It was a nice day out despite the crisp, cold winter whether. She was decked out in gloves, beanie, scarf, and her new student robe her parents had bought her in August. The sun reflected on the river below as she stood on the bridge. She let out a breath and it fogged over; she shivered. The birds were out and she wished she could just stay here the whole time, not wanting to observe quidditch practice.

Her eyes were closed when she smelled his cologne. She must have been deep within her thoughts because she heard no sound as he walked up to her. She could feel her heart flutter and goosebumps erupt in her skin. "All alone?" he asked softly, sending her mind reeling.

She looked at him as he rested his side against the wooden railing. He was so close to her. "Harry and Ron have quidditch practice and I was just stalling before going over to the pitch."

"Why were you stalling," he asked with a grin.

"Ron's flying skills give me anxiety." To this Malfoy let out a laugh and Hermione smiled. "What are you doing here."

"I was hoping to get on a broom and fly. I needed the fresh air."

Hermione remained looking at him for a few seconds before opening her mouth to speak. "It's appalling how flying clears your head. Harry is the same."

"Not a fan?" He took the tiniest of steps closer and Hermione had the urge to look around, they were in public after all.

"Are you kidding," she laughed. "I'd rather face a troll than fly."

"Well, have you ever tried?"

"No but I've been in the air and I hate it."

"You should let me guide you."

Again Hermione stayed silent, observing him. His eyes were more gray than blue today. And she noticed then that his hair was less gelled back than usual, in fact he was sporting a short curl on his forehead that looked rather cute. "I don't trust you yet," she grinned and then gasped when Malfoy lowered his mouth to her ear.

"But you trust me enough to kiss you." His voice caused tingles to spread all along her neck and she bit her lip. "And touch you." A noise escaped her, causing Malfoy's eyes to darken and Hermione to blush furiously.

"You-you make me nervous," Hermione mumbled. Malfoy's hand began to trace her back and Hermione sighed, delighted despite her comment.

"In a good way, I hope," he whispered, his lips making contact with her ear and beginning to nibble at the skin below it.

"I'm not entirely s-sure." She shuddered as his hand squeezing her waist. "You're," she turned away from him, stepping back. "dangerous."

He arched an eyebrow. "Is that so," his voice was low and she was reminded of the malicious Malfoy she had known for years. But, there was still something so alluring about him. She felt hot.

"Y-yes." She took a step back and he followed, and she realized he might like this chase they were playing at. What did it say about him? What did it say about her? "Are you trying to intimidate me, Malfoy?"

"Maybe," he said with a grin. "Is it working?"

She stared at him and then smirked. He really was a complete prat. Malfoy licked his bottom lip and then bit it slightly and Hermioe's knees weakened. She took a deep breath, breaking eye contact. "Stop," she declared loudly. "This is ridiculous, we're in public," she looked around. "If someone saw us they would be able to tell that there's something going on." She stepped away from him, creating more distance. He was grinning at her and squinting his eyes slightly.

"As you wish, Granger?"

"Follow me." She turned around and began walking towards the pitch. She smiled when she heard him following. He continued to follow her as she began walking through the forest instead of the designated path towards the pitch.

They were silent for the entirety of the walk until they finally arrived at a clearing. A small stream was passing by, Hermione immediately felt more at ease now that she was covered by trees, away from prying eyes.

"Hiding, are we?" Malfoy said, breaking the silence.

"Precisely." Hermione picked up a pebble and tossed it around for a second before letting it drop. When she looked at Malfoy he was standing a few steps away, hands in his pockets, looking around.

"What are you thinking right now?" She asked.

His eyes found hers and then he went back to looking around. "That there are so many places at Hogwarts that I haven't had the chance to see. It's really peaceful here."

"Isn't it?" She smiled.

"Do you come here a lot?"

Hermione shrugged. "Whenever I remember it's here. When I have the time." She looked at him again. "What's wrong with you this year."

Her question was abrupt and she could by the way Malfoy stiffened, that he didn't want to talk about it. Clearly, you couldn't get personal with the guy. "Nothing, Granger."

"You see, even though I've hated you for six years, I've still observed you and I know that there's something bothering you and it's been bothering you for months."

He looked at her again, his eyes fierce but Hermione stood tall, giving him the same look. "It's really none of your business."

Hermione nodded. "Funny how I don't believe you."

"Well I don't give a bloody fuck what you believe, Granger." He growled and she snapped her eyes at him. He was glaring at her now, all sense of the guy from earlier and the night before, gone. She couldn't help her anger build.

"Damn it, Granger. Why do you have to talk about things that don't concern you."

Hermione started walking towards him, "stupid of me to think you would open up," she said. "You'll always be an angry person who does nothing but cower and hide." She walked past him and his hand took hold of her upper arm, squeezing just enough to annoy her.

"How dare you," he seethed.

"What are you going to do? Tell your father?" She pressed.

"Shut up, Granger. You leave me the fuck alone." His grip tightened and Hermione's anger faltered.

"Malfoy, stop it. You're hurting me." She swiped at his hand with her right arm and he let go. She could tell he was seething.

"Don't talk to me."

Hermione gaped up at him, cradling her arm.

"God knows you're only worth it when you spread your legs open," he muttered, hatred seeping, as he walked away. She gasped, her heart sinking faster than a leaf vanishing in draught of living death. Her throat squeezed, burning, she felt the tears building in her brown eyes. How could she have been stupid enough to believe that Malfoy could ever be a good person. He would always be a lowlife godforsaken asshole.

Tears fell, splashing on the rocks below her boots. But that only made her angrier. Angry that she was crying in the first place. So she wiped her face, swore to forget the years she'd wasted fancying him, and made her way to the pitch.