The Proposal

Draco didn't slow his pace, but Hermione already had a thought of where he was going so she continued to tail him. The large oak doors opened to them, and they retreated inside. "Draco..It was just.." Hermione's voice was tender, caring, but her sentance was cut short when Draco turned and pulled her to himself. She stared up at him, watching the tears begin to roll down his face. She was squeezed so tight to him that she could feel him shaking. "Draco.." She wiggled an arm free, stroking his cheek with her thumb. He grabbed her hand in his, "No more tricks." He mumbled, leaning in and kissing her deeply. Her heart stopped, but she didn't push him away. She grabbed onto his robes, deepening the kiss. He moaned slightly, grabbing a hand full of curly hair. His kissing became slightly more needy. She kept at the kisses as long as he wanted, and once they broke, their lips were slightly swollen. They both panted, Hermione stared up into those gorgeous silver eyes of his. Draco swallowed hard, surprised he had let himself be so vunerable with her. He leaned down and whispered into her ear, "Go to the dance with me, Hermione."

She shuddered and looked up to him, "But what will people say? What will your father say..?" She chewed on her lower lip. "I don't care..I want to live my life to the fullest..Not in fear.." He whispered softly, stroking her cheek. "Please say yes." He said softly. Hermione stared up at him, her heart hammering in her chest. She licked at her lips before cautiously nodding. "Yes.. I..I want this, yes." She said it with a small smile. Draco smiled brightly through his tears, picking her up and spinning her around. "I'll take care of everything." He said happily. "You should get back to class.. you won't regret it." He smiled and kissed her a few more times. "What do you mean, take care of everything?" She gave him an unsure look. "Never you mind Granger, go to class." He said, rubbing his face with his sleeve. "I've planning to do." He quickly strode out of the room. Once again, he had left her standing there confused, but this time she was happy about it.

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Finally it was dinner time, and Hermione strode over to the Gryffindor table, taking a seat beside Harry. Ron was glaring daggers at her, "That was a really shit thing you pulled earlier Hermione, trying to make me jealous of that ferret." He snapped. Hermione ignored him, putting some meat and potatoes on her tray and taking a sip of her pumpkin juice. "Are you listening to me, 'Mionie!?" He growled. Harry looked to the witch beside him. "I'm with Ron on this one. Why did you pair with Malfoy and why did you two disappear together right after class?" "First off, Harry, I can pair with whoever I want. It doesn't have to be you two all the time. Draco is a brilliant wizard who I know would try his hardest to get an O on any assignment." Hermione said, simply stating the facts.

Ron cut her off "Oh so are you two shagging now?! Is that it? Sleeping with the enemy?!" He snapped. "That's what I was getting to. Frankly, it's none of your business who I'm shagging Ronald. All you need to know is that it isn't you." She smirked, feeling sassy. Ron went red in the face, but he was so angry he couldn't get the words out. "And furthermore, not that it's any concern of yours, but I'm going to the Samhain dance with Draco." She stood up, having lost her appetite, and she quickly marched out of the Great Hall. Harry quickly moved after her, grabbing her by the arm as gentle as he possibly could. "Hermione.." "No, Harry. I've said my piece." "Hermione, listen to me. You're one of my best friends. If.. if you want to go with Draco fine, but be careful Hermione. He's still a Slytherin. He's still Malfoy. I don't want you hurt." He stared at her, his voice concerned, a frown set in place.

"I know, Harry, but..Honestly..I think..I think I can change him. He doesn't have to be the bad guy you know?" She asked softly, pleading with Harry to understand. Harry shook his head, "People like Malfoy don't just change over night Hermione..I just want you to be careful. Be safe." "Honestly Harry, I'm fine. In fact I've never felt better." She assured him, looking past his shoulder, a blush filled her face. Harry turned to look, and he really did try his hardest not to scowl when he saw Draco approaching them. "Potter." Draco said casually, as if they hadn't been enemies these several years. "Malfoy..if you hurt her.." He began. Draco waved him off with his free hand "You'd better go calm the weasle down, he looks like he's going to blow." Harry half-scowled and walked past him, though the fact that Draco had an arm full of food did not escape his notice. Harry thought Draco might just actually care a small bit for Hermione. That or the food had been tampered with.

He glanced back at the two. Draco offered Hermione a muffin, "You didn't eat much.." "What if someone saw you?" "Don't care. I'm taking you to the dance, so if they see me now.." He said softly, watching her take the muffin. "Ronald just infuriates me." "Don't let him. He cheated on you. You left him. He doesn't hold power over you, Granger." He said as he took a bite of an apple he had carried. The two walked along to an empty class room to finish their dinner together.