As always, thank you so much for the reviews. You have many questions, but hopefully they will be answered by the end of the story, and I'm hoping to get some flashbacks in, showing how Voldemort actually took over. But you're just gonna have to wait a little while.

This chapter is dedicated to snazzysnez! Happy birthday sneha! This is for you hun!

Chapter 14.

Hermione did not heed to James' warning, and the next day, arrived at Draco's room with fresh sheets. The entire castle was buzzing about the fact that a dozen slaves had disappeared overnight. Hermione had been threatened repeatedly, but as of yet, no one had laid a hand on her, to tell them what had happened. She had returned to what used to be the Gryffindor tower late last night with Snape next to her, and she had immediately returned to bed. Part of her wished that she could leave with those girls who left a few minutes before, but she knew that she had to stay till the end. She had important things to do before the end.

She was therefore in a subdued mood when she arrived at Draco's, and knocked on the door. When no one answered, she let herself in and stripped the bed, replacing it with new ones. She cleaned up the empty bottles that were strewn on the floor and table, and was busy wiping the table when Draco walked in. He stopped at the doorway, surprised to see her working quietly. Hermione did not turn around. She did not acknowledge his presence.

She heard him close the door behind him, and drop his bag on the floor. She heard his footsteps sound on the floor, coming towards her, and she stared into the blazing fire. He stopped a few feet behind her, unsure whether to speak.

She continued to clean.

He stretched out his hand, taking in her appearance, memorizing it, in fear that she would leave and never come back. His fingertips brushed her bare arm, and she stilled, her heart beating faster and faster. His fingers trailed down her arm, setting it on fire as his fingers met hers.

She turned to him then, as his hand caught hers. They were inches apart now, and Hermione gasped at the sorrow in Draco's eyes. His free hand rose up to her cheek, and cupped it gently, brushing her lips gently with his thumb, his eyes fixed on her lips, remembering what he did to her weeks before.

His hand travelled to the back of her neck, tangling itself in her hair, and she leant forward, leant into his embrace, into the warmth and shelter that he created by just being there. Her head rested on his chest, his arms enveloped around her waist, holding her close, holding her like she was the only thing in the world that mattered to him, holding her as if he never wanted to let go.

Everything fell away, all the bad things that had happened to her and that were happening disappeared, all the pain and worry went along with it, and it was just the two of them, in their own little world.

When the time comes, you'll know what to do.

That was what James had said, and it was true. Now was the time, and Hermione knew what she had to do. She knew what she wanted to do. She wanted to be with Draco, she wanted him to hold her like this. She did not care that it was wrong, and it was not allowed. She did not care that he was the son of what used to be one of the most dangerous men in the wizarding world; all she cared was that this felt right.

She looked up at him then, a small smile on her face, lighting her eyes. He looked down at her, and brought his mouth down to meet hers, a light, soft kiss, unlike the one she had received a few weeks ago from him.

They broke apart, but Hermione still held onto him, savouring his warmth. "I'm sorry for what I did." He said softly. "I don't know why I did it."

"Forget it." Hermione said shortly. "I have."

"Good." He said in relief. "That's good."

Hermione sighed happily, burying her face into his clothes. She could feel Draco's fingers run through her hair, stroking it gently, and she shivered. Draco cuddled her closer to him, wrapping his arms around her.

"If anyone comes in here, my bad boy reputation is so screwed." He commented absently.

"I think that won't be the only thing that is screwed." Hermione replied quietly. Draco was silent, they both knew what would happen if they were found together.

"Don't think about that." He said after a while.

Hermione nodded, pushing back the negative thoughts. "I saw you yesterday."

"Where?"

"At night, in one of the corridors. You were talking to Snape."

Hermione felt his hand still on her hair, his body tensing. She looked up at him, curious eyes falling onto his face. "What?"

"Why were you there?" Draco asked stiffly.

"I-I just w-was." Hermione stuttered. She couldn't tell him the truth. Not yet anyway.

"Why was Snape also there?"

"He didn't hurt me, if that's what you're thinking." Hermione said. Draco looked pointedly at her.

"He's a Death Eater." He stated.

"He's not like them." Hermione said firmly.

Draco snorted. "And Voldemort enjoys tea parties every Sunday." He said sarcastically.

"It's true!" Hermione protested. "Well, not about the tea parties bit. But Snape is different. He doesn't hurt me."

"I'll just feel more comfortable if you didn't see any Death Eaters."

"You think I have a choice? You think I want to spend time with people who kill girls like me for fun? Draco, my life is very different from yours. I just can't ask Voldemort to only serve you, whatever he wants, I have to do."

Hermione untangled herself from Draco and picked up her basket with the sheets in. "I should go."

"You're mad at me." Draco said dejectedly.

Hermione turned to look at him, and quickly kissed him. "No, I'm not." Hermione said when they parted. "You just have to learn that you can't look after me all the time." She said, kissing him again.

"I'll always look after you." Draco said, as Hermione approached the door. "Whether you like it or not. I'll look after you till I die."

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