Dramione Monthly Challenge VampireSomeday

Just wrote this today, let me know what you think. I didn't realize this until after I finished it, but it is totally like the prologue to my other one-shot, Let Them Kiss Me Too. Read this one first and then that afterwards and tell me what you think.

Malfoy Manor

December 25th

Years had passed since she had last seen that look on his face, but she doubted he had ever worn it with as much intensity as he did now. Shock and fear, quickly masked with cruel bemusement, marred his beautiful face, one that she only ever saw with love and devotion written obviously across it.

This Draco was an alien to her, as she was an alien to this part of his life. The isolation was anything but accidental. The time they spent together wasn't wasted with reports of their days; the news was nothing either of them cared to share. Under the Dark Lord's regime the life they wanted was impossible. Those dreams had died with Harry Potter. So, when they were together, they indulged and acted as if things between them were still full of hope and possibility. But she always knew where he was coming from, and where he would be going to when he left.

Draco heard footsteps coming down the hall, and his heart warmed in anticipation. But as they grew closer, he knew the feet didn't belong to her. She was quiet like a mouse; the last years spent in hiding had made her every type of stealth. Whoever was approaching was loud, and walked with confident, heavy steps. There was a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" He asked, his grip on his wand tightening. These days, he was constantly paranoid.

"It's us. We found something," Yaxley said, and Draco let him, along with Dolohov in. "Look what we found," They shoved a bound figure on the floor roughly. "Apparated right outside the gates."

A pair of defiant brown eyes met his through a beautiful mess of curly brown hair. In his pocket, a small black bag charmed shut, carried a simple five-karat engagement that now might never be given.

"Well, what shall we do with this?" Draco said, looking at the other Death Eaters.

"Seems like a waste to kill this one, Draco." Dolohov said hungrily.

A malicious smirk was added to his profile. Hermione reminded herself that the wicked expression wasn't real. A tear rolled down her cheek, and she wasn't sure if it was real either. "Since it's Christmas, I won't kill you, Granger. But as a little gift to myself, I think you'll stay here for the night. Probably better than the cave you're hiding out in. It'll be a happy Christmas for both of us."

"We'll be going then." Dolohov said, disappointed.

"Thanks again for the drinks," Yaxley added.

"Maybe when Draco is done with you, you can come and give me a happy Christmas too." Dolohov titled Hermione's head up to look at him.

"If there's anything left," Draco grinned and promptly shut the door. Releasing the binds from her hands he pulled her into his arms.

"We're safe." He caressed her cheek and wiped the tears away.

"For now," She reminded him.

But reality wasn't something they liked to talk about together. So instead, Draco kissed her, and they both pretended it would heal all the hurt in their world.

Like or no? thanks for reading, and try out Let Them Kiss Me Too, and let me know what you think.