Chapter Sixteen:

Hermione's head was screaming for her to stop, not to fall any harder, to pull away from the kiss and to forget about it all, but her heart continued.

Her heart told her how much she wants this, how much she needs this, and that she shouldn't be pushing it away.

He kissed her further, exploring new properties in her mouth. Every kiss was so different yet so similar. He was trying so hard to control himself, to take it slow, but with every second that went by he found it to be impossible.

He pulled away from the kiss slowly, looking at her innocent facial expression. Her lips were red from the intensity of the kiss, her breath unsteady, her heart beating fast.

He started kissing her down her neck, pecking her skin with his lips, sending electricity through her body.

Oh how much he loved the sweet smell of her lotion, the unimaginably pleasant taste of her skin.

Hermione dropped her head back in ecstasy. She felt like she could not have enough butterflies in her stomach. She felt like her heart will pop out of her chest from intensity of it's beats.

She slowely and gently pulled his lips to hers, kissed him gently, and pulled away.

She cared for him, but she didn't want to take it too far.

Draco saw passion in her eyes, he didn't understand why she pulled away but he had to respect her decision.

"Damn Granger, you want me." he said looking at her face. Hermione blushed and tried to get up from under him. The harder she was struggling to get out, the more she felt his need of her.

"Malfoy, I think you're mistaken, from what I feel, you're the one who wants me."

"I never said I didn't." he shot back, and slowly got up.

Hermione practically jumped up from the couch. As much as she didn't want to make the move obvious, she didn't succeed.

She was sick and tired of staying at home alone with Malfoy, only God knew where this could lead to, and frankly she was not ready to be led anywhere.

It wasn't that Draco pushed her, or Draco she didn't trust. It was herself she didn't trust around him. He was soo damn sexy, he made her want to forget all about her morals, and for her that was dangerous.

Draco was also grateful to end this, as much as he enjoyed it, he didn't want to do anything he, or Hermione will regret later.

He decide it would be healthy to go for a walk, he had a lot of things to think through, and a lot of moves to plan ahead.

Hermione stayed indoors and continued reading Shakespeare's play. She was already half way through it, usually she would have been done with it, but with all the action she's had lately she really had no time for reading.

She was sitting quietly, when suddenly Hedwig flew into the room once more. News from Harry.

Hermione quickly got up and took the piece of parcel from her leg. She then fed Hedwig and let her rest on her shoulder.

Thank god Crookshanks wasn't around. During the summer days the cat usually spent his time sleeping under her bed, because it was too hot for his furry body to be anywhere else.

Hermione tore Harry's letter open and started reading. Everything is ok with him, the search for the last horcruxes is harder than ever, he tried a few objects but he was wrong about them, he still does not know what it could be.

He told her how much he misses her, Ron, and especially Ruby.

He also said that he's hoping to have this nightmare all over soon, and come back to live a normal life.

Hermione quickly sat at her table to write back. She didn't dare tell anything to Harry about Draco. Not even about the fact that he's staying over her house.

She figured Harry wouldn't belive her about the fact that Draco's changed, hell, she didn't even know if she believe's it yet. Harry just wouldn't understand, he hates Draco.

Harry would just get pissed off and that would take him off his concentration on saving the Wizarding world. Hermione didn't want to say anything that will risk his life further.

She quickly wrote that all is good, and how much she misses Ron, Ruby and Ginny.

She also told him about her parents writing to her almost daily and about their adventures in the USA.

She wrapped up the letter by promising to help him whenever needed, and asking to be kept informed.

She quickly tied the letter to Hedwig's leg, patted the owl and watched as she flew away.

Hermione went back to her play. After about 20 more minutes of reading she heard Draco walk in. She got up and decided it's about time to fix up some lunch.

She quickly boild hot dogs, preapered some buns, and all sorts of toppings.

Draco was curious about what she was doing, but decided not to question her since she knew her recepie's well.

They sat at the table, and had a good time eating and talking. Even though Draco tried to hide it, it seemed like something was bothering him.

"So how was your walk?" Hermione asked trying to see if he would talk to her.

"Fine." he replied and went back to his hot dog.

Hermione noticed he didn't want to talk about it, and decided to drop the subject. She hoped that when he was ready, he would talk to her, but she couldn't push it out of him.

"Good." she said with a smile and switched the subject.

Once they finished eating, they got up together and cleaned up the table. As

Hermione was picking up waste to throw into the waste basket Draco came from behind her and hugged her tightly.

Hermione thought the waste will fall out of her hands, and land on the floor. She steadied herself in his grip and loosened enjoying the hug.

He hugged her for a minute, and let go after smelling the scent of her hair.

She turned around smiled at him, and headed towards the waste basket. They quickly rounded up the cleaning and everything was shining.

Just as Draco was getting ready to pull her into a kiss, the door bell rang.

"Who is it?" Draco asked, feeling a little scared as to whom it may be.

"I don't know, are you expecting someone?" Hermione asked.

"No, how about you" said Draco.

"No." said Hermione looking at the door frightened.