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The train ride to and from Hogwarts had always been something that Harry had approached with much trepidation and angst in his previous years. He truly disliked having to return each year to the Dursley's, having to shut off who he was for a couple of months was not an action he ever enjoyed. Who he truly was however, was something he didn't even know about really anymore.

The rides to Hogwarts were always filled with anticipation for the unknown, not the magical unknown, the end of days' unknown. He was always plagued with fear of being up against death, which not until recently had he come to the realization, was quite draining on his soul. He felt like he was only truly now being given the opportunity to guide his own life, he was finally capable to see and hope for his own future for the first time. He could do what he desired and he was at first left completely clueless on what to do with the opportunity until just recently.

He was well aware of the expectations that some had of him, what some believed was his next course of action. However, for the first time he was going to focus that Gryffindor bravery of his, that supposedly fearless hero complex he was known for, into something solely selfish for once and do things for purely his own benefit. This holiday was going to mark those first few steps in achieving his end goal. He only prayed that he would have some friends left over after his decision were revealed. This hope was worth it though, if the past 4 months were anything to go by.

Settling himself in more for the ride he observed the others in his compartment. Ginny was sitting right to his left beside him gossiping heavily with Lavender Brown about all the shops she had planned to visit with himself over the holidays and multiple purchases she was going to make. Yes, he thought to himself, his decision was definitely worth it. Lavender however wasn't paying that much attention, her concentration was spent mostly simpering to Ron trying unsuccessfully to grab his attention. Ron, who was oblivious to Lavender however kept eyeing Hermione who was huddled in a corner leaning against the window reading peacefully. While he continued to fill his mouth with food purchased earlier from the trolley, he would every few seconds give Hermione a sly look and then grin the creepy little grin he recently started showing.

He really needed to talk to Hermione about the concern he had about Ron in relation to her and even himself. His concerns on the whole Weasley family, minus the twins and older two in actuality with her. Thankfully for the beginning of the holidays, when his time was desperately needed elsewhere, she would be safely tucked into the muggle world. He was finding time away from Weasley ears to privately talk together especially when at the Burrow or anywhere it seems recently was a difficult task for the two of them, gaining daily difficulty with what would be Ron and Ginny's attempt to control them. He was grateful for his ability to escape so far during the school year with most people giving him a large berth due to his solemn attitude, assuming that he needed to come to terms with the occurrences of his recent past. He could admit to himself that he shamelessly used the opportunity for certain people to leave him the hell alone. Unfortunately, Hermione was also caught in the distancing of himself that he had done with everyone else. He would have to wait to talk to her on Christmas Eve.

The year before they had both decided they would need to return to Grodric Hollow to pay proper respect to Harry's parents then they were able that time. The decision was made before Ron even returned to their tent from his abandonment of them while on the run. Confirmed during the many funerals attended after the war and finalized the week before their departure from Hogwarts. At Midnight they would both sneak away and meet at the Graveyard they had been at the year before.

Hermione finally looks up from her book to see Harry observing her. She flashes him a big smile and mouths, "you ok?". Nodding that he was, he gives her a warm smile. He was extremely grateful for Hermione, he would have gone crazy without her over the years, to be honest he would have probably been dead by now if it wasn't for her. She was the sister and family he always needed and wanted. Out of everyone he was hopeful that she would understand his decisions for his life more than anyone.

Checking her watch Hermione quickly packs her book away. Standing she quickly straightens out her clothes before letting her friends know that she had to go do rounds and if she didn't see them before the end of the ride to have a Happy Holiday. Leaving the compartment Harry shivers at the smirk Ron tries to give her on the way out, telling her to "Watch out for those Slytherin scum".

Rolling her eyes at him she clips back, "the Slytherin are not scum Ronald," before quickly exiting the compartment.

"You would know; wouldn't you skank" Harry swears he hears Ginny mutter under her breath while shooting Hermione's back a malicious glare.

Yes, definitely needed to talk to Hermione about my concerns with the Weasley's. Harry thought to himself.

Hermione quickly began to patrol the train compartments taking her time to greet and give well wishes to her friends and fellow students. Reaching the back of the train she steps fully into an empty compartment but is quickly spinning around with wand raised when she hears the door slam and lock behind her. Seeing Draco Malfoy blocking any attempted escape with arms crossed looking down at her with pleading eyes she puts her wand away again.

"Hermione please hear me out," Draco desperately pleads to her. Seeing her raise her eyebrow instructing him to continue he does just that. "Astoria Greengrass has wrongfully set her sights on me to become her husband for some time now. No matter how much I tell her I am not interested and see her only as Daphne's little sister she is confident that she will become the next Lady Malfoy. I have written to my parents, and told them that under no terms would I agree to marry her, even if they disinherited me. I will not give up my control of the choices about my life again for them. My mother already fully understands this and supports it, my father is trying to fight it a bit, but it doesn't matter, I will NEVER comply to giving up my wants."

"What is it that you want then Draco?" She quietly asks him.

Stepping closer to her, while uncrossing his arms he replies "I want what I had, what I hope I still have," reaching out to her finally, "I want you, and only you" gathering her in a loving embrace, "for so long you are all I have forever wanted Hermione, you're my only. Please forgive me," he whispers to her before capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.

Cupping his cheek, she breaks the kiss to look Draco in the eyes. "There was nothing to forgive you for Draco, I am really not a fragile simpering girl. I understand where you're coming from. In many ways Astoria is your Ron. People expect you be with them not caring for your own personal desires at all. All I needed to hear was what you wanted Draco." Tracing her thumb over his lips.

Kissing her thumb softly, "and now that you know I only want you My?"

"And now, all I want is for you to show me what you want Draco" she whispers back before reclaiming his lips, giving Draco the chance to do just that and magnificently show her for the rest of the train ride that she was only what he wanted.