The Way You Make Me Feel

Chapter 4

Hermione ate in silence, listening to Harry and Ron discuss Quidditch strategies. She looked up to see the owls flying in for the evening post and was surprised to see a school owl land on her plate. Hand shaking with nervousness, Hermione reached out and took the letter tied to the bird's leg, which happily flew off. As she read, Hermione became increasingly more anxious to finish her meal. She shoved a few more pieces of custard into her mouth, muttered a quick, "I've got homework to do," to Harry and Ron, and dashed out of the Great Hall. Her stomach was in permanent knots, and she was happy and nervous at the same time. Hermione made her way to the classroom on the thirf floor where she had been less than twenty-four hours before.

~*~

Draco waited patiently, knowing she would arrive soon. He had a wonderful glowing feeling building up inside of him; he felt as though he'd burst whenever he thought of her.

I Like the Feelin' You're
Givin' Me

~*~

Hermione paused before opening the door. She carefully unsealed the letter she had received that morning and reread it, just to be sure.

Dear Hermione,

I know that this afternoon was very out of character for me. However, I enjoyed myself and believe that you did, too. Please meet me at the same place we met last evening.

Yours,

D.M.

Hermione sighed and reached for the handle.

~*~

"Hermione," Draco said as Hermione shut the door behind her. "I'm so glad you came. I wasn't sure you'd come."

"Well Draco, I'm here. I am glad you arranged this little meeting because we have to talk. This isn't some game, Draco. If we were caught, both of us would be in serious trouble and-"

"All hell would break loose," Draco interrupted her easily. "Don't you think I haven't thought about all that and more before? Why on earth would I put my life and reputation on the line unless I had a good reason to? I know this would be difficult, but if you gave it a chance-"

Here it was Hermione who interrupted. "Do you realize how hard it would be to keep this from Harry and Ron, let alone the whole school? Goodbye, Draco." And with that, Hermione turned on her heel and stormed back to Gryffindor Tower.

Draco stared after her, thinking that she was right. It is an impossibility. We're from different worlds. "ARRGH!" Draco yelled, punching the wall. He, too, stormed out, but not to his common room.

~*~

Hermione stumbled blindly through the corridors. She was filled with mixed emotions. Her head was very pleased with the way she had lain down the law with Malfoy. Her heart, on the other hand, couldn't forget the look of hurt on his gorgeous face... She longed to kiss him again. Hermione slowed her pace as she touched her lips. She opened her eyes and glanced around. Great. Nowhere near the Tower, she thought regretfully. She turned around and continued to run, that is until she collided with another person.

~*~

Where could she be? She can't have gotten very far, Draco thought as he stood outside Gryffindor Tower. He turned around and decided to try the library. As he rounded the corner, a familiar figure ran straight into his arms.

Draco showed no signs of letting go of Hermione as she peered up into his face. Nor did she have any intention of moving; her heart drowned out her head.

Just Hold Me Baby And I'm
In Ecstasy