help me." Harry said making something up.

Hermione looked at him surprised. "That's it? That's all you wanted to ask?" she said.

"Well, yes. I know your busy and all and..." he said.

"Of course I'll help you Harry." she said chuckling. Harry smiled.

"Great." he said.

"Hermione, it's your turn." Ginny said walking to her seat. Hermione nodded and stepped up.

*********

"HAAAAA! Ronald! Your so funny!" Luna said laughing hysterically. It was 1 in the morning and Ron and Luna were holding on to each other for dear life.

"You are to! Your so gorgeous!" Ron said and then pushed her against the wall and they began to make out.

Hermione giggled as Harry laughed. Ginny rolled her eyes. She pulled the two of them apart.

"All right you two. Let's get you home." Ginny said. She turned towards Harry and Hermione.

"I'll see you Harry. I'll see you later Hermione." Ginny said and walked them out the door.

Hermione shook her head still laughing. She turned toward Harry who was smiling as the door closed behind a very drunk Ron and Luna. He then looked down at her.

"Well, I guess I better be going." Hermione said.

"Yeah...Oh he's your jacket. Here let me." Harry said holding her jacket out. Hermione put her arms through it and turned back.

"Thank you." she said and smiled.

"No problem." he said. They looked at each other for a moment. Harry tucked a curl behind her ear. His fingers brushing over her jaw line. She closed her eyes enjoying the touch of his hand.

They found themselves in a dark secluded corner. Harry began to trail his thumb along her lower lip. Her eyes fluttered open and she saw Harry's emerald eyes staring at her. They were deeper shade of green and Hermione could almost read the message he was sending her. She felt her body begin to change. Her breathing began to come out more ragged. Her heart rate began to speed up. She knew where things were headed and thanks to the alcohol she didn't care. Harry leaned down, his lips so close to hers. She wanted this, Merlin did she want this. Then the rational part of her brain kicked in.

'What the hell do you think your doing Hermione! You have a boyfriend and your about to kiss your best friend!' it screamed.

Hermione pulled back. "Um...I'll see you tomorrow Harry to help you paint. Um....good night." she stammered and quickly walked out of the bar. Harry stood there. Trying to calm down, his heart was beating a mile a minute. He had been so close to kissing Hermione.

'Good job, idiot. You scared her away.' he mentally cursed himself. He then turned around and walked out of the bar.

**************

AN: All I can say is that I LOATHE computers. They hate me and they have secret society where they plot to make my life a living hell. Ok So there's chapter 8. I really do hope you enjoyed and please review! It always makes my day when u do!

9. What to do with ‘I love you’s, a mistake with paint and an i

Chapter 9: “What to do with `I love you's, a mistake with paint and an interview'”

&&&&&&&&&&&

“Why are you going through my things?” Draco asked lazily. He was lying in bed shirtless and looking towards the closet which Ginny was currently in.

“Because you have yet to repeat an outfit. So I'm curious to know exactly how many articles of clothing you really have.” She said. Draco sighed.

“If you must.” He said and laid down on his back staring at the ceiling.

“You own 20 Janovich shirts! 20!” Ginny exclaimed. Janovich was the hottest wizarding designer. It was equivalent to that Versace person Hermione had mentioned once.

“Yes, I do. You can afford to buy one. Why are you so shocked?” he said.

“Yes, I can now. But certainly not 20 of them!” she said.

“Malfoy inheritance.” He said simply.

“Ah…I see. Must be nice.” She said.

“I don't really care. I don't use it that much. I wanted to save it for my children. Along with whatever I save up for them.” He said rubbing his eyes.

“Oh Draco…that's the sweetest thing you've ever said.” Ginny said poking her head out of the closet.

“It's coming from me. What else would you expect?” he said.

“That just ruined the moment.” She said poking her head back into the closet.

He chuckled. “Are you done in there yet?” he asked turning his head to face it again.

“Hmm….not quite.” She said. Then she reappeared.

She leaned casually against the frame of the closet door. His eyes widened. She was wearing his old Quidditch jumper. It reached mid thigh to her. Her auburn hair was down and dare he say it she looked absolutely sexy.

“I cannot believe you still have this.” She said playing with the bottom of the jumper.

“Ye…Yea. Um, still do.” He stammered staring at her. She began to walk forward.

“My brother's would kill me if they caught me in this.” She said walking toward to him.

“P...Probably.” he said pushing himself back against the head board.

“As a matter of fact. Probably all of Gryffindor.” She said getting on the bed and straddling his hips.

He moaned and nodded. She leaned her head in and kissed his lips. He ran his hand up her smooth leg and brushed the hem of the jumper. He began to lift it up when the fire in the fireplace began to crackle loudly.

“Hey Dra…Oh sorry!” a voice said. Ginny screamed and rolled off the bed with a loud thud.

“Ouch.” Her voice said from the floor.

Draco eye's widened and he looked over the side of the bed where Ginny was on the floor.

“Are you ok?” he asked. She nodded. He then turned angrily to the fireplace to see who had interrupted. Blaise's head poked from the fireplace. He had a bashful expression on his face.

“Really sorry. Um, it's just I need to talk to you. Urgently.” He said his eyes darting to the floor which Ginny was getting up from and Draco. He looked at him pleadingly.

“Can't it wait…?” Draco asked looking at Ginny who he really wanted to continue having fun with.

“No, no. It's fine Draco. I'll just go to the kitchen to get something to drink.” She said. She nodded at Blaise and went for the door. Once closed Draco looked to Blaise.

“Was she wearing…?” Blaise started.

“Yes.” Draco answered.

“Didn't know you were into that whole role-playing thing.” Blaise said chuckling.

“We're not. Was it that you wanted Blaise?” Draco asked impatiently. He got up from the bed in some baggy pajama pants.

“I'm in a predicament.” Blaise said. Draco could tell that he was pacing in his study from the way his head would move back and forth.

“What kind of predicament? I swear Blaise if your sleeping with another woman while with Hermione and Ginny finds out I might just let her kick your ass.” Draco said. “Especially if it's a high political figures daughter.”

“No! No way. I really like Hermione…a lot.” Blaise said stopping and facing Draco.

Draco looked at him and studied him. He knew what was fazing Blaise and he sighed. He sat down on the edge of his bed and looked at him.

“You're falling for her aren't you.” He said. Blaise stayed quiet. Then nodded.

“Well, that's good right?” Draco said.

“Yea in any other circumstance. But that bloody Harry Potter is ruining it for me.” Blaise said angrily. His blood was boiling at the thought of Harry. Draco raised his eyebrow.

“What does he have to do with anything?” Draco asked.

“Everything. Since he called things off with Jacklyn he's been trying to win her over. And I'm worried that Hermione will actually fall for it! Even after all he's done to her.” Blaise said.

“I didn't think that you and Hermione were getting that close.” Draco said.

“Yea, I mean in all honesty she's amazing.” Blaise said. “And I will stop at nothing to get Hermione. If he's looking to fight over her I will. You have to be with me on this. You have to back me up. If he starts anything, you have me covered.”

Draco looked at him with hesitation. Blaise was his best friend. But Ginny was his girlfriend, who happened to be friends with Harry and Hermione. If he punched Harry, Hermione would most likely hate him, tell Ginny and Merlin knows what she would do to him.

“Look mate, I don't think starting anything with Harry would be a good idea.” Draco said trying to talk Blaise out of it.

“He's the one who started with this first! I need to know do you back me up on my decision to get Harry out of the picture!” Blaise said his eyes looking at Draco.

“What do you mean by getting Harry out of the picture?” Draco said he was now looking at Blaise concerned for his friend.

“I'm not going to kill the guy but just screw with him a bit. Make a lot of horrible things happen to him…get kicked off the team, make Hermione absolutely hate him.” Blaise said his eyes wild.

Draco was taken aback. “What's going on with you Blaise?” he said. “Why would you do that.”

Blaise looked at Draco with outrage. “What's wrong with you?! Normally, you would be right behind me but you're acting almost as though you don't want to do it?” he said.

“You're not thinking rationally. There has to be another way you can try to get Harry out of the way.” Draco said.

Then Blaise started to laugh. “I know what this is all about…Ginny.” He said.

“What about Ginny.” Draco said getting defensive.

“You're becoming all soft because of her. Just because of her friendship with Harry. Is this how a friend treats his best mate?” Blaise said angry.

“I am not turning soft. I am trying to not get you in trouble with Hermione if she finds out about your plan! I'm trying to find an alternative.” Draco said his temper rising.

“No! That's a lie. You're worried that precious Ginny will be on your case. You've changed because of her. You're not as outgoing.” Blaise said his voice rising.

That was it. Draco was sick and tired of Blaise's absurd behavior and his attempting to attack Ginny. He stood up angrily.

“Maybe I have changed because of her! In a good way. And I would not be one to talk about changing because of their girlfriend. Have you even paid attention to what you've been saying! Thinking of sabotaging Harry's career for your own pleasure!” Draco yelled.

“A couple of years ago you would have been with me on that!” Blaise yelled back.

“Back when we were children! This is what you are acting like at the moment!” Draco yelled, breathing hard.

“You know what! I don't need your help. I'm going to do this on my own. I really thought you, being my best friend, would help me. I guess I was wrong.” Blaise said and with that disappeared from the fireplace.

Draco stared hard into the fireplace. He attempted to get his breathing back to normal. He was absolutely furious with Blaise. Sometimes he regretted setting him and Hermione up.

He heard the door open and Ginny's voice.

“Is everything alright? I heard yelling.” She said putting a hand on his shoulder as he continued to look into the fireplace.

“No, things have just gotten worse.” Draco said looking down.

**********************************

Hermione stood in front of the mirror and brushed her hair. She was on her way to Harry's house. She was getting very nervous and was thinking about not going. After what had happened the night before she was scared of what might happen.

She sighed as she set the brush down. She had chosen to wear a pair of loose fitting jean shorts and white t shirt, since she was going to painting. She walked out into the hall where Luna was coming from the opposite direction.

“Hey Luna, I'm going to head over to Harry's now.” She said.

“Ok. Have a good time.” Luna said faintly.

“Are you ok?” Hermione asked.

“Yes, I'm just fine. Thank you for asking.” She said and smiled.

“You're not sick or anything?” she asked.

“No, I'm as healthy as a horse.” Luna responded. Hermione looked at quizzically.

“As a horse? No strange creature that you just made up?” Hermione said studying her.

“I never make up any creatures.” She said in a delicate voice. “But yes a horse.”

“Ok…I'll be back soon.” She said and giving one last glance at Luna walked out of the house.

She was in front of Harry's house in a manner of minutes. She took a deep breath and raised her hand to knock. She was surprised when the door opened with her hand centimeters away from it.

“Oh, Harry! You scared me.” She said clutching her heart.

“Sorry bout that. I'm anxious to start painting.” Harry said smiling. He was wearing a sleeveless undershirt and some worn out jeans. `Merlin he looked so good' she thought. Hermione smiled nervously.

“Yeah…” she said. She stepped into the house. The living room floor was covered in plastic so as not to drip paint on the floor.

“What color have you decided to paint the walls?” Hermione asked.

“I was thinking this maroon color.” Harry said walking towards the cans on the floor. He opened one and showed her.

“It's nice.” She said. Harry picked up two paintbrushes.

“Shall we start?” he asked. She took one and smiled.

“We shall.” She responded. She dipped the paint in the pail and then began.

They began making small talk, discussing how close the Chudley Cannons were in making it to the finals. Just one game away.

“That's great Harry! Are you nervous?” she asked.

“Naw. I'm more excited. We've trained so hard for it.” He said doing long brush strokes.

“Yea I know. Luna would complain about how she wasn't having enough sex as she would like to with Ron. Which I really didn't want to know.” She said shaking her head.

Harry laughed. “Naturally Luna would tell us things that we may or may not want to hear.” He said.

“You know I never would have thought the two of them would be together.” Hermione said.

“Yea well Ron is a very hot headed person and Luna is very tranquil. They balance each other out.” Harry said smiling as he redipped his brush.

“Very true.” She said.

“Would you like something to drink?” he asked.

“Yes, pumpkin juice would be fine.” She said.

He nodded and walked into the kitchen. Hermione was relieved that he hadn't mentioned anything from the night before. She wasn't sure how she felt about what had happened between the two of them. She could blame it on the alcohol of course but she knew deep down inside that it hadn't affected her that much to not know what she was doing. Harry came back and handed her a glass. She took a sip from her cup as he did the same with his.

Then there was a moment of silence. A very awkward moment of silence. Then Harry took it upon himself to make it worse.

“Listen Hermione about last night…” he began. Hermione then began to choke embarrassingly on the drink. She started to cough excessively. Harry then rushed to pat her on the back. Once she was done her face was bright red, she could feel it.

“Are you alright?” he asked concerned.

“Yea…it just went down the wrong pipe.” She said putting a hand to her hot face.

“Look, if you don't want to talk about it, its ok. I just want to know what you thought about it.” Harry said setting his cup down on the coffee table.

“Harry…I…what happened shouldn't happen again. If Blaise found out…” she said avoiding his eyes.

“You didn't tell him?” he asked surprised.

“No! Of course not! He would have a fit and most likely go after you! I do not want that.” She said picking up the paintbrush and continuing to paint.

“Well I just figured you would blame it on the beer or something…” Harry trailed off.

“No, I wasn't that drunk.” Hermione said absentmindedly. Then her eyes widened at what she had just revealed. Harry looked at her with a smirk on his face. She turned towards him.

“I did not mean that. And get that look off your face.” She said holding the paint brush towards him. He chuckled.

“And if I don't.” he said challenging her while raising an eyebrow.

“I'll do this.” She said getting frustrated and smearing paint all over his shirt. Harry gasped in a joking manner while looking at it.

“Your dead.” He said. He pulled off his shirt. “This is war.” Then grabbed his paintbrush.

“Harry no!” Hermione cried, laughing.

She grabbed her brush and began to run away. Harry grinned and chased her. She was thankful that his house was big and quickly hid in spare room. She was panting slightly and yelled at herself mentally for not being in better shape. She held her breath as she heard footsteps on the other side of the door. Then sighed as they went away. She opened the door and cried out when Harry appeared. Her grinned and then put her over his shoulder.

“Harry! Put me down! Now! Harrrry!” she yelled kicking. He then put her down and pinned her against the wall. He cocked his head to the side and smiled evilly while lifting up the paintbrush.

“Don't you dare!” she said. Then she felt him spread it all over her shirt.

“Harry!” she said and passed her brush all over his chest. His hard, lean chest. Hermione couldn't help but admire his fine abs. Then gasped as Harry drew the paint along her thigh. It sent shivers down her body as she felt the cold paint against her skin.

“That's cold…”she whispered looking down as his hand dropped the paintbrush and touched her thigh where the paint was.

“How do you think I feel?” he murmured near her ear.

She looked at where she had spread the paint on his arm and chest. She raised a hand to his chest and his muscles flexed. He took hold of her hand. She looked up and then felt the most wonderful feeling. Harry's lips pressed themselves gently onto hers. They were soft and warm and Merlin they felt so good against hers. She felt her hand let go of the paintbrush and wrap itself in his hair as her body was pinned with his against the wall. She deepened the kiss. So many emotions were running through her body and all of them she knew she had never felt with Blaise. Harry's tongue brushed itself against her lips and she more than happily obliged to open her mouth. She hadn't thought it could have felt better but she was proved wrong as she let Harry kiss her into oblivion. They're tongues intertwining.

It was all a daze to her as she felt herself being picked up and feeling herself wrap her legs around his waist. Her hands running through his hair as he set her down on the table. He leaned forward causing her body to recline on the table. His upper body covered hers as he continued kissing. His hand running along her legs making her moan as he continued brushing it up along her side. He began to kiss her neck causing her to moan even more. She then gasped as his hand went underneath her shirt. He pressed his hips into hers and she soon felt the evidence of how much this was affecting.

Then there was a heavy knock on the door. They both turned towards the sound and then at each other. It finally dawned on Hermione at what exactly they had been doing. She rather aggressively shoved him off of her and hopped off the table.

“I …I have to go! Bye Harry.” She said straightening her clothes and then apparated.

Harry looked at the spot where she had just stood a moment before and tried to calm down his body. Then there was another heavy knock on the door. He then turned angry and stormed toward the door. He yanked open the door and was shocked to see who stood in the doorway.

**********************

The one thing Jacklyn O'Brien knew was how to get what she wanted. And how to get it fast. Another thing she was very good at was revenge. Coincidentally, she had used both strategies on Harry. Well, she was about to use the last one on Harry momentarily. She paced her living room waiting for there to be a knock at the door. As if on cue, a delicate knock sounded. She opened the door and there stood the middle aged Camilla Stratslater. She smiled with a glint in her eyes. She had a red skirt suit on, with matching red stilettos and held a notepad in her arm. Her quill was floating next to her.

“Jacklyn, darling. It is so wonderful that you contacted me.” She said stepping in. She air kissed Jacklyn on both cheeks and then fluffed her brown curls.

“Yes, well, you've written such fabulous stories about me before.” Jacklyn said sarcastically closing the door.

“I know. Weren't they fantastic, darling.” She said looking at Jacklyn's living room and smirking.

“Ok. Let's just get started.” Jacklyn said gesturing for her to sit down on the couch.

“Oh darling, this is the finest cashmere. I need something to sit down upon. By the looks of it, your couch is infested with lint.” Camilla said looking around for something. Jacklyn rolled her eyes.

“Didn't know that it was that expensive.” Jacklyn said.

“Of course you didn't darling. Look at what you are wearing.” Camilla said commenting on the white tank top and gray pajama pants Jacklyn wore. Jacklyn tossed her blonde hair back angrily. Then Camilla found a book and sat down upon it.

“That's my first Quidditch book that Beatrice Suthers wrote about me!” Jacklyn said thinking Camilla hadn't noticed.

“Oh I know darling, I hate her writing it's absolutely dreadful!” Camilla said not caring. She opened her notepad and then looked at Jacklyn with her dark eyes. “Let's begin.”

Jacklyn calmed herself down and sat down on the couch instead of yanking the book from underneath Camilla's arse and smacking her over the head with it.

“So, you were born in Dublin, Ireland darling.” Camilla said. The quill began to zoom across the paper.

“Wexford.” Jacklyn corrected.

“Right darling. You have 20 brothers and sisters.” Camilla continued.

“What! No I only have one older brother!” Jacklyn said shocked.

“Of course dear.” Camilla said nonchalantly. Jacklyn had a feeling she wasn't even paying attention to what she was saying. She stood up.

“Look, I sent you an owl yesterday to give you this interview fast and to the point. I do not have time to have you ask me pointless questions about my childhood.” Jacklyn said standing in front of Camilla with her arms crossed over her chest. Camilla put a smile on her face which left Jacklyn with a bitter taste in her mouth.

“Of course darling! We'll make this incredibly speedy.” She said with sweetness which Jacklyn could sense was fake.

“Look. Do you want the inside scoop on me and Harry's relationship or not!” Jacklyn said angrily.

“Of course darrrling, why else would I be here. This information is sure to be on the front page of all the popular newspapers throughout the wizarding world.” Camilla said smirking again. “Now tell me. Did Hermione Granger really break up your relationship with Harry because of him cheating on you with her?”

***************

AN: Yay! Here's chapter 9 which I am incredibly proud about. I was stuck in the beginning but once I got started it all started to flow. I must say that I was not going to have Harry and Hermione kiss in this chapter but it just seemed right and I hope you all enjoy. I loved your reviews from the last chapter and of course I would love for you to review again for this one! Love you all! You make me want to continue writing! Read and Review!

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10. Advice, a Question and a Surprise

Chapter 10: “Advice, a Question and a Surprise.”

***********************

Harry stood there, confused at why exactly Draco Malfoy stood on his front step. Draco seemed surprised himself. He was shifting on his feet and kept running a hand through his hair.

“Malfoy…” he said raising his eyebrow.

“Potter…” Draco said staring at him. Harry expected him to say something further and when he didn't sighed impatiently.

“Well, what the hell are you doing at my front door?” He asked drumming his fingers against the door as he still held it open.

“Oh, right. Ok. Actually, I'm still not sure about that.” Draco said feeling extremely stupid.

Harry looked at him in disbelief, and then shook his head. “Ok. I don't have time for this.” He said. “You interrupted something very important.”

Draco could see inside the house and noticed paint splatters across the walls. He smirked.

“What finger-painting and making a mess?” he asked not being able to keep the sarcasm away for long. Harry's jaw tightened and had almost completely slammed the door shut but Draco quickly stopped him.

“Ok, Ok. Sorry. Shouldn't have said that.” He said mentally cursing himself.

“What do you want Malfoy.” Harry said losing his temper.

“I just came here…to give you some…erm advice.” Draco stammered.

He couldn't believe it. He was actually nervous. Well, nervous wasn't a good word choice. He was actually worried about what to do. Blaise was his best friend since they were 2. Potter was his enemy since they were 11. But there was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind to at least warn Harry about the things Blaise was plotting on doing, without entirely betraying his friendship with Blaise. He wasn't going to come right out and say that Blaise was on the verge of sabotaging his career. Damn Ginny, for being such an influence on him. Of course she didn't know either about Blaise's plan; Draco couldn't muster up the courage to tell her.

“You want to give me advice. Ha! I think it should be the other way around Malfoy.” Harry said amused.

Draco's face hardened and he chose to ignore Harry's comment.

“Anyway. Just try and look out for anything suspicious. Be very careful about anything you decide to do. The things you would normally never think twice about think about them more carefully. They may end up being the worst thing you could possibly do.” Draco said attempting to choose the right words without giving too much away.

Harry's face showed some confusion. “What are you going at?” he asked.

“Just…there some…things….that want to sabotage you. And, I'm just forewarning you about them.” He said.

“Why the hell should I listen to you out of all people?” Harry asked looking at Draco with an evil look.

“Why wouldn't you?” Draco said angrily. “It's not everyday the person you despise comes running at your door to warn you about being careful.”

“How do I know it's not some sort of plot you and Blaise have schemed up.” Harry said suspiciously. Draco made a face.

“Blaise is a big boy. He can handle himself.” Draco said. “Plus I'm not really into 13 year old school boy pranks anymore Potter. Neither is he.”

“Maybe, but you are his friend.” Harry said.

“I used to be. Now I'm not sure.” Draco said trailing off. He then felt a buzzing in his pants. He took out his pager and it read: “You have a patient waiting. You are needed urgently.”

“Listen as much as I would love to stay, chat and have a cup of tea, I have a patient to see. Just take heed to my advice.” He said and then apparated.

Harry stared at the spot where Draco had been standing. Thinking of what he had told him. He was now worried. Could he trust his friends, could he trust Draco's information?

“My life just keeps getting better and better.” He mumbled to himself as he closed the door.

***********************

Hermione quickly closed her door as she rushed into her room. She slid down the wall as she let the tears stream down her face. What had she done? She just kissed her best friend.

`Don't lie to yourself; you did not just kiss him. You completely ravished each other.' Her brain told her.

`Shut up' she told herself.

`Why. Because that's probably been the best kiss you've ever had.' her brain retorted.

`Shut up! Shut up!' She said covering her ears.

`Oh stop acting like a child. You need to hear the truth.' Her mind said.

`Sometimes it's better not to.'

`But sometimes it is.'

`I refuse to sit here and argue with you.' Hermione yelled.

“Well I was just going to ask you if we were out of milk but ok.” A voice said.

Hermione jumped. She turned to see Luna standing in her doorway. Her hair hung limp and she looked sick.

“Luna…I wasn't talking to…you…” she said knowing she sounded like a mad woman.

“Oh. Ok.” Luna said and then turned to leave.

“No, wait Luna. Sorry, I didn't mean to sound like that.” She said. “Here sit next to me.” She ushered to the space next to her. Luna walked over and sat down.

“Are you ok?” Luna asked.

“I just did something very horrible.” Hermione groaned putting her face in here hands.

“You kissed Harry didn't you?” Luna said in a more of a matter of fact tone than questioning one. Luna eyed Hermione's appearance. Her hair was slightly disheveled and she had paint along her thighs. Hermione had a tear roll down her cheek. She nodded.

“Yes. I…how could I have done such a thing. I basically cheated on Blaise.” Hermione said beginning to cry, her shoulders shaking. Luna rubbed her back reassuringly.

“Did you have sex with him?” Luna asked.

Hermione laughed for a moment and she didn't know why. “If someone hadn't knocked on the door we would have ended up doing just that.” She said shaking her head.

“Well, if it was just a kiss then it's not really cheating.” Luna said.

“Ohhh, you didn't see the way we were going at it Luna. I mean the way he was eyeing me. It was so different. I can't quite put my finger on it. Things just keep getting more awkward between us.” Hermione continued.

“Are you developing feelings for each other?” Luna asked bluntly. Hermione looked at Luna with disbelief.

“No! No way! He's my best friend. I mean sure I love him but only in a brotherly manner!” Hermione said. Luna nodded.

“Ok. But sometimes our bodies make us do things subconsciously because it realizes things before our mind is ready to believe them. Just think about that. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a doctor's appointment to make.” Luna said. She gave Hermione a tender hug and then stood up and left the room.

Hermione stared ahead of her for a few moments. She was not going to consider what Luna said at all. She stood up and walked to her bathroom. She needed to take a nice relaxing shower to get her mind off of things and to also scrub the paint off of her.

After her shower Hermione walked towards her closet. Her pink fuzzy robe wrapped around her. She heard a pop and turned to see Blaise. The person she wanted to see the most. She felt so guilty.

“Blaise…” she started.

“Wait, before you say anything. I need to ask you something.” He said. He smiled in a way Hermione had never seen him. She looked at him a bit confused.

“What is it Blaise?” she asked.

*******************************

Draco rubbed his eyes as he set down a patients report in front of him. He had been reading and organizing them all day and he needed a break. He was getting tired reading about witches who thought gnomes were implanting babies in them and wizards who were hypochondriacs. He heard a knock on his door.

“Come in.” he called. He sighed as he leaned back in his chair. Ginny opened the door with a frown on her face.

“Hey Gin.” He said smiling tiredly.

“Hi.” She said walking towards his desk.

“You look nice today.” He said commenting on her appearance. She had her in a knot, a nice blue blouse, and gray mid thigh skirt on underneath her white lab coat.

“Uh huh.” She said sitting down across from him in a chair. He could sense she was upset with him.

“What did I do?” he said breathing out deeply.

“Nothing. That's it.” She said crossing her arms over her chest.

“What do you mean?” he said leaning forward in his seat.

“Draco. Ever since Blaise came over the other day, you've been acting so down. I try to be affectionate towards you but you don't care. What exactly happened between you two?” she said her voice showing concern.

Draco sighed. He didn't want to tell her but he knew she wouldn't leave him alone until he spilled it.

“We just had a disagreement.” He said simply returning to his papers. She stood up abruptly. She put her hand over his paperwork and sat on his desk. He ran a hand through his hair. He could feel her peering down at him. She crossed her legs, making her skirt raise a few inches. He groaned. She did that on purpose.

“Ginny.” He said leaning his forehead on her thigh. She rubbed his cheek and then took his face in her hands.

“Draco, I just want you to be honest with me. I mean, we're in a relationship now. You can trust me.” She said.

“I know I can trust you. I just….we argued and it didn't end so well.” He said.

“Draco. We argue all the time and yet I never see you moping around.” She said giving him a look.

“Well mainly because we always make up in the most amazing ways.” He said smiling cheekily. She hit his arm playfully.

“Draco!” she said.

“Ginny look, maybe I didn't go about it the right way. I'm sorry. I'll cheer up ok.” He said. He leaned forward and kissed her tenderly. He stood up.

“I have a patient to see now.” He said looking up at the magical clock. Instead of reading the time it would configure to show when he had meetings and appointments. At the moment it read: Appointment with Luna Lovegood. Ginny glanced at it and her eyes widened. Draco was making his way towards the door. Ginny scrambled off the desk and rushed towards him. She grabbed his arm.

“You have an appointment with Luna!” she said confused.

“Yes, I do. Why do you ask?” He said.

“Well, because she's my friend and…I just thought that she would choose me.” She said looking down.

“Maybe she's nervous about it.” He suggested giving her a hug.

“Luna…nervous? Nope. Never.” She said laughing.

“Well, I have to go see her. I'll see you later.” He said. He gave her a quick kiss and walked out. He made his way down the hallway to the check in desk on that floor.

“Hey, Jasmine. What room is Miss Lovegood in?” he asked. The mediwitch in training turned to him and blushed.

“She's in room 5 Mr. Malfoy.” She giggled. He smiled politely and headed in that direction. When he entered the room he saw Luna sitting upon the examination table. When he entered, she smiled at him.

“Hello, Draco.” She said. Draco smiled.

“Hello, Luna. You know, Ginny was giving me a hard time that you made an appointment with me rather than her.” He said pulling up the rolling stool to sit in front of her.

“I figured she would be. But I don't want her to be the one to find out first.” She said. Draco's eyebrows furrowed.

“Find out what exactly?” he asked. Luna took a deep breath.

“I think I'm pregnant.” She said.

*****************************

Harry exhaled loudly as he lay on the ground doing sit ups. His shirt was off and he had on some lounge pants. His hands were behind his head as he continued to exercise. He heard a pop and saw Hermione standing there with a magazine in hand. Her expression was hard. It had been two weeks since the incident and neither had spoken or seen each other.

“Hermione…” he said stopping his sit ups. Hermione answered by throwing the magazine onto his stomach. He took it, sitting up and then threw it down.

“Dammit Jacklyn!” he cursed looking furious.

“Yes, that's exactly what I said.” She said leaning against the arm of the couch.

“I need to have a talk with her.” He said shaking his head.

“Yes, you really do.” She said looking towards him angrily.

“What! Do you think I want her to write this shit!” he said his voice rising.

“Don't you dare raise your voice at me Harold James Potter!” Hermione yelled standing up and stomping her foot.

“What? You're my mother now?” he asked. He got up and grabbed a towel to wipe the beads of sweat that had accumulated on his chest. Hermione couldn't help but stare at his amazing physique. Harry noticed. He began to move forward. Hermione snapped out of her trance.

“Don't come near me Harry!” she said pointing her finger at him and backing away. Harry stared at her puzzled.

“What? Why?” he asked continuing to step towards her.

“Harry! I mean it! Don't take one step closer to me.” She said inching away.

“Do you think I'm going to hurt you?” he asked flabbergasted.

“You already are.” She whispered. Harry could not believe his ears.

“What! How am I doing that?!” he said outraged. She didn't answer.

“How?” he demanded. She then looked him in the eye.

“Blaise asked me to marry him….and I said yes.” She said. Harry felt like his heart had stopped.

“Wh…what?!” he stuttered.

Hermione sighed. Nearly on the verge of tears. She didn't know what to say to Harry. It pained her to tell him that.

“I…” she said.

“NO! HOW COULD YOU POSSIBLY SAY THAT I'M HURTING YOU WHEN YOU'RE THE ONE TELLING ME THAT YOU'RE GOING TO MARRY THAT PRICK?” Harry yelled. Hermione jumped at his explosion.

“Harry, please don't act like this.” She pleaded.

“No! I think I have all the right to act like this! Merlin, Hermione! I love you!” he said. Hermione stared at him in disbelief. Did he just say….

“I love you Hermione.” Harry said more softly, looking down.

“Harry, don't do this to me now. Please.” She said her voice wavering.

“You know what. I'm not going to do anything anymore Hermione. I'm done with this.” He said tossing the towel on the couch. He walked towards the door. “If you could please leave.”

“Harry.” Hermione said not keeping the hurt out of her voice.

“Hermione, please.” He said. She walked towards the door. She hesitated a moment.

“The wedding's next month.” She said. Harry didn't respond and just looked down. She then walked out the door.

**************************

AN: Whew. After 5 hours I'm finally done. This was one of the rare times these past few months where I was able to sit down and focus all my attention on my story. This is, of course, my pride and joy. I've been busy with work and school so I'll try to update as soon as I can. I hope you can forgive me for the wait. I really hoped you liked this chapter. Threw some surprises at you and I hoped you enjoyed. The drama is only beginning. *maniacal laughter* As always, please review! Love you all!

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11. At Last

Chapter 11: “At Last”

***********************

“Crap! That was absolute crap!” Ron laughed. Ron, Luna, Ginny, Harry and Nigel from their team were in Ron's flat celebrating the Chudley Cannon's victory. They had finally made it to the Qudditch World Cup.

“It was not.” Harry said taking a sip from his firewhiskey. “I won that game fair and square.”

“Luna. Honey! Did you not see me with the winning hand?” Ron asked tugging Luna towards him and wrapping his arm around her waist. Luna seemed distant.

“Ok.” She said simply.

“Honestly Ron. It's just a game.” Ginny said rolling her eyes.

“Aw come on Ginny. You know how competitive Ron is.” Nigel said sipping his ale.

Ginny couldn't help but roll her eyes once more. She absolutely despised him. He was so disgusting and pig headed. Once he had tried to kiss her at the Christmas party two years previously and Ginny managed in the knick of time to grab a drumstick from the poultry on the table and shove it into his mouth.

“Yes, I know this Nigel. I've known him since I was born.” She said not hiding her annoyance for the man. He grinned. His big yellow toothed grin.

“Aw, come now Ginny. Cheer up! We just won the game. Give me a reward.” He said and leaned in to kiss her.

“Ronald, I think we need to have that talk you've been putting off.” Luna said tapping Ron on the shoulder lightly.

“Not now, Luna. It can wait.” He said and shuffled the cards. “New game Potter?”

“No, Ronald. You told me after the big game. Now it's after and you'll have more to celebrate than just your victory.” Luna persisted.

“Luna! It can wait!” Ron said impatiently. Harry knew that was a horrible thing to say. He shook his head and ushered the cards away.

“I swear if you take one step near me Ni…”Ginny began but then froze as she heard a voice yell.

“I'M FUCKING PREGNANT RON!” Luna yelled. Her face flushed and her eyes beginning to water. Everyone froze. Ginny stood their with her mouth open along with her brother. Luna was regulating her breathing as she stared at Ron.

“You're….pregnant.” Ron said.

“Yes I am. But I'm so happy to hear that the news could have waited a little longer.” Luna said and stormed out of the living room towards Ron's room.

“Yep, erm, think I'm going to go.” Nigel said looking uncomfortable. He waved and then apparated.

“So that's why she made an appointment with Draco…” Ginny said thinking out loud.

“Malfoy! Malfoy laid his filthy hands on my girlfriend!” Ron yelled. “He probably put a curse on our child!”

“Oh shut the hell up Ron! Draco is not the person you think he is! He would never do such a thing!” Ginny yelled at him.

“Draco?! You're on a first name basis with him now?” Ron said crossing his arms over his chest. Ginny did the same.

“Yes, I am, Ron.” She said.

“And now you're going to tell me that you two are together.” Ron said chuckling and looking at Harry. Harry knew this was not going to end well.

“As a matter of fact. We are.” Ginny said and smiled smugly. Ron choked. Harry patted his back hard.

“WHAT! YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!” Ron yelled.

“I am, Ron. And if I were you, I would not be worrying about who my sister is dating and actually go apologize to my pregnant girlfriend, who I have been neglecting.” Ginny scolded. As if something had clicked in his head Ron ran towards his room and opened the door.

Harry stood up, shaking his head. “Wow, that was interesting.” He said. “So, you're with Draco huh?”

Ginny smiled. “Yeah. He really has changed Harry. I know you'll probably find that hard to believe but he really has.” She said sitting down on the couch. Harry sat down next to her.

“I believe that. A lot of people have changed.” He said bitterly. He then turned to Ginny. “Especially Hermione and I.”

“What has been going on between the two of you? I cannot even mention your name without upsetting her.” She said facing him.

“Why don't you ask her? She's the one engaged to a man I despise. I mean I know I hurt her and acted like a complete prick when I believed Jacklyn. But I honestly don't have any clue on how I can ever make her see past that and show her how truly sorry I am for it.” He said shaking his head. He then stood up. “I'm going to go home. I'll see you.”

Ginny nodded. She saw him apparate and then sighed. So much drama to deal with. She then jumped as she heard a door slam open.

“I'm not staying here tonight Ronald!” Luna yelled clutching a bag.

“Luna! Honey! I'm so sorry! Please don't go.” Ron pleaded. He attempted to take the bag from her. “You shouldn't be carrying that in your condition.”

“Ronald I'm only a month pregnant. I highly doubt carrying this will affect anything.” Luna said rolling her eyes. Ron still persisted.

“Please. Stay! I'm so sorry.” Ron said. He then got down on his knees and wrapped his arms around her waist. He then laid his cheek upon her stomach. Luna sighed and looked at Ginny. Ginny smiled.

“Fine, Ronald. But I swear if you do anything stupid like that again!” she said pointing her finger at him. She then took the bag and went into the room again.

“So, Draco.” Ron said looking down.

“Yep. Draco Malfoy.” Ginny said standing there with her arms folded. She saw Ron shutter.

“I really hope you know what you're doing Ginny.” Ron said.

“I'm a big girl now Ron. I'm sure I can choose a right guy for myself, thanks.” Ginny said rolling her eyes.

“I know, but you're still my little sister to me. I want you to be safe.” He said looking down and shuffling his feet.

Ginny gasped. “Ron. Are we having one of those often heard about but never experienced before brother and sister moments?” she asked trying to hold back a grin.

Ron began to blush. He then wrapped her in a hug. “Oh shush.” He said. She was a bit taken aback at this sudden case of affection. She returned the hug nevertheless.

“You all right there Ron?” she asked once he had let go.

Ron than began scratching the back of his head and had an almost confused expression on his face. He looked like he was 11 years old again.

“I'm just scared, Gin. I mean I'm going to be a dad. Me, a dad. I just want to be a good one you know.” He said. Ginny smiled tenderly.

“And you will be Ron. Believe me. I've seen you around Bill and Fleur's kids. You're fantastic.” She said rubbing his arm.

“Yea. Guess you're right. Um…bout Luna.” He said smiling nervously.

“It's the hormones.” Ginny said understanding her brother's concerns.

“Good, because she's never yelled or cursed at me before.” He said smiling in relief. “How long does it last?”

“Anywhere from a month till full term.” She said. Ron's eyes nearly flew out of his head.

“So I might be dealing with this for 8 more months?!” he asked running a hand through his hair. Ginny nodded.

“Yeah. But all you can do is just give her plenty of love and attention. I have to go. If there's anything…” Ginny began and then raised an eyebrow as she looked past him into the hallway. He turned and his eyes widened. There was Luna in light pink, short negligee.

“I think you might want to show Luna some love and attention right now.” Ginny said smirking.

“But…but she's pregnant.” He said looking at Ginny worried.

“Ron, you can still have sex when a woman's pregnant.” She said.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“They didn't give me the title of healer for the hell of it, Ron.” She said.

“I won't…you know…poke it in the head?” he asked. Ginny burst out laughing.

“No, Ron. You won't. It's not even big enough to be called a fetus yet.” She said.

“A what?” he asked.

“Never mind. Have fun.” She said. She then waved and apparated.

She entered the apartment and sighed. Hermione came out of the kitchen. She wiped her hands on a dish towel and looked up at Ginny.

“Oh, thank Merlin it's you.” She said.

“Who didn't you want it to be?” Ginny asked taking off her black coat.

“Blaise.” Hermione said. Ginny gasped dramatically. Hermione frowned. “Yeah, I know what your opinion of him is.”

“I would hope you do.” Ginny said sitting on the counter and nibbling on some nuts.

“I told him I wanted to put off the wedding for a couple of months. I felt that we rushed into it a bit too much.” Hermione said. She began walking towards her room.

“Hermione, what the hell has gotten into you?” Ginny said following her. Hermione entered her room and turned to face Ginny.

“What are you talking about?” Hermione asked. Ginny held up a finger, indicating to Hermione to wait one second. She then proceeded to walk to her bed and pick up a pillow.

“Remember this.” Ginny said. She then began to beat the bed with the pillow.

“WHY! WHY CANT I SAY NO! WHY CANT I JUST TELL HIM I ABSOLUTELY HATE JACKLYN AND I WANT TO RING HER NECK. AND THAT I THINK HE SHOULD MARRY ME AND FORGET ALL ABOUT HER. AND I WANT TO HAVE HIS CHILDREN.” She mimicked. Hermione stood there with her arms folded, frowning.

“Yes well…” Hermione said trailing off.

“Yes, well what? Hermione sit down.” Ginny said sitting down on her bed. Hermione sighed and obeyed.

“What happened between you and Harry? I seriously thought after he broke it off with Jacklyn you two would finally be together.” Ginny said. Hermione looked away.

“I thought so to….But I can't help thinking about when he didn't believe me.” She responded.

“Hermione. He apologized and even got down on his knees. What more do you want from the man. Do back flips, hire an orchestra? You have to forgive him. I mean truly forgive him Hermione. Don't keep holding that against him.” She said grabbing a hold of Hermione's hand.

“You're right. But I don't think he wants anything to do with me. You know, because of my engagement.” She said.

“I still can't believe you're going through with it.” She said shaking her head.

“He's a nice man and he cares for me.” Hermione said folding some of her clothes.

“But do you love him?” Ginny prodded. Hermione didn't answer right away.

“Of course, why would I have said yes if I didn't” she said finally, putting a shirt into a drawer.

“Uh huh…so you're going to be giving up on Harry.” Ginny said.

“What would I be giving up on with Harry? I'll still be friends with him.” She said.

“Really, you're going to still be friends with him after you kissed.” Ginny said.

“How…” Hermione began turning towards Ginny quickly.

“Luna.” Ginny said. “Who is pregnant by the way.”

“What!? Are you serious?” Hermione exclaimed, her eyes wide.

“Are you in love with Harry?” Ginny asked quickly.

“Yes. Wait! No! No! I am not, wait, stop it! You're confusing me. You're making me say things that are not true.” Hermione said.

“No! They are true! It's just taking you forever to believe them. But guess what Hermione, you don't have forever.” Ginny said getting off the bed.

“Don't tell me how I feel! I love Blaise and I am marrying him ok! If Harry doesn't like that, well….that's just not my problem.” Hermione said angrily. “Blaise is stable. That's what I need in my life right now.”

“You know, I thought I would never see the day when clever Hermione would be so stupid.” Ginny said coldly and walked out of the room. “Keep lying to yourself. I hope it makes you feel better.” She called from the hallway.

Hermione stared after her. Then she broke down. She cried as she never had before. Why was she going through this? She could always handle things, why was she all of a sudden losing control now. Right when she most needed it.

***********

Harry awoke suddenly as he heard a noise in his room. He grabbed his glasses from the bedside table and put them on to focus on the blurry figure he saw. He immediately sat up in bed as he saw Hermione there. She stood there in a white shirt and pajama pants. She looked as is she had been crying.

“Hermione.” He said in a hoarse voice. He stepped out of bed wearing nothing but a pair of loose pajama pants. Hermione stared at his chest and then down following the thin happy trail that disappeared underneath his pants. She looked up at him.

“I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry Harry.” She said and then broke down. She collapsed on the floor, her shoulders shaking as she had her face in her hands. Harry rushed to her. He got down on his knees and wrapped her in a hug. All his anger seemed to melt away as he held her right then and there.

“It's all right Hermione. It's ok.” He said his words soothing.

“No, it's not! I hurt you so much. I owe you everything.” She said pulling away.

“Hermione the only thing you owe me is your trust and friendship. Nothing else.” Harry said restraining himself from saying love also.

“No. I owe you much more.” She said. She stood up. She began to pace. “I wanted to hurt you as you had hurt me. But I realized that wasn't the right thing to do. I decided to postpone the wedding. To give it a little more time to make sure it's the right decision.”

Harry made a slight face but nodded anyway. “I respect your decision.” He said. He began to stop closer to her and then stopped. “Sorry, I can't get close to you.” He joked.

She shoved him. He took her arm and brought her in for a hug. Her heart rate began to speed up. She hated being this close to him when he looked as good as he did right then and there. She began to breathe a little deeper. She looked up at him. Her heart fluttered. She was so confused. Did she want Blaise or Harry? Then Harry kissed her and all further thought was completely gone. He cupped her face and kissed her lips gently. She kissed him back. Everything seemed to stop. Blaise could never kiss her the way Harry was doing right then and there.

The kiss became more intense. Hermione kissed him hungrily. This was what she had been craving. Both her hands were on his face as she tried to get as near to him as possible. Both their breathing was ragged. Hermione lifted her shirt over her head and immediately went back to kissing him. Harry rubbed up and down her back. They became more aggressive as time passed. Next thing Hermione knew, she was only in her bra and underwear. She ran a hand across his broad, muscular back. She threw her head back as Harry kissed her neck. Her fingers found their way to his hair.

“Harry.” She moaned. He then picked her up, her legs wrapping around his waist and pinned her against the wall. Hermione was getting more turned on as the moments progressed. She could tell Harry was as well. He slid her underwear off slowly and Hermione knew it was going to be a long night.

***********************

AN: You know I must tell you guys a secret. Every time I sit down to type up a new chapter I'm never really sure what's going to come out. Of course, I have an outline of what's going to be in it but sometimes my hands and brain take over and things like this happen. I'm keeping hush on what's going to be happening with the Blaise/Hermione/Harry triangle but rest assure you will all like the ride that you are going to be taking within the next/last chapters. So buckle in tight and prepare for a bumpy ride.

To Z: Hermione is behaving a bit strange with going back and forth between Harry and Blaise. She's very confused about what she wants. But everything is going to be settled soon. So just hang tight.

Thank you all for reviewing! I appreciate it so much. And I love how you guys are trying to figure out what's going to be happening and why some people are making the decisions they are making. But there is one person ( not saying which) that is on the right track to what's going to be happening. ; ) Until next chapter! Which should be soon. I mean hey, two chapters in one week is pretty good don't you think. Love you all! Read and review as always! ,<3

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12. I'm not okay, I promise

Chapter 12: “I'm not okay, I promise”

*************

Harry frowned as the sunlight poked its head through the curtains over the window. He lay on his stomach and outstretched his arm to touch the body that had been next to him the whole night; he touched nothing. His eyes opened and he lifted himself off the bed slightly to look. Sure enough, the right side of the bed was empty. He sat up and groaned. She had left. `She probably freaked after waking up.' He thought shaking his head. He knew her too well. Images of last night crossed his memories and he smiled to himself. It had been amazing, and he didn't regret it one bit. He then looked up and stared at the wall.

“Hermione.” He said out loud, to no one in particular.

***********

“You told him?” Draco said lifting his eyes from the paper he was examining, and raising one blond eyebrow. Ginny nodded as she sunk into the very comfortable bed that belonged to Draco.

“Yep. I wasn't planning on doing it but it sort of happened. In the midst of Luna screaming at Ron she was pregnant and Ron being an idiot, it came out.” She said. “Which by the way, thank you for telling me that was the reason she was seeing you for.”

Draco shrugged. “Confidentiality. You know about that, you're also a healer.” He said examining his papers again.

“Yes I know.” She said sighing. She then flipped onto her stomach and propped her hands underneath her chin. “I feel like I'm getting old. I'm an aunt…again.”

“You're not getting old, Ginny. You just have a very large family who likes to shag…a lot.” Draco said and then began to chuckle. Ginny punched his shoulder. He took hold of her hand and pulled her up to kiss. She giggled and climbed on top of him. Her legs straddling his lap.

“I sure hope you are not complaining, Mr. Malfoy.” She said kissing his lips. He smiled.

“That is something I will never do.” He replied kissing her back.

She tossed his papers aside and continued to kiss him deeply. His hands roamed up and down her sides. She began to kiss his neck. Merlin knows he loved it when she did that. His hands maneuvered their way underneath her shirt, or rather his shirt. She moaned against his neck. Draco had it. He flipped her over and pinned her underneath him. She looked up at him, his gray eyes turning dark with lust. She purred and he kissed her hungrily. Her arms snaked their way up his arms and onto his muscular back. Her nails leaving crescent marks on his skin. Then a beeping noise sounded. They both ignored it and continued exploring the other's body. The noise persisted. Draco groaned. He pulled away much to the dismay of Ginny. She pouted and sat up. Draco was rummaging around and then finally pulled out his beeper. He checked and sighed.

“Jasmine is paging me.” He said. He walked over to his closet to find a pair of slacks. Ginny huffed. She stood up crossing her arms over her chest. She followed him.

“What for?” she asked leaning against the door of the walk in closet.

“It just said that someone needed to see me urgently.” He said shrugging. He pulled out a pair of beige slacks and began to put them on. Ginny scoffed.

“A little vague isn't she?” she said rolling her eyes. “I wouldn't be surprised though. She isn't exactly all up there you know.” Draco couldn't help but smirk. He knew Ginny was acting jealous.

“A little harsh there don't you think?” he asked pulling off the gray t- shirt he had been wearing and replacing it with a black, long sleeve button down shirt. Ginny admired him for a bit. His arse looked absolutely delectable in those pants. She then shook her head, clearing her thoughts.

“Not at all. She's an airhead; she's been after you since the moment she stepped foot into St. Mungo's. She knows something is going on between us and that's why she's so wicked towards me.” Ginny said pointing her finger at him to prove her point. Draco chuckled.

“I've seen the way you two interact, Gin. You aren't exactly a saint around her either.” He said walking out of the closet to grab the lab coat he had hung on the back of the door.

“I never said I was Draco.” Ginny said sighing as she sat down on the bed. “And why are you taking her side?!” She demanded. Draco sighed.

“I'm not taking anyone's side.” He said.

“I just don't like her. I think she's going to bring you over there for a pointless reason.” Ginny said pouting.

Draco walked over to her. He took her face in his hands and kissed her lips. “I'll try to make it quick, all right.” He said. She nodded reluctantly. He kissed her forehead and disapparated.

***********

“Are you trying to drown yourself dear?” Charlotte, Hermione's mirror, asked.

“Yes, that is exactly what I am trying to do.” Hermione said as she let the almost scalding hot water run over her body. She wasn't sure how long she had been in there, but she knew a lot of time must have passed by because her fingers were very shriveled.

She turned the knob of the shower off and wrapping her towel around her body stepped onto the rug next to the bathtub. She looked at herself in the mirror. Thank goodness for Charlotte's anti fogging charm. She made a face as she saw much of her skin was very red.

“Ugh, disgusting.” She said. She walked into her bedroom and got some clothes out. She heard some humming and nearly jumped when she saw Blaise. “Blaise!?”

Blaise turned to her grinning and then his face quickly fell. “Hermione! What happened to your skin! You look like a lobster.” He said rushing over to her and touching her arms.

“Thank you so much Blaise for the compliment.” Hermione said rolling her eyes.

“What happened Hermione?” he asked again, ignoring her response.

“I just came out of the shower. I guess I didn't realize know how hot the shower was. I have a lot currently on my mind.” She said as she slipped on a t shirt and pants.

“She was thinking about how her an….” Charlotte began but Hermione quickly shut the door. She turned to Blaise putting on a fake smile.

“I think I need to get a new mirror. The charm on her is failing.” She said. Blaise raised an eyebrow confused at Hermione's abruptness.

“Are you ok, love?” he asked touching her shoulder. As soon as he did that Hermione had a flash of images from the night before scan through her mind. Running her fingers through Harry's hair as he thrust into her, she throwing her head back as she called out his name, he kissing her neck and exploring her body. She shook her head, attempting to get rid of the images but she couldn't keep from blushing as she did so.

“I'm fine. Really, Blaise.” She said mustering another smile. He seemed to buy the lie and he smiled.

“I passed by because I wanted to apologize for yesterday. Once I was home I realized that I was acting like an inconsiderate bastard. Maybe we did rush into things. I'm willing to wait as long as you need, just as long as I get to spend the rest of my life with you.” Blaise said taking her hand in his and kissing it. She smiled nervously.

“Tha…That's very sweet Blaise. Thank you for seeing things from my point of view.” She said. He grinned and gave her a kiss. Hermione felt like her heart had been ripped out. He had no idea that only hours ago Harry had been doing the same exact thing. `Only better.' Her mind said. `No! No! Do not say that.' She told herself.

Blaise pulled away and held her face in his hands. “But we still need to get everything sorted out. Revenue, wedding gown, tuxes, bridesmaid dresses etc.” he told her. Hermione nodded.

“I'll start to make the appointments and such.” She said weakly. He smiled again and kissed her forehead.

“You are an angel Hermione.” He said. “I have to be heading to work. I'll see you later.” He gave her one final kiss and then disapparated. Hermione stared at the spot for quite some time.

Was she really going to go through with this? She had cheated on Blaise with Harry. Could she muster up the courage to just completely forget about this and go along with the wedding? So many questions were running through her mind and she had no answers for any of them. She sat down on her bed and began to cry; something she was accustomed to doing as of late. She heard footsteps in the hall and her bedroom door opening.

“Hermione. Are you all right?” Luna's voice asked.

“No. No I'm not.” Hermione said sniffling.

“What's wrong?” she asked sitting down next to her. Hermione didn't even know where to begin. So, she just came right out and said it.

“I slept with Harry last night.” She said staring ahead of her. Luna choked a little and turned wide blue eyes toward Hermione.

“Oh, well…wow.” She said. “How...?”

“I went to see him last night. I was feeling horrible. Ginny and I had gotten into a slight argument and I don't know…I just decided to see him. Then we kissed and everything just went down hill….” Hermione said.

“Are you sure things went downhill? Perhaps now they are going uphill.” Luna suggested. Hermione raised an eyebrow.

“How could things possibly be going uphill whe…Luna? What is that on your finger?!” Hermione said noticing a shiny object that was placed conveniently on her ring finger belonging to her left hand. Luna grinned.

“Ron asked me to marry him. It was a bit sudden. He ran out last night, near midnight. Had no idea where on earth he was going. Mumbling that he had to do something properly; I fell asleep waiting for him and when I woke up this morning he had it shoved in my face.” Luna said playing with the frill that lined Hermione's bed sheet. “Before I could say anything, he began rambling on about how he could not possibly let me have this baby without being properly married to him. Very romantic, eh? So he proceeded to get down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I, of course, said yes.” Luna finished smiling at her. Hermione smiled a genuine smile at that.

“That's terrific Luna! When is the wedding?” she asked.

“Well, we don't want it to interfere with yours, so…” Luna began.

“Oh no! Don't worry about it. Blaise and I have postponed the wedding. You can get married whenever you like, before the baby's born.” Hermione said interrupting her. Luna seemed taken aback.

“Really? You postponed it?” she said eyeing Hermione.

“Yeah, we were rushing into things we decided…” Hermione said wringing her hands.

Luna raised one pale eyebrow. “Uh huh. Look Hermione I'm not stupid.” Luna said her voice changing from its usual dreamy tone to one of severity. Hermione looked slightly taken aback. This was not the Luna she knew. Then Hermione realized it must be the hormones.

“What ever do you mean, Luna?” Hermione said deciding to play the stupid one.

“You're obviously having second thoughts about being with Blaise. Especially since the whole Harry thing happened.” Luna said crossing her arms over her chest and staring at Hermione.

“No, I was thinking this befo…Wait! No! I am not having second thoughts with Blaise! I'm not! He's good for me. He's stability.” Hermione said gesticulating with her arms.

“Harry is too! Yes, he'll be playing Quidditch but look at me and Ron! We've been together for six years! And we're still going strong.” Luna said angrily her eyes ablaze.

“But I don't want to have to go through with that. I want someone who I can come home to. Not waiting for them to arrive weeks on end.” Hermione said getting upset. Luna stood up abruptly.

“Hermione…I don't know what's gotten into you as of late. But you're not the clever girl you once were.” Luna said back to her soft voice. Was Hermione going to have to be going through this for the next nine months?

“You sound exactly like Ginny.” Hermione sighed. “I'm still the same Hermione.”

Luna shook her head, her dirty blonde waves swaying. “No, you're not Hermione. But let me know when she comes back.” She said quietly and walked out of the room. Hermione stared after her. She took a deep breath and then turned to her bed. There was a stack of paperwork atop it. Work, that's what she needed to do. That's what she always did best…that's what she was best known for.

*********************

“Mmm. I dunno. She's been in her room for two weeks straight now. Stacks upon stacks of paperwork all around her.” Ginny said taking a sip of her coffee and talking to Ron in his kitchen. She had apparated there a few minutes earlier

“Really? Well, that is the Hermione we all know and love.” Ron said scratching the back of his head.

“No, I just think it's an imposter. Trying to play it off as though they're Hermione. Because the real Hermione would have broken up with Blaise a long time ago and already be with Harry.” Ginny said following Ron into the living room. She then froze.

The whole room was filled with toys. Bears, bunnies, Quidditch dolls, kiddy brooms to name a few things.

“Ron. What the hell happened? It looks like a toy store exploded in here.” Ginny said her eyes wide. Ron began to blush.

“Told mum about the baby finally. Why do you think it took me so long. I was bracing myself for this.” He said gesturing around him. “She probably bloody owled every single living family member we have!”

“It looks like you're going to need a bigger place to live in.” Ginny said chuckling slightly as she took another sip of her coffee.

“Yeah tell me about it. But that'll have to wait till after the wedding. It's two weeks from now.” He said sitting down on what once was the couch. Now it currently was the holding place for numerous stuffed animals. One made a squeaking sound as he sat on its head. He groaned and threw it across the room. He rubbed his temples.

Ginny moved aside some blocks and sat down on the arm of the couch. She set her mug down. “You know you could always wait till after the baby is born Ron.” She said putting a hand on his shoulder.

“Naw. I want to marry her now. Plus she doesn't want to “look like a wallowing wallawa”. Whatever the hell that is.” Ron said. “She's already starting to get a belly. She's a month and two weeks tomorrow.”

Ginny smiled. “Yeah well understood. I love how you're having it in Fiji! Oh, it'll be so romantic for me and Draco.” She gushed as she thought of it. Ron cleared his throat rather noisily.

“I know you two are together and all but I'm still not used to it.” he said shuddering a bit. Ginny smiled. She opened her mouth to say something when there was a loud crack. They both jumped to see a rather angry looking Harry standing there with his broom in hand. He looked around the room a bit surprised but then turned his attention back to them.

“I'm not playing at the World Cup!” he nearly yelled.

“What!” Ron and Ginny both said standing up.

“Yeah, Coach just informed me about five minutes ago.” He said bitterly. “Says my skills have been going downhill. Especially when it comes to my riding.”

“Well yeah, but that's because your broom's been acting a little screwy lately. You should have told him that!” Ron said.

“Don't you think I tried? He just told me I should have gotten it fixed when the signs first showed that there was something wrong with it.” He said flinging the broom across the room. It began to jerk violently.

“Wow, that's not normal…” Ginny said eyeing the broom.

“Tell me about it. It's like back in first year when Quirrel had tried jinxing my broom during the Quidditch game.” He recalled.

“Yeh, mate but if it's doing it now it can't be someone murmuring some spell. We're in my flat.” Ron said.

“Yeah he's right Harry. Maybe it's the manufacturer. You should take it back an…” Ginny said.

“It's Blaise…” Harry said cutting her off.

“What?!” they both said in unison once again.

“He has something to do with this.” He said pacing back and forth.

“How on Earth could he have something to do wi…” Ginny began.

“I don't know! But he just does!” Harry said angrily. Ginny frowned.

“Harry. Brooms go haywire sometimes.” She said trying to put a reassuring hand on his arm. He shook it away.

“It was fine a few weeks ago. It can't just go bad in one second!” He said.

“Yes it can, Harry. It's happened before.” She said.

“And plus if Blaise really did have something to do with it Hermione would never let him do that.” Ron said.

“He's smart. He wouldn't tell Hermione.” Ginny said.

“I wouldn't be surprised if she knew and didn't do anything about it.” Harry said acidulously.

“Just because the two of you are fighting doesn't mean she doesn't care about you Harry. She would not let Blaise do that.” She said. He laughed.

“I think she would. She's completely ignored me Ginny. I've tried talking to her and I get nothing.” He said.

“She hasn't been bothering to talk to anyone lately, Harry. Not even me or Luna. She just needs to be alone.” She said trying to convince him.

Harry shook his head. “I'm going home.” He said and went to get his broom that was still jerking.

“Don't worry mate. Me and the boys will convince coach to let you play next week. No one wants Hathaway to play seeker.” Ron said. Harry offered a small smile and then apparated.

Ginny and Ron looked at each other and then sighed. “If these two don't make up in the next two weeks, the wedding is going to be a disaster.” Ron said. “I don't want to ruin Luna's big day.”

Ginny gave Ron a smile. “It's your big day too. I'll talk to them all right.” She said and gave him a hug. “I have to go. Working the night shift tonight.” Ron nodded and Ginny apparated.

*****************

“Did you get it done?” The raven head asked the blonde in front of him. Why they had chosen to meet in the dirtiest of alleyways was beyond his comprehension but he knew that they would not be caught there.

“Yeah. Everything is set. He's not playing in the big game. And pretty soon he'll be off the team and he'll come crawling back to me to have me help him get back on.” The blonde gushed grinning.

“Yeah, yeah. Anyway. Thank you for your work. Here's the money.” He said and handed her galleons.

“You know Blaise. I would have done this for free. I'd do anything to keep that filthy Hermione away from my Harry.” The blonde said.

“Don't you dare call her filthy, Jacklyn.” Blaise said angrily. “You do not want me to get started on Harry.”

“Touché.” Jacklyn responded eyeing Blaise. “I have to go now, but I'll send you an owl about Harry's progression.”

“That would be appreciated.” He said and began to turn away. “And I'll reply to you to give information on the next step we'll take.”

“What would your precious Hermione think if she knew what you were up to?” Jacklyn said cynically. Blaise turned around.

“She'll never find out. And I think it would be best for you to not say anything.” Blaise said in a threatening manner.

“I don't trust you!” she said giving him a hard look.

“Nor I, you.” He said glaring at her. She huffed and with a flick of her wand, disappeared.

*********

AN: Of course, you didn't think you had seen the last of Jacklyn did you? *evil grin*. Naturally, Blaise and Jacklyn would get together to sabotage Harry and Hermione's potential relationship. And this will only add more fuel to their fire...believe me. So as always, read and review! You all truly make my day!

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13. untitled

Chapter 13: "Nice day for a White Wedding." Part 1

"What the hell is this?!" Blaise demanded, slamming the Daily Prophet in front of her. Jacklyn crossed her legs, her arms folded in front of her as she eyed the beaming Harry holding the Qudditch Cup. She scowled and rolled her blue eyes.

"Obviously the Daily Prophet." she said sarcastically.

He growled at her and threw a paperweight across the study. Jacklyn didn't flinch as it shattered against the wall. She merely observed the room around her. Blaise had called her to his home where he proceeded to scowl and curse, taking her to his study. There was bookshelves on each side, spewing with different books. He had a nice dark oak desk with a high backed, leather chair. She sat in the green upholstered one across from it.

"I did what I told you I would do. It's not my fault the team threatened to forfeit if Harry didn't play." she said and began to examine her French manicured nails. She shifted in the green arm chair and Blaise rushed over to her.

He gripped both arms of the chair and brought himself face to face with her. His dark eyes penetrating into hers. She arched one blonde eyebrow challengingly.

"Fix it." he said in a low, menacing voice. She got really close to his face, a dirty look crossing her otherwise beautiful features.

"Why the hell am -I- doing all the bloody work?!" she demanded. He growled and pushed himself off the chair. He paced a bit, Jacklyn's eyes following his every move. They didn't trust each other and were always on their toes. "I have not seen you do a damn thing!"

"Like hell you are doing all the damn work." he said. He looked around his study, as if that might help him with an answer. Then it dawned on him. He turned to her a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"What are you doing two days from now?" he asked. She slowly looked at him and gave him a look.

"Why...?" she asked looking at him suspiciously. He rolled his eyes and scoffed.

"Weasley and Lovegood's wedding you half wit! It's been all over the gossip column's, when it's not about you and that pathetic Sam bloke. Are they really running out of good stories?" he said, smirking at her. He knew that would get under her skin.

Her eyes flashed and she stood up abruptly. She whipped her wand out and held it up to his throat. "Want to continue being a smart mouth?" she said menancingly. He glared back at her and quickly twisted her arm and in a flash had her against the wall, her face pressed against the dark green paint.

"Want to try messing with a former Slytherin again?" he whispered in her ear; his voice dark and low. She scowled and tried to shift from his grasp but he had her pinned pretty well, his much bigger body keeping her lightweight, seeker one in place.

"How the hell do you suppose I get to the wedding. If you haven't noticed, me and Harry are not on speaking terms." she said grumpily, still squirming.

"Leave that to me. I'll get you in. Just make sure you're home and ready to go." he said. She snorted and struggled aggressively but it came to no avail.

"Fine." she muttered. He stayed like that a bit, making sure she wouldn't try anything else before pushing his body off hers. She turned around quickly and Blaise made sure his hand was on his wand. She scowled at him.

"I hate you." she said and then disapparated.

"The feeling is more than mutual." he said to the spot where she stood only moments before.

****************************

"Ugh, since when did my ass get bigger?!" Ginny said, making a face as she turned, getting another angle in the mirror. Her hands brushed over the satiny lilac material of her bridesmaid dress.

"It didn't. It's just the form that these dresses make. Well the material actually, if I want to be specific. They don't have any-" Hermione said, beginning to ramble.

"I get it Hermione. My ass is normal." Ginny said interrupting her. She then stuck her tongue out in a teasing manner. She looked at Hermione who was looking at her dress apprehensively. "Hermione, you look fine."

Hermione looked at Ginny, giving her a small smile before turning back to the three mirrors. They were at the final fitting for their dresses and Hermione was still a bit iffy on the style of hers. It was lilac, like Ginny's, except hers was across across the shoulder, leaving her right shoulder/arm bare. Very Athenian like. It clung to her curves, which she was not accustomed to showing, and trailed behind her slightly.

She turned her gaze to Ginny who was really loving hers. It was a halter, cutting low in the front and even lower in the back. It reached just below the two dimples that appeared on her lower back, the material hugging her bottom. She saw Ginny adjusting her assets and making a face.

"Should I charm them, to give them a bit more umf in this dress?" she asked, moving from side to side.

"They look fine Ginny. " Hermione reassured her. Ginny smirked and nodded her head.

"Draco doesn't seem to be complaining." she said and giggled.

Hermione shook her head and chuckled. They then heard the curtains from the dressing room swoosh open and they turned to see Luna come out in her wedding dress. They both stood there and beamed. It was simple, which had surprised the both of them when they saw her choose it. They were surely expecting something very out there, like the first pair of bridemaids dresses. Rainbow striped with fringes everywhere.

It was strapless and hung slightly loose, to not show her small bump. Her dirty blonde hair was clipped up and Luna grinned at them. The seamstress, smiled at Luna and daintly adjusted the small train.

"Oh Luna! It looks gorgeous!" Ginny said.

"Oh yes it does! Very much so!" Hermione continued.

Luna's smile all of a sudden fell and she looked down at her dress. Her gray eyes looked back up at Hermione and Ginny.

"I look fat!" she cried and burst into tears. Hermione and Ginny looked at each other and then rushed to her side.

"Oh no Luna! You don't! You look fine." Hermione said, squeezing her arm reassuringly.

"You look full of life; wonderful!" Ginny said nodding and looked at the seamstress to add on. The elderly woman jumped to her side and nodded her head fervently.

"Yes, my love. You look amazing." she said and gave her a smile. Luna looked at herself in the mirror and then gave a weak smile.

"It's so close to the wedding...I hope Ronald will like it." she said, delicately running her hand on the white fabric.

"He'll love it Luna. My brother, though the idiot he may be at times, is not blind." Ginny said. Luna looked at Hermione and Ginny, in a somewhat bashful manner. Then as if a switch went off, she got her normal dreamy look.

"I would love if we had Snickleers flying around scattering daisies everywhere." she said. The seamstress looked at Luna awkwardly while Ginny and Hermione laughed.

***************************

"Oh boy...Oh boy..." Ron said, his palms sweating and gripping the arms of the chair.

The exotic dancer flipped her long, though Ron suspected it was fake, black hair and began to move her bum along his lap. His blue eyes darted over to Harry, Nigel, Fred and George who were in the corner laughing, holding on to each other. Charlie crossed his large arms over his broad chest chuckling, as Draco sat in the chair across the room elegantly, the infamous smirk across his lips as he watched the uncomfortable Ron.

"Wha' ? Don't like it sweetie?" The dancer asked in her thick cockney accent. Ron swallowed nervously and turned his gaze toward the guys again.

"Luna would not like this..." He said in a high pitched voice.

"Ah come on Ron! She's not even here!" Nigel called out.

The dancer, whose name was Starlight, continued to work against him and then, when she didn't get the response she wanted she sighed and got off him. She began to make her way toward Draco, who arched an eyebrow at her.

"Sorry love, not interested." he said and took a sip from his glass of gin. She pouted and flipped her hair back again.

"What? Am I too much for you?" she asked and looked at him mischievously.

He chuckled and shook his head, taking another long sip. "Darling, I am sure you're not enough." he said.

The Weasley brothers all looked at each other and rolled their eyes. "And Ginny stays with you.." George commented.

Draco's mercurial eyes looked at him, his smirk widening. "She's more than I can handle sometimes." he said, very tongue in cheek. Fred and George's eyes flashed and began to make their way toward him, Draco reached in his black robes for his wand and Harry stepped in front of their path.

"Guys! Hey come on, it's Ron's bachelor party." He said holding his hands up to keep them from moving forward, while casting an emerald gaze at Draco, telling him to not start anything.

Draco shrugged and went back to enjoying his liquor. The twins looked at each other, to Harry, to Draco and then back to each other. They frowned a bit and then went to sit on the couch next to Ron's chair.

"Hey darling, why don't you come over here and try some of that on me." Walter, one of the teams chaser's, said to Starlight. She forced a smile, really wanting to go over to Draco, but it was money and she went over to him.

"So why was he invited?" George asked, glaring over at him.

"He's dating Ginny. We have to get along with him some what." Ron said, finally calming down from being so nervous.

"But we don't have to like him right?" Fred asked, walking over to get some firewhiskey.

"No." Ron said, running hand through his hair, letting out a long breath.

The others looked at each other and burst out laughing. Ron looked at them, jumping at the sound.

"What?" he asked.

"I swear, the way you were acting.. You would have thought it was your first time all over again." Harry said, his eyes shining brightly.

Ron scowled at him as the other's began to laugh harder, including Draco and Nigel, who had came over to talk to Draco. Starlight all of a sudden stood up and was led to the bathroom by Walter. The other's began to wolf whistle and make loud noises.

"At least someone is using her." Charlie commented, receiving another glare from Ron.

"I'm about to get married!" Ron said angrily, taking a shot of his firewhiskey.

Harry shook his head and took a drag from his beer. Harry and the twins had thought it there duty to throw him a Bachelor party. He had been very adamant about not wanting one, but had finally managed to convince him. It was probably the twelfth time that night that he had mentioned Luna. At least it was evident that he was madly in love with her.

Harry stood up and walked over to the window. The other's continued to laugh and joke, teasing Ron much to his dismay.

He sighed and slid open the balcony door. He shut it behind him and looked out at the lights of London. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He began to wonder what Hermione was doing at that moment. He groaned. He really needed to stop thinking about her. She was with Blaise and the way things were going...she probably wasn't going to break up with him anytime soon. Why? Because she was too stubborn to admit that she did in fact, have feelings for Harry that went deeper than just friendship. A breeze picked up and he shivered. A voice, that was usually equally as chilling but at that moment was almost serene , sounded next to him, causing him to jump.

"Thankfully we are going someplace warm tomorrow." Draco said, stepping up next to Harry, leaning on the railing.

Harry turned to him and watched as he continued to look out over the city. He nodded his head and followed suit. "Yea.." he said simply, not sure what exactly to say to Draco.

They hadn't ever really been close.

"I know you were thinking about Hermione." Draco said surprisingly. Harry looked at him startled. Draco turned toward him, arching an eyebrow.

"Don't deny it. Your whole face changes when you think of her." He said. Harry's eyebrows furrowed.

"Well I am so glad that you study me so closely." he said sharply. Draco let a hard look cross his stunning features.

"I was going to help you. Me and Ginny had a plan for the wedding weekend. I guess this is what I get for being the nice guy." he said and got off the railing, deciding to head back inside.

"Can you blame for being so cautious?" Harry said, turning toward his retreating figure. Draco stopped but didn't turn around. He sighed and rubbed his eyes. He turned toward Harry.

"I don't. It just gets a bit frustrating when I try to prove to people that I have changed." Draco said. He gave another sigh and leaned against the wall, his gin swirling in it's glass as he held it. "The war changed everyone. Including me. I can't force you to like me. Nor can I make you believe me, but it's the truth."

Harry looked at him, running his words through his head. The war had changed many and it was very possible that it had changed Draco. Harry remembered Draco's warning to him about Blaise. That had been the truth. He hadn't done anything to show that he was anything but genuine in his actions. Maybe he could give him a shot. Harry held out his hand towards Draco.

"I believe you." he said. Draco looked him straight in the eye and then extended his own hand, shaking Harry's.

"Thank you." he said.

Harry nodded and then grinned. "So what's this plan?" he asked.

****************

Ginny adjusted some of the white Baby's Breath flowers that had been sewn into Luna's long tresses. Ginny looked at Luna through the mirror and grinned at her.

"You look radiant!" Ginny said.

"Absolutely gorgeous!" Hermione said, putting a hand on her shoulder. Luna took a deep breath and grinned.

"I'm so nervous..." she said in a quiet voice.

Ginny and Hermione both gave her hugs. "It's a big step but Ron loves you. And you love him." Hermione said. Saying the words love, tugged at her insides. Harry crossed her mind and she was a bit taken aback. She shook the thoughts from her head, knowing the only reason she was thinking of him was because she had to momentarily walk down the aisle with him.

Luna smiled brightly and they all turned as a knock sounded on the door. Ginny made her way to the door and opened it. Bill stood there, leaning against the door frame. He grinned.

"It's time. Mother can only be entertained by the baby for so long before she breaks down crying again. Fleur is starting to get annoyed." he said. Ginny smiled and nodded, turning toward Luna and Hermione. Luna stood up and grabbed her bouquet.

"Where is father?" she asked. As if on cue, Xenophilius walked passed a surprised looking Bill and into the room. Ginny and Hermione looked at each other wearily as the middle aged man in the bright yellow dress with purple polka dots hugged his one and only daughter.

"Oh you look so handsome father!" Luna said, hugging him her and smiling. She pulled away and turned toward the girl's grinning. "Doesn't he look absolutely smashing!"

Ginny and Hermione smiled nervously and nodded very slowly. "Ye..Yea Luna. Fantastic robes Mr. Lovegood. Me and Hermione need to be getting into the line, see you in a bit." Ginny said while grabbing Hermione's arm along with Bill's and walking out of the room.

"I love how we're going to be related to them." Bill said chuckling as they walked down the hall of the Hall that would soon serve as the reception.

"Tell me about it. I don't think I will ever understand their fashion sense." Ginny said and picked up her dress skirts as they made their way down the stairs and out the double doors. The lawn was filled with white chairs occupied with numerous wedding guests. Many who had familiar heads of red hair. The alter, decorated with white roses, faced the beautiful Pacific Ocean as the Hawaiian Palm trees swayed in the breeze. A beautiful wedding at a beautiful location.

Bill made his way to Fleur who had their baby Victoire in her arms as a sobbing Mrs. Weasley clung to Mr. Weasley right next to her. Ginny began to make her way toward Harry and her brother's Fred, George, and Charlie who were standing by with the rest of the wedding party who were to walk down the aisle. Angelina was adjusting Fred's robes who was trying to give her a kiss while she did so. George was flirting with one of Ginny and Luna's friend, Skylar, who had agreed to participate in the wedding.

Ginny stopped when she noticed Hermione wasn't next to her. She turned as a wind whipped past them and fluttered Hermione's hair and dress. She looked frozen, as though off in her own world. Ginny looked at her confused and called out her name. As though something hit her, Hermione shook her head and turned toward Ginny. She nodded and hurried along after her.

The music sounded and they all got with their respectable partners. Ginny stood with Charlie, being first in the line up. Ginny saw Draco sitting behind his parents, looking at her. He caught her glance and smiled, wiggling his eyebrows. She smirked and blew him a kiss. Fred, who stood third in line with Angelina , made a comment. She whipped her head to look around Harry and Hermione who were second to make a retort when the music sounded.

Hermione stiffened staring straight ahead of her, not looking at Harry. Not that she hadn't looked at him at all, that was what had caused her to stop dead in her tracks. He had looked...amazing to say the least. His black hair nicely ruffled, his bright green eyes staring straight at her intensely, his black robes fitting him perfectly. It was all she could do to not run and jump on top of him.

She was afraid to look at him again; she didn't want to get the same dropping feeling in the pit of her stomach. It terrified her. She saw Ron running his hand through his hair nervously as he awaited for Luna to appear. Hermione felt Harry's hand at her elbow and she gave a jolt. Her brown eyes looked at him wide and she felt as though she could melt right there. He looked back down at her and he felt as though his breath had been taken away.

"Psst, Harry. Hermione. Move." Fred whispered to them. They both snapped their heads to the front and realized it was their turn to begin walking. He took hold of her hand and she was amazed her legs had not given out on her as they began to make their way down the aisle. She was trying to control her breathing and looked for Blaise in the chairs.

When she saw him she was taken aback by the look on his face. It looked almost...hateful..at Harry. He then turned his gaze to her and his expression changed to one of a loving nature. She gave him a weak smile still a bit scared at the look she had just seen cross his face.

Before Hermione realized it they had made it to the front where the Priest and Ron stood. As they parted ways, Harry to stand by Ron and Hermione by Luna, she heard Harry whisper:

"Marry me.”

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AN: I know that saying sorry may not be enough for why it has taken me so long to reply. The truth is, my life has been completely hectic. I have been working two jobs, and my dad (who was diagnosed with Kidney Failure) has been going through numerous tests and medical procedures. My mother lost her job so I have been the only income in the family and it's been hard. But I did -not- forget about this story at any point; I just couldn't find the time to type up a chapter. Things have been getting better and I finally managed to get back into the swing of things with my story. I apologize for the long wait and I already have started part 2, which I will post sometime this week.

I hope that I did not lose any fans of this story. I truly do appreciate all of you and the reviews I get. Please bare with me and know that chapter updates may not be that frequent but I will try to get them out asap.

As always read and review!

--GhostOrchidz

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