Lesson three and four went by quickly for Hermione and soon it was time for lesson five, walking in she smiled to see Malfoy already there, leaning back against his chair. She took a deep breath and sat beside him, the butterflies kicking up a storm of fear. "Hey Hermione." Draco greeted brightly. Hermione gave him her best smile. "Hey Draco." She replied happily. "How's your eye?" She asked, glancing to the bruise. Hermione noticed his grey eyes soften slightly as she looked at him. "It's fine now." He replied gently, "What about you? How are you?"
"My eyes better, doesn't sting much anymore, my nose still aches a little though." She replied. "Hey, uh. . . Draco, do you fancy going for a walk tonight? Around the grounds or the lake or something?" She asked cautiously. Malfoy thought for a moment before nodding.
"Sure." He said slowly. Hermione smiled.
"Awesome, so we'll go straight from here?" She asked. Malfoy nodded again. Hermione smiled to herself before turning and facing the front of the room and to Professor Babbling.
As the lesson ended, Hermione felt a strong wave of sickness in the pit of her stomach. She couldn't believe she was doing this. She was either insane, suicidal or very brave. "Ready Granger?" Malfoy asked lightly. Hermione jumped before looking Malfoy directly in his grey eyes and nodding. She stood and the pair walked out together. When they reached the Main doors Hermione sighed in relief to see Ginny already there waiting patiently. "What's the Weaselette doing?" Malfoy asked, tilting his head. Hermione mentally kicked herself for not warning him.
"Well, basically I need to tell you something serious, but I won't be able to say it without Ginny there to help boost my confidence." Hermione said cautiously. Malfoy watched Hermione for a minute before nodding curiously, "Okay, but what's so important you couldn't tell me in class?" He asked inquisitively. "Ears." Hermione replied simply. Malfoy nodded again, frowning slightly as he made his way to Ginny with Hermione. Ginny glanced to the two and smiled at how cute they looked together. "Ready?" Ginny asked in a low voice to Hermione who nodded mutely, gulping a little. Silently the three made their way out of the doors and towards the lake.
As the approached the lake they stood underneath a large oak tree standing beside the lake. Ginny smiled to herself slightly, this was the tree – Harry had told her – that Lilly and James got together under. She looked to Hermione who was playing with a strand of hair nervously. She then looked to Malfoy who was watching Hermione closely. Hermione then looked directly in Malfoy's eyes, whimpered slightly before speaking. "Draco. . ." She began slowly, trying to think how to word what she was about to say. "I've been doing some thinking lately. . . a-and what you've been doing for me has been so sweet, even though if anyone found out it would damage your reputation hugely." She stuttered slightly and looked to Ginny helplessly, who stepped beside her and placed an arm on her shoulder reassuringly. Hermione sighed deeply. "I- I think m-maybe Ilikeyou." Hermione finished the last few words in a hurry. Malfoy tilted his head confused, "Erm, Hermione, can you say that again possibly?" He asks softly, his tone encouraging. Hermione sighed and sniffed. "I said I think I like you." Hermione said weakly. She peeked up at Malfoy who was looking at her in surprise. "You. Like me?" He repeated questioningly, unsure if he heard her right. Hermione nodded sadly. "Now you're going to walk off and make a laughing stock of me." Hermione whined sadly.
"No I'm not." Malfoy replied, his voice quivering slightly. Ginny retreated a small distance away, giving them space but close enough to be moral support for Hermione. Hermione peeked up at Malfoy in confusion. "Aren't you going to tease me and say how you'd never go out with a filthy mudblood like me?" Hermione asked. Malfoy laughed softly.
"No, I'm not going to say that. I'm not going to say anything." He continued he moved his lips closer to his. "I'm going to do this." He breathed, Hermione felt light headed as Malfoy spoke to her, a shiver went up her spine and she smiled as she smelt his sweet breathe. Hermione looked at him in confusion; trying to stop her light headedness. She watched as he leant forward and pressed his lips against hers.
This kiss had meaning, not just fake. Hermione moved her hands from her hair and placed them around Malfoy's neck, as he placed his arms around her waist. He pulled her close and kissed Hermione forcefully. Hermione closed her eyes and kissed him deeply, nibbling his lip gently as she did. She heard Malfoy sigh contently and let his tongue slip into her mouth. Hermione fell back slightly but never removed her lips from his, she felt Malfoy tightened his grip around her waist protectively and merged their body with his. Hermione gasped softly and the two pulled apart grudgingly. Malfoy was breathing heavily and was looked at Hermione warmly. Ginny squealed happily behind them and Hermione gazed at Malfoy in dismay, a smile spreading across her face. "So. . . What to do now?" Malfoy mused.
"What do we do now?" Hermione repeated. Malfoy looked at her warmly, his eyes sparkling softly. "Hermione Granger." Malfoy started. "Will you go out with me?" He asked softly. Hermione smiled widely and nodded. Malfoy smiled and grabbed her around her waist, pulling her into a loving hug. Ginny giggled and hurried over. "Congratulations guys!" Ginny exclaimed happily. "Eight years of hating each other's guts and look were you are now." She said brightly. Hermione and Malfoy smiled at her brightly. "There's one slight problem though." Hermione said sadly. Malfoy and Ginny looked at her. "What are we going to do about Harry, Ron and the Gryffindors?" She then looked at Malfoy. "And then the Slytherins." She continued. Ginny smiled.
"Harry knew you liked him and was fine with it; he'll be pleased that you're happy. Ron isn't important; you're not cheating on him." Ginny said confidently. Hermione nodded and glanced at Malfoy, "And the Slytherins?" She asked.
"They're not important, they won't be too happy I told them I didn't like anyone." Malfoy snickered. "But in time they'll accept it." He said softly. Hermione smiled and looked at Ginny warmly. "Thank you for coming with me." She said earnestly, Ginny smiled widely.
"Anytime, I got my repayment for coming with you, I witnessed you two get together which I've been rooting for, for ages and I gave you my congratulations first." Ginny giggled. Hermione and Malfoy laughed. "Thank you Ginny." Malfoy said honestly. Ginny looked taken aback at being addressed but nodded with a smile. Hermione moved from Malfoy's grip and went straight to Ginny hugging her tightly. The friends pulled apart and Malfoy wandered over, taking Hermione's hand in his. "I think dessert might be left." He said gently. Hermione and Ginny giggled and the three headed up to the castle, Hermione placed her head against Malfoy's arm as they walked and he moved from holding her hand to wrapping it around her waist. "Adorable." Ginny cooed happily.
They walked up the steps to the castle and entered together, they glanced around and heard the tinkling of glasses and knives and forks and the low rumble of chatter from the Great Hall. Hermione froze nervously and looked up at Malfoy who looked a little green. Ginny looked at them and took it in her power to go into the hall first, the new couple followed cautiously, Hermione glanced to the table nearest the door to find the Gryffindor table, Harry was sat alone playing with his food and looking around the room, "He's looking for me." Ginny said knowingly. She smiled at the two and hurried off, Harry glanced up suddenly and looked at Ginny who was heading to him then past him at Hermione and Malfoy who were cuddled up together. He smiled widely and stood up going straight to Ginny, he took her hand and the two walked to Hermione and Malfoy. "Guys!" Harry said happily. Hermione giggled sheepishly and smiled up at Harry, he was giving Malfoy the once over. "Take good care of her, if you break her heart, I'll break your jaw." Harry warned Malfoy. Malfoy nodded.
"Don't worry, I won't do anything like what Weasley did and I will treat her like a princess." Malfoy replied calmly. Harry nodded approvingly. "Draco!" A voice shrieked. Hermione looked to Malfoy who had tensed up before looking to who had spoken. Pansy Parkinson was storming over with Daphne Greengrass, Blaise Zabini and Theodore Nott. "Oh." Malfoy said softly, looking at the Slytherins who were approaching him. The hall quietened slightly as those closest to the confrontation heard Pansy; all attention on the group of Gryffindors and Slytherins. Malfoy stepped forward, shielding Hermione slightly. "What are you doing with that mudblood?" Daphne spat.
"Don't call her that." Malfoy replied venomously.
"Answer her question." Blaise growled. Malfoy looked at Blaise and squared his shoulders.
"I am dating Hermione whether you like it or not." Malfoy snapped.
"What on Earth are you playing at? Have you lost your mind?" Pansy screeched, by now the entire hall was silent and watching. "I'm not playing at anything. Now back off." Malfoy yelled. "We'll talk tonight." He continued sharply. Pansy glared at Hermione, and she shrunk into Malfoy's shadow slightly. Malfoy turned and kissed Hermione softly before stalking over to the Slytherin table. Ginny and Harry were glaring at the Slytherins before Ginny took Hermione's hand and led her to the table calmly. "Well, well, well." Neville said, moving to where they were with Luna. "I did not expect that." Neville said in surprise. "Congratulations Hermione." Neville said slowly, Hermione smiled weakly at Neville. "Yes, congratulations Hermione." Luna piped up smiling at her. Hermione nodded weakly and sat down quietly.