ocean eyes (dramione)

Chapter 10

I ran down to the great hall, trembling with adrenaline, almost running straight into several Ravenclaw second-years studying near the library.

I found Ginny sitting at the Gryffindor table devouring dessert, so I practically flung myself at her and told her everything.

Ginny grabbed me and pulled me into a hug. "Hermione! Oh, I'm so happy for you! I can't believe it!" She jumped out of her seat and started to do an odd sort of dance that reminded me strongly of Fred and George.

"Miss Weasley, sit down!" Called Professor McGonagall from the staff table, though I could have sworn she was smiling.

"Don't get too excited, we've still got detention later," I warned her in low voice, although even with my hands pressed under the table I could still feel them shaking.

Ginny groaned."I'd forgotten about that," she grumbled. "Do you think Malfoy will be there?"

"I expect Slughorn sent him an owl," I said dismissively. "And you don't have to call him Malfoy, Gin. His name is Draco."

"Stupid name," muttered Ginny, and I couldn't help laughing, all the way down the steps to the dungeons and Professor Slughorn's office.

Ginny knocked hard on the door. "Professor?" She called loudly.

"We're opening a door, Gin, not shattering his eardrums," I muttered, grinning slightly as Ginny elbowed me. The door opened and Professor Slughorn beamed at us from behind it.

"Welcome, Miss Granger, Miss Weasley!" He stepped aside and we slipped awkwardly into the two chairs set aside in front of his desk. Slughorn was looking around the edge of the door curiously.

"Anything wrong, Professor?" I asked, although I thought I already knew the answer.

"Mr Malfoy is unusually late," he said thoughtfully, closing the door and coming to sit opposite them. He remained silent for the next few minutes until there was a knock at the door and the breath caught him my throat. Ginny squeezed my arm lightly, sensing my anticipation.

Slughorn went to the door and welcomed Draco Malfoy inside. He showed no signs of being upset and gave me a soft smile when he entered. He drew up a chair and sat down beside me, so I reached across and squeezed his hand gently. He returned the favour and left his hand resting in mine. I didn't object.

"Now, Mr Malfoy first. Would you mind telling me what happened in my lesson today?"

"I - I just overreacted, sir," said Draco, sounding confident. He was an excellent liar. "I don't know what came over me. Weasley just said something childish and I ran. I'm sorry sir."

"Mmmm," said Slughorn thoughtfully. "What about you, Miss Weasley? What do you say?"

"I agree with Draco," said Ginny simply, looking surprised at herself when she said his name. "That's all that happened, sir."

"Well, I don't wish to punish any of you," said Professor Slughorn. "You may go." Ginny grinned at me, and I chanced a smile over at Draco. Surprisingly enough, he smiled back. He had a nice smile - a real smile, not a boyish smirk that I was used to. He looked like a different person when he smiled properly.

We left Slughorn's office together. I hadn't realised I was still holding Draco's hand until he let go.

"I'd better get back to the dorm, I have studying to do," said Draco quickly.

"You can stay with us, if you want," I offered at once. Draco turned around, looking hopeful.

"Really?" He asked.

"Yes!" I exclaimed, giving him a warm smile. "Right, Gin?" I added, nudging her in the ribs. Ginny jumped.

"Oh, yes," she grinned.

"Thanks," said Draco, looking relieved. "Can I - hold your hand?" He looked shy.

I slipped my fingers through his and said, "You don't need to ask. There's just something I don't understand."

"What's that?" He asked, looking like he had more confidence as we wandered down the corridors together. They were mostly deserted - everybody was either in their common rooms or out on the Quidditch pitch.

"What made you change?" I asked. "One minute you're constantly teasing me, and being horrible, the next you're like this."

Draco laughed. "It was you, Hermione." I blushed.

"Me?" I asked.

"I don't know, you're just always so...nice," shrugged Draco, sounding frustrated with himself. "You do like me, don't you?" He added.

"Of course I do!" I shouted, gripping his hand tighter. "I've been crushing on you since forever!" I couldn't help blushing.

"She's been drooling over you since the beginning of the year," Ginny translated, appearing between the both of them. "And boy, do I feel like a third wheel." Me and Draco both laughed.

"I'm gonna leave you both to it," winked Ginny, and she skipped away in the other direction, singing to herself.

Me and Draco walked hand in hand down the peaceful halls, and at that moment I couldn't think about anything else except the feel of his hand in mine.