CHAPTER XXXII

- Malfoy Manor -

Draco sat on the edge of Hermione's bed, patiently waiting for her to get dressed. A month had past, and whilst Hermione was healing she still kept a part of herself away from everyone, away from him. Out of all the males in her life, her father and Draco were the only ones she allowed to have physical contact, but even then she still had moments when the fear crept back and she wouldn't allow contact. Draco hated that she even now she was still afraid of him. It killed him to know that she might never again fully trust him or anyone again. Draco also noticed the strain it put on Harry.

He hadn't felt like asking, given their past history when they had become partners at the Auror Department, but he knew Harry hadn't healed after the war. He kept everything bottled up inside. When he had brought if up, Harry had just shrugged the conversation away. He saw Hermione's pain, eating away at Harry, drowning him in more pain and Draco knew despite the close friendship he had with Weasley, that if Hermione could never get past this Harry would never forgive Weasley. It hurt everyone to see Hermione like this, but it affected Draco and Harry the most. Draco to see the woman he loved, the woman he let slip away thinking she deserved more than him, and Harry, his best friend. Hermione was a best friend and a sister, his rock tying both the Muggle and Wizarding worlds together. She had been there for him during his darkest moments, and had even risked giving up her family when she could have run away, to help him.

Draco couldn't say if it was just his selfishness acting up, or it was general concern for her wellbeing but he thought he came up with a good idea to show Hermione that she would be safe with him. That his hands would never hurt her – show her how to get past the fear that was still in the recesses of her mind. He just hoped it would work. He wanted to see Hermione whole again, she would still be grieving, but wouldn't be looking over her shoulder every moment or doubt her instincts.

Hermione walked out of the bathroom attached to her room dressed simply in jeans and a long sleeve crimson red top. Even still, her beauty shone through.

She approached him cautiously. "You said you wanted to show me something?"

He nodded, motioning her to follow him out of the bedroom. It took a couple minutes with Hermione slowly following a pace behind him, until they reached one of the manor's more ornate decorated doors. He nudged the door open beckoning Hermione to enter. She looked at him uncertainly for a moment, before she nodded back and entered. A shocked breath left her body as she gazed in awe at the ballroom.

The ballroom was at least as large as the home she had grown up in. The walls were significantly lighter than the rest of the rooms in the manor making a bold statement with flawless marble and exquisite architectural details. Large crystal chandelier's decorated with candles that illuminated the room in a soft, warm glow dangled from the high ceilings. Beautifully polished, and unmarred timber floors led to a grand curved staircase down the end, up to a second floor balcony which overlooked the ballroom.

Stunned by the beauty, Hermione hadn't even noticed Draco entering the room veering off to the phonograph on the side of the room. She only noticed once he had raised his wand and charmed it to play music. She turned confused and looked at Draco as the soft sounds of Jazz echoed in the ballroom.

Draco approached Hermione cautiously, not wanting her to run. He wanted to hold her and never let go but she wasn't ready for that. He prayed to whatever god or power existed that this would help her get through it. He saw the fear seep into her eyes and he reached for her hand gently. Cupping it with his, he lifted it up, as she stood completely stiff. He unrolled her clenched fingers, so her hand was facing palm up shoulder level. He did the same with her left hand but slightly lower. He moved closer to Hermione and saw her beginning to shake. Ignoring it, he placed his hands in the same position directly across from hers, so close that they were almost touching. Almost. They were only centimeters apart, but he gave her the space that she needed.

Gazing down at her, he whispered, "Dance with me."

Hermione shook her head at him and he interrupted her. "Hermione look at my hands. I'm not touching you. I won't touch you unless you want me to. Dance with me. We don't have to touch to dance."

He moved his body slowly, his hands mimicking his body movements. It took her a moment to decide, but eventually she relented copying his movement. Draco somehow managed to restrain himself, simply giving her a gentle smile not wanting to scare her aware with his momentary feeling of success. He didn't care how ridiculous they would look if anyone spotted them. The important thing was for Hermione to see that he wouldn't hurt her. That she could trust him completely, that there was nothing to fear anymore. And he hoped that she would take the next step and allow him to dance with her hands in his. He would take baby steps with her for the rest of his life, if she would let him back in.

It wasn't long before Hermione began to smile back at him, enjoying the relaxation and music. A while he was sure she hadn't noticed, each step, Draco moved his body just a little bit closer to hers, testing her. Draco wasn't sure how long they had been dancing for. He had lost track after the tenth song when he felt the brush of skin against his hands. His eyes darted down to see Hermione staring at him, her eyes full of trust and vulnerability as she brought her body against his, her hands sliding next to his.

Slowly, painfully slowly, he watched her for any signs of fear as he gently crossed his fingers into her right hand. When he saw none, his breath hitched and moved his other hand shakily to press her waist closer to him. He rested his hand on her waist, taking a moment to absorb everything in, a single tear falling down his cheek. He had done it. Someone how he had managed to convince her to let go of the fear, to trust him and now here she was truly in his arms.

With shaking arms, he glided her forward, starting a waltz with her. His stiff movements began more relaxed and fluid as she rested her head against his chest, allowing him to lead her. Draco revelled in it. He could of held her for eternity he was so happy.

When Harry approached Malfoy Manor, he had expected to leave with sadness and disappointment that once again Hermione shied away from his touch. What he didn't expect to see was Hermione and Draco dancing. He watched as they danced, whilst awkwardly, without touching. If not for this situation they were all in, Harry would have found the scene adorable. Harry watched holding his breath as Hermione reached forward leaning into Draco's touch. He watched a tear fall down Draco's cheek as he gently held Hermione close as he danced with her.

Harry couldn't believe what he was seeing, and a feeling of wonderment and pure elation curled in his heart towards Draco. He had allowed Hermione to stay here during her recovery. He had erected a grave for Hermione's lost child. He had held her through her pain, comforted her during her darkest moments. He knew Draco did all this because Hermione was his friend, and because he loved her with every fiber of his being. Harry didn't know how he could have been so blind to not see it earlier but he had loved her for so long that it seemed to break through all of Hermione's defenses.

He watched them dance, oblivious to everything but themselves for over an hour before Draco noticed Harry in the room. Draco twirled Hermione around pulling her in one last time before easing the dance to a stop. He lowered both his hands to her waist.

Dropping his head down, he whispered in her ear. "Someone is here to see you Hermione…and I know he's missed best friend. Why don't you say hello."

Hermione peered behind her shoulder, annoyed at whoever had interrupted her dance with Draco. She had been hesitant at first but had felt so safe in his arms that she could let go and just be free when her gaze met with Harry's. Draco released her from his arms, and she made small, slow steps towards Harry before she bolted into a run and practically jumped into his arms and she hugged him.

Harry wrapped his arms tightly around Hermione, savoring the memory. He lifted his gaze over her shoulder to Draco, mouthing "Thank you." He knew he could never do anything to repay Draco back for all he had done, but Harry knew he wouldn't stop trying for returning his best friend back to him.