The muscles in his arms were on fire; still he couldn't move to give them relief.

"You…" his voice choking in the tears that were new in forming, "You love me?"

She was beautiful as she lay under him in the candlelit room. He was so unsure when she led him to her bed, was so afraid. At first his concern was for her, for what she was asking. He was sure she still was not fully aware of all the act entailed, but then he realized that he hadn't been resisting her for her own good. He was resisting her because he was afraid of losing himself, afraid that she would reject him after he made love to her, when her mind was clear and her body sore.

He had seen it happen with other girls he had slept with. After the act was done, their eyes would be averted and they would scramble out of the room from him, yet those girls meant nothing to him other than the release they provided. If Hermione rejected him, he was quite sure his life would mean nothing to him. She was all that he had, all he wanted. The only good in his life. He had been determined to wait, wait until her heart was just as invested as his. But then she said the words and his world came to a screeching halt.

"Please Hermione. Please tell me you are not just saying that because of how you feel right now. Please tell me you mean it, with all that you are."

"Draco, I've never said those words to anyone. I do love you, so much, it's over whelming. I don't when, or how it happened so fast. All I know is that I do."

Leaning up, she kissed both his eyes, then brushed away his tears that had yet to fall.

"Now if you please, I would like to make love to you. Show me how Draco."

Laying her back down, he took her lips again, kissing her slowly, tenderly.

"Look at me" he whispered.

Hermione slowly opened her eyes, drooped heavy in want.

Expertly he aligned himself at her opening, barely brushing the sensitive skin causing her eyes to widen in surprise, confirming his thoughts. Though she was ready for him, she didn't know what to expect, not really, but she loved him, wanted him to teach her. There was no way he could stop himself now.

"Look at me Hermione" he whispered again.

"I love you too" he affirmed as he plunged into her depths.

Instantly her arms circled his neck and pulled him down to her. He was expecting her to scream out in pain, yet she only gasped then tossed her head to the side. Slowly they began to move together. All the thoughts and the analyzing left his mind as he lost himself to the feel of her under him, around him.

Gripping her by the waist, he rolled over, taking her with him until she was positioned on top. Keeping his hands in place he slowly lifted her slightly, then slammed her back down, showing her how to move. Quickly she took over and picked up the pace. Within moments, she threw her head back as her muscles clenched around him. It was more than he could take. Watching her come undone because of him, and the pressure that was bearing down on him, he grunted as he emptied himself inside her.

Limply she fell onto the bed next to him, throwing her arm across his chest.

"Are you okay love?"

"Shhh"

"But…"

"Shhhh!"

"Herm.."

"Draco. This was one of the most fantastic moments in my life. Please don't ruin this with your ridiculous questions." She lectured.

Giggling, she leaned over and kissed him firmly.

"When can we do that again?"

Laughing out loud, he turned over and rested his head on her back then slowly ran his hand down her back.

"Not just yet. I need to recover a bit."

"I don't want to recover. I want to stay here like this forever."

"That can be arranged, you know."

"Well, you know, with the wards…"

"My meaning exactly. Invisible to the world."

"But then you would be stuck here with me. Forever."

He frowned. What was she playing at? Her lips were in a pout but her eyes were dancing playfully.

"Would you do that? Stay here with me forever?" he question suddenly serious. There was a stab of pain in his heart. He knew the answer. She hadn't loved him for long. Hours really, nothing compared to his years. He would stay with her, wanted to be with her for the rest of his life. He knew she could not feel the same.

"I have no immediate plans of going anywhere." She grinned, not exactly answering the question.

Deciding to change the subject and avoid complete heartbreak, he sat up.

"Actually, I think you do. I believe we have reservations. I'm suddenly famished."

Standing, he took her hand and pulled her up off the bed. Looking down at her sweat covered face, watching her eyes sparkle up at his, he pushed the thoughts of forever away. He was not going to ruin this. He was going to wallow in it all, in her arms, in her lips…in her love. He had plenty of time to convince her of forever.

"I believe we need a bath again, Ms. Granger."

"That might be a good idea, Mr. Malfoy."

With a grin, she laced her fingers through his then turned and led him to the bathroom.

"Wait here" she ordered, then slipped behind the flap, only to yell "Okay" a moment later.

The room was filled with flickering candles. A flutter of birds circled above singing softly in song. The tub was already full; overflowing with bubbles with Hermione perched on its side.

"What do you think Draco? Do you think you're ready to make love to me in the tub?"