"You love me?" Draco repeats.

Hermione nods sheepishly. "I do."

"I really hope you get to say that again."

"Say what?"

"I do." Draco explains.

"Really?" Hermione breathes.

"Of course." Draco brings his lips down to meet hers, and they dissolve into a kiss.

-----------

Three days later. Draco has just asked Hermione on a date

"If you hurt her I swear...."

"Calm down Pottah." Draco says. "I wouldn't hurt my girlfriend."

"Still. You lay one finger on her...."

"Haz, calm down." Hermione reassures.

"Haz? Excuse me?"

"It's your new nickname."

"Fine."

-----------

The next day, on the date

Hermione and Draco walked slowly along the water's edge, fingers entwined. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a golden glow across the world. 

"Draco? Can I tell you something?"

"Whatever you want, Mione."

"You know, when we were 'dating', I kind of felt like I was drowning."

"Drowning? How?"

"Drowning in confusion. Because I was angry at Ron, sad because he was with Lavender, I liked you, I felt guilty because I liked you and I knew Harry hated me for it...."

Unbeknownst to either of them, a bespectacled brunette was following closely behind, listening to every word they said. Cloaked in Invisibility, he knew they couldn't see him. He listens carefully to their conversation, making sure Hermione is happy. Suddenly, he trips on a tree root, stumbling. He cries out in pain as he stubs his toe on a second root, and Hermione whips her head around. 

"Harry?" she calls. "Are you stalking me while I'm on a date?"

"No!" the wizard responds. "I'm protecting you!"

"Harry, I'm fine."

"Well I need to make sure of that!"

"Fine, Scar Boy."

"Hey, don't call me that!"

"Then go back to the dorm!"

"No!" Harry jogs to catch up, not realising the patch of mud in front of him. He slips, falling into the lake. The invisibility cloak wraps around him, blocking his nose and preventing him from moving his arms or legs.

"HARRY!" Hermione yells, just as everything goes dark.