"Stop it Draco." I whined.

It was midnight and the two of us were up at the Astronomy tower having one of our usual excursions. Since there was not enough time available to us during the day, we had been sneaking out of our dormitories late at night so we could spend even more time together. It was easier this way too—no one noticed you if you were gone for too long if they weren't awake to witness it. We had both become experts at avoiding and hiding from Filch. Even though we had some close calls we were never caught. Thankfully. Broom-cupboards, abandoned classrooms and alcoves served us well then—the were excellent hiding places.

"Stop what?" He asked innocently.

"You damn well and know what." I retorted.

The idiot loved twirling his fingers in my unruly hair even though he knew I didn't like it. Hair like mine was not made for things like that—it got tangled and pulled at my scalp which is not particularity pleasant. It was a nightmare to comb through too.

"Alright, I'll stop." He said reluctantly.

"You're still doing it." I pointed out.

"I said I would stop—not when." He countered, holding back a smile.

"Draco." I said in a warning tone.

He pouted at me childishly and then removed his fingers from hair.

Good.

"You're no fun."

"Shut it."

He did.

"What's wrong? Somethings clearly bothering you?" He asked a few minutes later.

"Nothing. Just nervous about exam results. They'll be out in a few days."

He looked at me doubtfully.

"That's not it so why don't you tell me the truth."

"That is the truth." I replied in an annoyed voice.

"No it's not. Tell me what's really bothering you." He demanded.

Persistent bastard.

"Fine." I sighed. " Term ends next week and I'm freaking out about going home." I said in a small voice.

"Whatever for?"

"You know that my parents were really angry about me modifying their memories—especially without their permission."

"You did it to keep them safe, they shouldn't be mad at you." He interrupted.

"The know that and they accept that it was necessary for me to do something for their protection but the think I went too far. I honestly don't know how the atmosphere will be at home. We haven't spoken much since they've been back and I guess I'm just scared to face them." I was near tears.

Draco pulled me close and wrapped his arms around me in a warm hug.

"I understand your anxiety but they're your parents. They love you and I'm sure they must be over it by now. Even if they're not—it's Christmas—the first one since they've been back and I don't think they would want to ruin it for any of you with any open animosity. Chin up, it will turn out fine." He said reassuringly while rubbing soothing circles on my back with his hands.

" I hope that you're right. I couldn't bear it if things don't go well."

"What about you,excited to be going home?" I asked curiously.

"I guess so. It will be nice seeing my mother again—I know she will be pleased to see how much better I'm doing. My father will too. Truth be told, I'm nervous about how he's doing. Mother's says he's alright in her letters but I know it can't be easy for him. The great Lucius Malfoy has fallen far."

"Well then you will have to pick him up then." I replied, trying to be supportive.

"I want to. I just hope he let's me. My father's a very proud man."

"So that's where you get it from." I teased. "Anyway, once he says how far you've come I have no doubt that he will want to follow your example."

He only chuckled in reply. His father was still a touchy subject for him so I didn't press him to continue.

"I'll be steering clear of the drawing room that's for sure. After what happened to you there, I never want to see it again. Actually, my whole house is filled with terrible memories but that one is by far the worst." He said sadly.

"Oh sweetie. I'm so sorry. Maybe you will find the place changed since you were last there—it will be easier to deal with since the memories won't be as fresh. You have changed at any rate. You're stronger—you can handle any thing the Manor throws at you." I encouraged him.

"I certainly hope so."


It was December 17th. Exam results had already been handed out and I passed every subject with flying colors—topping my class in the process. Draco was right behind me. All of our studying together had paid off for both of us.

Students who were going home were due to leave Hogwarts tomorrow. Dinner was over and both Ginny and I were in our dormitory finishing up our packing.

"Oh Hermione, I can't wait to get home! I've missed everyone so much. Especially Harry." Said Ginny with a wicked grin.

"I know, Gin." I replied with a grin of my own.

"I know you're going to your parents house first but you must come to the Burrow as soon as possible." She told me with force.

"Of course. I've missed everyone like crazy too. I'll pop in for a quick visit after I get settled in at home and then again on Christmas day." I told her.

"That's great."

"Yeah."

We finished the rest of our packing in silence before Ginny announced that she was going to meet Luna.

I was supposed to be meeting Draco myself so I followed not long after.

When I made it to the library and made my way to one of our secluded corners, (previously agreed on) Draco was already there.

"Hi." I greeted him.

"Hi yourself." He replied in turn.

"Have you been waiting long?' I asked as I sat next to him on the bench.

"Nope. Just got here a few minutes ago."

"Ah." Was all I said.

"All packed for tomorrow? He inquired.

"Just finished before coming down here."

"You?"

"No." He said flippantly.

"Oh you lazy boy."

"I'll do it tomorrow morning." He said and shrugged.

"Whatever you say."

I picked up a random book and started flipping through the pages eagerly. He did the same.

A good while passed before the silence was broken—that was something both of us valued in each other—we didn't need to fill each second with chatter. Simply being in one anther's presence was enough for us.

"It'll be two weeks till I see you again. How will I ever survive!" He said in dramatic fashion.

I laughed at his silliness.

"You'll live." I replied sticking my tongue out.

"I'll try my best."

"You do that."

"What about you? Will you be crying yourself to sleep every night at having to do without my amazing company for such a long time." He asked cockily.

"Of course not you silly boy. I'll be living it up without you for sure." I said to annoy him.

"That's so cold of you. You've broken my poor little heart." He replied feigning hurt and clutching at his hurt.

I giggled before becoming serious.

"Oh my dear, Draco, you know I'll miss you terribly." I told him sincerely.

"I'll miss you too Hermione." He said with a sigh.

"Come here." I told him and pulled him towards me into a tight hug.

Oh how I adored hugging him.


We had just left the library and were walking down the corridor—heading back to our respective dorms. We both wanted to turn in early so as to get a good nights sleep before leaving early in the morning so there was still some time before curfew. The place was deserted though. We continued walking, hand in hand when suddenly I couldn't take another step. It was like I was rooted to the spot. I looked at Draco to see if he knew what was wrong but he was equally perplexed. He couldn't move either.

A sudden dread filled me and I looked up only to see a sprig of enchanted mistletoe floating above both of our heads. Just as I expected. I was going to kill George Weasley. His enchanted mistletoe was a big seller among Hogwarts students—they were spelled to keep the two caught underneath stuck to the spot until the kissed and broke the enchantment. Both Draco and i were lucky to avoid it all through the holidays but with one day of term left our luck had ran out at last.

I licked my lips nervously and looked up t his face. He was wearing an unreadable expression.

I gulped and then cleared my throat.

"I um, uh... I mean we have to— you know...kiss each other or else we'll be stuck here for Merlin knows how long." I rambled on.

"I know." He rolled his eyes at me.

"Well let's just get it over with then." I said more boldly than I felt.

"Okay." Was his only reply.

Suddenly he was moving in closer and ridiculous I was struck by how handsome he was. Not for the first time. Obviously. I would have had to be blind not to. I had always known he was good looking but it wasn't something I consciously thought of. Even now that we were so close I never really took much notice of it. Now though—when he was so close I was captivated by his beauty and I remembered that even during his worst days—though slightly dimmed—his handsomeness had always shone through the grief and gauntness on his face. It was inescapable—undeniable.

He was coming closer still—closer than he had ever been before. My yes were focused on his lips. Just like every feature on his pale face, they were perfect. My breathing got heavier in sudden anticipation.

Our lips met. Lightly at first but then he increased the pressure ever so slightly and I was gone. I moaned and opened my mouth a bit,letting his tongue in. Fire—fire and passion were all I felt. Never had I been kissed like this before. It made my head spin.

Too soon, he recalled himself and pulled away. This was madness. We were friends for god's sake. We weren't supposed to be kissing each other and it definitely wasn't supposed to feel so good.

I was blushing furiously and he had a pink tinge on his cheeks. Utterly embarrassing.

"Did it work?" He asked,slightly out of breath.

"Did what work?" I asked stupidly.

"The kiss—did it break the spell." He told me.

"Oh. That. Well let's see then."

I took a few steps away form him freely. It worked.

"Well I guess I'll see you tomorrow then." I said, trying to school my voice into a normal tone. I failed.

"Yeah. Goodnight then." He replied

"Goodnight."

I turned my back on him and walked quickly away but I turned back before he was out of sight and saw him standing in the same spot I had left him—looking down at his feet—his fingers touching his lips.

By the time I was in bed my thoughts were a jumbled mess. What just happened? I couldn't comprehend it.

For the first time in weeks I had a troubled nights sleep.

Review please. :)