CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: Buttered Popcorn

Draco woke the next morning to find the bed empty beside him. He felt a wave of panic wash over him, but then noticed the note on the pillow beside him and relaxed.

"Draco,

I went to see Dumbledore, I shouldn't be gone long. I love you.

-Hermione"

Draco smiled; she wasn't mad anymore. He contemplated going to find her, but decided not to, just in case. He quickly decided that staying in bed was not the best choice of activities; his mind kept drifting back to the previous night and what had happened there. Just thinking about being that close to her gave Draco a strange, stomach flipping, feeling. It was an uneasy sensation, good and bad at the same time. **I have to get out of here,** he thought and got quickly out of bed. Looking down at his wrinkled sleeping attire, Draco decided a shower would do good to calm his restlessness. He sighed, missing Hermione's cheery morning presence, and made his way out to the common room, then continued to the bathroom

Telling himself that Hermione was not upset, Draco felt content with everything. He smiled as he let the hot water rain down on him, and stayed in the shower for almost an hour; the longest he had taken in some time. In reality, he did so to be sure that he could see Hermione as soon as he got out. Now, Draco was confident that she would be there; it couldn't have taken that long to see the old man, and he didn't know how long she had been gone before he woke.

To Draco's surprise, however, Hermione was not there. He dried himself and dressed, then exited the bathroom with a smile; expecting to see her reading in the common room. There was no one there, however, not even her bloody cat. His smile faltered, but he hadn't lost hope yet. Draco walked to his room, opening the door to once again be greeted by nothing. He tried her room next, finding her cat, but not Hermione.

**One last place...** he thought and walked through her room to the balcony. Draco sighed as he opened the door; no one. He stepped out to the railing, silently contemplating whether or not to go looking for her. His eyes scanned the grounds, taking in everything. Draco smiled as his gaze fell upon the frozen lake; remembering their ice skating expedition. He remembered his fall and how she had laughed; she was pretty when she laughed.

"That's it, I'm going to find her," he said out loud and turned back to go inside. Draco hurriedly made his way to Dumbledore's office, not running as he had before, but still moving quickly. He had to see her, apologize or something; but ultimately just see her. Draco paused in front of the door, wondering if she would be angry at his visit. He took a breath and knocked on the door.

"Come in, Mr. Malfoy," the familiar voice of Dumbledore was heard though the wood. Draco opened the door slowly and slipped into the room. No Hermione; both conference chairs were empty and Dumbledore sat alone at his desk, smiling at the boy.

"Good morning Professor. Is Hermione here? She left me a note," Draco said, sounding hopeful.

"I'm afraid you've missed her, Mr. Malfoy. Miss Granger left for Hogsmeade about twenty minutes ago, but expected you would come looking." Draco frowned; **Stupid shower,**he thought.

"Ah, well. Did she say when she would be back? I have to speak with her about something," he told the elder, now sounding disappointed.

"No, she did not, Mr. Malfoy, but Miss Granger did insist that you not follow her," the old man said, sounding unusually regretful.

"Oh. Thank you Professor."

"Goodbye Mr. Malfoy," he called as Draco slipped back out the door. The lone Slytherin breathed a heavy sigh and began his way back to the common room. If Hermione asked him not to follow, he wouldn't, but he still felt disappointed. He was sure she would be there, and she wasn't; he missed her. Draco decided it best to leave the thoughts behind him and just go back to their quarters. She would come back eventually.

* * * * * * * * * *

Hermione walked up the path to the castle, clad with various shopping bags. Her thoughts were rested on one Draco Malfoy; she had left him. She knew he wouldn't be angry; she had left a note after all, but she had still left. Hermione had been gone from their rooms for three hours, needing to just get out. She decided shopping was the best thing possible to do, considering the approaching holiday.

The flustered Gryffindor made her way into the building and up the stairs to the common room portrait. She entered quietly, hoping Draco was still asleep. There was no one in the common room and she smiled; he must be in bed. Hermione felt a shiver run up her spine at the thought, and it felt good. She crept quietly to her room, depositing the bags into her closet, and stayed only a moment before leaving again. She made a stealth U-turn and noiselessly entered Draco's room, wanting to see him. Draco was a very attractive sleeper; not that he wasn't ravishing awake as well, and Hermione loved to just watch him.

To her surprise, Hermione found his bed empty. Confused, she walked to the window. **Not in bed, not in the common room, and not on the balcony... where is he?** she thought and turned back to the bed, looking for a note. ** Now, if I were Draco, where would I leave a note?** Hermione, upon finding nothing in the bedroom, went out to the common room to look on the desks. Nothing. She continued to search the common room and found equally nothing. Then, Hermione went back to check her room, looking over the bed and vanity.

She was getting frantic; there was no note. She and Draco had had an unspoken agreement to leave a note if they were to leave the other without notification. It seemed a little possessive, but still made both of them feel better. No note was not good. Hermione seemed to have no choice but to wait for him. **If Draco isn't back within an hour, I'm going to Dumbledore,** she concluded and fled to the common room. Hermione sat on the couch, arms crossed, staring at the common room door. She didn't have to wait long; it was only about ten minutes before the pale blonde Slytherin walked through the portrait portal.

Hermione felt a wave of relief wash over her and tried to bring back the anger she should have; but it wouldn't come. Draco looked up with hopeful eyes as he entered and Hermione's heart fluttered when she saw the grin creep across his face as he laid eyes on her. She tried to look angry, but his happiness to see her forced her to smile.

"Hey!" he said excitedly, walking quickly over to her. "Where did you go?" Hermione smirked a little.

"You know perfectly well where I went. Unlike some people, I leave notes when I leave without warning," she said and looked at Draco accusingly. He smiled sheepishly and sat down beside her.

"Sorry love, but your note said you were with Dumbledore. When you didn't come back, I went to pay our dear Headmaster a visit of my own. Guess who wasn't there?" He paused for a moment and Hermione smiled guiltily. "I didn't leave a note because I thought you'd be where I was going, not here when I returned."

"I suppose that makes sense. Why did you come looking for me anyway?" she said, moving a little closer to him. Draco smiled as he felt the tingle come nearer.

"Well, knowing you... and me, you left at least an hour before I woke up, and an hour later you still hadn't come back. That's an awful long time to be visiting teachers, even for you, love." He smiled, "...and I missed you; I haven't seen you since last night, and that was under some... un- enjoyable circumstances." He told her truthfully. Hermione smiled a little and nodded. She knew what was coming next and waited for it, hoping she was ready. "Are you still mad at me?" Draco asked and she sighed; that's what she thought he would say.

"Draco, I was never angry with you; you were the one freaking out about it, not me," she said, relaxing a little in the plush sofa. Draco looked confused.

"But...you turned away from me..." he said, sounding almost depressed. Hermione looked at him, and spoke softly.

"You turned away from me first," she pointed out and Draco closed his eyes sadly, remembering. "I thought that's what you wanted, for me to stay away. You think I wanted to do that? Draco, that's the farthest apart we've slept in a long, long time...I hated ever minute of it," she stated truthfully. Draco's eyes popped back open and he turned back to her, still looking sad.

"So did I, Hermione. I didn't want that to happen either, but maybe it was better," he said and Hermione looked to him sharply, not wanting to believe he had just said that.

"How can you say that? How is it better; we both hated it...explain to me one good thing about that arrangement," she dared, almost raising her voice. Draco sighed and looked to the floor.

"I couldn't hurt you when I couldn't touch you," he said, sounding deeply regretful and guilty. Hermione almost screamed.

"Draco! You were so scared of me last night you wouldn't have done anything if we were naked, covered in butter, and locked in a freezer!" she said and gasped, blushing and covering her mouth with her hands. She had NOT wanted to say THAT. Draco looked to her, eyes wide with shock.

"Whoa, where did that come from? You have some strange fantasies, Granger," he said with a smirk. Hermione blinked and just stared blankly at him.

"How about we pretend I never said that," she suggested, still shocked at herself. Draco laughed and brushed a stray hair from her face affectionately.

"Easier said than done, love," he came back with a smile, then leaned closer and kissed her cheek, as her hands were still hiding her mouth. They slid down then, and she looked up at him, almost confused.

"You kissed me," she whispered and Draco frowned a little, not sure what she meant. Hermione leaned closer to him. "Do it again," she begged and Draco smiled.

"As you wish," he said and obeyed. Their forbidden kiss was long and deep; tongue tied. Hermione wrapped her arms around Draco's neck and he embraced her, keeping one hand on her back while the other voyaged through her hair, supporting her head. It was wonderful. When it ended, both were breathless; Hermione kept her eyes closed and let her lips brush against the skin of Draco's pale cheek.

"Wow," she whispered and paused before pulling away and smirking a little. She opened her eyes and saw a semi-confused Draco starting back at her. "How did we move from Granger to love to that in like fifteen seconds?" she asked and Draco smiled. He kissed her again, this time short and sweet. When he pulled away, Draco did so thoroughly. He casually leaned back on the sofa and smiled.

Hermione looked at him rather seductively, then turned on the couch and leaned back, placing her head on Draco's lap and letting her legs dangle over the arm. She sighed blissfully. Hermione looked up at Draco and saw that he was looking down at her. She smiled; his hair was a bit messy and falling over his eyes, making him look extremely attractive.

"I love you," she said and Draco placed a hand on her cheek.

"I love you too, Hermione." She smiled and closed her eyes. Draco slid his hand from her cheek to her stomach, careful to avoid her breasts entirely. Hermione squirmed a little at his touch, loving every second of it, and smiled. "Did you enjoy yesterday?" he asked, wanting to make conversation. Hermione opened her eyes, but kept her smile.

"I wouldn't have traded it for the world," she said and paused, "Well, maybe that whole 'I'm in love with Fristy' misunderstanding," Hermione smirked. Draco did not look amused.

"I am NOT in love with Fristy, ew... I don't even want to think about that... oh great, thanks for the visuals, Hermione." He shuddered in disgust and Hermione laughed.

"I know, I know...of course you're not," she said, still laughing. Hermione slid her hand down to Draco's, which still rested on her stomach. Draco moved his finger between two of hers, gliding over the ring. Hermione felt this and raised her hand to look at it herself. The silver glinted gold in the firelight and Hermione finally noticed the color scheme. "Our colors," she said in a tone that suggested she had just realized it.

"Of course," he said as if it were obvious. Hermione smiled up at him and he moved his hand to once again roll softly over her hair. She visibly melted at his touch and closed her eyes again. "I would have had it set in gold, but it looked better this way," he stated, just wanting to have a conversation for once. Hermione smiled.

"It's perfect," she said and continued to admire the fine piece of jewelry. Draco saw an opening for a quick witted compliment and decided to seize it.

"Just like you," he whispered with a smile, looking down at her. Hermione took her eyes from her hand and connected them with the silver grey oculi of her Slytherin counterpart. She smiled and sighed happily.

"You have no idea how it makes me feel when you say things like that," she said and moved her hand to cover his, which was resting lightly in her hair. Draco felt her squeeze his hand, and he returned the favor.

"You deserve to hear it more often, love," he said truthfully. Hermione turned her head into him, nuzzling against his stomach, and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath and inhaled the dulcet sent that was of Draco Malfoy. Hermione said nothing and Draco let the silence sit for a moment before once again speaking. "Hey, Hermione, how come all of our conversations seem to be all... heartfelt and... fluffy?" Hermione laughed and Draco smiled; he loved it when she laughed. She opened her eyes and looked up at him.

"Did I just hear you say the word 'fluffy'?" she asked, smirking. Draco smiled; almost a smirk, but not quite.

"What are you doing to me, Hermione?" he said and Hermione laughed again. She blinked her eyes suggestively and tried to look innocent.

"Why nothing, Draco dear. You've brought this upon yourself," she said and smiled. Draco moved his thumb gently across her cheek and grinned warmly.

"So I have," he said and looked up. When his eyes returned to hers, they looked confused. With a wrinkled brow he spoke again. "Wait, what are we talking about?" Hermione laughed once more and Draco smiled. She shrugged a little and slid her hand down to her stomach.

"Why can't we just talk? Why does it always have to be about something?" she asked, sounding care-free. Draco shook his head.

"Whatever you say, love," he said smiling. Hermione said nothing, but snuggled into him again. Draco felt the heart-racing tingle again and closed his eyes while it circulated through him. "Oh, I love that," he said quietly, thinking out loud. Hermione didn't move, but took a semi-deep breath.

"What?" she asked quietly, not really paying attention. Draco popped his eyes back open and looked down at Hermione, curled up in his lap with her eyes closed.

"You...this, everything," he said, deeply relaxing. Hermione moved a hand near her face, then let her fingers crawl under Draco's shirt. She slid her hand up and onto his abs, just resting it there. "Hey, why did you go to Hogsmeade anyway?" he asked, not about to question her voyaging hand. Hermione smiled.

"It's December, Draco; why do you think I went to Hogsmeade?" she asked sweetly, not really sarcastic. Draco looked surprised, but Hermione didn't see him through her closed eyes.

"It is?" he asked, sounding as surprised as he had looked. Hermione giggled a little.

"Yes, it's the twelfth, in fact. Where have you been?" she asked, moving her hand up and little, then back down. The tingle returned to Draco as she did so and he held his breath in momentary bliss. She didn't move again, and the pleasure faded. Draco sighed a little and smiled.

"Lost in thoughts of you, I suppose." Hermione smiled. Draco thought she might move again at that, but to his semi-disappointment, she remained still. "What do you want for Christmas, love?" he asked after a moment, curious. Unexpectedly, but much to Draco's pleasure, she moved herself closer to him and began to gently rub her thumb across his bare skin. Draco closed his eyes again; every stroke sent electric jolts through his body. It was indescribably extraordinary. Suddenly, she stopped.

"You," she said quietly and didn't move; everything was perfect. As the tingle died away, Draco felt himself able to speak again. He smiled a little as he contemplated his response.

"Oh, but Hermione; I gave you that yesterday." Hermione smiled and moved to sit up. She spun around and draped her legs over Draco's, sitting beside him. Draco could hardly contain himself as she did so, and sighed pleasurably as Hermione placed an arm around him and rested her head on his chest.

"Well, I guess I'm all set then," she said and Draco sighed; she had stopped moving again. Hermione's hand was no longer up his shirt, and that too was disappointing.

As if she knew was he was thinking, Hermione ran her hand from his chest to his abs and back again. Draco felt the tingle, but it was dulled. He yearned for the breath taking arrival that came whenever her bare skin touched his.

"No, really; what do you want?" he asked, trying to take his mind of his addiction. Hermione smirked and moved her hand again. This time up to his shoulder and back.

"Well, there is one thing..." she said and Draco looked almost surprised; he hadn't expected her to tell him.

"I'm listening," he said when she didn't continue.

"That's not what I want you to do," she said and looked up at him. Draco didn't have time to be confused; Hermione connected her lips with his almost before he could register her words. The incredible sensation hit Draco hard enough to cause him to pull back; he hadn't expected that and he wasn't ready.

Draco looked at Hermione and saw the deeply hurt look in her eyes. Fear clouded his and he did the only thing he could think of; kiss her. Hermione would have pulled back, but she just couldn't. She fell into the gentle kiss, wanting nothing more than to be doing exactly what she was.

"What was that for?" she asked, almost hurt, when the kiss was over. Draco felt himself begin to panic; what had possessed him to do that? As always when he felt uncomfortable, Draco tried to distract her with sarcasm.

"You said that's what you wanted, or at least that's what I thought," he said with a small smirk. Hermione pretended that she hadn't heard him, and looked expectantly at Draco, silently telling him to say something more. Draco sighed with a frown. "I'm sorry; I guess I wasn't ready." Hermione raised an eyebrow at him.

"Draco Malfoy not ready for an unexpected kiss?" she said in mock- disbelief. Draco smiled, feeling a little relieved.

"Hermione Granger dare question Draco Malfoy?" he said in the same tone, briefly surprised at how unfamiliar his name sounded when it passed through his lips. Hermione giggled and nuzzled her head into Draco's neck. The tingle was surprisingly mild for such and act and Draco hoped it wasn't going away for good.

"Wow, that sentence brings back some bad memories," she said, thinking out loud. Draco turned and kissed her head.

"I'm sorry," he said and wrapped an arm around her. Hermione laughed again as she heard him.

"No, you're right. How dare I question Draco Malfoy, debonair extraordinaire, almighty king of the Slytherins!?" she said, smiling. Draco smiled too.

"Hear me roar," he said unenthusiastically, making her giggle again. "Hermione, what's gotten into you? You're suddenly acting very... jovial," he said and Hermione giggled harder. She was indeed acting oddly, overly girlish and giggly.

"I don't know, but I like it. I feel all light and airy," she said, smiling. Draco smirked as a comment came to him.

"You mean like popcorn?" he whispered seductively, just to make her laugh, and Hermione burst into another giggle fit.

"Interesting way of looking at it," she managed to say, still laughing. When she calmed down a bit, Draco tried to defend himself a little.

"Look who's talking, Miss 'I'm not going to black-mail Fate into giving me a kid,'" he said sarcastically and she smiled.

"Good point; I've changed my mind about that, though," she said, thoughtfully. Draco looked surprised

"How exactly are you planning to black mail a mythical being that exists only in the underworld?" he asked and Hermione laughed a little.

"No, I mean about not trying. I really do want a child, but if Fate says no, there are other ways to get one. I don't care if it's my child or someone else's, I just want to be somebody's mother," she said and closed her eyes. Draco smiled; her dreams were so sweet and attainable...except maybe that butter delusion.

"It was Lucifer, wasn't it?" he asked and Hermione wrinkled her brow in confusion.

"What?" she asked, in the dark.

"It was Lucifer that changed your mind," he said and Hermione smiled.

"Ultimately, yes; although it would have happened sooner or later anyway. Doesn't just holding a baby make you want one?" she asked, moving her hand up a little. Draco smiled at the dull tingle, then sighed for effect.

"Is that what you want for Christmas? I can try, but two weeks is a little short notice, and I don't know how much our parents would appreciate that gift," he said and she hit him playfully. Draco laughed.

"Draco," she warned and kissed him on his neck, below his jaw line.

"You know what they say about women and holding babies, don't you?" he asked, taunting her. Hermione smiled.

"Yes, but I'm not planning on screwing anyone anytime soon; so if I do get pregnant, it will be someone's reincarnation or the child of the gods or something, and that's a tad bit creepy, don't you think?" Draco laughed and shook his head. Hermione sighed. "I know, I know, I'm insane."

"My words exactly," he said with a smile, "...but I agree; that would be creepy." Hermione laughed again and Draco smiled. "I love it when you laugh," he said truthfully and Hermione kissed his neck again. Draco smiled wider at the tingle and was glad it was there; he had been afraid he had lost it. "All this talk of popcorn is making me hungry; do you want to come to brunch with me, love?"

"Of course I will," she said and lifted herself up gently. "I didn't eat breakfast either; I was hoping to be back before you woke up," Hermione said and touched her lips to his briefly, then pulled back again. She looked suspiciously thoughtful for a moment, then smiled and stood from the pale boy's lap.

Draco stood as well, with a broad smile on his face. Hermione took his hand in hers and he took a quick breath as the wonderful sensation hit his nerves. Hermione noticed this and looked at him suspiciously.

"Why do you always do that?" she asked softly.

"Do what?" he asked, not sure what she meant. Hermione dropped his hand and let her slender fingers reach up and track lightly across his face. Draco couldn't help but to close his eyes and savor the sensation.

"That," she explained, "Whenever I touch you..." she trailed off, sounding emotionless; Hermione didn't know how to feel. Draco smiled and placed his handover hers on his cheek.

"You do something to me that I can't explain Hermione, and I love it." She smiled.

"There you go, making me feel like popcorn again," she said as if embarrassed and Draco frowned a little.

"Sorry," he said, but Hermione smiled and shook her head.

"No, it's nice," she said and moved close to him. Draco smirked.

"Well, let's go get some then; I'm starving," he said and took her hand, then started to the door. Hermione laughed.

"Whatever you say, Draco," she said and began to follow him. Draco turned to her with a laughable pout on his face.

"Hey, don't talk to me like that. You're the one who's crazy, not me." Hermione raised an eyebrow.

"Oh really?" she asked, almost a dare. Draco smirked.

"Need I remind you of the original 'I'm not going to blackmail Fate', then 'I've changed my mind, I AM going to blackmail him.' The ever popular 'I am the virgin mother of a reincarnation of the gods'" he paused, then smirked, "...and last, but not least, the 'butter' slip-up?" Hermione listened and looked at him for only a moment before she burst out laughing.

"Okay, okay...you win; I'm crazy," she said through giggle fits.

"That's what I thought," he said and kissed her lightly near her mouth. Hermione smiled and followed Draco through the portrait and into the hall.

* * * * * * * * * *

Their brunch was longer than expected, as Dobby joined them. It was at Hermione's request that he do so and Dobby was happy to do anything she wanted. The trio dined not on popcorn, but rather on cold chicken sandwiches and pumpkin juice.

No more than forty five minutes in, Dobby insisted that he get back to work and Hermione thanked him for joining them.

"Damn," Draco said when the house elf had left, "I was looking forward to that popcorn." Hermione laughed and decided to poke a little fun at herself.

"Buttered popcorn?" she asked, sounding mock suspicious. Draco raised an eyebrow at her, then lowered it and smirked.

"If you so desire, my love," he said and pecked her harmlessly on the cheek. Hermione smiled sweetly.

"Hmm," she said in a sort of laugh, then spoke again after a minute. "Hey, where was Mr. Whize last night? Brandon, did you say?" Hermione wondered why she had thought of it, but decided that she was still thinking about Lucifer.

"Well, Blandon, but he was working, I believe. I'm not sure exactly what he does, I don't pry, but he works strange hours for very little pay. He probably came home a few hours after we left; I'm sorry you couldn't meet him, he's a very pleasant man," he explained, leaning his chair back on two legs.

"He's sarcastic like Clara, isn't he?" she asked in mild curiosity and an aura of all-knowing. Draco smiled.

"He is, actually. How did you know?" he asked, not really sounding surprised. Hermione smiled and shrugged.

"I'm observant. Mrs. Whize seems very much like Fristy, although not as jealous, and I just implied it. However, I can't judge as I hardly know these people." She smiled, thinking of the quaint family of house elves she had met the day before.

"And my mother?" Draco asked and Hermione looked at him, not sure what he was asking.

"Your mother? What about her?" she asked, assuming she sounded very silly; asking stupid questions. Draco just smiled.

"Well, what do you think of her?" he asked, almost impatient.

"I'm not going to lie to you; she's nothing like I thought she would be. Remember, I did see her briefly at the Quidditch cup forth year. She was much more motherly and kind than I expected," she said smiling, "Please take no offence, that sounded much more obloquious than I had anticipated."

"Of course not; so, do you like her?" he asked, eager to hear her answer.

"Yes, she seems wonderful," Hermione answered then paused while Draco smiled broadly, "Do you think she likes me?" she asked. Draco nodded, obviously happy. "Good, I was nervous; your mother is intimidating just because she is, in fact, your mother." Draco smiled.

"Funny; I've never gotten that vibe from her," he said and Hermione smiled.

"Of course you haven't, you're not her son's girlfriend. But don't feel bad; you'll pay me back for both her and Mrs. Whize. I'm not sure when you can meet my parents though; not only have I never brought home a boy, or girl for that matter, I have also neglected to inform them of my dating expeditions.

"They've met Harry and Ron at the station, but other than that, I don't think they know about any of my other friends. For all I know they think I'm a nun; it might be surprising if I just owl them and say I want them to meet my boyfriend. That is if you want to meet them; I don't know how much you'll like them...they're both muggles after all. Not much in common with you at all, really," she explained, trying to hide her uneasiness.

"Of course I want to meet them. I'm sure I'll love them; they sired you, after all... how bad can they possibly be?" he said, dropping the chair to all fours again. Hermione turned to him and looked a little scared.

"Famous last words," she said, looking at the floor. Draco shook his head with a smirk and leaned in closer to her. He lifted her chin gently and touched his lips to hers. The tingle didn't come until she kissed back and Draco realized it was only one way. If he touched her, nothing more than usual teenage male-type feelings, but if she touched him...indescribable pleasure jolted his body, making each nerve spark simultaneously. He broke away with a smile.

"Everything will be fine, Hermione. Why does this make you so paranoid? We've been though tougher situations than tea with my mum... although the tea part made ME paranoid. I swear I'm never drinking tea again; you wouldn't believe how nervous I was after three cups in one day." She giggled a little and smiled as she answered.

"Yes, the death grip you kept on my hand at all times gave that away rather quickly," she said. Draco blushed a little and Hermione sighed as she prepared to answer. "I guess because this is like, the next step in our relationship. Not that I'm complaining, because I'm not, just... I don't know. It's a big important move forward and I just don't want anything to go wrong. I've never been this involved with anyone before; I'm working blindly," Hermione explained and Draco kissed her softly again.

"I love you," he said and Hermione felt the intense truth behind it. She giggled.

"I'm getting all popcorn-y again," she said and grabbed his hand. "Come on, let's go do something fun," she suggested, pulling effortlessly and standing up. Draco sighed.

"Alright; as long as it's not shopping," he said and stood. Hermione smirked.

"Now, now, Draco dear, do I look like one to go shopping twice in one day?" she asked; sweet and sarcastic, blinking her eyes suggestively. Draco raised an eyebrow.

"I don't know," he said suspiciously, "...are you?" Hermione's only response was to giggle and pull him out of the great hall. Draco followed, although reluctant. **I hope to hell you're not, my dear... but I'm not holding my breath.**



A/N I know, not a whole lot happened in this chapter, but they had some important conversations. Hehe.

PRF

Nikki - Okay, I think that a Harry Potter television series would just ruin the whole thing; but spin-off books are okay. Draco is DEFINITELY the sexiest definitely name I've ever heard, lol... that alone would make me double-take, haha. Thanx for reading and I'm glad you like it so much! And exactly, Everyone has problems.... even fairy tale lovers such as our good friends; Draco and Hermione.

Sakke Yuy- Ohayo Miss Sakke! Well, I THOUGHT I knew what I was talking about, but apparently, some people disagree ::cough:: Lirawen ::cough:: (Read her review, total opposite) Yeah, people tend to ignore a lot of things that I just HAVE to make prominent...haha. Thanx for reading again so quickly!

Karly- Hey, girl! It is a little sad... but I couldn't make them stay mad for long. Their fights NEVER last long. It just hurts ME to tear them apart, lol. Did you want me to, essentially, re-write your chapter? Like I said, I have a big huge midterm on Monday, which is tomorrow, but I can do it later tomorrow or Tuesday.... get back to me.

Dracoluver- Thanx, I'm lucky to have loyal fans like you!

Dramaqueen- I LOVED of Dragons and Faeries... and thanx for your unwavering and constant praise, even if I don't deserve it! Haha! Thanx for reading; I try and read all the HP stories of my reviewers, the D/Hr ones in particular, and I'm glad that you do the same. It's the least we can do after they read and criticize us, right? Lol.

Te Weaver Atropos- Interesting penname, by the way. I like it. Lol, I'm glad I could 'brighten your day', that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Tommy boy Felton is already on my GILF list. (Guy I'd Like to F...you know) haha. I know, his walk, his style, his malicious smirk.... everything about that guy just screams ATTACK ME, YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO! Lol. Anyway, did you want to be on the mailing list? I see you put your email there... I put you on but I'll gladly take you off if you wish; no hard feelings... :o)

Gwyn- Thanx, and of course. I am loyal to my loyalties.

Lirawen- Ah, yes. You. Well... ever since I received the review notification e-mail this morning, I've been waiting to tell you just what I think about your review. First of all, I want to say that I appreciate your criticism and effort to improve my story, and I know that you are entitled to your opinion. However, I have to say that you are in a very small crowd, my friend. Unless I have been led on or pitied, you are the only one of the two hundred some-odd people who reviewed who DIDN'T like my story. I'll have you know that no, I have not been in a so called 'serious relationship' but I don't see how that's relevant. Who are you to pass judgment on the entire population of 17 year-olds? Yes, I know most guys would screw just about anything willing, and I know most girls would probably let it get too far, but that doesn't mean EVERYONE is like that. You don't know everyone. I don't know everyone. Don't act all superior to me, just because you've lived a fraction longer. And just because you were too afraid to be wrong that you didn't go as far with your stories as I have when you were just starting out, doesn't mean it's wrong to take risks and try things. Do you fear your peers? I believe that's a habit that isn't exactly good for you. Very restricting. Anyway, on to the plot. Yes, it revolves around Draco and Hermione. That was sort of the entire point of the entire story, but thank you for pointing out that painfully obvious observation. I didn't really get a whole lot of repetition sticking out at me as I read this, and so far you are the only one to have picked up on it, if it's there. I did the whole angst thing, now I'm going with lots of little stories that fit together, such as the Seattle trip. Simple story, fits into the quilt of the fic. Basically, if this is how you feel about my story, then that's just fine. However, miss 'I am all powerful, do everything I say because I know everything', you could have been a little nicer in your critique. You know what I got from your review? " Your story is a piece of shit and I know this because I am better than you. Way better than you; exponentially better than you. You pathetic little child, ignorant to everything deemed mature." Well, shove it up your ass, because if you can't deal with the fact that not everyone thinks exactly the same way you do, I don't need to listen to your crap. I appreciate the time you've taken to belittle me, and I hope you had a jolly fun time doing so, but you are just one person. I don't even know you. One person does not matter to me. If you are seeking universal popularity, have a seat in the mythological Chair of Forgetfulness, because you're going to be waiting a while.

Carla - Sorry, I thought you'd pick up on that. Clara is one of the Whize's. You know, the sarcastic one, twin sister to Fristy, the infatuated one? Yeah, well, that's okay. Yes, they did over-react, but Draco's reaction will be explained later. Hermione basically is just kinda frustrated that he's getting all worked up about something so mediocre. The crying? Well, that was just a Flames of Ecstasy Hermione thing to do, wasn't it? My version of her always seems to be crying... haha. She got over it by morning...hehe

Starry Skies - Just keep rambling, haha... it makes people feel insignificant, lol... that is unless you're talking about something really stupid, then they feel superior.... it's complicated, lol. Thanks for liking my story, and thanks for checking back.

Dreamfire - I know; I should have made them fight more, but I just hate to have them mad at each other. Plus, my Draco is like freaking giving himself up to Hermione and doing whatever the hell she asks him to do, which is way OOC, Draco has always been a very opinionated and independent person. I just don't know... I'm sure there will be more fights. Actually, I KNOW there will be more fights; I've already written a few.