Chapter Twenty Four; Baths, stories and jealousy.

The pair apparated straight into Draco's apartment.

'I thought that you'd be safer if I brought you here,' Draco explained. 'I have some clothes I can let you borrow, and you can have a bath to clean up. Would you like me to help?'

'No,' Hermione said, not meeting his eyes. He was still holding her closely, against his chest almost protectively. But she didn't want to be that close to him. She desperately needed some space from him.

'Oh. Alright. Would you like me to call Ron or Luna over?' Draco worked to keep the hurt out of his voice. He knew that he had hurt her far worse than she had just hurt him.

Hermione merely nodded briefly. She felt as though she was about to burst into tears, and she knew that it would be the healthy thing to do, yet she didn't want to cry in front of Malfoy.

'Clothes?' she stepped away from Malfoy, crossing her arms in front of her chest and keeping her eyes firmly away from him.

'In my wardrobe. Want me to get them for you?' Draco asked softly. Again, Hermione could only nod. Moving quickly, Draco collected a shirt, boxers and a pair of old jeans for Hermione from his trunk. Returning to Hermione he handed the clothes over.

'You know where the bathroom is.' He said softly, carefully keeping his distance although it killed him.

'Thank you.' Hermione murmured, barely loud enough for him to hear. Slowly she made her way to the bathroom, making sure the door was securely locked behind her.

Draco listened to the click of the door being locked; the sound seemed to ring in his ears. He stood still, his eyes fixed firmly on the door as he listened to the sound of the taps running.

He'd gotten her out of Malfoy Manor safely, but he might have lost her in doing so.

'Draco Malfoy. You're an idiot!' Draco muttered angrily to himself. Grinding his teeth, Draco found a piece of parchment and a quill; quickly he wrote a letter to Luna and Ron, letting them know he had Hermione and would bring her back home once she was ready.

He was staring out the window long after his owl had disappeared into the sky, when a quiet voice behind him made him jump.

'M-Malfoy?' Hermione said, looking very nervous indeed.

'Yes, Hermione?' Draco said, his eyes sweeping her body for any obvious bleeding or injuries. With relief, Draco couldn't find anything wrong with her.

'I'm going home now.' Hermione had her eyes fixed on the ground. She didn't want to look at the blonde man who had betrayed her. She waited a heartbeat before turning away from him.

'Hermione, wait,' Without thinking Draco reached forward and grabbed Hermione's wrist. At the contact, both of them froze in place. Hermione felt as though her whole body came alive at his touch, she was aware of every inch of her body, and she felt warm all over. Draco also became aware of his entire body, his panic seemed to melt away, but he felt as though he was being pulled towards her with a strong summoning charm; resisting her was a new level of difficulty.

Neither moved an inch for what felt an eternity, both fighting their emotions, for fear of the other person or for fear of the response they could receive. Finally Hermione spoke, her voice low and still keeping her eyes away from Malfoy.

'What?'

'Hermione, I'm so sorry. I had to – so that I could get you out of there.'

'You could've done anything other than bet me off!' Hermione's voice started to break at the end of her sentence.

'I-' Draco tried to speak, but Hermione cut him off, whirling around and facing him, a fierce expression on her face.

'YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE! YOU HAD NO REASON TO DO WHAT YOU DID! IT WAS SO EASY FOR YOU TO BECOME THE PURE-FUCKING-BLOOD YOU WERE RAISED TO BE!' Hermione hung her head, tears spilling out of her eyes as she whispered, 'I was stupid to believe you'd actually become a decent person.'

Draco felt his heart shatter at Hermione's words. He knew he couldn't deny anything she'd said; it had been easier than expected for him to slip back into his old pureblood role. Maybe he wasn't as good as he thought he was?

'Can I do anything to make you forgive me?' he pleaded quietly, begging. Dimly he was aware that he was still holding onto her wrist.

'Cease to exist,' Hermione spat, and wrenched her wrist out of his grasp. As she did so, Draco felt his entire world crumbling around his shoulders; it was as though that small amount of contact with Hermione was what had helped him keep his wits about him, but the loss of that contact severed that.

'Okay then,' Draco pulled his wand out of his pocket and held it out to Hermione, handle first. 'Do you want to do the honours?'

Hermione stared at the wand being held out to her. She couldn't comprehend what it was that Draco wanted her to do.

'What?' she allowed herself to look into his eyes, which were wide and wild with some emotion she couldn't quite place.

'I have just proven to you I am still a horrible pureblood at heart. You no longer want me around, so you can do that honours. Torture me or kill me, whatever you want. But once you leave this apartment, you will never see me again.'

Hermione gazed into Malfoy's handsome face, where all she could see was a wild fear and desperation.

'I'm not going to kill you, Malfoy.'

'Then just torture me.'

'I'm not going to do that either.'

'Then, what?' Draco was almost yelling, tears brimming in his eyes.

'Sit down.' Hermione pointed to one of the armchairs. With his eyes, Draco followed her finger to where she was pointing. This time it was he who couldn't comprehend what was being said.

'What?'

'Sit down, Malfoy.'

Numbly, Draco did as he was told, plonking himself down in the armchair, keeping his eyes wearily fixed on Hermione, who stayed standing.

'Malfoy, I'm not a Slytherin, I am not going to kill you, or physically torture you. I am going to walk out of this apartment and leave you here.' Hermione took a very deep steadying breath. 'But before I go, I need you to tell me something.'

'Anything, Hermione.'

'Am I in danger of being kidnapped again?' Hermione was biting her lip out of nerves; it was all Draco could focus on, the way she was chewing her lip in that sexy way. But he tore his eyes away from her face, and talked to his feet.

'Yes.'

'What?'

'Yes, you are in a lot of danger of being kidnapped again.'

It was silent for a long time, and Draco risked a glance up to find Hermione had sunk to the floor, her head in her hands, clearly crying.

Without thinking, Draco leapt out of the armchair to kneel next to her and wrapped his arms around Hermione, hugging her tightly and rocking her gently in hopes it would soothe her.

'I never should've gotten involved with you.' Hermione sobbed, turning so that she was facing Draco. Curling her hands into fists, Hermione hit his chest once and grabbed a hold of his shirt.

'It's all because we started dating, isn't it? Everyone told me it was a bad idea!' Hermione said as her sobs finally overcame her.

For almost an hour, Hermione cried into Draco's chest. Somewhere around the half an hour mark, Draco bundled her up and carried her so that they could sit on the couch; as he did so, her arms snaked around his neck, but her face stayed buried in his chest. Not once did Draco say anything, he just held her tightly.

Eventually her tears stopped; when they did Draco summoned the tissue box for her and held it out. When she was calm and he was certain all of her tears had stopped, Draco spoke to her;

'Hermione, I can protect you from my father. Give me this one chance and I vow I will protect you with my life.'

'Just take me home now, please, Malfoy. I'm not in the right mind to apparate myself.'

'Of course.' Draco said, standing up and still holding Hermione in his arms. Gently he lifted her down so that she could stand, but still held her close to his chest. Once he felt she was steady, Draco spun on the spot.

'Hermione!' a chorus of voices called out in relief. There were a few moments of confusion as Hermione was squashed by many hugs from her family. As the Potter's and Weasley's all hugged one another, Hermione could only focus on one thing.

Draco hadn't let go of her. He was holding her close to his chest protectively. She wasn't sure how she felt about it. He had scared and hurt her, he had led her to believe that he wasn't going to help her and let her be harmed by those dreadful mean; yet he'd rescued her in the end and had just promised to protect her.

All of the Potter's and Weasley's sat down after they'd all hugged Hermione many times over, and demanded to know the story.

Draco still hadn't let go of Hermione.

'Do you want to tell them what happened?' He asked her gently. Hermione thought about it, and eventually shook her head.

'Not by myself.'

'Alright. Do you need to sit down?' Draco asked softly, gesturing with one hand. Hermione nodded and moved away from Draco, leaving him as the only person standing.

Once she was comfortable, Hermione told her family what had happened; she started from when Mr Malfoy had stupefied Draco and put the full body bind on her. She managed to stay calm as she told everyone, even when she was telling them how while they tortured her they stripped her naked; but when she reached the part of the story when Draco entered the room, she faltered.

'Can you tell them this part?' Hermione said, not quite meeting Malfoy's eyes.

'Course I can,' Draco said, and told the family his side, but he told them about lying to his father about seeing the error of his ways and acting like he was an arrogant pureblood once again.

'Oh, so that's why you two have been acting odd! When you rescued her, Hermione saw Malfoy from Hogwarts and not her boyfriend Draco.' Ginny interrupted, sounding satisfied, as though she had solved a puzzle she had been trying to solve for a long time. Neither Draco nor Hermione had an answer to that.

There was an awkward silence which seemed to stretch on endlessly; in which everyone avoided looking at Hermione and Draco, of who were both gazing wordlessly at each other.

'Hermione, do you want us to kick him out?' George growled, standing up and glaring at Draco.

'No, George. I want to hear his side of the story,' Hermione whispered with her eyes fixed on Draco's.

But as Draco was readying himself to tell the family the rest of the story and desperately try to explain that he had to act the way he did to rescue Hermione, a handsome barn owl flew into the room, dropped a letter at Draco's feet and flew right back out the window again.

'Who's that from?' Ron asked suspiciously as Draco picked up the letter and ripped it open.

Draco was silent while he read the letter. When he finished he crumpled up the parchment and shoved it deep into his pocket.

'It's from my father. Demanding that I take Hermione back.'

'You're not going to are you?' George snapped, leaping up and standing protectively in front of Hermione.

'Of course not!' Draco growled. 'I got her out to protect her, I am not about to send her back!'

'How do we know that, Malfoy?' George taunted.

'Because he's telling the truth,' Hermione spoke up, standing and placing one hand on George's shoulder. George didn't move, but he placed one hand over the top of Hermione's.

'George, Draco has promised to look after me. Do you want to make him take an Unbreakable Vow, too?' Hermione said, sounding tired.

'I'll do it if it makes you feel better. We need to work together to protect her.' Draco said, stepping forward. As he did so, George pulled his wand out and pointed it at Draco.

'George, relax. Draco isn't going to hurt Hermione. Put your wand away you idiot.' Ginny said, rolling her eyes at her older brother.

'George, mate, we can all tell that Hermione is safe with Malfoy.' Harry spoke up. 'Anyway, from the sounds of it we need his help to keep her safe. If he goes back on his word, we'll give him to you. Deal?'

George eyed Draco angrily and slowly put his wand away.

'Thank you, George.' Hermione whispered, and hugged him from behind. George turned around and gave her a proper hug.

'Please stay safe for me, Hermione. I don't want to lose you.' George whispered into Hermione's ear. 'Don't ever be afraid to ask me for help.'

'Of course, George. I promise.' Hermione hugged George tightly before letting him go. She then made her way over to Draco, ignoring the funny look he was giving her, she glared up at him.

'Draco Malfoy, you have one last chance to prove yourself. Help me through this catastrophe. If you mess this up, you will never see me again. Understand?'

'Yes, Miss Granger,' Draco smiled weakly. Ginny gave a short laugh and jumped to her feet.

'So, what's the plan?'

'You mean other than keep Hermione safe?' Ron said, dripping sarcasm.

'I say I take her to my house. I doubt Lucius Malfoy knows where I live.' George said.

'He wouldn't, but he will search Diagon Alley from top to bottom, she would be found there.' Draco said. 'Father has eyes and ears almost everywhere.'

'Then where in the name of Merlin can we take her?' Harry asked, sounding worried.

'I have owled my Mother. She knows all the places where Father does not have eyes and ears, and she knows where we can hide Hermione. We just need to wait here for Mothers' return owl.' Draco said.

'And when will that be, exactly?' George demanded. At this, Draco faltered, suddenly he seemed unsure of himself.

'I don't know.'

'Why don't you know?' Ron said, narrowing his eyes at Draco.

'Because my mother usually leaves the country whenever my father hosts his parties. I have no idea where in the world she is.' Draco said, running a hand through his hair.

'So what do we do in the mean time?' George exclaimed. 'Doesn't this mean you've put us all in danger?'

Draco was about to make an angry retort when another owl flew in and dropped another letter at Draco's feet. He snatched it up and ripped it open so quickly he almost ripped the letter within, too.

Hermione watched as he read the letter, his expression perfectly blank. She crossed her fingers in her lap, praying that it would be an answer to their troubles.

Draco's eyes lifted and connected with Hermione's.

'My mother has a place where we can hide,' Draco sounded relieved. 'She has a place not far away from my apartment where she and I can lay low for as long as we need to.'

'And you expect us to just let you take her away?' George said; stepping towards Draco menacingly.

'Yes, you will,' Hermione stepped between Draco and George, stopping George's advances.

'But Hermione-'

'He has given me his word. That is more than enough for me so why can't that be enough for you, too?' Hermione said. Everyone watched as George slumped, hanging his head.

'I'm sorry, Hermione.' he finally muttered, turning his back on her. 'I just wanted to protect you.'

'I can protect myself, George, you know that.' Hermione said, moving forward and placing one hand on his shoulder. At the touch George flinched as though she had hit him and moved out of her arms reach.

'Yeah.' George sighed, plopping himself down on a couch and refusing to look at Hermione. He sat and stared at the floor while everyone around him made plans. He only half listened though, his mind was filled with a loud buzzing.

'George?' Ginny's concerned face appeared in front of him.

'What is it?'

'Hermione and Malfoy are leaving now, do you want to say goodbye?'

'Sure,' George replied and stood up, finally making eye contact with Hermione once again. Her beautiful eyes were wide, full of anxiety and fear. It broke his heart to see her like that.

I would've kept you safe, Hermione. George thought to himself as he gave her a tight hug goodbye. This never would've happened if you'd chosen me.

'I'll see you soon, George.' Hermione said into his ear.

'Keep yourself safe, Hermione,' George mumbled as he pulled away.

''Course I will.' Hermione smiled as George turned to Draco, who held out his pale hand. George stared at it, uncomprehending.

The buzzing noise was getting louder now. Without thinking through the consequences, George lifted his head to make eye contact with Draco, and punched the blonde in the stomach as hard as he could.

Draco doubled over in shock more than pain. He'd received far worse hits, but it still smarted.

'George!' Many voices rang out.

'Draco!' Hermione was crouching in front of Draco. 'Are you alright?'

'I'll be okay.' Draco gasped, hearing the front door slam as he did so.

'What the bloody hell was he thinking?' Ron exclaimed.

'I don't think he was, Ron.' Ginny said, sounding sad. Everyone was silent at that. No one really knew what was going on in George's head these days.

'Should someone go after him?' Luna piped up, looking concerned.

'Nah. Harry and I will floo by his house later and check up on him,' Ginny said, looking worried for her older brother. 'For now, Draco if you can, time to leave with Hermione.'

'Yeah, I'm good to go now.' Draco straightened up, his stomach still aching a little, but he could ignore it now.

'Ginny, please owl me later when you've checked up on him, let me know that he's alright.' Hermione pleaded.

'Of course I will, Hermione, now get going!' Ginny waved one hand impatiently.

Smiling her thanks, Hermione turned and placed her hand into Draco's so that he could apparate them away.