CHAPTER 3~ A Single Kiss
The summer droned on. It felt like forever. Hermione and Draco grew closer over the weeks although Draco still hadn't found the courage to ask her out. He wasn't a Gryffindor after all.
Narcissa was a very hospitable host and she absolutely adored Hermione. The two women spent a lot of time talking and soon became friends. Narcissa would occasionally hint to Draco about how much she like Hermione and about how the two teens looked so happy together. He insisted that he got the point and swore that he would ask her out, but whenever he thought he could finally bring himself to do it, he would always back down.
Hermione was not usually the one to make the first move. She liked to wait for the guy to come to her, but she was becoming tired of waiting for Draco. It was obvious that he liked her and she would hint that she liked him, but he still wouldn't make any move.
Finally, it was September first. Both Hermione and Draco woke up early to pack what they needed and got ready to leave.
After breakfast, when they were bringing their luggage down to Narcissa's car, Hermione pushed Draco up against the wall and kissed him roughly. When they broke apart, he looked at her confusedly. "Wanna go out with me?" she asked softly.
"That's not fair! I'm supposed to ask you," he responded.
"Merlin! Did you think I was gunna wait forever? You're taking so damn long. How hard is it to ask me a question? I figured you'd ask right after I broke up with Ron. But did you? Noooo!"
"I didn't think you'd want me to."
"Of course I wanted you to! I wanted you to ask me when we were standing right in front of him!"
"Oh." He looked down at his feet. He felt like a complete jackass.
"So?" Hermione asked raising an eyebrow.
"Huh? So what?"
She smacked him upside the head.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"For being a complete idiot! Do you wanna go out with me?" she said again, but this time emphasizing every word.
"Oh. Yeah." He smiled a little.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "You're real smooth, Draco. Real smooth. Damn, and I thought you were smart. What on Earth was I thinking?"
He shrugged. "I don't know." He took her hand and helped her carry the rest of her luggage to the car.
~
At King's Cross Station, Draco, Hermione, and Narcissa all passed through the barrier between platforms nine and ten. Narcissa hugged them both goodbye and told Hermione to stop by anytime Lucius wasn't around.
They took the last compartment on the Hogwarts Express. Hermione rested her head on his shoulder while his arms wrapped instinctively around her.
"Draco?"
"Yes?"
"Do you think we'll get criticized for something, you know, out of the ordinary?"
"More than likely, but we'll have to ignore all that bullshit and pretend like we don't even care. I know that I won't. Just don't let anything anybody says get to you. Don't show them any weakness. If someone does say something, ignore them and walk away with your head held high. Make everyone believe that you are better than them."
Hermione nodded. "That's something I will always remember. Thanks."
"That is the one piece of advice that I have always held onto. My father taught me that when I was very young. It is the one thing that puts me one step ahead of everyone else."
Their conversation was interrupted by the compartment door opening and Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Cho Chang, and Pansy Parkinson walking in.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Death Eaters," Draco said with a scowl upon his thin lips. "What a displeasure to see the four of you. I'm afraid you're not welcome here. Leave now."
"Well 'Mione, I see you're looking quite comfy with your worst enemy here," Harry said, completely ignoring Draco's comment.
"Actually Harry, I believe it's you and those other three assholes that are the enemy. Last time I checked, which was what, about five seconds ago, it was you that had the Dark Mark, not Draco. Now kindly take heed to him and LEAVE!" Hermione kept herself calm on the outside although inside she was fuming. Rage coursed through her veins. She could feel her heart pumping the blood faster than usual.
"And what if we don't want to?" Pansy asked in response.
Hermione glared at the pug-faced girl. "I will make your lives a living hell for the rest of our time at Hogwarts. If any of you have forgotten, I am a Prefect, and I do have the power to do that."
The six of them held a glaring contest. If looks could kill, they would've all been dead. Their eyes held a hatred that they had never felt for anybody in their lives, with the exception of Draco, who hated Lucius and Voldemort more than anyone.
Harry finally jerked his head toward the door and he and his posse left to find an un-occupied compartment.
Hermione relaxed once again against Draco's body. She really didn't want a fight so soon. Harry and Ron betrayed her for the Dark Lord. It was inconceivable, ludicrous even. All three of them had sworn they would always fight against Voldemort, but now two turned to him for power. They were just like most other people in the world-greedy bastards.
Draco felt Hermione relax and he too was able to. Everything about her mystified him. He suddenly felt an urge to kiss her, but wasn't sure if he should. Unlike with most girls, she had him questioning what he should do. He didn't like the feeling. Girls had never been a problem for him. Not until this one anyway. She was different. There were so many layers that needed to be uncovered, but he was afraid that if he pried too far, she would pull away from him.
When Hermione glanced up at him, he appeared to be staring off into space. Deciding that she would once again take control, she climbed onto his lap. His eyes suddenly snapped back into focus.
"What were you thinking?" Hermione questioned.
"Nothing really."
"You're such a liar."
The train began to move away from the platform and toward Hogwarts.
"I know what I am," Draco responded smirking slightly.
"Oh really? Did you know that you are a scaredy cat? You should learn to act on instinct and stop second-guessing yourself. You've never done that before, so I don't why you are now. You wanna kiss me, so kiss me already. Stop thinking and do. If you wanna hold onto me, you gotta start taking some control."
"How-how did you know that?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I can see right through you, Draco. I know no one has ever been able to do that. Here's a newsflash for you, I'm not most people. I can see what other's can't." She leaned her forehead against his and let her lips linger upon his gently for a few seconds.
"Am I really that transparent?" he mumbled.
"Only to me. Your mother never knows what you're thinking or feeling. Now just shut up and kiss me. I know you want to."
He gladly obliged and pressed his lips to hers. His tongue slid into her mouth and began to explore every crevice. Their tongues battled for control as he ran his hands under her shirt. When he ran them up her back, he broke the kiss gently.
"Draco, why do you stop kissing me every time you touch my back? They're just scars. They don't hurt."
"I know," he whispered. "I just can't help it. It bothers me that your father beats you like that."
"It's really no that bad." She stood, locked the compartment door then pulled her shirt over her head so that she was just wearing her bra. She turned around so that he could see her back. "They really do not hurt anymore."
Draco walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "But it did at one point. I don't like that you were ever in pain."
"I know." She turned in his arms so she could face him. Her arms went around his neck and she played with the hair that hung down. "Listen, don't feel guilty for anything that's happened between us over the years. I don't want that to be a factor in our relationship."
He nodded. "All that stuff I've said, doesn't it bother you?"
"No. I knew that you only said most of those things to please your father. Why can't you just act the same around me as you do with other girls?"
"'Cause I never liked other girls. They were simply a means for me to get what I wanted, but now that I've got you, I'm afraid to be the same person I have been because I don't want to lose you."
Hermione kissed his lips softly. "You will never lose me."
Draco moved one hand up her back, feeling the rough skin from all the scars. He knew that if he ever saw her father again he would kill him, and not with magic. His rage would fuel him, and his hate would make him stronger.
He kissed her passionately. He felt like he was soaring. Every emotion he was feeling was poured into that kiss. Their tongues intertwined, fueling their passion.
Everything Hermione was feeling was new and exciting. Never once when she kissed Ron as She felt like she did then. The room was spinning. The only thing in the world that mattered was the two of them together.
A loud knock on the compartment door ended their perfect alter-world. Hermione sighed in frustration as she pulled her shirt over her head. Just when Draco finally decided to start something, someone had to go and ruin it.
Once Hermione plopped down onto the bench with her arms folded across her chest, Draco unlocked and opened the door.
"Anything off the trolley dears?" the old witch with the cart asked.
Draco looked at Hermione, who looked like she wanted to kill the old lady. "No!" he snapped and slammed the door closed.
"That's what we were interrupted for?" Hermione said incredulously.
Draco laughed a little as he sat back down next to her. "Don't get all mad. She's just doing her job." He kissed her cheek softly.
"Yeah, well I wasn't the one who snapped at her. The poor lady looked like she was about to have a heart attack." She laced her fingers with his and swung her legs over his.
He smiled innocently. "Me? I would never do that. Whatever are you talking about? Why would I scare a little old witch? You must be confusing me with someone else."
"Oh that must be it. 'Cause you know, I've only spent the entire summer at your house so naturally I know nothing about you."
"Of course not."
Hermione just shook her head and rested it on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and drifted into a peaceful sleep. Draco followed shortly after.
~
When Draco awoke, the sun was just about set and Hermione was still sleeping soundly in his arms. He figured that they were just about at Hogwarts, so he woke her gently.
He kissed her lightly and let his lips linger on hers for a few moments. She didn't wake, so he whispered, "Hermione, wake up. We have to get ready." She didn't even stir. He stroked his hand down her face. "Hey, we gotta go to school. Come on, baby, wake up," he cooed. Since that didn't work, he kissed her roughly. This did wake her. She kissed him back. Her hands ran up his chest. She could feel his toned chest through the thin material of his shirt.
He broke away from her a few seconds later. "It's about time you woke up. You must be a heavy sleeper."
She yawned a little. "Only when I feel safe."
"You feel safe around me?" he asked.
She nodded. "You're the only guy I feel safe around. I would trust you with my life. Don't ask me why 'cause I really don't know."
He smiled at this. No one had ever really trusted him before, and it felt good to have someone really on him for once. "We should start getting ready," he said after a while. "I would imagine that we are almost there, even though I don't really know how long we've been sleeping."
Hermione nodded and stood to stretch. She was feeling cramped up from the awkward position that she been sleeping in. Her neck and shoulders were very stiff. After many attempts of trying to roll them, she gave up and asked for Draco's assistance. "Draco, do you think you could massage my neck and shoulders? I am so stiff right now."
"Uh sure." He stood behind her and began to massage her stiff limbs gently. His movements were gentle as if he were handling an antique porcelain doll. To him she was an angel even if everyone else thought different. The way she spoke, the way she moved, the way she treated people-if he believed in Heaven and Hell, he would have sworn she was sent to him by God.
Hermione thanked him with a small kiss when her limbs no longer felt stiff.
Neither of them bothered to change into their Hogwarts uniforms, but decided to put their robes on over their clothes.
The train began to slow, and eventually came to a stop. As always, they left their luggage in the compartments as they headed into the cool night air toward the horseless carriages, which they had found out the previous year weren't really horseless at all, they were being drawn by thestrals.
There wasn't a cloud in the black sky that night. All the stars could be seen smiling down upon the students as they headed for the giant castle that most liked to call "home." It was the place where they encountered their best experiences and their worst experiences. Their most embarrassing moments occurred in the castle, while it was also a where they had the best time of their lives. Hogwarts wasn't just a place; it was encounter, experience, and most of all emotion. Every student left a part of his or her soul in the school once they left.
The ride in the carriages took next to no time. Hermione and Draco had to share their carriage with two third year Ravenclaw girls who both looked about ready to faint when they saw Draco.
For a little fun, Hermione sat as close to Draco as was physically possible and pretended to whisper in his ear while nibbling it gently. The two younger students looked on with looks on jealousy and envy as the scene unfolded before them.
The carriage suddenly came to an abrupt halt in front of the castle. Draco opened the door and made a sweeping motion with his arm, signaling the two girls to go ahead of him. "After you, my dears," he said sweetly with the smirk that made every girl head-over-heels for him. Both girls smiled dreamily at him as they stepped down from the carriage.
It took the greater part of Hermione's self control to keep from laughing hysterically. Before Hermione could hop out of the carriage, however, Draco jumped out and held his hand out to her. She took it gratefully and smiled at him as she stepped down. Draco held out his other hand and a black rose appeared. "For you, m' lady," he said as he handed it to her.
"Why thank you. You sure are acting like Prince Charming today."
"Muggle fairy-tale?" he questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"How'd you know? I thought you were deprived of all things Muggle."
His smirk reappeared once again. "Not all things. I have you, don't I?" He gave her a small kiss behind her ear, which earned a soft moan. "Anyway, my mother would read me some fairy-tales when I was a young child. Much were much too.sweet for my taste, but I remember them nonetheless."
"If they were much too sweet for you, my dear, why are you acting like you just popped out of one?"
"Pray tell, in which one does the guy pull a black rose out of thin air? I do not seem to recall that one."
They walked through the large oak doors then waited to file into the Great Hall with everybody else.
"I wasn't talking about the rose, Draco. Although I have to admit it was very original. What I was talking about was the way you're being so sweet and charming. What happened to the ruthless prat I fell for?"
"Would you like me to be him again?"
She pondered her answer for a few seconds. "Well, let's see, I first fell for him because of his attitude and the twisted things he would come up with to get a reaction out of me, however, right now I feel special, which is something I have never felt before. So I guess a mixture of your personalities would be nice, as long as you're not faking anything to make me feel good."
"That's the thing. I feel like I don't have to act when I'm around you. You have the ability to make me want to be a better person."
They smiled at each other as they neared the doors to the Great Hall. Before they entered, Draco whispered, "Meet me by the lake after you lead your House back to the common room."
Hermione nodded once as they headed to their separate tables to get ready for the start of the feast.
Hermione sat down at the end of the long table. Not long after, her fellow classmates Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas sat across from her. "Hello!" she said cheerily. "How were your summers?"
"Good, and yours?" Seamus replied.
"Better than usual. How 'bout you, Dean?"
"Okay, I guess. I didn't really get to do much since my parents were away on business and I had to stay with my Aunt Mary."
Seamus clapped a hand on his friend's back. "That's not what you said before, mate. I thought you said you had a good summer."
"I lied," he shrugged. "What made your summer so great, 'Mione? Did you get to travel somewhere or something?"
Hermione smiled a bit. "I stayed in England, but not with my parents. That's what made it so great."
The two boys looked at her with perplexed expressions. Neither of them knew what really went on in the Granger household. In fact the only person who knew was Draco Malfoy. Hermione liked to let people believe that her life was as wonderful as it had once been. No one really needed to know about her personal life anyway, and she wasn't to keen on complaining to anyone.
The first years began to walk in with Professor McGonagall leading the way. For the most part, Hermione blocked out the Sorting Ceremony. The only thing she heard was when Dumbledore said, "Let the feast begin!"
The food was wonderful as it always was on the first day back. The house elves had proven once again that they were talented in the field of cooking.
After dessert, Dumbledore stood up to make his start of term announcements. "First years, welcome! Staff and older students welcome back for what is sure to be a fun-filled year at Hogwarts! I would just like to make it known that the staff as well as myself will be keeping a close watch on all of you due to the events that occurred last year. For all students," here he looked at the Gryffindor table, "I would like you to remember that the Forbidden Forest is off limits to all. I bid you good evening. Prefects, lead the first years up to the House common rooms."
Hermione gathered all the first years and led them up to the portrait of the Fat Lady. The new password was "strawberry shortcake." Hermione showed the first years to the common room then directed them to their dormitories.
Once everyone was pretty much situated, she dashed out of the common room and outside to the lake where Draco was already awaiting her presence.
"How'd you get out here so quick?" she asked giving him a quick peck on the lips.
He smirked. "The dungeons are a bit closer than wherever it is you come from. Besides, I probably didn't take as much time as you did getting everyone situated and comfortable. There are other people who can take care of that."
She rolled her eyes. "That is so typical of you to say and do. Just dump it off on someone else, am I right?"
"Pretty much. The way I see it is this-why should I do something when there are others around me who can do it better? Sorry I'm a perfectionist like you, Ms know-it-all."
"I like to set high standards for myself. Is that all right with you, Ferret Boy?"
"Hey, when did I get that old name back?"
"When you gave me my old name back. I am not a know-it-all or a perfectionist. I simply work hard so that people like you will not just think I am a worthless Mudblood that doesn't belong here."
"Calm down! I didn't mean it like that. And I definitely do not think that you are worthless. You're the smartest person in out year for Merlin's sake! I'm sorry I offended you. I won't let it happen again." His eyes grew larger as he spoke and he took a step away from her.
She started laughing, and that just caused Draco to come bamboozled. "I should be the one apologizing. I just took you too seriously." She stopped laughing and took his hands in hers. "Sometimes I forget that you're the same boy you who used to tease me about my heritage and my teeth and my hair and for carrying too many books around and for being friends with idiots and for being in Gryffindor and-"
"Okay, okay, I get the point," he interrupted. "I already feel bad for all the shit I've ever said to you. You don't have to go and make me feel even worse about it."
"What I'm trying to say is I forgive you for all that and I just have to learn what you consider humor." She smiled at him, and he couldn't help but to smile in return.
"You know, now that I think about it, it must've been pretty funny to see me bouncing down the hall as a ferret."
"Yeah, it was."
They both started laughing and were soon caught up in a passionate embrace. There was a flutter in Hermione's stomach that she had never felt before. Her heart was beating twice as fast as normal. The world seemed to have come to a stop. There was no wind or rustling of leaves. No insects could be heard piercing the silence with their melodic tunes. No owls could be heard hooting or flapping their wings. Everything was still, silent, serene. There was nothing but Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger poring their souls into a single kiss.
The summer droned on. It felt like forever. Hermione and Draco grew closer over the weeks although Draco still hadn't found the courage to ask her out. He wasn't a Gryffindor after all.
Narcissa was a very hospitable host and she absolutely adored Hermione. The two women spent a lot of time talking and soon became friends. Narcissa would occasionally hint to Draco about how much she like Hermione and about how the two teens looked so happy together. He insisted that he got the point and swore that he would ask her out, but whenever he thought he could finally bring himself to do it, he would always back down.
Hermione was not usually the one to make the first move. She liked to wait for the guy to come to her, but she was becoming tired of waiting for Draco. It was obvious that he liked her and she would hint that she liked him, but he still wouldn't make any move.
Finally, it was September first. Both Hermione and Draco woke up early to pack what they needed and got ready to leave.
After breakfast, when they were bringing their luggage down to Narcissa's car, Hermione pushed Draco up against the wall and kissed him roughly. When they broke apart, he looked at her confusedly. "Wanna go out with me?" she asked softly.
"That's not fair! I'm supposed to ask you," he responded.
"Merlin! Did you think I was gunna wait forever? You're taking so damn long. How hard is it to ask me a question? I figured you'd ask right after I broke up with Ron. But did you? Noooo!"
"I didn't think you'd want me to."
"Of course I wanted you to! I wanted you to ask me when we were standing right in front of him!"
"Oh." He looked down at his feet. He felt like a complete jackass.
"So?" Hermione asked raising an eyebrow.
"Huh? So what?"
She smacked him upside the head.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"For being a complete idiot! Do you wanna go out with me?" she said again, but this time emphasizing every word.
"Oh. Yeah." He smiled a little.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "You're real smooth, Draco. Real smooth. Damn, and I thought you were smart. What on Earth was I thinking?"
He shrugged. "I don't know." He took her hand and helped her carry the rest of her luggage to the car.
~
At King's Cross Station, Draco, Hermione, and Narcissa all passed through the barrier between platforms nine and ten. Narcissa hugged them both goodbye and told Hermione to stop by anytime Lucius wasn't around.
They took the last compartment on the Hogwarts Express. Hermione rested her head on his shoulder while his arms wrapped instinctively around her.
"Draco?"
"Yes?"
"Do you think we'll get criticized for something, you know, out of the ordinary?"
"More than likely, but we'll have to ignore all that bullshit and pretend like we don't even care. I know that I won't. Just don't let anything anybody says get to you. Don't show them any weakness. If someone does say something, ignore them and walk away with your head held high. Make everyone believe that you are better than them."
Hermione nodded. "That's something I will always remember. Thanks."
"That is the one piece of advice that I have always held onto. My father taught me that when I was very young. It is the one thing that puts me one step ahead of everyone else."
Their conversation was interrupted by the compartment door opening and Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Cho Chang, and Pansy Parkinson walking in.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Death Eaters," Draco said with a scowl upon his thin lips. "What a displeasure to see the four of you. I'm afraid you're not welcome here. Leave now."
"Well 'Mione, I see you're looking quite comfy with your worst enemy here," Harry said, completely ignoring Draco's comment.
"Actually Harry, I believe it's you and those other three assholes that are the enemy. Last time I checked, which was what, about five seconds ago, it was you that had the Dark Mark, not Draco. Now kindly take heed to him and LEAVE!" Hermione kept herself calm on the outside although inside she was fuming. Rage coursed through her veins. She could feel her heart pumping the blood faster than usual.
"And what if we don't want to?" Pansy asked in response.
Hermione glared at the pug-faced girl. "I will make your lives a living hell for the rest of our time at Hogwarts. If any of you have forgotten, I am a Prefect, and I do have the power to do that."
The six of them held a glaring contest. If looks could kill, they would've all been dead. Their eyes held a hatred that they had never felt for anybody in their lives, with the exception of Draco, who hated Lucius and Voldemort more than anyone.
Harry finally jerked his head toward the door and he and his posse left to find an un-occupied compartment.
Hermione relaxed once again against Draco's body. She really didn't want a fight so soon. Harry and Ron betrayed her for the Dark Lord. It was inconceivable, ludicrous even. All three of them had sworn they would always fight against Voldemort, but now two turned to him for power. They were just like most other people in the world-greedy bastards.
Draco felt Hermione relax and he too was able to. Everything about her mystified him. He suddenly felt an urge to kiss her, but wasn't sure if he should. Unlike with most girls, she had him questioning what he should do. He didn't like the feeling. Girls had never been a problem for him. Not until this one anyway. She was different. There were so many layers that needed to be uncovered, but he was afraid that if he pried too far, she would pull away from him.
When Hermione glanced up at him, he appeared to be staring off into space. Deciding that she would once again take control, she climbed onto his lap. His eyes suddenly snapped back into focus.
"What were you thinking?" Hermione questioned.
"Nothing really."
"You're such a liar."
The train began to move away from the platform and toward Hogwarts.
"I know what I am," Draco responded smirking slightly.
"Oh really? Did you know that you are a scaredy cat? You should learn to act on instinct and stop second-guessing yourself. You've never done that before, so I don't why you are now. You wanna kiss me, so kiss me already. Stop thinking and do. If you wanna hold onto me, you gotta start taking some control."
"How-how did you know that?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I can see right through you, Draco. I know no one has ever been able to do that. Here's a newsflash for you, I'm not most people. I can see what other's can't." She leaned her forehead against his and let her lips linger upon his gently for a few seconds.
"Am I really that transparent?" he mumbled.
"Only to me. Your mother never knows what you're thinking or feeling. Now just shut up and kiss me. I know you want to."
He gladly obliged and pressed his lips to hers. His tongue slid into her mouth and began to explore every crevice. Their tongues battled for control as he ran his hands under her shirt. When he ran them up her back, he broke the kiss gently.
"Draco, why do you stop kissing me every time you touch my back? They're just scars. They don't hurt."
"I know," he whispered. "I just can't help it. It bothers me that your father beats you like that."
"It's really no that bad." She stood, locked the compartment door then pulled her shirt over her head so that she was just wearing her bra. She turned around so that he could see her back. "They really do not hurt anymore."
Draco walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "But it did at one point. I don't like that you were ever in pain."
"I know." She turned in his arms so she could face him. Her arms went around his neck and she played with the hair that hung down. "Listen, don't feel guilty for anything that's happened between us over the years. I don't want that to be a factor in our relationship."
He nodded. "All that stuff I've said, doesn't it bother you?"
"No. I knew that you only said most of those things to please your father. Why can't you just act the same around me as you do with other girls?"
"'Cause I never liked other girls. They were simply a means for me to get what I wanted, but now that I've got you, I'm afraid to be the same person I have been because I don't want to lose you."
Hermione kissed his lips softly. "You will never lose me."
Draco moved one hand up her back, feeling the rough skin from all the scars. He knew that if he ever saw her father again he would kill him, and not with magic. His rage would fuel him, and his hate would make him stronger.
He kissed her passionately. He felt like he was soaring. Every emotion he was feeling was poured into that kiss. Their tongues intertwined, fueling their passion.
Everything Hermione was feeling was new and exciting. Never once when she kissed Ron as She felt like she did then. The room was spinning. The only thing in the world that mattered was the two of them together.
A loud knock on the compartment door ended their perfect alter-world. Hermione sighed in frustration as she pulled her shirt over her head. Just when Draco finally decided to start something, someone had to go and ruin it.
Once Hermione plopped down onto the bench with her arms folded across her chest, Draco unlocked and opened the door.
"Anything off the trolley dears?" the old witch with the cart asked.
Draco looked at Hermione, who looked like she wanted to kill the old lady. "No!" he snapped and slammed the door closed.
"That's what we were interrupted for?" Hermione said incredulously.
Draco laughed a little as he sat back down next to her. "Don't get all mad. She's just doing her job." He kissed her cheek softly.
"Yeah, well I wasn't the one who snapped at her. The poor lady looked like she was about to have a heart attack." She laced her fingers with his and swung her legs over his.
He smiled innocently. "Me? I would never do that. Whatever are you talking about? Why would I scare a little old witch? You must be confusing me with someone else."
"Oh that must be it. 'Cause you know, I've only spent the entire summer at your house so naturally I know nothing about you."
"Of course not."
Hermione just shook her head and rested it on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and drifted into a peaceful sleep. Draco followed shortly after.
~
When Draco awoke, the sun was just about set and Hermione was still sleeping soundly in his arms. He figured that they were just about at Hogwarts, so he woke her gently.
He kissed her lightly and let his lips linger on hers for a few moments. She didn't wake, so he whispered, "Hermione, wake up. We have to get ready." She didn't even stir. He stroked his hand down her face. "Hey, we gotta go to school. Come on, baby, wake up," he cooed. Since that didn't work, he kissed her roughly. This did wake her. She kissed him back. Her hands ran up his chest. She could feel his toned chest through the thin material of his shirt.
He broke away from her a few seconds later. "It's about time you woke up. You must be a heavy sleeper."
She yawned a little. "Only when I feel safe."
"You feel safe around me?" he asked.
She nodded. "You're the only guy I feel safe around. I would trust you with my life. Don't ask me why 'cause I really don't know."
He smiled at this. No one had ever really trusted him before, and it felt good to have someone really on him for once. "We should start getting ready," he said after a while. "I would imagine that we are almost there, even though I don't really know how long we've been sleeping."
Hermione nodded and stood to stretch. She was feeling cramped up from the awkward position that she been sleeping in. Her neck and shoulders were very stiff. After many attempts of trying to roll them, she gave up and asked for Draco's assistance. "Draco, do you think you could massage my neck and shoulders? I am so stiff right now."
"Uh sure." He stood behind her and began to massage her stiff limbs gently. His movements were gentle as if he were handling an antique porcelain doll. To him she was an angel even if everyone else thought different. The way she spoke, the way she moved, the way she treated people-if he believed in Heaven and Hell, he would have sworn she was sent to him by God.
Hermione thanked him with a small kiss when her limbs no longer felt stiff.
Neither of them bothered to change into their Hogwarts uniforms, but decided to put their robes on over their clothes.
The train began to slow, and eventually came to a stop. As always, they left their luggage in the compartments as they headed into the cool night air toward the horseless carriages, which they had found out the previous year weren't really horseless at all, they were being drawn by thestrals.
There wasn't a cloud in the black sky that night. All the stars could be seen smiling down upon the students as they headed for the giant castle that most liked to call "home." It was the place where they encountered their best experiences and their worst experiences. Their most embarrassing moments occurred in the castle, while it was also a where they had the best time of their lives. Hogwarts wasn't just a place; it was encounter, experience, and most of all emotion. Every student left a part of his or her soul in the school once they left.
The ride in the carriages took next to no time. Hermione and Draco had to share their carriage with two third year Ravenclaw girls who both looked about ready to faint when they saw Draco.
For a little fun, Hermione sat as close to Draco as was physically possible and pretended to whisper in his ear while nibbling it gently. The two younger students looked on with looks on jealousy and envy as the scene unfolded before them.
The carriage suddenly came to an abrupt halt in front of the castle. Draco opened the door and made a sweeping motion with his arm, signaling the two girls to go ahead of him. "After you, my dears," he said sweetly with the smirk that made every girl head-over-heels for him. Both girls smiled dreamily at him as they stepped down from the carriage.
It took the greater part of Hermione's self control to keep from laughing hysterically. Before Hermione could hop out of the carriage, however, Draco jumped out and held his hand out to her. She took it gratefully and smiled at him as she stepped down. Draco held out his other hand and a black rose appeared. "For you, m' lady," he said as he handed it to her.
"Why thank you. You sure are acting like Prince Charming today."
"Muggle fairy-tale?" he questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"How'd you know? I thought you were deprived of all things Muggle."
His smirk reappeared once again. "Not all things. I have you, don't I?" He gave her a small kiss behind her ear, which earned a soft moan. "Anyway, my mother would read me some fairy-tales when I was a young child. Much were much too.sweet for my taste, but I remember them nonetheless."
"If they were much too sweet for you, my dear, why are you acting like you just popped out of one?"
"Pray tell, in which one does the guy pull a black rose out of thin air? I do not seem to recall that one."
They walked through the large oak doors then waited to file into the Great Hall with everybody else.
"I wasn't talking about the rose, Draco. Although I have to admit it was very original. What I was talking about was the way you're being so sweet and charming. What happened to the ruthless prat I fell for?"
"Would you like me to be him again?"
She pondered her answer for a few seconds. "Well, let's see, I first fell for him because of his attitude and the twisted things he would come up with to get a reaction out of me, however, right now I feel special, which is something I have never felt before. So I guess a mixture of your personalities would be nice, as long as you're not faking anything to make me feel good."
"That's the thing. I feel like I don't have to act when I'm around you. You have the ability to make me want to be a better person."
They smiled at each other as they neared the doors to the Great Hall. Before they entered, Draco whispered, "Meet me by the lake after you lead your House back to the common room."
Hermione nodded once as they headed to their separate tables to get ready for the start of the feast.
Hermione sat down at the end of the long table. Not long after, her fellow classmates Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas sat across from her. "Hello!" she said cheerily. "How were your summers?"
"Good, and yours?" Seamus replied.
"Better than usual. How 'bout you, Dean?"
"Okay, I guess. I didn't really get to do much since my parents were away on business and I had to stay with my Aunt Mary."
Seamus clapped a hand on his friend's back. "That's not what you said before, mate. I thought you said you had a good summer."
"I lied," he shrugged. "What made your summer so great, 'Mione? Did you get to travel somewhere or something?"
Hermione smiled a bit. "I stayed in England, but not with my parents. That's what made it so great."
The two boys looked at her with perplexed expressions. Neither of them knew what really went on in the Granger household. In fact the only person who knew was Draco Malfoy. Hermione liked to let people believe that her life was as wonderful as it had once been. No one really needed to know about her personal life anyway, and she wasn't to keen on complaining to anyone.
The first years began to walk in with Professor McGonagall leading the way. For the most part, Hermione blocked out the Sorting Ceremony. The only thing she heard was when Dumbledore said, "Let the feast begin!"
The food was wonderful as it always was on the first day back. The house elves had proven once again that they were talented in the field of cooking.
After dessert, Dumbledore stood up to make his start of term announcements. "First years, welcome! Staff and older students welcome back for what is sure to be a fun-filled year at Hogwarts! I would just like to make it known that the staff as well as myself will be keeping a close watch on all of you due to the events that occurred last year. For all students," here he looked at the Gryffindor table, "I would like you to remember that the Forbidden Forest is off limits to all. I bid you good evening. Prefects, lead the first years up to the House common rooms."
Hermione gathered all the first years and led them up to the portrait of the Fat Lady. The new password was "strawberry shortcake." Hermione showed the first years to the common room then directed them to their dormitories.
Once everyone was pretty much situated, she dashed out of the common room and outside to the lake where Draco was already awaiting her presence.
"How'd you get out here so quick?" she asked giving him a quick peck on the lips.
He smirked. "The dungeons are a bit closer than wherever it is you come from. Besides, I probably didn't take as much time as you did getting everyone situated and comfortable. There are other people who can take care of that."
She rolled her eyes. "That is so typical of you to say and do. Just dump it off on someone else, am I right?"
"Pretty much. The way I see it is this-why should I do something when there are others around me who can do it better? Sorry I'm a perfectionist like you, Ms know-it-all."
"I like to set high standards for myself. Is that all right with you, Ferret Boy?"
"Hey, when did I get that old name back?"
"When you gave me my old name back. I am not a know-it-all or a perfectionist. I simply work hard so that people like you will not just think I am a worthless Mudblood that doesn't belong here."
"Calm down! I didn't mean it like that. And I definitely do not think that you are worthless. You're the smartest person in out year for Merlin's sake! I'm sorry I offended you. I won't let it happen again." His eyes grew larger as he spoke and he took a step away from her.
She started laughing, and that just caused Draco to come bamboozled. "I should be the one apologizing. I just took you too seriously." She stopped laughing and took his hands in hers. "Sometimes I forget that you're the same boy you who used to tease me about my heritage and my teeth and my hair and for carrying too many books around and for being friends with idiots and for being in Gryffindor and-"
"Okay, okay, I get the point," he interrupted. "I already feel bad for all the shit I've ever said to you. You don't have to go and make me feel even worse about it."
"What I'm trying to say is I forgive you for all that and I just have to learn what you consider humor." She smiled at him, and he couldn't help but to smile in return.
"You know, now that I think about it, it must've been pretty funny to see me bouncing down the hall as a ferret."
"Yeah, it was."
They both started laughing and were soon caught up in a passionate embrace. There was a flutter in Hermione's stomach that she had never felt before. Her heart was beating twice as fast as normal. The world seemed to have come to a stop. There was no wind or rustling of leaves. No insects could be heard piercing the silence with their melodic tunes. No owls could be heard hooting or flapping their wings. Everything was still, silent, serene. There was nothing but Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger poring their souls into a single kiss.