Disclaimer: I forgot to put this in my other chapters but I remember now. I own nothing but the plot. Everything else is J. K. Rowling's awesome work.

Chapter Eight Step One

Winter break came sooner than expected. Because of Potter's defeat of Voldemort, the breaks were sooner and longer, not that I'm complaining. But that also meant more time with my parents and less with Hermione. It was true since the defeat of Voldemort that my father was, well, less evil, but that doesn't mean his disliking of muggle-borns has wavered bymuch. He's been acting civil, which is hard to believe. He, however,still wasn't a real father. My mother on the other hand, was much more understanding since she was one-thousandth muggle or something. But lucky for her, it didn't change our pureblood name. But she did like Hermione…

He's gonna flip when I tell him about Hermione…I can't wait.

I knocked on her door, two days before we were leaving.

"Hermione?"

I found her fumbling through her trunk, obviously looking for something.

"Huh? Oh. Hey. Just a minute…ah! Got it!"

She yanked out a black velvet box, similar to jewelry boxes. She smirked at me and opened it, revealing the diamond necklace I got her. She sauntered over to me and wrapped her arms around my neck. Automatically, I circled my arms around her waist.

"Don't wanna lose this, do I?" she whispered seductively in my ear.

"I would think not."

I leaned in and kissed her deeply. She opened her mouth enough to let my tongue slip through. Our tongues danced and she let out a soft moan. My hands trailed to her lower waist and her fingers entwined in my hair. We both broke the kiss after what seemed like forever. I gazed into her warm chocolate eyes and hugged her tightly.

"I love you Hermione."

She chuckled softly.

"How many times are you gonna tell me that?"

"As many as I want, just to remind you."

"Well, I love you too. Are you packed?"

"Not yet…"

She furrowed her eyebrows. "Go and pack. Now mister!"

"You sound like my mother."

She arched her eyebrow and gave me that stare that says, you-better-do-what-I-tell-you-or-you'll-regret-it.

I slumped out of her room and made my way to mine. I packed quickly, wanting more time with Hermione.

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I plopped down on my feather bed and closed my eyes smiling.

He loves me…he really does…

Of course! Why else would he have proposed to you?

I know…but a part of me thinks that Harry's right.

He's happy for you! What are you talking about?

That…this is kind of sudden…we have only been going out for four months…

Yes, but he's loved you for years!

I know…but marriage is such a big step…

My eyes shot open and I stood up abruptly at these new thoughts. It has only been four months and he says he loves me…but this is the same Slytherin that tormented me for years…I drove those thoughts out of my mind when he wrapped his arms from behind me. I turned and smiled at him. I stared into his blue-gray eyes and my mind wandered.

"Hermione?"

I instantly snapped out of my daydream and smiled weakly at him.

"What's wrong?"

Damn! How does he know everything?

"Nothing! Why would anything be wrong?"

He looked at me skeptically. I sat down on the edge of my feather bed and he sat down next to me, holding my hands.

"What's wrong Hermione?" he asked again.

I sighed heavily.

"It's just something Harry said."

His brow furrowed.

"What did he say?"

"Well, he found out about our engagement and well, he was worried."

"Why would he be worried? We love each other."

"I know, but he thinks it's a little sudden."

"Do you agree?"

I broke my eye contact with him and looked at the floor. Tears started to fill my eyes.

Why am I crying? I shouldn't be crying…

He tilted my head and kissed me lightly. A tear trickled down my cheek and he wiped it away softly with his finger.

"Hermione…do you agree that this is too sudden?"

I don't know…

"Yes…and no."

"So, you think it's a mistake?" his voiced seemed like it was quivering but his face was emotionless.

"No, no, no! I don't think it's a mistake. It's one of the best things that ever happened to me! But it was a little sudden. But I never regretted saying yes to you. You don't regret anything, do you?"

"No, I don't regret anything. I love you, Hermione. I've never felt anything like…this. I can't live without you. If I lost you, I wouldn't know what to do."

I hugged him tightly, soaking in everything that just came out of his mouth.

He stood up and led me to the balcony. The sun was slowly setting into the horizon and gave the forest a soft glow. The sky was now a soft orange and yellow pastel color. The wind gently blew by, causing me to shiver. He wrapped his arms around me, his warmth radiating from his body, warming mine. I looked up into his hazy eyes. He was deep in thought. He did that a lot. I hugged him tighter and placed my head against his shoulder. It was funny how my body snuggly fit into his. We stood there on the balcony, cuddling until the stars began to shine and the sun was barely visible. The gigantic clock struck, indicating dinner and bringing us out of our daze. We walked in silence down to the Great Hall. The air around me seemed tense. I entered the Great Hall and heard shouting coming from the Gryffindor table. I kissed Draco briefly and scurried over to our table. Cho was sitting there which may or may not be a good thing. She was very red in the face, along with Harry and Ginny.

"Hey."

"Not now Hermione." Harry said sternly.

I was taken aback by his comment and quickly shut my mouth.

"There's nothing going on Cho! Why are you acting like this?!"

"Harry! I haven't seen you for weeks and every time I do see you, you're with her!" Cho said motioning her head towards Ginny whose eyes were red and puffy from crying.

"She needs a friend Cho!"

"Hermione's here! Why can't she hang out with her?!"

"WHOA! Stop! Cho, calm down. What is all this?" I said loudly, causing all bickering to stop.

Ginny finally spoke up with a squeaky and shaky voice.

"Cho thinks that me and Harry are…something of an item…which is not true."

Ginny and Harry both blushed at her comment. Everybody knew that Harry and Ginny had secret feelings for each other, but would never show it because of Cho and Seamus. I arched my eyebrow and nodded my head slightly.

"I don't even know why you're overreacting Cho! She's my best friend!"

"It seems like you two are more than that!"

"Seamus was cheating on her! How do you think she feels Cho?! I wanted to be there for her!"

"Well, you weren't there for me!"

There were now tears gathering in her eyes.

"Are you jealous Cho? Are you jealous that I'm spending more time with Ginny then you?" Harry almost whispered.

"Yes! Are you happy now? The whole school knows that you Ginny have hidden feelings for each other! I don't even know why you bothered asking me out Harry! Why are you trying to cover it up? If you really feel that way, then why bother? Am I just something that will cover up your feelings for her? Because I want to be more than that for you Harry!"

The whole Hall was quiet now. Ron and I just stared at Cho while Ginny was looking at Harry.

"Choose Harry." Cho said so quietly, it was almost inaudible.

"WHAT!?" Harry yelled loudly.

"Choose Harry…me…or Ginny."

"You're asking me, to choose between my girlfriend and my best friend? Is that right?"

"Yes. I want you to choose."

"Cho…I can't…"

They both stared at each for the longest time.

"Harry. Me or Ginny."

"Cho…don't you understand how hard this is?"

"It's harder to watch some other girl draped over my guy."

There was a very long silence that was finally broken by a large sigh from Harry.

"I am so sorry Cho. I'm going to have to pick Ginny. She's been with me through thick and thin and I don't think I can live without her."

"But you can live without me?"

Cho's tears were now coming down like rivers. I was shocked! I felt so bad for Harry. How could Cho do this?

"I'm sorry Cho. But you can't expect everything go your way. She's someone…very close to me. I hope you understand. I need her."

Cho slowly stood up, all eyes on her. She wiped away a few of her last tears and stared one last time at Harry.

"I understand Harry."

She walked back to her table, leaving everyone with mouths open, staring at Harry. Ginny placed her hand over Harry's and squeezed it slightly. I took a glance at Ron who looked just as shocked as I was. I cleared my throat and continued eating. Thankfully, everyone else got my message and was soon eating along with me. Ginny and I made eye contact and I saw thanks in her eyes. I finished my dinner quickly and excused myself. I didn't want to be there anymore.

I wandered aimlessly around the halls and eventually decided to go flying. I grabbed one of the brooms from the closet and zoomed around grounds. The stars shone brightly and the moon was in a crescent shape. I hovered above the Forbidden Forest, enjoying the solitude. It was getting late, and the lights in the rooms were slowly going out one by one. I flew back onto the balcony of Draco's room to see if he was there. I peered through the window. It was very dark inside. I glimpsed at his bed and noticed that he wasn't sleeping either. I flew to my balcony and noticed my room light was on. I hid to the side and peeked through the curtains and noticed that Draco was looking at all my stuff. I would naturally be pissed at him if I didn't love him. He looked at my pictures of Ron, Harry, and I. I felt a pang of guilt when he came across only one picture of us out of the many with Ron and Harry. He stared at the picture of Harry and I dancing and hugging each other at the Burrow. I remember that day well.

Flashback

"Hermione!"

"Harry! I haven't seen you in…"

"Two weeks?"

I chuckled, "Yeah."

"You have to see this!"

I followed him outside and saw Ron practicing the Waltz with the air. I bit my lip to hold in my laughter, but I burst out laughing anyways. Harry and I both fell on the floor laughing. I was nearly crying. I stood up and came face to face with a beet-red Ron. I helped Harry up and began imitating with Harry how Ron was dancing. Mrs. Weasley came out and snapped the picture quickly, before Ron tackled us to the floor.

End Flashback

It was one of my favorite memories of the three of us that made me smile to myself whenever I thought about it. He picked up the picture frame with us hugging each other tightly in Hogsmeade. My cheeks were rosy and there was a wide smile across my face. There was speck of leaves falling in my curls and Draco's shoulder's had a few full leaves on it. He placed it back on my shelf and sat down at the edge of my bed. I propped my broom on the wall and walked very silently inside. He got up to leave but I grabbed his hand gently. He stopped dead in his tracks ad whipped around to face me. His face may have been impassive, but I knew in my heart that he was hurt. I cupped his check in my hands and brushed his lips with mine. I then kissed him, but ever so lightly. It wasn't a hungry kiss or one full of lust. It was a kiss that let him know that I've had my best moments with him. I broke the kiss and looked into his pale-blue, almost gray eyes. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him in for a loving hug. I held him there, feeling his steady heartbeat. He broke the hug and stared at me affectionately.

"Were you watching?"

"Yes."

"Oh."

I was studying his face, looking for emotion in his cold eyes.

"So you noticed me looking at your pictures?"

"Yes. Were you disappointed that we only share one picture?"

"Partially."

He flashed his famous smirk and kissed my head tenderly.

"Get some sleep. It's late."

I was about to stop him but he silenced me with his finger. I'd almost swear he was telepathic.

"It's ok. My best moments were with you too. Nothing can take away what we have."

He kissed me one last time and slipped out of my room, leaving me there, staring the picture of us.

I put on my nightgown on and crawled under my covers. I eventually allowed the heaviness of my eyes to drift me into a peaceful sleep.

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The weather became crisp and frigid overnight, much to my displeasure. I took a hot shower and dressed according to the weather, royal blue jeans and a white hoodie over a red, Guns n' Roses shirt. I stuck my head into Hermione's room to see her still asleep. I glanced at my watch and noticed that it was early, seven o' clock to be exact. I didn't want to wake her, so I slipped out of our dorm and walked outside. The snow was falling lightly and the snow crunched under my shoes. I walked around the lake for about an hour until I was tackled to the ground. I looked over my shoulder and unfortunately saw a head of hair the color of honey that could only belong to one person…Lenora.

"Hey Drakie! What are you doing out here so early. I know I'm hot, but you don't have to follow me!" she said playfully.

I brushed her off and started walking away.

"I don't have time for this Lenora."

"Well excuse me! Talk about mood swings. First you're all stalker like then you just don't care about me. I should break up with you!"

I stopped and whipped around. I walked calmly up to her and stared into her bright blue eyes. I grabbed her shoulders and pushed her against the nearest tree. She winced in pain but I didn't care. Her games needed to stop.

"Listen to me and listen to me good. I don't like you. I hate you. Leave me alone. I don't find you attractive. Get that through your thick head!"

"Well Draco. That's all you needed to say. It's over!"

"There was nothing between us but hatred!"

"I beg to differ! Your eyes tell me a different story!"

"My eyes?"

"You eye me up and down like I'm a piece of meat. You can't keep your hands off of me." She said smirking smugly.

I let go of her and backed away. I glanced back at my watch and noticed that everyone should be awake. I already missed breakfast. Students were already outside playing in the snow. I turned my attention back at Lenora who was now fluttering her eyelashes at me flirtatiously.

"I have no idea what you're taking about!"

I started to walk away but she grabbed my arm with such force, it could have broken my bone.

"Yes, you do. The talent show, I was singing and you sized me up. Oh, did I happen to mention you were smiling? You liked what you saw. If you want, I could show you more…"

Her lips crashed with mine, and her tongue found its way into my mouth. I stood there frozen to the spot. I couldn't move my arms, so I couldn't push her away. I felt her arms snake around my neck and pull me closer, deepening the kiss. My conscience finally kicked in and I pushed her roughly, making her fall back and hit the tree. Just then, did I hear Hermione's voice.

"Lenora? Draco?"

I turned my head and saw Hermione standing there. There was an expression of pain and anger painted across her face.

"What the hell were you doing?! Kissing her?!"

I ran up to her and held her shoulders, making her look into my eyes.

"She kissed me. I didn't kiss back. You saw it! I pushed her off of me."

She looked deeply into my eyes and nodded. Lenora finally managed to get up and walk past Hermione with a smirk played across her lips.

"It was true Granger, he didn't kiss back. But that doesn't mean he didn't enjoy it!" She giggled maliciously and winked at me so Hermione could see.

Hermione broke her gaze away from me and turned to face Lenora's back.

Hermione's brows furrowed in anger. "Lenora!" she screamed.

Lenora spun around and came face to face with Hermione.

"What do you want mudblood?" Lenora spat rudely.

I was about to retort when Hermione socked Lenora. She stumbled back, holding her possibly broken nose. Her blood dripped through her fingers as she stood up and glared daggers at Hermione.

"YOU BLOODY WHORE! IF YOU EVER TOUCH DRACO IN ANY WAY I SWEAR ON MY OWN GRAVE THAT THE LAST THING YOU WILL SEE WHEN YOU DIE IS ME STANDING OVER YOUR DYING BODY!" Hermione screamed, causing everyone to look at her.

"Watch yourself you stupid mudblood bitch! Mark my words…I will kill you! If not you, then something so dear, you'll wish you were dead too!" Lenora yelled back.

She stomped back into the castle, all eyes on her. The two Weasley and Potter just happened to be there. They stood nearby, gawking at Hermione with utter shock. But Harry, always being the leader, began clapping. Slowly, but soon enough, everyone that saw began clapping and hooting. She turned around and beamed at me. Snowflakes were beginning to gather in her hair and her eyelashes. Her nose and cheeks were turning a rosy color and her breath showed clear through the air. I kissed her lightly and led her inside. But little did we know, that this was just step one in Lenora's plan to break us apart.

A/N: Yay! I'm finally done! Happy day! Please R & R! I really need the support and confidence of knowing there are actually people reading this fanfic! Oh poo. Now I'm gonna go and write chapter nine. Oh, before I forget. I might not update for a while because I have a project due in a week and I didn't start. So yea. But it's gonna get very interesting from here on out. I promise!