Since the night of their kiss Draco had been avoiding Hermione like she was the plague. Draco had insisted they patrolled the grounds separately, much to Hermione's disappointment. They would meet in the hall and agree on who would go where then start their search on their own before meeting back in the manor hall to tell each other if anything was found then Draco would run to his dorm before Hermione could pluck up the courage to ask him about their heart wrenching and utterly confusing kiss.

One day she had tried to discuss it over a steaming cauldron in potions just for him to turn violently red and march away from her and up to Slughorn's desk. He had announced that he was feeling terribly sick and got himself excused from classes for the rest of the day. She knew he was avoiding her and it was infuriating. But she was even more angry with herself for allowing it to affect her. But he couldn't avoid her forever.

Hermione woke up with a start, images from last night's dream still floating in her head.

They started with the usual nightmares of screaming terror, blood covered marble floors. The devastation crumbled stone and masses of bodies. Even in her dreams she could smell the rotting blood, so thick and metallic she could taste it on her tongue. Burning flesh from dragons fire setting alight to those who had fallen, the smell clinging her hair and the soot coating her so vividly she could scrape it from her skin. Then her best friend lay dead at the feet of a snake like monster, its eyes glowing red into her soul.

Hermione's heart raced and panic rose in her throat like bile, making it hard to breath. The inevitable crippling panic attack had been shuddering through her when suddenly a pair of strong arms wrapped around her crumbling body. They pulled her away from the terror in front of her, turned her around and cradled her head to their chest and blocked her view.

Hermione could hear their loud steady heartbeat below her ear unusually soothing to her frantic heart.

Their hand stroked her hair while their deep calm voice shushed her.

"Breath Hermione, it's just a dream."

She recognised the voice and found herself relaxing in the comfort of his arms. She wrapped her arms around Draco's waist and enjoyed the bliss they gave her.

Draco leant down, his lips brushed against her ear. "It's time to wake up".

Hermione blinked into the morning light, her heart still regaining its natural beat.

That felt so real…

Hermione was not going to head down to the common room early this morning, not like she usually did. She didn't want to risk running into him and having to deal with the embarrassment of replaying her dream if she saw him. He would see it written over her face like a short story dedicated to him.

Instead She wasted her time in the dorm room hoping she'd miss him entirely.

After her shower Hermione settled in front of the Vanity mirror, drying and taming what was left of the fizz in her hair. She looked at her face and sighed at her appearance reflected back at her.

She stretched her lips wide grinned into the mirror, inspecting her teeth. They were straight, white and symmetrical. Really, Draco had done a favour when he had hexed her with beaver teeth all those years ago. Not that Hermione would ever let him know that. She could still hear Pansy's shrill hysterical laughter when it happened. It angered her that even this memory wasn't enough to stop the blush that flamed her face when she thought of him.

She looked at her eyes in the mirror. They were large, but thankfully not bulging, the colour of rich chocolate with caramel flecks flowing through the irises. In the right light some might say they were gold. At least that's what she liked to think.

Not that anyone is looking at me to notice.

Hermione stood and stretched her tense limbs as she looked around at the beds of sleeping girls around the room when she noticed a copy of Teen Witch Weekly on top of Pansy's trunk. It's not really Hermione's kind of thing, she would never be seen dead reading it. Not unironically anyway.

That being said, Hermione couldn't help but notice an incredibly beautiful witch on the cover. Her hair was braided to the side and her lashes were so long they almost touched her eyebrows. This made her bright green eyes look like giant dazzling emeralds.

Hermione glanced back at her reflection in the mirror again and dropped the magazine back down on the trunk. She sat herself in front of the mirror once more and got to work on her hair, braiding it to the side like the image, being sure to pull it at the sides of the braid so it was thick and loose.

I don't want it to look prim and proper.

Hermione took her wand and elongated and curled her lashes, tinting them a little darker. It was subtle, but she liked the effect.

She smiled at herself in the mirror and pulled a few strands of hair down, so the curls bounced delicately around her face.

Hermione could help but admire herself. Sometimes she thought she could be pretty, it was just a shame it wasn't effortless.

"You are so beautiful Hermione Granger"

Draco's whispered endearment brought a whole new wave of heat to her cheeks.

"Who are you making an effort for? Pansy grunted as she stretched in her bed.

"For myself" Hermione told her, matter of factly.

Pansy snorted. "You can tell yourself that Granger but I don't believe you. Not that it matters. No one will look at a Mudblood bookworm like you anyway. And if they do they must be just as sniveling and pathetic as you." Pansy flounced out of the room into the bathroom, very pleased with herself.

Hermione rolled her eyes and got dressed, deciding on a skirt instead of her usual black school trousers. It was shorter than it used to be but she decided that if she was making an effort she may as well apply it everywhere.

Hermione threw her bag over her shoulder and left before she could change her mind or Pansy could try and offend her any further.

When Hermione arrived at the Great Hall, Ginny was sat alone looking incredibly bored. A wave of mischief washed over Hermione as snuck up behind her friend and wrapped her arms over Ginny's shoulders, hugging as tight as she could and laughing when Ginny jumped.

"Well good morning to you!" she laughed and Hermione squeezed her even tighter

.

"Ginny, I miss you. I feel like we never get to spend time with each other anymore". Hermione complained as she freed her from her embrace and sat down next to Ginny, in what would usually be Harry's seat.

"Can we hang out tonight? I need some girl time with my best friend" Hermione clasped my hands in front of her face "Pleeeaaaase!"

Ginny Laughed. "Of course we can! Me and Harry haven't made plans yet and if I don't see him I end up sitting in the common room with the guys talking about what girls are hot or not. It's so disgusting… though i'd rather do that than sit with the girls. All they do is talk about makeup. Speaking of which'." Ginny scanned her eyes over Hermione's face. "You are looking rather gorgeous today. I love the hair!"

"Thank you Gin. I fancied trying something new." she fluttered her lashes flirtatiously.

"And a skirt! You look smoking hot! I approve." Ginny grinned "Ron won't know where to look!".

Hermione scowled with confusion. "I didn't do this for Ron, Ginny, I just fancied a change."

"Hey! I didn't mean to offend you, that's totally cool" Ginny laughed. "But he still won't know how to react. Just like them over there" Ginny pointed to a group of boys on the Ravenclaw table who Hermione hadn't noticed had been openly staring at her. When she looked up they all looked away and started hitting each other, except for one whose eyes were fixed to Hermione's legs and hadn't noticed her scowling at him. Hermione couldn't stop the wrinkle of her nose and tugged at the bottom of her skirt as Ginny laughed.

"Hey that's my seat!" Harry complained as he dropped down opposite Ginny.

"Sorry Harry, she's mine today!" Hermione threw her arm over Ginny's shoulder and pulled her close.

"Yeah sorry Harry, me and you? We are on a break… for today." The girls giggled.

"As long as it's only Hermione stealing you away that's fine with me." Harry leant over the table and kissed Ginny tenderly on the lips. Hermione couldn't help but smile at the love she felt between them.

Hermione looked toward the door expecting to see Ron meandering in after Harry as usual but instead she was caught by the sight of Draco walking through the large entrance.

Draco stopped in his tracks when he saw Hermione , his eyes widening and his mouth dropping open ever so slightly at the sight of her. "Fuck me."

Hermione couldn't quite make out what had said but the fact he said anything at all gave her hope. She gave him a tiny smile, her cheeks warming from the way he looked at her and she couldn't help but feel a little triumphant.

Draco hesitated, considering whether he could walk over and compliment her surprising new look when Ron pushed past him, nudging his shoulder harder than necessary.

Draco didn't try to hide his offence by the abrupt disturbance of Ronald Weasley, or his jealousy of how he was allowed to openly wave at her with no judgement from anyone.

Draco raised his middle finger to his retreating back and fought the urge to shout at the ginger twat or start a fight like he would have done in the past.

He was trying so hard to be a new man, no matter how difficult it was. Instead he gritted his teeth and sauntered over to the Slytherin table to take his seat next to Blaise.

Ron dropped himself down opposite Hermione and grinned. Ginny was watching him expectantly, but Ron was only focused on loading his plate with bacon. Ginny frowned at her brother and glared daggers at him. Hermione couldn't help but laugh at the expression, not surprised by Ron's lack of reaction at all. She honestly couldn't care less.

"What an idiot" Hermione stiffened at the voice in her head. "It should be me sitting opposite you. That idiot doesn't even know what's in front of him"

Hermione audibly gasped and her 3 friends looked at her in confusion. "You alright Mione?" Ron asked.

"Yeah i'm fine" She shrugged "I just… thought i had forgotten some homework".

Ron chuckled. "Of course you did. You look nice today by the way. "

"Thank you Ron." She replied absently before she noticed a smile playing on Ginny's lips. Hermione rolled her eyes at Ginny's reaction, she really didn't do it for Ron's attention…

When everyone was distracted Hermione took the opportunity to look behind herself at the Slytherin table, at the seat she knew all too well. Zabini was talking enthusiastically to Draco, but Draco wasn't paying him any attention. Instead, he was looking directly at Hermione with that hungry look in his eyes that caused fireworks to fizz throughout her body.

Images began to play in her mind of their time in the astronomy tower. If they hadn't been interrupted there was no saying what might have happened. The fizzing in Hermione's stomach raced down into her knickers. She gasped and stood up quickly, causing her friends to jump.

"Hermione?" Harry stood to follow her.

Not here!..

Hermione squeezed her thighs together as she remembered the feel of Draco's body pressed against her in potions class.

"I'm fine, I just have to -."

"Miss Granger, could i see you in my office for a moment?" Professor McGonnagall announced from right behind her.

Hermione cleared her throat and straightened her skirt.

"Of Course Professor" She squeaked, collecting her things and without a word to her friends and fighting the urge to look across the hall again she followed Mcgonagall out of the Hall.

Four sets of eyes watching her leave that day.

"Liquorice Snap" McGonnagal announced clearly and when the Gargoyle nodded, the stairs started their ascent.

Hermione followed as her headmistress hopped on to the moving steps and they made their way to the office. As Hermione entered she was welcomed by the familiar faces of the old Headmaster's in their portraits.

Many greeted her warmly and more thanked her for her efforts during the war. Hermione thanked them back modestly, before looking up at Dumbledore's portrait hanging right above the headmistress' desk. She could help but be a little sad when she saw that he was not there, only an empty ornate frame.

McGonagall noticed Hermione's sad expression and smiled fondly at her favourite student.

"Do not worry Miss Granger, He will be back. He spends much of his time visiting his Sister's Portrait now that there is a link through the room of requirement."

Hermione smiled broadly and her eyes sparkled "I'm so glad something good could come of what happened."

"As am I, Miss Granger. Now to business. I hope you are enjoying being back at Hogwarts?" Hermione nodded, taking the seat opposite McGonagall.

"And the accommodation is working well for you and your classmates?"

She nodded again."Even if some of the groupings are a little… difficult."

McGonagall smiled in understanding.

"There is a method to the madness, Hermione. Now, how about working alongside Mr Malfoy? Is that working well?" She gave Hermione a pointed look.

"It's fine Professor." Hermione frowned at her headmistress. If she knew McGonagall at all she knew when she was avoiding what she needed to talk about. And Hermione could tell she was avoiding the reason for their meeting.

"Is there something you need from me, Professor? You know how I hate to be late to class…" Hermione bit her lip and silently scorned herself for her directness but she really did hate to be late.

"Do not worry about class miss Granger, Professor Flitwick knows you are with me."

McGonagall took a deep breath and watched Hermione carefully through the small spectacles perched on the end of her nose.

"You know, better than most, maybe even better than I, that Professor Dumbledor always had a plan for everything." Mcgonnagal gave a small roll of her eyes.

"It seems he foresaw the future for many of the students who attend this school. And the difficulties they may face on their return."

Hermione gave a small nod of understanding.

"Dumbldore has left a very important task for you Miss Granger."

Hermione raised her eyebrows in shock.

"What could Dumbledor possibly want from me?" She asked with genuine curiosity.

"To befriend Draco Malfoy".

Hermione laughed, causing McGonagall to look at her with a very serious expression.

"This can't be right. Dumbledor knew Malfoy's opinion on muggle borns and would know I am the last person he would choose to be friends with... It hardly makes sense, and I don't think that Dumbledor would want me to be friends with someone who hates me based on my blood status. Malfoy has always hated me... And after his involvement in trying to kill Dumble…" Hermione trailed off, not wanting to remember the event Harry had described to her. And even more unwilling to admit that she couldn't imagine the new and improved Draco being involved in such events.

Hermione turned her wide eyes on McGonagall, unbelieving of what she was hearing.

"I am going to tell you more than what Dumbledor asked me to relay to you Miss Granger because I respect your judgment and trust that you will keep it to yourself and do the right thing.

Dumbledor had, and so do I for that matter, reason to believe that Mr Malfoy's life is still in danger. There are still Supporters of Voldemort out there Miss Granger, I trust you already know that?"

Hermione nodded solemnly.

"Many of those monsters are in hiding and planning how to continue with Voldemort's mission.

They are also seeking out those they feel betrayed Voldemort in order to avenge his death. Unfortunately the Malfoys will be seen as such as they did not fight the final battle. I happen to know this was through fear of losing their son. Though i'm sure you know that too?"

Hermione gave another nod.

"I also believe you know that Mr and Mrs Malfoy are still in Azkaban, and unfortunately for them, that is the safest place for them. Which is why they are holding back on Mrs Malfoy's trial. There is no sense in releasing her, should she be found innocent, if she is to be murdered on her release."

Hermione stared wide-eyed at her professor. Understanding dawning on her.

"As you know, young Mr Malfoy was unable to fulfil his duty to Voldemort and kill Dumbledore and that he did not willingly return to Voldemort's side that evening. Because of this he is now a target to those remaining Death Eaters."

McGonagall took a deep steadying breath.

"The school and the Ministry are doing everything in their power to ensure Draco Malfoy's safety but I am afraid we are limited to what we can do without drawing attention to the situation and our weaknesses in how much we can do to protect him. We can not promise that the threat is already with in the castle."

Hermione furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. She knew the wards placed on the castle were stronger than ever. And everyone who entered was searched to ensure nothing suspicious was coming in. and now only staff and students could pass through the gates.

McGonagall watched Hermione as she tried to decipher what the weaknesses there could possibly be.

"We are not sure we can trust Mr Malfoy's fellow classmates." she said matter of factly.

" Many have families that were deeply involved in the dark side of the war and we cannot be sure they are not acting as spies or assassins."

Hermione was listening intently. Starting to understand the full extent of what was being asked of her.

"The staff are doing everything they can to keep him and all our students safe, but this being said, we can not have eyes and ears everywhere Hermione. Much less follow Malfoy around at all times of the day and night. It would raise suspicion."

Hermione leant forward in her seat, eagerly awaiting her instructions.

"We need you to become friends with Mr Malfoy. His confidant, if you will. This year will be incredibly hard for him. He is dealing with the guilt of his involvement, his mother still in exile as well as being shunned by many of his friends. I believe he has been pushing away one of his dearest friends in order to protect them which leads me to believe he is already aware of the dangers around him. All of this, and the pressure the students and parents of this school are putting on us and him to leave must weigh heavily on the boy.

With you by his side it will set an example to the rest of the school that forgiveness is possible and necessary for a better future. And those who would wish to cause him harm in the school are more likely to leave him alone through fear of causing trouble with you, and consequently Harry Potter." Mcgonagall studied Hermione, trying to gage her reaction.

"Why not Harry then? Why not give him this task? Surely his forgiveness of Draco would prove more powerful." Hermione asked with genuine curiosity.

"Ahh Miss Granger, and how do you think that would go? Do you believe Mr Porter would be able to swallow his pride in order to befriend Mr Malfoy?"

Hermione assed the question for a moment. "I suppose he would struggle. He would try but they really do rub each other up the wrong way far too easily."

McGonagall nodded

"Miss Granger, you have a forgiving nature and an ability to give second chances, even of those who have made grave mistakes at the expense of others. You are also a good role model for the student body, and your blood status will only help to prove that Draco Malfoy can change.

There is also the great possibility that if you can forgive him Mr Porter and Mr Weasly may learn to tolerate him and with the presence of the three of you in his life, an attack on Malfoy could be reduced. If not snuffed out completely.

I'm afraid It must be you." Mcgonagall said proudly.

"What do I do if I suspect trouble?" Hermione asks "if i feel Draco is not safe?"

"If this were to happen you must come to me immediately and I have already prepared a safe place for Mr Malfoy and yourself to stay."

"Why do you not move him to the safe place now? Why risk his safety?"

"We do not want to raise suspicion. We also want to give him the opportunity to prove himself, this would be far more difficult in solitude.

Miss Granger, I must urge that you do not make it obvious that you are befriending Malfoy on my order. It must appear natural. We want to catch those planning any possible attack . Not scare them back into hiding. Though, if my eyes do not deceive me this task may be easier for you than I first thought."

Hermione couldn't stop the blush that crept across her cheeks.

"Yes Professor".

McGonagall nodded with a smile.

"Thank you miss Granger, you are excused."

By the time the meeting had finished, Hermione had completely missed charms class. There was only 5 minutes left of the lesson and absolutely no point in attending. She headed straight to the Dungeon for Potions Class hoping for some piece to reflect on what she had just agreed too.

Hermione knocked on the door to see if Professor Slughorn was there already. The room was silent which she was more than grateful for.

Hermione went in and found her seat, taking out her books and laying them neatly on the desk ready, squaring her quill and ink pot perfectly with the hedge of the desk.

She rested her elbows on the cold wood and put her head in her hands.

"Whatever this is between me and Malfoy is so complicated already" She told herself. "And now I HAVE to actually be friends with him... There is no way Ron or Harry will ever understand how I could forgive him... And what if he doesn't want to be friends with me anyway? He's made it quite clear that he regrets what happened between us, a friendship now will be so difficult!" She groaned aloud burying her face in her folded arms.

Only moments later the chair next to Hermione pulled out from the desk making her jump. She looked up in shock to Draco taking his seat.

"Oh! Is class starting already?" She prayed he hadn't heard her and hurriedly looked at the clock and noticed there were still 5 minutes until lesson started.

"No, I just like to get here early," Draco said as he slumped down in the chair.

"I didn't think you cared about class". Hermione said, turning to look at him.

"There's a lot you don't know about me Granger," he said with a smirk. "Besides, no one would ever notice if I cared or not when there is someone as dedicated and smart as you in the class".

Hermione grimaced with embarrassment.

"I'm sorry." she spoke barely above a whisper, averting her eyes. "I know I can be a Know-it-all. I don't mean to over shadow you. Or anyone else. I just can't help myself."She told him honestly.

Draco was shocked, he looked at Hermione's side profile, assessing how he should respond. It's not like her to be so submissive, he would have preferred a mouthy retort, he knew how to deal with those.

"Never apologize for being who you are." He scowled down at her before realising he didn't mean to look so harsh. He relaxed his features in an attempt to make her feel better.

Hermione gasped at his words, her eyes flying up to meet Draco's trying to read his confused expression. They started into each other's eyes with the tension growing thick between them.

Draco cleared his throat and Hermione averted her eyes.

"You look great today by the way." Before he could stop himself Draco raised his hand to twiddle a strand of Hermione's hair around his finger, fixing the curl. He meant to pull his hand away but the look of astonishment on her face made him brushed his thumb down her cheek to her bottom lip where it rested, opening her mouth ever so slightly.

Hermione's breath caught in my throat. She watched Draco's eyes as they searched her face then stopped on her lips. The magnetism between them drew them closer and closer.

Those fireworks were back starting a slow burn in Hermione's gut. She imagined Droco's lips brushing her own and could feel the ghost of when it had happened in the astronomy tower.

Her heart was beating like a hummingbird as she pressed forward slowly, lifting her face toward him, silently begging for it to happen again.

Just as Draco's bottom lip brushed against Hermione's they heard the sound of students approaching. He dropped his hand leaving them both craving more.

They composed themselves quickly as the students filed into the room. Many slowed on their way to their seats to look at them curiously. Hermione raised her chin and faced the front, while Draco leant back in his chair, both pretending nothing had happened. Although both of their hearts were still drumming rapidly.

Draco's hand cupped her cheek.

She shook her head to forget the image just as Zabini walked in and looked over at Draco with a confused expression creasing his features. His brows pulled tightly together before he sat down.

Hermione couldn't see Draco as he was lent so far back in his chair behind her, but she could feel his eyes burning into the back of her head. It made her quite hot and bothered.

Draco's lips pressed against Hermione's, his hands in her hair pulling softly so that her neck arched back and he could deepen the kiss.

Hermione's lips tingled with the images in her mind. Those fireworks made their way down to her groin.

Draco pinned her to the cold granite wall of the potions lab, his tongue invading her mouth.

Hermione could feel it all, the harsh cold of the stone wall. The warm breath from his mouth, the wet sensations, but she couldn't understand it.

Her heart was beating so fast now and she could feel a dampness in her knickers. She closed her eyes and bit her bottom lip trying to hold in the moan that had lumped in her throat.

"Mione…"

Don't disturb me

"Mione…"

I don't want this to stop.

"Hermione!"

She was dragged from her beautifully torturous day dream and forced to open her eyes to see the unwelcome sight of Ron leaning over the desk. It was obvious from his face that he was concerned. Harry stood behind him and Ginny was to her left, hand squeezing her shoulder far too tightly.

"Hermione, are you okay? You look flushed, are you coming down with something?" Ginny put her hand to Hermione's forehead and patted down her damp neck. "You are burning up!"

Draco shifted beside her in his seat.

"No, I-I'm fine. I was just trying to remember the ingredients for the Baneberry Potion. I'm sure we will have to make it this year". She laughed nervously.

Ron rolled his eyes. "You had us worried there Mione. I thought you were about to pass out or something." Ron patted Hermione's cheek in a far too familiar way and laughed before he took his seat.

Draco shifted uncomfortably and suppressed the growl that threatened to erupt from his chest.

Harry looked over at Draco with a suspicious glint in his eye, curious at his obvious discomfort.

"See you after class Hermione, I'll walk you to the hospital wing if you still aren't right." Harry gave Draco another assessing look before smiling at her.

"Stop worrying, I'm fine!"

"Sure..." he said, then sat with Ron.

"If you really are feeling okay, are we still on for tonight?" Ginny asked with a smile. Hermione didn't hear it but she felt Draco shift this time and Ginny noticed it too.

Draco pinned Hermione against the wall, his body flush with hers and his hand trailed under her skirt.

Hermione gasped and squeezed her thighs together.

What the hell is going on?

"Actually Ginny, you might be right. I think I am coming down with something. I think I'll have to rest today. Hopefully tomorrow I'll feel better" Hermione forced a smile.

"Okay, if you're sure... but get some rest. You'll feel better tomorrow."

Draco smiled to himself, excited by how he could affect Hermione so much. He never thought he would use his Legilimency for such an exhilarating purpose. He knew it was wrong and intrusive but he couldn't help himself. It was somewhat addictive to watch her squirm so deliciously. Especially in front of her friends. And the fact he had caused her to lie to them made it all the more delicious.

Slughorn waddled into class and Draco lent forward resting his arms on the desk. "I never thought they'd go". He whispered.

"Do my friends bother you?" Hermione whispered back as Slughorn started riffeling threw his unorganised desk, and spoke to some of the students.

"You know they aren't my favourite Granger, but that's not the problem." Hermione turned her head to look at him.

"So what is?" She whispered again.

Draco leaned in closer to Hermione's ear. "They ruined your fun." he whispered with a cheeky glint in his eye.

Hermione stifled a gasp.

How the fuck does he know?!

Slughorn addressed the class making Hermione jump to attention. "Hello all! A few lessons ago you all made your Antidotes for Unknown Poisons. Please collect your cauldrons from the back and bottle your potions for inspection. After this we will talk about your homework for the next lesson. Off you go!"

Hermione went to stand up but Droco touched her arm halting her in her movements.

"I'll go" He stood and Hermione couldn't stop herself watching his back as he walked away. Draco's long legs moved so gracefully it appeared as if he was floating.

Hermione cleared the desk of their books as Draco placed the cauldron down. He put his hands into his pockets, right in Hermione's eyeline, drawing her attention to the bulge in his trousers. When he withdrew four glass vials from his pocket Hermione forced herself to focus.

The class bottled their potions and Slughorn started the rounds, checking and grading everyone's potions.

The class had done well, the potions were all usable. Enough to save your life with a trip to the hospital wing for good measure.

Harry and Ron's potion was perfect, due to Harry's skill of course.

Hermione started to panic as Slughorn approached their desk. She knew she had been distracted and rushed in the last few minutes of that class. She must have made a mistake.

Draco wasn't worried at all however as he had watched everything Hermione had thrown in and counted as she did, he already knew they had made a perfect potion. He just needed it confirmed.

Slughorn raised the vile and inspected the colour, the smell, checking for impurities.

"Very well don't you two! This is perfect! So Good in fact you'd walk away from a poisoning like nothing had happened! 10 points each!"

Hermione turned and beamed at Draco, her grin radiating the joy and excitement she felt when she did well. Draco suppressed the smile that threatened to show causing only the corners of his lips to curl in the subtlest of movements. Blink and you'd miss it.

He was about to compliment Hermione on her work when he caught Blaise glaring at him again. Draco shook the smile from his lips and sank back in his seat trying to hide from Blaise's assessment.

The class were informed that in their next class they would be making the Befuddlement draught and their homework was to collect as much Scurvy Grass as possible ready for then.

Hermione rolled her eyes at the assignment. In her opinion that wasn't homework, Slughorn was just too lazy to collect it himself.

Irritatingly Ginny kept checking up on Hermione over lunch. Checking for a temperature or chill. Encouraging Hermione to go to the hospital wing or take the day off to rest. Hermione assured her that after Astrology class she would be sure to go straight to bed.

"Good! Make sure to wrap up warm for astronomy. It's bloody freezing up there." Ginny said with a stern look.

"Yes mum" Hermione laughed at her.

"What is going on with you?" Blaise hissed at Draco as he joined him in the Great Hall.

"I don't know what you're talking about?"

"Don't you dare Malfoy! Don't you try to act like something isn't happening! I've seen your bloody goo-goo eyes all over Granger! And don't get me started on the Legilimency I can see when you do it! You focus too hard to hide it!"

"Shut up Blaise! Keep the noise down!" Draco scowled at his friend looking around at the Slytherins hoping no one had heard.

"So you don't deny it?" Blaise raised an eyebrow.

"Well it seems you can read me better than I thought so what's the point?"

Blaise furrowed his brows. "Do you like her? Or are you fucking with her?"

"I'm not fucking with her." Draco kept his voice down, eyes focused on the plate in front of him.

"So you like her?"

"I don't know Blaise! I don't know what I'm feeling, I'm confused." Draco admitted. He looked over at Hermione with her messy braid, the unruly curls springing free from it and that sweet bottom lip she was jutting out in mock tantrum. He wanted nothing more than to stroke them back into place. He groaned and put his head in his hands.

Blaise chuckled. "Oh mate, I think you're in deeper than you want to admit!"

"Don't go there."

"I think this could be a good thing! The Slytherin Prince, hater of Mudbloo-."

"Don't say that word!"

"Hater of Muggleborns." Blaise corrected himself "in love with the Muggle Born Princess of Gryffindor herself! It's hilariously brilliant."

Draco groaned again. "I don't love her! Now drop it!"

"Hey! No judgment here! She's smoking hot and I think she'd be good for you. For what its worth, you have my full support!" He clapped Draco on the back.

Draco spent the rest of lunch in his own head, stealing glances at the beauty across the hall.

When Hermione sat down for dinner Ginny pulled out a massive knitted scarf, obviously one of Molly Weasley's creations.

"Thats nice, is it from your mum?" Hermione asked with a smile at her friend.

"Yes she did, and i bought it out just for you!" The smile was wiped off Hermione's face. She knows just how itchy Molly's knitting could be. She now has more jumpers than she would care to admit.

"Ginny, don't worry! I have my gryffindor scarf!"

"Don't be ridiculous this is much warmer!" before Hermione could say anything else Ginny had wrapped the giant purple and orange woolen scarf around her neck like a nest. Both Harry and Ron were trying to hold in their giggles earning them a scowl from both girls.

Draco let out a loud unexpected laugh from the table across the hall. Hermione looked up toward the sound and noticed Draco with a hand over his mouth, holding himself back. She glared at him and he quickly looked away, his shoulder shaking.

"Thank you Ginny" She smiled sweetly at her. "I'll feel better in no time."

After dinner Hermione made my way up the astronomy tower. Having walked it a few times during patrol she was finding the stairs much easier. Ginny however was struggling behind her panting heavily.

"It's no good!" Ginny yelled. "Leave me! I will die here!" she joked and sat on a step pretending to flop back.

"Come on Ginny, that's not at all funny! We are nearly there!" Hermione smirked down at her then offered her hand to pull Ginny up. She took it and Hermione dragged Ginny up the rest of the stairs until they reached the top.

"My saviour!" Ginny cried and threw her arms around Hermione. She laughed aloud and hugged Ginny tight.

"Wow look at this!" Hermione whispered into Ginny's ear before pulling away to gesture around the tower. The ceiling of the astronomy tower had been pulled back to display the vast night sky and the floor had been covered in fresh green grass. Blankets and pillows were scattered on the grass in clusters of 4.

Draco hesitated at the bottom of the stairs. He had avoided the Astronomy Tower since his night with Hermione. The tower still held to many disgusting and terrible memories.

"Come on mate, I know it's hard but you can do it." Blaise said, nudging Draco forward.

"I know, just hyping myself up."

Blaise looped his arm with Draco's and grinned at him. "Come on Dear, let me help you!"

Draco laughed and shook his head but allowed his friend to pull him up the winding stairs case.

When they finally reached the top, Draco couldn't believe his eyes. The tower looked completely different. It was such a relief.

Blaise tugged on Draco's sleeve and pointed to the back of the room.

"Good evening Class welcome back to Astronomy!" Professor Sinistra called. "Please find a blanket and lay down then i will explain what we are doing today."

Ginny and Hermione ran to the back of the class and lay down on two big soft fleece blankets and got comfortable on the plush cushions, wrapping the excess blanket around their legs.

Hermione looked up at the stars and lost herself in the universe above. She closed her eyes and felt the cold night air on her cheeks and its freezing bite on her nose. She couldn't believe how relaxing It felt to just enjoy the peace of the night sky.

Hermione felt fingers slip over my left hand slowly and covered her own. She quickly looked to her left and saw Droco, laying back on the cushions, his eyes closed and a small smile playing on his lips. She couldn't believe it, it was so unexpected. And so open for anyone to see. She hesitated and held her breath before she turned her hand over and laced her fingers between his. Butterflies fluttered in her belly as she watched his smile grow and he squeezed her hand.

They barely noticed that Professor Sinistra had started to address the class. Her voice a mere whisper in the vastness of the sky above them.

"I hope you do not mind the changes in your learning area this term class? I felt it was important to give the area a more relaxed setting." Sinistra announced. The class all murmured in approval.

"This term we will be looking at the movement of the stars and planets and how this works with solstice and astrology. You will be in teams of four for the project, so have a look at who is on the blankets around you as you will be working with them for the rest of term."

Draco let go of Hermione's hand as she opened her eyes. Everyone was sitting up now looking at who they were working with.

"Not you again Weasley. Can I not get away for you?" Blaise said, half mocking.

"You chose to sit with us Zabini. It's your own fault" Ginny scoffed

"It's not my fault. I followed Malfoy and he chose to sit here." he gave a pointed look at Draco.

"Oh really?!" Ginny sounded intrigued now. "Why did you choose the blanket next to Hermione, Malfoy?" She smirked.

Draco shrugged. "I wanted the green blanket." he said indifferently.

"Yeah right!" Ginny laughed. She raised her eyebrow at him. "I think you may have fallen in love with my little Hermione. Haven't you?" She laughed completely oblivious to the truth she may have just poked at.

Hermione felt her skin burn and avoided looking at anyone. Draco smiled back at the Youngest Weasley with a smirk.

"Not yet Weasley. But maybe one day I'll go against my family and fall madly in love with a muggleborn!" Malfoy and Zabini laughed loudly as Ginny gave him a shocked look.

Hermione couldn't help but feel hurt that Draco was joking about the possibility and pointing out that her blood was still an issue for him.

She knew he was right though. He would never choose to betray his family. That had been proven. And he still holds the mark on his arm to prove it. As does she.

"So please, take your time this lesson to mark the moon and the North Star on your charts and fill in as many of the surrounding stars as possible. If you see any known constellations please make it clear what they are and at the end of the class I will give you your assignment". Professor Sinisra explained. " you may begin".

The class lay back down and discussed the constellations they could see. Occasionally someone would sit back up to mark them on the charts before laying back again to see what else they could find.

Hermione felt Draco's hand find hers again and she pulled it away.

How can he hold my hand after what he just said?

Draco clenched his fist.

Shit!

Draco inwardly cussed at himself. He knew as the words left his mouth he regretted it. What a fucking fool.

"I'm sorry Hermione."

She heard his voice echo in her head. She screwed her eyes shut and wished the voice away.

Would he really mean it if he said it?

"I really am sorry Hermione."

Shefelt Draco's fingers find hers again as he teased her fist open gently. This time she didn't pull away. But she didn't give in easily. She knew it was just her brain telling her what she wanted to hear but she couldn't help herself.

"Please Forgive me. I'm an idiot"

"You can say that again"

"I'm an idiot."

Why is it his voice is always so clear and perfect in my mind…

The end of the class came and Professor Sinistra told us the class their assignment was to remember all the Constellations and Astrology signs they had discussed the previous years and plot them on the charts. Not too bad really, she was easing them back in.

Ginny jumped up. "Sorry Mione, I gotta run. Since you weren't feeling good I agreed to have a date with Harry."

"Have fun! Be safe!" Hermione called toward her retreating back.

"I gotta go too, lovebirds. I want to run into a ravenclaw and I know she'll be leaving the Quidditch pitch about now." Draco laughed while Hermione cringed at his comment.

"Good luck!" Draco shouted to him.

Most of the class had gone but Hermione had hung back so she could walk back in peace. She needed to clear her mind. She started clearing the pillows and using her wand to fold the blankets into a nice neat pile.

"Thank you both very much". Sinistra smiled. "10 points to Gryffindor and Slytherin for your help and teamwork."

"Slytherin?" Hermione spun around quickly and saw Draco was helping to tidy everything away.

"Do you mind if I leave you to finish up?" Sinistra asked.

"That's fine". Draco and Hermione said in unison.

She seemed to give them a knowing look then proceeded down the stairs.

Hermione continued folding the blankets and piling them with the pillows when his hand closed around her wrist and spun her around.

Draco caught her in his arms and held her to his chest. His right thumb brushed against Hermione's lower lip before his hand slipped into her hair. His nose stroked up the side of hers before his lips just barely touched Hermione's breathless pout.

They stood breathing each other in, their mingling breath intoxicating.

.

Draco pulled Hermione's hair softly, tiling her head back while her hand slipped up his back. The tension was vibrating and Hermione couldn't hold back any longer. She pushed onto her tiptoes and pressed her eager lips to his.

Draco let out a low growl and captured Hermione's kiss hungrily. His hand slid down to Hermione's arse and pulled her flush to his body. She gasped and his tongue took the opportunity to slip into her mouth. Their tongues danced as their kiss became deep and feverish.

He grabbed Hermione tighter and he walked her until her back was pressed against the cold hard wall.

He pressed against her, never breaking away. Hermione could feel his erection pressing against her belly and the dampness instantly returned to her knickers.

She pushed Draco's chest softly and he broke his lips away. They panted hard against each other and Hermione realising her hands had found their way to Draco's backside pulling him against just as much as he had been pulling her.

"What are we doing Draco?" She practically whimpered. Draco gave her his signature smirk and rested his forehead against hers.

"Well I thought we were kissing." he teased.

"You know what I mean."

Draco closed his eyes and nodded. "I can't get you out of my mind," he admitted "you are all I think about. Every moment I'm awake I am just waiting for when I can see you".

Hermione's breath hitched at Draco's admission. In a wave of confidence she slowly skimmed her hands up his body and into his hair to tangle her fingers in his smooth tresses.

"I feel the same." Draco's eyes flew open to stare into the chocolate pools of Hermione's. "You even invade my dreams."

Hermione held his cheeks and pulled him down so their lips were at one with each other once more.

Draco moaned loudly as he lifted Hermione higher onto the wall, pressing and holding her there with his body. Hermione instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist and moaned as she felt the large bulge in his trousers pressing into the soft holds within her knickers.

Draco pulled away to take in Hermione's face. Unbelieving of their proximity and her words. It was like a fantasy and any moment he would wake up.

The flush of her cheeks, the pout of her parted , swollen lips, eyes hooded with lust. It was all beyond words. She was perfect.

Hermione's head rested back against the wall as Draco rubbed his erection against her mound testingly. The little moan that escaped her lips was the most precious noise he had ever heard. He needed more. To hear it every minute of every day.

"You are so beautiful Hermione." Draco ground into her harder and the little moan escaped her again.

"Oh fuck"

Unable to control himself Draco captured her mouth with his, kissing her deep and hard. He thrust his hard bulging cock against Hermione's hot folds, finding the hard little nub within again and again.

Hermione could feel herself climbing and began pant breathy moans into his mouth.

Draco's lips trail down her neck, never breaking the slow sensational grinding against her clitorous. He moaned loudly into the crook of her neck. The heat of her pussy and the friction oh his pants and every stroke of their skin together was all too tantalizing.

Hermione's chest heaved against his with every breath and moan. Draco slipped his hand under her shirt and skimmed her taut skin until he found her bra. He pulled the intrusive fabric down to run her thumb over her pert and ready nipple eliciting a shivering whimper to erupt from the goddess in front of him. The sound of her alone was enough to bring him close to the explosion he was holding in.

Draco's couldn't wait any longer. His other hand slipped quickly under Hermione's skirt, around her pert buttocks until his fingers found the edge of her knickers. He teased his fingers under the thin cotton until he found her ready wet entrance. Draco moaned loudly against Hermione's neck. As she wriggled her hip in response to his touch.

"You are so ready for me…" Draco lifted his head and looked into Hermione's eyes to watch her reaction as he slid a finger inside. Hermione closed her eyes, her mouth dripping open and her breath caught, as did his.

His grinding had slowed even more as he felt around Hermione's hot wet core. He retracted his finger slowly and gave Hermione one rushed peck on the lips as he didn't want to miss the show as he pushed 2 fingers deep into her haven.

Hermione's head fell back once more as she marvelled in the overwhelming sensation. She couldn't stop the buck of her hips over his finger and the press against his throbbing shaft.

"Fuck Hermione your gonna make me cum if you do that."

"Me too" She moaned loudly. She rubbed her sensitive bundle of nerves against Draco's protruding cock just as his fingers hooked forward into a spot she had never been able to reach on her own. The cry that came from her was almost primal.

She Kept up her steady pace as Draco rubbed his huge bulge against her ready clit and his finger working in small stroking movements pushing into my delicious deep spot over and over. Holding himself as best as he could. He needed to let her finish before he became a fumbling mess.

They both panted and moaned feeling the hot sensation building within themselves like electricity.

Hermione felt the climbing and pressed her heels into Draco's arse pushing him to go faster. To give her what she needed.

"I'm so close!"

"Me Too! FUCK!

Draco groaned loud and gave her everything he could, circling his hips in the most perfect way.

"I'm coming!" She cried out as waves of pleasure cascaded through her making her whole body convuls and the walls of her vagina to flutter around Draco's fingers, clenching as he continued to thrust and grind against her. Draco marvelled at the beauty of Hermione's orgasm as she rode the waves again.

.

He couldn't hold back any longer and pushed one last time against her throbbing wet mound and with a shuddering groan he bit down on her shoulder as he came.

They remained in their embrace, Draco's fingers still nestled within her as they caught their breath.

Hermione stroked Draco's cheek and pushed his hair off of his face. He caught her bottom lip between his and sucked it gently before lowering her back to the ground.

He pushed the hair out of Hermione's face and cupped her cheeks, looking deep into her eyes like he had found the answer to all of the world's problems.

"I don't want this to end. I can't not do this again." he whispered.

.

"Me either." A tear came to Hermione's eye and Draco wiped it away with his thumb.

"I promise we will find a way to make this work. But for now can this be our secret? Just until we can find a way to be safe?"

Hermione nodded but found herself confused by his words. She kissed him once more.

"We should get back." Hermione whispered.

Draco moaned. "Just a little longer!" He moved in and kissed her again, slow and delicate.

"It's nearly curfew and we aren't patrolling tonight. We can't risk it." Hermione pushed him away gently and reluctantly moved away. She picked up her bag and headed to the stairs.

"Fine." he said "but I'll be counting the minutes until I can make you moan like that again." he spanked Hermione playfully on the bum as he followed her from the tower.

They both ran through the door just in time for curfew. Hermione lent back against the door trying to catch her breath.

"What the fuck is going on here?" Pansy stood in the entrance hall with her arms crossed over her chest.

Draco rolled his eyes. "What has it got to do with you Parkinson?"

Pansy bir her tongue as she glared at Draco.

"When I saw you two running across the grounds like a couple of giggling school kids I thought for a moment you might have been sneaking around together."

Hermione blushed at how bang on Pansy was.

"Fuck off Pansy. You're reading into things." Draco said avoiding her as he passed.

Pansy grabbed Draco's wrist and pulled him to face her. "I knew you wouldn't fuck a mudblood, Drackie. Especially that one." She gave Hermione a disgusted look. "But I was thinking… Maybe we can skip off for a while" Pansy started to stroke Draco's chest with a flirtatious finger.

Draco grabbed Pansy's hand and pushed it away. "In your dreams…" He started up the stairs.

"You wouldn't want me to tell mummy how mean you are being to me, would you Draco? You know how my parents have their connections." Draco paused on the steps.

"If it means I'll never have you touch me again Pansy, I don't care… do what you want". Draco took the stairs two at a time and disappeared into his dorm.

Pansy Turned on Hermione "What the fuck are you still doing here Mudblood? Get out of my sight!"

Hermione walked straight up to Pansy and pushed a sharp finger into her chest.

"You need to be careful how you speak to people, Parkinson. You don't want to make the wrong enemies. Don't forget you aren't the only one with connections, and trust me when I tell you. My connections are far more powerful than yours!"

Hermione pushed Pansy out of the way and marched up the stairs to the dorm.

"Hermione! How are you doing?" Padma greeted her as she fell face first onto the bed and groaned.

"That good huh? Ginny said you weren't feeling too good. You should really get some rest". Padma summoned a Hot Water Bottle and placed it in Hermione's bed. "That should help" she chimed.

"Thanks Padma " Even though she wasn't really sick she felt the hot water bottle would definitely help with the aching muscles on her legs.

Hermione got into her pyjamas and climbed into bed closing the curtains around her. "Good night Padma. Thank you again"

"Sweet dreams"