DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter, sadly enough.

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As Hermione's parents healed, Draco's relationship with the girl grew. They still didn't completely trust one another, but something kept them together that they couldn't understand. All he knew was that she was in his mind at every moment.

The couple wanted to keep their relationship a secret, as they knew how their friends, family, and especially their enemies would react. Draco knew that Hermione was thinking of Ron and Harry, and how violently they would react to them at first, but the idea of infuriating the two to this extent gave Draco a secret thrill, and would have just told them but for the thoughts of his own reputation. Dating a Gryffindor, especially a Muggle-born, would ruin him at Hogwarts. As much as this thought made him feel guilty, he treasured his position as the Slytherin Prince, and didn't want to give it up in their last year. He was looking forward to the treatment he received at Hogwarts, and hoped that Hermione's parent would heal quickly so that he could get his visit with his own mother before returning.

Draco's relationship with Narcissa had never been wonderful, but it was the best he could have had. She was gone visiting friends a lot, but doted on him whenever possible. She was fiercely protective, and balked at any idea of Draco getting involved with the "Dark Lord" almost as much as he himself did. The idea of his father attacking her roused Draco almost to the point of going out and murdering the git himself, but he was intelligent enough to realize that this was probably not the best course of action. All in good time…

A light knock interrupted Draco's thoughts. He opened the door to find Hermione, with a grin that lit up her face. "They talked, Draco."

These simple words seemed to free every emotion that she had kept in for the last few days. The feeling that her parents were going to leave her had haunted her every thought, and Draco had seen it. Now, she started sobbing with relief, and he took her in his arms, with only a momentary concern over his clean shirt that was soon to be soaked with tears.

After she had calmed down and Draco had kissed her, they entered her parent's room. As soon as they had reassured them that everything was fine, they lovingly but firmly told Hermione that she had spent enough time at home, and that she needed to be back at school. Draco smirked at this, noticing how alike Hermione and her parents where. They spent only a few hours more talking and packing, and then they were on their way to Narcissa.

Draco expected the flight to be as it had been last time, with the beauty and the cold making Hermione press up against him with her warmth. Instead, the closer he got to his house, the darker it got, and the icier his blood ran. His father's face seemed etched into his mind, and it leered at him every time he closed his eyes. He could barely feel Hermione's arms around him, and every time she kissed the back of his neck or hugged him tighter, he wanted to shout out a warning that Lucius would see them, that he would kill them or take them to Voldemort.

Hermione realized that something was obviously and desperately wrong, and seemed to withdraw from Draco. When they landed at the manor, he didn't dare glace at her for fear that she would see the fear in his grey eyes.

"So this is your home." Draco saw Hermione out of the corner of his eye staring up at the black mansion with an expression of forced admiration.

"You don't need to pretend you like it, Granger." The use of her last name made her look sharply at him, but he ignored her hurt expression. If anyone here heard or saw him respecting her, their cover would be lost.

A house elf was already on its way out of the back door, and snapped his tiny fingers at the pair, warming them instantly. He grabbed the broom, and ushered them into the house, keeping its mouth shut but giving small, concerned looks in Hermione's direction, obviously bothered that its Master was bringing a Mudblood into the Malfoy Manor.

"Where is my mother?" Draco's tone was sharp, irritated at the house elf for already bringing the house prejudices against Hermione.

"In her bedroom, sir, she is having a late dinner, sir." At this, the house elf disappeared with a crack, and left Hermione and Draco alone once more.

The silence between them was nearly intolerable, and Draco heard a voice that didn't even sound like his own telling Hermione that maybe it was better if she waited in the guest lounge. She nodded mutely, and walked into the room, avoiding Draco's gaze. He sighed, and made his way to his mother's room.

Before he even opened the door, his mother was questioning him. "I hear there is a Mudblood in the house, Draco."

He pushed open the door and looked at the fragile woman who was wearing the fierce expression that only a mother can give. "Yes, mother. She is the Head Girl at school, and Dumbledore felt it was best if we traveled together."

"Head Girl? Well, if a Mudblood can get that position, obviously the school has declined in it's worth immensely. Luckily you are graduating this year, darling. I don't want you exposed to that filth anymore than necessary."

Draco felt his entire body tensing with the effort to keep from screaming at his mother as she spoke these words, but was able to remember his father's training and kept perfectly composed outwardly.

"How are you, mother?"

"Better, Draco. I assume you heard what your father did?"

"I'll kill him, I swear I will. Someday, at the right moment, I'm going to make him pay for what he did to you, to me, to Herm-…" Draco cut off, his words lodging in his throat with panic.

"Herm? Who is Herm, Draco?" Draco's mind raced as he tried to think of an excuse, but it was too late.

"Oh, tell me you aren't thinking of that Mudblood, Hermione Granger."

Draco didn't answer, and his silence told his mother everything. "She isn't for you, darling…I know that old fool at Hogwarts has you confused…but she cannot live up to your status. You are a Malfoy, for Merlin's sake! Look at you! You are a fine specimen, my son. To be paired with a Mudblood? It can't and will not happen."

Draco's eyes narrowed and he glared at his mother with contempt. "I'm sorry, Narcissa, but it already has. Goodbye."

With these final words, he stormed out of his shocked mother's room and stalked down the stairs, trying to compose himself once again. He needed just to leave. When he reached the guest lounge, he took a moment and looked at the girl who was causing his entire word to transform. She was quietly gazing at the fireplace in front of her, and her skin seemed to radiate the warmth that she carried with her always. She was the fire itself, and he yearned for her even through the ice that encased him.

He slowly glided behind her and she stood up to meet him, her eyes to the ground. He tilted her chin up, and gently kissed her perfect lips. She smiled, and he led her outside, grabbing their broom on the way.

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