A/N- Ok, I broke down and decided to make it a multi chapter fic... Here's chapter two!

Previously:

"I don't hate you." His voice was gentle, and his eyes were still boring into hers.

A small smile grew on her lips.

Draco was shocked at his own honesty, he had never expected to tell her that. His mind started to race in a state of panic, however when he caught a glimpse of her smiling face, all comprehension left him.

Her bushy hair had been tied back but there were a few loose strands framing her pale face. Her brown eyes were lit up, and Draco had never noticed how rich the color was before now. Her delicate lips were curved upward in what had to have been the most beautiful smile Draco had ever seen.

Something in Draco's chest seemed to tighten, and he felt an unfamiliar tug at the corner of his lips. He fought the smile, but it eventually overcame him, and he smiled back at the happy Gryffindor.

After a few seconds they both looked toward the ground, embarrassed. Draco snuck a glance up at Hermione and saw her blush.

He didn't look away again.

When Hermione got up enough courage to look back at the boy in front of her she was slightly taken aback by his stare.

"So…" Hermione started. "What now?" she asked feeling slightly foolish.

Draco gave a slight shrug; he wasn't use to feeling like that.

Hermione became uncomfortable so close to Draco, neither of them talking. She eventually took a step away from him, instantly missing the proximity.

Draco felt the same, and started to feel dejected. He was surprised at the rapid rate at which his emotions were changing. In the last ten minutes he had gone from defensive, to angry, then shock, then to something he couldn't describe to what he was feeling now.

Hermione made a move to pick up her bag. Funny that neither of them remembered her dropping it.

She started walking back up the trail once again, Draco not far behind her.

They walked in silence, both sneaking peeks at the other and smiling. Hermione knew that she shouldn't be here with him, but for some reason her head didn't agree with her instincts. She should have been uneasy, and other than the slight embarrassment she felt, she was totally comfortable.

They were halfway back to Hogsmead when Draco pulled Hermione to an abrupt stop.

She was very aware of his hand around her arm, but looked up at him in wonder.

"Can I show you something?" The request was unexpected but she nodded, unthinkingly.

Draco dropped her arm and turned left abruptly, walking straight into the dense forest.

"Draco!" she surprised both of them slightly at using his first name. "What are you doing?"

When he turned back toward the Gryffindor she was surprised to see excitement and maybe a bit of mischief in his expression. "Showing you something." He said with a laugh. Hermione vaguely thought that this was the first time she had ever seen him so carefree.

"In the forest? You're showing me something in the forest? We're going to get lost!" She said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Draco's smile became somewhat less genuine as he answered, "Good to know you have such little faith in my navigation skills. Come on Granger, I promise that I won't get us lost. I know this place like the back of my hand." He spoke directly, but she was still wary about leaving the trail. It was then that Draco asked Hermione a question he'd never asked anyone in his life before. "Trust me?"

Hermione's breath caught, she did trust him, and knew she shouldn't. But it didn't matter what she knew, she stepped into the forest and answered "I do."

Draco did seem to know exactly where he was going, and Hermione felt relief at that fact. It was a bit hard to maneuver over the rocky terrain but they fared just fine. Hermione had tripped once, but hadn't fallen. She couldn't help but be happy that Draco stayed closer to her after that. They had been walking for nearly thirty minutes when Draco announced that they were almost there.

They came upon a rivulet and Hermione looked at it cautiously. Draco saw her concern and said, "Here, I'll help you over." He expertly stepped on the right stones and branches to make it to the other side safely. Draco then led her through the same steps. "First put your foot there, on that flat stone… now on the big dry branch… Take another step on that rock that looks like a goblin; you can use the tree limb for support if you want… next, put your foot on that red root… Now give me your hand." Hermione inwardly smiled as she clasped his hand. She was surprised by the warmth, though she should have expected it. He was human no matter how much they may have hated each other in the past.

Once she made it to the other side Draco didn't drop her hand but pulled her toward an opening in the trees.

Hermione's gasped loudly as she saw the beautiful sight in front of her. They were on a rocky hillside and there was the most magnificent view of Hogwarts. It was a view of the back, one that few had seen before. "Draco, this is beautiful!" She could hardly put together a more eloquent sentence as the sight left her breathless and the beauty overtook her thoughts.

Draco still held Hermione's hand. He was less focused on the landscape, and more on the beauty of the girl in front of him. He was so taken with her, something strongly against everything he had been taught from birth. He could almost hear his father's words in his head, 'Blood status is everything! Mudbloods are nothing to our society, and they are as appalling as the muggles they were raised by. Remember your blood is pure; you needn't interact with anyone not so worthy as you.' He stood staring at the marvelous creature in front of him and found it hard to believe anything his father had ever told him.

Hermione turned her brilliant smile toward the blond. He was in awe at her exquisiteness, and the heat in his eyes gave her the confidence she needed. She dropped his hand and brought both of her arms to his face. She marveled at his straight jaw and piercing eyes before pulling his lips to meet hers.

A/N - So what did you think? More to come tomorrow!