Disclaimer:You know this by now, I am not JK Rowling so I do not own Harry Potter.

A/N: Alright, I thought about prolonging the torture, but then decided against it so here it is! The not-so-long-awaited-yet-still-highly-anticipated, chapter 24! I am so glad that no one decided to hex me, I am very relieved. Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed!!

FalconWing – you will definitely find out what's going on in this chapter, thanks for the review!
Siria – Yes I did know that Aberforth Dumbledore is the owner the Hog's Head, that's why I had him contact Dumbledore when he saw Hermione.
elektra30 – Thank you very much, I'm so happy to hear that you think the pacing is good!
Jessie, neVeRmInD2, nikki, roundrockrules, HarryPotterFan670, Samantha, ilovetom, my1-and-only, Xari – thank you so much for the reviews, I hope you all like this chapter!
TheAngelOfDarkness – I know, I'm evil (evil laugh) but I'm not evil enough to keep you waiting another chapter to find out, hope you enjoy it!
Dixiechix581 – Glad you like it!
Ginny-W13 – I know, I'm gonna be sad when it's over too, I've had sooo much fun writing it!
Jessica Weasley – sorry to have made you sad, but I hope you like this chapter!
DanielLover00 – Thank you so much! It's so cool to have had my story recommended to people!
shadow-n-the-dark – I hope I updated soon enough so that you don't hex me! (j/k) I'm keeping an eye on that wand of yours!
Krazy Krysia – thank you! It is so much fun to keep everyone hanging, but don't worry no more torture after this chapter, I'm not that evil!
twistedtwin – I know cliffhangers are horrible for impatient people (I'm impatient too) but no worries, I would never let you fall off the cliff, or leave you hanging there too long!
Kara Black – I love you reasoning, and I must say I completely agree with it! I would say more, but it's all in this chapter anyway, so I hope you enjoy it!
Kacie – Don't you point your wand at me! (j/k) I hope I updated fast enough so that you don't have to use any of those curses! (gulp). Glad you liked it, and that's a very interesting idea about doing a companion piece with Draco's journal entries, I'll think about it!
Theloudone – don't worry, you find out in this chapter. And I know what you mean, about the last chapter, after writing the whole Lucius scene I kinda had trouble transitioning into what happens in this chapter. (I had to have a transitioning chapter because otherwise it would move too fast) but it doesn't surprise me at all that you didn't see this as being one of my better chapters. Anyway, glad you like the story!
Benji Girl – I'm so glad to hear that you support whatever I decide (or since it's in this chapter, have decided) to do to Draco, hope you like it!
Zuvalupa – aww really! I know, isn't it fun to torture the readers! lol Hope you like this chapter as well!
ydole3343 – 'happyish' hehe that's a funny word (sorry I think I need more sleep!) Anyway, yes Dumbledore is certainly frustrating, but it's all explained in this chapter. Hope you like it!
Missy – I stopped there simply to torture all of my readers (evil laugh) luckily no one has hexed me yet! Hope the update came fast enough and you weren't tortured for too long!
padfoot-lover1 – hehehe torture I know! Thanks for the review! I'm glad you like it and I hope you like this chapter as well!
sad-soulz – Thanks for reviewing! Glad to hear my story helped you get a good grade, that's so awesome!
Melovedraco – I'm so glad to hear you like it so much! I hope you enjoy this chaprter!

Now, on with the story!!

Chapter 24: The Leaving Ball

The day of the leaving ball, was the first time in a long time that Hermione had been is a generally cheerful mood. She knew that she should be ecstatic; after all, she was almost positive that she was going to be named Head Girl. Yet, every time she started to think about what she would do next year with the Head Boy, sadness would consume her again. Draco had been up for the Head Boy position, and while they were dating, Hermione had honestly thought that he would get it, after all, he was the number two student in their year, he was a prefect, he was a good leader, he was strong-willed, and he was on the quidditch team. 'He would have made a great Head Boy' thought Hermione sadly as Ginny pushed her to get ready.

"Come on Hermione, the ball is starting in an hour, you have to get ready."

"I don't really feel like going anymore Ginny," moaned Hermione.

"Hermione! Stop being silly, you have to go, everyone's going, and plus, prefects are required to go, you know that," argued Ginny.

"Okay, okay, you're right. Let me take a quick shower."

Before meeting the boys, Ginny and Hermione took one last look at each other. Both impressed with how they looked. Ginny was wearing a pale green dress designed to show off her figure. Hermione was wearing a royal blue dress that flowed as she walked, making her appear to be walking on a cloud. She completed her ensemble with the dragon pendant that Draco had given her for Christmas. She could feel the tears well up as she put it on, remembering how he had clasped it on her neck when he first gave it to her. It comforted her to wear the necklace; it was as if Draco was somehow embodied within the dragon. Feeling the metal against her flesh calmed her, similarly to the way Draco's touch calmed and comforted her. It made her feel safe.

Five minutes before the ball was supposed to start, Ron and Harry were in the common room waiting for Ginny and Hermione. They were both in dress robes, Harry in plain black robes, and Ron was in the dress robes that Fred and George had purchased for him. "Where are they?" asked Ron, his voice filled with frustration, "It's almost time for the ball to start!"

"Who knows mate, they're girls," answered Harry.

After a couple minutes, Hermione and Ginny descended the stairs, both looking stunning.

"Wow!" gawked Ron.

"You both, umm, look amazing," stuttered Harry.

"Thanks," blushed Ginny.

"Yeah," agreed Hermione half-heartedly, though she was amused by the looks on the boys' faces.

They walked to the Great Hall together, and even Hermione was stunned by the decorations. The Hall was decked in each of the houses colors. The house tables were shorter due to the fact that only fourth year and above were allowed at the ball. The extra space was turned into a dance floor; to the very left was a stage with instruments set up for a band. Hermione tried not to look around at anyone as they walked to the front of the Gryffindor table; she didn't want to remind herself that Draco wasn't there, she just wished she were back in her bed, fast asleep. However, she couldn't help it, out of habit her eyes gazed over at the Slytherin table. But all she saw was a big group of them chattering happily amongst themselves; the sight caused her to let out a mournful sigh.

When she sat at the Gryffindor table, she purposely sat with her back to the Slytherins just so she wouldn't be reminded of how much she missed Draco. The dinner was exquisite, it was some of the best tasting food they had ever eaten, and for the first time, Hermione seemed to be enjoying herself in the company of other people. She even participated in the conversation, until the subject rolled around to quidditch of course.

Once the desert was eaten, and the plates were glistening again, Dumbledore stood up, and the room fell silent. "Now without further ado, I believe it is time to announce next years Head Boy and Girl." There was a collective intake of breath among the students; everyone was dying to know who would get the positions. Dumbledore smiled with amusement at the anticipation felt amongst the students. "Ladies first," he began, "next years Head Girl is Miss Hermione Granger of Gryffindor house!"

There was a roar of applause from three of the house tables, the Gryffindor table especially. Hermione made her way up to Dumbledore slowly, truly smiling for the first time in a long time. She shook his hand, graciously accepted her new Head Girl badge from him, and proudly pinned it to her robes. She then turned to face her peers; all were now anxiously awaiting the next announcement. She looked at Harry, happy that if it couldn't be Draco, at least the Head Boy would be one of her best friends.

Dumbledore continued, "And now, next years Head Boy will be, Mr. Draco Malfoy of Slytherin house!" Following this announcement, there was a roar from the Slytherin table, polite applause from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, and nothing short of disgusted gasps from Gryffindor. Harry, Ron and Ginny, stared at each other in shock, how could Dumbledore have possibly named him Head Boy when they weren't even sure he was alive?!

Hermione's face flushed with color, and her hand flew to the pendant dangling from her neck. Draco had been the last name she had expected to hear, she had been so sure that he was not going to make it. Yet as she looked out at her fellow students, a flash of platinum blond hair moving from the back of the Slytherin table caught her eye. There he was, just the same as always, walking confidently up to the front of the room, with nothing but pride in his expression. He shook Dumbledore's hand, pinned his new badge to his robes, and then turned to face his peers, just as Hermione had done. Hermione couldn't help herself, she gawked at him open-mouthed.

Dumbledore smiled at the reaction from the new Head Girl, and then continued his announcement. "Now, it is tradition for the new Head Boy and Girl to begin the dancing portion of the evening by sharing the first dance together. The rest of you may feel free to join in at any time of course." With a flick of his wand, the candles and torches dimmed, and the band began to play a slow song.

For the first time in months, Hermione was able to look directly into Draco's eyes; she was still wide-mouthed in shock. He meanwhile, was smiling genuinely at her, "may I have this dance?" he asked smoothly holding out his hand. She could not utter a complete word she was so stunned, so she just took his hand, and when the music started they began to dance.

Being held in his arms once more, with the music to sweep her away, Hermione felt as if the past few months hadn't happened at all. She was back where she belonged, and everything was going to be alright. As the song progressed, the new Head Boy and Girl drew closer together until Hermione's head was resting softly on Draco's chest, she could feel his heart beating next to her cheek. She savored the feeling, knowing how close he had come to never feeling his heart beat again. She closed her eyes, loving the feeling of complete happiness that consumed her very being. It took her a moment to realize that she had stopped moving after the song ended.

When it did, Draco moved her away so he could look at her properly. Finally Hermione opened her eyes, anxious at what she might see; she was thrilled to see that Draco was smiling his old sweet romantic smile. She opened her mouth to speak a few times, but no sounds came out, she didn't know which thought to begin with.

Draco chuckled, "You look like you could use something to drink, here" Draco led Hermione over to a table where she sat down, and he went to get her a drink. While she sat, Hermione looked upon her classmates, most of who were dancing, or talking to large groups. She smiled when she saw Harry, Ron and Ginny, but shook her head when they began to move toward her. She wanted to talk to Draco alone.

When Draco returned, he sat beside her and handed her a glass of pumpkin juice. Hermione drank nearly the whole thing in one gulp. Draco meanwhile pulled a flask from his pocket and took a drink from it, then he just sat and watched her with an amused look on his face, and then to his surprise, tears began to fall down her cheeks. "Hey, hey," he said soothingly, "It's alright, I'm here."

Hermione then threw her arms around him, "Oh Draco" she sobbed, "I thought you were dead, I was sure you were dead."

"Shhh, shhh," soothed Draco. He comfortingly returned the hug and rubber her back and stroked her hair gently. "I'm here, I'm fine now, you don't need to worry anymore."

Hermione gazed at him, smiled, and hugged him once more. "But, how? How long have you been awake? Why didn't anyone tell me?"

"I was in a coma for a long time after I started breathing again, and even now, I can't stay awake for very long before I get exhausted. And I didn't want anyone to know because I didn't know how long it would take me to recover long enough to stay awake for more than an hour, so I asked Dumbledore not to tell anyone. Plus, Madam Pomfrey forbade me to have visitors because she said it would slow my recovery time, so I figured it was easier for no one to know. I've been begging her all week whenever I've been awake to let me come here tonight. At first she refused, but then Dumbledore made her let me come, she gave me this flask full of pepper-up potion and ordered me to drink it whenever I start to feel tired."

Hermione huffed with frustration, wondering how he could possibly think that allowing her to think he was dead was better than letting her know he was recovering even if she couldn't actually see him. But in the happiness of the moment, she decided to ignore the frustration for the time being and just enjoy the night.

They sat together for many long moments before Draco ventured to voice the questions that had been running through his mind since he first woke up. "There are just a couple things I have to know," he began, "how did you know where I was, and why on earth did you come after me anyway, after all the horrible things I did to you?"

"Oh," gasped Hermione. Suddenly she was deeply blushing and she moved away from him slightly, "well, I went to get the potion, and I saw your journal, I remembered seeing you writing in it a few times, and I was curious to see what you had been writing. When I read some of it I realized what it was." Hermione paused and looked guiltily at Draco before she continued. "Well, I had to know what had been going on, so I read what you wrote the night I caught you with Pansy. And I couldn't believe it, then I found the letter from Lucius, and I knew I couldn't let you face him alone after all you had done to try to protect me, I had to try to help you." Hermione paused for a moment, no longer looking Draco in the eye. When she finally finished she broke down again hiding her face, "Then you ended up protecting me again, and it nearly got you killed, Oh Draco! I'm so sorry; I never would have forgiven myself if anything had happened to you!"

Draco listened intently as Hermione spoke, he flushed slightly when she said she had read his journal, but his fears disappeared when he saw how distraught she was. He pulled her into a hug and whispered, "you don't have to worry anymore, I promise you that."

"I know," smiled Hermione weakly, finally returning his gaze.

"Just out of curiosity, did you read any other entries in my journal?" asked Draco nervously.

"No," answered Hermione quickly, "well, yes actually, I and the others read the entry from the first time Lucius used that spell on you. "

"What! Did you all read the whole entry?" cried Draco, choking on his pepper-up potion and suddenly looking very worried.

"No, I don't think so, we just read about the spell and its effects, why?" asked Hermione curiously.

"No reason," lied Draco. In reality, that had been the first time he wrote about his changing feelings towards Hermione, and he didn't like the idea that his school rivals may have seen his vulnerable emotions.

"Oh," answered Hermione not believing Draco for a second, "and Dumbledore asked me to give the journal to him, but I didn't. I did keep it though; it's hidden in my trunk in my room. And I did read a couple more entries when I though that I was never going to get to see you again." Hermione prayed he wouldn't ask which entries she had read because she didn't want him to know she had read about him saying that he loved her.

"Okay," breathed Draco, he wasn't too happy that she had read it, but he couldn't blame her for it. For a few long moments after their little conversation there was an awkward silence, neither knowing what to say.

Hermione still had difficulty believing that this was real, she was almost positive that she was going to wake up any moment and find out that Draco was dead.

"Hermione?" ventured Draco.

"Yes?" whispered Hermione in response.

"I know that we've both been through a lot this year, and I know that I hurt you way too much, but, do you think we could start over? Like from the first kiss?"

Hermione beamed up at Draco, "Nothing would make me happier."

Draco breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, his eyes were brighter than she had ever seen them, it was as if a dark cloud had been covering them before, and she was seeing them truly for the first time just now. He smiled back at her, then suddenly he spoke, "hang on," he said as he stood up, "I'll be right back." He turned and disappeared through the crowd across the room. He left too quickly for Hermione to follow, so instead she just remained sitting.

"Hey," said Ginny, who had wandered over with Ron and Harry, "what happened?"

"I don't know, we were talking, and suddenly he said he'd be right back and then he just disappeared," answered Hermione.

"That's it, he is just impossible to figure out," suggested Ron.

Hermione smiled at Ron, "what no insults for him today?"

"No, not today," answered Ron with disappointment in his voice, "I can't exactly insult a guy who saved the life of one of my best friends can I?"

"Nope Hermione," joined in Harry, "just give us until next year, then we'll have a whole new batch of insults ready to throw at him at any time." Ron nodded in agreement, and Ginny laughed.

Hermione chuckled appreciatively, "I wouldn't expect anything less."

The band then started playing another slow song; Hermione listened to the words, and couldn't help but think about Draco;

I'm not a perfect person
There's many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you

Hermione smiled, completely swept away by the song, wishing she was on the dance floor with Draco once more. Her friends couldn't help but smile at the faraway look that crossed her face, they knew who she was thinking of, and they were all happy to finally have Hermione back. Within seconds, Draco returned, smiling his self assured, yet completely irresistible smile. "Excuse me," he said politely to the group. Then he looked down at Hermione and held out his hand, "would you like to dance?"

Hermione smiled brilliantly, "I'd love to," she took his hand and headed to the middle of the dance floor with him. Her friends watched her walk away, and they each smiled happily. They weren't sure if they'd ever be able to consider Draco as anything other than their rival, nor were they sure that they wanted to. But he made Hermione smile more than anyone else could, so he couldn't be all bad.

As Draco and Hermione danced, they each forgot about every other person in the room. Hermione was carried away by the lyrics of the song, and by how wonderful it felt to be in Draco's arms once more.

I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
That's why I need you to hear

Draco pulled Hermione closer, and she leaned her head against his chest. She sighed, smiling to herself and closed her eyes. Draco held her gently, and guided her effortlessly around the dance floor, happy to finally be holding her again.

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you

"Hermione, Draco whispered into Hermione's ear as they danced.

"Mmm?"

"I love you."

I've found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you.

Hermione stopped dancing and looked into his cool silver eyes. Finally, he had spoken the three words she had been waiting to hear for so long, and they sounded more beautiful than she had ever imagined rolling off his tongue. Hermione was about to return the sentiment, but before she could open her mouth to speak, Draco leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. Every nerve in her body seemed to tingle as she returned the kiss. She didn't even care that they were in front of half the school; she didn't care what anyone would say. All she cared about was this moment and this kiss. Hermione broke the kiss first, and gazed into his eyes, "I love you too." Her whisper was barely audible, but it meant the world to him.

They danced the entire night, Hermione completely forgetting about her three best friends. When the last note of the last song finally ended, she closed her eyes and hid her face in his chest, wishing that the night would never end. He stroked her hair for a moment, then stepped back, and spoke in an amused voice, "as much as I want to stay here with you all night, I've been fighting to stay alive for the past few weeks, so I'm rather exhausted." He spoke if he was talking about something as trivial as the weather, "and I think Madam Pomfrey is going to kill me for staying out so long, she ordered me to return for one last check up before I pack up my stuff."

"Oh right," mumbled Hermione, smashing back to reality, and finally noticing just how exhausted Draco looked. "What are you going to do at home all summer?"

"I don't know, Lucius is still in St. Mungo's, and it doesn't look like he'll be coming out soon according to Dumbledore, so I'll probably be forced to go to a bunch of 'society' functions to keep up appearances. Mother never wanted me to be like Lucius, but still, there's a responsibility that comes with being a Malfoy, and now it will be my job to help keep what really happened a secret."

"Wow, that doesn't sound like much fun," replied Hermione.

"No, but I'm used to being dragged everywhere anyway, I've never had a truly relaxing summer vacation.

Hermione did not know how to respond, so she just looked away. Draco noticed that she was uncomfortable, "Hey, don't worry about me, I'll be fine. And, besides, this summer I'll have the thought of seeing someone amazing when I get back to school." He smiled provocatively at her.

Hermione raised her eyebrows, "Oh really?"

"Oh yeah, she's smart, and beautiful, and funny, she's a great girl," answered Draco matter-of-factly.

Hermione blushed and giggled, "Anyone I know?"

Draco smiled, "yeah you know her," he then leaned in and kissed her again, "and she's a damn fine kisser too," he added after he ended the kiss.

Hermione turned beet red and opened her mouth in shock, then burst into an unstoppable fit of giggles. Draco chuckled at Hermione, "I'll probably see you tomorrow, but just in case have a great summer." Then he turned and walked out of the room to the hospital wing, leaving Hermione still giggling in the Great Hall.

"What's so funny?" asked Ginny, walking curiously up to Hermione.

"Nothing," choked out Hermione, barely able to talk or breathe from laughing.

"Come on Hermione! Tell us what's so funny!" insisted Harry.

"It was just something Draco said, that's all," answered Hermione, finally able to speak again.

"What did he say?" asked Ron.

But when Hermione looked at Ron she could barely stop herself from laughing again. She knew that Ron still liked her, and she did not know what he would do if he heard the comment that had caused Hermione to giggle so much. "Never mind, it was an inside joke," lied Hermione hoping they would leave it at that.

The boys rolled their eyes and led the way out of the Great Hall. Ginny however held Hermione back and whispered to her, "come on, at least tell me what he said!"

Hermione blushed again and smiled secretively. Then she whispered to Ginny what had been said. "Ahh!" cried Ginny when Hermione was finished, then both girls burst into another fit of giggles.

"Aww come on Hermione! Tell us too!!" pleaded Ron.

But neither of the girls told they boys what was so funny, there are some things that are meant to be shared only between girls friends and this was one of those things.

A/N: I do not own the lyrics to the song, they are the lyrics to "The Reason" by Hoobastank!

Also, I know that in the real Harry Potter books, there is no leaving ball and the Head Boy and Girl probably find out about their appointment in a letter like the prefects, but as you can see, this change was necessary to get them back together!

The next chapter will be the final one of this story, however, due to a few requests I have received, I have been thinking of writing a sequel. It would take place during their 7th year. It would of course be a Dr/Hr fic, but it would probably involve more action/adventure than this one did. The updates wouldn't be nearly as fast as they've been with this story, but at the same time I would be much more open to your suggestions for where the story should go since I'm not exactly sure myself. So, if you would be interested in reading a sequel to this story, let me know because if enough people are interested then I'll write it.

And of course, please review this chapter and let me know what you think!