A/N: Thanks soooo much for the reviews and everything! You guys don't know how much that means to me. I am sorry this was late but I had final exams. But I'm done now so hopefully the story can be updated sooner now. Thanks for bearing with me!

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Chapter 6 – Suspicions and Secrets

Hermione and Draco hurried to the Great Hall to meet Professor McGonagall with the little time they had left of dinner. She inquired about their tardiness and Draco filled in by saying that they were doing homework and lost track of time. She believed them and then they spent their time planning the upcoming ball. Draco told Hermione he was tired and headed back to their dormitory.

Hermione stayed in the Great Hall when she noticed Harry waiting for her, with a confused expression on his face.

"What were you doing with Malfoy, Hermione?" he asked.

Hermione quickly replied, "I was working on my homework and then we had to discuss some head duties. Why do you ask?"

Harry was not entirely convinced and said, "Are you sure that's all?"

Hermione practically jumped out of place and said, "Of course Harry! Why else would I talk to Malfoy? Honestly… Well I should go to bed now, and so should you. Good night!"

Harry put on a mask of complete oblivion but still held his suspicions inside.

Hermione hurried as swiftly as possible out of the Great Hall and let out a big breath as soon as she was out of Harry's sight.

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Hermione tossed and turned all night. It was hard for her to keep things from Harry; he could read her like a book. Even though it seemed like he believed everything was normal, she could tell from his eyes that he still suspected something fishy was going on. She finally decided to tell him first thing in the morning. Then her mind drifted to Draco, HER Draco…

Meanwhile, Draco also couldn't sleep, but his reasons were slightly different than Hermione's. He was thinking about how good it felt to be inside her, to actually BE INSIDE her delicate body. She felt so good against his skin. He wanted to keep her in his embrace forever. He was at ease now that she knew that he loved her and loved him in return. He had every urge to sneak into her room and make love to her, but decided against it knowing she needed the sleep.

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Draco woke up the next morning from the sound of knocking on his bedroom door. What in the bloody hell?

He reluctantly got out of bed and opened the door. He was snapped out of his sleepy state, however, when he saw Hermione standing there in a tank top and short-shorts. Her legs looked so smooth and he could see the outline of her bra through her thin top but then forced himself to only look at her face. Why does she do this to me?

Hermione then broke the silence and said, "Hey we need to start preparing the ball. Since the theme is a masquerade ball I thought we'd go and get some masks and things from those cultural shops at our Hogsmeade trip today. What do you think?"

He teasingly replied, "Sounds fine to me. But this could not wait until later. We still have 3 hours until the trip…"

She cut him off and said, "There is something else. Today I am going to, if it's okay with you, I am going to tell Harry. About our relationship I mean. He is my dearest friend and I can keep him in the dark, it's too hard."

"I guess Potter, I mean Harry, can't be such a bad guy if you care about him so much."

"No, he really is a great guy if you'd just get to know him," said Hermione.

Malfoy gave in and said, "Alright you can tell him. But I still fail to see why you couldn't give me another half and hour of sleep at least…"

"Well, because I wanted to do this…" she said and pressed her lips hard against his.

He broke away from her to look into her eyes and both of them just stared into each other's eyes for a while, silently acknowledging their love.

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All the students arrived at Hogsmeade and Hermione looped her arms around Harry.

"Hey Hermione," said Harry, noting the cheeriness in her tone.

"Hey Harry, there is something I want to tell you that I couldn't before. But I can now."

"I knew this was coming. It's something to do with Malfoy no doubt."

"As a matter of fact it has everything to do with him. But first let's go get some hot cocoa."

Harry bought himself and Hermione a cup of steaming hot cocoa and they found a quiet table in the back of the small coffee shop.

"Alright now spill Hermione!" exclaimed Harry.

Hermione replied, "Shhh. OK I will tell you now. Draco, me and Draco, Draco and I, love each other!"

"What! What are you talking about Hermione? What do you mean love him? And he loves oy back?"

"Yes Harry! I love him and he loves me. I don't know how it happened but it did. He is really different from how I thought he was. The way he acts in public is just an act he puts on for his father. He is really a great guy whom I am completely in love with. I can't go on without him Harry. You are my best friend so I think you're entitled to know. I only hope you support me and please don't tell Ron. Not yet."

Harry took a few moments to collect his thoughts, then said, "Alright Hermione, I can tell from your eyes and the happiness in your voice that you really love him. I just hope that you know what you are doing. I'll try to be nicer to him but I swear if he does anything to hurt you I will kill him!"

"That's all I ask of you Harry! Now, if you don't mind, I'm supposed to go meet him in front of those cultural shops to get stuff for the ball next Saturday. You and Ginny are going aren't you?"

"Yeah we are. I guess I'll go look for Ginny. See you later Hermione."

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Hermione saw Draco waiting for her and she approached him with a huge grin on her face. "I take it Potter took it well?" he said.

"Yeah, HARRY, was so understanding. But he warned that you should not do so much as think of hurting me in any way, shape, or form."

"Alright," he chuckled, "you can tell HARRY no to worry. I would never do anything to hurt the woman I love." Draco kissed her forehead then held out his arm. "Shall we go shopping now?"

"Yes, absolutely love."

What both of them didn't notice was Ron inside the cultural shop, who fortunately didn't see their exchange of loving kisses.

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A/N" I know it's kinda short but the coming chapters will hopefully be longer. Please R&R!

A/N: Also, please tell me whether or not I should add in more "intimate" scenes. I could just get on with the story if you don't care for it. Or we could have some more "mature" romance if you know what I mean. So please let me know! Thanks for reading so far!