"He thinks that he's so great. That stupid prat acts like he's better than everyone else just because he's a Pureblood and because his father-"

"Hey Ron, don't hold it in. Tell us how you really feel about Malfoy." Harry said jokingly from his side of the table.

"Don't encourage him." Ginny said to Harry, whom she was sitting next to, as she rolled her eyes at him. Then, she turned her attention to her brother on the opposite side of the table. "And you need to shut it." she said, taking another bite of ice cream.

The group had sat down outside of Florean Fortescue's ice cream shop to take a break from shopping. Harry and Ginny sat together rather cozily on their side of the table; while Hermione nervously kept her distance from Ron on their side.

Ron had been complaining about Draco, much to Hermione's displeasure, almost the entire time. He only paused to eat. All the while that Ginny was being fitted for new robes at Madam Malkin's and during Harry's quick trip to Eeylops Owl Emporium, to buy his snowy owl Hedwig some treats, Ron had ranted about how awful and horrid Draco was.

"So, Ginny, where to next?" Harry asked. Ginny pulled out her Hogwarts letter and quickly scanned it with her eyes.

"Um, I need new supplies for Potions. So, we definitely need to go to the Apothecary..."

Hermione wasn't listening anymore. She glanced down to her watch to see what time it was.

"Actually, I want to go ahead to Flourish and Blotts." Hermione said. Then, she looked away from everyone as she continued. "You all can go on without me." Hermione made sure to avoid Ron's expression by paying attention to the ground.

"Alright then. We'll meet you there." Harry said, getting up. Ginny followed his lead.

"You sure? I mean, I can walk with you." Ron said.

Hermione noticed that his hand was getting close to her arm that was on the table.

"I'll be fine, Ron." Hermione replied as she snatched up her belongings and got up. "See you later." she continued as she put some money on the table and left for the bookstore.

Hermione made her way through the crowded street as fast as she could. She avoided stopping to have conversations with her former schoolmates, barely waving at them to return their greetings. Hermione ran past Flourish and Blotts and Quality Quidditch Supplies.

I hope he hasn't left yet. she thought as she went back to the Leaky Cauldron. Hermione was thankful that Tom was busy with other guests and didn't see her slip by and go up where the lodging rooms were. Once there, she took a moment to catch her breath,

"Now," Hermione said out loud to herself as she put her hands on her hips. "How am I going to find him?" She glanced down the hall of doors, hoping Draco would be waiting somewhere obvious. She was cautious with every step that she took.

Just as Hermione was about to double back and try her search again, she felt a pair of hands slide through her arms and on her waist. Instantly, she froze as the arms wrapped around her stomach and pulled her body close to who they belonged to.

"How long were you planning to keep me waiting, Hermione?" Draco's voice whispered into her ear.

Hermione looked over her shoulder and saw that he had that look in his eyes. Slowly, Draco pulled her into the room he had just walked out from.

Hardly a second after the door had clicked shut, Draco's mouth smashed into Hermione's. The two of them, entangled with each other, fell onto the bed.

"I've-missed-you." Draco said between breaths and kisses.

Hermione moaned a reply. Then, she reached out to take off his shirt.

Wait! a voice in Hermione's mind shouted. You haven't the time for this! On that thought, Hermione let her hand slide down Draco's chest. Then, she leaned over and rested her head on Draco's shoulder.

"Is something wrong, Hermione?" Draco asked.

Hermione raised her head up and looked into Draco's gray eyes.

There's no other place that I'd want to be, other than in your arms.

Suddenly, flashes of Harry and Ginny being out in the public eye without scrutiny ran through her mind. They did not have to hide the fact that they were in love, because there wasn't anyone in their lives that oppose them being together. A surge of envy passed through Hermione.

"Let's go." she said, full of determination.

Draco looked at her with a confused expression.

"I mean, let's leave and be together."

I'm not feeling so creative with the chapter titles, so if you have a suggestion please share it. ^_^ Thanks!