A/N: Thanks for the reviews.
DISCLAIMER: Refer to the previous chapter.
Chapter Seventeen: Second, Third or Forth Chance
Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening them looking at the first year student, "Yes?"
"I can't reach a book I need and no one will help me reach it. Madam Pince is busy and the former Headboy got up me for bothering him."
Hermione stood up and followed the student through the library. Tomorrow was the last day of exams. It would be Transfiguration practical followed by Potions. They walked past Draco's desk, where he was busy studying with a frown. However he looked up at the familiar scent of Hermione's perfume.
"Which one?" asked Hermione.
"The top one called Transfiguring Inanimate Objects, book one."
Hermione looked up at it and pulled her wand out. She summoned it down and handed it to the first year who thanked her and ran off. Hermione put her wand away and turned to leave only to nearly run into Draco.
"Malfoy," said Hermione coolly, "Could you move? Like you, I have to study."
"We need to talk."
"We haven't talked in months. What makes you think I want to start now?"
"Well, you can listen and I will talk."
Hermione sighed and looked at him with a raised eyebrow, "What is it?"
"Look, I know I have been a jerk towards you. But I only act that way because that's what I think you want me to do. The thing is, I love you… still. And I know I don't deserve a second… or third… maybe even forth chance but maybe we can try being friends again… and maybe over the holidays between now and University make a point of seeing each other. What do you think?"
Hermione looked down at her shoes biting her lower lip in thought. She looked up at him and for the first time in a long time saw his eyes showing emotions other then cold hate. She gave a nod and he grinned.
"Great. Then maybe – as a friend – you can help me with this Transfiguration term. It's confused the heck out of me."
Hermione nodded, "Let me get my books."
For the next hour they sat across from each other studying and giving each other tips. Every now and then one of them would crack a joke causing laughter and smiles. However Madam Pince came around saying the library was closing. The pair walked out together each with a small smile.
"So you know they are having the last Hogsmeade weekend this week," said Draco, "Would you like to spend it… with me?"
Hermione felt her heart skip a bit and her eyebrows rose at the request, "I-I'll have to think about it. Can I let you know tomorrow night after dinner?"
"Sure," nodded Draco as they reached the Entrance Hall, "Well… tonight was nice."
Hermione smiled and nodded. Both looked at each other awkwardly unsure of how to say goodbye. Hermione cleared her throat and stepped away.
"Ah… night," she said before turning to head to the staircase.
Draco however ran over to her gently touched her shoulder causing her to tun to him. He leaned in and kissed her on the lips gently before stepping away.
"Good night Hermione."
Hermione watched him head down the dungeon steps and let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. She slowly walked up the steps, her lips burning from the kiss he had given her. Her stomach had butterflies in it and her heart was slowly racing.
She reached the common room and walked in, sitting on the lounge across from Harry who was studying. He looked at Hermione who absently pulled her Potion's textbook and notes out.
"Everything alright? You look confused," said Harry lowering his notes.
"What do you think of Draco? Like after everything."
"I don't know what to make of the guy anymore. Some days his the worlds biggest arsehole and then other days he is caring – mainly caring about you."
Hermione snorted, "He hasn't shown me his caring side for a while… well he did tonight."
"What do you mean?"
Hermione told Harry's the night's events right up to the sudden kiss. When she finished he looked at her with wide eyes.
"Don't relay that one to Ron. The poor guy will loose his cool with Malfoy."
"Ron's moved on to making love eyes at Parvati."
"He has?"
Hermione nodded, "Ginny and I were discussing it today during lunch. You were still doing your Defence practical."
"I thought he was still hung up with you."
"Ginny says he is but knows I don't want to ruin the friendship should we break up."
"So are you going to go back to Malfoy?"
Hermione shrugged, "Well he wants me to go to Hogsmeade with him this Saturday. I said I would think about it."
"Okay. Look I'm not going to tell what to do, but just really think about your decision. Look at it from all points of view, okay?"
Hermione smiled and nodded before both returned to their studying.
HD
"Equipment down. Put your potion into the supplied vial, label it clearly with your name, house and student number," said the examiner walking up the aisle.
Hermione scooped her perfect potion into the vial and corked it. She wrote the details onto her label and stuck it onto the vial before handing it in. For the next ten minutes everyone cleaned up their belongings before exiting to the corridor with a cheer. Exams were over and so was school. Now they had to focus on graduation.
"It's over!" cried Ron happily, "No more pesky exams!"
"What if the Universities turn me away after getting my results?" said Hermione nervously, "That would be horrible."
"Hermione your potion was perfect. Quit worrying… oh there's Parvati. See you's at dinner!"
"And Malfoy is following us," murmured Harry to Hermione, "I'll go find Ginny."
Hermione nodded and stopped walking turning to Draco, "How did you think you went?"
"Pretty good. You?"
"Well I think I may have added the dragon scales a bit too soon and stirred it one to many times. Was the smoke purple enough?" replied Hermione anxiously.
"I bet you did fine. Don't panic about it. McGonagall hands out the acceptance and rejection letters tonight. I already know I am in. And you obviously do as well."
Hermione nodded as they headed up the dungeon steps, "Are you glad your dreams came true?"
Draco nodded, "That part did anyway."
"Only part of it?"
Draco's cheeks flushed pink and shrugged, "The other part… it doesn't matter. So have you thought about Hogsmeade?"
"Yeah… and I think it would be fun – but this time we have to stick to the rules," said Hermione warningly, "I'm not going to mess anything up."
"That's fine," replied Draco as they headed outside towards the lake, "We both went through a kind of rebellious time."
"I know."
"It wasn't all bad though… we had some good times."
Hermione smiled and nodded, "Yeah I guess."
"You guess… I can pick out quite a few."
"That doesn't involve sex?"
Draco nodded without hesitation, "Our talks, walking around the lake and the walk to Hogsmeade when it rained."
Hermione gave a small smile and nod, "Well done."
"Can you only remember the sex? That was brilliant too."
Hermione felt her cheeks go red. She cleared her throat before speaking, "I was congratulating you on focusing on other moments away from the sex."
"Yeah but the sex was good."
Hermione gave a small nod and scanned her mind for another topic, "Are you going to the graduation ball?"
"Definitely. The after party will rock."
"What after party?"
"The Slytherin one."
"Your house sure knows how to party."
"It's all in the mind of a Slytherin," said Draco tapping his head with his right hand finger.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Gryffindor can too. We just don't do it as often as Slytherin like too."
"And your house isn't as sneaky."
Hermione gave Draco a disbelieving look, "The whole school knows about the Slytherin parties. No doubt the teachers do as well. They just couldn't be bothered trying to break it up."
In the distance a rumble of thunder sounded. Students were already heading back towards the castle knowing that storms could roll in fast at Hogwarts. Hermione and Draco however kept walking not caring how close they were. Things were comfortable between them, which relieved both of them.
"So are you definitely going to the London University of Magic?"
Hermione nodded, "Mum wants me to go to the one in America but the London University is the best of them all. I would be learning from Healers who travelled the world, worked in the best Hospitals… I can't pass that opportunity up."
"No one can make you."
"I know. I don't know whether I will live on campus or at home. I guess I'll see what my friends do. What about you?"
"I'll live at the Manor. It's big as you know and will have all the books I need – as you know."
Hermione nodded biting her lower lip again, "I'm the other part right?"
"The part of my dreams I lost?"
Hermione nodded.
"Yeah… you are. But what can I say, I fucked up."
"But you sorted your self out in the end."
"Yeah, after a suicide attempt."
"What was going through your head when you did that?" asked Hermione curiously.
"I thought I'd lost everything… that I had nothing to live for."
"But Draco you had Quidditch… Law School… friends."
"But I didn't have you."
Hermione fell silent and just nodded.
"Awkward, sorry," said Draco.
"No… I'm just amazed I can drive a guy to attempt suicide… kind of makes me look… evil."
"You are far from evil," said Draco grabbing her hand making them stop walking, "Look… I want you to hold onto this," he reached into his robe pockets and pulled out the bracelet case, "Hold onto it, and when you think you are ready to give us a chance put it on."
Hermione took the bracelet case and put it into her own robe pocket. Thunder rumbled above them and both looked up as the first drops of rain began to fall before the whole lot began falling.
"Run for it!" cried Draco holding onto Hermione's hand still as they ran from the lake towards the castle. As they reached the steps both started laughing. Draco pushed the door open and they stumbled in, sopping wet. Hermione rested her hand on Draco's chest as they laughed at each other's appearance.
Suddenly Draco placed his hand to Hermione's cheek. She looked up at him and he drew her in for a long kiss, which she eagerly returned before someone cleared their throat. Both broke apart to see Harry, Ron, Ginny, Pansy, and Millicent looking at them. Ron's face turned into a scowl before he turned and ran up the Entrance Hall steps.
"I have to go," murmured Hermione before she turned and ran up the staircase calling Ron's name, "Ron wait! Please!"
Ron kept walking at a quick, angry pace. Hermione ran along side him looking completely guilty.
"Ron it just happened… will you please stop walking and listen to me?" begged Hermione.
"I think you made your choice pretty clear, despite not giving me a real chance," retorted Ron coldly.
"Ron you and I have always been best friends and I don't want to ruin that!"
"Dammit it Hermione, can't you see? I have loved you for years… that will never change. You will never just be a friend to me!"
Hermione wiped tears away as he stormed off leaving her standing in the corridor alone, "I'm sorry," she whispered, "Sorry Ron… sorry."
A hand touched her shoulder causing her to look up at Millicent with Pansy beside her. The two walked with her back to her common room, explaining Ginny and Harry had gone to talk to Ron in case he tried anything stupid.
"Did you let the kiss happen?" asked Pansy flat out siting across from her with Millicent beside her.
"It happened all so quickly," replied Hermione wiping tears away, "He kissed me, and I just kissed him right back."
"So you kind of let it happen?"
Hermione nodded miserably, "I guess I always knew I would wind up choosing Draco… but I didn't want Ron to find out like that."
"Ron will calm down. Just wait and see."
HD
"How much are you willing to pay?"
"I have five galleons and 12 sickles and 2 knuts. That should be enough, don't you think?"
"Alright. I'll do it. When do you want it done?"
"After Hogsmeade. In the Entrance Hall where everyone can see. I'll give the signal."
"What will that be?"
"I'll scratch my ear twice, the right ear."
"Okay then. It'll be done."
HD
"How is she?" asked Draco as Pansy and Millicent entered the common room later that night, "Does she hate me?"
"No. She still likes you a lot," said Millicent, "She said she knew you would always be the one she picked. She just didn't want Ron to find out the way he did."
"So do I keep away from her?"
"That would be best. Let her cool Ron down and come to you," said Pansy looking at her watch, "It's really late. I'm going to bed now."
"Same," said Millicent.
Draco bade them goodnight and sat staring into the fire with a smile. Despite Hermione going through a hard patch he couldn't help but feel happy. Hermione had chosen him over the Weasley. His dream was going to come true after all.
HD
Saturday arrived on a mostly happy note for the seniors. Harry woke happy to finally be free of exams and relaxed with the fact he no longer had to deal with anyone evil. Also, he was dating Ginny Weasley, a wonderful vibrant young woman. Draco woke with a grin – he had got the woman he loved back and was living his dreams. Hermione woke torn between happy and frustration. Happy her life was pulling together but frustrated with the Ron situation. As she left her common room she slipped the bracelet on. Ron woke unsure of what to feel overall. He supposed that he would understand his emotions by the night.
"Are you two angry with me?" asked Hermione quietly looking at Ginny and Harry worriedly.
"No," both answered honestly.
Hermione nodded and sat across from them. She looked up to see Ron walk in. He took one look at the expensive bracelet and turned and left. Hermione sighed and looked down at her food.
"I should be happy. I've completed Hogwarts and now going to University," sighed Hermione pushing her food around on her plate, "Here I am torn between both happiness and misery."
"Ron will calm down. He went to bed early last night anyway. So just give him a few days to cool off," said Harry, "Nice bracelet."
"Thanks," replied Hermione smiling a little, "It's umm… from Draco."
Ginny and Harry nodded with no comment. At nine am, students in third year up, filed to the Entrance Hall. Hermione walked over to Draco with a small smile holding her hand up to show the bracelet. He beamed at the sight of it and gave her a hug with a kiss on the cheek.
"Are you completely sure?" he asked looking her directly in the eyes.
"Yes I am," smiled Hermione, "Come on. We can walk there. Then go to the book shop."
"Why the book shop?"
"Well I want to find out what books I will need for the next four to six years. It depends on how long I plan to study for you see."
"Six years of University? You would graduate at the age of 24."
"Is there a problem with that?" asked Hermione, "I don't want to marry until I'm 25 and start having children at 28."
"I see."
Hermione eyed him suspiciously, "You had different plans?"
"Stupid ones," he said after Filch marked their names off and let them leave.
"Oh come on. No plan is stupid," said Hermione nudging him in the side as they linked hands.
"Well I wanted to get married while in University and have kids when I finished."
"I see… well who knows what will happen between now and then."
"I don't want to lose you again, Hermione," replied Draco looking at her, "You mean too much to me for that to happen."
Hermione gave him a small smile and kissed him tenderly on the lips, "Lets hope you don't lose me then."
The pair spent the day looking through the bookstore, Zonko's, Honeydukes, walking around the Shrieking Shack, eating lunch at the Three Broomsticks. It was a relaxing day allowing the two to get to know each other properly again.
"I'm surprised you don't want to go to that lovey dovey tea shop place," said Draco pointing towards it.
"Oh, well I wanted to go there next," said Hermione looking slightly hurt.
"Well if you want to we can."
"Draco, I was kidding," chuckled Hermione, "What would make you think that?"
"Most girls like it there."
"Too cliché for me," said Hermione looking at her watch, "Time to head back anyway."
"Time flies when you're having fun."
The pair walked back with Draco's arm around Hermione's waist, her arm the same. The afternoon sun shone down on them warmly giving the sense that summer would be arriving in a few weeks.
"Hi you two," said Pansy meeting them at the road leading towards Hogwarts, "A good day I assume?"
Her and Millicent looked at the couple with pleased smiles.
"Very good day," replied Draco before kissing Hermione on the cheek, "What about you two?"
"We went shopping for the graduation ball. What about you Hermione?" replied Millicent.
"My mum is sending my dress. We picked it out the week before school returned. You two will have to come see it when it arrives."
"Just like a wedding. The husband can't see the dress or the bride in the dress before the wedding," muttered Draco with in eye roll.
"Oh you'll survive," teased Pansy, "Millicent got this lovely silk gown."
"It's nothing special," shrugged Millicent clutching a silver bag in her hands, "Honestly."
"Oh Millie, I bet it is beautiful," said Hermione smiling at her self conscious friend, "When my dress arrives we will all meet up in my room and look at the dresses. Even Ginny is going seeing as she is Harry's girlfriend."
"Sounds like a plan… but lets make it more special," said Pansy linking arms with Hermione and dragging her away from Draco as she linked her other arm with Millicent, "Let's have old fashioned slumber party? All four of us. Wea- Ginny is a great girl and well… it would be fun."
Hermione smiled, "Alright. I'll pass it along to Ginny and we can have it the day my dress arrives."
The three grinned and Pansy and Millicent walked off ahead leaving Hermione with Draco again.
"Women… you can never keep up with them," said Draco earning a slap on the arm from Hermione, "Oh you know I mean it in a good way."
"You'd better," warned Hermione as he drew her closer for a kiss.
HD
"Oh that sounds brilliant!" cried Ginny grinning at Hermione later on at dinner as Ron and Harry sat across from them.
"What's brilliant?" asked Ron putting food onto his plate, "Hi Hermione."
"He speaks to me," replied Hermione looking at Ginny who nodded, "Hello Ron."
"Hermione is having a slumber party in her room and Pansy, Millicent and myself are invited," said Ginny with a smile.
"Sounds… girly," said Harry.
"Mate, I think you'll be back in your old dorm that night," said Ron patting Harry on the back, "Unless you want a makeover."
"Now that's an idea," said Ginny with a mysterious glint in her eyes, "Some smoky eye shadow to bring out your gorgeous eyes… ivory foundation… some black eye liner."
Harry punched Ron in the shoulder, "Great. You've given her ideas. Now I'll never be safe."
Ron laughed with his sister and Hermione as Harry stabbed at his steak.
"Oh, I'm only kidding," said Ginny reaching out and patting Harry's hand, "Calm down deary. Eye shadow is just not your thing."
"Never will be," pointed out Harry firmly.
"Of course."
"Did you have a good day, Hermione?" asked Ron scratching his right ear.
Hermione nodded, "It was great thanks."
"Oh my gosh," whispered Ginny looking towards the Great Hall doors.
Hermione, Harry, and Ron looked in the same direction. Hermione's mouth dropped open at what met her eyes along with the clatter of her dropped fork and knife.
A/N: What is it? Oh I know. But you can all wait…. So review!
Until next time…
Love yas!
Love Coz!