Hermione was not sure why she was even considering his request. She should just ignore him. Stay away from him so his presence would leave her mind as well. Once and for all. But it seems she could not do that.

She had told Harry and Ron that she just needed to retrieve a book that she had ordered, and she would come back soon. Harry was forbidden of leaving the grounds because of Umbridge, and so, Ron would keep him company. And Hermione could go say goodbye to Malfoy and his pretty soft lips. Once and for all.

She was halfway through the path to Hogsmeade when she heard someone running. She thought it could be him, Draco, but then it was just a third-year, excited about the first Hogsmeade trip after the new year. She sighed, disappointment present on her face, of course, it was not him, what was she thinking? Until slender fingers had twined themselves with hers.

Hermione looked at the fingers, and the hand and up the sleeve of a leather jacket until she found the face of whoever had decided this was a good idea. Her wand was already raised, ready to hex whoever it was. "Draco?" She asked, confused. "What are you doing?"

"Something I wanted to do for very long…" He said, squeezing her hand. "I thought you would be back to call me Malfoy, after that note."

"So, did I" she sighed, but leaned closer to him, like she had done many times before, never in the open like this. "Why are you here?"

"One more time. It was all I asked. I've been waiting under the Hogsmeade sign to catch you."

"Why?" Hermione asked again because he was not giving her a proper answer. One more time and he wanted to hold hands on the path to Hogsmeade? Walk the path together? That was a new one. How could he be so malicious like that? Giving her something she wished for, only for it to end in a few hours. She could sense the tears prickling on her eyes.

"Because if this is the last time I will be able to touch you, I want to enjoy it to the fullest." He explained.

"And what does the fullest mean? What is included?" She asked, looking at him, hoping he would not see the heartbreak on her eyes.

He did not reply, not with words. He squeezed her hand again and led them into town.

"What are you doing, people will see us, Malfoy." She tried to pull away, but he kept walking to the small wizard town.

"Let them see us, Granger. What's the worst that can happen? We're over, aren't we? If my father comes after me, I can tell him I'm not with you and it will be true. Won't it?" He asked they were almost arriving at Madam Puddifoot's when Draco let go of her hand and wrapped his arms around her waist instead.

Hermione could not reply. Not confirm or deny him. She placed one hand on his chest, over his heart, and the other wrapped around his bicep. Draco kissed her forehead. "Please tell me what you really want, Hermione. If you want us to be over, we shall be over. If you want more, I can give you more. We just need to be ready to face the wrath of some people. My parents, our friends. They will not be happy."

Hermione looked into his eyes, the cloudy grey seemed steel today. Like they always did when he said something he was certain of. He would take her as a girlfriend for the world to see if that was her decision. She would not be his little secret anymore. She would face all the wrath as ostracization with her head held high because she knew Draco would be there to support her. And she would do the same for him, support him.

"I'm going to ask again, love. Because it's cold and I want a warm cup of tea from Madam Puddifoot. The only thing that will change will be how we will leave the tea shop. Will I be holding your hand or not?" He asked, brushing his nose against hers. It was such a sweet gesture.

She was enjoying it so much. So, she nodded with a smile. "Yes, I want to keep holding your hand, Draco."

"Then one last question." He pecked her lips. "Once and for all, Hermione, do you want to be my girlfriend? Shall I start planning a courtship?"

Hermione chuckled. "All these dates at Madam Puddifoot's… can't those be part of the courtship?"

Draco shook his head. "No, Hermione. It starts now if you say yes…"

Hermione gave in, rolling her eyes and kissing him properly. "Yes. Yes, Draco. Please."