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Chapter Seven

The day passed slowly from my anticipation. The minute hand on my watch seemed to move much more slowly then before.

For the second time, I restlessly awaited in the Slytherin common room, full of apprehension. The room seemed to empty much slower, and I worried that my absence would draw attention. Once it was time for me to leave, I calmly walked to the common room exit, and left. No one had seen me leave. For the second time, I crept up to the Transfiguration classroom in silence. The air was cloaked in darkness, and a quietness blanketed the halls.

I entered the classroom with caution. I didn’t know Hermione stood hidden until she whispered my name.

“Draco?” she whispered. I turned around to see her close to me. Her eyes were full of terror and fear when she looked into my eyes.

“Hermione,” I breathed. Suddenly, I felt myself becoming nervous. My hands began to shake and my heart raced. “What did you want to tell me?”

“I wanted to tell you,” she began shakily, “that you keep secrets very well.” With that she leaned forward and kissed me. I was too full of surprise to pull away. When the kiss ended, she looked at me with fearful eyes.

“We can’t do this.” She whispered simply, dropping her eyes to the floor, avoiding my gaze.

“What?” I asked as I lifted her chin with my fingers, forcing her to look into my eyes, “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying, that, that I love you, and we can’t just love each other like everyone else can. I’m a Gryffindor, and you’re a—a—“

“Slytherin.” I finished for her.

“Yes. There’s no way we could.”

“Yes there is.” I reasoned. “It can be kept a secret. From everyone. No one will accept us if they knew.”

“But Draco, It’s too risky.” She paused slightly, “We could get caught, and then-“

“Hermione, am I not reason enough to take the risk?”

“Yes, but-“

“Then it will be kept secret.” Then I took her in my arms kissed her passionately. When I pulled away, I saw her cheeks glimmer with tears in the moonlight.

“No one will know,” I whispered, “I promise.” She nodded slowly. I took her in my arms and embraced her tightly. I could only hope that my promise would hold true.