When she woke up next to Draco, she was surprised but happy to see his face in the morning. His eyelids closed from the sun pouring in from the window and one arm gently wrapped around her. She carefully climbed out of the covers and changed into decent clothes, thinking Draco should probably wake up right about now.

‘Get up, Draco!’ Hermione said, standing in the middle of her room.

He only moved deeper into her bed so the covers came up to his chin.

Hermione picked up a random piece of clothing and threw it onto his face, smiling. Draco abruptly sat up, rubbing the sleep off of his eyes. He just looked so cute as his eyes scanned his surroundings.

‘What-time-is-it?’ Draco asked, picking up the clothing and throwing it back after frowning at it.

‘Half 7, my parent will wake up in an hour. I really want to leave before they come into my room and see you sleeping in my bed!’ Hermione said, brushing her unruly hair.

How she wished her hair would just stay put sometimes. Hermione let out a sigh and surveyed herself in the mirror, hearing Draco groan and slump into bed for a minute.

‘Okay, I'm up.’ Draco grunted, getting out of the bed, revealing his abs and grey trousers.

Hermione couldn't help but stare at his abs and the way his hair just seemed so attractive even though he had just woken up and was yawning widely.

‘I need to get some clothes, I'll apparate back here in like ten minutes,’ Draco said, picking up his shirt.

There was a soft cracking sound and he disapparated. Hermione moved to the bed, smiling to herself, she quickly made the bed, pulling up the covers and placing her pillows on them.  

She decided to wear some eyeliner, when Draco came back, wearing jeans and a blue button down shirt. He also carried a small trunk.

‘Isn't it too early?’ Draco asked, nudging her so he could brush his hair and see himself in the mirror.

Hermione nudged him slightly, with her hips, trying to see her self in the mirror.

‘I guess, we can get something to eat though.’ Hermione suggested, shrugging.

Draco nodded, smiling, and opened the door. He stuck his head out and was met with an empty hallway. He was glad her parents hadn’t caught them in bed together last night.

‘Can we go?’ Hermione asked, grabbing her trunk.

‘Sure. Where to?’

‘I know where to go.’ Hermione smiled and held out a hand which Draco took.

Hermione and Draco disapparated to an empty road, in England somewhere, and walked down to a nearby cafe. They walked in and the smell made their mouths water. Draco ordered them two coffee’s and a strawberry cake to share as Hermione chuckled.

Draco took her hand, as they waited for the food.

‘I haven't taken you out on a proper date.’ Draco said, rubbing her hand.

‘Well, we have been in Hogwarts, so I don't blame you.’ Hermione chuckled at how thoughtful he could be.

‘So... why do the Weasley’s even want to meet me?’ Draco asked, looking down at their hands.

‘I don't know, Draco.’ Hermione whispered.

‘I don't think they'll like me... Maybe they'll tell you to leave me and you'll find someone better? I don't know,’ Draco shrugged and added, ‘But don't listen to them. Listen to yourself. If you don't want me, then I'll leave.’

Hermione shivered, her hands shaking in his, as Draco stared her straight in the eyes. They stared each other down. Hermione couldn't understand why he would say something like that.

‘I love you. Why would you say something like that Draco?’ Hermione whispered, still staring at him she fought to control her hands.

‘I love you too. There's lots of people against us even if you can't see it. But... I just want you to know you have the choice to leave me.’ Draco said, his eyes smouldering.

Hermione’s jaw was set and her lips turned into a fine line. Her eyes stayed on Draco for a few heartbeats before she spoke.

‘Do you really think I care about what anyone else thinks? Draco, I love you so much.’ Hermione whispered, leaning closer.

Draco closed his eyes and there lips nearly touched when they were interrupted by the waitress who came back. She had a grin on her face.

 ‘Two coffees and a strawberry cake,’ the waitress set the plates down in front of them.

 ‘Thanks,’ Draco said, looking at the girl who ruined the moment.

‘Sure thing, anything else I can do for you?’ She asked, too brightly for eight in the morning.

‘No thanks.’ Draco half smiled at her.

The girl walked away. Hermione sipped her coffee and Draco picked up a forkful of strawberry cake, thrusting it at her.

‘Open up,’ Draco said and Hermione obediently opened her mouth.

She tasted the cake, she had always liked strawberry cake.

‘Mmm...’ Hermione mumbled, showing him it was delicious, without actually speaking.

Draco chuckled but became serious just as quick. He took another forkful and ate it, nodding appreciatively at the taste.

‘Hermione, I have to tell you something... I've been thinking of it a lot but I never actually talked to you about it.’ Draco said, holding his coffee in his hands.

Immediately Hermione's eyes widened. She didn't know what she was expecting him to say.

‘You can tell me anything, Draco,’ Hermione said, her voice breaking at the end.

‘Well...,’ Draco took her hand, the cake forgotten, ‘I might leave Hogwarts.’

Hermione frowned. She hadn't expected that and she definitely didn’t want that. How could he leave? He was Head Boy and her boyfriend! They had so much fun together and she wasn’t ready for that to end.

‘Why?’ Hermione asked, genuinely confused.

‘The only reason I stayed, was because... I don't know... I guess I just wanted to have a 'normal' year, without the constant nagging and the family problems and all the death eater stuff.’ Draco lied, he couldn't tell her he loved her when she was with Ron.

Of course he never stayed because of all the reasons he listed. He stayed for Hermione. To protect her. He never thought they would end up together, although he’s happy that they did.

‘Draco?’ She asked, ‘Are-’

‘Wait, Hermione. I...’ Draco cut her off.

‘Tell me the truth, Draco. I can tell you're lying. You didn’t stay so you could have a normal year.’ Hermione stated, looking into his eyes she saw a flicker of doubt.

‘Fine, I... I stayed because of you. I loved you since the start of this year. Since I saw... Since I saw you with Weasley in that shop. I just... felt so jealous and I knew I loved you. I wasn't going to try anything, I swear. I just wanted to protect you. I loved you and I still do.’ Draco blurted out.

Hermione’s eyes softened and a few tears escaped them.

‘Hermione...’ Draco whispered, leaning over to wipe the tears away.

‘Oh Draco!’ She squealed, moving around to hug him tight, ‘That's so, so cute.’

Draco hugged her back, kissing her cheek.

‘Are you leaving Hogwarts for good? I won't stop you.’ Hermione asked, even though her heart fell at not seeing Draco that long.

‘I can't stay any longer in that school. I just...’ Draco tried to explain but couldn't.

‘It's okay, Draco.’ Hermione said, soothingly.

‘Why don't you leave with me?’ Draco asked, and continued, ‘I mean, you've already got so many qualifications, and you've got a job already secured for you...’

As Hermione, Harry and Ron had defeated Voldemort they were pretty much hooked up with a secure and proper job. But for Hermione leaving school seemed like something she would never even think of, let alone actually get the guts to do it.

‘I know. Stupid idea?’ Draco shrugged, seeing the look and hesitation in her eyes.

‘Just stay in school, Draco. At least get your qualifications for these exams and then we'll all leave school.’ Hermione suggested, sighing a little. She couldn’t help herself trying to persuade him.

‘What happened to 'I won't stop you'?’ Draco asked, repeating her own words.

‘Oh, yeah. But... I don't want you to go.’ Hermione sipped at her coffee, the taste and caffeine waking her up.

‘Wel,l let's worry about that later.’ Draco said, smiling.

They sipped their coffee, Draco didn't like it much but he didn't complain.

After they paid, they walked out of the shop and strolled down the street, linking their hands together, watching the bustling people.

‘To the burrow?’ Hermione asked, looking at him nervously.

Draco nodded and they apparated in a small and narrow alleyway.

After the horrible ear ringing, they arrived outside the burrow, Hermione shivered, gripping Draco's hand. He kissed her once and nodded. Hermione led him into the house, she had spent so much time in.

‘Hermione!’ Ginny called out, dropping a newspaper to the floor she ran towards her and they hugged.

Ginny also hugged Draco, surprising Hermione and Draco. He, awkwardly, hugged her back.

‘Thought I heard someone.’ Ron said, walking into the kitchen.

‘Ron!’ Hermione smiled and hugged him, making Draco’s jaw clench slightly in apparent jealousy.

He was still not a fan of Hermione and Ron, although he didn't have a problem with Hermione and Harry.

Ron turned his head around Hermione to see Draco. He nodded once and Draco nodded back, that was all they needed to do. He knew that Ron didn’t exactly like him and he definitely didn’t like Ron.

During this, Harry and Mrs Weasley walked in to the room. Hermione hugged Harry, tightly, she had missed him so much. Mrs Weasley was next, she stood there for a second and opened her arms so Hermione hugged her.

‘I'm not angry at all, dear,’ Mrs Weasley whispered, for her ears only.

Harry and Draco stood staring at each other. It was awkward, but Ginny raised her eyebrows slightly at Harry.

‘Draco,’ Harry nodded and held out one hand.

‘Harry,’ Draco said back and shook the hand of his ex enemy.

‘Mrs Weasley, this is Draco, my boyfriend.’ Hermione said, going to stand next to Draco, ‘Draco, this is Mrs Weasley, kind of my second mother.’

She nervously linked hands with him, thoughts jumbling over in her head.

What if Mrs Weasley disapproves? What if she insults him in front of everyone? The thoughts continued until Mrs Weasley walked forward and hugged him,

‘You have no idea how happy I am for you both.’ Mrs Weasley said, astounding everyone. Ron stared at them, glancing at Harry and nodding his head towards the door.

Draco was lost for words as Mrs Weasley pulled him and Hermione to the table and asked him for food. Harry and Ron went upstairs.

‘No thank you, we just ate,’ Draco said after a few seconds.

‘Okay, dear, make yourself comfortable. You're sharing a room with Harry and Ron, is that okay? And Hermione, it's you and Ginny.’

Hermione nodded and Draco didn't say anything. Ginny led them upstairs and told Draco his room was opposite theirs.

Draco kissed Hermione on the lips, briefly.

Hermione smiled and turned around to go into her own room.

-----

Draco stared at the door for a few seconds before turning to the room he would be sharing with two of his ex enemies.

He knocked on the door and a voice said 'come in'. Bracing himself, he opened the door to Ron and Harry playing wizards chess. They looked up at him and nodded.

‘That’s your bed there,’ Harry pointed to the bed by the window.

Draco closed the door behind him and dropped his trunk onto the bed. He didn't know what to do so he turned around, hating the awkwardness. He just sort of stood there but they didn't look at him.

‘Listen,’ Draco began, anything to get out of the awkwardness. Both Harry and Ron turned to him, ‘I'm sorry, Pot- Harry, for... for everything. But you must understand, I had no choice, Voldemort would have killed me. If I could go back and change things, I would. And also I never actually thanked you for saving my life in the room of requirement. So thank you. You truly are the better man. And Ron... I would say I'm sorry for 'stealing' Hermione but.. I love her.’ Draco said, one hand messing up his hair.

‘Draco. I can't forget everything but I can forgive you. I understand how hard your decisions must have been and, well, let's face it. We have both been jerks to each other. It's fair time we started over.’ Harry said holding out a hand.

Even though he knew he was more of a jerk than Harry but he gladly shook his hands. Two enemies becoming friends at last.

Ron didn't say anything.

-----

Hermione paced the length of the room and back. A million thoughts buzzing around her head. She had an arm crossed over her chest, her head was looking down and one hand on her mouth.

She wondered why Draco had to share a room, especially with Harry and Ron. She didn't know who was worse. Harry, well they have been enemies for years, she wouldn't be surprised if they'd murdered each other. That thought made her pace faster.

And Ron... Well, he was Hermione's ex. She just hoped Draco wouldn't get angry. He would at least try to get on with them, wouldn’t-

‘Hermione, please stop it.’ Ginny said, lying on her bed.

Hermione stopped pacing and looked at her. Ginny had always been more of a sister than a friend.

‘Sorry. I'm just so...’

‘Worried, yeah I can tell.’

A knock sounded on their door and Hermione practically ran to it, thinking it was Draco. She opened the door to see the three boys; Harry, Ron and Draco.

‘How was it?’ Hermione whispered, just so Draco could hear as they hugged each other. Harry went over to Ginny with Ron following them.

‘Great. You worry too much.’ Draco smiled and kissed her once on the lips.

‘Hermione, can I talk to you for a second outside?’ Ron asked, his ears going red.

Draco's hand around Hermione's tightened, suddenly, like he wouldn't let her go but Hermione said sure and untangled their hands. Draco glared at Ron, who didn't take any notice.

Hermione walked outside with Ron and closed the door behind her. They walked to Ron's room.

‘What is it?’ Hermione asked, her hands shaking.

‘Malfoy, he’s... I think this was a bad idea, inviting him here,’ Ron muttered, taking a step towards her.

‘I disagree. He and Harry made up, didn’t they? Why can’t you?’ Hermione asked, frowning a little.

‘I get how you like Draco... but are you sure you can't give us a second chance?’ Ron asked, moving closer to her.

‘No, Ron... I love him.’ Hermione said, pushing him firmly back.

‘But, Hermione, you love me too. Did you forget the kiss we shared in the chamber of secrets? How we just stared at each other and then we moved in together...’ Ron leaned down, their lips so close.

‘Ron...’ Hermione whispered, her hands resting on his chest.

Suddenly the door flew open and Draco stood there, glaring upon the sight that met his eyes. Hermione’s heart beat quickened and a startled gasp left her eyes at Draco’s expression.

‘Get away from her.’ Draco whispered, menacingly.

Hermione pushed Ron back, tears forming in her eyes. Ron’s eyes never left Hermione.

‘Ron...’ Hermione whispered, thinking of the time he was in her room in the Head’s dorm. He had looked so upset, just like right now.

‘It's okay. I get it. You chose Malfoy. But... I've been seeing someone and I like her but I liked you more... But that's alright. Stay with Malfoy.’ Ron said and walked to Draco, ‘No hard feelings right? I had to try.’

He held out a hand that Draco ignored. Hermione looked at the two of them, wondering how much more of an ass Ron could be? He had to try to get back with her when she had told him a million times that she loved Draco? Ron sighed and walked out of the room.

 ‘Let's go,’ Hermione said, walking past Draco but he stopped her.

‘Hermione,’ Draco whispered, frowning at her.

‘Lets go, Draco.’ Hermione said again, walking out of the room.

She walked into Ginny’s room where Harry, Ron and Ginny were talking

‘How about chess? Harry and I first, whoever wins plays someone else?’ Ron suggested, shrugging his shoulders.

‘Sure, I'm up for that.’ Draco said, making an effort to try and be friends with Ron for Hermione’s sake.

Hermione glanced at him, wondering if they were all just going to forget that Ron had basically just tried to throw himself on her. She didn’t care. If it stopped ongoing fights then she was all for it.

They got a chess board and Harry and Ron played first. Harry and Ron both lay on the floor opposite each other, while Draco, Hermione and Ginny sat cross legged. Everything was silent watching them play.

Later on in the game, Ron killed Harry's queen with a knight, making Ginny chuckle.

‘Come on, Harry,’ Ginny whispered, lying next to Harry.

‘Knight to B5,’ Harry said, a smile on his lips.

He obviously had a plan. They played on until Ron finally captured Harry’s king. Ron laughed at Harry, sitting up. Harry, with a small smile on his lips, punched Ron’s arm, jokingly.

‘Who wants to face the master next?’ Ron asked, his head grown abnormally large.

‘I'll take you on.’ Draco said, chuckling.

‘You're on.’

Draco moved to sit opposite him and they began to play, never looking up, their eyes trained on the board. The game continued a good thirty minutes before beads of sweat started showing on Ron’s face.

‘Just call me the master,’ Draco said, as he captured Ron’s king twenty minutes later.

‘That was a good game.’ Ron said, shaking hands with Draco, ‘Good one, man.’

‘You too,’ Draco nodded, ‘who's next?’

Draco winked at Hermione, who frowned and shook her head.

‘I can't play chess to save myself,’ Hermione said, getting up, ‘I'll go get us some drinks.’

‘Oh, no you don't. You don't get away that easily.’ Draco grabbed her from the waist, holding on tight.

‘Draco!’ Hermione whispered, not in the mood, ‘stop it.’

Draco hesitated before letting her go. Hermione left the room to get drinks for all of them and Mrs Weasley gave her snacks too, smiling at her. Balancing all of this on a tray, she realised that Draco and Ginny were playing now. She put the tray down and went to sit next to Harry on the bed.

Draco kept looking up at them not concentrating on the game.

‘You alright?’ Harry asked, squeezing her hand.

‘I'll be fine.’ Hermione whispered, a tear escaped down her cheek. She wiped it away quickly.

‘Did he do something?’ Harry asked, discreetly nodding at Ron.

‘Harry, he still likes me and I'm breaking his heart... Am I doing the right thing by choosing Draco?’ Hermione asked, her thoughts coming to her lips.

‘Hermione... I can't answer that but listen to you heart and-’ Harry was interrupted as Mrs Weasley walked in.

‘Arthur, Percy and George are here. They'd like to speak with you.’ Mrs Weasley said, holding dirty socks from one of the boys room.

They all got up and followed her downstairs. They entered the kitchen to see Mr Weasley, looking tired, Percy inspecting a newspaper and George, eating.

‘Ahh, Hermione, dear.’ Arthur said, smiling.

‘Hi, Mr Weasley.’ Hermione said shyly.

‘Draco,’ Mr Weasley nodded.

Before Draco could even blink, Percy cornered him to the wall.

‘What's he doing here?!’ Percy cried, whipping out his wand.

‘Percy, stop it!’ Hermione shrieked.

‘Percy, he is our guest and will be treated as such. If you don't put your wand away...’ Mr Weasley trailed off not needing to finish the sentence.

‘Him and his kind. They killed Lupin, Tonks, Mad eye... Fred.’ Percy said, whispering the last word but everyone heard him as clear as though he had shouted it.

The atmosphere changed, George stopped eating but didn't look up. Mrs Weasley gripped a chair and Mr Weasley's face grew red.

‘Put your wand down!’ Mrs Weasley frowned at her son, trying to stop her beating heart.

Percy slowly lowered his wand but kept his eyes on Draco. Hermione went to stand between them, glaring at Percy. He just glared back at her.

‘You're making a mistake. Don't trust him.’ Percy said and stormed out of the room.

Everyone was silent and watching the door where Percy left.

‘Harry, Ron please put the knife and forks out.’ Mrs Weasley said before bustling around in the kitchen.

Draco grabbed Hermione's hand and led her outside. They walked out of the door and into the fields. He stopped suddenly and turned to face her.

‘I should leave,’ Draco said, his grey eyes on her.

Hermione crossed her arms, staring at him. Thoughts buzzing around like bees in her head.

‘What are you thinking?’ Draco asked, noticing her movements.

‘I'm thinking... Am I doing the right thing? Being with you, I mean. How did this happen? Why did it happen? Are we meant to be together?’ Hermione blurted out all her thoughts.

Draco was silent, his heart heavy in his chest.

‘If you want me to leave then say so. I love you and I always will. You're confused because of Ron. We are meant for each other. If you can't see that then we may as well not be together.’ Draco said, moving closer, ‘Just say the word and I'll go...’

Hermione opened her mouth, the words refused to make their way out of her mouth. Draco waited his heart getting heavier by the second. They stared at each other. Both not knowing what the other was thinking.

‘What are we doing?’ Hermione whispered, breathing out the breath she didn't know she was holding.

‘Why are you doubting our relationship?’ Draco asked.

‘I don't know, Draco... I love you and I'm sorry.’ Hermione whispered.

Draco leaned down as Hermione stood on her tip toes. They leaned in and Draco brushed his lips with her.

‘I love you too and I always will.’ Draco whispered.