Disclaimer: Much to my displeasure, I don't own Harry Potter or any of his friends or family or enemies or...you get it.

Hey guys! I'm soooo sorry about not updating sooner. My Dad past away as well as my Great grandfather, and my Great grandmother. You can call me unlucky. Anyway, after these dramatic occasions I really haven't felt much like typing, but now I feel a lot better, and I'm back on it. I hope you like it! If not, i want to know it and please tell me why. (i hate flamers who just want to tell me that it sucks. I like constructive criticism.) It would only take you a few seconds of your time to review, and it would mean a lot to me. I hope you like the story!

Hermione stood up in the cramped dressing room, and started to pick up her clothes. She eyed what looked like a small blue shirt on the floor, and picked it up. It was a blue silky nightgown.

"That's mine." Said Draco smiling. Hermione gave him a look. "It's complicated." He said simply.

"Okaaay then." She replied handing it to him. She finished picking up her clothes, and looked at Draco. His light blue eyes were frozen on a spot on the wall. He hadn't moved from the floor, and he seemed to be staring off into space.

"Umm, aren't you going to put on your shirt?" Hermione asked him. Draco shook a little as if snapping back to reality.

"Huh? Oh yeah." Draco reached under the door and grabbed his shirt. He stood up and looked at Hermione. Their eyes connected for a few seconds.

Her eyes are so deep. How did I not notice before?

Draco turned away quickly.

I can't be thinking this! It's not right!

Hermione sat down on the little bench in the dressing room, and got dressed. Draco pulled his arms in his shirt and started to button it up. Hermione mentally slapped herself for wishing he'd left it off. Finally after they were both completely dressed. Draco opened the door for Hermione, who walked calmly over to the checkout line.

Draco walked over toward the racks to put back the blue nightgown. He pushed through the deep racks of clothes. He could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on him, wondering what he was doing with that nightgown. Draco felt himself turn red, and moved more quickly to put back the gown. He placed it gently back on the rack, and casually looked out the window. His mouth dropped, and anger filled him.

His father was across the street, his icy eyes scanning the streets for his son. Suddenly, he glanced over at the store windows and froze. Draco ducked quickly down into the clothes, and tried desperately to hide. His father stared questionably at the window, as though he wasn't sure of what he saw.

Finally he shook his head, and continued down the street. Draco breathed a sigh of relief. Making sure his father was gone he slowly rose, and turned around. Every eye in the store was on him. Draco blushed furiously.

"What are you looking at?" he said angrily. They turned around and went back to their shopping. Draco pushed back through the racks of clothes, and stood next to Hermione. She glanced up at him, and their eyes connected once more.

It's like she can see right through me.

"That'll be 10 galleons please." Squeaked the old woman smiling. Hermione tore her eyes away form him and moved towards her purse.

"Don't bother," said Draco. He placed his hand on her shoulder, and she shivered slightly.

"Here," said Draco handing the lady the gold coins. Hermione looked at him in wonder.

"Thanks," she said. Draco shrugged.

"Yeah…whatever." He stuttered looking away. The smiling old woman handed Hermione the receipt. Hermione picked up her bags, then she and Draco left the shop. The bright sun was shining over head, and the shoppers were chatting happily together. Draco saw Hermione close her eyes briefly as she stepped into the sun. A smile spread across her face, but quickly disappeared when she opened her eyes again. Draco looked down at the rugged brick road. He couldn't get the thoughts of his father out of his head. Draco looked back over at Hermione. She was struggling with her heavy bags. Draco looked at her sympathetically.

"Here," said Draco suddenly. He relieved her from a few of the bags she was carrying. Hermione smiled at him.

"Thanks," she said softly. Draco looked the other way.

They walked side by side in silence for a few moments, and then Hermione turned toward him.

"Okay, what is going on?" She asked. Draco sighed.

Here we go.

"First of all," he began. "You should know that…" All of the sudden Draco stopped, and stared angrily. His father had seen them, and was storming in their direction. Draco felt for his wand.

I won't let himtouch Hermione. I'd feel awful if she was hurt…

"Run," Draco whispered to her, his eyes never leaving his approaching father. Hermione looked at Draco fearfully, then ran in the opposite direction. Luscious broke into a run, and Draco wiped out his wand, and stared at him coldly.

This time I'm ready for you.

Draco felt all of his fears melt away, and he pointed his wand at his father. Draco's father stopped for a second then gave a small cold laugh.

"Put it away son," he sneered. "We both know that you don't stand a chance against me." Draco firmly stood his ground.

"We'll see about that." He spat.

He saw fire flicker in his father's eyes.

"If you had any sense at all, you would put that away. This is the wrong place to start this. The wrong place." Draco started coldly at his father. He wasn't going to put his wand down for anything in the world.

Suddenly, his father wiped out his wand.

"Crucio!" he yelled his wand pointed at Draco.

An agonizing pain shot through his body, causing him to fall to the ground. He felt as though he was burning from the inside out. Finally the pain ceased, and Draco lay exhausted on the ground. He felt a warm liquid run down his face. He wiped his forehead smearing his hand in his blood.

"How dare you defy my authority!" Luscious yelled angrily. "Do you seriously think that you can make it without me? Without me you are broke, hungry, and have no place to go! I've already given you a chance to do as I say, but you refused. Now you will pay!"

Hermione ran through the crowded streets, her bags swinging by her knees. She began to search frantically for a place to hide. She saw an opening in between two buildings, and ran inside. She dropped her heavy bags, and lay against the cold wall breathing hard from running. She peered out and tried to see Draco, but the crowd of people made it impossible. Hermione's fear suddenly disappeared.

He can't beat his father alone. I have to help him.

Hermione looked down at her things.

I can't just leave my stuff here unprotected.

Hermione pulled out her wand, and charmed them so that they couldn't be stolen then ran back through the crowd looking for Draco. She squeezed through the crowds and then suddenly, she saw a flash of Draco's light blonde hair. He was lying on the on the ground, with his father standing over him. His father was pointing his wand at Draco's throat. Hermione gasped in fear.

Oh no. I have to help him. I just have to. But how?

"I've already given you a chance to do as I say, but you refused." His father yelled angrily. "Now you will pay!"

Hermione suddenly got an idea. She jumped out of the crowd and pointed her wand at his father.

"Incendio!" yelled Hermione. Before he could turn around, he was on fire. His eyes widened with fear, and he dropped his wand. Hermione ran quickly over to Draco. She held onto him tightly as she could, then closed her eyes and apparated. Before his father could turn around, Hermione and Draco were gone.

I hope you liked chapter 2! I'm half way done with chapter 3 so hopefully it'll be out soon! See you then! Please review! Like I said, it wouldn't take you long at all!

Chickadee91