A/N Hey! So hopefully now me posting every week will happen, once I get back to school properly I'll figure out which day is most convenient for typing/posting etc and then eventually I might be able to work up to two chapters a week! Nest chapter is even more Dramione on Valentine's Day!

This chapter is not based off the books as much as others so I'm quite proud of it- more developing Dramione but very sad and I'm afraid I have to say...

WARNING: This chapter is very sad and has strongly implied domestic abuse/violence. If you don't like that or it upsets you too much don't read it, I'd be happy to sum it up for you or do whatever I can to help :)

Also if you think the rating should be fixed I don't really know how the rating system works so just say :)

It was a only a few days later when professor Dumbledore announced Hagrid's temporary absence at breakfast. Someone had seen the gamekeeper escorted from the school by ministry officials and Cornelius Fudge himself. Hermione was shocked and a little upset. She'd liked the gamekeeper on the few occasions she'd spoken to him, he was gruff but kind, even to first years.

Harry was relieved that Hagrid had been taken away. He wished he could tell Tom, but was just grateful that the attacks were all over now.

Draco had known the giant oaf would be taken away and hardly paid the announcement any notice. Instead he was reading a note in familiar handwriting and glaring at the potions master. Deliberately eating as slowly as possible he then leisurely made his way to Severus' classroom.

"I told you to come urgently."

"I'm not your puppet Severus" Draco drawled

"It's Narcissa."

Draco snapped to attention. "What about mother?"

"Your father didn't want me to tell you and risk distracting you but she collapsed and was admitted to St Mungo's"

"She'll be okay though, if she's there right? Wait, why would you tell me if my father told you not to?" he asked suspiciously.

"Your mother has lost a lot of blood. Your father thought it best you have no distractions but..."

Draco had gone even paler than usual. "She'll be fine though?"

"She has the best doctors, all we can do is wait and see." Snape shrugged

"I have to go and see her- make sure she's alright!"

"Draco I'm not sure that is a good idea. Your father-"

"He's not even with her is he?"

"I believe an important meeting with the minister came up."

"Of course it did. She's all alone in there, probably dying." Draco choked back a sob. "Will you help me? Or are you too scared of him?"

"Draco you know I can't-"

"Fine!" He rushed out of the classroomnot caring who saw him.

"Malfoy!" He ran straight into a shocked Hermione.

"Watch where you're going Granger!"

"Don't you dare blame that on me Draco Malfoy! You just ran into me" she stopped short as she noticed the tears in his eyes "Are you okay?"

"As if you care" he muttered.

"I do care actually. Horrible though you might be I don't think anyone should be upset and-"

"Just shut up Granger. I have to find someone who can apparate-got to get to St Mungo's."

"Are you okay? Is it your family? Is everyone okay?"

"It's my mother. I just have to get to St Mungo's so let me go!"

"You can't apparate out of Hogwarts you know."

"Then I'll... I'll walk."

Hermione stared at him, pretty sure he'd never walked further than one end of his undoubtedly huge mansion to the other. "Follow me."

"Granger where are we going? If this is just you wasting my time-"

"Professor Dumbledore's office. It's got the only fireplace connected to the floo network in the school."

They arrived at the office as professor McGonagall left. She ushered them in, telling Draco that Dumbledore was waiting for him.

"Ah Mr Malfoy, Miss Granger. News travels fast I see. I'm very sorry Draco."

"How did you know?"

"St Mungo's sent an owl. I assume you wish to visit your mother?"

"Yes. Is- is she okay?"

"Her condition is stable for now but she is still in danger."

Shaking, Draco picked up a handful of floo powder.

"Miss Granger? Did you want something?"

"Um no professor, sorry I should go now I guess."

"Wait." Draco caught her arm. She looked up shocked. "Please."

"You want me to come?" She asked incredulously."

"Please."

She understood. Knew how hard it would be for him to be alone. Even she would be better than no one. A tiny part of her was pleased that he wanted her but she ignored it. This was about him, not her. Nodding she threw some powder in the fire and said clearly "St Mungo's"

He stepped out of the fireplace into the main entrance hall at St Mungo's. He saw Hermione watching him carefully and then with a whoosh the headmaster arrived behind him. Draco followed the professor and Hermione trailed behind him.

Hesitantly Draco pushed open the door. His mother was in a private room, being watched round the clock. She was pale and had dark bruises around her eyes. Mor bruises formed a ring around her neck and her left arm was in a sling.

"That bastard! This was him wasn't it?"

"Hush Draco." Narcissa looked fearfully around. "Medi-witch, a moment with my son please." Even in a hospital bed Narcissa had a commanding presence. The woman stepped out of the room and Draco ran to his mother's side.

Hermione stood awkwardly in the doorway. Professor Dumbledore was talking to the medi-witch. She made some excuse and left the ward, needing some time to think.

She had seen the human side of Draco Malfoy. She had seen that the Malfoy family was far from perfect. She felt a responsibility, to make sure Draco was okay.

She returned to the ward a little later where she met Professor Dumbledore outside Narcissa Malfoy's room.

"Miss Granger I'm afraid something urgent has come up at the school. I really must go but I will return in just a couple of hours. Will you come back to Hogwarts with me?"

"I should stay here I think Professor."

"Very well Miss Granger I will see you shortly."

She tapped lightly on the door and receiving no answer pushed it open. Draco was sitting by his sleeping mother, her hand resting in his.

He felt a small hand on his shoulder. "I brought you tea. You should drink something."

She sat down beside him.

"She's going to be okay." he said. "She got here just in time. You know,one of our house elves had to bring her here. My father-" his voice cracked "he couldn't even bring her here when he was done. She could have died. If she- if she died I don't know what I'd do. I'd kill him. I hate him." He shuddered.

Hermione impulsively reached over and held him. Holding her breath she waited for him to pull away, to insult her but he didn't. She was so, so sorry for him, and felt rage at Lucius Malfoy. How could he hurt his family like this?

An hour later Hermione woke up and lifted her head from Draco's shoulder. She noticed Draco watching her.

"Um sorry I'll er go... um sorry." She jumped up off her chair. An owl tapping at the window gave her an excuse so she opened the window and let the bird in. It perched on the sill, allowing her to remove the parchment addressed to Draco from its claw and then waited patiently for a reply. She handed the letter to him.

"It's Blaise's owl. He's wondering where I am. Could you tell him? I just..."

"No problem."

How to write a letter to Blaise Zabini?

In the end she decided on short and simple.

Blaise,

This is Hermione Granger. Long story but Draco and I are at St Mungo's. We are both fine and will return later I can't say more but I'm sure Draco can explain later.

Hermione

Almost as soon as she had sent off the owl Lucius Malfoy stormed into the room.

"Draco. I see you disobeyed my wishes."

Drcao stood up and Hermione turned around quickly.

"And you've brought a mudblood slut with you."

Hermione flushed red and Draco reached for his wand. Hermione was scared he would do something but thank Merlin Dumbledore appeared then.

"Good afternoon Lucius. Miss Granger, Mr Malfoy I'm afraid we must go now."

"We'll discuss this later Draco" was Lucius' ominous reply.

Draco scowled but kissed his mother on the cheek and left. He knew his father was over his violent mood and his mother was safe for now.

When they flooed back into the headmaster's office Harry and Blaise were waiting . Blaise pulled Draco aside immediately.

"Is she okay?" he asked in a low voice.

Draco nodded. "For now."

"I'm sorry Drake."

Harry stared at Hermione questioningly. "What were you doing with Draco? Are you okay?"

"Don't worry Harry I'm fine."

"My mother was unwell Harry. Hermione just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up coming with me."

She looked at him. Obviously Blaise knew the truth but he wasn't going to tell Harry. He saw her look and on the way out of the office he stopped her.

"Hermi- Granger. Don't tell anyone about today okay? Please." He couldn't threaten her, wouldn't be like his father.

She had never thought she would see desperation in Draco Malfoy's eyes but today she had seen his humanity, and she had seen partly why he was the way he was.