Well, if you guys liked the first date, I really think you'll enjoy this even more. :) The reviews are my favorite part. Thanks for reading, everyone!

She'd Be His

"You kissed the ferret," Ron asked again with a grimace, disregarding his mouthful of food.

Hermione sighed and suggestively pushed a napkin towards her friend. "You keep asking that."

"And you keep saying it," he laughed after he swallowed.

"Cut her some slack," Ginny nudged him with her elbow before she shot a glare at Harry when he laughed. "Besides, I'm a little more interested in the chocolate aspect here. What do you call that? A literal chocolate kiss?"

Harry smirked, "We told him you loved chocolate. Didn't expect him to take it so far."

Ginny couldn't seem to wrap her mind around the whole thing and waved a hand to shut her husband up. "So he just fed you chocolate and kissed you?"

"Yes," Hermione laughed, shrugging slightly. "And if I'm to be honest, it was quite nice."

Ron pushed his plate away in mock horror. "Ok, I'm losing my appetite more and more every time you say that you kissed the git."

"Oh come off it, Ronald," Hermione admonished. "Is it that horrifying to realize someone could want me that way?"

Harry chuckled and shook his head at her. "I don't think he means you. It's Malfoy who's the repulsive aspect here."

Ron nodded his agreement enthusiastically, mouth too stuffed again with his lunch to respond politely.

She shook her head at him dismissively and reached for her fork. Really she should have just kept to herself this morning. However, Harry's owl had interrupted her rare morning of sleeping late with his invitation to lunch in Diagon Alley. They'd all been dying to know how her date with Draco had gone.

"Well, who would have guessed that Malfoy is so romantic," Ginny sighed. She narrowed her eyes suddenly and glanced at Harry. "How come you don't ever do such nice things for me?"

"Bloody hell," Harry groaned. "I never should have given the git any advice."

Ginny huffed and rolled her eyes at him. "Well, has he owled you yet? Because if he waits too long I'll send a bat bogey hex at him myself!"

"I'll give the man a little longer than 12 hours, Ginny, but I appreciate the support."

"Does nobody else find it absolutely bizarre that Hermione not only went on a date with Draco Malfoy but also enjoyed it? I mean, I do believe you called the bloody idiot charming," Ron exclaimed.

Ginny shrugged, "Given their history it is a bit weird but people can change. Plus, he's not hard on the eyes."

"Hey," Harry whined, a scowl on his face.

She patted his hand patronizingly. "Oh hush up, you know I love you."

Definitely not hard on the eyes, Hermione thought to herself. One serious date and she was already in over her head. The realization was a bit alarming but there was no mistaking it. She liked him. He'd certainly done well in one evening alone with him to change her opinion of him. Dare she even think it but there was potential for more than just 'like'.

"Off topic," Harry finally shifted the conversation, "I believe Ron has something to share."

The redhead glared at his best friend and blushed clear to his roots.

"Well," Ginny prodded.

"I uh…well, I proposed to Lavender last night."

Hermione nearly choked on her sip of water but hid it smoothly. She forced a smile and offered her congratulations, catching Ginny's eye roll when her brother wasn't looking. Neither was particularly fond of Lavender Brown. But neither disliked her as much as Molly Weasley did.

"Well, mum will surely have…something to say when she finds out," Ginny snorted.

Ron groaned and dropped his fork. "Really? Why does everyone have something against her? She's not the same as she was in school."

"Right, she finally stopped calling you 'won-won' last year," Harry quipped.

Hermione hid a grin behind her hand and offered him a sympathetic look. "If you're happy Ron, I'm sure everyone will come around. You're right. She's not all bad."

More like she was a bleeding irritant that got under Hermione's skin with her gossipy ways. Like Harry, she was also rather thankful that she'd stopped the baby-talk business. It was nauseating when they were in school and it had only been worse as adults.

Hermione enjoyed the rest of her lunch with her friends before they all parted ways for the remainder of the day. By the time she made it back to her flat, she was feeling rather lazy. After grabbing a cup of coffee from her regular shop, ignoring the knowing grin of the barista, she retired to her flat with the intention of settling in and choosing a book to read.

She stopped short of releasing the wards on her door when she noticed a small, rectangular package in front of her door. It was wrapped neatly in brown paper and tied with a silver ribbon. She eyed the pristine cardstock tucked under the ribbon with her name scrawled in a man's handwriting. She recognized the messy script instantly and bit her lip to fight the grin quickly forming on her lips as she retrieved the package before hurrying inside.

She set the small package on her counter reverently before she rushed to change into a comfortable pair of sweats and a t-shirt. She grabbed her coffee again and the package before sinking into her favorite armchair by her windows. She'd originally chosen this flat just for the view it gave of a nearby park and the small pond within. It was perfect for afternoon reading.

She ran a finger over the letters of her name, feeling the faint rise in the expensive ink. Untucking the card, she drew a deep breath and flipped the simple card open.

Hermione,

Imagine my surprise when I couldn't get you, the swottiest of all Gryffindors, off my mind after last night. Not that it's any different than our childhood. Only now, I found myself focusing not on how to best you in class or hurl some stupid insult. (Have I said I was sorry yet?) But no, I couldn't get my mind off the taste of chocolate lingering on your lips, as sweet as the chocolate of your eyes. Or the wonderful conversation and the longest dinner I've ever had on a date with a witch.

I hope you'll enjoy this as much as I enjoyed your company last night. Perhaps once you're done with it you'll join me again for dinner to discuss? Next Saturday?

Draco

P.S. Don't you dare even think you'll get me to say any of this in person! Writing it was difficult enough. If you show this note to anyone else, it's charmed to disintegrate on its own.

Hermione laughed at his teasing and blushed at his compliments. Was this really the same boy she'd gone to Hogwarts with? Where had he been hiding all these years?

With a deep sigh, she set the card next to her coffee carefully and gently unwrapped the package. She'd been fairly certain it would be a book and wasn't disappointed. She gasped though when she turned it over to read the cover. An advanced copy of one of her favorite muggle authors' new books sat in her hands. She'd been waiting for months in anticipation for the novel to come out and it wasn't due for another two weeks. She'd been on the pre-order list for months at a nearby book shop and somehow he'd obtained a copy for her.

She ran the pads of her fingers over the raised lettering of the title, a small smile flickering across her lips before she flipped the cover open and was surprised for a second time.

Miss Granger,

A rather good friend told me you were quite anticipating my new book and begged me oh so nicely to give him a copy so that he might gift it to you. (I'd keep him if I were you.)

Best wishes and many thanks!

The author had even signed it!

Hermione held a shaky hand over her heart as she reread the message and laughed breathily. Not only had he listened because she'd told him in passing amidst their lengthy dinner conversation but he'd contacted the author? He knew her?!

"Oh hell," she sighed. "I'm in deep trouble."

~o~O~o~

Draco was seated comfortably on his townhouse's balcony sipping coffee in one hand and a book resting on his knee. It had been all too easy to swing in on his way back from her flat. The barista had given him a knowing look and he could only wink in return.

He lifted his gaze when a small horned owl swooped over his balcony and landed gracefully on the chair next to him. He quirked an eyebrow at the little owl and nearly laughed out loud when it tipped its head in question.

"You're rather small for your breed," he noted as he reached out to remove the letter from its leg. He snickered when he saw the handwriting on the note and looked back to the owl who was watching him intently, almost intelligently. "You belong to Granger then. Figures she'd choose the runt. Bleeding heart Gryffindor and all that." He reached for a treat from the bowl he kept nearby and offered it up. "Go on then."

The owl snagged the treat and made off into the air gracefully.

Draco shook his head amusedly and unrolled her crisp parchment to find her neat, tidy handwriting.

Draco,

I'll say it again. You really are full of surprises. I'll keep your compliments to myself. They'll make excellent blackmail should I ever have reason to hold it over your head.

His lips pulled into a smirk and he could just imagine the defiant glint in her brown eyes as she wrote that little quip.

I'm rather shocked and pleased by the book. I'll certainly need to hear how you know the author. Don't make plans for next Saturday. I do believe you'll be spending it with me discussing this book.

Hermione

Draco smiled at the words and folded the letter reverently. He grabbed his coffee and shifted his book under his arm as he stood. He deposited his empty cup in the rubbish bin and made his way to his room. He sat gingerly on the edge of his bed and pulled the drawer of his nightstand open.

He retrieved a small, black box from the drawer. Scarred and beaten, the box had seen better days. Inside lay various trinkets and mementos—the Malfoy signet ring that he'd not worn since the war, a photo of him and his parents waving and smiling from his childhood, his prefect badge, stubs of quidditch tickets…and a picture of Hermione Granger. A small clipping from the Daily Prophet just after she'd taken up her position within the Ministry. She was smiling shyly and shaking Kingsley's hand as she formally accepted her current position.

He rearranged the trinkets and placed her letter just under her picture which now lay on top of everything else.

He made a mental note to somehow collect a current picture of her and not one that was a silly clipping from a paper. Then he could keep it in his wallet and look at whenever he damn well pleased without feeling like some stalker.

~o~O~o~

Hermione almost couldn't believe it but she was nervous as she made her way to the coffee shop the next morning before work. She'd found herself oddly overthinking her wardrobe for the day. She'd changed three times before she finally realized what she was doing and stopped herself. Settling on a demure but flattering skirt and blouse combo, she rushed off for her morning coffee.

She had no idea if he'd be there. Perhaps showing up and buying her morning coffee for the last two months was just a ploy to get her to go out with him and would stop now that she had. Not that she needed him to buy her things, but truly it was his persistence which had worn her down. Persistence to get under her skin, persistence to woo her she realized too late.

She entered the shop, ignoring the jingle of the bell over the door, and was slightly disappointed not to see him anywhere. Ignoring the dejected dip of her stomach, she approached the counter as she dug her wallet from her bag.

"Good morning," she greeted before she looked up. Wallet finally in hand, she looked up to find her regular barista smiling as she turned to her with her coffee ready and a to-go bag with her favorite pastry no doubt inside it.

"Already taken care of," she grinned. She winked when she handed them over as well as a small card similar to the one he'd left with the book.

"T-thanks," Hermione stammered as she accepted them, slightly bewildered.

She turned to leave and took a quick sip of her drink before she stopped abruptly. Her brow quirked up curiously and she turned back to the barista.

"He recommended you try the caramel this time. He thought you might like it." She smiled wider and shook a teasing finger at her. "You'd better keep that one."

Hermione swallowed and nodded mutely before she turned and left. She made it to the office in record time, rushing through her morning greetings before she could hide behind her office door.

She dropped her bag and shucked her coat before falling into her chair. She'd been sipping her coffee all the way and couldn't deny that it was now her new favorite. The blasted man had tapped into her sweet tooth. It was dangerous information to have as she was rather weak with sweets. It was the main reason she'd taken up running post-Hogwarts. Having to rush from floor to floor and up and down so many flights of stairs had kept her fit in school. She had no such obstacles to get to work now as an adult.

She peeked inside the to-go bag next and found a scrumptious looking cran-orange muffin. She pinched off a piece and popped it in her mouth. She sighed happily as the flavors burst on her tongue.

The bloody man was going to do her head in if he kept this up.

Finally, she could stave off the curiosity no more and she reached to open his note.

Morning Hermione,

I find the more I write your name the easier it gets. You see in my head, Granger was an annoying little swot. Hermione is a sexy little swot. Big difference.

She snorted and rolled her eyes as she imagined him writing those lines with his usual smirk in place.

I apologize for leaving you on your own for coffee this morning but I found out last minute that I had to go out of town on business this week and I couldn't reschedule. I hope you enjoyed the coffee I chose for you and that the breakfast was to your satisfaction.

Looking forward to Saturday,

Draco

Merlin, she couldn't wait for Saturday either.

~o~O~o~

Were this a muggle cartoon, Ginny Potter's jaw would be resting comically on the counter in front of her. The redheaded witch was standing in front of Hermione, chopping vegetables, with her jaw hanging open but she quickly found her composure and resumed her task.

"Who would have guessed that Draco Malfoy, Wizarding Britain's most eligible bachelor, would be such a romantic? Even more so, who would have guessed he was the same Malfoy we'd gone to school with?"

Hermione shrugged as she reached out to steal a tomato that was meant for the salad. "Trust me; I've been struggling with the same realization but he's been completely genuine thus far."

Ginny shook her head and dropped the tomatoes in the salad bowl and turned to wipe her hands on a towel. Harry would be home soon and it was her turn to cook dinner.

"I wish Harry was half that romantic," she grumbled.

"I heard that!"

Hermione snickered behind her hand as her best friend entered the kitchen. He dropped his robes over a chair and quickly kissed his wife.

"Just saying, it wouldn't kill you," Ginny smiled and patted his cheek.

"Bloody Malfoy again," he groaned and took up the stool next to Hermione at the bar.

"Hey, Hermione deserves this."

"Yes, let's not forget my atrocious dating history," she frowned.

Harry wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a gentle squeeze. "My offer to hex the git still stands."

She shook her head and glanced up at Ginny who nodded in agreement.

"My bat bogey hex really wasn't enough retaliation for what that man did."

Hermione sighed, "It's been years and I'd nearly forgotten about him. If I can let it go then you all should be able to do so."

Harry lifted an amused eyebrow at her. "At least I only wanted to hex the prick. Ron wanted to poison him. Even almost went so far as to ask Malfoy to brew something at his company for it."

"You're joking," she laughed. "Ron actually considered asking Draco for help even back then."

"He's Draco now, is he," Harry nudged her with his elbow playfully.

She folded her arms a bit self-consciously. "I can't very well date the man and keep calling him by his surname all the time like we're still children."

"Ugh, you really do like the git," he groaned. "Just do me one favor. If you really do date the idiot, torment the hell out of him for me and Ron. He's got a good thirteen years of torture coming to him and how poetic would it be to be coming from you?"

"Harry," she admonished and smacked his shoulder. Ginny was no better as stood with her back to them, shoulders shaking with concealed laughter while she stirred her pot.

~o~O~o~

Draco had been away until Friday evening. He'd been rather irritated having spent the better part of the week negotiating on prices for his dragon's scale ingredients and he'd finally gotten what he wanted in the end. He always got what he wanted in the end.

It was with great relief that he entered Hermione's building Saturday evening intent on taking her to a quaint little café for dinner where he planned to listen to her enthusiastic raving over the new book he'd given her.

He passed by one of her neighbors on his way to her door and was rather bewildered by the odd look the woman gave him. Did she not get many visitors? Or perhaps not many male visitors? That thought caused a brilliant smirk to bloom on his face. He'd rather not have to compete for her. Now that he had her attention, it would get ugly if some other bloke tried to stake his claim.

He knocked firmly and stuck his hands in his trouser pockets. He'd owled ahead and told her to dress casually. He'd donned a pair of straight-legged khakis and simple grey button up. He'd wanted to roll his sleeves to his forearms but wasn't comfortable with the idea of her seeing his faded dark mark. Truly, he didn't really know how to handle that aspect of dating her yet.

He hadn't killed a soul during the war but he'd been present for some gruesome crimes, things he'd rather forget. Taking the mark hadn't been his choice and he'd already been questioning everything his father ever taught him during that time.

She didn't keep him waiting long and when the door opened to reveal a casually dressed Hermione, her hair pulled half back and wearing a comfortable looking purple blouse with her skinny jeans and flats, he nearly lost it. But being a Malfoy, he remained composed and merely surprised her when he leaned down without a word and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips in greeting.

Hermione flushed as she made a soft little noise akin to a whimper when he pulled back quickly. She caught his smirk and narrowed her eyes at him.

"Hello to you as well," she finally greeted.

"Ready for dinner," he asked, holding his arm out for her.

Hermione nodded and turned back to grab her bag before she took his arm. She set her wards and fell into step with him.

"Can I confess something," he asked once they were on the sidewalk and heading for the restaurant.

She gave a little laugh and nodded. Obviously this whole getting to know you thing was awkward for them both.

He licked his lower lip and looked straight ahead of them. "I missed you this week." Just when she was about to melt a little bit on the inside, he added, "I didn't have anyone to tease or irritate."

She huffed but smiled through it and tugged at the arm she was holding. "Just when I think you're going to be a gentleman that nonsense comes tumbling out of your mouth."

Draco glanced down at her as they stopped at a street corner to wait for the light to change. "Don't act like that doesn't work for us. I think you enjoy it."

"Jury's out on that. I'll get back to you after you've bought me dinner."

"Operation 'Feed Granger', got it."

They were seated quickly at the small café with Draco requesting a table near the window for better ambience. Hermione glanced around her to take in the look of the place and turned back to him with a small smirk.

"No books lining the walls this time?"

He laughed as he eyed the menu and chanced a look up at her. "No, I chose this place solely for the food. Plus, I figure there will be enough book discussion to make up for the lack of literary decorations."

"Speaking of books," she reached into her bag discreetly and produced the book he'd sent her.

"Bloody hell, where'd that thing come from?"

"Extension charm," she muttered as she thumbed through the pages. She was generally a very decisive person and had already chosen what she wanted to eat.

He snorted and set his menu down as well. He watched as she found a small bit of parchment inside the book with bulleted remarks scrawled with her neat handwriting.

Draco rested his head on a fisted hand and fought the urge to laugh. She'd come prepared with notes. With a shake of his head, he looked up at the approaching server and gave him their order as she remained focused on arranging her things. He glared when the muggle man eyed her a little too curiously which sent the man rushing from the table to turn in their orders.

He watched her fondly as she arranged her parchment. In the past, he would have teased her mercilessly and not in a good way. Now, he might still tease her but only just to see that adorable blush creep up her cheeks and that lovely little pout on her lips.

This was one of the very reasons he'd had his eyes on this witch. Unlike the little simpering socialites of pureblood society still trying to snag a husband and maintain the bloodline, this witch was so full of life. She had grown into a beautiful woman, sure, but she had a complex mind and was unafraid of embracing it. After forming a work relationship with her he found it no longer annoyed him and instead turned him on immensely.

"I should have known better than to invite Hermione Granger out for dinner intending to discuss a book and not expect her to come prepared with notes."

Hermione felt the usual blush creep up her cheeks and looked up. There was a biting retort on the tip of her tongue but when she saw his warm smile, something she'd so rarely ever seen directed at her, she let it go.

"I suppose I could talk about myself endlessly and the latest in wizarding fashion if you'd like," she offered with a smug smile once she'd recovered.

Draco groaned and shook his head. "Merlin, no. That's why I stopped allowing my mother to set me up on dates. Truly, she never meant any harm but hadn't figured out until the last year that those women didn't interest me."

"Hence the obnoxious secretaries," she added.

"Somewhat, yes. She knows now that I'm not attracted to women like that but I think getting the whole idea that I would never cheat like my father did hasn't really come across yet."

Hermione fingered the edges of the parchment sitting in front of her and paused as their server returned with their drinks and the appetizer Draco ordered. She noticed the frosty look Draco gave the man which sent him running but decided not to remark on it. Apparently, he had a slight jealous streak. She'd have to remember that.

"I was curious," she started as she reached for one of the cheesy breadsticks, "Why did you want to go out with me anyway? You told me last time when your opinions of me changed but not what it is you see differently now."

Draco chewed a bite of bread as he locked with her observant brown eyes. He could remember making horrible comments in school about her 'muddy eyes' but now they drew him in with their warmth like puddles of chocolate.

"I've learned to appreciate your mind and you're a challenge. Women who fawn all over me bore me."

She scoffed openly at that. "Nice ego there, Malfoy."

He shrugged but didn't look apologetic. "Just being honest. You asked. And I thought I was 'Draco' now, no?"

Hermione eyed him over from the pull of his lips in that all too familiar tilt of his smirk to the warmth growing in his grey eyes. "Hmm, Draco when you're being charming and Malfoy when you're being a prat I think," she smirked.

He barked out a laugh and nodded. He couldn't very well deny that. He gestured to the book on the table. "Well, was it everything you were hoping for?"

He watched her face bloom suddenly with excitement and she nodded. The reaction sent a pleasant spark straight down his spine and into his chest.

"Oh, I've loved Sam Weather's writing for years. Her imagery and descriptions are so lush and the dialogue is witty. Have you read it?"

He nodded as he smiled at her reaction. "I got an advanced reader's copy a few months back."

"How did you become acquainted with her anyway?"

"Would you believe through my mother?" He grinned at her surprised expression and continued. "Post-war my mother wanted to do her part in learning more about muggles and muggle relations between the wizarding world. She met her through a book club she joined."

"Wait, does she know that you're…" She gestured with her hands at him.

"That I'm a wizard and my mother is a witch?" His grin turned into more of a triumphant smirk. "She does. She knows all about you as well."

Hermione's eyes widened in surprise and she swallowed hard. "Me? Why would she know about me?"

"You can't very well tell a muggle about the magical world and leave out the golden trio, now can you?"

Draco enjoyed the second blush that crept up her cheeks that night and the humble way she darted her gaze to her hands on the table.

"I sometimes wish people would stop talking about that. Harry and I haven't ever enjoyed the attention much." She looked up with an amused grin, "Ron on the other hand found he loved the attention."

Draco snorted and rolled his eyes. "Figures that the Weasel would. I left him out of my explanation to Miss Weather anyway."

Hermione propped her head on her hand. It seemed that no matter what, Draco would always poke at Ron the most.

Their dinner arrived at the table shortly after and she withheld the urge to laugh at the way the server practically wouldn't so much as glance in her direction. Normally jealously turned her off but for some reason, at least in the moment, she felt a sense of odd pride that Draco had staked his claim.

He entertained her through their dinner with his comments on the book. She found his wit had changed over the years and the sharp bite behind his teasing comments was now more flirtation than anything else. And Merlin could the man flirt. She felt her cheeks flaming more than she cared to admit with his little compliments and suggestive remarks.

It wasn't until he ordered a large piece of cheesecake for himself, as she'd maintained she was too full for anything else, that she asked a question that had been on the tip of her tongue all evening.

"I'm a little interested in the fact that everywhere you've brought me so far has been decidedly muggle. Care to respond."

Draco had the good grace to blush slightly and his trademark smirk graced his mouth. "Noticed that, did you?"

"When you're with Draco Malfoy and he appears to have a preoccupation with all things muggle, you tend to notice," she teased lightly.

"Not really that per se." His eyes widened quickly and he met her brown eyes. "Not that I still have issues with them to be clear. It's not that. It's just…" He appeared a bit sheepish, "Well, I didn't know if you'd feel comfortable being seen with me somewhere in the magical world."

Hermione's brow furrowed at that and she shook her head. It wasn't often when you saw Draco Malfoy not looking confident about something and it was rather unsettling to witness.

"What do you mean? I wouldn't be on a second date with you if I was ashamed of being seen with you."

He shrugged one shoulder, doing his best to appear unaffected but was secretly relieved to hear it. He'd done wonders for his family's reputation post-war but the media still liked to remind people occasionally of his past. He hadn't been sure how people would react if he started dating their golden girl.

"Well, given our past…and post-war the Daily Prophet wasn't shy of reminding people when you gained your current position and started inspecting my company, I wasn't sure if you'd be comfortable with the attention it will no doubt draw. You know as soon as anyone gets wind that we're dating it'll be all over the front page."

Hermione cringed at that reminder. How could she forget that? She may be getting over their past differences but that didn't mean they'd be accepted so easily.

However, after a moment to collect her thoughts, she looked up to find the blonde wizard sitting there watching her intently. There was an expression in his eyes that she couldn't place with him—hopeful maybe?

There were so many new things about him that she'd never experienced before she agreed to that first date. It was like he'd given her the key to the real him and allowed her to slowly turn the lock with every new interaction.

Ultimately, she shrugged and reached out with her fork to scoop a bite of his cheesecake without even asking. "We'll handle it as it comes."

Draco bit the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning like a nutter when she helped herself to his dessert, just like a girlfriend might. He met her warm brown eyes and knew for sure in that moment that he'd be proposing to her one day. As soon as he was sure she'd say yes. This witch was going to be his and everyone else could just snog a blast-ended skrewt.

It was getting late when he paid their bill, ignoring her when she told him she didn't expect him to pay for everything, and merely wrapped an arm around her shoulders as he walked with her back to her flat.

With her tucked close, he could smell the rose scented perfume lingering on her skin, the fresh scent of her shampoo, and feel the warmth of her small body pressed against him. After so many years of thinking of her and only her whenever he'd go out on some disastrous date, it was liberating to feel her next to him. This was real and she was right there within arm's reach.

Having her tucked into his side was a strange sensation—this witch that he'd teased so relentlessly for years. But he hungered for her in a way he had trouble containing.

Hermione for her part enjoyed being held so close. Outside of her brief relationship with Ron post-war, she'd had one serious boyfriend. She'd thought at the time that he was wonderful and romantic before he showed his true colors. He was nothing compared to this. None of the lackluster dates she'd had since had stirred her like this.

Something as simple as someone taking the time to hold her close and it had her heart racing like a fool.

Draco followed her to her door and smiled warmly when she turned to face him. He cupped her face in both hands and leaned down to capture her mouth in a deep kiss. He smiled into the kiss when he heard her soft sigh as he sucked her bottom lip before slipping his tongue past to tease her own.

Her heart was racing faster than the last time he'd kissed her like this. The organ was beating out a rapid rhythm that had her blood rushing and her lungs quickly running out of breath. She pulled away first, breathless, but content as he kissed her forehead before straightening up.

"Goodnight, Draco," she whispered and slipped inside before she gave into the urge to invite him in so she could continue snogging him senseless.

Draco caught the small smile playing on her lips, still wet from his kiss, as she disappeared inside. A slow smirk pulled the corner of his mouth and he shook his head.

Yes, she'd be his in the end if he had anything to say about it.