A/N: This was written for the Last Man Standing Competition and the As Many as You want Competition and the title prompts challenge. I had to write about my Notp…Dramione seems to be the only Notp I can write. This is also AU. Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. JK Rowling does. The title is also from the song Hello by Lionel Richie.

Draco had lied to his aunt to protect her. It was all he could do at that moment to keep her safe. He pretended not to recognize Harry Potter and his friends, but he would know them anywhere. Harry's disguise was good, especially if it made Bellatrix doubtful.

His plan backfired when Bellatrix said he wanted to speak to Hermione alone. He knew what speaking really meant. He clenched his fists, but he couldn't move.

He didn't want to watch the scene that was playing before him…Bellatrix refused to believe Hermione about the sword so she tortured her. He closed his eyes when she began carving letters into her arms and tried to ignore the hot tears that were threatening to form. He hated how he was being cowardly. He should've been able to protect her for this.

Harry and Ron had escaped from the dungeon, and a knife was now on Hermione's neck. "Don't kill her! Take me instead!" Draco suddenly shouted.

The room became eerily silent, and aunt Bellatrix began to laugh. "What's this? Does wittle Draco love this girl?" she gasped gleefully when he didn't answer her. "He does love the mudblood! What will mummy and daddy think about this?"

Draco raised his wand and pointed it at her. "I don't care…just take me instead."

The blade was close to Hermione's throat again, and he saw her wince. But her eyes met his. "Your punishment will come soon…for being with a mudblood."

She suddenly pushed Hermione across the room, and Draco caught her in his arms. He wanted to kiss her, but he couldn't then. All he could do was hold her tightly. He closed his eyes when she clung to him. "I'm sorry," he murmured softly enough for just her to hear. "I'm so sorry."

Hermione didn't reply, but Draco placed her in Ron's arms. "Just go…take care of her."

Hermione suddenly grabbed his hand. "Draco, no…come with us. Please," she pleaded.

Draco nodded. He didn't have time to think or say anything because the next thing they knew, they had disappeared. The next thing he saw was Harry cradling Dobby in his arms.

"He's dead," Hermione whispered to him when Harry bowed his head.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, wishing he could say something else.

Hermione shook her head. "She would've killed us. He saved us. And you saved me."

"I didn't save you from that," Draco said, nodding at the new scar on her arm.

Hermione placed a hand on his cheek and kissed him. "That's just a word. It doesn't bother me anymore."

Draco hung his head before looking around. "Where are we at?" he asked in surprise.

"We're at Bill and Fleur's cottage. We're safe now."

He stood up and held out a hand. "Then we should get you inside. Come on."

Hermione shook her head. "Harry needs me."

"But you've been tortured…we need to get you help."

"It's ok, I'll stay with him," Luna suddenly said politely.

Draco gave Hermione a pointed look, and she finally took his hand.

A/N: I swear this is the last time I write about Dramione...thanks for reading!