It's all J.K. Rowling's. The plot is the only thing that's mine. Enjoy.


Astronomy Tower, the Next Evening

Hermione looked intently into the telescope as she searched for the particular star she'd been tracking for class. "There you are," she said, finally locating it. Having done so, she reached for her notebook and plotted its location.

She felt hands on her hips, and she jumped. "Darling," she said, "I told you I have work to do..."

She turned playfully within the arms and then jumped back. "Malfoy!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide.

"Aww," he said with a smirk. "And I was just beginning to like 'Darling'."

"Shove off, you git," she muttered, backing farther away from him.

"But you were so warm and cozy in my arms only a moment ago," he said coyly, coming a bit closer.

She found herself against the wall. "I.. I thought you were Ron," she stammered.

"But you hoped it was me," he countered. Without another word, he swiftly closed the gap between them and gently brushed his lips across her cheek. "Goodnight, Granger," he whispered in her ear. Then he turned and left her, speechless, in the tower.


Draco had made his way back to the Slytherin common room, a bit more of a bounce to his step than his norm.

He'd loved the look in her eyes when she saw it was him. Surprise, of course, and anger, but those were what she wanted him to see. Somewhere, though, was a bit of excitement, and nervousness, and even... hope?

"Indeed, boys," he said aloud to Crabbe and Goyle, "I've got her just where I want her."


Hermione had stood rooted to her spot for a bit longer than expressly necessary.

She had never really had any male attention before Ron. There was that brief stint with Viktor Krum, but that wasn't too much. Hence, the recent attention from Malfoy was quite confusing for her. She was flattered, of course, and she supposed she'd thought he was at least mildly attractive, but she was with Ron. Plus, Malfoy was an insufferable git. He was probably just playing some evil trick.

All the same, the electricity between them was undeniable...

She shook her head roughly at the thought. Never mind that, she thought to herself. I think it's time you get back to Ron.

With that, she collected her things and made her way to the Gryffindor Tower.


Once in Ron's safe arms, Hermione immediately felt better. She held on to him tightly and willed him not to let her go.

"So, Hermione," Harry said from across the room, "How'd your star gazing go?"

"Oh, it was fine," Hermione muttered. "I found it just fine."

"So detailed," Harry teased.

"Mate, let her be," Ron interjected, toying with her hair. Hermione looked up at him gratefully. "Can't you see she's tired?"

"Right then," said Harry, standing. "I'll let you both be. Time for bed."

"'Night, Mate," Ron called as Harry ascended the stairs.

"'Night," Harry returned.

The couple heard him go up all the stairs as they sat quietly. There they sat, in their comfortable silence, until the fire began to die and they went their separate ways. They parted with a kiss, and each slept peacefully that night.


Malfoy, however, was not so lucky. He lay in bed thinking about his plan for over an hour. He had each little detail all worked out. He knew exactly how to attract her, and gain her trust, and then the exact moment to strike. But something plagued him. For the life of him, though, he couldn't fathom what.

With this question gnawing at his thoughts, he fell into a restless sleep.


For the next several weeks, Malfoy continued with his plan. He found Hermione each time she was alone, and he showed more interest each time. Over the weeks, she had softened a bit. Now, instead of shoving him off, she'd just laugh and tell him to go away. Malfoy had discovered, to his surprise, he enjoyed hearing that laugh.

It was a similar day. Hermione was sitting by the river as Malfoy approached her.

"Hello," she greeted him, without even looking up.

"Hey there," he returned, hugging her from behind.

She playfully shook him off, but he kept one hand on her waist. As he guided her, she turned to look at him.

"So, how has your day been?" he asked her, maintaining eye contact. His hand remained on her hip, and his thumb began to move up and down lightly.

"Oh, it's been all right, I suppose," she said offhandedly. "And yours?" She tried to ignore his movement, but a brief glint in her eye showed him she noticed. He also noticed she made no move to pull away.

"Quite miserable, actually," he said, still smiling a bit.

"Oh?" she inquired. "And why's that?"

He paused and even stopped moving his thumb for a moment. Then resuming the motion, he said softly, "Well, it's quite simple, actually." He looked her directly in the eye. "I hadn't yet seen you."

The last few words came out as nearly a whisper, and she was suddenly very aware of how close he was to her. She didn't know what to say, so she said nothing. His hand moved to a more comfortable position in the small of her back, and he pulled her even closer.

Stunned, Hermione did nothing to prevent him. He pulled her closer still, and he leaned down until their noses touched, without breaking eye contact. He tilted his head a bit, and Hermione allowed hers to tilt as well. Then, before she could entirely grasp what was happening, her eyes were falling closed, his lips were on hers, and he was kissing her softly. After a moment, she returned the kiss, allowing herself to relax in his arms.

A moment later, he broke away but stayed close. He looked deep into her eyes.

"Hermione," he whispered, and her breath caught at the sound of her name on his lips. "I think I'm falling for you."