A/N: Just wanted to thank you all for the wonderful reviews! I read every single one and it brings me joy to know you're liking this story. We are about a third of the way through. Hopefully by the time this one is finished posting, my next story (George/Hermione) will be up and ready to go!

After my odd birthday, the weeks seemed to drag a bit. Nothing overtly interesting happened. Draco continued to keep a respectful distance though we continued to share out meals and quite a bit of spare time together. I understood that he was trying to wait an appropriate amount of time from my spectacular display of waterworks over Ron, but I was starting to think he may never make a move.

Classes had been going well. I was in a good rhythm and the students seemed to respect me. The only exception continuing to be Daniels. He still seemed to be holding a grudge and his outbursts were getting unnerving. I'd come into my classroom and find mice in my quill drawer or glue under my desk. I had so far been unable to have any evidence to directly tie him to the offence, but it was clear by his reaction that he was responsible. One more prank and I would have to broach the subject with Draco on his thoughts.

In contrast, Vanessa Victor was an absolute joy to have in class. She and her friends shared the same timeslot and their willingness to pay attention and positivity in class balanced out the annoyance I had for Daniels.

Draco and I were in the staff lounge on a Thursday in mid-October. I noticed a sign on the bulletin board and went to inspect. It was a reminder for the upcoming Hogsmeade trip on Saturday. During our planning days in August the rotation was decided for who would supervise the trips though out the year. Draco and I along with Professors Sprout and Vector were assigned with the task for the first trip.

Sensing my apprehension, Draco approached and put a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

"Don't worry, you remember from our trips, there's not too much for us to do. We are pretty much free to do as we please. The students usually mind themselves and behave in a civil manner so they aren't denied the privilege of future trips. The shop owners are all made aware of the scheduled days in advance and are able to notify us of any issues. It's actually a bit like a day off."

His voice trailed and I scrutinized his features. It was becoming increasingly easy to read him as we spent more time together and I saw now that he was debating his next words. We were alone in the lounge so I didn't understand the hesitation.

Finally, he must have made the decision. "I was wondering if you would go to Hogsmeade with me." The words came out in a rush.

I had to fight the smile that threatened my features. It was kind of fun watching him squirm. "Professor Malfoy, of course I'm going to Hogsmeade with you. We are both signed up to chaperon." My tone managed to stay matter of fact despite the smile that was threatening to burst.

He saw right through me and smirked. "Don't play coy with me Miss Granger, it doesn't suit you."

That did me in. Calling him Professor and him responding with Miss in a husky tone I hadn't heard from him before sent a jolt of electricity to a long-forgotten part within me. My mouth gaped slightly and I could feel my breathing increase.

"Perhaps a more direct approach is needed with you. I am interested in pursuing a relationship with you. I would very much like if you would accompany me to Hogsmeade. We can stroll the cobbled streets together and get a butterbeer or two while having conversation that does not involve students or other work."

I stood, returning his heated gaze. Words were failing at the moment so I simply nodded my head. His face broke out into the charming grin I enjoyed so much as he reached out to cup my cheek.

I have no idea what he was about to do next because at that moment the door burst open and Professor McGonagall burst through the door. Though Draco managed to remove his hand quite quickly, our distance and expressions clued the headmistress to the fact that she interrupted something.

Mercifully, she said nothing but what she had come to say. "Draco, just who I was looking for. Mr. Daniels was caught sending the bat bogey hex at a first year. He is currently in your office awaiting punishment. It's the third time he has been caught in the last month for such shenanigans and I feel something more than a few house point deductions and single detention is warranted, but I will leave it up to your discretion."

Draco straightened. "Of course. He seems to be having a bit of troubles lately. I'll see that it's taken care of properly." He nodded professionally in my direction before heading out to take care of the issue.

I was left alone with the headmistress who eyed me curiously. "It's good to see you and Draco getting along so well. It sets a good example for the students."

That was it. She said nothing else, simply gave a small smirk before turning to leave me alone in the lounge with a flaming face. It was in that moment I determined that few things are more embarrassing that your former professor turned boss catching you with a potential suitor. Needless to say, I high tailed it out of there as soon as possible.

As I dressed for bed that evening, I had quite a bit to ponder. Replaying the scene from earlier, I couldn't get over the feel of Draco's touch. Sure, we had casually brushed before, hugged even, but something about this was different, more intimate.

It was also the first time he had come out and said he wanted something more than what we were now. I had given this idea quite a bit of thought since my birthday when he said he would like to take me out and I realized that, despite our past, I was quite interested in seeing what the future may hold with him.

At first, I thought the attraction was perhaps simply due to Draco being the first male to show interest since my time with Ron, but he continued to surprise me in many ways that made me confident that wasn't the case. His demeanor was completely different to his as a child now that he was out of his father's grasp. In the time since the war he had blossomed into a charming young adult. Gone were the insults, replaced with compliments. He didn't hold himself quite as high as he once did. In reality he had every right to do so, family aside. Draco had accomplished quite a bit since graduation but the war had given him a humility he lacked previously that caused him to present a shy façade.

There were other things that I don't think prewar Draco would have done. Watching him with the students, particularly the young ones, often left me awestruck. He had a certain way of calming them down when they were anxious and deescalating situations when they were tense. The amount of patience he had was awe inspiring. It was quite a talent on its own and one I was still working to perfect.

Above all else, young Draco would have never spent hours in my presence looking for any excuse to talk or be close. While I'm not the type of girl that craves attention, I have found it welcome from Draco. When we are together there is a feeling that I haven't quite been able to identify but the overall gist is happiness. I owed it to myself to be open minded and see where this relationship could go and I was quite proud of myself for welcoming it with open arms instead of over analyzing every detail. It worked out well enough when I decided to take the teaching position, maybe this new method would help my love lift, too. As my head hit the pillow that night, I found myself thinking Saturday couldn't come soon enough.