Chapter 8- Passion

I was dumbfounded. I sort of gazed at him for a moment, and studied how he was smiling at me- not smirking, but actually smiling. My heartbeat quickened without me noticing, as I struggled for an answer.

"I don't see why not.." I trailed off quietly, and then added," But don't try anything!"

He chuckled. "Don't worry, Granger. I won't."

I gave a weak smile, and waited in place for him to begin. He came straight up to me, so close that I could smell his breath, and fortunately, it was minty fresh. It was closer than we'd ever gotten before.

I studied his gray eyes, and noted how gorgeous they were- intertwined with a frost- kissed blue and quite expressive. His ivory hair was perfect, and his few, short silver bangs hung over his pale forehead. I'd never noticed how incredibly handsome he was until that moment, until the moment when I knew that he was not some rude prat, but a boy who was so self conscious that he had to change everything that he was for the crowd.

He drew me into his arms, and wrapped them around my lower back. I enfolded my own around his smooth neck, but did not lay my head down yet. I wanted to observe what was happening, for this seemed like an out-of-body experience.

There was music blaring in from the Great Hall, and a slow song was playing. We moved from side to side, and I was delighted that for once, my shoes did not get trampled.

Draco really could stay upon the beat, and did a good job of it, too, since I wasn't really moving my body at all. I felt cemented to the rug.

"Why are you so nervous?" he whispered in a soft tone.

"What do you mean, 'nervous'?" I wanted to know.

"You're shaking," he replied.

And I was. I just couldn't believe how good this was feeling, but also how strange it seemed that my once worst enemy was making me feel this way. I didn't answer, but smiled nervously, and kept trying to move my feet.

I stared up into his beautiful eyes and I knew right then that he was no liar; that he had been telling the truth. I suddenly felt like I had desired him for the longest time, although I knew that it couldn't possibly be true.

It still seemed unreal- as though it was some sort of corrupted dream, because it seemed so beautiful, but this was MALFOY. Yet, I felt connected to him somehow, like I had to help him; like I was the only one to give him advice and listen to his troubles.

"What are we going to do about this?" I murmured into his ear, not really meaning to speak until the words came out of my mouth.

"About what?" was his reply, as he nuzzled my ear.

I tried to stay focused. "About- us.. I mean, people are going to notice that something is different. Will things be different, Draco Malfoy?"

He shook his head as we swayed, and replied," I honestly don't know. I really love you, though. It's just the thought of what will happen from this. I don't know what we should do."

"We?" I exclaimed. "Don't expect me to come up with the answers! You're the one who put all of this on top of my shoulders, and I've got a History of Magic thesis due in three months!"

He grinned at that. "I know. You're absolutely right, but how am I supposed to tell my father? And everyone in Slytherin?" He was beginning to look a little panicked, and when I say 'a little' I mean it. I was starting to notice that Draco rarely got upset over anything.

"I have no idea. I suppose that the truth would be easiest," I replied, smiling back, while a knot was twisting in my stomach. Did I really want gigantic problems to arise? And was I really, truly interested in Draco? He flattered me- that was certainly the truth. But it was still hard to trust him. 'His trust can be gained', said a part of me.

"Why do you love me, Draco?" I questioned seriously. "Why can't you just want someone who is easy to go along with? Why not a Slytherin? It would make sense, Draco."

"I don't care what makes sense," he declared coldly. "All of my life, I've been told what's right and what's wrong. 'Voldemort is good', 'Muggles are bad', 'eat your mushy peas'. But, you know what? Voldemort is NOT good. He ruined my father, and by doing that, he ruined my family. As for Muggles, they're all right, I suppose. I mean, what's the big deal with them? They don't get in my way. And as far as mushy peas are concerned, I HATE THEM. Mother always told me that they were good for me, but they remind me of dung. So, I don't really listen to what they tell me any more, and I'm convinced that if I started doing things that, by the Malfoy standards, don't make sense, maybe something will go right in my life."

I was awed. "Draco, that was the most intelligent theory that I've heard for a long, long time. The peas part was quite good!" I laughed.

"Thanks," he replied proudly. "It's all the truth, by the way. Not just the peas, but everything. I think we should get to know each other a lot better. Do you think we could?"

I nodded. "I want to get to know you as well. I just can't believe it. It doesn't seem real."

"Let me make it real for you, then," he responded, smirking slyly, and before I could ask how, he proceeded to lean forward and press his lips against my own.

A muffled 'eep' of surprise left my mouth, as I felt his cool lips push against mine. It was my second kiss, as Victor Krum had been my first, but this was completely different. I pulled my arms tighter around his neck and kissed him back, hardly thinking about what was happening.

He ran his smooth hands through my hair and broke off the kiss, only to start one again.

Just then, I heard someone shout from behind us:

"AND JUST WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?"

I recognized the voice. It was Ron.