DRACO P.O.V
As soon as Blaise, Pansy and I walk into the packed tavern, the level of noise hits us like a backhand across the face. Waitresses are practically racing around the tavern taking down orders, customers almost screaming them in order to be heard above the sounds of other, loudly chatting customers and Madame Rosmerta is sitting in pride of place at the bar, talking and laughing.
It's almost impossible to look for any one person and, as Hermione isn't exactly the largest of people, my job is a lot harder. As Blaise and Pansy wait patiently behind me, I scan the room for the honey-haired witch. Sweeping my eyes over the crowd, nodding occasionally at some customers who greet me, I move forward slowly for a better view. Ah ha! There she is, right in the back with Potter, Weasley and the Weaslette. As if sensing my eyes on her, she glances up, still laughing at something Potter just said and, seeing me, smiles brightly (causing my heart to skip several beats), eyes twinkling and beckons us over. Much as I'm glad that she remembered that we're supposed to meet up, the process of walking over to her and her friends is a lot easier said than done. The tavern, as I've already mentioned, is packed, tables are pushed together so friends can sit together, other students walking through with hands full of butterbeers. I'm starting to wish that I'd insisted Crabbe and Goyle come with us, rather than allowing them to stay in Honeydukes. This would have been a lot easier with them to force people out of the way.
HERMIONE P.O.V
I'm so glad Draco showed up, I was beginning to fear that he'd forgotten. As I watch his platinum head make its way through the crowd along with Blaise and Pansy, my heart thumps hard in my chest. The Silver Trio finally reach our table and their grey eyed leader smiles down at me from his great height. His intense gaze seems to sear into me as he sits in the chair directly across from mine.
Our eyes remain on each other as we all order drinks from a smiling waitress.
DRACO P.O.V
God, she has beautiful eyes. Warm amber when she's happy and a dark chocolate, reflective as mirrors, when she's sad... I instantly look away from her for the first time in over five minutes, as shame fills me at the memory of the last time she cried. The last time she cried because of something I said to her. How could I have said such things? My heart can't help but break as I remember those beautiful eyes swimming in tears, that incredibly soft bottom lip of hers trembling in misery...
I feel a soft kick and glance back up at her to see those same eyes filled with concern, supposedly at my sudden mood change. I shake my head at her and smile a bit to show I'm OK. She smiles back instantly and a warm, tingly feeling spreads through me. How can someone do that? One smile and immediately the world seems a lot brighter?
"Glad you could join us, Pansy," Weasley's surprising words startle me from my daze. My eyebrows shoot up at my only female best friend and the auburn haired boy across from her. Smiles are on both their faces. Well, this is interesting. What's going on here?
"Well, I knew how disappointed you would be if I didn't show up, so..." Pansy's tone is teasing, and, if I didn't know any better, I'd say it's also flirtatious. But, I do know better. There's no way in Hell that Pansy Parkinson is flirting with Ron Weasley.
"And you were right," Weasley's voice is deeper than I've ever heard it," I would have been very, very disappointed if I hadn't gotten to see that gorgeous smile of yours." Hold the phone (yeah, Hermione taught me this phrase). They are flirting. An eyebrow raised, I turn to the giggling raven haired witch beside me. She smiles at me in a very naughty fashion.
Still surprised at what I just witnessed, I turn to watch the chocolate haired girl who is a permanent resident at the front of my mind. She is positively glowing, talking and laughing with my other best friend. I watch as he says something, making her giggle loudly and slap his shoulder lightly. He sits there, smirking in satisfaction. As I continue to watch them, unfamiliar feelings begin to simmer within me as they laugh together. All right, I admit it; they're not that unfamiliar. They're very much like how I felt when I saw Hermione being chatted up by those buffoons I call close friends at the Quidditch Practice and also how I feel sometimes (OK, most of the time) when Potter wins at the damned game. Jealous-that's how I feel right now. And I don't know why because, after all, Blaise is one of my most trusted friends and Hermione and I are just friends. Do not look at me like that. We are just friends. It's OK to feel like you want to be alone with your friends, right? 'Cause right now that's how I feel. I really want to be alone with her and I know just the place to take her. But how am I going to ask her without anyone else knowing?
HERMIONE P.O.V
Who could be calling me at a time like this? I can feel the familiar vibrating of my sidekick in the bag resting against my leg. I smile at Blaise who is still laughing away, excusing myself, before reaching down and opening my bag. I pick out the vibrating sidekick and sit back up in my chair before opening it up. Huh, Draco? Why would he be emailing me? Not that I'm complaining, far from it, but I am sitting right across from him. I glance back up at the platinum haired boy across from me to find that that intense, ocean gaze of his is already on me. He nods towards the phone in my hands. O-K. Swallowing hard in expectation, I open up the email.
TO: Mioneswan
FROM:SilverDragon
MESSAGE: WHAT D'YA THINK?
Hey, Hermione...
Look, I want to show you something. It shouldn't take very long so, please come with me? Say you need to go to the bathroom or something and I'll meet you by the back door...
Huh? What the... I frown but glance up into those grey eyes and nod. I can't help but feel both confused and excited as I rise from my seat...
DRACO P.O.V
"I'm just popping out to the toilet for a second, OK?" are Hermione's words as she pushes her wooden chair back under the table and grabs her bag. The good-looking, italian boy beside me nods slightly before turning back to Weaslette who is seated on his other side. The brown haired witch leaves the table, presumably to go over to the back door to wait for me.
I sit here for a few moments. Is anyone looking? Watching? Paying any attention whatsoever? No? Good. This is the first time I have ever been glad not to be the centre of attention and I can't quite believe that it's over someone I hated just a few short weeks ago.
Making sure that no one's eyes are on me, I quietly get up from my seat, ignoring my recently delivered butterbeer and, spotting Hermione waiting patiently by the back door, begin to make
NARRATOR P.O.V
The remaining members of the Silver and Golden Trios, along with Ginny, exchange knowing glances.
Just who does Draco think he's fooling?
HERMIONE P.O.V
Thank God that it's a relatively warm autumn 'cause, if it weren't, I'd be half frozen by now. Where is Draco? Biting my lip, I scan the bustling tavern anxiously. It's been over five minutes since I left the others, how come he's taking so long? You don't think-
"BOO!"
I jump in surprise at the sudden touch of two large hands on my waist from behind me. Spinning around to see just who my attacker is (though I do have my strong suspicions), I narrow my eyes at a now loudly laughing Draco. I watch him, arms folded, as he continues chuckling, eyes streaming and form bent over double.
"That's not funny," I pout as I push his shoulder gently. He doesn't react and I wait patiently, pout firmly in place, as he begins to regain control. Is this all he brought me out here for? I can't help but feel slightly disappointed as I turn away, ready to walk back into the tavern. Instantly, his hands, being still on my waist, whirl me back to face his smiling face.
"I'm sorry," are his surprising words, "Look, will you still come with me?" He stands waiting, expression innocent and child like, as he watches me for a reaction. He can be so cute sometimes when he isn't trying to keep up that ice-prince act of his. Immediately, I melt into his arms, which I'm almost certain he hasn't noticed are still around me and nod in assent.
That dangerous smile of his gracing his handsome features once more, he removes his arms from around my waist only to grasp my hand tightly in one of his warm ones, before turning and walking into the empty street, tugging me along with him.
I allow him to pull me along behind him, mindlessly, my thoughts being elsewhere. You know what? I think that's the first time Draco's ever apologised to me. Not that it means that much to me, it's just that...it's a surprise.
And I can't help but wonder at his transformation, as he leads me through Hogsmeade's almost deserted cobbled back streets. Just three weeks ago, he couldn't stand to be in the same room as me and now he's dragging me off to show me something and apologising for upsetting me. And I can't help but fall a bit more in love with him each day because of how nice he's treating me. And the way he looks at me sometimes. It's almost like... he likes me or something. Little tingles race up and down my spine at the thought and a happy smile comes to my face. And, as for that stupid little voice at the back of my mind telling me not to get my hopes up, well, it can just shut the Hell up.
Our surroundings have now changed from old, but pretty, cottages to a more natural setting with green foliage and leaf cluttered drains. There are a few paths leading off ours and, as I watch Draco bite his lip before glancing around, we take the next right. We are now heading down a grassy path into a shady woodland. I can't help but glance around in mild trepidation, I haven't seen a soul apart from my platinum haired companion for the past ten minutes and I'm beginning to feel a tiny bit, well, worried. Does he know where we're going?
"Draco," my tones is hesitant, slight fear evident in every syllable, "Are you sure you remember where we're going?" At my words, he turns back to me with a surprised look on his face, as if he's forgotten all about my presence. Silence reigns, as our gazes remain locked. My heart starts to thump loudly at the eyes roving intensely over my face.
"Do you trust me?" as he says this softly, his eyes assume an almost hurt expression even though his tone is relatively neutral. What? How could he even- I nod, instantly. Of course I trust him.
A small smile comes to his face and he turns and leads me towards a gap in the trees that I can now see is up ahead...
OH MY GOD... I have never seen anything so beautiful in my entire life. My jaw drops slightly open as I take in the amazing sight before my eyes.
Draco and I stand at the edge of a beautiful clearing in the middle of the woodland. There is a slight grassy slope leading down to a placid crystal-like lake in the centre. Above our heads, in the surprisingly blue sky, birds are in flocks, presumably heading south for the upcoming winter. Around the edge of the clearing, squirrels and other small animals scurry about amongst the few blooming flowers still left.
It's beautiful.
Absolutely beautiful.
DRACO P.O.V
Does she have any idea how beautiful she looks right now? The clearing is an ugly swamp in comparison to her. I can't take my eyes from the vision before me as she walks forward slowly, eyes wide in amazement, drinking everything in. Almost immediately, I feel the regrettable loss of her small but warm hand leaving my tight grasp.
She looks like an angel, beautiful caramel hair shining, amber eyes bright, wide innocent smile... I can't help but smile at her as she whirls around, admiring the view, grinning.
"Draco, this place is beautiful..."
HERMIONE P.O.V
Those stormy eyes are still on me, a small smile on his face as he gently takes my hand. As he slowly leads me down to the water's edge, my eyes dart around the clearing in wonder. The water laps gently at the shore as he sits down, pulling me down beside him.
Woah... well, this is a pleasant surprise. I smile at him. This is amazing. Being in such a gorgeous place with the guy I love...
Things just can't get any better than this...
DRACO P.O.V
Even with this beautiful lake directly in front of me, I still can't take my eyes off the girl beside me...
Steady on, Draco! Don't forget why you brought her here in the first place.
"This is where my parents used to come when they were at Hogwarts," my explanation is slow and hesitant; my eyes watching her open face for a reaction. At my words, the sweetest of smiles graces her beautiful features, stealing my breath away. I become aware that I'm sitting here, gaping at her in awe. Wake up, you idiot. You don't want her thinking you're a freak.
"The reason why I brought you here is 'cause I wanted to be alone with you," I blurt out, gaze still on her. DAMNIT, DRACO! Why did you have to say that out loud, you fool? I only just stop myself from throwing a hand over my mouth to prevent any more avid stupidity from making a hurried exit.
How could I be so damn stupid?
HERMIONE P.O.V
Aah, how sweet...My mind still boggling at his shocking admission, I shiver at the tingles running down my spine. My eyes remain on Draco's furiously blushing face, eyes wide, his jaw still slightly open at his recent words. He looks as though he fiercely regrets them and that makes the entire situation all the more adorable.
I can't believe that he actually wanted to be alone with me. And I really can't believe that a few weeks ago he hated me and now... now, what, Hermione? Once again, don't get your hopes up. He probably just sees you as a friend and ignores that pesky little voice that's telling you that friends don't generally go to such lengths to be alone with other friends.
Still smiling, I tear my eyes away from that enigmatic gaze and turn to look at the lake. You know, I really like this side of him. It's so innocent and shy, slightly embarrassed; he's almost like a little boy... Huh, I wonder... but would he even know what I was doing?
I rock forward on my heels and scoop up some water from the lake before me. As I turn to the platinum haired boy beside me, I see that he's already watching me, brows slightly furrowed in confusion. I take a deep breath before flicking my fingers, spraying the water all over his face.
"YOU'RE IT!"
DRACO P.O.V
I gaze after her retreating back in confusion. What on Earth..? I'm 'it'? What she's doing does seem vaguely familiar, though. Where could I have... ah, but of course. Now, I remember.
Way back when, when I was a lot younger, obviously, Blaise, Pansy and I always used to play a game very similar to the one Hermione's obviously playing, except we called it 'bludger' and produced to yell that out whenever we came into contact with our victim...
I continue to watch her race up the gently slope, the tinkling sounds of her amused laughter reaching my ears. I'm not so sure about this. I mean, I'm a lot older now, it's hardly acceptable behaviour... ah, what the Heck.
I scramble up from my seated position and begin to chase after her...
HERMIONE P.O.V
Is he following me? Does he even know what I'm doing? Maybe I can just sneak a quick peek... I whip around. Sure enough, he's practically on my tail and, to my surprise, is laughing raucously. More giggles gurgling out of my throat, I turn back around and continue running as fast as I can...
Ooh... I say! Two strong arms suddenly wrap firmly around my waist, sweeping me off my feet. I turn around in the tight grasp, still giggling and look up at Draco's laughing face. He looks so adorable; nose scrunched up like a baby's, eyes twinkling merrily. We're both laughing so hard we can barely stand, his arms being the only thing holding me up. Foolishly, I make to take a step back in order to regain some control as being in his heated embrace is making my insides perform Olympic standard somersaults. I say 'foolishly' because, the next thing I know, I've stumbled on a large boulder and Draco and I have collapse the ground and are now rolling down the grassy slope.
I've never laughed so hard in my life and, as we roll down the slope, his arms remain wrapped tightly around me. I barely notice the small rocks and clumps of grass that dig into my back every couple of seconds or so as I'm too wrapped up in how good his strong, well built, frankly huggable body feels pressed against mine...
As the slope gives way to the relatively flat piece of land just by the water's edge, we come to an abrupt stop. I remain on top of Draco, giggling down at him. He's laughing up at me, eyes watering from the exertion. We just lay here, clutching each other tightly, my hands now resting gently on his shoulders, laughing so hard we could almost wet ourselves...
After around another thirty or so seconds of this, our giggles begin to come to a stop but we stay where we are, gazes locked, slight smiles still on our faces...
Could he get any more perfect? This whole day has just been wonderful and he's so gorgeous. He's smiling up at me now, teeth glinting white in the sunlight, grey eyes dancing merrily, that gorgeous platinum hair spread out over the green grass, contrasting beautifully....
DRACO P.O.V
Our breathing slows and matches up, so we're inhaling and exhaling in unison. We watch each other, not speaking, the only sound being of the migrating birds calling to one another.
It's easy to see why the entire male population of Hogwarts claims to be in love with her. A smile is still on her face as she looks down at me, warm honey eyes drawing me in, wavy chocolate locks cascading around her, forming a barrier between us and the rest of the world. But it's those lips that have my attention. Those pink, pouty lips that are shaped like a cupid's bow and I remember they feel as soft as cloud nine...
And, before I know it, I'm drawing closer...
And closer
HERMIONE P.O.V
Our faces are becoming so close that just a few more moments and we'll be falling into a kiss. His heated gaze is on my mouth, practically burning my lips, eyes so grey, they're black, making mine hopelessly lost.
And I don't want to be found...
Wait, just ONE second, missy! Hold the flipping phone! How could you have forgotten what happened the last time you and Draco kissed, so easily? How could you forget how he ran away, ignored you for days and broke your heart? Stop this, right NOW!
Coming abruptly to my senses, I pull away and manage to remove myself completely (albeit unwillingly) from his tight, warmly desirable, grasp. Wooh, that was too close. I glance down at his still lying form and make a stab at acting casual by giving him a faint smile.
DRACO P.O.V
Um, O-K. That didn't go quite as I thought it would. Feeling both disappointed and confused, I sit up besides her, once more facing the lake, and brush myself off. Why did she pull away like that? Did I do something wrong?
"I haven't played that game in like ten years," I say, attempting to change the mood back to the easy-going, happy one of before. She laughs, no doubt appreciative of what I'm trying to do, flops back onto the grass, raising her head to the sky, and closes her eyes in a relaxed fashion.
And, once again, I find that I can't tear my eyes away from her but, for the first time, I don't want to look away from her. I just want to sit here for as long as is humanly possible, watching her, drinking her in, and, if I can just do that, I'll be content for the rest of my life.
But, why? Why do I feel this way? Why am I having more fun just by being in a deserted woodland with this girl beside me, than I have in a long time.
And suddenly it hits me like an express train going at 500 miles an hour. And I understand everything. Why I was so jealous when I saw my team openly flirting with her at Quidditch Practice. Why it hurt so badly to see her upset because of my actions. Why I couldn't get that kiss out my head. Why I was so disappointed when she said to forget all about it. Why just begin around her makes me feel so good. Why simply seeing her makes me smile.
I'm in love with her.
I am utterly, 100, head-over-heels, can't-get-her-out-of-my-head, empty-without-her, couldn't-stop-even-if-I-tried, in love with Hermione Granger.
08:22/ MONDAY 4TH OCTOBER/ THE GREAT HALL/ BREAKFAST/ HG WEEKLY
NARRATOR
DRAMIONE'S BIG FAKE-UP
(turn to page 2 for more...)
(Front cover is a moving picture of our favourite couple sitting, laughing, in a beautiful clearing besides a clear lake)
It's only been a week or since I reported the now infamous break-up of Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy, leading you, the many readers of HG Weekly, to believe that Hogwart's favourite couple were, indeed, over. However (and you will never witness me saying this again), it is my strong belief that I may have been wrong.
There is a very likely possibility that our favourite couple, or Dramione, as they have widely come to be known, are actually very much together and simply staged, as we at HG Weekly, like to call it, a 'Fake Up' (i.e. for those who aren't very quick on the uptake, Neville Longbottom and co, a fake break up). Not only is there photographic evidence (as glancing at our front cover will show), but there are also several eyewitness accounts to back our claims up.
There is now an official, exclusive, desperate-to-gain-admission-to, Dramione fan club (who name I cannot mention here for legal reasons), formed by members of the Golden and Silver Trios own fan clubs, which follows the progress of the couple and their relationships and takes many private photos of the two (such as the one currently gracing our front cover). A member of the fan club, a 6th Year Hufflepuff (whose identity shall remain a secret for security purposes, due to the fact that many students at this school would be willing to stalk them in order to gain admission to the club), tells us at HG Weekly: 'They're really trying to keep their relationship private, and there's no sign that they're in love yet, but we don't think it's going to be very long before they are.'
So there you have it. The official report of the couple's current situation and the schools widespread belief. Is it a possibility that two simply are 'just good friends' or is it, as we at HG Weekly have come to believe, that they are really going to seemingly extraordinary lengths to protect their relationship?
Only time will tell...
Ciao for now,
The Editor...
12:42/ MONDAY 4TH OCTOBER/ 1ST FLOOR/ STAFF ROOM
NARRATOR
"How many sugars, Severus?" The Headmaster asks, brightly, holding a spoon above the tub of sugar, ready to spoon some into the steaming mugs of coffee on the countertop before him at command. The greasy, raven-haired Potions master seated on the corner settee glances up from the test papers he's currently marking.
"None will do for me, thank you, Albus," he responds, going back to the papers on his lap. Dumbledore nods before taking out a few biscuits from a nearby tin and places them on a plate on the silver tray along with the two hot beverages. He walks over carefully with the tray and sets it down on the table between him and Snape before sitting on the sofa across from his fellow teacher's. He takes his mug from the tray and sips it, gently, eyes now raised to the ceiling in thought as Snape bites a chocolate biscuit and chews, thoroughly. Suddenly, Dumbledore turns his gaze upon the black haired man before him.
"I told Harry, Ron, Blaise and Pansy the truth about the Love Potion," he says, slowly. His companion doesn't even look up at his words, but simply licks a finger and turns a page.
"How will this affect the Bet?" Is the only thing he says. But, then again, we shouldn't even be surprised. This is Snape, after all.
"The advice I gave you will now be more beneficial than before, so you need not worry," Dumbledore is quick to say, taking another sip. The other man gives no visible reaction to these words. A few minutes pass with silence reigning uncontested, each Professor taking a sip of their coffee every so often.
"What do you think will happen once it wears off?" Dumbledore asks, quietly, eyes on Snape once again. Snape, sighing heavily, brings his world-weary, long-suffering gaze to the Headmaster's.
"I really couldn't care less," his words are slow and portray his state of mind perfectly. As he turns back to his papers, Dumbledore looks away, seemingly uncomfortable.
Could it be? Is the great Albus Dumbledore having-for lack of better words-second thoughts?
18:23/ MONDAY 4TH OCTOBER/ HEADS' QUARTERS/ COMMON ROOM
DRACO P.O.V
It's only been a couple of days but already I'm starting to hate this whole 'being in love' thing. It's like an itch I can't scratch. The angels' sitting right next to me, so close that that delicious vanilla and chocolate smell of her is wafting tantalizingly up my nostrils and I'm so tongue-tied I can't even swallow, let alone tell her how I feel about her.
Hermione and I are doing what we have been for the past few weeks; our homework, together, in the Common Room. Having completed most of mine just five minutes ago, and now needing to head to the Astronomy Tower, the only reason I am still sitting her is so I can tell her that I love her but, so far, the whole damn thing has been a hell of a lot easier said than done.
And to think that I had a very good opportunity yesterday afternoon when she was teaching me how to make those delicious, heaven-sent, cookies of hers. We spent practically the entire day together, watching more 'movies' and just generally hanging out. Why, oh, why didn't I say anything then?
I'm startled out of my self hatred by Hermione finishing her DADA with that signature flourish of hers and setting down her books.
"Right, as we've only got Astrology left, why don't we head up to the Astronomy Tower and get it out of the way?" She suggests, turning those beautiful honey eyes, that I've spent all weekend dreaming about, towards me. Yes, Draco! This is your chance! Take it!
I nod, enthusiastically, before realising my stupidity and cringing, embarrassed. I won't have her thinking I'm some kind of geek. She simply smiles and, appearing not to have noticed, picks up a large blanket from the nearest sofa and her books and leads the way out of the Common Room...
18:23/ MONDAY 4TH OCTOBER/ THE GREAT HALL/ DINNER
NARRATOR
"Did you read today's HG Weekly? I can't believe it!"
"Same here! I knew something was up!"
"Oh, shut up, Theo. We all know that's a lie."
"You shut up, or else... Anyway, as I was saying before I was oh-so-rudely- interrupted, their little 'break up' was a little too convenient, if you get my drift."
"And have you seen the way he looks at her? It should be made illegal, it's so dirty!"
"Why don't all of you just shut up?! There's nothing going on between Hermione and Malfoy!"
"Oh, come off it, Harry!"
"Yeah, Potter, come off it!"
"If there really was nothing going on, you guys wouldn't be denying it so much!"
"Yeah, exactly!"
"And, speaking of which, where is Dramione, anyway? Dinner's almost over and they still haven't showed up!"
"I have no idea but let's hope it's in tomorrow's papers..."
21:17/ MONDAY 4TH OCTOBER/ ASTRONOMY TOWER
HERMIONE P.O.V
"And the last one is... Orion's Belt," I instruct my cloudy-eyed companion, peering through the large telescope at the night sky. As he nods, head bent over his work, I sit back down besides him and scribble the answer myself. Thank God that it's a cloudless night, leaving the stars clearly visible, our job would be a lot harder.
There we go... done. I finish my sentence and, smiling in satisfaction, turn my face towards the glass ceiling. I love looking at the stars but it's not very often I get the chance. 7th Year is our most hectic yet and what with classes, revision, Head Duties, not to mention the numerous social commitments Ron, Harry and I have, I'll be the first to admit that I don't get a lot of free time...
Why is he looking at me like that? Have I got something on my face? I raise a hand to my right cheek and brush it discreetly. There, that should do it...
So why is he still looking at me? I turn to face him. His gaze is so intense, it takes my breath away. It's as if he can see right into my very soul. I manage to find it in myself to smile like everything's under control but it isn't, and the smile quickly fades. The blood in my veins seems to be boiling and I can't stop the heat from flooding my cheeks.
Our gazes remain on each other as we watch each other, silent. His eyes flicker to my lips, briefly, making me very aware of his own, perfectly formed, slightly pouty ones and my cheeks grow even warmer.
The tension is so thick that you couldn't even cut it with a knife. I swallow hard as I realise that, no matter how hard I try, I can't drag my eyes away from his darkened ones.
Suddenly, his hand rises from its resting place on the blanket as he settles into a kneeling position.
He lifts a hand to my face and, cupping my chin, rolls his thumb over my mouth almost lazily. My breath hitching in my throat, I gasp and my eyes flutter closed at the unexpected, intimate caress.
Time seems to almost stand still and the only sounds are of our heavy breathing as I detect him drawing closer, thumb still on my bottom lip. My mouth tickles and my heart thumps even harder at the feel of his warm breath. I know what's coming and I'm helpless to resist, only anticipating...
I almost die as his soft lips brush mine for the first time in forever. His mouth is warm, each caress burning all the way to my toes. And it feels so good, so beautiful is the way his arms wrap around me, as if I'm a china doll about to break. And I couldn't bring myself to pull away from his embrace even if I wanted to. His tongue strokes my lip, begging for entrance to my mouth, which I grant willingly.
This is Heaven.
Pure Heaven
DRACO P.O.V
I softly stroke the roof of her mouth with my tongue and she melts even further into my arms. Just like last time she tastes of chocolate strawberries and that exquisite taste that is pure-Hermione. But this kiss is even better than last time. Our tongues stroke each other's so gently, like ballerinas in the most beautiful dance imaginable. Tingles race through my body at thousands of miles per hour and I could die from the pleasure of the way she feels in my arms. All warm and soft and pliant.
I've never had such a good kiss in my life.
HERMIONE P.O.V
This is so nice. I almost feel like I've died and gone to Heaven...
Wait just one second, Hermione! What are you doing? Don't you remember what happened the last time you two kissed? Wake up and smell the coffee, honey! He'll go right back to hating you after this!
I pull away, abruptly, stepping clean away from Draco in order to clear my hazed head and think clearly. He stands there, watching me in confusion, breathing heavily, hair ruffled sexily from where I was obviously running my hands through it, as I gaze back at him, horrified. Oh, no. How could I be so stupid? How could I forget... how could I forget- the full weight of what just happened suddenly hits me and my heart fills with dread at what I know is coming.
Tears start to cascade down my cheeks as I watch him, hopeless. My throat is so tight, I'm surprised I can still breathe. How could I kiss him after the way he hurt me last time? How could I forget the soul destroying pain I felt when he ignored me for days on end?
How could I be so. fucking. stupid.
DRACO P.O.V
What the Hell just happened here? One second we're snogging like it's our last day alive and the next- is she... is she crying? My heart wrenches as I listen to her devastated sobs. Almost immediately, I make to walk over to her standing from but am stopped by her holding out one hand, desperately.
"I'm sorry, Draco," she gasps whilst sobbing, the sound breaking my heart. "I'm so so sorry. I'll never kiss you again. It'll never happen again, I promise. Just please-" she breaks off, tears staining that beautiful face of hers and what seems like shards of glass pierce my heart as I watch her helplessly.
"Just please, please don't ignore me again. Please don't hate me like that. Please don't hurt me like that."
At her words, I'm instantly startled awake from my shocked trance. What? How could she even think- Acting on pure instinct, I ignore her instructions to leave her alone and rush forward, enveloping her petite form in my arms. At first, she struggles to get away, shaking her head frantically but, when I continue to hold her tightly, she stops and relaxes against me, head on my shoulder. OK, Draco, here's your chance. Don't let her leave here thinking you hate her, being hurt yet again my your sheer stupidity.
"Hermione-" I start, slowly, swallowing hard to wet my throat. "Hermione, don't cry. Don't cry any more because of me... please?"
She turns her tear stained face towards me and I will myself to look at her. I never thought that it would be possible to hurt so badly and so intensely just by watching another person cry. Unable to stand it anymore, I raise a shaky hand and wipe away the few remaining tears as she gazes at me, her eyes wide in surprise. Now's your chance, Draco! Tell her. TELL HER!
Swallowing hard to wet my throat, I gently stroke the soft skin of her cheek.
"I would never hurt you, 'Mione,"- deep breath – "I- I love you," I say, taking another deep breath at relief at having done it. YES! Well done, my man! Way to go!
I watch her for a reaction. Her honey eyes are wider than ever before and I have to pinch myself hard to resist dropping kisses on that open mouth of hers. Come on, say something, Hermione.
Anything...
HERMIONE P.O.V
Did I just hear what I thought heard? No, there's no way- but then, why else would he be blushing so furiously? He's so red, I could use him as a stop sign on a traffic light. Oh, for God's sake, girl! Get your head straight! Draco Malfoy just said that he loved you!
Wow, OH MY GOD. As the news finally hits me, a warmth spreads through me and I can't help but smile wider than I've ever smiled before.
Hold on a second, girl...
Isn't he supposed to hate you?
DRACO P.O.V
"But, but, Draco," she says, hesitantly, that beautiful smile of hers now a ghost. "Don't you hate me?"
What? Is this girl CRAZY? Didn't she hear what I just said? I shake my head, frantically, desperate to convince her that I'm for real.
"NO! I could never hate you. I told you, I love you," I tell her, gently brushing a chocolate curl from her kissably soft neck. She watches me for a moment, my heart in my throat all the while, before a gentle smile comes to her face.
"I love you, too," she admits, softly, her eyes dancing. YES! I only just manage to stop myself from jumping about in celebration. She loves me! She FUCKING loves me!
Instantly, I pull her even closer and we fall into the softest, most breathtaking kiss.
And I've never been so happy...
I love her, and she loves me...
Nothing could possibly go wrong now...
23:59/ MONDAY 4TH OCTOBER/ HEADS' QUARTERS/ HEAD GIRL'S ROOM
NARRATOR P.O.V
The Head Girl lies in her bed, fast asleep. The only sound is of her relatively quiet breathing. We happen to know that she is tired out from a rampant make out session with the equally exhausted Head Boy (ooh...)
Suddenly, a purple glow spreads from the top of her head to the tip of her toes, glowing through the blanket. She turns over in her sleep.
Somewhere in the distance the clock in the Hogwarts Bell Tower strikes midnight...