Disclaimer: I do not lay claim to this story, and I do not lay siege to your fortress.

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR: Pay No Worship to the Garish Sun

When she stopped and turned to him, Draco kissed her, gentle and deep. Hermione smiled when it ended and Draco took a step back to mount his broom. He lightly kicked off, letting the broom hover about three feet from the ground, his feet barely grazing the grass. He held out his hand, extending his arm to her, inviting her to join him. Hermione smiled as best she could, trying to mask the terror she felt.

"Coming?" Draco asked, keeping his smile. Hermione walked into Draco's awaiting arms, then turned her back to him, trying to get on as well. Draco smiled and stopped her, spinning her shoulders to face him. Hermione looked a little confused, but still kept her pseudo-smile. "This way," he explained and moved his hands to her waist; gracefully lifting her onto the broom. Hermione just looked into his eyes, falling into them as she had done so many times before and didn't even notice as Draco reached behind her for the broom handle and they slowly began to rise.

Noticing her distant stare, Draco kissed her, quick on the lips, bringing her back to the present. Hermione smiled and blinked, then her eyes drifted down, causing her to realize the position they were in. She gasped and immediately embraced Draco, holding him close for comfort. He took one hand off the broom handle and placed it on her back, attempting to reassure her.

"Whoa, I thought you weren't going to get scared?" Draco said, smirking. Hermione, whose eyes were closed, took a deep breath and loosened her death grip.

"I'm not scared, I just didn't know we were this high," she said, trying to sound convincing.

"Sure, Mia," he said and Hermione lifted her head to look at him.

"I'm not," she insisted, sounding almost stern.

"Of course not," Draco said with a sarcastic smile. Hermione smiled, still holding tight to Draco's robes, and tied her legs around his waist, sliding herself closer to him.

"I'm not," she repeated and Draco kissed her.

"Okay, I believe you. Ready?" he asked and Hermione tightened her grip on his waist.

"As I'll ever be," she said and Draco made sure his arm was safely around her before he shot off, doing laps around the pitch, gradually getting higher. Hermione tried not to be scared, but it was a losing battle. She buried her head into Draco's chest almost immediately, hugging him close to her, and in turn, Draco pressed her against him, slowing down just a little.

"Hermione?" he asked, continuing to slow down. Hermione didn't budge nor loosen her tight grip.

"Yeah?" she asked as if everything was perfectly fine. Draco chuckled a little at the calmness of her voice.

"Too fast?" he asked, kissing the top of her head. Hermione smiled and took another deep breath.

"Just a little," she said quietly, still not letting go. Draco smiled and kissed her head again.

"I'm sorry," he said, then was quiet for a moment. He chuckled a little as he slowed the broom to a very steady and mild speed. "You know; we were going a lot faster the last time you had your legs like that," he said quietly and Hermione felt a surge of anticipation as she remembered 'the last time she had her legs like that.'

"Well, we weren't this far from the ground then, were we?" she reasoned, trying to hold Draco tighter- if that were possible. Draco smiled and kissed her a third time.

"Maybe you weren't, but I was," Draco told her and squeezed her to him for a moment. Hermione smiled and finally relaxed, looking up at him. Draco was smiling and Hermione couldn't help but be happy. The fear she felt at take- off was completely gone, replaced by nothing but concentration on Draco. Before either of them could realize it, they were kissing again. While Hermione wasn't paying attention, Draco had lowered the broom and now the kissing couple were a mere few feet from the ground.

The rain had begun, however light, and bother were totally unaware of it. The kiss was finished and Draco opened his eyes before Hermione did. He looked instantly worried.

"Are you crying, love?" he asked, moving his hand to gently wipe the moisture from her face. Hermione opened her eyes and looked a little surprised.

"Am I?" she asked, bringing her hand to her face as well, surprised to feel the water droplets there. There was a far off and quiet rumble of thunder and both looked in the direction of the sound. "Oh," Hermione said, looking up. "It's raining," she told him and Draco looked up as well, but didn't say anything. Hermione took a deep breath and looked around, happy to see how much closer to the ground they were. She untied her legs, much to Draco's dismay, and let them once again hang from the broom.

"You want to get down?" he asked, sounding a bit disappointed. Hermione kissed him softly and nodded.

"You'll have more fun without me, Ace," she told him, but Draco shook his head. Hermione looked determined and Draco sighed, giving in and descending the few feet to the ground. Hermione smiled as her feet once again touched the ground and she kissed Draco's cheek before swinging her leg back over the broom. Draco smiled and pulled his Cirrus up beside him, then held it out to Hermione.

"Here love, I'll be right back," he said, moving a bit toward the shed.

"No. There is no way in hell I'm taking that," she said, holding up her hands as if afraid. Draco laughed.

"Yeah, I thought you might say that. I'll get you another one," he said and dropped the broom to his side, continuing to the shed.

"No, wait," Hermione stopped him, producing a wand and giving it a flick. A moment later, a scratched and frayed broom flew into her awaiting hand.

"THAT'S your broom?" Draco said, taking a step back toward her for closer inspection. "Man, you weren't kidding."

"Hogwarts standard issue," she said shortly with a smile.

"Hermione, this broom was a laugh when it was new; in seven years, why did you never get an upgrade?" he asked, fingering the tarnished handle.

"Never saw the reason to spend that much money on something I'd never use, I mean, would you buy a skate board if you lived on a desert island?" she asked, smiling. Draco shrugged.

"If my current board was a pop-tart on wheels, yeah, I probably would. Good point, though," he said and kissed Hermione's cheek before mounting his Cirrus. "Are you sure you don't want another one, love?" he asked and Hermione nodded.

"I'm fine, Ace. Go show off; you know you want to," she said and Draco kissed her again. He took off at lighting speed, shooting straight up until he was barely visible, then came back down again, swooping around Hermione before flying off to do laps around the pitch.

Hermione smiled and watched him for a few minutes, amazed at how fast he could go and all the complicated moves he made. Then, she reluctantly mounted her broom, kicked off, and climbed to about 20ft. Looking down, Hermione smiled. **That's high enough for me,** she thought, taking a semi- deep breath, then finally took off. Her speed was nothing compared to the blur she assumed was Draco, but she flew well for someone on that poor excuse for a broomstick.

* * * * * * * * * *

Draco flew for what seemed like forever, until he had gotten the need for speed out of his system. He stopped and swooped down, looking for Hermione. When he saw her, Draco couldn't help but be amazed. She wasn't doing any little flips and spins like he had done, but she was speeding around the outside of the pitch, going unbelievably fast. Draco watched her until Hermione sped past him, apparently not even noticing that he was there. He smiled and took off in a chase, catching up to her quickly.

As Draco flew up beside her, Hermione still didn't notice him. He was about to say something, but decided against it. He lowered himself so that he was below her, then ran the back of his hand over her partially bare calf. Hermione stopped dead on her broom and Draco did the same not much later, turning so that his broom tip was facing Hermione. Draco waved guiltily and Hermione smiled, flying up beside him.

"Can I help you with something?" she asked with a smirk, but then smiled, unable to keep a straight face.

"Yes, actually," he said and brought a hand to her face, pulling her into a deep kiss. Hermione wanted to wrap her arms around him, or reach a hand into his hair, but she dare not take a finger off the broom handle.

The rain had gotten much harder, but neither of the airborne lovers seemed to notice until their kiss had ended. Draco pulled away slowly, still holding Hermione's face in his hand. Hermione widely smiled for a moment, then smirked.

"That's it? You broke my concentration for THAT?" she asked and Draco's smile fell a little, but he realized she was kidding and matched her smirk quickly.

"Well, there was something else... but it took me so long to get your attention that I've forgotten what it was," he told her and Hermione almost blushed.

"Well then," she said, cautiously taking one hand from the broom and taking Draco's hand from her cheek. She leaned in as far as she dared to and Draco met her lips with force. When they broke apart this time, Hermione was instantly smirking. "I'm glad I could be of service," she said and took off without warning, continuing her circles around the arena. Draco shook his head and followed her, once again coming up underneath her.

"Who said I was done with you?" he called playfully and Hermione smiled down at him, then looked up to watch where she was going.

"I was damn well done with you," she called back, not looking down. Draco smirked and flew up, still underneath her, causing Hermione to push higher to avoid collision. "Draco! That's not funny... stop it!" she said, almost in panic.

"Hermione, who do you take me for? I'll catch you if you fall, and the higher you go, the more time I have to do so."

"Yeah, and the better chance I have of combusting on impact," she reasoned, sounding scared as Draco pushed her higher.

"Listen to yourself! Do you really think I'd let you fall? And I'm a seeker, remember? I dare say, you're a might bit bigger than a snitch my dear," he said and Hermione seemed to finally believe him.

"I am? Really? Do you think I should diet?" she asked, now increasing altitude with minimal resistance.

"I think you technically have to eat before you can manage your consumption levels, love," Draco said and Hermione's smile dropped. She stopped mid-air again, this time looking hurt and angry. Draco's smile became history and he felt the sick prickle of panic in his stomach which always accompanied his infuriating remarks. "Mia?" he asked nervously, but Hermione's only answer was a head shake. She bolted for the castle before Draco could fully realize what he had said to upset her.

He followed her, catching up quickly and trying to get Hermione to talk to him.

"Mia! What did I say? Hermione, please talk to me; I'm sorry," he tried, but Hermione ignore him; mouth a harsh line and eyes on her destination. "Hermione!" Draco said and reached a hand to touch her leg again.

"Don't touch me," she snapped, facing him with cold eyes. Draco retracted his hand immediately, letting Hermione fly directly to their balcony. She landed smoothly, walking straight into her room, not even looking back at Draco, who stood wet and depressed on the balcony.

Draco tried to stop her, but he couldn't. As the lock clicked on the door, Draco sighed and hung his head, knowing he had messed up pretty bad this time. He shuffled toward his own balcony door, looking in her window for just a moment; enough to see her curl up on her bed and start to cry. He tore his eyes away; the piercing pain in his heart unbearable. Draco hated to ever see Hermione cry, and knowing right now that she was hurting and it was his fault made him want to scream. The worst part was, he wasn't entirely sure what he had done and knew not how to apologize.

Draco walked to his room and placed his Cirrus in the closet before walking into the common room and straight to Hermione's door. He could hear her stifled sobs through the flimsy woodwork and each one bit into him like a bear trap on his heart. Draco took a breath, then knocked quietly on the door.

"Hermione? Please love; I'm sorry," he said, hoping against hop that she would come out, but knowing that it wouldn't be that easy. He jumped as something hard was thrown at the door, then took a deep breath and sighed. He sat down on the floor, leaning back against the door.

* * * * * * * * * *

Hermione fell into bed the second she entered her room, giving into the tears she had been holding back since he had said those words. It was less than a minute before he knocked on the door, but Hermione was far from ready to forgive or even talk to him yet, and she threw the nearest thing toward the entrance. Normally, Hermione would never have disrespected 'The Complete Works of Edgar Allen Poe' like that, but this was a very stressful situation. Draco said nothing after the loud bang, but Hermione knew he was still out there.

She reached under her bed and felt around the tiny shelf that was there before extracting a ring-box sized package. She pulled her wand from her pocket and pointed it at the small treasure, which instantly grew with the flick that followed. It was her stash. Hermione opened the glorious box of Honeyduke's chocolates and extracted one after another, drowning her pain in rich confection.

* * * * * * * * * *

Draco, however, did not have that pleasure. He waited for hours, hoping Hermione would come out, but finding that she was pretty stubborn. He lost himself in books and apparation packets, eating primarily from the forgotten bowl of fruit which had once sat on the mantle, but was now stationed beside their box of tissues. Everything he needed, Draco summoned, not wanting to leave his spot. It hadn't taken him long to discover what he had said to upset her, but he hadn't know it would have this affect.

* * * * * * * * * *

Hermione lay in bed with a book, not reading as much as thinking. She knew that Draco was still outside her door and it almost made her smile, but then she remembered why she was angry and all possibility that Hermione might open the door disappeared.

* * * * * * * * * *

As dusk rolled in, Hermione found herself slightly sick from over consumption of chocolate and, Draco, himself exhausted and sore from his floor level position. Draco had been sitting there for almost five hours and he would gladly stay there all night if necessary. To his surprise, however, Hermione opened the door at about nine thirty, clad in a sweatshirt and long pajama bottoms; probably the most unrevealing sleepwear she owned.

Draco fell backward at the unexpected removal of his backrest, but Hermione ignored this and stepped over both him and his books, then walked into his room, leaving the door open. Draco, who was now fully awake, sighed and stood, attempting to ignore the aches and pains.

He walked cautiously to the open doorway and peeked inside to see Hermione on her back in bed, arms crossed and eyes on the ceiling.

"Hermione?" Draco asked and Hermione didn't miss a beat before speaking.

"As much as I hate to admit it, I'm terrified of that room at night," she told him, not looking away from the ceiling nor changing her facial expression. Draco nodded, happy she was at least speaking to him again.

"Do you want me to sleep on the couch?" he offered, sounding sad and guilty. Hermione blinked and looked to him for a moment before reverting her gaze.

"No. I still can't sleep without you," she said and Draco smiled, straightening up at her request. "But I'm still mad at you; this doesn't change it," she reminded him and Draco nodded, his frown sneaking back.

"Perfectly understandable," he said and sighed. "I'll be back in a minute," he told her and headed to the bathroom.

Hermione, who had used a spell to brush her teeth, ran her tongue along them, liking the clean feeling they had. She waited unmoving for Draco, realizing for the first time that she shouldn't have been so harsh to him. He returned after only a few minutes, dressed in his usual sleep ensemble. Draco didn't exactly look happy, but he seemed more than willing to go to bed with Hermione. He crawled into bed, not expecting much.

"Draco, why do you brush your teeth? There are spells so you don't have to," Hermione asked, sounding almost normal, other than her stiff and defensive stance.

"I don't know. Why do you?" he asked, a bit unset by her tone of voice.

"My parents are dentists," she stated in answer and Draco nodded.

"There are spells so you don't have to do anything. Life would be pretty pointless if you just sat in one place and used magic for everything," she told her, his head turned toward her, eyes locked on her profile.

"That's true," she agreed, taking a deep breath. Hermione wanted to look at him, but she couldn't bring herself to do so. She knew he as sorry and she didn't know why she was being so stubborn, but she couldn't help it. Draco sighed and tried once again to apologize.

"Mia, I'm sorry," he said again, and even dared to reach a hand to touch her arm.

"I know," she said, but didn't sound forgiving.

"I didn't mean it... I didn't think it would hurt you like that," he told her and Hermione took a breath; it was obvious that she was on the verge of tears.

"Didn't think it would hurt me? You think I'm anorexic; how am I supposed to feel- grateful?" she said, trying to sound angry, but managing only hurt and betrayal.

"No, Hermione I-"

"I've been eating twice as much since you said something last time, but you didn't even notice. I haven't gained weight, but I haven't lost any either. Why does everyone seem to think I have a problem? I don't; I swear I don't," she said, unable to stop her tears. Draco felt a little panicky, not liking the situation at all. Forgetting her command, Draco crawled closer to Hermione, placing a hand on her cheek and gently wiping away her tears.

"I know, love... that's why I didn't think it would hurt you. If I thought there was something wrong, don't you think I would have done more than just comment when it conveniently came up in conversation? I'm sorry, Hermione. If you still want to be mad at me, I'll understand... but I wish you wouldn't," Draco told her and Hermione looked at him; looked into his eyes for the first time since she ran away from him.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, closing her yes and turning her head into Draco's hand. Draco gave her a soft kiss on the lips, trying to comfort her.

"Shh... It's okay, Mia," he said and kissed her again, then started to move away.

"No, stay with me," Hermione pleaded, trying to hold him to her. Draco smiled and gingerly rested himself beside her, his head placed next to hers.

"I'm not going anywhere," he whispered, keeping his hand on her cheek. Hermione smiled and brought her hands to hold his arm close to her. Draco kissed behind Hermione's ear; he had forgotten how much he loved to do that. "I love you," he told her and she snuggled her face into his hand. Draco waited a moment, then spoke again. "Hermione?"

"Mmm," she answered, tuning her face to him and opening her eyes. She smiled at Draco, who was looking relieved. He kissed her lips almost nervously, but Hermione wiped away his fear as she kissed back.

"I love you," he repeated and Hermione smiled before kissing him again.

"I love you too," she told him, keeping her eyes closed. Draco smiled as Hermione turned her head away again, facing the ceiling with a contented smile. He kissed behind her ear, letting his lips linger there long after the initial peck was finished. Neither could think of anything more to say and both remained silent until together they fell asleep.

* * * * * * * * * *

Hermione woke the next morning feeling warm and comfortable, curled up beneath the blankets. She took a deep breath and fluttered her eyes open, expecting to see Draco asleep beside her, but was surprised to find the bed nearly empty. Hermione nearly gasped in surprise and shot into a sitting position, looking around the room for her blonde boyfriend. Unsurprisingly, he was no where to be seen.

"Draco!" she called, not caring if he thought her overprotective. There was no answer. Hermione bit her lip and looked to where she knew Draco should be, pointlessly hoping he would be there. Of course, he wasn't, but there was a tiny note taped in his place. Hermione sighed in relief; the note at least meant that he was okay. She quickly picked the parchment from the pillow and read it, still subconsciously biting her lip.

"Mia,

I went to visit Evan; I should be back by nine thirty, at the latest. I love you.

-Ace"

At first, Hermione couldn't believe what she was reading. **Why would he want to see Evan? I hope he doesn't do anything stupid...**. She read and re-read the note, hoping her eyes were deceiving her. Then, Hermione slapped her forehead, disbelieving of her ignorance. **He's shopping you mindlessly accusing git. Totally innocent!** she thought and fell backward on the bed.

A quick glance at Draco's alarm told her that he was due back in any minute. She sighed, deciding to stay in bed until he got home, her only regret being that he was not there now. Hermione closed her eyes, thinking how strange it was that Draco was up so early, that she had slept so late, and amazed that she could sleep so long without him there.

Draco landed his Cirrus on the balcony only minutes later and Hermione heard his rather un-stealthy return, smirking and silently deciding to pretend that she was asleep.

Draco slowly opened the door, eyes locked on the bed, attempting to determine if Hermione was asleep. Deciding that she was, Draco opened the door, fully but quietly, entering the room and sliding open the closet, dropping his purchases and gently placing his broom inside. Then, he turned back toward the bed, dropping his overcoat on the nearest chair and leaning in to inspect his girl. He smiled as he looked at Hermione, hair falling into his eyes, then shook his head.

"You are SUCH a bad faker," he said and Hermione smiled, then opened her eyes.

"Can I help you with something?" she asked groggily and Draco smirked, knowing what she expected. He paused for effect, then shrugged.

"Nope," he said, extinguishing her hopes of another kiss. Hermione smiled.

"Fine then," she said, rolling away from him and pretending to go back to sleep. Draco shook his head with a smile, knowing she was just playing. Draco stood from his crouch, walked to the other side of the bed, and crawled in, feeling happy as a wide smile snuck across Hermione's face. He settled down beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "So, how's Evan?" she asked, keeping her eyes closed and fixing her grin into a smirk. Draco lightly chuckled.

"Good. He's engaged, did you know?" Draco told her, smirking as well and badly wanting to kiss her, cursing himself for passing up the opportunity as he ran a hand down her arm.

"Oh?" Hermione said, purposely dropping her smile and trying to sound as disappointed as possible without truly feeling it.

"Yep," Draco said, knowing she was faking, then sighed for effect. "Mmm... and she's gorgeous. I think her name was Corsica. I like that." Hermione was tempted to open her eyes and glare at him, but she kept them closed and sighed.

"Are you sure it wasn't Medusa?" she asked, dead-tone and relaxed. Draco smiled.

"Is someone jealous?" he asked suspiciously and Hermione smiled.

"Well... yeah," she said as if it were the most obvious and understandable thing in the world. Draco laughed and, unable to fight it any longer, leaned over and kissed her, sweet and soft on the lips.

"That's... sweet of you," he said, smiling. Hermione opened her eyes after the kiss and smiled, glad he had finally done it. She had been waiting for that since he came in.

"Well, Mr. I'm-jealous-of-every-other-male-on-the-planet, other than the Bubble Tramp, Corsica is the only material I've got; even if she is just a figment of your imagination," Hermione babbled, smiling lovingly at him.

"I have a pretty realistic imagination if that's what she was. I'd hate to see what that scene must really have looked like if in fact Evan wasn't snogging with a girl." Hermione blinked.

"You actually DID go see Evan?" she asked, eyes on the smiling Head Boy beside her. Draco shrugged.

"Among other things," he said, sounding apathetic. He knew what her next question would be and he was contemplating an appropriate answer.

"Why?" she asked and Draco smiled slightly as his prediction proved true.

"Socks for Mum," he answered, mock-proudly for seemly no reason; it wasn't something to be proud of. Hermione looked disbelieving and smiled warningly. Draco laughed. "Fristy and Clara. Evan and she were making out, she had a ring, and he called her 'Corsica-baby. I put two and two together," he said, then smiled. "Are you terribly upset?" Hermione ignored his last comment, barely hearing it as the smirk once again settled in.

"You know Ace, we make out and you gave me a ring, but we're not engaged. Maybe you read into it," she said and Draco smirked for a split second.

"We're not?" he asked innocently, adding in some mock surprise. Hermione laughed.

"Do you ever remember saying, 'Hermione, will you marry me?'?" she asked and Draco smiled.

"Yep," he answered simply and Hermione blinked, clearly not expecting that.

"Oh really? News to me. And what did I say?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. Draco kept his smile and shrugged.

"I always wake up right before you answer," he told her and Hermione smiled sweetly.

"Then we're not engaged; we just do everything married people do behind closed doors," Hermione said, rolling herself away from him again, only to move herself closer afterward. Draco wrapped his arm around her as he had done countless times, and smiled.

"Without the inconvenience of locking them to keep the kids from walking in," Draco said and she laughed, snuggling into him. Hermione paused for a good thirty seconds before she smiled.

"You know, Draco; if we were to have kids, they'd be damn good looking," she said, closing her eyes and attempting to picture what these said children might look like. Draco smiled.

"That'll never happen if you keep pissing off Fate," he told her, kissing behind her ear.

"I'll make a mental note to stop that," she said, her eyes closed as she now focused on the feeling of his lips on her skin. Draco continued and Hermione remained silent for a while, then spoke again. "Draco, is Corsica more attractive than I am?" she asked, almost suddenly, and felt Draco's kisses abruptly stop.

"Well... I hope Evan thinks so," he tried, squeezing her hand and trying to play it smooth. He really didn't think Corsica was that attractive at all; he had just been teasing.

"I don't care what Evan thinks, I care what you think. Do YOU think she's prettier than me?" she asked, almost nervously. Draco smiled as he suddenly knew exactly what to say.

"No, love. No one is prettier than you. I think you soaked up all the pretty and are hording it for yourself, guiltlessly flaunting it for all the hollow ugly beings that remain, and laughing as they jealously gawk at your beauty," he told her, smiling along with her as her grin grew wide.

"I love you," she told him, melting as Draco re-began his kisses. All was silent for a while, save Hermione's exponential breathing.

"Why?" he asked, not stopping his lips.

"What?" Hermione said quietly, too caught up in the kisses to pay much attention to anything else.

"Why do you love me?" he asked quietly, but at the same time serious. Hermione smiled and moved her shoulder so that it buried into him, making her feel protected and safe.

"I don't know..... I really don't. I love your unpredictability and the way you always seem to leave me speechless. You make me feel protected and loved even when you're not trying. Just being like this with you makes me feel safer than anywhere else I could possibly be.

"I even love the smartass comments you make, pretending that you think they'll piss me off, but knowing that it will make me smile. I love it when you touch me. Even if it's just for a moment and even if it's by accident. I find myself constantly savoring the moment when I'm with you, Draco.

"I love every second of our time together...... And you loving me helps a little as well; I've never felt loved before," she said, all very slowly, letting Draco hang on her every word.
"I love you too, Hermione, and not just because you soaked up all the pretty... however that was very nice and I think you," Draco said and kissed her again before continuing. "You're different; like you were set aside form everyone. You were never afraid of me like every other girl I've ever met; even when I'm angry, I don't scare you.

"You have no idea how incredible it feels NOT to be feared by someone when you're used to getting exactly the opposite reaction from everyone. I love it when you're happy; I live to make you smile. It rips my heart out when I make you angry; twice if I make you cry. And you trust me. I've never been close enough to anyone to even be in a situation in which I needed to be trusted.

"You mean the world to me, Hermione. You're the better part of me; I'm just an empty shell without you," Draco finally finished, speaking equally slowly and truthfully as Hermione had.

She just listened to Draco, keeping her eyes closed and smiling, lips pressed against their clasped hands like it were her only source of life. Hermione sighed a little as Draco finished and began to kiss her neck again. Draco smiled as he felt her light breath on his hand.

"Do you want to know what I regret more than anything?" he asked in a whisper and Hermione turned her head as if to give her ear better access to his voice. Draco smiled. "Our first kiss," he said and Hermione's smile dropped in unison with her eyes popping open. She turned her shoulders to get a better look at him.

"What? Why?" she asked, sounding sad despite Draco's smile.

"Because it shouldn't have happened," he told her. Hermione just looked at him, mouth hung open, searching his eyes without knowing what she was looking for. Draco let the pause sit a little longer than intended, just to keep the suspense. "Not then," he continued and Hermione blinked, utterly confused.

"N-Not then?" she asked small-ly, searching for some sort of explanation. Draco shook his head.

"No. It should have happened seven years ago," he explained and Hermione sighed away as much of the unease that would willingly leave her. A large portion of stragglers were left behind, not fully sure what Draco was trying to say. "I had seven years I could have used to make you smile... but instead I used them to make you cry. That is my biggest regret," he finished and Hermione let the fear all slide away, no longer needing it to protect her. Hermione closed her eyes and took a semi-deep breath.

"I really wish you wouldn't do that; you scared me half to death," she said, smiling again. Draco took the opportunity to claim her lips, reminding himself of exactly what he had been missing the past seven years.

"I'm sorry," he whispered as their lips re-parted.

"You know, Ace... if it makes you feel any better; you never made me cry. If I was in a good mood, I almost enjoyed your teasing. I've always thought that 'mudblood' was actually a rather humorous word. Mud. Blood. They rhyme. That's funny," she said, not laughing, but obviously happy and serious. Draco smiled.

"Really?" he asked hopefully.

"Really. Sometimes you DID hurt my feelings, but I never cried over it. I was usually too busy helping Harry keep Ron from jumping you to think about what you actually said," she told him and Draco smiled as convincingly as possible before giving up and just kissing her.

A/N Title from Romeo and Juliet; Juliet says;

"Give me my Romeo, and when I shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun. O, I have bought the mansion of a love But not possessed it, and , though I am sold, Not yet enjoyed. So tedious is this day As is the night before some festival To an impatient child that hath new robes And may not wear them."

For all of you who don't speak Shakespeare; this was just after Romeo and Juliet were wed, and she is waiting for him to come to her room, not knowing that he has just killed her cousin (Tybalt, who killed Mercutio... BIG misunderstanding) and has been banished. She's basically saying that she's REALLY horny and she wants him to hurry up and bring her some lovin'! Don't you love it when old guys write about sex? Yeah, me too.

PRF: Okay, once again, the reviews were killing me to be answered, so here's another chapter. Phew, I can't believe I wrote all of chapter 39, just so I could stay 5 ahead, boy...

CBsha: Thanx for giving me another chance! But I agree; my first few chapters sucked like no other...haha

Bitter Sanity: I try to use each name to create feeling, like, if it's a serious scene, I use first name, if it's a joking scene, I use nicknames, if it's a comforting scene, he says love and she says Draco, so it's like: "No, Hermione, I would never use you for anything." "Yes Mia, if anyone loves me, it's your cat." "Don't worry, love. We'll figure something out." That sort of thing, do you see? Yeah.

Hasapi: Wow, lots of talking... scary really... most directed not at me, lol, which is okay. G2say though, this whole Lirawen thing is getting on my nerves a bit... I wish she'd just drop it already.

Envision: That's all I ask, is for a r/r. Thanx! I'm glad you like it, hehe!

Joebob1379: Yeah I know, some people just read into things too much... I mean, it's FANFICTION for crying out loud, not the freakin rewrite of the constitution. Who cares if there isn't much to it and it's full of fluff? That's what a pillow is, and we all like pillows. Oh, and I expect that twenty note in cash, thank you... lol.

Lily Rainwater: Thanx again and again. You're being nice again! Hehe! **is flattered** ;o)

Snapegirl: Yes! I like the nicknames too! Go us! Lol.

Sucker for HermioneDraco: Yes, we all are. I want numerous snowdays.... I only got one :o( lucky...

Lirawen: No, I'm not really sick of YOU, I'm just sick of this stupid little game we play. As for whom you are, I am completely dispassionate. And yes, I do realize that I was a little harsher on you than this J character, and I apologize. Yes, I too know how to apologize when I've made a mistake, despite what you may have been implying. I know I overreacted, and I learned from my mistake. See? You have taught me something. Plus, I didn't really want to make another mortal enemy. And once again, not to be degrading, but it's writer, not writter. It might be good to learn to spell the words in a language you use to write with, even if it isn't your mother- tongue. Oh, and nice mental pictures there at the end... very... well, we won't get into that.

Starry Skies: Hehe, you always say that! Ron comes in for a short scene on Christmas Eve, but for the most part they stay out of it until they come back for term. You do get to meet some fun new characters though, including the Grangers. Does anyone know if they every actually SAID the names of Mione's parents? I just made them up, but if you know, please enlighten me.

K: Haha, more MIB lingo. That's cute, J + K, just like Jay and Kay in the movie... haha. Was that your stroke of genius or a coincidence? But anyway, I would like to officially welcome you to the 'We Hate Passion Police Because We're Conspirational Against Her and It's Fun' club. Aka: WHPWCAHIF. Members: J, K and Lirawen. Would you prefer to be V.P. or treasurer? I think it's obvious that Lirawen is president.

Ashley023: Cool! Although you say you are in the middle, so by the time you read this it will be outdated, but that's alright. Thanx for reading!