Our Little Secret

A/N: Thank you to my wonderful betas -Lady WinterhartZ.C. and whateverworks. I would never have caught the things they did in these chapters. I hope you enjoy the story!

And I don't know how it gets better than this

You take my hand and drag me headfirst, fearless

And I don't know why but with you I dance

In a storm in my best dress, fearless

Taylor Swift; Fearless


Chapter 2

Draco was going absolutely crazy without being able to hold Hermione. He had spent a week without even seeing her, and every minute was torture for him. He desperately wanted to send her an owl asking her to come back. He needed to be close to her so badly, he actually went to have dinner with her parents every night she was gone. He hadn’t been surprised to learn Hermione had relayed their decisions to continue together in secret.

When he saw her on the Hogwarts train – she was not even aware of it. He watched her from afar as she rounded up all the prefects for the first meeting of the year. When she came to collect the Slytherins, they sneered at her. He wanted to rip every one of them to pieces limb by limb. He merely nodded his understanding to his girlfriend, trying his hardest to hide his disgust in his friends. Draco didn’t notice Blaise watching him carefully.

Blaise may have abandoned the Dark Lord, but he went directly to the Order. Draco had received several letters from him after his switch; all had pleaded with him to switch sides, as it was the only way to survive this war. Unlike Draco, Blaise did not have a parent who loved him. It was only under Draco’s protection that Blaise was still regarded civilly by the Slytherins at Hogwarts. He was an outcast nonetheless.

The first three weeks of term proved to be worse than not seeing her. He was forced to watch her from afar, craving her more and more each day. Not only did he yearn for her secretly, but his jealousy was quickly becoming unbearable. At night he fell asleep with a sore jaw due to controlling his emotions through clenched teeth. Draco wanted to slap Ron’s hand off of Hermione’s shoulder. He wanted to punch Seamus in the nose after he tried to wrap his arm around her perfectly petite waist. And then there was the new student – Alexander McCormick.

Draco could not even think about ‘Xander’ without boiling in anger. Everyone, even Hermione, could tell Xander wanted her. He’d wink at her in the halls and walk her to her classes. Draco could not really blame her for enjoying the attention; there was no denying the transfer student was attractive. Draco wanted to spit at the thought. He remembered the first time he saw her giggle over something Xander had said – she had blushed in apology at Draco from across the library. It took everything he had to stay rooted in his seat. For all Draco cared, Xander could take his thick German accent and Portkey his ass back to Durmstrang. So what if his parents now worked at the Ministry, they made exceptions for this sort of thing – it was their last year for Merlin sake.

Draco shook off his jealousy and turned his attention back to the beautiful brunette that strategically placed herself in his line of sight. He had been in the library nearly two hours before her; he had a free period. When she walked in, his whole day seemed a little brighter. It killed him that she could not sit with him and flirt with him. Draco heard himself instinctively growl as Terry Boot, Head Boy, stopped by her table to discuss something. Even if it was most likely about the upcoming Halloween ball, Draco hated when other men were around her. He continually had to remind himself that this secret dating was his idea.

He continued to watch her and finish his assignments for nearly an hour, until the library had emptied, saves the two of them. Miraculously, Draco had managed to finish his potions essay. Breezing over it quickly, he determined it was actually pretty good. Now, he sat back and took the unprecedented time to openly stare at his girlfriend of nearly three months. Whether she was determined to finish her essay or ignore him, he wasn’t sure. But he was very sure she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever beheld.

Daringly, he packed up his bag and sauntered over to her table. “Is this your infamous study chart?” He smirked picking up a color-coded chart from the table.

He saw her cautious smile and his started to beat faster. He desperately needed to hear her laugh because of him – he needed to know he could still make her happy like he did over the summer. “Hard to imagine that’s where it began, huh?” Hermione’s heart started to beat at the same rhythm Draco’s did – furious.

He grinned at her. “I don’t think so.” He handed her study chart back to her and for the briefest moment their skin touched. His heart pounded with need as his mind flashed back to the last time he had felt her smooth skin. “I miss you,” he breathed.

Hermione’s eyes softened and the smallest smile played on her lips. She was about to reply when her facial expression changed drastically. Snapping at him she pulled a book closer to her. “You can have the book when I’m finished, Malfoy.” Draco frowned, confused with her sudden cold attitude.

Then he heard her ginger haired best friend. “Oi! What’s going on?” Ron trotted to the table. “Get away from her, Malfoy.” His voice dripped with distain.

Draco, furious at the interruption, forgot his agreement to be civil with Hermione’s friends. “This doesn’t concern you, Weaselbee.”

“When it concerns Hermione, it concerns me.” He positioned himself between where she sat and where Draco stood, his back toward Hermione. Draco looked over Ron’s shoulder at his girlfriend. He saw a pleading apology in her eyes as she shook her head to stop him from continuing further. Draco blinked very slowly trying to calm himself down. He took everything he had to swallow his pride and not throttle the redhead standing in front of him. He knew what was good for his girlfriend -Weasley did not.

Hermione, thankful Draco calmed down, pushed Ron out of the way. “Really, Ron! I’m not your girlfriend anymore! I can take care of myself.” Draco could not hold back his snort. He did not even mind the glare he got from Hermione, and inwardly laughed at the one he received from Ron. Hermione picked up the book and shoved it into Draco’s chest. “Here, just take it. I’ll need it back tomorrow. It took me ages to find the information – try the index.” She nodded to him, gathered her books and turned her back on Ron. As she passed Draco on her way to the door, she winked and smirked at him. He successfully kept his grin hidden, merely nodding at her and glaring at Ron who followed in her wake.

Draco smirked as he exited the library in the opposite direction of the two Gryffindors. He listened as Ron whined. “What did you help the ferret, Herm?”

“Oh for Merlin’s sake! The index is fifty pages, Ronald. And my name is Hermione! Never call me Herm again.” Draco’s smirk expanded into a grin when her angry stomps echoed down the stonewalled hallway.

He rushed back to his dorm, as much as a Malfoy could without losing his cool demeanor. He threw his satchel on his desk and opened the tome to the index; a small parchment marked the first page. It read: You’re missed too. Draco’s heart grew as he read the three words over and over. It was the first time the two of them had expressed their emotions at Hogwarts, besides secret glances and unnoticed winks. He couldn’t wait to return the book.

0o0o0o0

The next day Draco scanned the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall at dinner as he entered with the tome perched under his arm. He spotted his gorgeous girlfriend, put on his best fake scowl and headed toward her. His fake scowl soon turned genuine when he caught sight of Ron and Xander sitting on either side of her. Any Gryffindor watching him would have taken his growl as one of disgust for the house, but Hermione knew it was about the two men sitting next to her. Her eyes focused on the food on her plate.

“You’re precious book.” He dropped it on the table, trying to catch her eye.

She looked directly into his eyes and responded confidently. “Did you find what you needed?”

“You mean the one sentence on page 426? Yea it was there, thanks for the tip. It only took me 6 hours to find.” He ignored the snickers from the little Gryffindors around him, keeping his eyes trained on his girlfriend.

“Ah. Yes actually that was the wrong page.” Hermione mimicked his trademark smirk perfectly. Ginny, who was inwardly laughing at the whole exchange, noticed the perfect imitation.

Draco did not have to try very hard to sneer at her remark, pulling from his obvious annoyance. “Well I suppose I was distracted with the pages surrounding it.”

Hermione’s smirk fell, taking the hint. She glanced quickly at Ginny, who grimaced in understanding. “That’s you’re problem then, Malfoy. You never see the bigger picture.” She wanted him to know it did not matter who was sitting around her, because he was in her heart. Still, not wanting to push the envelope, she stood up and excused herself to the library. Ginny followed, eager to let her vent about what just happened.

Draco watched as she walked away. “Don’t you have somewhere to be?” Xander snapped at him.

“Aren’t you a Ravenclaw?” Draco returned his even stare, straightening his robes as he did so. “Seems to me you are at the wrong table.” He turned on his heels and left the Gryffindor table with what seemed to be the upper hand. He scowled as he took his seat next to Blaise.

Blaise, skilled in reading Draco’s emotions, watched as he angrily plated his dinner. “Rough day?” Blaise pushed gently.

“Not till now.” Draco grunted. “Damn Gryffindors.”

Blaise, not willing to breach a sensitive subject, decided to remain an observer in the feud with the Gryffindor Princess.

Hermione fumed all the way to the library. She was caught between her secret love for the arrogant blonde, and her platonic love for her friends. She hated that he was jealous, but she also knew it was heightened because of the secrecy of their relationship. Half way there, Ginny caught up with her and linked their arms.

“Alright, now that was something different.”

“What are you on about, Ginny?” Hermione was clearly taking her aggression out on her best friend.

Ginny chose to ignore it. “Understanding that whole exchange, everyone else at the table thought it was about the bloody book!”

Hermione scowled. “He completely overreacted.”

“Can you blame him? His secret girlfriend is sitting in between to attractive men, laughing her head off, and you expect him to be ok with it?”

“He knew this was going to happen.” Hermione refused to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“Yes, true. But you’d be the same way – he’s just not giving you a chance. He’s staying away from girls.”

Hermione sighed, sitting down at a secluded table in the back of the library. She knew Ginny had a point; she just didn’t want to admit it. She placed the tome on the table and drummed her fingers on the cover.

“Well are you even going to look at the page?!” Ginny exclaimed, moving to sit next to Hermione.

Chuckling at her excitement, Hermione quickly opened the tomb to page 426. There she found a small piece of parchment that read: midnight, main entrance, waiting anxiously.

Ginny squealed and Hermione beamed. Both glanced at the clock in the library – a little over 5 hours.

The seconds ticked by as if they were hours. Hermione was too excited and distracted by the possibility of finally kissing him again, she did not even bother to change or fix her hair. She knew she would have to go over all of the work she had finished, because she could not remember a lick of it. It was thrilling to her - the adventure of secrecy. Of course Ginny knew, but as Hermione moved silently though the hallowed halls of Hogwarts, her heart pounded in anticipation.

She stopped at the top of the main staircase, quickly scanning the foyer. She could not see Draco, but she knew he was there. With silent steps Hermione descended the stairwell and slowly crossed to the door. Just as her hand grasped the handle, a creamy white arm reached for her and pulled her behind a statue. Without a moment to think, lips were on hers. She relaxed immediately, recognizing the spice scent of her boyfriend. Moaning into his lips, she curled her fingers into his hair. He had left it without gel for this rendezvous; just the way she liked it.

She heard him growl in pleasure and depravity as she kissed him back. Her small body pushed his towering frame against the cold stonewall, connecting fully with his toned body. He growled louder this time, flipping her to be pinned against the wall. She gasped in arousal, wrapping her legs around his waist. “Draco!”

Her breathless release of his name only fueled his passion. His hands drifted down her curvy sides and finally grasped her butt. He released his lips from hers and breathed in the scent of her skin. He brushed his lips down the side of her neck. Hot breath moistened Hermione’s neck as her body clenched with desire. “Merlin I’ve missed you, Nee.” He pulled back from her neck, letting her relax. He placed his forehead on hers, relishing in the feeling of her so close to him. He kissed her gently and whispered, “Lets go, baby. I want to show you something.” He grinned at her, grasping her hand in his own. He pulled her out of the main foyer.

Giggling incessantly behind him, Hermione ran to keep up with her joyous boyfriend. “Draco!” She hissed happily. “Where are we going?”

He spun around to look at her, pulling her to him. “Just wait and see my little Gryffindor!” Extremely happy to have her in his arms once again, he swung her around in the air, laughing as she clung to him. He put her down and ran a few more yards, into a bunch of trees near the Black Lake.

When they got to the clearing, Hermione could not banish the smile from her face. It was the perfect place. Completely secluded from the castle, yet the most amazing view of the starry sky. She laughed and looked pointedly at Draco. “Do you bring all your girlfriends here, Draco?”

He smirked, sauntering toward her. He pulled her close to him, wrapping his arms tightly around her body. “I found it when I was pining away for you. Do you like it?”

Breathlessly she answered, “I love it.” Her breathing became staggered as he traced the vein pulsing in her neck with his tongue. She moaned his name and, without realizing it, drove him wild.

“You taste so good, Nee.” He kissed along her collarbone, as though asking for access to what was underneath her shirt. Without a word she started unbuttoning her top. He stopped her and continued himself. He slid the garment off her bare shoulders, breathing heavy as he traced his long fingers along the line of her bra. He replaced his fingers with his tongue. He did not unclasp her bra until he heard her moan in need. Her creamy skin danced in the moonlight, enticing him to explore further. “You’re absolutely breathtaking.” He ran his hands over her pert breasts, taking his time to remember which spots she loved to be touched the most.

After a few moments, he felt her tugging at his t-shirt. “Please Draco. I need to feel your skin.” He could not deny her anything. With one hand he pulled the black t-shirt over his head. He used the other hand to pull her flush against his body. He hissed at her warmth. The night air was cool, but their bodies were on fire. He breathed in her scent as it flooded around him. A familiar need built up inside him.

Hermione felt the same way as his hot breath moistened her skin again. “Draco. I need you. It’s been too long.”

“I know.”

No more words were exchanged between the two lovers as they peeled off the other’s remaining clothes. It was not their first time together, but both needed it as though it was. He had not held her or tasted her in over a month. Every part of him called for an aggressive, possessive embrace, but he knew she needed more – and he did too. Their time now was far and in between– he wanted to savior every moan, every curve, and every gasp. As he pushed inside of her, he ran his fingers over every inch of her body, committing to memory the spots she responded to the most.

They found a common pace and slowly reacted to each other. Her moans begged for more, and he tried his best to give it to her. Her delicate hands traced his spine and veins in his neck, as if daring him to give her his heart. With every stroke inside of her, he gave a little more of himself to her. Just as the first time they made love, he felt as though he would never be able to enjoy another woman again – she was it for him.

Staring deep into her eyes, he felt her building up to ecstasy at the same pace as his own. Far sooner than the two hoped, they floated together to the heavens and steadily drifted back down. As she slowly came back to normalcy, she clutched to him, breathing heavy and whispering for him to not leave.

“I’m not leaving, baby. I’m not leaving.” He kissed her forehead, closed eyelids, and nose. With each kiss he left a promise of devotion.

Tears slipped from Hermione’s eyes. Confused, he tried to back away. No woman had ever cried after she had been with him. “No.” Hermione clung to him. “I’m not upset.” He understood. He had heard about woman crying after making love – but he had never experienced it. Although, the only two times he had ever made love was when he was with Hermione.

“You know, Nee. This – these moments – makes the secrecy and the jealousy worth it.” More tears slipped from her eyes. He wiped each one away with his thumb. Both knew they were in love, but for some reason neither said the words. Slowly, Draco removed himself from inside her, and transfigured some fallen leaves into a blanket. He pulled his girlfriend close to him, kissing her head.

“Tell me your dreams for the future, Hermione.” And that’s how they spent the rest of the night – talking about their desired future. Hermione never mentioned that her dream husband had platinum blonde hair, and Draco never commented on the beautiful curly brown hair he hoped his little boy would grow to have. Neither wanted to ruin the moment by promising an unstable future. With the war looming over their heads, their world was more divided than ever. Neither of them even knew if they would live to see their futures. But they talked anyway. They talked of desired professions and house designs. Draco was surprised to know that Hermione desperately wanted to be a professor, or a teacher, so she could spend time with her family but also work. Hermione’s heart broke at Draco’s earnest desire to work in Muggle Relations at the Ministry – to right the wrong his father spread.

They talked until dawn. Too soon for both of them, their rendezvous ended. Silently and with sad eyes, the two lovers walked to the castle. Before they parted Draco pulled Hermione close to his body leaving her with a passionate kiss. When he released her, he held on to her hand. He pressed it close to his heart, smiled sadly and said, “Until next time, Nee, you’ll be here.” Unable to find words to match his sentiment, she ran her hand through his soft locks, nodded, and turned toward her dorm. He watched her until she was out of sight, then silently turned and returned to his chambers.