A/N: Big thanks to all reviewers. To secretspells311 for your double reviews! And to other reviewers, Hidden-Me-05, Hermione02886 and Steph! Love ya'll! Once again, I apologize for taking such a long time to update, especially, leaving you guys hanging like that. Anyways, it's ready! So here goes, enjoy!

Chapter 4: The Kiss and shattering Hopes

"Draco!" Hermione screamed, throwing herself over the lifeless body of Draco.

"Uh, Hermione?" Louisa Peters, a girl from the third year said. Hermione remembered her as the girl whom she 'saved' from Draco. "That ain't Draco. I'm just practicing with my boggart. You see, I'm kinda frightened of him and I've transformed him into a weakling." She chuckled, beaming in pride. "I'm so sorry to cause you so much worry," she continued apologetically then ran away.

Hermione's face turned into a bright red.

Hermione's P.O.V

Oh my gosh! Why was I so anxious? Why did I care that much? Did he ever exist in my heart? Did he mattered that much? Why? Oh fuck! I've forgotten all bout Ron! What would he think?

End of P.O.V

As if on cue, Ron exploded "Were you really so worked up? I mean, come on, his a Malfoy! He's Draco Malfoy. You should rejoice if he's dead!"

Losing her cool, Hermione retorted in rage. "Why are you so against Draco? Why are you always so over-protective? Do you have to question my every move? Why can't you have some trust in me? You're my best mate!"

"Cause I care" Ron replied, dejected. " Cause you matters the most to me. And I wouldn't in my wildest dream ever wanna lose you. Especially to Draco Malfoy!" Ron continued softly.

"Well, I guess we both need a little cooling down." Hermione concluded with a devastated look. "I'll see you in Hogwarts then, go on with your duty." Hermione said walking off without turning back.

Unknown to all, Draco, hidden behind his compartment door had witness everything…

Minutes later after alighting from the train

Hermione spotted Hagrid among the huge crowd. It wasn't hard spotting the giant. His loud voice was booming "All first years! Gather here!" Hermione's memories of first year swarmed in her head. It was such a long time ago. She ran forward in Hagrid's welcoming arms. "I've missed you!" She laughed as Hagrid ruffled her much tamer hair. For once, all her worries were gone.

"My, look how much you've grown!" Hagrid replied. Just then Professor Mcgonall came over. "Ah, there you are. I've been looking all over for you. Malfoy is already waiting for you in your private carriage. I hope you know that you'll be having dinner together in the head's carriage, as you'll be skipping dinner later. You'll be briefed by Professor Dumbledore then, instead. Alright, I'll see you to your carriage now." Professor Mcgonagall said leading the way, with Hermione following her. A worried crease forming on her forehead.

She definitely wasn't prepared to be with Draco Malfoy. Alone. Never in her life had she felt so alone. She couldn't bring herself to face her two best friends, yet alone, Draco Malfoy.

"There you are, my dear." Professor Mcgonagall interrupted her thoughts.

"Thanks!" Hermione replied, forcing a smile.

"Alright, bon appetite!"

Hermione took a deep breath, muster all her courage and pushed open the door of the carriage.

It was so beautiful! She gasped. The wall of the carriage was lined with gold tiles. The velvety couch was just too good to be true. Especially after the long ride and the series of events.

"I hope you're done with gaping at the furniture. Please hurry up, I'm starving!" A deep voice called out. Hermione noticed, for once, he hadn't used the term mudblood. Hermione shifted her glance to the candle lit table in the middle of the luxurious carriage. For the third time that day, she noticed Draco. And again it sent shivers up her spine. Her heart was thumping wildly.

"I'm sorry," She mumbled, blushing. She took the sit across Draco.

Studying the way he ate, they ate in silence.

It was an awkward silence.

She opened her mouth to say something when Draco said, "You cared, didn't you?"

Hermione shut her mouth. She knew what Draco meant but she just couldn't bring herself to agree. So they sat in another series of awkward silence.

" If something were to have happened to me…" His voice trailed away as he stood up towards Hermione and caressed her slim body.

Looking into her eyes, "…what would you do?" He whispered into her ear.

Hermione started to say something. "Hushhh…" Draco drew a finger across her lips and ended her words with yet another magical kiss…

Breaking away from the kiss, Hermione gasped "I want you…"she sighed "forever"

Draco looked away and winced "We can't…" he frowned "He…he'll come for us…even in azkaban. Lucius Malfoy'll come…"

His lips quivered as he spoke.

A/N: Sorry for leaving you guys hanging yet again. But no worries, I'll be back real soon this time. Meanwhile, you know what you can do, keep reviewing!