Hermione felt very warm and cozy. Her eyelids cast a golden glow. Is the sun brighter today?
Her eyes fluttered open. The source of the light was the eastern window, where the curtains were still drawn open and the glory of the sun shined through the enormous pane of glass, illuminating herself on the couch and… Draco, whom she was currently lying on.
She gasped and lifted her head up, nudging his chin in the process. Her arms were wrapped around his neck, while his were wrapped around her waist.
Suddenly, his eyes blinked open as well. He looked at her confusedly, but then smiled shyly. "Good morning. I didn't see this coming, did you?"
Hermione smiled back timidly as well. "Hi. I don't even remember falling asleep. Sorry about this."
She started to get up, careful to not press on any part of him for support. He saw her struggling to not touch him, and cupped her elbows, sitting up and pushing her along.
Realizing she was now practically sitting on his lap, she blushed further and scampered off, noticing that they were in their pajamas, and to any person, this could look very inappropriate.
"I can't deny, it was rather pleasant waking up holding a beautiful girl in my arms." Draco smirked, standing up. He stretched and yawned, while Hermione blushed even more furiously.
"Drake…" she started, trying not to meet his eyes. "I enjoyed it, too. But it can't happen again. Not until…"
She didn't finish her sentence, as Draco had closed the space between them in two long strides, and hugged her tightly.
"I know, I understand. If it's Weasel you're worried about, I have no problem in understanding. I can wait for you, for one year, for ten, or even for a hundred. You're worth it."
Hermione smiled into his chest. She loved how he was talking to her as if it was about something far more serious than just entering a relationship, and yet was so sweet and sincere.
"It'd probably also be awkward if Professor McGonagall found out, too. I think the whole 'letting the Head Boy and Head Girl have their own dorms' would be discontinued for next year."
Hermione took a step back, but didn't break the embrace. "Thanks, Drake. My heart is yours, and always will be, but I can't express it any more than this, because I knew that if Ron felt the same way about someone else, and I found out he was doing couple-like things with her, I would be heartbroken that he'd be dishonest like that."
Draco rubbed her back gently. "But aren't you going to his house for Christmas?" he frowned.
Hermione bit her lip. "I know, and I still haven't worked that part out yet. But we can cross that bridge when we get to it, right?"
Draco smiled. "Right. Let's go change now. Judging by how high the sun is, we're going to be a bit late to breakfast if we don't get going soon."
They were walking into the Great Hall a few minutes later, giving each other secret and shy smiles as they walked to their tables, their pinkies almost touching.
They bid Ginny good morning, and she could tell immediately that something had happened while they were waltzing last night. However, she said nothing, only raising her eyebrows at Hermione when Draco wasn't looking and giving a small smile.
Hermione, feeling a bit nervous, tried to distract her best friend by asking, "So, where's Zacharias?"
"He should be here any moment," replied Ginny, her eyes still curious. It was clear she wouldn't be pulled off-topic by anything, not even a chance to make fun of Zacharias's tardiness.
"We only have ten minutes until class starts." said Draco, not looking up from the oatmeal he was shoveling into his mouth.
"Is that concern I hear?" asked Ginny, pretending to be astounded, her jaw dropped for an extra effect.
Draco rolled his eyes. "We're friends now, right?"
"Of course." Ginny smirked at Hermione. "Friends."
Just then, Zacharias Apparated in front of Ginny, who gave a little shriek, and everyone in the Great Hall turned towards them.
Draco roared with laughter, and even Hermione gave a small smile to see her best friend look so dumbfounded.
Zacharias looked at Ginny brightly, and said nonchalantly, "Sorry, Gin." before turning to the student population. "It's okay, everybody. I'm back. You guys can go back to breakfast now."
He calmly sat down at his seat and helped himself to a piece of toast. Ginny seemed frozen, and moved not a muscle.
"I think she's gone into shock." Draco drawled, looking amused.
Hermione scooted her chair over. "I think she's stopped breathing, too." she added on, looking worried.
"This toast is good. I mean, like, really good." said Zacharias, munching happily.
That finally did it. Ginny snapped back to reality, glared at Zacharias, grabbed her books, and stalked out of the Great Hall.
"Well, I guess it's about time to go anyways." Hermione sighed. "C'mon guys, let's go."
"Ready when you are," said Draco, grabbing his book bag and standing up. Zacharias looked sadly at what was left of his wonderful piece of toast.
"Me, too." he said glumly. "Can I at least take my toast to-go?" he asked as they strode out of the Great Hall, ignoring everybody's stares.
"I'd worry more about, say, producing a good Shield Charm when you walk into History of Magic, if I were you." Draco chuckled.
Hermione said sadly. "And I thought things were getting better."
"No, no. You misunderstand, Hermione." Draco laughed. "I don't think Ginny's actually mad. And Zach, you were just teasing her, right?"
"As if I would waste my time planning such trivial things." replied Zacharias haughtily, although they could see that he was just pretending to put up a disdainful air.
"She's probably glad of this chance to get him back real bad." Draco concluded, amused. "I'm looking forward to this." Zacharias just rolled his eyes.
Hermione didn't say anything. Her brow only furrowed in worry, and Draco took her hand in his.
"Drake, stop it!" she whispered urgently, trying to free herself from his grasp.
"It's okay, it's just Smith. The idiot has the observation skills of a rock." he whispered back.
"But someone might see us!" she panicked, and her voice rose a little higher than it should have.
Zacharias looked at them suddenly, but luckily, Draco had dropped her hand a split second before. "What are you two whispering about?" he asked suspiciously.
"We're placing bets on how many days you have to stay in the infirmary." Draco said promptly, showing no sign of guilt or embarrassment, but instead giving a mischievous smile. Hermione knew better, though. Inside, he was truly disappointment, and to tell the truth, so was she.
"I think you'll be stuck in there for a week. Hermione says at least two." he laughed when Hermione protested she had said no such thing.
"I think you'll be fine, Zach." she said very seriously, swatting at Draco, who deftly avoided the impact of her hand on his arm. "Just be prepared. Draco and I will be there to help you if things really get out of hand." she added comfortingly.
"I'll do no such thing." Draco muttered, earning himself a severe look from Hermione. Luckily, Zacharias didn't hear.
As they entered Professor Binns's classroom, Hermione could swear that all three were holding their breaths. They each had their wands out, but Draco and Hermione both hid behind Zacharias. If anyone should be hexed first, it would be him, since he had started all of this. Hermione could hear him muttering "Protego" over and over again under his breath, as if he wasn't sure of his Shielding ability. Beside her, Draco sniggered almost inaudibly.
They crept into the classroom. Ginny sat at a desk, innocently reviewing her notes. She didn't even look up when the three of them sat down in their seats next to her cautiously. Five minutes passed in silence until Professor Binns started class.
Class was almost interesting today, but Hermione could barely concentrate. Her thoughts were focused on preventing Ginny from trying something stupid, preventing Zacharias from unintentionally provoking her, and preventing Draco from intentionally provoking her.
However, she didn't need to worry, because Ginny didn't say a word to any of them, or at least not until the end of Herbology class right before lunch. As Draco and Zacharias scurried out the classroom, Hermione patiently waited for Ginny, hoping this would be her chance to lecture to her friend about the benefits of forgiving and how revenge would only make things worse.
She was wrong. Before she could start talking, Ginny had already asked, "So, what's going on between you and Ron? And where does Draco fit into all of this?"
Hermione bit her lip. Damn, she still hasn't forgotten. she thought miserably. "Gin, let's have a girlfriend fix during our break period, all right? We can ditch the boys and talk in your dorm."
"Okay, okay." laughed Ginny, as they walked out the classroom. "And don't worry, I won't be getting Smith back for a while. I need to wait until both he and Draco have let their guards down."
Hermione frowned. "Ginny… you're Head Girl. Be careful. I wouldn't try anything more funny than what Zacharias did to you. I'm surprised he even got away with it, since he basically showed off his Apparition privilege in front of the entire school."
Ginny shrugged. They had entered the Great Hall. "Who cares?"
As they sat down to lunch, Professor McGonagall came in front of their tables again. "Good afternoon, Professor." they chorused.
"Hello, students." she said warmly. "I need to talk to you on one specific of the waltz class tomorrow night. Music. Have you planned on how that will work?"
The four were silent. "Erm, Professor… is music actually necessary?" asked Hermione timidly. "Draco and I practiced last night without any, and it was fine."
"For one couple, it is alright without any music. However, with so many people, you will undoubtedly need some pulse." Hermione could've fainted when Professor McGonagall said "Couple."
"That's fine. We can go to Hogsmeade during the break and find something, I'm sure." Ginny said reassuringly.
"Very well." replied Professor McGonagall. "But remember to return to school on time!"
After promises from all four students that it wouldn't be a problem, she returned back to the High Table.
"Let's go now." said Draco, looking at three finished plates. As usual, Zacharias looked sadly at the remains of his food, and sighed. "Can we at least get a snack at Honeyduke's?" he pleaded.
"We'll go there now." said Draco, rolling his eyes. "Meet at the entrance of the Honeyduke's, alright?"
After nods from the others, he Disapparated first. A moment later, they were all standing in front of the entrance to Honeyduke's. "Make it quick, Smith." Draco snarled, as Zacharias disappeared into the store.
"I've never seen a music shop here." Hermione confessed.
"Dominic Maestro's Music Shop is right down the street." Draco pointed to the left.
"Have you been there before?" Hermione asked.
"No. Music is lacking among my many talents." Draco replied, unabashed.
"Harry and I went there before." Ginny piped up. "There was an enchanted harp he was fascinated with. He said it brought up many memories of his first year."
Hermione bit her lip. Our first adventure together. she thought sadly. Suddenly, despite her newfound feelings for Draco, Hermione realized she still missed Harry and Ron dreadfully.
Zacharias came back out, his arms laden with bags and bags of candy.
"Are you going to eat all of that?" Ginny asked, disgustedly. "You'll make yourself sick."
"At least you're talking to me again." Zacharias beamed. "Licorice wand, anyone?"
They all declined, and watched in horrified amazement as he shoved three into his mouth at the same time. Shaking their heads, they started heading up the street.
When they arrived at Dominic Maestro's Music Shop, a bright flash of light blinded them all.