Chapter 6:

"How is he?" She asked.

"He'll come around Hermione, just give him some time, " he answered her. They walked out together and saw Draco there just as he had said. He noticed the grim look on Hermione's face and immediately knew how Ron was doing. Without a word, her took her hand into his and intwined his fingers with hers.

"I was thinking of heading over th Hogsmead for dinner, " Draco suggested. Harry and Hermione agreed and they headed to the Three Broomsticks. Once their meals had arrived ( including Ron's meal in a doggy bag) Harry started asking questions.

"So when did this whole thing start?" Harry asked Hermione.

"Last month, " Draco answered without even looking up from his food.

"I didn't ask you, " Harry calmy said, glancing at Draco.

"Harry...please," Hermione warned, " Harry, why was Ron more upset than you were?"

"I think he'll explain that to you in a few days, " Harry replied.

"A few days?" Hermione wondered. Draco looked up to hear Harry's answer, but kept quiet.

"I told him to think and sort out everything by himself first, then he and you are going to sit down together in our room and talk, " he informed her. She nodded slowly understanding what Harry said.

" I will be there on Ron's behalf for a few minutes then I'll leave, " he added.

"And me?" Draco asked.

"You don't need to be there Draco, Ron doesn't need you to be there. It would be too much for him, " Harry told him, still not trusting him.

"But that's not fair! You're there for Ron, who's gonna be there for Hermione?" Draco asked, getting a little bit frustrated.

"Draco, I can handle it, " Hermione said softly, " I have an idea, Harry. Why don't you meet Draco when you leave, and try and get to know each other. Please Harry, I can't lose you too."

Harry looked at Hermione, and saw her large sad eyes. He couldn't say no, because it would hurt her more. He sighed and agreed.

"Alright then, Draco, we can walk around while Ron and Hermione sort things out."

"Thank you Harry, " Hermione said.

They continued talking, then set out back to Hogwarts. Draco escorted Hermione back to their house, and Harry entered, leaving them alone. Hermione turned to face Draco, and smiled at him. She still had he fingers intwined with his.

"Thank you for everything Draco, " she whispered.

"For what?" He stood confused.

"For understanding and for being here for me."

He smiled back looking once again into her deep chocolate brown eyes.

"I'll always be here for you, no matter what happend Hermione, " he murmured. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him. She felt so safe in his arms, and simply forgot about her problem with Ron. His face movied closer to her's and she gazed into his charming blue eyes, predicting what he'd do next. He confirmed her prediction by softly placing his lips on her sweet tender lips. She closed her eyes letting her other senses take over her. She felt his hand move across her back as she played with his hair. She like they were in heaven.

' I still can't believe I'm with Draco Malfoy, ' she thought as he pulled away. She reopened her eyes slowly to see Draco's handsome face inches from her; smiling. They didn't nee to speak, because actions were stronger that words. She was still in his arms, and she knew she should go, but she didn't want to leave him. She put her arms around his neck and placed her lips to his ear.

"Goodnight Draco, " she whispered. Draco's head buried into her shoulders and as she pulled away, he stopped her and kissed her once again before saying goodnight. Hermione entered her house, walking on a cloud. She didn't see Harry, who was sitting on the couch, and just continued walking to her room. Harry watched her beaming face disappear down the corridor, and thought to himself, ' I'm glad she's happy...now, about Ron...' He got up and headed to his own room, to where Ron was already sleeping.

* * * * * * * *

After a hard day of work, Harry and Ron headed back to their room. Ron tossed his books on his bed, and flopped down beside them, " So I'm guessing that you're gonna get Hermione right?"

"Yup!" Harry said enthusiastically.

"So...I'm guessing that I can't talk you out of it huh?" Ron sighed.

"Nope!" Harry grinned, putting his books away. Ron sighed even louder. Harry left to get Hermione who was outside with Draco.

* * * * * * * *

!!