Must Be Hell Freezing Over

MUST BE HELL FREEZING OVER

CHAPTER FOUR

It was through some unspoken agreement that neither Hermione nor Draco told anyone about their secret meetings, but that did not necessarily mean that neither of them had thought about it.

"Hey, Hermione, what sort of creature do you think Hagrid's found?" Ron asked as the trio made their way across the lawn towards the tiny hut for their Care of Magical Creatures class.

Hermione shrugged distractedly. "I don't know; hopefully nothing with the words 'blast-ended' tacked on at the end."

Ron gave a laugh as Harry grinned. They had now reached the hut along with their fellow Griffyndors. Everyone was nervous; they were starting a
new section in the class, and that meant a new animal, and one could never
tell with Hagrid.

Ron's gaze narrowed at the sneering Slytherins. "Bloody Slytherins; If Malfoy gives Hagrid any lip, I swear I'll curse him into year!"

"Of course, Ron," Hermione placated, not even looking at her friend.

Hermione was too busy getting lost in the misty gray depths of the said Slytherin's eyes, Draco Malfoy. She knew that they shouldn't be staring at each other, but she was unable to look away. He was the reason for her absentmindedness as of late, but one could hardly blame her.

They had met every night for the past two weeks, their discussions ranging anywhere from Muggle music and horses to mundane topics such as the weather. It didn't really matter what they talked about, as long as they were together.

It was late Friday afternoon and this was their last class for the next two weeks, thanks to the winter holiday vacation. The day was unseasonably warm, considering they were lost in mid winter. Evidence of the season was all around them, though, since many of the Hogwarts professors had taken to hanging up Christmas decorations. Christmas, probably the most beloved holiday for wizards everywhere, was coming up in two days; the Yule Ball was on Christmas Sunday.

The Yule Ball was an attempt of Professor Dumbledore to keep the holidays light and cheery; he had continued the tradition of a Yule Ball, even though the Tri-Wizard tournament had been officially retired. But this year, Draco was met with a dilemma.

Draco Malfoy did not have a date for the Yule Ball. It wasn't that he couldn't get one; it was just that he couldn't decide whom to take. While Pansy Parkinson had made it blatantly obvious to all that she would not mind escorting him, something inside Draco stopped him from asking her. He didn't know what it was, but there was something that wouldn't let him...

Actually, that was a lie. Draco knew exactly what it was that prevented him from asking anyone. Hermione stopped him. Whether he liked it or not, she was under his skin, and though he hated admitting it, he loved having her there.

He wanted to ask her, but when she accepted- and Draco had no doubt that she would say yes- everyone would obviously know of their, erm, connection, and Draco wasn't quite sure if it was worth it.

He cared for her more than he'd care to admit. He felt the need to protect her, cherish her, and be with her every moment of the day. When he wasn't with her, he was thinking of her and when he was with her, he felt something shift in his chest. Despite all of these perplexing emotions that she invoked within him he was still unsure if it was love.

Draco gave a mental scoff at the word. Love humph- who needed it? Draco had somehow convinced himself that he did not. But- and this was certainly a big BUT for him- what if he wanted it?

And then he had to consider her feelings toward him. He knew that she cared for him a great deal- that was always clearly evident, but as to how much, he was unsure. Draco did not want to take any chances until he was sure of her feelings. He needed insurance before he would place himself, well, more his pride, in jeopardy.

Hermione, too, was having some of the same conflicting thoughts flying about her head, with only one major difference; she knew exactly what it was she felt. Hermione knew that it had always been a possibility for her to fall for him if she kept on meeting with him; she had known it was a very high and probable outcome that would most likely end in heartache, but had that stopped her? No! For someone so smart, she really could be stupidly inclined at times.

But despite all of the warnings, all of the possible outcomes (which were all negative, in her mind), she fell in love with him. It was all terribly cliché for her. She wasn't even aware that she was falling until her arse connected with the solid stone floor; indeed, she had the bruise to prove it.

He must never know, she swore to herself; no one can. She wasn't stupid. She knew that he could never love her the way she loved him. She would keep it a secret. No one would know, for she would take it to the grave with her.

That was when she noticed Draco slightly parting from his cronies, standing off to the side where he went unnoticed. He looked pointedly at her, then at the spot in front of him. Realizing that he was asking her to come to him, she gave the slightest nod of understanding.

"Hey, I'm going to see if I can get a look at what Hagrid's found; I'll be back," she told Ron and Harry, who simply nodded and began talking about Quidditch once again.

Hermione made her way slowly to him, her heart pounding in her chest. They had been extremely careful about how they acted to the other during their classes, and she knew that she probably shouldn't be going to him right now. That didn't stop her, though.

Someone could notice, get suspicious, and start drawing conclusions, and they really couldn't have that; but still, her feet kept moving on their own.

She stopped in front of him, not facing him. She could feel him smiling at her and the same fond smile tugged at her lips.

"I have a surprise for you," he proclaimed nonchalantly.

He didn't have to see her face to know that she was frowning in confusion. He loved taking her by surprise and catching her off-guard. Draco didn't like to be predictable.

"What kind of a surprise?" she asked slowly.

His grin widened. "One that you'll love me forever for," he assured her.

Hermione frowned, suddenly tensing. Well, a little late for that, she thought nastily. I already love you, you stupid prat. Men were off times useless.

Draco could sense her tension. It came off her body in waves that lapped against him and furrowed his brow in confusion.

He had wanted to tell her of his affection, but did not know how. Words of affection did not come easily to him, so he had decided to show her. He would give her something that would make her love him, because, even though he didn't know it, that was exactly what he wanted.

"Draco," Hermione's timid voice drew him back from his baffling thoughts.

"I made a small suggestion to Hagrid a few days ago," he resumed the conversation where they had left off.

Hermione's curiosity was growing more and more by the minute. "About what?"

Draco's grin returned as she tried not to sound too excited and failed miserably. "Oh, you know the usual; this and that. I'm afraid the big oaf thinks I'm interested in his class now; thinks I've turned a new leaf, I'll have you know. I just hope you appreciate this or my being half way decent to him would have all been for naught," he gently teased.

Hermione's smile widened, forgetting all of the troubling thoughts that had been plaguing her mind moments ago; in fact, she seemed to forget everything when around Draco.

"Draco Malfoy, cut the crap and tell me what it is already!" she hissed in exasperation.

She could hear him chuckle at her impatience. "I don't have to tell you, here he comes now."

Sure enough, Hagrid came out around his hut, an animal following out behind him for all to see. What Hermione saw took her very breath away. Beside Hagrid was the most unusual and most beautiful unicorn she had ever seen.

It trotted out proudly for all to see. It was astounding! This unicorn was completely black! It was a black unicorn; Hermione hadn't even known that such a magnificent creature existed.

Hermione, completely forgetting herself, took an awed step forward. "That's the most beautiful creature I've ever seen!" she whispered reverently.

Draco grinned unrepentantly. The instant he gave Hagrid the idea of presenting a black unicorn to his seventh years was the most brilliant moment in his young adult life. Hermione was completely floored, just as he knew she would be. His smile deepened as she took another small step forward.

"Now, dis 'ere is a Black Unicorn," Hagrid had begun saying, beaming proudly at his awestruck students. "Dey're dif'erent from der cousins, da normal white uns, and very rare, but der are some similarities. The Black Unicorn is mighty picky on der riders. Unlike the normal uns, dey don' prefer young females. In fact, it isna quite known wha' kinda rider dey like, dey just pick un. Isa da Black Unicorn dat picks da rider," he chuckled softly at his little joke.

Hermione was only faintly listening to Hagrid, hardly aware that he was even talking. Her mouth was hanging open as she took in this beautiful creature in front of her. It was as black as the night, so dark it was sinful. It was proud, almost arrogantly so; she could tell by the way it tossed his head and imperiously swept the students with its black eyes.

The creature's eyes fell on her and Hermione held the gaze. Her eyes locked to his magnetically as she almost forgot to breathe in her awe.

"Dis unicorn has let no un ride 'em and only a few pat 'em. He hasna a rider a'tall..." Hagrid trailed off with a frown as the creature began walking out into the sea of students. "Well dat's interestin,'" Hagrid scratched his burly beard as he calmly watched the Black Unicorn make its way towards something, or was that someone?

Hermione held her breath in amazement as the unicorn began to trot over to her importantly. Her heart quickened as everyone drew back to watch as the magnificent creature came to a stop in front of her. Out of instinct, Hermione's arms went around the unicorn's neck and that was when it happened. Once she made contact, Hermione lost all fear. She was just like Harry when he was on his broom; she knew exactly what to do.

Stroking gently, Hermione made soft and soothing clucking noises with her tongue. The animal nudged her with his head affectionately in a response.

"Well, looks like 'e might let yeh ride 'em 'Ermione," Hagrid bellowed, coming up to them. There was no mistaking that he was very proud and excited about this. "Jus' wait 'ere an' I'll fetch yeh a saddle," he ordered.

Hermione grinned impishly, a mischievous gleam catching her eyes. "No need," she said, coming over to the unicorn's side.

Grabbing a fist full of the black mane, Hermione expertly swung up onto the unicorn bareback and took off in a gallop. She was lying almost flat against the creature, hugging his neck to keep from sliding off.

Everyone stood, mouths agape in amazement. Hermione rode in reckless abandon; she had neither worries nor restrictions. She flew down an invisible path that only the Black Unicorn seemed to know. She skillfully reared up once she met the lake and turned around to begin going back to the stunned onlookers.

Draco's breath hitched as he seemed to watch in slow motion as Hermione reared to a stop at the water's edge. She was silhouetted in the brilliant sunlight, encasing her in an angelic radiance. He had known that the Black Unicorn would at least let her pet him, but never did he imagine that she'd ride him! And she looked dazzling, so happy it made his heart soar.

She was beautiful! Everyone watching her thought so, but she was his. He wanted her so badly at that moment that it hurt. He tired not to stare at her soft thighs that her uniform skirt failed to cover since it was slightly riding up; skirts weren't really the best attire for horseback riding, Draco concluded, not that he was complaining.

His chest ached to feel her in his arms, to see her smile that way, so openly and lovingly, when it was he who she was looking at. It was at that moment that he realized he loved her. Draco was in love with Hermione.

He had to say something, or do something to let her know. He needed her to feel the same way; he needed to know that he could be loved and not by just anyone, but by her.

So this is what it feels like, his mind mused. This is what it feels like to love another more than yourself.

Hermione's joyous laughter rang in his ears as she flew back to the rest of the class. She had been modest when saying she was an apt rider; she was the best, clearly an expert.

Rearing to a stop, Hermione swung back down off of the unicorn. Regaining her feet, Hermione grinned widely as she stroked the creature in a caring gesture. She had yet to notice everyone staring in open disbelief at her. She was still lost in that world of her own where only she existed and nothing mattered.

Hagrid cleared his throat. "Err, 'Ermione, how dya know to do dat?" Hagrid asked, bringing her back to the present.

Hermione, finally deigning to acknowledge the presence of others, turned a deep crimson under his eyes.

"Well, I um, I just knew. I've, well, I've ridden before; horseback riding," she blushed deeper when Hagrid beamed down at her.

"Well, class, we are very lucky ta see dat; da black unicorn hardly ever chooses a rider so quickly. Why, 'Ermione might be da very youngest to ever ride un!"

Draco wanted to run up to Hermione, to be a part of her happiness, but he could not. He swore most foully under his breath when Potty and the Weasel made their way to her side, right where he should have been.

"Wow, Hermione! That was amazing! I've never seen anything like it. How come you never told us you were into horseback riding?" Ron spilled out in an excited rush.

Hermione shot a quick glance at Draco, but then looked guiltily down at her feet. "It didn't seem pertinent?" she offered.

Harry had on his Mister Nice Guy grin that made Draco want to smash his face in. "Hermione was just being modest, Ron. You know how embarrassed she gets," he explained and Ron nodded as if that made complete sense.

Draco grinned inwardly. Well, at least he had known and he knew the real reason. That was one up he had on the Boy Who Lived to Piss Him Off and his Boy Wonder.

A frown crossed Draco's features when Hermione smiled fondly at his enemies. She should be smiling at him! Holy God in Heaven... Draco was jealous. He didn't know why; he knew Hermione had a brother-sister love with her two best friends, but that was more than he had. Their closeness bothered him; he felt like he was being challenged. For the first time in all of his years at Hogwarts, Draco saw the Twin Twits as a threat to him.

His mood took an even darker plunge when the Wonder Boys enveloped Hermione in their arms. And if that wasn't enough, she embraced them back. She should be holding him. She should be in his arms. Draco felt a hot white surge of possessiveness and had to valiantly fight the urge to go to her, smash in Potter and Weasley's faces and then take her into his arms.

"'Ell, dat concludes today's lesson. Fer tonight yeh can look up da Black Unicorn in yehr books an' read chapters seven an' eight. No, no, Miss Granger, yeh don' need ta take notes."

Hermione pulled her arm down with a disapproving frown.

"Off yeh all go now, time fer lunch," Hagrid dismissed.

Taking two steps back to the castle, Hermione suddenly came to a halt. Harry and Ron looked at her questioningly and Hermione bid, "You two go on without me, I'm just going to ask Hagrid a few questions."

Ron shook his head, but knew better than to say anything.

Hermione watched as Ron and Harry's retreating backs disappeared. She was alone out on the field with him now. Not once did she have to look at him to know that he was there. That's how it was when Draco was near. He seemed to be the only person in the world. With a slight frown, Hermione pondered if he knew the reaction he invoked in her, but concluded he could not have known and that he never would.

When Hermione turned around to face Draco, all thoughts promptly abandoned her mind. He was slightly smiling at her, causing her breath to hitch like it always did when he looked at her like that; as if she were the only girl in the world, almost as if he loved her as much as she loved him.

A very similar smile crossed Hermione's lips when she realized that the black unicorn was Draco's surprise for her.

Draco smiled at her uncertainly, shuffling his feet nervously in a very uncharacteristic way. "So, did you- um, like your surprise?" he asked timidly.

Hermione's grin widened as she realized she was bringing out this very rare side of Draco. "Like it?" she echoed. "Draco, how could you even doubt that I love it?"

With a few quick steps, Hermione was before him, throwing her arms around his neck. Before Hermione realized what she was doing, Draco arm's circled her waist and he possessively pulled her to him.

"That was the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for me," she was saying, wrinkling her nose at how cheesy it sounded.

But it didn't matter, because it was true. Emotion and instincts were what she was going on and at that moment, Hermione had one of her rare impulses that she obeyed without question. It seemed so natural for her to kiss him, so she did so before she could think rationally about it.

It hit her like a bolt of lightning, no wait; it was a dam of passion bursting within her, or better yet, it was an explosion of emotions. All such trite clichés paled significantly to what she felt when her lips connected with Draco's.

It was inevitable really, she would later realize. She had come to love him before he had even kissed her; it stood to reason that it would have happened eventually. But she had no idea it would be this amazing.

She felt as if she was completing something she hadn't known she had left unfinished. It was that last, perfect brush stroke to confirm all of her convictions. He was The One, plain and simple.

That was when reality intruded on them. All thoughts of finding her missing piece vanished as she finally realized what she was doing. Hermione had kissed Draco, was kissing Draco when not even an hour ago she had sworn to herself to never let him know she truly cared for him.

Hermione wrenched her lips from his and took a step back, blushing furiously. Horror filled her as she seemed incapable of doing anything but standing there, panting for breath.

"I, uh, I have to- have to go," Hermione said in a small voice, trying not to think about how good his lips had felt pressed up against hers.

Hermione was already running back towards the castle when Draco finally processed her words. He was standing alone now, reflecting on what had just happened.

Hermione had kissed him; they had kissed and it was the most exhilarating experience Draco had ever felt. Her lips were soft and she smelled of peaches and cream. Just thinking of her pressed up against him, so soft and inviting, made Draco ache to feel her again.

His chest and heart swelled as he thought of her. He had been with women before, but not once had he felt anything akin to this over a simple kiss. He had never felt such a shock of electricity flash through him, leaving him standing there, dazed and confused.

That in itself was enough to convince him of his feelings for her. Not only that, but he was certain she had feelings for him now. What her feelings were, he could only guess; but even if it was only desire she felt, well, that could turn to love with a little help. Besides, what witch wouldn't want the chance to love him?

His chest puffed up with a pride only a Malfoy could have. Any witch at Hogwarts would feel honored to at least tie his shoes, which amongst them would pass him up? None, of course.

Knowing this caused a smug grin to break across his face. She was only a small dot in the distance now, but Draco had already made up his mind. He knew exactly which lucky lady he was taking to the Yule Ball and perhaps even whom he was going to spend the rest of his life with.

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