The Best Year Yet

10: Tables Turned

"The most... What?" Said Malfoy, his face clearly showing that he hadn't done that much research on the spell.

"The most powerful desire hex ferret." The brunette spat at him as concern swept his face, though he tried to hide it.

"What will happen?" He asked carefully.

"Well, I'll get really sick and then... I'll die." She said it so casually that Malfoy wasn't sure he heard correctly.

"You'll what? Is there a counter spell?"

"I'll die, and no there isn't.... Unless," she paused, a look of disgust on her face, "no, I'd rather die."

"What is it?" The smirk was completely wiped off his face by now, and replaced by complete worry and regret.

"Why do you care? Wouldn't you like me to die Malfoy?"

"I-I well..." He was at a loss for words, then he whispered, "no."

Hermione looked up at him and was taken aback at his facial expression. It was softer than usual and it was filled with concern that was different than the scowl or smirk it always held. He walked towards her and sat down, looking into her eyes.

"Are you lying to me?" He asked as he studied her face.

"Why would I lie about this?" She questioned, an invisible magnet pulling her towards him.

"I-I don't know," he said as he turned his face to the ground, "tell me the counter spell or whatever it is... I didn't mean for it to get this bad. I'm sorry."

Hermione was so surprised at these words that she stared at him for at least five minutes. Never had she heard that sentence come from the blondes mouth. Finally she spoke.

"You're what?"

He looked up at her, "I'm sorry." She narrowed her eyes and studied his face, looking for any sign that this was a joke, but she found none. He looked back at the ground but she gently tipped his chin back up to look at her. He had a strange expression on his face, much like the one he had when she was reaching for her wand a few minutes ago. Hermione swallowed and spoke into the silence.

"Where did you find the book?"

He stared into her eyes, "The restricted section of the library." She closed her eyes in annoyance.

"Why did you go back there? And what were you thinking using a spell you found?" Draco looked at her sheepishly, the tables had turned dramatically since that morning.

"I saw the book laying open and slipped back to close it. But, when I saw the hex, I thought it would be... Fun, to try it." He looked down again. Suddenly he felt a sharp pain as hermione's hand flew across his cheek. "Ow! What was that for?" He said, as his hand held his throbbing cheek.

"You are such an idiot Draco Malfoy! Why would you be so stupid as to try a spell you haven't even read on?! I cannot believe you." She was scolding him as a mother would a child. But suddenly, her face softened and she started giggling.

"...why are you laughing?" He looked at her curiously as he sill held his cheek. "What's so funny?"

"I-I was just remembering third y-year," Hermione held her stomach as she fell back onto the floor, still laughing, "when I slapped you, your f-face was priceless." She kept laughing as Draco looked at her confused.

"Third year? Oh." Realization flashed across his face. Hermione laughed harder at his facial expression and she sat up to face him again. His mouth slowly turned into a smile as she calmed down. They sat there, unmoving, for minutes that seemed like hours. Slowly Draco leaned forward, but Hermione, sensing what he was about to do stood up, though her mind protested, and said in a small voice, "We should go to the library and research the hex."

Draco looked at her, disappointed, and stood up, "You can go, I have to write an essay for transfiguration."

"No come with me, from what I know about this spell is, as long as we are in the same room, in close proximity, I'll be okay...for now." she blushed slightly at the thought of what the cure was but Draco still had no idea, though he was sure to find out when they got to the Library.

"But, Thursday night, you passed out and we were in the same room." Draco stated questioningly.

Hermione looked at him, "yes, but we were fighting..."

"Oh," he said, "then let's go." As he strutted towards the door, Hermione couldn't help but wonder how this would turn out, they had never acted nicely towards each other, and neither ever had the urge to kiss the other. This will be interesting, she thought.
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A/N: This was a very long chapter, which is awesome. Please comment what you think, I'd love to hear your opinions.

I do not own the characters. I just wish I did.