Draco Malfoy entered the room. He hadn't expected Hermione to come. He hoped to see her but doubted his luck. This year was hard for him. Task from the master of his parents. Potter popping out of every corner as if he was doing nothing but watching what he was doing. Tiredness and overwhelming fear ... The kiss from Granger was the first ray of sunshine in a long time.

- You came. - He turned to the source of her voice. - I was afraid it was just a joke.

He looked at her. She was not wearing school robes. She wasn't dressed in her customary Muggle clothes. Her body was covered with an emerald green silk dress. A dress that looked so much like a nightgown that he wondered if Hermione slept in it every day.

- You look beautiful. - He looked her straight in the eyes. - I must admit that I also thought that I would not see you here today.

- Draco … - The boy looked at her with surprise in his eyes. - Can I talk to you like that?

He didn't answer her right away. He took a few long steps and without asking her permission he pulled her to him, placing his hand on her waist. It was only for a few seconds of silence while he looked into her eyes that he said, - Of course Hermione. You don't even know how much pleasure it will give me.

Hermione smiled at him and stood on tiptoe, still with him. With her mouth close to his, she whispered, - Greater than if I kissed you?

- How can you ask? You didn't notice it because we are in different circles, but I have had a crush on you almost from the moment I met you.

She looked at him with anger in her eyes. - You were treating me like garbage.

- Because I wanted to meet my father's expectations, however ... I recently entered the age in which I gained control over my property. - Draco was pleased because, despite the anger he felt, she still hadn't come out of his arms.

- So I'm less important to you than money. - Hermione didn't know why it hurt and why she felt tears running down her cheeks.

- Remember what I told you yesterday about Malfoys and sharing? - he asked, still keeping eye contact.

Hermione didn't answer. She just nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

- It took a long time to understand that blood status mattered, but not as I previously thought. It does not show whether someone is better or worse in magic, but how to start in the magical world. It's just purebloods like me that have faster access to knowledge. As soon as I realized that, I started dreaming about getting chances from you. Before that, my father would have blocked me. Now I am financially independent and prepared to be able to start a family. There is a simple truth behind Malfoy's not sharing. When a man decides to have a relationship, he stays in it for the rest of his life. I would not like to make a witch's proposal without knowing that I would be able to keep it. - Draco was frustrated. He tried to explain his feelings but was never good at it. He had one chance to win her favor.

- Did I understand correctly that if I give you a chance, you will be courting me without fear that you will be disinherited because you are no longer financially dependent? - She looked at him thoughtfully and with a distinct frown between the eyebrows. - And if I did not provoke yesterday's situation, what would your marriage plans look like?

- Yes you are right. If you didn't give me a chance now, I don't know what I would do. However, I have already submitted my paperwork to the Ministry to be deemed fully capable of making decisions about my life. Such an official cut off from possible engagement contracts approved by my family.

Hermione finally moved away from him and took her steps towards the bed in the corner of the room.

- To be honest, this is not how I imagined this evening.

- You thought the Sex God would take you here? - he replied with venom in his voice.

- Yes. I've always wanted my first time with someone I'm in love with. Since yesterday, this desire has gotten even stronger.

Draco wasn't sure he heard it right. He walked over to her, sat by her side and placed his hand on her thigh. - You're not picked up either?

- Not picked up? - Her voice revealed that she did not know what he meant.

- I mean, are you a virgin?

- Yes. Why are you blushing so? - was rather amused by the fact in which direction this conversation is going.

- Me too ... I didn't want to be a trophy. Besides, while other people were dating, I had my eyes glued to a witch who was having a strong blow.

- Why did you ask about it?

- Because in the event of a possible marriage we could do ... - he sighed before he finished - a soul bond, which has not happened in my family for several generations.

- Can you tell me how we got from potential sex to a potential marriage proposal? - she giggled.

- Easy. I needed to intrigue you enough to make you want to talk to me, not curse me. I wanted to apologize and offer my friendship. Maybe when you appreciate it, you will reach for more.

- I didn't think you were a romantic. - A dreamy smile appeared on Hermione's face.

- I am. Is it wrong?

- On the contrary. So when will I get my official courtship bracelet? Maybe I don't know everything, but living with marriage-minded girls you can hear a lot involuntarily. - She placed her hand on his thigh and began rubbing it with her thumb.

Draco stiffened at the words. He didn't know if she was being honest or mocking him. - Where did this decision come from? - He replied covering her hand with his own.

- Still can't you see? He wants to do one crazy and selfish thing that could have a positive result. You are intelligent, loyal, you can admit when you are wrong. There is also something else. I am in love with you.

- Yes? - he couldn't hide the happiness he felt in his heart.

- In the end, I would also give a clear message that my life does not end with two boys with whom I have been friends from the beginning of school.

- What do you mean?

- Ginny Weasley comforted me yesterday that Ron will finally leave Brown when he understands what he may lose. It was not the first time I heard something like this. I'm not gonna wait for a boy who doesn't know what he wants. - Seeing the disappointed expression of the boy, she added - I will not wait for a boy who does not know what he wants, if he is not the one I want.

He laughed sincerely. - Why didn't we talk earlier?

- You were an asshole and I was an all-knowing mudblood. Now you're still an asshole but a little nicer and I'm an all-knowing mudblood willing to take a chance.

He didn't believe what was happening was real, so he decided to follow his instincts and embraced her. She did not protest. It was a moment before he released her from his arms. As she moved away from him, he noticed the blush on her face.

- Are we continuing the conversation? Are we breaking up to sleep? - he said to break the silence.

She looked at him before he heard - We are going to sleep here. It's less risky than wandering the halls after curfew. We have a bed. I'm in a nightgown, you can sleep in boxer shorts and a T-shirt.

- Don't make fun of me. - he replied surprised.

- I don't know why, but when I entered I conjured up a bedroom with a full set of clothes in the wardrobe. If you want to stay with me, take your pajamas out of this. I'm not going back. So? - she replied seriously in her voice.

- I'm staying, but don't use me.

- I'll use you in the morning. Hug me today and tomorrow we'll talk about how to remove the mark on your arm. I don't know what Tom Riddle told you to do, but now you are mine and I take care of my family.

He shuddered with concern that she knew he was marked. However, the fear passed when, after going to bed, he felt that Hermione Granger nestled into his arms and slipped her leg between his thighs. - Good night.

xxx

I know it's too sweet. I know Draco's not so soft. I know Hermione agreed too quickly, but… I couldn't help myself. If my inspiration will come and there will be interest, there will also be the next part, and if not, I will leave the ending open.