Disclaimer: I do not own anything but the way the story flows. All else is the creation of J.K. Rowlings.

Chapter 9:

The time had finally come when Hermione and Draco would have to face what they had been dreading for quite sometime. How would the students in general react to this new situation? More to the point, how would Harry, Ron, and Ginny react?

Hermione shook as she became more nervous about what was going to happen only half an hour from now. She paced back and forth across the common room as Draco sat calmly in the chair watching her for what seemed like an eternity. Finally as she passed him for the 23rd time, he grabbed her around the waist and into his lap.

"Hermione, please stop doing that. Everything is going to be fine…Do not worry so much my love." He pressed his lips lightly to hers in an attempt to calm her.

However, she did not seem to be calming down. "What if Ron goes mad again and does something to you?" she asked him looking down at his hand that rested comfortably on her waist.

Draco smirked his famous smirk and lifted her chin to look at him. "I'm Draco Malfoy. Lucius and I may despise one another, but I did inherit a few skills and strengths from him. Besides that, we are Head Boy and Head Girl. No one would dare do anything to us." Draco looked at the old fashioned clock on the wall and noticed the time. "It's time Hermione. Are you ready?"

She sat frozen on his lap hoping that time would rewind itself a bit to give her more time to prepare for the inevitable. "No…but what choice do I have?" so she stood from his lap and from his love. Turning to him she held out her arms as if balancing on a beam. "So how do I look?"

Draco need not look her over to know that she was beautiful. He had always thought her beautiful which made it all the more hard to pick on her as they aged over the years. "You are beautiful baby, absolutely gorgeous." He had bought her new robes since her old ones were far too large for her now. The new ones now fit her more petite frame and only served to accentuate her womanly looks.

So they stood and prepared themselves for the sorting ceremony. "Shall we?" Draco held out an arm to Hermione and with a newly found confidence she smiled and took it.

As the entered the packed Great Hall, arm in arm, the happy cheerful room was instantly silent. Every head turned to the couple and many stood from their spots to get a better view of the outcast slytherin and his new black beauty. They spoke of the transformation that the once book savvy Hermione had made and many seemed to think it was a great change indeed. Walking to a table towards the front that Dumbledore himself had sat out for them, wanting to keep them together and safe from the questions and abuse of the other students, Draco pulled out Hermione's chair and then took his own.

"They are staring Draco," Hermione whispered across the table from Draco as the room busted into conversation once more but still focused their discussion and looks at the two Heads.

"Let them stare Hermione, it is about time your beauty was recognized." Draco kissed her hand sweetly.

Hermione accepted this answer and the meal went on as scheduled. The sorting took place and the announcements were made, along with the announcement of the new Head Boy and Head Girl.

After everything was said and done, Hermione and Draco stood together and headed for the door out of the Great Hall. However, before they could get there, Harry, Ron, and Ginny stepped in front of them.

"What are you doing with HIM Hermione?" Harry asked while glaring at Draco.

"Yeah Hermione, how could you choose him over your best friends?" Ron said incredulously.

"Draco and I are dating." Hermione said matter of factly to the group.
"You're what?!" Harry screamed at her.

"How could you do this to us Hermione?" Ron yelled.

Ginny seemed to be stunned into silence as she couldn't seem to utter a single word.

Hermione looked Ron in the eye and spoke with hatred in her voice, "I don't have to explain anything to you. You're lucky I pity you Ronald or else I'd allow Draco to do what he wishes with you. I've asked him not to hurt you but if you push me any farther…"

Hermione had long since separated herself from Draco who stood to the side watching protectively, but not interfering with what was going on as was her request.

"I don't know what he did to you Hermione but you need to remember who your real friends are!" Ron yelled once more stepping towards her and towering over her. She recoiled as bad memories popped into her head of this tall 7th year's abuse.

At this reaction by Hermione, Draco could no longer stand to the side. He quickly pulled out his wand and sent Ron flying backwards into a wall nearby. Harry pulled out his wand as Ron took a moment to get to his feet, and pointed it at Draco. So here they stood, wands pointed at each other, both of the men showed pure hatred towards the other.

Finally after a few tense moments of this Draco spoke up. "I may despise you Harry but I have no intention of hurting you or anyone else…except maybe him." He said nodding to Ron. "I want you two to leave my girlfriend alone." He glared at Ron who just joined them once more with wand drawn. "She has taken enough abuse from you and I will not allow for you to hurt her again. Do you have any idea the damage you did?!" He yelled at the red head as his anger grew. "I was the one there for her! I was the one that helped to pick up the pieces!"

"Draco darling…everyone is staring…please stop...please can we just go back to our room?" Hermione said quickly and put a soft hand on the man's arm.

Draco's face seemed to soften as she said this. He looked over at her and spoke sweetly as he always did with the love of his life. "My angel….you're right. This is foolish and childish. Something I would expect from my father." He lowered his wand and turned completely towards Hermione forgetting about everyone else. He leaned in and kissed her with a kiss only a true love could give. Running a hand over her cheek, he spoke to the trio without taking his eyes or his smile off of Hermione. "It's very simple, stay away from Hermione." With that they turned and left the three Gryffindors standing in the Great Hall with all eyes still upon them.

A/N: Did you like it or not? Let me know R&R.