Pain, Hurt, and…Love?

Chapter Fifteen

A dash of Tears, A pound of Surprise

Disclaimer: Yet again…I own nothing here except the plot. That's all. Everything else belongs to the wonderful J.K.R!

As Hermione lay in bed with Draco early that evening, after spending their whole day with Lucius, she thought of that time Draco took her to his Mother's flower garden and a sudden frown formed on her face. As she cuddled closer to Draco she thought about the reason she had most become upset. Was it because I have never seen my own Father show the sort of love Lucius once showed to Nacrissa? Sure I know he loves her and everything, but does it bother me so much because I know my own Father has always been so good of hear and never hurt a soul in his life, while Lucius has for a fact hurt and killed many people in his time yet he showed more affection to Nacrissa then my own Father showed my Mother? Hermione felt warm tears well in her eyes and Spill onto Draco's bare chest.

Draco flinched when he felt her tears hit his chest. He looked down at her worried. Gently he stroked her hair. "Everything alright Love?" Hermione shook her head and sighed.

"Draco, do you remember the day you showed me to your Mother's flower garden?" When Draco nodded and said yes Hermione continued. "You know how I seemed a little upset." Draco nodded again not sure where she was going with this.

"Of course I remember Hermione. I was worried about you. I didn't know what was wrong, and you didn't seem to want to tell me. Do you know what it was that was bothering you so then?" Hermione shrugged.

"I think I sort of know. I mean I think it has to do with the fact that your Father seemed to show so much love for your Mother at one time, yet he is so evil and cold, well was evil and cold. And yet my own Father who has always been kind of heart never showed my Mother that same kind of attention. As a matter of fact…I don't have a reckolection of my Father even kissing my Mother. Or anything like that." Hermione felt more tears run down her face.

"Well Hermione. I don't know. That seems like a very strange reason to be upset. Just because your Father doesn't touch your Mother all the time doesn't mean he doesn't love her. I'm sure he does. I mean they couldn't raise such a kind hearted girl if they didn't." Hermione smiled a little.

"But Draco…it's just…My Father…I don't know. I really don't. I guess it just bothers me because I have, I have a bad memory of something. But I can't tell you." Hermione suddenly tensed up in Draco's arms and her frowned.

"What is it Hermione? You know you can tell me anything. So what happened? What is this bad memory of yours?" Hermione shook her head vigorisly.

"I-I can't tell you. I shouldn't have even said anything. My mouth just kept going. I don't know what came over me. Just forget I said anything." It was Draco's turn to shake his head.

"I don't think so love. Why can't you tell me? Who will know? Only I will. I won't tell a living soul if you don't want me too. I promise Hermione. You know I would never do anything that would harm you in any way. So tell me what is it." Hermione was finding it difficult to fight him.

She knew she could tell him. But she was scared that he would find out somehow that she had told him. But…she reasoned with herself…How would he if Draco never said anything. And no one else knows. I can't tell him. He'll never know. Never. Hermione nodded slowly. "Okay…I'll tell you. But you have to promise to never tell another living soul Draco Malfoy."

"Okay Hermione. I promise. You know I won't if you don't want me to." Hermione nodded and began with a heart wrenching tale that always upset her to no end.

"One evening I came home from spending all day out with my friend. As I came in the door I shouted out to my parents that I was home. I assumed they were in the sitting room, or possibly the kitchen. I didn't know. I headed upstairs to my room to put my things away when I heard a scream from the kitchen. I reckonized it to be my mother's and I became instantly worried. I dashed back down the stairs to see my Father standing over my Mother an obvious bruise forming on her face. I asked my Father what had happened even though I was pretty sure I knew what had gone wrong. He had hit her. And I knew it. He just glared at me and said, 'Your Mother was being disrespectful. Let that be a lesson.' When I nodded she stepped away from her and towards me. I tried to step away but he grasped my shoulder and jerked me towards him and said that if I ever told another living soul about this he would kill me." Hermione felt the tears flow from her eyes, sobbing softly she clung to Draco holding him tightly.

"Merlin Hermione. I had no idea. Why would your Father threaten you so? I don't understand." Hermione shook her head. Obviously not knowing why either. Draco rubbed her back in small circles "Shh now Hermione. It's okay. He won't find out you told me I promise. I won't tell him, or anyone. I promise." Hermione nodded the tears still falling.

Draco didn't know what to do. So he just held her close and sighed knowing there wasn't much he could do other then be there to support her in anyway she saw fit. He knew it wasn't much, but he also knew that there was nothing he could do to change the past. The past was the past and eventually she would get over it. But now it was still fresh in her mind. It must not have happened all that long ago. Recently if it still bothers her this much. Draco wondered if this had happened right before the attack. It would make sense. That is why she is so shaken by it. Because my Father attacked her, she has gotten the impression that her father would do the same to her. I just don't understand this. Why would Hermione Granger's Father hit her in any way? It just doesn't seem right. Draco smiled slightly as Hermione drifted off to sleep. Running a hand through her soft but mused hair.

"Where would I be without you Hermione Granger in my life?" A response from the doorway made Draco jump.

"You would be a miserable boy sitting at home waiting for your Father to come home. That's where you would be Draco." He smiled as his Mother walked in the room and looked down on the two. "Is she okay?" Draco frowned once more and shook his head.

"No. She's not. Her Father appearantly did something things that I can't repeat. I promised Hermione I wouldn't. Lets just say, it's things Father threatened but never did to you." Nacrissa frowned.

"Wow…Poor dear." Draco nodded.

After a moment of silence Nacrissa asked. "So, how's your Father?" Draco smiled widely at her.

"He's great! Never been better. You remember the way he was when you two first got together? When he really seemed to care?" When Nacrissa nodded Draco continued. "Well something happened when Hermione attacked him. He's kind and gentle. He even apologized for any damage he did to Hermione and I." Nacrissa looked skeptical at the idea of Lucius being so kind, especially around Hermione.

"Are you so sure Draco? How do you know it isn't just an act to get out of Azkaban?" Draco shrugged.

"Because he was nearly falling over himself with compliments to Hermione. They were sincere Mother. I could tell. The look in his eyes showed no hidden emotions or feelings of Hatred. It was a pure and simple truth. I know. I know when Father lies and when he is telling the truth. I know he wasn't lying. He doesn't even remember Hermione." Nacrissa didn't believe it. There was just no way, and the expression on her face told all. "Go see him yourself if you don't believe me. I'm sure he's still awake."

Nacrissa nodded and placed a kiss on Hermione's forehead before leaving.

How could he possibly change so fast? I mean I suppose that it is possible. But it just doesn't make sense. All well. The look in Draco's eyes tell me that he wants to believe it's true and if he does then I'll let him. If his father really has changed, I'll be shocked.

As Nacrissa neared his room she hesitated. Dare I go in there and test my luck? But if what Draco says is true…then I have nothing to worry about. Nacrissa slowly walked in. Nervous about what was really on the other side of the door.

To say the least she was shocked when she came in to find Lucius reading a book sitting in a chair by his window, a small smile playing on his lips as he read. He didn't seem to notice her so she just watched him for a while. I haven't seen him smile a real true smile in, years. I missed it so much. Nacrissa felt tears welling in her eyes. What Draco had said was true. The old loving Lucius was back.

Finally Nacrissa cleared her throat and Lucius jumped looking over to the door a grin spread on his face reaching his beautiful, clear blue, eyes. "Nacrissa! Love! I didn't even hear you come in!" Nacrissa smiled coyly back at him.

"I didn't want to disturb you, incase you were sleeping or something." Lucius jumped up and wrapped his arms tightly around her, placing a small kiss on her forehead before pulling away and looking at her.

"I have spent all day with our son and that lovely girl friend of his. I must say our son has impecible taste." Nacrissa laughed and Lucius' rich laughter mingled with hers.

"Well he surely doesn't get it from you. Must come from me." Nacrissa smiled broadly at him.

"You only wish Love. That really isn't the case at all now is it?" The smile and sparkle in his eyes told her that he was having a good time. I just hope that this never goes away again. I missed this so much over the last years.

Narcrissa lovinly wrapped her arms around his neck and placed a warm, gentle kiss on his lips. "I'm glad you are doing better. It will be good to have you back at home again. But I will have to go and do a little cleaning up before you can come home. Besides I'm sure the doctors will want to run a few tests on you before you leave. I'm sure Draco has told you of how you used to be." When Lucius nodded grimly and wrapped his arms tightly around his wife.

"And I will never go back to the man I used to be. No matter what happens. I won't let it happen. I have hurt to many people and that just isn't right. I should have never hurt you 'Cissa. Never. You or Draco. It wasn't right and I should have never even tried to hurt Hermione. She is amazing and no doubt those two get along wonderfully. I do hope he keeps her around permanently." Nacrissa smiled at him.

"It's been a long time since you have called me 'Cissa. I missed it. I hope this never goes away. Not again. I missed it." Lucius smiled down at her. Kissing her nose.

"I won't. I can promise you that much 'Cissa." He smiled and Pulled her to the bed wanting to be with her, needing to be as close to her as possible.

The next morning Hermione awoke to a strong arm wrapped around her and feeling of being lightweight and carefree. Wonder where that came from? Must be from telling Draco all of that. Getting it off my chest. Knowing he won't tell a soul. God…I love him. Hermione heard a little groan and looked up to see Draco's eyes flutter open.

"Morning Draco." He smiled down at her as she flashed him one of her beautiful smiled.

"Morning love. How do you feel this morning?" Hermione smiled broadly.

"I feel like I could take on the world. I feel better. Maybe it's because I know that someone else knows. Someone that I know I can trust with all my heart." Draco kissed her lips softly and gently.

"Good. You know you can tell me anything 'Mione. Anything at all. No matter what happens, you can always tell me. Now what do you say we pay my Father a visit and get some Breakfast then sign you out of here and get you home?" Hermione nodded and hopped out of bed. Draco smiled at her.

Once at the door they knocked. They were surprised to hear the voice of a woman on the other side of the door. "Hold on a moment. On my way." Hermione looked up at Draco puzzled. Draco shook his head.

"I think it's my mother. But it's hard to tell. But I'm almost positive that it is." Hermione smiled and nodded holding Draco's hand.

When Nacrissa opened the door she had just a sheet wrapped around her. Draco turned rather red and Hermione laughed. "Looks like someone had a, pleasant evening." Nacrissa beamed opening the door all the way so they could enter, Lucius pulling on his pants as they walked in. He smiled sheepishly at them as they came in Draco rolling his eyes and Hermione giggling.

"Wasn't expecting company if you couldn't tell." Lucius responded to their looks. He kissed Nacrissa softly as she walked over to him a brilliant smile on her face and glow to her that Hermione had never seen there before. Hermione could help but smile and laugh as Draco shook his head and rolled his eyes.

"Let me get dressed and we'll head down to breakfast together." Nacrissa gathered her things and headed to the bathroom flashing Lucius a warm smile before shutting the door and getting dressed.

Fifteen minutes later Nacrissa came out. Her hair was combed and she was all dressed and ready to go Lucius, Hermione, and Draco all stood up to go when she came out. They had been discussing a possible future and had Hermione and Draco sorely wanting the end of the school year to come already. Although both were Head Boy and Girl the only times they would be together was during classes and when they had to protrol the halls at night.

Hermione resoned that it was better then no time together at all, Draco had complied grudgenly.

As the four of them walked down the hall in couples each holding the hand of their love people couldn't help but smile at the sweet happiness that seemed to glow from each woman as they passed. It was obvious to all that these two were happily in love, and now that Lucius had changed his game around, things would be better. It was very noticeable to all the look of kindness and endearment he had for his wife. The sort of look that only one who was truly in love could hold.

As they sat down to eat the looks they recived were both questioning and yet, fascinated. Lucius just smiled at them all as he took a seat across from his son and next to his wife. "I think people are jealous what do you say?" Nacrissa laughed, her rich warm laughter filling the room.

Hermione and Draco shared a look. Each knew that this was the beginning of something wonderous.

A/N: Well there you go!! I got so many good reviews, minus one rather negtive one to which I must respond.

You see, I only said that because of the lack of reviews I have gotten the last few times I had reviewed I had every intention on keeping this story rolling. And I have every reason to now. Knowing that I have many reviewers who do with of me to continue. I will. I only hope that you will get over it and read this story ungrudenly.

To the rest of you who reviewed! I love you all and thank you! Your reviews were very inspirational! I only hope to keep getting more like those I got this last time I updated! I must say I have some of the best reviewers ever!!!! Thank you all so much! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!! Don't worry. There is a ways yet to go before this story is over!

Love you all!

DHL