Disclaimer: I'm not JKR, but tell me am I not me? I've got words but tell me, can I mead? The Story's not mine, and everyone one knows. (Inspired by Lifehouse's The Sky is falling) Okay, so the STORY is mine, but everything else isn't, and yes... everyone already knows. No surprises here.



CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE: Hypothetical Accusations

Hermione woke again about three hours later, and not to a pleasant sight. Beneath her, Draco was moving quite a bit; jolting back and forth. Hermione lifted her head from his chest and looked more closely at him; Draco was pale and drenched in sweat, a look of pure horror on his face. For a moment, Hermione wasn't sure what to do, then it hit her; he was having a nightmare. She briefly wondered if whatever he was seeing scared him as much as waking up to that had scared her.

"Draco," she whispered, not sure why considering she was trying to wake him up. "Draco, wake up," she tried, shaking him gently. The terrified blonde boy did not wake, merely continued to shake in fear. Now Hermione was getting a little scared as well. "Draco!" she nearly yelled, fear apparent in her voice. Draco stopped jerking and sat up with a gasp, eyes wide.

Hermione couldn't speak; she sat silently and watched as Draco breathed heavily. Suddenly, he stopped and looked up, holding his breath. He spun his head in her direction and only breathed again when he saw Hermione sitting there, scared and pale, but there. He was instantly relieved.

"Draco, are you alright? You were dreaming, it's okay," Hermione assured him, placing her hand in his for comfort. Draco looked at her, as if amazed that she was there. He brought a hand to her jaw, holding it delicately and drawing her near. Hermione closed her eyes and let him kiss her; not that she would have any reason to object. He broke away gently and brought Hermione's head into his chest.

"What is real, just a dream?" he said softly, quoting their favorite band. Hermione smiled at his unpredictability; it always seemed to make her smile.

"I'm real, you're a dream," Hermione told him, still smiling. Draco hugged her close for a moment, then let go and pushed her a bit away.

"Are you alright, did I hurt you?" he asked, looking worriedly at her. Hermione smiled at his unneeded concern.

"Of course not; you were asleep, not under Imperious," she said with a smile-like smirk. Draco nodded, relieved, but did not smile. Hermione focused more closely on him and her smile dropped. "Draco, why are you still shaking...are you alright?" she asked, scared for him. Draco nodded again, but still did not smile. Hermione was unconvinced and kissed him again in an attempt at comforting him. When she pulled away, Hermione was glad to see Draco smile a little.

"I'm okay as long as you're okay. Lay back down, I'll be right back," he said and made to get out of bed.

"You're leaving?" Hermione asked, sounding almost hurt and reaching for him. Draco kissed her and smiled.

"No, not like last time," he said and moved farther away.

"I can't..." Hermione started, but was cut off.

"I know; I can't sleep without you either. I'll be right back; I promise." Draco stood and walked to the door, looking back before leaving and giving Hermione a reassuring smile. She pricked up a corner of her mouth a little, obviously not wanting him to leave. Draco slipped thought the door and, just like that, he was gone. Hermione watched him go, desperately wanting him not to. She stared after him, eyes on the door, wishing he would come back. He didn't, or at least not right away. Hermione flopped back on the bed, turning her head to look out the window. Silently, she decided she wouldn't go after him. He said he would be back; Draco promised. She'd just have to trust him.

* * * * * * * * * *

Draco slipped out of his room and hustled to the bathroom. He looked at himself; messy hair, bags under bloodshot eyes, face pale with worry; a whiter shade of pale. Another dip in cold water and Draco had nothing else he could think of to do. There was a lump of emotion in his throat that made him want to scream. Oh, how good it would feel to just let all of the adrenaline out in a scream. This urge was different than the last he had had; snogging wouldn't be much of a help. He took a deep breath and exited the bathroom, not ready to go back to bed. Then, Draco thought of something and hurried to the door of his room. He cracked it noiselessly, unable to see into the room.

"Hermione? Are you awake?" he called softly into the darkness.

"No," a face-less voice called back. Draco smiled.

"Well, if Hermione wakes up, could you tell her I have to go do something, but I won't be gone long?" he asked the voice, whom he knew was Hermione, and heard a rustling as she got out of bed and approached him.

"What? Where are you going?" she asked, disappointed, and Draco smiled again.

"I'll tell you when I get back. Just trust me," he said and Hermione's face came into view, lit by the dim firelight. She sighed and nodded.

"How long will you be gone, exactly?" she asked, needing reassurance. Draco shrugged.

"Couple days," he said casually. Hermione's mouth dropped, too tired to notice he wasn't serious. "I'm kidding, love. Fifteen minutes at most, I promise," he said and kissed her. Hermione bit her lip and nodded. She turned away and made her way back to bed. Draco smiled and began to close the door, then paused and spoke through the crack. "I love you," he told her and closed the door before she could say anything.

Draco took a deep breath; the lump had grown bigger and he was more anxious. The companionless boy strolled across the common room and exited the portrait. Then, he closed his eyes as his feet once again touched the stone floor of the hallway. The quiet was almost peaceful, but ultimately eerie. Draco opened his eyes and with out another thought, took off running. He ran around the entire floor, not allowing himself to stop. Once again, the portraits objected to his brief presence, but he didn't care. Draco just ran, letting his emotion out through his pumping legs.

As their floor was ultimately just a square with a layer of staircases in the middle, Draco soon found himself back in front of the portrait. He stopped, hands on his knees, gasping for breath. When he could speak again, Draco looked up to the raven-haired man who occupied his portrait.

"Hello. Feeling better?" the man asked, a wide smile on his face. Draco stood and smiled back.

"Quite, thanks," he answered, then noticed something different about the scene in front of him. "Hey, where's the little girl?" he asked, curious. The man grinned proudly.

"Narcissa. She's having a sleepover with some girl on the third floor. Password?" he asked and Draco smiled.

"Popcorn. My mother's name is Narcissa," Draco informed him. The man smiled and nodded.

"I know," he said before opening the door for him. Draco shrugged and walked through and quickly back to the bathroom. Another splash of cold water, as well as a fairly long drink, and he felt exhausted and ready to join his Gryffindor in bed. Hoping she wouldn't be too angry at him for leaving, Draco walked back to his room, slipping in quietly.

"Fancy meeting you here," Hermione's voice greeted him. Draco smiled and walked over to the bed. The moonlight poured through the window; showering her with a cold blue light. Draco crawled in beside Hermione, who was sitting against the headboard, knees drawn in and arms crossed. The boy kissed her cheek, noticing the gum she chomped on.

"Sorry love; I had to," he told her, not sure what gum meant.

"Where did you go?" she asked, evidently not angry, and Draco smiled, glad for it.

"Running. I ran around our floor and came back, that's all," he said and ran his fingers lightly over her shoulder.

"Okay, now you're going to tell me why you felt the need to get up at two in the morning and run around the school for seemly no reason," she demanded. Draco laughed and shrugged.

"I needed to vent. It's more extreme than writing a really nasty letter; not as drastic as killing someone," he explained and she nodded. Hermione kissed him again and moved to slide down.

"Go with what works," she said and Draco smiled. Hermione looked up at him and sighed. "I can relate to that and I'm not angry. You did, after all, tell me you were going, and I appreciate that, but you still left me without any indication of your intentions. You worry me sometimes, Draco."

"I'm sorry; I'll be more specific next time," he said and kissed her before sliding down beside her.

"Thank you," she said and extracted the small ball of gum from her mouth. It disappeared with a few golden sparks in her fingertips and Draco smiled. Then it broke and he looked curious.

"Hey, what's with the gum?" he asked and Hermione merely shrugged.

"I was... anxious; if available, I always chew gum when I'm anxious... or just pissed off. It makes me feel better." Draco nodded and placed his arm around her, holding her as he had that first night. Hermione looked at him over her shoulder and Draco kissed her again. Hermione smiled and snuggled into him, glad he was back. "I love you too," she said and closed her eyes.

"I know," he whispered and did the same, exhausted from sudden exertion.

* * * * * * * * * *

Draco woke the next morning to a strange clicking sound. It didn't wake him up, but was the first thing he heard upon regaining consciousness. He opened his eyes to find himself on his stomach with Hermione on her back next to him; his hand resting near her navel and her hands covering his. Hermione was looking at Draco and smiling, the clicking sound stopping as she noticed he was awake.

"Good morning, sunshine," she said and Draco smiled. He took a deep breath and propped his head on his unoccupied hand. Hermione began chewing again, evidently gum, and Draco placed her jaw as the culprit of the clicking sound. **Uh oh; gum is not good...**

"Okay, what's wrong?" he asked, absent-mindedly stroking her with his thumb. Hermione smiled but looked confused.

"What? Nothing, why?" she said, momentarily stopping her chewing. Draco didn't look convinced and Hermione stopped smiling and sighed. "I was thinking about last night, or this morning rather. What did you dream that made you so angry, anyway?" she asked, concerned and curious.

"I wasn't angry, just... freaked out, I guess. It doesn't matter, anyway," he said, leaning over for a quick kiss. Hermione kissed back, but didn't look convinced. She smiled, however.

"Tell me; I won't laugh, I promise," she asked and saw Draco's face drop a little.

"I would hope not. Hermione, it wasn't just a dream, it was THE dream; the premonition. I knew that would happen, it always does. Don't get upset; it doesn't mean anything, it's just an added feature to torture me," he said, smiling again.

"Oh my god; no wonder you were upset. That would have scared me too; I'm sorry," she said and kissed him, longer this time. Draco smiled.

"How long have you been up, anyway?" What time is it?" he asked, still smiling sleepily. Hermione looked at the clock over his shoulder, lifting her head slightly.

"Ten; I've only been up for half an hour. I slept late; waking up at two in the morning and being scared out of your mind takes a little out of a person," she said, smiling. Draco smiled and a lock of hair fell casually over his face.

"Sorry," he said, smiling as well. "So you just sat here for a half an hour chewing gum?" he asked with a lifted eyebrow.

"Yep, but you kept me entertained," she said with a smile. Draco smirked and slid his hand a little.

"Okay, so you sat there for half an hour chewing gum and watching me sleep. Should that creep me out, because it does," he told her and Hermione laughed. She rubbed his hand with hers, a bit subconsciously.

"I couldn't help it; you're extremely attractive when you're asleep. However, not a very good conversationalist." Draco smirked and adjusted himself so that he was looming over her. Hermione smiled and ran a hand gently up his arm.

"Are you implying that I'm not attractive when I'm awake?" he asked, faking anger. Hermione giggled and shifted a little beneath him.

"I never said THAT.... but could you maybe go back to sleep? Just for a few minutes?" she asked, batting her eyelashes. Draco once again gave her the look that said he was planning an attack. "Come and get me," she challenged with a giggle. Draco's eyebrows rose in surprise, but then he smirked and leaned closer. Hermione brought her arms to wrap around his neck as Draco moved closer.

He kissed her very softly, gently caressing her lips with his. Hermione kissed back, just as gently for a moment, but then was overcome with a severe need to be hostile. She kissed him harder, forcing the kiss deeper. Draco pulled back a little, startled, but got into it quickly, giving her exactly what she wanted. Hermione moaned as he did so, loving every second of it. When it ended, they were both happy and breathless.

"Okay, you don't have to go back to sleep," she said, followed by a breathless giggle. Draco kissed her again, short but firm. Hermione sighed comfortably while Draco settled himself down on her, head on her chest. Hermione twisted a lock of his hair for a moment, letting the silence sit. Then, she began to sing. "How can I stand here with you, and not be moved by you? Would you tell me, how could it be any better than this?" Draco smiled, he knew that song; it always made him think of her.

"I don't know; I honestly don't know," he whispered, running his fingers gently over her arm.

"Hmm..." she said, treading her fingertips lightly down his neck. There was a long pause and Draco savored the light tickle of her fingers combined with the exotic aftershock any touch from her would bring. "I do," she said after a moment, rather unexpectedly. Draco lifted his head to look at her, eyebrow raised in suspicion. Hermione smiled, "Breakfast," she explained and giggled as Draco rolled his eyes. He moved up enough to kiss her, did so, then relaxed; replacing his head on her chest.

Hermione looked to the ceiling, feeling contented and warm. She let her hand aimlessly voyage through Draco's hair, liking the way it flowed through her fingertips; like liquid silver. Draco had possession of her other hand, letting his fingers track across her palm while it lay motionless, up turned on the bed. Hermione smiled spontaneously, formulating something to say.

"Draco, do you think we'll be together forever?" she asked thoughtfully. Draco was surprisingly unsurprised at the question and simply answered as truthfully as he could.

"Unless you change your mind; yes."

"You mean, if I said I wanted out, you'd just let me leave?" she asked, sounding almost hurt. Draco moved to look at her again, hair falling into his eyes.

"Hermione, if you really wanted to leave me, I wouldn't stop you. I love you too much to let you be unhappy, especially at my own hand," he told her and Hermione smiled; exactly what she wanted to hear. "And besides," he continued, "I hear restraining orders are pretty limiting." She smiled.

"Yes, I believe that's the general idea," she said smartly. Draco smiled and kissed the corner of her mouth. He waited a moment before speaking again.

"Don't misunderstand me, leaving is the absolute last thing I want you to do. I just wanted you to know that the option is open, god forbid you wish to take advantage of it." Hermione stopped him with her finger and brought her head up to look in his eyes.

"Draco," she said seriously, "I'm not leaving." He smiled; she meant it.

"Thank you," he said and kissed her. When he pulled away, Hermione noticed the stupid grin on his face. "This is fun; ask me another hypothetical question," he asked and Hermione shook her head with a smile. "Please? There's nothing better to do." Hermione gave in and seemed to think for a moment before inhaling sharply and breaking into a small smirk.

"Okay. Would you rather die or have me stop loving you?" she asked. Draco seemed surprised at the question, but then he smiled.

"That's an easy one; I'd rather you stop loving me," he said and Hermione couldn't help but be surprised.

"I admire your honesty, but isn't that just a little selfish?" she asked, not really upset. Draco smiled.

"Not really. If you stop loving me, you'll still be happy; if I died and you still loved me, then you'd be upset. Either way I lose my life, but that way my life goes on without me," he explained. Hermione listened with a stupid-happy smile on her face. She felt her heart flutter with each word, feeling unbelievably good. Draco didn't say anything until she closed her eyes and placed her hand on her chest. He looked at her, concern beginning to wrinkle his brow. "What?" he asked softly. Hermione opened her eyes and looked into his.

"I'll never stop loving you," she said and Draco smiled and leaned in for a kiss. It wasn't a deep kiss, merely one to show love.

"It feels unbelievably good to hear you say that," he whispered, face less than an inch from hers. Draco pulled away before he spoke again. "If you asked me if I'd rather die or stop loving you, do you want to know what I'd have said?" he asked, hoping she would say yes. Hermione nodded and he smiled before moving in to whisper in her ear. "I'd rather die the most excruciating death conceivable than love you even a fraction less that I do," he said and Hermione tightened her arms around him, holding him close to her. She was almost crying; incredibly happy.

Draco said nothing. He knew what he had said was true and he knew that she was happily crying, but he almost wished he hadn't said that. Even happy tears from Hermione unnerved him. He waited patiently for her to release him. Hermione did, after a long embrace, and Draco pulled away to look at her. She was smiling as a tear rolled down her face. Draco tried to smile too, but it was only small and sheepish.

"I'm sorry." Hermione wiped the tears from her eyes, "Popcorn," she explained. Draco laughed and kissed her gently.

"Oh right, you wanted breakfast," he said, climbing off of her. "Do you want the bathroom first?" Hermione sat up and laughed a little.

"How can you just change the subject like that?" she asked, smiling. Draco shrugged.

"You're the one who mentioned popcorn; what else was I supposed to say?" he asked, kneeling next to her. Hermione smiled and got out of bed, walking around to his side. Draco watched her with a smile and was happy to see her approach him before leaving.

"I don't know, but I wasn't expecting that," she said when she was standing beside him. Hermione leaned down for one more kiss before leaving for the bathroom.

* * * * * * * * * *

Both Hermione and Draco showered and dressed. Unbeknownst to Draco, Hermione chose to wear the shirt she had purchased on their shopping trip. As expected, Draco loved it.

The couple exited the common room together at about a quarter to eleven. They walked hand in hand, slowly making progress toward the great hall.

"What do you want to do today, love?" Draco asked, looking ahead. Hermione, who seemed overly happy, smiled and answered blissfully.

"I don't know; something fun," she said, looking at him. Draco sighed unhappily.

"Last time you said that we ended up shopping," he reminded her. Hermione giggled.

"Hey, it was your idea to make me try on clothes for an hour while you just sat there, and believe it or not, I don't want to go shopping. Besides, it's Saturday; the stores will be packed. That gives me an idea, though, and I think you'll like it." Draco looked at her, happy and surprised; no shopping.

"Oh really? And what might this idea of yours be?" he asked, smirking. Hermione's expression didn't change; she still looked happy and carefree.

"Actually, it was your idea. We never did ask Dumbledore about Christmas decorations." Draco grinned widely.

"Excellent. I've always wanted to run around and just enchant things. This will be much more fun than shopping. Ah, but first; breakfast," he said as they stepped up to the doors of the great hall. He opened the door with a bow and Hermione patted his head as she giggled and walked past him. Draco straightened and followed her, catching up in one step and placing a kiss behind her ear. She smiled and continued to the head table, Draco at her side.

The two dined on eggs and toast, a bland and simple breakfast, not eating much. Hermione was chewing slowly on a tiny bite of toast, seemly staring off into space.

"Are you alright, love?" Draco asked in concern. Hermione blinked and turned to him, briefly wondering how long he had been looking at her.

"Hmm?" she asked, contemplating what would make him think something was wrong.

"You've hardly eaten anything; I know you're not a heavy eater, but really." Hermione shrugged and dropped the toast she was holding, not concerned for herself.

"Guess I'm not as hungry as I thought," she said, unmoved. Draco looked unchanged as well; still worried.

"It's not just today; one can't live on chocolate alone, you know," he said, leaning over to kiss her cheek. Hermione smiled, enjoying his touch.

"Watch me," she said, not helping to ease Draco's uncertainty. There was a long pause in which Hermione went back to staring at nothing. "Draco, why were you crying?" Draco looked surprised.

"What? When was I crying?" he asked, his mind shooting back to the morning of the dream. Surely she knew why he had been crying then; wasn't it painfully obvious?

"That morning on the balcony, before McGonagall came in," she said, bringing back memories. Draco smiled, remembering what had happened between the tears and McGonagall's visit.

"Why do you even remember that?" he asked and she looked at him like he had gone mad.

"Draco! That was our first kiss; I'll remember everything about that forever. Now, answer me," she asked gently. Draco smiled for her, then decided he might as well tell her.

"I was thinking about how it would be if I just kissed you; how it would be if we were together...mostly just about you. Then I got to asking myself why I didn't do something about how I felt; reasons why I shouldn't tell you. My first thought was Harry and Ron. I knew that was the number one reason; not because they would kill me if I touched you, although that didn't help, but because I assumed you loved one of them. I convinced myself that we could never be; that you would never have me. That's why I cried, because I was sure you had no place for me." Hermione just watched him as he spoke, amazed at how planned it had sounded. He wasn't smiling and Hermione was nervous. **He knows he was wrong, right?**

"Oh. Needless to say, that was entirely untrue," she said, reassuring him, and Draco smiled at her.

"I know, and I can't say I'm unhappy about that," he said and kissed her again behind the ear, continuing down her neck and back up again.

* * * * * * * * * *

Neither Gryffindor nor Slytherin heard the hinges of the door creak as someone entered the great hall and, as both held their eyes closed, neither noticed the familiar yet unwelcome presence approach the head table.

"I told you, you wouldn't keep your promise, Miss Granger," a slimy voice sounded. Both Draco and Hermione knew immediately who it was and jumped a bit away from each other.

"Professor! I... uh, we-" she began, but the annoyed potions professor interrupted her.

"Yes, yes, you didn't see me, it wasn't what it looked like, it'll never happen again." Snape said and rolled his eyes.

Hermione looked away in embarrassment, but Draco kept his eyes on Snape, shooting mental ice picks directly between his eyes. It was all he could do to keep himself seated and calm enough to not lash out. Snape then turned to Draco, eyes narrowed.

"Something wrong, Mr. Malfoy?" he asked with a smirk. Draco gripped the arms of his chair hard enough to bleach his knuckles. Hermione placed a hand on his, keeping him from doing anything irrational. Draco unclenched his gritted teeth and forced himself to speak as calmly as his intense and concentrated anger would allow.

"No, Professor. May we be excused, or is there something you wish of us?" he asked, almost passing for calm.

"I wish of you nothing but to spare me the viewing displeasure of your inappropriate contact. The headmaster, however, wants the both of you in his office promptly at one o'clock," he drawled, unenthusiastic.

"Yes, Professor," Hermione chimed before Draco could speak. Snape sneered at them and exited through a door Draco knew led to the dungeons. Hermione watched him go, keeping her eyes on the slowly closing door until it made an audible click. Then, she turned quickly to her beet red boyfriend.

"Are you okay? Calm down," she said, reaching a hand to touch his face. Draco's teeth were clenched again and he was breathing hard; hands still in a death grip on the chair.

"Yeah, I just really hate that guy. How dare he belittle you like that? Who does he think he is?" he almost yelled. Hermione sighed.

"He's Snape; he thinks he's second only to Voldemort and he belittles everyone like that. Well , with the exception of the Slytherins. It's alright, really. He's said hundreds of things like that to me before, I'm not about to get angry now," she said, replacing her hand over his.

"Yeah, well...I am," he sneered, eyes still on the door.

"Draco, please don't let him get to you; he's harmless, other than emotionally. Don't give him the satisfaction of getting angry," she said, attempting to calm him down. It wasn't really working and she thought quickly for something to do, then sighed. "Let's go outside; the air will do you good, not to mention adding a few more walls between you and Snape," she suggested, speaking softly. She paused and Draco seemed to think about her request, weighing whether to do so or track down Snape. "You can run if you want to," she said and Draco calmed down enough to smile weakly.

"Alright," he said, eyes still full of hatred, directed at the door. Hermione moved so that she broke his gaze, placing himself between him and the door and forcing him to focus on her. She smiled as the hatred drained and was replaced with a much softer shade of concern and love. Draco smiled a genuine smile and kissed her again. Once again, all care of Snape disappeared, replaced by concentration of the kiss.

They left the great hall, intent on going outside. Draco already felt better; he couldn't even be mad at other people when he was alone with Hermione. Hermione, who was walking slightly ahead of Draco, veered toward the staircase. Draco stopped walking, staring after her.

"Where are you going, love? I thought you wanted to go outside," he asked as she turned to him. Hermione placed her hand on her hip and smirked at him.

"Well, I'll be damned if I'm going outside in this; it's like twenty out there," she said smartly. Draco smiled and shook his head before extracting his wand from his pocket. He held it up and looked to Hermione with raised eyebrows.

"Have you forgotten what this is, my dear?" he said and flicked it. Hermione had enough time to slap herself for being so impractical before Draco was pelted with their jackets and scarves.

"I thought you never did things the easy way?" she asked as she took her coat from him.

"I said I never learned things the easy way. I'm still a Malfoy, would you expect a Malfoy to just do something if they knew there was an easier way?" he asked as he put on his coat. Hermione smiled, but only when she was sure that Draco was. Evidently, he had forgotten all about their encounter with Snape, and she was glad.

Hermione kissed him on the cheek before draping her scarf around her neck and grabbing his hand. Draco smiled and led her to the main doors. He opened it for her, as he had the door to the great hall, and Hermione passed him, stepping into the cold December air. She only took a step before stopping to wait for the blonde boy behind her as he closed the door. Draco stepped up to her and smiled.

"We're not going ice skating," he said, although she hadn't asked. Hermione looked at him with a fake pout, sliding a hand around her pocketed wand, a silent idea forming in her head.

"Why not? Didn't you have fun last time?" she asked, giving him the alleged 'puppy dog face.' Draco tried to look at her and couldn't help but laugh. He looked away with a smile before speaking again.

"Until I fell down. We're not going," he said, trying to sound stern, but not managing through his smile. Hermione pretended to be upset.

"Fine... then I'm going to throw snow at you," she said to Draco, who was attempting to put on gloves. He laughed at her childishness, still not looking at her.

"I'd like to see you try-" he managed before Hermione whipped out her wand, gave it a flick, and a large drift of snow fell from above them; landing directly on Draco's head. "Gah!" he said, spitting out snow. Hermione took one look at her boyfriend, black cloak covered in white powder, a large mound accumulated on his head, and burst out laughing. Draco rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. **She's laughing; this could take hours. Oh, who am I kidding? I know I love it,** he thought as he waited out her hysterics. "That was extremely immature and uncalled for, Hermione," he said, defending himself.

"And utterly hilarious," she said, laughter dwindling. "I'm sorry," she said and kissed his cheek. Draco smiled.

"No you're not," he said. Hermione smiled and shrugged.

"No, you're right, I'm not," she agreed and, as anticipated, Draco gave her the 'attack look' again. Hermione shrieked in laughter and tried to back away, but she was too close to Draco and he grabbed her waist. He took her with both hands and hoisted her over his shoulder. Ignoring her shrieks and laughter, Draco began walking down the stone steps.

"Draco Malfoy! If you slip and drop me, I'll do more than dump snow on you!" she warned. Draco smirked and tossed her a little, as if to drop her, but held her tightly. Hermione shrieked.

"Was that a threat?" he asked, faking outrage.

"Yes; if I'm going down, I'm taking you with me!" she said, laughing. Draco pretended to drop her again and Hermione shrieked. "Don't DO that!" she commanded, and Draco laughed.

"Come on, love. Don't you trust me?" he asked, mock pouting. Hermione laughed.

"Yes, it's your damn tread-less shoes I don't trust. Eep!" she peeped as he tossed her again. Draco, who had successfully made it down the steps, now began to trudge through the snow. Hermione held on for dear life, the ride a little rockier in the knee-high precipitation. "Where are we going?" she asked, smiling and giggly, but not laughing as hard anymore.

"Here," he said and tossed her to the ground, gently so as not to hurt her. Hermione laughed as she hit the soft ground, snow billowing around her. "Oh damn," Draco said sarcastically, dropping to his knees. "I dropped you; now I'm in trouble." Hermione laughed and sat up. "Do with me what you must; I deserve whatever I get," he said, holding out his hands in surrender, as if to be cuffed. Hermione smirked and grabbed the front of his cloak.

"Damn right you do," she said and kissed him. Draco smirked into her lips as he kissed back, tasting her rightfully for the first time since he had awoken. Hermione let the kiss last a while, but then pushed him away a little. "Draco. Stop," she said between kisses.

"What? Why?" he asked, also between lip connections. Hermione kissed him once more, a little long than the word-ly incremented ones, then stopped him.

"Snape," she said, nodding over his shoulder. Draco's mouth dropped a little and he turned to look behind him. Sure enough, the greasy potions master was there, just finishing his descent of the steps. The professor stopped at the bottom and began to slowly scan the area with his eyes.

"Lay back," he said, not looking at her.

"What?" Hermione asked, watching as Snape's eyes made their way toward them.

"Just do it," he said, flipping himself over to lay beside her. Hermione did as he asked, not knowing why. Draco waited a moment, then lifted his head to look at the potions master. The unwanted man had evidently spotted them and was now heading toward their snowy selection of lounging territory. Draco had dragged Hermione pretty far away and well out of earshot, so Snape had a long journey to make. "Damn, he saw us."

"What the fuck, is he like stalking us or something?" she asked in outrage.

"Hermione," Draco said in surprise.

"Well, this is starting to piss me off. This is the third time in two days that he's caught us together; what does he do, set up snog sensing charms? How the hell does he sleep at night?" she said and Draco laughed.

"Maybe he still has feelings for you," he suggested and she punched him lightly. Draco laughed, "He's coming; just play along, I've got an idea," he said and shifted a little.

"Alright," Hermione agreed and they waited a few more seconds in silence. Then, Snape was close enough to speak. He took a breath, as if to do so, then didn't say anything, merely walked to the couple. Thinking they hadn't noticed him, Snape waited until he was less than six feet away before speaking.

"Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy, what are you doing?" he asked, sounding as if he really didn't care.

"Hello again, Professor. What brings you out here?" Draco asked with a smile. Snape sneered; he actually sneered at a Slytherin.

"I believe I asked you a question, Mr. Malfoy," he drawled, sounding annoyed. Draco smiled.

"Why Professor, as you can clearly see, we are lying in the snow. Isn't it obvious?" he said smartly.

"I forbid you to speak to me in that tone, Mr. Malfoy. Now, explain yourselves," Snape demanded, but Draco held his smile.

"There's nothing to explain, Professor. We are literally just lying in the snow," he said and turned his head to Hermione who nodded in agreement.

"It's fun; very relaxing," she added and Snape turned to the thin girl on the ground below him with an equally unpleasant sneer.

"If it weren't a risk to my career, I might well have borrowed one of Mr. Malfoy's pet names for you, Miss Granger," he said coldly, obviously trying to remind Hermione of what Draco had previously done to her as well as insult her. Normally, Draco would have gotten angry enough to lunge at Snape, but he was having too much fun belittling him.

"Is that a threat, Professor? I believe threatening a student is also a risk to your career, is it not?" Draco asked slyly. Hermione smiled and jumped in again.

"And besides; the only thing Draco ever calls me, other than Hermione, is love and I don't see-" she began, then cut herself off and turned to the professor, looking suspicious. "Is there something you want to tell me, Professor?" she asked. Snape turned white, despite the cold, and started at them, mouth agape. Both Draco and Hermione were looking at him as if they knew he had a problem and were trying to be understanding. Snape took a step back in shock, eyes darting between the head boy and girl.

"Uh," he said, then seemed to regain himself a little. "You're due in the Headmaster's office in ten minutes; I suggest you make your way back to the castle shortly," he said, taking another step back and turning.

"Oh, thank you Professor," Draco said as the slimy man moved farther away.

"Professor Snape!" Hermione called, sitting up. Even Draco looked surprised. Snape paused and turned to her. "Are you SURE there wasn't something more you wanted to say... to me?" she asked as if coaxing him to tell her his problems. Snape opened his mouth as if to speak, then turned and fled; comically hasty for the evil potions master they knew as Professor Snape.

When he was far enough away, Hermione turned back to her boyfriend, only to be met with a face full of snow. She opened her mouth in surprise and mock- outrage. Draco looked at her for a moment, head propped on one elbow, then started to laugh. Hermione started laughing as well, laying back. Draco calmed down before she did and started kissing her. Hermione kissed back, one small kiss after another, calming down but equally happy. She stopped him before either of them wanted to, sighing and explaining.

"He's right; we should go," she pointed out. Draco knew they should, but he desperately didn't want to. He placed his forehead on her chest and groaned. Hermione smiled and gently ran her fingers down his neck. Draco waited a moment, then kissed her once more before getting up with a sigh. He stood, brushed himself off a bit, then held out a hand to his girlfriend. Hermione took it and stood beside him.

They started their way back to the castle, arms around each other's waist, Hermione's head on Draco's shoulder. Hermione was smiling, but Draco wasn't. She looked up at him, intent on placing a kiss on his cheek, but stopped when she saw his face. Draco, who saw her head rise, looked to her for a second, then did a double take when he saw the way she was looking at him. He knew immediately he had given himself away again.

"Oh, it's nothing. I was just thinking... this make the fifth time we've been stopped by a teacher. There was McGonagall the first time, then Snape the other day, Snape this morning, Snape just now, and now Dumbledore. Plus, we've been interrupted numerous times by owls, most of them Harry's, and there was the one time Harry did it himself... I think there's a conspiracy," he said and Hermione laughed.

"You forgot Fristy," she reminded him.

"Right, and Fristy."

"You think there's a conspiracy now, just wait until there's four hundred angry Slytherins and Gryffindors on our backs. We'll never get any time alone," she said, almost sadly. Draco kissed her cheek and smiled.

"Don't worry, love; that's what our room is for. And besides, who said we had to be alone?" he said, smirking. Hermione laughed and pushed him playfully.

"That's a rather creepy thought," she said and Draco smiled. Then his face dropped a little and he spoke.

"No, you know what's a creepy thought? Why didn't Snape do something after you said that nickname thing? Which was brilliant by the way. I mean, he could have told us off or given us detention or something...but he just, walked away. What if he actually has feelings for you?" he asked, totally serious. Hermione looked at him, almost scared.

"You're right; that IS a creepy thought. I'm sure that's not why; he was probably just nervous that we would tell Dumbledore about him threatening me. I don't even want to consider that you're right," she said, squeezing him.

"You do know what he was implying, don't you? The nickname?" Draco asked, still serious. Hermione merely nodded and closed her eyes for a moment. "And you're not angry with me?" he asked, regretting bringing it up.

"No, of course not. You haven't called me mudblood in like three years, why should I be mad at you?" she asked kindly. Draco flinched at the word and held her close. He tried to smile, he was happy she wasn't angry, but it was small and unconvincing. ** Don't be so sure about that,** he thought, remembering the day in Dumbledore's office. Hermione kissed his cheek, then took a step forward and opened the doors. Draco followed, head hung a little, but not enough to be suspicious. He came up behind her, wrapping his arms in front of her waist. Draco placed his head on her shoulder after kissing behind her ear.

"I love you," he whispered and Hermione smiled.

"I love you, too," she said and was interrupted by a small beep. She looked at her watch, which had just struck one, and sighed. "Damn, we're late," she said, but Draco didn't move. Hermione undid his hands from her waist and spun out of his arms, hand still in her possession. Draco smiled and followed her to Dumbledore's office.



A/N DUN, DUN, DUN, DUN. Phew, this was a long one...

In soon to be chapters= What the hell is up with Snape? Why are they even in the school in the first place? Is Hermione anorexic? Is Draco going to kill Snape? What do wizards eat when they're in a hurry? All this and more, next time on Flames of Ecstasy, lol.

PRF:

Nikki - Yeah, they probably do say 'I love you' too much, but hey; they're new lovers, they always say it enough to make on lookers sick... plus I usually just stick it in there to relieve tension or when I don't know what else to make them say....and I liked the shopping too, although it was kinda corny....but hey; we love corny, right? Right.

Hasapi- Yeah, I know, lots of weird, probably wouldn't happen, stuff in there... but It kinda made some of the other stuff make more sense... like, a rumor about her and Snape explains why Draco suddenly hates the guy... and his brush with intimacy at such an early age explains why he didn't wanna screw her... and Hermione and Krum I just stuck in there so Draco wouldn't be the only one who made that mistake, making it easier for him to give into her and what not... from your review I couldn't really tell if you liked all this or not; it just sounded like you were shocked, lol... thanx.

Sweet Sorrow- Yeah, well, I like my Draco and if you don't then that's okay, because you won't be a taking him then, will ya? Lol. Thanx for your opinion, though. I do agree in that I like Draco as a bad boy, and another of my stories in the future my make him one, but not this time. Now, he's just a scared and scarred emotional little boy who's afraid of hurting people... which, if you think about it, is understandable.

*Gigglinggirly*- Thanx, and I will, of course.

Tom Felton's Babe - Okay, not to ruin it, but yes, in a few chapters, they will have sex. Yet, I will NOT be descriptive. This story stays at PG13, no R for me, thank you. Trust me, you wouldn't really enjoy reading it, nor I writing it, so it doesn't make sense to do it. Thanx, though!

Toms_gurl - Thanx, and Yeah! Don't we all!

Gwyn - I'm sorry, but she didn't want them either. I know I know, if you wanted them you would have read a HG/SS fic, which I find disturbing that people would even consider writing that, but hey, go with what works, lol. I read your chappy. I bet that girl's in Gryffindor! Lol, you slip up kinda ruined the suspense, lol...

Purplerks- Well, he probably would have if he didn't scar himself for life... and I'm sure way more than twenty.... lol.

Sakke Yuy - Ohayo miss Sakke, Thank you. I thought I handled it rather well; I just didn't want them to screw just yet... but they will later, and now I've explained why they didn't act like normal hormone charged teenagers and bang each other senseless, Lol. And I'm glad I could be of help to you; I know I read a bagillion stories before I started, and I've done way better than I expected I would. Thanx once again for everything!

JoeBob1379 - Yes, I appreciate your request like you wouldn't believe! I always get people who are like "DESCRIPTIVE SCREW!!!" and I'm like, ew, I really don't wanna write that.... haha... so if anyone asks, when they screw without detail, I did it for you, JoeBob! And yes, they are. Haha.

Karly - Just lemme know and I'll come and review it! Post soon!

FireandIceQueen - Thanx, lol. I'm glad you liked it enough to waste that much time reading! Lol. Yes, that chapter is by far my best, lol... yes, they will physically hook up. In chapter 32, actually, which is call What Darkness was Intended For. Lol. I have up to that typed, hehe... so I know... I read your story, and reviewed, I think! Good Job!

Spidergurl - Okay, so that's two people who hate my story. Oh well, I'm good. I like it, and I enjoy writing it, and if you don't I'm sorry, and I thank you for sharing your thoughts with me, but it's okay. I'm leaving it be. SOMEONE must like it, lol. And realize, please, that despite the length of my story, they've been together for less than a month... meaning speeding it up doesn't make much sense; they're already way farther in a relationship than I've ever been after a month. Leave them be, let them enjoy the innocence of their love, haha.

Sweet Sorrow - they come back on January Third, and I believe that it's somewhere near Dec. 12th, but I'm trying to speed it up.... lol, I know I have this big problem with skipping time.... gotta get into that.

Malfoy- Thanx! Me too! Lol

Kaitie - I think so too... and I only made her sleep with Krum so that Draco wasn't the only one with bad experiences... and I only made him have those to explain the tension... I mean, if something like that happened to you; if you scarred someone for life at the age of ten, I'm surprised he's even thinking about sleeping with anyone... that would turn me off sex for a damn long time... and think about it, he LOVES her... and he knows what can happen if you're not ready... he just doesn't wanna hurt her, ::sniff sniff:: it's sweet... say hi to Tom for me, and tell him I'll see him next weekend! P.S. I put you on the mailing list, but tell me if you want off... I put everyone who leaves an email on it... hehe