Chapter Sixteen

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.