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Curses were being thrown from all sides. Screams of wounded echoed as well as cries of those who found loved ones dead.

Draco searched frantically for just a sign of a head of brown curls. She had to be OK she just had too. He would find her and she would be alive, there was no way he would believe her dead.

His foot caught on something and he fell forward hitting the ground hard. The impact jolted him and it took a moment to clear his head before glancing around. What he saw behind him stole his breath and his heart almost ceased to beat.

Thirty-five year old Draco Malfoy jerked awake in his bed, his breathing labored, his body shaking from the cold sweat that layered his body. He ran a tired hand down his face and took a deep shuddering breath. The nightmares never stopped no matter how much Dreamless Sleep Draught he took.

He threw the covers back and climbed from his bed. On rubbery legs he went into his bathroom and turned on the taps of the sink. He splashed cold water on his face a few times to wash away the sticky trail his tears had left. It would be awhile before he would calm.

He glanced up into the mirror and studied his face. He looked so much older then his actual age. Grief and pain had aged him quickly. His cheeks were sunken in, the bone structure more pronounced. Frown lines marred his mouth, for he very rarely smiled. Dark circles rimmed his eyes because of the lack of sleep his nightmares caused.

Life these past fourteen years had been miserable. He could have had the life he had always dreamed of and not been alone had he listened to her. Why had he let it happen? He had had plenty of chances to change the outcome of the single most miserable day of his life. He himself had caused the very pain that ate at him day after day.

He lowered his head allowing scalding tears to fall and land upon the porcelain of the sink. If his father could see him now he would tell him he was weak but he could care less. His life without her had been pure torture and he needed to grieve one last time. Whichever way things went he would be free of the pain. One way would be the present he lived in would change in his favor. The second, his death by his own hand. He hoped for the former because he really did wish to die beside her. For any journey would be better traveled with her.

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Professor Madigan watched his students duel each other as they stood outside beside The Black Lake. Most of the class was pretty good and he knew it was because of the DA lessons Harry gave in their fifth year. He was particularly keen on watching Draco and Hermione as they stood opposite each other. Neither one had made a move yet. They both looked unsure of how to proceed. He hid a smile behind his hand.

"Mr. Malfoy, Miss Granger. Is there a problem here?" he asked loudly, causing them both to jump. "N-no, sir." Draco stammered out, his cheeks reddening as he looked toward Hermione. "No, sir," Hermione said softly, looking down at her shoes. "I see. If nothing is wrong why are you hesitant in practicing the defensive spells I have set for this lesson?" Professor Madigan knew why but he wouldn't say. He was hoping Draco would answer aloud so he would know how much of what he had said had sunk in. "Sorry, sir," was all he got in response. The professor sighed raggedly and looked to both of them with kindness in his face. "I think the problem here is you both truly don't hate each other." They both jerked up their heads and looked at him in shock. He smiled a warm smile and let out a chuckle. "Don't look so surprised. It was bound to happen sooner or later. How long can one truly hang on to hate. You both are very smart and have more in common then you could possibly imagine. Don't you think it's about time you put aside all the animosity and try for a friendship?"

Draco's look of shock turned to one of sadness. "You know I can't sir," he said softly as he turned and headed back toward the castle. Hermione watched him go with sadness in her eyes. She looked up at the professor with shiny eyes. "He's been so different since you kept him after class the first day. He's been so kind but so withdrawn. For two weeks now he has been looking at me as if seeing me for the first time and honestly I have been doing the same. I want things to change between us but I'm so afraid to let go," she hung her head and started to walk away, but the professor grabbed her arm, halting her progress. "Miss Granger I have but one thing to ask of you and it is important that you comply," he paused as he waited for her to look up at him. Once he had her full attention he continued. "Give him a chance. Don't hold onto the past and punish him for the teachings of a power hungry father."

"Is it really so easy?" she asked. "It can be. In the short time I have been here I have seen just how compassionate you can be. Please show some of it to Draco and maybe you could help him see just where his loyalties should really lie. If you think about it you might also save a life."

He left her to think over his words. He knew that she would be easier to persuade than Draco. He had started a ball rolling and he just hoped it would be enough to change the outcome. He wanted to know how life could be lived with the love of his life. For once he wanted some peace and happiness.

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Draco wandered the halls of Hogwarts his mind in a whirl. So many questions that needed answers and he had not a one. After that first talk he had decided that he could be nice to Granger and had been. The only problem with him letting go of his hatred had been that he had finally seen her and she was more beautiful than any woman he had ever seen. That first revelation had been like a kick in the gut. He finally realized that he had never hated her because of her bloodline but because he knew deep down that he wanted her and could never have her.

He stopped and leaned against a wall just outside the library to contemplate his predicament. He wanted to change everything that had transpired before this moment but he wasn't sure how. Six years of torment given by himself could not be fixed over night but he sincerely hoped it could be done period. He wanted to take a chance and experience a little happiness before this bloody war took over everyone's life. He felt a smile threaten and he just had to give in to the little burst of joy that lingered in his heart. He would do it. He would give in and follow the path that led him to the one person he knew could change his life for the better.

Hermione stood in the shadows and watched Draco as he stood near the library. She couldn't help the thrill that coursed through her when he smiled. He was truly a thing of beauty when he did that. His face nearly glowed with the joy that she knew he was feeling. What brought it on she didn't know but she was grateful for it because it allowed her a chance to see him in a whole new way.

She thought again of Professor Madigan's words and knew she could do as he asked. Draco needed her and who was she to deny someone in need. He had lived a life of hatred and prejudice because of a father who cared more for money and power than his own son. Draco needed someone who could steer him in the right direction and she was the person for the job. This new side of him called to her. She just hoped she could convince him how wrong his father had been and put him on the path to a happier life.