Hermione didn't leave her room the whole day. Her temper was on the edge and she knew, with the glove on her arm, her magic was dangerously powerful. She sat on her bed, his hands balled into fists as she tried to will her anger away. She couldn't help it. In a way, she really did trust him. She believed him. She knew she should be glad that he was on her side, but she felt too hurt to think otherwise.

There was a soft knock on the door and the polished wood was pushed open. Narcissa stood by the door frame, back straight, hands neatly folded on top one another down her front. "Hermione, a word?"

Hermione wanted to glare, wanted to snap. Narcissa also knew, but she hadn't said a word. "I'm sorry, but I don't feel like talking," she said quietly, not looking at her.

"Just a few minutes?" Narcissa said, composure still intact but there was a hint of plea in her voice. "I will not take long."

Hermione sighed and nodded, knowing that she could not deny the only person that had been gentle to her since the beginning. "A few minutes, Narcissa. I am not feeling well."

Narcissa nodded and closed the door behind her before taking a seat beside Hermione on the bed. "Draco told me that you saw his memories," she said with soft tones. "That now you know whose side we are on."

"True, but I wish he'd have told me once I've learned Occlumency. I feel like such a fool. I trusted him… I trusted you." Hermione answered, he voice cold and steely. "He tortured me. Made fun of this situation. Then he made me trust him. What do you expect me to feel? What did you expect me to actually think?"

"Do you think you would be this safe if you knew this from the beginning? Do you think you would be in the Dark Lord's good graces if Draco didn't help you in that way? Think, Hermione, you are supposed to be the smartest of your age. Do you really think you and Draco are any different?"

Hermione hung her head and that was answer enough for Narcissa. "Draco became a Death Eater to keep Lucius and I safe. You were willing to be the same just to keep your parents safe. You and Draco are more alike than what you actually think, Hermione. The sacrifices that you both have made to keep your loved ones safe. You know Draco even better than I do, my dear. He has shown you a side that even I have never seen before."

"He only cares about his position and his family—"

"Really?" Narcissa cut off. "Then tell me this: Why did he push you away to safety and endanger himself? Why did he let that chandelier hit him instead of you?"

Hermione opened her mouth to answer but she knew that her answer would make no justice.

"You know what is true, Hermione. You have a heart… and he does, too."

Narcissa stood with a soft sigh escaping her lips. "I think I have already wasted your time…"

She was about to leave the room when Hermione finally looked up and spoke. "Where is he?"

"Out in the garden," Narcissa answered with a soft smile.

Hermione nodded and stood as the lady of the house left her. For a moment, she stared out the window, down at the garden as if trying to see him. She sighed.

Draco sat with a glass in his hand, a half empty bottle of Firewhiskey on the table. The liquid burned down his throat as he drank his glass, but he was already used to it. It calmed his nerves, but didn't clear his mind. It helped him think, but come up with no solutions.

"You shouldn't really be drinking," a soft voice said from behind.

Draco looked over his shoulder and gave a weak smile. " I can handle it. Can I offer you a glass?"

"No, thank you. I really don't like that stuff," Hermione answered, pulling out a chair and sitting down.

"How are you feeling?"

Draco shrugged and took another sip of his drink. "I've been better."

He sighed and placed his glass on the table, staring at Hermione's face. "It may be too late to apologize, Hermione… but I am sorry about what happened. I'm sorry for all of this… for what you went through. I really had no choice… I never wanted you to be in harm's way. I did what I needed to do to make sure that you're safe. I—"

Hermione held up a hand and shook her head. "No apologies, Draco. I understand. You did what you needed to do for your family. I would've done the same…. I am doing the same."

Draco heaved a sigh of relief and raised his glass once again to drink, but Hermione held his hand and shook her head again. "I think you've had enough," she said quietly. "I think we need to put more salve on your wounds."

Draco tried to refuse but Hermione didn't want to hear it. She helped him out of his chair and back inside the manor, walking with him to his room. He sat on his bed and removed his shirt while Hermione went to his cabinet to look for the salve. He removed the bandages covering his torso, resting his elbow on his knee as he hunched his back.

Hermione could see there were still pink scars on Draco's back—hardly noticeable, but barely healed. She applied the salve as gently as possible. If it did hurt or bother him, he wasn't reacting. He just sat there, breathing steadily as her fingers brushed against his skin.

Draco slowly turned and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "Something wrong, Draco?"

"I really am sorry, Hermione…" he said, his voice almost a whisper.

Hermione smiled and squeezed his hand back. "I forgive you."

Draco gently reached for her face, cupping her cheek in one hand while his other held her hand. He leaned in and brushed his lips against hers, kissing her softly. Hermione kissed back, moving her arms to wrap it around his neck while his wrapped around her waist. She opened her mouth as his tongue traced her lower lips, seeking entrance. They could taste each other, relish the feeling of being in each other's arms.

He leaned in, deepening the kiss further. She laid back on his bed, pulling him on top of her. Their slow, sweet kiss turning more heated by the second, their breaths becoming more ragged. Hermione's hands wandered on Draco's chest, feeling ever inch of skin she could reach, moaning softly in the kiss.

Draco pulled back, breathing heavily, staring down Hermione's flushed face and red lips. "We should stop… We're going to far."

"I want you, Draco… please…." Hermione breathed. "I want to do this."

"But…"

Hermione was having none of it. She pushed herself up and sat, kissing Draco softly. "I want you…"

Draco stared as Hermione began undoing her clothes. Her cheeks were flushed, but her eyes looked determined. Inch by inch her creamy skin was revealed. Draco held his breath and brushed a finger on her neck, pushing away the hair, and leaned in to kiss her softly. He took over her hands and slowly removed her clothing, kissing every inch of skin he could reach.

Hermione ran her hand through her hair, tilting her head back and moaning softly. It felt wonderful. She was in heat, yet she was shivering with anticipation. Before she knew it, all her clothes were thrown carelessly aside and Draco's hands were all over her body.

"Draco…" he heard her moan with need. He pulled back and quickly removed his pants, displaying all his nakedness to see. He saw her eyes grow wide, staring down his erection between her legs. "We don't have to…" he tried to say.

"No… I want you," she said again. She wrapped her arms around him and laid back, pulling him on top of her once more. They kissed heavily, their tongues dancing in each other's mouths. They bodies rocked against each other, starting to build sweat. Soon, Hermione wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him even closer.

Draco positioned himself, his hands placed gently on her waist. He leaned down and kissed gently once more as he pushed in her tight heat. She gave out a muffled whimper of pain as he first breached her. He looked at her in surprise, she had her eyes shut tight, biting her lip.

"Y-you're a virgin?" Draco asked, staring down at her. She gave him a nod. "I didn't mean to hurt you... I'm sorry."

"Don't be... I want this... I want you."

Hermione pushed herself down until he was fully inside of her. All Draco could do was moan his pleasure as her tight heat fully enveloped him. He leaned down and kissed her cheek softly, his hand caressing her thigh as she termbled slightly beneath him. He gave her a few moments to adjust, just kissing every inch of skin he could reach to relax her. "I will make this worth it, I promise," he whispered in her ear and began to move.

He began slow, waiting for her to adjust. He thrusted and rocked his body against her while they explored each other's mouth and bodies. Soon, their moans filled the room. The pleas, groans and moans of pleasure were echoing- their bodies and entwined. He filled her with pleasure, she gave him passion. It wasn't long before both cried out each other's names in ecstacy.

Hermione woke up the next morning, feeling someone running a hand through her hair. She slowly opened her eyes and found herself lying on a pale torso, a long scar running down the chest. She shifted and looked up, seeing Draco staring down at her. "Good morning," she said softly with a smile.

"Good morning," Draco answered back. "How are you feeling?"

"A bit sore... and tired. But I'm okay."

"You should've told me you were a virgin," Draco shrugged guiltily.

"Would it make a difference if I was not?"

"I thought you and Krum..."

"No, Viktor and I didn't go that far. I wouldn't let him."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken something you were saving for someone special."

Hermione smiled and raised herself further so her head was resting on his shoulder. "Why do you think I gave it to you? You are special. I wouldn't have done it if I didn't want to, Draco. I wanted it. I wanted you."

Draco leaned and kissed her forehead gently. "Hermione..."

"Yes?"

"I love you."

Hermione eyes snapped up, staring into his mercury orbs. "Say that again."

"I said I love you. I've fallen for you. I'm in love with you, Hermione Granger," Draco said, staring back. "I know this in't the proper circumstance nor is it the proper time... but I have to let you know. I love you."

Hermione smiled and kissed him softly, their lips lingering longer. "I love you too."

A/n:

I am now currently killing my idiotic brain. I'm sorry for the false hope, my dear readers, seems like I have made a mistake. The REAL new chapter will be up soon!