AN: Well here it is, the next chapter! I told you it'd be soon. And you're in luck - the one after this should be pretty quick too.

And wow! Thanks to everyone who reviewed! I was never more surprised and pleased. Thank you to Avanell, missbookwormmalfoy, cmtaylor531, confusednikki24-7, lostxatx7thxsea, Emilee, Hermione09Weasley, ghzowy, Opy, StarShinobi, DarkPrincessPyro99, FALLENforangel, Mela, ShatteredTruth, and xDracoBabeyx. I'm glad you're all liking the story. And thank you for taking the time to tell me so. :D No greater reward, really.

I know you're all anxious to find out what happens next in Malfoy Manor (and I promise you'll find out soon) but let's take a look back at something Hermione remembered, shall we? I'm sure you'll all find it rather interesting.

Stand and Watch It Burn

XV. When She Knew

Three years ago…

"Malfoy, are you ready?" Hermione yelled.

"Just a minute," a frustrated voice hollered back.

"We're going to be late!"

"Give me a bloody minute!"

Hermione let out an exasperated breath and threw up her arms. Malfoy had surprised everyone when he insisted on partaking in the festivities for Christmas. He had even joined in on the gift exchange. She and Malfoy were supposed to be at Orders Headquarters at 5:00 PM and it was now 4:57 PM. Hermione buttoned up her red overcoat and adjusted her wooly red and white snowflake mittens for what must have been the fifteenth time. She had been ready ten minutes ago, but Malfoy was taking forever doing… Merlin knew what. He had locked himself in Remus's bedroom over an hour ago and was now refusing to come out.

Hermione walked over and rapped loudly on the door. "I'm serious, Malfoy. We need to go."

The door swung open and a very disgruntled Malfoy appeared, startling Hermione a bit. "What?" he growled.

"We need to go," Hermione repeated. She poked her head in the room. "What were you doing in there?"

Malfoy thrust a box at Hermione, haphazardly wrapped with green shiny paper. "Here," he said.

"What's this?" Hermione took the box and looked at it. It was a mess. Ends of the poorly cut wrapping paper were sticking out, the ribbon was crooked, and the bow was askew. "Were you wrapping a present? Merlin, Malfoy, why didn't you ask me to help? This is a disaster! You should have just asked me and…" Hermione's voice trailed off when she noticed the look on Malfoy's face. "Oh, Malfoy… you didn't…"

"Yeah, whatever," Malfoy grumbled. "Happy Christmas, Hermione."

Hermione's eyes widened fully. "You got me a gift?" she asked in astonishment.

"Is that not what people do for Christmas?" Malfoy asked. "I know I'm new at this 'buying gifts for other people' thing but I'm sure I got this right."

She eyed the package with interest, rotating it around so she could examine it from all angles. "What is it?"

"Well, open it and you'll find out, Granger," Malfoy drawled, crossing his arms.

Hermione tore off the wrapping paper and opened the box. She gasped when she saw its contents. "The Book of Aneirin?" It was a big, hardbound book and clearly very old. Carefully, Hermione opened the cover and gasped again when she saw all the beautiful illuminations.

"I remember you mentioning something about Aneirin when we were discussing the mythology behind The Iliad a month ago," Malfoy explained. "I actually studied the bard under my tutor."

"Oh, Draco, thank you, thank you, thank you!" Hermione breathed, taking in the scent of the old paper and ancient ink. She looked up at him. "You really shouldn't have," she said. Hermione shut the book. "It's too expensive. I can tell just by looking at it it's expensive. I can't accept this." She used all her willpower to shove the book back at Malfoy.

"You're not going to insult me like that, are you, Granger?" Malfoy asked, sounding amused.

"I guess not," Hermione said a little reluctantly though she quickly pulled the book back into her arms. She beamed at the thought of owning Lylyfr Aneirin. She couldn't believe it. "Thank you," she said again.

Malfoy shrugged, though he was now smiling rather contentedly.

"I actually got something for you, too," Hermione said cheekily.

Malfoy raised an eyebrow. "Did you?" he asked. "Were you my secret exchangee?"

"No," Hermione admitted. "Was I yours?"

"No," Malfoy replied simply.

"Oh," Hermione said lamely. "Well… I suppose I'll give you your gift now. I was going to give it to you later tonight, but I guess now is just as good." She pulled a small box wrapped in brightly coloured paper out of her handbag and presented it to Malfoy. "Merry Christmas, Malfoy," she said cheerfully.

Malfoy undid the bow and carefully removed the colourful paper, revealing a plain white box. He opened it and laughed when he saw what was inside. "The Idiot?" he asked. "Please, Granger, tell me how you really feel about me."

"No, no!" Hermione said, smiling too. "I remembered how much you liked Crime and Punishment, so I thought you'd enjoy another book by the same author."

"Ah, yes, Dostoevsky." Malfoy examined the cover. "Love that bloke." Malfoy placed the book on the table by the sofa. "Well, I think we best on our way or we shall be late."

"Ye – Oh, no!" Hermione looked at her watch. 5:10. "We already are!"

x x x

Initially, Malfoy's presence made everyone feel uneasy. Ron, especially, seemed agitated by Malfoy. For reasons unknown to Hermione, he was constantly shooting Malfoy nasty glares. But after the initial shock of him actually showing up passed, everyone seemed to settle down.

Mrs. Weasley had prepared a massive Christmas feast for everyone. The table was laden with wonderful dishes that both smelled and tasted delicious. At the very centre of it was a huge, perfectly roasted turkey, neither undercooked nor dry. The turkey was surrounded by sides like parmesan and rosemary mashed potatoes, cumin flavoured cranberry sauce, a delicious stuffing sprinkled with thyme, corn muffins, shepherd's pie, squash, corn on the cob, and savoury gravy. And for dessert, there was a decadent wild berry trifle – blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries trapped between layers of whipped cream and rum-soaked lady fingers – and an assortment of mince pies. Hermione ate so much she felt she would burst if she ate so much as one more blueberry.

After dinner, Ginny and Harry stayed in the kitchen to help Mrs. Weasley with the dishes, and everyone else went into the living room to chat and digest. Someone had spent a lot of time decorating, and the whole house was a festive affair (much to the dismay of Sirius's screeching mother). But most of the decorations were concentrated in the living room. In the centre of the room was a tall evergreen. Huge, red, blue, purple, green, and gold balls hung heavily from the branches. Whoever decorated it even enchanted the tree so it was lightly dusted with snow. A bright shining star adorned the top. Tinsel, strings of holly berries, and mistletoe decorated the walls, making the usually dreary room bright and cheerful.

"Lovely, isn't it, Granger?"

Hermione knew who it was without even turning to look. "It is," she sighed contentedly. "I do love Christmas."

He leaned in on her shoulder. "Come with me," he whispered. She felt his hand encircle around her wrist, and he led her outside into the backyard.

Hermione had never really been in the back garden of Grimmauld place before. It was overrun with ivy and dead foliage, though now that everything was covered in snow, it didn't look quite as dreary. It was snowing softly now, and the touch of the snowflakes against her skin made her shiver. Hermione wished she'd brought her coat, or at least her mittens. She wasn't quite sure why Malfoy had brought her here.

"Mal – "

"Look," he said softly, gazing up at the sky.

Hermione stared up at the black sky, dotted with little white orbs. "What am I looking for?" she whispered.

"Just wait," Malfoy said. "You'll know it when you see it."

She looked at the sky again, wondering what it could possibly be. Then, she saw it. Three stars swooped across the blackness, leaving a soft trail of stardust behind them. "Shooting stars," she breathed. Malfoy brought me out here to look at shooting stars? she thought, both amused and amazed.

"Make a wish." Looking sideways at her, Malfoy smiled.

"What shall I wish for?" she asked, turning to look at him. Her eyes found his, and for a moment, she could only see him…

"Hermione?" someone yelled out. "Malfoy, what are you doing to her?"

Instinctively, Hermione jumped away from Malfoy. "Ron?"

Ron came running out, towards them. "Hermione, are you all right?"

"Yes, of course I am," Hermione said impatiently. "What did you think Malfoy was going to do? Curse me with half the Order here?"

Ron had the dignity to look embarrassed. He mumbled incoherently. Hermione rolled her eyes. "What is it, Ron?"

"Just looking for you," he continued mumbling. "I couldn't find you so I was looking for you. Come on, Hermione," Ron said, suddenly animated, "let's go back inside." He wrapped an arm around Hermione and shot a glare at Malfoy. Malfoy, however, did not seem to respond in any way.

Back inside, Ron led Hermione to one corner of the room. "Your hands are cold, 'Mione," he said. "Let me get you something to drink." He ran off to the kitchen briefly and returned with a mug of warm spiced cider. "Here, that'll warm you up," he said, smiling. Hermione smiled too, expressing her thanks.

Had Malfoy come back in? Hermione had lost sight of him. Ron was talking to her now, Hermione was sure. She could hear his voice, though she wasn't sure what he was saying. Her eyes kept sweeping the room, wondering where Malfoy had gone.

Then she found him. He was with Tonks. They seemed to be having a quiet conversation - a strange sight indeed. Hermione constantly had to remind herself that the two of them were cousins. Malfoy seems happy, Hermione thought to herself. Or content, at the very least. She smiled when she saw Malfoy's choice of beverage which she easily identified by a peak of white in his mug.

"Are you listening, Hermione?"

"What?"

Ron laughed at Hermione's confusion. "Never mind, 'Mione. I know Quidditch doesn't interest you much anyway."

"PRESENT TIME!" someone hollered. Mayhem broke out as everyone scrambled to the presents under the extravagantly decorated evergreen.

"So," Mr. Weasley said after everyone had gathered by the tree, "shall we do this in an orderly fashion? Shall I call out names and hand each person their gift?"

There was a short pause. "NO!" the twins yelled before nosediving into the presents. Mr. Weasley had enough time to look extremely irritated before he was swallowed by a wave of eager people.

"This one is yours, Mum!"

"Fred, give me that!"

"Harry, have you seen mine?"

"No, but I think you're holding mine!"

The sound of ripping paper filled the air as each person furiously unwrapped their presents. Soon, there was a chorus of "oohs" and "aahs" as everyone saw what they had received.

"Look at these boots!" Fred and George said in unison.

"A monthly lunar calendar. How… thoughtful. Thank you, Ron."

"It'll make for easier planning, see?"

"This charm bracelet is gorgeous… thank you, Hermione!" Ginny said, beaming.

Hermione smiled. Her heart felt warmer from all the happiness around her. Looking across the room, she saw Malfoy sitting in a corner, slightly separated from the noisy crowd. He had a thoughtful look on his face as he examined the contents of a box he held in front of him. Hermione had time to briefly wonder what he received before another sight caught her attention.

Out of the corner of her eye, Hermione could see a very stunned looking Mr. Weasley sitting next to her. His mouth was opening up and down and his eyes were bugged out. He very strongly resembled a goldfish. When Hermione caught sight of what Mr. Weasley was gaping at, her jaw dropped too.

"I can't believe it…" Mr. Weasley said, sounding completely shocked. "How… What… A conpudor?!"

"A computer," Hermione corrected.

"I can't believe it!" Mr. Weasley shouted with glee. "I've always wanted one of these! But they're so bloody expensive…" He looked around until he found Harry. "Did you give this to me, Harry? Thank you so much!"

"I'm glad you like it, Mr. Weasley," Harry said, "but I can't take credit for that. Tonks was my secret exchangee."

"Fred or George then," Mr. Weasley said.

"No," the twins both responded at once. They looked at each other.

"I had Ronnie-kins," George said.

"And I had Mummy dearest," Fred chirped.

Mr. Weasley frowned. "But no one else could possibly afford something like this."

"No," Hermione said slowly. "There's one other person."

"Who?" Mr. Weasley asked.

Hermione and Harry exchanged an incredulous look. "Malfoy," they said together in disbelief.

"Incredible," Mr. Weasley said, sounding astounded and awed at the same time. He walked over to Malfoy and tapped him on the shoulder. What Mr. Weasley said to Malfoy Hermione couldn't quite hear, but it appeared that Mr. Weasley was very heartily thanking Malfoy. Malfoy seemed slightly uncomfortable, but he smiled cordially and shook Mr. Weasley's extended hand. Mr. Weasley, in the holiday spirit, pulled in Malfoy and gave him a hearty hug. Hermione laughed at Malfoy's startled expression. He looked very relieved when Mr. Weasley finally let go.

Someone behind her gently called her name. "Hermione?"

Hermione turned around and smiled. "Ron," she said.

Ron grinned and held out a box to her. "Happy Christmas," he said.

"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed. She gave him a hug before taking the gift from him. "Thank you," she said smiling. "I have yours as well. It's under the tree… Oh, there it is. It's the one wrapped in blue with the yellow bow." She picked it up and handed it to him. Ron took it and eagerly opened it. Inside the package were two books.

"Oh, wow, Hermione! Quidditch Through the Ages: Special Edition!" Ron dropped everything else, sat down, and immediately started leafing through the book. "Oooh, there's illustrations too. The Wronsky Feint! Look, Hermione! Oh, I gotta show Harry…"

"There's another one too," Hermione said. "Ron? The other book?"

"Wha… Oh, right," Ron said, finally tearing his eyes away from Quidditch Through the Ages: Special Edition! He peeked over at the other paperback. "Great Expectations. What's that?"

"It's a Muggle book," Hermione said, "and one of my favourites too. It's one of Charles Dickens' greatest works. I know, I know, Ron," she said when he gave her a look, "you don't particularly love reading like I do, but I thought perhaps if you read something wonderful you might like it more…"

"Yeah," Ron said quickly. He leaned over and gave Hermione a peck on the cheek. "Thanks for the great gifts, 'Mione. Do you like what I got you?"

"What you got… Oh, yes. It's wonderful. I love it," Hermione said blandly. She thrust the unopened package into her handbag.

Ron beamed at her. "You know, I was thinking…"

"Ron! Ronnie-kins!"

Ron's ears burned red. "GEORGE," he bellowed, "HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU NOT TO CALL ME THAT."

"C'mere and get your present, Ronnie-kins," George taunted in a sing-song voice.

Ron sighed. "I'll be right back, Hermione." He gave her another quick kiss and then ran off to find George.

As Hermione watched him run across the room, she sighed deeply. Ron had taken Quidditch Through the Ages: Special Edition! with him, but he had forgotten all about the other half of his gift. Hermione looked down at the forgotten book that lay at her feet.

Maybe it was a big mistake.

x x x

Malfoy and Lupin had left for the cabin earlier than Hermione. Lupin was going to head to Scotland the next day and needed to get to bed, while Malfoy had begun to bore of the Christmas festivities. Hermione, however, had wanted to stay a little longer. So, Lupin had escorted Malfoy back to the cabin while Hermione remained at the Burrow for an hour more. She had sat quietly with Ron for the most part. Finally, it was nearing midnight, and Hermione decided it was time to go.

Hermione Apparated back to the cabin. When she got inside, she saw Malfoy in his night clothes and his green dressing gown, sitting by a glowing fire, reading the book she'd given to him earlier that day.

When he heard her entering, Malfoy looked up from his book. "Lupin already went to bed," he said as a sort of greeting.

"Oh, right," Hermione said. She sat down next to him. "Did you enjoy the party?"

"It was… nice," he responded noncommittally.

"What did you get? For your secret exchange gift, I mean."

Malfoy put down the book, pulled out a lumpy, woolen mass from the other side of the sofa and handed it to her. Hermione grinned at what she saw. It was an infamous Weasley jumper. "Mrs. Weasley knit that for you, didn't she?" Hermione held the jumper at arm's length and examined it. The jumper was a dark green colour with thin silvery grey stripes. "Impeccable work," she said. "And I'm sure the colours suit you."

"Am I supposed to wear it?"

Hermione stared at him blankly. "Are you serious?"

Malfoy returned her stare. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Of course you should wear it! Mrs. Weasley must have spent hours on this."

Malfoy took the jumper back from Hermione, grumbling something about "looking like he shopped in a thrift shop" and "grubby clothes." Hermione shot him a dirty look and he stopped his grumbling. "What did you get?" he asked, sounding slightly peeved.

"Tonks got me this hat." Hermione held up a black fedora trimmed with a wide, black ribbon. "Apparently, it can change the colour of my hair whenever I wear it." Hermione plopped the hat onto her head and instantly her frizzy brown hair became a violent purple. Her face twisted in disgust, and Malfoy started laughing hysterically.

"Granger, you look like a crazy banshee!"

"Oh, shut it, Malfoy!" Hermione started whacking him with the hat.

"Ow!"

"Hah! That's what you get!"

Malfoy rubbed his arm. "Did Weasley like your little gift?"

"Y-Yes," Hermione lied.

"Both parts of it?"

"Of course he did."

Malfoy gave Hermione that piercing look that Hermione hated so much. It was like he could see right through her. "I told you the Muggle book was a mistake." Seeing Hermione's downcast face, Malfoy sighed. "Well, what did he get you?"

"I don't know," Hermione said in a small, dejected voice.

"You don't know," Malfoy repeated, punctuating each word. "Why ever not? He must have bought you something, even if he had to use all his life savings."

"He did get me something," Hermione replied defensively. "I just… haven't opened it yet."

"Well where is it?" Malfoy demanded. "Bring it out and let's open it now."

Hermione pulled out the thin rectangular package from her handbag. Slowly, she undid the wrapping paper, revealing a dark blue velvet box. It could mean only one thing. Hermione popped open the lid and sitting in the plush setting was a chunky golden necklace, dotted with sparkling crystals. It was… bright. Hermione lifted it out and held it up to the light.

"Interesting," Malfoy drawled. "Weasley trying to be romantic, I think."

"I like it."

"It looks like a dog collar."

"It does not!" she snapped back. Rebelliously, Hermione undid the clasp and placed the necklace around her neck. It felt heavy.

"If you insist, Granger," Malfoy said. "I'm sure Weasley will be pleased that you like it. Just as I'm sure he liked the gift you gave him."

"What do you mean by that, Malfoy?"

"You know what I mean."

There was an uneasy silence. "So Mr. Weasley was your secret exchangee," Hermione said, trying to change the focus of the conversation and to break the tension. "That explains all the questions about Muggle technology you asked me. I was starting to wonder."

Though she could tell he knew what she was trying to do, he did not protest. Malfoy merely smirked in response. "I'm sly, aren't I? You forget that I'm a Slytherin."

Hermione rolled her eyes at him. "No, oh mighty Prince of Slytherin, I did not forget. Who could forget how much of a snake you are?" Malfoy chuckled softly, nodding. He seemed rather pleased with himself. Hermione smiled too, but her expression quickly turned serious. "That computer must have cost a lot of money. It was a very nice one. I checked out all the features. It must have cost a lot."

He shrugged. "That's nothing," Malfoy said with a wave of his hand. "I have plenty more where that came from. He liked it, didn't he? I thought that was what mattered."

"Well," Hermione said, slightly flustered, "no, the saying goes it's the thought that counts. But I know what you mean."

"Right then," Malfoy said. "So he liked it. I put thought into it. What's the problem?"

"The problem is… well there are lots of problems!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Such as?"

"It's so expensive!"

"Granger, I think I've already made it clear that with me, money is not an issue. What's the matter with you? You're not usually this dense. I think Weasley is rubbing off on you."

Hermione continued on. "And dangerous!" She shot him a bit of a glare. "When and how did you get the computer?"

"Once, when you went off to see Weasley, Lupin was here and I convinced him I wanted to see Muggle London," Malfoy said lazily. He crossed his arms behind his head. "My first time, too."

Hermione stared blankly at him. "Who are you, and what have you done with Draco Malfoy?"

"What?" Malfoy turned and looked at Hermione questioningly.

"First Muggle books, and now going to Muggle London and buying Muggle technology for a Muggle lover?" Hermione was gaping at Malfoy. Her mouth shut and her eyes narrowed. "And why such a nice gift for Mr. Weasley? You used to hate him and his entire family. You never let up a chance to rag on Ron."

"Weasley, I still loathe. The rest are… all right," he conceded reluctantly.

"But I thought your families hated each other."

Malfoy glowered at her. "Right, Granger," he said coldly. "Our families. In case you've forgotten, I have no family now."

"Oh." Hermione remained silent for a while. Malfoy suddenly looked very lost and alone, though she knew he would never lower himself to admit it. Of course he felt alone. Malfoy was trapped between two worlds, not truly belonging to either. He had left the dark to join the light. The dark side saw him as a traitor, and the light still saw him as part of the dark side. I have no family now. Malfoy's hollow words echoed in her head.

Hermione smiled. She reached over and gently took his hand into hers.

Malfoy gave her a confused stare. "What the hell are you doing, Granger?"

"You do," she said.

"I do," Malfoy repeated. "I do what?"

"Have a family," Hermione explained. She used her other hand to tilt his face so she could look at him straight in the eyes. "You have me."

He looked at her with an intense stare, and Hermione felt her breath catch in her throat. "Hermione," he said thickly. "I…"

"What?" she asked quietly, almost afraid of what he might say.

Malfoy's eyes swept over her face, and Hermione felt an odd turning sensation in her stomach. His eyes finally rested on the necklace around her neck.

"Draco?"

Malfoy drew back, removing his hand from hers and tearing away from her touch. "Thank you," he said a little stiffly. "It's late now, and tomorrow, you, Potter, and Weasley have a lot of work to do. I shall not keep you any longer." He rose up and headed for the bathroom.

"Malfoy!" she yelled. But he ignored her and slammed the door behind him.

Hermione stared at the shut door. That wasn't what he had meant to say. She was sure of it. Or maybe it wasn't what you wanted him to say, that annoying nasty voice in the back of her head taunted. Maybe you wanted him to say the things you're afraid to admit yourself…

"Shut up," Hermione said crossly. She grabbed a pillow and angrily threw it at the wall.

"Hermione?"

Hermione jumped a foot. "Oh, Remus, it's you!"

Lupin nodded and smiled. "I was thirsty, so I decided to go get a drink. Are you having a fight with that pillow?"

"No, of course not," Hermione said, flushing.

"Are you having a fight with someone else?" Lupin gave her a knowing look.

"Ron and I are fine," Hermione mumbled.

Lupin chuckled softly. "Of course. But I didn't mean Ron."

"Who then?" Hermione turned around to look at him. Lupin jerked his head over to the direction of the bathroom. "Malfoy?!"

"Truthfully, it was the ruckus you two made that woke me up."

"Oh, Remus, I'm sorry!"

Lupin waved a hand. "No, it's quite fine. So was I right? Did you two have a row?"

"A row?" Hermione repeated. "No, no, not at all."

"What then? You don't look very happy, and it's Christmas." Lupin sat down next to her where Malfoy had previously been sitting.

"It's nothing…" Hermione started, but Lupin gave her a look. "Nothing I can explain, anyway," she mumbled.

Lupin sighed. "Hermione, I know I'm not an expert on relationships by any means…" A pained expression crossed his face. Hermione knew he was thinking of Tonks. "But I do know a few things about people." Hermione looked blankly at Lupin who smiled in response. "I understand, Hermione, that perhaps I'm not your ideal confidant, but you may talk to me if you'd like."

"That's very kind of you, Remus," Hermione said, "but there really is nothing to say."

"Are you sure?"

Hermione shrugged.

"I understand. Perhaps you would find Tonks or Ginny a more suitable confidant." Lupin nodded. "At any rate, do let me say this – people can change. People can do things we don't expect them to, both good and bad." His smile became slightly twisted. "I learned that the hard way." Lupin's gaze turned toward the fire.

"Remus, I'm so sorry…"

"And sometimes we find that we never truly knew people at all, that what we first thought of them isn't really true. That, perhaps, is the most difficult thing to accept."

"What do you mean, Remus?"

"Think about it, Hermione," Lupin said. "Perhaps it is not my place…" He stopped. Clearly he was having second thoughts about what he was about to say.

"Go ahead," Hermione encouraged.

"Don't feel an obligation to be with someone unless it is what you want," Lupin finally said. "And remember this: love knows no boundaries. If someone like Tonks can love an old werewolf like me…" Lupin smiled softly. "Then anything is possible." He nodded. "Well," Lupin said, rising to his feet, "that's that then. It's rather late, and we both have things to do tomorrow, so we better both be sleeping. Are you sure you wouldn't rather sleep in the bedroom?"

Hermione hesitated. On one hand, sleeping in the bedroom would mean avoiding Malfoy for the night. However, she knew how tired Lupin was as the full moon was only two nights before and tomorrow he had such an awful journey ahead of him… "No, it's quite all right, Remus, but thank you. I'm sure I'll be fine out here."

"All right then," Lupin said. The sound of a creaking door caught his attention. "Ah, Draco. I was just getting a glass of water. Well, I shall return to bed now. Good night, Hermione. Good night, Draco."

"Good night," Hermione replied. Malfoy nodded.

After Lupin was back in his room, Malfoy wordlessly walked over to his conjured up bed and got in, pulling the sheets over his body.

"Malfoy…" Hermione said so quietly she barely heard her own voice. Malfoy laid his head down on the pillow and turned over a few times. "Draco."

He turned around to face her. "What, Granger?" he asked, sounding very restrained.

Hermione walked over to where he was laying down. Standing by his bed, she fiddled with her fingers. "Look, I…"

"You what?"

"Will you stop that?" she snapped. "I'm trying to talk."

"Well, I'm trying to sleep here, so if you aren't going to say whatever the hell it is you want to say, then please just let me have some peace."

"Why are you so bloody insufferable?" Hermione yelled.

Malfoy finally sat up. "I'm insufferable?" He laughed. "I'm not the one who is in utter denial about her relationship with someone who obviously doesn't understand her."

"And I suppose you think you understand me?"

"I don't think you understand yourself," Malfoy said.

Hermione opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She tried again. Nothing, still.

Malfoy sighed. "Look, Granger, it's late. Maybe this isn't the best time to talk about it. Why don't you just go to bed and…"

"No."

"No?" Malfoy raised an eyebrow. "So now you're calling the shots?"

"What were you going to say earlier?" When he did nothing but stare at her, she elaborated. "Earlier, before you went to the bathroom."

He looked away. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"You do," Hermione said.

"Look, it was nothing, Granger. Something stupid popped into my head, and I nearly made the mistake of acting out on it, all right? Let's just forget it happened."

Hermione crossed her arms. "Who's in denial now?" she asked mockingly. This seemed to push him over the edge.

"Do you think," he seethed, "that I enjoy this? That somehow, I enjoy torturing myself every day? Being here, always bloody around you, always thinking about you? Do you really think I fancy feeling these things for you?" He threw his arms up in exasperation. "Great. Now I've done and said it. You and Weasley can have a good laugh over it, I'm sure. Now, Granger, if you could just let me and my denial go to sleep, I would appreciate it." He turned back to go to sleep.

"Malfoy, don't."

He ignored her.

"Draco, please," Hermione tried. When he still remained silent, Hermione spoke. "There are things… You're right. Maybe I am in denial. But I'm scared, Draco…"

He finally sat up. Hermione took a deep breath and continued. "I have been ever since I realised that maybe… maybe I didn't really have you figured out like I thought I had. Ever since that day at Dumbledore's tomb, I knew… and every day I only learned more. Every day that I got closer to you… the more I cared for you, the more scared I was. And when I realised that maybe I…" Her heart was pounding in her ears. "That maybe I cared for you more than I knew…"

Malfoy's grey eyes seemed to bore into her as if he understood everything she was thinking and felt everything she was feeling too. His gaze was fixed intently upon her face. Without breaking eye contact, Malfoy rose out of bed. Again, his gaze lowered to her neck, and Hermione realised what he was looking at. Slowly, she undid the clasp and dropped the necklace to the floor. He leaned in closer. She could feel his breath on her skin.

"Draco," she whispered. "I… I don't know…"

Then, without warning, Malfoy leaned in and touched his lips to hers. Hermione felt all her doubts and inhibitions vanish as he gently pulled her in closer to him. She didn't resist. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her body to his.

Finally, Malfoy broke away, breathing audibly. Hermione, too, was struggling to catch her breath.

"Hermione…"

"Don't." Hermione held up a hand to his mouth, stopping him from speaking. "Don't say anything." Malfoy nodded. "Come here," she said, taking him by the hand. Hermione walked over to the sofa and the two of them sat down. "Let's just…"

"Yeah," Malfoy said.

Hermione bit her lip. "We can't… I can't… not yet."

He remained quiet, staring ahead.

"But that's tomorrow," Hermione whispered. "There's still tonight."

Malfoy didn't respond. Hermione laid her head on his shoulder, and slowly, he wrapped an arm around her. Together, they sat there, watching as the fire slowly died out.

And Hermione knew. She knew what she'd been trying to fight so hard, trying to see what she wanted and to pretend that her fantasy was reality. She could finally put together in her mind what her heart had known all along.

She loved him.

AN: Yeeeeeees, it finally happened. A kiss! Her revelation! I hope it didn't seem to rushed... my beta ideabunny told me to get a move on with these memories. I had originally meant for what happened in this one memory to have taken place in two separate ones. That's why it's amazingly long.I'm still a bit unsure, but I think it was okay. Just not exactly how I might have liked it, that's all.

Whee. By the way, I really love Christmas, in case you couldn't tell.

Next update should be soon. Promise.