Author's Note: I meant to have this up several days ago but I got absorbed in this new book I was reading. It's called Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley and I would definitely recommend it. :) I made this chapter slightly longer to make up for the last chapter and also because of the wait. Enjoy! Leave a review if you liked it, have any questions, concerns, or criticisms. :)

When they returned from Malfoy Manor, Harry was excited energized by Hermione's outburst. He took it as a sign that they were on the right path. He wryly remembered Luna's prediction of success and promised himself to write to her as soon as they had settled in Malfoy Manor. He wasn't sure how Malfoy would take to the new guest though. His mood was slightly dampened when he remembered the distrust Hermione had expressed in Malfoy. In his eagerness to see her recover and his concern for her, he had ignored the part of himself that whispered the same doubts that Hermione had of Malfoy's intentions. However, Harry still knew this was the only way he had found to break Hermione's silence. With that in mind, he began packing their things, ignoring the silent, sulking figure sitting by the window.

Breakfast at Malfoy Manor proceeded as usual except for the seat change. As the new head of the family, Draco occupied the seat that had previously been his father's while his mother sat to his right, and his father to her left. The rest of the table, which seated fifty, was empty.

"I've invited Harry Potter and Hermione Granger to stay," he announced. The words echoed between them in the large, empty room. The silence that stretched following his announcement seemed even louder. His mother seemed thoughtful while his father's expression darkened. They exchanged a silent glance before she cleared her throat.

"Has she recovered? She did not seem well last I saw her," she inquired politely.

"She seems much the same as she was after the battle. Potter seems to think that my presence helps for whatever reason, thus the arrangement."

"When are they coming," Lucius asked in a controlled voice.

"This afternoon," Draco replied watching his father carefully. "I trust there will be no problems." It was more of a challenge than a question. Lucius snorted.

"Since they are guests," he used the word mockingly, "I will treat them as they should be treated." Draco noted that his father had not agreed, but took his words to mean he would not cause trouble. The last thing their family needed was to get on the Chosen One's bad side. One word from him and his parents would be in Azkaban and the lot of them would be ruined before he could say dementor.

After breakfast, his mother followed him to his study.

"Are you sure this is a smart decision, Draco," she asked tentatively. "I simply do not understand why you would invite them here. It is no secret that you do not get along with them." And that was putting it lightly. Draco looked out the window over the grounds and deliberated before answering.

"What he did for us at the trial was no small feat. All he had to do was speak on our behalf, but in order to do that, he had to overcome all those years of animosity and hatred. It speaks of great character that he was willing to do that for me. He gave us a second chance, this is the least I could do in return." He turned to face her. "And you didn't see Granger on that bridge, mother. She was fully prepared to die after she had just won a war she'd been fighting since we were children. And her eyes were so sad and haunted..." he trailed off and shook his head. He noticed his mother watching him with a speculative look that he did not appreciate. "Besides," he continued defensively, "she's often referred to as the brightest witch of our age and it would be a shame to let such a mind die, don't you think?" Narcissa smiled.

"Of course, dear."

That afternoon, Harry sent Kreacher over to Malfoy Manor with their things before flooing there with Hermione. Over the course of the day, her expression had darkened as she realized Harry was set on the plan and she looked absolutely murderous by the time they finally reached the Manor. Draco was once again waiting for them.

"Potter," he greeted with a handshake. Harry hesitated for a second before speaking.

"Harry," he corrected awkwardly. "We'll be living together for a while after all." Draco nodded.

"Ok... Harry... You may as well call me Draco then." He turned to Hermione.

"Hermione," he greeted her, extending his hand to her. The name felt strange on his tongue. Hermione simply turned away from him and Draco swore she had scoffed at him. He raised an eyebrow at Harry who was watching Hermione's childish behavior with amusement.

"She's been sulking all day," he confided with a wry grin. Draco smirked.

"Well, shall I show you to your rooms?" Draco led the way towards the main staircase, and Harry noted with surprise that the sitting room doors were missing. Draco noticed his stare. "I thought it would be prudent to have that room walled off. We hardly use it anyway and it holds bad memories for all of us. Some more than others," he said eyeing Hermione as they walked past it. Draco led the way upstairs to a corridor before gesturing to two doors across from each other. The door on the left led to Hermione's room. It had dark wood floors and the walls were painted a light cream. The majority of the space was taken up by a large bed with light blue sheets. The opposite wall featured large windows with a view of the surrounding land. Several empty bookshelves lined the walls. Two doors on the right led to a bathroom and closet. Harry's room was almost identical except his had light green walls and a small table and settee by the window. Though still quite sizeable, these were the two smallest rooms and Draco had specifically chosen them for the cozy feeling they gave off. While the other guest rooms were meant to impress and intimidate, these were meant to comfort.

Draco watched as Harry helped Hermione get settled before leaving her alone to pout.

"I took away her window seat," Draco admitted with a wry smile. "Figured it would encourage her to go to your room at least if she was still determined to keep up her habits." Harry grinned in response.

"Smart man." Draco's expression suddenly turned serious and he stepped closer to Harry.

"You should know my parents are still living here," he told him in a quiet voice. "My mother shouldn't be an issue but keep an eye out for my father. I've asked him to keep his distance, but if he causes any trouble, let me know." Harry nodded.

"Thank you. It must take quite a lot to stand up to your father like that." Harry remembered how long it had taken him to assert himself against his uncle. Draco shrugged.

"I invited you here. What kind of a host would I be if I let my dad kill you during your stay?" Harry checked to see if Draco was joking but Draco waved as he continued down the hall to what Harry assumed was his room.

Dinner at Malfoy Manor was... awkward. Hermione picked at her food and stared at the wall opposite her, refusing to acknowledge anyone else. Draco and Harry made stilted attempts at conversation but it was painfully obvious how little they had in common. Narcissa kept staring at Hermione. Should would open her mouth slightly as if to say something to her but then shut it as if thinking better of it. Narcissa took part in the conversation when directly engaged but otherwise was quiet. Lucius had yet to make an appearance though everyone seemed to have come to the unspoken agreement that it was most likely for the better.

"Ahem. So Po-Harry," Draco corrected himself, "now that the war is over, what do you plan to do?" Harry deliberated whilst chewing some of his potatoes.

"Well, I'm sure everyone's expecting me to become an Auror given my experience, and I'm sure they would be glad to have me. I might join them for a while - just until things calm down. To be honest though, I've had enough violence to last several lifetimes... and due to certain... recent experiences, I think I'd like to become a healer." Harry stared at Hermione as he finished. Narcissa eagerly jumped on the topic.

"Oh, what a wonderful calling! I've always wanted to become a healer but unfortunately I just didn't have the opportunity. I'm sure you would do wonderfully, Harry." She beamed at him. Harry was slightly taken aback by her enthusiasm but muttered a quiet thanks.

After dinner, Draco pulled Harry aside.

"I have a bit of an experiment I'd like to try, Harry."

"No, Draco, neither Hermione nor I will be donating body parts or bodily fluids for potions experiments."

"What," Draco exclaimed confused. He grabbed Harry by the shoulder and shook him slightly. "I'm talking about Hermione's condition, idiot." Harry blushed.

"Oh. Sorry. You said experiment and my first thought was potions." Draco snorted.

"It's obvious that Hermione is very comfortable around you, right?"

"Right..."

"So what if we took that comfort away?" Harry stiffened.

"If you think I'm going to leave her here with you alone," he started furiously before Draco interrupted him.

"Well, that was what I was thinking but if you're not amenable to the idea how about a compromise," he proposed, "you'll still live here of course, but I'll take care of her and do all the things you normally would. Maybe we'll get lucky and she'll yell at me again," he joked. "I just want to see if we can push her out of her comfort zone a bit and get her to react." Harry suddenly had a very strange mental image of Draco dressed as a lion tamer and prodding Hermione with a stick as she hissed at him.

"Er, right," Harry said, shaking his head to clear it. "That sounds reasonable and since I'll be here I can always step in if something goes wrong, I guess."

"There's one more thing," Draco said nervously. Harry raised an eyebrow. "My mother would like to spend some time with her. I'm not sure why but she seems quite drawn to Hermione. If you're amenable to it she would like to talk to her. Not alone of course," he added hurriedly, "I doubt mother would hurt her but if you're not comfortable with them being alone you're welcome to sit with them." Harry regarded him silently.

"No, I trust your judgement. If you say Hermione is safe with her, then I'll take your word for it." Harry paused and then added fiercely, "Just a warning though, Malfoy. If a single hair on her head is harmed, you will regret it," Harry threatened with a thunderous expression. "And keep your father away from her," he added as an afterthought.

"Are you in love with her," Draco asked curiously. Harry's face relaxed as he blushed bright red and violently shook his head.

"No, Merlin no. But we've been friends for so long she's like my sister and right now," Harry paused and gathered himself, "she's the only family I have left," he finished quietly. He nodded to Draco and headed upstairs. Draco watched him leave as he pondered Harry's words.

That night, Harry sat and penned a short letter to Luna in his messy scrawl.

Luna,

We've moved into Malfoy Manor. Hermione seems upset with me. She's been pouting all day. She hasn't exploded like the last time we visited but I'm not sure if that's a good sign or not. I forgot to ask Draco if you could visit (we're on first name terms now. Bizarre isn't it?) but I'll make sure to ask him tomorrow and send you another owl letting you know. If not, we can meet somewhere outside the Manor. Hope you're doing well.

Your friend,

Harry

He tied the note to Pigwidgeon's leg with a sad smile. Molly had insisted Harry take the owl, complaining that she could not handle him and didn't need an extra owl anyway and Harry really should have an owl since he was on his own with Hermione and it was only fitting that Pig go to him considering.

Harry was privately glad that the bird seemed to have calmed down with age but he always felt a double pang in his heart when he saw the owl: one for his own owl Hedwig, and one for Ron. Nevertheless, Pig seemed to have taken a liking to him and had even taken to sitting with him when he talked to Hermione. The owl seemed to enjoy grooming Hermione's hair.

The next morning, Harry was awoke to find Pig sitting on his chest and staring at him. When the owl saw that he was awake, he hooted and stuck his leg out. It was a reply from Luna.

Harry,

I'll be coming over for breakfast. I'm sure Draco won't mind. Don't stay in bed or I'll wake you up myself!

Your friend,

Luna

P.S. I'm bringing muffins

Harry blinked as he processed the letter. He scrambled out of bed just as Luna swept in.

"Hello, Harry," she greeted brightly.

"Er, Hello Luna," he returned. "Do you mind waiting outside while I get dressed," he asked with a blush. He had red pajama pants on but had neglected to wear a shirt to bed. Luna gave him a serene smile that Harry could have sworn had just a touch of mischief in it before floating out of the room. She closed the door behind her and Harry breathed a sigh of relief.

Someone knocked before sticking their head in. Harry saw blond and started to shout at Luna that he wasn't ready yet when he noticed it was Draco. His eyes were screwed closed.

"Sorry about that," he said. "She turned up on the front porch this morning, casual as you like, and said she had come to visit Hermione. She brought muffins too."

"I'm really sorry," Harry apologized. "I told her I had to ask you before she could come visit but I suppose she decided to just show up." Draco grinned.

"It's fine, mother was quite beside herself. Didn't know what to do with her. It was pretty funny. Anyway, I'll let you get dressed," he paused before adding, "should I get Hermione ready or do you want to do it?" Harry opened his mouth to tell Draco he would do it before he remembered the plan.

"You do it. Now's as good a time to start as any. Make sure her wand isn't near her when you wake her. She can be a bit trigger happy. Carry her to the bathroom, bring her clothes, and she can take care of the rest. Have a house elf on standby for her in case she needs help," he instructed. Draco nodded and closed the door.

He turned and walked to Hermione's door. He knocked quietly and when there was no response, he let himself in. The morning light streamed through the sheer curtains and lit up her room with soft yellow light. Draco approached her bed quietly. He noted the wand on her nightstand and moved it to one of the bookshelves across the room. Just in case. He wasn't quite sure what "trigger happy" meant but he guessed it was a muggle phrase meaning she would curse first and ask questions later. He'd seen Hermione do some rather nasty spellwork over the years and he'd rather not be on the receiving end of one of her curses.

Hermione was carefully tucked under the sheets, her curly hair spread over the pillow like a halo. Draco noticed that she looked much more relaxed asleep. She looked peaceful. He smiled and almost reached out to caress her face before he stopped himself with a shudder. Had he just had the urge to caress the Gryffindor bookworm? I must not be fully awake yet, he decided.

"Hermione," he called softly. She didn't stir. "Hermione," he tried again slightly louder. Still no response. He shook her slightly and called her name again. Her eyes opened slowly until they focused on Draco and widened. She scrambled to the other side of the bed, keeping her eyes on him. She reached around for her wand but couldn't find it.

"Harry told me to keep your wand out of reach. Something about you being trigger happy in the morning. Whatever that means. It's over on the bookshelf," he said in response to her unasked question. "Harry sent me to wake you up and help you get ready. Do you need help getting to the bathroom or...," he trailed off uncertainly.

When Hermione simply continued to stare at him, he slowly edged around the bed towards her. She continued watching him like a wary animal but did not protest when he scooped her up. Draco thought she was lighter than he remembered. He carefully carried her into the bathroom and sat her down on the edge of the tub.

"Do you have preferences for clothes," he asked awkwardly. She simply stared him down.

"Right." He practically ran out of the bathroom. Her staring was creeping her out. It was amazing how scary that tiny chit of a girl could be. And all without saying a word too. He walked into her closet and carefully selected a shirt and pants similar to the ones she normally wore. He blushed as he randomly drew out her undergarments with his eyes closed. He walked back to the bathroom and sat them down on the counter.

"Right, there's soap, shampoo, and whatever else you may need by the tub and a toothbrush and toothpaste by the sink. Pipsy," he called. The house elf popped in.

"Yes master," she asked. Hermione's eye seemed to twitch at the sight of the house elf.

"This is Hermione. Until she leaves, you will be her personal house elf. Please take good care of her."

"Yes master," she responded with a smile. Draco returned the smile with affection. Pipsy had been his personal house elf since he was born. When he was a baby she had changed his diapers and as a toddler she had chased him around the manor. He knew she would take good care of Hermione.

"I'll be leaving then," he said to Hermione with a nod as he left and closed the bathroom door behind him.

End note: I realize that even though this story is about Draco and Hermione, it has been very Harry-centric thus far. (It's very hard to focus on a character who refuses to talk.) With their new arrangments we'll hopefully see more of Draco and Hermione in the next chapter. No clue how that's going to go yet. I predict someone will end in tears and it's not going to be Hermione. ;)