Disclaimer – I do not own anything but the plot. J.K.R does.

Chapter three

Tears and Kisses

Draco didn't know how long he had been stood there, just staring at his reflection, when there was a knock on the door causing his head to snap around and his heart to leap up into his throat. "Is everything ok? You've been in there an awfully long time." "Yes, I'm fine" he said. "I'll be out in a minute". Turning around to face himself again, he placed his hands on the sides of the sink and leaned closer.

"Okay Malfoy" he told himself, "get a grip, you have to face her sometime, you can't stay in here forever. Anyway, you've had a hot meal and the chance of a hot shower, what more do you want? If Hermione screams at you to get out, you have still gained not lost. Now get out there and thank her for her generosity."

Draco stood up straight and ran his long fingers through his damp hair. Removing the towel he picked up the jogging bottoms from the pile and held them up to him. They seemed to be the right length, but since when was he so picky. He sat on the side of the bath and pulled them on. Standing he tightened the cord at his waist so that they wouldn't fall down. Next he picked up the white cotton T-shirt and pulled it over his head.

Taking a deep breath he walked over to the door and placed his shaking hand on the handle. Fighting the urge to jump out of the window he slowly turned the handle and pulled the door towards himself. Peeking out he noticed that his clothes were gone from the floor.

Frozen to the spot Draco saw Hermione walking gracefully towards him with a mug of something hot and steaming. Hermione was concentrating so much on not spilling the coffee that she didn't see him at first. "Good, your out," she said. "I thought you might like a mug of..........Draco" She let the mug fall from her fingers as she stared at the occupant of her bathroom, hot coffee splashing up her legs.

A range of emotions swept over her before finally settling on concern, as she took in his appearance. He was so thin. The bags under his eyes made her wonder how long it had been since he'd had a good nights sleep. Taking a step closer Hermione saw Draco's eyes widen as though he was afraid of what she would do.

With his heart thumping in his chest Draco saw Hermione take a step closer to him. "Say something," he screamed at her silently. "Anything". He couldn't move, his bare feet felt like they were glued to the floor. A prickle behind his eyes threatened to cloud his vision.

Hermione must have sensed how distressed he was, because she swiftly closed the gap between them and took him in her arms. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," he said into her shoulder. He wrapped his arms tightly around her as he felt the hot tears run down his face. It was the first time he had cried since he went on the run, and he didn't think he could stop.

Finally his legs gave way as his body was racked with sobs, taking Hermione down with him. She held him as she would a small child, stroking his hair and rocking him back and forth. "It's ok" she said, "let it out." She wasn't sure that he heard her but she didn't care, he needed comfort and that's what she would give him.

Looking down at him, Hermione couldn't get over how different he was. What had happened since graduation day? Why was he living on the streets? Muggle streets at that. Why couldn't he go home? Surely his father would help him. There were so many questions that were going through her head, questions that she hoped he would be able to answer.

Coming out of her train of thought she realised Draco had stopped crying and was looking at her intently. "You look tired," she said down to him, wiping the tears from his pale cheek with her thumb. His eyes looking quite red in comparison. "I should go," he said in reply, struggling to get to his feet. "You are in danger as long as I stay here, I've been here longer than I intended already". "What are you talking about? Are you in some sort of trouble?" "Something like that" he said. "I really should go. Thank you so much for everything you've done for me". He bent slightly to kiss her cheek and took a hesitant step towards the door.

Hermione put her hand on his arm. "You don't have to go, no one knows you're here. You look exhausted. Please, rest?" Draco looked towards the door again. He looked anxious to leave. "Come on," she said, gently tugging his arm, "don't worry." Draco obediently followed Hermione into her bedroom and sat on the bed. "Get some sleep, you'll feel better when you wake up." She kissed his forehead and smiled down at him one last time before leaving him alone.

Flopping down on the sofa she closed her eyes. She would leave him to sleep, and when he woke up she just hoped that he would be willing to answer all her questions.

To be continued................

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Sorry for the short chapter but I'm still trying to figure out where this is going. I have a vague idea but I'm having a little trouble putting it into words. I really don't want to disappoint my readers. Please review and let me know how you think I'm doing. xxx