Author's Note: I know this isn't my usual flavor, but I've been reading Hermione and Blaise lately and this idea popped into my head. So bear with me and try to enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter characters.

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Hermione Granger's morning had been hellish. Her alarm hadn't gone off that morning so she hadn't been able to beat Malfoy to the shared shower in their Heads' dorms. The water had been freezing when she got in. After her frigid shower she had been unable to get back on schedule. She had missed breakfast and was hurrying through the halls to her Transfiguration class that had already started when her shoulder clipped a corner and she went careening into someone. Her bag crashed to the floor, and only a pair of hands on her shoulders saved her from doing the same. Without even a glance at whoever had caught her, she slid to the floor with a groan. Quills and parchment were scattered all over the floor and her Transfiguration essay was completely ruined. She cleaned up the mess, muttering to herself all the while.

"I can't believe this. Could this day get any worse? Well the essay's just too far gone to pass. At least it's for McGonagall, she loves me." As she placed everything back in the bag and picked up the ink soaked essay she realized that the person she'd run into was still standing there. All six lean feet of Blaise Zabini was coolly leaning against the wall, all unruly hair and sexy smirking lips. His fathomless brown eyes were focused intently on her, and Hermione felt her knees go a little weak as he looked her up and down.

"Rough day Granger?" he asked, his low voice rolling over her.

"Well yes, I slept in and that prat Malfoy used all the hot water, then I missed breakfast and now I'm late for class and… what?" she asked as his lips quirked up into a smile.

"You're rambling Granger," Blaise told her.

"Oh, well, I tend to do that. My brain just starts working overtime and I can't really stop. It's just that I suppose I have so much to say, and it gets worse when I'm nervous."

Blaise pushed off from the wall and took a step closer. "Am I making you nervous?" he questioned.

"Well, you are a Slytherin, and your best friend despises me and my friends. That and the fact that you are kind of intimidating. But really, why should I be nervous. I've faced worse things than you! I mean, Harry Potter is my best friend! I shouldn't be afraid of you and… what are you doing?"

Blaise had moved a close to her as he could. Too shocked to mover, Hermione could only stand there as he took her in his arms and captured her lips with his.

"You taste like strawberries," he murmured absently as he pulled away.

"Why…?" Hermione asked quietly.

Blaise pulled at one of her curls. "Maybe because you look sexy when you ramble," he said with a smile. "Or maybe just to shut you up." She opened her mouth to say something but he cut her off with another kiss. "Have a nice day Granger," he said as he walked away.

Hermione was left standing there with her mouth hanging open. For once in her life she was completely and utterly speechless.