Hermione leaned back with a sigh. She was soaking in a hot bath with the lights dimmed and scented candles covering the counter. She had to admit to herself, she had been shocked when Arthur had called and asked her to help Draco. She remembered him the way he used to be. Cold and cruel, bringing her to tears more often then not. She remembered the hurt as he laughed at her large front teeth, at her awkwardness and at the fact that she spent so much time studying. Secretly she had always loved Draco. That is why his insults had hurt Hermione so much. Nevertheless, she promised that she would not break and cause herself the misery that was undoubtedly included in this situation. Because of Draco and Ron Weasley, she did not know how to let any man into her heart. Because of them, she was afraid of a serious relationship. However, when Arthur had called, Hermione had agreed. The only reason had been the urgency in his voice. She would bend over backwards to help Mr. Weasley. He was like a second father to her. Even after Hermione's and Ron's engagement had ended badly, Arthur had been good to her.
Hermione was startled out of her thoughts by Draco's scream. At the sound Hermione jumped and the motion caused her to slip completely under the water. Sputtering and gasping for air, clamored out of the tub. Hastily, she wrapped a fluffy pink towel around herself and rushed out of the bathroom. Hermione's first thought was that Voldermort had found them. That the Dark Lord was in her house ready to kill Draco and anyone who got in his way. She burst into the spare room and sighed with relief. Draco lay in the double bed sleeping but thrashing around under the covers. Again, he cried out in his sleep. "No, Mom!" He screamed. "Stay back! Get out of here!" Hermione's heart ached as she listened to him. Slowly she went to Draco and sat on the bed by his hip.
Gently, Hermione shook Draco and called his name having to yell to be heard over his cries. Finally, Draco's eyes snapped open. He quickly took in the room then his eyes found Hermione. "Nightmare." He whispered after a few moments of silence. With a groan, he fell back onto the pillows. As Draco's labored breathing calmed, his grey eyes slowly began to gaze over Hermione's exposed flesh and she realized there was a lot of it.
Quickly, Hermione pulled the towel tighter around herself and started to stand. Draco's hand snaked out and closed around her wrist. "Stay." He whispered urgently. Hermione gazed down at the blond silently. He released her and lifted the covers invitingly. After a few moments of hesitation, Hermione lay down next to her future husband. Silently they lay together then Draco lay his head gently on her stomach and wrapped his left arm around her waist. Hermione sat up and Draco lay in her lap. Hermione caressed his neck with one hand while the other ran through his pale hair softly.
"Do you think he killed her?" Draco finally asked. His voice was weak and dripped with pain. Hermione thought hard about her answer. Honestly, she thought that the chances were good that Voldermort had killed Narcissa. However, she could not bring herself to tell Draco that. Finally, she said "I think that he would want her alive. He would try to use her to get you to come back to the manor." "I can't go back." Draco responded. "No," Hermione agreed. "You're safe here." She only hoped that she was right. "I'm not the same man I was back at Hogwarts." Draco told her after a few minutes of silence had gone by. "I know." Hermione whispered.
Slowly Draco moved to sit next to Hermione and before she knew what was happening, he was kissing her. This had been Hermione's fantasy for many years but know she pushed him away gently. "Don't Draco" She started but her voice failed as she saw the urgency and need in his eyes. Her hands, which had been against his naked chest, relaxed then fell away letting him come closer again. She trembled as his experienced hand slid between the folds of her towel and caressed her flesh. Slowly it moved up over her ribs to cup her breast as his mouth came back to hers. "Hermione." He sighed. Hermione froze. Her name on his lips was the most erotic sound she had ever heard. She opened her mouth to his and Draco pressed forward. His tongue caressed hers and Draco moaned into her mouth as he pressed his body to hers.
At the feel of his erection, Hermione gasped. She had not realized that he was naked under the covers. Draco laughed softly at her reaction and skillfully removed her towel and dropped it on the floor. Hermione's face grew red as Draco pulled back the covers and gazed down at her body. Gently he ran his fingers over her thighs. "Are you…I mean have you…" He did not know quite how to ask the question of her virginity tastefully. "No." Hermione answered understanding the un-asked question. "Ron and I.." "The Weasel?" Draco asked interrupting with disgust in his voice. "There's the old Draco." Hermione said coldly. Before he could respond Hermione slid out of the bed, covered herself in the towel and stalked from the room without looking back. "Granger." Draco called after her but Hermione ignored him.