Chapter 2:

Draco's alarm woke him up, and realised it was morning. Had Hermione seen his letter? He had to know. He shut his eyes and prayed she felt the same.

Hermione woke up early, as she did every morning. She was smiling, but she couldn't remember why. Then she remembered. The platinum blonde boy that kissed her last night. She didn't know she could even smile this much. The sun shone through the window and filled the room with happiness. She rolled over to get out of her bed and saw a small, hand written note addressed to her. Secretly inside, she wishes it were him who wrote, saying he loved her. She opened it and saw that it was quickly written, as it was scribbled across the parchment:

Dear Hermione,

I meant everything I did and said last night

It wasn't signed, and Hermione relaxed. Then a thought reached her. What if it wasn't Draco, what if that note was from …Ron? It would make sense, except how he got it there. So it had to be Draco. She got up and ran to his room, but the bed was empty. She ran downstairs but he was not in the couch that he usually rests in. She got dressed and ran down the stairs that lead to breakfast. Just before entering the hall, she slowed her pace so no one got suspicious. But she couldn't help the huge smile that had spread itself across her face. She sat between Harry and Ginny, and was happy to see that Draco was almost opposite her. They met each other's gaze, but soon glanced away.

"Why are you so happy Hermione?" Ginny said, sounding surprised that someone could be happy. "Is it a crime?" she giggled as Ginny rolled her eyes and laughed.

"How'd the dance go Ginny? You looked stunning and with Harry you looked like you couldn't be happier." Ginny blushed but grinned, and Hermione was glad to see that her friend had had such a good time.

"I have to say Ginny, you are a very good dancer." Harry heard their conversation and admired how his best friend and girlfriend were so happy. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood. That is, until a tall, red haired boy stormed in, with a desperate curly haired blonde wrapped around his arm. He sat opposite Harry and shot a penetrating look at Hermione. She ignored it and looked at Draco, who was being pestered by Pansy. She felt a pang of sadness. Please don't be in love with someone else, she thought, please don't have someone waiting on you. She sighed. Maybe it wasn't meant to be.

"What's the matter with you Ron? You look like you're about to explode!" Harry exclaimed to his best friend and Ginny giggled at her brother.

"Oh, nothing. Bad night, that was all. But it's ok, I have Lavender." He turned to face his girlfriend and gave her a big kiss, right in front of Hermione.

"Don't worry, Won-Won. I'll be here for you." Hermione had to stop herself from vomiting her breakfast. Ron was being so immature and Hermione was glad she had Draco. She remembered that she would have to tell Harry and Ginny, but not just yet, just in case.

During potions, and charms, and divination, and every other class Hermione had, Draco's name just echoed in her mind, along with his thin yet muscular body and the sound of his beating heart. She wanted the night to come quickly. In the afternoon, it was the trip to Hogsmeade. She had promised Harry and Ginny that she would go, seeing as she missed the last one because she wanted to study. Ron didn't want to go, and Hermione was relieved inside. They all wandered along the familiar streets, and stopped in Honeydukes to get some treats. Harry got a box of Bertie Bots Every Flavour Beans for them all; Ginny got some Chocolate Cauldrons and a packet of liquorice wands, while Hermione settled for Chocolate frogs. They all went into the Three Broomsticks and ordered 3 butterbeers. With all the sweets spread on the table and the great taste of butterbeer on her lips, she felt happy and at ease. She remembered Draco, but she was having too much fun to think of him for a long time. She had strong feelings for Draco, but when your two best friends are being complete goofballs and you're laughing so hard you cry, there isn't much time for those feelings. Once all the sweet food had gone, Harry, Ginny and Hermione left, smiling and laughing all the way up to Hogwarts.

Draco thought that on the Hogsmeade trip, he could have some time with Hermione, but he had no such luck. He saw her leave the castle with Potter and the Girl-Weasel. He followed down the streets to watch them go into Honeydukes. She spent ages in there and he saw her laugh and smile and a wave of warmth swept over him. His one love was enjoying herself, that's more than he could ask for. Well, only if she was enjoying herself with him, which would be better. But he couldn't so he just watched. They finally left Honeydukes and went into the Three Broomsticks. He followed them in and got a table where the three Gryffindors couldn't see him. Hermione's laugh rung through his ears, and he the desire to have her alone with him was almost unbearable. He smiled as she laughed and left the pub with her arms around her friends. They were friends first, and she had every right to be with them. Except Draco wanted her, and he would have to wait.

After a very enjoyable dinner (without Ron), Hermione left Ginny and Harry, and went upstairs to her dorm. She had laughed so much that that day, that nothing could make her happier. Except maybe one particular Slytherin member. She bolted up the stairs and ran through the portrait, to find a blonde head on the couch. She walked slowly over and sat next to him. He looked at her, before raising one eyebrow and giving a look that she couldn't resist. She snuggled up next to him and rested her head on his chest. He loved the feeling of her in his arms, and he held on tight, scared that if he let go, she wouldn't come back.

"I see you got my note then" Draco said, a slight laugh in voice. Hermione nodded, and before she knew it, her lips were on his, and the fireworks exploded again. She leant back but pulled him with her, and leant so her back was on the couch and he was on top of her. He kissed her and she kissed him back. Hermione felt blissfully complete with him, and all memories from today faded into the back of her mind. His body was well shaped from being a Quidditch player and his lips were soft and smooth.

Draco's mind was a blur with Hermione whirling around in his thoughts as he kissed her. It was divine. He didn't care what his father thought, or what Ron said, he just knew that he wanted Hermione and he had got her. Her lips were so pure and he felt warm and fuzzy inside.

They pulled apart and gazed longingly in their eyes. Draco leant back on to the couch and Hermione settled on his chest. He was breathing heavy and Hermione like the rise and fall of his chest. She shut her eyes and thanked the gods for this magical boy she had fallen in love with. Just before she dozed off, she heard three words that almost made her cry with happiness.

"I love you, Hermione."

She woke up at 6am in her own bed, but she was confused. How did she get from the couch to her bed? She didn't remember getting up and moving. A figure appeared in the doorway and she smiled. The figure walked over and kissed her forehead. She tilted he head and met his lips, for a moment before pulling away and getting out of bed.

"Hermione, I was thinking. You should, um, tell… Pott- um, Harry and Ginny, about you and…me" he stuttered and looked shy, before blushing. Hermione laughed and kissed his nose.

"Sure, no need to be shy about it though." He leant in and kissed her before she pulled away.

"Breakfast first." He nodded and she pointed towards the doorway. "Out! I need to get dressed!" He raised his eyebrows but left reluctantly. They walked down to breakfast together and split for their different tables. Hermione sat next to Ginny and opposite Harry. Ron was nowhere to be seen, thankfully. Probably snogging 'Lav Lav'. Harry and Ginny welcomed her to the table and she began her breakfast. After they had finished, they headed to the Gryffindor common room. She hadn't been there in ages, and she looked at Draco and gave him a look to say 'I'm telling them now'. They went and sat in the red sofas. Hopefully Ron wouldn't be showing up soon.

"Harry, Ginny. I have something to tell you!" They both turned to face Hermione with interested faces.

"I'm going out with…Draco Malfoy!" she smiled as she said this and watched their reactions. Ginny's eyes were wide but she was beaming. Harry had a confused sort of look on his face.

"Hermione! I'm so happy for you!" Ginny gave Hermione a hug and patted her on the back.

"Not my choice, but if it makes you happy then fine." Harry's line was a little cheesy, but he smiled and the all hugged. Hermione was so happy her friends accepted.

Just as she was leave for the Head Girl and Boy's common room, a shadow appeared out of the corner. A voice that was too familiar and that scared Hermione echoed through the hallway.

"And when were you planning on telling me?"