NOTE: Second chapter in a row with at least 5 reviews! You guys are the best! Thanks to the lovely Gia once again for the beta read!

My reviewers: a fan (Guest), DownWiththeShip0390, I am WhoPotterLocked, xXMizz Alec VolturiXx, yashni, QuileutepackSeth16

My Followers: sun95, Good cyberman, reannamirwin, Libertad-latina, S3N70R, snowfoxdebate

My Story Favorites: Good cyberman, Iceprincess22454, QuileutepackSeth16

Special thanks to QuileutepackSeth16 and DownWiththeShip0390 for adding me as a favorite author. If you get the chance, check out both of Down's published works The 'Write' Side of the Bed and A Tacky Tourist Coffee Mug. Both are Dramione and very enjoyable!

Sorry I wasn't able to get this beta read in time. Please send me a PM if you see any major errors.

love always,

BKC

Chapter 13

"Granger, I just don't understand what you're so afraid of." They had been on the pitch for about an hour now for flying lesson number two. Hermione currently had her feet planted firmly on the ground. They had gone over some basic instruction which could all be learned from the safety of the grass. However, it was finally time to ride the broom in the air. As much as she'd sworn the week before that she didn't need to fly doubles, it was becoming blaringly obvious to Draco that the only way he was going to get her in the air, was on a broom with him.

He'd spent this week acting on his best behavior. He listened intently when Coach O'Kelly spoke, he worked well with trainers and handlers, taking their advice and applying it to his flying, he'd even spoken cordially with Nigel when he double checked the time for Hermione's lesson. All in all, no bad reports on him graced Hermione's desk that week and she was shocked. When she came down for their lesson, she'd even caught him having a friendly conversation with Dillon, who never once put off the impression that Draco was doing or saying anything to make him uncomfortable. When she saw the exchange, she tried her best to suppress the smile trying to grace her lips. It seemed her tough love routine was working after all.

"Granger, do me a favor. Step up and mount the broom at least. You can leave your feet firmly planted if that makes you happy. I won't make you kick off the ground." She gave him a questioning look, but did as he asked. She'd successfully called the broom up to her hand once more and placed it between her legs. Her grip on the shaft was tight, her knuckles turning slightly white at her strong hold. She seemed to relax a little when nothing happened right away. Her feet were still safely on the ground and she let out a sigh of relief.

"Good, good. So how does it feel Granger? Your form looks good," he mentioned as he circled around her. "How's your grip?"

"I think I've got a pretty tight holDDDDD." Before she could even get the full word out, Draco jumped behind her on the broom, kicking off from the ground and sending them up towards the sky. His arms snaked around her to grab the wooden handle when in a panic, she loosened her grip.

"Granger! Don't let go. Hold the shaft firmly in your hands. Don't need you falling off now."

"Malfoy, what in the bloody hell are you doing?! You promised I wouldn't have to fly." Her back was pushed into his chest. He'd slowed their speed a bit but that did nothing to calm her nerves.

"No, I recall I stated YOU wouldn't have to kick off from the ground. I never said anything about me." A look of horror crossed her face.

"What about my feet firmly planted?" He chuckled at her as she tried to turn her head to see him.

"I don't do anything to make you happy Granger. I said you could keep them planted for your happiness. It should have been implied that I could care less." Her mouth hung open and she elbowed him in the stomach.

"You arrogant arse! Put me back on the ground this instant!" Had she still been on the ground as she currently wished she was, her foot would have stomped in emphasis.

"Oh live a little would you? Sometimes I don't understand how you walk around with that stick shoved so far up your arse."

"Malfoy! God, just when I thought you were actually trying to be a decent human being this week, things like that just fall out of your mouth and you trick me onto brooms." He did his best to hide the smirk creeping onto his face. So she had noticed his change in attitude. He'd been worried that he'd been laying it on too thick too soon, but apparently she didn't think so. He gave another wicked grin and pushed the broom to fly faster. Her grip tightened until he was sure she'd lost all feeling in her fingers and her scream was killing his ears. He made a sudden dive for the ground and she gave another wail. Pulling the broom back level with the earth below them, they flew at a much lower speed about ten feet off the ground. He felt her relax in front of him slightly, however her knuckles were still tightly gripped around the shaft.

"Hang on tight Granger. You're about to be in control." She turned, wide eyed to ask him what he was talking about when his hands suddenly released the broom stick. Hermione shot her head back to the front of her, panic flashing in her eyes as Draco's arms stuck straight out on each side. Quickly racking her brain for everything she could remember about control, her grip loosened. Her mind switched from panic to determination as she attempted to put them back on the ground. She leaned forward just a few inches and pointed the shaft of the stick towards the ground below. She kept their pace, not wanting to travel any faster. She felt Draco grab her shoulders for balance as they approached the grassy pitch. Keeping her knees bent, she felt a minor bump as her feet met the grass. She didn't know at what point she'd closed her eyes, but she opened them now, grin growing on her face once she realized she'd successfully landed.

"At a girl Granger. Should have known I'd have to put you in some dangerous," here he air quoted. "Situation for you to finally take control." He removed his hands from her shoulders and she immediately felt a shiver run down her back at the lack of warm. He allowed her to get off the broom first, not wanting to hit her in the back when he dismounted. Her knees were a little shaky as the adrenaline had worn off. Dropping the broom, he grabbed her arm to steady her. "You alright there Granger?"

"Yeah, I'm just fin-" He caught her just as her eyes shut and her body went limp.

"Great, just bloody great. They'll think I've killed her…"