First of all, I want to tell everyone how sorry I am for not having written in sooo long. I've been gone either on vacations or funerals (yes quite a contrast between the two), Or i've been extremely busy. I know a lot of you have been waiting a long time for this next chapter and I'm sure most of you forgot what the first 8 chapters were about. At least that's what happens to me when an author doesn't write for a while. Once again, I'm very sorry and I hope to never leave you in suspence that long again. Also I am also sorry that this chapter is short, but it's been a while since I've written anything and I need to warm up again. If there are spelling errors, (There are most like tons of them), I'm sorry again, I wrote this in a hurry. Even though it's short and full of errors, I hope you like it.

-Chickadee91

Hermione froze. For a few seconds, she just stared silently at Draco. She could feel her heart pounding, and her thoughts running wild.

"M-me?" she stammered. Draco nodded.

"You're joking." She replied.

He must be joking.

"No I'm not." Draco said a bit grimly.

"But…" Hermione stammered lost for words. "But… why me?"

Draco opened his mouth to reply, when suddenly the small house elf appeared in the room. He was carrying a large plate of chicken and was staring at them questionably. Hermione realized she was still on top of Draco, and quickly slid off of him. The house elf looked from blushing Hermione, to Draco.

"Is this a bad time sir?" the house elf asked, unable to hold back a grin.

"N-no." stammered Draco. His face also began turning crimson. "Please put it right here."

The house elf set the large plate down on the coffee table in front of them, the disappeared with a snap.

Hermione and Draco exchanged awkward glances, then Hermione returned to questioning him.

"Why me Malfoy?" she asked. "Sure, I helped Harry defeat Voldemort multiple times, but why was I assigned to be killed over Harry or Ron? They both did a lot more then I did."

"I don't know." Replied Draco. "He didn't give a reason. He just told my father the orders."

Suddenly, a new idea rose to Hermione's mind.

"Why didn't you?" she asked suddenly.

"Why didn't I what?"

"Kill me!" replied Hermione. "Why didn't you kill me? You had me down on the floor in the dressing room. You lived at my house for a few days! We were in the woods of your house alone together. You had plenty of chances, why didn't you kill me?"

"I…just…death seemed so… you didn't really…I don't know!" Draco replied, his voice increasing with each word.

Hermione started to smile. She moved closer to him and kissed him gently on the lips. She felt as if a bolt of lightning shot through her body and travel through Draco's as well.

"Thanks," she said smiling. They smiled at each other for a second, then Hermione leaned into him again. Just before their lips could touch, Hermione suddenly remembered.

She leapt up from the couch almost hitting Malfoy's nose in the process.

"What time is it?" she asked quickly.

"Time for you to sit back down." Malfoy replied mischievously while motioning towards his lap. Hermione giggled.

"What time is it really?" she asked.

Draco looked at the black and green watch on his wrist then looked back at her.

"7:25," he replied.

"Damn," Hermione whispered to herself. She looked sadly at Draco. "I have to go meet Ron by the lake. I'll see you in an hour."

Hermione started to walk towards the door but suddenly she felt strong arms move around her waist holding her back. She smiled and turned around to see Draco's nose inches from hers. They exchange one more fireworks kiss, before Hermione opens the door to leave. She gives him a smile before disappearing down the stairs.

Draco stared dreamily at the door for a few moments after Hermione's departure. When he realized what he was doing, he mentally slapped himself and collapsed on the couch.

Wow. I can't believe this is happening! Just a few days ago, I would have retched at the thought of snogging Granger. But now…wow. She's the best kisser I've ever met… She's more then just sexy as hell, she's clever, nice, brave…

Wait Draco. What are you saying? Are you thinking that maybe there is more than just lust pulling you towards her? No, can't be. We're too different. It just wouldn't work. We're in enemy houses. We'd both be socially disowned! Not only that, my father would peruse me more then ever… It would be nice to spend some "quality time" with her in my room…

Why are you even thinking that? Pull yourself together Draco!

Draco got off the couch and walked up the stairs towards his room. His hand was on the doorknob, when a new thought came to his mind.

The weasel is with her alone by the lake…

Draco felt a twinge of the unknown feeling from the train return to him. His expression hardened.

No. I don't care what happens during their little "walk by the lake".

Draco turned the knob to his room and stepped inside. Draco stopped in front of his bed.

Yes I do. There is no point in denying it. I do care. A lot.

Draco sighed to himself.

I can't just lay down and wonder what's happening. I have to follow them. No matter what it means.

Draco left out the large wooden door and started down the long staircase.

Hermione walked along the little path that lead to the lake. The path was through the forbidden forest, but the large trees seemed to comfort her instead of intimidate her. Through the trees she could barely see the edge of the lake and she scanned the shores for Ron. He was no where to be seen. Hermione sighed.

Where could he be?

Finally, as she neared closer to the water, she saw the fiery red head sitting on the edge of the dock. He looked comfortable with his feet hanging over the edge and the large beautiful sunset in the sky. Hermione smiled to herself.

There he is.

All of the sudden, she thought saw a large black figure move through some distant trees. She gasped turning towards the spot, searching for the source of the movement. Everything was still, and the dark figure was gone. A small chill went down her spine, and the darkening forest began to seem a lot less peaceful.

What are you thinking Hermione? You're at Hogwarts! You're safe here! You must have imagined it.

Still feeling slightly paranoid, she forced her eyes away from the trees and back towards Ron on the dock. She was glad when the trees became less dense and she walked onto the lake shore. She jumped onto the long wooden dock and began walking over to Ron. As she neared him, he turned around.

"Hey Hermione!" Ron said smiling at her. "I was starting to wonder if you were ever coming."

Hermione smiled at him and sat down next to him on the edge.

"So… what's it like being head girl?" Ron asked with a grin. Mental images of Draco came to Hermione's mind.

"It's alright I guess…" she replied smiling.

"Malfoy hasn't done anything has he?" Ron asked her, his face darkening. "I'd kill the little ferret if he ever tried to hurt you…"

"I can handle him Ron. Don't worry about me." Hermione replied.

"Just promise me you'll tell me if he ever tries to hurt you." Ron said seriously.

Hermione sighed.

"I promise Ron." She replied smiling. Ron nodded and looked back towards the lake.