Sorry I haven't updated in a while. Grad school's been crazy with midterms and my computer has also been acting wonky. Also, sorry for the short chapter but I will make it up to you =)

Chapter 13

Draco slowly opened his eyes and was greeted with a wonderful scene. Hermione's naked body was wrapped around the sheets and his limbs. Draco cocked his head to the side to find that Hermione's eyes were still closed. She looked so peaceful. He had never seen anyone asleep before besides his parents. He felt special, like she trusted him enough to fall asleep beside him and gave him this chance to see her sleeping tranquilly.

The warmth Draco was feeling suddenly seeped out of him as he remembered that he had to explain himself to her today. He thought of all the possibilities that were so up in the air. She could laugh at him, realizing that her plan to sleep with the enemy had worked better than she planned. There could be hesitancy, Hermione unsure whether or not what they shared was worth risking their lives. Disgust was an option if Hermione had only seen this as a carnal fling that never had emotions thrown in. But there could be happiness. Joy. A readiness to jump into danger as long as it meant that they were together. And then if that happened, the possibility of either of their death. Failure at whatever discourse they take. And even if Potter or someone was able to kill the Dark Lord, what happened afterwards? Would he be ridiculed for being with a mudblood? Would Hermione choose someone else once he wasn't her only option? Draco, stop, this is nonsense. You haven't even fucking told her. Deal with the present.

Draco clenched his fingers, creating a tight fist before releasing it. He exhaled and reached out to touch Hermione's soft, silken skin. His hand gently ran up and down Hermione's arm a few times before she stirred. She stretched against him and gave out a deep yawn. Her hand ran over his chest and then froze. Her eyes broke open and she looked up to meet Draco's grey blue eyes staring back at her. She paused before smiling widely and snuggling deeper into him. Draco slightly relaxed at her actions. This helped him gain courage.

"Hermione, I have to talk to you about something," Draco said, his voice deeper than usual with the morning and worry. Hermione's brow furrowed and concern flooded her face. "You could at least say 'good morning' first," Hermione said tersely, tensing up against Draco's body. She felt vulnerable and was looking for reassurance. Dread rose inside her as she realized she was probably just another one of Draco's one night stands. This was probably the talk he gave to every girl he shagged. Godric, she should have known better. Draco Malfoy was too good to be true.

Draco's eyes stormed over as they always did whenever he was emotionally charged. "Hermione…Salazar I don't know where to start." Draco and Hermione's breath were both caught in their throats as there were more important things than oxygen. Hermione bit her lip while Draco awkwardly cleared his throat. "My life has never been my own. I'm sure you hated me when we were younger at school, but I think as you got older and the war started you realized that. My empty threats, not being able to kill Dumbledore, and I'm sure Potter told you what he saw in the girl's bathroom before that incident. I want you to know that these patterns continued even after we left school. I haven't turned into the caricature Death Eater that perhaps you thought I had when you were brought here. If I had been born to different parents and if Voldemort didn't have a cruel vendetta against my father, I wouldn't be in this place in my life. I'm keeping my family alive by playing my part."

Hermione nodded slightly as Draco paused and snuck a glance at her. "I knew that when we were children. And Harry always knew that too. But you're right, I didn't know what these years after the war had done to you." Hermione's words seemed to mean to Draco that she still wasn't sure where his loyalties lie.

Draco reached out a hand to brush her cheek and ran it through her bed hair. Hermione leaned into his touch.

"Having you arrive was the most unexpected thing that could ever happen. But the best." Draco paused as Hermione looked stunned and hesitantly happy at his words. With one more run of his fingers through Hermione's soft tresses, he plunged.

"You've shown me that there is another path for me. A choice. Something I haven't had all my life. I'm willing to take it if it means we can be together."

Hermione looked a bit confused but again, happy at his words. "Draco, what do you mean? Are you saying what I think-"

"Hermione I'm- Salazar I can't say the words now, but I can say I'm falling for you. I want to be with you. I want an 'us.' I know it sounds crazy, and I feel strange saying it and after everything we've been through, but there's something here."

A flash of bravery enabled Draco to meet Hermione's eyes again and they looked like teary-eyed. Hermione reached out a hand to trace Draco's lips before kissing them.

"Draco, I want this too." Her voice was heavy with emotion as she kissed him again. She grasped his hand tightly in her own and said "Do you want a different life? Do you want to change sides?" Draco nodded sharply and said "I do." Hermione squeezed his hand even harder if that was possible as a tear spilled over her cheek.

"Then we have to figure out a way to keep you safe."