There isn't too much plot in this one, but I think it's a good filler, and I've been excited about it for a while. Let me know what you think; I always love to hear what you guys have to say! I have tons more planned, and many chapters to come.

As always, I don't own anything; all is the work of the wonderful JK Rowling.

…

After arriving back at the condo, the two decided to take showers and change into dry clothes. After all that had happened recently, Hermione knew she just needed to relax and be alone. Neither of them had said anything about the night before.

After a long, hot shower, she put on comfy clothes, including a sweater, which hid her scars. Not just the "mudblood" one, but all the scars she got in the war. She'd grown used to the lines from curses and spells running over her body, but people still stared. Though she didn't like the idea of hiding such powerful things, she didn't want to do any talking, yet.

Hermione returned to the kitchen, hoping to get a quick snack, when she saw a note left for her on the counter:

Out on an errand

Be back later

-DM

As she admired his elegant script, she realized that she was home alone, and that she could relax. Finally.

Although she had just begun a new book yesterday, Hermione wasn't quite motivated to bury herself in it. Instead, she decided to search for something to do.

First she decided on baking, until she realized the lack of ingredients in the whole place. How do people do things without eggs? And she definitely didn't want to go to the grocery store any time soon. On the other hand, they did have tons of potions and ingredients, but none of those made baked goods or meals.

She set off to find something else, which really resulted in her exploring the condo. After glancing around the rooms, she began looking further, combing through the bottom drawers in the kitchen and the top shelf in the closet by the front door. She felt guilty searching through personal possessions, but she just wanted something to do, right? Plus, it was almost like research, an investigation so she could figure out what she was getting into.

During her search, she found mostly just expected things: some old candles, tons of books (some of which she was afraid to open), and a closet full of gorgeous coats and cloaks. Then she found an old photo album, which held moving images of a young Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, and in the back were a few photos of baby Draco. In all those, he was laughing and adorable. Now she felt really guilty for sneaking, and she feared that he would return any second and find her. Because of that, she carefully put everything back as she found it. He had been gone almost two hours, and she was constantly listening for the sound of the door.

Finally, she found a new way to occupy her time. In one of the potion pantries on a top shelf under an exploding snap deck and a box of wizard chess, she found a puzzle.

She'd always loved to do puzzles with her father, when he wasn't working, and this one was perfect. It depicted a print of Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night. Hermione grabbed the box and promptly poured it on the coffee table in the living room. Thankfully, the pieces didn't move and shimmer like magical paintings.

Once she was a half hour in, she had finished separating edges from insides, and did not hear the door opening.

"Hello," he said, startling her. In his arms was a large, but narrow package, wrapped in brown paper. His arms could barely hold it.

"You're back"

"Yes, and I brought dinner," he added, lifting his elbow to showcase a small black bag she hadn't noticed.

"I didn't realize how late it was," she told him as she looked outside. The sun had nearly disappeared, leaving only a shimmer of pink in the sky. "But now, I'm quite hungry."

.

Quietly, they made their way to the kitchen. He put down his package and began to pull out the food.

"I still don't know the area well, and only picked up sandwiches on the way back."

"That's ok," she noted quietly. After taking a bite of what turned out to be a delicious sandwich, she pointed to the box and questioned, "What's that?"

"The new sign… to be hung outside the shop. I'll show you it later."

She only nodded and continued eating.

"And I see you found a puzzle," he said, taking a pause before saying found.

Again, she nodded. Hermione saw that he had barely touched his sandwich.

.

After dinner, she headed to her bedroom, planning to try to read some more. She returned for some water after twenty minutes of rereading the same page, and found him sitting on the edge of the sofa, looking at the puzzle. His sandwich was still on the counter. She didn't know why, but she sat down with him.

They were both silent for a minute until he finally interjected. "Last night… I," he paused, "I've tried to plan this conversation all day, but haven't been able to formulate what to say," he finally added, solemnly and hushed.

"I tend to always push that to the back of my mind, but do I remember hearing your screams. I remember feeling powerless, and I never knew the full extent of what happened. I only remembered seeing Bellatrix later, smiling with triumph. I'd heard her torturing people before, but I'd never heard such pain like I did in your voice. I just wish I had done something. I could have-"

"Draco." she interjected. "Thank you." Next she reached over and grabbed his hand. His grip wrapped around hers and their fingers intertwined.

After a minute, he told her, "you should go to sheep, but um… if anything, I'm just a few steps away."

She squeezed his hand and carefully let it go as she looked him in the eyes and said goodnight. She looked back as she turned the corner, and their eyes met. From there she went into her room to think.

He was definitely trying, and she knew that he truly was sorry. She also remembered his family. Even if he had tried, she knew he would have been opposed. She had felt hopeless and restricted, but now she realized that he had too. Somehow, this put her to rest. Finally, she got a peaceful sleep.

.

The next morning, she awoke, and as she passed the puzzle, a few more pieces were laid in. It wasn't much, but just enough to be noticeable.

He sat at the counter, and drank his tea, so she walked over and sat next down next to him. It was time to get going again.

…

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