Aren’t you guys proud of me? I’ve updated quite a bit. I’ve shocked myself. I honestly thought I’d only do it once or twice. This is the fifth time. I’m really glad I’ve picked this story back up. Even though it wasn’t that great at the beginning, I feel like I can take it somewhere. Maybe time was what I needed. :3 Remember, if you want to review, I don’t mind. ;D
“You… you what?” Hermione asked, a little startled by the sudden proclamation.
He gave a shaky laugh, completely destroying the teasing tone he wished to convey.
“Do you need St. Mungo’s to cure your hearing? Granger, I love you.” He surveyed her expression, then quickly backtracking said, “Sorry if that was out of - ”
“Shut your mouth for two seconds.” She smiled. “I love you, too.”
His face seemed to light up, banishing any trace of worry or stress about what he’d just said. He laughed and took her hand in his, grinning more widely than she’d ever seen in her life.
“You know, I never knew that you could smile like that. I like it.” She said, looking like she’d just had a hanger stuck in her mouth, herself.
“I guess I do tend to frown more often than most.” He said, the corners of his mouth turning down as if on cue.
“Don’t.” Hermione said gently, lightly touching his hand as she did so.
She didn’t have much experience with love. It was out of complete spontaneity that she said it back. She meant it, of course – it wasn’t forced. She just surprised herself by realizing that she DID love him. Suddenly, she giggled. Draco looked at her, confused.
“Is something... funny?”
This only made her smile more widely. She cleared her throat.
“I’ve never been one for that mushy romantic rubbish, to be quite honest. Weak knees, heart racing, all that. The thing is, Draco – That’s not what I feel. Well, I do feel a bit like that when you’re around, but that’s not it. I feel like… the reason I love you is because I can understand you.” She seemed to be reaching for a good sentence, but couldn’t find one.
He attempted to pass off his laugh as a violent cough, but Hermione was not one to be fooled and smacked him on the hand.
“HEY!” He said in mock anger. “I know what you’re saying. I’m not one for silly things like love poems and all that nonsense, but I do love you. In fact,” he paused, as if warring with himself. “I’ve wanted to say that for quite some time.”
Hermione blushed.
“How long, exactly?” She wondered, more to herself than him.
“Well – Ever since that first attack. The first time we patrolled together.” He admitted, hoping he didn’t sound like a cheap Muggle anniversary card.
She grinned.
“I can honestly say that I’ve never expected those words to come out of your mouth, Draco Malfoy.” She teased.
“And you think I did?” He replied with a smirk.
He hesitated to study the look on her face.
“This may also come as a shock to you – but I never hated you, either. Keeping up appearances, all that.” He said nonchalantly.
“That’s always lovely to hear. You didn’t hate me.” The corners of her mouth twitched. “Are you saying you liked me, then?”
This threw him for a loop. He had to think of what to say, not entirely sure of the answer, himself.
