Chapter 9: It Was Always You

By the time dinner rolled around, Hermione was feeling better. The scare from her fall had worn off. Despite that, she and Malfoy had agreed to take the night off from their one-on-one lessons in the Room of Requirement. Professor Slughorn had announced a Potions quiz, so they opted to use their evening to study in the library together. She knew everything that the professor could potentially ask. She had read and re-read the text several times already this year. She wasn't interested in the material he would present. She was interested in a certain blonde-haired Slytherin.

Regardless of her attempts to not overthink what had happened, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his stern warning than he let on. They had agreed, not even twenty-four hours before to be friends. Since that time, she had been constantly wondering two things. First, she questioned why it was that she was so captivated by him. Second, she needed to know why he cared so much. Friends or not, he was acting rather protective of her. He watched over her the way Harry and Ron had always guarded her (even though she was far more capable of fending for herself than they were). There was a difference in how he watched her and how Harry and Ron had watched her. He was warm, and at times, flirty. It wasn't the way a friend would act.

It confused her. Ron and her had been friends for so long, it was difficult to determine when or if he had ever openly flirted with her. In fact, up until their seventh year, she wasn't even sure if he considered her a female. He had been rather indifferent. When he had dated Lavender the year prior, it had crushed her, but he had been characteristically unaware of how his actions affected her. Malfoy, on the other hand, was known for his seduction techniques so she was certain he knew what he was doing when he chose to act that way towards her. That confused her even further. As if being friends with a Muggle-born wasn't hard enough to accept, showing an interest in one was out of the question for someone of his family heritage.

Still...there had been a tone to his voice that afternoon. It was a tone she had not heard before. He had been scared. Initially, she had thought it was because she had almost died or been badly injured. Perhaps it was because he wasn't afraid for her, he was afraid of her. His father had made it crystal clear that the union of a Pureblood and anything less was an atrocity. Hermione had misgivings towards Lucius Malfoy, however she knew that he was Malfoy's father. Family ties were near impossible to break entirely, especially in an intimate unit such as the Malfoys. She could understand the Head Boys hesitation around her, if he was feeling more than friendship.

How much more was the next question. As she sat at the Gryffindor table, she could hardly contain her grin. She was in her own little world, oblivious to her best friend's knowing gaze. "What's going on with you and Malfoy?" Ginny asked, bluntly.

"What do you mean?"

"He's a tosser to everyone else, but when it comes to you, he's-." She cut herself off, thinking through her choice of words. "Friendly."

"We're friends," Hermione stated, simply.

"Right," Ginny responded sarcastically. "Does this have anything to do with yesterday afternoon on the practice pitch?"

Hermione's face fell. Instinctively, she glanced across the Great Hall to where Malfoy was sitting, ignorant of their conversation. He had a textbook opened in front of him, as he ate. Hermione hadn't realized anyone had seen them, let alone her ex-boyfriend's younger sister. She wondered how much of their interaction from yesterday Ginny had witnessed. Recalling how tenderly Malfoy had held her after rescuing her, she blushed.

"Ah, so it is more than friends, then. Thought so."

"Ginny, don't be ridiculous. He is only helping me learn how to fly."

"I could have helped you," Ginny pointed out, looking slightly offended.

"Really?" Hermione questioned, giving her a 'yeah-right' look. "If memory serves, I did come to you first."

"Ok. Ok, I've been busy with the team and my Prefect duties, but still, Hermione, I'm your best friend and the captain of our winning," she emphasized the word, "house Quidditch team."

"I know and I love you." Hermione returned to her breakfast, hoping Ginny would drop the subject. Unfortunately, the youngest Weasley was far to stubborn to let it be.

"So Malfoy, huh?"

"He didn't let me fall." The Head Girl replied, as if that explained everything.

"From the broom, but that's not the only falling you're in danger of."

Hermione couldn't hold back the flush that lit up her cheeks at the suggestion. She blushed again. "He's a good teacher," she said in an attempt to cover up her reaction.

"I bet. What else is he teaching you?"

"Just flying, Gin. That's our deal."

"You are attracted to him."

Hermione couldn't muster up the words to either confirm or deny. On one hand, she didn't want to lie to her friend, but on the other hand, Ginny was Ron's sister. Their breakup was still fresh. She didn't want Ginny getting the wrong idea about her feelings for Malfoy. Though, she wasn't sure how that was possible, since she wasn't even sure what her feelings were. He had been a good friend since their initial blow-up with each other. He had taken care to train her up on flying. She was anticipating that her mid-term wouldn't be a disaster. Madam Hooch had actually been surprised with her degree of improvement and even more shocked when she demonstrated the correct posture for all the moves requested so far. Hermione knew that was all due to Malfoy's teachings. Then there had been that embrace in their dormitory and a second embrace on the Practice Pitch.

"That's not possible."

"No, you aren't or no, you aren't going to admit it?"

"Ginny!"

"Hermione."

"Drop it."

"Fine," Ginny relented, "Please just promise me you'll be careful?"

"He isn't a bad person, Ginny. I know that's hard to believe, but he's been a good friend. Really."

"I can't believe I'm about to say this," the red-head took a deep breath, "but I believe you."

"You do?"

"Yeah."

"I was feeling guilty about not having as much time to hang out with you as I wanted. I was afraid with the boys not being around, you'd be lonely, but you are so happy. Every time I see you," she shrugged, a smile forming on her face. "I was not sure at first. He's not my favorite person." Hermione laughed. "But he's good for you. He makes you happy."

Hermione put her hand over her friend's. "Thank you, Ginny. It means a lot to me that you understand."

"I do. Just don't act like there is not something going on between the two of you."

"Friends," Hermione insisted.

Ginny's face softened. "Harry and I started as friends."

"I remember."

The Head Girl smiled. She had known for years that Harry fancied Ginny. There had been other flirtations, such as Cho Chang, but Hermione had always known Harry would end up with Ginny. She was his match made in heaven. In her younger age, she had been starstruck by his name, but as he had become more of a family member at the Burrow, that had fallen away. Ginny was one of the few people (other than Hermione) that would call Harry on his bullshit. She was beyond stubborn and fearless. If Harry's parents were still living, she was sure they would accept Ginny immediately. She was a headstrong, independent witch with a knack for getting both in and out of trouble, just like her boyfriend. They were perfect for each other.

In spite of Ginny's attempt to draw a parallel between her relationship with Harry and Hermione's development with Malfoy, Hermione had no misconceptions about her friendship with the Head Boy. It was still new. Unlike Ginny, she hadn't been infatuated with Malfoy from an earlier age. She had found him fetching after he hit puberty, growing several inches, not slicking his hair back anymore, and the lower (and less nasally) sound of his voice. Those were all attractive qualities. She was hardly the only one to fantasize about the Prince of Slytherin. In fact, during sixth year, all the Gryffindor girls had gathered in their bedroom conducting a round of Shag, Marry, Kill. He had been the unanimous candidate for the Shag category. If it hadn't been for his off-putting personality, he would have won the Marry section. No one wanted to be stuck with a twitchy ferret who had daddy issues.

She peeked over at him once more. He had finished eating and was diligently completing an assignment. Then sensing her fixed stare, he caught her. Hermione was flustered and nearly dropped her elbow into her food. He was as smooth as silk, winking at her across the room, an entertained smirk on his face.

Arrogant prat.

Hermione began scanning through her bag, checking to make sure she had all her needed. She already knew it was all there, but she was embarrassed that Malfoy had caught her staring. She needed to look busy. As she moved her belongings in the bag around, she replayed the afternoon yet again. Hermione had a theory. She couldn't stop thinking about the kiss Malfoy had placed on the top of her head. It was the main point her thoughts had centered on all day. She was convinced that it had happened and she was going to try to prove it. When they went to the library to study, she was going to purposely leave her wand at their desk and try something to get his attention to see if he would do the uncharacteristic Malfoy thing and help her.

All she had to do now was wait until it was time to put her plan in motion.

Draco had been looking forward to their Potions study session. He had caught Granger watching him from across the Great Hall at dinner and he had every intention of grilling her about it. They had selected a table near the back of the library, where it would be quieter. He let Granger lead the way, knowing this was her sanctuary. As suspected, she took her seat and promptly began pulling out all her Potions notes.

"No foreplay?"

"Malfoy," she cautioned, "Some of us take our academic careers seriously."

"I take my foreplay seriously."

She rolled her eyes. "Honestly. Sometimes you can be so nice and then other times you are so-."

"Charming?"

"Crass."

"Did you say I have a nice ass? Why, thank you Granger!" He watched as her organized papers slipped from her hands. Frazzled, she rapidly put them back in order. "You find me attractive. Just admit it, Granger."

"I will do no such thing."

"You fancy me. I saw you ogling me at dinner. Don't be embarrassed," he chuckled. "Lots of women do."

"I only fancy humble men," she retorted, paying no attention to his dinner comment.

He scoffed. "Humble men are boring." Noting how she had her nose buried in her textbooks, trying to ignore him, he smirked. He was going to push her buttons until he got the response he was looking for. "But I guess that's right up your alley, huh? A boring man for a boring bookworm."

"Excuse me?"

"If the shoe fits," he leaned back in his seat, propping his feet up on the desk.

"I am not boring."

He feigned a yawn. "That's exactly what I knew you'd say. No imagination."

"Would a girl with no imagination cast the Confundus charm on Cormac?"

"McLaggen?" Malfoy chuckled. He hadn't expected that. McLaggen was well connected. He wasn't part of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, but his family held great influence in the wizarding world. Malfoy had crossed paths with both him and his father on a few occasions. He had never cared for the bloke. He liked him less after he had heard he was involved with Granger. Remembering sixth year, he returned her question with another question. "Didn't you take him to The Slug Club Christmas Party?"

"Don't remind me," she groaned, letting her head fall into her hands.

"Why did you spell him?"

"He was bad-mouthing Ron at the Keeper try-outs and even though we were fighting, Ron deserved to be the Gryffindor Keeper."

If he had seen the girl he cared for interested in another and she needed help with an assignment, he would have let her fend for herself. He wouldn't have lost any sleep over it. In fact, he probably would have just found another girl to shag to get the former out of his mind. He didn't maintain ties to those who crossed him. He wondered how Granger would feel if he told her how he snogged Parvati Patil, which was the reason her brief friendship with Pansy ended.

She was intelligent enough to be in Ravenclaw. It was clear her loyalty was what had separated her from the braniacs in that house. She was true to the end. Weasley didn't deserve her friendship or her help. He only exploited her for what she could give him. Draco wondered if the ex-Keeper even knew what his friend had done for him. He would have given anything to have a friend half as loyal, especially this year when he had lost all his friends and family due to the war.

"You are the most loyal of the Gryffindors," Draco told her. He meant it.

"Maybe," she shrugged.

"If you ask me, you should have used it on both Weasel and McLaggen. It would have saved you a lot of trouble."

The moment he said it, he realize he had gone too far. Granger's entire body language changed. She stiffened. Her eyes flashed with anger. "Malfoy, you...you ass!" She slammed her book shut, walking off in a huff.

Draco leapt out of his chair, not caring that it tipped over onto the floor as he did. He had to run to catch up with her. She was fuming. When he reached her, he caught her arm. She stopped, a disappointed expression on her face.

"Where are you going?"

"My room."

"What about studying together for Slughorn's Potions quiz?"

"I'll do it by myself."

"Come on, Granger." He reached out with his other hand, trapping her between himself and a bookshelf. He leaned his face closer to hers. "I was only teasing."

"I am not amused," she remained with her arms crossed against her chest, her eyes narrow slits as she glared at him.

"What can I do to make it up to you?"

Granger rubbed her lips together as she thought about it. He tried to not look at her mouth and failed. His eyes ran over her subtle lips. He found it challenging to concentrate. He had never experienced that when wooing a witch before. Draco had always been in control. It was something his parents had both emphasized to him throughout his development. He had seen the way they commanded a room simply by walking into it. He had tried to emulate their personas. It worked well with the ladies, often earning him their trust and submission. Not Granger.

"I get to call you 'Ferret' all week and you have to call my friends by their real names. No more of this 'Weaselette' business."

"But-."

She silenced him with with one look. Of course he couldn't expect her to fall for any of his normal tricks. Granger was unique. As such, she had turned the tables on him and she didn't even know what she had done. She was completely oblivious of the affect she had on him. He needed to keep it that way. Get yourself together, mate, he told himself.

"Fine," he pouted.

"Great! Let's get back to studying." She ducked under his arm, marching back to the library straight away.

He followed, pleased he had been able to convince her to come back with him. Draco took the seat across from her. As she sat down, she reopened her book to the same page she had been on prior to their spat. Then, as if remembering something, she turned to her bag. She rummaged around through her scrolls, evidently looking for something. When she came up empty, she strolled over to one of the nearby shelves, searching the titles inscribed on the spines.

Draco watched wordlessly from where he sat as Granger rose to her tip toes, reaching for one of the books. She was obviously unaware of how her skirt shifted with her motions, lifting up so that it hung just below the round curve of her bottom. He couldn't take his eyes off her legs, so lean and smooth leading up to meet underneath her clothes. Her back arched just slightly so she could angle her face up to read the title. Her stretched out body, extending forward made him wish for impossible things.

He felt as if he was coming undone at the seams. First her lips and now this? What was a teenaged wizard to do? He had needs and right now they all wanted to be satisfied by Hermione Granger. Suddenly, he felt warm and his mouth felt dry. He loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top of his collar to open up his shirt. Draco considered ducking out to the bathroom to splash some cold water on his face. That was when he saw a table of sixth year Hufflepuffs across from him. He had not been the only one to notice Granger. The younger wizards were all talking in hushed tones together, but their eyes were unblinking and focused on the Head Girl. One with dirty blonde hair made a comment that sent the others into a frenzy. Draco clenched his jaw, his hands balling up into fists.

He slammed his book shut in front of him, before getting up and storming over to the Hufflepuffs. He banged his fists down on the table top, startling them all.

"Bloody hell!"

"You'd do well to keep your eyes in your books," Draco growled.

"Sod off," the dirty blonde snapped.

"If I catch you looking at her like that again, I'll give you a Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson you won't soon forget."

"Go ahead, Death Eater."

Draco grabbed the boy by his robes, yanking him up out of his seat before his friends or him knew what was happening. He raised him up with one hand, while the other retrieved his wand from his pocket. He pointed the tip of it against the boys chest. The commotion caught the Head Girl's eyes. She was at his side before he could mutter a single incantation.

"Malfoy, what in the world?" She sounded more surprised than mad.

He didn't take his eyes off the boy. His gaze menacing and the threat still lingering in the air between them.

"Draco." She tried again, placing a hand on his arm.

His eyes flickered to hers. She was staring right into him. He couldn't know what she saw there. What he saw in the mirror frightening him sometimes. He half expected her to bore into him and discover all of his excessive thoughts of her. That would surely frighten her away. When she didn't so much as blink, his glare disappeared. He sighed and loosened his grip dropping the Hufflepuff back into his chair.

"He's out of his mind." The boy tried to gain symphony from Granger. She wasn't having any of it.

"Get out of here now," she hissed. "If you aren't all packed up and out of my sight by the time I count to three it will be 50 points from Hufflepuff." They sat frozen in their seats, shocked by her words. "Each." Instantly, they all starting grabbing for books, quills, and other items before darting out of the library. The small crowd of students who had been onlookers to the situation, all turned back to their work, not wanting to anger the Head Girl any further. But she wasn't done. Her touch on his arm turned into a grip, as she slid her hand from his arm to his wrist. She moved to stand directly in front of him.

"Malfoy, are you going to explain?"

"No."

The remaining students who had been studying were now eyeing him cautiously. "They're all scared of you," she stated in a quieter voice, scanning the room.

"Good. They should be."

Draco yanked his wrist out of her grip. He walked past her and went back to their desk. He took his seat, ignoring her questioning eyes and continued with his Alchemy homework. Persistently, she followed, taking the seat across from him. He tried his best to glare at her, but she stuck out her tongue at him. "I'm not afraid of you."

He noted she had with her the book she had been struggling to get. Reading the title upside down, he realized it was for their Arithmancy assignment. She followed his example, ignoring him, as she opened up a blank scroll to complete the assignment. Though he knew he should be working, he found himself peering up at her. She went through a few pages, line by line, as if the altercation that had occurred only moments before had never happened. Her focus had switched to the task in front of her. He scanned her face for any signs of annoyance or distress, but she seemed to be completely at ease. Meanwhile, he was still wrestling with the reality of what he had just done.

She had told him that she had refused Weasel's proposal, he couldn't stop his eyes from falling to her left hand. It was bare. He scolded himself inwardly for even searching. He knew she wasn't engaged. He knew she had ended things with the ginger, but it didn't change anything. He didn't deserve her. He sighed, knowing he needed to get back to his own work.

They sat in silence for several moments, as he continued to attempt to study. Then, Draco saw Granger get up. She hadn't packed up her belongings, so he assumed she was going after yet another text. He noted her scroll was completed and already tucked into her bag. His eyes followed her as she headed toward the back corner of the library. He was keenly aware of how her hips swayed ever so subtly. He felt his longing return. Shutting his book for a second time that afternoon, he went after her.

Granger was halfway down an aisle on the right side. He cleared his throat as he joined her. She didn't have a book in hand. Instead, she turned around, crossing her arms over her chest, glaring at him.

"So are you going to tell me what's going on?"

Her question caught him off-guard. Had she known he would follow? Granger regarded him from her spot, watching him expectantly. After spending much of the term with her, he doubted his ability to lie to her. People didn't label her the brightest witch of their age without reason. She was keen to pick up on things. He was positive she would call him out on any half-truths or deceptions he created. Draco gave her an honest answer.

"I didn't like the way he was looking at you."

She raised an eyebrow. It was clearly not the answer had been expecting. "Since when do you care about how people look at me?"

"Since now."

She rolled her eyes. "I thought we were friends. Friends are honest with each other."

"You want me to be honest with you?" he asked her, feeling his frustration leak into his voice. First the flying fiasco, then the Hufflepuff moron, and now this? She was really starting to put him on edge. And she was beginning to get the better of him. "How is this for honesty? I'm glad you ended things with the Weasel. He didn't appreciate you. He never did."

"Ron appreciates me."

"Oh really? Is that why he didn't ask you out until you both almost died?"

"I didn't tell him how I felt either."

"A real man would make the first move."

"A real man?"

"Weasley survived the war. I'll give him that, but that doesn't make him anything special. Lots of people survived."

"Lots of people didn't."

"That's life."

"That's war."

"He never was at the same level as you or Potter. You two are the only reason he made it."

"You're just saying that because you hate Ron."

"That's true," he admitted. "I've hated him since fourth year."

"Fourth year?"

"I never liked him, but that was the year he made me jealous. That was the year I started to loathe him because he made you cry." She froze, her eyes widening at what he was saying. "You were the most beautiful girl at the ball. You deserved to have a night as beautiful, but he had to ruin it and then you let him do it all over again."

She tried to recover, questioning him further. "Why do you care?"

"I shouldn't, but I do. You read more than any person I know and sprout useless facts about everything under the sun. You are more intelligent than you give yourself credit for and more cunning. You always think the best of people, no matter how they treat you. You give them more chances than they deserve. You are a complete pain in the ass, and..." he shook his head as he trailed off.

The tension hung in the air around them, static sparking in the void like lightning announcing a coming storm. The silence became deafening. Draco watched her watching him. He had gone too far. He knew it, but he couldn't stop himself.

"And you're all I think about. These past few weeks, the only time I feel alive, the only time I feel like I even exist is when I'm with you. Classes, Head Boy duties, even Quidditch...none of it matters. None of it registers if you aren't around. I should hate you for that. I should want to get myself as far away from you as possible. But I don't, I-."

Draco stopped ranting and placed his mouth over hers. He hadn't been planning on kissing her. Part of him knew it was insane. They were in the middle of the library where anyone could see or hear. He knew she had cried about her breakup the night before. That fact alone should have kept him from acting on his impulse. The last thing he needed was for the Weaselette, Potter, and Weasel to all come after him. He could only imagine the number of hexes they would try to place on him when they found out. The other part of him told the first part to go to hell. She will be the death of me, he thought. And I don't care.

She was tense at first, startled by his advanced. He gently placed his hands on either side of her. She lowered her arms, allowing him to get closer. Her lips were soft and warm. She tasted like cinnamon and apples. He felt her raise her arms. At first, he stiffened, concerned she may be preparing to punch him the way she had in third year. Then he felt her run her fingers through his hair, gently pulling him down closer to her. Her lips moved delicately against his, carefully testing the waters. Invigorated by her touch, he raised his hand to her chin, tilting her head back ever so slightly. He delved deeper, running his tongue over her lips. She let out a tiny sigh against him.

Her exhale stimulated him. He resisted the urge to press her back against the shelves and dip his hands under her shirt. Heat swept across his body.

Slowly, he pulled back. Granger was searching his face, confused but not angry. Staring into her big, brown doe eyes, he considered finishing what he had begun to say before he kissed her. Sod Weasel and Potter. He was a Malfoy. There was nothing out of his reach, no object that he couldn't obtain one way or another. His name, however tarnished now, still had power. It could still open doors. He wasn't going to let her friends get in the way. If he wanted something, he got it.

But Granger wasn't a thing. She had made that clear to her ex-boyfriend. She would certainly not appreciate him treating her the same way. No, she was different. She wasn't like other witches. She was special. She deserved to be treated special. He had never been one for girlfriend/boyfriend titles. Usually his relationships were for one purpose and one purpose only. They rarely lasted long and they only briefly involved kissing. Speaking of kissing, there was the fact that Granger had kissed him back. That had to count for something, right? He noticed she was still looking up at him. She appeared almost hopeful. He lost control again, his words coming out before he was able to stop them.

"I want you, Granger. I want you to be mine and mine alone." He admitted, never letting his eyes stray from hers. "But I know bloody well that I don't deserve you. So there it is. No teasing. No lies. Maybe you fancy me. Maybe you don't. But I do fancy you...maybe more than fancy."

She didn't move. She didn't speak. She only listened, her eyes locked on his eyes. He felt as if she was staring into the very depths of his soul. It was as if they were the only two people in the world. For a minute, time stopped. As if he had tunnel-vision, he focused on her and only her. In turn, she focused only on him. They were caught in an endless loop, embracing one another, each waiting on baited breath to fall over the edge. Draco had been teetering back and forth between acting upon his feelings. He wondered if she had been fighting the same internal battle.

Granger started to speak, when he a familiar voice calling out to her. The Gryffindor Quidditch Captain made her way to the back of the library. Granger glanced away from him for a split second to look for her friend. In that instant, he felt the magic of their shared moment burst. He let go of her and stepped back.

"There you are!" Weaselette exclaimed, coming around the corner. Then she saw him standing off to the side. "Malfoy."

"Weas- Ginny."

She raised an eyebrow at his use of her first name. Then, examining the distance between them, paused for a moment. "Since when do you come to the library?"

"Since when do you?"

"Touche." The youngest Weasley turned her attention back to Granger. "Hermione, I need to talk to you. Privately."

"Can it wait? I need to study for the Potions quiz," Granger replied, avoiding Draco's questioning gaze.

The redhead immediately stepped forward, lowering her voice. Draco still heard every word. "I think you'll want to discuss it now."

"Alright," Granger responded, hastily. "I just need a minute to pack up my things."

Weaslette narrowed her eyes. She glanced back to him, then at Granger, then back to him. "Ok," she pursed her lips. "I'll wait for you outside the library. We should probably go up to Gryffindor Tower." Draco thought he caught a slight smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. Did she suspect?

"Thanks, Gin."

"Malfoy," she nodded to him.

"Ginny," he nodded back. She appeared amused by his use of her nickname. She gave them both one last fleeting glance, then headed off the same way she had come.

"Malfoy," Granger began the second her friend was gone.

"Guess I will have to rely on my own wits to help me study," he interrupted her, turning on his heel to walk back to their desk. "Sounds important," he continued as, he tried to hide his smirk.

"I'm sure it's nothing. Can we ta-."

"I'll let you know if I come across anything particularly difficult."

"Malfoy."

"You better take advantage of the 'Ferret' pass because it's a one-time offer."

"Malfoy."

"Malfoy!'" He mocked her. He made a face as he stopped in front of his spot and started to pack up his belongings.

"I do not sound like that!" She hit him with her book.

"Watch it, Granger. I might like that kind of thing, if you know what I mean." He winked at her, loving how she immediately stopped and turned away to hide her blush.

"Git," she muttered under her breath.

"Know-It-All."

"Prat."

"Goody-goody."

"Wanker."

"Say that to my face," he challenged, moving between her and her bag. He was taller than her by a few inches. She was forced to look up into his gray orbs. Unlike the shy, playful girl who had just been in front of him, he now saw a provocative glint in her eyes. She went up on her tip toes, getting as close to eye-level with him as she physically could. He wondered if she returned his feelings. Perhaps he had been right to put it all on the line. Maybe that's what a girl like her wanted. Was she going to kiss him back? He closed his eyes in anticipation.

"Wanker."

Before he could say a word or open his eyes, he heard her grab her bag and dart from the library.

Bloody woman really will be the death of me.

A/N: Happy October! Halloween is coming up and I'm so excited. Things are heating up between our favorite couple...do you feel it was too soon? Not soon enough? I mean, nothing is as easy as 1,2, 3, and we are all our own worst enemies...especially when we overthink things. For me, I overthink my storyline choices. For Draco and Hermione it will be overthinking what this means for them.

nellaine824 - I tend to see Ginny as what I imagine Lily would have been like, very caring and understanding, though fiercely loyal and protective of those she loves.
caprubia - You determine if it's raging hormones or more than that. I know what I think :)
pgoodrichboggs - Was that what you expected from Ms. Weasley? I'm interested to see how everyone reacts to her reaction.
Madaya58 - Thank you for reading! I appreciate the review.
lasvegasskye - He is very protective of his witch, as he should be.
piratekiddo - Still too soon for that kiss?
Guest - Thank you. Genuinely love to hear why people care for the story.
Visiteur - Yes, I do love Harry and Hermione's relationship. They are the best of a brother/sister pair and each brilliant in their own ways. I think now that he has been separated from her, he is coming to realization of how much a part of his life she was.
Nichole87 - Thank you for the constant reviews! I truly appreciate the support for this fic.
Sage McMae - What do you think Ginny wants to discuss with Hermione?