A/N- Everyone seems pleased with the outcome of Severus' trial. I'll admit, I wasn't too sure on how it would go over. I contemplated skimming over the bad things that he had done over the years, but decided that for the sake of the story, I couldn't do that. Hope those scenes didn't bother anyone too much. Anyways, I'm back now with Draco's trial. I'm excited!

Disclaimer: I still don't own a thing. I haven't made any money either. I swear, my momma always said that I should have been born independently wealthy instead of beautiful. I'm standing by that statement.

Chapter 14

May 14, 1998

Draco couldn't remember ever being this nervous. The guards had arrived early that morning and thrown him the customary striped uniform of Azkaban prisoners. After a quick order to get changed, the Slytherin had been left alone again.

His nerves had been on constant edge since Severus had left. He had felt every last emotion from Hermione, and he didn't blame her for waves of nervousness that he was feeling through their bond. He would have been feeling the same way if he had been in her shoes.

Nobody had been by to tell him if Severus had been released or taken to Azkaban. He had asked the guards, but they had gruffly told him to shut up his questions, that he needed to start worrying about his own skin. Based on the elation he had felt through his bond with his soul mate, he could only hope against hope that she won his case.

The last two days with nobody to talk to had been horrible. Draco had never really considered himself to be a social person in the past. He could take the company or leave it, but when he was left without the choice, he found he craved the company of others. Anyone would have done, even the Weasel. Draco now understood why his aunt had been madder than a hatter. He wasn't even under the influence of dementors and he felt like he was losing his mind.

Draco brushed his filthy, greasy hair over his shoulder and off his forehead. What he wouldn't give for a shower. If he got out of this hellhole, he planned on showering as soon as he got home. Although, now that he thought about it, he didn't really know where home was. He had no idea where Hermione was staying and if he would be welcome. He knew there was no way that he would allow her to return to Malfoy Manor. His thoughts were brought to a screeching halt when the lock on his cell door turned and an auror appeared.

"It's time."

-O-

Hermione couldn't stop the waves of nervousness that poured out of her. Even to those around her that she didn't have a bond with felt it; it was palpable.

Since she wasn't going to be Draco's counsel, she didn't worry too much about looking professional. Instead of witch's robes, she decided on a muggle dress, burgundy in color, that Ginny had convinced her to buy before they had went on the run. Hermione had been surprised that she even still had it. It hugged her curves and accentuated the lack of weight she had on her. As much as she hated to wear a dress like that right now, she wanted to make sure their world knew just how bad their plight had been on the horcrux hunt.

A tapping on the window brought her out of her thoughts. She walked to the library window and let an all black eagle owl in. He, for it was obviously a male, held still long enough for her to remover the parchment, but flew away immediately after she released him. Cataloguing the odd behavior as something to think about later, Hermione unrolled the parchment and began to read.

Mudblood,

We know Little Malfoy would never betray his father or the Dark Lord without help. You obviously used the Imperious Curse on him to draw him to your side. He would have enjoyed raping and killing you too much, I've seen it.

I'm warning you now to watch your back. It wouldn't be very sporting if we snatched you and you had no idea that we were even hunting you. Good luck at Little Malfoy's trial. You should hope he gets Azkaban before he exposes your true actions.

Sincerely,

Concerned Citizens

Hermione felt her heart speed up, fear flowing through her veins. The Death Eaters that remained at large were after her, her proof was clutched in her hand. She heard footsteps outside the library door, probably Severus or Charlie since both had agreed to accompany her today. Without a second thought, she rushed to a bookshelf and pulled out a book. It was pure coincidence that it was Hogwart's, A History. She opened the cover and crammed the letter in the book just in time to shove the book back on the shelf as both Severus and Charlie entered.

Hermione knew that she should tell someone. She planned to actually, she just wanted to get through the drama of the day. This day was Draco's and the last thing she wanted to do was worry everyone because she got a threatening letter that may or may not be valid. Charlie broke the silence.

"I see you're ready, 'Mi. Shall we?" She smiled at both men who had surprisingly gotten along quite well since Severus had joined them in living at Grimmauld Place.

Hermione was thrilled that Severus was staying there. Charlie had confided in her that as much as he wanted to stay through the summer, his boss was ordering him back to Romania by the middle of June. As much as she would miss having him around all the time, she knew his one true love was dragons. She would never wish for him to lose his love just so he could stay with her. Molly, however, may not see it that way.

Charlie went through the floo first so she waited the standard ten seconds before she stepped into the fireplace as well. Severus held out the bag of floo powder so she could gather some with her hand. She threw it down, calling for the Ministry of Magic. Severus followed quickly behind her, brushing the soot off his robes when he stepped out of the fireplace.

Draco's trial was to be held in the same court room as Severus' had been in. Charlie and Severus both flanked her and followed her to the lift. She dreaded seeing Draco in the same Azkaban robes as Severus had been in. What if he wasn't acquitted and he had to wear those robes for the rest of his life? How would he handle the dementors? How would she? As they entered the court room, Severus leaned down and murmured in her ear.

"Stop it. I can feel you worrying over here. You're not going to help him if you're a ball of nerves." She sighed and hoped that it was enough to calm her down. Charlie led them to the same seats that he had occupied at Severus' trial, to find that Harry, Remus, Bill, and the twins were waiting. Hermione took her seat between the two men she had come with.

Her eyes scanned the crowd, taking in just who she knew that had arrived. Many people from the Final Battle were there to spectate, as well as most of the professors from Hogwarts. Hermione spotted a pocket of Slytherins on the other side that had come to support him. She felt a twinge of guilt when she thought about that. Most of them had cared deeply about blood purity; what would happen with his friendships if he was stuck with her? She shook her head trying to clear the unpleasant thoughts from her mind.

True to his word, Ron had refused to hand over any memories to help Draco. Hermione couldn't help but be angry at him for being such a child. He didn't have to be friends with Draco, but where was his conscience? Wouldn't he feel guilty if Draco was convicted? She sighed at the stupid question. He hated Draco; of course he wouldn't feel guilty.

Hermione shook her head and started to pay attention to the conversations around her. Bill and Charlie were conversing quietly, about what she wasn't sure. The twins were discussing the new open date for their joke store. Molly had apparently done her level best to get them to abandon the idea, but they had held strong. She couldn't hear what Remus and Harry were discussing, but by the looks on their faces, she had a feeling it was about her argument with Ron.

Hermione hadn't told Remus or Tonks exactly why she had moved into Grimmauld Place. It wasn't that she didn't trust them; in fact, she did. It was that she just didn't want to have to think about the argument. No matter how stupid Ronald was being, she still considered him a friend. It still hurt her to realize that their friendship would probably never be the same because she doubted that he could let go of his prejudices.

Severus, however, had had no problems asking her exactly what had happened between the Golden Trio. She really hadn't wanted to tell him, but in the end, she had. She didn't think that he would use the information against her, she just hated thinking about the situation. He had been supportive of her actions and told her that she had done the right thing, that she wasn't demanding he be best mates with Draco.

Hermione hadn't even realized that the Wizengamot had filed in and found their seats until she heard the now familiar "All rise for the Minister of Magic." The room at large went to their feet and Hermione watched Mr. Toomey begin to arrange his paperwork and memories in much the same way she had. Maybe she had a future in wizarding law. The old barrister turned and sent her a wink, knowing that she would be nervous.

She watched as Draco was led in by two aurors, just the same as Severus had been. His hair was filthy and hung limply around his face. He appeared to have lost a little bit of weight, but he didn't look unhealthy. According to Severus, they had been fed twice a day so she wasn't going to complain.

Otherwise, he looked unharmed, and for that she was grateful. Just before he sat in the seat next to Mr. Toomey, he locked eyes with her and he smirked at her. She could feel his nerves through their bond so she knew that his smirk was solely for the purpose of making her feel better.

The chair lashed him to it on both his arms and legs, just as it had done with Severus. She wanted to burst into tears at the sight, but she ruthlessly kept her emotions at bay. Instead, she felt the comforting hand of Severus kneading her neck. Kingsley began addressing the court room. Kingsley motioned to Mr. Gallen Crane, the acting prosecutor for Draco's case as well. Mr Crane stood and began wandering the length of the court room as he spoke.

"Witches and wizards of the Wizengamot, I come to you today to prove that Mr. Draco Malfoy is a marked Death Eater. He has done despicable things and should be punished to the full extent of the law for his actions. I have the memories of many people that prove just what kind of person Mr. Malfoy is." Hermione already wanted to walk up to Mr. Crane and sucker punch him in the nose, but this opening statement made her livid. She couldn't help but wonder just whose memories he had that would prove Draco had done terrible things. Silas Toomey gave Mr. Crane a wide smile as he stood and took his place.

"Wiches and wizards, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Crane is correct. Draco Malfoy has committed atrocious acts against humanity. However, my case will prove to you all that he was held at wand point for every single act against another human. I will prove to you that not only was Mr. Malfoy made to do the horrible things he did, he saved the life of Miss Hermione Granger and helped the Golden Trio escape capture when they were being held in his ancestral home." Hermione sat on the edge of her seat, barely breathing as Mr. Toomey took his seat and Kingsley spoke again.

"Mr. Crane, are you leading or will you be letting the defense?" Just as in Severus' trial, Mr. Crane stood with a smile and started toward the pensieve in the middle of the room.

"These first memories are from Mr. Malfoy's school years, submitted by his classmates. These include Seamus Finnegan, Dean Thomas, Lavender Brown, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Padma Patil, and Mandy Brocklehurst." Hermione was raging mad now that she heard the names of those who put forth memories.

She was certain that Lavender had done so at Ron's request, but she knew that neither one would ever admit it. She would like to say that she was surprised about Dean and Seamus, but she wasn't. They had made quite clear their feelings during the Final Battle. Severus tightened his hand on her neck in warning. She understood; she needed to remain calm and collected or it would discredit her testimony.

Memories from the last seven years flew through the pensieve. She watched as Draco spewed his pureblood propaganda, called all the muggle borns "mudblood", even the memory of when the Chamber of Secrets had been opened and he wished that Hermione would be the one to die. To say it was easy to watch would have been a lie.

Fifth year Inquisitorial Squad came and went, memories of Draco sucking up to Dolores Umbridge. Seamus submitted the memory of his gleeful look when they had all been discovered to be a part of Dumbledore's Army.

Madam Rosmerta put forth the memory of his using Imperious Curse on her, several other students went on about his hexing them in the corridors. Finally, the memories from his fellow Death Eaters surfaced and she felt her stomach turn.

Visions of Draco torturing captives and killing them slowly filled the room. From the other Death Eater's point of view, you could never see the people behind him with their wand to his back. Hermione could feel the horror through her link with Draco and she knew he was ashamed of himself.

Mr. Crane's case against Draco didn't seem near as extensive as it had been against Severus. She could see the similarities in their cases though. The prosecutor did all he could to hype up the crimes that they had committed during their time as active Death Eaters. He didn't really seem to have anything else to go with except that.

It was almost two hours before Mr. Crane pulled the last memory out of the pensieve and took his seat. Hermione had watched Draco torture and kill countless people, a mask of indifference plastered on his face. While these actions horrified her, she couldn't completely blame Draco for them. As much as she hated it, it was a do or die situation. Kingsley raised his hand to call the attention of the room to himself.

"Ten minute break before we have to defense present it's case." Just as with Severus' trial, the Wizengamot stood and began to file out of their seats up on the dais. Hermione watched as Mr. Toomey leaned over and spoke in Draco's ear for a moment. When he pulled away, Draco turned so he could see Hermione. He leaned back as much as he could so she leaned forward.

"Mon coeur, you're a sight for sore eyes. This has been the longest week and a half in my life." She reached forward and brushed his hair off of her face. It was greasy and filthy, but she didn't care.

"Mr. Toomey is going to take that Crane down. There are so many memories we have for your defense." He gave her a soft smirk.

"I know. I also know what you're doing and you don't have to do it. You'll hate yourself if you do it." She shook her head.

"I'll hate myself if I don't do it. People have survived worse than me. If this saves you, it's worth it." He shook his head slightly in exasperation.

"You haven't been eating." She gave him a small smile.

"I've been doing better. Please don't worry about me." He motioned her closer so he could speak softly in her ear.

"You start eating or I'm going to spank your arse. I do mean literally." Hermione sat back, somewhat astounded at his words. While she was mildly offended at his words, how dare he insinuate that she needed a spanking like a small child, she couldn't deny that his words had made her loins clench in anticipation. It was definetely confusing. She didn't get a chance to respond because Kingsley returned to his seat along with the rest of the Wizengamot and called for Mr. Toomey to present his case. When she sat back, Severus was smirking at her. She narrowed her eyes.

"Did you hear him?" Severus just quirked his eyebrow at her and nodded.

"Draco is very dominant. He would never hurt you, in fact, he'd probably make it quite pleasurable, but he expects to be taken seriously when it comes to your health." Hermione wanted to die of embarrassment at his words. Why in the world did Severus know how Draco could make a spanking pleasurable? Rather than respond, she turned back to watch the defense. Mr. Toomey stood tall and proud in front of the Wizengamot.

"Mr. Crane has presented compelling evidence as to why Draco Malfoy should receive a guilty verdict. However, he showed you only half of the whole. I plan to show you the other half through memories belonging to Mr. Malfoy himself, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Severus Snape, and Bill, Charlie, and Fred Weasley." Mr. Toomey stepped forward and snagged the first memory from the table. After pouring it into the pensieve, he spoke again.

"These first memories belong to Mr. Malfoy. They're recollections of his childhood and his home life." Hermiome clenched her hands together and sat back so she could concentrate on what she would be seeing. Charlie reached over and took one of her clenched fists in his large hand and squeezed. She gave him a soft smile before turning her attention back to the pensieve.

Visions of Draco being told to torment muggle borns and blood traitors by his father filled the room, the threats he received from his father if he didn't get grades good enough to beat "the mudblood". Draco had balked one time, when he was twelve years old, told his father that Hermione was just smarter than he was and that he didn't think she deserved the treatment that he was forcing Draco to give her.

Lucius had not only used the Cruciatus on Draco, he had called Narcissa in and used his fists on her until Draco swore that he would continue to treat all muggle borns with hatred and contempt. His father had swept out of the room and Draco had been left with his sobbing mother who had begged him to always listen to his father.

Memories like these had continued through the years. It was quite clear through the memories that there was no love lost between Draco, Harry and Ron, but it was apparent that hurting Hermione hurt him as well. The memory that astounded her the most was the one after Hermione and Harry had led Umbridge out into the Forbidden Forest.

Once recovered from the charmed sweets that Neville had convinced them to eat, Draco had ran to Severus, fear in his eyes, and told him that he had heard the other four captives talking as they left. They had been discussing finding Harry and Hermione and making their way to the Department of Mysteries so they could save Sirius. In the end, he had begged Severus to stop them.

Hermione's memories of their meetings in the library came forth. She had given Mr. Toomey the ones that showed Draco in the most favorable light from not only fifth year, but sixth as well. Harry's memory of the night that Dumbledore died clearly showed that Draco had lowered his wand and was considering his offer of protection when Bellatrix and Greyback had arrived.

Draco and Severus both gave up memories of how he was tortured severely when he returned to the Manor after his failure with Dumbledore. They both showed how Lucius and Bellatrix held him at wand point when he would dispose of captives that the Dark Lord no longer had use for. Hermione cringed the most when Lucius had swore to Draco that he would rape and beat Narcissa at the next revel if he didn't start acting like a man.

Hermione's memory of her torture and near-rape came next. She couldn't bear to watch it again so she buried her face in her hands. She didn't stay like that for long since Severus reached over and pulled her into his side so she could bury her face in his frock coat. Even though she couldn't see what was happening, she could still hear it, making her heart twist in disgust.

The rest of the world watched as she was tortured and sexually assaulted. Hermione could hear their gasps of surprise and the soft whimpers of pity for her. Charlie still had a tight hold of her hand and he leaned over to whisper in her ear.

"This doesn't define you. You are better than Bellatrix and Greyback. Don't ever doubt it."

The world watched Draco step up and curse Greyback and Bellatrix, watched him be cursed with sectumsempra. There were even soft cheers when Button apparated them away. The memory switched to Harry's after that, showing everyone exactly what their soul bond had looked like when it had formed.

Kingsley and Remus' memories came next, the night that they had attended the Order meeting and Draco, Hermione, Ron, and Harry had been inducted. The crowd obviously hadn't been expecting that if their gasp of surprise was anything to go by.

Hermione's own memory came next, the one where she had explained what their mision was and just why they needed to get into Gringotts. Even Severus had stiffened next to her when he realized that they had been hunting horcruxes the whole time they had been on the run. The crowd collectively shuddered at her explanation and gasped loudly when Draco offered to get them into Gringotts.

Memories of Gringotts flashed by, Draco jumping in to help Hermione and Ron fend off the Death Eaters outside. Next was Draco helping carry Ron into The Hog's Head and then helping Hermiome heal him.

Hermione made sure to include the memories of Draco being attacked by Dean and Seamus since it showed that Draco didn't fight back, that he had merely shielded himself. She hoped that that would cast doubt on their memories. Next was from Fred when Draco had ploughed into him, knocking him out of the way of the falling wall, effectively saving his life.

The crowd was sitting on the edge of their seats during the scenes of the Final Battle since many of them hadn't been present for it. They watched in bated silence as Draco cut off Nagini's head and the black ooze that spewed from it's body. Draco and Hermione both put forth the memory of his confrontation with Lucius.

When it was finally over and Mr. Toomey had returned the last memory in the pensieve back to it's vial, the room fell silent. Hermione chanced a glance over at the Slytherins and most of them looked contemplative. She didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing, but she guessed it really didn't matter at the moment. Before she could consider things further, Kingsley spoke again.

"Another ten minute break before we hear closing arguments." Just as they had before, most of the Wizengamot rose to their feet and made their way out of the court room so they could use the loo and find refreshments. Mr. Toomey leaned over and whispered in Draco's ear for just a short moment before he turned to Hermione as best he could.

"Mon coeur, promise me. If I go to Azkaban, allow Severus to care for you. I don't trust anyone else to be there like they should be." She leaned forward and brushed his hair back out of his face again.

"I don't need someone to take care of me, I've taken care of myself my whole life." He shook his head.

"No, you deserve better than that. Promise me." She smiled softly at him.

"I promise, Dray. I won't make it easy, I'm sure, but I promise." She brushed his hair back just once more.

"Enough of that though. You saw the overwhelming amount of evidence we showed that you were forced to do things against your will. You aren't going to Azkaban." Draco actually gave her a small smile.

"I'd love to believe that, Hermione, but our world needs someone to blame. It might just end up being me." She leaned forward as far as she could so she could press a quick kiss to his lips.

"Nonsense. I refuse to lose my optimism now. You'll be owing me an apology when you're free." He chuckled as she pulled away.

"Gladly, mon coeur." She settled back in her seat and waited the last few minutes of their break in silence. There was plenty she wanted to say, some things she probably should say, but she was just going to leave it until afterwards. The Wizengamot returned to their seats, along with Kingsley, and Mr. Crane stood once more.

"Esteemed witches and wizards, I am the first to admit that Mr. Malfoy has acted admirably in the last month of the war. What I have a problem with is the years that came beforehand. We should not allow his crimes to go unpunished. That is merely setting a bad precedent for not only our children, but for generations to come. People have to have a set of standards that they aren't willing to cross. If we haven't got morals as a society, then what do we have?" The court room remained silent as Mr. Crane took his seat. Mr. Toomey laid a comforting hand on Draco's shoulder as he stood before smiling pleasantly to the room at large.

"I would like to thank Mr. Crane for making it a point that we should hold our society to higher standards. Indeed we should. Is it not enough of repentance, however, the suffering that Mr. Malfoy underwent at the hands of Lord Voldemort, his father, Lucius Malfoy, and his aunt, Bellatrix Lestrange?

Is it truly fair to sentence him to the effects of the dementors when not only he will suffer, but Miss Granger as well? It's no secret how soul bonds work. What he suffers, she'll suffer. How is it possible for a soul bond to even form between these two if he hated her as the prosecution claims? Ancient magic such as soul bonds can't be fooled, can't be faked.

We must also all realize that if Mr. Malfoy hadn't changed sides because of Miss Granger, the horcrux found in Nagini might have not been destroyed. Our world owes Mr. Malfoy a debt of gratitude, and I believe that you all know how to make a start at that."

Mr. Toomey took his seat once again and flashed a wink at Hermione. She had to admit that the aging man was very good at what he did. Even if she had thought that Draco was guilty as sin, she would have had to rethink what her final verdict would be. Kingsley called for all of the Wizengamot to deliberate, and Hermione couldn't recall a time that she had been more nervous. Not only did Draco's life hang in the balance, hers did as well.

Just like during Severus' trial, they deliberated behind a silencing charm. Hermiome inspected their facial expressions for signs as to what they may be deciding, but she found none. Charlie leaned over and kissed the side of her head.

"Come on, 'Mi, have faith. Our world isn't completely corrupt." She gave him a smile and nodded. She needed to keep her optimism high. Severus was still rubbing at the knots in her neck and shoulders and she had to admit that it felt heavenly.

Hermione was extremely surprised when the same witch from Severus' trial made her way to Kingsley with a slip of parchment. They had deliberated for over half an hour for Severus. It had barely been ten minutes. She could only pray that it was a good thing rather than a bad thing. Kingsley shot sparks in the air before speaking.

"The witches and wizards of the Wizengamot have come to a verdict. Mr. Malfoy, would you please rise?" The chair he had been seated in for the better part of the day released him and Draco rose shakily to his feet.

"We, the majority of the Wizengamot, find Mr. Draco Malfoy guilty of the use of all the Unforgivable Curses. Due to his outstanding courage and instrumental actions in the latter part of the war, we are releasing you into the public with the punishment of time served. Thank you all."

The binding holding Draco's hands together disappeared and he turned to shake hands with Mr. Toomey. Hermione couldn't stop the tears from running down her cheeks and Severus wrapped an arm around her shoulders while she waited for Draco to finish. She watched as Mr. Toomey clapped Draco on the arm and began to gather all the memories that he still had spread across the table.

Draco finally turned to look at her and smile broke out across his features when he saw her tears. She began laughing, as did everyone else around them, when he dropped to his knees in front of her.

"You told me I would owe you an apology when I was released, and you were right, mon coeur. Please accept my humblest apologies for ever doubting your word." She couldn't reply for fear of bursting out in tears again so she simply nodded. Draco rose to his feet and wrapped her in his arms. She clung to him as if he was going to disappear, and she supposed that maybe that was exactly what she feared. Draco's voice was soft in her ear.

"I won't ever leave you again."

-O-

Draco couldn't believe that he was actually free. He couldn't help the fear that he would wither away and die in Azkaban. It was all-consuming no matter how much he told himself that it wasn't true.

Draco was still floored at the sheer bravery it had taken on Hermione's part to submit her memories of her torture. It may not have been strictly necessary, but he knew that the people needed to see just what heinous acts he was putting an end to when he had finally openly defied his family.

He bent down just enough so he could capture Hermione's lips with his own. It had been a long eleven days since he had last kissed her so this kiss felt like he was finally being granted a drink of water after a drought. Draco didn't care who was watching. He deepened the kiss like he had dreamt of doing since he had been taken away, plundering her mouth without any mercy.

Hermione clung to him and wrapped her fingers in his greasy hair, whimpering softly as he explored every crevice of her mouth, as if he had never kissed her before. He could feel Severus smirking behind him while the rest of their party seemed to be getting impatient. Draco finally took pity on them all and gentled the kiss before finally pulling away. Charlie was the first to congratulate him with a handshake and a smile.

"Congrats, Draco. One helluva win if you ask me." Draco smiled at the burly man. He knew that this man had provided a huge amount of support for Hermione while he had been gone. Draco gave his hand one last shake.

"Thanks, mate, for taking care of her." Charlie nodded, smile still on his face.

"I did the best I could. I have a feeling she'll do much better now that you're free." Draco nodded before turning to Severus. He still hadn't heard the story of how the man had escaped Azkaban either, but he knew he would eventually. He was about to speak when a voice interrupted him.

"Draco?" He turned to see Pansy standing before him, Daphne, Blaise, Theo, and Greg standing behind her. Hermione tried to let go of his hand, but he just clamped down tighter on her. He could feel the waves of uncertainty coming from her through their bond and he wouldn't stand for any of that. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her even further into his side and pressed a kiss to the side of her head before he acknowledged Pansy.

"Pansy, hello. I'm glad to see that you're all well." She sneered in Hermione's direction before replying.

"Is it true? You're stuck with Granger for the rest of your life?" The jovial look left his face as he met her gaze.

"I don't look at it as being stuck with her. We're happy together." Her face softened just a little as she continued to stare at him.

"What about us? Did it mean nothing to you?" He could feel the horror through his bond with Hermione and he knew that she thought she was breaking up a relationship with their bond. She wrenched herself from his side before speaking.

"I need the loo. Please excuse me." Charlie gave him a dirty look before he took off after Hermione, both of them knowing she wasn't really going to the loo. Severus stepped up next to him, his only obvious support in this shite situation.

"Pansy, what we had was never serious. We both know it. You used me for my vaults and my name, I used you for sex. If me being with Hermione hurts you, I'm sorry, but it isn't going to change. It's been her since second year." Pansy snorted, but not in so much a hateful way as before.

"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. She was the only girl that ever caught your attention and held it. She's the only girl that's as smart as you, that would have no problem telling you that you're being an arsehole. As much as I hate it, I suppose I'll just have to wish you the best." Draco knew that it had to have been like pulling teeth for Pansy to utter those words so he gave her his customary smirk.

"Thanks, Pans." The group as a whole melted back into the crowd and Draco turned to the rest of his group.

"Alright, anyone know where she went?" Potter stepped forward, expression somber.

"She probably already went back to Grimmauld Place. Please don't be too hard on her. The last thing she would want to do is break up a previous relationship." Draco nodded, glad to hear that his guess on the situation and why she was upset was correct. Severus held out a slip of parchment that told him where Grimmauld Place was. He turned his questioning gaze to Severus, silently asking for answers. The older man raised an eyebrow before speaking.

"Weasley tried to kiss her and told her that he was going to take her mind off of you going to Azkaban. She cursed him with antlers and hung him in tree. Charlie convinced her to stay at Grimmauld Place with himself, Remus, and Tonks rather than head back into the muggle world. That is also where I am currently residing."

Draco raised his eyebrows at that information, but remained silent. He couldn't wait til he caught the Weasel alone in a dark alley. Severus started forward and beckoned for Draco to follow. When they reached the apparition point, he held out his arm for Draco to grasp it. The familiar suction of apparition over took him and when they landed, he was in a decent-sized library. Severus nodded towards the door.

"Third floor, fourth door on the left. I'm right across the hall." Draco nodded and followed his godfather's directions to Hermione's bedroom. When he finally reached her door, he didn't bother to knock. He didn't want to give her a chance to turn him away. She was seated in the window seat, an old book in her lap, but she was staring out the window. He noticed that her cheeks and eyes were dry, thank Merlin, but her eyes were filled with sadness.

"Mon coeur, why did you run?" She sighed deeply and looked down at the pages of her book.

"I didn't realize I was breaking up a thing between the two of you. I'm feeling pretty terrible right now and to be honest, I don't want to discuss it at this time." He chuckled lightly as he lifted her legs and took a seat next to her, draping her legs over his lap.

"You didn't break up a thing. I haven't slept with Pansy since January. We never went out as a couple. I used her for sex, she used me for my name and my money. I told her as much after you left. She realized that she could do nothing about it, kind of wished us well, and left." Her eyes dampened at his words.

"You promise? I don't like the feeling that I'm stealing you from some other witch." He reached out and pulled her into his lap.

"I promise, mon coeur. We've had this discussion. I've had plenty of women and I can't change that. It's only you from now on." She gave him a smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her head on his chest.

"I know that, Dray. I mean, I don't like it, but I'll live with it. I was just upset because I thought you two loved each other and I came along and ruined it." He chuckled as he fisted her hair and yanked, tipping her head up to meet his. He kissed her again and poured all his passion, gratitude, happiness, and love into it.

It lasted for ages, but Draco didn't mind that he was running out of air. If kissing her like this meant that he couldn't breathe, he would happily accept that. However, she pulled away and broke the kiss when she desperately needed air.

"I'm so happy you're here. Will you share my room with me?" He ran his hand through her long curls and nodded.

"I'll stay here with you if you promise to show me where the shower is. My hair is disgusting." She outright laughed before nodding. Hermione went to her feet and took his hand in hers, pulling him to his feet.

"Come with me, Mr. Malfoy, I'll show you the shower." He grinned and followed, wondering where life would take them now.

A/N- Lordy, this chapter seemed to take me forever to get written. I hope it makes y'all happy! I really wanted to make Pansy and her friends still be mudblood haters and such, but decided that they're Slytherins. They're gonna do whatever they can to appear to change with the times. Who knows? Maybe they really will change...Next chapter, more threatening letters and a trip to the Burrow. Leave me your thoughts, they motivate me so.

Love,

A