You Wouldn't Know

Dinner came none too soon for Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Exhausted, all three slumped into their usual seats and looked at each other. Hermione looked over at Ron and Harry, letting her head fall to her arms. "Is it just me or has this day been twice as long as usual?"

Harry and Ron simply nodded, also allowing their heads to fall onto the table. Suddenly, their plates before them began to fill with food. Wearily, they began to eat.

* * *

After being fed, they strolled over to the common room chatting animatedly. Entering the portrait hole, they plopped onto the couch and groaning, pulled out their books.

Eventually, the three finished their homework, and prepared to relax, but suddenly, an owl flew into the Gryffindor common room and arrived on the arm of the chair. Hermione pulled off the reply from the owl and groaned when she saw the signature. She began to read the letter out loud.

Gryffindors (more specifically Granger, Potter, and Weasley)

In case you haven't noticed (and due to the fact that Weasley is in your company, you probably haven't), our next Potion's class is tomorrow which means that our Potions assignment must be finished tonight. Unfortunately, that means we have to get in our partnered groups. At precisely six, we will meet in the library and if you want credit, you will meet us there. Until then.

D. Malfoy, G. Goyle, V. Crabbe

Harry checked his watch. "A quarter til. We should get going."

Reluctantly, the trio set off to the library, dreading the long time to come.

* * *

After what seemed like an eternity, Harry and Ron came to Hermione's rescue. Draco had been watching Hermione strangely, again, hardly taking his eyes off of her and she was hardly able to work on their essay. Upon seeing Harry and Ron, she looked up from her work and smiled, relieved that someone would save her from the Slytherin prince.

"Finally! Are you guys finished?" Hermione asked, her eyes lighting up. "Now, you guys can help me finish mine!"

Harry and Ron exchanged guilty look as Ron told Hermione, "We are really sorry, we can't stay and help, but, er, we have to go to Quidditch practice tonight or actually right now!"

Suddenly, Draco spoke from his trance, "Run along Potty and Weasel. Don't worry. I'll take good care of your Hermione here."

Draco put on a devious grin and threw his arm onto Hermione's shoulders. Disgusted, she shrugged it off but then looked at Harry and Ron desperately. Immediately, Harry leaned over Hermione and Draco's table, so he was inches away from Malfoy's face. "Lay another finger on Hermione and I will personally guarantee you a bed in the hospital wing for a very long time. Is that clear?"

Draco stared back into Harry's emerald green eyes calmly and let his eyes wander over to Ron.

"Run along now boys or Quidditch will start without you," Draco said, his stormy eyes showing no emotion. Harry pulled his eyes away from Draco, meeting Hermione's. His eyes softened and he gave her a reassuring smile.

"Sorry, 'Mione but we have to go. Just finish up soon and we'll meet you in the common room as soon as possible," Harry said, clearly longing to stay. But at that moment, Ron began to pull Harry out of the library. Hermione watched longingly as her best friends left and then turned back to her books. She was determined now that Harry and Ron were no longer there to protect her in the secluded part of the library, to finish their assignment and get herself away from him. She flipped through the pages of her book, writing down the facts on her parchment. Ignoring his glare, she continued on her essay measuring as she went. Two more inches. As Draco's stare became more intense, the need to finish became stronger and she forced herself. She scribbled down the last line hastily, feeling a weight being lifted off her shoulders.

She rolled up her essay, jammed it in her book bag and gathered her materials. She slammed her book bag shut and quickly stood up, glancing at her watch. She had finished their essay in a little over two hours. Hermione breathed out a sigh of relief and began to walk away from the table. Then suddenly, she felt a strong hand grasp her shoulder. She gasped and spun around, coming face to face with her Potion's partner again. Suddenly, she felt a pair of soft lips push forcefully onto hers. Her eyes opened wide in surprise as she felt the pressure of his lips on hers. She knew she should be pulling away from it, but some part of her body wanted that kiss and before she knew it, she was kissing him back. Barely noticing that they moving, Hermione suddenly felt her back press against a wall and the intensity of the kiss grew. Hermione felt her knees buckle dangerously and just as she felt she was going to fall, she felt a pair of strong arms grasp her waist, hoisting her back up. But after she was standing the arms did not leave her waist and she was grateful for it. She found herself in a state of bliss so great she was ready to burst. Every second they spent kissing each other was like heaven and no matter what, she knew she couldn't break it. But it was Draco who broke it, after what seemed like an eternity. He pulled away, allowing his eyes to gaze into Hermione's. Stormy grey mixed with chocolate brown in a whirl of colors and Hermione drew in her breath. Then, his gaze left Hermione's eyes and the next thing she saw was his retreating back. She watched him leave and then right before he departed through the library doors, she saw him give her a small wink. Then he left and Hermione was left all alone with her thoughts. She had a million things on her mind but the one that was constantly reappearing was what it felt like kissing him. Hermione raised her fingers to her lips, brushing them gently, where Draco's mouth had just been. Then, a smile escaped her lips and she picked up her bag, leaving the library. As she walked back to the Gryffindor common room, she never let that smile leave her face.