Draco Malfoy's First Love

Chapter Twelve: Is it Love?

It had been about a month after Ron and Hermione were dating that Harry pulled her aside one day after transfiguration.

"I'll be right there, sweetie," she called to Ron. She made him so happy, she thought to herself. "Okay, Harry, what's up?"

"Hermione, do you like Ron?"

"What? Of course I like Ron, he's one of my best friends!"

"I mean, are you in love with him?"

"How can you ask me that Harry? Look how happy he is. We make a good pair."

"Hermione, you're avoiding my question. I asked you, are you in love with Ron?"

"I...I..." Hermione stuttered, "Oh Harry, I don't need this right now!" and she ran out of the empty classroom down the hall. How dare he ask me that! I mean even Ron told me I didn't have to say it yet. And I didn't I tell myself that I'd learn to love him? He's wonderful, he's sweet, he's charming... oops!

Hermione was so wrapped up in her own problems that she didn't realize she ran into someone. "Sorry," she muttered as she continued down the corridor.

"Well well," said a cold, drawling voice behind her, "it seems hanging around with your clumsy boyfriend rubs off on you, Granger."

Hermione stopped dead in her tracks. She turned on the spot and saw Draco Malfoy standing there. "Watch were you're going, ferret boy, or you might find yourself running into my boyfriend one of these days. I'd hate to see you beat to a pulp again!"

"Awww, how sweet of you to care so much."

Hermione protested, "I do not care at all for you, Draco Malfoy. You're just an arrogant, self-centered, son of a..."

"I'd really like to hear what else you have to say, Granger, but I'm kind of in a hurry." He crossed the hall and stood face to face with her, "so is there any chance you might be wrapping this up soon?"

Hermione raised her hand to slap him, but Malfoy was too quick. He grabbed her arm and pulled her close, "Don't try to fight me, Granger, but don't worry," he smirked, "I did promise not to kiss you anymore without your consent."

"Oh, well how very thoughtful of you, Malfoy," Hermione said sarcastically.

"You're not fooling anyone, Granger," he let go of Hermione's arm, but she stayed put, "I know you aren't happy with the poor boy Weasley."

"Don't you call him a 'poor boy' Malfoy, his heart is much richer than yours will ever be, and I love him!"

"Is that so? Well then clearly I was mistaken when I heard you avoid that question with Potter five minutes ago."

"How did you..."

"Don't be silly, Granger, I was here the whole time. In fact, I wanted to talk to you about that same subject."

"I do love Ron," Hermione protested in vain.

"Then why, might I ask, do you have the object of another man's affection draped around your neck?"

Hermione looked down in horror and saw that she had been fidgeting with the Gryffindor necklace. It had become a bad habit of hers since she first got it. "Ron gave it to me," she finally lied.

"Don't be silly," Malfoy said again, "you and I both know Weasley could never afford a fine piece of metal like that."

"You've no proof that he didn't give it to me!" Hermione spat.

"Of course I do, Granger; I'm the one who sent it to you."

There was a silence between them that lasted a few minutes. Hermione had still not backed away from Malfoy.

'You?" she asked, "Why would you give me something like this?"

"Because, Granger, I am in love with you."

More silence.

"You're what?"

"I said I'm in love with you, Hermione."

He had said her first name. In all the years she had known Draco Malfoy, this was the first time he had ever called her by her first name.

"Is this some kind of sick joke?"

"No," he said solemnly, "I wish it were. But sadly I am as drawn to you as the stars are to the night, or the sun is to the dawn." He grinned, "You look so shocked my dear."

She didn't believe it. Draco Malfoy--in love with her? After all the horrible things he had done, after everything he had said to her, or Harry, or Ron? It couldn't be possible.

"Malfoy, are you quite sure you're feeling okay?" Hermione regained her composure, "You're not in love with me," she tried to grin.

"Oh but I am, Granger, and I think that you, in turn, are in love with me."

"Don't be ridiculous."

"I'm not. Tell me, why else would you wear the necklace I gave you, or stare at me in the halls, or feel guilty every time Ron kissed you in my presence? I did notice, Granger, I'm not blind."

"I didn't know who gave me the necklace," she protested, "I didn't know it was you!"

"Ahh, but you see, that is not very Hermione-like, is it?" Malfoy grinned again, "If you didn't know who it was from, even sub-consciously, then you wouldn't wear it. After all, it could be filled with dark curses and such." He chuckled as Hermione looked at him, horrified, "Don't worry, Granger, its not. I gave it to you because I love you. Believe me, I don't want this either, but love picks its own victims, no matter who they are."

"And do you believe love is a curse?" Hermione asked, looking straight into his silvery blue eyes. How come she had never seen the warmth in them before?

"No," Malfoy whispered, "not when the person you love is as kind-hearted, smart, and beautiful as you." He lifted her chin up and kissed her. It wasn't rough and passionate, as the other kisses were, but soft and tender, like fresh morning dew.

"Draco..." Hermione whispered.

He pulled back. Hermione opened her eyes and looked at him, startled. Was it all a cruel joke?

"You c-called me by my first name," he whispered in a shocked voice.

"Maybe that's because I love you too."

And then Hermione did something she never thought she'd do. She kissed Draco Malfoy. They stood there for moments, locked in a passionate embrace. He kissed her sweet and tenderly, and she answered back, slowly and lovingly. She opened her mouth to deepen the kiss, and Draco explored it with his warm tongue. His lips caressed her own so softly. He tasted of mints and she smelled like a warm spring breeze. Her hands were in his silver locks, and his hands gently embraced her tall and slender frame. This is absolute heaven, Draco thought, nothing could spoil the moment...

"Hermione!"

The two lovers let go and spun around to see who was talking.

Ron Weasley was standing in the hall.