A/N: Oct 15, 2016 - I have a beta for my story The Auror Mentalist who pointed out that I had spelled Zabini incorrectly, YIKES! So I made the correction in this story as well edited it myself again.

A/N - Rated M for language and a tiny bit of innuendo. I do not own Harry Potter or any of JK Rowland's characters. Please R & R - it is my first Fanfic! No Beta, but hopefully I caught most of my own errors. AU - Dramione

Her chocolate eyes twinkle brightly as she throws her head back and laughs. When her laughter stills, she smirks at me. Her eyes flash and now she stares into mine with such a longing that my chest clinches. My eyes drop to her lips and back to her eyes. She places her small right hand on my cheek and caresses it. I turn and kiss her palm then lower my head to lightly kiss the lips I've wanted to for so long now. My arms circle her waist pulling her closer and hers circle my neck and she's fisting her hands into my hair. I lick her lips and they part. I'm finally going to get to taste her. I know she'll be sweet.

"Bloody hell Malfoy, wake the fuck up!" My eyes fly open and instead of looking into her chocolate ones, I'm looking at Blaise's ugly face.

"Sod off you prat," I growl.

"Get up. We're going to miss breakfast. Last time I didn't wake you up in time, you bitched at me all day."

"Whatever." I get up and start getting ready for the day. The dream itself started around the same time she got breasts, really perky ones. Wish it had continued longer than it did this morning. Sometime I get to do more than a bit of snogging. I shake my head and try to remember when that dream became something I looked forward to instead of being repulsed by. Probably around the same time I starting realizing all that blood-purity shite was just that, shite. So many things I wish I could change. Some days I even wish I could go back to when I was eleven and tell that sodding hat to put me into Gryffin-dork. Well no not really, but maybe Ravenclaw. I shake my head again to clear it. "Oi! Zabini ready?"

As we are heading upstairs to breakfast I think about how I finally worked up the nerve to apologize to Hermione Granger and that she actually accepted it.

I decided I wanted to return to Hogwarts after it was reopened to complete my N.E.W.T. year. I have to figure out what to do with the rest of my life since it wasn't going to be spent in Azkaban like I thought. Still can't believe Potter testified after all I did. I always thought he was an arse.

I couldn't believe it when I saw her on the train. I thought she'd have gone straight off to Auror training like Potter and Weasel. She was looking right at me too and all I could do was drop my head, as shame and guilt pricked my conscious. After that, I'd steal glances at her whenever I could and she'd inevitable catch me.

It took me over two weeks to work up the nerve to approach her in the library. She was surrounded by books of course, with her nose buried in one. This made me smile. Some things never change. I had to clear my throat to get her attention. She looked up with those ever inquisitive mocha pools and they turned wary. It felt like a kick in the stomach. "What is it Malfoy?" No emotion in her voice. What did I expect? At least it wasn't anger. "May I talk to you for a few moments?" I heard myself croak. I cleared my throat again. "I'm really busy Malfoy." Again, no emotion, although her eyes did flash a bit. Gods she is so beautiful. "I just...what I mean to say is..." Fuck. I knew this was going to be hard. I would have tried to turn on the Malfoy charm, but I know it wouldn't work. Her eyes still linger on me, I swallow and say, "uh, I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry." She snorts and with a raised eyebrow says with distaste, "whatever" and begins reading again.

I close my eyes tight, then open them and try again, "I do really mean it. I regret everything." She looks up and I see derision staring back at me. I drop my eyes to the floor, take a deep breath and look up at her hands on the table not at her face. "I...I know I do not deserve your forgiveness for anything. The things I have said and done in the past are unforgivable." I swallow again and chance a look in her eyes. I think they might look a little softer so I continue, "All the things from when we were kids, when I was too stupid to know any better. All the things after when I was too arrogant and at the manor when I was too much of a coward to do anything to help you." Her eyes widen in what I think was surprise. I drop mine again to her hands. "I really do regret it all Granger. I hope, in time, you can forgive me."

"Malfoy, I already have." My eyes fly to hers. I'm standing there with my mouth hanging open and stutter out, "Why would you do that Granger?" My head is spinning.

She smirks at me a bit and says, "Why don't you sit down and l will tell you." Shocked, I sit.

"It is really quite simple to forgive, but forgetting can be much more difficult". My stomach drops with that. "So what does that mean?"

She smiles. Merlin, it makes her even more beautiful. My stomach does a little flip after I look around and don't see anyone and realized she smiling at me for the first time. "I forgave you before you asked; if I hold on to anger and resentment, it will only make me angry and bitter. Grudges aren't worth it, even when they are what someone deserves; letting go is freeing."

I just stare at her awestruck. She truly is amazing. I close my mouth since it was hanging open and shake my head. She smiles and says, "My trust will have to be earned, though your apology is a step toward that Draco." Hearing her say my names warms me to the core and I can't help but smile.

"Thank you for your forgiveness Hermione," her name rolls off my tongue like I've been saying it for years, but I guess I have been in my dreams. I smile. "I'll let you get back to your books, see you tomorrow." She smiles back and says "Goodnight."

That was a month ago now. We nod and smile when our eyes meet and have chatted a few times. Nothing really important. Just mostly about classes, quidditch or the weather. We've even shared several meals. Hermione's acceptance of me has seeped into some other people, especially Longbottom, Lovegood and surprisingly the little Weaslette. Getting to know her has made me realize she truly is the brightest witch of our age. She also has a wicked sense of humor and is fiercely loyal to her friends; all this and so much more than I imagined her to be.

As Blaise and I walk into the Great Hall, I look around. Everything has been rebuilt since the battle. It looks the same as before the war, except there are no more house tables. They have been replaced by much smaller round tables that seat ten or so. Hardly anyone sits with just housemates now. I catch the sight of her honey colored curls and walk over to her table. Blaise follows and I ask if we can sit. No one looks surprised anymore as I sit next to Hermione and tuck in to breakfast. She sends me a dazzling smile and continues her conversation about the essay we have due for Charms.

We are all heading out of the Great Hall a little while later when I work up the nerve to place a hand on her arm and she looks up at me. I stop walking and so does she. My heart thuds hard in my chest and I pray she can't hear it. It's a bit odd to feel so insecure but I finally make my mouth work, "If you haven't made plans already, would you accompany me to Hogsmeade on Saturday?"

"Of course Draco. We had better hurry or we will be late for class." She starts walking again. It take me a moment to start walking, but in two strides I catch up. I know I'm beaming like a git but I can't help it. She said yes! I finally school my features before entering the classroom.

The week seems to drag by. Hermione and I continue on as we have over the last month. I have an irrational insecurity when it comes to her. It continues to torture me. Does she realize I mean this to be a date? Merlin, what if she's seeing someone. Why haven't I asked her? Because you dolt, you don't want her to be. How could she not be? What if it's Potter. Fuck. Or even worse Weasley. No, I'd of heard. What if it's no one and she just doesn't want to go out with me. She is going out with you idiot. Bloody hell! I'm loosing my mind. I have had this conversation with myself too many times. Where is your pride? I have no pride anymore.

"Oi! Malfoy, if you aren't going to sleep get up and do something. Stop flopping about and sighing every other minute."

"Shut it Zabini! I do not flop or sigh!"

"Then stop doing whatever the hell it is you call flopping and sighing and go to sleep!"

"FINE!"

I'll talk to her tomorrow then. Decided, I close my eyes and I see that wild honey colored hair and chocolate eyes dancing at me. The corners of her lips turn up on a smile as she says "Draco" and I'm in the dream again.

We're sitting together at dinner and it is now Friday. The week has been slow torture for me is over in a flash and I still haven't said anything about Hogsmeade. How is it already Friday? I know time is running out. I'm lost in thought when I feel a small hand on my arm. I look at her and her smile warms me and melts a bit of my niggling doubt. "Draco, when and where would you like to meet me tomorrow?"

I smile back and ask, "Will I have the pleasure of your company for the day or will you need to do some things on your own while in town?" That actually sounded like me for a change.

"I'm all yours." Red blossoms across her cheeks and it looks quite endearing. Well that sounds promising. "For the day."

"Brilliant. Then I shall pick you up outside your common room at 10:30. Will that work for you?"

"That will be lovely." She gives my arm a light squeeze and says, "Good night Draco and sweet dreams." I reply, "You as well" and think they always are when they are about you.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-

I wake up with a start. Looking around the room I see Zabini still asleep and relax a bit. I glance at the clock and almost swallowed my tongue when it said 10:00. "Bullocks, I can't be late." I race through my morning routine and take the stairs two at a time to wait outside the Gryffindor common room with five minutes to spare.

My heart rate is still spiked after several minutes and I realize nerves are doing a number on me. Im thankful now I overslept. If I had gotten up any earlier I would have had more time to think and worry. With each person that exits portrait hole, I grow more anxious and it was not from the confused stares I receive. I take several deep breaths to steady myself and the fat lady portrait swings open again. There she is in all her glory. My eyes rake over her quickly. She looks amazing in her fitted red jumper and black slacks which cling to her curves. "Good morning. You look lovely today." She blushes a delightful pink. And thanks me. I hold my arm out to her saying, "Shall we Miss Granger?" Looping her arm though mine her laugh tinkles. My whole being buzzed as she looks up at me and gives me one of her breath-taking smiles. "Yes, Mr. Malfoy, let us go."

We chatted amicably about nothing as we make our way toward The Three Broomsticks. I tell her I have overslept this morning she let out a chuckle and replies, "I was a bit worried when you weren't there." She frowned a bit and says, "I thought you had changed your mind."

"About what Hermione?"

"About going to Hogsmeade together today."

I stopped walking so I could look into her eyes. "No Hermione, I would never change my mind about you." She nodded and started to walk again but turned back to me when I didn't move. She looked up at me and said, "Good, because I think I trust you now Draco." My heart does a somersault. She blushed and looks away from what I'm sure is an intent stare.

"Hermione, are you dating anyone?"

"Why do you ask?"

Merlin she was making me say it all wasn't she. "I hope that you are not."

"Why?"

Yes, she wants me to spell it out. "Because I would like today to be a date; would you Hermione?"

She looks down. Oh fuck, she doesn't, I think my heart just stopped. I manage to choke out, "I understand." My eyes start burning. I can't look at her anymore. Gods this sucks. I knew I didn't deserve a shot. "I, um, can walk you back or into town, then I won't bother you again; well, I'll do whatever you want, stay away or be your friend, whatever you want me to do." I start to pull my arm that's looped through hers away and feel her tighten her hold on me.

"Draco."

I squeeze me eyes shut. So this is what a broken heart feels like. "Draco, would you please look at me?" I do. She smiles and places her hand on my cheek. It is so soft, so warm and so much like my dream and not; my heart shatters a bit more.

"I am not seeing anyone and I would very much like today to be a date."

Did I hear her correctly?

"You surprised me, that's why it took a bit to answer. I had hoped, but I wasn't really sure, especially after not seeing you at breakfast this morning."

Joy replaces the sorrow in my body. I can't help myself. I pick her up and swing her around. She throws her head back and laughs and her arms circle around my neck. I lean down to kiss her, only this time, it isn't a dream. It's so much better.

I might be convinced to do Herimone's POV if asked!