A Future Uncertain

Chapter 7: The Invitation

Hermione woke up once more in Draco's arms. She shifted her body to face him, waking him in the process. Draco propped his arm up to meet her gaze better, and Hermione mirrored the action. Their eyes wandered each others face, attempting to read the others feelings on what was to take place. It was bittersweet for Draco, and only bitter for Hermione.

Hermione glanced at his lips, once more wondering what it would feel like to taste them. This was her last chance. This would be the last chance to see it feels like to kiss Draco Malfoy. Maintaining eye contact, Hermione leaned in.

Noticing her intentions, Draco leaned back and shook his head. It wouldn't be fair of him to kiss her. It might make her want to stay, or worse, it could make her want to continue this behavior in her time. He couldn't risk her losing her mind over him. She had to live in her time, and let things fall into place naturally.

"It's not right," he whispered.

It hurt. She hadn't been entirely sure what he was going to do. It was a silly idea in the first place, really. She'd be leaving within the hour anyways. So, at least the rejection would be short lived.

Hermione flopped backwards on the bed and stared at the ceiling, much like her first day here.

"Hermione?" Her eyes shifted to the voice. He looked concerned, but seemed to want to talk about something other than their second almost-kiss. She waited patiently for him to continue.

"It's almost time, and I want you to promise me something."

Hermione sat up, and Draco followed suit. She thought about refusing, after all, he had just rejected her. Instead, she nodded. "Anything."

"Can you promise me that you won't go after me when you're back in your time?"

Anything but that. What was so wrong about trying to get someone to fall in love with you?

"You can't attempt this future Hermione- You'll drive yourself crazy," he worried. Had she said that out loud? "This future is impossible now. You-"

"It's not fair!" she shouted, slamming her hands on the comforter. "I didn't want to do this in the first place! I've never felt anything like this before. I've only begun to scratch the surface of... of whatever this is!" she said, moving her hand between them.

Hermione took a moment to regain her composure but was unable. Thoughts of leaving and never seeing him again were playing in her mind. She could feel the loneliness setting in, and he was still in front of her. She couldn't stop her heart feeling heavy, knowing she couldn't have him. It was to much. The second the first tears started to drop, Draco moved to comfort her. It took all of ten minutes for her to calm down enough to hold a conversation.

"I won't attempt to talk to Draco on two conditions," Hermione said, solemnly while wiping the remaining dampness off her cheeks and sitting up from his lap.

"Okay," he said, hesitantly.

Hermione left the room and came back with a piece of paper. She scribbled on the paper, and gave it to Draco. While waiting for his response she laid on the bed and propped herself on her hand. He looked apprehensive, but nodded and wrote on it as well. He handed it to her and while she studied his answers, he asked, "What's your second term?"

Hermione wasn't sure if she should ask this of him, but if he was going to deny her attempts to gain a life like this than she was had try one last time. "Kiss me," she whispered, hopeful.

To her surprise, Draco moved swiftly.

He pushed her flat on the bed, straddling her. With one hand holding her hands above her head he pushed his lips against hers while moving his unoccupied hand to hold her hip underneath her shirt in an iron grip. Hermione wasted no time in savoring the moment. Drowning in the sensation when he bit her lip, swimming in frenzied lust when his hands kept her from her own movements. His mouth drifted from hers and moved down her neck, sucking lightly on the tender skin.