Leaning against a wall in the castle, Hermione smiled happily at the memory of that night. Everything that had happened at that moment seemed so absolutely perfect and romantic, like the stories she had always read, except that none of them could do magic.

Hermione was on her way to the experiment common room, still not wanting to eat, even though supper was still being served for at least fifteen more minutes. Having to socialize right now didn't appeal to her, as she was in reverie, and besides, everyone at her table would have already left, except for probably Malfoy, having gotten there late, if he had gone at all. That was one conversation that she wanted to avoid.

Much like that first Friday, except that now she wished she hadn't rushed out of there sooner, wished that he would have poured his heart of to her…but no, she was being a hopeless romantic right now and the circumstances in life were not helping.

Hermione heaved a sigh of relief, glad to get out of potions class. Not only was it embarrassing that Harry was doing better than her, thanks to that evil book of his from the Half-blood Prince, but she had been paired with Malfoy. It was a routine problem in this class, as the rules of the experiment stated that if any of them were in a class together, they were to be paired for any group activity, and Malfoy was the only one in this class with her.

And today he had taken it to the extreme, constantly touching her hands and arms, once her hair with the excuse that it had almost gotten into the potion. For the last two weeks, he had increased his efforts to be near her that it almost frightened her. The only time she never saw him was late at night, when he disappeared for hours on a walk, as he told them. Only at those times was he distant even from her, which caused her to panic, as he seemed he was up to no good.

What bothered her most about the situation in Potions was not that he touched her, which was expected in such a class, but by her own body's response to the caresses. Her skin was covered in gooseflesh and her heart seemed to be beating faster whenever she was near him. He spent most of the class trying to get her to look at him, a difficult feat, as she dearly enjoyed gazing at his appearance. She was only grateful that Harry and Ron were too busy with their potion to notice Malfoy's actions and her response. They no longer looked to Hermione for help, but that bloody book.

"Hey, Hermione, wait up!" she heard a voice call from behind her. She slowly turned and waited for Harry and Ron to catch up, hoping they would be quick about it, as Malfoy was staring at her from behind them.

"Hey, Ron and I were thinking about having another party tonight, like two weeks ago, except this time to celebrate the Quidditch team, now that I have all the positions filled," Harry huffed out, winded from running to catch up.

"Another party? Is that all you do now that I don't sit in there every night? Shouldn't you catch up on your school work? I know you two are falling behind."

"Oh, come on, Hermione. Live a little. We have been under so much stress these last two weeks. A party will help ease the stress," Ron pouted, clearly unhappy that she had mentioned his mounting pile of school work.

Hermione pursed her lips, knowing it wasn't a good idea, however, once more, her assignments were all completed and she was capable to joining them. "I'll think about coming. I was more hoping for a quiet evening, catch up on my reading."

Ron laughed, "That's all you ever have nowadays. Your common room is as dead as a graveyard, with just as much cheer. Although, I'm sure that its better when the ferret isn't there. I know you get along well with the other two."

"That may be true, but at least it makes it easier to finish my assignments. I'll let you know. I need to stop at the common room to drop off my stuff. See you later."

Waving them off, Hermione wandered down the corridor towards her new common room, rubbing her forehead with the foolishness that was Harry and Ron. They would never learn.

"And I thought Crabbe and Goyle were stupid."

Hermione whipped around, surprised to see Malfoy following her. "What are you doing here?"

Malfoy chuckled, amused at her reaction. "Like you, I'm headed to the common room to drop off my things. I was unfortunate to have to hear the stupidity spilling out of Potter and Weasley's mouths and figured you might enjoy some intelligent conversation."

"How considerate of you. However, I seriously doubt that all you want to do is talk."

Malfoy's smile grew wider, causing Hermione to back away from him, almost terrified that he was going to attack her. "Granger, how could you doubt my intentions?"

"Let me think…you threaten me in Diagon Alley and then a day later you are kissing me. Why wouldn't I doubt you? You've done nothing but pursue me for four weeks. Why? Your actions confuse me and I have doubts that your intentions are innocent or kind."

Malfoy frowned slightly, "I regret my actions in Diagon Alley. I was upset about something that my family has required me to do and reversed to old habits, provoking you. I only wish to get to know you better, to make up for my past indiscretions. Are you willing to let me apologize and try to make it up to you, Hermione?"

She stood there, gaping like a fish at Malfoy, shocked at his use of her first name. It sounded like the sweetest music, his voice making it sound like honey flowing for a starving man. His eyes were shining in a new way, different from that way they had in Diagon Alley. His eyes glittered with affection for her, affection that she didn't understand coming from him. He reached out his hand to her, whispering her name as if she was saving his soul from damnation, "Hermione…"

"M-ma-malfoy…"

Taking her hand, he brought it to his lips, kissing her fingertips. "Please, Hermione, call me Draco."

Hermione continued to stare into Draco's grey eyes, alight with an emotion that she would have never thought possible, utterly speechless. She couldn't even get herself to move, even pull her hand out of his grasp. Her heart seemed to be in control of her head, making it impossible for her to do anything. "Draco…"

The smile on his face became so big, dazzling her even more. Suddenly, she found herself wrapped in his arms, held tightly against his chest. He stroked her hair and whispered into her ear, "My sweet…darling…you have no idea how much I need you. Oh, Hermione!"

Without warning, his lips were on her's, kissing her hungrily. Hermione's eyes widened, and then closed, wrapped up in the feeling of his mouth on hers, the sweet thunder in her chest as his hands held her, one behind her neck, the other around her waist, holding her close. She returned his kisses, bringing her arms up around his neck, pressing her even closer to his body, startling a moan out of him.

Almost too soon, Draco pulled away. Gently, he gripped her chin and tilted her head up until she was looking him in the eyes. He gently kissed the tip of her nose, and then found her lips again for a sweet kiss. Pulling away, he stroked her cheek and whispered for her ears alone, "I can't live without you anymore. You are mine. Forever."

Suddenly, Hermione couldn't breathe. She had to get out of the castle, had to get somewhere where she could breathe. Tearing her eyes away from his, she pulled away from him, feeling tears pooling in her eyes. With a glance back at him, she ran down the corridor, heading for the doors, heading outside where she could breathe and sort everything out.

Standing outside the common room, she sighed. She wasn't ready for what was going to happen, but she might as well get it over with. Straightening her shoulders, she entered the common room to find David and Wren sitting together, discussing a Transfiguration problem, perhaps a little closer together than necessary.

"Hermione! Where have you been? We were starting to worry," Wren exclaimed; jumping up from the couch with such grace that Hermione stared at her with envy.

"I was out taking a walk, don't worry, I'm fine," she said, walking towards her room. "I just have a lot on my mind right now, and need some time alone."

David grinned at her, "Don't worry, we won't bother you. We've all had those days."

Hermione smiled gratefully at her new friends and went into her room, shutting the door behind her and locking it. She didn't want anyone walking in on her. She threw herself onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling. It had been such a long day, but she finally knew what she wanted.

She loved Draco. She knew without any question that he was the man she wanted. She would never have a place in her heart for any other man except him. With these thoughts swirling through her head, Hermione drifted to sleep, exhausted from the day.

Later…

Hermione shot up in bed, startled by a noise. She looked over by the door to see a shadow in front of the crack between door and floor and someone whispering her name.

Easing out of bed, Hermione glanced at her clock, shocked to see it was two in the morning. Who on earth would be trying to talk to her at this hour? Cracking the door open, she saw Draco standing there, looking as forlorn as he had by the lake.

"Can I come in?" he asked, scuffing his foot on the floor. Hermione opened the door so he could enter, swiftly shutting and locking it again behind him.

Draco stood in the center of the room as Hermione returned to her bed and sat down, waiting for him to speak.

"I'm sorry, Hermione. I shouldn't have done that to you this afternoon. It was wrong of me and very inappropriate. Please, I didn't mean to push myself on you…"

"Draco, come here, sit down," Hermione said quietly, patting the spot on the bed next to her. Without a word, he sat down next to her, trying hard not to touch her, with his head hanging dejectedly, hands loosely clasped between his knees.

"Please, Draco, I'm not mad. I was just confused. I've had a lot of time to think and I…"

His head shot up at her words, and slowly, as if he couldn't believe what she was saying, he took her face in his hands so he was looking into her eyes as she finished her sentence.

"…can't live without you either."

A strangled cry fell from his lips as he pulled her to him and kissed her hard, overjoyed at her words. "Oh, Hermione, pet, you have made me the happiest man on earth. You have no idea how worried I've been, not knowing what you thought of me. I'm absolutely exhausted from all my worrying, as I'm sure you are. I'll let you rest now, though. I don't want to be a bother this late…" he said as he stood up.

Immediately, Hermione grabbed his hand. "Please, you don't have to go. Stay here and hold me. I don't want you to leave me. I feel like this is all a dream."

"Pet, I am yours to command," he chuckled, laying down next to her and gathering her into his arms. "I feel as if I am dreaming myself. This is all too good to be true."

Hermione couldn't stop smiling as she drifted to sleep, happier than she had ever been in her life, with Draco's arm wrapped around her waist and his soft breath in her ear. She couldn't help giggling softly as she remembered that she had locked the door. How embarrassing this would be if someone were to walk in on Draco and her.

A/N: We are no longer going to be enjoying memories, but everything will be in the present now. We have finally reached the point when they realize how much they need each other. But what will happen as they try to keep it a secret and everyone finds out? Read and Review!