Hermione absently scribbled on the piece of parchment in front of her as she sat in the Gryffindor Common Room. She had been utterly preoccupied the past week and she knew the reason why. A certain Slytherin never strayed far from her thoughts. One moment she'd be full of anticipation and the next dread. Her emotions ran up and down like a rollercoaster. She didn't like it, but she didn't know what to do about it either. The boys would never understand. Things were strained enough with Ron considering the Lavender situation. Not that she cared about that. It was just that their behaviour was mortifying. But was hers any better? She may not be whispering sweet nothings in Draco's ear, but she was sure that the boys would react much more violently to her significant other. She paused in her ministrations. Was that what Draco was now? He had taken her out on a date, but did that make them a couple? Could they be a couple? Did she want them to be? It was all so confusing. Yet all so clear at the same time. Because despite their differences, despite the danger, she was still attracted to him. She still wanted to talk to him. Be with him. The other night had revealed an entirely new idea of what was possible. Of what they could be. And that was far more dangerous than anything they had done so far.

"Morning 'Mione." Harry plopped down beside her, looking drained. Hermione glanced at him in concern.

"What's wrong?"

Harry evaded her eyes. "Nothing really, just tired." Hermione frowned, but decided not to push him. She had enough secrets of her own for the time being.

"Looking forward to doing your Christmas shopping?" she asked brightly. This was the last Hogsmeade weekend before the holidays would be upon them. And while Hermione had a number of ideas for her friends' gifts, she had yet to purchase them. "I hear they have something new at Zonko's." Harry's eyes brightened considerably at the prospect.

"I'd almost forgotten! I better grab my cloak." Harry headed back up to the dormitory and Hermione watched him through worried eyes. After he passed Ron on the stairs, she noticed him rub his scar. Hermione frowned again, but her expression changed to one of surprise when Ron came and sat near her. While they were on speaking terms, they had only had conversations while Harry was about. She noticed that he was watching after their friend too.

"He had a bad night last night," Ron murmured to her. "Tossing and turning. Mumbling under his breath. I couldn't make out what he was saying. Think it has anything to do with his lessons with Dumbledore?" Hermione stared off in the distance, feeling her frustration mounting.

"Possibly. I just hope he's practicing his Occlumency. After last year…" Hermione bit her lip, feeling guilty. She knew how torn up Harry was about the death of Sirius and here she was practically accusing him of taking his responsibility lightly. And considering everything she'd been doing… She chanced a look at Ron, but he didn't look irritated with her comment.

"Yeah… or I guess it could be Malfoy."

Hermione felt the beginnings of panic. "What?"

Ron glanced at her. "He told you didn't he? About what he saw with Snape? Since then, he's been keeping a close eye on them on the map. He's a bit obsessed really." Ron suddenly shot up. Hermione turned and noticed that Lavender had just come down the stairs. The girl glared at Hermione but she didn't care. If Harry was watching the map… things had just gotten a lot more complicated.

Hermione meandered through Tomes and Scrolls. She had left Harry and Ron at Zonko's and she had at least another hour before she was due to meet up with them at the Three Broomsticks. Ginny and Dean were supposed to be there as well. Something, she was sure, Harry was not looking forward to. Guiltily she hoped that this would provide enough of a distraction that he wouldn't notice that she was preoccupied. Ever since her conversation with Ron, her nerves had been a mess. Not only was there an increased chance of Harry discovering her meetings with Draco, Ron had reminded her of another possible threat. Draco was going home for the holidays, a home where she was quite sure Voldemort was residing. A master of Legilimency. Harry wasn't the only one who needed to practice his Occlumency. For all she knew, Draco didn't have any skills in that department at all. Concerned with the danger he'd be in, she had spent her first half hour in the bookstore subtly compiling a list of books on Occlumency to recommend to Draco. Not that she knew how she would get it to him.

Hermione headed for the exit. She had spent enough time in the bookstore and still had a number of presents to buy. She was just turning the corner when – whap! Hermione spun around, wand raised. Seeing nothing, she gingerly brushed the remnants of what looked like a snowball from the back of her cloak. Scowling, she made to leave when another one hit her on the backside. Eyes narrowed, Hermione stomped towards the edge of the store. The back area was practically deserted and surrounded by trees. Though she highly suspected a certain set of Weasley twins had made an appearance, she held her wand in a tight grasp. This time she saw the ball coming at her from behind the trees and managed to dodge it. A glimpse of blond hair gave her a very good idea of who was throwing them.

"Little ferret," she mumbled. Glancing around, and noticing with relief that they were alone, she made after him. Once farther into the wooded area, Hermione called out to him.

"Are you absolutely crazy?" she hissed, looking around for his hiding place. "Someone could have seen you! Oomph!" Hermione's breath was knocked out of her as he tackled her to the ground. The snow cushioned her fall, but that didn't stop her from glaring up at him. Splayed out on top of her, he gave her a cheeky grin as he pinned her down.

"You know, you look quite charming when you're annoyed." He pressed a quick kiss to her lips, before gently rolling off of her. Hermione sat up in a huff, covered in snow.

"What's gotten into you?" she asked as she brushed herself off. She had tried to sound stern, but found herself amused instead. Evidently, Draco Malfoy had a playful side. Who knew?

"Not quite sure. Holiday spirit perhaps." He quipped. Hermione narrowed her eyes slightly. She knew he was being evasive.

Draco grinned devilishly at her. The truth was he didn't quite know what had gotten into him. He had been feeling relieved, for once, that he did not have to spend a Hogsmeade trip doing his bidding. For once he was not attacking someone or working on something destructive. He was spending the day as if he were simply a student. He tried to ignore the fact that this was because he would be returning to the Manor in a manner of days and therefore would be expected to give an update then. No, he wanted to relish in his freedom a little while longer. He knew it would be short lived. So when he saw Hermione leaving the store, with no one around, all he wanted to do was get her attention. So he'd improvised. It had worked quite splendidly.

She stared at him now, trying to scowl, but he could see the corners of her mouth lifting in an amused smile.

"You didn't have to tackle me," She reprimanded, swatting his arm.

"Oh, I really did Granger." He grinned again as he took in her mussed hair and glowing cheeks. He really was quite pleased with himself. She froze as she heard the distinct sound of voices. Draco yanked her against him, burying them further in the snow. To a general bypasser, they would look like two students out for a snog. The voices faded, and Draco thought that snogging didn't sound like such a bad idea. He made to kiss her, but Hermione's hand on his chest stopped him.

Hermione looked at him with worried eyes. "What if someone comes looking for you?" Draco brushed some of the snow from her hair with a gloved hand.

"No one comes looking for me these days, trust me." Except you, he wanted to add, but he kept that little nugget to himself. It was touching really, how many times she had sought him out. And he relished those moments more than she could know.

"What about you? Are you worried about Pothead – ahem- your friends coming to look for you?" He smirked as she frowned at his nicknames.

She shook her head. "They were thoroughly engrossed in Zonko's when I left with plans to head over to Spintwitches after."

"Then I think we're safe, at least for a minute more," he grinned again and pressed another kiss to her mouth before she could protest. But Hermione's nerves wouldn't let her be distracted so easily. She quickly broke away and gave him a sad smile.

"It's too much of a risk. It's broad daylight! And," she added as she put some distance between them, "I had something I wanted to discuss with you. At least I have the opportunity now."

Draco sighed. He really did not want to be discussing things right now. And by the sound of Hermione's voice, he knew reality was about to intrude and any lightness he had felt was about to disappear.

Rummaging in her pocket, she pulled out a tightly folded piece of paper. "I compiled this for you. I'm not sure… but Draco what do you know about Occlumency? It's really not something you can learn from a book, but this is a start, and I think really it would be worth looking into. To help keep you safe…" Hermione's words drifted off as she handed him the paper. Draco had the most peculiar expression on his face.

Draco took the list from her silently. He shouldn't feel amused that her first instinct was to look into books. It was her nature. Despite the crushing seriousness of her purpose, he felt a strange sensation in his chest. Valued. He felt valued. Yet again, she had gone out of her way to help him. To help protect him. It kept him from feeling entirely alone. But if she knew… he shook off the thought. He wouldn't think about that now.

"You're right, it's not something you can learn from a book. But thank you," He brushed a kiss across her forehead. "I already can Occlude Hermione. You don't need to worry about that."

"You can?" Hermione looked up at him in surprise. She shouldn't be surprised. It was hardly likely that Draco would have been tasked with anything should he not be able to hide it. And yet she was surprised. Occlumency was advanced magic. When Harry had struggled with it, she had wondered about its difficulty. After all, Harry had managed advanced magic in the past, particularly in defense. Yet, even with what she knew of Draco's skills, his apparent knowledge was impressive. She was a touch envious, but mostly relieved.

He nodded, but looked at her thoughtfully. That strange sensation tightened his chest again. He handed her back the list. "You should keep this."

"Oh right. I suppose you don't need it," she moved to destroy the evidence, but he grasped her hand to halt her.

"No, you should keep it for yourself. You may not be able to train, but you can start learning. Perhaps one day…" he drifted off at the expression on Hermione's face.

Hermione felt her heart stutter. All this time, all this time she had been helping him. She'd been the one healing his injuries, brewing healing potions, researching for him. It was the first time he'd said anything that indicated a desire to help protect her. It was an acknowledgement of sorts of her place in the war to come. And even with that foreboding thought, Hermione still took some pleasure in the thought that he was concerned for her too.

"Perhaps one day?" she echoed. She hadn't realized that her expression had effectively distracted him.

"Let's not talk about 'one day', at least for now," he deftly plucked the paper from her fingers and slid it into her pocket. He was so close, and Hermione was feeling so much, she just wanted to lean into him. Just for a moment. So she indulged her impulse. She stepped forward and pressed her cheek to his chest. Draco was not one to miss out on an opportunity. He quickly snaked his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him. He rested his chin atop her head and she sighed. She felt his heart beat a quick tattoo, heard him swallow the tension back.

Another trickle of guilt slid through her conscience. She wasn't only hurting her friends. She'd become another worry for him too. Another liability. Another person that could be used against him. She couldn't let that happen. She'd be prepared. She'd study and find a way to prove to him that he could rely on her. That he could trust in her. And then maybe she could help him get out of this mess.

She pulled away and tried not to let his stiff expression hurt her. He knew they couldn't stay like this forever. It was much too risky. This was all they had. Hidden evenings. Stolen moments. Nothing more.

"I need to go. I have shopping to do and…" she gave him another sad smile. Oh how she wished she didn't have to do that so often. Smile sadly. Leave him. It got harder every time.

"Yes, well, if I don't see you – I mean, I probably won't – well, Happy Christmas Hermione," he stood in front of her awkwardly. It was strange, she supposed, wishing a former enemy turned love interest a "Happy Christmas" as if everything was perfectly normal. He didn't know how to end this encounter. If he should leave, or she should leave. So he stood there, simply staring at her. Hermione reached up and brushed a kiss across his lips.

"Happy Christmas Draco."

And it was a happy Christmas. For Hermione, at least. She had spent a delightful holiday with her parents. She shoved every negative thought from her head to the best of her ability. She buried her fears, squashed her guilt, and enjoyed her parents' company. Perhaps for the last time. Their last Christmas together. She wasn't sure what would happen later. After. She'd had an inkling for awhile now that time was closing in on them. She wanted them safe. Perhaps another Christmas would come and go. Perhaps not. Hermione didn't know. All she knew was the plan she had in mind. And if she had to enact it, there was no guarantee that she'd ever have her family back again.

But on Christmas morning, she could not keep all thoughts of the magical world at bay. Of course, there were the gifts from her friends. But there was one more she had most definitely not been expecting. A book. Not just any book. A rare book she had been searching for, for months she had been looking. And there was only one person she'd confided her desire to. He'd apparently had more luck. Hermione had been surprised and suspicious when the book seemed to magically appear in the pockets of her outer robes on Christmas Day, nearly tearing the seams as it grew to its actual size.

Inside the front cover, there were only two letters. Her initials. But she recognized the loopy scrawl. Her heart had thudded as she traced the curves with her finger. He'd given her a present. It was extremely touching. But it was also worrisome. She'd let herself become so ensnared in this relationship that she had refused to see the danger. The time apart had opened her eyes a little. Allowed her to reflect. He had yet to confide in her what he was doing. She knew he was up to something, but she couldn't bring herself to believe that it was anything significant. He was, after all, still so young. With so many more experienced and skilled wizards at his disposal, Hermione seriously doubted that Voldemort would entrust Draco with anything significant. But shouldn't it bother her that there was the chance?

She knew he was scared. Terrified of losing his family. Hermione eyed the book. There was that guilt again. She was betraying her friends. But wouldn't she be betraying him too if she broke his confidence? She'd started to care deeply for the Malfoy heir. She'd never felt this way before, and that was terrifying as well. But she wasn't going to give up. She felt determined. She could do this. She would help him survive.