~Chapter 3- Hermione~

Question #125: What two potions are good for memory gain? List its ingredients.

I laughed internally at the easy question, That's the best Snape can do? Wow, and I thought he was supposed to be the tough teacher! I dipped my quill in the inkpot and wrote neatly: The two potions that are good for memory gain are the Moravian potion, made with two moroccan magic-berries and five soul thorns, and the Tormel potion. The Tormel potion, which is much more complicated, is made with two troll tears, five phoenix feathers, and a dash of elven dust.

I yawned quietly and stretched. I tapped my wand and a greenish light spelled out the time. 1:45 A.M. I was tired. Insomnia, however, wouldn't allow me to sleep. I cursed lightly, "Bloody hell."

Without warning, I heard soft shuffling in the hallway. It lead to my room and then… silence. I shook my head at his silent questioning, but spoke up anyway, "Yes, you can come in."

The door eased open to his beautiful face. His gorgeous, silver eyes and his pale white-blonde hair that was uncharacteristically disheveled. He was worried and something else. It was in his eyes. He sat on the bed next to me and turned to face me. He murmured, "I thought it would be easier for you."

"If you did what?" I asked.

"Told you and gave you space." It explained why he spent the night elsewhere.

"You didn't have-"

"Would you have enjoyed it if I spent the night in your room? Because that's where it was heading for me. I told you that we could just be friends, but I don't think I can. I… I really like you, Hermione. I want to be with you. Not for sex, just for you plus me. I can't give up on you just because you want to wait it out. I'm not going to have us end up like Sevvy and Lily did."

"Snape and Harry's mother had an affair?" I was very confused.

"No, but they were in love. One mistake put Lily in James Potter's arms. I will not let us end up like that. I can't."

"Draco, I…" I suddenly tried to stall, not wanting to talk about the possibility of 'us', "What are you doing here at 1:45 in the morning if you wanted to give me space?"

His normally pale cheeks slowly turn red, "I couldn't wait any longer." He locked his eyes on mine as he slowly whispered. My heart thudded painfully in my chest, making it hard to breathe. He leaned forward slowly, gently, as if afraid I would run if he went to fast.

I closed my eyes and leapt towards the edge of the cliff. I leaned forward and met him halfway. And it was perfection. It started off sweet, innocent, and tentative. It built in passion quickly until he split my lips apart to tease my tongue with his. His fingers curled into my hair and my hands leapt around his neck. We both pulled each other closer, not wanting any space between us. My heart pounded louder and louder as he wrapped an arm around my waist. It made me feel protected, safe, and loved.

I pulled away finally, hesitantly. I didn't want to, but we needed to talk. I exhaled shudderingly before whispering, "What are we? Friends? More than? Because I've never kissed someone like this before. It's bloody exhilarating, but kind of scary. You know?"

He nodded and replies, "I guess it's up to you. My feelings are on the table: I love you, whether you want me to or not. I won't ever stop. Not for the world.

I bit my lip in concentration, thinking over the possibility of Draco and I being more than what we were, It's always seemed like we fit, but other things always kept us apart. I don't want to end up being torn away from love like Snape… maybe… maybe we should try this.

"I think," I started slowly, "That we should try to date. I really like you, Draco, and if you break me… I won't ever be able to forgive you. Understand?"

Excitement shined in his eyes as he smiled. A real, genuine smile, "Absolutely. So, Hermione Granger… will you be my girlfriend?"

I almost laughed, but smiled instead, "Yes, Draco Malfoy. I will."

He leaned forward and kissed the top of my head. He inhaled my scent and I sniffed his chest. He smelled bloody amazing! I loved it. I scootched closer, trying to be a bold Gryffindor. I leaned into his broad chest and felt his toned arm wrap around me. We leaned backwards onto the bed.

The moment felt perfect. Like we were meant to be. I hoped that was true. Insomnia damned, we both soon succumbed to sleep.

The next morning, we woke up tangled together. I didn't mind and I could tell from his smug grin that he didn't either. He asked an amazing question, "Do you want to make it official and be seen together in the Great Hall?"

I nodded and yawned a little, "I'm goign to take a shower. I meet you in the Common Room in about-" I checked the time and saw him smirking about the green light of it, "An hour sound good to you?"

"Yeah, I'll see you then." He kissed me sweetly before going to his own Head room. I took a shower quickly, taking extra care with my hair… seeing how he liked my hair so much. I sprayed a little of my favorite perfume. I even applied a tad bit of makeup. Soon, I was ready.

I met Draco down in the Common Room and hugged him. I inhaled his delicious scent and smiled. "Ready?" Draco asked. I nodded and he led me to the Great Hall.

We walked in hand in hand. I whispered, "Are we going to sit together?"

"Sure," he replied evenly, "Your table?"

"Yes, thank you."

The Great Hall stilled and quieted as we came in. It was like they took one big breathe together and everyone was holding it, waiting for us to turn and call out that it was a joke. Suddenly, a few Hufflepuffs whistled. The Ravenclaws nodded with a knowing smile. The Slytherins sat, gaping, and the Gryffindors were in shock. A few unlucky students from both Houses actually fainted. At the Head table, the staff were with the students. They ranged from shocked: McGonnagle, to knowing: Snape and Dumbledore. Hagrid fainted.

The Hall shook as he landed and I gasped. Madame Pomfrey appeared and helped Hagrid. He groaned as he woke up, "Oi! I 'ad the damndest dream, Fang! Oh, bloody 'ell! It wadn't a dream! 'Ermione! Whot the 'ell er ya doin' wif Malfoy?"1

I blushed crimson, "We're dating, Hagrid."

"Oi, tha's it. Yer've bof gone o'er the 'ill ya 'ave. 'Ermione, luv, really!"

"I'm serious, Hagrid."

"Pomfrey, you'll 'ave to check me 'ead. I think I've 'it it too 'ard."

Madame Pomfrey shook her head and mumbled, "I think you're in denial."

Some of the students chuckled lightly and called out, "Check me too! I think I'm seeing things!"

Draco set me at the Gryffindor table and wrapped his arm around my waist as he sat next to me. Draco chuckled, "That went better than I thought."

I shook my head at him, "Better? That was the best case scenario!"

A/N:

So sorry for the late update! I promise I'll try harder next time! Do you like it? Love it? Trash it and give up on me forever? Comment, please!

1: I'm sorry if I suck at Hagrid's voice! Advice? Or was it good?

XO ~ Draco's Girl (C)