DISCLAIMER: I'm really thrilled with all the reviews! They made me even more inspired to write the next chapter. Turns out, I was dragged to see Harry Potter 6 but I'm seeing it again soon. I do agree with a lot of people that there were a lot of important scenes missing which did disappoint me. But, besides that, Draco Malfoy was looking sexy, no? ;] Tom Felton did an amazing job portraying Draco in this movie. I absolutely loved his character and no one can play a better Bellatrix Lestrange than Helena Bonham Carter. Anyways, enough rambling! Here's Chapter 10! Enjoy! =]

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Before Hermione could realize it, the Holidays had arrived and Hermione never saw Draco. She would've wished him a Happy Holidays before he left but he was already back at Malfoy Manor with his Mum. Ron and Ginny remained at Hogwarts for the Holidays due to security reasons. However, Molly and Arthur Weasley had sent them loads of presents. Hermione had gotten a few presents from her Mum and Dad as well. Her dad sent her a nice silver necklace with what seemed like a diamond snowflake on it which had made Hermione smile. It was a beauty and Hermione would always keep it safe. Her mum had sent her some books to read over the Holiday break and Hermione kept the books on the dresser near her bed and would be sure to read them when she got the chance. Along with the necklace and books, her parents sent her a box of chocolates with a little teddy bear on it. Hermione loved her parents and the presents they would always give her.

It was now mid-holiday and Hermione had half of her homework done. All she had left was something for Ancient Ruins and Charms. Hermione lay in her bed in her room and stared at the ceiling. She had already read the books her Mum sent her and Malfoy was not here to occupy her mind. She turned her head to the right and saw her diary on the bench beside the mirror area. She swung her legs across the bed and sat on the edge whilst staring at it. She hadn't written in it for a week and thought it would be a way to pass the time. She pushed herself off the bed lightly and grabbed the book from the bench gently and stared at it while dusting it off. Holding the book close to her, she sat at her desk with her quill and ink ready. She opened the book to the next blank page and dipped her quill in the ink and began to write about her current events.

Dear Diary,

A lot has happened since I last wrote in you. Some progress has been made between Malfoy and I you can say. I don't know if it's good though. From what Ginny told me, Malfoy's in love with me. I was shocked. I didn't think that Draco Malfoy had it in him to love someone. But a part of me doesn't want to believe it. How could Malfoy ever love me? I know that Ginny would never lie to me. She was serious when she told me and even had enough nerve to tell me in front of Ron himself. I'm so scared. This past week, I've realized something major. I'm in love with him. That explains all the weird feelings I get when he's near me, or when I see him, or when he looks at me. How can I confront him about this? I don't want to, but then again I do want to. Why can't anything be simple? Despite the part of me that doesn't want to confront him, I have to. I just can't find it in me to let something like this linger in the air and not be taken care of. However, he's back in Malfoy Manor for the Holidays to be with his Mum. So I have a lot of time to prepare myself for this. I'm going to confront him about this when he gets back and I see him again in the Common Room. Until then, wish me luck.

Sincerely,

Mia.

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The Holidays had passed more quickly than anyone had expected. Hermione was already prepared for school to commence again. Her bag was packed, her homework was ready, her uniform was laid out neatly, and she had studied a bit over topics that were going to be reviewed after the Holidays. Classes were about to resume in a day, and Hermione was napping to get herself mentally prepared. She had spent the remainder of the Holidays at school with Ron and Ginny, and whichever Gryffindors were in Hogwarts. Also, she had practiced how to confront Malfoy about their situation. Hermione was still in a peaceful nap until two masculine voices that could be heard downstairs and the sound of luggages woke her up. She stirred a bit until the voices became familiar to her. She shot up and tip-toed to her bedroom door and listened closely to capture every word they said.

"Good to have you back again, mate," The voice belonged to Blaise.

"Thanks. It's good to see you, too," Malfoy's calm voice echoed. Hermione's heart lept.

"How's your Mum?" Blaise continued on.

"She was delighted to have me back home, again."

"I could imagine. Your Mum always wants you safe and protected."

"I don't mind it though. I respect my mom," Draco sounded proud.

"Are you going to come down and visit, mate?" Blaise smoothly changed the subject.

"You mean to the Slytherin Common Room?" Draco sounded confused.

"Yes. Everyone's waiting to see you again." Blaise confirmed.

"Right. Tomorrow, mate. I need to relax, right now."

"Of course. I'll tell everyone your stopping by tomorrow. See you, mate. Welcome back." Blaise had a small laugh in his voice and then the sound of the portrait door closing was heard.

Hermione froze. Should she do it now? She sighed to herself and decided to wait a bit.

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Draco plopped down on the couch exhausted. He did enjoy himself back at Malfoy Manor but the thought of classes made him protest. He wasn't exactly ready to start classes again. He needed a good bath and a good sleep to refresh himself. He lay down on the couch and sighed whilst staring at his luggages. The thought of Granger had been protruding his mind ever since he left for this Holidays. The last he saw of her was in Potions Class when he had kissed her on the cheek. He hadn't known what took over him to do such an act but it had happened. It was as if something inside him pushed him to do it. He had spoken to Blaise about it after and Blaise had only laughed and shook his head. Draco had been offended by that. No one laughed at a Malfoy in that manor. But Blaise had told him the same thing as before; that Draco had loved Granger and there was no question about it.

Draco placed his hands on his face and let out a long sigh. If anyone else were to find out, he would be doomed for. His blood line and family name would be destroyed and he would be a disgrace as a Malfoy. He slid his hands off his face and felt angered by this. In his head, he blamed that dare. That dare was what lured him into her in the first place. But, something in his head had disagreed. He had always found Granger beautiful; most boys in Hogwarts did. Lately he had discovered that he always had something for Granger. Her being a Mudblood wouldn't lead him to tease her that much. The reason he had found out why he had teased her so much was because he always did it to remind himself of what she was and that he couldn't have her. But lately, he found himself ignoring what she was and paying more attention to having her. He stood up from the couch to stop these thoughts and began unpacking one of his luggages.

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Hermione stood in front of the mirror. She was barefoot and wearing a pair of shorts that went mid thigh almost, with a tank top that was a little loose. She didn't want to be too sexy or revealing to Malfoy, but she didn't want to put on her uniform either. She needed this matter to be discussed. The only problem was her hair. She didn't know whether to tie it up or to leave it loose. She tied her hair up in a ponytail and let a few of her bangs hang over her face. Feeling somewhat satisfied with her appearance, she let out a sigh and made her way out the bedroom and slowly crept down the stairs. She walked her way directly towards Malfoy and her heart pounded heavily in her chest as she started smelling some of his cologne the closer she got. She closed her eyes and inhaled and exhaled slowly.

"Hey Malfoy," Her voice was somewhat calm and quiet but he still heard. He looked up and his heart lept. The way she looked in those clothes somehow aroused him. His eyes enjoyed how much skin was shown to him. His eyes went to her face and there was that beauty he had known for 6 years. He had never seen her hair pushed back before, and he had to admit, it looked perfect on her.

"Granger," He nodded at her.

"How were your Holidays?" She started off sweetly.

"Pleasant, as always. Yours?" His voice was plain. His eyes never left her face.

"That's good. Mines was relaxing." Hermione felt nervous. A few minutes passed.

"Is there something you desire, Granger, since you're just staring at me?" Draco's cockiness arose.

"Well, yes." Hermione bit her lip slightly taking a step forward.

"Of course, everyone desires me," His signature smirk played on his lips as he lay down on the couch.

"It's something serious, Malfoy!" Hermione's voice was now strict as she advanced closer to him.

Malfoy shot her a glare. "Oh, did I beat you in a class, Granger?"

"No, but I did beat you to the truth."

"And what's that Granger?" Malfoy stood up still smirking.

"That you love me," Everything went silent, and Malfoy's smirk fell.

"Where'd you hear this?" His voice was sharp and angered. No one was supposed to know.

"Ginny told me. She overheard you speaking to me that night I was drunk."

"What was she doing up here sneaking around? You Gryffindor lot have a tendency to eavesdrop on everyone, don't you?" He was angrier now.

"She was going to come and stay the night with me to make sure that I was alright but you had beaten her to it, and so she overheard you accidently."

Malfoy said nothing and turned around from her, taking a few steps away from her.

"Is it true?" Her voice rose and an eager expression on her face as she stepped towards him. Silence followed.

"…Yes, Hermione," His voice was barely above a whisper but she heard and she froze.

"So that explains your weird behavior," She smiled a little to herself.

"I've loved you for awhile," He turned around to face her and got closer to her.

"What do you mean?" Her heart was beating too quickly.

"Why do you think I always teased you so much all these years? More than Potter and Weasley," He was getting nearer to her.

Hermione stayed silent. "By teasing you and calling you a Mudblood, it made me remind myself of what you are and that I could never stoop down to you."

"Do you always have to be so arrogant?" Hermione was getting frustrated.

"I'm a Malfoy. What do you expect?" He smirked.

"Why would want me? I'm a Mudblood," Hermione mimicked bitterly.

"You're beautiful to me," His answer was simple but powerful.

Hermione looked up into his eyes and let out a soft gasp at how close he was to her. She stared into his eyes and was lost in them. They were a warm grey and bluish color which made her heart melt. She wanted to find it in her to break the gaze, but failed to. He took a step closer.

"Why are you telling me all this now?" She whispered to him.

He grabbed her hand and the same warmth took over her. "Because I wouldn't tell you any other time."

"Because you're a coward," Hermione added.

"Watch it, Granger!" He hissed at her and his grip on her hand tightened. "Besides, why am I confessing everything here? I believe you have some confessing to do."

"I don't have to confess myself to you, Malfoy," Hermione defended herself.

"So, you mean to tell me Granger, that I, a Malfoy, have no affect on you?" He smirked dangerously.

"No. I couldn't possibly imagine why you would," Hermione gave him a look.

With that same smirk he leaned in close to her, their bodies touching, and wrapped his right arm around her waist while still holding her hand. "Now?"

"No," Hermione managed a small smile in a teasing manner. She tried hard to defeat him.

His left hand that held her hand now cupped her cheek, and his forehead lay pressed against hers. "Now?" He whispered softly.

Hermione shut her eyes and bit her lip. "No."

Draco closed his eyes and tilted his head slightly to the right and closed the distance between their lips. Their lips met softly and they kissed each other in a soft and loving motion. Hermione let her body melt into his and her heart pounded as his warm lips captured hers in this sweet kiss that made her feel a hundred of other things that not even her wide vocabulary or knowledge could ever explain. Draco slowly departed his lips from hers and stared into her eyes. "Now?"

Hermione smirked. "No."

"Oh, really , because I believe you were kissing me back."

Her smirk faded. "I fell in love with you, Draco Malfoy."

Draco chuckled. "I seem to have such an effect on woman." Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Since when?" He was serious now.

"This year," She replied honestly. Draco frowned.

"I used to be into Ron last year."

"I know. I remember I accidently found you with Potter crying about him and that Brown girl," He teased slightly.

"Err, yeah…" She got a bit awkward, "…But this year with all that happened between us and your weird behavior and these weird effects you had on me…made me realize my feelings for you," She looked ashamed.

"I noticed," He winked at her and Hermione blushed a little.

"I…couldn't help…it," She stammered while still blushing.

"I know you couldn't. If I was a girl, and I went to school with me, I'd check myself out all the time," He smirked proudly.

"Can you not be so arrogant?" Hermione swatted his arm and Draco chuckled.

"So, what now, Granger? I love you. You love me," He smiled at her.

Hermione frowned. "We need a way to make this work. Don't you know how many consequences will come from this?"

Draco went serious. "On my part, not yours."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Hermione's voice rose.

"You're a Mudblood, I'm a Pureblood. My family name would be ruined so will my bloodline, my parents won't agree at all with this, my reputation will be ruined, and I will no longer be a true Slytherin after this," He fought back.

Hermione folded her arms across her chest with an angered expression. "Everything always has to be about you, doesn't it, little ferret boy?"

"Hey, watch it, Granger," His eyes narrowed at her. "I have more at stake than you do. And if you dare use Potter and Weasley as an excuse, well they're just going to have to suck it up."

"Well then so can your father," Hermione spat back at him.

He grabbed her arm tightly and glared at her, "How many times do I have to remind you? Don't you EVER mention my father! You don't know him and what he's like."

"I know he's just like you," Hermione glared right back at him.

Draco became disgusted, "You don't know anything about my father or me."

Hermione didn't know what else to say. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought him up."

Draco let go of her and nodded. "I need to rest." Hermione frowned.

"I need to talk to you tomorrow," Draco still looked at her and Hermione flashed him a smile. He walked up to her and kissed her forehead. Hermione felt her body relax as he pressed his lips on her skin. She looked up at him.

"After classes, we'll meet here?" Hermione suggested. Draco smiled slightly and nodded.

"Goodnight Hermione," He placed one more kiss on her lips, and with his two luggages floating in front of him, he left and entered his bedroom. Hermione watched him leave, and with one last sigh, she departed to her bedroom.

--

Draco left the luggages to the side of the room and placed his wand on the table next to his bed. Letting out a frustrated sigh, he stripped to his boxers and lay down on his bed. He stared up at the ceiling and thought to himself. Granger wasn't supposed to know he cared about her, but then again, what if he made himself too obvious? It was all that blasted Ginny girl's fault. Just like Potter, she had eavesdropped on him. Was he never to be left alone by that lot? It had been awhile since he had discovered his feelings for Granger, but it had killed him. He couldn't let anyone know about this, not even his father. His mother might be more accepting but his father would make him watch Granger die, and either let him live to suffer it the rest of his life, or kill him right after as for Draco would be seen as a disgrace to him. These thoughts lingered in his head and kept him from sleeping tonight. His head pounded and he didn't know how much more he could take.

Hermione paced around her room for a bit while biting her lip. Draco Malfoy loved her. He actually had a heart and was capable of using it. Something she couldn't figure out was, why her? You're beautiful to me. The exact words he told her when she asked him. Hermione never found herself rather attractive as other girls in the castle were. She grew nervous. Before Draco and her hated each other and now here they were confessing feelings for each other. If Draco and she were to become an item, what would Ron do? He'd loose his mind, that's for sure. But then a new image erupted in her head; Lucius Malfoy. Perhaps she shouldn't have been so harsh to Draco about him. She knew the power that he possessed and what he would do to the both of them if he ever were to know. This was risky business and Hermione knew it, but for some reason, she didn't want to go away from it. She gave up and tucked herself into bed, happy but concerned at the same time, which made her find it hard to sleep. Her emotions and mind kept her wide awake while her body protested to get some sleep.

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I know this chapter is SUPER long, but I need a lot of reviews for this. It took me forever and I kept editing it over and over and over again to make sure it was perfect. So please review on this chapter. Thank you! =]