Wounded

Chapter 25: Mother's Intuition

As September turned in to October, the days grew shorter while the nights crept in with their cool autumn chill. The winds whipped harder against the already turbulent sea, creating waves that would claim anything that stood in its way. Misty grey clouds had made their residence permanent in the sky no matter how hard the sun tried to chase them away. A rich, earthy smell of decay was in the air and it seemed to Draco that each new day brought more scarlet and gold hues along with it.

How annoyingly Gryffindor.

Sitting in one of the chairs in his room, Draco sighed as he watched a few of the already fallen leaves be picked up by a gust of wind and taken out to sea. Knowing that in a few short weeks the trees would be bare, he figured he could overlook Mother Nature's color scheme until then. As he continued to watch the pooling of fallen leaves gather on the ground, his mind wandered to what life had been like the past few weeks.

Although Hermione was starting to remember small snippets of her time spent at the cabin, she still couldn't completely remember him, or anything that they had shared together. Draco had a feeling though that she was getting closer every day. It seemed however that Theo was right in thinking that having Harry and Ron around would make his goal much harder to obtain. The Golden Trio spent most of their days locked in her room doing what he could only guess was talking, planning and preparing for their own end goals. He of course knew what they were hunting for, but he was waiting for Hermione to once again confide in him.

There had been a kind of "truce" which had settled between everyone whom were now living at the house. Mostly each group just kept to themselves except for the occasional hiss or roar between a certain few. However for the most part, peace was able to be maintained.

Draco was relieved when Hermione had come to him one afternoon while the he was sitting outside with Nott and Zabini as they talked about what their next move was going to be.

"I can't take this anymore. I swear to Salazar if I have to keep playing house and pretending like it isn't weird that we are all living together, I may just have to turn myself in. The torture of having to look at Potter and Weasel's face every day can't be as bad as what the Dark Lord would do."

"That isn't something you should even joke about Nott." Draco was sitting on the edge of a sand dune as he turned to look at his friend. "You know just as well as I do what he is capable of. I'm sure it's not only what my nightmares are made of, but yours as well."

Picking up a handful of sand, Theo felt its grit sit on his palm before he watched it fall through his fingers. "Lighten up mate. I wouldn't actually turn myself in. I just need to find a better way to entertain myself besides finding ways to make Weasel uncomfortable is all. I'm getting restless."

Blaise brushed off the sand that had made its way over to him thanks to Theo's annoying habit of playing in the dirt. "Must you do that so close to me?" Continuing to brush it off, he added "I hate to say this though Malfoy, but he's right. I don't know how much longer I can stay here either. I mean what are we even doing here anymore? It's been over a month and Granger still doesn't remember you two. If she hasn't by now, I don't think your odds are very good. We can't just keep sitting around here; especially since the two of us don't share the same delusional idea that she one day will like you too."

"No one is asking you guys to stay, you're more than welcome to go anytime you want." Draco turned his attention towards the heavy sea. He was becoming tired of his friends complaining every day about their situation.

"If you two are just going to bitch and moan about the fact that we actually have a place to stay hidden then you may have to start worrying about me getting a hold of you instead. The reason you two haven't run off isn't because you're waiting to see if Granger remembers us or because you're waiting for me to realize she never will…" Keeping his eyes on the not so distant storm clouds that were rolling in towards them, he continued to say "It's because you have nowhere else to go. You two already were caught once, and I'm sure you know there's a good chance it would happen again. Especially now that Tonks has told us what's been going on since escaping my house. How about instead of whining all the time, we try to actually come up with an idea of what we can do once we are ready to leave here."

Taken aback, Blaise said "What, are you actually asking me to risk my life and fight in this fucking war?"

"No, that's not what I'm saying.." Draco closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. "Well, maybe. I mean we can't just-"

"If you think for one second that I would-"

"Well, well, look who's come to join us."

Draco quickly opened his eyes and glanced over to see who Theo was nodding at. When he saw Hermione walking towards them, he sat up a little straighter.

Giving one of his mischievous smiles, Theo said "I'm surprised to see you over here or for that matter outside at all. Do your two guard dogs know you're outside of their watch zones? We wouldn't want them to worry about their Gryffindor Princess."

Rolling her eyes, Hermione stopped just beside Draco. "You know Theo, out of what little respect I have found for you lately I was keeping my mouth shut. However, I've been in need of a good laugh and I think I'm ready to tell Blaise that if he wants to collect on that bet he won, I do have an old uniform with me if he'd like to have it."

As the color drained from Theo's face, Draco couldn't help but laugh at his friend's pain. "I think we could all use that laugh."

Watching Blaise's lips curl into an evil grin, Draco turned his attention to Hermione. "I am glad to see you out of your room though. You three have been held up in there almost every day it seems like."

Giving a forced smile, Hermione said "We all needed a little fresh air." Turning to look at her friend who was down by the beach, she continued to say "Besides, those two have a few things to talk about."

Looking to see who Hermione was talking about, Draco watched as Ron and Luna began turning over pieces of driftwood as they talked. "Are they looking for something?"

"Yes, but you wouldn't believe me if I told you what they are trying to find."

Raising an eyebrow, he asked "What is it this time, some type of flying jellyfish that can read people's mind?"

Hermione couldn't hide her smile when shaking her head. "No, but it is something along those lines. Anyways, I was wondering if I could talk to you alone for a moment."

Giving a quick stern glance to Theo who was making quiet, but still annoying, exaggerated kissing sounds, Draco stood and began to walk with Hermione.

While they made their way down towards the water, Hermione began to realize just how long she had been tucked away inside. The cold air filled her lungs and while normally the chill would have burned, it felt oddly refreshing. Each new gust of wind brought with it a salty taste that not only lingered on her tongue, but in her nose as well. She was letting the sounds of the waves consume her thoughts for just a moment before she heard Draco's voice.

"Everything alright Granger? You seem a little… lost in thought."

Giving him a small nod, she took a deep breath before speaking. "I'm fine, thank you for asking though."

Seeing the look of skepticism in his grey eyes, Hermione sighed and gave in. "I guess I'm just a little frustrated."

Knowing that she was probably frustrated at more than what she would actually share with him, he decided to act as if he only knew of the one topic. "I know that you're frustrated about not being able to remember everything, but I think you're really close to a break through. Just the other week you told me you are getting a few 'fragments' here and there of some memories."

"Yeah, of me sitting on the cellar steps crying and you having to help me back up stairs. I'm so glad you now know one of the things I'm ashamed of about myself. "

Watching Hermione's checks slightly flush, he continued to listen to her as she said "I am sorry again that you had to deal with that. I'm sure I wasn't the nicest at explaining to you why I was acting like that."

Fighting the urge to grab her hand and bring her close, Draco said "For the hundredth time Granger, you have to stop apologizing for that. I've told you that we were actually trying to work on your fear once I found out."

As the wind picked up, Hermione folded her arms to try and keep some of her warmth close. "I still am a little surprised that you wanted to help me with that. I know I've asked you this before, but why did you agree, why would you even care if I overcame that ridiculous fear?"

Draco stared into Hermione's eyes. He didn't know if it was because he hadn't looked at her this closely for a few days or if it was because at that moment she was giving him a look that only a person who desperately wanted answers could give, but whatever the reason was, he was finding it very hard not to give in to temptation and tell her everything.

Not breaking their connection, he said "We had a lot of time at that house Granger, we had to fill it somehow. I just figured it would be better to fill that time with something productive rather than sit around watching the minutes slowly pass by."

Hermione was dissecting every word he said. For almost a week now she'd had a nagging feeling that Draco was keeping something from her. He had promised her that he had filled her in on everything that had happened now, but she had a suspicion that there was some piece he was leaving out. A piece she felt could be the key to unlocking the barrier between her and her memories.

Only problem is, he's too good at bluffing. He's had too much practice at this.

Feeling her eyes prying deeper into his soul to try and detect any hint of a ruse, he asked "Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?"

Still unconvinced of his words, she left the topic alone for now. "No, I was actually hoping that I could ask a favor from you."

"From me?"

"If it's alright with you, I was hoping that even though you have told me a few times now everything that had happened these past few months, could you keep going over everything with me? I just feel like if I keep hearing it, it may help breaking down whatever is blocking them."

"I have no problem doing that, but do you think your 'two guard dogs' as Theo put it will let us talk any more than what we have? I see the way Weasel looks at me when we have talked before."

Turning her gaze to a crashing wave that caught her attention, Hermione answered "He will just have to deal with it. He knows the best chance I have of remembering is talking to you. Besides, I think he is warming up to the thought of you not being an arrogant, self absorbed prick."

"Oh really, and what makes you say that?"

Slightly grinning, she said "Well, instead of calling you an 'arrogant, self absorbed prick', he just calls you ferret boy."

"And just how is that any better?"

Shrugging her shoulders, Hermione said "I mean, at least he is comparing you to a cute, little animal now."

Raising an eyebrow, he said "Are you calling me cute Granger? Because flattery will get you everywhe-"

Hermione gave Draco a small punch in the shoulder. "Get over yourself Malfoy. Now, will you help me then?"

Draco gave his arm a small shake before answering. "You just let me know when and we can keep going over everything that I can remember."

Knowing that her days went late into the night planning with Harry and Ron, she proposed an idea. "If it's alright with you, I hear you walking around late at night. I've even seen you walk down to the beach a few times after everyone's asleep. Do you think we could talk once everyone has gone to bed?"

"If you've heard me staying up late, that means you haven't been sleeping either. I've seen some dreamless sleep potion in the cupboard, I'm sure you can use some."

Hermione shook her head. "Really, I'm fine. I've just have had a lot on my mind is all. I promise I'm getting enough sleep when I need it."

By the look of exhaustion on her face, he highly doubted she was being honest about that. Must of having seen his unconvinced stare, he was a little surprised at her snap comment.

"Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. Why haven't you taken any?"

Hermione knew her lack of sleep was causing her to be on edge, and she quickly apologized. "I'm sorry Malfoy, I didn't mean to lose my temper like that."

Draco waved off her concern. "Don't worry about it Granger. How about this, I promise to help you and tell you stories if you promise to try and actually get some rest. Real rest, not you just lying in bed with your eyes open trying to figure out whatever it is that's been keeping you up. You have to turn that brain of yours off every once in awhile."

Taking a moment to think about his proposal, she smiled and nodded. "Agreed."

"Glad to hear it."

As the two began to make their way back up to shore, Draco spotted Ron and Luna now sitting close together in the sand at what seemed to be a very serious conversation.

"Do you think Weasel will ever tell Lovegood how he feels?"

Chuckling under her breath, she was about to answer when she heard Theo yell "Will you just kiss her already!"

Watching as her friend's face became a mixture of embarrassment and anger; she sighed and said "I can only hope so. See you later tonight."

As Draco watched Hermione make her way back over to her friends, he turned towards his who were snickering and hissing like the snakes they were so proud to be and said "Seems like you both are able to entertain yourselves just fine."

Since that day, the two of them had been seeing each other almost every night. Draco would make his way down to the living room after he knew everyone had gone to their own room and Hermione would usually come find him a little after that. They would start their conversations going over everything that had happened between them in detail, but lately they had started talking about more than just that. On one occasion, Hermione began telling him stories she could remember about her parents.

"My mum loved to throw parties. She always tried to find a reason to throw one."

They had lit a fire in the fireplace which had now almost burned itself out. The embers were almost leaping out at them, twinkling like falling stars that fell short of reaching the two armchairs that sat just out of reach. Hermione took another sip of her tea that Draco had made for her when they had sat down. Remember what Harry had told her, she asked "How did you know I liked honey with my tea?"

Draco brought his own cup up to his mouth and slowly took a sip as he watched her glowing amber eyes stare questioningly at him. Bringing his mug back down and setting it on the coffee table, he said "I overheard those two friends of yours talking about making you tea and heard Weasel say you liked honey with it… must have just stuck."

Watching as Draco picked his mug back up to take another sip, she began to wonder why he had just lied to her. Before she could dig further into it, he asked "You said your mother like to throw parties?"

Still giving him a suspicious look, she answered "She did. From holiday parties to birthday parties she loved planning every single one. I think what she loved most about throwing them though was just having everyone come together and having a good time."

Smiling as she took a drink, she said "I think my favorite party though was my sixteenth birthday. I was going to spend the later part of the summer with the Order, but before I did my mum just had to throw me a party before I left. The only problem was the day before the party was to happen I came down with some type of cold and we had to cancel it. I felt terrible that she had gone to all that work just to have to cancel it, but instead of throwing out all the decorations and food, my mum and I spent the whole day watching movies and gossiping like school girls. Once I was able to eat again we made sure the cake and ice cream didn't go to waste either. My dad ended up giving me a bunch of new books to read which a few have become my favorites and my mum gave me her necklace that I had always loved. It has been passed down for generations and I know it may sound silly but, that necklace makes me feel almost protected when I wear it, like my parents are looking out for me. Lately I wish I would have put it in my bag. I try not to think about everything that has happened to them but, I've really been missing them."

Draco watched as her smile slowly faded. He could have even sworn he had seen her eyes start to glisten, but quickly she shook her head and she instantly put on a happy face. While he wished that there was some way to retrieve the necklace she had lost at the Manor, he knew it was probably gone forever. He was just not ready to tell her that though.

"I'm sorry I was rambling, I'm sure you didn't need to know any of that."

Giving her a small grin, he said "You really need to stop apologizing for shit Granger. If I didn't want to be here I wouldn't be, but I am and I'm having a nice time talking to you."

Hermione watched as the last remaining flickers of light reflected off of Draco's cool, grey eyes. She had been talking to him all night as if it was becoming second nature. Her long days planning with Harry and Ron were draining, especially since they had been going in circles lately. Ron was almost completely healed, but as far as a plan of where to start once they were all able to leave was still a little fuzzy. However no matter how tired she seem to feel once the boys had went to bed, knowing that she was going to be able to talk to Malfoy soon usually seemed to breathe a second wind into her.

Hearing the muffled chime of the upstairs hallway clock, Hermione pulled herself out of her thoughts and back on to the blonde haired wizard sitting in front of her who for some reason was annoyingly good looking tonight.

"Yes well, it seems like the fire is about to call it a night for us unless you still want to keep talking."

Draco watched as Hermione finished her cup of tea.

What I would like to do Granger is take you up stairs, shag you until you scream my name so many times your voice is gone the next morning and fall asleep holding you which I would then never let you leave the bed.

Knowing however that wasn't in the realm of possibilities, he still wasn't ready just yet to leave her. For him their nights together had given him more hope with each passing talk they shared. It was killing him not to be able to hold her the way he wanted to or to kiss her ever so lightly on the forehead before they fell asleep next to each other, but talking to her every night was at least more than he had before. It was a hope that kept him going, to be able to control his urge to tuck a stray curl behind her ear or to grab her side and pull her close whenever she walked by.

Almost every few days she remembers little things here and there. It shouldn't be long now until she remembers what we had.

Picking up his wand from the table, he gave it a flick and the fire gave a small roar before flames were once again illuminating the room. Giving his wand another wave, he refilled both of their tea mugs and said "Well, maybe just one more cup before bed."

A few days after that night Tonks had come to visit. She spent most of her time talking with Hermione, Harry and Ron, but before she left she had paid Draco a visit.

His bedroom door had been shut when his cousin knocked, prompting Theo to stand from his chair and open the door.

"I see we went with blue hair this time. I like it, looks good on you. Maybe next time though you can go back to the pink, you were really working it the last time you were here."

Taking a few steps inside, Tonks said "If you're hitting on me Nott I'm already taken with a baby on the way so I suggest you end those jokes right there."

Raising his hands in defeat, he moved out of her way so she could make the rest of her way inside.

"Draco, if you have a moment I was hoping to talk to you alone."

Giving his friends a nod towards the door, he waited for Blaise and Theo to leave the room before speaking.

"I guess congratulations are in order. How far along are you?"

Tonks took the chair opposite of Draco next to his bedroom window. Placing a light hand on her belly, she began to softly chuckle.

Confused, Draco asked "What's so funny?"

"It's nothing really."

Seeing the confusion still on Draco's face, she sighed and said "I just find it funny that of all the people I have told about my pregnancy now, you're one of the few people who started off saying 'congratulations' and not asking me why I would want to become pregnant at a time like this."

"I see. May I ask what your answer is when they do say that?"

Tonks continued to make small circles around her stomach, thinking for a moment before answering. "I know the world right now has gone to hell. Every day I turn on the radio and listen to see if my dad's name comes out of the speakers telling me he's gone. My mum has been a wreck and I know she is trying to stay strong, but it's taking its toll on her. When I don't hear his name, I'm relieved, but then I feel guilty that there are others out there who did hear the name they had been hoping not to hear and how devastated they must feel. This isn't the world I thought I would first bring a child into, but I'm also not going to let fear and hate determine my future. I have the choice of only focusing on the bad, or trying to find the good in a horrible situation. I refuse to let You-Know-Who control the choices I make in my life. This child has given me even more of a reason to fight. I want them to have a life that they deserve and I will do everything I can to make sure that happens."

Draco watched as determination filled his cousin's eyes. He had never before understood why someone would risk so much for someone else, to put their life and their needs before their own. However it seemed that as of late, he was starting to understand that there were some things, some people, worth risking it all for.

Taking a deep breath, Tonks looked to Draco. "To answer your first question though, I'm only a few months along now. I haven't started showing too much, but the way I have been hoarding Pumpkin Pasties I'm sure it won't be long."

Giving Tonks a small smile, Draco said "I wouldn't worry about that. Aren't you suppose to eat whatever you want and not feel guilty?"

Laughing, she said "Something like that. How have you been doing? I haven't been able to talk to Hermione alone yet, but from what she did say she has been getting some memories back."

"Yeah, all of which apparently have nothing to do with us. I know I shouldn't complain because this hopefully means she will get them all back soon, but.."

Trailing off, Draco paused for a moment before continuing. "I just need her to remember before she leaves."

Furrowing her brows, Tonks said "What do you mean leaves?"

"I'm not an idiot, I know what those three are doing in there. They aren't going to just stay here forever. They are up to something to try and stop this war. Those damn Gryffindor's aren't ones to just sit around and not put themselves in the middle of something dangerous. I don't know when it will happen, but I'm sure it will be soon and if she leaves before she is able to get her memories back, I feel like that will be the end then."

Tonks listened to her cousin's voice ever so slightly falter. She had kept her promise to him about not saying anything to Hermione about how Draco feels about her. However it was becoming increasingly harder to do so. She had spent most of the day talking to the three Gryffindors, filling them in on everything that had been happening outside of their cottage walls.

She had explained to The Trio how Voldemort had fully taken over the Ministry now. School had been mandatory for all students, but those who weren't pureblood knew that it was just a way to round up those who weren't and either imprison them, torture them for information or even murder them. Muggles killings were at an all time high and it seemed that his army was growing daily. He had managed to collect followers from all over, including the Giants, Werewolves and even some of Vampires who were sick of hiding in the shadows as well.

After updating the three and answering a slew of questions, she began asking Hermione how her memories were coming along. When she heard that she was starting to remember a few things here and there, she was disappointed to find out none of them had to do with her and Draco.

She also asked about what their next move was going to be, however this question only produced a cryptic answer and a lot of uncomfortable glances between the three Gryffindors. She tried to push it a little further, but when no one was budging on their one word responses, she gave up. She knew that them leaving was inevitable, but she was just hoping that they would take her offer to help as much as she could.

Placing a reassuring hand on Draco's arm, Tonks said "I know it's difficult, but you can't give up on you two. Everything will work out, I have a feeling. Call it a mother's intuition or something."

Slightly rolling his eyes, Draco gave her a small nod and asked "How is my mother doing?"

Taking her hand back, she said "She's doing alright. I am very grateful she is staying with my mum when I'm not able to be there. I worry just a little less knowing she has someone to watch out for her there. I think having Ollivander and Griphook there to keep her occupied is helping too. The reason I wanted to talk to you is about your mother actually. She wants to come check on you herself soon, to 'say hello and to talk about a few things' is how she put it. I just wanted to give you a heads up I will probably bring her over soon."

Chuckling to himself, Draco said "She's probably dying to hear the 'gossip' on how Hermione and I are doing. I wonder what these 'few things' are too."

Standing up from her chair, Tonks said "Well whatever her reason is, she is excited to see you. I'm not sure exactly when I will be able to bring her over, my schedule is a little nonexistent at the moment and it's hard to plan anything at this point. I should be getting back though, my mum wanted to have dinner with me before I left. Cooking always seems to help calm her nerves."

Standing up to see Tonks to the door, Draco said "Thanks for giving me a heads up. I'm sure I will be seeing you soon then."

Taking a step out into the hallway, Tonks hesitated before she looked back. "Don't give up Draco, not yet. I know it's hard to sit around waiting and hoping, and you're doing everything you can to help her remember. If you lose hope now though, the regret of giving up will hurt so much more."

Draco clenched his jaw. He took a few deep breaths and simply nodded at his cousin's words. Shutting the door behind her, he made his way back to his chair. He knew his friends would be back through that door any minute prying into what Tonks had wanted to talk about. Until they did though, he began thinking more about what she had said.

There's no way I'm giving up on Granger. I just need her to remember before it's too late. Weasel is almost healed and I'm sure they will take off shortly after that.

Watching the sun set just outside his window, Draco closed his eyes. As he tried to remember the last time he and Hermione kissed, he was becoming frustrated as the memory was becoming harder to replay in his head.

I can't even remember what she tastes like, or hell how she even feels.

He clenched his jaw again, feeling the annoying sting trying to build behind his eyes. Suddenly hearing the footsteps he knew would come, he quickly opened his eyes, shook it off and prepared for yet another night of answering twenty questions with nothing but complete one word answers and silence.

It had been a little over a week since Tonks had come to talk to Hermione, Ron and Harry. The sun had set hours ago, but the full moon outside her window was casting enough light to see the waves crashing along the shore. Needing to stand after sitting for hours, Hermione set down her book and made her way over to the open window.

Feeling the ocean breeze against her face, a chill ran down her spine that made her breath catch in her throat. The sky was crystal clear that night and Hermione could see every star in the night sky. Turning back to look at her room, she saw a cluttered mess of parchment, quills and empty tea cups. Harry and Ron had made their way to bed almost an hour ago, but Hermione Hermione's mind refused to shut off tonight.

A memory had come back to her earlier that day. It was small, but it was giving her hope that the small cracks that were filtering her memories would soon break open and everything would come flooding back. It had happened while she was in the shower. She had noticed a scar on her inner thigh awhile ago. It was light and very faded so she knew it hadn't been from the Manor, but it had also not been there before she had went to see Professor McGonagall.

While rinsing off, she had trailed the scar a few times with her finger when it suddenly came flooding back to her.

The first night at Snape's, my skirt had been torn and I had injured myself at some point when I used the Port Key to his house.

Once she remembered that, she was able to picture some of what Snape's house had looked like. The library, the room she stayed in, even the kitchen. She tried to remember more events that had taken place there, but not matter how much she strained her brain, nothing more was coming to her.

Hearing the soft chiming of the clock in the hallway, she knew it was just now reaching two in the morning. She had been excited to tell her friends what she had remembered once they had settled in for another long day of trying to figure out what their next move would be. They were also excited for her that she was able to retrieve another one of her memories.

What Hermione found odd though, was the fact that even though she was excited to tell Harry and Ron, she was also a little excited to be able to tell Malfoy what she had remembered. Truth be told, if she was honest with herself, his name was the first to pop into her mind of who she wanted to tell when it first happened.

Although she thought about trying to lay down tonight to try to get a few hours of sleep, what she wanted more was to tell Malfoy what more she had remembered.

I'm sure he's downstairs by now. I haven't heard a sound from anyone in over an hour. I'll quick tell him that more of my memories have come back and then I will come back to try and get some sleep.

As if second nature, she walked from the window towards her mirror. Grabbing her brush, she did a quick up-do of her hair and pulled off her loose fitting shirt to pull over a more formfitting, long sleeved sweater. Pleased with how she looked, she began to quickly and quietly make her way out into the hallway and down the stairs.

Before she even made it into the kitchen, she could see a soft glow illuminating the rest of her way. Figuring Malfoy had already lit a fire, she came around the corner and into the living room.

"Malfoy, I have exciting news! I was able to remember what Snape's house looked like today and-"

Stopping in her tracks, the rest of her words were suddenly lost somewhere in her dry mouth. The person who was sitting in one of the armchairs may have had the same hair color and a certain air of confidence that came with the Malfoy name, but it certainly wasn't Draco. Although her hair was not as tight and pristine as it normally was and her makeup was nowhere near perfectly polished as usual, Narcissa Malfoy still somehow looked every bit as beautiful and elegant as Hermione knew her to be.

Placing her cup on the table, Narcissa smiled before she spoke. "It seems that I have made the right call in thinking my son still wanders the halls late at night and this would be the perfect way to catch him. I guess we both have figured out the best time to catch him alone haven't we?"

Hermione quickly found the words that had first escaped her and said "It seems that way. I should probably go so you two can talk once he gets down here-"

"Don't be silly. I'm sure he would much rather talk to you and I'm sure he would be pretty upset with me if he knew that I had chased you away."

Taking her wand and giving it a quick flick, a second tea cup was placed on the table. "Please, won't you join me until he comes down?"

Hermione was unsure of what to do. One of the last memories she had of Narcissa had came back to her a few weeks ago. She couldn't remember everything that had happened at the Manor, but bits and pieces had started to come back. One of which was of her looking at Draco's mother and Narcissa just watching as Bellatrix tortured her for what feel like days.

Sensing Hermione's hesitation, Narcissa said "I'm sure you're thinking about what we could possibly talk about, seeing as how my family well… you know. I promise you though that I don't bite like they do and I would actually like to offer you an apology for what happened that night in my house."

Still feeling a little uneasy, Hermione slightly nodded her head and took a seat next to her. Trying not to fidget with her hands, she folded them in her lap and kept a watchful eye on the witch in front of her.

"How do you drink your tea dear?"

"Lemon with honey, please."

Watching her cup fill, Hermione left the steaming cup where it was and wondered how the next few minutes were about to go.

"If you need more honey, please let me know. I'm one who uses one too many sugars with mine and needs to drink it sweet to the point where it would probably give someone a toothache."

Hermione gave her a small smile. She was aware of all Narcissa had done at the Manor and how she managed to get everyone she could out of there and to safety. However, it still felt a little strange having tea with her.

Sitting back in her chair, she took a sip of tea before continuing talking. "I know you probably hate me, and really everyone from my family for that matter-"

"That's not true." Hermione quickly said shaking her head. "I don't hate your son."

Narcissa raised an eyebrow. Making a mental note to come back to that momentarily, she continued to say "Alright not Draco, but I'm sure for the most part the rest are pretty high on your list. I know what I'm about to say doesn't change anything that happened to you that night or make up for what my sister did to you, but I am truly sorry for it. I stood by while it happened and for that I am not proud, but I promise you that I did what I was able to."

Hermione listened to Narcissa speak with conviction. She was a little surprised at what she heard next.

"I've never been proud of the fact that I let 'certain' events happen throughout my life, and I let certain events happen in Draco's as well, but I am proud of my son for being able to do what I couldn't."

"What was that?"

"For standing up for what he believes in. For over a year I watched my son become someone I knew he wasn't and it killed me to know all I could do was watch. I managed to do a few things here and there to try and help him, but I knew deep down he wasn't a killer, he wasn't the man his father wanted him to become and for that I am thankful. For him to run away from everything for something he believed to be wrong well… I can't fault him for that. He did what I wasn't strong enough to do myself."

Hermione suddenly felt an overwhelming amount of respect for the women sitting in front of her, but she also felt heartbroken. From what Draco had told her during their nightly talks, his home life wasn't what she had once thought it to be.

Seeing the look of sympathy in Hermione's eyes, Narcissa quickly said "I guess back to the point I was trying to make is that I am very, deeply sorry for what Bella did to you. If there is ever anything I can do to try and repay for that, please let me know."

Tucking the few loose stands of curls that had fallen from her braid, Hermione said "Thank you. I appreciate the gesture."

Giving her a nod, Narcissa said "Well, now that's been said, may I ask why you are also looking for my son tonight?"

Feeling the prying eyes of a mother start burrowing for answers, Hermione said "We have just been trying to work on recovering my memories. Since the Manor, I still am not able to really remember a whole lot that has happened to me over the past few months. I've been starting to get pieces and parts here and there, but mostly it's still fuzzy for me. I just wanted to tell him that another piece came back to day is all."

Hermione watched as an almost pleased grin spread across her face.

"So you two have been spending a lot of time together then?"

"I guess you can say that."

Nodding her head in almost delight, Narcissa took another sip of tea. "You know, last time I talked to Draco he seemed very concerned that you wouldn't want to talk to him. I'm glad to see that isn't the case."

"Why is that?"

"Let's just say I think my son had become close to you during your time spent hiding together, I don't think he wanted to lose you… you know, as a friend of course."

Hermione could suddenly feel her face becoming warm. She was about to question Narcissa again when a voice coming from behind her made her almost jump out of her chair.

"Well I wasn't expecting to see this when I came down stairs."

Draco continued around Hermione's chair until he was in between the two.

"I hope my mother hasn't been holding you hostage down here until I came."

"Really Draco, you act like I'm some kind of monster. Hermione was just nice enough to share a cup of tea with me while I waited for you."

Unconvinced of what his mother was saying, he turned to look at Hermione for reassurance.

Laughing, Hermione said "I promise your mother wasn't 'holding me hostage'. She even made me a cup of tea. I should leave though, I'm sure you two have a lot of catching up to do."

Standing from her chair, Hermione set down her cup and began to make her way out of the room.

"I won't keep him too long dear if you want to come back down soon."

Stopping to turn and look at the Malfoy duo, she said "I should probably try and get some sleep soon. I can talk to Malfoy a different night, you two should spend some time together."

Giving Draco a small smile and nod, she turned and began to head back up the steps.

"Night Granger."

Waiting until he heard the door of Hermione's bedroom open and close, he finally turned to his mother and sat down in the chair next to her.

"Should I even bother asking what you two talked about, or will you just tell me what I want to hear and later find out you professed my love for her for me."

Conjuring up another cup of tea for her son, she replied "I did no such thing. I gave you my word that I wouldn't tell her exactly how you felt about her."

Giving his mother another skeptical look, he said "Well it's nice to see you. When did you get here?"

"Not too long ago. Your cousin was kind enough to bring me here, but she couldn't stay. She said she had some business to take care of. I knew the best chance of talking to my son alone was late at night and it seems I was right."

"Tonks had mentioned you were going to come over sometime to talk to me. Should I be concerned at what that might be about?"

"Can't a mother just want to come visit her son? I'm happy to hear that you and Hermione have been spending a lot of time together. I'm sure it will be no time at all before she remembers everything"

Smiling, Draco said "I had a feeling you needed your fix of gossip. Before we start talking about that though, Tonks did mention you wanted to talk to me about a 'few things'."

Shifting slightly in her chair, she began to tap her slightly chipped nails on the arm of her chair. "The reason I wanted to come see you was because I wanted to ask if you still don't have any idea on what those three have been talking about behind closed doors."

Raising an eyebrow to her question, Draco was a little confused. "That's what you came over here to ask me? Mother, I've already told you I don't know what they are talking about."

Watching as she began studying him, as if looking for a sign that he was lying, Draco was glad he was skilled at Occlumency. Especially since his mother was just as skilled in Legilimency.

When a few moments of silence had past between the two, Draco was about to speak when his mother decided to be the one to break it.

"Draco, you do know that I searched through Hermione's mind back at the Manor don't you? Do you really think I didn't see what you two had been helping each other plan for months?"

Trying to keep his composure, Draco thought twice about what he was going to say next.

"If you already knew, then why bother asking me?"

Narcissa shrugged. "I wanted to see if you'd tell me yourself. Besides, I had a few things I had to think about before I was ready to discuss it with you."

"What do you mean?"

Picking up her cup and taking the last sip of tea, his mother was making it painfully slow before she set her cup back down and answered.

"Draco, what if I told you that I know where one of those items they are hunting are being held?"

October had come to an end and November had brought with it a bitter chill and harsher winds. Hermione found herself down by the beach one afternoon, bundled up and sipping a mug of warm hot chocolate. The boys were down by the water tossing rocks into the ocean, seeing who could throw theirs the farthest out to sea. Luna had also joined them and was sitting next to Hermione with her own mug of cocoa. Watching as the waves began to crash higher and harder, she thought about how odd Draco had seemed the past few weeks.

Ever since his mother had talked to him, she could feel something about him was off. They still had their almost nightly talks and he still seemed to care about helping her get her memories back, yet something was different. Hermione just couldn't figure out what.

She had even asked him if anything was bothering him, but he of course told her everything was alright and that he wanted to focus on helping her instead.

Damn him and his ability to elude talking about anything he doesn't want to.

Becoming frustrated with not being able to figure out what had changed and why, she reached for her bag and pulled out her copy of The Tales. She opened the book and began to flip through the pages.

"That's very old looking."

Hermione looked up to see Luna nodding towards the book.

"It is indeed. It's actually a book of children's stories. Ron has told me his mum used to read them to him and his siblings all the time. Did your father ever read you any stories from The Tale of Beedle the Bard?"

Luna nodded her head. "He would make the funniest voices when he did."

Smiling at her friend, she said "You know Ron only told you what he did because he cares about you don't you? Harry did the same thing with Ginny because he knows it would put her life in danger if they were still together."

Watching as her friend began turning over shells she found in the sand and picking them up to place in her pocket, she said "I do understand."

Hermione could hear the sadness in her friends voice, but she was glad Luna at least knew that Ron felt the same was she did. Turning her attention back to the book, she continued to flip through the pages until she heard Luna's voice.

"That's interesting."

Looking back up, Hermione asked "What is?"

Reaching out to be handed the book, Luna took it from Hermione and pointed to the symbol that had been drawn on to the page. "Did you draw this?"

Surprised, Hermione said "No, I didn't. Have you seen that symbol before?"

"Of course I have. Don't you know about the Deathly Hallows?"

Lost for words, Hermione was barely able to shake her head 'no' before calling Harry and Ron over to hear her friend explain to them what she knew wasn't just a simple doodle on a piece of paper.

Half way through November, Draco found himself alone, for once, in his room during the day. Theo and Blaise had both decided it was a good idea to split the second bottle of whiskey they had found in the basement the night before and were now both trying to sleep off their much deserved hangover.

Stretched out on his bed, he was staring up at the ceiling lost in thought. The moment his mother had told him she knew where one of the horcruxes were, he hadn't been able to think about anything else.

"What do you mean you know where one is?"

"I have been debating on telling you this for awhile now, but lately I've felt like it is my obligation to tell you. Especially since everything that happened back at the Manor."

"I don't understand. How in Merlin's name do you know where one of the Dark Lord's horcruxes are?"

"Awhile ago, the Dark Lord had asked your aunt to guard one for him and while she has kept it a secret from almost everyone, she couldn't help but rub it in my face that she was the one that was chosen over your father. She threatened me if I ever told anyone and really I have no one worth telling anyways."

Draco's mind was spinning in a hundred different directions. "Where is it?"

"Well, here's one of the many, many problems. It's in the family's secret vault, the one hidden beneath the house."

His stomach became lead. The walls of his lungs were finding it hard to re-inflate with air and he almost felt like he could be sick at any moment.

"Granger can't go back there, she wouldn't make it out a second time. Aunt Bella would make sure of that."

"If that's what they're after, I don't really see any other options Draco."

Hitting the bed hard with his fist, he knew his mother was right. If their plan was to destroy the Dark Lord and save the wizarding world, then they really didn't have any other option but to go back to Malfoy Manor.

I have to tell Granger, she can't leave on a bloody wild goose chase and not know.

As he continued to lie there, the feeling of helplessness was becoming almost too much for him. However a few moments later, Draco shot up from bed.

Maybe there is another way.

Taking the last step to the top of the landing, Hermione began to head to her room when she heard a door open. Seeing that it was Malfoy's, she smiled and said "I haven't seen you all day. Are you feeling alright? You look a little pale."

Walking over to where Hermione was standing, Draco said "Thanks for the compliment Granger."

Giving him a playful slap on the arm, she said "You know what I mean."

"Where are your two watch dogs?"

"Ron and Luna are spending some time together and Harry actually needed to go visit Andromeda's house. There was someone there he had a few questions for."

Giving her a curious expression, it was answered with "I'm sorry, but I can't tell you any more than that."

She watched as Draco nodded in understanding and asked "Are you doing okay?"

"Actually, that's why I was coming to find you. Last night Blaise, Theo and I had a little too much to drink and I've been paying the price all day. I think I'm going to try and sleep it off tonight so I just wanted to let you know that I won't be able to come down tonight and have our little talk."

Hermione looked into Draco's eyes. Nothing about what he was saying or how he was acting should have made her feel like he wasn't telling the truth, but she knew something wasn't right.

"Do you need me to get you anything?"

Smiling at the concerned witch standing in front of him, he threw his rules out the window for just a minute and reached out to lightly brush back one of the curls that had fallen out of her pony tail and tucked it behind her ears.

"Thanks for asking, but I'll be alright. Try to get some sleep tonight yourself Granger. I will see you tomorrow."

Seeing her cheeks instantly flush with the pink hue he loved to elicit so much, Draco turned and left a stunned witch rooted to the ground.

Watching Draco's door shut behind him, Hermione still felt like her legs were frozen where she stood.

Something isn't right.

As the clock struck twice upstairs, Hermione was pouring herself a cup of tea. She had become so used to having one before bed now that there was no way of her trying to get some sleep without one.

It wasn't long after did the opening and closing of the screen door behind her make her jump out of her seat.

"Mrs. Malfoy! You about gave me a heart attack."

Smoothing back the stray stands of hair that had come free from her apparating, she said "Please, call me Narcissa. I'm sorry to have started you, I just came to try and catch my son again. I wanted to make sure he was doing alright since our last little chat."

"He's upstairs in his room, but I don't think he is coming down tonight."

"Oh no?"

"I guess he is battling a hangover from the other night. He told me he wasn't feeling well and was going to stay in his room the rest of the night."

"Did he now? Well I'm surprised it's so bad he has to stay in him room. Malfoy men usually know how to handle their alcohol."

Taking a sip of her tea, Hermione said "I guess he had one too many. Can I offer to make you some tea?"

When she didn't receive an answer, Hermione looked at her and said "Narcissa? Is everything alright?"

Focusing her eyes onto the concerned witch in front of her, she replied "Yes, of course. I'd love some tea thank you. Black with 3 sugars please."

Taking a few steps towards the stairs, Narcissa said "I will be right back though. I'd like to check on Draco to make sure he is doing alright. Call it mother's intuition, but I think he may need something to help with the hangover. I'll be right back."

As Narcissa began to head up stairs, Hermione said "That may be a good idea. He has been acting a little off lately."

Glancing back to look at the witch, she said "You don't say?"

…..

A few minutes later, Hermione was just adding the sugar to the steeped tea when she heard hurried footsteps coming down the stairs. When she saw the look on Narcissa's worried face, she knew something was wrong.

"Is Draco alright, what's wrong?"

Taking a few shallow breaths, Narcissa was finally able to find her words to say "He's gone."

Note: Well school has officially taken over my life and this is only the second week :(

I really hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I have been dying to post this. I am really looking forward to writing the coming chapters. I'm sure you all want Hermione to get her memories back asap and trust me I do as well! I promise it will be really, reallllllly soon…

Thank you all so much for all the new follows/favs! Your reviews have been so wonderful, I truly appreciate them all :)

This semester I can already tell it is going to be crazy, but I promise every free moment I have I will be writing these chapters! I will say it will probably be a couple weeks in between each one, but I will be posting them just as soon as I can.

I hope everyone had an amazing summer! If you're like me though, I am glad autumn it just around the corner

-Toujours.