A/N: Hey, guys. Thanks for reviewing the last chapter. This chapter is entitled The Hotel. No, no, no, there aren't any mature scenes in this chapter. So far, I want Draco and Tally to be just friends… for the time being, anyhow. If you guys want a pairing, I'll more than oblige, but for right now, it's innocent. Just wanted to make sure you guys knew that before you read the title of the chapter and thought, 'Uh-oh!' : ) Well, here it is. The third chapter, a little sooner than I thought…

THE HOTEL

Tally had gotten a room with two beds. She couldn't imagine making Draco stay in a room all by himself. She was afraid he might have nightmares or something and get scared if he woke up alone. "You were right about this place," said Draco, between bites of the Whopper Tally insisted on buying for him, "It's got a charming sense of comfort to it."

"Yeah, my mom likes it. She says that it's peaceful. So… are you alright? Will you be able to get some sleep tonight?" asked Tally.

"I should be able to. Can I ask you something?"

"Sure," replied Tally, lighting a Camel light, "Would you like one?"

He smiled, "No. I didn't even smoke the last one you gave me. I don't really smoke. It was a way to make conversation."

"Oh! Well, if this bothers you, I'll…"

"No, no. It's fine. I promise."

"So, Mr. Malfoy, what did you want to ask me?"

"Do you…" he sighed, "Do you ever wish you could go back in time? You know… to change something you did. Something you wish you'd never done in the first place?"

She was giving what he'd said a lot of thought. Draco could tell. "Well… I'd be lying to you if I said no. But… I'm a little glad that I can't. Because if I could, how would I learn from my mistakes and become better by it?"

"Wow. That's a good answer."

"Look… you made a mistake, but it wasn't all your fault. Now, you're doing something about it. How many people do that these days? Not a whole lot. Congratulations, Draco, you're a wonderful rarity."

He smiled. No one had ever described him like that before. "Thanks Tally. You know… you're one, too."

She smiled, "Alright… you should finish eating and I should finish smoking so we can get some sleep. We're leaving bright and early for Maine. I'll be damn if I'm losing our bet."

"We still haven't decided what the winner gets," he grinned.

"We'll discuss that when the time comes."

Draco had told Tally a small lie. He couldn't sleep. Every time he tried to close his eyes to sleep, he saw him. He hadn't slept more than a couple of hours in the past couple of months. The dreams, however, made sure he didn't wake up until they showed him all their horror.

Draco glanced over at Tally. She seemed so peaceful. He was both amazed and confused by this young woman. How could she stay so calm, knowing she was about to walk into the jaws of death… knowing that she might die. 'Then again,' he thought, 'what if she doesn't? What if she can actually stop him?'

It was very small hope, but at least it was hope. It was more than he'd had in a long time. It made him a little more at ease.

Draco turned over on his other side and looked out the window. It would be morning soon. With the coming of the morning, they would find themselves back on the road, bound for main.

Another A/N: Short, I know. The next chapter will be longer. Promise. Look for the coming chapters to be much longer, especially when they finally get to London. Okay, well, this is it for now. I hope to get at least one more chapter up before Christmas. If I don't get one up then, I won't be able to get one up until the holidays are over. Anyways, let me know what you guys think. Thanks so much.