I only own the plot. Rowling is the genius, not me.

Hermione woke up with a headache and when she opened her eyes and looked down at her bedspread she understood. She was surrounded by crumpled tissues that revealed her sadness.

Scolding herself for crying herself to sleep, over a boy, Draco Malfoy no less, Hermione rolled out of bed and prepared herself for a new day. She trudged over to her mirror. Her hair was a mess, her eyes were red and puffy, and her nose was running. Hermione looked downright dreadful.

Turning away from the mirror, a fresh batch of tears stung her eyes. She wasn't crying because she looked disgusting, it was because of the fact that if he saw her like this he would tell her that she was beautiful.

That's because he is an amazing and kind person. She thought bitterly. I wish I could just be with him.

Muttering about how unfair her muddy life was, Hermione dug through her wardrobe and found some clothes. It was a Saturday and she thought it was a perfect day to spend in the library.

Oh, who am I kidding? It's a perfect day to spend under our secret little tree. She rolled her eyes before correcting herself. It's not 'our' anymore. It's me, and then there is a him.

After shoving on a pair of jeans and a simple, white tee, she grabbed her backpack before making her way to the library.

Once she reached her favorite table near the back, she put her stuff down and went off to collect books. Picking out some transfiguration books, she returned to the table and started flipping through them, building up her little fortress of books.

Hermione took out a clean piece of parchment and dipping her quill in her pot of ink, she started writing the essay McGonagall assigned them.

Draco arrived in the library and looked around. After seeing her, he smiled. He knew she would come in here.

He slowly walked up to her table and he felt like it was a blast from the past. She was surrounded by her books with her quill posed in her hand, but she wasn't sleeping like the first time. She was looking at Draco sadly.

"Hello." He said quietly.

"Go away, Draco." She said dejectedly.

"Hermione, please don't do this. I know you love me."

She stood up suddenly, "Oh yeah Draco Malfoy? You think you know everything!" As she ranted, she put her stuff away, "I don't want to be with you anymore. It was a mistake." She whispered it harshly into his face.

As she started to walk away, Draco quietly spoke, "I know my father threatened you Hermione."

She stopped and turned around, carefully setting her books upon the table. She looked up into his eyes, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"I don't know everything. But I know he threatened you. I know you love me. And I know you want to be with me. "

Hermione looked at the ground and let out a sigh.

Draco stepped forward cautiously before reaching his arms out and wrapping them around her waist. She came closer and rested her head on his shoulder.

"It's going to be okay Hermione."

She pulled away and fear was in her eyes.

"No. Even though you know about your father, it's not going to be okay. You can't stop him, Draco. I'm sorry. But I am too scared for my family. This just won't work."

"Hermione, I will never let anything bad happen to you or your family. Please be with me, I love you."

She was startled; he had said it so lovingly yet there was a plea in his voice.

"And I love you Draco. But-"

He cut her off with a soft kiss. Hermione leaned into the kiss and decided that to hell with Lucius, she could be with whomever she wanted.

Draco pulled away from her and smiled before picking up her books and grabbing her hand, leading her out of the library. Once they were in the corridors, they separated, she followed him from a few feet away so they didn't draw attention to themselves.

Once they were outside of the castle, Hermione grabbed his hand and walked with him until they reached their tree. Draco conjured up a blanket and spread it out over the grass. They sat down, Hermione between his legs with his arms wrapped around her. They talked about life and love until they settled into a comfortable silence. It was as if Lucius had never threatened Hermione. They were happy and at peace. Draco nestled his face into Hermione's neck.

Hermione sighed. This was turning out to be a good day. When the sky turned dark, they walked toward the castle. They kissed before going inside and going their separate ways in the Great Hall.

During dinner, a large, brown owl swooped down and presented Hermione with a small scribbled on parchment. Surprised, Hermione took the letter, not knowing what to expect.

I know about you and Draco. If you don't want your two Golden boys to find out, stop seeing him Mudblood. This is our final warning. Go back into the mud where you belong, Mudblood whore.

Hermione read the letter four times and by the second time, she had furious tears in her eyes.

Draco watched Hermione get a letter during dinner and then watched as her face went from being surprised to shock to angry to miserable. He saw tears fill her eyes and her lip quiver.

She quickly stood up and left. A few minutes later, Draco stood up and mumbled something to Pansy about a stomachache before hastily leaving.

Draco found Hermione in an empty classroom, pacing back and forth. Draco took the letter from her clenched fist, read it, and almost cried. Why was this happening? Why couldn't he just be with Hermione?

He sat down and thought about the situation for a few minutes before he spoke.

"They should know Hermione. They will be happy for you. You found love!"

"No Draco" she sneered, spinning around to face him. She looked at him for a moment before speaking again, "No! They could never understand. I love them both so much. They are my best friends and they loathe you, they despise you. If they ever found out, I would lose them. I can't do this Draco! Everything points to this not being right! My family is threatened and now I could lose the two people who have been my brothers for the past seven years!"

Her face was covered in hot tears and he could feel the tears in his own eyes well up.

He quickly stood up and wiped her tears away, leaving his hand on her cheek.

"I love you, Draco. I'll see you in class."

She walked away leaving a confused and furious Draco for the second time in a week.

Harry and Ron were in the common room playing exploding snap when Hermione walked in and plopped into a chintz armchair crying her heart out.

"What's wrong, Mione?" Harry asked rubbing her shoulder.

"I'm a really good friend, aren't I?"

"Yeah, Mione. Why? What happened?" Ron asked dimly.

She wiped her tears before looking at Ron's questioning face. Then before she could do anything, he leaned in and kissed her square on the lips.