A/N-Okay guys! This is my favorite chapter so far. I hope you like it! I haven't had a chance to respond to all of your wonderful reviews! I will try to do so tomorrow if I can. If you don't receive a reply from me-Thank you so much for reading my story and leaving a review. You rock!

Chapter Seven

For Her

Several days later, Hermione was headed for the seventh floor when she was distracted by a group of fifth year boys on the sixth floor. They were laughing loudly and passing around a bottle that they each drank from. Hermione checked her watch that read 11:30 and walked up to them confidently. She stood outside their circle and placed her hands on her hips. "Excuse me boys. What exactly do you think you are doing on a restricted floor this late at night?"

One of the larger boys grinned and shoved the bottle behind his back. He whispered something to another boy and chuckled. Hermione stepped forward and addressed him specifically. "Do you realize that you could not only lose several house points but also face possible expulsion for bringing fire whiskey on school grounds?"

"Who says its fire whiskey?" The larger boy replied.

"Oh don't bother trying to be smart, I know its fire whiskey. Now hand it over….Immediately!" She demanded.

The boys began to laugh and look around curiously. A more slender boy approached Hermione and spoke quietly into her ear. "Am I correct in thinking that the Head Girl is all by herself tonight?"

Hermione stepped back and drew her wand. "Does it matter really? You're only fifth years for goodness sakes. And I'm certain you all enjoy attending this school. You wouldn't want to ruin your future here."

"Oh don't be so sure of that Head Girl. We're from Slytherin. You know how much we hate you Gryffindor know it alls." The slender boy spat. "Experiallmus!"

Hermione's wand flew right into his hand. The other boys laughed and advanced on her whispering inappropriate words. Hermione whimpered as she tried to bolt out of their grasp which just caused them to laugh louder. As she began to feel they're hands wandering, she dropped down to the ground in horror.

"STUPEFY!" Hermione heard someone yell from outside the group of boys that began to drop to the ground.

Draco kicked and punched the remaining boys away and picked Hermione up into his arms. Professor Snape seemed to have just caught up to Draco and sneered at his stunned students. "Take her to the hospital wing Malfoy. I will see to them."

As they descended Hermione cried softly into Draco's shoulder. "I don't understand it. Why are men like that?"

"Not all men are like that Granger. You just seem to be extremely unlucky lately. It's not your fault." Draco replied as they approached the hospital wing.

Hermione shot up and shook her head. "No, I can't see Madam Pomfrey. I need to save my visits to her for emergencies or else she'll become suspicious."

Draco sighed in frustration and placed Hermione's trembling figure on the ground gently. "Then where do you want me to take you? You're shaking and terrified. Maybe Potter or Weasley's up? They'll want to know what happened."

"No! Not Harry, not Ron. I can't bother them which such a silly thing."

"You were being severely harassed by a group of Slytherins Granger…There's nothing silly about it." Draco said as he sank to the ground next to her outside the hospital wing. He placed his arms over his knees and stared at the doors in front of them. He studied his hands and then shifted his position several times. Minutes passed by when Hermione looked at him and suddenly felt a warm sensation run over her body. Draco Malfoy was sitting outside the hospital wing in the middle of the night with no other explanation than doing it for her. He didn't appear to have any intention of leaving her side and didn't seem to mind just sitting there.

Hermione began to smile at how wonderful sitting next to him felt. He sensed her eyes on him and looked her way. "Something amusing Granger?" He nudged her shoulder playfully with his.

Hermione shook her head and whispered. "You kept your word…To Viktor I mean. You did what you said you would do for him. You looked after me, kept me away from other boys, you kept me out of harms way tonight."

Draco shook his head. "I didn't do it for Viktor."

Hermione smiled and leaned her head against his arm. "I know."

He breathed in her wonderful scent and returned his eyes to the hospital doors. As the minutes passed by Hermione began to nod off. She was running through a field of tulips as the sun was setting towards….It was him. He was strutting slowly in her direction with a confident smile. He knew she would come. She knew she needed him.

"Granger….Granger." Draco whispered into her ear.

Hermione lifted her head and rubbed her eyes. "Oh…Sorry. I guess I am a bit tired."

"You want me to walk you back to your dormitory?" Draco asked as he yawned.

"Goodness, what time is it?" Hermione asked as he helped her up.

"Uh a little passed three I think?" Draco said as he ruffled his hair.

"I should go to bed. I just don't think I'll be able to sleep. Thank goodness today's Saturday."

"But you seemed to fall asleep fine using my arm as a pillow. What makes you think you won't sleep in your own bed?"

Hermione sighed. "I guess I just felt comfortable that way. It doesn't matter. I don't need you to walk me Malfoy. Thank you for helping me tonight." She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek.

They both felt blood rush to their faces. As Draco watched Hermione walk away he decided something. "Granger….If you want, you could…You could come to my dormitory."

Hermione raised an intrigued eyebrow at him. He scoffed. "To sleep Granger. I promise I won't try anything. After what happened tonight, you probably don't want to be alone. You should really try and get some quality sleep and if that means nodding off in my room….I can stand it if you can."

Hermione smiled. "I can trust you? You won't try anything?"

Draco raised his hands in the air. "You have my word. My only intention is for you to get some sleep. You can trust me."

Hermione nodded and scooped her arm into his. He led her down into the dungeons. As they continued on lower Hermione shivered. "You Slytherins sure like to keep things cold down here don't you?….I'm freezing."

Draco laughed and took of his cloak wrapping it around her shoulders. "You get used to it after a while….I thought I was going to freeze to death my first year."

Hermione watched him as he pointed out certain markings or paintings as a source of direction. She admired how nice he looked in his button up white shirt. As he yawned he loosened his tie causing Hermione to secretly blush. "And here we are. Fire and Ice."

The portrait swung open and they stepped in. Hermione's cheeks began to sting at the sudden change in temperature. His room was considerably warmer than the dungeon corridors. She walked up to the raging fire in the grate and rubbed her hands together. Draco began to lay out some blankets and pillows near the fire as Hermione took in her surroundings. Everything in the room seemed to have some sort of dragon reference or picture on it. Hermione sat down on the blanket and laughed.

"I was expecting a room full of snakes." She said loudly.

Draco chuckled and shook his head. "Nope, I'm the only snake in this room. But if you make me angry enough little lion cub, I can breathe fire."

Hermione laughed and laid her head on a pillow. Draco cleared his throat as he stood over her. "Uh, those were sort of for me."

Hermione stood quickly. "Sorry! I uh-where should I?"

Draco laughed. "Do you think I would drag you all the way down here to make you sleep on the floor? You can sleep in the bed."

"Oh I couldn't possibly-"

"Stop talking and go lay down….Now Granger!" Draco joked.

Hermione smiled and sat on his bed timidly. "Oh my goodness." She stretched her body as she laid back in comfort. "This is wonderful! My bed isn't nearly this soft. That's not very fair."

"Relax Granger, I bought it. Hogwart's beds are too uncomfortable for my liking." Draco said as he sat on the floor.

"Oh my!" She moaned as she crawled underneath the covers. "Oh my goodness!"

Draco ran his hands through his hair and turned his back on her. "Could you stop doing that?"

"It's just sooo wonderful! I don't ever want to get up again!" Hermione said as she moaned again. Draco shook his head without looking at her. Hermione propped her head on her arm as she lay on her side facing him. "Malfoy?"

"Yes Granger." He whispered.

"Thank you."

"Your welcome now go to sleep before I throw you out….You heard me!" He shouted.

Hermione smiled as she laid back moaning in relaxation. "Malfoy?"

"Yes Granger." He said with an irritated tone as he lay down on the floor.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight Granger."

Hermione was awaken by a blazing sun peering through the window. She stretched and yawned before she sat up. As she looked around the room she noticed that the blankets Draco had used from the night before were gone. She gasped when she checked her watch which revealed it was past three o'clock. "Oh my goodness!"

She darted out of the bed and put on her shoes. Just as she grabbed for the door she heard Draco from behind in the bathroom doorway. "What's the rush?" He laughed.

Hermione ran her fingers through her hair and tried to straighten her clothes nervously. "I've missed almost all my classes!"

Draco laughed again as he sat on the bed. "It's Saturday Granger…Remember?"

"Oh, that's right. I was afraid I would have missed an entire day of lessons. What would I do come exam time? It's a frightful thought isn't it?" Hermione said as she sat in a chair.

Draco shrugged. "Maybe for you but to me what's frightful is how serious you take our lessons. Haven't you realized that you could take the rest of the year off and still pass all the exams with flying colors?"

Hermione blushed. "That's simply ridiculous! Who in their right mind would miss all of those fascinating lessons? Why, in Ancient Runes we-"

"Granger? I could really care less what you and the rest of the school nerds learn about in Ancient Runes." Hermione scoffed and crossed her arms. Draco smiled and walked over to the desk next to her and sat on top of it. "Listen Granger, I was trying to pay you a compliment about how smart you are but you need to admit something."

"What? What on earth do I need to admit to you? Just because you don't like learning doesn't mean the rest of don't love it!"

Draco laughed. "You're the only one that loves it!"

"Not true! Just the other day Luna was saying how much she-"

"You're using Luna Lovegood as your defense? That's very sad Granger. Now you need to admit something."

"What!"

"That you're a school nerd." Draco ducked as Hermione took a swat at him. He jumped off the desk and she charged at him. She grabbed a pillow from his bed and began hitting him harshly with it. "I-am-not-a-school nerd! I just love books! I love to learn!"

As Draco shielded his head with his arms he mocked her voice. "I love books! I love to learn!"

Hermione pushed him on the bed in anger when she couldn't prevent her own laughter any longer. Draco mocked her again as he lay on the bed with her standing in front of him. "Looney Lovegood and I think Ancient Runes is just fascinating! But not as fascinating as you Malfoy!"

Hermione stopped laughing but gaped at him. Draco sat up confused. "What?"

Hermione shook her head with a smile. "You really do love yourself don't you?"

Draco shrugged and spoke jokingly. "Hey someone's gotta love me right?"

Hermione laughed but then something on the nightstand caught her eye. Draco noticed her looking behind him and turned his head slightly to see what it was. He shot his head back at her quickly with pink cheeks. Hermione raised her eyebrows and placed her hands on her hips as she tapped her foot. Draco looked horrified. Suddenly, Hermione ran around the bed towards the nightstand. Draco flung himself towards it as well to intercept the book Hermione was after.

Just as Hermione reached for it Draco's hands grabbed a hold of hers and pushed them away. He then reached for it but Hermione was quicker. "No!" He shouted as she laughed in triumph.

Draco grabbed her around the waist and threw her on the bed. She screamed out happily. "You hypocrite!"

Draco shouted back as he tried to pry her hands off the book. She pulled the book closely to her chest as he tugged at her arms to release it. "Give it back Granger! It's not what you think!"

Hermione laughed loudly as he began to tickle her. "Not what I think? A bit remedial? Liar! Stop it! Stop it! I can't take it!"

Draco pinned her down with his arms and legs. "I'll stop if you'll just give me back that book."

"That book? Don't you mean your book Malfoy? The book that you teased me for still reading? The book you just conveniently happen to have on your nightstand! It's a wonderful book to read before you go to sleep isn't it Malfoy? Isn't it?" Hermione was grinning from ear to ear. In her eyes, she had just caught Draco Malfoy with a copy of her favorite book. She was convinced that he had been hiding his own love for it the entire time.

Draco smirked. "Forget the compliment I gave you earlier Granger. You're not as smart as I thought you were."

He tickled her further as she laughed. Suddenly she stopped. "Wait, I'm not? What do you mean?"

Draco smiled as he got up. He walked over to a bookcase and pulled out a book. "This happens to be my copy of Hogwarts, A History…..That copy is for you."

Hermione sat up clutching the book still tightly to her chest. "I don't understand."

Draco sat down next to her and looked into her eyes. "I didn't like the condition of your book so I got you a new one. I know I damaged it a little with the bubbles on the train so I wanted to replace it. I bought you a new copy of your book Granger…Now do you understand or do I need to bring in Looney Lovegood to translate in your nerd language?"

Hermione looked away with a shy smile. "It's my favorite book Malfoy."

Draco smirked as he pushed a piece of her hair behind her ear. "I know."

She looked back with tears in her eyes. "Thank you." She wrapped her arms around him tightly which caught him off guard.

He began to stroke her back with a confused expression. "Your welcome. Granger, what's wrong?"

Hermione pulled away and wiped her eyes. "Nothing! Nothing at all it's just that I never thought in a million years that someone like you would do something so meaningful…So sweet…So confusing. Malfoy what are you doing?"

Draco smiled and looked away. "I don't know….Just replacing your book….Just replacing your book."

Hermione smiled and twirled her hands as butterflies overcame her stomach. After a few minutes of silence and shy staring Draco stood and stretched out. "I have Quidditch practice soon. Do you want-never mind…..I'll walk you out."

Hermione blushed realizing he almost asked her to go with him and watch his practice. "Yes I should get to the library. But I think I remember the way back. Thank you Malfoy. For everything." She stood on tiptoe as she kissed his cheek. As she turned to leave he grasped her shoulders and held her in place. Their eyes were locked for a few moments as she waited and he contemplated. He seemed to want to speak but couldn't. Hermione just smiled enjoying his unease with whatever he was feeling. The thought of him actually having feelings was comforting to her.

Draco ran his fingers through his hair and then laughed. "I'll see you later."

"Yes you will." Hermione said flirtatiously as she left. As she walked along the corridor she grasped her new book firmly in her hands. She found a hidden alcove near a long set of windows and decided to sit and look over her shiny new book. She brought the book to her face and breathed in its new scent. She opened it and noticed writing on the inside cover.

To Granger, the smartest witch I've ever known.

She started to breathe quickly as blood rushed to her face. Her stomach felt as if it was doing flips to the left and right. Her cheeks began to sting from smiling so widely. As far as she could remember, no one in her life had ever done anything as thoughtful as this. Just as she started to turn the crisp new pages she heard a group of boys coming out of the dungeons.

Oh please don't be the fifth years! She thought in terror. Suddenly she was surprised as she saw Draco, Blaise, and the rest of the Slytherin Quidditch team walking down the corridor. They were already in their uniforms and walked over to the windows directly in front of Hermione. Blaise looked out and sighed. "Perfect weather for practice!"

Draco nodded. Blaise raised his eyebrow. "Cat got your tongue Malfoy?"

"What?" Draco said as he looked outside.

"Lion got your tongue?" Blaise whispered.

Draco glared at him quickly as Blaise laughed. "Hey, why don't you all go warm up? Malfoy and I have to talk strategy. We'll be right there."

The other players walked away as Draco continued to look out the window. Blaise smiled. "Well?"

"Well what Zabini?"

"Did you finally give it to her?" Blaise said anxiously.

Draco nodded with a smile. "Yes."

"And?"

"And what?"

Blaise sighed. "You're like talking to a troll you know that? What did she say?"

"She said thank you." Draco said indifferently.

"That's it? That's all she said? Nothing happened?" Blaise asked disappointedly.

"Something happened but not what you're thinking." Draco said as he began to walk away.

Blaise nodded happily. "You underestimate me chum. I know Granger's not like that. You on the other hand-"

Draco punched Blaise playfully but then gave a serious face. "She needs to end it with him."

"That's none of your business and you know it Malfoy. If you pressure her, you'll ruin whatever it is you two have got." Blaise said.

"She deserves better!" Draco said angrily.

"Better like you, you mean?"

"No of course not!" Draco yelled. "Let's go I-"

"Drakiepoo!" Pansy whined as she threw her arms around him from behind.

Draco ducked out of her grasp. "Not interested Parkinson. Not that you should need reminding since I tell you that every day. Let's go Zabini."

They started to walk away but Pansy whispered something under her breath to her friends causing them to stop. Draco approached her with a dangerous expression. He shouted as he towered over her. "What was that Parkinson?"

Pansy shook her head with a terrified expression. "N-Nothing. I didn't mean it."

Draco nodded with a scowl. "I'm going to give you some advice Pansy. Move on. Find someone else because whatever you've conjured up in that mental brain of yours is never going to happen. And that goes for the rest of you. There's at least a hundred other Slytherin's you could be stalking instead of me…" Draco smiled as he glanced at Blaise. "Take this bloke for instance. He's pureblooded and just as rich as me. You redheads in the back have the best chance with him….He's got a thing for red. Now if you'll excuse me."

Draco walked away leaving a dumbfounded Blaise gaping at the girls. They giggled and whispered behind their hands as he bolted away to catch up with Draco.

Hermione laughed silently and watched the girls begin to gossip as they followed Blaise. She stepped out of the alcove and looked out the same window Draco had minutes earlier. "It is a beautiful day." She whispered to herself.

She headed out towards the pitch and climbed the stands. Unfortunately when she reached the top she saw Pansy and her friends already sitting there giggling and gossiping. Hermione sighed loudly and sat on the complete opposite end hoping to watch in peace. She heard them gasp as she made herself comfortable. Pansy shrieked as she smiled. "A mud blood! A mud blood! Tainting our boys practice! Are you spying for Gryffindor Mudblood?"

Hermione's face grew very hot with anger. She hated Pansy Parkinson. She wasn't about to let her spoil her already wonderful day. She smiled to herself as she spoke menacingly. "Actually Pansy, I'm not tainting you're boys….I wouldn't actually call them boys come to think of it. I'm just admiring how they look….Well at least one of them that is."

Pansy's smile faded and the other girls went silent. "What? You're here to watch one of them? Who? Why? You can't possibly think any of our boys would give you the time of day."

Hermione laughed and shrugged. "Well now if I told you which one you may get yourself all upset and we can't have that now can we? And he just might pay me a little attention now and then….But that's sort of between him and I isn't it?"

Pansy gave a terrified look and glanced over at Draco who was searching around for the snitch. Hermione started to watch him fly around as well and felt a flutter in her stomach when he flew nearby. As Draco scanned the pitch he caught sight of Hermione and flew towards her with a smile. He floated over the stands with an excited expression. "What brings you out of the library Granger?"

Pansy's jaw dropped as she watched Hermione blush. "I was just enjoying the scenery Malfoy. I've never really taken the time to watch you fly. I must say you're very good at it."

Draco laughed. "Why thank you. Care to take a spin with me?" Pansy practically toppled out of the stands at his sweet gesture.

Hermione shook her head with a hint of fright. "I've never been fond of it really….I haven't been near a broom since first year. I just don't seem to know how to keep myself from falling off."

Draco smiled. "You've just never had the right teacher. I wouldn't let you fall Granger. Hop on."

Hermione shook her head again with a smile. "Thank you Malfoy. I just can't. I'm simply terrified of brooms."

Draco shrugged. "Okay, okay. I'll let you slide for now. Wait for me after practice will you?"

Just then Blaise shouted to Draco. "Watch out!"

Draco ducked just in time as a bludger whipped by his head. At that same moment, he saw the snitch and dove for it towards where Hermione was sitting. He crashed right next to her and gave out a moan. "Urgh! Sorry about that."

Hermione gasped. "Goodness! Are you alright?" She grasped his hand and helped him sit next to her.

Draco made a painful face but tried to sound reassuring. "I'm fine. Just knocked the wind out of me."

"AND THAT IS WHY I NEVER GO ANYWHERE NEAR A BROOM!" Hermione yelled as she began to dust him off absentmindedly.

The Slytherin girls continued to watch in pure shock. Draco laughed softly. "Come on, that's only the second time I've had a serious crash. The first time was-"

"I remember! And you almost didn't come out of that one alright either. Goodness Malfoy! This sport is dangerous." Hermione scolded.

Draco smiled as she continued to wipe away dust and wood particles. "You remember that?"

Hermione frowned. "Of course I do. It was in our second year. It was your first match as seeker."

Draco's team mates flew over. Blaise smiled as he noticed Hermione. The beater that hit the bludger spoke nervously. "Alright there Malfoy?"

Blaise laughed loudly. "He' fine! He's not going anywhere now though. Trust me."

His team mates looked confused as Blaise shook his head. Draco threw his hand in the air. "Hey, I did my part didn't I? Took me all of five minutes to catch it. I deserve a break. Beside, I don't think Granger's done fawning over me yet. Ouch!"

Hermione smacked him hard on his arm. His team resumed practice as Draco laid back and propped his head in his hands. Without looking away from the sky he shouted. "You can stop staring now Parkinson. I'm trying to have a quiet moment with the Head Girl here and your gawking is distracting me."

Hermione gasped as she lay back as well. "You're too much Malfoy."

"Yes but did you enjoy watching me?"

"Yes….Up until you crashed I thought you were quite graceful out there."

Draco laughed. "Well in my defense, my reflexes aren't as quick when I'm nervous."

"Draco Malfoy nervous? Why?"

"You were watching me Granger. I've never really had anyone watch me before. Well anyone I cared to notice. You may not be able to come to the rest of matches if it affects me again."

Hermione scoffed. "Maybe you'll just have to toughen up a bit! Don't be so preoccupied with what's going on up here when you should be focusing on what's going on down there."

Draco cupped his ear playfully. "Hark! Who's giving Quidditch pointers?"

The Slytherin girls stomped out of the stands unable to bear anymore laughter coming from the usually serious and cruel Draco. As the Quidditch practice ended Hermione and Draco continued to sit and talk in the stands. The sun began to set casting a familiar orange tint along the sky.

Draco stood and held out his hand. Hermione eyed it nervously with a smile. He sighed happily as she gently grasped it and stood following him to the edge of the stands. He looked out onto the pitch and breathed in deeply. "I've never been up here at sunset." His eyes moved down to their interlaced fingers.

Hermione squeezed his hand gently realizing that he was holding hands for the first time in his life with her. "I've never been up here at sunset either. It's simply beautiful"

Draco turned to face herand began swinging their hands together. "Let me take you out there Granger. Right now."

Hermione shook her head fearfully. "I can't. I'm so afraid."

Draco whispered as he looked into her eyes. "I promise I won't let you fall. You can trust me. You have nothing to be afraid of."

Hermione shut her eyes tightly and pressed her lips together. She began to nod her head and spoke quickly. "Okay but do it quick before I lose my nerve because I think I'll faint if I open my eyes and truly realize what I'm about to do!"

Draco laughed as he placed his broom in front of her. "Okay. Now I'm going to sit you in front so that-Granger open your eyes so I can tell you what to do."

Hermione shook her head and shut her eyes more tightly. "Not a chance. Just tell me what you want me to do and I'll do it….Oh my God. I can't believe I'm letting you put me through this."

Draco laughed again. "Alright have it your way. Just hold onto the broom and I'll hold onto you. Got it?"

Hermione nodded as she felt him place her hands on the broom. Draco began to move the broom between their legs but then quickly tapped her shoulder. "Stop holding your breath." Hermione let out a huge breath of air she had been holding. Draco shook his head with a smile and prepared them to take flight.

"Are you ready?" He asked quietly.

"No! Oh my God how could you ask me that? No I'm not ready! I'm about to do the one thing I fear most in the world and you just wouldn't leave well enough alone! If I get out of this in one piece I swear I'll-AHHHHHHHH!" Draco kicked off from the ground and they were immediately flying over the pitch.

Hermione ran out of breath from screaming and had her head ducked low. Draco had one hand on the broom and the other around her waist. "Stop holding your breath." She let out a huge amount of air again but didn't raise her head. "You're doing good Granger. You're flying."

"NO I'M NOT! DON'T SAY THAT!"

"But you are. Open your eyes Granger. You're missing it."

"I can't! I just can't! I'll fall!" Hermione cried.

Draco leaned down and whispered in her ear. "I won't let you fall. Please open your eyes….For me?"

Hermione's stomach flipped. She breathed in deeply and raised her torso up like his. She opened one eye and gasped at the view. She quickly opened her other eye and yelled. "Malfoy! It's beautiful!"

He looked at her from behind and whispered. "I know."

She took another deep breath and removed her right hand from the broom covering his hand on her waist. She couldn't see it but she knew he was smiling. "Thank you. I never thought I would ever be on a broom again." She whispered.

"I knew you could do it. I know everything remember?" He joked. They flew around until the sun set completely with little conversation. They just enjoyed the view and each other's company.

As they finally landed Hermione shivered due to the chill in the air and her excitement. She began to jump up and down to warm herself. Draco looked at her curiously. "Is this some sort of Gryffindor victory dance?"

Hermione laughed. "No, I'm just freezing and I think its best if I keep the blood flowing you know? I can't believe I did that! I can't believe you got me out there! That was the most wonderful experience I've ever had! Goodness it's cold! Aren't you cold?" Hermione said as she shook her hands quickly.

Draco smiled as he looked at her longingly. "No actually." He stepped closer to her and shook his head with pure satisfaction.

Hermione gaped at him. "You must be joking! I'm going to freeze to death out here."

He laughed and pulled her to him. "I won't let you freeze." Hermione shivered at his warm body next to hers. He rubbed the small of her back as he looked down at her curious eyes. "Is that better?"

Hermione smiled. "Yes, but my face feels like I'm getting frostbite. We should probably go insi-"

Draco placed his warm lips over hers gently. She felt her cheeks tingle and her lips boil at his soft kiss. She opened her mouth welcoming him to kiss her further. They held their embrace for at least twenty minutes while they simply kissed in the cold darkness. Hermione's face felt as if it was on fire and her ears even began to grow hot. He pulled away softly and hugged her. "Is that better?"

"Yes. Much better." Hermione said honestly. In her eyes, at that moment everything was perfect.