Draco cradled her offered palm in his and slowly sliced a thin cut into the skin of her palm. He watched as a single bead of blood dripped from the cut down toward her wrist. He then brought his hand up to repeat the action, wincing at the sharp feeling of his magic slicing through his own palm. He quickly dropped his wand to the side and slowly brought his bleeding palm up to cover Hermione’s heart. She repeated the action, and when her hand made contact with him, Draco felt overheated, as if he might combust. A silent conversation passed between them– without having to speak, Draco communicated he was ready. When Hermione’ lowered and adjusted so she rested just over his tip, ready for the ritual, he began to pant.