Draco found himself in dark, secluded area. He looked around, and squinted, taking several steps forward. Cold wind blew fiercely against his naked neck, billowing his clothes around him. The air was dank, and damp, which laid heavily among his body when the winds didn't blow. It became too eerily quiet, too calm. Gropping about himself, he searched for his wand, only to fine himself empty handed. Draco extended his arms and walked about slowly, praying that nothing was near. His throat was unbearibally dry, and his lips wouldn't moisten. He opened his mouth and said 'accio wand!', only to find that no sound escaped.

Draco knew he wasn't alone. His heart beat faster, now attempting to say something, anything. He shouted, he screamed, he roared, he tried to make any noise imaginable, but nothing came out. Frantic, he felt his way around, taking uncertain steps. He definitely knew he wasn't alone. His stomach churned in anxiety while he made his way through the darkness, one arm clawing at his throat while the other desparatly tried to feel for something. "Accio wand!" "Accio wand!" "Accio broomstick!" "Accio anything!" He silently cried. "Lumos!" "Incendio!" Spells popped into his head as his apprehension deepened.

Draco quickened his step, feeling the presence of the other person coming closer. He didn't trust his feet, his eyes, or his mouth at all, but hysteria slowly built up inside him. Draco began running. Running for what felt like his life. Running away from whatever was coming closer to him. Sweat beads formed in on his forehead and palms, his feet pounding on the ground below. He felt his feet running hard, sprinting violently, dashing ferociously, across the---AAAAARRGGGGHHHH! He silently screamed, lunging forward, head first into the ground.

He tripped.

Draco tried as hard as he could to get back up. He pushed himself off the ground and stumbled again. He shoved himself up and staggered back onto the ground. Hopeless attemps to free himself from the ground never succeeded. Draco turned on his back, facing upward. The person was in front of him now, although he couldn't see him. Draco backed up, scrambling to get as far away as he could. But his efforts were fruitless as the being advanced slowly. "No." he thought. "Please, no." He breathed deeply as his eyes grew wide. "Someone, help," he pleaded in his head, "Please, anyone." A shadow loomed over him, a dark, sinister, menaci-

"FATHER, NOOOO!" Draco roared aloud, he shot up from his bed. The shadows of his bedroom came into focus. Draco blinked fiercrly as he stared wildly around him. He heard running footsteps.

"What's going on? What's wrong?" Hermione burst into his room, her voice in complete scare and panic. She clutched her wand.

Light flooded the room as she flicked on the lightswitch, revealing her pale face. Draco stared down and realized his own wand was grasped tightly in his hand. He let it slip out of his fingers.

Groaning, Draco buried his face in his sweaty hands. He trembled slightly in his bed. He heard Hermione walk slowly next to him and pocket her wand. A cool hand pressed against his neck.

"Draco?" She whispered softly. "Draco what happened?" Draco didn't answer. He just sat on his bed, trying to block out his dream that kept appearing in his mind.

Hermione

Time slowly passed as Hermione patiently waited. She watched as Draco's sweat-soaked body try to control it's breathing. She pulled up the armchair from the corner of his room and dragged it next to his bed. Minutes passed. Hermione slowly looked around his room. The dark green walls with black lining gave it the usual Slytherin look. Draco's bed was just as large as hers, only with dark green satin sheets and coverings.

Hermione had been at the Malfoy Manor for two weeks now. Her days were filled with teaching Tinky and Olfie who were now learning the complications of letters into words, horseback rides, archery practice, swimming, reading hours on end, and other sorts. Draco frequently joined her during the day, and occasionally at night they would spend hours in the stargazing room. It became easier and easier for Hermione to enjoy his company. She had finally considered him a friend about a week ago when he sincerely apologized for calling her 'showoff'. Now they used each other names with ease.

Draco didn't look like he was about to talk, so Hermione took a damp towel from the bathroom and placed it on his forehead. She looked concerningly at his white face; deep worry lines were etched in his expression. He layed on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Hermoine finally spoke. "What was in your dream, Draco?"

Silence followed as she watched him fight for words. Sweat reappeared on his forehead and anxiety deepened on his face. He shook his head.

"Draco," she whispered softly, "one time, when I was back at Hogwarts, I had a dream that my parents were killed by Voldemort." Draco turned and stared at her. "It was the most realistic dream I had ever had. It was several nights before Christmas, in my 5th year." She continued. "I woke up so scared, I was so afraid that the dream was real. I owled them later that day, just to see if they would answer back. Of course, they did. And I felt so foolish for believing in my dream." Hermione stared back at him. "That nightmare haunted me for weeks. I knew it wasn't real after the first time I dreamt it, but I still woke up every night petrified." Hermione saddened. "I never told Harry or Ron, I felt so stupid. I never told anybody." Draco waited for her to continue. "The dreams eventually stopped. But I never had the courage to tell anyone. I-I guess what I'm trying to say is, that when I had those dreams, I wished I could have someone to, at least talk to. I'm quite sure they would have stopped if I had enough guts to explain them to Harry or Ron."

Hermione watched as Draco turned back to stare at the ceiling.

"I-I, well, it was d-dark." He croaked. "I-I didn't have my wand." He drew in a large breath as Hermione waited to hear more. "Couldn't see a thing. Couldn't talk either." Draco shook his head. "I-I started running, but I didn't know where I was going. It was too dark……I fell." Hermione leaned in closer. "I couldn't get up." He whispered.

"Why were you running?" Hermione asked quietly. Draco shook his head.

"Draco, you know you can tell me." She said. "Was-was it your father

Draco closed his eyes. "I-I don't know. I-I really don't know. I, couldn't see, I don't even know if it was a boy or girl, I-I just don't know." Draco let out a frustrated sigh and reopened his eyes.

Hermione looked at him sympathetically. "It's ok, Draco. It's over now." She paused. "I'm glad you told me."

"Yeah," Draco said, truthfully. "Thanks."

Hermione got up from the armchair and stretched while Draco got up from his bed.

"You're not going back to sleep?" Hermione asked.

"No, no I don't think I can." Draco answered. "I think I'm just going to, go and look at the stars for a bit." He blushed slightly.

Hermione smiled. "Draco, I pretty much figured out your lie a while ago, and I think it's perfectly fine that you like to look at stars." Silence followed. "If you want me to keep it a secret, I will." She finally said.

"Thanks," Draco said, looking at her through grateful eyes.

"Well, do you want some company?" Draco shook his head. "All right, then I'll just go to bed, don't stay up too late." Hermione paused, then leaned forward and gave Draco and awkward hug. She felt his body through her thin satin pjs.

"Thanks Hermione," Draco whispered as she departed. Hermione turned and smiled.

"Anytime Draco. Anytime."

Author's note: Hello all! I really hope you enjoyed this chapter, I know I enjoyed writing it. I'm really proud of this one, unlike most of my other chapters. In fact, I think the only chapters that I truly truly enjoyed writing was this one and the first chapter. All the others kinda suck. ...ok that smiley doesn't fit there...but u get the point. Anyways, this chapter was here to REALLY solidify Hermione and Draco's relationship. Now there will be no barriers between them. And TRUST ME...the romance bit will come within the next two chapters...I PROMISE. haha. ok...well reviews make me VERY happy... so make my day and go write one! thanks.