Author's Note: Well, this is first fan-fiction that I have ever posted. I know I have spent a lot of time on it, I do hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: We all know whom owns Harry Potter and it's not me, I only own the story line.

Chapter One: Out Cold

"Beautiful, filthy but beautiful," he thought to himself as he looked at the unconscious heap on the ground. He slowly bent down on his knees, the cold Earth sending a chill down his spine. He carefully placed one strong under her head and the other below her knees. He tried to awaken her, but she was far away from the world. He slowly stood and began walking with the girl in his arms.

Draco Malfoy wasnot a defender of the light, nor a defender of the dark. He worked for his own ambition and it had proved to be successful his whole life. Although everyone believed that he was once a Death Eater, loyal supporter of Lord Voldemort, neither he was. Draco had decided early in his young adult years that he was no pawn for anyone to move around. He quickly learned to despise the Dark Lord and his own father, Lucius Malfoy, for his pathetic servitude to someone else.

As Draco carried the girl back to the Malfoy Manor, he began to think about the girl. Why was she here, in his forest, out cold, and so late at night. Draco would not have ever known she was there if it had not been for a house elf. Draco figured she must have gotten lost, and got into a struggle with someone or something, which was not an impossible scenario. He did know that she had a few injuries, scratches and bruises, and that she had passed out to do something. This is what he was unsure of. He found her wand on her, and knew she should have been able to protect herself. He figured that she must have been attacked and caught by surprise. By any means he quickly pocketed her wand. He knew he would get all the answers to his questions as soon as she awoke

As Draco walked through the gates, towards the manor, he was greeted by his head house elf, Tilly. Tilly soon realized Draco was carrying someone, a very pretty lady.

"Master, I am so happy is you back!' she exclaimed, ears perking. "Who this lady master?"

Draco's smile broadened as he answered her. "This is an old friend of mine, you will be taking care of her until she is better."

"What her name, Master?" Tilly asked

"Her name is Hermione Granger," he answered. With that he carried her inside the Manor.