Friends,

I am so excited to keep this story moving. But a bit nervous as well! Let me know what you think!

Love,

SweetSlytherinPrincess

Locomotive

Chapter XIII

Hermione awoke several hours later to the insistent scratching of an owl at her window. She groaned, the soothing effects of Malfoy's tea having worn off. With a huff she pushed off her blankets and kicked her feet around to the floor, surprised to find her boots and jeans neatly folded. She blushed, examining her bare legs.

"Did…he…?" She covered her face with her hands and screamed. How could he have done such a thing? Sure, she saw the kindness in it. It is of course most uncomfortable to sleep in jeans… but bloody hell! The pecking at the door came more rapidly, and Hermione pushed her embarrassment aside to walk over and throw open the curtains to find her owl returned to her. A crumpled piece of parchment tied to his foot. Her breath caught in her throat, and her hands shook and she unlatched the lock on the widow, allowing the beautiful bird to enter. Slowly she untied the letter, nearly dropping as she broke the wax, her heart practically beating out of her chest.

I don't know what the bloody hell is wrong with you. Is this a joke? Think this is funny? Do you? Hermione, you'd better be joking. Otherwise I'd think you mad. I've left Romania early. I'm coming to Hogwarts as soon as I get the chance to make sure you're alright.

I've heard that both of you got placed as Head Students. I'm sure he's done something. Is he meddling? That bastard! I swear Hermione if he has touched you, I'll kill him. I will. Don't bother writing back, I'm sure I'll be there before it would reach me. Oh, and I haven't told anyone yet. In hopes that you're just out of your wits.

-Ron

The second she finished reading, she shrieked in anger and tore the letter apart, letting the pieces fall to her feet. She began to pace suddenly, pushing her hands worriedly through her hair. What was she going to do? The second she began reading, she could hear his voice. And it pit a sour taste in her mouth. It had barely been any time at all and yet Ron's impish way of talking disgusted her. Since when did he think he had the right to talk to her that way? Sure, she was irrational and outrageously rude in the way she had confessed… but she didn't expect him to drop everything and come tom Hogwarts. Did he really intend on confronting Malfoy?

"…If he has touched you, I'll kill him." The words replayed in her might and she cursed again. Touched her? What did he think? That she was some easy slag? She could handle herself. She made the decisions for herself. As she paced, the pain began to radiate at her middle, and she bent over, holding her stomach with a groan.

"Hermione?" She looked up, hearing Malfoy from outside her door.

"Don't come in!" She squeaked, hurrying over to her wardrobe to pull out a pair of plaid pajama pants – struggling childishly to pull them on over her slender legs.

"I heard you scream? Are you alright? I've got some water over the fire. I'm sure you'll be needing some soon." There was concern and suspicion in his voice. Hobbling over, Hermione opened the door to find Malfoy staring down at her, now clad in comfortable clothes. He eyed her, glancing at the open window, then the owl perched on her desk, then to the ripped up paper on the floor.

"Weasley?" he asked with a dark note in his voice. His eyes were on her again. She nodded and he let out a huff.

"Don't worry your pretty little head about it, Granger." He said, annoyed. She tilted her head at him and followed him out into the warm common room. He had been keeping the fire alive all these hours. It was well after dinner time now, yet she doubted he had eaten.

"What do you mean?" She asked softly, easing herself carefully into the loveseat.

"Weasley thinks he has some sort of power over your decision. He doesn't. So don't let him. What did the letter say? Some threat? Pleading perhaps? Honestly I doubt he even believed you."

"How do you know what I wrote?" She said, her face reddening.

"The Weaslette told me. I'm sure she head it down the grapevine."

"She was here?" Hermione's voice perked up. Malfoys tone remained detached and cold.

"Yes. Right after I put you to bed. She came to tell you that her brother was on his way. And he is not happy." Hermione sighed, burying her face in her hands. Just as the kettle began to whistle and Malfoy moved to prepare her another round of tea, her head snapped up.

"Oi! I know you had good intentions, but how dare you undress me without my consent!" She exclaimed. Malfoy's back was to her, but she could practically feel him smirking from across the room.

"Oh please, Granger. I didn't look."

"Like hell you didn't." She shot back angrily.

"Hermione. If I had looked, I would have done more than just look." He said coolly as he dropped herbs into the piping hot water. She blushed. "I kept the blanket over you, so I didn't see anything, alright? Calm down." He turned to her, and she had no choice but believe him.

"I made it much less strong. So you won't be as sleepy. I'm sorry if there is still a dull ache though." He handed her the cup, and this time she sucked it down without question. He took the seat across from her and studied her intently.

"So. What are you going to do?" He asked, folding his hands properly.

"What do you mean?" She asked, her body warming by the fire, a tingling sensation waving through her as her body processed the potion.

"Well. Are you going to break down and run back into the Weasels arms the second he raises his voice?" Malfoy said.

"Oh. Scared are we?" Hermione mused, her eyes lidded now. The corners of Malfoy's mouth turned up, and Hermione's heart couldn't help but flutter at the sight of him. Sexy.

"I don't the scared is the correct term, but go on." He said flatly, his eyes dancing with amusement.

"Well. I wouldn't have gotten myself into this mess in the first place if I just intended to fall right back into place. Now would I?" Her voice trailed off, and she looked away in embarrassment. He grinned at this, and moved over to her. His knees resting on the ground before her as he took her hands in his.

"Tell me then." He spoke, and she responded with a confused look – her breath hitching at his sudden closeness.

"Tell you what?" She managed.

"Tell me that you'll have me. That you mean it." He stated, staring deep into her eyes. Her brows knit together and fear flashed across her face. His hand lifted to her face, this thumb brushing her cheek.

"Say it to me, Hermione. And I will do all I can to make you happy."

"Malfoy… I…" She stammered, failing to make eye contact with him.

"Tell me now. Or go back to your beloved Weasel, it's your choice. But I won't stand up for what is mine until I know it really is." His voice was stern, and yet soft somehow. She felt as though the world was crashing down upon her. He couldn't really expect her to make such a bold claim… it seemed so dramatic. But as her eyes rose to meet his, a strange feeling washed over her. Her heart melted and she leaned into his touch.

"Draco…." She whispered, closing her eyes. He smiled then, and rose up to her level, his mouth taking hers. She leaned back, her lips partly sweetly allowing him deeper access. His hands tangled in her hairm and her arms moved up to circle around his neck. He moved against her, his mouth hungry and earnest, but always maintaining a sweet gentleness. Her heart beat out of her chest and her body nearly shook with excitement, a lustful moan escaping her once he broke away. The both of them out of breath. His stood, smiling.

"I will take that as a yes. Yes?" He pushed a hand through his hair and stared down at her. Her eyes still closed, her body flushed.

"Yes." She said quietly.

"Yes, what?"

She opened her eyes.

"Yes… I mean it."