Just as Hermione had predicted, morning was glorious through the glass wall. She woke when the sun rose magnificently over the water. Shielding her eye, she sat up and looked out into the sparkling water. There was a sense of newness, wonder and possibility. Sprawl on his stomach, Draco looked every bit the innocent and Hermione couldn't help but be mesmerized at how extraordinarily beautiful he looked touched by the morning sun. His hair made even lighter by the kiss of sun was practically a halo of light. His face was relaxed in his sleep. Her eyes travelled over his strong jaw, soft and plump lips, down his strong back, admiring the rolls of muscles, tapering down to his buttocks, which were hidden from view by the thin blanket that was pulled conservatively up to his waist.

He stirred in his sleep, eyes squeezing shut as if the sun was too bright and sleepily yanked the sheet over his head. Hermione lifted the sheet and tucked herself back under as well. He snaked an arm and grabbed Hermione around the waist, bringing her body up against his. Nuzzling her, his tongue came out to nibble on her ear lob.

Hermione relaxed against him. "I'm hungry, Draco," she said as her stomach growled achingly. The little entrees they served at the party was by no means a meal and after such a vigorous night, she wanted solid food.

"As am I," he whispered in her ear, his arousal was hard pressed against her bottom.

Hermione's stomach growled again.

Draco stopped his nuzzling and pulled back the sheet. Hermione sat up and to her amazement, a table and two chairs were set up right in front of the glass wall. On the table two platters of toast, eggs, ham, potatoes, beans, fruit, yogurt and a variety of jam had appeared.

"How?" she asked bewildered.

"Sweets, you're at The Hungry Wyvern," Draco yawned, rubbing his eyes. "They anticipate your needs. You only need to say when." He stood up, unabashedly naked, and Hermione blushed, roaming over the planes of his sculpted body, her eyes gravitating towards his still hard shaft. He walked over to the clothing rack, which hung two large fluffy robes. After slipping into one, he brought the other one over to Hermione. "As much as I'd like you to remain naked during breakfast, I do worry you might catch a cold," he said as he helped her slip into it.

They sat down at the table. Everything was still hot, delicious and perfectly seasoned. Hermione ate with gusto while Draco was more indulgent with his food, more often than not, taking little breaks to observe her eating. The teapot was fine china and would refill their cups whenever Hermione wanted more. It served them a type flowery orange tea that made Hermione feel all optimistic inside.

After she finished eating, she held her warm cup between her hands and looked at Draco. She knew this was something she'd never forget. Draco got up and took off his robe. Hermione's jaw dropped as a large golden bathtub had appeared in front of the fireplace. It was steaming hot and full of bubbles. It boggled her mind how things keep appearing. She watched as Draco slip in. He grinned at her from where he was sitting and motioned for her to come over.

Hermione put down her cup and slipped her robe off. She was pleased when the smile dropped from Draco's face as his eyes went dark, roving all over body. A moan escaped her lips as she got into the water opposite him. The water felt so good, hot and relaxing against her sore body. She closed her eyes and sighed with contentment.

Draco grabbed her ankle and gently began massaging her calves. His hands moved up her legs until he could reach no further. Adjusting his position in the tub, he reached forward and pulled Hermione onto his lap. Hermione gasped as water spilled over the tub. Her body was slippery with soap against his. Draco's hands were once again everywhere.

"Hermione," Draco said.

"Yes?" Hermione replied, she could hardly think as Draco was playing with her breasts.

"At some point," he paused.

Hermione looked over her shoulders at him, concerned about what could possibly make Draco hesitate.

"I'd like for us to visit your parents, wherever they may be."

Hermione's heart stopped for a moment as she considered the meaning of his statement. She pressed her lips together. "Draco, it's too difficult. I-I could seriously mess them up if I do something wrong."

"I'm fairly skilled in Legilimency. I'm certain I can help you navigate through it," Draco replied. "Even if you chose not to temper with their memories, then let's find some way to reincorporate them into your life. They're important to you."

Hermione paused as she gave thought to Draco's words. She turned and he bent his head down instinctively to kiss her gently.

...

Hermione felt herself once again hesitant to return to Hogwarts, though this time, it was entirely different from her previous reason. It was because she enjoyed being away with Draco so much that she wished their little night away could have been extended.

After getting out of the tub, they had gotten changed into some simple but clean clothes, as Draco's damaged suit and Hermione's glittery gown could hardly be something that they could return to school in. The new clothes had been laid on the bed. The magic of the place boggled Hermione and when she questioned Draco about it, he mumbled something about elf magic.

McGonagall awaited them at the entrance of Hogwarts, her lips pressed into a thin line and a fearsome scowl on her face.

"We're both adults, Professor," Draco muttered.

Hermione's face was so pink that she was sure McGonagall knew exactly what they had done the night before.

"While you're in my school, I would like you to abide by the rules that everyone is following," she replied tautly. "You were to be back by ten this morning and it is now one in the afternoon. I remind you again that it was a privilege to leave the school!" With that she turned around and marched into castle. Hermione and Draco quickly followed her, silently giggling to themselves.

...

Upon returning to Hogwarts, Hermione was busy catching up with her schoolwork. Her mind kept slipping back to what Draco had said that morning in the bathtub. Her heart skipped with hope which she quickly then squashed with her worries. Over and over again she tormented herself until she could think of nothing else. She had experience the careful way Draco had entered her mind after the incident with Piddypumpkins and knew he was definitely gifted but to put it to work on her parents they would need to be extremely precise and with the utmost care.

Hermione decided to distract herself by heading to the library to read as much as she can on legilimency and occulmency. To her disappointment, the topic appeared to be much frowned upon and limited information was provided. Disappointed but not discouraged, she decided that she would come back and go through the restricted section once the library closed.

As she was leaving the library, she noticed a group of girls whispering and looking at her. Frowning, she approached them.

"Is something the matter?" she asked coolly, head held high.

They shook their head but Hermione noticed the paper tucked under their arms. She snatched it with her wand before they could pull it away. Hermione stared at a picture of her and Draco dancing on the cover of The Daily Prophet. In big letters across the top 'WAR HEROINE HERMIONE GRANGER SEEKS COMFORT IN BAD BOY DRACO MALFOY'. Hermione felt herself turn pink all over. She quickly turned on her heel and left the library, paper clutched tightly in her hand.

Sitting in the courtyard, Hermione read the article. Her face was burning as she read it. It was overall a pretty tamed and accurate article, except for the fact that it claimed that 'Ronald Weasley was spotted wild with jealousy' and on the next page, a picture of Ron walking angry back into the ballroom. Hermione looked at the picture of her dancing with Draco again. She had to admit, she looked happy in his arms.

"Ah, quite the celebrity, aren't you Ms. Granger?"

Hermione jumped as she looked up at Piddypumpkins. Instinctively she drew back. He grinned at her but the volatile anger underneath was apparent. Before she could reply, he walked away.

...

To Hermione's dismay, the following day, Draco received word that Narcissa Malfoy was severely ill. Through the bridge, she walked him out to the apparition point. His face, normally calm and poised, was pale and taut with distraught. Hermione held him tightly as they kissed goodbye.

"I promise to write," he whispered against her hair.

After he disapparated, Hermione stood there in the dark for a while, feeling the emptiness take her. She felt for Draco and prayed that Narcissa was all right so that he could come back to her soon.

...

For the next few weeks, Hermione's days pasted by both slowly and yet also in a blur. She kept herself busy all day to distract from worrying about Draco. To her relief, she seemed to encounter Nott and Zabini at every turn. She had a feeling Draco had asked them to keep an eye on her. She was glad for their company, despite the little that they had in common, because they were the one link she had with Draco. The paper, which she had confiscated from the girls in the library, was placed on her bedside table so that she could look at it every morning and every night. She missed Draco in every aspect and much more than she thought she would. He had promised to write, yet she had not received anything.

One evening after supper, Hermione noticed that Piddypumpkins was leaving the Great Hall early. She didn't know what came over her, but she found the urge to follow him.

Even after weeks of following Piddypumpkins, his quatres were still elusive to her. Hermione had the feeling that she was going to find out tonight.

After she exited the Great Hall, she casted a disillusionment charm over herself. Hermione held her cloak close to her chest as to not make any sounds as she quickly followed after Piddypumpkins. Her heart nearly stopped when he looked over his shoulder. Frozen in place, Hermione tried her best not to move.

When Piddypumpkins was satisfied that there wasn't anyone behind him, he continued moving. Up and up he went on the moving staircase. Hermione quickly followed him, hoping onto one set of stairs and then another, always trying to maintain as much space between them while still being able to keep an eye on Piddypumpkins.

He finally stopped in front of a suit of armor somewhere on the sixth floor. Hermione crouched closer to him, desperate to hear him as he says the password. Her heart was pounding in her chest furiously. Tapping his wand onto the knight's sword, he whispered "coffee beans". Hermione jumped as the suit of armor opened, revealing a narrow tunnel. She watched as Piddypumpkins enter it. As much as she wanted to follow him, she realized that it would be better if she waited until he wasn't there. That way she could scout the place first.