Disclaimer: JK Rowling gave us HP. I am just playing around with them in my head!
On reaching the Burrow, Hermione didn't stay with Harry while he retold the day's events to Ron. Going into her room, she let her emotions take over. She cried for a long while. How she missed her parents! They were excellent people, always ready to support her. And she had so coldly wiped their minds blank for their own benefit. She cried from the loss of their touch, for the yearning she felt to hear their voices. She cried because she was tired, of waiting to get them back. She didn't even realize when her tears changed from tears of longing for her parents to tears of frustration at these new complicated feelings she had developed for Draco. Its funny how you start crying once, and you just let it all out forgetting in the process, the actual reason for your tears.
Hermione had never been the kind of girl to weep or show any sign of weakness. But she was fed up of putting up a strong front. She needed some one to comfort her and hold her. Some one to stand behind her supporting her through all her problems and struggles. She wiped her tears and went over to sit on her bed. She was so deeply engrossed in her thoughts about Draco and his reaction to the last memory that she didn't even notice when Ginny entered the room.
Ginny watched her friend who was staring at nothing, deep in thought. Moving closer she noticed the tear stained cheeks and was immediately concerned. ''Mione! What happened? Why have you been crying? Is it something serious?''
Hermione just shook her head, not speaking. Ginny sat down and put her arms around her. ''Mione please. Tell me, what is wrong?''
Hermione said, ''Nothing Gin. Its just that I miss my parents so much...'' she sobbed harder. Ginny waited for her to slow down then said, ''I know you miss them. But are you sure that is the only reason why you are crying? Because like you told me earlier, you'll be seeing them in some days... then why cry about it?''
Hermione not able to contain it any longer, poured out everything that had happened. Ginny listened attentively. Once she was done, Ginny spoke. ''What is wrong with you Hermione? Don't you realize what hurt him?'' Hermione just shook her head with bewilderment that Ginny had found the answer to Draco's sudden reaction. ''He LIKES you Mione! The way he reacted at that memory was because it was of you and Ron together! Isnt it obvious? Why else do you think that memory continued even after the part with your parents had finished? He must have assumed that you are dating Ron!''
Realization dawned on her finally. Was that why? She had to tell him it wasn't like he thought!
''What do I do Ginny?'' She asked desperately.
''There is only one thing you can do girl. And I suggest you do it as soon as possible.'' Ginny replied.
''What is it?'' Hermione was ready to do anything. She was feeling terrible for making Draco go back into that sulky mood for no reason. She also wanted to clear it with him that there was nothing between her and Ron. Why did she want to do that? She wasn't ready to answer that yet!
Ginny smiled at her and said ''Go back to the Manor and tell him!''
''Are you sure? Isn't it a crazy idea?'' Hermione asked her friend, though she liked the idea of seeing him again.
''No its not! I am sure of it. Just do it ok? I'll help you out to apparate and if some one asks I'll tell them you are sleeping.'' Ginny replied thinking quickly.
''Okay. But how do I get back in?'' Hermione asked unsure of the plan.
''Ummm.. I'll be in my room pretending to sleep too. So whenever you are coming back, send me a patronus first. I'll come down in the backyard and we both can sneak back in. We could even use the disillusionment charm for precaution.'' Ginny told her.
Hermione was yet again impressed with her ginger friend. ''Wow Gin! You think real quick.'' She smiled at her.
Ginny grinned. ''Living with 6 crazy brothers does teach you that!''
So after a while, they both crept downstairs and out of the house. Lucky for them no one was around and Hermione apparated quickly.
Draco stood by the window in his bedroom, watching the view of the little lake in his gardens. He continued to stare at the deep waters while his mind was still wrapped around the scene which he had discovered in Hermione's thoughts. He mentally kicked himself for getting so close to her. He should have known that she was with Weasley. He felt foolish for not realizing it sooner. And he had let his feelings grow! What an idiot he had made out of himself! But even after all that, it was hurting him inside. Like some dead heavy weight was put on his chest and he couldn't push it off. He was feeling so low and disappointed. The one thing he had wanted so much after a long time, and he had lost it to Weasley. Maybe it was right. He didn't deserve her. He was a fool to even think of it. He was all wrong for her and Weasley was her best friend of 7 years! She would obviously want him. But he regretted that she hadn't bothered telling him this at all. And why would she? He was no one important!
It had been only a week and he was already so attached to her. What was wrong with him? When had his feelings grown so profound? He slid down the wall and put his head in his hands. He hoped his family wouldn't disturb him. He was in no mood to see anyone.
Hermione appeared at the gates of Malfoy Manor. Unsure of what to do next, she stepped inside and walked over to the entrance hall. Hoping that Draco was still in the Library, she knocked lightly and opened the door. Narcissa and Lucius looked up at her. They were seated at the table and reading some papers. Both gave her a surprised look. After a moment Narcissa spoke, ''Ms. Granger. Good to see you here again.''
She smiled a bit timidly at them and said, ''I am sorry to disturb you but I came back because I... forgot to tell Draco something and I thought he was still here.''
Narcissa walked up to her and smiled. ''Yes. He is up in his room I think. It's the room on the first floor, farthest left. You think you can find it or do you want me to take you?''
''It's all right Mrs. Malfoy. I'll go myself.'' Closing the door behind her she went the way Narcissa had directed.
On reaching the door, she knocked once. When there was no response, she slowly opened it and peeked inside. Draco was slumped down by a large French window, his expression hurt and angry. His grey shirt was ruffled and his hair was disheveled. He didn't even look up when she entered. Walking over she sat down by his side and put her arm through his. Only then did he take his eyes off the lake and looked at her. Raising one hand, he grazed her cheek with the back of his fingers. When she didn't move, he seemed to realize that she really was there.
''Granger? What are you doing here?'' He asked bitterly. It broke her heart to see him so hurt. He pulled his arm away from her touch. She again put her arm through it. ''Look at me, Draco.'' She whispered. When he did, she said, ''I came here to see you, to talk to you and tell you the truth.''
As soon as she said this, he snapped at her, ''Truth? Oh but I know it already! There is no need to clarify anything with me Granger. I am fine.''
Hermione moved closer to him. She was touched with the raw emotions she could see in his eyes. This meant that there was a possibility that he liked her, more than just a friend. And she wouldn't let him go away from her now only because of a misunderstanding. Putting her hand on one side of his face, she turned his head so that he faced her. ''Draco...'' she pleaded, "Listen to me. Whatever you saw is not what you think it is. You got it wrong..."
He didn't move her hand away. Instead, he tilted his head a bit into her hand and inhaled deeply. She watched him, afraid that he would push her away again if she moved. But he stayed in the same position unmoving, not breaking eye contact. And then he said it in such a low voice that she thought he hadn't said it at first – ''You smell amazing Granger. It's like a sedative, your smell. It calms me down...makes me.. happy.''
When a guy tells you that, that too one like Draco Malfoy, then there really is no way to stop any of the butterflies from filling your stomach or to slow down your heart beat. Hermione was having difficulty breathing, and she was feeling all warm as if her insides had melted. His breathe on her palm was working its way down to her toes giving her goose bumps all over. She wanted to move closer to him, but wasn't sure of what he would think. She cleared her throat, to tell him that he was wrong to think she was with Ron. But it was hard to concentrate on words. She tried again. ''Draco...There is nothing between Ron and I... We broke...''
But she was cut off. He had leaned in so close she could feel his breath on her face, it was fresh and minty. ''Why are you here...In my bedroom? And why are you explaining all this to me about you and Weasley? Tell me Granger... Why?'' He whispered.
His eyes were beautiful deep gray pools which harbored so many emotions. Never had she felt as strongly as this for someone. She wanted to know him, to understand him, comfort him, help him get rid of his worries. To make him let all his guards down in front of her. She wanted to know the real Draco. And she decided with all the Gryffindor determination she had that she would make it happen. She wouldn't let past grudges destroy the chance of what could be a new better future.
She watched his face, his eyes, his perfect nose and lips. Their proximity was making her light headed but she dared not move. His breath was intoxicating and made her heart flutter. Throwing all caution to the wind, she closed the little distance between then and brushed her lips against his. His lips felt smooth and amazing. She was struck hard by her own feelings which had intensified ten times that very second. Controlling herself in time, she moved back to watch him. He had opened his eyes and stared at her with disbelief and...Want.
Leaning into him, she whispered simply, ''You see Draco, That's why.''
Author's note: So? What do you think? PLEASE REVIEW!