Disclaimer:Don't own any of the characters, just my plot.

Chapter Nine: Love at Last

Hermione's POV:

The next day went by very quickly for me, and before I knew it, dinner had arrived. Harry, Ron, Ginny, and I were discussing my upcoming birthday.

"Now guys, please don't do anything special. I just want to spend some time with you, Ron. No offense, Harry and Ginny," I said.

"Oh, none taken," Harry replied, with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face.

Ginny then asked, "So how excited are you, Hermione? You'll be eighteen and an adult!"

I smiled, "Well, to be honest, I've never thought of it that way" I laughed. Sometimes I look in the mirror and still see a young 11-year-old girl.

The rest of dinner went by fairly quickly when I noticed what time it was. "Damn, look at the time. I'd better get going, I'm supposed to be in McGonagall's office in about ten minutes."

"Alright, I'll walk you," Ron said.

"Okay," I replied as he grabbed my hand as we strolled out of the Great Hall. We were half way to McGonagall's office, when Ron pulled me into an empty classroom.

"Ron, what the...?" I asked, but before I could finish, he put his finger to my lips. My hazel eyes looked into his sparkling blue ones, for an answer. 'Wow, he has gorgeous eyes. I could look into them forever.'(A/N: I know a little cheesy)

He whispered in a hushed tone, "I know I haven't told you lately, but I love you, Hermione. You're so beautiful, and brilliant. I just think you're the most wonderful person in the world."

"Oh Ron," I said, and kissed him softly. After we parted, he pushed me against the wall and explored my mouth with his tongue. After a few minutes of yet another snogging session, I pushed Ron away from me. "I gotta go," I said as I kissed his cheek, and scurried out the door.

As I walked into McGonagall's office, I was relieved to see that Professor McGonagall wasn't there yet. Malfoy was sitting atop her desk, though. I could feel him watching me when I sat down. I looked at him, and he gave me a flirtatious grin, which made me uncomfortable.

After a minute of awkward silence, McGonagall strolled in, and said, "Take a seat, Mr. Malfoy," as she walked behind her desk and sat down. Draco sat in the chair next to mine.

She looked at us, and smiled. Actually smiled. I was shocked, because in my seven years at Hogwarts, I have never seen her smile. "The headmaster and the rest of the staff, including myself, are extremely pleased with you two. You have done a marvelous job with the prefects, and everything else you have been asked to handle. With that, your professors and Professor Dumbledore have decided to reward you by exempting you from you final exams. We feel this may take off some pressure, and give you a break."

'Damn!' I thought. Finals always make me feel happy. For some reason, I get an adrenalin rush from the hours of studying. I put on a smile, anyway, and pretended to be grateful. "Thank you, Professor, that is very generous." I glanced at Malfoy. He looked as excited as a little boy who just got a puppy on Christmas, then he regained his composure.

"Yeah, thanks," he mumbled, trying to not look too ecstatic.

"Keep up the good work, you two. You are dismissed," she stated.

As I was leaving the classroom, Draco held the door open for me. "Um, thanks," I said, wondering why he was acting so odd.

"Let me walk you back to your dorm, Hermione," he said, softly.

"Okay," I said. 'Okay, this is getting really bizarre.'

We walked in silence, until Draco grabbed my arm and pulled me to a halt. "You know, Granger, you're not as bad as I thought you were," he growled, edging a little closer to me. I backed up, until I hit a wall. He kept coming towards me. "Actually, I realized how jealous I was of Ron on the night of the ball."

"Malfoy, what are you talking about? You hate me, I hate you. It's the way the world turns. Besides, I'm with Ron."

"So? I get whatever I want, and now, what I want is you," and with that, he leaned in and kissed me. Instinctively I shoved him away.

"What the hell? Get away from me Malfoy!" I screamed, and ran way. I wasn't even paying attention to where I was going, when I bumped into

Draco's POV :

Dear Father,

Everything is going according to plan. Hopefully within a week, Weasley will be out of our way, and we can go straight for Potter.

Your son,

Draco

I re-read my short letter, rolled it up, and attached it to the leg of my bald eagle. As I watched it fade into the distance, I smiled to myself. I love messing with Potter and his friends.

A/N: Hey, thanks for all your reviews! Keep 'em comin. Maybe if I get more reviews, I will post next chapter quicker...hehe.