Disclaimer: Me saying I own this and expecting you to believe me is like when Romeo says:

If I profane with my unworthiest hand This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.

And actually expects Juliet to fall for it. Yeah right. No, I don't own any of this.



CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: Just When Everything is Perfect

The couple was not awoken again that night; the storm seemed to calm down as soon as it discovered it had caused Dumbledore problems. Strangely, Draco woke first the next day, mind still lingering on snippets of dreams; all of which involved the brown eyed girl beside him. Draco smiled as he felt her warm breath through the thin material of his cotton t-shirt. It still seemed odd to wake up and find Hermione asleep, although he had been awake while she slept during that entire week of paranoia. Draco sighed and slid his hand, which was still a little up her shirt, farther up her back, loving the feeling of her skin beneath his fingertips. Hermione shifted a little at his touch and, although she seemed to be enjoying it, he stopped; he didn't want to wake her.

He had, in some sense, lied to Dumbledore about her not sleeping well. For the most part, Hermione slept well and with quality... she just never did much of it. Hermione always seemed to go to bed late and wake up early, ending up exhausted by seven o'clock. Draco pushed the worry as far away as it would go; he knew he was overreacting and that wasn't good. Hermione didn't need to feel worried about; she hated it. He looked up at the ceiling and asked a rhetorical question, just to get himself thinking.

**Why does she have that effect on people if the result is the opposite of what she wants?**

Unfortunately, this only made Draco depressed and sorry for her. **Dammit! She wouldn't want that either,** he realized and pushed it away as well. Draco changed his style of thinking, concentrating on how much he needed the girl who presently rested against him. Thoughts of Hermione were the only way to rid himself of pity for her; which he knew she hated. Draco didn't want to be pitied; no one does. **Why do I feel the need to do to her, Hermione, whom I love, something I would hate to be done to myself? What kind of a person DOES that?** he vaguely asked himself before simply stopping and focusing all of his attention on Hermione.

Draco concentrated first on the weight of her on top of him and her warmth. For the first time, he realized how incredibly light she was; much lighter than Pansy. Draco had slept with Pansy only once, and at his father's demand. Evidently, the evil man was hoping that they would bond, or something similar, but the occurrence only caused Draco to hate both Pansy and his father more.

Draco sighed and pushed the thoughts of Pansy away with ease and force, sending them flying off for what he hoped was good. **Why is it so hard to concentrate on her now, when she's right here, and I want to, yet so easy when I shouldn't? ** he wondered as his focus was brought back to his beloved.

Her breath was the next element of speculation, warm and light, like sunshine on his skin. Draco smiled and continued his mental exploration of her body against his. From her fingertips, held softly on his chest, to her leg, bent and resting on his. He loved every aspect of her presence.

Even more surprising than waking up before her, Draco found himself awake for hours, waiting for her to stir. When Hermione finally did wake, it was close to noon. She took a deep breath and stretched, then shakily brought her hand to her forehead. Draco smiled when he saw this; he'd waited, unmoving, the entire time.

"Now who's been waiting two and a half hours?" he whispered. Hermione shifted a little and groggily moaned.

"What? What time is it?" she asked, keeping her eyes closed.

"Quarter of twelve," he replied, sounding a little more serious.

"What? Are you kidding?" Hermione asked, removing her hand and shifting to sit up a little, obviously with much effort. Draco looked up at her, knowing something was wrong, but unable to determine what.

"No, it is. Hermione, are you alright?" he asked, noticing that she still had not opened her eyes. Hermione brought her hand back up to her head and nodded.

"Is it possible to remain sober and still get a hangover?" she asked and Draco sat up quickly, looking instantly twice as concerned. "That's what it feels like," she said, then paused and brought her hand back down. Hermione tried to open her eyes, but shut them again as the bright light of the room penetrated her pupils. "Ow," she whispered and rubbed her pained sensors gently. Draco, instantly aware of her discomfort, grabbed his wand from the bedside table and closed the bed curtains around them. There was still enough light to see, but it was much less harsh.

"Better?" he asked, leaning closer to her. Hermione smiled and blinked her eyes open, able to see with only minor discomfort.

"Yeah, thanks," she said and kissed his cheek. Draco smiled for a moment, then went back to looking extremely worried.

"Do you want me to call Madam Pomfrey? " he asked, moving his hand to her arm and sliding it up once and then back down.

"No, I'm alright. I don't feel that bad, actually; just different. I have a bit of a head-ache, but that's all," she said. Hermione was lying; she felt as if she'd been hit by a truck. Her head was pounding and her stomach felt like it had been punched repeatedly. Her entire body ached, with great stabbing pains as she moved; it was similar to being locked in a tiny box for hours, then finally getting out. What bothered Hermione the most, however, was that her eyes were sensitive enough to the light that it hurt to look at Draco; his hair incredibly bright. Emotionally, looking at him was almost nice; he looked extremely worried... it made her feel loved.

"Well, lay back down, love. Do you want anything? Tea?" he asked, hating to see her in pain. Hermione smiled and looked at him, despite how much at hurt; immediately, she felt her eyes begin to water.

"Draco, I just slept for about twelve hours; I'm not going to lay down. I'm fine; maybe walking will help," she said, not sure why she was protesting. Hermione tried to get out of bed, but even moving that slight amount to get closer to the edge sent bolts of pain through her body. "Or not," she said, sounding strained, then gave in and gingerly laid back down, her back in agony.

"That's it, I'm getting Pomfrey," Draco declared and moved to get out of bed. Hermione reached out to him.

"No, don't. My body is just a little more tired than my mind is. I'll just stay here for a while, it's alright," she argued. Something about Madam Pomfrey had always scared her a little. The old woman wasn't always pleasant, but wasn't as unwanted as Snape. Hermione couldn't help but wonder if the woman actually knew how to cure anything, or if she just force-fed the ill sleeping potions until they got over whatever they had.

Draco looked uncertain, but ultimately decided to let Hermione decide what to do. She was, after all, the one not feeling well.

"Alright," he said, although reluctantly. "Close your eyes, love. I'm opening the curtain for a minute," he said. Hermione smiled and obeyed, also covering them with her hands.

"Oh; thanks, Draco," she said and Draco kissed her cheek before opening the curtain and getting out of bed.

"Alright," he said when they were safely closed again. Draco then grabbed his wand and did a few simple spells, making the rest of the room as dark as the curtained bed. When he was sure it was safe, Draco said one more spell and let the curtains slide slowly back into the corners, revealing an obviously pained Hermione.

She was laying back now, hand on her forehead and eyes closed, tears of agony sliding slowly down her face. Draco was at her side in an instant, smoothing her hair with his fingers. He leaned down and kissed her lips; not a deep kiss, not even one where she would be expected to kiss back-- just a gentle kiss to show that he was there for her. "Are you sure you don't want anything?" he asked, hoping she would say something. Hermione only smiled and opened her eyes a fraction.

"I love you," she told him and closed her eyes again, evidently going back to sleep. The tone Hermione had used to tell him that made Draco suddenly very nervous. It sounded like she was giving up; as if those were the last words she planned to say. He sighed and kissed her forehead before getting up and leaving her to sleep. Draco walked across the room, stopping at the chair he had used in attempt at fooling Dumbledore, and slid it to her side. He sat, eyes glued on the Head Girl, and waited. Draco was determined to stay there as long as it took, and ended up doing so for over an hour, watching her sleep and listening to her breathe. Hermione didn't move at all the entire time and Draco was beginning to worry.

**If she's not any better when she wakes up, I'm getting he nurse. No matter what she says. End of discussion," he concluded, convincing himself as much as he would have her. Just as Draco finished the thought, Hermione stirred. She opened her eyes and looked to her side, searching for Draco. Of course, he wasn't in the bed and she sighed, closing her eyes again.

"Draco?" she called, sounding hoarse.

"It's alright, Hermione. I'm right here," he assured her, leaning toward the bed and placing a hand on her stomach. Hermione smiled and moved the hand not on her head to cover his.

"Hey," she said, rubbing her fingers over his. She cautiously opened her eyes and was relieved to discover that it not longer hurt to look at him. Draco looked worried, still dressed in his nightclothes, obviously not showered. "Have you been in here this whole time?" she asked, taking her hand away from her face. Draco smiled a little.

"I wanted to be here when you woke up," he explained quickly, then went on to more important matters. "How are you feeling?" he asked, sounding both relieved and worried. Hermione smiled and took a deep breath, speaking on the exhale.

"Better, actually," she told him and pushed herself up with her arms, attempting to sit up, but with obvious effort. Draco could tell it hurt and he stepped up to ease her.

"Don't love; don't move," he said, trying to hold her in place. Hermione paused and held her breath as she waited for the dull pain to die down.

"No, it's better than it was," she insisted.

"Look, Hermione. Just let me get Pomfrey. You look terrible; you'll feel better... please?" he pleaded, bringing a hand to her face. Hermione could tell how worried he was; she couldn't say no to him. Hermione looked at Draco, seeing the hope in his eyes and sighed.

"Let's just wait until they come and tell us we can leave; I think it's going away, anyway," she said and Draco looked shot-down.

"But Hermione, that could be hours. They said this afternoon, but that doesn't mean anything," he said, sounding desperate. Hermione's look didn't change and Draco slightly huffed, now sounding commanding. "I'm calling her in an hour, regardless if someone comes and regardless of how you feel," he said and Hermione hung her head. Draco sighed again and leaned in to whisper to her. "I'm just worried; I love you, Hermione," he told her and placed a kiss behind her ear. Hermione nodded and pulled back, turning her head and kissing him. Draco kissed back, but gently; not sure of how it felt for her.

"I'm sorry," she said when they broke apart.

"Shh...I'm going to get you some tea, alright? I'll be right back." Draco kissed her quickly before getting up. He walked out to the common room for the first time that day, taking note of the roaring fire. He prepared the tea for Hermione, briefly considering slipping something into it which would make her feel better, but decided against it. She would be mad if she found out and Draco didn't know what he could use, other than some sort of sleeping potion, which he didn't have.

Draco reentered his room with the steaming mug and found Hermione, sitting up and looking almost happy. She looked up when Draco returned, a big smile on her face.

"Well, you seem better," he said with a smile and Hermione nodded.

"I don't know what the hell is wrong with me, but it all went away very fast. I feel almost normal, except I haven't been this rested in as long as I can remember," she told him as Draco returned to the chair beside her.

"Good," he said and held out the tea to her. Hermione took it with a smile and Draco kissed her ear before sitting back down.

"Thanks," she said, taking a sip. Draco just smiled, relieved that she felt better. "Draco, why don't you go ahead and shower; I'm not going anywhere, you don't have to stay with me." Draco leaned back and let the hair that had fallen into his eyes stay there.

"I will before I call Pomfrey," he stated and Hermione dropped her shoulders in defeat. Draco cocked his head to look at her. "I said regardless," he reminded her and Hermione nodded, however not agreeing with him. "What do you have against her, anyway, love?" Draco asked, curious more than anything.

"She's just going to tell me I'm fine and make me go to sleep," she pointed out and Draco smiled, letting the backs of his fingers come up to and glide across her face.

"I know, but I'd feel better knowing that," he said and Hermione smiled.

"I guess," she agreed and Draco moved his fingers away, only to place a kiss in their place.

"Thanks," he said, pulling away and leaning back in his chair. Hermione settled herself back against the headboard with ease, no pain evident in her eyes at all. Draco smiled; she was better.

"Hey Draco, what are we doing for Christmas?" she asked, trying to make conversation, considering they would be staying there for a while.

"I don't know, I thought we were just going to stay here; unless you can think of something else you want to do," he said with a smile. Hermione sighed happily and blissfully, thinking of a Christmas alone with Draco.

"No, that sounds better than anything else I can think of, but I'd like to do something more on New Years; go somewhere with people," she suggested.

"Yeah. When do the others come back? The third?" Hermione nodded. "Maybe we could get Dumbledore to let us go to Gulden Park, if you feel up to it, that is. We still don't know if you're sick; it could get worse."

"I hope not, that would be horrid. Gulden Park?" she asked and Draco smiled.

"In Whales; wizarding equivalent to Times Square," he explained. "It only takes about five minutes to apparate there form here, so I'm sure he'll let us, if you want to," he informed her and Hermione seemed thrilled with the idea.

"That is, if he ever lets us past the common room door. That sounds wonderful. It's depressing to spend New Years without a party, and what kind of party only has two people?" she asked rhetorically, making Draco smile.

"We could always just invite the teachers; most of them were probably around for the first millennium, it'll be a blast." Hermione laughed and Draco felt himself smile; the sound like music to his ears.

"I think that's a bit of an exaggeration, but maybe we should do it with them. I'm sure Snape will be happy to kiss me at midnight," she said with a smirk. Draco, who was looking out the window at the lazy drizzle, turned sharply back to Hermione.

"Originally, I was just kidding, but now, I'm just scared. Gulden Park it is," he said with widened eyes, then turned back to the window. Hermione giggled and brought her knees up. Draco turned to here again, eyes spotted with worry. "You probably shouldn't move too much, love," he reminded her, but Hermione shrugged.

"I'm alright. I've been in bed for going on fourteen hours; I think I might fuse to it if I don't move at least a little." Draco smiled, a bit crookedly, and sighed, standing up. He leaded down and kissed her lips quickly before explaining himself.

"I'm going to go shower now, love," he told her, hand on her cheek. Hermione smiled again and tried not to look sad.

"And then?" she asked, knowing perfectly well what he was planning. Draco smiled comfortingly, knowing she wouldn't like what he would do after. He kissed her again, this time a tad bit harder.

"I love you," he whispered, then only paused a moment before smoothly walking across the room and out the door. Hermione watched him leave and smiled as Draco popped his head back in. "Don't even think about getting out of that bed," he warned, raising his eyebrows in a threatening manner.

"Of course not, Madam Pomfrey," she said sarcastically, looking as innocent as possibly. Draco tried to look threatening, but couldn't help himself and simply laughed. Hermione stuck her tongue out at him and Draco shook his head at her.

"Don't stick out your tongue unless you're planning on using it, love," he warned and Hermione smiled.

"Who said I wasn't?" she threw back, making Draco smile as well. Then he disappeared again and Hermione relaxed, eyes on the door for quite a while after he was gone.

Draco closed the door behind him and kept his smile as he thought about Hermione. He made his way casually to the bathroom and proceeded to take an extremely cold shower. Draco only stayed in about ten minutes, wanting to be there if Hermione's pain came back. He dressed himself in baggy jeans and a black t-shirt, then ran a comb through his hair before exiting the bathroom. Draco decided to check on Hermione before he called Pomfrey, just so he would have updated information to report. He opened the door to see Hermione, laying down again, eyes closed.

"Draco? Did you call the nurse?" she asked when she heard the door squeak, not otherwise moving.

"No, not yet Hermione," he said, assuming she was asking because she hoped he hadn't. What she said next scared him. Hermione's breath caught in her throat as she tried to speak, teeth clenched.

"Could you go do that, please?" she asked; obviously something was wrong. Draco was scared; his eyes widened and he hurried over to her.

"Hermione?" he said, extreme worry showing in his voice. Draco noticed she was holding her stomach and shaking slightly, but that did the opposite of easing his fear.

"Please..." she pleaded. Draco practically ran back out to the common room, stopping to throw some powder in the fire. The head of Madam Pomfrey appeared a moment later, looking alarmed.

"Mr. Malfoy? Is everything alright?" she asked. Draco dropped to his knees in front of the fire and tried to explain as calmly as possible.

"Madam Pomfrey, it's Hermione. She woke up, evidently in pain, but wouldn't let me call you. She slept for another hour and seemed fine, but now she's not again. Dumbledore told us not to leave until he came back, and he hasn't. What do I do?" Draco asked, sounding desperate.

"Oh dear.... stay calm, Mr. Malfoy. I'll be right up; do not leave your quarters," she said and her head swirled away. Draco jumped up and ran back through the door of his room, then directly to Hermione's side. Hermione was, of course, still in bed, but was now on her side, curled into a ball, arms around her middle. Draco dropped to the floor beside her and immediately began to comfort her.

"Hermione, I'm here," he told her and wrapped his arm around her. She was shaking and rocking a bit back and forth, the tears returning to stream down her face. Draco kissed her and took her hand in his. "It's alright, love, I've called her, she's coming. You'll be alright, I promise," he told her gently. Hermione was breathing a little hard as she spoke.

"I love you, Draco," she whispered, just as Madam Pomfrey knocked on the portrait. Draco kissed Hermione quickly on the forehead and spoke back while standing.

"I love you too, Hermione. I have to go let the nurse in, I'll see you in a few minutes, alright?" Hermione nodded and squeezed herself tighter, letting out a whimper of pain that, to Draco, sounded all too familiar. He stood and ran back to the portrait just as Madam Pomfrey knocked again.

Draco opened the door as soon as he got there and Pomfrey came straight in, her black medi-witch bag in one hand. She didn't even acknowledge Draco as she flew past him and headed straight for Hermione's room.

"Madam Pomfrey!" Draco called, stopping the witch, "She's in my room," he said and pointed. Pomfrey looked a bit suspicious for a moment, as expected. "It's not what it sounds like, and I'd love to explain, but there IS the matter of my girlfriend in evident agony, so if you wouldn't mind?" he said, a bit disrespectful.

"I understand that you are worried, Mr. Malfoy, and will not hold that against you. Stay out here, please," she said and slipped into his room. Draco opened his mouth in protest but she was gone before he could formulate the words.

So, for the next hour, Draco paced across the common room like an expectant father. All he could think about was Hermione, running each worse-case- scenario in is head. **What if she really is sick? I should have called the nurse before, it's my fault if she's hurt. What if it's worse than it looks? What if she... if she... I can't even think it,** he thought and tried to push the terrible possibilities away. Draco had to be optimistic, for the sake of his sanity. **She's been in there an hour, what the hell is taking so long?** he thought and plopped down in one of the chairs, nervously drumming his fingers on the arm. Draco ran a hand through his hair and tried to think about something else. This task was, understandably, incredibly difficult, and Draco soon gave in and let his thoughts once again settle on Hermione.

Draco tried to think happy, not focusing on what was happening behind the door labeled Head Boy. He thought about their trip to Seattle, how she seemed to love every minute of it, even when they were stuck in traffic in the back seat of a taxi cab. He unconsciously smiled when he remembered the look on her face as she tasted that god awful coffee, then as he gave her the ring. Draco had never seen her look so happy has the moment he had opened the little black box and said the words that bound them together. The words that made him hers.

He was suddenly overcome with a desperate need to see her, kiss her, and make sure that she was still there. He sighed and continued to play the memory in his head; the trip to the Weasley's, and then the manor. His mother had been very nice to Hermione and he was glad, but deep down Draco felt that she had only approved of his relationship with Hermione because she knew his father wouldn't have. Draco wasn't worried; something told him meeting Hermione must have taken away all bad feelings Narcissa may have had for her, and he was content in believing that feeling.

The chime from the little town clock on the mantle brought Draco back to reality and sent through him a wave of memories, followed by a bolt of worry and a lesser of guilt. **Three o'clock. If I don't get some answers soon, I'm going to explode. It's that simple**

* * * * * * * * * *

After about five more minutes, Madam Pomfrey opened the door and exited the room, followed by Hermione, who was floating upright about three inches off the ground. Draco literally jumped out of his chair and spun to face them. Hermione looked as she had when he hand brought her the cup of tea, although a little annoyed. Draco couldn't help but feel a little better; at least she wasn't in pain. The nurse hurried across the common room, heading for the portrait.

"I must leave you here for a moment, Hermione. I'll be right back to collect you," she told the floating girl, then looked to Draco, but he was unable to read her expression. Hermione nodded and the woman exited the room, but left the door slightly open to allow reentry. As soon as she was gone, Hermione spoke.

"Come here, Draco. I can't move," she said and he hastily obeyed.

"You're on a first name basis with Pomfrey? Wait, what am I saying? What's wrong? How do you feel? And what does she mean, 'collect you'?" he asked, all questions in quick succession. Hermione smiled and took a semi-deep breath, preparing to answer them all.

"Evidently, although I don't think she'd like it if I started calling her 'Poppy', I don't know, she won't tell me, perfectly fine, and she's making me go to the damn hospital wing," Hermione said, answering all of his questions respectfully. Draco smiled and Hermione did the same.

"That's not so bad; at least you feel better, right?" he said, but Hermione's short-lived smile dropped.

"Draco, you can't come with me," she said, looking down. Draco was shocked for a moment, then looked as if he might actually explode.

"What?" he said quietly, sounding hurt and betrayed as well as angry. Hermione snapped her head back to him sharply.

"Draco," she said, placing a hand on his cheek, "It's not like I don't want you there. Pomfrey won't let you come until Dumbledore says you can leave the quarters; I already asked her."

"But Hermione, I can't sleep without you," he whispered. Hermione smiled and kissed him, a good, deep kiss; made for a goodbye neither wanted.

"Hopefully I'll be back before you have to try," she whispered back as she began to float toward the portrait.

"I'll come the minute he says I can, Hermione. I promise," he told her and Hermione nodded with a smile. Pomfrey opened the portrait enough for Hermione to get through and Hermione blew Draco a kiss before she disappeared through the crevice and was gone.

A/N DUN DUN DUN DUUUUUUN! What will happen now? What's wrong with Hermione? We still don't know what's up with Snape.... and why the HELL didn't Draco just go call the nurse, even though Hermione said not to? Why am I asking questions I already know the answer to? Haha, nope, not telling. Maybe I should go whisper to a cabby.

P.S. Sorry this took so long to get out, ff.net was being a booger and wouldn't let me on!

PRF:

JoeBob1379: Thanx, and yeah; I thought that was a cute touch.

Cinnamon-eyes: Thanx, and here we go!

Meggiebaby81: Thanx for your praise, and thanx for your support! I don't want a conspiracy against this Lirawen girl, though.... lol, she's annoying enough already. Oops, did I just write that? I think I did....oh well, can't change it now ;O)

Karly: You want to know what I think? DO IT NOW!

Starry Skies: Haha, mutated gerbils! I feel almost bad that everyone is ganging up on Lirawen, yes she was a little harsh, but she was just giving an opinion. Oh well... this being mean thing is too much fun! Yeah! Hm... I don't know, why don't we FIND OUT!

Hannah Grey: Yes, did I say something about legs? Oops. Oh well; that's later. Chappy 33, hehe... anyway... thanx for reading and what not, and I appreciate your review. I'm glad you feel me, man. Lol. 60's lingo....whoa boy.

Hasapi: You're always so nice to me! Aw, shucks! Lol.

Nikki: it's funny you say that, because Draco and Hermione have a conversation about that later on; lol... sort-of.... hehe, it's just a coinkydink I tink.

Lirawen: Alright, I see that this juvenile display of arrogance is not going to end with me having the last word, and I accept that. If you need to be the last one "laughing" as this ends, that's totally fine. If, as you say, 'insulting' you isn't going to get you to go away... how about ignoring you? Will that work? Let's try that, shall we? Yeah. Oh, and I apologize for the conspiracy. It was not my doing, these minions brought it together on their own. ::tear:: I'm so proud of them... :sniff:

Purplerks: Yeah, sorry this took so long... I had time/net problems. Anyway, enjoy!

And to Xia, if youre reading this, although I don't think you are, About your review to My Precious Empty Space (My other fic, check it out if you would, it's really short... only one chapter... worth reading) J/FYI, Xia, The song I used is from like 1970. I KNOW that it's not like that now, and it wouldn't be like that if it was a correct time line, but I never said in the fic what year it was.... I could have had them livin in the seventies if I wanted.... and the fic was inspired by the song, so I had to go along with the lyrics. If you read them, you would know that it clearly says that his fiancée was forced to stay behind. At least I made Hermione pregnant, which is an excuse. Firstly, you can't go to war when you're pregnant, and personally, if I had just had a baby and my husband was off at war, I wouldn't take the chance of getting both of us killed and having no parents for our child... but maybe that's just me. Maybe I have primitive, antifeminist values....but if you don't agree, I'm going to have to call you a tad bit inhumane. Thank you for your time, although you will probably never read this.