Warnings: Mentions of minor drug use.
Hermione was almost out of their hiding spot when it happened. Theo, apparently at war with himself, spun and swore loudly, blowing apart a pile of nearby rubble.
If she was a lesser witch maybe she'd have something to be afraid of, but with the faintest flick of her wrist she blocked the flyaway bits of rock and board, Draco stepping up beside her. When the air cleared they realized Theo didn't yet know they were there, and he was faced away from them on the other side of the dark street quietly talking to himself.
"Stupid," he muttered, hands clenching and releasing as he walked. Exchanging a brief glance the duo quietly approached, careful to not let Theo know of their presence. "How could I fall for it again?"
"That's what I'm asking mate," Draco answered, grasping his friend's shoulder tightly as he spoke. Nott jumped and spun around, but the blond didn't bother with a disarming spell this time. Clearly he was too agitated to think straight, and Draco didn't waste a moment plucking his wand out of his slack grip. "And you should probably keep your guard up better if you're going to try sneaking out of the castle."
Theo's eyes widened, taking in the pair. He looked exhausted, dark bags gathering under his eyes. Draco knew the constant interrogations and badgering's were starting to get to him, and his will-power was slipping without the Willow's Weep and its destructive help but he hadn't had an opportunity yet this week to truly study Theo. The poor bloke looked like he was about to snap, either mentally or from sheer exhaustion, he wasn't quite sure.
Blinking, he seemed to compose himself, and he tried to straighten beneath the heavy cloak. "What are you-"
"Theo," Hermione seethed, interrupting whatever the poor boy was about to say. Her wand was gone, hidden again somewhere in her cloak. Without warning she shot forward, grasping the sweat-soaked front of his shirt to pull Nott out of his friends grip, stepping closer until she was breathing up into his face. "How could you come out here to meet with her?"
"Well I-"
"After everything that's happened how could you even speak to her?" she hissed, her other hand coming up to crinkle the fabric of his cloak. "This could be a set up! There could be people in the buildings watching us, or that bloody vial could have been poisoned-"
"I don't think she'd bother with poisoning me," he reasoned, grabbing her fingers to detach her from his clothing. Despite his sweat-soaked outfit his hands were clammy, and the contrast caused goosebumps to rise on her skin. "They really need loyalty over death right now."
"What are you talking about?" Draco asked, his eyes narrowing. "How would you know anything like that?"
Nott's lip twitched, and scared eyes glanced around their surroundings, as though he was just recalling where they were. Subconsciously his right hand moved to his forearm and began scratching. As the fabric rose up both students could vaguely make out red, raw skin beneath. He dropped his voice, his tone practically begging them to understand. "It's not really safe to talk out here. I'm already in enough danger for allowing the two of you to catch me."
"Brown's gone," she reasoned, ignoring the warning in his voice. "Why would someone else bother waiting around? Sounds like a waste of people to me. Besides, if someone was hiding nearby they would've acted by now."
He didn't look nearly as convinced as she hoped, and his eyes momentarily looked back towards the shattered vial, probably regretting his actions a moment ago. "Look… just – not here, okay? Back at Hogwarts. Less ears. Come on-"
"We aren't going back yet," Hermione interrupted, ignoring the look Draco threw her way. "We came out tonight for a reason and we aren't just going to go back empty-handed." She looked towards the shattered vial on the rock, the liquid inside having seeped into the stones beneath. There was no saving that now. "Pity you threw that away, Theo. I really could've used it to test my cure against."
"What?' Theo asked, eyebrows shooting up. "What are you going on about?"
"Nothing," Draco muttered, trying to meet Hermione's eyes for a second time. She was avoiding him completely, faced the other direction from where Lavender had come. Her posture was rigid, her jaw set as she looked at the empty space. Whether she'd admit it or not, seeing Brown shook her resolve. But she didn't look intimidated like he expected; there was the distinct glint of determination that wasn't there before, and he knew trying to get her back to Hogwarts would be a fight. "We still need to be somewhere."
He didn't believe they should continue looking tonight. With all the potion stores in Hogsmeade proving futile the next place to check was Knockturn Alley. If Brown was brazenly wandering around where anyone could spot her, there was no telling who else was creeping about. Hermione was frazzled, and if she was getting upset she may not keep a level-enough head to handle a sticky situation.
Or worse, they may run into the blasted Weasel himself out there. No, Draco didn't think it was a good idea to keep shopping, not tonight.
"We're wasting time," she said, turning back to the two men. "More shops will close the later it gets. We still need to get to the local floo. We can't just apparate. I'm not that familiar with Knockturn Alley."
"You want to go to Knockturn Alley?" Theo asked, leaning towards the brunette. "At this hour? Granger, there are worse people wandering around than Brown. I don't know exactly who is involved, but I wouldn't chance a trip there this late at night."
"She's not going to listen," Draco argued, turning his full attention to her. "I can waste all my energy arguing with you or we can just go to the two damn shops and be done. Besides, it may be harder to get out of the castle next time."
Besides, she's been wanting to go to Knockturn Alley for hours. She's already ruled out Diagon Alley, and I doubt she'll heed me if I continue this banter.
She shot him a grateful look, but he could plainly see the skepticism in her eyes. Arguing with her would do them no good, and he would waste more time and energy trying to persuade her than it was worth. The longer they stayed out, the more dangerous this trip would be.
"But you're going back," Draco seethed, turning to smack Theo in the side of the head. "I can't believe you snuck past both me and Blaise to get here, but it won't happen again. You're killing yourself Theo. This Willow's Weep is going to be the end of you. You were doing so damn well, why throw it all out now?"
"I'm not going back," he argued. "You need me. I have the most experience with the drug, I can probably help with whatever you're trying to do."
"You're not coming with because any bloke involved could recognize you wandering around with us, even people you aren't aware of." Draco reached up, indicating to his platinum hair. "I'm easy enough to spot, we don't need someone these rogues are openly communicating with tagging along. That's a bloody disaster. No, go back to the castle. Trust me, I'll be coming to find you soon as I get back."
"But-"
"Draco's right," Hermione interrupted, reaching out to grasp his hand. "We will move faster on our own anyway. Maybe you can help with my potion later." She gave him a meaningful look, letting her features relax just a little even at his shocked expression. "Go back Theo. We won't be too long. Just please return so we know you're safe and away from anywhere you can get more of that. If you're not anywhere near the temptation it should be easier."
He opened his mouth to reply but nothing came out, apparently thinking better of whatever he planned on saying. He held up his hands, shoulders slumping. Merlin was he tired. "Fine."
Nodding Hermione turned, dragging Draco away as she went. She didn't want to stand there and argue with him. That broken expression of Theo's was a little too close to Ron's, and it was tearing at her.
She didn't speak again until they were out of earshot. "Do you think he'll go back just like that?"
Draco scoffed, keeping up with her hurried steps. "He better. He's destroying himself enough just by being out here."
Nodding she glanced back, noting Nott's vague outline in the distance. It didn't appear he had moved. Steeling herself she pushed forward, hoping he would heed their words and return. But the dangers of bringing him along were too high, and she couldn't give up the opportunity to get what she needed while they were out.
"I just don't understand how she contacted him," Hermione whispered, following Draco around the shop. Knockturn Alley was eerie at night, even more so than during the day. She'd tried shopping in Diagon Alley after a lot of persuasion on Draco's part, but the shops were either closed or didn't have anything she believed would help.
She didn't want to buy dangerous ingredients per say; she just wanted to get things she believed would actually counteract the effects of Willow's Weep.
"No point worrying about it," Draco muttered as they headed towards the back of the shop. He pulled his hood just a little lower, well aware of how late it was. It was just past midnight, and he didn't trust Knockturn Alley this late. He hardly trusted it during the day anymore. But there were only two shops to check here, and he was fairly certain the other was already closed. This would be their last stop, and then he could drag her back to the castle.
The later it got the more worried he became.
"There's every reason to worry," she argued, peering at the shelves. "Who else is she contacting? Who do these rogue Death Eater's and the cartel have their nails in exactly?"
"Really shouldn't discuss it here," he hissed, looking around. Thankfully the shop was pretty empty this late, so he didn't believe anyone was around to hear. "I know you're upset, but at least wait until we get back."
Hermione huffed at his side, but didn't say anything else. She continued to shop in silence for several minutes as Draco peered through the shelves aimlessly, unable to follow her train of thought. He knew a rough idea of what they came out to purchase, but they'd already found all those ingredients at the front of the store. He wasn't sure what she was looking for now.
Towards the front a bell dinged, and he realized someone else was coming in. Strange that they were out so late with the store closing soon, but who was he to judge? He'd just about pushed the idea out of his head when he spotted the individual moving towards the counter, and he just about lost it.
Snatching Hermione's arm he covered her mouth to avoid the following yelp of surprise and pulled her further into the store, out of the line of vision of the front counter. His pulse was racing as he looked on, unable to put together exactly what he was seeing.
"What are you-"
"Shh," he whispered, letting her go as he pointed forward. She peered in the general direction he was pointing and froze.
An attendant at the front stepped out to greet the customer, smiling a toothy grin. It wasn't the shop owner, Draco was quite familiar with him and would've been spotted right away. No, he thought he recalled being told once this was his nephew or something.
"Good evening," the woman said, smiling to the attendant. "Nice weather we're having isn't it?"
"All evenings have been nice recently Mrs. Malfoy," the man replied, leaning his elbows on the counter. "What can I do for you tonight?"
Narcissa didn't respond right away, dragging one gloved finger over the items on the counter. She didn't seem aware that there were other people in the shop, and Draco wasn't about to let her know of their presence. He hadn't spoken to his mother since the start of the year, and he doubted now was the time for a reunion.
The blonde sighed, hugging herself as she focused on the attendant again. "You know, I'm hoping for an early snow this year. Something to cover all of London for a while is just what we need."
Draco frowned, wondering where this conversation was going. Mother doesn't believe in small talk, and she's never out this late. What in Merlin's name is she doing here?
The attendant smirked behind the counter, reaching down to pull something from the storage below. "I think I have just the thing. Same order as last time? That should bring a fresh storm to London soon enough."
His eyes widened, and Hermione shot him a look at that exact moment. They were talking in code.
"I certainly hope so," Narcissa said, pulling some coins from her bag for the clerk. "We shouldn't get our hopes up too high. We don't know how the weather will go yet."
Grinning, the man nodded as he pocketed the coins, not looking down at the amount. "I suppose time will tell."
Narcissa left the store after that, disappearing back into the shadows as she drew up her hood and her strange package, shrinking it as she left to fit in her handbag. She never once looked towards the back of the store, and Draco wasn't sure if he was happy about that or not.
Glancing at Hermione, he nodded to the counter. "It's time to go." Without waiting for a response he hurried forward, his pulse quickening. He needed to get out of there now before he got the crazy idea to try and follow his mother.
He stood behind Hermione as she paid, mindful of his hair as he continued looking away. He doubted this man knew her, and even if he recognized her face Hermione had a nact for gently but firmly brushing people off when she didn't want to talk. He tried to listen to their words but couldn't keep his focus, the gears in his head spinning.
He recalled what McGonagall said to him some weeks ago, a little tidbit he'd done his best to ignore since that moment. And your father says hello. Lucius was on house arrest and would remain that way for an undetermined amount of time. Why was he contacting the headmistress he can't stand, and leaving vague uninteresting messages?
Draco glanced towards the door again, out into the dark alley barely lit by torches. His mother had limits on what she could do and where she could go for the time being. What the hell was she doing out here this late?
Gritting his teeth, he animatedly followed Hermione out the door, his thoughts elsewhere. He couldn't ignore it anymore. He was going to need to contact his parents.
By the time they returned to the castle time was creeping past two, and Hermione was beginning to sway on her feet. She hadn't been sleeping well even since Ron's disappearance, and she doubted her sleep would be anymore fitful tonight after everything that happened. She pulled her cloak around herself as the cold air of the fifth floor attached her skin, the tall windows and arches doing nothing to keep in heat.
Draco hadn't spoken a word since leaving the shop, and she doubted he would about the subject. He hadn't breathed a word about his parents the entire time they'd been roommates, and she got the feeling the relationship was strained. Whatever Narcissa picked up that evening looked sinister, and she really wondered what intentions the box had.
Badgering the attendant at the front hadn't done any good. He pretty much pretended the blonde never came in, and even when Hermione tried to be sweet he still gave her the cold shoulder. They'd have to find out on their own what his mother purchased.
Clearing her throat, she tried to make light conversation. "We got a lot of good things tonight. I think tomorrow we will really be able to make some progress. Maybe Theo was right, he might be able to tell us if anything we are doing works."
Draco scoffed, shoving his hands down further into the pockets of his cloak. "I don't think testing a bunch of experimental cures on people is the best way to go. Some of the craziest wizards in Azkaban ended up there due to this kind of nonsense. No, I have no bloody idea how we will actually test the potions but doing too many tests on any person can actually drive them insane."
Biting back a retort, Hermione fingered the bags in her hands. He wasn't wrong, but she didn't want to admit that it would take more than one try to see successful results. How was she supposed to know if they were going in the right direction if they didn't have someone to run the tests on? They were trying to use ingredients that didn't cause harm, but she had no way to know without a test subject if their remedies would actually do any good.
"Anyway," he continued, still lost in his own thoughts, "I better go find Nott. I didn't spot him in Hogsmeade, but that doesn't mean he actually went back to the common room. If he didn't it's going to be a long night for me and Blaise."
"I'm sure he went back," she reasoned, stepping closer to nudge his arm. "Theo's not bad at heart, he's just a little lost. Even if he stayed longer than he should have I'm sure he's back in the school by now. Don't worry so much, at least he still has most of his sense about it."
Draco frowned, reaching out to grasp her hand. He didn't want her focusing on Weasel, even if he knew her thoughts would ultimately head that direction. "You should get some rest tonight. Staying up late to fight with those ingredients will not do you any good, and you'll just be exhausted when Potter comes to find you later. It's Sunday now isn't it? I thought he had plans to spend the day with you and the she-weasel."
"Ginny," she retorted, squeezing his hand tightly. "And I suppose you're right, Harry will worry if I'm exhausted for no reason. It's not like I've really told him our plans. Besides, he's got Ginny to handle, and he's keep Molly and Arthur at bay for the moment. I actually owe him some of my undivided time."
Smiling, he continued leading her down the hallway, finding his way to their dorm room shortly after. Hermione was beginning to drag, and he could feel his eyes growing heavy. Still, he wouldn't be resting for quite some time. Theo was his next priority.
Helping Hermione place all their purchases in the cabinet, he was careful to keep track of the time. The later it got the greater the possibility that Theo would just head off to bed, and he couldn't just go storming through the dorms at nearly two.
"Don't stay out long," she muttered, brushing her hair out of her face, the wind having done a number on its fluffiness. She stepped closer, placing her hands on his chest so she could lean up and press her lips against hers, smiling when is arms wrapped around her to draw her closer. She loved their intimate moments, the feelings so much gentler and sweeter than what she experienced with Ron. "I'll miss you being here."
He smirked, running his fingertips down her spine. She wasn't like the brazen girls he was used to dating, she was much softer and not trying to rip his clothes off at every opportunity. However it was late, and his mind was wandering to dangerous places.
Kissing her tenderly on the forehead he stepped out of her reach, tugging at the cloak he still wore. "Don't tempt me, it's already late and I could stay right here with you."
She smiled, watching as he headed to the door. Only once the door fell shut and the spells to keep people out were in place once more did her body sag, reminding her of how exhausted she was. Turning to the cabinet and her supplies, she steeled her resolve.
"A little bit of work tonight won't be the end of me," she muttered.
The Slytherin common room was nearly empty at this hour. A couple first years were passed out in one corner, a few fifth or sixth years lost in some sort of heated argument in another. In the farthest corner Draco spied his target, ignoring the glances his house shot his way. He almost never came to the common room anymore.
"I was beginning to think Theo had lost it," Astoria muttered, standing with Draco approached. Her dark tresses were pulled back into two perfect brains, and she played with one as she approached. "You never come to play anymore Draco dear."
"Are you high?" he grunted, glaring down at the younger Greengrass. She giggled and swatted his arm, skipping around the circle of chairs.
"Not exactly."
"She's either high or drunk I'm not really sure," Theo muttered as Draco took the chair at his side. "It's at least partially the alcohol's fault. She was cartwheeling a few minutes ago."
"At least I missed that," he muttered, watching the Slytherin girl spin in several circles beside them. Her arms were bare despite the chilly room, and Draco focused on her wrists. He didn't see the Willow tattoo he thought he'd spotted on Pansy the other day, so maybe she really was just drunk off her arse.
"There's a little left if you want some," Theo continued, reaching down beneath the table. A large bottle appeared and shook the wood as he messily dropped it on the surface, his hands shaking as he searched around for a glass.
"I'm fine," Draco replied, shooing Theo's hands. He peered around, noting that Blaise wasn't anywhere around. "Zabini already turn in?"
Theo's expression darkened for a moment. "Pansy dragged him off to the dorms a little while ago." Shooting a look at Astoria, who was now lounged on a sofa several feet away, he leaned a little closer. "She was definitely blazed. Blaise knew she hadn't had a drop of alcohol today, yet she had this dreamy expression and kept tripping."
Frowning he leaned back in his seat, troubled to hear that Pansy was still able to get high. He wondered if that would deter things with Blaise, especially if the bloke realized what was making her so giddy. "So others are able to still get the drunk?" he asked, keeping his voice low.
"Yes, I don't think I'm the only one Brown's been in contact with. There seem to be others working for the cartel, and they have connections to students who want to forget." Inclining his head towards Astoria, he clenched his hands together. "Greengrass used to buy for me when you two blokes wouldn't let me purchase anymore. Daphne's really been cracking down on her the last couple weeks, so she hasn't been able to get away with anything. I think Daphne slacked tonight. I'm almost sure she has some of it in her system."
Draco nodded, watching Astoria roll back and forth on the couch until she fell off. Stiffing a laugh he turned his attention back to Theo, who had dark backs under his troubled eyes. "I'm more interested in why you're slipping."
Sighing, he dragged his nails over each arm in turn, seeming to lose himself for a moment. "I noticed Pansy yesterday, she was practically floating. She kept telling me that she was getting better drugs than before.
Of course that bint is telling Theo this, they used to get high together. But why would she even waste her time?
Theo wiped his hands on his pants, beginning to sweat. "She said that Lavender Brown sent her an owl, saying she could get her what she wanted if they arranged a little meeting. She went and I'm almost positive she got more that day, maybe even earlier today too. Pansy as some sort of in with all of them that I just don't understand. Have you seen her wrists lately? She's started wearing these awful noisy bracelets. I think she's hiding something."
Thinking of the tattoo he'd seen Draco chose to remain silent, glancing in the direction of Astoria again. She hadn't gotten back up off the floor. "Why are these people bothering to contact anyone here? In Hogsmeade earlier you said something about loyalty."
"Yes I did," he replied, wetting his lips. "A lot of the people under the drugs spell would do anything to get more. I think Weasley proves that. I don't really know who is being affected, I just have an idea. Pansy and Astoria are definitely influenced. Some of the sixth and seventh years too. I don't know who else, and I definitely don't know anything about the other houses. Maybe we should try talking to one of them, they may be willing to spill."
Draco scoffed, noting Astoria still hadn't gotten up. Even from his position he could hear her soft snores. "I don't think any of us have a persuasion technique that's going to work with them. At any rate I don't care what their interests are in this mess, I just want to keep you clean. Did you even tell Blaise? I doubt he'd go running off with Pansy if he knew the truth.
Theo blushed, and Draco knew he was right. He didn't want to admit to anyone that he'd caved. "Lavender didn't see me throw the vial, she may contact me again. I'll let you know if it happens, but I'm not telling the Ministry. They are fucking up things enough as it is. They will come down on me if they found out I'm hiding something, and I'm not about to go through their interrogations any more than I have to."
"Can't say I blame you there. Just don't keep doing this shit Theo. Look what it does to people. Weasley lost his fucking mind. Astoria's doing acrobatics through the damn common room. Pansy sort of has a grip on herself when she's under the influence but if I'm honest with you I don't think she takes the entire high all at once. This Willow's Weep is trashing people's lives. You're doing well with breaking your habit. If Hermione has her way she'll find a humane cure. Things will get better if you just stop running after this shit all the time."
"I know, it's just hard." He ran a hand through his hair, looking around the common room. "It's easier when there aren't reminders, but all the questioning we are going through just throws it back in my face all the time. And then I see others using it, and it just diminishes my resolve." He reached out, flicking the mostly empty bottle in front of him. "This helps to curve my cravings, but not as well as before. It would be nice to actually drink and enjoy it for once."
Nodding he stifled a yawn, glancing at the clock. Time was creeping towards three. "Well, at least you're not wandering around Hogsmeade like a moron or I'd have to go interrupt Blaise to save your arse." He cringed at that visual, standing to stretch his legs. "Make sure Astoria stumbles back to her room, will you? I don't want to hear about how we left her on the floor tomorrow."
"Yeah, sure," Theo muttered, reaching for the bottle. He threw back another gulp as Draco prepared to leave, cringing at the taste. "I'll see if I can't get Pansy to spill something tomorrow."
"Perhaps let Blaise try that if he's in a good mood," Draco replied, headed towards the door. "And go to sleep! I don't want to hear about your sorry arse sleeping there all-night either."
He didn't turn back to see Nott's grin, practically stumbling out of the common room as exhaustion overtook him. He definitely wanted to get back to his bed, and maybe make sure a certain brunette was snuggled safe in hers.
Wandering through the corridors his thoughts drifted to Hermione, and all his feelings. He wasn't used to feeling so much for any one person, and definitely not someone he hated for most of his life. Now she was making him feel things, and it even appealed to sections of his body other than his manhood. While he did like her, he definitely didn't know what to do with all these new reactions.
And on top of that, her prior boyfriend was an abusive drug user. If he ever crossed a line how was he supposed to know ahead of time?
Draco kept thinking to himself all the way back, distracted as he opened the common room. It took him a moment to realize that the common room was still way too bright, and Hermione's room wasn't. Glancing at the cabinet he sighed, noting the large amount of items strewn around the open shelves. Approaching he realized she'd pulled up a chair and was making another inventory list, the evidence now lying across the ground where she'd dropped it upon falling asleep. Hermione herself was propped uncomfortably against the cabinet, sleeping quietly.
He suppressed a chuckle, making his way over to her past the small mess she'd created. Reaching out he was about to shake her awake when he thought better of it, glancing at her sweet sleepy expression.
It'd be such a shame to wake her up.
Ignoring all those uncomfortable emotions he was still adjusting to Draco steeled himself, effortlessly sweeping the sleeping girl into his arms. He thought over every cheesy romance moment that made girls swoon in books, and ignored the fact that he was falling dangerously close to that category. He'd been in her room enough times now to know where the bed was, and navigated his way there without a problem.
She didn't wake when he set her on the bed, struggling to pull her sheets back with one hand in the dark. When he finally succeeded and set her down he searched for his wand, lighting the room in a soft gold glow so he could properly cover her.
Poor thing looked like she hadn't slept well in ages. Sharing a dorm with her, he knew she hadn't really. He reached out to brush back some of her hair that had fallen across her face, absentmindedly stroking her cheeks as he did so.
His actions woke her up.
She stirred in her sleep, causing the blond to still his motions. For a brief moment he thought he'd get away with his gentle touches and began to pull away, but stopped when her hand shot out and caught his wrist, brown eyes fluttering open.
"Draco?"
She was definitely groggy with sleep, and he couldn't stop the smirk that graced his lips. "How'd you know it was me?"
"Well your glowing hair in the light helped narrow down the options," she muttered sarcastically, tugging at his arm. "How late it is?"
"Somewhere around three," he replied, sitting on the edge of the bed. "It looked like you were going to break your neck off out there, so I brought you in. Don't think on it; I just didn't want to hear your sarcasm first thing in the morning that I left you there."
Hermione laughed softly, her other arm reaching out for his opposite. She scooted over some in the bed, her eyelashes leaving shadows on her cheeks when she dropped her gaze. "Don't go just yet."
He frowned, surprised by her words. When he was carrying her in here he had a small fear that she'd hex him for trying something so bold. Now she was inviting him to stay. "You sure about that?"
Rolling her eyes her tugs became more persistent, practically dragging him down beside her. "You know I'm not a kid anymore right? I wouldn't invite you to stay if I wasn't sure I wanted you here. Don't get any dirty ideas now, I just like your company."
He smiled, casting aside his wand as he snuggled in beside her. Her bed was much squishier than his, decorated with more pillows. A total girl's bed. He placed one arm behind his head, smiling to himself when she snuggled in beside him, dragging her covers up over the both of them, shoes and all.
"Hermione?"
"Hmm?"
"Why exactly do you want me to stay here tonight? I mean, you can't really appreciate my good looks while you're asleep."
She swatted him lightly on the chest but didn't lift her head. "You make me feel good Draco, even just having you nearby. I enjoy your presence. I thought, maybe, you would be able to help me sleep."
He smiled then, wrapping an arm around her to pull her just a little bit closer. It wasn't long before her soft snores filled the space around them, and Draco fell into blissful sleep soon after.
A/n: Hello readers *shrugs sheepishly*. I don't really have a good reason for being absent for so long, other than some amazing things happening in my life and writing sort of got pushed to the wayside. Anyhoo, I'm back and I have every intention of finishing this story to it's proper end.
Don't fret, it won't end for a while still.
I might even get inspired to write more stories, we will see how things go.
Anyway, thank you to all that read and reviewed this story, even in my absence. I appreciate the dedication to this story and that's the main reason I've decided to resume writing this story. Until next time dear readers.