Unofficial Portkey Archive

Knowing There Is Only Now

by coven

Rated: PG

Summary: Hermione finds out that there is a fine line between dream and reality.

Disclaimer: This is a Harry Potter fan fiction. Standard disclaimers apply.

Notes: Gal-texter e-mailed me and asked if I wanted to repost this fic. The reason why I pulled out all my fics is that I was transitioning from fan fics to original stories. I didn't want to be tempted to write fan fiction as I needed all the creativity I had for my other endeavor. Surprisingly one story got published in a local short story anthology and I'm gathering more materials for what hopefully is a collection of my own. Anyway, I am now convinced that I can write my own stuff without fan fiction being a distraction. I would like to apologize to those who had wished to read my H/Hr fics but couldn't find them and I thank them also and those who have read my stories before. You have encouraged me to write and now I am doing exactly that. Thanks again!

Knowing There Is Only Now

© Cynthia Alexander

here we stand

we know

it will always be

everything & nothing

between us

but space & silence

to begin with

tell me how it is

to love & live & be

no promises knowing

there is only now

knowing there is only now

as we walk away

out the door

welcome back reality

don't forget we smile knowing

there is only now

tell me how it is

to love & live & be

no promises knowing

there is only now

knowing there is only now

Chapter I: Wait

Hermione did not expect to fall asleep, especially when she was supposed to be studying for one of Moody's bone-breaking Auror training exams, and in the library at that. She was just so tired. She had been tutoring Neville on transfiguration for three hours and another two on charms after that. She was supposed to help Harry too but he was out in the quidditch field, trying out new techniques with a few other classmates.

Hermione was worried. Of course, Harry sure deserved some slack-off time having just defeated Voldemort almost a year ago. Even if everyone on the side of Light was still on the lookout for threats from what were left of the Dark Lord's followers, the real burden on Harry had been lifted off his shoulders. Hermione was proud of her friend, but being her typical self, she still worried about how Harry would fare with the upcoming exams. Of course, Harry's affairs were his own. She was not his nanny for heaven's sake! Almost grudgingly, she reminded herself that she had yet to review and that she had wanted to read on a few more chapters for advanced work.

She glanced at the library clock and sighed as it showed the lateness of the hour. She shrugged as she thought that there was no harm in relaxing a bit. With that, she placed her arms on the desk and pillowed her head on them. She closed her eyes for a full minute of rest. However, her body could not help but extend it to a full hour. That was when she started to drift off to dreamland.

Both the conscious and the subconscious Hermione would be lying if she said she was not enjoying her dream. You see, Hermione Granger had a secret. Although she was not embarrassed to admit it, she would not go bragging about it either. At the age of nineteen, when many girls her age were already going steady with their fifth boyfriend, she still had not experienced her first kiss. It may sound hilarious or unbelievable to most people, but there did not seem to be any opportunity for it before, especially with the Second Great Wizard War, then graduation, and finally choosing a career- hence Auror training. If anyone would argue the fact that she had gone steady with Ron Weasley during their sixth year, she would retort that the relationship lasted only three days and that with their constant bickering; there simply was no any opportunity for a smooch fest!

Going back to the dream. Yes, Hermione was indeed enjoying it, if the blissful smile on her face was any indication of that.

"Hermione?"

Hermione turns her head towards the familiar voice. She smiles at the young man who approaches. He is in Auror trainee robes as she was but the glaring sun makes it hard for her to identify him. All she knows is that he is someone she knows.

"Yes?" she answers, beaming a smile at him.

"I'm glad I found you here," he says pleasantly.

"Does Professor Moody need me now?" she asks.

"No," he says. "But I do."

Hermione is taken by surprise as she finds herself pulled up for a kiss. And it had felt so real. She moaned as the soft weight of lips moved against her own. A familiar male scent assuaged her lethargic senses. She turned her head for a better angle and let out a sigh as she felt the pressure ease.

"Wait…" she murmured. The flutter of cloth and the muted sound of running footsteps sounded as if they were from another place and another time.

Hermione opened her eyes in a start. She tentatively licked her lips, still tasting the sweetness on them. She put a trembling hand to her mouth.

"Oh my God," she cried out. "That was real!"

"Harry?"

Harry turned the shower off and put a towel around his waist.

"What?" he asked, sticking his head out of the bathroom door. He suppressed his chuckle as he observed the way Neville's locks were sticking out of his head like a shorthaired troll-doll. He knew that his roommate had been labouring over the exams Moody was giving the next day, and Harry decided his friend deserved sympathy instead of being laughed at.

Neville yawned before answering.

"Hermione's at the door," he said. "She said she wants to talk to you."

"Well, can you just tell her to meet me at the common room in a few minutes?" Harry requested. "I'll just finish my shower."

Neville winced. Hermione had looked very distraught when she came. He did not want to go back to her "empty-handed." Besides, she had patiently tutored him earlier and the least he could do was to bring Harry to her.

"Sorry Harry," Neville said, showing the same determination he had shown in their years in Hogwarts. "Hermione looked really upset. I don't think whatever's bothering her could keep her waiting any longer."

Harry shook his head in resignation. He was expecting it but not this soon.

"Okay," Harry said, securing the towel more tightly. He put his glasses on and added, "Thanks Neville. I'm sorry for the trouble."

Neville smiled in relief. This was much better. So much better!

Harry walked towards the door of the room he shared with Neville and saw Hermione standing there tapping her foot anxiously. She turned as she heard him. He almost cringed as he saw her face contort like what she would usually do when disgusted.

"Honestly Harry, what's up with that?" Hermione asked, pointing at his bare chest and dripping hair.

"I was in the shower," Harry replied with a shrug. "Neville said you sounded distressed."

"Well, not that distressed," she said. "Go, put some clothes on first."

"I don't know why it bothers you anyway," he whined, trudging to his closet.

"Well it does," Hermione said sharply. She deliberately left out saying that the reason why it bothered her was because Harry had become insanely sexy now that he had gone through puberty. Of course, exercise from playing quidditch and workouts from Auror training had helped a lot in developing those muscles Harry were hiding. She stole a glance at him and cursed mentally. A half-naked Harry was one thing, but a wet half-naked one was an entirely different matter. Hermione knew he was her friend, but it did not stop her from being aware that he was also male, and as it was turning out to be- an Alpha male.

"Is this better now Mum?" Harry asked when he came back with sweat pants and a plain white shirt on.

"Haha," Hermione said, making a face. "Very funny."

"So what's up?" Harry said, grinning.

Hermione grabbed his hand and pulled him away from the door. She looked cautiously around. Sometimes it was the men who had the greater tendencies of being tattle-tales, and this was one tale she would not want to be tattled.

"I don't think anyone is still out at this time…" Harry said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"Can we talk somewhere private?" Hermione whispered. "Dire matters Harry, dire matters!"

"Unless Voldemort has risen once again, I'm sure this could wait until I finish my shower?"

"Harry Potter," Hermione said coolly, obviously put off by his remark. "I would not ask for your help if it wasn't important. Fine, go finish you shower."

With that, she stomped off.

"Come on Hermione, I'm sorry!"

Harry felt guiltier when he heard her sob.

"Hell," Harry muttered and ran after her. She stopped and wiped the tears from her face before facing him.

"Go away," Hermione said.

"I said I'm sorry," he said, softly gripping her at the shoulders. "Don't cry now."

"I was not crying," she said. "It was just a case of hiccups." Then to Harry's relief added, "If I had anyone else to talk to right now, I would kick you."

"Then use me instead," Harry said with a mischievous smile on his face.

Hermione rolled her eyes and chuckled despite herself, and started walking to the common room with Harry beside her.

"You could give Shakespeare a run for his money with your way with words," she commented.

"Who's Shakespeare?" Harry asked.

Hermione stopped in her tracks.

"Honestly!"

Harry laughed and pinched her cheek.

"You're so cute," he said teasingly. "Of course I was just pulling your leg."

"You sense of humour has grown unbelievably distasteful these past years," she said, sitting down on a sofa as they reached the common room. "And…"

"And?" Harry prodded as he sat beside her.

Hermione winced, remembering the cause of this sudden summoning.

"Well," she started with uncertainty. "You know that we have exams tomorrow right?"

"You mean later," Harry corrected.

Hermione glanced at the clock and grinned wryly.

"Yeah, later," she agreed. "I was in the library a while ago and…"

"Okay," Harry interrupted her. "I'm sorry."

"Huh?"

"I'm sorry," Harry said seriously looking at her in the eye. "I didn't mean to do that to you."

Hermione's eyes widened. This couldn't be true!

"You did it?" Hermione cried out in disbelief. "You… did… I… I mean why?"

"Well," Harry said, slouching. "I was bored."

Hermione stood up indignantly, fire dancing in her eyes, and without any warning swatted Harry at the head.

"Ow!" Harry yelled in pain. Boy was he seeing stars. "What was that for?"

"What kind of reason is that?" she lectured. "You just… you just don't do it when you're bored!"

Harry looked at her as if she had grown two heads.

"What would you have wanted me do then?" he asked defensively, rubbing his nape.

"I don't know," Hermione moaned in frustration. "Harry, that was mean of you. You were supposed to be my friend!"

"I don't get it," he said. "I thought it would just be okay."

"Okay?" Hermione shouted. "You thought it as okay? Ooooh…I don't ever want to speak to you again!"

"Hey," Harry said, catching her arm before she had the chance to take off once more. "This is not the first time I have ditched our study date."

"What?" Hermione said, pulling her arm from his hold. "What are you talking about?"

"Ah," Harry said, nodding in understanding. "I guess I should be the one asking that question. What are you talking about?"

Hermione eyed him.

"You were talking about the study date?"

"What else would I be talking about?" Harry said. "I thought you were going to give me a scolding about me playing quidditch instead. Weren't you?"

"I think I need to sit down," Hermione said, fanning herself. "My God, and all the while…"

Harry gently took her elbow and assisted Hermione as she once again sat beside him.

"Harry," she said. "Swear that you won't say this to anyone even Ron."

"Uhmm…what…"

"Swear!"

"Alright, I swear on Voldie's grave," Harry said, crossing his heart. "Now what seems to be the problem?"

Hermione licked her lips.

"I don't know how or where to begin…" she started. "I know. Remember your first kiss? With Cho?"

"Yeah," Harry said uncomfortably. "It wasn't exactly a very nice experience but I remember it, vividly still."

Hermione clicked her fingers.

"Precisely!"

"Now what has that got to do with…"

"And you remember it because it was your first kiss, right?"

"Yeah."

"Because," Hermione explained on. "The first kiss is the most important kiss of all. It's like a rite of passage to adulthood. Once you have it, it seems like nothing will ever be the same again."

"And who said she was a realist?"

"I am not a romantic!"

"Well, that's what you say."

"Can I get on with this?" Hermione sighed. She was definitely showing signs of frustration.

Harry nodded.

"Okay, I have never been kissed."

"What?"

It was Harry's turn to be dumbfounded.

"Well," Hermione said, flustered and clearly embarrassed about it. "I mean I haven't been kissed until tonight."

"What?" Harry repeated.

"I was studying in the library and I fell asleep because I was so tired. Then suddenly, I felt someone kissing me and then I woke up…"

"Wait," Harry said. "Let's backtrack a little. You haven't been kissed?"

Hermione shyly nodded.

"What about Ron?" he asked.

Hermione grunted at that.

"We didn't," she said. "There was a peck on the cheek and a clumsily misplaced one on the nose… if it escaped your memory we went steady for only three days."

"I know," Harry said, painfully remembering being caught between two boulders of obstinacy. "So… you didn't?"

Hermione sighed.

"Harry we were too busy arguing those three days to do anything else."

"Okay…" Harry said cautiously.

"Don't tell me Ron told you otherwise!"

"No!" Harry said. "He was tight-lipped about it as you were."

"If there is any consolation to Ron, he isn't a kiss-and-tell sort of bloke," she admitted. "Not that there was a kiss to tell."

"Okay. So, you were kissed by this unknown person while you were sleeping in the library," Harry summarized. "Are you sure you weren't just dreaming?"

Hermione coloured a bit.

"Uhmm," she said. "Yeah… uhmmm…there was some physical evidence…"

"Like what?"

Hermione blushed deeper.

"I heard noises. My lips were wet and I could still uhmm… taste him whoever he was."

"Er… right," Harry said, unclear of how he was supposed to react. This was getting very intimate, and he was not feeling very comfortable talking about it with Hermione. "You sure it wasn't a dream?"

"I was there, okay!" she snapped at him. "Besides, I don't think I would react this way if I wasn't sure it was just a dream."

"Wow," Harry commented, holding his hands in front of him in surrender. "This is weird. Because we never really talk about each other's extra-curricular activities before much less our love lives."

"Except maybe about Cho and Viktor, who by the way wasn't really a beau or anything," Hermione added, hugging her knees.

"You mean he wasn't?"

"Of course he wasn't" Hermione said. "He was just a pen friend. You mean you didn't believe me then?"

"I did," Harry said. "You were the one who mentioned him."

"Well he wasn't," Hermione said with finality.

"So what now?" Harry broke into the short silence.

"I just want to find out who it was."

Harry rubbed his forehead.

"Just out of curiosity," Harry said thoughtfully, playing with a strand of Hermione's hair. "Let's say you catch this guy, what do you plan to do to him?"

Hermione shrugged.

"I don't know yet," she said. "I just want to find out who it was."

"You're really serious about this, huh?"

"Of course!" she said huffily. "He stole from me not just any kiss. It was my first kiss!"

"Okay," he said after a while. "I'll help you."

"Yes!" Hermione yelped, throwing her arms around Harry. "Thank you! Oh thank you!"

"But I think I need a sample of that kiss," Harry said with a grin.

Hermione automatically withdrew from the embrace.

"Eww!" she said, pinching Harry. "I was serious about the jokes."

Harry laughed.

"Sorry," he said. "It's just that it's only now that I can actually act like myself. It just feels so good to be free!"

"True," Hermione replied meekly. "I'm sorry for swatting you."

"Well," Harry said nonchalantly. "I guess I deserved it. Sorry for playing hooky…"

"Well if it isn't Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger."

The two looked up and found Professor Moody smiling down at them.

"Good evening Professor," Hermione said.

"That's a good morning to you young lady," Moody replied.

"Good morning Professor," Harry greeted.

"I hope the reason why you're still up is that you were studying for the exam I'll be giving in approximately… six hours?"

"Something like that," Harry said. "We'll be doing our best sir, specially Hermione!"

"I don't think there's a doubt about it," Moody said as he walked away. "And remember, constant vigilance!"

"Bye Professor," Hermione called out after him.

"Well," Harry whispered. "You should have heeded that, Hermione."

"Oh, shut up!" was her only reply.

*I don't know why I'm falling

I'm falling I don't know why why you make me wait

waiting so long

waiting so long

these are my hands what do I have

I have nothing I am empty I am full

full of full of nothing

I am falling

-- Wait by Cynthia Alexander*

Chapter II: Rose

Harry found Hermione with her upper body sprawled over her desk inside Moody's classroom. He sighed and pulled a chair behind the desk beside hers.

"How was the test?" he asked.

"Thou shall not kick someone when she is down," a muffled voice answered.

"What happened?" Harry inquired, brushing Hermione's hair away from her face so he could look at her.

Hermione responded with a groan.

"I think I flunked it."

"Flunk?" Harry exclaimed. "You? Flunk? Hermione? Flunk?"

"Don't be overdramatic," Hermione said as she slowly sat up and slouched. Harry winced as he saw her ashen complexion and the dullness of her eyes. At least she was not crying. He could handle Hermione in almost any of her moods, but in a crying one he could not.

"No seriously," he said, still disbelieving his friend. "You flunked it?"

Hermione shrugged.

"It can be an exaggeration," she said listlessly. "But… oh! Honestly Harry, my mind was too much on that pervert. I couldn't concentrate at all. It was horrible! It was the first time it ever happened to me. My mind just went blank-kaput!"

"Welcome to my world then," he said jokingly. And with that, he stood and came up behind her. He set his hands on her shoulders and began to knead the tension away.

Hermione sighed and closed her eyes, clearly enjoying Harry's ministrations. It was not everyday that a guy would get to touch you intimately, even if it was just your best friend. Well, she does not think of herself as loose, but girls even the brainy ones like her, do enjoy moments with the opposite sex. Of course, Harry was her best friend. But knowing that many other girls would be envious of her right now made her smile. Come to think of it, she should consider herself lucky. Not everyone knew the real Harry Potter. Even Ron was not privileged to know who he really was. But Hermione knew. She had witnessed each different person Harry was, and had accepted all of them. And loved them.

While Hermione was busy with her musings, Harry, on the other hand, found himself in a predicament. There was something about Hermione's exposed nape, not to mention the citrus scent of her shampoo that was utterly sexy. He cursed his hormones for ruining what should have been a perfectly innocent moment.

"Is this okay?" Harry croaked.

"Hmmm?" Hermione mumbled, apparently getting lethargic with the massage.

Harry cringed as he heard her moan. Suddenly, he stopped. He could not go on even if the touch of Hermione's skin under his fingers felt really good. Another second of it and he would not be able to walk. To cover his discomfort, he cleared his throat.

"Alright, that's it!" he announced. "Get off your feet, good woman so I can drag you off to Hogsmeade!" He took care of her things, putting books and parchment inside her bag. "You need a good dose of butterbeer."

"Or firewhiskey," Hermione replied, playing along with Harry although she felt something went awkward a while ago. Shrugging the feeling off, she added, "I have a much better idea. Let's get that creep. Whoever he is, I'll hunt him down and grind him to pulp."

Harry gently tapped her forehead with a finger.

"Good intentions that need action," he said teasingly. "So, where do we start?"

Hermione eyed him. Harry looked his normal self. She mentally shook her head. Perhaps she was just dreaming again.

"Let's get that butterbeer first then we'll talk," she responded.

"Or firewhiskey," Harry said.

Hermione smiled wryly.

"Right."

"What do you remember exactly?" Harry remarked, as he relaxed in one of the booths in Toil and Trouble. The newly opened Hogsmeade pub was popular with the younger crowd, especially Hogwarts students during Hogsmeade weekends. As of the moment, there were some couples dancing to slow music. Otherwise, the atmosphere was conducive for quiet conversation.

"I was sleeping in the library," Hermione said before taking a drink from her third bottle of butterbeer. "I think I was zonked out for an hour more or less. Then I felt somebody kissing me. I heard the flutter of clothing and footsteps while I was rousing from sleep. But when I was fully awake, I found out I was alone."

Harry looked at her expectantly.

"Okay," he said after a beat. "You aren't telling me everything."

Hermione squirmed a bit in her seat. There was no use of lying to someone who was so attuned with you.

"I'm telling you what I remember," she mumbled.

Harry shook his head.

"I don't think so," he said sternly." You're telling me what you think I should hear. Look, if we are going to catch this guy, then you should tell me everything."

Hermione stuck her tongue at him.

"You sound like a detective on one of those police dramas on TV," she said, a little irritated at having caught lying by omission. "Okay, fine!"

She took a deep breath and concentrated on the bead of condensation travelling down the neck of her butterbeer bottle.

"I was dreaming that someone was kissing me so I first thought it must have been a hell of a dream because it felt so real," she finally admitted.

"Harry, I may not be the most experience in the smooching department but I knew it was real. It felt… I felt violated."

"Violated?"

"Well, it was really sweet at first," she said with a shrug, although she was finding it a bit embarrassing to tell it to Harry. "I mean I give the guy, whoever he is, props for the technical aspect of it. But you know… it was my first kiss and all. I would have wanted it to be from someone special."

"At least you enjoyed it," Harry said good-humouredly.

Hermione looked at him in mild indignation.

"I should bop you in the head for that comment but I did enjoy it so that would be pointless," she said thru gritted teeth, then with fake sweetness added, "Or I can just bop you in the head for the heck of it."

"I have no desire to be an astrologer thank you," Harry replied wryly.

"Of course I was just joking Harry," she said, clasping her hands together and to Harry's amusement, fluttered her eyelashes at him. "I would not want to injure the only person who can help me with this thing."

"Aww, I am so touched," Harry said, placing a hand over his heart. The two of them exchanged grins at their playful exchange.

"So," Harry said later, after ordering another round of drinks. "How do we go about this?"

"Why don't we start with a list of possible suspects?" Hermione suggested.

"Well, if I am not mistaken," Harry said thoughtfully. "There could be twenty-eight suspects. There are twenty-nine male trainees at present. I'm excluding myself by the way."

He stopped as the waitress brought their order. Hermione grinned herself as the waitress giggled like a schoolgirl when Harry flashed her one of his hundred-watt smiles.

"Thirty eight suspects if that number includes the ten male trainers," Harry continued, placing a new bottle in front of Hermione. "Unless you want me to include the females?"

"I doubt Harry," she reacted dryly. "Make it twenty-eight suspects. I doubt if the trainers had anything to do with it. It's against ethics. Besides, I don't think they're too juvenile to do something immature like this."

Harry laughed.

"You can't really blame the guys Hermione," he defended his mates. "You're the only female trainee this year!"

"So what if I am?" cried Hermione. "I'm sure they are not that desperate."

"We're nineteen, we're at our prime. Our hormones are still raging!" Harry replied grandly, before taking a gulp of his drink. "And why are you being hard on yourself? You're not hard on the eyes, and that's putting it mildly."

Hermione rolled her eyes at that.

"Of course you would say that Harry, you're my friend."

"But," Harry pointed out. "I am a male friend who appreciates the attractiveness of his female friend. Now, what is wrong with that? Look, you have the most expressive brown eyes I've ever seen on anyone. And you don't get to see the boys' reaction when you wear your workout clothes. They sure do notice you. You're blushing… Oh my God, you're blushing!"

Hermione was indeed wearing bright red across her face.

"Shut up Potter!" she hissed, and threw paper napkins at her friend, which only garnered more laughter from him. "Don't you dare use your wiles on me! Exhaust it on one of your fan girls. Agh! You're making me sound like a bimbo!"

"Oh really now?" Harry said, gasping for air. Harry took Hermione's hands in his and added suggestively, "Well you're my bimbo."

Hermione let out an 'eep.'

"Get away!" she said, warding him off with her arms. "You're flirting with me! Agh!"

"Hmm, I should've known."

The two stopped at the intrusion.

"Draco!" Hermione said a little breathlessly.

"Good evening Granger, Potter," Draco Malfoy greeted them. Hermione flashed him a smile while Harry merely nodded. "Would it be a bother if I join your company?"

"No, sure go ahead," Hermione said. "Save me from Harry."

"Now that's new," Draco said as he sat down beside Hermione, ignoring the dark look Harry was giving him.

"It was just a joke Malfoy," Harry answered a little coolly. Draco noticed this and raised an eyebrow at the guy sitting opposite him.

"Oh, I get it," he said, drolly. "So, what brings you two here?"

"I was just treating Hermione to some comfort drink," Harry said. "She said she thinks she flunked the test Moody gave earlier."

"I don't believe you," Draco teased with mock-surprise. "I'm sure the great Hermione Granger never flunks a test."

Hermione was merely shaking her head.

"Well she thinks she did today," Harry replied, relaxing a bit. "So how do you think you did?"

"Granted that I was out trying to knock you off your broom last night, I think I did okay. You?

Hermione covered her ears and looked up, counting invisible cracks up the ceiling.

"Same," Harry said.

Hermione slapped her hand on the table.

"Am I here to listen to this?" she said, looking at both men who were suppressing their grins. "Can we change the subject then? Draco, what are you doing here?"

Draco gestured to the waitress for a drink.

"I'm treating myself after having finished the exam alive."

"Harsh!" Hermione whinged. "You both are harsh!"

"You heard the lady," Harry said. "Let's talk about something else."

"Thank you Harry!" Hermione said. "My sentiments indeed."

Draco merely shrugged.

"I received a letter from Ron this morning," Harry announced. "Apparently, he's enjoying quidditch camp."

"I never expected Weasley King to get drafted," Draco said, receiving his drink from the over-friendly waitress.

"Ginny said it was actually a miracle," Hermione remarked dryly.

"Aren't you being a little mean to your ex?" Draco asked.

"I'm always mean to him," Hermione said with a 'tsk.' "Besides, it was Ginny who said it, not I. I always knew he wanted to be rich and famous. What better way than to become a quidditch player? Anyway, I'm pretty proud of him. I'm actually surprised you decided to become an Auror, Draco. No offence."

"None taken," he said. "I had no choice actually. After the war, I found out I was actually good at it. Too bad, my father did not like my choice of career."

"Sorry," Hermione said sympathetically.

"Don't be, I'm not," he said matter-of-factly. "So Granger, what would you have me be instead?"

"A house elf," Harry suggested.

"I wasn't exactly asking you Potter," Draco smirked.

"And I say," Harry retorted back. "You are just fishing for compliments, Malfoy."

"My gosh," Hermione said laconically. "I feel like I am watching a ping-pong match. To answer your question Draco. Well, I see you more of as a…a… a businessman."

"More of like a Godfather, if you ask me," Harry added.

"Hmmm…" Hermione said thoughtfully. "Actually yeah. Something like that."

"Godfather?" Draco asked. "Whose?"

Harry laughed.

"It's a muggle thing. You sorely lack education in that department, Malfoy."

"Which is no vast fault of mine," Draco said a little defensively.

Hermione decided to put her foot in.

"I can help you with that, if you like," she offered. "It would be easy. Besides, you'll need it if we do go undercover."

"Hmmm… is that an offer of your services, Granger?"

"Malfoy!"

It was Harry who protested.

"Sorry to have hurt your sensibilities, Potter but that was a joke."

"Boys, please act your age," Hermione said sternly and to Draco she said, "So do you want my help or not?"

"I'll think about it," Draco replied and with a smile added, "As for now, how about a dance, if Potter here doesn't object?"

"Why would he?" Hermione said. "He doesn't want to dance with you."

"Haha, Hermione…" Harry answered blandly, a little miffed at what Hermione said. He caught the knowing look in Draco's eyes. To him he asked, "Why would I mind, huh Malfoy?"

"Beats me," Draco said, a hint of amusement apparent in his voice. "Come on Granger, how about it? "

Hermione hesitated.

"Alright," Draco said, standing. "While you're deciding, may I excuse myself?"

Hermione waited until Draco was far away enough before talking.

"I'll probably say yes," she said to Harry.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked concernedly.

Hermione laughed, finding Harry's reaction a bit unnecessary.

"And why the hell not?" she asked back. "This is a chance to see if I can eliminate our suspects one by one."

"Oh yeah, the perv," Harry muttered. "Well Draco sure fits the bill."

"Why were you ribbing him?" Hermione asked.

"Let's just say it's out of habit," he said.

"Harry, need I remind you that he isn't the same Draco Malfoy that we once knew."

"I know," Harry admitted grudgingly. "I play quidditch with him for heaven's sake."

"So, what's the big deal about it?" Hermione said gently, patting Harry's hand. "It's just a dance. Well, here he is."

"So how about it, Granger?" Draco said as he reached their table.

Hermione stood up.

"Sure, I'd love to."

Harry watched with a sick feeling at the bottom of his stomach as Draco led Hermione to the dance floor.

"I bet he does," he grumbled with a swig of butterbeer.

*You must be what you must be no other the same

Hunting streets with hormones high

Forgotten Rose, alone you cry

You want to live, want to love

-- Rose by Cynthia Alexander*

Chapter III: Hello Baby

Harry beamed at Hermione as she sat in front of him at the lunch table. She grinned back and greeted him. She was obviously in one of her better moods. Harry wondered if it had something to do with actually topping the dreaded 'Moody' exam or the dance with Malfoy last night. He hoped it was the former, because the latter would ruin his own good mood.

Harry had thought about it as he had sat alone in the pub, last night. There was actually nothing wrong with Draco Malfoy, even if he was Draco Malfoy. He liked the bloke. He had after all, unexpectedly turned against the Dark side and joined them. Whatever his reason was for doing so had never been clear to Harry. But Draco had proven his worth time and again so to Harry, it did not really matter at all.

He could not believe that two years before they were still duelling in the corridors of Hogwarts. Well, they were still at each other's neck if chance presented itself, but the heat was no longer there. As Harry had said, it was more out of habit than anything else. He even played with him on the Auror varsity team.

Now, regarding Draco being with Hermione, that was a different thing altogether.

"Who said she flunked the test?"

Hermione grinned sheepishly.

"Sorry," she said, getting eggplant lasagne. "I think I exaggerated a bit."

"No," Harry said, still eyeing the food choices. "As usual, you were just paranoid."

"But I'm still your friend so it doesn't matter, right?" Hermione asked.

"Well, I didn't know when you applied for the position," Harry replied.

"Hermione!"

It was Neville who came in running.

"Woah," Hermione said. "What's wrong Nev?"

Neville grabbed Hermione and hugged her.

"Oh Hermione," he said, flushing a bit. "Nothing's wrong. On the contrary, it's all bloody fantastic."

And with that, Neville Longbottom picked her up in his arms and twirled her

about.

"Thank you!" he said, as he finally put her down. "I passed and I got a high mark too!"

Hermione, who was still trying to find out east from west, was only able to answer him a "You're welcome."

"Well," Neville said, finally releasing her. "I have to tell this to Lav. I'm sure she'll get a kick out of it. She said she saw it in the tea leaves. Thanks again, Hermione! Bye Harry!"

Hermione sat down again, chuckling as she watched him stumble out of the mess hall.

"Are you sure it's not Neville?" Harry asked, resisting the urge to laugh out loud.

"I don't think so," Hermione replied, still grinning from ear to ear. "Besides, he is so devoted to Lav, I'm sure he wouldn't dare kiss me. She would kill him if she finds out."

"Hmmm," Harry mused. "So we have Neville and Malfoy scratched from the list."

"Well," Hermione said. "I guess so. Neville is too much a honey. Draco well… no sound alibi as of yet, but I also doubt he has anything to do with it. It's just not Draco. I mean he can be underhanded about things. I mean, he used to be. But why would he steal a kiss from me, when all he has to do is snap his fingers and girls would come running to him.

"Well, sometimes men aren't as confident as you think they would especially with the women they like," Harry mumbled as he helped himself to some steak.

"Hmm?"

"Sounds like someone is falling for Malfoy's nonexistent charms," Harry said instead.

"Oh Harry," Hermione said, putting her fork down. "You're jealous aren't you?"

Harry looked around as if she had said something that could frame him.

"Of course not!" he denied vehemently. "Why would I be?"

"Hmmm," Hermione said knowingly. "Nothing Big Brother. So, any from your end?"

But Harry couldn't just let it go.

"Wait," he persisted. "Why would I be jealous?"

"You tell me Harry," she retorted with a shrug before sipping from her glass of pumpkin juice.

Harry stared at his plate for a moment, seriously pondering over what she had said. After a while he answered, "Alright, maybe I am."

Hermione looked up at him and felt funny. It was not the first time in the company of Harry that she felt that little flutter in her chest. But lately, with Harry all going affectionate and flirty, she had been experiencing more of it.

Harry cleared his throat.

"I mean," he said, with a twinkle in his eyes that spelled mischief. "My baby's all grown up. Pass me some Kleenex."

Hermione threw him some instead.

"What?" Harry complained, his hands shielding automatically from the assault.

"It just feels weird seeing you like this," she said quietly. "Forgive me if I'm still groping my way about it but, it's only been less than a year and…"

"And?"

"It's not the usual you," she said carefully. "But it's the real you so… but I like it. I really do. "

"Aww…" Harry said, seriously touched by her statement. And with a rare show of spontaneity, Hermione kissed him on his cheek.

"Hey," he said, touching the spot where her lips stayed for a very brief moment. "You kissed me!"

Hermione flushed.

"As if it was the first time," she said, going back to her meal. "Think of it as a sisterly kiss."

"I would if not half the people are enviously looking at me right now," Harry said, conscious of the stares of some of the other people.

"Oh shush Harry."

"Hmm… we're going to have a more difficult time of finding your mystery person then," he said after a while.

"I've been asking around," Hermione said, putting her fork and spoon aside. "Most of the guys were in the study area, in their rooms, or in Draco and your case, out in the quidditch fields."

"But anybody could just walk to the library and do it," Harry added.

Hermione sighed.

"So any from your end?" she asked.

Harry grinned.

"I turned into a gossipmonger," he said, obviously finding the idea exciting. "I've been trying to find out if anyone here has the hots for you. What's so funny?"

Hermione shook her head.

"You're enjoying this aren't you?" she asked, almost accusingly.

"Why not," he said. "This is what we future Aurors are training for, to find cowardly men who have nothing to do but kiss innocent girls while they sleep."

"Harry!"

Harry chuckled.

"Actually, it's pretty difficult," he said. "The guys are very careful when I'm around, knowing you're my friend and all. They know I can turn them to dust if anyone says anything inappropriate about you."

Hermione pondered a bit.

"This just means we have to go the second step," she said with conviction.

"And that is?"

"Use magic of course!" Hermione rubbed her hands in glee.

"The logical thing to do next," Harry said. "And do you have any idea on which magic to use?"

"No," she admitted. "But we can go to the library."

"Oh yes, which is why you are in this predicament in the first place."

"Oh darn it!" Hermione said so suddenly that Harry almost choked on his food. She slapped the palm of her hand on her forehead. "I deserved to fail that exam."

"What now?"

"Yes, that was what we should have done in the first place!" she said, as if she had done something as negligent as not doing homework, or cutting class.

"What?"

Harry was getting curious at this point.

"Go back to the scene of the crime!" she cried out, gripping hard at Harry's arm. "That was what we should have done. And now, whatever evidence that creep left there would all be gone by now. I can't believe how stupid I was!"

"Hey."

Harry patted her hand consolingly.

"And you Harry Potter," she spat out. "With being an Auror as almost second nature to you, why didn't you remind me?"

Harry let go of her hand as if he suddenly touched something hot.

"Uhmm… well… uhmm…"

"Never mind," Hermione said dismissively. "We have work to do!"

"Wait up," Harry said, trying to force what was left of the steak on his plate in his mouth.

"Oh honestly, Harry!" Hermione said in disgust. She noticed Harry's attention focusing on something behind her.

"Excuse me," came a squeaky voice. "Granger Missy Hermione Missy?"

"Yes!" rapped out.

She turned out and found Peasnaps, the Academy's house elf/gofer behind her. He was carrying a bouquet of red roses so huge, that it seemed as if the bouquet was standing by itself.

"Uhmm, Missy I'm sorry Missy!" Peasnaps apologized immediately, his large eyes brimming with tears.

Having founded the original organization that promoted the rights of house elves, Hermione felt as if she could kick herself. Her features softened and knelt beside the sobbing elf.

"Oh, it's not your fault," she said softly. "I'm sorry, I'm running low on patience today. What is it Peasnaps?"

"Missy, delivery for you Missy," he answered and excitedly shoved the bouquet to Hermione, his hurt forgotten.

Harry stood up and got the card sitting on top of the petals.

"Woah, roses! Who are they from?"

Hermione snatched the card back and gave Harry the evil eye. Harry tried to get it from her by poking her at the waist, which only earned him a very angry hiss.

"Just sit there and eat!" Hermione roared.

"Yes Ma'am," Harry said, smartly turning a salute and sitting down once again. "Thank you," Hermione said, rolling her eyes exasperatedly. She got her handkerchief from her pocket. She smiled once again and looked down at where Peasnaps was supposed to be and said, "And here you go…"

But Peasnaps was no longer there.

"Where did he go?" she asked, looking around. "I forgot to give him this."

"I'm sure he would prefer the stuff you knit for his friends at Hogwarts."

"Ha-ha Harry, ha-ha!"

Harry grinned at her like a naughty schoolboy.

"So who?"

Hermione opened the card. Harry frowned as he saw her blush and bit her lip. He was sure he was not going to like this. He slipped behind Hermione who was positively beaming like a girly-girl and caught the name on the card.

"Malfoy?"

* with the spotlight in your eye

the harsh stark reality

you are with me now

you will always be

until you walk away

Hiya Hello Hello Baby

-- Hello Baby by Cynthia Alexander*

Chapter IV: Daisy Chain

"Malfoy," Harry repeated blandly. He just could not believe that Draco was actually putting the moves on Hermione. That stupid, dishonest git!

"Harry?"

Harry forced a smile on his face. Hermione had looked so pleased when she received the flowers that he had not the heart to tell her of his thoughts.

"So what does it say?" Harry asked through gritted teeth.

"Uhmm.." she said, clearing her throat. It was the first time she had ever gotten flowers from a boy, and that fact overshadowed any misgiving on the identity of the sender. "Thanks for the dance."

Harry grunted.

"It must have been some dance."

Hermione frowned at the sarcasm that laced Harry's voice.

"It was okay," she said, returning the card in its envelope. Harry sickly watched as she buried her face in the petals.

"Didn't you mention that you were allergic to flowers?" he said.

Hermione laughed and shook her head.

"No Harry, honestly!"

"Well," Harry said peevishly. "I repeat then, somebody must be falling for Malfoy's non-existent charms." He looked at Hermione, who was still smiling. She seemed to be looking far away. Harry took a hold of her shoulders, which startled her.

"Merlin," Harry said. "You're seriously contemplating about it!"

Hermione laughed. It was obvious that nothing could spoil the moment for her. Secretly, she was pleased that Harry was indeed acting jealous. She could picture her ego doing summersaults and back flips at that instant.

"No silly," she said, taking a little pity on her best friend. "It has been a long time since anyone has paid me any attention like this."

"I'm paying you attention right now," Harry said crossly.

Hermione hooked her arm in Harry's and led them out of the dining area.

"But you're Harry!" she said as they walked.

"Oh thanks," Harry said, rolling his eyes. "Now I'm Harry, the next best thing to chopped liver! So what about Malfoy?"

"Oh Harry," she said, hugging his arm more tightly. "This is just a thank you. Besides, I don't like Draco that way ."

"Yet," Harry added.

Hermione stopped and pinched Harry's arm.

"Ow!" Harry cried out, he looked at the impish grin pasted on Hermione's face.

"Okay," he said, stopping in front of Hermione's door. "What if your mystery person is Malfoy?"

"Harry is a possessive git of a best friend," Hermione said to the portrait of a little cherub hanging above her door. The cherub giggled and winked at Harry. With a soft strum at the harp it was holding, the door opened.

"Hey," Harry said, sulkily. "That was mean."

"Don't worry that wasn't the password," Hermione said as they got in her room. "I asked the little angel to make it voice activated instead. Neat huh?"

"Yeah neat." Harry was still pouting when he sat down on the window seat. He did not bother anymore to point out that she had not yet answered his question.

"Put the flowers in water while I go and change," Hermione instructed as she pushed the bouquet towards Harry. Harry muttered something incoherent as he got the empty vase from her study table and went to fill it with water. When he got back, Hermione had just put Draco's card in her bureau drawer. She started unbuttoning the collar of her robes and walked to the bathroom, carrying a fresh change of clothing. Harry on the other hand, was doing his best to not shift his annoyance from the sender to the flowers. With surprisingly artistic flair, he proceeded to arrange the roses in the vase.

"Can we stop by my room first before we go to the library?" Harry called out. "I need to get out of these robes."

"If you're thinking of changing, I think I still have some of your clothes in my closet."

Harry frowned as he decided how he was supposed to insert the last two roses in the arrangement. "I don't want to go through your clothes!" he shouted back.

Hermione stepped out of the bathroom in jeans and a shirt with "S.P.E.W." emblazoned on her chest. "As if you haven't seen women's underwear before."

Harry raised an eyebrow at her.

"Oh," she said. "No, don't even open your mouth." With that she marched back to her closet and rummaged through her clothes. When she found out what she was looking for, she tossed it to Harry.

"Hey, I was looking for this!" he said, automatically unbuttoning his robes. Hermione found herself gawking as Harry stepped out of his robes and carried on in taking off his shirt. She felt her neck grew hot so she turned around to fix things that need not be fixed in her closet.

She gave a nervous giggle and said, "You always forget your things when you shower here." Then she gasped as she felt two masculine arms wrapped themselves around her waist. She nearly shivered as Harry rested his chin on her shoulder.

"And you always return them to me, clean and laundered," he said. With that, he hoisted her and carried her effortlessly to the bed.

"Put me down, Harry!" Hermione screamed, kicking and clawing at him.

"Okay!" he said, playfully putting up with her attempts with a laugh. He plopped her down on the bed and straddled her.

"Oh no you don't!" Hermione warned. "Harry!"

Harry pinned her down and started tickling her mercilessly. Hermione screamed and laughed. Still struggling, she somehow found a way to free one of her hands. As a form of retaliation, she shoved Harry's glasses off his head and flung it somewhere on the bed.

"Hey!" Harry growled, peering down at a blurred Hermione.

"It's my turn!" Hermione roared in triumph as she lifted her head up and bit him hard on the shoulder.

"Ouch!"

"Paging Mr. Harry Potter!" came the voice from the speakers of the magic PA system they had at the Academy. "You are requested by Coach Gordon to come to the quidditch fields immediately. Mr. Harry Potter, please come to the quidditch fields immediately."

Harry groaned in the crook of Hermione's neck, and loved so much how she smelled of lemon and lime.

"Just when I had you in my power," Harry complained as he sat up, pulling Hermione with him.

"You wish," Hermione muttered, watching as Harry fumbled about, looking for his glasses. She swore something happened a while ago. She could still feel whatever it was in the air.

"Hermione, where is it?" Harry asked exasperatedly.

Hermione paled.

"Oh Merlin," she thought. "No, not Harry! Please, please, please not Harry!"

"Hermione," Harry repeated. "A little help here please."

Hermione half-heartedly reached over and got the glasses which were lying innocently behind Harry and handed them to him. Before he could put them on, she pinched both her cheeks, knowing that at the moment, they needed a little colour.

"Well, we'll have to continue this next time then," Harry said with a wink.

Hermione recovered quickly and winked back.

"Thanks for taking care of the roses," she said as they got out of her room.

"Hmmmp!" Harry replied. "I just want you to know that I did that for you and not for Malfoy."

Hermione laughed weakly at that. She was silent, not really listening to Harry's endless chatter about Draco and quidditch. She was, instead, trying hard not to think about the fact that Harry's arm was draped on her shoulders, which should be normal but did not feel like so anymore. She was thankful when they reached the library.

"Just wait for me here and we'll see if there are any clues left to get that creep." Harry told her. "And don't fall asleep!"

Hermione nodded and waved goodbye. She saw Harry's questioning look before he walked away, but she was glad that he did not articulate it. He knew her too much, and she would never find the courage to lie about it if he had asked.

She went inside the library, where she saw another trainee Lord Tennyson Wyatt at one of the tables. He smiled at her and she smiled back.

Going to the circulation area, she pulled out books from the shelves randomly. She stared at the one on the top of the pile in her arms which had "SEDUCTION AND SURVEILLANCE: SEX IN ESPIONAGE" as its title. She turned the pages to the first and she almost dropped the book when she heard moans coming out. Disgusted, but with the book still in hand, she proceeded to the circulation desk.

"Good afternoon Hermione!"

Hermione smiled at the perky little librarian.

"Hello Celery!"

"Anything wrong?" Celery asked, as Hermione placed six books for borrowing.

"Why?" Hermione asked alarmed. Was she being obvious?

"Nothing," Celery said as she took care of the books. "It's just that you usually take ten out at a time."

Hermione smiled, very much relieved. "Just for light reading," she answered.

"I bet!" Celery said with a cheeky grin, as she held the Sex in Espionage book in her hand. Hermione had the grace to blush at that.

"Thanks, " she said when the librarian pushed the books back toward her. But as she turned to go to a different desk than her usual, Celery called out to her again.

"Oh Hermione," she said, handing her a red wristband. "I found this under your desk the other night."

"It's not…" she started, then a "ping" went in her head. She got the wristband from Celery.

"That's the new quidditch band."

The two women turned to look at Lord who had appeared with five books in his arms.

"You use this?" Hermione asked.

Lord nodded, giving the books to Celery who proceeded to process them.

"Coach gave them to us last week," he explained. "To differentiate one team from the other when he divides us during practice."

"Did you play quidditch the other night?"

"The night before Professor Moody's exams?" Lord exclaimed. "Hell no!"

"Do you know who played?" Hermione asked.

Lord pondered a bit.

"Pickle asked if I wanted to join but I was busy in my room studying so I said no," he said. "Malfoy, Potter, Edwards, and Bierce, were with him. I don't know if there were more."

Hermione's vein at the temple throbbed a bit.

"Well this must be Harry's then," she said. "Thanks Lord!"

"You're welcome," he replied.

"Thanks Celery," she bade the librarian once again, and to the young bloke she nodded, "Lord."

Hermione went to her desk, several thoughts zooming haphazardly in her mind. For the first time in her life, she could not think in an orderly fashion. First it was the perv, then Draco and his roses, then Harry, and now this latest development in her investigation. It was more action-packed than seventh year. She stewed in her seat, chewing at her nails for Merlin knows how long.

"I'm back!"

It was Harry, grinning from ear to ear. She glanced at his wrist and saw the red band on his left wrist.

"Just the person I wanted to see," Hermione said through gritted teeth.

*must you seize my world by storm

stake your claim upon the heavens

cast a mercy smile for this

daisy on a chain*

Daisy Chain by Cynthia Alexander

Chapter V: Slippin' Away

Harry knew that there was something wrong when he saw Hermione sitting, with her forehead wrinkled in deep thought. She was holding something in her left hand, but he could not see what it was. He started to become nervous, as he noticed that she had once again started to bite her fingernails - a habit that she had overcome almost a year ago. She knew something.

Hermione's heart was thumping wildly in her chest. It was not just because Harry was there, but as soon as she saw him and the wristband, she knew.

"Missed me already?" Harry asked, sauntering towards her.

Hermione looked up at him, her face remaining thoughtful.

"Harry," she said quietly. "Humour me for a while okay?"

"Okay," Harry said, sitting on the desk. There were very few students who were frequent in the library, and he knew Celery would not mind.

"You were playing quidditch the other night right?" Hermione asked, observing Harry. "Who were with you?"

"Pickle, Malfoy, Potter, Edwards, Bierce , Oslo, and McAllister. Quite few."

"What time did you finish?"

"Around 11:00."

"Where was everyone after that?"

"I don't know," Harry answered with a shrug. "Most of us headed back to the dorms."

"And how about the others?"

"I don't know," he said tightly.

Hermione smiled wryly.

"I thought you already asked them?"

"I did!" Harry replied, feeling a little slighted.

Hermione sighed. She hated the questioning. She knew she could just ask him straight, but for some reason she did not want to hear his answer, lest she be disappointed with it. And so she continued with the pretence of interrogation.

"What were you wearing?"

"What?"

"Humour me," she said absently. She was giving him the chance to speak. Why was he acting innocently? "What were you wearing?"

"Plainclothes. "

"What's that?" Hermione pointed at the wristband.

"This?" Harry asked, looking down at his hand. "It's for the team."

"Since when did you have it?"

"A month?" Harry said, uncomfortably. Sweat was pooling under his collar.

"Seems you're not sure," Hermione smirked.

"Huh?"

"Care to explain?"

Hermione threw the red wristband to Harry. He caught it and stared at it, dumbfounded.

"Where did you find this?" he asked, looked up at Hermione and found a steely coolness in her demeanour.

"I didn't," she said standing up. "Celery gave it to me, said she saw it under my desk the night before. Lord was here too."

When Harry did not answer, she continued, "It's one of you people."

Harry did not like where this was leading.

"Are you implying something?" he said, facing her.

"Maybe."

"If you have something to say then tell it to me straight," he said, preparing himself for the worst. But it did not save him from the torment he felt as soon as he saw Hermione's face fell, and the dimness in her eyes that the knowledge of his betrayal had cost.

"You…" she said, boring a finger at his chest, accusing him. "I knew something wasn't right. You held me back. I knew you weren't asking people. "

"I'm sorry," was all he could say.

"My God!" Hermione cried out, not caring if they were in the library "You do know something. I can't believe this. And you didn't trust me enough. Admit it Harry, you knew something."

"You wouldn't understand," he said, and inside he knew that she would not. Even if he told her the truth.

Hermione looked at him. She knew it was an admission. Of what? Could she dare hope? Was it he? Or was he just a part of this…joke?

"You know who it is," she spat out. "You know who it is! Damn it, Harry you knew and you didn't say a word! Don't tell me this is about male creed or something because I won't buy it… "

"Save yourself the trouble and cast the revealing charm," Harry said.

Hermione wanted to cry, but she would not. Not when Harry himself was being adamantly stubborn. Why was he making it hard for her? If he knew something then why had not he told her? Why would he forsake eight years of friendship just for this?

"Because I wanted to hear the truth from you," she said.

"Hermione…" Harry could not bear the hurt in her voice. But he could not. He just could not!

"Save it..." Hermione said with finality. " I just want to get this over and done with. Demonstro Apa…"

"No!"

It was Harry who cried out. Hermione, wand in mid-air, looked at him in horror. Harry looked down at the floor; he was finding it hard to breathe.

"Harry?" Hermione's voice broke.

"I'm sorry…"

"I see that you found my wristband."

Hermione turned her head at the intruder.

"Malfoy," Harry muttered under his breath.

Draco walked towards them. It did not seem to matter if he had just walked in an argument. Hermione perceived the lack of band on his left wrist, but did not notice the meaningful look Draco gave Harry.

"This is yours?" Hermione asked, her head painfully throbbing at the confusion of the situation.

"Yes," he said getting the band from her now-limp hand and put it on his own wrist. "I suppose I left it the other night."

Hermione's eyes went ablaze.

"You…," she accused. "You kissed me?"

Silence ensued. Draco met Harry's eyes, and waited. He saw Harry's gaze drop. Draco did not want to do it, but if it was the only thing that could…

"Yes," he answered, simply.

Hermione's chest was heaving with emotion; she was trying very hard not to give in to the rage brewing inside of her. She went to him and slapped him across the cheek with all her might.

"Draco Malfoy, of all the underhanded things you could ever do! You beast, you… Why? Just tell me one good reason why!"

Draco wiped the blood that trickled from his mouth. Oh yes, Harry Potter owed him.

"Because I wanted to," he said to Hermione.

"Because you wanted to…" she repeated.

"Because I like you," Draco said, making Harry wince.

"And I'm supposed to believe that?" Hermione scoffed.

"I don't suppose you will," Draco said with a shrug. "But that's the best one I've got, and it's the truth."

"Malfoy…"

Finally, Harry found his voice.

"Please Potter," Draco sneered. "Don't act so self-righteously about it."

"Tell me something Draco, were you ever going to tell me?" Hermione said, chin pointed up, her eyes met Draco's levelly.

And Draco met her stare equally.

"Yes," he said.

Hermione did not know what she was feeling at the moment. It was all too much…

"Hermione…"

"And you…," Hermione turned to face Harry. "What is your role in this farce?"

Hermione saw the set look in Harry's eyes. She knew by his reaction that he felt sorry and that he did not like having to lie to her, but they were not enough reasons for her to absolve him. Especially since she did not know for what she was supposed to be absolving him. All she knew that Harry was still hiding something from her, and that fact was tearing her to pieces, which was worse than the crushed hope that her mystery kisser was indeed him.

"Harry," she said sadly, stepping back as Harry made a move towards her. "My best friend, has been hiding something from me. I guess that disappoints me the most."

With that she walked out.

"Malfoy," he said, anger making his hand shook as he drew his wand and pointed it at the other man.

Draco merely smirked at him in challenge.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you Potter," he said. "I was telling the truth, even if it was my own version of it. It's more than what I can say of you."

Harry paled at this, and knew he was right.

"If you hurt her Malfoy," he said softly. "If you as so much make her unhappy…"

Draco Malfoy laughed.

"So are you giving up on her just like that?"

Harry's eyes narrowed.

"Sod off," he said, and with heavy steps walked out of the room.

"I take you neither for a coward nor a quitter Potter," Draco's mocking voice followed him. "You disappoint me."

Harry did not as so much stop.

"Not as much as I'm disappointed with myself…"

*tried to make you feel

what lovin' ought to feel

for you it's not the same

you threw it all away

so there you go into the wild open

slippin' away

you're slippin' away from me *

Slippin Away by Cynthia Alexander

Chapter VI: The Weather Reports

To say that Hermione slept terribly would be a lie, she did not sleep at all. She just tossed and turned in her bed, trying to make logic of what had happened the other night. A pervert had kissed her. Then she had received flowers from a boy who was her former tormenter at school. Then she found out she had fallen in love with her best friend. Then she discovered that the former tormenter was the pervert, and the best friend she had fallen in love with was now keeping things from her.

There were loopholes - a lot of them. Although Draco had been rather forthcoming with his involvement in this fiasco, he did not elaborate much on it. And what about Harry? What was he not saying? Hermione could not think of anything.

"Seven bloody years of fighting Voldemort and it all boils down to this," she said, violently brushing her hair. She donned her robes and proceeded to the dining hall.

All she had to do was to talk to one of them. But which? Well, there was the one who would have a less chance of giving her indigestion.

She spotted Draco Malfoy easily.

"Can I talk to you?"

Draco looked up and saw Hermione Granger. There were smudges under her eyes and her hair was not as neatly coiled in a bun as it usually was. But the haughtiness was still there. He almost sneered at the way her chin was pointing upwards, as if challenging him to say no. He thought she looked adorable.

"I'm not sure Potter would like it," he drawled, lazily glancing at the glowering Harry Potter sitting on the other side of the room. He too looked worse for wear.

"I don't care about what Harry thinks right now," Hermione said loud enough for some people at the other table to stop their discussion. "I want to talk to you."

Draco smirked at Harry.

"Okay."

He stood up and let the woman lead him outside to one of the benches in the corridors.

"Wow, this is weird," Hermione started, not as confident as she had looked a while ago. "I had everything I wanted to tell you already prepared, and now everything's a mess in my head."

"Well," Draco said, letting her sit down first before he did. "Maybe you can start with screaming at me."

Hermione smiled wryly.

"Should I?" she said. "I want to honestly, it was my first kiss after all."

"First?" Draco said.

"Oh, it's really a long story," she said dismissively, hoping that Draco would catch the drift.

"You mean Weasel and you…"

Obviously he did not, much to Hermione's consternation.

"No!" she hotly replied. "Oh can we not talk about that. What I was saying before I was rudely interrupted was I'm not really angry Draco. I can't… for some reason. I was, when I didn't know it was you. But now… It all doesn't seem to matter anymore. I can't believe I'm not making sense here."

Draco smiled tolerantly at her, as if she was a small child.

"You are."

Hermione shyly looked up at him, but held his gaze anyway.

"What you said last night, was it true?"

Draco shrugged and answered matter-of-factly, "I maybe foul, loathsome, and evil but I wouldn't lie about that. Yes, it's true. I do have feelings for you."

Hermione's curiosity got the better of her.

"Why?"

Draco laughed.

"I can't believe Hermione Granger is fishing for compliments."

Hermione looked as if she was insulted, but blushed nevertheless.

"I am not!" she denied.

Draco was still chuckling.

"I was just joking," he said.

Hermione refused to give in to the embarrassment.

"The flowers?"

"It was partly a thank you for the dance."

"And partly?"

At this, Draco paused, and looked away thoughtfully.

"A wake-up call," he finally said.

"A clue for me then," Hermione concluded.

Draco merely smiled.

"Draco, " Hermione said, placing a hand on his arm. "I'm really quite flattered with…"

Draco smiled again before he placed her hand on her lap, and let go.

"I know…" he said, standing up. "You don't feel the same way for me."

"Oh!" Hermione stood up as well.

"I understand," he said.

"How do you know?" she asked.

"It doesn't take an Auror to see the obvious."

And then he walked towards the direction of the dorms.

"Wait…" she called out, just before Draco could turn at the corner. "How does Harry fit into this?"

"Why don't you ask him?" Draco said, turning around and finding Hermione walking to him.

"So there is something more to this then!"

"Maybe," he said. "But it's not my story to tell."

"Almost eight years I have known him, and this is the first time I…"

"You're smart Granger," Draco sniggered. "I'm surprised you haven't caught on it yet."

"What does that suppose to mean?"

Draco sighed.

"Talk to Potter, Granger," he said impatiently. " It will save you the trouble."

Hermione let him Draco.

"What did he mean by that?"

And she gasped as a hand was placed on her shoulder.

"What was that all about?" Harry Potter angrily enquired.

Hermione shrugged off his hand.

"You're hurting me," she said and started to move to the dining hall, Harry in her heels.

"You talked to Draco," he accused.

"Thanks for pointing out the obvious," she hissed, then stopped and faced him. "What does it matter anyway, Harry?"

"I can't believe this," Harry said, arms across his chest. "Wasn't it you who was spitting blood and fire just to catch whoever did it?"

Hermione stepped towards him. "I was."

"And now you know it's Malfoy you just let it go like that," Harry grilled her on. "Is that how desperate you are?"

Hermione felt like she was stabbed. Was this really Harry?

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that," she said coldly and started to walk away again.

"I'm sorry Hermione," Harry implored as he stopped her. "I know he's changed and all. I even like the bloke now. He lied to you…"

Hermione's anger which had been simmering for the past hours had suddenly overflowed.

"And you!" she now shouted. "You think you're not lying to me?"

"This is different!"

Hermione felt empowered at the desperation in Harry's voice. Let him grovel!

Some of the trainees were now getting out of the dining hall at the sound of the raised voices.

"How?"

"Just stay away from Malfoy!"

"I just bloody talked to him," she retorted. "And who are you to talk about trust? You don't trust me. You're still hiding something from me; I can feel it. The thing I don't get is why you have to."

"Hermione…"

"I'm going to talk to Malfoy whether you like it or not," she said, stomping on the floor like an insolent child.

"No you won't," Harry warned.

"Yes I will!" she said. "Then tell me what it is, Harry!"

"I can't…"

"Then don't you dare question me on my decisions," she said with fake sweetness. "I'll go out with Malfoy then. Heck, I may even have a take two of that kiss. He kissed fine."

"Shut up Hermione…"

"And who knows, I may even go have a shag with him. Might as well, since he was my first kiss after all."

"You don't know what you're saying!"

"What do you care," she jeered at him. "You don't trust him, you don't trust me, might as well go all the way. So what's the point of this huh, Harry? You stupid, stupid gi…"

And to the amusement of the onlookers, Harry Potter took Hermione Granger by the shoulders and kissed her.

Hermione's eyes widened.

The scent… the taste… the feel of his lips on hers…

Amidst the clapping, the cheering, and the wonder of Harry's kiss, she realized something.

"It was you!"

*the weather reports

stormy weather

look me in the eye

its true what they say!

its no surprise then why

why I'm feeling hung

no wonder why*

The Weather Reports by Cynthia Alexander

Chapter VII: Intertwine

Hermione wandered aimlessly along the corridors.

It was Harry… it was Harry… it was Harry…

She was seeing red.

How dare those two think that she was stupid for playing that prank on her!

The nerve of that Draco Malfoy, and she thought he was beyond his Slytherin self!

So what if it was Harry who kissed her? So what if her own little heart was doing the jig at the knowledge? So what if he had kissed her again? Harry Potter is going down!

She was confused.

If Harry kissed me, then is Draco lying? But the wristband is Draco's, or is it? But why did Draco have to lie then? Why did Harry have to lie?

She stopped in her tracks as she sees one of the objects of her rage just a few feet away from her. She drew her wand.

"Hey Hermione!"

"Draco Malfoy," she snarled, pushing Draco against the wall. "You lying, filthy…"

Draco looked at the wand pointed at his chest and at the livid expression of the girl whose face was a few inches away from him.

"So at last you have caught on," he said, delighted.

"What else haven't you told me, or was everything we talked about earlier a lie?"

He sighed.

"Like I said Granger, it was the truth. But it's my own truth."

"What do you mean your own truth? How can there be more than one?"

"Because there is more than one person in this world, and each person sees reality in his own context hence an individual truth."

"Alright Malfoy," Hermione said, trying to stretch her patience to its limit but failing. "Please, I am not in the mood for a philosophical debate. Right now I'm willing to shove this wand somewhere you'd find it really uncomfortable."

"Ooh Granger," Draco smirked. " I didn't know you are into that."

"Don't tempt me," she answered.

"Hermione, I didn't lie about any of the things I said to you a while ago," he started. "But as I said, the key to this entire debacle is your best friend. I suggest you retrace your steps and demand for an explanation. I can't stand seeing you stumped."

"But…" She stopped, suddenly wary of the mischievous spark in his eyes.

"And the last thing I failed to tell you…" Draco said, smiling disarmingly.

And before she could say anything else, he leaned forward, placing his lips on the apple of her left cheek.

"That was how I kissed you."

Draco side-stepped. He arranged his robes, and ran a hand through his hair, which fell back into place. He had walked a few steps when he stopped.

Hermione caught the object he just threw at her, and gaped at it in surprise.

"By the way I merely borrowed this," he said with a wink. "Could you return this to the owner for me?"

And he whistled as he walked away from her. With a trembling hand, she tapped her wand on the red wristband.

"Demonstro Apello," she whispered.

It read, "Harry Potter."

***

Harry sat on the bench, just outside the dining hall. The students, being more in fear of Hermione Granger than Harry Potter, had long gone somewhere else after the scene they had witnessed a while back.

He took his glasses off and rubbed the spot between his eyes. He remembered the stunned look on her face as she pulled away, realizing what had happened. He did not want her to know in that manner, but he was just so jealous of Draco. And the fact that Hermione was willing to forgive the other bloke easily and not him, hurt.

He cursed. He should not have given to temptation in the first place. How could he face her now? He was now done for. He heard the soft fall of footsteps, and his heart did a flop when he realized it was Hermione.

She threw him something.

"Draco wanted to return this," she said, sitting down beside him.

Harry put his glasses back on and stared at his wristband. He had not realized he had dropped it that night he kissed her. He had to ask his coach for another one.

"I understand," he said quietly. He glanced at her sideways. She was staring forward, not bothering to look at him.

"Of course you would," she said. "You know what really happened."

"I'm sorry Hermione," he said.

She merely shook her head, and this time she looked at him. He wished she had not. The contempt in her eyes was slicing at his being. But he bore it; it was even less than he had deserved.

"Please stop apologizing," she said her voice a bit raspy. Harry realized that she was just fighting not to cry. "It has lost its sincerity. Eight years Harry. I don't want to forsake our friendship for this. Don't get me wrong. I'm so upset with you right now that I want to hex you into the next millennium. Just help me understand, and this time don't lie. There is nothing more hurtful than that."

Harry found that his voice was also trembling, but he went on.

"It was after the practice," he began.

"Where are you going Malfoy?" Harry said, catching up with Draco in the corridors.

"To the library," Draco answered. "I need to return a book. And I'm guessing you're off to the same direction to see Granger."

"Wow," Harry said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "A hundred points to Malfoy for making an intelligent inference. Hmmm, 'Sex in Espionage.' What the…"

"Interested?"

"I don't think I'll ever need to resort to that," Harry scoffed.

Draco laughed.

"I didn't take you for a prude."

"Well I am compared to you."

"Methinks, somebody has yet to lose his virginity," Draco observed. Harry did not reply. "I take that as a yes."

Harry did not like where the conversation was leading.

"So what if I am," he said defensively. "Is it wrong?"

Draco shrugged.

"I didn't say it was."

Harry snorted and looked at the other guy in contempt.

"I take it that you have, you know, shagged," he accused Draco, but hating himself for even asking.

Draco smiled all the more.

"I'm a Malfoy, need I say more?"

"Yeah," Harry muttered. "That explains a lot."

"Don't tell me you haven't even gone snogging with a girl before?"

"I've had," Harry cried out in indignation. "What do you think of me?"

"Apparently not much," Draco replied, clearly enjoying Harry's discomfort.

Harry almost sighed in relief as they walked in the library. Celery, the librarian, was probably at the back. There was only Hermione, surprisingly sleeping, at her favourite desk. He winced slightly, feeling guilty that he ditched their study date and thinking how tired she must be to doze off while studying.

Draco's long whistle interrupted his thoughts.

"Whoa, is that Granger?" he said, looking at the sleeping girl appreciatively. "Weasley had been a very lucky bloke for dating her and a fool for letting go of someone like that."

Harry's eyebrows were drawn together.

"What do you mean?"

Draco rolled his eyes.

"Don't tell me you haven't noticed how fit Granger is?" he said, elbowing Harry. "Even for a muggle? Come on, even friends shag."

"I'd prefer if we not talk about Hermione in this manner."

Draco looked at him weirdly, noticing the edginess in his voice.

"I've touched a raw nerve."

"Shut up."

"So Potter fancies Granger. Well, it's not surprising when you two could have been tied to each other by the way you act. Hell Potter, I don't blame you. I like her myself."

"You do?"

"I do," Draco admitted with a shrug. "But I'm smart enough to know that I don't have a chance. Heard she likes some bloke."

"She does?"

Now this one did surprise Harry.

"Hmm, I guess you don't talk much about that," Draco said, rubbing it in.

"Who is it?"

Draco gaped at him, but recovered quickly.

"I don't really know," he said. "Though I've heard that he's really dim witted. Anyway, why don't you ask her?"

"It's not my business," Harry replied absently. "Look, just return your book and we'll leave."

"You aren't even going to wake her?"

This time Harry smiled.

"She needs the rest."

"Ever the Romeo," Draco smirked. "Alas, but I can never waste an opportunity like this."

"Malfoy, what are you doing?"

Harry took one step forward, but froze on spot as he watched Draco leaned down to Hermione's upturned face.

"What the bloody hell did you just do?" Harry asked as Draco returned beside him.

"I think it was obvious," he answered. "I just kissed her. A harmless one on the cheek." And before he went to the circulation desk, seeing Celery appear, he removed the band around his wrist and gave it to Harry.

"Here before I forget. Thanks for that one," he said. "Why don't you wake her up? I don't think she'll appreciate a strain in the neck when she does. I'll just return this."

Harry nodded, squeezing at the wristband in his hand as he stared at his best friend. He could not blame Draco. She looked so peaceful and appealing. Stray strands of hair were framing her face, and her skin looked so soft and smooth under the dimmed light. Her lips were slightly parted and looked so inviting. He cringed as Hermione moaned.

It was too late. He found himself cautiously walking towards her, until he was right in front of her desk. He bent and leaned forward, capturing her lips in a kiss. And he almost drew back when she responded. But he held on, realizing she was still fast asleep. The feeling was more than he had imagined. This was real. This was how kissing Hermione really felt like. It was perfect… just perfect.

"Now, what are you doing?"

Harry wrenched his face away and turned to Draco whose brow was raised questioningly. He gulped as he heard Hermione stir in her sleep. She was waking up! He stood up.

"Run Malfoy," he stage-whispered.

"What?" "I said run."

"I didn't know what came over me, Hermione," he explained. "I was just standing there, watching you sleep. I just knew I had to kiss you. I knew it was cowardly, but I couldn't risk it. I didn't want you to hate me afterwards."

Harry took Hermione's hand in his, and willed her to look at him.

"You're my best friend Hermione; I can't bear it if I lose you. And now I probably had, just the same."

Hermione's face was inscrutable.

"You stupid prat," she hissed, but something in her voice gave him hope. "Tell me Harry, why did you really kiss me?"

Harry looked at her with all honesty, and saw his emotions reflected through her eyes.

"Because I love you," he said simply. "And I'm in love with you."

Hermione's tears were now flowing freely down her cheeks, but Harry saw that she was smiling.

"That was all I wanted to hear," she whispered, pulling him close to her as they sealed the world off, caring only for the moment, where neither the past nor the future mattered.

***

Red,

Mission accomplished. I believe your brother owes you 50 galleons. Looking forward to my share. See you next Hogsmeade weekend.

Malfoy

***

*me & you

of twisting fates

in corridors of time

silence is the fire

that speaks to us in tongues

what is tomorrow

it may never come

what is yesterday

is now done

we always were

we always will

we always are

we always intertwine*

Intertwine by Cynthia Alexander

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