The first thought that came to her once she had woken up was... Some day you'll understand.

And that one day was not today.

Hermione sat in the Great Hall, in her usual spot. She was hurt again, by him. What had happened? When he had said, I missed you, did he mean it? Didn't seem like it this very moment.

He was talking with Pansy, acting as if they were a couple. Did he not mean a thing he said last night?

Hermione tried to stop the tears from falling from her saddened eyes.

The Great Hall looked up as many owls cluttered into it, each making different noises as they flew. The Daily Prophet landed in front of her plate. But she was still looking down, hands in her lap.

She sniffled, but refused to sob in the middle of breakfast. Her eyes closed. How could she be so stupid! Falling for Draco Malfoy... and sucumbing to his charms once again.

"Hermione!" a voice cried out unexpectedly. As she looked up, she did not notice a teardrop that had escaped. "Hermione!" the voice held much urgency. And Hermione spotted him.

He was running like a madman towards her, newspaper at hand. He hopped tables, went over desserts, and stopped a few feet before her. Hermione tilted her head, this situation was unusual. With her confusion, she did not notice her surroundings. The Great Hall was watching.

And Draco Malfoy bent both knees, eye level with her. "I love you." With this, he captured her lips with his. This is what she had been waiting for. Just to be with him, have him hold her, place a hand on her cheek, lovingly. And she went to him once more, closing her eyes. He was gentle.

Hermione then used her brain. This wasn't right. She still needed answers from the man who broke her heart and crumbled it to pieces. Hermione, realizing what she was doing, pushed Draco away.

"Why?"

He placed the Daily Prophet in her hands. "Him."

On the cover was a man so evil that he did not want his son to love. Lucius Malfoy was murdered. By who, no one knew yet. But the bastard was dead.

"And?"

"He found out about us. I couldn't be with you. He would have killed you. I was just trying to keep you safe."

Slowly, Hermione smiled. She pulled Draco close and kissed him. This was her savior, the one that loved her. Draco was just doing what was best for her. He really did care. The past hurts did not matter anymore. He was hers, from now on.

"I love you so much." And this time, when she cried, it was not tears of sadness.