Simply fate.

Chapter sixteen

It's been a week since the fight and Hermione and Draco still hadn't talk talk to each other. Hermione had felt his abscence during the whole week and she realised that she really missed him. On the other side, Draco was hurt and angry at first, but then he realised that she didn't mean what she said. But, as the Malfoy that he was, Draco was too proud to make the first move and talk to her. They avoided each other the whole week, without a word or even a glance.

But something changed on Sunday's night. Hermione was in the Great Hall, finishing her dinner while, as usual, reading a book. Ron was with Blaise in the common room and Harry was about to come back from his walk. The Great Hall was quite calm since most of the students were already in their respective dormitories.

Harry stepped into the room and sat down next to Hermione.

"What are you reading ?"

"Oh, just a book about... Are you alright Harry ? You have a strange look on your face." Hermione said, placing a palm on his forehead to check his temperature.

"Yeah, yeah, I feel fine don't worry. Just had a good walk, that's all." he responded.

"Okay, then I am going to the common room and to bed. But you should go see Mrs. Pomfresh if you're not feeling well. Good night Harry."

"Wait !" he stood up, "Actually, I'm not feeling that well... But no need to go to Mrs. Pomfresh. I guess I will go upstairs with you and go to bed early." he said, scratching his head.

"You sure you're alright, Harry ? You really are acting weirdly..."

"Yes, yes ! Just tired ! Come let's go !"

"Harry, the dormitories are on the other way." she said pointing towards the stairs, the opposing way where Harry was heading.

"No ! I mean yes ! Of course, but I've discovered a short cut this way !" he exclaimed.

Harry took Hermione's hand and pulled her towards the dungeons. They walked and walked, up and down different staircases, going right then left. At some point, they eventually reached the Seventh year common room and the dormitories.

"Your way was longer than mine Harry ! I could've been already in bed at this hour..."

"Sorry, I got a bit lost... But we're here now, isn't great ?"

"Great ?" she sighed, "Honestly Harry, you are stating to scare me. It past 11 o'clock. Now let me through." she said pushing Harry who was blocking the door. Hermione gave the password and stepped into the room.

"No, wait Hermione !" he exclaimed, "Just wait for one minute..." He stepped into the room and saw that no one was around. "Oh ! Okay, you can come in now." he said, smiling innocently at her.

She gave him a puzzled look, raising a brow, before sitting down one an armchair by the fire.

"Seriously Harry, I'm far from being an idiot. Tell me what was the little show ?"

"You know you would make a great McGonnagall acting like this ?" she smacked him with her book on his arm. "Ouch ! Okay, okay, calm down. Just wait here for a few minutes more."

"No. I'm done waiting. I'm going to bed" she said looking behind her to face him. But he was already gone. "Harry ? Harry ! Merlin ! Where has he gone ? Anyway, I'm better off without him. Yes, it will be calmer now. I will finally be able to finish my book..."

"Are you aware of the fact that you are talking to yourself out loud ?" a sarcastic voice said from one the chairs on the other side of the room.

"Draco..." she whispered in realization.

"Mind if I join you ?" he said as he walked towards her.

"Yes, I mean no ! Argh ! What I meant is yes you can sit with me." she said a little flustered.

"Thank you." he sat down beside her but not close enough to touch her.

"So, how have you been ?" she asked politely.

"Hermione Granger, are you trying to do small talk with me ? Aren't we passed that step ? Besides, I kind of an expert in the area, small talking. I had hours and hours of lesson on how to hold a conversation back home, delivered by one of my private teachers, of course."

"Of course, you're the only person that I know who could make a simple conversation sound so posh." she chuckled.

He smiled warmly at her, glad to hear her laugh after a week away from one another that seemed like months. He was finally confident enough to admit to himself that he liked her and he thought that she was so beautiful with her face enlighten by the warm light of the fire. Her deep brown eyes and her chocolate hair... He wanted to pass his fingers in those locks.

"So if we are passed small talk, where are we, O great wise man of small talk !" she joked.

"It depends on what you want us to be, Hermione." he answered, looking straight into her eyes.

"Well, that's a good question..." she said, not looking away from his gaze. "What say you ?"

In Hermione's mind, something clicked. She understood now why Harry made her wait so much. He must have ran into Draco during his walk and talked to him. He then had to wait for the common room to be empty except from Hermione and Draco. He will hear about this later...

"Well, I say, first, that I am sorry for overreacting the other day, you could not know..."

"I am sorry too, for making fun of you and taking for granted something which took me months to achieve."

"We are even then..." he said, sitting closer to the girl.

"Yes, I reckon we are." she smiled.

"Merlin, you're starting to talk like Weasley. He really is rubbing off on you." he laughed, the sound of delight filling the room.

"Yes, maybe a little. He is my best friend, so it makes sense, doesn't it ?"

"Don't start growing red hairs, or else I won't like you anymore !" he chuckled before realizing what he said and blushing.

"Are you telling me that you like me Draco ?"

"Maybe...Ha Ha Ha... What are you going to respond to that ?" he said nervously.

"I like you too."

Draco turned his head abruptly towards her, looking into her eyes, searching for something.

"Really ? You're not laughing at me ?"

"Why would I do that ?" she said taking his hand in hers.

"Because I'm not used to expressing my feeling like this. At home, we bottle everything up and never say anything."

"Well, you are going to have to tell me what you feel if you want this relationship to work." she said, blushing a little as she intertwined their fingers.

"Relationship ? You mean, like a couple ?"

"Yes, something like that." she giggled.

Then, Hermione did something that neither of them expected, she pecked him on the cheek before pulling back quickly. He looked at her, a smile tugging at his lips before saying :

"I want more."

That said, he put his hands around her face and kissed her properly.