Chapter Nineteen:

(A/N. I know I said I was going to make this a long chapter but I kinda broke it up into two…I'm updating tomorrow, so don't worry. It's just I tried to put them both on fanfiction.net and something went wrong. It goes up to a certain point then it gives me a !!!!!!!!!!!!!. So, I broke it up so that it would actually work. I'm so sorry about the inconvenience. Thanks to everyone who reviewed! I can't believe I have more than 300 reviews now! It's so awesome! Okay thanks everyone!)

There was a deep passion such as Draco had never experienced in the kiss. All of his other kisses had been cold, given by girls who were only after his money of the prestige of being his wife. Hermione was different. She was like a roaring flame when all the others had been like a cold wall of steel. She was his rampant Lioness. She had the key to his cold, grey heart. Draco pulled Hermione closer to him, holding her tightly. Slowly and reluctantly he pulled away.

"You are so beautiful."

"And you are so handsome." She said with a small smile. They looked into each others eyes before laughing softly. Draco pulled her close and breathed in her intoxicating scent. He loved her sweet smell.

"You are amazing." He said. She giggled into his chest and snuggled closer to him making him chuckle.

"Yes. I know." She said with a playfully haughtiness in her sweet voice. Draco kissed the top of her head.

"Thank you for forgiving me, Hermione. I promise I won't hurt you again. I'd never want to hurt you." He whispered. She sighed in contentment and he kissed her again letting all the longing he had felt pour into it. She moaned softly and he nibbled her neck making her giggle at the strange sensation. He pulled away and pressed his forehead to hers.

"You're a good person Draco. No matter how hard you try to hide it. I was very wrong. You are nothing like your father." She said. He smiled.

"Thank you. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me." He murmured before pulling her into another kiss. He lightly brushed his tongue against her lips and she opened up, deepening the kiss. They pulled away, breathless. Their eyes gleaming happily.

"As are you to me." She whispered softly. "Draco, will we see each other more often now?"

"I don't know. I'd love to, Hermione You know I would, but it's dangerous with my father being around. I hate it Hermione." He said. She nodded and pulled him closer enjoying the feel of his strong arms around her.

"I should go." Hermione said halfheartedly. Draco nodded but neither of them made any movements. Finally, with a small chuckle, Hermione kissed Draco on the cheek and then walked away. Draco flopped onto the bed. He was so happy to have Hermione back. He had lost her but he would not let her go ever again. Not because of his father, her friends, or anyone else. A knock on the door made him sit up.

"Come in." He called. Lucius Malfoy walked in a hardly seen smile on his face. Draco felt fear fill him. What could make his father smile so?

"I have good news my son." Lucius said silkily. Draco stiffened. What kind of news would his father consider good?

"What news is that, Father?" He asked. Lucius smiled and ran his finger along the fireplace.

"The most wonderful news you'll ever hear."

"Enough with the cryptic remarks, Father." Draco snarled. Lucius turned to his son, his cold eyes flashing.

"Don't be pert with me, insolent boy!" Lucius snapped pulling out his wand and pointing it at Draco. "Crucio!" He growled. Draco screamed in pain, his back arching and his muscles tensing involuntarily. The pain felt eternal. It ended and Draco lay on the floor gasping for breath. "Now will you listen without interrupting? Or must I teach you another lesson in patience."

"No, Father. I will hear you out." Draco said with a faked reverence. This was the man he had wanted to become?

"I have just received word from the Dark Lord. You will be having your Death Eater initiation on you 18th birthday, and the Dark Lord wishes to make you his heir."