Chapter 10 "A Christmas Date for a Second Date" (Words: 1,659)

Hermione's heart was broken after Dumbledore told them the news about Ron. Draco pretended not to care, but he did for Hermione's sake. They knew about his poisoning at Slughorn's office the year before. Harry luckily knew the antidote and saved his life. He only cares because he cared for her, and she for Ron. She was very worried about him and wanted to see him right then and there. She asked the Headmaster to go see him.

"I'm afraid that is not possible, Miss Granger. You see, my theory is that he will try to attack you, or Mister Malfoy if he goes with you to see him. I know for sure he isn't under control of the Imperius Curse, but whatever potion he was given without his knowledge, makes him act and be under control like the Imperius. So it has not been his fault this entire time." He explained the situation.

"But how and when was he poisoned? Please, Professor, he's been my best friend since first year. I really care about what happens to him!" Hermione exclaimed, on the verge of tears, but kept her composure. As soon as Draco heard this, he felt a surge of jealousy.

"Fine, if you care about him so much, Hermione, then visit him! I don't care! And, by the way, I went and bought a necklace for you to celebrate our so called 'friendship'!" Draco shouted in her shrilly voice he wasn't used to yelling with.

"Draco!" she called to him before he could leave to his room. "You know exactly why I care! And you know I care about you too!" She cried out. He stood there on the stairs, completely speechless. He wasn't sure what to say to that.

He turned around to see her, and tried to walk over to her. "Mione-" she cut him off. "Just leave, Malfoy. I don't want to talk to you right now. This has practically ruined my Christmas!" Now she really did feel like crying. He never felt so ashamed of himself before in his life. He knew he had to make it up to her somehow.

"A little advice, Mister Malfoy," Draco turned to his Headmaster, "Give her a little time and space. She'll be ready to talk to you again by tomorrow evening. I'm inviting you to take her down to Hogsmeade tomorrow. Surely you'll know what to do to make this the best Christmas for her yet." He gave Draco a smile and left for his office. Draco was in deep thought of his advice. 'I'll be sure to do just that, Headmaster. Don't worry one bit.' He said to himself.

The First Date

Hermione was giving Draco the silent treatment, even thought he didn't exactly know what that meant. Harry explained it to him as this, "She's ignoring you due to the fact she still cares about her friends. She didn't like how you don't care about her caring for her friends. Just give her a little longer to cool off, 'kay?" That didn't help Draco much with the guilt he was feeling at the moment.

Draco really wasn't sure how he was going to get Hermione to go on a date with him. She's much too angry at him to talk to her. Maybe if he left a note with the necklace he'd bought for her as a present. He could go buy something different as an apology gift, but saying 'sorry' himself would be just as good, instead of trying to cover up his mistake with gifts. That might only make things worse. 'Yeah, let's start off with an apology first, then give her the necklace.' He smiled at the thought of his plan. Nothing could go wrong.

She was still quite mad at him, even after he apologized to her. The thing that she was actually mad about was that he had acted like his old self. The side she didn't want to associate with. She thought he'd changed, but he still managed to act like the bully she knew too well. She also knows that he did try to apologize for his rash behavior, and she was ignoring him for no good reason! She has to talk to him before things became even more out of hand.

She looked everywhere, except one place. Why didn't she think of it before! The one place in the entire school that helps her calm down and be free in the words of books, wanting to read on and learn more. The library! She ran as fast as she could, and spotted him right away.

Draco looked up from the book he was reading to see the girl he was smitten with, standing in the door way of the library. He wanted to be left alone, to think over about what happened between them. She walked over to him and smiled for the first time since the so called 'fight'. He smiled back then went back to reading the book.

"Draco" she started and he flinched at how much sadness was present. He looked up and gave her a sad smile. "I'm sorry, okay? I was frustrated at the fact that I can't see my best friend. He has no clue as to us switching bodies. Please, I'm lonely when we're not talking with each other, and you know how much I do like talking with you. I'm sorry I took my anger out on you." And with that, she got up from the chair at the same table he was at, but was stopped from leaving when he grabbed her hand.

"I'm sorry too. For everything I've done to you and your friends. They've treated me so well since, you know. I just hope you find it in your heart to forgive for all I've done to you. You've taught me how to be friends with the unlikeliest of people. Friends again?" He was shocked; the least to say that he found her giving him a hug at the end of his apology.

"So, this means we're good again, right? I've something special planned for us tonight, courtesy of Dumbledore, if you've truly forgiven me." He asked sincerely.

All she could do was smile, and he knew this was his answer. He stood up, grabbed her hand, and took her out of the library. She followed him all the way down, past the Great Hall, out the door, and still kept going until he stopped and said,

"Hermione, I want you to know that ever since our switch, I have done my absolute best to show you that I've finally changed. I truly regret everything I've done horribly to you," he paused. "So, even though we are not who we're supposed to be, I have decided to take you out on a date. To me, you're not a Muggle-born witch that I teased, taunted, and I was cruel to you. You're the most amazing, bravest, smartest, and most beautiful witch I've ever met and gotten to know in my life." He smiled to her, hoping his confession will help her to see that he really has changed.

"Draco, you have no idea how long I've been waiting to hear you say that. I knew you were good after all these years. You were misguided, but I'm glad you've found your way back. I thought you hated me after all this time." She gave him a huge smile, walked up to him and hugged him. Neither of them had felt happier in their lives.

"I never truly hated you, 'Mione, it was only because I was taught that way by my parents. You've always done better than me in classes, ever since first year. I did feel jealous of you because of that. But when you came up to me in third year," he chuckled at the memory, "and it was a huge slap on the face, literally and figuratively, you made me respect you on a whole new level. I don't want to mess this up, well, because I think I'm falling for you, Hermione Granger." He finished, and hoped that she would feel the same way towards him, and if not, he'll give her time to.

"Wow, Draco. I don't know what to say to that. I mean, I know in order to switch back, we must fall in love, but don't you think this is going a little too fast to you? Please, don't take it the wrong way, but I think I'm starting to fall for you too." She confessed, and gave him a small smile.

"I'm really glad for that, 'Mione. You've given me a second chance. I hope I'll make you happy. Now, our reservation for our date is in fifteen minutes. Let's go."

They walked towards Hogmeade hand in hand, and Draco whispered to her, "Happy Christmas, Hermione. I hope I make this Christmas the best one you will have so far. I owe you much for giving me a second chance, and that's all I wanted from you. Forgiveness and a second chance from you is all and everything I want for Christmas this year." He finished his wish off with a kiss, which she was more than happy to give. "I've already forgiven you, Draco," and she kissed him back.

A/N: It's fluffy right? X3 I hope so. I write only at night, so I sacrifice some sleep to keep my story alive for you to read. Remember loves, REVIEW! Chapters 11 and 12 are on the way!