The first week of classes went by in a flash. Nights were spent studying with her roommates and cuddling with Draco. He had really been serious about taking things slow. Hermione felt like she was trying to corrupt him! She enjoyed the kisses, she really did, but he set her body on fire and it needed to be extinguished.

Hermione still had not gotten a response from Harry nor had she seen Ginny. It was strange. She'd tried finding her in the Great Hall, but it's like she disappeared whenever Hermione stood from her table. It was Friday night after dinner when she found Luna and Neville to ask them about the elusive redhead.

"Hey, you two ," she began as she joined them at one of the back tables in the Common Room, "Have either of you seen Ginny? She's never in The Great Hall, and I don't even see her in the halls. Is she avoiding me or something?" She watched them share a knowing look. Neville spoke first.

"Well, I really don't know how to put this lightly, but she's, um, well... she's (for light of a better word) really pissed at you." He ducked his head ready for her response. "Me!?! Why is she pissed at me? What the Hell did I do?" Hermione felt how red her face was. Everyone in the Common Room gaped at her.

Neville looked at Luna, and she filled the rest in. "Well, she was on the train and went to the cabin you always shared with Ron and Harry. She saw Draco in there and saw the way you two were looking at each other, so she didn't go in. Instead, she eavesdropped on your conversation. Says you guys were flirting and making plans for a date in Hogsmeade the first chance you got, for drinks. Then, she saw how close he sat during the Welcome Feast and made the assumption that you were together, um, romantically and that's why you stopped coming to the Burrow." Luna said it as softly as she could, but the words still hit Hermione like a ton of bricks.

Her stomach twisted. "Is this why Harry hasn't written me back" she thought to herself. She excused herself and went to her room, locking it behind her, and curling up in her bed. She thought of never speaking to her friends ever again. Would they hate her because she's falling in love with 'the enemy'? Wait. What? Love? What was she thinking. They'd only just agreed to be a couple and here she is thinking of being in love with Draco Malfoy? She laid there, thinking. What if these feelings were just that, love. It felt too new, but Draco understood her better than she'd ever thought possible. They had philosophical discussions, talked about books, spoke of their future endeavors...this was...REAL.

Hermione made her way out of Freedom House and headed to Gryffindor Tower. If Ginny wouldn't come to her, she'd just go to her. She waited for someone, anyone, to either arrive at the Fat Lady portrait, or leave the room. Finally a First Year arrived. "Excuse me, but could you see if Ginny Weasley is inside and send her out to me. Tell her it's," but she never got the chance to finish her sentence because the portrait hole opened and out came the very person she was asking for.

"What do you want, Hermione? Malfoy get tired of you already?" Ginny's voice was venomous. She'd never spoken to her like that before. The First Year practically ran inside of the Gryffindor Common Room.

"I don't know what you think you heard or saw on the train, but at the time, Malfoy and I were just friends. We'd spoken at his father's trial, and he had apologized for everything in the past, even things out of his control, I had already told you and Harry that. But, I will not lie about our relationship now. We've only just made it official not even a week ago. No matter what you think.

I mean, you do realize that my mum left, right? She left, and I don't know if she is ever coming back. But, you probably didn't think that was the reason I stopped coming to the Burrow, huh? You think I wanted to see your perfectly put together family while mine had been torn to shreds?"

Hermione tried fighting the tears threatening to spill. Ginny stood there staring then sighed. "Why him? There are so many people out in the world, why did you need to choose him?"

Hermione's tears start to fall. "I don't know, Gin, but he's who I want, he's who I need. He makes me feel safe and loved, like I'm not as broken as I feel." Ginny reached out and pulled her into a hug. "I've missed you, Gin. Truly. I don't want you to be mad at me. I cannot help feeling the way I feel about him. Believe me. I'm still in shock that I am who he wants, who he's been wanting for so long, but couldn't go against his father."

Ginny looked at her, wide-eyed. "You're serious? Come on. Let's go sit down on the bench in the alcove. I need to know more about this new revelation." They walked over and Hermione told her everything Draco had told her. By the end of their conversation, Ginny had agreed to meet them the next evening in Hogsmeade for a drink.

Before they parted ways, Hermione asked Ginny one more thing. "Have you heard from Harry? I wrote him over a week ago and nothing." Ginny smiled. "Yes, actually, I just received one yesterday. He'd mentioned that you wrote. I'm sure you'll get something soon. Goodnight, Hermione." The two women hugged and Hermione set back to head to Freedom House.

Draco sat in his room waiting for Hermione to get back. Luna had told him what transpired earlier when he asked where she had gone off to. Suddenly he heard a tapping on his window and saw his eagle owl, Ulysses perched outside. He open the window and retrived the package tied to his leg. "Thanks, buddy. Here, get some food." He put some seeds in a bowl next to the window. He knew what this was. His mother always sent him some sweets. He opened the box and found some candies and a note.

My Dearest Draco,

I hope this letter finds you well. How was your first week of school? Have you been able to become acquainted with Miss Granger? I know it's scary, but your father no longer has a hold over us. You are free to be with whomever you choose.

On that note, I have some news. My marriage to your father has been absolved, and I have a date on Saturday. I have not been this nervous in all of my life. He's totally different from any man I have ever met.

I don't want to jinx anything quite yet, but he seems as fond of me as I am of him. Do write me soon, darling. I miss you ever so much. Either way, enjoy the sweets. Share if you want.

All My Love, Mom

Draco smiled and gave Ulysses a pet before sitting down to write his reply.

Mother,

You will be pleased to know that after traveling to Hogwarts, sharing a cabin, and a carriage ride that Granger and I became fast friends and less than 24 hours later, we became more than friends. I did just as you said. I was open and honest and told her how I have felt ever since First Year.

She's honestly the most forgiving, honest, brave, and not to mention beautiful person I have ever known. I can feel how strong of a connection we have. It's indescribable, the way I feel knowing she's mine, finally. I'm falling for her faster than I thought possible.

I'm happy for you as well, Mother. You deserve a fresh start. Whomever this mystery man is, he'd better treat you with nothing but respect, or he'll have me to answer to. Love you, Mum.

~Draco

Hermione stopped in her room before heading over to Draco's for some alone time. She hadn't seen him since Potions, their last class of the day. As she entered she saw an owl perched outside her window. "Oh, I'm sorry. Hope you weren't out there long." she said as she. grabbed a few treats for the annoyed bird, placating him quickly. She unraveled the scroll and breathed a sigh of relief that it was finally Harry. She felt her stomach twisting at the words she read.

Hermione,

You may be the brightest witch of our age, but you fall fast in love and look how it ended up the last time. Ron acts like he is fine, but you broke his heart. Be sure this is who you want in your heart of hearts. I do not foresee Ron being particularly happy about you being friends with the guy. Imagine if you actually end up dating the bastard. Can't write much. Training is Hell. Remember always that I will support you no matter what. Be careful. I love you

~Harry

She felt a slight annoyance at the author. Ron had agreed that they were a rubbish couple and better off as friends. Did he only agree because Hermione brought it up first? She almost thought about writing him but decided against it, instead she freed the owl from his duties and headed across the hall to Draco's room.

Hermione knocked and heard the door unlock. The fire was going and the lights were turned off. "Draco?" she whispered as she entered the room. She saw him standing in his trousers, shirtless.

"Come in, Granger. Close the door." he said in a raspy voice. She did as he asked then walked closer. "Come here. I've missed you. What took you so long?" Hermione walked over, a coy smile on her lips.

"Lose your shirt? Hmm, not that I'm complaining." She wrapped her arms around his waist. He smelled of citrus and sandalwood. "Oh gods, you smell good." She heard him chuckle. She went on her tip toes and placed a light kiss on his lips. "I missed you too."

He smoothed her curls back from her face and could see something was bothering her. "What's happened? Luna told me about your trouble with the female Weasley." The concern in his eyes practically melted her heart. She led him over to the big armchair by the fireplace where she sat curled up in his lap.

"We had words, but she understands now. It's Harry. He wrote me back and, well, he was very blunt. Basically told me I fall in love too fast and hurt people, namely Ronald." Draco's arms tensed up. Hermione wasn't sure if it was Ron's name or the mention of falling in love that bothered him.

"What exactly did you write in your letter that made him think you were 'falling in love' if you don't mind me asking?" he said it with a teasing smirk. Hermione leaned in and gave him another soft kiss.

"Honestly, I have no idea where he came up with that. I had only told him about our riding together and that I wanted to get to know you. He says I broke Ron's heart which is confusing because we'd both agreed with were a crappy couple. Whatever. I'm not going to worry myself about it. I don't know about you, but I'd much rather be snogging each other senseless."

With that she got off his lap, instead placing a knee on either side of him, straddling him. He grabbed ahold of her ass as she began her onslaught of kisses. His tongue begged for entrance and she permitted causing a deep moan to escape him. "I'm trying...to be...good here, Granger. You're not...making this... easy." He talked between kisses as he continued to massage her ass in his hands slowly moving closer to her thighs.

"Mmm, yes, but I don't want you to be a good boy," she whispered in his ear, giving it a nibble before grinding against his growing erection. He growled then picked her up with ease. She wrapped her legs around him as he carried them to his bed.

"You're going to be the death of me, witch." he said before laying her down on the bed. Draco swiftly took each of their pants off and tossed them to the floor. He stood there in his tented boxer briefs and walked closer to the bed. Hermione made short work of taking her top off, so she was left in her black lace bra and panties. Draco's eyes darkened as he slid his hands up her legs, bending down to kiss her knee.

Looking down, Hermione caught his eyes watching her, waiting for consent. She nodded her head, so he hooked his thumbs in her panties and rolled them down. "Sweet Salazar, your beautiful." he said as a blush crept into her cheeks. "May I?" She had never had anyone treat her with such love and care. She nodded then threw her head back against the bed.

Draco planted kisses on her inner thigh. The heat coming off of her was intense. She was already glistening with need. He tasted her slowly, being urged to continue by the sweet moans she made. Make a slow circle motion with his tongue, he teased her clit, causing her hips to buck. "Oh, oh gods, Draco! It feels so good," she was panting. He inserted his finger, she was so wet already. "Fuck, you're so ready for me."

Hermione felt like she was going to explode in ectasy. "Draco, please. I need you, need to feel you." He couldn't believe how eager she was. He sucked on her clit as she cried out his name again. He crawled up and grabbed his wand off his bedside table wordlessly casting a Conception Charm. Hermione wrapped her legs around him then pulled him down for a searing kiss. She could taste herself on his tongue and it only made her want him more.

They locked eyes as he lined up with her entrance. "You're sure you want this, Granger? Once this happens, I don't think I will ever be able to let you go." he smiled as she nodded her head eagerly. "I'm sure. I never want this to end." With that he slowly entered her. She was so tight he almost wanted to ask if this was her first time. "Oh fuck. You feel so damn good." he whispered in her ear as he fully sheathed himself inside of her.

He moved slowly, trying to make it last as long as he could. Hermione felt like she was floating. "Draco, ahh, yes. Faster." She urged him so he quickened his pace a bit. "I'm so close, so, so close. Oh gods!" He felt her walls clenching around him as she orgasmed. He wasn't far behind after that. "Hermione, ahhh, I love you!" he said as he spilled his seed. Hermione looked up and saw the look in his eyes. "What? What did you say?" she asked.

"I said," he kissed her sweetly, "I love you." he smiled down at her. He watched a smile slowly creep onto her face. "You do?" He nodded his head as his face became serious.

"I have been in love with you for as long as I can remember, Hermione Granger." She started to tear up, and he prepared himself for the worst. "Oh, Malfoy! I have been feeling things like I never felt before. Ever since I saw you at the trial, I've felt a pull towards you, like a magnet. Then we shook hands and, oh Merlin, it felt like this electric current flowed through my body. It woke me up from this dead feeling I had since my mother left. Then you told me how you felt and I felt as if I was reborn. Because, I feel it. I feel it deep in my bones. It's you. You're what's been missing from me this whole time. I love you too."

Draco grinned then hugged her close to him. He wanted to cry. She loved him too. It felt like a dream. "Say it again." he finally said. Hermione smiled, then cupped his cheek. "I love you. I, I love you, Draco Malfoy." And he pulled her in for another passionate kiss before they curled up into each other and fell asleep.

They walked hand in hand through Hogsmeade. Witches and Wizards whispered and pointed. Hermione was getting annoyed and Draco just laughed it off. "Take a picture, it lasts longer!" she spat out at a group of nosey women staring at them. "Granger, you're scaring them." he laughed as he watched the women gaping at her remark.

"Honestly, they act like it's the end of the damn world that we are in love." Oh, he did love hearing her say that. They were getting ready to meet her friend Ginny for a drink. The only times he could remember being in the same vicinity of the female Weasley was when Umbridge made him watch her and her friends in Year 5 and his father's trial. He hoped to make a good impression since she seemed to be Hermione's best friend aside from Potter and the Weasel.

"Ah, there she is! Ginny!" Hermione dragged him as she practically ran to give her friend a hug. "Draco, this is my best friend, Ginny Weasley. Ginny, you know Draco. Shall we go in?" The redhead gave a tight smile then bit out, "Nice to finally meet you." It was almost as if she'd practiced in the mirror. Draco decided to turn on the charm.

"Ginny, you look stunningly beautiful in this light. Pleased to make your acquaintance, and I do so hope we can be friends." he took her hand and brought to his lips to place a soft kiss. Hermione looked stunned and Ginny smiled.

"Oh, you're goooood." she said as she laughed and all the tension in the air between the three disappeared. He smiled and opened the door to the Hog's Head. "Ladies." he said as he held the door for them.

"Hey, Ab! Three firewhiskeys please!" Ginny said to the older man behind the bar. They grabbed a table in the mostly empty bar. "So, Draco. What are your intentions with my best friend?" Draco smirked at her and looked over at Hermione.

"My intensions, dear Ginny, are to love her, support her in her future endeavors, and then, when the time comes, make her mine forever." He took Hermione's hand and kissed her palm causing her to blush and lean in closer. Ginny stared, mouth wide open, as she watched the loving way they looked at each other. She knew that look. That was how her and Harry looked at one another.

"Holy shit. You're actually in love, aren't you?" Ginny put her head in her hands. Hermione looked over at Draco then back at Ginny. "Gin?" Hermione reached over and touched Ginny's hand. She looked up from her hands and was smiling. "I just didn't get it before, but now? Seeing you two together? I mean, I see it so clearly. Hermione, you never looked at Ron like that. I cannot believe I am saying this, but I'm so happy you found your way to each other."

Draco thought to himself, "Maybe this girl isn't so bad." Hermione and Ginny both had tears in their eyes. "Oh, Gin! That means the world to me." She got up and hugged her dearest friend. "He's wonderful, isn't he?" she mumbled into Ginny's shoulder. Draco blushed at the praise from his girlfriend.

Ginny looked over at Draco and smiled. "Now, how are we going to break it to Harry and Ron? You know they still harbor some bad feelings toward you. They are not going to be as forgiving as me. Plus, there's the whole Ron still thinking he's got a chance of getting back with you after your finished school and he's completed his training."

Hermione gasped, "What!" Ginny groaned, "Oh, yeah, um...Harry wrote me and says it's all he's been talking about. Sorry." Draco felt uncomfortable at best. "I shouldn't have said anything, Hermione."

"Well, he's absolutely barking if he thinks we have any shot together. I'm in the best relationship I have ever been in. He'll either have to get over that or stop being my friend, because I am unequivocally happy with this beautiful man right here." And then she got up and sat in Draco's lap kissing him passionately. He wasn't expecting such a public display of affection but quickly got lost in the feel of her lips against his.

"Well, if you have shagged yet, you're about ready to now. Damn!" Hermione giggled and looked at her friend. "Sorry about that Ginny. I don't know what came over me." Draco hugged her against him and she felt his excitement from their impromptu snogfest. "We'll, um, see you later then, okay Gin?" Ginny grinned knowingly. "Mmhmm, I'm picking up what you're putting down." And with a wink, she was gone.

"Why don't I get back to my seat, so you can calm down, yeah?" Draco laughed, one of his deep, belly laughs. "Well, Ginny likes you. That's all I really care about. And, you say your mum likes me, so I think we're on the right track." She couldn't help thinking about what he'd told Ginny about his intentions. It made her nervous and excited at the same time.

"Speaking of my mother, she wants to meet for dinner next weekend. She's begun dating someone. Says he treats her well. She wants to introduce him to me and asked for you to come as well. Shall I write her?" Draco waited for her response. "Yes, of course. I would be honored." she said as she placed a sweet kiss on his cheek.

Draco and Hermione entered Freedom House a little later than usual. They'd walked all over Hogsmeade Village and then back to the castle, stopping at their favorite spot by the lake for some more snogging. They entered quietly and it look as if everyone was asleep. They started towards the hall when a moan stopped them.

"Oh, fuck! Yes, just like that!" Hermione put her hand over her mouth. It was Seamus and someone was giving him head on the couch. "Shit, you feel so good." Draco stepped closer to see who it was and knocked a book off the table he was leaning on. Seamus jumped as did the girl, giving them a full view of her face.

"Pansy! You and the Irishman, eh?" Draco said as if he wasn't even shocked. "Malfoy, you prat! What the fuck! She could've bit my dick off!" Seamus hissed, attempting to tuck himself back in his trousers. Pansy laughed, "I told you someone would see us, Finnegan, but no. You thought it'd be more exciting." Hermione stood there gobbsmacked.

Pansy took ahold of Seamus's tie and led him down the hall to her room, closing the door, but not before giving Hermione and Draco a wink. "Well, she's had a crush on him since Fifth year. Guess she finally got him interested in her, um, finer qualities." Draco pulled Hermione close then whispered, "Time to get you in bed, witch." He picked her up, wrapping her legs around his waist, and walked to his room, closing the door and making sweet love to her.

Next chapter will have an interesting dinner scene, an unexpected letter, and an unwanted guest.* Stay tuned!