I'm still really busy with school so this chapter isn't my fav, it's a lot of talking. Still I feel like its an important chapter .

sorry if theres any typos, i just wanted to get this out there

-ooo-

Hermione sat up in her bed and ran her hand through her long oily hair. Another bath was probably do, she hadn't taken one yesterday and her hair was already on the fritz. At least the shampoo she was using helped tame her main for most of the day. But she was almost out and would have to ask for more soon.

She started up from the bed when she felt something cold slide off thigh and plop to the floor. She peaked down under and saw something she didn't expect to find. It was the little pink book she had fallen asleep in the library with! "How did it even get here?" Hermione wondered. Ditzy must have accidently took it with them not knowing she wasn't allowed to keep it. It was blessing in disguise for now she would have something to do with her time during Narcissa's increasingly longer visits.

Besides, what Lucius doesn't know won't kill him.

She slid the small book underneath her pillow and made her way to the bathroom. Today was going to be a new day with more books to read.

-ooo-

Hermione sat in the kitchen during lunch tearing away at a piece of bread. The bread was dry and extremely stale, she felt like she was trying to bite through a rock. It was just her luck that she might get something so hard that if it broke it would shatter into pieces.

It was rare when she got freshly made food, almost every day she was given left overs like crusting peas, bone dry mashed potatoes, and ancient half rotted fruit. She wondered what Ditzy was given to eat, but it was probably nothing better than what she had gotten.

If only she was able to cook, she could make herself something a little tastier than this.

She gulped the rest of the strawberry juice from her mug and sighed, wishing there was more to eat. She rested her head for a moment, dreaming about something more filling. Perhaps a nice Fettuccine Pesto with tomatoes and chicken, or better yet a proper English Breakfast complete with two fried eggs, warm beans, blood sausage, and mountains of hash browns. She tried not to think of these things but it became increasingly hard. Even a simple handful of plain crisps would be better than what she was given.

Then a bold idea sparked in her mind. Maybe there would be more to eat if she could just find it…

Hermione slithered away from the small table and crept through the kitchen carefully. Since there was no one here, so what could it hurt to look inside the pantry for just a moment? Maybe it might something she could quickly snack on.

The pantry door hinges silently creaked as she opened them.

Inside was plenty of spices and herbs, oils and sauces in strange looking bottles, bags of potatoes and rice stacked high on the bottom shelf. There was nothing she could really eat, it only figures that he wouldn't keep a fully cooked roast or pie in there.

She was about to close it before she saw caught her eye. In the far back was a clear tin filled with colorful melting chocolates packed inside. Pink, blue, green, and yellow, all shapped like smooth skipping stones. They all were pushed back far, hidden behind some jars of coriander and paprika.

Hermione popped the lid open and took a couple.

The rich milk chocolate was so smooth it almost dissolved instantly in her mouth. After almost two months of eating bland bread and tasteless peas she was in pure ecstasy. The girl couldn't help it and ate a few more. These chocolates were beyond heavenly.

She wanted to take the whole lot but decided to put it back before he came back and beat her. Better safe than sorry was a motto she had to truly live by now. If she didn't hurry she'd be sure Lucius would catch her eating.

But the tin flew forecfully from her hands before it reached the shelf. Hermione's body turned to stone, heavy under fear. She didn't know how to explain what she was doing to . Slowly she turned around, preparing herself to apologize and think up a logical excuse as to why she was eating food he had not given her.

…

"Mind if I have a few?" laughed the blonde haired boy shaking the tin of candy. He smiled kindly at her.

Hermione almost fainted from relief. She didn't know what she would have done if it had been Lucius. Seeing it was Draco felt like an entire weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

"Oh thank god." She wrapped her arms around him and sighed. Draco was so surprised because he never expected her to do that. Was what his father doing really so bad that she was happy to see anybody but him?

"Why, it's nice to see you too."

He patted her on the back looking mildly concerned, "What are you doing peaking around the pantry like a mouse anyways?"

"I'm sorry, I'm just very hungry. I've barely had anything to eat at all. I thought maybe there might be something to eat."

Draco handed her back the tin of chocolates and she placed it back where she had taken it.

The girl wasn't lying, from the last time he saw her he could tell that she'd dropped at least 6 pounds, lifting her off the ground would be no problem at all.

"Well then, I guess we should make you something to eat shouldn't we?" said the boy without any hesitation. He walked forward but Hermione held him back.

"No! What if your father sees you here?"

"My father? Don't worry about him, he's visiting my mother and my aunt. Mother doesn't like me being involved in Death Eater stuff so they agreed to keep me out of it. They sent me up to my room, but I managed to sneak out." He leaned against the kitchen counter coolly. "So what will it be?"

"Wait, whats a Death Eater?" she said, hoping this question would distract him from cooking.

"They are the Dark Lord's followers."

"And what does this "Dark Lord" plan to do with them?" she questioned.

"They plan to clear the Wizarding world of Mudbloods and those who oppose them. After that they'll move onto the Muggle world. "

"Mudblood?"

"Sorry, I meant Muggle Born, They are-"

"Oh. I've read about Muggle Born's before…briefly. What's wrong with them?"

He didn't know how to answer that, "I don't really know… Nothing I suppose."

"Then why kill them?"

She could see Draco start to get antsy, there was no answer he could give her that was reasonable. He turned around and pulled a pan out from a bottom cupboard and placing it on the stove to heat.

"I hope you like steak," he laughed nervously.

Hermione snorted, "Please don't, your father will defiantly know foods missing. Besides that's too much."

"Don't worry; he never steps anywhere near the kitchen. Why would he if he just makes the house elves do all the work?"

"You don't think Ditzy will tell him, do you? I'm sure he'll notice the meat is missing."

"Well we'll just obviate him if he finds out," Draco joked as he walked to the enchanted ice box, pulling out an entire steak. He unwrapped the meat from its butcher paper and placed the steak into the pan. They watched the pantry open itself and saw the spices come flying out, pouring themselves into the pan.

"I'm not a great cook you know, so forgive me."

Hermione sighed in defeat, she didn't want to bother him with helping her but she was in no position to turn down food. Already just the sight of the marbled red and white raw meat made her impatient to eat. They stood in silence watching the steak cook in the pan.

"Hermione," Draco said with a bit of hesitance in his voice. "I won't be able to visit you often. It's no longer Christmas break, and I'm expected to go back to school. Dumbledore and McGonagall have been watching me and it's almost impossible for me to sneak off of school grounds."

Her heart sank to her feet, she was just starting to become friends with him, why did he have to go so soon?

"When will I see you again?" Hermione came a bit closer.

"I'm not sure… if father or mother calls me home, maybe. There's a lot of tension at Hogwarts right now, I doubt they are just going to let kids leave whenever." He flipped the meat to the other side, and swirled its juices around in the pan. "But let's not think about that… I know this won't be the last time I see you."

Hermione stared at the cooking food, unsure how to say what she wanted to. She figured it was just best to come out and say it. "Something's been bothering me, Draco." She said as she rubbed her hands against the sides of her dress. "Where did you go the last time I saw you?"

Draco sighed in shame. He knew she'd ask sooner or later.

"I had just gotten you an entire loaf of bread from the kitchen when I was on my way back. Father stopped me…. He was already in a flying rage, it looked he looked so upset. I've never seen him so red before."

The sound of sizzling steak was loud and the smell fragrant.

"Mother was fighting with him earlier that night, I don't know what for. But I thought in the chaos it was a perfect chance to find you, so I didn't stay to find out. Anyways, when he found me he questioned about what I was doing with some much bread. The only excuse I could make was telling him I was still hungry, despite already having dinner. He didn't buy it and started interrogating me if I knew anything. He wouldn't say it but I know he was trying to find out if I was bringing it to you."

"Food for the mice, hmm Draco?" the boy said mocking what his father had told him.

"So what did you do then?"

"Thankfully mother came into the room and told him to stop lecturing me. She sent me up to my room but before I could even slide back into bed mother was already packing up and we were gone in moments."

Draco rubbed his head, the event had put him in a lot of distress. "Still... I'm sorry, I didn't come back."

"It's not your fault."

He stood there staring out the window, "You know it's strange… in a way I'm glad they are fighting. It means I'll never have to live under his roof again. In a few years when I graduate I can finally move away from the both of them so I never get yelled at like a child again."

"Fighting….? Draco they aren't fighting anymore…. They are far from it."

The meat started to burn.

"What do you mean?"

"Your mother has been coming here every other week now. Let's just say if they hate each other they have a weird way of showing it…" She cringed slightly, recalling the run in from yesterday.

"You're lying. All mother ever talks about is how much she hates him, how horrible he was to us."

"Listen Draco, I'm not. I know it's true, I saw them together first hand."

"She can't go back to him. She just can't!"

"You need to tell your mother than. I'm sure she plans to tell you soon, when she does tell her how you feel."

Draco turned off the flames and quickly plated the steak desperately, practically shoving it to her. "You wouldn't understand, neither of them listens to me. They still treat me like a child."

She wanted to sympathies with him but couldn't. Hermione had been lucky enough to grow up in a house full of support and love, her parents never questioned what she did or pushed her beyond her limits. Mr. and Mrs. Granger always had a moment to listen to their beloved daughter. She couldn't imagine what it was like growing up as the Malfoy's child.

They both sat down at the small stone table and he handed her a fork and knife to eat.

"I'm sorry" she whispered not knowing what else to say to him.

The silence was awkward for the both, so she decided to break the ice.

"Thank you for the meal," Hermione weakly smiled towards him, "It seems like forever since I last had some real food."

He returned a weak smile back. It was best they changed the topic for now, he didn't want to think about having to live in this house again.

"So what's the Muggle world like anyways? I don't really know anything about it since Father forbids me from taking Muggle Studies."

"Well what do you want to know?" She started cutting into her steak and slowly savored the taste. It was a bit chard but it didn't matter.

"Hmm… What's Muggle school like?"

"Well it depends, there are many different types of schools in the Muggle world. I went to a school for the gifted and highly studious. It was actually nice despite the fact that we had to wear uniforms."

He smiled, "Well you are not alone. At Hogwarts we have to wear Uniforms constantly. We seem to have uniforms for every occasion."

"What do you study at this Hogwarts place?"

"Oh all sorts of things, Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, and Astronomy."

"These all sound amazing. They all sound like classes people could only make up, well except for Astronomy of course. Maybe someday you can try to teach me what you've learned."

"I would love to but you are a Muggle. All the classes require magic."

Hermione would normally wince at that word but hearing Draco say "Muggle". But hearing him say it made her feel no attachment to the world Lucius used like a slur.

"It's a shame, I would love to do magic. That way I could get back at your fa-…" Perhaps she was being a little to bold here and stopped herself.

Draco laughed loudly, "Don't worry, I like him just as much as you do. I hope you do get your revenge, he has it coming."

They both mutually found it comforting that they could relate with their hate for Lucius. They suddenly felt as if they weren't alone. Their hate for him was an odd common ground but it worked.

"Anyways, I really enjoyed school. I always worked so hard it almost feels strange not being able to study or do homework. I'm sure most kids wouldn't complain but I love challenges."

"I'm not much for reading, I'm all for Quidditch. I actually used to play when I was younger but now I just like to watch."

Hermione was just about to ask what that was but figured if it was like any other sport she knew, it would take forever to explain. If anything she'd read about it on her own time.

"A sports player? Must have been real popular with the ladies," Hermione teased.

Draco was caught of guard by the sudden joke but laughed, "Yeah maybe with the girls in Slytherin but I wouldn't call myself a ladies man."

"It just seems to me you'd be popular with everyone."

The boy hid his shame very well, because in fact he was not a good person. At school he bullied and abused his way to the top of the food chain. His cruelty towards others would have made Lucius a proud father. But Hermione didn't have to know, because in his eyes she was a chance at redeeming himself. A fresh slate.

"Well I can bet you 100 quid that you were more popular than me."

"Me?! Oh god no. I was a total bookworm shut in. No one would be caught dead trying to talk to me. No one really started talking to me just till up to a year ago."

"A girl like you? I don't believe it."

Hermione giggled and hid her red face, "Please."

"I mean it! You really seem like a people person. Why I bet your boyfriend would be proud of you." Draco tried to play it cool but Hermione knew his tricks. He was scooping out the area before trying to make a move. This didn't bother her, still being a young and impressionable girl she was flattered.

"I don't have a boyfriend. Never have."

The girl saw a glimmer of hope in Draco's eyes as she finished the last bite of steak. It wasn't anything wonderful but it was the best food she had since she got here. They were both surprised how quickly she had managed to eat. Living here taught her to eat quickly or never eat at all.

She gently wiped sides of her mouth with a finger, "Thank you so much, it was delicious."

"It's not a problem; would you like some desert too?"

"Oh no, I'm full to bursting now. It was more than I could have asked for, besides your father might come back at any time."

"I understand… but at least take this for later in case you want something sweet. I'm sure you'll love it."

He reached into the pocket of his black blazer and pulled out a royal blue and gold pentagon box. "I used to love these growing up."

Hermione looked down at the cute little cardboard box and read the words, "Chocolate Frog". The box rattled in her hand, almost making her drop it.

"I wouldn't open it right now, save it for when you get hungry again."

She pocketed the box and then thanked Draco. "I should probably get back to sorting through the library. I haven't started yet, I was too busy on cleaning the halls."

"He really is making you work isn't he?"

"Yes, If he finds me slacking off he hits me. When he's really mad he'll make my skin burn like hot lava. So I try to stay on his good side. As each day passes I see less and less of a reason to keep trying. I still don't see why I'm here."

He was just as clueless as her but both couldn't help but think the worst. He knew his father was heartless but he would never do such a thing… would he? Draco dared not ask again if he had touched her, last time they spoke she mentioned he didn't. Still, it could only be a matter of time before something happened and Draco felt helpless.

"Father is a complex man, he has his reasons-"

"What reason could I possibly be here for? I've never done a single thing to him."

"That's not what I meant."

"How can you defend him after what he's done to me?" The memory of Christmas day came flooding back to her. Everything was so crystal clear now. She could vividly remember the way Lucius grabbed her and rubbed his knee between her legs. Thinking about it made her hair stand on end.

He shouldn't have treaded on such thin ice but it he could not turn back now. Her drained face filled back up with red and her eyes watered. It was too painful for her to come to terms she might never escape even with the help of Draco, and that as each day passed she'd risk having to deal with lustful Lucius again.

"I really have to get back to work, I don't want to deal with your fathers stupid face again." Hermione burst from the table and out the kitchen. She headed towards the library when she could be alone but it wasn't that easy. Draco followed after her not but a moment after.

"Please wait." He said watching her as he stretched his arms against the kitchen doorway. "I didn't mean it, please!"

Hermione made a sharp turn right at the hallway, past the dining room and out of sight. Draco fidgeted in the doorway trying to decide if he should let her have alone time or try to comfort her. He never understood girls and he would never understand her.

"Fuck it," he whispered under his breath and went after her.

-ooo-

She hid in the library towards the back, hidden away behind a maze of shelfs. She sobbed softly, then wept harshly, ashamed at how sensitive she had become. The Hermione Granger she once knew was gone, the one who could roll with the punches would now break down at the drop of a hat.

Hermione had only run off because she was too embarrassed to let Draco see her cry. If she were to get revenge for them she had to show him she was strong. But it was all a lie. If she was going to cry like that how could she do anything?

Eventually Draco made his way into the library, listening for her cries. It didn't take long to find the weeping mess of a girl, balled up near a window. It was a sad sight having to see her hidden behind that forest she called hair, it made his stomach swell.

"Hermione, I'm sorry. I didn't get to finish."

She didn't look up at Draco, she just buried her face further into her knees.

"What I meant to say is, despite whatever reason he has this is unacceptable. He can't do this to you, its just not right."

"Then why don't you tell someone I'm here?" her voice shook. "If it's so unacceptable why can't you have someone else help me since you clearly won't!"

Those words made Draco feel small, it was almost like talking with his father.

"I can't…. I want to help but I can't."

"And why not?!"

"Because! Say Dumbledore or whoever, takes you away from here word is going to get out what my father is done. Storing a muggle? The Dark Lord would kill all of us before he could even make it to Azkaban! That includes not only me and my mother but you as well. Even if the ministry obviates you and sends you back to the Muggle world the Dark Lord will come after you and your family!" Draco's words were harshly passionate.

The tears stopped and she looked up at him in horror.

"There's no hope is there?"

Draco huffed and tried to remain cool, not wanting to disappoint or lead her on. With a sigh he spoke, "I don't know. Right now there's not much we can do. Even if I managed to break the spell and get you out of here and sent you back home, then what? Father will still know you are missing and he will come for you himself. I don't doubt if he did he'd make sure you had nothing to come back to."

"So then what am I supposed to do?"

"For now endure it." Draco looked around the room nervously, "You didn't hear this from me but Harry Potter and the others are close to finding all the Horcrux. If they do, they'll kill the Dark Lord and imprison my father. That's the only way I think you can get back home."

"…And if they don't stop him?"

The boy was silent unsure what to tell her, both sides were just as equally strong. He had no idea who might win. Draco exhaled deeply yet again, trying not to be too pessimistic was hard. "Listen, the best advice I can give you is to just do as father says. In case they don't win he will protect you, even long after they…"

Hermione head dropped back down, she just wanted this nightmare to be over with. But no, the real nightmare was just beginning.

"Don't be scared please. I know I can't do much but I'm here to help you Hermione…"

The boy sat down next to the girl and wrapped an arm around her; instinctively she leaned into him accepting his attempt at comfort. She would have a good long cry until she tired herself out.

-ooo-

They had been sitting there for hours now in the library, talking away trying to forget what they had talked about earlier.

Draco and Hermione bought discussed many topics, comparing and contrasting the worlds they grew up in. He was as fascinated in everything she had to say as well as she was fascinated in everything he said too.

She learned about things such as Hogwarts enchanted ceilings and some famous loon by the name of Gilderoy Lockhart. He learned about computers and how you could watch these things called "movies" on little black boxes. They had so much to learn about each other's worlds.

"I suppose I should get back now, I don't think they've noticed I've gone but I don't want to push it."

Draco was right, they had been here a long time, in fact the sun had already set and she could see stars in the sky. Hermione didn't want to be alone again but she could not stop him from leaving.

The boy picked himself up off the ground and dusted himself off. "I'll try to see you again soon when I have the chance. I'll try to bring you something better than a chocolate frog next time."

Hermione got up with him and nodded, "Thank you for staying with me today, I really needed company. I haven't had a normal conversation in such a long time."

"Would you like to see me off?"

"Sure."

-ooo-

The two stood before the front doors and magically they opened before them. How she wanted to run out into the cool winter night and feel the snow fall on her as she kicked it up. If she could be outside for just a moment she would be fine, the cold wouldn't bother her. As dark as it was everything looked so peacefully beautiful that she could almost cry.

"I must be going now." The boy turned to face her. "I'll try to visit again soon…. Until then, stay strong."

Hermione wrapped her arms around him yet again, not wanting to let go. He embraced her back feeling her frail warmth not wanting to head out into the cold of the night. It wasn't a long trip back to his Mother's and tonight he wouldn't have to face the cold like she would. Giving her as much warmth as he could, he pulled away.

"I'll see you soon." The boy reassured her.

Draco stepped out in front steps and vanished into a swirl of translucent darkness. He was gone before she could even speak.

The doors slammed shut on her face, hitting her with a cruel gust of freezing wind. She clutched herself tightly wanting to die, she was alone again.

-ooo-

Don't worry this isn't gonna be a Draco/Hermione fic.

OR IS IT? DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNN

Just kidding, but we'll see what happens soon enough ;)