Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters.

Chapter 15: Rejection: poison to thy soul.

Monday morning, the beginning of a new week, the start of a new term, and another morning in which Hermione was alone in her bed.

She was still dressed in her clothes from the night before. Hermione sat up and brushed her pillow hair out of her face. Looking at her clock, she saw that she had an hour before breakfast to get ready.

A half hour zoomed by and she was already dressed and prepared for a new day. Hermione used her time wisely by relaxing, something she hadn't done in ages. The young Gryffindor reflected on her hectic year so far.

It was already three months into the year and she had dealt with more problems than she would have in half a year. Basically that's merely an understatement for Hermione, being the friend of Harry Potter, but these problems were different.

Those problems called for life altering decisions from Harry himself, with a little bit of help from Hermione. In the end Harry knew what he'd be facing. For Hermione this was all very different. These problems were more personal, things she'd never dealt with before. These were issues that were going to change her life.

Honestly, she could say it was a bit overwhelming. Hermione had been through so many personal revelations in the past weeks and she knew she'd have a lot more to discover. The fear inside her started to build up. Hermione did know what she'd have to face when this is all over, this, meaning her relationship with Draco. Was she supposed to expect it to last? Part of her was optimistic and the other half was fighting back with the real facts. Their relationship would not sit well with others and that may cause problems, serious problems.

Maybe this is just a stage for foolish hearts, she thought. There are no current boundaries therefore why wouldn't young lovers take the chance and run free, crossing the borders that separate them. It's hard to say, really.

It's amazing how the forces of nature work. Hermione had her doubts but a feeling like this can't be ignored.

"Good morning." Draco said, making Hermione jump out of her skin.

"Hey." She replied softly.

"Had a good night rest?"

"Yes. A bit lonely but yes I slept well."

Draco pouted at that statement.

"Oh c'mon, love. Lighten up. I was only joking." Hermione cooed while approaching Draco for a very long kiss

Breaking away, Draco said. "Let's go get some breakfast, shall we?"

He dragged Hermione behind him to the Great Hall. Right before entering

Hermione quickly asked. "Draco, are we going in together?"

He whipped her around to face him and stared deeply into her eyes, just to let her know that he was serious. "'Course we are. What we do is our business, remember." With that said he pushed open the large oak doors and waltzed right in with Hermione by his side.

Immediately all the students stopped chatting, forks slipped and hit their plates. A few students choked on their juice. The air was completely still. A silence that can drive a person mad raided the room. All eyes were on Hermione and Draco.

Surprisingly Hermione felt at ease, like it didn't matter she was dating the most notorious Slytherin. Showing up together in the Great Hall crossed the boundaries of the Head Girl and Head Boy relationship and everyone in that hall knew it. It was a very bold statement but it didn't bother Hermione or Draco the least bit.

It was quite obvious that Draco and Hermione was a couple now. Everyone stared but no one dared to comment, as the couple separated and went their separate ways. The Slytherins wouldn't dare ask a question, only knowing they would receive an unwanted reaction from Draco which sent a thousand daggers up and down your body and left you painfully embarrassed.

There was an exception to everything and Pansy happened to be one. As soon as Draco sat in his seat she shot questions at him, which he was trying to ignore by speaking with Goyle.

"Why were you with her?" She asked but he continued to ignore her.

"Answer me, Draco. Why are you associating with that Potter loving whore?"

Still, there was no response.

"Imagine what your father would say, Draco?" she said coolly. Instantly he stopped his conversation and cut his eyes over to Pansy.

He wanted to curse at her, scream at her, injure her for bringing Lucius into this but he thought better of his actions. That's exactly what she wanted, a reason to squeal on him. He wasn't going to give her that satisfaction.

"Yes Pansy. I could just imagine what Lucius would say?" Draco finished and resumed his conversation with Goyle.

Pansy was seething with anger. How could he associate with filth like Granger and not care? She felt betrayed and used. Draco always made her feel that way but she never gave up hope that one day a change of heart would steer him in the right direction, in her direction. Her time was bound to come but it never did.

With Granger in her way there was no way she was going to get him back, although she never had a special connection with Draco. Pansy couldn't stand the site of them together. Granger was standing in her spot. This time the change in script was for the worse.

Rejected, again. She was beaten and cast aside. Isn't that always the story with Pansy?

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After History of Magic, Draco slipped Hermione a little note. In it he wrote: Fancy a bit of dueling? Meet me in front of our headquarters after dinner.

After dinner, which she spent with Ginny only, Hermione made her way to their headquarters. Draco was already there waiting patiently, casually tossing his wand into the air. When he saw Hermione approaching him he stopped and straightened up.

After a few minutes of pointless conversation and walking, Hermione and Draco ended up on the seventh floor right by the Room of Requirement.

"How do you know about this place?" Hermione said opening the highly polished door.

"Perhaps you've forgotten about fifth year when I was snooping around for Umbridge."

"Oh right. Anyways what are we going to do here?" Hermione started around at the spacious area which was dimly lit. The room was completely empty save for the swords that were positioned on the walls and a few cushions.

"RICTUSEMPRA!" Draco bellowed before Hermione could say anymore. She fell to the floor in a laughing fit. He smirked knowing that he got the first hit.

"All hail Draco Malfoy." He chuckled to himself. Hermione got up and got out her wand and sent a disarming charm at Draco. His wand flew out his hand and spiraled through the air. Having the quick reflexes of a cat, he grabbed it before it could fall into Hermione's hands.

"IMPEDIMENTA!" Draco yelled, pointing his wand at Hermione who was sent into the air.

She fell right before him. Draco got on his knees and whispered to her. "Let's stop with the elementary spells."

"Draco, I can't use the Unforgivables on you."

"No you can't. But I can teach you some things, some Dark Magic, maybe."

"I can't believe this." Hermione whispered to her self.

"Reducto!" a spell flew in Draco's direction and hit the bookcase.

"C'mon Hermione. Let me demonstrate." He took of his cloak and levitated it into the air. He rolled up his sleeve and prepared himself. Draco dropped his wand, which surprised Hermione being that she wasn't used to wand less spells. He closed his eyes and held out his hand, palm up. After a moment of silence he bellowed at the top of his lungs, "Acupuntura!"

Immediately, an invisible energy began to puncture his robe, leaving behind large holes. Draco turned to the astonished Hermione and smirked. "Imagine what damage that can do on a person." He finished while fixing the damages made on the cloak.

"How did you do that?" Hermione questioned.

"Simple. Close your eyes. Hold out your palm and repeat the word 'adlevo'. This will levitate the person. Concentrate really hard on fire and then throw the spell when you get a burning sensation in your chest." He instructed.

"I'll be sure to remember that." Hermione said to herself

The next spell required a wand. Draco picked up his wand and started the spell. He twirled his wand until a red glow appeared. Next he thrust it forward and yelled, "Acidium".

A jet of purple liquid flew out of the tip of his wand and flew across the room, missing Hemrione's face by an inch. It hit the wall behind her and melted the blade of one of the swords heisted on the wall.

She walked over to the melted blade and examined the liquid. "Acid," she whispered to herself.

"Yes and if I were you I'd step away." Said Draco's voice behind her. Immediately she jumped backward and into Draco's chest.

"Well, that's enough magic for tonight. I think we should try something a bit.." He trailed of and two swords came flying towards them and into his hand. "Different." Draco finished approaching Hermione handing her a sword.

"I appreciate the challenge Draco but-." She was interrupted when he Draco placed his sword in the middle of her chest.

He cocked his head to the side and replied, "You're in too deep." She smiled at him and swung her sword to hit his face. Draco quickly blocked it. "Fine. I'll play," she said stepping backwards.

Draco followed her and swung at her ankle and she skillfully blocked it. "You never cease to amaze me."

The pair ran back and forth trying to cut off each others arm or leg. Hermione was thoroughly pleased with herself, even though it was a game. A half hour into the duel Hermione had stripped of her cloak and shoes. Draco's shirt was open, revealing his well toned chest. Hermione now began to realize how agile Draco was. His movements were graceful and fluid, absolutely no mistakes.

Sweat beads formed on both their foreheads. Draco bit his lip partly in concentration. He loved the way Hermione's skirt twirled when she dodged him and her heavy breathing and frustrated cries. He tried hard to concentrate on his technique instead of Hermione. They both found themselves overcome by temptation.

Draco advanced on Hemione while she did her best to sidetrack him. She swung her blade at his neck but instead Draco knocked her blade out of her hand and brought his down her chest, splitting her blouse open, button after button.

For a moment Hermione stood there shocked and breathing hard, as did Draco. She slowly lifted her gaze from the floor to Draco's god like face.

Slowly she studied his sharp, strong features, intense eyes, and broad shoulders. Everything about him was defined. The heat in the room made her skin itch and her mind race. Finally when Hermione couldn't take it anymore she pulled Draco into a hungry kiss.

He didn't pull away. It seemed as though he was waiting for this moment. Hermione gripped him hard on the back of his neck. Draco bit down on her lower lip and pushed her against the wall. He pried her legs open and lifted her onto his waist, so that she was straddling him.

Draco planted kisses on her jawbone and made his way to her neck. He caressed her stomach until he found his hands on the smalls of her back. Then he moved them up to undo her bra.

Hermione felt the panic rise in her. She had to stop it before it gets too far but she wanted to go there. Hermione couldn't explain her new phobia. Was she really afraid of his touch, the touch she couldn't resist now that it wasn't forbidden?

"Draco," she moaned just as his fingers found her bra, "We've got to stop. We can't do this, especially here."

Draco's head slowly appeared from the nape of her neck. "Right, sorry." He mumbled looking slightly disappointed. He let her down so they both could fix themselves. They both walked back to their chambers in silence, Draco feeling slightly rejected and ashamed; Hermione thoroughly embarrassed. Just before they reached their chambers Draco spoke up.

"Listen," he said bending down to kiss her "I'll be back. There's just some business I have to handle." Before Hermione could question him he ran off in the opposite direction.

She began to wonder if their relationship was all sex and games but cast the thought aside quickly.

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Draco sped of to the Owlery. He almost forgot about his letter to his mother that he had written in Charms. The Yuletide season was drawing near and soon it would be Christmas.

Usually Draco would go home and spend the Holidays in the lonely Malfoy Manor and associate with the random people at the ball his parents held yearly. This year one less person would be attending the party, Draco.

He took the letter out of his pocket and reread it. It read:

Dear Mum,

I'm sorry but this year I won't be spending the Holidays at home with you. I've decided to stay here at Hogwarts. I need time to be by myself and rethink some decisions I've made. I hope you understand and I'm truly sorry. Try and enjoy the Holidays.

Love, Draco

Draco folded the letter and tied it to his eagle owl. He watched it soar into the moon light thinking about his real plans for Christmas.

A/N: Okay people. Review and tell me what you think. Also in the reviews tell me what you think is going to happen towards the end. I need to know that. It's very important. Lastly, I need you to tell me what you would like to see more of in this fic. Does it need more fluff, drama, action, details? Tell me. All constructive opinions are welcome. Thanks again.