June 1998

A crackling snap echoed as Draco now stood in front of Granger's house. He had been dreading this. Meeting her alone for the first time.

He had locked himself in the music room when they had returned home last time. His breathing had been erratic and he could feel his chest constricting. Thankfully his mother had "guests" to entertain in the west drawing room. He clawed at the buttons on his shirt and raked his hands through his hair, feeling his nails scrape. He had seen her. She was there. She was alive, and real, and breathing.

It took all he had to stop from overanalysing every minute detail from that first meeting. But he couldn't stop the curiosity. Granger was closed, withdrawn. The banter they had once shared now crippled and replaced by animosity and indifference.

And she hated him. Fucking hell, she hated him.

He could feel it pouring from her with every glance, every word she said. He didn't blame her. He couldn't. Draco had caused the death of many of her friends and mentors. She would never forgive him. For the first time in months, he let the tears fall. Draco wouldn't utter a sound but would allow himself this small reprieve. As the tears blurred his vision, he sank to the floor on his knees, grasping at the carpet as his forehead rested on the ground. His mouth opened in a silent scream and it took all his willpower to keep quiet. The room was Silenced but he would be damned if a sob slipped past his lips.

Granger…I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry…

A stabbing pain pierced through Draco's mind. He felt the bookshelves shake and some of the locked books fall, breaking open. The pain from those memories, those feelings, those thoughts; they tore through him. Draco choked back a scream and took a shuddering breath. Sweat dripped down his face as he forced his breathing to steady. The pain ripped through his mind and body. Every muscle started to ache as he stayed curled on the floor. Draco wasn't sure how but he somehow summoned the strength to start Occluding and forcing the books closed shut again.

He knew this would happen. He had Occluded so many things, buried so many memories and thoughts for years. Faltering in his Occlumency at all could cause his mind to break. That was the price he paid for using it so extensively. Severus told him, warned him that if he pushed back too much, he risked going insane when everything finally gave way. It would take years and careful observation from Mind Healers to undo the damage. Draco decided he would burn that bridge when he got to it and that wasn't today.

Hours later, he had managed to quiet his mind again. The pain was a dull throb now and he felt exhausted. Draco had lay on the floor, looking up at the ceiling which was charmed to always show the constellations. Usually, it brought him some peace to stare at the deep blues but not tonight. Tonight, his mind and his chest hurt.

Your heart hurts, you idiot, Draco scoffed at himself, of course it does. Everything that was… everything you had… it's all gone because of your choices.

Now, Draco took a deep breath as he trudged in his black boots to her door. He could see a faint light shining out of the side through the garden doors. At least she was still awake? Was that a good thing for him? It sure as hell didn't feel like it. Draco shook his head and the sleeves of his long black coat. He could do this. He could manage to see Granger for just simple quick meetings. He would be fine. He just needed to remember to be his smarmy prat self that she had come to hate again. Draco took a deep breath and schooled his features before pushing open the front door, barely knocking as he did.

Yeah, I can't do this, he thought as she stood leaning on the stairs, waiting for him.

Draco somehow kept his composure as he internally marvelled at her. Granger was standing on the last step, leaning against the railing. Her long chestnut hair pulled over her shoulder into a side braid. She wore flowing black pants and a cardigan over a black shirt. She had her arms crossed and her face stoic once again. Draco felt his breath catch for the briefest of seconds and stood just inside the doorway, waiting for her.

"There is this thing called knocking, maybe try it?" she said with an edge to her voice. Annoyance.

"I'm aware of the custom," he frowned and stepped further into the house, "And I did knock. You just seem to have questionable hearing."

Granger glowered at him, "Prat."

He couldn't help but smirk, "Besides, I did as requested and tapped the ring. So, you were already aware. Is knocking really necessary?"

"Absolutely. I could be entertaining guests that need to have coordinated arrivals and departures."

Draco raised a brow as he reached into an inner coat pocket and pulled out a thick folded parchment adorned with a red seal. He held it out to her but instead of walking closer to take it, Granger raised her hand and the letter floated over to her. She broke the seal and quickly looked over its contents.

"Double checking my work, Granger?"

She ignored him as she flipped through the few pages. Satisfied she folded the parchment back up and crossed her arms.

"You can go now," she raised a brow at him, her voice steady.

Draco matched her, "and how will I know the information will make it to the rest of the Order?"

She had the audacity to roll her eyes at him, "Unlike you, I know where my loyalties lie and don't falter-"

"My loyalty has always been to my family and those I care about," he cut her off and unflinchingly held her gaze. "I have never faltered. Your priorities are different from mine, Granger. Even you know not to make assumptions like that."

Draco didn't wait for her retort. He swiftly turned and stormed out of the house; the door slamming shut behind him. How dare she assume such baseless fodder about him. He understood how it may seem that he was against the Order and what she and the others were fighting for. But that was far from the truth and Granger should know that…did he not prove that to her already? No, of course she would believe he was no better than the other Death Eaters because of the ridiculous assignment he'd had to complete last year. Draco didn't dare look back even as he reached the Apparition point. Draco took a steady breath before turning on the spot and Disapparating with a snap.

Infuriatingly, that was how their meetings were conducted for months. Draco would arrive, hand over information, they would snap at each other until one of them stormed away. It was aggravating to say the least. And damn Granger and her proficient duelling skills. For someone who was withheld from the fights, she easily outmanoeuvred him. With and without a wand. A few times their heated arguments would break with one of them trying to hex the other. Draco felt a sense of pride that Granger would easily wave her hand before he could even get his fingers around his wand and he would be suffering from whichever curse she deemed suitable punishment. So, he also felt a sense of irritation that he was being bested by her once again. Wasn't being top of class and beating him there enough for her?

Apparently not, Draco thought tersely as he glowered at Granger who was smirking on the other side of the room.

"You should practice more, Malfoy," she taunted, "if you ever want to have a chance."

Draco curled his lips and wordlessly sent another hex her way. Granger deflected with a wave of her hand and doused him with water.

This was going to be a long war…

October 1999

With an electrical snap, Draco Apparated to the end of the pathway in front of her house. It was nearly midnight and the house was pitch black. Voldemort had called a select few in haste due to a recent skirmish with the Order that resulted in the deaths of a few dozen Dark followers.

In the dining hall, Draco stood at attention between his father and Severus, the picture of perfect composure.

Inside he was screaming.

Draco was finishing a training session with Bellatrix, having been forced to suffer through another bout of curses, when the call for the gathering came. Bellatrix's favourite combination being the Cruciatus Curse followed by a Slicing Hex, carving nonsense into her victims. Today she continuously attempted carving into his calves. Bellatrix managed to hit her target as Draco was distracted by the burning of the Mark. The curse barely nicked his right calf but it was enough for it to take hold. The wound didn't have a chance initially to go too deep but landed too close to a tendon. For now, it was contained but would need proper healing soon.

Draco clenched his jaw, his right leg continuing to throb. Although the curse wasn't spreading outwards, he could feel it delving deeper into the muscle. He took a deep breath and focused his mind, curling his fingers behind his back as he sent magic towards the wound. The cuts stuttered but didn't spread any further. Draco held in his sigh of relief, even if it was for just a short time.

The doors to the dining hall burst open, Voldemort entering with black robes billowing behind him. The flourish caused the air to stir and Draco carefully kept his stoic expression as the rancid smell reached his nose. He swore the smell of decay that followed the man…thing…could wake the dead. And it seemed to be getting worse. In fact, Voldemort's appearance was getting worse as well. Draco noted his pace was minutely slower with a barely perceptible limp and the skin around his face looked old.

He's part snake…does he shed his skin like one?

Internally Draco shivered with disgust at the thought and turned his attention back to the Dark Lord addressing everyone.

"Ah, my loyal friends," his voice trickled out like freezing water, "You are my most loyal, my most trusted. Sadly, the same cannot be said for all."

Across the hall next to Fenrir Greyback, Bellatrix stood a little taller at the compliment, tilting her chin up in arrogance.

"You have heard of our recent transgression with the Order and unfortunately we had some losses," he continued to pace around the room, turning his red gaze to each of them as he spoke, "We shall be calling upon Greyback and his associates for retribution. Our loyal wolves will handle decimating one of their safehouses. Lucius, you will lead alongside him. Do not disappoint me."

"An honour, my lord," Lucius bowed his head.

"Yes…yes…" Voldemort stopped near the fireplace for a moment, contemplating, "Ideally, take prisoners. If you come across Potter, bring him back alive and unscathed."

"Of course," Lucius nodded.

From across the room, Greyback spoke up, "My lord, may I make a request? Regarding the Mudblood that Potter keeps around?"

Bellatrix sneered at the question as Voldemort turned to Greyback, gesturing for him to continue.

"My request is that if she is captured, she be brought to me. That is, if you have no need for her?"

Voldemort was silent, seeming to consider this request. After a minute his icy voice filled the room again, "I don't see why not. I have no use for her. Do as you like if you acquire her."

Greyback bowed his head, thanking him as Voldemort went on to explain the upcoming ambush before waving everyone away in dismissal.

Draco felt bile rising in his throat. What would Greyback want with Granger? Is this part of his sick games he plays in the dungeons? He didn't think he could stomach cleaning up what was left of Granger.

"Draco," Voldemort practically purred and Draco held back a cringe.

"My lord?" his voice steady.

"Your aunt says you've been making progress in your training."

Draco bowed his head, "Thank you, my lord."

"Soon we'll have you back out in the field and we will witness this progress," his grin wide, fangs hanging over his lips.

"I look forward to it."

Satisfied, Voldemort swept away, Bellatrix following dutifully. Draco didn't bother acknowledging his father or Severus and walked carefully out of the hall towards his rooms, careful not to show any sign of a limp. Every step was pure agony as pain seared through his calf. He could feel the blood soaking into his pant leg. The stasis charm had faded and the curse was digging deeper. He swore it had to have reached the bones by now. Draco barely made it to his room before he collapsed backwards on his bed.

"Milly," he called softly.

A soft pop echoed, "You called Master Draco?"

"Yes," he took a deep breath, his vision starting to blur, "I need you to bring my healing kit please. And I will need help with this one."

"Of course," Milly squeaked, followed by another soft pop.

Draco managed a glance towards the clock on his nightstand. It was almost 10 pm and he needed to meet Granger. He didn't think she would care except he had been punctual with her set time of never meeting after 7 pm.

"It doesn't matter to me what days you bring your information. Do not arrive after 7 pm nor before 7 am."

Well fuck, he would have to break her rule already. They were planning to ambush the safe house tomorrow night, he couldn't wait ten more hours. She would just have to get over whatever reason she had.

Milly arrived again with a pop and tapped his leg to alert him. He sat up slowly and looked down at the little house-elf dressed in a black satin pillowcase. Draco had thought wryly to himself that maybe Granger would be impressed that his house elf was decently clothed and well cared for, having no marks or scars, and given a small cupboard in the library to live. His mind scoffed, of course Granger wouldn't be impressed. She would probably shriek at the idea of him having a house elf.

Damn self-righteous twat sometimes, I swear…

Draco carefully shucked off his trousers as Milly quietly took supplies from the kit. He didn't need to give her direction on what to do—Milly had been patching him up since he was four years old. She quickly set to cleaning up the blood, carefully pressing a cloth to the seeping cuts.

"Master Draco, it still cuts you," she looked up at him with big eyes, tears welling.

"I'm alright Milly," he gritted his teeth, "Just do what needs done. I've lost too much blood to do it myself."

The little elf nodded and got back to work. Draco closed his eyes and listened as Milly spoke quietly, telling him of a book she read recently. Milly had discovered while setting his broken arm when he was five that talking kept Draco calm while she set to work patching him up. Draco never complained, finding her voice soothing.

Gracefully, Milly applied healing slaves and dittany to the wounds. It took some time working her elf magic before she stopped the curse and the wound stopped going deeper. She remarked that it had barely started cutting into his bone.

"Milly must insist that Master Draco stay in bed for the rest of the night. You will anger the wounds," she said softly as she wrapped a bandage around his leg.

"I have a meeting, then I'll rest Milly," he sighed at the elf's haughty look, "I promise, I won't overdo it."

Satisfied with her handiwork and making sure he drank a vial of Blood Replenishing Potion, Milly nodded and patted his leg affectionately. She bowed and disappeared with a soft pop, taking the kit with her. Draco groaned and forced himself to change his clothes, tapping the ring on his finger. He couldn't be bothered to do much else with his appearance, grimacing as he ran a hand through his hair, hating the feel of it still covered in sweat, and pulled his black boots on. He hissed through his teeth as he laced around his calf. It was sore but definitely an improvement from before. At least the boot stopped before reaching the wound, so no extra pressure would be added.

Now, he found himself walking up to Granger's house, forcing his leg to function properly.

Fucking crazy bitch…I swear, I'm going to kill Bellatrix myself one of these days. He huffed at the thought.

Draco scanned the windows and cursed when he saw no lights. If she wasn't home, maybe he could just leave a note. He tried tapping the ring again as he walked to the front door. He waited outside a minute…no response. Draco reached for the door handle when there was rustling in the trees by the side of the house. He froze, holding his breath.

A moment later, Granger ducked under a tree branch and stepped out. He couldn't help but stare at her, expectantly confused. She walked towards him, an irritated expression donning her face. She was barefoot again, wearing a pair of black flowing pants and a black shirt with long sleeves. Her hair was loose, windswept, and flowing below her shoulders. She looked as though she had run to meet him. What was she doing out this late? And running around in the woods?

"Malfoy," she stopped a few feet from him, the look on her face souring further, "I assume this is important considering you're breaking my only rule?"

He nodded and put his hands in his pockets, "Obviously. I would hate to break Granger's precious rules and incur her wrath."

She rolled her eyes and walked past him, opening the door with a wave of her hand. He followed behind her, carefully studying her. She was walking stiffly, her back rigid. She waved her hand again and a few candles lit. He closed the door behind him as she sat on one of the couches.

"Well?" Granger raised a brow.

"Hello to you too," he grumbled and stood behind the couch across from her, "I did alert you."

"Hence why I'm here and let you in my house."

"Uh-huh," he couldn't help the sarcastic tone that escaped him. Even with the urgency of passing information, it was all too easy to fall into a routine of bantering with Granger. Just like in school, she was quick witted and sharp with her tongue.

"Right. The Dark Lord called an urgent meeting a couple hours ago regarding an ambush on one of your safe houses. They'll be attacking tomorrow. I would suggest not completely abandoning the house or else they'll know that someone leaked the information."

Hermione nodded, "Do you have the full details written down?"

"How insulting. I'm not Potter or Weasley," he muttered and pulled a folded parchment from his pocket, tossing it on the couch, "Everything I know of it. They'll have to organise so that should buy you some time."

Hermione nodded again and picked at imaginary lint on her pants, "Understood. I'll pass everything along to Remus and the others. Was that all?"

"It's in there but there will be more werewolves. They've been building up Greyback's pack. And he's leading it."

He watched curiously as she stiffened for a moment then was the perfect picture of indifference. They were both quiet as Draco hesitated, mulling over the idea of telling Granger that she was of special interest to the werewolf. As far as he knew she wasn't on the front lines anymore, so she wouldn't need to worry, right? Something told him that that wasn't the case and he found himself almost stumbling over the words.

"He…Greyback…he made a request to the Dark Lord tonight," his eyes flicked to hers, her attention wholly focused on him. He couldn't bring himself to look at her while telling her. His mind ran through an infinite number of scenarios of why Greyback wanted Granger. Each one more grotesque and horrifying.

Draco turned away and walked towards the empty fireplace as he spoke, "He asked for you. Specifically, he asked that if you're captured, you be brought to him."

"Fuck," he heard her murmur, barely audible.

"I'm curious, Granger," he turned to find she was on the edge of her seat, looking ready to bolt, "what does he want with you?"

She let out a laugh, a deflection he noted, "He's vile and disgusting, Malfoy, do you really need a reason?"

"No," he fixed his gaze on her, intent on making her uncomfortable, "But your reaction to this news is more interesting."

Hermione stared at him for a moment, "I had a scuffle with Greyback a couple of years ago."

"A scuffle?"

"Yes."

"Care to elaborate?"

"No. As it's none of your business. It's common for psychopaths to fixate on something or someone, so it's not a surprise," she stood and dusted her pants, "Now, if that's all, I have things to finish."

"No one has just a simple scuffle with a werewolf, least of all Greyback," Draco's words caused her to pause mid step towards the stairs, "I could draw many conclusions Granger-"

Hermione whipped around and stalked towards him, eyes filled with fury, "Make all of the conclusions you wish, Malfoy," she spat out his name, "But keep in mind that at any moment's notice, I can cut off this little liaison and you and your mother are right back where you started."

He held her gaze, barely inches from him, "I didn't take you for trying to make threats. That seems more like Potter and Weasley's misstep."

"Keep insulting me and my friends and you'll find out just how threatening I can be," she snarled, "I have been more than tolerant of your antagonizations the past year."

"Because you're grounded and I'm the most stimulating company you've had for several years?" he smirked at her bristling. He just couldn't help it. It just felt too much like normalcy to test her patience. And she met him match for match. But he would be an idiot to not realise that at the mention of Greyback she would become uncomfortable and indignant.

A scuffle she had said. It had to be more than that. Before he could put anymore thought to it, his smirking became the last straw for Granger. She quickly pushed on his chest while sweeping his legs out from under him. His back crashed to the floor and he couldn't help the cry of pain as his injured leg flared with severe pain again. Oh, Milly was going to lecture him…possibly kill him herself this time.

He closed his eyes, grimacing and willing air back into his chest. His eyes flew open when he felt his pant leg lifting–Granger was kneeling by his leg, closely inspecting his wrapped leg which was now a blood-soaked bandage.

"What happened?" she said softly, holding her hand out towards the stairs. In a moment, a bag flew into her grasp. She started unwrapping the bandage without waiting for an answer.

Draco raised himself up on his elbows, a look of irritation donning his face, "So now you suddenly care for my wellbeing? A moment ago, you were spitting in my face and tackling me to the floor."

"It's not like you didn't deserve it," she glanced up at him before the last of the bandage fell away and revealed the carvings in his leg, split open due to her sweeping his leg. She made a face as she reached into her bag and pulled out various bottles and gauze.

"Hmph, maybe. Maybe not."

"No, you definitely did," she paused at his hiss as she poured something on it, "Oh, this will sting."

"Are you secretly a sadist, Granger?"

She smirked, "Only when it comes to irritating blond pretty boys."

"So now I'm pretty?" he smirked when she ducked her head. But he didn't miss the blush that donned her cheeks.

Interesting…

"I suppose it's no surprise," he drawled, "Seeing as you only have Potter and Weasley to look at. Weasley especially is quite brutish." She said nothing but he noticed how her hand stilled for a second, so he continued. "Potter is taken by the little Weasley, so that really only leaves her brute brother for you then? You could do worse–wait, no I don't think you cou-"

"Ron and I aren't together," she whispered quickly, "So you can stop now."

"Rough breakup?"

She took a deep breath, 'No…we never were nor will we ever be together."

Draco sat up fully, keeping his leg out for her to finish wrapping. He said nothing, just watched her, noting how she didn't cry, no tears were in her eyes. There was a sadness to her voice when she continued speaking. She rarely offered any information about herself unless he pushed her. Now it seemed he may have pushed too far.

"We haven't seen each other in over a year–Harry, Ron, and I," she sat back, patting his leg when she finished, "So yes, you have been the only conversation I've had, other than Remus and Minerva. So truly I can only take so much of your antagonising."

He stared at her. She refused to look up at him, her eyes locked onto the floor. She looked…broken for a moment. Her shoulders were slumped, her hands in fists on top of her thighs. Hermione shook her head and motioned to the couches.

"Considering your leg…you can stay here for a few hours. Or the night if needed. You shouldn't have Apparated here with it injured so badly. You need to let it rest."

"I've had worse. I can manage," he started to his feet and almost stumbled as pain shot up his leg. He felt himself being lifted by the waist and then gently set on the couch…by Granger.

"How did you do that?" He furrowed his brows. He hadn't noticed her cast any charms but she had seemed to lift him with ease.

"Granger family secret," she smirked, "Stay here. I'll get you some tea and a pain potion."

He watched as she walked quietly to the kitchen. This was the most she had spoken to him since their meetings began and the longest he had been in her house. He felt intrigued by the seeming mystery surrounding Granger. She hadn't seen any of her friends in a year, nor talked to them, was wandering in the woods at midnight, somehow managed to lift him up and knock him down easily. This was not the same girl he knew just a few years ago.

Granger came back with a single cup and plate, some cookies on the side. He took them with a quiet thanks and grimaced as he took a drink.

"Thought it might be easier to drink the potion if it was in the tea," she said as she walked over and lifted the window bench, pulling out a blanket and pillow.

"I didn't say I would stay here."

"No," she shook out the blanket, "but you also didn't say you would be leaving. You waited for the tea so I'm concluding that you're listening to reason."

He hummed and downed the rest of the tea before eating one of the cookies. Chocolate chip, his favourite. They said nothing to each other as Hermione set the blanket and pillow next to him before sitting on the other couch. She seemed lost in thought as she chewed her nail and hugged her legs close.

"Where did you learn that?"

"Sorry?" She raised her brows confused.

"Didn't take you for knowing how to fight."

"Oh," she frowned and shrugged, "I learned when I was younger. Never needed it, until now I guess."

Draco nodded, "But you don't go out into the field?"

"Why are you asking?" Granger furrowed her brows.

He shrugged, "I've been in plenty of battles and have never seen you with the rest of them. And since you said you haven't seen Potter or Weasley- "

"We haven't seen each other…I've…I've seen them…" she said quietly and her eyes flicked to him, "and I've seen you at the battles."

He leaned forward, intent to hear more, "Oh? Are you invisible?"

"Of course not," Hermione scoffed and struggled to find the right words, "I just…I'm not…. ugh, this is maddening…."

"What is?" He watched as she bit her thumb and he couldn't help but watch her lips and tongue dart out. His throat suddenly felt dry.

"I…I can't talk about it. I mean I can but…" she sighed and rubbed her hand over her face.

"Are you under a Vow?"

"No," she grumbled, "Remus won't let me actually go into the battles. No one knows I'm there… I'm…I'm backup."

"Backup?"

"Yes," she looked pained as if she hurt from holding back, "I can't tell you more details. I shouldn't have said anything but…it's nice to have someone to talk to…"

He nodded. He could agree to that sentiment. Granted he had his mother and Milly…it just wasn't the same as this.

"I've been withheld from battles recently," he said, "Training. With Bellatrix. Until they deem me improved enough to go out again. That's how I got this," he motioned to his leg.

"I wondered as much. Her specialty."

They both let out a dry laugh and fell into silence again. It wasn't awkward though. Draco felt calm, at ease just sitting there with Granger.

"Did you need to go back out?" He said after a few minutes.

"What?"

"When I got here, you were out in the woods."

"Oh. No, no I don't. I gave your information to a messenger when I made your tea."

He turned his head and for the first time noticed the parchment was missing from the couch, "A messenger? Not an owl?"

"Owls are intercepted too easily. My messenger is very trustworthy and hasn't failed us. He'll get it to Remus."

"He? Who?"

"And here I thought I was the nosy know-it-all? You can't know everything, Malfoy."

"That never stopped you from trying," he smirked and felt some satisfaction at the small blush that crept up her cheeks. He had been toying with the idea for a few months of bringing it up…and decided now was as good as any. "Do you remember…back at school?"

"You'll have to be more specific."

"You know what I'm talking about," he held her gaze, wanting her to admit it had happened and wasn't just a figment of his imagination.

"I have no idea," she breathed and stood swiftly, "I'm going to bed."

He grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him. She was kneeling in front of him, her eyes wide. Oh, he could get lost in those bronze flecks.

"Is that why you've been so cold to me all this time?"

"Draco, I- "

"Now I'm Draco again?" he whispered and loosened his grip only to turn her wrist and hold it gently. "Tell me, Hermione, do you remember?"

He felt her pulse rush and her eyes widen before a slight shake of her head, "Malfoy, I have no idea what you're- "

"We both know that's not true. Tell me."

His other hand reached up to cup her chin and her breath hitched.

"Draco, I can't. We can't. It can't be like that. It was…"

"One night. I remember," he leaned in and rested his forehead to hers, breathing her in, "I remember."

"Draco, please. Don't do this," she closed her eyes and he felt a tear reach his hand.

"I remember, Hermione. One night. But one I haven't been able to forget. And seeing you again. Meeting you…it's been torture. I thought it was all in my imagination."

"I'm not that person anymore," she cried.

"I don't care," he whispered. He just wanted to feel her again, to know it had been real. "I don't care."

"Draco, there are things that have happened. Things I've done…I can't."

"You think I don't have those same things? War changes people. It's changed us. But I still remember the little Gryffindor who helped a distraught Slytherin, knowing that it would end terribly. Knowing what I had to do."

"You never had a choice."

"No but you did. You could've ran and told Potter or Dumbledore and you didn't. And then- "

"Stop. Please," she looked at him, tears flowing freely, "I mean it, Draco. You're making this worse."

Draco gently held her face in his hands and whispered, "I don't need to know your sins. Just like you don't need to know mine. I just need you."

He gently nipped at her lips, wanting to let her decide and not wanting to give too much if she rejected him. But the whimper that escaped her as she curled her fists into his shirt was all the affirmation he needed. He threaded his finger through her hair and pulled her closer. He felt like he had been drowning and now he could finally breathe again. Draco couldn't help but smile when he pulled away slightly only for Hermione to fiercely pull him back to close the mere millimetres he had moved. He held her face in his hands and pulled away, looking over her. Her eyes stayed closed for a few more seconds before she blinked several times at him.

"Draco," she murmured, "I can't. I'm sorry. But I can't do this."

His thumb brushed her cheek and nodded, "Shall we go back to hating one another then?"

Draco felt his chest clench when more tears fell from her.

"I don't want that. But…I…right now…" she shook her head.

"Hermione," he said softly and placed a chaste kiss on her lips before steeling himself to tell her, "I have been waiting for you. For over two years. I can wait again. I needed to know…to know that it was real. To know that you hopefully still felt…"

"It was real," she reached up and pulled his hands away, holding them, "It was real. And wonderful. But right now…"

"We can't," he nodded solemnly, "I understand."

"I'm sorry-"

"Don't be. It's alright. At least," he took a deep breath, "meeting with you, at least I know you're alive and safe."

She kept her eyes on him. She kept the other two men in her periphery, but her eyes stayed locked on the blond man directly in front of her. Quickly she ran through her options as she eyed the wand pointed her way. She could easily overpower them but she couldn't risk injuring them. She could run but risked being hit. She could reveal herself…

Oh yeah, that'll go over really nicely, wouldn't it Hermione? What have you been doing all of this time? Oh ya know, just being a beasty, Hermione thought wryly.

Her head throbbed as she tried once again to coax her magic forward. It was fighting her again. Remus had theorised that might happen if she shifted too often. It would periodically resist her. And it picked just the right damn time to do it now. She could feel it start to give way and listen to her. Relief flooded her and she revelled as it pulsed through her. She couldn't shift to human…not yet. But a fox was a hell of a lot faster than a giant-

"What's it doing?"

Her eyes snapped to Harry then back to Draco who spoke softly, "Shifting."

Hermione felt herself grow smaller. Her aching bones and muscles almost faltered but she managed to stay still. She cocked her head at them as her fur changed back to a deep red. She took deep breaths and mentally checked through everything, preparing herself to run.

She tensed, eyes still holding Draco's. She saw the recognition flit into his gaze and she darted to the right, barely missing the Stupefy that struck the ground she had been laying on. Hermione didn't dare stop or turn around as she took off through the tall grass and weaving between the trees. She could hear them hollering and trying to follow her.

Not yet, she panted as her paws thundered beneath her, I'm sorry, but not yet. I have one more thing to take care of.