AN: Okay so I had a little writers block with this chapter so I hope you like it - pls read and review :)

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Chapter Ten – Relationships Defined

Draco and Hermione had spent the rest of the night talked, and exchanging memories about his mother and her grandmother. Eventually they had fallen asleep, curled up on the sofa together yet again.

Draco was the first to wake and smiled when he looked down and saw Hermione was still there. He had become used to her waking up and leaving. He enjoyed the times he woke up first, when he could watch her sleep and just make the most of having her in his arms. He'd realised over the last few weeks that he felt more than friendship towards her, but also knew how vulnerable she was at the moment and didn't want to push things. He had decided to himself that if all he could have was her friendship then that was enough for him. He had been honest with her when he said he didn't want to loose her. He really didn't know how he would cope if he did, just like he was no longer sure how well he would sleep without her in his arms.

Feeling Hermione stir, Draco closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep so she could make her exit like always. Hermione opened her eyes and realised she was waking up on the sofa again. She smiled to herself. She had to admit she liked waking up in Draco's arms. She felt safe. For the first time she didn't leave. Last night she had realised that there was something between them, and while neither had yet to define what that was, she knew she wanted to feel safe and loved, and right now curled up in his arms was where she felt that the most.

Draco opened his eyes when he realised that she didn't appear to be leaving. She had snuggled herself back into him, and if anything was holding him tighter than she had been. Taking a risk, he tightened his grip on her, pulling her even closer to him, and totally into his arms. She moved her head off his chest and looked up at him.

"Good morning" she said

"Morning" he answered, as he pulled her up and rolled them onto their sides so that they were lying face to face. Hermione responded by wrapping her arms around Draco, not wanting to let him go. She looked straight into his eyes and smiled, "I feel like nothing can hurt me when I'm with you" she whispered.

Looking at her Draco realised he was not alone in his feelings, and after taking a deep breath he pulled her closer, placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, and replied, "You make me feel again. I don't feel alone when I'm with you."

They both looked at each other, realising that in each other they had found something that they needed. Hermione moved her one of her hands up to the back of Draco's neck, as he leaned in to find her lips. The kiss was slow and gentle. After a few moments, they pulled apart, with their foreheads still touching, both smiling.

"So what now" Hermione asked

"More of this" Draco replied, kissing her again.

Later that morning, Draco had just finished getting dressed and was heading back to the common room, when he saw Hermione sitting in front of the chess board, which had remained untouched since their first lesson, all those months ago.

Draco sat down beside Hermione, and she looked at him.

"Do you remember the day you taught me to play?" she asked

"Yeah, although if I remember correctly, I don't think you had quite grabbed it" he smiled

She smiled back and then took his hands in hers, taking a deep breath before saying what she needed to.

"I was happy that night, I actually felt like everything was normal. It was like we were just two friends having fun, at school, like you're supposed to."

She looked at him with tears in her eyes; he rubbed her hands, silently encouraging her to continue.

"I actually thought this year was going to be a normal year, with no drama and no pain, and I was happy about that. It felt like a new start, but everything changed that night."

The tears were falling down her cheeks now. Draco released his hands from hers and moved them to her face, wiping the tears away with his thumbs.

"I've realised that this year has been my hardest because I thought I was alone, but I wasn't, I had you, and I'm glad about that. You make me happy, and my gran would want me to be happy."

Draco pulled her into a hug and kissed her forehead.

"I didn't know how I was going to survive this year. I came back because I didn't know where else to go."

Hermione pulled back to look at him

"You made me realise I could do more than survive, you gave me hope that people might give me a second chance. I wanted to help you, as sad as it sounds; you are the only friend I have."

This time it was Hermione to offer the comfort. She moved her hands so that her arms were around his neck, softly playing with his hair.

"I need you Hermione, but more than that I want to be the one to make you happy, I want to be the one you turn to when you need someone."

Looking directly into her eyes, he said the words he'd realised that morning

"I love you".

Hermione pulled him closer and kissed him. Having heard him say those words, she needed to feel it. To feel his love for her.

When they both broke for air, she whispered "I love you too" in his ear.

Draco smiled, and then kissed her again.

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AN: Pls review and ps Ron finds out next chapter :)