The Right Choice

Chapter Nine

The following day it was decided, Hermione wouldn't play sick anymore. Why should she hide from Draco? She was determined to speak with him today. Arithmancy would be the ideal time and place. They were partners, and none of her close friends had taken the class.

He eyed her during potions, in a way that made her blush. She hadn't quite figured out how she felt about the kiss. There was no denying she was attracted to Draco. His kiss had awoken something primal in her, something unexplored. She was interested in following it through, but she knew that he wasn't going down the same path she was. A war was approaching. Everyone could feel it like a great storm. And Draco was fighting for the side that would lose.

Although, Hermione suspected he was not doing it willingly. He wasn't nearly as passionate about his upbringing as before. He no longer called her a mudblood, and he never strutted about while making snide remarks. He just didn't seem to hold himself at the same level of superiority anymore. Hermione actually thought that perhaps Voldemort had a form of leverage, and Draco was merely a scared teenager. That was why she had attempted to coax him into talking to her, and asking for Dumbledore's help.

And maybe, just maybe, if Hermione let whatever was happening between them grow, he would.

Arithmancy finally arrived, and Hermione could not stop fidgeting. She was the first to arrive in the classroom as usual. She expected Draco to sit in his usual seat until the teacher called for them to partner up. But today he sat down next to her right away.

She jumped when he took his seat, and he smiled at her. She didn't know what was going through his head.

"Alright there, Granger?" he asked.

He was being friendly, a good sign that he wasn't upset with her.

"Fine really, and yourself?" she responded with a smile.

"I was worried. I didn't have my partner yesterday. Had to do all the work myself. And I didn't even finish."

"Well, we'll just have to catch up today then."

Draco smiled again and they set to work.

"So, how are you feeling? I heard you couldn't get out of bed." He pried.

Hermione inwardly rolled her eyes. He knew she was faking, she could hear it in the tone of his voice. She decided to play his game.

"I'm fine, thank you. I suppose it was a short lived stomach bug." She explained, she might as well lie as best she could.

"Granger," Draco said in a serious tone, "we really need to talk."

Hermione frowned. Here it was. He brought it up so soon. But she would have to talk to him about it eventually.

"I know. We have to do something about it."

Draco snapped to attention, she talked about it like it was a problem.

But she continued before he could speak. "If you don't mind, would you meet me in Hogsmeade tomorrow? We could have a drink in the Three Broomsticks"

Draco considered her offer, it was a very public place. He supposed they could both say that they were discussing classwork, or Prefect duties. He knew that she wouldn't like her friends suspecting her either.

"Why not? Merlin knows I could use a shot of firewhiskey to calm my nerves." He said with a grin.

"Draco! They won't serve that to anyone of our age. Besides, drinking is no solution." She exclaimed.

"Indeed, but it doesn't hurt."

She smiled at him, and they worked in silence for the rest of the class. Their assignment was finished just before the bell rang, and they were free for the weekend.