A/N: Hello readers! Thank you for your reviews and telling me how much you liked it. No matter how much I myself enjoyed your reviews, I am not, however, a genius or anything like. I'm just lucky to have written this story. I was absolutely sure I was going to stop after my third chapter. I can't believe I've written eight. And it's all because of YOU. Hahaha ok ok. Here it is. Ladies and gentlemen I present...chapter eight!

Disclaimer: Do not own Harry Potter and never will. Only plot. I do not know why I have to repeat myself every chapter. But, well...just enjoy.

Come on, here's your chance
Don't let it slip right through your hands
Are you ready for the ride of your life?
Your dreams are riding on the wind
Just reach out and pull them in and
Get ready for the ride of your life
The ride of your life
- John Gregory "Ride of Your life"

It was Tuesday night and Hermione was walking back to the castle from Hagrid's hut. She had come to visit him and was now anxious to get back to the roaring heat from the common room. As she quickened her pace, and cursing at the long way she still had to go, her mind went back to her conversation with Hannah. It lasted longer than she realized. But it wasn't as bad as she thought. Hannah really gave her a reality check, which was to be more careful when checking Draco out. Hermione was utterly relieved when Hannah told her it was cute. That it wasn't a sin if Hermione had one or two or more "fantasies" about the young Slytherin. "They're called hormones, 'Mione" she laughed. It didn't really solve the problem but Hermione was glad that at least one of her good friends finally found out and didn't react like a raging bull. If anything, Hannah's view on her situation made Hermione feel more relaxed. She figured that the next time she thought about Draco's kiss, she'd feel less guilty. That maybe next time, she won't try to push away the thoughts, because to be honest, she liked them.

She was so lost in thought that she failed to see the hole, as large as a quaffle and as deep as one of Hagrid's bowls, until it was too late.

Draco was walking back from a late night fly with his broomstick. He'd been practicing every night for the past two weeks. Not that he needed it because he was easily one of the more gifted flyers Hogwarts ever had to offer, but it was also a release for him. Because nothing beat being up in the air, with nothing around and the feeling of ultimate freedom. He was in his own world when he flew and he was indomitable. He was walking to the castle, his broom over his shoulder, when something dark on the ground caught his eye. When he came closer he saw that it was a student who'd tripped over something.

He smirked, that's what you get for being out here so late when you're not supposed to, he told the unfortunate soul telepathically. He was ready to walk away, thinking that who ever it was could handle themselves. But as he took more steps away from the helpless being, he felt pity. It's freezing out here, he thought. He was in the middle of turning around when the person called out to him for help. As soon as the voice made contact with his ears, he knew who it was. And it seemed the person realized the same thing at the same time. Because as soon as she saw his face, she stopped and shut her mouth as if she regretted calling for him.

For a considerable amount of time, all they did was look at each other, doing nothing, saying nothing. Neither moved until Draco took a step toward her.

"What happened?" he asked, his voice sounded different to his ears.

"I fell," was all Hermione could say.

"I see that. But what are you doing out here? This late?"

"Visiting Hagrid," she tilted her head on the housekeeper's house's direction.

"Right, well, what exactly did you hurt?" he crouched down close to her, but not too close that it would be awkward.

"I'm not sure. I think my ankle may be broken." Hermione touched where she meant and immediately winced.

Instantly, Draco's had covered hers gently, "Don't touch it. Don't you have your wand with you?"

She shook her head, thinking how warm his hand was, "No, I accidentally left it on my bed stand,"

"You mean you walked all this way unarmed? Do you know how potentially dangerous that was?" he said sternly.

"Yes, I know."

He sighed, wanting her to know that she should never go anywhere with out her wand. It was far too reckless. But first, he had to get her to the Hospital Wing.

"I have my wand with me but I don't know the spell or charm that could heal your ankle. Unless you want to risk it."

"No, that's ok. I like my ankle just fine." He was still holding her hand.

He laughed lightly, "Well, we have to get you to Madame Pompfrey. Do you think you can walk if I support you?"

She shrugged, "We could try,"

It didn't work. As soon as she put the slightest pressure on her leg, she fell back down. "I guess not."

"We'll just have to ride back then," Draco suggested and was about to attempt to get her on when she spoke.

"Fly? Why can't you just carry me or something?" she sounded a bit nervous.

"I would if I could, but I banged my arm pretty bad last week during practice and I don't think I could carry you all the way through."

"Oh,"

"We have no choice, Hermione."

She looked up at him. It was the first time he said her name tonight and the second time for ever. He didn't seem to notice.

"Is there something wrong? Would you rather stay here in the cold?" he asked but only playfully.

She narrowed her eyes at him, "No, its' just that I don't like flying much. And I don't think brooms like me much either."

"Meaning?"

"They always throw me off,"

He laughed again; sometimes she was just so cute it was irresistible. Now, the old Draco would've cringed at the thought, but after a while, he learned that no one knew what you were thinking so you might as well think what ever the hell you wanted. Whether it be winning the house cup, winning the Quidditch cup, humiliating Potter and his side kick in front of the school, hearing your father say, "I'm so proud of you, son" or kissing a girl.

"Would you get on if I give you my word that my broom will not do such a horrid thing?"

"Depends,"

"On what?"

"On whether your word is any good."

"Oh, believe me, it's worthy of you, your Highness."

She reached out her hand to him, just like royalty and said, "Well then, please escort me back to my castle."

Draco took it and pulled her up gently. He sat her in the front, both legs on one side, and got behind her, this way he could support her nicely. As he slowly kicked off the ground, Hermione tightened her grip around his waist, and he thought it was the most wonderful feeling he'd felt since that night. His breathing got heavy.

When he looked down at her, he could see that she had her eyes shut. Grinning wickedly, he decided to have some fun. He flew higher and higher until Hermione realized and opened her eyes in shock.

"Draco!"

"What?" he asked innocently but was smiling so broadly that a laugh came out too.

"Draco please, this isn't funny. Get down. We're too high up."

"No we're not, this is nothing."

"Yes we are!" she shrieked.

"Hermione, have you ever seen Quidditch?"

She slapped him on the arm, "Yes I have! Now put us down!"

He sighed, "Fine," and then he started descending – fast.

It was like falling off a cliff, it was scary but strangely liberating. Hermione screamed at the top of her lungs until Draco stilled in mid air, a couple of hundred feet off the ground. When they stopped, it was a second before she realized that she was laughing.

"You like it?" Draco asked, also laughing.

"Yeah, It wasn't that bad. It felt kind of good actually. I haven't screamed like that since, I don't know." She answered.

"Fun isn't it?"

"Yeah," she breathed out. And Draco was struck by her beauty for the second time that night.

"You want to go again?"

Hermione looked up at him, her eyes twinkling with excitement and adrenaline.

"Maybe just one more time,"

What was supposed to be just once more, turned out to be much longer. She was so caught up in all the thrills of being up in the air that she didn't realize that Draco was flying them in circles. Over the castle, over the forest, over the Quidditch field and he didn't stop until Hermione got tired. They were over the lake when she asked him to slow down.

"You feeling ok?" he asked, concerned that maybe he went too far.

"No, I mean yes. I'm feeling great actually. But I'm not so used to it as you are so I just need to catch my breath."

I just need to catch my breath; Draco repeated it in his mind, that doesn't necessarily mean that she wanted to go back inside.

"Would you let us down for just a moment? I need to sit somewhere where my whole bottom would actually fit." She giggled to herself.

"Yeah, sure."

When they landed on the ground gracefully, she headed for the same rock and sat on it (with help from Draco). As she looked up at him, she suddenly realized how familiar the scene was. They were by the lake, late at night, on the same spot, and alone. The only things missing were perhaps their Halloween outfits and the stars; it was quite an empty sky tonight.

"Sure is a nice night," Hermione said.

"Yeah," Draco agreed, "you picked a good night to be blind and get yourself injured."

Hermione laughed. "It isn't my fault. It's so dark out here. How was I supposed to see the whole?"

"You do realize how dangerous it was for you to forget your wand," when he spoke, his voice was sincere and laced with concern and worry. "I mean, yes, Hogwarts is protected by numerous spells and charms. And no one can just apparate inside, and-" Hermione held up a delicate hand.

"Please, don't tell me because I already know all this," Hermione said, but she was quite impressed. In all the years she's been here, she's never met another student who knew the castle's state on security. After third year, she always just believed that she was the only student who was destined to read "Hogwarts: a History"

"Well...just in case then," Draco spoke no more. Hermione looked at him then. Took him all in. He was standing near, not too close. She guessed that he was trying to give both of them space. Maybe he hasn't forgotten that night either, she thought. Or maybe she was hoping. It's true that she'd feel stupid if he'd already put it behind him while she's still having trouble getting it off her mind. And as she looked at him now, she realized that maybe what happened between them wasn't such an awful thing. Besides, he looked so good standing there, looking at his feet, all diffident and quiet. No doubt avoiding her eyes. He was dressed casually, but it came as a shock to Hermione when she realized what he was wearing.

"You're wearing muggle clothes," she stated.

Draco looked at her and then at himself. "Well, will you look at that? It's true, I am wearing muggle clothing." He said in mock shock. He was teasing her. "I wonder who dressed me today. Should've really acknowledged their existence, poor elf." He said shaking his head. That got Hermione laughing really, really hard. It was a while before she was able to talk. But until then, Draco had a good time watching her giggle. He was smiling himself. He didn't think anyone ever looked or sounded good laughing hysterically.

"You really are an unbearable prat, you know that?" Hermione said between breaths, clutching her aching stomach.

He smirked, but not the usual smirk, this time it was cool and playful. "Sorry, I can't help it. I was born this way," he said innocently.

Hermione smiled, "I think it's time we head back, it's getting late." She didn't really want to go and she sounded disappointed but she knew Harry and Ron were waiting for her. They were probably alone in the common room right now. So she got up and took a step, completely forgetting about her broken ankle amidst all the laughter. When she stood, she took a deep gasp of air and fell.

As he did once, twice, three times, Draco caught her. He moved so fast that Hermione didn't even know it. She didn't realize until he had his strong arms around her, supporting her and her arms reflexively woven around his neck. As soon as their skin made contact, an undeniable heat started cursing through her body, spreading all over. The only thing Hermione's mind was capable of processing was that he was close, so incredibly close. She could feel the soft faint smell of his cologne that she's grown to like. She could also feel his warm breath on her cheek. He was looking at her without blinking. His eyes were wondering all over her face, and by his expression, she would've thought that he found her beautiful.

After a considerable amount of time, a couple of minutes, he righted her up. But he didn't let go. In fact, Draco had no intention of letting her go. He could stand there all night, staring at her and holding her. But that wasn't likely. When he saw her start to fall, his instinct was to help her but he couldn't deny the fact that he was glad she forgot about her injury because this was just the chance he'd been looking for all night. Actually, ever since the Ball. As he held her, he fathomed over the wonderful feeling of her body against his. He couldn't describe it. It was as if the mere touch of her left him speechless, and this excited Draco as much as it frightened him. He was growing more attached to this girl but at the moment he didn't care whether that was healthy or not. Because the moment they touched, he knew he'd never felt so good.

Draco took a deep breath, the air fanning Hermione's hair, before he spoke. "Do you still want to go back?" he asked softly, close to a whisper. He desperately hoped she'd say no. He couldn't bear to think that he realized he was ready to practically surrender himself to her and have her feel otherwise.

Hermione's answer made his heart stop beating.

Instead of answering him, being incapable of talking, Hermione simply shook her head. Everything she was feeling, what was happening right now, she was sure that these past couple of months had been leading them steadily towards this moment. The Ball night and everything in between had been preparing them for this night. And yet she didn't know if she was ready. It was true that she was scared to death, what might happen could affect their lives ultimately. Hermione wasn't trying to be philosophical or anything but she knew that what she felt for Draco was something more than a crush, or something she'd be able to get over quickly. If it wasn't, then why did she think of him anytime her mind was free, why did she think about his kiss before she slept, why did she look for him at meal times. There wasn't any other explanation.

When Hermione gave Draco her answer, he didn't know what to do. He knew how he felt, which was extremely pleased to put it mildly, but he didn't know what to do. He's never experienced this with a girl before. No other girl had ever made him laugh so genuinely, no other girl had ever made him want to speak the darkest corners of his mind. No other girl had ever gotten him so worried and concerned, no other girl had ever made him speechless by simply smiling, no other girl had ever made him smile by simply speaking. No other girl had ever taken his breath away.

So he did the only thing that came to mind that seemed appropriate; he held her close. He took her in his arms, close enough that he could feel the femininity of her body against his. Hermione cuddled close too, taking in the warmth and gentleness that he offered. She wrapped her arms around his neck loosely at first but then, as the feeling became intense and powerful; she gave in with a sigh and hugged him tightly. Draco buried his face in her neck and held on to her more firmly, his arms around her slim waist.

They stayed like that for a long time, neither breaking the embrace. When Draco finally pulled back slightly, it was to look into her eyes, to make sure that she was with him in this, to see if she'll give him permission. And she did. As she looked up into his eyes, she smiled sweetly, then closed her eyes and leaned her forehead against his. He looked at her for just a moment, her eyes shut and a soft smile playing across her lips. He was sure then that she was the most beautiful person he'd ever seen. And then he was leaning forward. Ever so slowly, his face descended to hers, desperate to feel her again. If the anticipation was overwhelming then the act itself was indescribable.

All around them, night birds sang their song, the water in the lake floated about peacefully, the moonlight shone down on them like a spotlight and the cool breeze surrounded them, wrapping itself in the heat of the moment. But Draco didn't notice any of this, because as soon as their lips touched, nothing else mattered.

It was the most wonderful feeling she had ever felt. It was like falling off a cliff, with the thrill and excitement but it was also like listening to the calming waves of the sea, so peaceful and comforting. They didn't rush it, well not exactly. At first, it was slow and gentle, as they were still getting used to it, but after a while, both felt the urgency and need that their fervent kisses began to get faster and harder.

Hermione had been kissed before, but not many times, and though she may not have the "experiences" as other girls, there was little doubt that Draco was exceptional at it. It made her blush ridiculously when she thought about his kisses, but now that he was actually kissing her, well, she didn't even want to know how she'll be like afterwards.

They stayed in that tight embrace for quite a while. Hermione didn't know exactly just how long but it felt like they were wrapped up like that for eternities. It was wonderful. It was only when her jaw started aching and her legs were getting tired, (and painful due to her ankle) that she knew that they must've been there for a long time.

When they finally pulled apart, it was with heavy breaths and half closed eyelids that the two young people spoke.

"Wow," Hermione whispered. And that was exactly how she felt.

"Where'd you learn how to kiss like that?" Draco asked, obviously satisfied. Although it would've been apparent to everyone that Draco was pleased, Hermione missed it. Instead, she thought that he thought she was bad.

She blushed embarrassedly, "I- well, I don't have -..."

Draco chuckled; she was so irresistible sometimes, he thought. Draco silenced her uncertainties with a blissful kiss. After a while, Hermione began to relax into him once again and the feeling confirmed him that he would not be regretting what he just did – or about to do from now on.

Not unlike Hermione, Draco also had his share of worries and anxiety. Not knowing whether this was a good idea. Not knowing what was going to happen. Not knowing if this was going to work out at all. There were a lot of things that could go wrong and that confused Draco a lot. She was muggle born, someone he'd confirmed himself that he hated and loathed, the school as well as himself. No one, absolutely no one from his side was going to understand. Not Pansy, not his other friends, and not, especially, his parents. His father. But he figured that they were both fairly new to this. It might now even last. And no one had to know anything yet. As long as they kept a low profile for a while, everything will be fine. Draco was still debating in his mind but as soon as he thought about Hermione, holding her, touching her, kissing her and knowing her, his mind went blank and mushy.

"It's getting cold." Hermione said at last, pulling away reluctantly a little.

"And late."

"So..."

"So..."

They didn't move. Not an inch. They were just staring at each other. "I have to go," Hermione reminded him, as well as herself.

"Yes, I know." He was still holding her.

"They're waiting for me,"

"Perhaps."

"They'll ask lots of questions,"

"I'm sure,"

She lifted her eyebrows, "I have to go." She said one more time. A little more firmly now.

He gave a disappointing look and Hermione thought she'd never seen anyone look so cute before. "Fine," he answered with a sigh. He let go of her, very slowly.

She laughed. She stepped away from his arms, limping slightly to one side, the cold air suddenly hitting her with a force. Draco just stood there, however, looking at her with a smile on even if he was disappointed that he was no longer holding her. Hermione stood in front of him, too. After a while, she huffed and said "Well?"

"Well what?"

"What do you mean 'Well what?'"

"You were the one who wanted to leave, now go, walk on by. Precious people are waiting for you."

"Draco, you have to bring me back. I can't walk remember?"

Draco's eyes widened. "Oh,"

Hermione started laughing, what was going on with him? He suddenly forgot that I was wounded?

Draco came back with his broom, Hermione got on and together they flew back to the castle. Once inside, they still used the broom, flying close to the ground, luckily avoiding any lurking students, ghost, teachers and especially, Mrs. Norris and Filch. They went up to the Hospital Wing, stopping right outside the door.

They were standing close, both looking down.

"Thank you for bringing me back."

"No problem,"

"I think I'll be fine from here,"

"You sure?"

"Yes, after Madame Pomfrey heals me, I can walk back to my common room."

"Well if you'll be okay, then I guess I should go."

Hermione nodded, she hated ending the night like this. She wanted so badly to kiss him but she didn't want to risk being seen. She wasn't ready for anyone to catch her snogging her mortal enemy so publicly.

Draco started to walk away when Hermione called out his name. He turned to face her with the least bit of hope that she would ask him to stay longer.

"Um...just to let you know, I didn't want to leave." She was looking down when she said this. Hermione didn't know why, but she had to make sure that he knew she wasn't happy to have to return either.

He smiled, "Do you want to meet up tomorrow?"

Hermione smiled broadly, not being able to contain her delight. "Yeah, sure. Where? When?"

Draco couldn't mask his excitement either, "How about Astronomy Tower, around eight?"

Hermione's heart sunk. "I can't. I promised Ginny to help her with something. And I don't think I can pull it off because she'd been planning this for days. I would feel bad..."

"Oh, well maybe another night then." He didn't even bother to act okay about it.

"But, if it isn't too late for you, I'd probably be done before 10."

He looked up quickly, there is hope. "No, that isn't late at all."

"Great, see you there."

He looked at her in the eyes, his expression saying everything. "'Till tomorrow night, then."

TADA!! The kiss!! HA HA HA. What did you think? I just hope you read, loved and reviewed! wink wink lol. Alrighty, I'll leave you guys right here. I don't think the next chapter will take too long – but then I'm not positive. Thank you again. Bye.