A/N: Sorry for not updating for so long. In this chapter, you'll see that Draco is a flawed character and he's going to hurt Hermione.

ooooo

Chapter 5 – Let Me Fall

"Granger…Hermione!" Draco shouted to her.

She couldn't be bothered to reply him until she heard a loud howl that made her blood run cold. She turned back but Draco was nowhere to be seen.

He's a grown man. He should know how to take care of himself, she thought. Anyway, she needed to hurry before the werewolves picked up her scent.

The rustling of leaves and sudden darting movements in the dark alerted her that something was wrong. She backtracked as fast as she could to where she had abandoned Draco. Hermione stopped when she saw flashes of light illuminating the forest. What was that? Someone had cast a spell.

Then she heard a loud cry that sounded like Draco Malfoy. He was in trouble!

"That annoying show-off," she grumbled as she went to find him. Hermione finally saw him grappling with a man beast twice his size. The werewolf must have smelled his blood and preyed on him. It knocked Draco's wand from his hand and wrestled him to the ground. Quickly taking out her wand she pointed at the beast and shouted, "Expalliarmus!"

The man beast was flung far away by her powerful spell and growled menacingly before retreating into the forest. When it was gone, she hurried over to Draco and to her relief he suffered only scratches and bumps. "Are you all right?"

"I'm not dead yet," he replied sarcastically as he picked up his wand and brushed the dirt off his robes.

Hermione let out a sigh. Why did I even bother?

Before she could snap back at him for being a nuisance she noticed the silence in the forest – it was too quiet. Hagrid had told her that werewolves traveled in packs and were highly intelligent creatures. She knew they would never make it out of the forest alive if they took the same way back.

Think, Hermione, think.

"I remember Hagrid's tree house where he used to spend nights in the forest caring for magical creatures. We can hide there until morning," she told him.

"What! I will not bet my life on a drunkard gamekeeper's stories. Come on, you're wasting precious time." He grabbed her hand, intent on going his way but she pulled back.

"The tree house is real. I have been there before," she said, eyes blazing defiantly.

If only I could remember where…

"…with Scarhead and Weasel? Didn't want Dumbledore to find out about your delectable ménage a trois?" he mocked her.

Hermione ignored him and froze when she saw movement in the bushes and quickly shushed him. Her heart was pounding furiously as low growls could be heard lurking nearby. Draco must have heard it too and swallowed hard as he looked to her for a signal.

"Follow me, please," she whispered and he nodded without argument.

Lifting the wand high above her head, Hermione shouted, "Lumos solarum!"

A brilliant white light, as bright as the sun illuminated the surrounding forest. To her horror, she saw five werewolves hidden in the bushes, ready to pounce on them when the light blinded them. Grossly outnumbered, Hermione and Draco scampered down the path towards the tree house as fast as they could.

When they came to a forked path, Hermione hesitated -- one led towards the lake and the other towards the mountains. Which is the right way?

"Hermione, they're coming!" he pressed on. The werewolves were hot on their scent and a mistake could cost them their lives. She tried to remember what Hagrid had told her about looking for clues in the forest. "Look for the twin peaks," he had told her.

She looked around and found her clue; two large rocks jutting out from the side of one of the paths, pointing towards the sky. "This way!" she exclaimed.

ooooo

There was no time for second guesses as Draco followed Hermione down the path that led toward the mountains.

Merlin, help us if this was the wrong way, he thought but she seemed to know what she was doing.

They came to a tall tree – there was something different about this oak tree, it felt ancient and magical. His suspicions were confirmed when she tapped on the trunk and said, "Sanguis aesculatem!"

Blood wood? Was that the magical password?

At first, there was nothing but as Hermione stared up at the tree, a gnarled branch swooped down; branches circled her waist and swept her up into the dense foliage.

"Hermione!" Draco panicked as he watched her disappear into the trees. Where is it taking her?

He suddenly felt alone in the dark. His reflexes kicked up a notch as a twig snapped behind him. Before he could turn to face the onslaught, he felt the branches intertwine around him and lifted him off the ground. He cried out in terror, clinging on to the branch for life as a werewolf leaped and clawed at him, gnashing its sharp teeth.

In a desperate attempt, he managed to point his wand at the beast and shouted, "Petrificus!"

The werewolf was stunned by the spell and fell to the ground. The rest of the pack gathered around their petrified companion and was howling angrily at him from the foot of the tree. They seemed to know of this magical tree and dared not venture near.

A soft patch of moss cushioned his fall as the branch released him. Draco groaned as he lay flat on his back, staring up at the treetop -- its twisted boughs seemed to go on forever in different directions as the winds whispered a melancholic tune.

"Hermione!" he called out, the echo of his voice startled a group of birds as they flew from their perch.

"Up here and be quiet!" the hushed voice scolded him.

He looked up and saw her kneeling on a branch above him. Draco drew a sigh of relief knowing she was all right.

"Take my hand," she said as he grasped her hand firmly and climbed up the branch in a very ungraceful manner. He never had to climb a tree before and it was unnerving.

Holding on to one of the massive trunks for support, Draco almost lost his footing as he tried to adjust to his surroundings. Not far from their present position was a dilapidated shed, made from dried twigs and branches.

However, it was warm and cozy inside – a sliver of moonlight shone through the flimsy roof illuminating the interior with a cool blue glow. There was food and water stored in a wooden chest and a makeshift bed made from leaves and moss. Hermione found a medical kit and some water.

"Will you let me look at your injury now?" she inquired.

Draco nodded rather sheepishly and held out his injured arm. She told him to sit on the bed while she cleaned his bruises with antiseptic lotion and wrapped his arm with a bandage. Draco quietly observed her with a mixture of longing and loathing. He was almost killed by rampaging vines and werewolves tonight. More importantly, he had nearly lost his opportunity to tell Hermione what he truly felt about her. They had a good thing going back in Venice…if only there was a way to right the things that went wrong.

"Hmmm, I'm not sure if this will work. The vines that attacked us could be poisonous," she said.

"What will happen to me?"

Hermione looked up and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. The symptoms are varied -- some will die by asphyxiation, others become mad or lapse into a coma…"

He caught her hand before she put away the medical kit. Her brown eyes gazed apprehensively at his.

Draco said quietly, "You saved my life. I'm sorry I mistrusted you."

"It doesn't matter now. Someone deliberately planned to kill us tonight," she replied with a serious tone.

He nodded gravely. "We should be more careful. We still don't know why someone would want to harm either of us. Whoever it was, he or she will be sorry they ever crossed Draco Malfoy."

An awkward silence came between them. Draco didn't realize that he was holding her hand until she pulled it away and stood up.

"Anyway, we'll be safe here for tonight," she muttered and shivered as if she was cold. He noticed the dress she was wearing wasn't made to keep the wearer from the harsh weather. However, he found her incredibly sexy in that torn and dirtied dress.

"Take the bed, Hermione. It will keep you warm," he offered, ignoring the dull throb in his loins. He saw a flicker of recognition in her eyes -- she had not forgotten their time in Venice too. Slowly, he moved away and allowed Hermione to take the bed.

"Thank you," she whispered, with a wistful smile.

"Hermione," he began with a hesitant tone. "If I start to act strangely or become violent because of the plant's poison…I want you to save yourself and kill me."

Hermione's eyes widened. "What?"

"Yes, you heard me…I don't want to go mad or die a painful death," he said with a nervous laugh.

"Draco, you're not going to die," she protested. "A healer at St. Mungo's will help you and everything will be all right."

"I wish that were true because I'm beginning to feel sick," he told her as a wave of nausea hit him. Doubling over in pain, Draco slumped against the wall and shivered. He could vaguely hear Hermione calling his name when his vision blurred and he passed out.

He didn't know how long he was unconscious but he woke with the sun shining in his eyes. His head felt like lead as if he had a monstrous hangover after a bout of heavy drinking. The last thing he remembered was Hermione's face hovering over him. Suddenly, he felt cold and was surprised to find his naked self on the makeshift bed. What the hell happened here? he wondered.

Looking around, he realized he was alone in the shed. Draco tried to find his footing but his wobbly legs could hardly support him as he reached for his clothes. Something didn't seem right -- wasn't Hermione here with him last night?

Draco returned to Malfoy Mansion in a state of distress and it worsened when he realized that Pansy was there. He had wanted to slip into his study unnoticed but his mother had seen him.

"Draco dear, come here and help Pansy with the wedding arrangements. We've come up with a list of guests but we couldn't decide on which caterer to use."

"…and which flowers do you like – roses or lilies…I prefer roses," added Pansy excitedly. "They're so romantic, don't you think?"

He stared at the two women as though they were complete strangers. Turning to his mother, he asked, "Why is she here?"

Narcissa looked surprised. "Pansy wanted my opinion about certain matters pertaining to the wedding. Are you sure you're all right, Draco?"

"I'm sorry, mother. I'm just tired," he mumbled and ignored their curious stares.

"Where were you last night?" Pansy demanded, looking hurt.

"Where I went doesn't concern you," Draco snapped irritably. Flinging his cloak aside, he retreated into his bedroom and put a hex on the door in case anyone tried to interrupt him. After a long shower, he crept into bed and welcomed the much needed rest.

As he slept he dreamed of the night in the Forbidden Forest – images of Hermione naked on the bed with swollen lips and tears rolling down her cheeks filled his mind. Draco's eyes immediately flew open in shock.

What have I done?!

Draco buried his head in his hands and tried to will it all away but the truth was that he had forced himself on Hermione. Why didn't she fight back? Why didn't she run away like he told her to? It wasn't supposed to happen this way. Damn woman!

Pacing the room restlessly, he tried to think of a way to speak to Hermione and hopefully she would forgive him.

ooooo

She had dreamed about him again.

Pulling the comforter over her head, she shut her eyes forcing back tears that had threatened to fall. Please let me, let go…

Since that day Hermione had poured all her energy into her studies, refusing to allow Draco to distract her. She kept a tight rein on her emotions but at night, her refusal to deal with her feelings caused them to come out in her sub-conscious -- her dreams were filled with him; the feel of his body pressed against hers, his touch warming her skin and smell of his cologne.

She had returned to Hogwarts that morning and had managed to hide in her room, refusing to speak to anyone. Draco had sent many owls to her but all his messages ended up in a rubbish heap.

What is wrong with me? He is marrying Pansy! Have I been too hasty in my desire-muddled stat? Why did it have to be Draco? My life is already complicated as it is.

All she felt was shame and regret as the events of that fateful night replayed in her mind…

She gasped at the sight of Draco writhing in convulsions on the ground. His face was as white as a sheet and his eyes, dilated and glazed over. Green vomit dripped from his mouth and formed a puddle on the floor near his face.

"Hermione, run away…save yourself," he said between gasps.

"I can't…I can't leave you here," she pleaded but he grabbed her shoulders and shook her.

"Listen to me! I don't know what I'll do to you…I'll hurt you."

Draco held his head as he screamed in agony. She could only watch helplessly while silent tears flowed down her cheeks. Hermione flung her arms around him and sobbed.

"It's going to be all right…it's going to be all right…"

But he pushed her away forcefully. "LEAVE ME!"

"Don't say that," she shouted back, her voice quivering with emotion. "Draco…"

Hermione reached out and touched him. His skin was burning and beads of sweat started to form on his face. Draco was shivering uncontrollably.

"Let me help you," she said, pulling the weakened Draco to his feet. She guided him towards the bed and laid him there. "I'll get a blanket to keep you warm."

He whimpered and reached out for her. "Hermione…"

Draco looked so weak that she became worried he might not last till morning. As soon as she came to his side, he grabbed her hand and rolled her under him, his strength brutal and overpowering.

"Draco, what are you doing?" she said franticly, struggling to free herself from his vise-like grip. Hermione thought he was going to kill her but there was something unusual in his eyes – they had a wild look in them.

She shivered as his possessive gaze roamed her body. It was both frightening and thrilling. He cupped her face and kissed her roughly. "Hermione I need you," he muttered urgently as he worked his way down her throat, biting and sucking her flesh.

Her dress tore easily in his hands. Trapping her body between him and the bed, Draco forced a knee between her thighs.

"Draco…" he cut her off with another kiss.

"I need you Hermione. Don't say no."

All thought of refusing him disappeared and replaced by a need to have him just this once. Draco was an attractive man and her body was responding to his fevered caresses. Hermione was losing a battle to give in to her most primal desires.

I can't do this…

Despite her silent protests, she yielded to him.

"Draco," she gasped as his mouth wandered lower kissing and nipping at bare flesh, exploring her body intimately. She grabbed at the edge of the bed and shivered, his wicked tongue was doing unimaginable things to her. Closing her eyes, she felt pleasure building in her stomach, not recognizing her own breathy moans but enjoying the sound of them. Hermione almost sobbed when he pulled away but her desire was to be denied only for a moment.

He slid back on top of her, his arousal pressing against her thighs.

She bit her lower lip hard, muffling a gasp as he took her, plunging into her warm depths. The pain of penetration subsided only to awaken another powerful need, a need to feel him deep inside her. Arching her hips to match his frenzied thrusts, she came as waves of ecstasy washed over her.

Draco's expression was a mixture of bliss and pure torture as he gave one final thrust into her and cried out his release. Hermione sobbed his name, wanting so badly to believe that it was the true Draco and not some delusion brought on by fever.

There was a saying that the darkest hour was before dawn. Hermione stared at the rays of sunlight filtering through the shed as the night passed. She turned to gaze at her sleeping lover – how calmly he slept. His fever seemed to have subsided – he would be well again. Perhaps he would not even remember this night. She got up quietly, careful not to wake him as she dressed. Taking a final glance at Draco's sleeping form, she let out a wistful sigh before stepping out of the shed.

ooooo

You're fooling yourself, Hermione. You're attracted to him…You wanted him to make love to you…You wanted it as much as he did.

Frustration mixed with longing roiled her stomach as tears started to fall. Many a night, she had dreamed of Venice and her Othello. Sometimes they were sensual and other times they were violent and dark. Did he dream of her too?

The room began to feel claustrophobic and she found it hard to breathe.

I need to get out and clear my mind, she thought as she grabbed her jacket and headed towards the lake. The calm ripples on the lake were a balm to the tempest within her as birds flew across the water. She thought she was alone.

"Hermione."

His familiar voice sent reverberating tingles through her. She gasped when his hands circled her waist and pulled her close. "Draco, please no…" she said, moving away from his addictive embrace.

"Hermione, what is it?" he asked with tenderness she was not accustomed to. "Do you know how hard I tried to find you? You refuse to answer my owls or see me."

Turning to face him, she saw him now fully clothed, every bit the Malfoy she had despised and realization hit her – she had to end this here and now.

"Draco, you said very nasty things about me, you hate my friends, made my life miserable in school and your parents are…well…interesting…and you're hardly my type," she managed to blurt out.

His gray eyes darkened as he stepped closer. "What are you trying to say?"

"We're not meant to be. You're marrying Pansy."

"Hermione, I know what happened in the Forbidden Forest…" he began.

"It's all a lie," she interrupted him, her voice trailing off.

Draco fell silent as the leaves rustled in the gentle breeze. She could tell he was confused and angry -- his expression was severe and his fists curled until his knuckles turned white.

Finally, he looked at her and said, "Hermione, I want you to know that despite appearances…I love you."

"Draco, I…" she hesitated, unsure of what to say as she stared, mesmerized by his gray eyes. Her heart pounded so hard she thought it would pop out.

He could barely keep his calm as he grabbed her shoulders roughly, his voice thick with emotion. "I don't know why I feel this way. All I know is that this was not what I had planned… not in a million years. I never meant to hurt you and I'm sorry. Let me make it up to you."

Her resolve not to let him near her again crumbled like a house of cards as a flood of raw emotions rushed through her body. Hot tears started to well up in her eyes but she couldn't bring herself to admit it.

I love you too…

Draco ran his hand through his blond hair and sighed. His shoulders slumped in desolation. In her heart, she knew the price to pay was too high for either of them.

If only you'd tell me there's a chance for us…

Slowly, he turned and looked at her. "I have no feelings for Pansy. It was my father's decision that I marry her. Hermione, if I wasn't a Malfoy, would you love me?"

What's the meaning of life if I have to spend it avoiding heartaches?

She nodded. "Yes, I would."

Stillness hung between them, and the memory and longing swirled up inside her heart as his fingers gently wiped a tear from her cheek. Taking her hand to his heart, he simply said, "Come with me. "

Hermione was confused. "What? To where?"

"I may have made a lot of mistakes but I'm not about to make the biggest mistake in my life," he said. "There's a place I'd like to show you. It's not far from here."

TBC