Dramione - The Sweetest Dream

Chapter 12

"Last night was incredible, Draco," Hermione and Draco lay on their sides with their heads propped up on their fist. The sun was creeping over Hogsmeade, beams of pale golden light crawling sleepily over the shingled roofs of shops and cafes. Draco smiled at Hermione, taking her hand in his.

"Draco, could you tell me about your family?" Hermione asked hesitantly.  She saw Draco's jaw clench, his stare becoming cold and guarded.

"I just want to know about you," she nervously looked down, only to feel Draco's cool finger under her chin, lifting her head to meet his gaze.

"I'll tell you about them, but knowing about them won't help you know me. I'm not like them; they don't define me." It took hours for Draco to confide in Hermione about living at the Malfoy Manor.  She had offered sympathetic hugs as he spoke, but for the most part she held his cold hand and lay, listening. As Draco finished, he sighed deeply, the burdening weight of holding his family's secrets lifted. Hermione swept a lock of Draco's hair off of his forehead as they facing each other, their faces only inches apart and legs intertwined. Neither of them remembered moving to such an intimate position, yet it felt so natural.  Hermione longed to press against Draco's body and feel his lips against hers, but settled for twirling a lock of his hair around her finger.  

Draco felt the comforting weight of the ring he had gotten for Hermione years ago in his pocket. Ignoring the strong fear of rejection tugging on him, Draco dug his hand into the depths of his pocket and felt the cool circle of metal in his palm.

"You're brilliant, Hermione. You honestly are." Draco's lips were pressed into a thin line as he spoke, the playful flirtatiousness he had exuded earlier gone. Hermione blushed and lowered her gaze. Draco allowed himself to smile, gently directing Hermione's gaze back to his eyes.

"I've never felt this way...about anyone. I've spent my life with my head down, ashamed and angry, living in the darkness. I've never been brave enough to be who I wanted to be, the way you have all these years," his corner of his lips tugged into a shy smile.  "Being a Death Eater was hell for me, I never wanted any part in it.  The anxiety, depression, and self loathing was overwhelming, like one wave crashing into me after another, not letting me get my head above water. The only thing that has kept me anchored through the years, Hermione, is the thought of you."  Draco lowered his eyes. He furrowed his brow as he prepared himself for rejection, only to be shocked as he felt warm hands envelope his face, full lips meeting his in pure and perfect harmony. He and Hermione moved slowly and passionately, their bodies becoming even more intertwined.  Hermione pulled away to whisper breathlessly,

"Draco, I've never felt this way for anyone," she rested her hand on the side of his face, tracing his jaw with her thumb.  "I know we might not make sense to some people, but I don't care. I can't imagine ever not having you in my life now that I know who you truly are. Whether we're just friends, or something more doesn't matter to me. I just want you."

He couldn't bear to break away from Hermione's touch to retrieve the ring from his pocket. After a few moments, he mustered the strength to break eye contact, fishing his hand in his deep pocket. He realized that his perfectly pressed shirt was now wrinkled, his tie missing, and the top three buttons undone. He was slightly self-conscious, but Hermione's awe-filled gaze lingered to where his flesh was visible, as well as the tops of his chest muscles. She looked away from his open collar when his hand emerged from his pocket, something enclosed in his fist.

"I had this made the day after the Yule Ball. I had always been interested in you, but that night I just wanted to whisk you away from that Bulgarian the whole night. I promise I'll always protect you, emotionally and physically, for my whole life, Hermione. It doesn't matter if we're friends or lovers, I'm always here for you." Draco slid the ring on Hermione's middle finger on her left hand.

"I love it, Draco." Hermione felt hot tears begin to sting her eyes as she was overwhelmed with joy.  She moved closer to Draco, their intertwined figures moving as near to each other as possible. She rested her head on his chest, listening to the rhythmic beat of his heart. Draco lay content with his eyes closed, breathing in the scent of Hermione's perfume.

They lay on the love seat for hours, waking up in between naps to whisper sweet nothings and plant gentle kisses on each other's lips.  As dark clouds began to roll into view from the window of the Hog's Head, Draco and Hermione decided to leave the warm embrace of the love seat and head back to Hogworts, hoping to make it back to the castle before the chill autumn rain began to fall. They shared loving glances and innocent kisses as they walked to the castle, blissfully unaware that they were being watched.