"You're a goddamn catalyst, you know that?" He said slowly, the wind picking up and blowing his hair into his eyes. "Every single emotion I feel, they become whole damn explosions because of you." I sat there frozen, my breath caught in my throat. I make him feel explosions. I think of quicksilver eyes and pinkies brushing against one another and shared earbuds. You make me feel how I imagine touching the stars would be. Say it. Say it. Say it. Nothing comes out. Draco's expression shuttered closed, his spine going rigid. He stood up quickly, towering over me, and he held his broken arm out. "I know we bleed the same, Granger. I bled for you." _____ slowburn dramione starting fifth year book 1 in The Starlight Duology spotify book playlist: "the stars aligned" (each song in order fits every chapter) *I do not own any of these characters or this fictional world. All rights go to JK Rowling* Disclaimer: some parts towards the end are straight from the original Deathly Hallows book/movie, more towards the last few chapters becausa jkr wrote the scenes well and I didn't want to rewrite canon. This was to highlight the outcomes of the story that do not change despite Draco and Hermione's relationship and everything that entails. I added a few things such as changing it to Hermione's POV, adding her thoughts, and changing some details to fit the story.

Sam is the most promising swordsman among this year’s crop of Paladin trainees...and knows it. Brash, cocky, and unbeatable with a sword (well, almost), Sam is the kingdom of Thule’s best hope against the violence wrought by demons. The only problem is that Sam is really Lady Samantha, daughter of the seventeenth Duke of Haywood, and if her father has his way, she’ll be marrying a Paladin, not becoming one. But Sam has never held much interest in playing damsel-in-distress, and so she rescues herself from a lifetime of boredom and matrimonial drudgery. Pity that Tristan Lyons, the Paladin assigned to train her, is none other than the hero of her childhood. He hasn’t recognized her as Lady Samantha--yet-- but if he does, he’ll take away her sword and send her packing. Sam is not the only trainee hiding secrets: Braeden is a half-demon with a dark past that might be unforgivable. Sam, Braeden and Tristan set out for the western coast, charged with rooting out an infestation of demons that has made the West unlivable. As they travel, they uncover a deep-seated corruption of power that threatens to derail everything they stand for. Rebellion stirs, led by a rival faction of warriors who tempt Sam to join them with an irresistible offer. A war between men is coming, and Sam must pick a side. Will saving the kingdom cost her life -- or just her heart? Reminiscent of Mulan, but with a medieval fantasy twist, Paladin is a tale of adventure, action, and romance.