A/N- Hey everyone! Doesn't it feel like summer! Well it does over here on the east coast…soooo excited! Anyways- thanks again to all the fantastic reviews! Hugs goes out to everyone who takes the time to read and review : )…and to answer a review- I do think I'll put Harry and Ron in here…I just haven't found a place to put them in yet. But they might come later in the story. Okay so, drum roll please….bum bum bum bum (or however a drum roll sounds) bum bum bum BUM! Here is the chapter you've all been waiting for! When you find out what happened "that night" (hence...the title.) Actually, to be honest I didn't know what to call this, so I realized that whenever people asked if they would read about this soon…they'd address it as "that night". So, thanks for the inspiration! I was going to wait for a little while longer…but I decided to not be mean. So…enjoy- and please review if you liked it! xo

Disclaimer- Nope- don't own it!

Last time: "Hermione, I hate to stop this but I have to ask. Where is Blaise?"

Hermione sat up worried. "You don't know? I thought he was with you. He went out running after 'you' left."

"He did?"

"Yes."

"Shit."

Chapter 9- That night

Draco realized, when kissing Hermione, that he hadn't heard from Blaise all day. They had left him in the morning to get coffee, but that was the last time he saw him. Hermione said she was with him about an hour ago before he chased Pansy down the street. But, surely he would have came back by now. Something wasn't right.

Draco slid off the bed and looked like he was getting ready to leave. He put his shoes back on, grabbed a jacket off the floor, and started looking for his wand. Hermione, slightly confused, sat on the edge of the bed with her feet dangling over the side.

"Why? What's wrong?" she asked watching him walk around hurriedly.

"If he's not here, then he's with Aleesa." He answered fast, still in frantic search of his wand.

"Oh no…" She said quietly, brow furrowed. Hermione looked up at Draco and became annoyed he was running around so anxiously; it made her nervous. "But Blaise has his wand, he can take care of himself, it's just Aleesa." She said, reassuring herself.

Draco stopped for a moment and looked at her slowly, "Just…Aleesa?"

"What's the worst she could do?"

"You have no idea. She's a twisted one." He replied and went back to checking under the bed and in the drawers.

"If you knew that then why were you going to marry her?"

"Hermione this isn't the time….and I didn't have a choice in the matter." He said now thoroughly frustrated by the disappearance of his wand and now her nagging. It also didn't help at the thought of his best mate being eaten alive right now.

"But you still fell in love with the "twisted" one" She pursued, using her fingers as quotation marks around the work twisted.

"Hermione…please" Draco said through gritted teeth. "I need to go out and find Blaise."

Hermione quieted down. Yes, she knew he truly loved her, but after Pansy said those things to her, it got her thinking just how much. 'We'll discuss this later'.

"FUCK!"

"Draco…"

"Where the hell is it?"

"Is what?"

"My wand!"

"Oh. It's on the sink in the bathroom." She exclaimed calmly.

"Hermione!" He threw his hands in the air and shouted incredulously at the fact she didn't tell him sooner.

"How was I supposed to know what you were looking for?" Hermione decided not to raise her voice. She figured he was just stressed because he was worried about Blaise. As was she, but he was doing enough yelling for the both of them. Besides, she did enough shouting a few minutes ago.

"I- …right." He left the room and jogged to the bathroom. Looking at the sink he found his wand and went back to the bedroom. He placed a kiss on her temple and put his jacket on.

"I'm going to get Blaise. I'll be right back."

"Draco, I'm sure he's fine. He's probably on his way here right now." Trying her efforts to calm him down…

"You can never be to sure."

Hermione found Draco's behavior peculiar this night. It was almost as if they switched places; she was usually the stressful one while he was calm and collected. 'Something happened with him and Aleesa that he's not telling me.' She thought.

Ignoring her thoughts, she followed Draco who had turned and jogged down the stairs. As he opened the door they both stopped, surprised to find Blaise staring back at them. Hermione and Draco would've probably laughed at the irony if it was any other time.

"Hey Blaise, come on in." Draco welcomed coolly, acting like he wasn't about to run off and save the day.

"Thanks."

The three walked in silence through the living room and into a dining area, each taking a seat at the wooden table.

"So…is everything okay here?" Blaise started.

"With…?" Draco asked

"Oh! Between me and Draco? Yes, everything's fine. I thought about what happened and it eventually made sense. See, you had left and said that you didn't think that, well whoever "Draco" was, wasn't really him. And when I thought about it, I didn't think it was him either. Then when he came back, he sincerely did not remember me slapping him, so I figured it was some memory charm. But once he showed me his arm, I knew she used something less powerful that had just made him unconscious for a while. It was pretty simple really." Hermione finished her speech proudly and looked at Draco. He half smiled at her and turned to Blaise.

"So, what really happened?"

"Everything that Hermione said. I heard your conversation through the door and knew it wasn't you after "you" told her that Aleesa was the right choice. So, I waited till you left, followed you, or should I say her-"

"Don't tell me it was Pansy."

"Sorry mate, it was. So, I followed her out and found her just after she transformed back."

"And then?"

Blaise quickly eyed his arm and then back to Draco. It was such an unnoticeable gesture that neither would have seen it if they weren't looking directly at him.

"And then I went back home to shower." He answered simply.

"Well how-" Draco started doubtfully.

"I know I know, it's hard for you two to believe that I'm taking this so easily. But, I've thought about it, and I think you two should be together. You've had such a long history, and many more memories that Hermione and I could ever have. So, I'm letting her go."

Now Draco was really confused. He was about to ask Blaise on how he dealt with the situation, but Blaise went off on a whole new subject. And there was no one here to pretend for…so why was he? It was almost as if Blaise knew what Draco was going to ask, but wouldn't allow him. Draco, who was sitting at the head of the table, looked to his left to try and find some help from Hermione. Hermione just sat there with her brow furrowed, and she was biting her bottom lip slightly, deep in thought. He then looked back over to Blaise with a complicated expression on his face. It was as if he was trying to convey something, without drawing to much attention to him. He seemed as if he had to say something dire, but hoped Hermione would figure it out. Just then, the light above them started to flicker, and shortly died. Draco was about to get up and replace it, but Blaise quickly jumped up before him. 'Perfect opportunity to show her.' Blaise reached his left arm up to untwist the blown light bulb. But when he did, his jacket sleeve got tugged down a bit, revealing his gold bracelet. Hermione broke out of her daze when Blaise stood up, gasping from realization when she saw it. 'Brilliant.' He thought.

"Um- Draco! Come help me find a replacement for that bulb."

"But, Hermione, we're wizards. We can-"

"Draco! Don't argue. You know how my house has muggle things, and I forgot where I put them." Hermione widened her eyes real quick at him, and walked up the stairs with Draco following suit. She pulled him into her bedroom and cast silencing charms around the room.

"Okay can you please tell me what's going on here?" Draco asked aggravated.

"Draco, did you see the bracelet?"

"What bracelet?"

"The one on his arm!"

"No."

"Well that bracelet is the reason for his odd behavior tonight. If I'm correct, I believe that the bracelet has a proferre actio charm."

"I've never heard of that."

"Very few have. It's only in one book in the restricted section at Hogwarts's library."

"Of course." Draco answered sarcastically.

Ignoring him, she continued, "The proferre actio is a serious charm that controls the mind and body."

"Controls?"

"Well, sort of. The person under the spell can do whatever they please, but the person who placed them under it can review whatever they did. And if that person is powerful and determined to gain something, it's not good."

"Do you know how to get it off?"

"Yes. But I cannot deactivate it. Only Aleesa can do that."

"That doesn't matter. We just need to get rid of it,"

"Draco that might not work. I think we should just leave it alone until I do a little more research."

"Hermione, trust me."

Draco's eyes searched hers for agreement. She sighed, "Fine."

The two walked back downstairs and sat back down with Blaise.

"So, where's the light bulb?"

"Blaise give me your arm."

Blaise's arm shot across the table as he looked at Draco for some explanation. Draco only stared at Hermione who was saying some counter curse with an extra incantation to get it off. Blaise turned back to Hermione when he heard a 'click' and felt the air hit his wrist. Hermione put away her wand and picked up the bracelet. Draco and Blaise both sighed from relief as Blaise rubbed his wrist.

"Thank God that thing is off." Blaise said relieved.

"Forget God. You better thank Hermione or your ass would've still been under watch."

"Yeah. Thanks Hermione."

"Sure." She smiled halfheartedly.

"Hermione, its fine. I'll get rid of it later, I promise." She smiled at him. Turning his attention back to Blaise, "So, how'd you get into this mess in the first place?"

"Well, I was with Pansy and Aleesa tonight and was made a proposition. I was supposed to use this bracelet to get information about you two….I don't know what she could possibly learn except that you two are together again-"

"She wanted information for Lucius." Draco cut him off. Hermione's head snapped into Draco's direction when she heard his name.

"Why would she want to help Lucius?" Blaise asked bemused.

"They both want to get rid of Hermione. He knows Hermione's back, and he got Aleesa to help him. And I guess, she chose to work through you and Pansy."

"But what will she get out of it?"

"It's Lucius. He'll give her anything she wants."

"Isn't in marrying you enough money?" Blaise said without thinking, but immediately took it back after seeing both their faces. "That….didn't come out like it was supposed too."

"Yeah well, you would think so. But it's not enough." He said ignoring his last comment.

"But what else would he want from Hermione? It's not like she's marrying you."

"Still. Hermione is doing exactly what he told her not to."

"What do you mean?"

"Draco…I don't think you should continue." Hermione cut in. The two men completely forgot she was sitting there for a moment, so they did not see her start tearing up.

"I'm sorry love." Draco got up and walked over to Hermione and stared kissing her gently. Blaise getting bored cleared his throat. The two broke away and Draco pulled up a chair next to hers, fingers still entwined. Now they were staring back across the table at Blaise.

"Do you mind if we-"

"It's fine Blaise. I'll be alright."

"Okay. So, continue."

"Right, like I was saying, Lucius told Hermione to stay far away. And she did for a while, but I went after her. We were together for two more years, and engaged." Blaise's mouth dropped open.

"What! You never said anything!"

"Yea for her safety. I know you would never tell, but it was dangerous for even one person to know."

"And he never found out or asked you?"

"Hey. What he didn't know wouldn't hurt him."

"But, how did he find out in the first place?" Blaise said, still a little unsure.

"Well that part is still unanswered."

Blaise looked at him, eyes saying '…and?'

"It's a long story." Draco said almost apologetically. He couldn't make Hermione relive it, but she wanted Blaise to know.

"Well then maybe you should start from the beginning." Hermione said quietly.

Draco looked into her eyes, waiting to see if she was okay with him continuing. It's wasn't really as if he wanted to relive the worst night of his life either. But, she expressed no signs of stopping and Blaise's interest was thoroughly peaked. Draco closed his eyes, kissed Hermione's forehead, and started….

"Well, it happened during May of our 7th year…"

FLASHBACK

All the students at Hogwarts were getting restless in their classes for it was towards the end of May, and school was to be let out in three weeks. The seventh years were exceptionally busy doing last minute N.E.W.T.S. studying, few college applications, and of course, Graduation. Thankful for the weekends, the students took a break from their busy schedules. The Head Boy and Girl were in their common room one Saturday evening, while the rest of the students were at Hogsmeade.

"Draco get off!" Hermione said playfully who was being attacked by Draco on the couch. He had just finished kissing her and was now tackling her neck. "I have to study!"

"Okay fine. If that's what you really want." He whispered in her ear, and then lightly nibbled on it before he got off.

"No I was just kidding!" She said, pulling him back down.

"I know." He smirked and then kissed her passionately once more.

After minutes of snogging on the couch, Hermione released her self for air. Draco, somewhat disappointed, decided to ask her now before he forgot.

"Hermione, do you want to go somewhere?"

"Like...Hogsmeade?"

"No. Everyone's there."

"So you want to be somewhere alone?" she asked seductively.

"Maybe." He smirked back.

"Were alone right now."

"No but I want to take you somewhere else."

She gave up and asked girlishly "Okay, where Draco?"

"My house." He answered simply.

Her face dropped. "Your house?"

"Yes my house."

"Draco I'm not sure. Your father-"

"Won't be there. He's never home."

"Well…what about your mother?"

"She isn't either. It'll be fine. Besides, I want to show you my room." He smirked, playing with the bottom hem of her shirt.

"Draco, it's probably not very smart for me to go there. You never know what could happen. And what happens when Harry and Ron come back? If they're looking for me and I'm not here-"

"Then they'll come back later. They know you're with me."

"Exactly." She mumbled.

"Hermione please? I don't beg, but this is really important."

"Why?"

"It's a surprise."

"What kind of surprise?"

"A big one."

"Will I like this surprise?"

"You'll love it."

"Alright."

"Yes." Draco smiled while swooping her up, cradling her in his arms and apparated to Malfoy Manor.

Apparating to his front door, he put Hermione down whose mouth now fell agape. She's never saw such a beautiful house before. She pushed open the huge black wooden doors and was now standing on a marble floor. To the left and right of her were many rooms, and straight ahead was a huge winding staircase that started on the floor and wrapped around the perimeter of the walls.

"Do you want a tour?" Draco snapped her out of that trance with his arm bent out.

"I would love a tour." Hermione smiled and slid her arm through his as he led her up the stairs…

They went into many rooms, the library being her favorite, though all were extravagant. When finished, Draco led her into his sliver and green room telling her to open two doors while he went to his dresser. Hermione complied and opened the doors that led to a small outstretched balcony; it had a perfect view overlooking their grounds. She stepped out taking in the breeze passing by, and looked at the sky turning dark. Before she was about to go in, she felt a strong body press against her back gently. Draco put his hands over her eyes, so she couldn't see the surprise. Before he let go, he kissed her gently on the cheek and bent down to her ear,

"You know why I brought you here today? It's because I wanted to promise you something. Hermione, I love you, and I don't tell you that enough because I assume you know that. But I shouldn't. Because you never make me assume. You show me everyday, just how much you love me, and allow me to do the same. I've never trusted anyone as much as you, and that is why you have my whole heart. You're my best friend, and although were only 17, I've never been so sure about anyone else in my life. And I thank you for choosing me to be you're love."

"Draco.." Hermione whispered, feeling a tear escape from her eyes. Draco too felt this, and decided to let go. When she felt him release his grip, in front of her was a levitating box. She looked at Draco hopefully but timidly, while he only smiled in return. Hermione opened the box, and found nothing but a small silver band in it. It wasn't adorned with diamonds, and certainly was not an engagement ring.

"Look inside."

Hermione took the ring out and looked on the inside of it. Inscribed in script was the words "With all my heart, I promise." Hermione smiled at the words and looked up to Draco for an explanation.

"It's a promise ring. Now, I know those muggles have something like this promising their daughter to the father, which is…a bit…weird."

Hermione laughed at his misunderstanding, but ignored it. "Umm…something like that."

"But in the magical world, it's different. Or at least it is to me. See, we never talked about marriage, but I know I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So, today, I promised myself to you, we don't have to get married yet."

Hermione could feel her eyes becoming heavy again with joy. She turned around and jumped on him, her hands behind his neck. Draco smiled but then added as an afterthought, "Oh, when we do get married, I'll get you another ring." Hermione laughed and slipped the ring on. After a few more hours of talking, snogging, and even watching a movie (Hermione and him apparated to a theater), Draco fell asleep. It wasn't on purpose, but they were lying on the bed in each other's arms, and he was tired. Hermione, not sleepy at all, decided she'd take another look at the library. She undid her self from his arms and crept out of the room. Realizing, she had no idea where she was going, she decided to go to the kitchens to find a house elf. She did in fact find one, and got directions to the library. Walking through the halls, there was the constant feeling of eyes watching her. Turning around every so often, she discovered no one, and told herself it was just her conscious. Hermione started to feel like she was walking for a while, and figured she made a wrong turn after being so panicky. Rolling her eyes and silently cursing herself, she turned around, only to bump into Lucius Malfoy. Hermione's eyes got wide in fear as he glared at her. He was wearing a dark robe, and stood about 6 inches taller than her. Lucius pushed her into his office, muffling her screams with his hand.

He locked the door behind him and threw her on the floor.

Now silently crying she wished she wasn't so damn curious all the time. She reached in her pockets looking for her wand, but found it dangling in front of her in Lucius' fingers.

"Hermione Granger." Lucius dragged out her name spitefully.

Hermione stood up shakily not saying anything, just glaring.

"Wise not to say anything mudblood, only speak when I command you." He looked at her again to see if she would go against his orders; she didn't.

"So, snooping around my house, no doubt?"

She didn't reply, and Lucius slammed down his hand on the table, "Answer Me!"

Jumping, Hermione replied. "No."

"Then, why are you here?"

"I came here with-"

"Draco? Don't make me laugh." He said mockingly "Draco wouldn't invite someone like you here if I made him."

"Well he did it on his own." she said quietly.

"Are you speaking condescendingly of my son?"

"No. I would never-"

"Good, you dirty mudblood."

Hermione turned her head away from him to not show him her tears. She was scared, and it was a weakness.

"Look at me mudblood…look at me!"

She didn't respond.

"Crucio!"

Draco sat up violently after hearing a muffled scream. He looked to his right and then horror stuck him. He ran out of the room…

Hermione, now laying on the floor, looked up at Lucius whose mouth was sneering scornfully.

"Now, I know you are in some sort of relationship with my son, but I am warning you that it ends right now."

"…no" she whispered.

"Crucio!"

Draco now sprinting down the halls to the source of the screams.

"I wasn't finished. Mudblood, it is ending now. I cannot, no I will no let my son, future heir and right hand man to our Lord, be in any relations with you. If you…love" he spat out the word as if it was the hardest thing to say "him, then you'll kept your distance. Since I cannot risk my son, I will punish him for his actions by first punishing you. I will kill your parents, family, and I guess this would be the perfect reason to kill Potter as well. And don't think mudblood that I don't know where your disgusting muggles live."

"You're disgusting." She said using her little strength left to spit on his shoe.

Lucius Malfoy looked at his shoe and violently kicked her in the face. Hermione screamed once more and rolled over on her side.

"Ever do that again mudblood and I'll kill you right now. All it takes is two words."

Hermione's eye and cheek were surely bruising and she could taste the blood escaping from her mouth. She just laid there in pain, praying to God Draco would come.

"But I couldn't do that…not yet. I'm using you as a display for Draco so he knows's what not to touch. And I swear, if you are brave enough, or stupid enough to defy me, I'll kill Draco as well."

Lucius took one last look at the 'pathetic being' and saw the silver on her left hand.

'I swear…if that's what I think it is…' He violently went over to Hermione took the ring of, read it, and threw it down in front of her.

" 'With all my love I promise.' Did Draco give this to you?" No answer "Answer me mudblood!" No answer "Crucio!"

Draco getting nearer to her, found the screams coming from Lucius' office. He stopped and felt his heart beating fast. "Oh my God."

Lucius started again slowly, saying these words as hurtful and with as much venom as he could muster, "Mudblood, you don't deserve this ring. To be in this family, I have to accept you…that day will never come. But, if I ever…ever see you with my son again, that day will be your last." Lucius heard banging on the door and opened it, watching the look on his sons face go from horror, to sadness, and then to fury…

"You-"

"Watch yourself, Draco." And with that, Lucius was gone.

After an hour later, Hermione had been healed, physically. Draco performed many healing charms, and he even let her take some muggle contraption called "Advil". She persuaded him that it would make her feel better. They mainly sat in silence for the rest of the night, both scarred from the experience. Hermione kept reviewing what Lucius told her, but she decided against it. It took all her strength to convince herself they would work. She knew she'd be risking her families and friend's lives, but she figured if they kept quiet, no one would know. She loved him so much, that she would die for him.

Draco was so embarrassed; it was so hard to look at her. He knew she didn't blame him, but he couldn't help but feel incredibly guilty thinking he never should had brought her here in the first place…never fell asleep… and should had got to her sooner. He was so ready to give her that ring that he became naïve. There was no way his parents wouldn't be home over the weekend. He wanted their relationship to work more than anything, but he couldn't see her get hurt for him ever again.

"Hermione, we need to go back." He said quietly. "Can you apparate?"

"I…don't think so. I mean, I can walk and everything, but I'm really tired and don't feel to well." She answered not looking at him.

"That's fine, we can use the portkey. It'll take us back."

Walking out into the gardens, it started to heavily rain. Draco held her close while walking her to the edge of their property. He held her hand and touched the portkey, and soon they were back on Hogwarts grounds. It was still raining, so Hermione wanted to get inside fast. Holding his hand, she turned to walk back up the castle but was pulled back by Draco. He turned her around to face him.

"What is it Draco?"

"Hermione…I…tonight was all my fault."

"Draco, I'll be fine."

"No, but I won't."

"What?"

Sadly sighing, he continued slowly "Hermione, if you died tonight, I would've…I don't know. Probably kill my father, and then kill myself. Point is…I wouldn't be able to live with you hurt and I'm left with a guilty conscious."

"But Draco-"

"No. Let me finish…As much as I love you…I think it would be better for you if we ended this."

Hermione felt her cheeks burning; all the blood was rushing to her face. "Wait…what?" her voice shook.

"Hermione, you almost died tonight, because of me…"

"No it was your father…"

"It was me! I was so…stupid"

"Draco…don't do this. You don't mean it." She was crying now.

Draco couldn't even look at her. All the pain she endured tonight, this had to be the most hurtful. Then he felt it. His cheek was stinging now; she had slapped him.

"How the hell can you do this to me? To us! You call dumping me after everything love? Draco, he just threatened my life, my families life, and I'm still willing to try this! No one has to know!"

"Hermione! Just go. It's freezing. We'll talk about this tomorrow-"

"No! Draco did you not give me this ring!"

"Hermione…"

"No Draco! Didn't you give this to me tonight? Does it mean nothing to you!"

"How the fuck can you say that?"

"HOW CAN YOU DO THIS?"

It all went quiet again, except for the loud sound of the water viciously beating against the trees.

Hermione closed her eyes and gently kissed him on the cheek, barely letting her lips touch him. She then opened this left hand, placed the ring in his palm, and placed his fingers over it. She slowly bent over and kissed his knuckles, gracefully crying.

She took one last look at him, and although the rain was all over his face, she could still see one tear fall from his eye. She turned around and slowly walked back to the castle. Draco stood there watching her walk back, and sat on the ground, letting the rain fall upon him.

End Flashback…

"…And that was that. You already know the rest."

Blaise looked at Draco and Hermione. Both looked a little sadder then when they had started, but it wasn't that major. He sighed deeply as he took in everything they just told him, sat back in his chair, crossed his arms across his chest and said, "…Wow…"