Chapter 20

Ginny didn't bother Hermione after that and Hermione kept her word to herself. She was not going to get involved with Draco. It just wasn't worth the pain. That didn't mean that she wouldn't spend time with him… daily… and completely enjoy every minute of his company and miss him when he was gone though. She did at least admit that to herself. But she would never say the "L" word, even to herself.

A month or so later Hermione and Draco were out hanging out like they had done every single day. Ron had completely taken himself out her life and Hermione was completely happy with the way her life was. The nagging side of her brain that might be more involved with Draco had been completely silent for a while. She was safe and perfectly happy and she didn't want anything to change.

Draco on the other hand struggled every single day to keep himself in check. His feelings only continued to grow and every time he looked at her, held her, or anything he just wanted to kiss her. He was pretty sure there were a few times Hermione wanted it too, he just didn't want to blow it.

"So, you ready?" asked Draco as he appeared in the middle of Hermione's living room.

It was a common occurrence. Hermione didn't even mind anymore.

"Of course. I've been waiting all day for this! It sounds fun!" said Hermione.

A new club had opened at the end of Diagon Alley. It was completely new and possibly wasn't even permanent. The owners were trying something different and weren't sure it would even be popular. Whoever heard of a club in Diagon Alley? No one. That was a muggle thing. But of course that was why Hermione had been so excited about it. She had even gone out of her way to spend a few hours getting ready.

Draco took her arm and they apparated in front of the building. It was packed.

"Wow. Should we pick a different night?" asked Hermione.

"I thought you said you'd been waiting for this all day," said Draco.

"I have, but are we even going to make it in?" asked Hermione.

"Of course! I'm Draco Malfoy!" he said.

Hermione rolled her eyes and laughed.

"And you don't let anyone forget it," she said.

"Of course not! Let's go," he said taking her hand and pulling her past all the people, directly to the front door.

"Mr. Malfoy! So glad you could come!" said the man at the door as soon as they walked up. Hermione was so confused. How did he manage that every single time? She was a Golden Trio and she couldn't get in by herself even if she tried!

"I wouldn't miss it," he said.

"And who's the lovely misses?" asked the man.

"Oh, we're not dating," said Hermione quickly specifying. She could just tell by the way he was looking, he was assuming they were.

"But I'm Hermione Granger."

The man eyed them curiously and then smiled.

"Right. Well enjoy yourselves and let me know if you need anything at all. One of the VIP booths is yours," he said.

"Thank you," said Draco.

He put his arm protectively around Hermione and they went inside. It was just like any muggle club except the more people that entered the larger it got. Hermione thought the owner did an excellent job on the undetectable extension and extra space charm. The lighting was perfect and the food and drinks tasted amazing. Hermione felt like she never wanted to leave. It helped that Draco was an amazing dancer.

"Want to dance again?" asked Draco.

"I'd love to!" said Hermione excitedly.

Draco took her by the hand and led her down to the dance floor. The song changed as soon as they got there. It changed from the fast paced music that had been playing the past few songs to a slow song.

Normally Hermione would have hesitated, but she really just wanted to dance. The last time she had danced so much and had fun was at the Yule Ball.

Halfway through the dance Hermione rested her head on his shoulder. Draco pulled her tighter against him. His heart was pounding. This was the moment. He knew it.

"Hermione… " Draco said in a husky voice.

Hermione turned her head to look up at him. Their eyes locked with each other. Hermione couldn't turn away… or pull away. And she didn't want to.

Draco slowly moved down and inched closer to her mouth. When she didn't pull away he took his chance and kissed her softly. Hermione immediately responded by putting her arms around his neck and pulling herself closer. Draco moved his arms around her to hold her tight against him and kissed her more fervently this time.

The song ended and the music started another upbeat song which brought them back to reality. Draco smiled at her as they broke apart and kissed her forehead.

"You know how long I've wanted to do that?" he asked.

Hermione couldn't believe that had happened. She let her guard down for a few minutes and this is what happens!

"I…. " she started but hesitated. She enjoyed the kiss and of course kissed him back, but this wasn't what she wanted! They were friends!

"I've got to go," she said and tore herself from his arms.

Draco froze with confusion as he watched her walk away.

"Hermione, wait!" he said and ran after her.

He caught up with her as soon as she excited the building.

"Wait, please! Let's talk," said Draco as he grabbed her hand which stopped her.

"I can't," she said, the tears gathering in her eyes now.

"Please talk to me," said Draco.

"You kissed me," she said.

"Yeah and you kissed me back," he said.

"I know and I shouldn't have," she said.

"Why not? Hermione I know you like me and I know you know that I like you… except I more than like you. I've wanted to tell you for a long time that I'm in love with you," said Draco.

"You can't be!" she said, "We're friends!"

"Exactly! What a better person to fall in love with than my best friend?" he asked.

He tried to pull her closer to him to hold her, but she resisted.

"No! Friends are supposed to be safe and you ruined everything!" said Hermione, the tears now running down her cheeks.

Draco didn't know what to say. She was right he had ruined things. He had blown her trust.

"Hermione, I'm sorry," he said moving closer again.

"No you're not! If you were sorry it wouldn't have happened in the first place! Things are ruined! Leave me alone," she said and ripped her hand out of his.

"What? Hermione?" he asked confused and hurt.

"Please don't come after me," she said and apparated herself away.

Draco was devastated. He couldn't believe it. That kiss was amazing, and she was kissing him back! He wasn't sure where things went wrong exactly. He loved her and now she was gone. He knew things wouldn't be the same after this and it was completely his fault. He had no one to blame but himself.

MIA for a billion and a half years... I know... I deserve a beating. I even had this chapter written, but I wasn't sure that I liked it. Then of course life got in the way. But I'm not one to just leave a story. It will get finished at some point. Even if no one is reading anymore :)