'Cause this love is only getting stronger

So I don't wanna wait any longer

I just wanna tell the world that you're mine, girl

Oh

Hermione went to bed that night in a satisfaction of knowing Draco was always there for her. She liked to think that no one else knew the bliss she was in when she was with Draco. She liked that their love was theirs and only theirs. She liked the fact that only he could drive her insane and that everything in between them was for their eyes and hearts only. It was true, they didn't know a thing about them. So who cared what anyone else said?

The next morning her alarm jerked her out of bed and she inwardly groaned at the thought of doing patrols at 6:30 am. Then she remembered she was doing it with one of her favorite people….

In 15 minutes she was up and ready and she met just that person at the portrait door.

Draco smiled warmly but their was tiredness in his face. Hermione unconsciously reached up to run a hand through his hair.

"Morning." Draco smiled brighter wrapping his arms around her waist.

She touched their foreheads and inhaled the scent of him. It sent tremors running through her and she couldn't have felt more happy.

He swooped in for a morning kiss and she responded without hesitation. It worried her how much she depended on him so soon and how much she loved him already. She hoped this was the one permanent thing in her life.

He held her hand and they walked out of the portrait door. It was early, so no students should've been roaming around to spot the two lovers.

"Any more letters?" Hermione asked softly.

Draco looked down at his feet. "Yes. I got five last night and three this morning. Two of them were about how much they hated my guts and how my sorry ass would get kicked. Two were about how they would curse my children into oblivion and how I better watch my back, yadda yadda. And four….four were about you." Draco recited glumly. Hermione felt his hand tense and he looked around guardedly.

Hermione felt creeped out that death eaters were talking about her. And it was absolutely frightening that they knew she was...familiar with Draco or at least meant something to him.

"How do they know?" Hermione whispered.

"I don't know." Draco said sounding angry. He stopped them as they turned the corner and trapped her between his hands against a wall. "But I promise you I won't let them hurt you. I won't let them get to you let alone touch you." Draco said looking murderous.

Hermione's heart ached to see him so upset over her. She locked her hands behind his neck and stared at him patiently till he felt safe enough to meet her gaze. She kissed his forehead softly and held his hand tightly, not caring if the world was watching.

They made their way down the hall and after a while, their conversation became more lighthearted and less depressing. The first Slytherin match against Ravenclaw was next saturday and Draco was training harder than usual. Hufflepuff was a good team despite past history and stereotypes.

"Will you come watch?" Draco asked tentatively, trying to act casual but she could hear the curiosity and hope in his voice.

"I want to Draco….but what if someone questions why I'm there? I'm a Gryffindor and I don't even like quidditch, people will wonder why I'm there when my house isn't even playing." Hermione said feeling guilty.

"Just come with the crowd. Maybe if you tell…Weasley, about us….then you can make up a story where she dragged you to the game." Draco said shrugging. Hermione nodded as they continued down the hallway. It was odd to see Hogwarts so still and silent. Rather peaceful, but not Hogwarts.

"It's hard hiding." Hermione said looking at their interlocked hands.

"I know. But for our safety, our friends and family, we should probably keep this a secret." Draco said sighing and stopping at a big bay window at the end of the corridor. Hermione leaned into Draco and he wrapped his arms around her waist. The sun was shining bright and early as they tried to take in these last few moments together before reality drew them apart.

"I'll tell Ginny today-" Hermione began before she was cut off by an urgent and demanding kiss from Draco. She was startled and opened her mouth which without knowing, granted Draco access. Soon, it was a battle of the tongues and Hermione wanted domination but Draco wouldn't concede.

Hermione's back pressed into the wall and she knotted her hands in his hair and his hands roamed all over her body. She felt his lips move in sync with hers. He was pressing his body tightly against hers and she could feel every muscle on his body.

They broke apart panting when there came a stiffle of laughter from behind.

They spun around to see Ginny dressed in quidditch robes looking absolutely smug at the two who were blushing madly.

"I guess I don't have to tell her." Hermione muttered catching Draco's teasing eye.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me!" Ginny exclaimed as she sat in the Gryffindor change rooms after practice with Ginny. She had been heading down to early Gryffindor quidditch practice when she had seen Hermione and Draco.

"Ginny there are reasons you could never imagine why I didn't tell you. For one, if it's any consolation, we didn't tell anyone. I was going to tell you as the first person today, but clearly, that's not necessary."

"I can't believe I saw Draco Malfoy snogging Hermione Granger in the middle of the hallway against a wall, looking like they were having the time of their lives!" Ginny said in disbelief as she sat next to Hermione.

"I know Ginny. But...I hope you'll understand because I….I really like him and he's different. You've got to see that in his behaviour and in D.A . Please you have to trust me." Hermione said looking intently at Ginny.

Ginny had a perfect poker face when it suddenly broke out into a large grin. "Why would I be mad? I….guess it's strange having our rival as your boyfriend, but...I trust you. You're a smart girl and if he makes you happy, then so be it." Ginny said before she was tackled into a hug from Ginny.

"Thank you!" Hermione cried squeezing the red tight.

"Remember I called it?" Ginny asked smiling from ear to ear. Hermione looked at Ginny as if she were mad.

She sighed in exasperation. "At the Halloween dance? I called it! I knew you two would get together, so it's not a huge surprise." Ginny said nudging Hermione. Hermione blushed and swatted Ginny's arm.

That night, Hermione returned to her dorm feeling an odd sense of utmost relief. She was so grateful Ginny understood where she was coming from even if it would take some time to get used to.

"The little red was okay?" Draco drawled from the couch. "I see you back in one piece so I'm assuming things went well?"

Hermione sat next to him and felt his arm wrap around. "Yes she was very understanding and supportive. The same won't be said for my other lovely friends." Hermione said thinking of Harry and Ron's expressions.

"Does it really matter?" Draco asked yawning.

"I suppose not." Hermione sighed hugging her knees.

"I missed you." Draco groaned inhaling her scent.

Hermione laughed. "That was sudden." she teased kissing his temple. He wouldn't settle for that and pulled her onto his lap and captured her lips in a passionate kiss. His lips were now more relaxed and impatient. She was feeling somewhat the same after seeing him after most of an entire day.

He shifted so she was lying down on the couch and he was on top. His forearms beside her head as they supported his weight. Her arms were still locked around his neck as their mouths explored.

There came a sudden knock on the door which broke them apart.

"Bloody hell. Whoever it is, better have a damn good reason." Draco grumbled stomping to the door. Hermione stifled laughter as she adjusted her robes.

Draco opened the door and there stood Ginny and Blaise looking alarmed.

"What's the matter?" Draco asked a little impatiently. Hermione stood curiously and walked beside. She saw the knowing look in Ginny's eye and if she wasn't mistaken, she saw accusation in Blaise's.

"There's a dead second year on the third floor." Ginny said sounding frustrated.

"No!" Hermione gasped. Not again. How could it happen again? "How? We extended prefect schedules and we...we went on more patrols, teachers are too, and…..the castle is always secured...what? How could this….this is ridiculous." Hermione said shaking her head in disbelief when she felt Draco's hand grip her elbow in assurance.

"We should go. Where are the other prefects?" Draco asked sharply.

"The Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw prefects just finished their shift and Slytherin and Gryffindor were just coming on. Lara is at the site of the crime, keeping an eye out and Dean is continuing patrol in case they're still here." Blaise explained calmly.

"I want Blaise to go notify McGonagall and Weasley, lead us to the site." Draco barked as he shut the portrait door tight and withdrew his wand.

Blaise rushed off towards the headmistress office and Ginny lead us forward at a run.

"Do you know who it is?" Hermione asked also holding her wand out.

"It's Martin Ellwood in Hufflepuff." Ginny answered as we ran up a staircase.

"Martin?" Draco asked in disbelief. Hermione looked at him confused. "I...I helped him during one of the raids the death eaters lead. I waved a way an avada and sent him to his dorm. Then….I had given him some flying lessons when kids were teasing him on it." Draco replied solemnly.

"That's so sweet." Hermione said tears in her eye as she squeezed Draco's hand. That was one of the times, she knew he had changed for the better.

"Look!" Ginny cried pointing forward. Lara was holding her wand above the site and was looking intently. She turned with tears down her face when she heard our approach.

Hermione inhaled sharply when she saw the dead and mangled body of Martin Ellwood. Draco fell to his knees beside his body and examined it carefully.

"It wasn't an avada. It looks like several sectrumsempras." Draco said unconsciously wincing and touching his side.

Just then, Flitwick, Hooch, Pomfrey, Slughorn, Giurbin and McGonagall came bounding down lead by Blaise.

"Oh my goodness!" Pomfrey cried covering her mouth. "Is he breathing?"

"No." Lara responded whimpering. "There's no sign of life."

"What about the map?" Hermione exclaimed. She turned towards McGonagall. "Did you catch anyone's name that wasn't supposed to be there?"

"No I did not. I was in an important meeting." McGonagall replied looking grievingly down at the poor kid.

Hermione felt a tear slip down her face as she placed a hand on Draco's shoulder. He stood up stiffly and wrapped an arm around me as I fell into them, not caring if anyone was watching and cried silent tears of sorrow for a kid I never knew.

It was 3 am and we were up late busy trying to plan for Arianna's funeral. We were meeting her parents today and we had to have something to present.

"Are you alright?" Hermione asked softly.

"No. I can't help thinking that I could've saved that kid." Draco responded looking down at his hands. There was a crease in between his eyes and his jaw was locked tight. Hermione wrapped her arms around his waist.

"No you couldn't have. The death eaters will stop at nothing and sacrificing yourself will do nothing but give them satisfaction and encouragement to continue." Hermione said forcefully hoping that maybe, that way, it would make it real. True even, but nothing could ebb away the guilt and destruction that seemed to be tearing Draco apart.

"Maybe….maybe we should take a break." Draco said rubbing his eyes. Hermione felt tears glisten within seconds and her hands went still.
"Draco….." Hermione whispered not believing it.

"I can't….I don't know what I would do if one day, Ginny and Blaise came to my door and told me that they found your dead body." Draco said sounding almost angry. "I won't! They're killing people everywhere and I'm not going...to sit and...watch as they take everyone I love…" Draco said standing up and that was the first time, she'd fully seen Draco Malfoy cry. Tears were streaming down his face. "I can't handle it." he sobbed as he grit his teeth and yelled out an anguish cry. A table went smashing down into smithereens.

Hermione was scared stiff and was crying along with him. She was too afraid to make him more upset so she wrapped her arms around herself. "I….I love you Draco." Hermione whispered turning her head away.

She could hear his heavy breathing go still before his sobs seemed more controlled. "I love you too Hermione." Draco said turning to meet her gaze. "And I love you enough to let you go."

"Draco…" Hermione whimpered crying hard now. "I can't...I can't do this alone. I need you….I...don't...don't leave me." Hermione exclaimed slipping down against the wall.

"Hermione…." Draco murmured apologetically. "I won't watch them take everyone I love away. I won't watch your murder unfold before my eyes!"

"And I won't watch yours either! You think leaving me will save me? You'll just drive me to kill myself inwardly! I...I need you Draco! Damn it please…" Hermione weeped.

The world was spiraling and Draco was just one step out of reach and it was killing her already. "I won't watch you die." Draco repeated through strained breaths.

"And I won't watch you die either!" Hermione yelled becoming angry. "I can't live without you…" Hermione said barely audible as tears streaked her face with agony.
"Hermione...you have to understand…" Draco said frustrated.

"No! No Draco you don't understand. I have given more to you than I've ever even thought of giving to any other damn person on this earth and you're just going to leave me for something out of your control?" Hermione screamed at the beginning before it toned down to a sob.

"I can't put you in this position!" Draco yelled back.
"What if I chose to be in this position? I would rather die with you in my life than without," Hermione cried sobbing hard.

Nothing had ever hurt so much as this. Nothing would ever compare to this pain that was flooding through her right now.

It was funny how the ones who made you the happiest could also make you the saddest.

Draco had walked over to her now and she lifted her tear stained face to meet his identical one. He swooped her in his arms and kissed her hard and passionately. It took her a moment to realize he was kissing her, before she pressed her lips pleadingly to his.

They broke apart and tears were shining on both of their faces.

"Don't leave me." Hermione whispered holding his grey eyes with hers.

"Never. I won't, I swear it." Draco replied.

Draco and Hermione slept in her room that night. She couldn't bear being separated after that.

She woke up when the sunlight shone in and hit her face. She turned onto her side to see Draco snoring lightly, his arm draped across her waist and his body pressed close to hers. She studied his features and thought about how close she was to losing him that night.

"Morning," Draco whispered in her ear.

"Good morning." Hermione responded curling into his chest. He rubbed her back lightly and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"We have to meet Arianna's parents today." Hermione said sadly.

"At least we don't have to meet Martin's." Draco said looking away. Hermione didn't know what else to do but wrap her arms tighter around him.

"Let's go." Hermione murmured after a while, tugging him out with her.

Minutes later, they were in the common room tidying it up for when they arrived.

There came a soft knock on the door and Hermione and Draco shared a look before Draco walked steadily to the door and opened it.

"Hello. You must be Mr and Mrs Trench?" he asked politely.

"Yes. And you are Draco Malfoy?" Mr. Trench asked trying to be polite and not mournful.

"Yes, why don't you come in?" Draco asked trying to look at their faces that looked so much like Arianna's, it hurt. Hermione had only ever seen Arianna three times. Once, was at the sorting where Arianna stumbled onto the stool and people laughed but she still continued on and into Gryffindor. Hermione admired her for that.

The second, was when she was patrolling the halls. She turned the corner to see three Slytherin boys and two girls teasing a Ravenclaw girl who was weeping. Arianna stood angrily in front of the girl and told off the Slytherins. They left in a strut of ignorance and Arianna proceeded to befriending the girl. Hermione beamed in respect at that.

The third was during one of the attacks, not the one she died in. Some miniature Acromantula were crawling up the walls as Hermione raced by and Arianna was stunning a few as she rushed her bleeding friend back to the dorms. She was about to shut the Gryffindor portrait door when a scream came from behind them. She rushed out where there was a little boy and girl, twins, who were being advanced by some smaller Acromantula. She leaped in front of them and stunned them but not before a small pincer stabbed her side. Hermione had rushed her to the hospital ward after escorting the other two back. Hermione always remembered that.

"This is Hermione Granger, head girl." Draco introduced as she was snapped back to the present with tears in her eyes.
"Hello. I'm so sorry about your daughter." Hermione whispered.

Mrs. Trench began crying softly as Mr. Trench wrapped an arm around her and sat down.

"We appreciate all you've done. Truly." Mr. Trench said and she could see the worry lines etched on his face. "I'm Andrew and this is Marianna." Andrew added as he rubbed her back.

"It's no problem at all. I-we are so sorry and we will do everything our power to ease the grief. Anything you need for this funeral, ask." Draco said looking intently at them with sincerity as he sat down next to us.

Marianna's crying only increased and Hermione felt her own tears begin to fall.

Once Marianna composed herself, they had discussed all the funeral arrangements, Draco and Hermione had planned.

"Thank you so much." Marianna said wiping away tears as she and Andrew stood to leave.

"It's no problem." Draco assured convincingly.

"We hope...we hope that all this death eater nonsense will be be rid of soon. We both attended Hogwarts and trust the teachers and people here. Our other children, Annabeth and Charles come here too and...I know Hogwarts is safe." Marianna said sniffling.

"We'll do anything and everything we can to help protect this school." Draco said wrapping his arm around Hermione and she could hear the honesty in his voice.

"We appreciate this so much. We hope our next one will be in a safer world." Marianna whispered stroking her stomach softly. Hermione could really feel the tears spilling off her cheeks and onto Draco's robes now. She could feel his muscles soften as they watched the couple share a look as they had a moment with their unborn.

"It's beautiful." Draco whispered to Hermione.

"Which part?" she murmured watching them.

"The family." Draco replied holding her close.

The next day passed in a blur as all the eighth years struggled to finish off their homework. The week had been busy with the recent deaths, attacks, quidditch practices and such.

Hermione had spent the entire day locked in her room as she scribbled notes for an upcoming potions test, she reviewed her D.A.D.A chapters, she had tutored/practiced transfiguration with Draco, read Herbology books from front to cover and did all her other homework with addition to making more notes.

She had forgotten to eat dinner that evening when Draco had left for quidditch practice. She rushed to the kitchens hoping to claim she ate before Draco came back. He did not like it at all when she skipped meals.

When she returned he hadn't yet so she continued with homework when the shower came on and she knew he was back.

She still had to go over the funeral plans for tomorrow. Then they had to extend their patrols to 9-11.

"I'm exhausted." Draco mumbled as they sat together on the couch.

"I am too. There's so much work to do." she said as she shuffled some papers. Draco kissed her neck softly and she groaned and shoved him away.

"How are we supposed to finish if you keep doing that." Hermione demanded.

Draco laughed as they began reviewing their plans for tomorrow.

At 9 o'clock, they were walking down the corridors together absolutely drained.

"I'm feeling really guilty now that we met Arianna's parents." Draco said quietly after a while.

"I am too. And don't you put this on your shoulders." Hermione said softly before telling him her three heartwarming encounters with Arianna.

"I feel so bad for her parents." Hermione added thinking about the dread and grief she would feel if her daughter was killed and their next child might be brought into a world filled with vengeful death eaters.

"I hope those good for nothing asses are sent to Azkaban for life." Draco grumbled.

After a while, they brought their conversation back to a more lighthearted one trying not to think about the inevitable funeral awaiting their presence tomorrow.

"How about I take you on our first real date?" Draco asked close to her ear.

"With all this going on? Are you crazy?" Hermione asked playfully but truthfully.

"No I'm not crazy. What about Christmas Eve? We're both here anyways." Draco suggested seductively.

"Well alright." Hermione smiled.

At least it was something to look forward to.

Author's Note

Thanks for patience :)

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