hidden years

Chapter Three

January
5th Year

Draco was planning on plucking up the courage to ask Hermione to spend time away from studying with him. He decided today would be the day, and his nerves were growing with each second. He looked down at his watch.

5:10

He heard her light footsteps from
the stairwell and turned to see her in a very not-hermione-granger state. Her eyes were red and puffy and she sniffled wiping her nose.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to be this late." She said bringing out her books and opening to the new chapter.

"Granger, have you been crying?" He asked and she looked at him wildly—like he had made a crazy accusation.

"No, don't be silly." She said pointing to the new topic. Her voice trembled a bit...but she held it together pretty well.

"Granger," Draco interrupted her. She looked up at him with sad eyes. He shut the book and brought it towards him. Hermione bit the inside of her cheek trying to keep tears down.

"What's wrong?" He asked and she closed her eyes letting out a sigh.

"Ronald," She whispered, burrowing her eyebrows.
"He just...kissed Lavender Brown." He understood quickly. She had feelings for the red head.

"Well, shes annoying." He commented. "Sounds like a mouse." Hermione laughed, because it was true. She leaned her head on his shoulder, he stiffened but made himself relax. He enjoyed this feeling.

"He's an idiot...he can go have fun with that daft mouse." Draco chucked at her attempt at an insult. A beat of silence passed through them naturally, and he swallowed nervously. He was not sure how she would react to what he was going to say next.

"You're prettier anyway." He said softly. Hermione stilled, then her head shot up and she looked at him
confused.

"You just...complimented me." She said shocked. But he didn't miss the gleam in her eyes.

"I know," He said simply. She eyed him suspiciously waiting for an insult thrown her way.

"Go out with me, Granger." Her eyes fluttered and she looked delighted but still confused.

"What like..." She said not breaking eye contact wanting to make sure he was serious.

"Like a date. Though...I hope you don't mind. We have to stay hidden..my father—," He began to say but she interrupted him.

"I know...sure. I'd like that." She said smiling a bit. She didn't want to seem too excited..but she was. He looked away happily...his nerves were no where to be seen. He turned back to see her blushing.

"How about Hogsmeade?" He asked. Her eyes lit up then her eyebrows burrowed.

"People would see us though." He smirked and she was not prepared for the next words to come out of his mouth.

"At 2Am." Hermione laughed, but nodded. She bit her lip and looked down at the ground. How had he changed her mood so quickly without her even noticing?

"We can meet here." He said and she nodded saying goodbye. She needed to start resting if she was going to get up at the early hour of the morning.

+++

Hermione looked around to make sure no one was awake. She quietly tiptoed down the common room stairs so no one would catch her.

Once she left she ran to the astronomy tower to see Draco already staring at the stars. She smiled and let out a breath before approaching him.

"Malfoy," She said lightly. He turned and smirked greeting her as well. "Granger,"

She walked towards him to look at the stars as well. He looked at her and held out his hand. She cautiously took it and then felt her world spin. They had apparated. It was Hermiones first time, and she was very confused.

"How—how did you do that?" She asked placing a hand on her stomach. Allowing both of their nausea pass, he began to answer.

"I have loopholes." She rolled her eyes and hit his chest jokingly.

Hermione noticed how empty it seemed. It was like a ghost town—she didn't mind it though. Being alone with Draco made her feel safer then being around anyone. People would see the two of them together and immediately message his father.

She gasped when she felt a cold ball hit her back. She turned to see Draco smirking. "Are you a child, Malfoy?" She called out laughing. He shrugged, and hadn't noticed she balled up snow herself.

She never had the best aim, so when it landed right on her face she covered her mouth to stifle her laughter. However, her next thought was run.

She ran down the snowy road of Hogsmeade laughing and looking behind her as Draco grew closer. Thinking she could trip him, she moved to the side quickly.

This only resulted in them both falling, Hermione hadn't realized how close Draco actually was. She began laughing hysterically and wiped a tear from her eyes. Draco chuckled and stared at her lips. Merlin, he wanted to kiss her.

She smiled up at him, knowing she wanted to kiss him as well. When their eyes met, he leaned down. Though, before their lips could meet Hermione shoved snow in his face. He quickly rolled off of her to get the snow off of her face. She stood up continuing to giggle.

"This is funny to you?" Be asked trying to be serious, but Hermiones laugh was contagious. He grinned walking towards her as she hadn't noticed. Quickly, he pulled her over his shoulder—resulting in a squeal from her.

He was the one laughing this time as she pounded on his back.

"Oi! What are you two doin?" Someone called from the bar. Draco apparated as soon as he heard another voice. He could not put her in danger.

They both fell on their butts and Hermione looked to Draco who was anxiously chewing his lip.

"I forgot about the damn bar." He said brushing extra snow off of himself as he stood up. Hermione wAtched him walk over to the astronomy railing.

"It's okay...we weren't under a lamppost." She said joining him and staring at the stars. He nodded and sighed.

"You're right." He looked down. He had felt happy for once—no bad thoughts. Nothing. She made him
smile.

"Winter has the clearest nights." She whispered and he looked to see her eyes twinkling under the moon and stars. Her eyes met his and he couldn't resist anymore.

He closed the space between them and placed his lips on Hermione. She smirked and wrapped
her arms around his neck, closing the left over space.

He felt complete. For once in his life he didn't have to question what he was doing, because this felt so right.

Hermione broke away breathing heavily, but smiling at him. He pulled her close, and she relaxed
in his embrace.

"Granger, be my girlfriend...We would have to meet in secret. I can't risk you." She could heat his heart beating gave and nodded.

"Okay."