Disclaimer: I don't own any thing in the world of Harry Potter. Sadly, they are just my puppets to move about as I see fit. They all belong to J.K.

Author's note: I really need your guys' help on this. I'm not sure what rating I should give this. I'm not sure if I should get graphic with this story with Hermione and Draco. This is the story of their relationship and how it starts with sex and all, so help me out here people. Review and tell me what you think I should do.

The sun was setting as Hermione stared out over the Black Lake. She just didn't know what to do. That next day was the day most students went home for the holidays. Hermione was torn. Harry and Ginny would be there for her. But so would Ron and Lavender. She thought she had made her feelings clear to Ron. Either he didn't understand all the hints that she dropped him… or he just didn't care. The holidays would be tough if she went to the Burrow. She didn't think that she could stand it.

Hermione stood up from her perch on the rock and turned away from the Blake Lake. In turning, she caught a flash of silvery-blond hair and black robes. Hermione looked back and saw Draco Malfoy. He wasn't surrounded by his normal gaggle of Slytherins. He was alone and just staring out at the Black Lake as she had been. He must have felt her staring because he turned and caught her eye. There was no mockery in his gaze; no hate.

Ever since his mother had been murdered he didn't seem the same. Sure, he still insulted everybody, but only when he was under the eyes of his fellow students.

Turning away, Hermione made her way back to the castle in the snow. It was freezing in the outside air, but Hermione had always loved the cold. When she finally walked into the Great Hall, people were filing in for supper.

Hermione quickly got a seat at the Gryffindor table. She removed her winter ware quickly. It was far to warm in there for her tastes. Hermione's plate and goblet filled quickly and she set into eating all the delicious foods. Not but a moment later Harry and Ginny sat on her left. Ron and Lavender sat directly across from her.

"'Lo." Ron muttered, digging into his food. Lavender just smirked at her.

"Where were you earlier, 'Mione?" Harry asked, sipping at his pumpkin juice.

"I was out taking a walk by the Black Lake." She told them, sipping at her own juice.

"We've got a great plan for the holidays at the Burrow." Ginny started, smiling enthusiastically.

"I'm not going." Hermione said casually. She kept on eating.

There was a wet sucking sound as Ron and Lavender pulled out of their snogging session. Harry and Ginny stared at her, surprised. Hermione paid them no attention, asking Neville, who was next to her, to pass the salt.

"Why not?" Ginny asked, stunned, as she continued to stare.

"Well," Hermione started, "there will be very few students left at Hogwarts, so it'll be quiet. And there are a few essays I need to work on."

"It's a holiday, Hermione! We always go to my house for holidays." Ron protested in a whiny voice. Lavender gave him a hard glare.

"Oh seriously, Ronald! Hermione told him, her voice slightly reprimanding.

"We wont have another holiday like this one, 'Mione." Harry pleaded with her. He too got a hard glare from Lavender.

"This is our last year at Hogwarts," she began, "next year I will start work at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Mishaps and Maladies. I need to prepare myself… Let it go, Ronald." She added that last part when Ron opened his mouth with a whine. "I'm staying and that's final."

Their little group went quiet, only eating. Hermione glanced up and caught Malfoy looking at her curiously. Hermione looked away quickly.

As Hermione lay in her bed that night, not long after dinner, she heard the party starting in the common room. She let a few tears escape as she fell in to a deep sleep.

Hermione was hesitant o get up the next morning. But get up she did. Ginny was already up frantically packing her bags. She was late doing so because she'd been up late partying with the others the night before. Hermione smiled as she dressed and left the dorms.

On her way down to breakfast, Hermione noticed with amusement that the common room was actually clean again. Then she frowned when she realized that house elves were the ones who would have cleaned it. When she got to the Great Hall, she wasn't surprised that there weren't many students in there. She sat down at her table and picked up a discarded Daily Prophet.

It was only a few minutes later when Harry and Ginny came in, dragging their trunks behind them. Hermione smiled as they approached.

"You sure you wont come to the Burrow, 'Mione?" Harry asked as he hugged her.

"I'm sure, Harry. You two have fun though." Hermione told hugging Ginny next.

"But you'll be all alone on Christmas." She exclaimed, a frown on her face.

"Doesn't matter." Hermione said. " Now run along and have a Happy Christmas." Hermione turned back to her breakfast and paper, willing them mentally to go away.

"See you after holidays, Hermione." Ginny said quietly. Hermione waved her fork at them nonchalantly. After another moment, Hermione glanced up to see that her two friends were gone. Sighing, she set down her paper and placed her chin on her hands.

"Last call for students going home." Professor Dumbledore called. Hermione glanced up to see only three people besides Hermione were left in the Great Hall. There was a first year Gryffindor, a third year Slytherin, and Draco Malfoy. Hermione was amazed to see him still sitting there.

Malfoy's gaze shot up and locked with Hermione's for a split second. Hermione quickly turned her eyes back to the Daily Prophet.

Hermione dug deep in her concentration and focused intently on her newspaper. She could still feel his eyes watching her. A moment later there was a clatter as a plate and a goblet sat down across from her. Hermione looked up into the two entrancing silver eyes of Draco Malfoy.

End note: please review and tell me whats on ur mind. Does it suck? Let me know.