Count Your Blessings

mhaj78 - Thank you for your comment! I couldn't wait to flesh out the details of the Astonomy Tower chapter either!!

Avanell - We shall see who wrote the note!! =)

ginnylovesharry07 - Thanks for your comment!! I'll try to update as often as I can!

Dreamweaver - Lucius will visit the school, just in a very interesting manner. At least, I think so it's still being worked out but yeah. Thanks for your comment!!

karine_snake - What do you think Draco is thinking? I don't even know what he's thinking! Hah! He's so complex in this story.

A/N: (just some side notes if you're interested on knowing my really odd thinking patterns)

Last Chapter: There was a little blib I had written about Hermione going to Madam Pomfrey instead of the Snape-Classroom incident. Ultimately, I think the Snape-Classroom incident did its job and worked out for the better. There was also a little POV I had written with Pansy but it was fairly short and not really all that great.

For this chapter: I pictured seveal senarios before coming to this one. It ranged from Dumbledore (in a non-sexual way) to Pansy herself. In the end I figured this was the best way to go about it.

I really enjoyed writing this chapter =) It's possibly one of my favorite chapters thus far! Tell me what you think!

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Hermione had begun to neglect herself. She paced back and forth in her dormitory, the note lay flat on her bed. It was crumbled into a small heap after Ron caught sight of it and tried to wrangle it out of her tiny hands. She nearly fell on top of Harry, who had to quickly grab onto her goblet of pumpkin juice before it fell all over Ginny. Hermione had told him, in a very motherly voice, that it wasn't his business. She left Ron pouting and using his potatoes as a punching bag for his fork. Poor potatoes.

As soon as dinner was finished, she had rushed up to her dormitory - ignoring Ron's pleas to talk to her. She would apologize later, that was for sure. She hated treating Ron, or Harry, as if they were just statues. She loved them, both of them.

Glancing at the ticking clock she had gotten for her birthday from Ginny, Hermione inhaled. The clock chripped a lovely tune from the Wicked Sisters as the little hand reached eleven thirty. She had to make a decision and fast. Looking at herself in the mirror, Hermione noted her sullen appearance. Her mind was clear, as clear as it would get, but she began feeling anxious and the thought of whether it was a boy or a girl who know her secret was beginning to nibble at her sensitive areas.

If it were a boy, who? She wondered what he'd look like naked, thrusting wildly into her while she cried his name. No! Enough. Get a grip! She smoothed her bushy locks down and took a breath. She would get to the bottom of this and if it came down to it she would simply obliviate his or her mind.

Throwing her cloak on, Hermione opened the door and heard her dorm mates giggling as they finally decided to go to bed. Hermione slipped out and quickly hid inside a little nook.

"Can you believe it?" Lavender Brown whispered as she and Parvati climbed the spiraling stair case.

"I know. Who woulda guessed that Malfoy had such a beautiful chest," Parvati sighed, looking to her best friend before both girls broke out with giggles and bright pink faces.

The thought of Malfoy, shirtless, sent shivers up Hermione's spine. She gripped onto the edge of the wall and tilted her head up. Think about puppies, old grandmas, Ron's smelly socks. Oh Ronald. Stop! Think about anything not related to the opposite sex. Dementors. Think about failing.

"Well, he is no Blaise Zabini..."

Parvati stopped at the door and stared at it, "I wonder if Hermione is alright. She's been behaving strange lately. I don't think she's ever casted a silencing spell around her bed before...maybe we should..."

Lavender frowned, "Serves her right. Bloody know-it-all. Never knew she had a thing for Snape. Must like greasy, hooked nosed creepy men."

Hermione's initial thoughts about what lay behind Draco Malfoy's pants shifted quickly. She frowned and gripped onto the wall, not with lust but with anger. Lavender was clearly still jealous about Ron's growing affections for her, not to mention it had been quite apparent that Ron Weasley was the most oblivious person in the world when it came to showing feelings.

She listened as the girls' dormitory door opened and closed, the torch fluttering out quickly. Hermione pulled herself from the wall and raced down the stairs trying hard to make as little noise as possible. She paused at the door to the common room to make sure no one was around before crawling out of the portrait hole.

The Fat Lady eyed Hermione suspiciously for a moment before Hermione showed her her prefect badge. The portrait shrugged and went about her business, stacking large cornbeef cakes on top of one another. Hermione moved silently through the castle. She was always cautious, at least far more than Harry or Ron, even without the invisibility cloak. She wondered if she should've asked Harry to borrow it but that would cause Ron to ask questions.

She had to stop for a moment and pinch her wrist. Stop thinking about boys, her mind had told her sharply. Hermione heard footsteps and turned to run toward the Astronomy Tower. She rushed up the stairs and closed the door quickly behind her. Breathing heavily, Hermione looked around.

There were a few desks cluttered with telescopes that whizzed from not being held, a few feathers from quills lying around, and a cloaked figure by the window. Hold on a second. Hermione's eyes widened at the tall figure, the torches around them lighting up quickly. His or her back was to Hermione. She couldn't tell but had a sinking feeling that it was a boy from the broad shoulders.

"You came," the voice under the cloak said. Most definitely a male. It sounded familiar and that familiarity caused Hermione's knees to go week.

She should've listened to Snape and gotten herself off before coming. It sounded weird, talking about stuff like that. Sure she was aware of the proper terms, as well as the more slang definitions and words. She was just not used to it. Her mother or father never gave her to birds and the bees talk, well they tried. She had read a book about it her second year and knew everything she was supposed to...or at least she thought she had.

"Yes." Hermione managed to choke out, trying to sound indifferent. "What...what do you want?"

"What do you think I want?" He turned and Hermione nearly fainted at that moment.

Blaise Zabini.

Drawing his hood from his head, Hermione blushed at his perfect features. There was no doubt he was the most attractive male at the school, which she hated to admit. Everyone thought so. He was tall, muscular, dark skinned. The whole phrase, 'tall, dark and handsome' was invented for him. His dark eyes scanned Hermione's body for a second, causing her stomach to do flips.

"I don't know." She replied weakly, taking a step back when he took one forward.

"You're a smart witch, Granger. Why don't you figure it out?" His voice was like velvet, warm sweet chocolate red velvet cake.

Hermione kept her eyes on his lips, watching them pronounce each syllable. She licked her own lips without thinking. Blaise pulled his cloak from him, wearing a dark emerald button up dress shirt. It was formed to his body, his every muscle defined and gorgeous. Chiseled from granite would be the proper definition.

"Imagine my glee when I discovered a tiny little secret about a small potion that turned the frigid mudblood Granger into a hormone filled slag," he spoke with such indifference, yet filled with venom, that Hermione's throat became dry.

She hadn't noticed that everytime he took a step to her, she had taken one away, until her back hit the wall. Blaise was on her like a used car salesman on a naive first time buyer. His hand gripped tightly onto her waist, pushing her against the wall. Hermione could feel the heat radiate from his body and wanted, to her inner mind's dismay, to rip his shirt off and cool him down.

"W-who told you?" She asked, trying to figure out a way out of this situation.

Stupid girl. Stupid! She should've gone to Snape...or Dumbledore... Heck, even Malfoy would've been a better choice. Ok maybe not but still. Hermione's body ached to be touched more, feeling his fingers skim the hem of her skirt. His lips close to her ear, breathing his warm vanilla scented breath against her skin.

"Does it matter? Everyone in Slytherin knows and intend on making a competition out of it. I'm not one for competitions." He pulled back, taking a strand of her curly hair and rolling it between his fingers.

Everyone. In. Slytherin. Oh gods no! Hermione tried to push herself from the wall, hoping her legs would carry her quickly to the door. Nothing happened. She stood there like a statue as Blaise fiddled with her hair before dropping it against her. He grabbed onto her shoulder and yanked her to him, his lips crashing against hers.

Oh Merlin! Hermione's eyes were wide as his hands reached around her, pulling her skirt up. Bringing her hands to his chest, she attempted in vain to pull him off but couldn't help but moan into his mouth. He pushed her against the wall, using his knee to part her legs.

"No. Stop." Hermione managed to squeak out, pulling away despite her aching feeling to kiss him again.

His entire demeanor was dark and he was on a mission. Hermione managed to wrangle her hands free from his chest and with one gallant swing hit him in his jaw. She felt empowered, if only for a second. Blaise looked down at her, his jaw set and lips drawn into a straight narrow line.

Oh bugger. Hermione's eyes widened as he grabbed her roughly and pulled her onto the ground. Her head hit the floor with a loud bang, instantly causing her to see stars. Blaise pushed her hands away from him as she tried to push him from her. Her body wanted him but her mind said that this was turning into a nightmare.

"Fucking. Filthy. Mudblood." he growled, bringing his hands to her blouse and ripping a few buttons, exposing her white lace bra.

Hermione wriggled and struggled, rolling her head from side to side as she tried to push him from her. He moved between her legs, grinding roughly against her. Her body honeyed for him, yearned for his touch, his sex. She nearly leaned up to kiss him but held herself back. This was wrong. The opposite end of right, far far away from it in fact.

Blaise hiked her skirt up and brought his hand to her white knickers. Her mind raced and she begged, prayed, pleaded for some one...any one...to come find her. Find her before it was too late. He grabbed onto her hair and with one hand, pulled his belt from him. Hermione cried out as tears began to sting her eyes. How many times did she have to tell herself that this was wrong? Why was her body so full of betrayal?

Just as Blaise freed himself and yanked her knickers from her. Hermione heard the door to the Astronomy Tower blast open. "STUPEFY!!" Blaise's eyes glazed over and he fell on top of Hermione, out cold.

She felt him being lifted from her and tossed back. Looking up through her hair and tears, Hermione let out a small sob at her hero.

"Are you alright?" He asked still gripping tightly onto his wand. "Don't just fucking sit there, answer me. Are you alright?"

"Y-yes....no...." She blubbered pulling her legs under her as she felt his hand graze hers and pull her up.

Her chocolate eyes met his deep cobalt blue ones and followed where his gaze had ended up, her chest. She quickly pulled her blouse closed and blushed. Great. Just bloody brilliant.

"Granger..." He spoke softly, taking a step to her with his hand outstretched, his wand lowered.

"Stay away from me...M-Malfoy." She whispered, diverting her eyes when his hand dropped. Her heart was beating so fast that it was dangerous. She was wondering if it would explode at any minute.

"I just saved your...virture or whatever you call it. You should be on your hands and knees thanking me," Draco said with a slight sneer, glancing at Blaise's unconscious body before looking at Hermione's offended gaze. "Oh bloody hell, not like that. Get your head out of the gutter."

Hermione frowned at him and tried to straighten herself up, flattening her skirt. "Well. Right. Thank you Malfoy." She moved wobbly over to him, trying to walk past, but her knees gave out.

Stupid rotten luck. Draco reached out and grabbed her, his arm resting on her waist. He pressed her to him and she nearly leaned in to smell the sweet scent of cinnamon on him. Draco pulled her to her feet and raised an eyebrow.

"So, what were you and Zabini doing up here?" He inquired, obviously interested.

"None of your business," Hermione managed to say firmly, pushing away from him.

"It's my business as I'm patrolling the area. Prefect, if you've forgotten." He pointed to the little 'p' on his cloak. Hermione rolled her eyes, if this was ever the time for him to really perform his duties then she should've eaten all of Dobby's socks.

"Fine. If you really must know. I received a note from...him...asking me to meet him here."

"Why?" Draco's tone became filled with a little anger, or was that a little hint of jealousy she sensed?

"It's nothing. Nothing. I have to go now." She tried to move but Draco's hand shot out and grabbed onto her arm, holding her still.

"Answer me. Why were you meeting him here? A quick shag or..."

"Don't be ridiculous! I wasn't here to shag him!" She said angrily, tugging at her arm.

Draco towered over her, his eyes digging deep into her own. She felt intimidated and hot all rolled into one. Hot and bothered wasn't exactly how she felt. Try timesing it by a hundred, a million. Infinity. That was what she was feeling now.

"He sure made it a point of mentioning pinning down some Gryffindor slag," Draco recounted Zabini's bragging and how Theodore Nott seemed angry over the whole thing. It hadn't crossed his mind until the annoying fluttering poor excuse for a girl, Pansy, mentioned a strangely acting Granger.

He had noticed the moment she entered the class room. How she looked at him was not what he expected in a million years. Something was wrong and he intended to find out. Why? He didn't have to have a reason, damnit!

He looked at her and watched her pained expression. Was she upset at his comment? She shouldn't be. He was being nice for cripes sake! Draco's eyes scanned over Hermione's tiny form and noticed a few missing buttons.

"Let me fix that," he said quietly, pointing his wand at her blouse.

"No, I can." Hermione arguing pulling her own wand out. Both of their wands clashed against each other and she dropped hers.

What was going on with her? Draco growled and bent down to pick her wand up, just as she had. They looked at one another for a second before Hermione launched herself at him. Caught off guard, Draco stumbled backward, falling on his backside, as her lips collided with his.

He grabbed onto her and pulled her from him, giving her a scathing look. Hermione looked apologetic, almost worried. Draco stood, pulling Hermione with him. He handed her wand and they stared at each other again. The next thing he knew, he had lunged for her. His lips capturing hers while his hand became twisted in her brown curly locks.

She was amazing. Sweet sickening honey. Draco and Hermione's lips battled it out for domination, her hands reached up between them and rested lightly onto his chest. He pushed her across the room, both stumbling over each other as they hit a desk. He grabbed her waist and hoisted her onto the desk. Her legs wrapped around his waist as she pulled him to her via his tie.

Draco let out a small groan, feeling her buck against him. This was almost unreal. He had imagined it...them..like this. Only in his dreams or when looking at his father's PlayWizard magazines. Hermione was overpowered with the need for him, for Draco Malfoy. Her hands moved to his head, running her fingers through his platinum blond hair.

She moaned into his mouth as they ground against one another. His hands traveled over her sides and across her navel. She shivered at his touch yet felt hot, extremely hot. Her hands moved to his pants, frantically pulling at his belt and throwing it across the room.

Draco pushed against her, wanting to fill her completely. Make her beg, scream his name. However, he stopped. Almost completely as her hands traced his growing bulge. He moved quickly from her as if he had been scalded by hot water. His eyes were wide as he stared at Hermione, her own chocolate orbs hazed over with lust and passion.

"M-Malfoy..." She whispered, almost as if she were embarrassed.

Draco brought a hand to his head and slicked his hair back. His eyes darted around the room as if he were trying to make a decision. She wished he'd just be the arrogant prat she knew he was and take complete advantage of her. Why did he hesitate? It was obvious wasn't it? She was a mudblood and he wouldn't sully himself by dunking his 'wand' into her 'cauldron.' She needed to think of more proper ways to think of things like that. Instead of sounding like a ten year old.

"I...think..." Draco spoke slowly as his ran his fingers over his lips. "You ought to go, Granger. Before I take points off for being out of bed."

Hermione moved off the desk and pulled her skirt down, smoothing everything out. She brought her eyes to his and they connected, feeling an instant shiver run up her spine. Only being able to nod seemed the best bet for her at the moment, despite the need to throw herself at him and beg him to take her right then and there.

Draco watched as Hermione moved to the door and spoke quietly, "Tomorrow. One-thirty. Room of Requirement."

Hermione looked at him and seemed to control herself enough to narrow her eyes. He raised his eyebrow, "Do you really think I'm that stupid? I've known about your little 'problem' from the get go. Give me some credit, Granger."

"You..haven't said anything." Hermione had to grip onto the door handle to keep herself planted firmly in her spot. "Why?"

Draco shrugged, "Like I said on the train. I'm not the old Draco Malfoy. Either you show or you don't. Not going to break my blood heart. Besides..." He grinned at her. That stupid Malfoy grin. "Snape has the tendency to keep his notes scattered around his desk. He was far too distracted to properly hide them."

Hermione took a breath and held it, her eyes a little wide. Draco rolled his eyes and brought his thumb and forefinger to the bridge of his nose. "Don't look at me like that. Just get the bloody fuck outta here before I change my mind and decide to let the whole school know about your libido problems."

It wouldn't surprise her if he did but she could only blush at the thought. Draco raised his eyebrow, causing Hermione to nod and dart out of the room. She raced back to her dormitory, nearly screamed the password at the Fat Lady and launched herself onto her bed with her hand between her thighs.

Draco remained in the Astronomy Tower, putting things back to normal. He looked down at Blaise and pointed his wand at him, "Obliviate" Tampering with his memories and making him think he had slipped and fell while trying to ask Draco about Quidditch try outs, Draco was satisfied with his work. Of course, he could've thought up something more believeable but he didn't care at this point. His mind was stuck on tomorrow at one thirty in the morning.

Blaise woke and stumbled out of the room, while Draco helped him. Muttering about tryouts, Blaise rubbed his neck. He felt embarrassed, Draco knew that for sure. As they passed the door, Draco tucked something white into his pocket. A little souvenior for his good deed for the night.