Hello! Little bit of Dramione action in this one, please let me know if you like it or not. I found it harder to write than i had imagined!

The next couple of weeks passed in a similar rhythm, and Draco had still gotten no further with Hermione. He kept telling himself that the timing wasn't right, but secretly knew it was because he was scared of ruining the only proper friendship he had. Sure, he was on good terms with Nott but he didn't enjoy his company like he did Hermione's.

Their alchemy classes were a source of joy; Professor McGonagall was a very different teacher in that subject than she was in Transfiguration. Possibly it was the fact that she was teaching only two very able students, but she encouraged them to discuss any ideas and intuition about the subject with her and treated them more like colleagues than pupils. And of course, Draco had reason to speak to and spend time with Hermione as much as he wished.

The Easter holidays were getting nearer, and the fifth and seventh year students were starting to plan some serious revision for their approaching exams. Draco was going home during the holidays under the guise of seeing his mother, but he was only going really because Hermione was going home to see her parents and he did not relish the thought of being alone at school once more. They had been over in Australia for a couple of months looking after the property and business that they had set up there whilst their memories had been erased.

His mother was pleased he was coming home, and informed him that she would be at the station to meet him. No doubt trying to catch a glimpse of the girl he was apparently seeing, he thought darkly. He knew if he was going to get anywhere with Granger he would need to act soon; the school year was soon to be over, and the run up to exams would be so busy and stressful he was pretty certain there would be no time for such diversions. He decided he would ask to see her over the holidays, get her on her own, and then make his move.

It was a typical evening in the library when he saw his chance.

"What are your plans over Easter?" he asked, as she sat writing a reply to a letter from her parents.

"Not a lot." She said. "My parents have just written to tell me they need to stay on in Australia for a few more days to sort out something to do with their business licence over there, so it looks like I will be on my own for the first week. Oh well, at least I will be able to get some revision done!"

Draco could have leapt for joy! "Well, why don't we meet up during the week and do some revising? Maybe go out for dinner or something after?" he kept his voice as nonchalant as possible, whilst his heart beat frantically.

"That would be nice." Said Hermione enthusiastically. "Although why don't we further your interest in muggle studies and I will take you out somewhere I like to go when I need to relax?"

"O.k." said Draco, thoroughly intrigued. Where would Granger take him?

"Great! Well, I'm guessing you'll want to spend the Friday night with your mum, so why don't we go out on the Saturday? We can then meet up later in the week to revise if you would like to."

"Sounds like a plan." Said Draco, pleased with how smoothly that had gone.

It was soon the morning that they were to depart, and breakfast was served as usual in the great hall before all those going home would gather their belongings and get taken to Hogsmeade station. Draco was one of the first outside to the waiting carriages so managed to get one to himself, and was then left waiting on the platform watching a trickle of students filing along to the station gates.

Draco had smuggled some pastries from breakfast to eat during the journey, and was rather looking forward to getting lost in one of his library books for the duration of the trip, when he heard someone call out to him.

He looked round to see Hermione standing with Longbottom and Lovegood, waving for him to go over and wait with them. Surprised, he approached, rather unsure of his reception from the other two.

"Hi." He said, nodding to Neville and then Luna.

"Malfoy." Neville said guardedly, making it perfectly clear the only reason he was doing so was out of respect for Hermione.

Luna however, cocked her head, then said "Wrackspurts?"

He looked at Hermione and Neville in bewilderment; was she insulting him in some way? Hermione was trying hard not to smile. "Tiny invisible creatures that float into your ears and make your brain go fuzzy." She supplied.

Still unsure if they were taking the piss or not, he frowned at Luna and responded with "Possibly." Luna seemed satisfied with this, and nodded sagely, before turning away to rummage in her bag.

Yes, thought Draco, the nickname of Loony is well deserved! Although he had to admit that she had acquitted herself well during the war; she had showed very little fear when taken by death eaters to be imprisoned in his family's dungeon, and had no hesitation in fighting for Hogwarts when the time came.

Neville had struck up a conversation with Hermione about Herbology revision, and Draco stood there feeling rather out of place until the train appeared in the distance. There was no sign of Potty or any Weasel's, so he assumed they must be staying at school.

The train clattered into the station, and all the students gathered their belongings in preparation to board. Acting the gentleman, Draco stepped up to the nearest carriage and opened the door for Hermione and then Luna to enter. Longbottom looked at him like he had grown an extra head; obviously he had never seen Draco do anything for anyone else's convenience. It was rather shaming really; despite learning to be an arrogant little git, he had also been taught the impeccable manners expected of a pureblood heir. He had just never bothered to display them at school to those "beneath" him and to be honest, according to his father at least, that was almost everyone.

He followed them when they entered an empty compartment, presuming that the previous invite to be with them still stood. They all stowed their bags and cloaks, then himself, Neville and Hermione pulled out textbooks and Luna settled a box of weird looking objects on her knee, then proceeded to thread them onto a long thin chain. Draco could only assume it was to make some form of jewellery, but this obviously wasn't unusual behaviour as the other two didn't react to it at all.

"Are we still on for tomorrow night?" asked Hermione, when their revision was interrupted by the trolley witch selling refreshments.

"Yes." Said Draco glancing at the other inhabitants of the carriage, surprised that she would mention it in front of them. They seemed to be paying no attention, although Longbottom seemed to be staring a little too intently at his cauldron cake.

"Great, get to mine for seven, we can have something to eat then head out." She turned back to her Arithmancy text like it was an everyday occurrence to be going out with your former bully during the holidays.

They were fast approaching London, so Draco and Hermione removed their robes so they could traverse the underground without drawing too much attention. Neville and Luna were obviously planning to use a form of wizard transport to get home as they remained in theirs.

Draco was a little concerned about what his mother would think seeing him get off the train with Lovegood, Longbottom and Granger. Particularly if she realised that Granger was the girl he was seeing the next night. Ironically, she would probably approve more of him seeing Loony Lovegood as a pureblood than Granger as a muggleborn!

The train pulled into the station and they all piled off, Draco having a moment of confusion and a little stab of horror when he thought he caught sight of his aunt Bellatrix standing next to his mother on the platform. He quickly realised it must be her other sister, Andromeda, although he had never even seen a picture of her before due to her being disowned long before he was born. She looked like Bellatrix might have done if she had been sane and not embroiled in the dark arts; her hair was healthy and sleek and she looked well-nourished but the biggest difference was the expression she had when looking down into the pram that he could only assume held "little Edward". This was what Bellatrix might have looked like if she had the capacity to love.

He was about to bid Granger a quick farewell but realised she was already on her way over to his mother. What the hell?

"Hermione!" cried Andromeda, pulling her into a hug. "How are you?"

"I'm good thanks. How are you? And little Teddy?" She moved round to get a better view into the pram. "He has gotten so big!" It was then she noticed Narcissa standing next to her. "Mrs Malfoy." She said politely, before turning back to the child.

"Miss Granger" his mother replied with a smile that didn't touch her eyes. She then caught sight of Draco, and started towards him, her smile genuine this time.

"Hello mother," he said as she hugged him and kissed his cheek.

"Draco, I'd like you to meet my sister!" she pulled him over to where Hermione and Andromeda were standing, practically shoving Granger out of the way.

"Andi, this is Draco."

Andromeda looked at him appraisingly, "Hello Draco, I have heard a lot about you." From her expression he guessed she wasn't impressed by a lot of it.

"I'm sure you have," he said smoothly, "and sadly I should imagine most of it is true."

"Draco, don't be so rude!" his mother snapped, but by the look on Andromeda's face he had just gone up a little in her estimation.

Draco stepped next to Hermione to get a look at his little cousin, and was amused to see a chubby baby with an incongruous mass of chestnut ringlets on his head. Draco let out a laugh, when before his eyes the hair morphed into his sleek blond style. He had never seen a morphmagus change before, it was totally disconcerting, particularly from a child so young!

"It takes some getting used to." Said Andromeda, stepping up beside him. "He is getting more control now, before he would just change the colour, now he can mimic the length too!"

Teddy squawked and waved his arms at his grandmother, who cooed "Clever Teddy!"

"Well, we had better be going," said Andromeda. "It's nearly time for Teddy's tea! It was lovely to meet you Draco, I'm sure I will see you again soon."

She turned and hugged Hermione again. "Lovely to see you dear. I will send you an invite to Teddy's birthday party; tell Harry and Ron they'll get one too!"

"I will do!" laughed Hermione. "See you later." Hermione gave them all a quick smile before picking up her bag and heading for the barrier. Draco watched her retreating back and wondered how she seemed so relaxed when the atmosphere was so strained.

"So Cissy, are you still alright to have Teddy on Thursday whilst I do some shopping in Diagon Alley?"

"Of course," said his mother. "I'm looking forward to it! And of course Draco will be around to help!"

Great, thought Draco. I've only been off the train for ten minutes and I'm already being roped in to babysit!

"I'll see you on Thursday, then." They hugged, and then Andromeda started wending her way to the barrier into Kings Cross.

"How was the trip darling?" his mother asked. "Not too tedious I hope."

"No, it was fine." Actually, it was strangely good, he thought. Lovegood and Longbottom were unobtrusive travelling companions, and Granger was always easy company.

Narcissa took his arm and they walked from the platform together, talking of what they had been doing. Draco casually mentioned that he was seeing "the girl" the next night, and Narcissa could barely contain her glee; "Just let me know if you want me to approach her parents…"

Arriving back at the dingy house, Draco went an unpacked whilst Narcissa conjured dinner. The conversation was stilted; Draco felt rather annoyed that, even though she had vouched for them, Narcissa still seemed to view Hermione as being beneath them. He had thought it was only his father who truly believed the pureblood ideology, but maybe not.

Once he was lying in bed that night, Draco wondered what Granger had planned for them the next evening. He knew that this was the perfect opportunity to make his move, but was unsure how to do it. She was not immune to his charms, of that he was certain, and there had been that weird kiss behind the tapestry, so maybe it wouldn't be all that difficult…

They were sitting at breakfast the next morning when Narcissa began her inquisition about his plans for the evening.

"So, you're seeing her again tonight?"

"Yes." Replied Draco, already wishing he hadn't mentioned it to her.

"Where are you going?"

"Over to hers for something to eat, then she is taking me out somewhere."

Narcissa frowned at this. "I know we are no longer as solvent as we once were, but really Draco, you should arrange and pay for the date!"

"I mean, taking me to a place of her choosing then. I know how you think things should be done, but really, that formal courting style is not appropriate here!" He was getting fed up of this grilling; his mother's expectation for him to find himself a wife seemed to be turning into an obsession with her!

"Draco, I know you think I am being pushy, but time is of the essence! I just don't want to see you left without anybody. Once you are out of education it then gets a lot harder to find someone suitable!"

"Why couldn't I meet a girl at work? Or in the pub, or in a bookshop?" He was raising his voice now. "For goodness sake, I'm only 19!"

"Your father and I were married by the time…"

"I know," he interrupted, "and look how well that turned out!"

His mother looked hurt for a moment, before anger quickly spread over her features. "How dare you, you ungrateful little shit?! We gave you everything you could possibly have wanted and I will not tolerate you speaking ill of your father or showing me such disrespect!"

Draco knew he had crossed the line; his mother had never sworn at him before. He knew he should apologise, but just couldn't bring himself to say it at that point.

"Get out!" his mother screeched. "Get out of my dining room!"

Draco stood and retreated to his bedroom, where he sat glumly on the bed. He shouldn't have antagonised his mother but she was putting so much pressure on him about getting married. He wasn't ready to marry anyone, had no desire to have children now, and the only person he was even remotely romantically interested in was Granger, whom he could never marry anyway even if she would have him.

After sitting for a while, Draco dragged himself downstairs to apologise to his mother; it would be a miserable two weeks otherwise and she was right, he hadn't been brought up to be disrespectful of his parents.

His mother was still in the dining room where he had left her so Draco walked around the table and resumed his place. "I'm sorry mother, I shouldn't have spoken to you like that."

"I'm sorry too Draco, I should never have used such foul language." She reached over and took his hand. "I know things are difficult for you at the moment; our change in circumstances, the loss of your father, the future that promises nothing but hard toil for you. That is the main reason I am pushing this Draco, I don't want you to have to do it alone. I wasn't just being flippant when I said I don't know what I would do if I had lost you, I honestly meant that. If you hadn't been there giving me a reason to carry on I don't know if I could have gotten through those first few days after the final battle. The horror of Azkaban whilst awaiting trial, fearing that we may be in that place for the rest of our lives, and then upon our release the shame of giving away the families lands and wealth. Giving away your inheritance and having to act like I'm grateful to do it! If it wasn't for you I would have gone the way of your father. I want you to have that Draco, that love for someone other than yourself that keeps you fighting!"

"But mother, I don't think a marriage that is arranged will precipitate a love like that." Draco was actually rather touched by what his mother was saying. In her own domineering way, she was just trying to help him.

"Not love for a wife Draco, that is too easily set aside. Love for a child!" She gave his hand a squeeze. "I will stop asking for now. You should go and enjoy time with your girlfriend, if nothing has come of it in six months' time, I will start some discreet enquiries."

Draco knew that was the best deal he was going to get for the moment. He would have to think of a new plan to stall her once the six months were up.

"Thank you mother. I am not ungrateful for all you have done, I hope you know that." He stood and gave his mother a kiss on the cheek, before retreating back to his room. Glancing at his watch he saw he had several hours to fill before it was time to start getting ready for his evening with Granger. He decided to some Transfiguration revision by turning his books into a flurry of blackbirds, then into mice and then into tortoises and back again, which took up a little time, but not as much as he had hoped. He found himself wishing he had something like Hermione's music player to help pass the time.

Eventually the time moved on enough for him to get in the shower and prepare himself. He was feeling nervous again but tramped it down, he knew what he wanted to achieve tonight; some kind of agreement with Granger, ideally one that got her out of her clothes.

He styled his hair, shaved, put on aftershave and finally dressed in black jeans, a steel grey shirt that matched his eyes and the black blazer he always seemed to wear. Satisfied with his appearance he went down to say goodbye to his mother.

"You look nice darling," she told him, "don't worry if you are going to be out late. I'll put up the usual wards when I go to bed. Have a nice time."

"Thanks. See you later!" He didn't add that if he was lucky he wouldn't be coming home at all that night.

Draco enjoyed the tube ride over to Granger's. Several muggle girls were eying him up on the journey, confirming to him that he was indeed looking good. He found himself walking with a bit of the old Malfoy swagger, and by the time he go to Granger's front door he was feeling much more confident about the evening ahead.

"Hello!" cried Granger, upon answering his knock at the door. "Come in, dinner should be here soon. I hope you don't mind me ordering pizza, I really couldn't be bothered to cook!"

"No, that's fine." He replied. Obviously he knew what pizza was, but had no idea if he would like it as Narcissa would never serve something so uncouth, and Hogwarts only served good old-fashioned British food.

He was surprised at what Granger was wearing; obviously where they were going was very casual as she was in jeans and a baggy jumper. Her hair was tied back, which was unusual for her, but that seemed to be the only effort she had made with her appearance. Draco couldn't help but feel a little disappointed; this evening was obviously not a big deal for her at all!

She ushered him into the sitting room, then disappeared when the doorbell rang with their food delivery. He heard her go into the kitchen then call "Do you want a drink?"

"Yes please, whatever you have!" he called back. Fingers crossed she would bring a bottle of wine through with her to help ease his nerves and hopefully make her more open to suggestion.

She appeared in the doorway with a box balanced on a couple of plates in one hand and two beer bottles in the other.

"Thanks" said Draco accepting one of the bottles; beer would do just as well he decided.

She set out the plates and opened the box, gesturing for him to help himself. Unsure about what to expect, he took a slice and bit into it, apprehension evaporating at once. Pizza is good, he deduced.

"I'm glad you dressed smartly," said Hermione picking up a slice of pizza. "I should have mentioned it too you yesterday, but I have never seen you look anything but smart so I guess I doesn't matter! Once we have eaten I will get changed then we can head out!"

"Where is it we are going?" Draco asked, glad that she was going to make an effort after all.

"I thought I would take you to a club I like to go to when I feel the need to get away from it all."

Club? Thought Draco, unsure of what she meant. Oh well, he would find out soon enough. "O.k."

They sat eating and listening to the music that Granger had put on in the background and Draco found himself starting to relax. Once the pizza was gone Granger stood up.

"Do you want me to put the t.v. on for you whilst I get ready?"

"O.k." said Draco. He was interested in this form of muggle entertainment, seeing as how a lot of their lives seemed to revolve around it if some of the muggle studies book were to be believed. Hermione switched it on and handed him the remote, leaving him with some muggle bloke speaking about the geography of the Scottish coastline. Draco quickly became bored and started pressing buttons, finding various programs. He settled on one that seemed to be a weird singing contest, where the judges were cruel to some and gushingly praising to others. Was this really what muggles found entertaining? As vapid as it was, Draco found himself actually watching it.

After a little while, he heard Granger come down the stairs. "Have you seen this?" he called to her, "What in the hell is going on here?"

"What?" he heard her say, "oh, this…"

Draco turned to look at her, and felt his jaw drop. Holy fuck! Granger was wearing a short, skin tight dress in burgundy. It was high necked, with lace sleeves, but left nothing to the imagination. She had ringed her eyes in dark kohl, and done something to her hair so it was straight and sleek hanging halfway down her back. Her stiletto heels made her legs look a mile long. She looked like a bloody siren!

"Granger," he said swallowing, "you look… different." He finished lamely.

"Do I look alright?" she said, looking suddenly unsure.

"Yes. You look nice." He replied, regaining some of his equilibrium. And by nice, he meant incredible!

"Shall we go?" she asked, turning off the television at his nod. He followed her into the hallway, the view of her from the back making him want to hustle her upstairs to peel off that sinful dress. Instead, he just shrugged on his jacket whilst she donned a trench coat and they left the house. Walking down the road towards the tube station Hermione linked his arm, stating that her shoes were "a death trap". Draco concurred, she was nearly as tall as him wearing them and they looked hideously uncomfortable.

He realised now that the initial shock of seeing her had worn off that other people, other men, were going to see her looking like that and Draco was not particularly pleased by this. Glad she was wearing her coat, he stood close to her on the tube, shielding her from the view of the other passengers, some of whom were drunk. Feeling protective and on edge, he pressed his arm against the wand concealed in his pocket for reassurance.

They finally reached their destination without incident, but Draco didn't feel any more relaxed, queuing with a lot of drunken muggles to enter what looked like a very noisy drinking establishment.

"You like to come here?" he questioned Hermione. He couldn't imagine the clever, bookish muggleborn would enjoy anything this place had to offer.

"Yes!" she said. "It's like having a night off from being me! Come on Draco, you wanted the muggle experience, here it is!" she gestured down the line of muggles, all talking or laughing loudly.

Yes, thought Draco. Although I have a feeling this is probably one of the types of muggle things the magical community avoided for a reason.

They got past the doorman, and went to the cloakroom to leave their coats. Draco expected some sort of reaction from the person who took Hermione's coat upon seeing her dress, but the woman seemed to barely notice her. In fact, she paid more attention to Draco.

Following Hermione he was unable to keep his eyes off her arse as she walked, that was until she pushed open some double doors and his senses were assaulted. The thumping music was deafening, the flashing lights made him see spots and a wave of hot air hit him. He managed to grab Hermione's hand so they wouldn't get separated as she began to weave her way through tightly packed bodies. This is hellish! He thought, watching her getting ogled as she pushed her way to the bar. When she had found a space, she pulled him close to her so she could yell in his ear "What do you want to drink?"

Having no idea what they served, he just replied "Whatever you are having!"

She turned back to the bar and ordered some drinks, handing him a shot glass of something. With a smile she knocked her glass against his then downed it in one smooth motion. Draco followed suit; whatever it was burned like Firewhiskey but was not as pleasant.

"Another?" she yelled leaning in close to him, breasts brushing his chest.

He nodded, realising that although this was somewhere he never wanted to come again, the fact that they would have to lean in close to speak could prove helpful to his cause. It automatically gave him a reason to touch her.

After the second shot came a third, followed by a fourth and Draco had a chance to look around properly. He realised why no one was batting an eyelid at Grangers dress; she was probably wearing the most clothes out of all the girls there. One just appeared to be wearing a bra and tiny shorts! All around him he could see barely covered pushed up breasts and heavily made-up faces, which a few years ago he would have enjoyed, but now it just seemed vulgar.

Hermione took his hand and gestured towards where couples were writhing against each other. "Shall we dance?" she yelled.

"Dance?" he yelled back.

She laughed at his look of horror, "Can't you dance?"

"I can dance very well," he said, remembering the lessons he had to attend as an adolescent. "That however, is not dancing!" He gestured to a couple who were grinding against each other, for all intents and purposes were just miming having sex!

Hermione saw where he pointed and laughed again. "Come on!" she said, tugging him towards the dancefloor. When she had found a spot she liked, she turned to face him and began to dance. She was just swaying to the music at first but her movements gradually became more sensual, shaking her hair and getting closer to him.

He was keeping time with her but felt totally out of place; he had never been anywhere like this in the wizarding world, nor had seen magical folk behave like this!

She leant in to say something to him and he rested a hand on her hip, leaving it there as she continued to dance. By degrees they got closer and closer until they were dancing up against each other like the other couples around them. Draco was enjoying the feel of her, making him impatient to get her out of there. After this display he had no doubt that Granger was attracted to him.

They danced for a little while longer, until Hermione gestured to the door and yelled "Bathroom!"

Draco nodded and followed, deciding that when they got into the quieter lobby he would suggest going home.

"That's better," said Hermione as he let the door swing closed behind him, abruptly muffling the pounding bassline. "I just need the loo, won't be long!" She disappeared into the ladies leaving Draco standing waiting for her. He was eyed up by several passing girls in varying stages of drunkenness but payed them no attention; the only person he had any time for tonight was Granger.

She appeared out of the bathroom a moment later, staggering slightly. She had hectic patches of colour high on her cheeks and Draco realised she was much drunker that he had thought she was.

"Shall we head home?" he asked, "or do you want to go back in?" He willed her to say home!

"Let's head back," she replied. "My feet hurt!" Draco inwardly cheered, he had been waiting all night to take her back to her house where, at the very least, he was going to kiss her senseless.

It wasn't until the cold air hit him outside that Draco realised the Drinks that Hermione had given him were actually pretty strong, his head swam for a moment before he could master himself. Hermine on the other hand was swaying on his arm. They walked to the tube station as quickly as possible, Draco wondering at one point if it wouldn't be easier to carry Hermione as the alcohol and sky high heels combined were making it difficult for her to walk in a straight line. Something which she seemed to find amusing if he could judge by the occasional giggles she let escape between bouts of random conversation.

Hermione Granger was giggling. That was something he never thought he would experience. The tube ride and walk back to the Granger household seemed to sober her up a little as she grew quiet. They were almost at her house when she asked,

"So, what did you think?"

"Honestly?" he replied, "I will never have any need to go there again! It was too loud, and too hot, there were too many people. It was awful, truly the only reason I could see for going there is that it constitutes a part of some weird muggle mating ritual!"

This got a proper laugh from Hermione. "Wow, that was brutally honest! A muggle mating ritual? I guess you're right, that is why most people go. Although that's not why I go, I might add!"

"So why do you go?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"Have you ever just wanted a day off from your life?" Yes, thought Draco, I would quite like a life off from my life!

"Going there, I don't feel like uptight, always-do-the-right-thing, boring bookworm Hermione Jean Granger. I could be anyone!" she gave him a small, self-deprecating smile. "I guess it's silly really."

"Granger, I get it." Said Draco. "It's not silly."

They had arrived at the Granger's front gate, and Draco opened it with a flourish then ushered her through. This is it, he told himself, it was time to make his move. Granger was already up the front steps, key in the lock and Draco had to be quick to get there before she opened the door and he missed his chance to kiss her goodnight.

Next thing he knew, he was through the door and shoved up against her hallway wall. Before he could voice his surprise she was kissing him, hard, and tugging at his jacket. What the fuck?! It looked like Granger had also been planning a seduction all along!

Quickly getting with the program, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her body flush with his, one hand on the curve of her arse, the other tangled in her hair. She kissed him like she couldn't get close enough to him, her fingers fumbling at his shirt buttons.

"Take me to bed, Draco." She purred throatily.

Hell, yes! This was like something from his wildest imaginings! He growled his assent, and they made their way towards the stairs. She kicked off her shoes and let her coat drop to the floor, then took his hand and led him up to her room.

Once inside she seemed to lose a little of her self-assurance, and hesitated just past the threshold. This time Draco took the lead and began to kiss her again, feeling himself getting seriously turned on by the way she was pushing her hips into his and little breathy moans she was making as he kneaded the flesh of her arse.

She had managed to undo his shirt, and he felt a warm hand stroke his chest before sliding ticklishly down his side. Without breaking the kiss he quickly shrugged the shirt off, letting her hands explore the smooth skin of his back and torso.

He was just getting to the point of cupping her pert, perfect breasts when he became aware that his bladder was demanding attention. He could have cursed for the interruption, but knew he needed to go.

Pulling away, he asked her "Bathroom?"

"Second on the left." She replied, going and sitting on the bed to wait for him. Fuck, she was gorgeous, he thought, taking in that her eyes were dark with lust and her lips were swollen from his kisses.

It wasn't until he had emptied his bladder, and the initial wave of lust had begun to ebb, that he started to have some doubts about what he was doing. Hermione was pretty drunk, she may not really be sure about what she wanted, and more selfishly, he didn't want her to be able to blow it off in the morning saying it was a drunken mistake; he wanted her to have to acknowledge to both herself and him that she wanted him. Plus, he wanted to be sober the first time he slept with her. He wanted to take his time with her and make sure she enjoyed it too. The more he thought about it the more he felt he didn't want to have sex with her that night. Shit, he realised, he was going to have to go back and tell Granger that he was not going to claim her virginity that she had so kindly offered him. How the hell was he meant to do that without humiliating and offending her?

After a couple more minutes agonising in the bathroom, he made his way back to her bedroom, still not knowing what he was going to say. Thankfully, the problem was solved for him. Hermione had fallen asleep waiting and was curled on her side facing the door. Her skirt had ridden up, exposing her underwear; a tiny scrap of black lace covering the juncture of her thighs. Draco almost groaned aloud at seeing it, his arousal returning in full force. Why the hell had he chosen now to have a moral crisis? He berated himself. He could be removing that underwear with his teeth!

Tempted to wake her and carry on where they left off, he instead pulled the bedcover over her and exited the room. The walk home would no doubt cool his ardour.