A/N: Sorry it took so long to post the last chapter and this one. The site was down, for anyone who didn't know.

I actually had Chapters 10 and 11 typed on Thanksgiving Day (oh, p.s. hope y'all had a good Turkey Day!) and I wanted to post them, but, well, couldn't. So I waited, and waited… and waited… and now I can finally post! I'm so excited! YAY!!!

Now, just so y'all know, this chapter has sex in it. Yes, SEX. Finally. I was wondering when they were going to get around to it. It's not… well, it's a little graphic, but it's not rough. It's almost like fluff-sex. It's emotional for a girl's first time, so that's why. And don't get confused when he picks her nickname. It doesn't mean anything. Yet.

I also want to give a great big THANK YOU SOOO MUCH to the following reviewers for clearing something up:

From: Lyndsie Fenele: No, Blaise Zabini, the famous non-gendered person, is actually male. He's a wizard. According to the Harry Potter Lexicon, JKR had to tell the Portuguese translators, probably to clear up issues of gender that exist in Portuguese that don't in English.

The reasons I picked hers were: 1- It was the most succinct; and 2- it was first in my inbox. I would also like to thank blinknena182, The Bride Of Vegeta (Vegeta kicks ass, btw), Kara Black, JeanB, and especially the most loyal of loyal reviewers, hermyandron4evr (Leigh'sa) and slyswn28 (whom I don't know their name) for also pointing out the fact that I was wrong. Thanks.

I appreciate it a lot. I feel better now.

And here is my parting word for today: poo. hehehe!

Hermione lay on the bed for a while, trying to collect her thoughts. What the hell? It was the only question running through her mind. It did, however, apply to most of the other thoughts jumping around in her head.

What the hell was he doing? I'm Mudblood Granger. He doesn't want to touch me in case he gets cooties; so he wraps his arms around me, grabs my butt, and kisses me. What the hell kind of sense does that make?

What the hell was I doing? He's Ferret Boy Malfoy. He taunted me every day, for any reason, just because he's Pureblood and I'm not. Now he's complimenting me – and I like it. What the hell is wrong with me?

What the hell happened? He helped me, then he dropped me, then we flirted… and now I'm here alone. Just like always. A song came to mind.

All I want in life is to be happy (happy)
All I want in life is to be happy (happy)
All I want in life is to be happy (happy)
All I want in life is to be happy (happy)

It seems funny to me
How fucked things can be.
Every time I try to get ahead
I feel you're dead.

I can't get ahead, she thought to herself. Why bother? I'm just here to serve a specific purpose, and no one has mentioned happiness once in the last six years. She remembered happier times at Hogwarts. Just being able to fight with Ron, though he was not the brightest crayon in the box, had at least made her feel a little alive.

With that thought, she realized the reason she was taunting Draco was so she would have someone to verbally and mentally duel with. They could yell at each other all they wanted, but they were on the same side now, so the sting had left the words. Then there was his intelligence. She had been the top of her graduating class, of course; but Draco Malfoy, slacker and troublemaker extraordinaire, was right behind her. He and she could debate issues and could come up with coherent arguments for whatever it was they were discussing. Besides that, he was fun to be around. He shared her interest in music and chocolate.

Wait. Wait just a minute. Am I listing his redeeming qualities? Why? He was my enemy for so long. I know he's changed, but… She was confused. Why do I care so much?

- - - - -

Draco shut the door behind him. What's going through that mind of hers? Why would she apologize for taking something she wanted… especially when I was obviously willing to give it? He sighed in frustration and leaned against the wall just outside the door. He wanted to talk to her when she came out of his room. Shit. Not only do I smell like flowers, but my bed will too if she doesn't get off it. How am I supposed to go to sleep then? He shook his head.

He slid down the wall until he was sitting on the floor. His head dropped into his hands. Shit. Not like my life wasn't fucked up enough when I got here. This sure as hell isn't helping. Romantic entanglements always fuck things up even worse than they already are. He was thinking about how he could get out of this predicament when his brain caught up to his thoughts. Romantic entanglement, huh? Since when did I become 'romantically entangled' with her? It's barely a friendship… I'm the one that kissed her. It was… it was… oh, um… He didn't know what to call it. He had told her it wasn't something to regret. He knew he didn't. He also knew, however, that it had been unexpected, especially given their past. Oh, Merlin. Does she think I forced myself on her? I didn't… did I? I didn't mean to, it just… happened. Shit shit shit shit shit shit shit SHIT. SHIT! SHIT! I've got to talk to her.

XXXXX

Pansy was in shock. He fucked up. I can't believe it. The Prince Fucked Up. Capital F, capital U. Damn. She ran her finger around the edge of her teacup and watched Draco's face. It was smooth, without emotion. It was the same Draco she remembered, but… somehow, it wasn't the real Draco. It wasn't the same Draco as the guy in the story, anyway. Is it all a façade? Has he always worn a mask? I… She didn't finish the sentence. What could she say? Nothing. All I can do is sit here and wait for him to finish. I kind of wish he'd quit describing Herm – Granger's body in such detail, though. It's not making it any easier to sit here. She sighed and shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

XXXXX

Hermione was so lost in her thoughts she didn't hear the door open. Suddenly, Draco was hovering above her. She blinked and looked at him, making sure there was no emotion showing on her face or in her eyes. When he saw this, he looked a little uncomfortable. Good. I've been uncomfortable, too.

He spoke. "Hermione," he sighed. Draco tried again. "Hermy, I –"

"Please don't call me that. I hate that."

"Oh, sorry." He gave a little bow. "What shall I call you?"

"I don't really mind. Just not Hermy or Mione. They both make me sick. I've heard enough of them both to last me two lifetimes." He frowned. Mione was his next suggestion.

Hermione felt the bed sink down as he sat on it. He was quiet for a few minutes. Finally, he spoke.

"Okay, I've got it. How about Violent H, since you keep hurting me all the time?"

She looked at his face. He had a cheeky grin on his lips, but it didn't reach his eyes. She realized this was his way of trying to break the ice with her. She gave him a half-smile. "No. That is stupid."

He faked a look of hurt. "Did you just call me stupid?"

"No, if you had been listening, you would have heard me tell you that your idea was stupid." She still had that half-smile on her face.

"Oh, well, I guess that's okay, then," he said sarcastically.

Her smile got a little broader. Draco took this as a good sign and was quiet for a few minutes while he pondered the problem. "Okay, how about Herms?"

"Hell no."

Draco's grin spread with this answer. "I'll take that as a maybe."

Hermione threw a pillow at him. He caught the pillow and threw it back at her. She hadn't been expecting it and took it in the face.

She removed the pillow. "Oh yeah?" she challenged him.

"Hell yeah."

He ran towards the bed and tackled her. She shrieked and fell backwards. He had pinned the pillow between the two of them so she couldn't use it. He reached behind her and grabbed the other pillow and started to beat her about the head with it. She giggled and screamed while she used her arms to ward off the worst of the blows. Finally, she got a hold on the pillow and yanked it out of his hands. He was a little surprised, but not as surprised when she pulled her legs up, which sent him flying across the room. He stood up, but before he could ask the question, she answered him.

"I took self-defense classes at the gym. I am, after all, a woman, and felt the need to learn to defend myself from attackers." She grinned. "You were attacking me. I got you off me, and am now prepared to defend myself." She threw him a pillow. "Now we're on even footing. Ready?"

He didn't answer, just ran at her. She kicked at his leg, which sent him flying back to the floor, got on top of him, and started beating him about the head. He finally gave up. Both of them were flushed and out of breath from laughing so hard. Draco took advantage of the fact that she had let her guard down and flipped her over onto her back. She laughed again. "That hurt, you know. This is a hard floor."

"Let me make it up to you." He picked her up and put her on the bed. She sighed and looked up at her captor. She didn't even notice this time when his eyes unfocused, and was once again surprised to find his lips on hers. This time, though, it wasn't just a light touch. It was full on, firm contact. She froze. She didn't know what to do. You know what, fuck it. I'm going to take charge of my own happiness. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer.

- - - - -

Draco couldn't help it. Looking down at her flushed face and heaving chest, he was so turned on he didn't even realize he was going to kiss her until he already was. Her lips are so smooth. He was about ready to pull away when he felt her arms snake up over his shoulders and pull his head closer. Oh, shit. There was no going back now.

He turned his head to have better access to her mouth. She parted her lips and touched his tongue with hers. He growled at her. He began to duel with her tongue, trying to stake his dominance. She put up a good fight, but he was willing to bet he had a little more experience with these matters than she. Slowly, her hands loosened their grip on his head and started to travel down his back, tentatively at first, then stronger when she gained confidence. He rolled her to the side so he could trail his finger down her spine. She shivered at the contact. He made his way to the bottom of her shirt and slid a hand up the back. Her skin is so soft. He wanted to take her shirt off and feel the press of her flesh against his. He decided to bide his time, however, when he thought about the last man she had loved. He didn't want to rush her; besides, this felt really, really good. He wanted to savor the moment as long as he could before she broke it off.

- - - - -

Hermione felt his hand make its way up her back. She could feel his fingernails grazing her skin, giving her goosebumps. His hands are so warm, she thought. He roller her over so he was on top again, and she felt his erection. He wants me. The mere thought that someone would want her, knowing her faults and shortcomings – he had spent seven years tormenting her about them, after all – and still wanting to share this kind of intimacy with her caused her blood to course through her, sensitizing her skin to the slightest touch. She wanted to move faster, so she deepened the kiss. She ran her hands down his back and pulled his shirt up so she could feel his flesh. She traced the outline of a scar on his shoulder blade and felt him shudder. She didn't want to stop kissing him, but she wanted to take his hoodie off. She debated for a second, and then decided breaking the kiss was worth it.

She pushed him away just enough to grab the hem of the sweatshirt he was wearing and pull it up. He pushed himself up onto his knees so he could pull it off quicker. Hermione also pulled her shirt off. Draco just looked.

She wore no bra; she had no need to. Her breasts were firm and round. They sat heavily in his hands. Her nipples were a soft pink and were already hard with her desire. He leaned down and licked one. She gasped; it was such a strange feeling, the warmth and moistness coupled with the rough feeling of the buds on his tongue drove her wild. He finished and moved to the other side, where he ran his tongue around the nipple and left a wet trail all the way up to her neck. He bit it gently, causing her to gasp again and arch her body up into his. Merlin. Why… why haven't we done this before?

- - - - -

Draco couldn't believe how even the lightest touch drew such a reaction from her. Normally, he liked it rough and so did the women he was with; this angel, however, deserved his most gentle ministrations. Every time she moved, every time she touched him, every sound she emitted; they all made him hotter and harder. He couldn't ever remember wanting someone so bad. He didn't know how she did it, but he also didn't care. Right now the only thing he cared about was shagging this earthly angel. My angel, he decided. She would be his and his alone – no one else would know that her mouth tasted like chocolate; that her body was perfect in every way; the sounds she made for him when he ran his tongue around the outside of her ear.

He hadn't even taken her pants off yet, but he had a feeling this would be the best lay he ever had.

He reached for the button on her jeans; the jeans that had showed her rounded ass off to perfection, and now showed the creamy skin all the way down to her pelvic bone. He inhaled at the beauty of it. Suddenly, she started to squirm.

"What, love? What is it?"

"I – I – I've never… never done… this…" she trailed off.

Draco was utterly shocked. She's a virgin? Why?

"It's okay, love. It's nothing to be embarrassed about."

"What?"

Draco thought back quickly. He chose his words carefully this time.

"What I meant was, um, what are you embarrassed about?"

"Um, well, I've never been this… naked with anyone before, and I've never done… it… either."

"I'll show you. I will be as gentle as I can, but it will hurt a little the first time." Hermione nodded; she knew this. She had read about it in a book.

"Okay."

"Hermione, love, I have a question for you."

"What?"

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"No." Draco looked a little crestfallen, until she spoke again. "I'm going to do it, though. I can't think of anyone I would trust this to more than you." She smiled gently at him.

Draco couldn't believe his good luck. I'm her first, and she chose me over the Boy-Who-Won't-Die? He grinned down at her. "Well, what are we waiting for?"

"I think we need to take off the rest of our clothes."

"That's a good place to start, love."

Hermione blushed as Draco pulled her jeans down, leaving her in her little red satin thong. He looked at her legs, at her stomach, at her face. "You're beautiful."

That comment gave her the courage to lift her hips up and remove her thong. She was now completely naked in front of the man that had been her enemy for so long. Opposites attract, right? She grinned to herself.

- - - - -

Draco couldn't believe his luck. She's mine. All mine. How much better can it get? He was staring at her body. Her curves were perfectly proportioned, the lines of her arms and legs were sleek, and her beauty outshone the sun. Suddenly, he realized he was still clothed. He quickly tore off his pants and threw his boxers to the foot of the bed on top of her clothing. He climbed on top of her and kissed her again. She returned the kiss with as much passion as she could muster. He felt her hands run up his back, through his hair, and make their way down to his ass. She raked her nails across the sensitive skin, raising goosebumps.

He finally broke the kiss, looking her in the eye. "Are you sure?"

She hesitated for only a fraction of a second, then nodded and replied, "Yes."

That was all he needed to hear. He moved to her side and slowly kissed his way down her torso, gently nipping here and there, leaving a wet, red trail from her neck to her belly button. He rested his head there as his hand wound its way through her tightly coiled hair between her legs. He gently touched her clit, which caused her to gasp. He smiled and touched it again. This time, she let out a moan. He slowly slid in one finger, feeling how hot and wet she was. He removed his finger, which she protested with a whine, then slid in two fingers. She tensed, and then as he worked them in and out she began to relax and moved with his rhythm. Slowly, he withdrew his hand. She whimpered and whispered, "Don't stop, Draco." He shivered a little when she said his name. It seemed to roll off her tongue as though she had said it a thousand times before.

"I must, if you want to experience the real thing, love," he whispered back. She opened her eyes to watch him as he crawled back up the bed. He climbed on top of her and positioned himself at her entrance. He slowly pushed his way in, a few centimeters at a time, pausing occasionally so she could become accustomed to his size. He had never seen another man's cock, but from what he had heard, he was bigger than average, which was why he went slowly. She, being a virgin, was tight. He didn't want to hurt her anymore than he had to.

She suddenly tensed. This hurts. She looked up at Draco, and he told her, "This is the worst part, love." He pushed through her barrier. She cried out, closing her eyes, biting her lip to keep herself from crying. He held still as long as he could, then began moving slowly inside her. He watched her face. Slowly, the discomfort faded away and was replaced by a look of surprise, then pleasure. She opened her eyes again and looked into his. "This is… oh, Draco, this is amazing."

"I know." He leaned down and captured her mouth again, all the time sliding in and out of her, gradually increasing his speed. He watched her face, even though she had closed her eyes again. The look of pleasure was slowly being replaced by one of ecstasy. He had seen it before, on the faces of other women, but this time it was different. This time, he actually cared.

He reveled in the feel of her; the way her body moved beneath his, the feel of her hands as they slowly tightened on his shoulders, the silky feeling of her pussy gently pulsing around his cock. He realized she was getting close to her climax, which was good because he was, too. He was having trouble holding back.

Suddenly, she started to tense up. Her eyelids were fluttering, and her little gasps and moans became louder and longer. He felt her pussy get tighter and tighter. He finally felt her climax; her pussy clenched tightly around his cock, her body spasmed, and she dug her nails deeply into his shoulders. "Oh, DRAAAACOOOO!" The sudden pain in his shoulders finally brought him over the edge. He shot into her, filling her overfull. That was the best sex I've ever had. The thought stunned him. He had definitely had more than his fair share of women, but this little woman had been his best. He was so utterly amazed, he didn't realize he was lying right on top of her.

- - - - -

She was so amazed. She had never dreamed anything could feel this… wonderful. It wasn't the right word, but she wasn't sure there were enough words in the English language to express what she was feeling right now. It was like she was more relaxed than she had ever been in her life, but at the same time was so alert she could almost tell what Draco was thinking. Everything that was wrong with the world and everything that was right with the world faded into nothing as she lay under Draco.

She suddenly realized she couldn't breathe. She called his name. "Draco. Draco. Draco." He finally looked down at her.

"Oh, sorry, love. I, ah, was caught up." He smiled at her.

She smiled back, then promptly burst into tears.