The Forbidden Forest was dark at this time of night, and despite the lumos spell she was casting, all that Hermione could see in front of her was her wand and arm. This didn't discourage her however, as she made her way carefully through the brush and trees. She knew that she would find the place she was seeking.
After a few minutes more, she saw the familiar glow up ahead. Breaking into a run now, she quickly arrived at a dazzlingly bright river, at which there was a waterfall.
Under the waterfall, there was no surprise. He was there, floating on his back and looking completely relaxed.
Stripping off her robes and undergarments, she grinned as she snuck down to meet him.
Her arrival was a bit lacking however, as she slipped on the bank of the river and fell in with a splash.
Immediately he stood up to help her. She soon found herself wrapped up in his arms as he embraced her. A shiver tingled down her spine as he kissed her neck and collarbone. His kisses trailed downward until she couldn't think straight. Her hands ran through his hair. He pulled her closer and she was suddenly acutely aware of their nakedness.
As she looked up at him, she realized something odd. His face was fuzzy to her. As if it was a pastel drawing and someone had deliberately smudged it. Nothing else looked different except his face.
And then it all turned dark.
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Hermione groggily rubbed her eyes as she awoke. The events of her dream rushed back to her in a stream of consciousness.
Groaning, she rolled over onto her side. When was it going to end? Her never-ending fantasies about this man had to stop sooner or later… right?
At that moment, her alarm clock went off. Despite it being a Saturday, Hermione still had lots she planned to get done before heading over to Hogsmeade with Ginny.
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After successfully completing 3 essays and using up a total of 21 feet of parchment, Hermione made her way back to the Gryffindor common room to find Ginny. A few minutes later they were off.
Although Hogsmeade didn't hold the same appeal it used to, Hermione still looked forward to going into Tomes and Scrolls, the book shop. She parted with Ginny there, as Ginny was far more interesting in visiting Gladrags Wizardwear and finding the latest trends in robes.
An hour later and Hermione Granger had not found even one book which she wished to purchase. She found that when looking, she either owned the book already or found it not worth buying. Becoming frustrated, she found the latest Daily Prophet and, sitting down on a chair in the sun, began to peruse it to clear her mind.
It wasn't long before she was interrupted by Draco Malfoy.
"Couldn't find anything better to read?" he asked, pushing down her newspaper.
She chuckled. "No, actually. I either own it or don't find it worth the galleons."
"Hmmm." He muttered to himself and then beckoned for her to follow him, as he began to walk through the stacks and shelves of books. He led her nearly all the way to the back of the store, and stopped in front of a shelf. Scanning the rows of books, it was a few seconds before he pulled out his intended suggestion.
"Phoenix Rising? Is this a fiction?"
Draco nodded. "I know it's not usually your thing, but I read it awhile ago, and it was quite good. The whole, redemption, rising from the ashes thing."
"It certainly sounds good." Hermione smiled. "I wonder if I know the author. Camfod Raylo?" Hermione closed her eyes in a moment of deep concentration.
Within a minute, she had opened her eyes and was pointing squarely at Draco's chest. "It's you." She said simply.
"Perhaps." Draco smirked. "However, I have other business to attend to here in Hogsmeade. Read it. Let me know what you think." He leaned over slightly and Hermione felt as if she could not breathe. His lips gently touched her cheek. He turned to walk away, but stopped. "You were right you know. No more nightmares." With a smile he strode out of the store.
Hermione stood there for a few seconds, catching her breath. Did that actually just happen?
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Meeting back up with Ginny, Hermione settled in at the Hog's Head with a pint of butterbeer.
"So, what's been going on with you lately 'Mione? I haven't seen you around the castle much." Ginny inquired.
"Well, I have been studying more than usual, but that's just because of all the essays I've had to write this week. And… well… there has been something else going on."
Ginny leaned in closer. "I knew it!" she whispered.
"Well… It's Draco."
At this, Ginny nearly spat butterbeer in Hermione's face. "You and Draco?"
"No… not really… I… I don't even really know. We've talked quite a bit, but, the thing that's really getting me is this book he suggested I read when I was at Tomes and Scrolls earlier."
"Phoenix Rising by Camfod Raylo?" Ginny asked as she examined the book.
"He wrote it. I'm almost positive. When I called him out about it he just said 'Perhaps' and walked out." Hermione sighed.
"But the thing is… I've spent the past two hours sitting in Tomes and Scrolls reading it. And it's good… really good. And, before he left, he gave me a peck on the cheek… and I'm just so confused! I mean, the other day I really thought he was going to kiss me after we sat and talked in the kitchens after hours for at least an hour, but I got up too quickly. And then today, and apparently, I made his nightmares stop and… oh Ginny, I just don't know what to think anymore." Hermione breathed deeply. In and out. In and out, she reminded herself.
Ginny, quite frankly, was speechless. However, believing that not saying anything might actually make Hermione hyperventilate even more, she started with, "It's okay. Everything's going to work out fine. I promise." Taking a deep breath herself, Ginny continued. "Hermione, it really seems as if he likes you. I don't know what you did to break that stone Malfoy heart of his, but it worked. Y'know, now that I think about it… he has been different lately. I mean, he was different after the war, but it seems as if he's changed again. I think he's happier. Whenever I've seen him recently, he looks happy." Ginny paused. "It's the same with you. You're happier; you're going back to the old Hermione again."
"You really think so Gin?"
"Yeah. I really do Hermione. This could be just what you need."
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Heading back to the Gryffindor common room after dinner, Hermione nearly ran head on into none other than Draco Malfoy.
"Hermione. I was hoping I'd run into you. Not quite so literally of course." He smiled. Ginny was right, he was looking happier.
"I was wondering if you could help me out with my Potions essay tomorrow. It's supposed to be four feet of parchment, but I can only seem to manage one." He smirked.
"Of course, can we meet in the library? I'll be in there anyways, getting a head start on next weeks Ancient Runes translations."
"Eight o'clock?"
"Sounds great."