A/N: Okay guys, this will have to hold you over for a week, cause I've got to host a girl from Japan. It's a homestay thing. So, anyway, have fun with this!

Over the next few weeks Draco Malfoy began to try to prove himself to Hermione. On one such afternoon, he went up to Ron, Harry, and Hermione, sitting around a library table studying for Professor Flitwick's latest exam.

"Hello. Harry, Ron. " He nodded at them, smirking a bit. Hermione looked up and smiled. "Come with me for a walk?" he asked of her.

"Sure," she said, and got up. "I'll see you later guys." She waved to them, tossing her hair over her shoulder and following Draco outside.

"You think there's any chance of me getting some of that?" Ron asked.

"What, Hermione?" Harry questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"No, that thing she and Draco have. It's not love, and it's not a relationships, but it's sure as hell something, and I want it.

"Oh I'm pretty sure it's love, Ron. Have you seen them lately? They're always together, and flirting, and to tell you the truth I'm quite surprised they haven't announced their commitment to one another yet.

"Well, she's waiting for something, Harry. And he's been trying to prove himself so hard. I think she believes him, but it's like she can't really get with the guy without one more thing.

"Malfoy's pretty patient then, eh?

"Hah! No, I've heard him kick things after their meetings. He gets frustrated, but I suppose anyone would. I guess he just likes her enough to keep trying.

"Maybe you should try that with Lavendar.

"Shut up Harry! What if she walks in?

He laughed. "Come on, let's get back to our studies.

~Meanwhile~

Draco and Hermione had walked to the lake again and sat down. There was a silence between them, and Hermione stared out at the lake and then at Draco's profile, his silvery eyes intense and flickering with emotion as he skipped rocks across the gently rippling water. Without turning to look at her, he began to speak.

"Hermione, truthfully, I'm a bit angry right now. Stressed, angry, melancholy, and with a constant pit in the stomach feeling. I want you as my girlfriend, my lover. I've tried so hard to prove myself but you don't seem to want to be with me. You flirt, but I'm not quite sure if it's innocent or something else. So what I want is for you to be honest with me, and tell you how you feel. If you really don't care to be mine, then say so. But if you do, then please just, I don't know, do anything but what you have been doing.

Her eyes were pained and teary as she replied. "Draco, it's just so hard for me to accept all this. With all the bullying and things you did before, it's almost like I can't forgive you, but I want to so much. I do like you, and I want to be with you as well.

"Then why are you holding back?

"I don't know," she shook her head rapidly, crystal teardrops falling from her eyes, "But I don't think I should anymore.

He looked upon her, his eyebrows arching slightly upward in his concern. His lips tugged downward, soft and inviting. He leaned forward and pulled her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her. She cried quietly.

"I'm so confused," she whispered.

"Shhhh. It's okay."

He rubbed her back and she melted in his strong embrace.

"You don't have to do anything you don't want to.

She pulled back, her mascara running, and her cheeks wet. Even so, she was beautiful. She smiled a little, sniffing. "I want to be with you, okay? There's a trip to Hogsmeade planned for next week. And the Halloween dance is at the end of this month. We can go together.

He beamed, and pulled her close again, nuzzling her neck. She sighed softly, and he kissed her milky skin, lifting his head up to look her in the eyes. He tilted her chin toward him with his fingers, and leaned in. Their lips met, hers smooth against his. She ran her hands through his hair, opening her mouth and letting his tongue gain entrance. Her tongue joined his in a passionate battle of lust and love.

After they pulled apart, Draco watched her eyes flutter open, and she smiled at him. He took her hand and helped her up, carrying her back to the school for dinner. They parted ways and Draco waved after her, somewhat dazed.

"Score!' he thought, and felt boyish and silly. He laughed at himself. Blaise Zabini was coming at him full speed.

"Hey man! Looks like you had a fun time.

He pointed to the bulge in Draco's pants, and they both chuckled, Draco blushing slightly.

"Come on, let's eat. I'm starving, " Blaise said, and the two entered the dining room joyfully.