Hesaluti - Pure

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Copyright Page

This book was automatically created by FLAG on September 22nd, 2012, based

on content retrieved from http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6712673/.

The content in this book is copyrighted by Hesaluti or their authorisedagent(s). All rights are reserved except where explicitly stated otherwise.

This story was first published on February 3rd, 2011, and was last updated on

December 17th, 2011.

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated - please email any bugs, problems,

feature requests etc. to [email protected].
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Table of Contents

Summary

1. Pure

2. Pain

3. Bookworm

4. Close to me

5. Potions

6. The Fight

7. Close Contact

8. Hogsmeade9. Regret

10. Suggestions

11. Intimate

12. Answers

13. In the library

14. Compromise

15. The M Word

16. Misunderstanding

17. The Party

18. Home

19. Malfoy Manor

20. Fairytales

21. Found22. Teamwork

23. The Cure

24. Everything in reverse

25. All over again

26. The Mediwizards

27. Tests

28. One step forward, two steps back

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29. One step back, two steps forward

30. That's what friends are for

31. Love letters?

32. The Lake

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Summary

It turns out that blood is important! Pureblood wizards are becoming ill and theonly thing that helps them is blood from Muggle Born wizards. Guess who

Hermione's blood is matched to? Draco Malfoy of course! Lots of Draco/Hermioneinteraction.

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Pure

Thank you for choosing to read my story. Give it a few chapters andhopefully you will be hooked and if you liked this, I have written five stories

in total so hopefully you will read them all -

Newest story is Legend

Also :

Chosen,

Pure

Better

Unity

All Draco and Hermione so have a read and leave a review.

Thanks.

OK, so here we go on my 2nd Draco and Hermione story. The story line isdifferent to the last one but there will be lots of Draco/Hermione as therewas before, first chapter sets out the story but Draco and Hermione are onthe way, so keep reading...

"Ron? Are you alright?" Hermione placed her hand on his shoulder, her faceconcerned.

"I don't know." Ron's hand was at his throat, his eyes glazed and his face pale.

"We should get you to the infirmary," Hermione said and helped him stand, "youshould have gone much sooner than this."

Harry and Hermione stood back from the bed while Madam Pomfrey bent overRon's prostrate form. Hermione was scared, not just because Ron seemed to have

rapidly deteriorated in the last few hours but also the fact that Daphne Greengrassand Gregory Goyle were both already here, suffering from the same symptoms as

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Ron but apparently in a much worse condition.

"Well, I'm afraid it's the same thing as the others," Madame Pomfrey said almostto herself "he'll have to stay here for now. You two wait here but stand over theother side of the room please." She waved them over to near the doors. Shedisappeared from their view and Hermione glanced at Harry worriedly.

A few minutes later the doors opened and Professor McGonagall entered in herusual brusque manner.

"What appears to be the problem, Poppy?" she asked Madam Pomfrey who wasfussing over Ron.

"I have no idea what is causing this, Minerva." Madam Pomfrey looked distraught

that she couldn't immediately diagnose the illness. "Also, I'm concerned about therapidity they deteriorate. Miss Greengrass and Mr Goyle only came in here just after

breakfast and they are both very much worse than I would have expected."

"And you have no idea what this may be?" Professor McGonagall asked her faceworried.

Madam Pomfrey shook her head. "I am still looking, of course."

Professor McGonagall glanced at Harry and Hermione who were still standing bythe doors. "Are Miss Granger and Mr Potter feeling unwell too?" she asked.

"No, they brought Mr Weasley in. I didn't like to send them back out into theschool until we have established if this is contagious."

Professor McGonagall nodded her agreement. "Yes, you're right. Potter - MissGranger...if you would like to take the two end beds over the far end and wait herefor a while. Madam Pomfrey and I will need to establish if this is spreading beforeyou can leave."

"Is Ron going to be OK?" Hermione asked her face troubled.

"I'm sure you can have confidence in Madam Pomfrey, Miss Granger but somethings take a little time. This is just a precaution; there is no need to be overlyconcerned."

However, an hour and a half later Professor McGonagall's words were bearing noresemblance to the situation. Ron, Daphne and Goyle were all worse, Ron markedly

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so. On top of that three new patients had arrived, all suffering with the samesymptoms. Lavender Brown was the first new comer and was put into the bed nextto Ron. About 15 minutes later Neville was brought in, already looking very ill.Hermione jumped up to rush over but Harry pulled her back.

Seamus, who had brought Neville up to the infirmary, was told he would have to

wait with Harry and Hermione.

"Do you two feel ill then?" he asked them.

"No, we're fine." Harry answered him. "Neville looks bad."

The third arrival was Ginny. Harry walked straight over before Hermione couldpull him back. Madam Pomfrey chastised him but let him help her settle Ginny

before he returned to Hermione and Seamus.

Professor McGonagall approached them and told them that she had sent for someitems for them as they would have to stay here overnight.

An hour later, the three infirmary guests settled down as best they could in theirallotted beds but none of them wanted to sleep, all worried about their friends.Madam Pomfrey had just settled all her patients and lowered the lights when thedoors crashed open making anyone who was well enough sit up in their bed.

"Help! Quickly! He's really ill, I found him on the 7th floor hallway when he didn'tcome back to the common room."

Hermione immediately recognized the voice of Blaise Zabini and strained her neckto see if the new patient was who she presumed it was. Madam Pomfrey rushed tothe aid of the new arrival, who, from the sound of his laboured breathing and theurgency in Blaise's voice seemed worse than any of the others. It was a good fewminutes before she finally finished administering to him. She then turned to Blaiseand instructed him to take a bed by the others.

"Is it Malfoy?" Harry asked him.

"Yes, he's really bad." For once Blaise seemed to be quite happy to answer in acivilised manner and Hermione could tell he had been affected by the state thatMalfoy was in.

"What about you? Do you feel ill?" Hermione asked him and he shook his head.

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They tried to settle down again but after Hermione had turned over andrearranged her pillow for the twentieth time she knew it was going to be a very longnight.

She was right. It had been a very long night, disturbed frequently by morepatients arriving. By morning all of the patients seemed worse. Harry and Hermionepaced nervously around, frequently enquiring about Ginny and Ron. However by farthe worst affected was Malfoy and Madam Pomfrey was almost constantly tending tohim.

"Malfoy seems bad," Hermione whispered to Harry so that Blaise didn't hear, "doyou think he might...die?" she struggled to complete her sentence. It didn't matter itwas Malfoy, that didn't mean she wanted him to die! Also, if he died then what might

happen to Ron and Ginny?

Professor Dumbledore arrived with Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape.The three of them joined Madam Pomfrey in her office and sat huddled together.Hermione felt herself growing more and more anxious until she was about ready toburst in on them and ask them for some answers. It was concerning her that it wastaking so long for any sort of a solution. She, along with nearly every other studentat Hogwarts, had an unwavering faith in the Professors at Hogwarts and theirapparent inability to solve this was very worrying.

"They're all Purebloods." Harry's voice broke into her thoughts and she turned tohim.

"What?"

"The students who are ill, they're all Purebloods."

Hermione stared at the patients at the other end of the room. Harry was right!They were all Purebloods.

She turned back to him. "You're right! That can't be a coincidence!"

Before they could say anymore the office door opened and the teachers returnedto the ward. Dumbledore approached them, his wise old eyes friendly and warm.

"Thank you for your patience. Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape and I have

been working through the night to get to the bottom of this. I have also had some

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very useful advice from St. Mungos. We believe that it will be perfectly safe for youall to return to school and we will be working on a solution to help your friends."Dumbledore used his familiar, vague term of phrase that left Hermione with a dozenquestions.

"But Sir, do you know what's wrong with them?" she asked.

"I'm afraid not. We have some visitors arriving from St. Mungo's immanently andwe have the greatest confidence they will be able to help." Dumbledore looked atHermione's face and knew there were more questions to come.

"Sir, Harry has noticed that all the students who are ill are from Purebloodfamilies." Hermione nodded towards the end of the ward.

"Indeed! Mr Potter is correct and we had noticed this too. It will be given dueconsideration. We have called all other students from Pureblood families to the

infirmary just to be careful. That is why we think you all are safe to return to school.We will let you know as soon as we have any further news."

The next few hours were the longest of Hermione's life. Her anxiety for Ron,Ginny and Neville was spiralling out of control and nothing was taking her mind offit. At 3pm they were all called to the Hall and Hermione actually held Harry's hand

as she took her seat along with the rest of the school. The Slytherin table wasnoticeably empty having more Pureblood students than any other house.

Dumbledore was in his usual place at the front of the Hall. He cleared his throatand silence fell.

"I'm sure by now that you will have all heard about the illness that has struckdown some of your fellow students. We have very gratefully accepted the help of two

of the most experienced Mediwizards from St. Mungos and they have, thankfullybeing able to give us some advice."

Hermione held her breath and squeezed Harry's hand tightly.

"It appears that this illness is only affecting students from Pureblood families. Itappears to only be affecting anyone underage. We have contacted the outside worldand no adult wizards have been struck down. As yet, we have no answer why this isand we will obviously be continuing to look for the answers. However, in the

meantime we do have a solution that will combat the effects of the illness until we

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can get to the bottom of the problem. It would seem that administering blood from aMuggle born wizard greatly reduces the effect of the illness, though not curing itcompletely. Any Muggle born wizard blood appears to have some effect but to trulyhelp the Pureblood Wizard must have his or her blood matched to the bestcompatible Muggle born wizard blood. I realise this is a lot of information to take in.I am now going to hand you over to Professor McGonagall who will tell you our next

course of action." Dumbledore paused allowing the students to digest thisinformation.

A murmur spread across the hall before Professor McGonagall stood up to speak.

"We would request that you all return to your Common Rooms with the exceptionof any Muggle Born Wizard. We are going to test you for compatibility against oursick students and hopefully reach some matches. If we do not find a match for them

all we will then commence tests on any Half Blood wizards who are willing toparticipate. I hope this is clear to you all, you may leave in an orderly fashion."

Hermione stood and with a final squeeze of Harry's hand went to the front of thehall with her fellow students born to Muggle parents. She had just one thought onher mind now and that was please let me be a match, especially to Neville or Ginnyor Ron.

So, as always the first Chapter has to have a chunk of information

included in it. Don't worry there will be lots of Draco and Hermione funcoming along very soon, so keep reading...and as always, please review.

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Pain

It was Hermione's turn and she approached the Mediwizard behind the desknervously.

"Name?"

"Hermione Granger."

"OK Miss Granger, this will be a completely painless procedure, please take aseat."

After a few minutes the Mediwizard sat back at the desk and waved his wand to

reveal Hermione's results. He had been right, it was completely painless but nowHermione was really anxious. She was desperate that she would be able to help oneof her friends.

"Mmm, interesting." The Mediwizard looked up and Hermione felt her stomachturn over. What did he mean 'interesting'? The Mediwizard signalled to Professor

McGonagall who made her way over.

"Have you found a match?" she asked, glancing over at Hermione.

"Yes and it's a very good match."

Professor McGonagall looked at Hermione and the expression on her face scaredHermione to death. "I need you to come with me immediately, Hermione," she said.

"Why? What's wrong? I thought he said I was a good match."

Professor McGonagall didn't answer her and Hermione had no choice but to followher out into the entrance hall and up the main staircase. She led Hermione all theway to the infirmary and into Madam Pomfrey's office. Hermione glanced at the sickstudents on her way but most of them had the curtains drawn around their beds.

Madam Pomfrey looked up as they entered. "You've found a match?" she asked.

"Yes, Miss Granger is a very good match." Professor McGonagall indicated for

Hermione to take a seat. "Miss Granger, Mr Malfoy is very seriously ill, much moreso than the other students who Madam Pomfrey has managed to stabilize. You are

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an almost perfect match for him which is very good news and exactly what weneeded."

"Malfoy?" Hermione couldn't keep the distaste out of her voice. She was a perfectmatch for Malfoy! Why did it have to be him?

"I am aware of that you and Mr Malfoy have some issues. Indeed it has takenProfessor Snape all yesterday and today to get permission from Draco's parents toallow this blood exchange to take place." Professor McGonagall sounded suitablyunimpressed with this. "Mr and Mrs Malfoy have agreed now they realise it is theonly thing that will save their son's life."

"But Professor, he's not going to like it at all!" Hermione said.

"Be that as it may, his condition is very serious and if we don't do this he may die."

Hermione nodded. "I wasn't saying I wouldn't do it," she said.

Madam Pomfrey explained to Hermione that she would need to exchange bloodwith Draco every three hours for the next few days. If Draco had then sufficientlyrecovered he could exchange blood once a day, like the other sick students.

"It's an exchange of blood?" Hermione asked. "I will receive Malfoy's blood as

well?" She tried her best not to show her intense dislike of this idea.

"Along with the once a day exchange it will be necessary for the two students who

have exchanged blood to stay in close contact with each other." Madam Pomfreycontinued.

"Close contact?" Hermione did not like the sound of this.

"We're not sure exactly how much time you will need to be in contact with eachother. It will depend on each patient and how ill they have been."

Hermione groaned at this piece of news. As Malfoy had been the most ill that didnot bode well. Professor McGonagall gave Hermione a disparaging look.

"It will be for several hours a day I would imagine, Hermione. You will need to bein the same room, the closer the better." She purposely spelled it out so thatHermione knew what was coming.

She was taken to Draco's bed which now had another pushed alongside it.

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Hermione had to lie next to Draco, so that their arms were up against one another.She tried to ignore her intense dislike of this idea. After the connection was madeMadam Pomfrey instructed her to stay perfectly still.

Once she was left alone, Hermione took a good look at Malfoy beside her. Helooked so pale he was almost transparent. The usual sneer he permanently wore was

missing though and he looked oddly peaceful. The curtains were drawn around thebed so Hermione lay on her back and tried to think about anything other than hercurrent predicament.

Harry was full of questions when she returned. They hadn't been able to find aMuggle born match for Neville so Harry had volunteered to be tested and he was agood enough match, though the treatment wouldn't be as affective because Harry

had two wizard parents. Harry's mother had Muggle parents so Madam Pomfrey haddeemed this the best solution for the time being. Ginny and Ron had also beenmatched with Dean Thomas and Colin Creevy. Hermione suspected that Colin wouldbe very happy with that situation! They would start their treatments tomorrow.

The second exchange with Draco went the same as the first but when Hermionearrived for the third things had changed. The infirmary was empty, except forNeville who was asleep in his bed and Draco who was sitting up, glaring at her. Helooked so much better that Hermione was astounded.

She spoke without thinking. "You look so much better!" she said.

"Well don't expect any gratitude, Granger. Believe me the last thing I want is yourMudblood in me!" his face was surly, his voice cold and hard. Hermione was takenaback by his attitude. She would have thought that even Draco Malfoy would havebeen more appreciative given his situation.

Madam Pomfrey appeared. "Oh good, you're here. Our patient is looking a lotbetter don't you think?" she asked. Hermione didn't answer and shot Draco an evil

look that said 'yes, he is, what a pity!'.

"Yes it's all worked out much better than we expected." Madam Pomfrey helpedHermione onto the bed next to Draco and cast the spell. Hermione was finding thisexcruciatingly awkward. It had been bad enough when he was unconscious but nowhe was wide awake and glaring at her, looking as unhappy about the situation as shedid. Hermione looked over at Neville and wished that he would wake up.

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You could cut the air with a knife and Hermione wondered just how she wouldsurvive this until they found a cure. Perhaps she'd just have to let the ungrateful gitdie, she thought vindictively and then smiled at her own joke.

"Is something funny?" Draco's voice broke into her thoughts. "Personally, I canfind nothing whatsoever amusing about this situation!"

"As appose to me who is finding it a complete pleasure, coming here every twohours and having to sit so close to you!" Hermione said sarcastically. "Believe me,Malfoy I don't like this anymore than you do so how about you just shut up and try tobe grateful!"

"Grateful!" Draco's voice grew louder and Madam Pomfrey popped her head out ofher office.

"Yes, grateful!" Hermione hissed at him, lowering her voice to just above a

whisper. "I'm saving your life!"

"Yes, with your dirty blood!"

Losing her temper Hermione forgot she shouldn't move and turned to hit him. Shewas stopped by the excruciating pain that shot down her arm, making both her andMalfoy cry out.

Madam Pomfrey came running up to them. "What have you done? I've told youthat you must stay still!" She waved her wand and the pain vanished. "If you do that

too much you will lose the connection and that could be dangerous to both of you!You must remain still!" she returned to her office mumbling to herself.

"Good one, Mudblood!" Draco sneered at her.

"It's a good job I am one of those, Malfoy or you'd be dead! Try looking down yoursnooty nose at the rest of the world when you're six feet under!" Hermione'sannoyance spilled over into her words. Surprisingly, this comment was met withsilence and she turned to look at him. He was staring at her with a strange look onhis face and she met his gaze with challenging eyes.

She had never been this close to him before and it suddenly struck her just howunusual and striking his colouring was. He was so blonde and pale but his eyes werecompletely the opposite - deep grey and piercing. What a shame these dazzling looks

were wasted on a complete, jumped up snob like Malfoy!

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"That's an hour. You may leave, Miss Granger. Come back first thing in themorning please, as early as you can, let's see how Mr Malfoy is then." MadamPomfrey was standing by them and made Hermione jump as she hadn't heard herapproach.

Hermione left, happy to escape but she already felt miserable just thinking she

would be going through all this again tomorrow.

Well they've started as they usually do, hating each other. It's going tochange of course but you're going to have to be patient! Keep reading andplease review!

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Bookworm

She arrived early the next day as instructed, thoroughly begrudging getting upand ready so early just to help him. When she got to the infirmary she did change

her mind a little as he was lying down again looking unwell. Hermione wonderedwhy Draco was so much more ill than everyone else.

Madam Pomfrey hurried over. "Aaah, glad you are here, Mr Malfoy needs you solet's get started."

"You could have sent for me earlier if you needed to." Hermione volunteered andsaw Draco glance at her from the bed.

"Yes, thank you Hermione." Madam Pomfrey smiled kindly at her.

Madam Pomfrey helped Draco to sitting position, cast the spell and left themalone again. Hermione sighed. So this was going to be her life for the next godknows how long! She wished she had remembered to bring a book. As she thoughtthis Neville appeared, looking well and dressed ready to leave.

"Hey, Hermione," he said cheerfully and Hermione could have kissed him.

"You're a match for Draco then?" he cast a quick look in Draco's direction butDraco, who hadn't spoken a word since she had arrived, just ignored him.

"Neville, you look well now! I'm so glad." Hermione grinned at him.

"Yes, thanks to Harry. We've got to do some extra exchanges because he's only aMuggle descendent but is seems to be working OK so far." He glanced over at Draco

again "Have you got to do extra as well?"

"Yes, we have." Hermione kept her answer short, not wanting to go into details.

"I can answer for myself you know!" Draco spoke for the first time and glared ather. He turned his gaze onto Neville. "Yes Longbottom, unfortunately I have got togo through this ordeal every three hours."

"Don't you mean WE have to go through this every three hours?" Hermione felt

her anger rising again and Neville hurried off, obviously sensing a fight. Just thenMadame Pomfrey arrived to announce that Hermione could go. She asked her to

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return in three hours as usual and she would decide then if Draco was fit enough toleave. Hermione didn't hold out much hope as Draco didn't seem to be recoveringparticularly quickly. She jumped off the bed and headed for the door, not wishing tostay for a minute longer than necessary when Draco's voice stopped her.

"Granger?"

She turned round reluctantly, anticipating another argument.

"What do you want, Malfoy?"

"When you come back later would you bring me some books?"

Hermione took a step backwards in surprise. Had he just asked her a civil

question? Her logic told her it was primarily because he wanted something butnevertheless it was surprising.

"What sort of books?" she asked.

"The one's with words in!" Draco's reply was dripping with sarcasm. "As youspend the majority of your sad little life with your nose buried in one I would havethought you would have known that!"

"Well if that's how you feel then get one of your cronies to fetch and carry for you.I'm sure they'll be glad to serve their Master." She turned on her heel and walked tothe doors before turning one last time to add, "oh and if you can't sort that out I

don't really care! After all I'm not the helpless one stuck in the hospital bed am I?"

So, three hours later it surprised Hermione to find herself on the way back to theInfirmary carrying not only her own book but also a small selection for Draco. She

couldn't really explain why because he most certainly did not deserve them.Somehow, despite his awful attitude to her she couldn't help but feel a little sorry

for him. Maybe she was just a bloody fool!

All the books she'd chosen for him were about Quidditch as she had no idea whathe would like to read about. All except one as she had put a copy of her favouritebook, Pride and Prejudice, into the middle of the pile. It was not only a love story butalso written by a Muggle both of which would annoy Malfoy immensely.

She entered the infirmary and saw Draco sitting in a chair alongside his bed,

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looking much better again. She walked straight over to him and placed the smallpile of books on his bed. He glanced at them and then back at her but said nothing.Madam Pomfrey arrived and pushed two chairs together. Hermione lent her armagainst Draco's ready for the spell and suddenly noticed he was out of hisnightclothes, wearing a short sleeved T shirt. Great! Now it was skin against skin,even more awkward!

Hermione reached for her book and began reading without a word to Draco. Itwas an awkward position though, with her knees sloping and only one free hand tohold the book with. She managed until she had to turn the page which was almostimpossible because every time she let go the book threatened to slide off her lap.She was about to drop it when another hand, besides her own, reached across,pulled it back onto her lap and turned the page for her.

She looked straight at Draco, shocked.

He stared back at her. "You're clumsy! I couldn't stand watching you fumble anylonger," he offered as an explanation to her stare.

Hermione sighed loudly and went back to her book. Why couldn't he be nice oreven just normal! She wasn't asking for much! She tried to read the next two pagesbut was finding it hard to concentrate. She was still surprised by him helping herand then there was the distraction of how they were sitting. Sitting like this would

have been uncomfortable with a close friend but with Malfoy it just felt strange,unnatural and far, far too intimate.

She came to the end of the page again and tried to turn over without attractinghis attention. She couldn't do it and as before his hand came over and held the bookfor her.

Turning to look at him she mumbled, "Thanks."

He attempted to shrug his shoulders indifferently but the gesture moved theirjoined arms too much sending a jolt of excruciating pain through their limbs.

"I'm sorry! I forgot." Draco said looking at her as she cried out, unintentionally

moving again and making the pain worse. Draco lent against her more forcefully toprevent her moving "Stop, Hermione. You're making it worse, just keep still."

Hermione took a deep breath and did as he said and suddenly the pain stopped.

"OK now?" Draco asked.

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"Yes, it's stopped. I made that worse, sorry." Hermione couldn't believe howpainful it was when they moved too much.

"It was my fault." Draco said and lent his head back on the chair, closing his eyes.

Hermione stared at him in amazement. Not only had he apologised, twice! He had

then asked if she was OK and most surprisingly called her 'Hermione'! NotMudblood or Granger but Hermione! She looked up and saw Madam Pomfreyapproaching.

"I'm afraid I can't let you go yet," she told Draco and nodded for Hermione toleave. Hermione was almost out the doors when, like yesterday, his voice stoppedher.

"Granger?"

She turned round warily.

"Thanks for the books."

Hope it was OK, review, review, review, review, review...please xx

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Close to me

Draco was allowed to leave the infirmary two days later. Hermione was already ina routine and was learning how to fit her exchanges with Draco round her lessons

and homework. Now he was out of the infirmary things needed to change. They hadto still exchange blood once a day and then they were going to have to see howmuch time they needed to be together to stop Draco becoming ill. Hermione was notlooking forward to this one little bit.

The other students were all recovering well and most were coping with the oneexchange a day and with spending a few hours together. There had been plenty ofTimetable changes to accommodate all this but it seemed to be working.

She and Draco had tried to plan the routine together but it had taken them morethan two hours to reach a solution they were both happy with. They finally agreed todo the blood exchange before breakfast because although Draco was fine whilesleeping, he usually felt at his worse in the morning when he woke. They decided totake all their lessons together as this maximized their time together while at thesame time they were occupied with something else.

By far the worst time for Hermione was after dinner. Draco, having been so much

more ill than the others needed her to spend far more time with him than the otherpartners were having to and Hermione was finding it draining. So far, they wereeither sitting with each other in the Gryffindor or Slytherin common room which wasa humiliating experience for both of them. Hermione wasn't sure which was worse,in the Gryffindor common room being embarrassed with her own friends and Dracosulking in the corner or in the Slytherin common room where she was ignored orlooked down on for the evening.

Finally, Professor McGonagall had taken pity on them both and had allocated

them a room on the 7th floor which they could use in the evenings. She had somechairs put in there and a place to do homework along with a selection of books andsomewhere to make a drink. It was much better but still awkward. Hermione savedall her homework for the evenings and tried to keep herself busy with it.

Hermione was hurrying to their room a few days after Draco had left the infirmaryaware that she was a bit late. Time and time again she thought she'd just let himsuffer but she couldn't actually do it. She rushed in to find Draco slumped in one of

the chairs looking awful.

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"Oh god Malfoy, I'm sorry!" she went straight over to him and sat right next tohim. "I got delayed after dinner! I have run all the way here but you should havecome and fetched me."

"And have Potter glare at me like I was abducting you or something? No thanks."Draco's voice lacked its usual bite.

Hermione's eyes were suddenly drawn to a book open on the table. "You'rereading my book!" she said in a voice that betrayed her complete surprise. Dracocreased his brow.

"Your book?"

Hermione reached over and grabbed it, waving it at him.

"This! It's my favourite book of all time. I thought you'd moan that I'd put it in the

pile I sent you." Hermione flicked through.

"It's long winded, romantic dross if you ask me." Draco said dismissively.

Hermione looked at him suspiciously. "Really? So why is your bookmark almosthalf way through?"

Draco sat up a little straighter and looked down at his hands for a moment.Hermione watched him with interest wondering if Draco Malfoy did actually have ahumane bone in his body. If she'd had this conversation with either Harry or Ron

they would have taken her teasing in good humour. She very much doubted thatDraco would even realise she was being a tease. He would no doubt take it all as apersonal insult! Hermione found it hard to believe that they had spent so much timetogether over the last few days yet still hadn't managed to actually have a properconversation! Not even about the weather or anything. It was like spending hourupon hour with a machine.

"I was sick of reading about Quidditch. I love Quidditch but I really don't lovereading about it." Draco still had his head down but he looked at her sideways fromunder his fringe.

"Sorry, I really struggled with what books to choose for you." Hermione explainedmore than a little pleased that she had received a half decent response from him.

"You should have just picked ones that you like."

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Hermione stared at him as he said this, shocked. He wasn't looking at her so shecouldn't read his expression but they had most definitely just had a conversation!Not wanting to stop the momentum she searched for something else to say to him.

"Are you feeling any better now?"

He turned his head to look at her. "Yes, I am."

"Good. I think I'll make a drink." Hermione stood and went to walk over to the sinkwhen he spoke again.

"Why are you nice to me?"

She turned back to him in astonishment. What was the matter with him tonight?

Had he been reading her mind earlier when she'd wished for some normality withhim? She'd been with him for over half an hour now and he hadn't uttered a single

insult and now he was engaging her in conversation!

She lowered herself back onto the sofa next to him. "Because I wouldn't wish thisillness you have on anyone. It's awful that you're so dependent on someone else tokeep you feeling well and I'm sure that fact that it happens to be me isn't what youwanted either. I'd hate to be dependent on you!" Hermione realised this soundedterrible and put her hand to her mouth before adding, "if you know what I mean."

For a moment, his stormy, grey eyes locked to hers and if she wasn't mistakenthey held the slightest trace of amusement. He then turned away and Hermione

knew this was the end of their brief conversation - for now anyway.

Draco looked unwell again the next morning and didn't speak to her while they didthe blood exchange. Normal service has been resumed, Hermione thought to

herself. She should have known it was too good to be true last night!

Hermione walked to her first lesson feeling utterly miserable. She was getting tospend hardly any time with her friends and she was utterly sick of being stuck in aroom with someone who couldn't even be bothered to pass the time of day with her.As if thinking about him had made him appear Draco was suddenly at her side. Hewas slightly out of breath and must have been running to catch her up.

"Granger, I wanted to ask you something but you rushed off."

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"Can't it wait? We're already late." Hermione wasn't in the mood for him. He hadreally annoyed her being so ignorant again this morning. She continued walking andquickened her pace just to annoy him.

"No, I need to ask you before lessons start." Draco could easily keep pace with herbut he couldn't ask her his question whilst almost sprinting along the corridor!

"Slow down will you?"

She ignored him and kept walking, happy to give him a little taste of his ownmedicine. This was how he made her feel - insignificant and ignored! Next thing shefelt Draco's hand on her arm as he brought her to a standstill.

"I wanted to ask if you'd sit by me." Draco's face was serious and she could tell itwas taking a lot for him to swallow his pride to ask her this.

"You mean in lessons?"

"Yes, in the lessons today." There was a large pause while Draco really thoughtabout what he was about to say next. "It's just a feel a lot better when you're close tome."

Hermione's eyebrows raised at this. She knew that he meant because of the illnessbut it was a phrase she never expected to hear Draco Malfoy say to her! For few

seconds she thought about telling him to get lost. Why should she do anything forhim after the way he was treating her? The thought passed quickly though becauseas usual she just couldn't do that to him. What an infuriating, puzzling, unreadable

jerk he was!

She nodded her head. "Yes, if it helps."

She saw his face relax and he almost smiled. She suddenly realised that the lookshe saw so often lately on Draco's face was fright. He was scared! Scared of feelingso ill and scared she was going to let him down.

"It does." Draco struggled again as he was finding it really difficult to say thingsthat he would never normally dream of saying to anyone. "Thank you."

Hermione gave him a quick, nervous smile. "You're welcome."

Don't worry Draco isn't going to be too nice just yet but he is realising he

needs Hermione. Keep reading...reviews are always very welcome. x

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Potions

So, that was how the day went, Hermione swapping places so she could sit byDraco. No-one made any comment to them as they were all aware of their situation

and everyone knew they wouldn't be sitting together by choice.

Transfiguration went fine, it didn't bother Hermione in the slightest having Dracositting next to her. After all she'd spent enough hours lately with him sitting anawful lot closer than this! Second lesson was Potions. Hermione saw Professor

Snape looking at them across the room and knew he wasn't going to let this gowithout mentioning it.

"I wasn't aware I had given you permission to move places, Miss Granger." His

deep, sneering voice silenced the room and everyone turned to look at her.Hermione wasn't quite sure how to answer because she didn't want to go into toomuch detail about how Draco was feeling. He might not want the whole classknowing!

"I...err.." she attempted to answer but found herself going pink with

embarrassment.

"I asked her to sit by me, Sir." Draco's voice interrupted her and she turned to himin surprise.

"Did you, Mr Malfoy? For any particular reason? I wouldn't have thought MissGranger would be your first choice for a partner." Snape narrowed his eyes at thetwo of them. He's enjoying this, Hermione thought. She saw Draco hesitate for just amoment before he answered.

"We are the two best students in the school, Sir. I thought it would make sense if

we worked together on this subject. I don't intend to let my grades slip because ofthe disruption." Draco answered clearly and met Snape's stare.

"I see. Well 10 points to Slytherin for continuing to strive for perfection and 10points from Gryffindor for failure to ask my permission to move seats." Snape turnedto go behind his desk but Draco cleared his throat to get his attention again.

"Actually Professor, Miss Granger was going to ask you but I told her I didn't think

she needed to." Draco's voice was still loud and clear and Hermione tried her verybest not to stare at him in amazement. She needn't have worried though because

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that was exactly how the rest of the class were looking at him. Had Draco Malfoyjust stuck up for Hermione Granger? And in Professor Snape's class?

Snape still had his back to the class but had stopped still. Hermione could feel herheart thumping in her chest. This was not going to be good! Snape turned slowly toface the class and walked over towards their desk, his cloak swishing behind him.

He stopped by Draco and bent lower to him.

"I would suggest you think about your last comment again, Mr Malfoy. Are yousure that was what you meant to say?" he spoke quietly, his face close to Draco's.Hermione was scared to breathe but Draco met the Professor's stare fearlessly.

"No, Professor. I said exactly what I meant to."

You could have heard a pin drop as the room remained completely silent for about30 seconds. Hermione then heard someone snigger and looked over to see Dean and

Seamus who were trying to contain their laughter. Snape was over to them in asecond.

"Please tell us what it is you are finding so amusing." Snape

"It's nothing, Professor." Dean answered.

"Fine, I will deduct 50 house points from Gryffindor. Now let us start the lesson."

Hermione buried her head in her book as Snape droned on at the front of the

class. She couldn't believe what had just happened. Firstly, Draco had stuck up forher, in front of the entire class and then when questioned by Snape he hadn'tbacked down and had stuck up for her again! And then Snape had let him get awaywith it! Incredible! She cast a sneaky sideways glance at Draco who seemedengrossed in his book.

"Now with your partner, I would like you to begin making the potion. Theinstructions are on the board. Do not miss out any steps I will be able to tell. Thisshould take you the rest of the lesson." Snape sat at his desk and there was ascraping of chairs as the students began.

"Shall I fetch the ingredients?" Hermione volunteered and Draco nodded.

She returned a few moments later and they sorted through them together, placing

them in the order they would need to be used.

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"If you want to start adding the first three ingredients, I'll start preparing the rest.Then we are ready for the last bit when we have to stir it together." Draco lookedover at her for her answer.

"Yes, that's fine."

They worked in silence for a while but strangely it didn't seem awkward. Dracowas a good partner. He was efficient and worked in the same logical way thatHermione liked to. Once the final ingredient was added they had to stir the potiontogether one stirring anti-clockwise the other clockwise. It was a bit awkward toco-ordinate but after a few minutes they got the hang of it and the potion began toturn to a thick, silver colour just as it was supposed to.

She looked over at Draco who was grinning. The rest of the class were still

working and various pots looked some very strange colours. Snape approached themand peered into the pot. Hermione knew he would be looking to find something

wrong with it but she didn't think he'd be able to. It was exactly how it was meant tobe.

"Mmm, it appears to be correct." Snape took one final look at it then turned toface them. "However, I will need to deduct a further 10 points from Gryffindor anddetention tonight for you, Miss Granger." His final words came as a complete shockand Hermione stared at him incredulously.

"What? Why?" she demanded, not caring that this wasn't the way to talk to ateacher.

"I am not unobservant, Miss Granger. You let Mr Malfoy do almost all the worktowards creating this potion. I can't let you use Mr Malfoy as a way to improve yourgrades and therefore I will see you in my office tonight at 6pm."

Hermione was fuming and spoke without caring who she was speaking to. "I didnot let him do all the work! We agreed between us who was going to which part!"

"20 points from Gryffindor." Snape narrowed his eyes at her.

"I don't care! You can take all our points if you like! I was not letting Draco do allthe work and as my grades are already better than his just how exactly can I beusing them to improve my own?" Hermione was fuming and didn't care what anyonethought of her. He was as good as accusing her of cheating and Hermione Granger

did not and would never cheat!

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"Miss Granger, I would suggest you take a few moments to calm down before youspeak to me again. You will attend detention in my office at 6pm tonight and that isthe end of the subject." Snape's voice was low and menacing. Hermione opened hermouth to speak again but was stopped by a hand grasping her own under the tableand squeezing it. She glanced over at Draco who was looking at her sideways. Hesqueezed her hand again and she felt all her anger suddenly disappear. He was

telling her to be quiet as she was just digging herself into a bigger and bigger holeand he was right! Despite the complete injustice of it, being rude and arguing withSnape was not a good idea. She took a deep breath, gave the Professor one finalglare and then lowered her head.

"Shall I take it that I will see you in my office at 6pm Miss Granger?" Snapeenquired sarcastically.

"Yes Professor." Hermione mumbled. She heard him turn to walk off and thoughtthat was the end of it until she heard Draco's voice.

"Professor?"

Snape turned round again a murderous look on his face.

"Yes?"

"I will have to attend detention too." Draco's face was expressionless.

"And why would that be, Mr Malfoy? Miss Granger is the one who is to be

punished." Snape's voice was cutting. "Unless you have suddenly grown aninexplicable need to do everything with her!"

"It's just that we usually spend the evening together, Sir. If we don't I begin to feelunwell again."

Snape's eyes narrowed to slits in his face but he couldn't really argue with thelogic of Draco's argument.

"Very well, as you seem so very keen to be in detention you can participate in the

task I had prepared for Miss Granger too. 6pm prompt." And he walked awaywithout another word.

Draco shot out of the classroom as soon as the lesson finished and Hermione

hurriedly stuffed her books into her bag before rushing after him. She caught aglimpse of him heading out the Main doors and sprinted across the hall after him.

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It was windy outside and she seemed to have lost him because he was no-where insight. She wondered where he could have disappeared to so quickly. She chose to goright randomly and headed towards the courtyard. As she rounded the corner sheran straight into Draco as he was standing, leaning on the wall with his arms foldedin front of him.

"Looking for something, Granger?" he drawled at her flashing his trademarksmirk.

Hermione was out of breath and the wind was whipping her hair around in frontof her face. She grabbed at it impatiently and nodded at him.

"Yes. I was looking for you." She pulled a clump of hair from her mouth and triedto tuck it down the back of her cloak. "I wanted to talk to you about all that!"

"All what?" Draco asked her innocently but Hermione knew full well that he was

perfectly aware what she was talking about. She was still fighting with her hair anddidn't answer him immediately. He sighed and reached over to her.

"For heaven's sake! Here, let me do it!" he reached his arms around her andgathered her hair in his hands before pulling it into a ponytail and tucking it neatlydown the back of her cloak. Hermione's eyes were level with his collarbone and shecould smell his cologne. She felt herself grow hot as he leaned even closer, his face

almost next to hers. What was going on here? She asked herself. She'd been close tohim hundreds of times now so why was this affecting her? He pulled away and shecouldn't help but stare at him. Why did his hair look better than it normally did when

hers was an unruly, windswept mess?

"There it's done." He nodded. "What did you want to ask me?"

Hermione tried to speak but nothing came out so she cleared her throat and triedagain.

"You stuck up for me in class." This wasn't how she'd intended to say it but herthoughts were a jumble now.

"Yes, you hadn't done anything wrong. If anything you did more work than me onthat potion."

"That wouldn't normally make you stick up for me." Hermione pointed out quite

correctly.

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Draco looked at her intensely for a few seconds. "Well, as you take great pleasurein reminding me every 30 seconds, you saved my life. You're still saving my lifeevery time we exchange blood. I just thought it was about time I did something inreturn."

Hermione looked at him surprised by his answer and his honesty.

"Oh," was all she managed to say.

"I've got Quidditch practise so I'll see you in Snape's office later." Draco said.

"Sorry about that. I didn't mean to drag you into it too."

He nodded his head at her, ending the conversation and she nodded back

agreement before turning to go.

"Oh, Hermione." Draco called her back.

"Yes?"

"Just for the record your grades aren't better than mine." His words were theusual cruel ones but his eyes betrayed him. They were sparkling with amusement.Hermione put her hands on her hips.

"Yes they are. You can't be the best at everything, Malfoy. Get used to it." Sheanswered him confidently and carried on her way.

There you go, I haven't written Snape before so that was fun - detentionnext, should be fun! Keep reading, thanks for the reviews so far - morereviews are always welcome!

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The Fight

"So, each one of these bottles needs to be re-labelled, catalogued and put back onthe shelf in alphabetical order. Is that clear?" Professor Snape eyed the two students

in front of him. "I will return at 8.30pm and would expect you to be almost done bythen."

He left them in his potions cupboard and a few minutes later Hermione heard hisoffice door close. As before she and Draco quickly worked out a methodical method

to make the job quicker and they had soon finished the first section of bottles. Therewere loads of them still to do though and Hermione sighed. What an awful way tospend her evening!

"Bored, Granger?"

"Just a bit!" Hermione said.

"It shows a lack of intelligence to be bored." Draco had his back to her puttingbottles back on the shelf in alphabetical order and Hermione shot him a glare. She

decided to broach a subject with him that had been playing on her mind.

"Malfoy? I need to talk to you."

He climbed down off the footstool and came over to her.

"Look I'm not moaning at being here because I sort of asked for it but the quickerwe get this done, the quicker we can go." He bent over the desk and started to lineup the next set of bottles.

"I know but I wanted to ask you something important." Hermione insisted.

"Go on then, but be quick." Draco had a bored look on his face.

"Do you think it would be a good idea for us to start trying to help find a cure forthis disease? Or at least the cause of it," Hermione asked. "I mean it's taking themso long I'm beginning to lose confidence in them ever finding a cure."

Draco's face paled at this. "Don't be ridiculous, Granger. How do you expect us to

be able to find a cure before half the Professors at Hogwarts and experiencedMediwizards?"

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"It's better than sitting around waiting!"

"No it's not! You've spent too long hanging around with Harry 'the hero' Potter.He can't keep his nose out of anything and he always thinks he can do everythingbetter than anyone else. Leave it alone." Draco turned his back to her and walkedback towards the shelf of bottles.

"Harry doesn't poke his nose into things. They come and find him! At least he's notafraid to try." Hermione knew she'd said the wrong thing as soon as she saw thelook on Draco's face. He approached the desk again his face turning red.

"I am not afraid! Typical bloody Gryffindor do-gooders! Just because I don't gorushing about trying to cure all that is wrong with the world doesn't mean I'mafraid." He leant close to her, his voice quiet but cold.

Hermione jumped to her feet. "Well how typically Slytherin! After all, why get off

your arse to do anything yourself when someone else is going to do it for you! Goodjob I didn't have that attitude with you isn't it or you'd be with someone who wasn'tyour blood match and feeling a lot worse than you do now! Or worse still dead."

"I told you from day one I didn't want your blood! And I certainly didn't want togive you mine! If you think I'm going to be eternally grateful to you then think again!Once they find a cure I'll be glad to never come within a mile of you ever again."

Draco went to turn away again but Hermione couldn't leave it.

"Go on say it! My Mudblood! My dirty blood that is contaminating your perfectly

pure cells! What a load of clap trap that really is! If being a Pureblood was soimportant then why am I better at almost every subject than you? And why is Harrybetter at flying than you? Why is Pansy Parkinson so bloody ugly? And what aboutCrabbe and Goyle - what shining examples of being a Pureblood they are! So get offyour bloody pedestal, Malfoy. You're no better than me, at least I know how to befriends with people and enjoy life. And as for Harry, you're quite right to call him ahero because that's what he's had to be to save everyone from people like you.You're just a coward!" Hermione could feel the tears streaming down her face shewas so worked up. All the pressure of the past few weeks came spilling out of her.The frustration she felt when she was with Malfoy, his annoying changes of moods

and now his complete refusal to even try and help himself!

Draco's face had gone completely white and twisted with rage. He would not allowanyone to speak to him like that. Who the hell did she think she was? He was so mad

that he found his hand feeling for the wand in his pocket.

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"How dare you call me a coward! You know nothing about me so how dare youpresume! Second best at everything am I? I don't see a hoard of women followingPotter round the school every day, do you?"

"What? You're not actually using your looks as one of your redeeming points areyou? Well you can't take credit for that as it's purely down to genes! And the

sneering expression you continually wear sorts of detracts from your amazing looks,sorry!" she resorted to sarcasm.

"Are you forgetting who I have at home, Granger? Have you stopped to thinkabout the kind of things I see when I'm there? They'd have you running awayscreaming your pretty little head off!"

"Me? I've faced Voldemort and all his death eaters!" Hermione was still angry so

not in the least bit intimidated by him despite his extra height and strength. Hecame around the desk so he was face to face with her not quite sure what he was

intending to do but just boiling over with rage.

Suddenly he stopped in his tracks because he wasn't face to face with her was he?More like face to shoulder! What the hell was he doing? This wasn't some evil friendof his Father's he was arguing with. It was Hermione Granger for god's sake. A girl!And a rather small and insignificant one at that! Why the hell was he reaching forhis wand? He could pick her up and carry her over his shoulder if he chose to! Why

was he letting her get to him like this! Bloody hell, he had no idea she had such atemper on her! No wonder Potter and Weasel seemed to do everything she told themto! And as quick as his temper had risen it disappeared and was replaced with an

entirely different emotion - amusement! He had actually been about to draw hiswand out against Hermione Granger, the girl who brought him books when he hadused an insult to ask her for them! His face creased into a smirk, then a grin andthen he chuckled.

Hermione watched all this in amazement, stunned into silence by his suddenchange of mood. He was actually laughing now and had sat down in the chair. Shelooked down at him incredulously. What the hell was he playing at? She failed to seewhat was amusing but her anger had completely gone. She was used to dealing withHarry and Ron who sometimes couldn't see the nose in front of their faces so why

should Draco Malfoy be any different? Why had she let him get to her like that?

"Draco?" she said his name quietly and it struck her that despite their argumentminutes before it wouldn't have felt right calling him Malfoy.

He looked up at her, still amused. "It was just funny!" he said. "I was ready to get

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my wand out to you! And look at you! You're about this high," he waved his hand toindicate how small she was "and as light as a feather! I could pick you up in asecond. But bloody hell you're scary when you're angry!"

Hermione had not been expecting an answer resembling anything like this andhad no idea how to reply. She had been about to use her wand too but he didn't

need to know that.

"No wonder Potty and Weasel are scared to death of you!" Draco added with agrin.

Hermione sat heavily in her seat and stared at him. "How the hell am I supposedto deal with you?" she asked quietly.

"I don't know. I don't know how to deal with myself most of the time." Draco leantforward, "are you going to let me die now, Hermione?"

She looked at him trying her best not to let him win her over again. She shouldstay mad at him forever for what he'd said to her. Though she had to admit thatwhat she'd said back to him was equally as bad. She sighed, knowing she couldn'tstay angry at him. Why did he have to be so incredibly infuriating!

"I think I might let you as long as your death is a long, drawn out, very painful

one."

"Mmm. Well I'm sure that can be arranged." A voice said making them both jump

up in horror. Snape was standing at the door his hands clasped in front of him. Hesurveyed the room taking in both Hermione and Draco sitting in a chair and thenumerous bottles still strewn over the desk.

"Looks like I'll be seeing you both tomorrow doesn't it?" Snape said. "6pm and youwill be staying here until this is finished to my satisfaction!"

Love writing a good fight scene! More detention together next time. Keepreading and please, please, please, review, it's great to hear what you allthink. x

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Close Contact

Draco approached the Mediwizard who cast the blood exchange spell for themevery morning nervously. What the hell was that all about yesterday? She had an

incredible ability to completely wind him up! And it was such a stupid argumentabout nothing! He could see her now already there waiting impatiently. Great! Nowhe'd be in trouble for being late, her first words proved him right.

"You're late."

Draco was determined not to get into another argument so he decided toapproach today from another angle.

"Yes but I'm worth waiting for," he joked.

Hermione's eyes met his for a moment but she ignored his comment. They settledinto their usual positions for a few minutes before Draco broke the silence.

"Thought you should have this back now." He offered Hermione the copy of Pride

and Prejudice she had left for him. She took it off him and pulled a face.

"Don't tell me, it was awful and far too romantic but you just had to read it all theway through just to make sure you hated it."

"You're getting very good at the sarcasm thing," Draco pointed out. "Actually Ireally enjoyed it."

Hermione turned her head to him in surprise. Not surprised that he'd enjoyed itbecause it was a very good book just surprised that he had admitted it. Hermione

had another book on her lap, the one she was currently reading and he snatched it

off her.

"So, what's this one about?"

"It's a thriller, really creepy. You wouldn't like it." Hermione couldn't resistanother little dig at him having not quite got over their argument yesterday. "In factI'm surprised I haven't been 'screaming my pretty little head off' as I've read somebits of it!"

Draco smirked at her reference to what he'd said yesterday. "Why is it I can be a

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bigger person and draw a line under what happened yesterday whereas obviouslyyou are still holding a grudge?"

"Maybe it has something to do with the fact that if I bugger off and leave you,you'll die!" Hermione's voice was cutting. Draco hoped if he left her to her ownthoughts she would eventually calm down so he sat quietly during the rest of the

exchange.

She ignored him all through lessons so Draco headed for detention feeling lessthan enthusiastic. Snape was very specific about what he expected tonight andDraco was sure he'd added more bottles to the pile. He couldn't see them finishingthis before 10pm.

Hermione set straight to labelling the bottles and he started cataloguing them andputting them back on the shelves in silence. He had drifted off into his own thoughtsand had no idea how much time had passed when her voice broke the silence.

"I'm sorry I called you a coward."

He turned to look at her in surprise, almost falling off the steps. She was gazing athim from behind the desk, her face having lost all its rigidness from earlier.

"I know you must have to face some dreadful things at home but you just get meso angry when you say you don't want me to help you." She now looked a littleanxious, obviously expecting him to bite back about the whole exchanging bloodthing.

"Yes I know. I shouldn't have said that." Draco hopped down off the steps butdidn't approach her. He suddenly had an overwhelming urge to rush over and hugher. She just looked so incredibly vulnerable sitting behind Snape's huge desk,

nervously waiting for his reaction. As soon as he thought this he wanted to take thethought back. He was going soft for heaven's sake! He had a flash of memory of her

screaming insults at him yesterday and contrasted it to now. And she had the cheekto call him contradictory! He decided that his best course of action was to saynothing so he sort of nodded at her and went back to his task.

They made good time and had finished before Snape arrived back. The Professortried desperately to find something wrong with what they had done but the two ofthem made a good team and it was faultless so Snape reluctantly had to let them

leave.

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They walked back along the deserted corridors in silence but Draco didn't want togo to bed leaving this strange atmosphere between them. The amount of hours theyhad to spend together now meant that even he couldn't stand an atmospherebetween them and he had plenty of practice at ignoring practically anything if heneeded to. He wouldn't admit it, even to himself but he was actually beginning toenjoy Hermione's company. He knew this wasn't a good idea but he couldn't help it.

He touched her arm, indicating for her to stop walking for a moment.

"I am glad you're helping me," he said.

"Of course you are. If I wasn't you'd be seriously ill, so what's not to be gladabout?" Despite her earlier apology for calling him a coward, Hermione was stillunwilling to accept his attempt at smoothing everything over. She went to continuewalking but he grasped her arm again, this time keeping hold of it.

"No, that's not what I mean. I'm glad it's you helping me." Draco phrased it

differently so she understood his meaning. He saw her eyes open wide in surprise.

"Oh."

Draco bent closer to her. "Oh? Is that all you're going to say? Do you always hold agrudge this long? I'm beginning to have a new appreciation for what Potter has hadto put up with all these years!"

Hermione hit his arm but Draco was pleased to see there was a small smileplaying around her lips. "Don't tell me your feeling sorry for Harry now?" she said.

The next morning, before first lesson they were both called to ProfessorMcGonagall's office. Hermione hoped desperately it was to tell them they had founda cure but somehow knew it wasn't. Unfortunately she was right.

"I don't suppose either of you have remembered as understandably you have been

occupied with other more pressing matters but it is the visit to Hogsmeadetomorrow." Professor McGonagall told them. "I just wanted to have a word about it."

"Are we allowed to go?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, of course. I would just like to make a few things clear beforehand. I realisethat the two of you still have your differences, though I must commend you on your

efforts to work these out," she paused and looked at them over the top of her

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glasses, "I did hear that detention was not particularly successful but other than thatyou seem to be working through all this together very well."

Neither of them Draco or Hermione wanted to discuss detention so they remainedsilent.

"In order to keep Mr Malfoy feeling well, you would have to spend at least some ofyour time in the village together and that is my worry. You two may have worked outsome of your differences but it concerns me that your friends most probably haven't.I would imagine seeing you together during a leisure activity would be far moreinflammatory to them than seeing you together in lessons. I have to make it veryclear the importance of students behaving correctly whilst visiting Hogsmeade. Icannot allow you to visit if you think it will be the cause of any friction betweenother students."

They both understood exactly what she meant and she was right! It could so easily

lead to trouble if the pair of them looked like they were fun and shopping together.Hermione could just imagine Ron's face right now!

"I will leave you both to come to a decision on the best way to manage this. I don'tneed to be informed but if I hear of any trouble I will be most disappointed."

Draco wasn't in their shared room when she arrived that evening and afteroccupying herself for a few minutes, Hermione began to feel a little anxious. What ifhe was ill again? It had been almost two and half hours since they had been togetherand that was about as long as Draco could normally manage. The next moment thedoor opened and Draco walked in.

"I was beginning to wonder where you were." Hermione said.

"I was checking to see who was planning to go to Hogmeade tomorrow." Dracoexplained, sitting in a chair. Hermione sat next to him automatically, knowing he

always needed her to after a long separation.

"Oh, yes I've checked as well. Everyone's planning to go so we need to be careful."

"I know. I've explained to them all about us having to spend some of the daytogether. They didn't like it much but they can't really demand that we don't." Dracolaid his head back against the chair looking pale.

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"It was a long separation, are you OK?" Hermione asked.

"I'll be alright in a minute, just stay there," Draco said. His eyes closed as heconcentrated on her being close again to take his symptoms away. But he wasn'talright in a minute, or five minutes. In fact he seemed worse.

"I'll fetch you a drink." Hermione volunteered but he put his hand out to stop her.

"No. Just stay where you are."

She was beginning to feel concerned. Normally he felt better much quicker thanthis.

"Maybe we should get you to the infirmary."

"No." Draco opened one eye and looked at her. "I mean no thanks."

Hermione looked at him for a moment and came to a decision. It helped him whenshe was close. The closer they were the better he felt. She shuffled closer on thesofa and then gently pulled him into a hug. She felt him tense himself a little for afew moments and then his body relaxed and he let her arms wrap around him.

As soon as she touched him Draco instantly felt better. It was like a wave washing

over him and cleaning the disease away. He felt himself relax as a strange calmfeeling overtook him. Bloody hell she felt good! She moved slightly and afraid shewas going to pull away from him he wrapped his arms around her waist, his hands

on her back. And suddenly he felt something else, more than the healing power shehad. He felt an overwhelming feeling of tenderness for her. He let his head drop sohis face was buried in her hair and pulled her closer still.

"Is that better?" she asked without moving away from him.

"Are you going to stop holding me if I say yes?" Draco asked cheekily and shecould tell from his reply that her hug had definitely worked. She pulled her headback to look at him and was happy with what she saw. He looked normal again butthe next moment his eyes locked with hers and she felt her stomach do a strange

little flip. "See I knew you wouldn't be able to resist me for much longer. You'vebeen fighting it but I knew you'd have to give in eventually." Draco smirked at her,his words teasing.

"Yes, that's exactly why I hugged you!" Hermione said sarcastically. "No otherreason - just because you're so irresistible!"

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Draco grinned at her. "See I knew it!"

"While you get over yourself, I'll make us a drink." Hermione gave him one finallook and left him on the sofa.

Hogsmeade next - enjoy and review. x

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Hogsmeade

It was a lovely day as Hermione made her way to Hogsmeade and she was veryglad to be out in the fresh air, away from the Castle for a few hours. She was with a

far larger group of her friends than usual as everyone had to now do most things inpairs - Harry and Neville, Ron and Dean, Ginny and Colin. For obvious reasons shewas alone, until lunch time anyway.

The morning went well with Hermione getting almost all the supplies she needed.

This meant that after lunch, when she was meeting Draco, she only needed to popinto Dervish and Banges to have them check her wand. It had a small chip in thehandle end which wasn't affecting its use but Hermione wanted to get it fixed beforethe crack spread.

There was only one place to meet in Hogsmeade unless you were a dating coupleand that was The Three Broomsticks. Hermione had been very tempted to suggest toDraco that they meet in Madam Puddifoots just to see the look on his face but haddecided against it. Draco was sitting at a small table, near the back when she gotthere. Hermione watched him for a moment before approaching. As usual he was

ignoring everyone around him but managing to draw his fellow diner's eyes to himat the same time. He had an aloofness about him that meant he was left alone yet at

the same time he managed to intrigue everyone around him. A crowd of young girlsin Hogwarts uniforms were on the next table, giggling and talking, their eyesfrequently glancing over at him. He seemed oblivious to them until he suddenlyturned his gaze their way and let his eyes wander over everyone at their table. Thisbrought on a whole new level of giggles from them and ended with one girl spillingher entire drink all over the table.

Hermione used this as her opportunity to approach him. "What are you doing to

those poor girls?" she asked as she took a seat opposite him.

He looked at her innocently. "I have no idea what you mean."

"Yes you do! You've turned them into gibbering wrecks!" Hermione glancedbehind her just in time to catch one of the girls giving her a look that could kill. Sheturned back to face Draco quickly. "And now I'm being glared at for daring to sit byyou!"

He flashed his wicked grin at her and that told her he knew exactly what he wasdoing and that he was enjoying every minute of it. "How about I jump to your

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defence? That'll really make them hate you!"

"You're evil, Draco Malfoy!" Hermione said.

A waitress approached them to take their order and Hermione let Draco orderfirst as she wasn't sure if he had intended to eat here or not. In fact she had no idea

what they were supposed to be doing this afternoon. It was a strange situation andHermione felt a little nervous. It was easy at school, everything was set out for themand they were busy with the daily routine. She'd even got used to their eveningstogether and felt comfortable in his company but this was a different situation alltogether. Were they supposed to go trotting off round the shops together beingsociable with each other? Or were they going to eat lunch and go straight back tothe school? What was she supposed to do now, engage him in trivial chit chat?Hermione was very much out of her comfort zone and she didn't like it.

"What's up?" he asked. "You're all jumpy."

Well he was definitely more observant than Harry or Ron who sometimes wouldn'tnotice if she stripped naked! She wasn't sure she liked the fact he could read her sowell.

"Nothing, I'm fine," she lied unconvincingly.

Draco leant forward across the table. "If sitting here with me makes youuncomfortable then you need to say. You have told Potter you're meeting me haven'tyou?" He glanced over at the door as if Harry might appear at any moment.

"No...I mean yes..." she stuttered over her words not exactly sure how to wiggleher way out of this.

"Was that a no or a yes? I'm confused."

Hermione sighed loudly. "Yes, Harry knows. I don't want you to take offence it'sjust I'm not sure what to talk to you about. Are we going straight back to the school?Are we shopping together? I mean, it's all very strange. Since when do I go shoppingwith Draco Malfoy?"

"You're finding today strange? Whereas the last few weeks have been perfectlynormal haven't they? Let's just run through a typical day - get up - go sit in aclassroom while we exchange a little blood - then lessons sitting next to each other -

throw in a four hour detention sorting potion bottles - a couple of hours sitting in ourconverted classroom - then bed! All seems perfectly normal to me!" Draco ran

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through their usual activities, counting them off on his fingers. Hermione waslaughing by the end of it. He was right! Nothing was normal between them!

Their food arrived and she began to feel a bit better.

"So you felt OK this morning?" she asked "We were apart for at almost three

hours."

"No actually. I just tried not to mention it. I figured it must drive you crazy that Iam constantly moaning about feeling ill." Draco said seemingly oblivious that he wasthinking about how she was feeling for a change.

"Are you actually being considerate?" Hermione leant across the table andtouched his forehead. "You must be ill!"

"Very funny, Granger." Suddenly Draco looked up as one of the girls from the next

table came over and stood next to him.

"Hi," she said giving him a smile, "listen I know this is highly unusual but Iwondered if you would like to meet me later?" she turned to Hermione, "you're nottogether are you? I heard about you being really sick, it must be awful for you."

Five minutes later Draco had arranged to meet the girl, whose name was Annabel

in Madam Puddifoots in an hour. As she went back to her friends at their tableHermione crossed her arms in front of her and glared at Draco.

"And what exactly am I supposed to do while you meet her?" she asked.

"Oh! I forgot about that." Draco said but he didn't look particularly bothered aboutit.

"Well thanks! What shall I do then? Shall I sit at the next table or join the pair ofyou at yours? Maybe we can all gaze into each other's eyes."

"Look, don't get mad at me! I didn't even want to meet her really." Draco saidunhappily.

"They've invented a clever little word for situations like that. It's called NO!"Hermione huffed at him across the table. "I'm going to kill you!"

Draco burst out laughing. "That's almost funny, Granger. Also a bit scary becauseyou actually could if you wanted to!"

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Hermione wasn't amused so they walked to Dervish and Banges in silence. As shewas about to go in Draco stopped her.

"This is a waste of time. They won't be able to fix that properly, you need to take itto Olivanders."

"In case you hadn't noticed we're not in Diagon alley. This will have to do."Hermione tried to push past him but he didn't move.

"Well if you're happy to put up with 2nd class workmanship on something asimportant as your wand who am I to interfere? Guess that's the difference betweenus." He was been obnoxious and he didn't know why.

"Believe me, Malfoy that is not the only difference between us." She pushed past

him into the shop.

More Hogsmeade next and another argument. Thanks for all the reviews, Ido take notice of them. Keep reading and reviewing, it makes me happy. x

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Regret

An hour later Hermione was standing outside Madam Pudifoots waiting for Draco.She was hopping mad and had been tempted to just leave without him. She probably

wasn't close enough to him to be keeping him feeling well anyway. She sneaked alook in the window but couldn't see properly.

"Hermione!"

She turned and saw Harry and Ron approaching.

"Where is everyone?" she asked.

"They wanted to go back to Hogwarts, we are going to catch up with them in awhile. Where's Malfoy?" Harry's gaze turned to where they were standing."Hermione, have you been in there with him?"

"No! He's in there with a girl so I've been left to stand outside like an idiot."Hermione did feel slightly humiliated having to say this.

"I'd leave the selfish git to rot if I were you." Ron said grumpily.

"Believe me I'm tempted but I won't lower myself to his level. Plus he couldactually die and I don't want that on my conscience."

"We'll wait with you if you like." Harry offered.

"Oh, would you? Thanks." Hermione was truly thankful.

About 15 minutes late the door opened and Draco stepped out with Annabel. He

glanced around for Hermione but she wasn't where he'd left her. He felt a wave ofanxiety wash over him because he was already feeling pretty awful and he neededher. She was too far away from him standing outside the shop and quite quickly hehad begun to feel unwell. Annabel was chattering away about nothing in particularbut Draco wasn't listening. He needed Hermione, now!

Then he spotted her, across the square, talking and laughing with bloody Potterand Weasel. He said a hasty goodbye to Annabel and sprinted over to Hermione.

"Why did you wander off?" he demanded rudely.

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Hermione turned to him red faced.

"I beg your pardon?"

"I feel unwell. This is too far away." Draco suddenly realised that they were allstaring at him.

"Have you heard yourself, Malfoy?" Harry asked quietly. "How dare you speak toHermione like that."

"Mind your own business, Potter." Draco answered equally quietly.

Ron went to step forwards but Hermione put her arm out to stop him. "Stop it! Didnone of you listen to Professor McGonagall?" she was shouting now, really angry.

"Harry, Ron just go, I'll deal with it."

"Are you sure?" Ron asked.

"Yes. I don't want any trouble. I'll be fine."

Reluctantly they did as she asked but she could see them still looking back even asthey reached the other side of the square. Draco had remained totally silent fromthe moment they left, his head down.

"Just what the hell was all that about?" Hermione asked him.

"I felt unwell." His voice was quiet.

"Well if you know we need to be together, maybe you shouldn't have gone off withAngela..."

"Annabel." Draco corrected her and Hermione repeated herself angrily.

"Gone off with Annabel and left me standing out here like an idiot! How dare youwalk over here and talk to me like that! You're not at Malfoy Manor now! Allbecause some girl flashes her eyes at you for god's sake! I thought you had more

sense than that."

Instead of answering her, Draco turned his back on her and ran his hand throughhis hair.

"I'm sorry. I need to sit down," he said and walked to a bench. She wasn't going to

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let him off just because he was feeling unwell so she followed him.

"I won't be treated like this, Draco. I'm not at your beck and call. I want to go backnow, can you walk?" She would have walked off without him but he looked like hewas about to pass out.

He was staring at her. "What? No! I can't go back yet, you'll have to give me a fewminutes."

"Fine." Hermione sat next to him grumpily. "I'm going to ask ProfessorMcGonagall to try and find someone else who is a good enough match for you as I'vehad enough!"

He turned to her a look of complete horror on his face. "No! You're the best

match. Look I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking." He put his hand to his head as the worldstarted to spin.

"Draco?" Hermione's voice was sounding like she was down a tunnel and hecouldn't focus.

"I really don't feel right, Hermione."

Hermione could tell he wasn't putting it on as he was now as white as a sheet and

his eyes kept shutting. She looked around the square for someone to help her but itwas empty.

"Lie down." She helped him lie on the hard bench. He looked really uncomfortablebut better that than him keeling over. There was no way she could catch him! Shetried to suppress her panic but it was difficult. Suddenly it came to her that shedidn't need anyone else! She was Draco's medicine after all! She gave a little sigh asshe realised her only option was to hold him again. It had worked last time thoughhe hadn't been quite as bad as this. She was still unbelievably angry at him but shecouldn't let him be ill so she would just have to put their argument on hold for awhile until she had helped him.

She sat on the bench next to him, bent forward and put her arms around his neck

and back. His arms immediately went round her and she was shocked to feel himtrembling. Her anger dissolved a little as she realised just how ill he must be feeling.Gradually his trembling lessened and stopped and she felt his breathing slowing ashe relaxed and she went to sit up a little moving her back.

Snap!

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Hermione shot up and pulled her wand out of her pocket. It was completelybroken at the end. She stared at it horrified and suddenly it was all too much.Draco's constant mood swings, his demands, her humiliation, her pity for him andnow this! Her wand, broken! She felt tears streaming down her face as it alloverwhelmed her. She felt Draco's hand on her arm but she resisted his efforts topull her close again.

"Leave me alone." She mumbled feeling utterly miserable and sorry for herself butshe now felt both his hands on her shoulders and he turned her to face him.

"No, I won't." He pulled her against him. "I'm sorry about your wand, it doesn'tlook so bad. Maybe it can be fixed."

She gave in to his arms which were now wrapped around her waist again, pulling

her close. She hid her face against his chest and sobbed. They sat like this for a fewminutes before she suddenly realised what she'd done and pulled away. Great! Now

she'd given him a whole heap of ammunition to use against her. Why had she lostcontrol of herself like that in front of him?

She turned her back to him before speaking. "I want to go now."

"Hermione..." Draco started to say something but she cut him off.

"I want to go now, Draco."

He was greeted the next morning with stony silence. As much as she was able shecompletely ignored him all day. Draco tried to tell himself to be grateful that shewas still keeping her end of the bargain by sitting by him but he couldn't forget herwords about asking to find someone else to help him. He wanted her to do it! Thethought of going through all this with someone other than Hermione filled him with

utter horror!

He wasn't sure if she'd even be there when he went to their room that evening butshe was. She was sat by the window with her back to the room. Draco was tornbetween giving her the cold shoulder too and his desire to just have everything backto normal.

"Hermione..." he started but again she cut him off.

"I don't want to talk to you. Just be grateful I'm here because I seriously

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considered not bothering." She didn't turn round to look at him and Draco felt histhroat go dry. She was really angry! This wasn't going to be easy to fix. And hewanted to fix it so much, he needed her. He stopped mid way across the room as asudden realisation hit him. He didn't just need her, he wanted her too. He wantedher company. Well if anyone could turn this around it was him. He grabbed a chairand pulled it alongside her.

"Tell me how to fix this?" he leant close to her keeping his voice quiet.

She turned to him, her eyes cold. "There's no need to try and be so nice to me. I'mnot going to ask them to find someone else for you because I have a thing youwouldn't understand - consideration and integrity."

"That's two things." Draco pointed out, hoping to break the ice but she just glared

at him.

"So I'll keep doing the exchanges and everything else you need but don't expectme to talk to you and let's hope they find a cure quickly!" Hermione turned back tothe window.

"Well that sounds like a whole barrel of laughs doesn't it?" Draco sighed. "Comeon Hermione, I really am sorry and not just because I need you."

She ignored him so he gently touched her arm. She turned back to him and wavedher finger at him.

"Let me ask you one thing. Would you forgive me if I'd treated you like that? Youhave a temper tantrum over the smallest things I do and yet you seemed to think itwas OK to leave me standing outside the cafe while you wined and dined anothergirl! I mean what the hell did you see in her? She's an airhead! Then you dared to beangry when I actually found something to do other than wait around for you!" Sheshook his hand off her arm. "I would never have done that to you because despitethe years of taunting and mockery you've inflicted on me I always try and treat youwith respect!"

Draco suddenly felt an emotion he rarely felt - regret. She was completely right.

He had acted like an inconsiderate jerk! If she'd done that to him he would havegone mad! And Annabel was an airhead, a very pretty one but an airhead just thesame. Was she worth upsetting Hermione over? Definitely not!

"Sorry isn't going to help is it?" he asked gently. "Look, I don't care a bit aboutAnnabel, she is an airhead. If you want to ask McGonagall to find someone else then

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