Confessions of a Granger

Chapter Eight: Filch

Hermione's POV:

My breath catches. I consider going to Hagrid's, but this would be hard to explain. I'll just go back to the dormitory and talk to Ginny. She'll listen. Right? I go towards the castle, and nearly make it when a gruff hand grabs the back of my collar.

"Not another one tonight." Damn. Flich. I'd forgotten about him. What does he mean by another? "Malfoy and the Granger" WHAT?! "You think because you're seventh years you can just do whatever you want." Oh. Okay. He drags me to McGonagall's office.

"Who is this time, Filch?" Draco stands in front of her and Slughorn. "Miss Granger?! Without the boys?!" Why is she so shocked? Even Slughorn is shocked. Draco is avoiding my eyes.

"I was going for a walk. Is that bad?" I try to act innocent, and I know it's horrible, but I pray they don't notice it.

"Uh... well...I..." She's having trouble with this.

"Yes. I hate to do this, but uh... twenty five points from you, Miss Granger. And you too, Mr. Malfoy." I nod. I don't dare look at Draco. It's horrible the feeling inside me keeping my eyes off him.

"Run along, now, both of you." I scurry off, but am stopped by Draco's voice.

"Sorry for getting you into trouble. " I shrug.

"Do you really?" My mind -and my heart- go back to earlier.

"I- yea."He blushes and nods. I want to give him a hug. A fierce one, like the one I gave Harry in the tent all those years ago. He points, silently saying that he has to go. I nod, but words come out.

"You can be with Pansy. She likes you. I... I have to think. Just.... not in my face. Please." He looks at me, shaking his head.

"I don't want to be with anybody but you." I take a breath and walk away as he does the same. Under my breath, though, I respond.

"I don't want to be with anyone else either." I don't think he heard me, and I'm not sure if I like that.

A/N: Don't really know if I have anything to say here, but Hi. And thanks. For everything. :)