Into the Woods

A/N: The disclaimer will only be posted in the first chapter.

Chapter 2: The Cabin

Draco looked the cabin over. Made entirely of wood, except for the chimney, of course, it was relatively new.

He unlocked the door and stepped inside, taking in the fresh, piney smell. He place his bags on the floor and then collapsed on an old sofa, coughing as he did.

Ten minutes later, he got up to go make his dinner for once. After it was on the stove, he flipped on the television.

"Breaking news!" said the newscaster. "A pale white man wearing strange clothing was sighted today by three people. They claim he was using some sort of 'magic.'"

Draco shook his head. "NO!"

Beep! Beep! Beep!

The smoke alarm was going off.

"Crap," Draco swore, fanning the stove. The he turned off the smoke alarm.

He trashed the burnt food and conjured up a sandwich. He was almost finished when a single bloodcurdling scream broke the silence in the woods.

Dropping his sandwich, he ran out the door, going in the direction of the scream.

There was another scream, and Draco ran towards it.

A minute later, he came upon a ramshackle cabin that looked abandoned. He drew his wand.

Cautiously, he pushed open the door. Inside, there was an old red rug, mothe-eaten curtains, and a single bed in the corner. It was dark, and Draco whispered, "Lumos."

A light appeared at the tip of his wand.

Something got in the way of the light. It was bruised, and had several cuts.

Draco reached out and stroked it softly.

"Granger?!"

00000000

"Malfoy?!" Hermione said in the same manner.

"Granger, is that really you?"

Hermione whimpered and nodded.

Draco drew her into his arms, the past flying over his head. "Who did this to you?"

Hermione shook her head and tried to speak, but found she couldn't.

"Don't worry. It'll be okay. I'm here."

Hermione nodded.

"Listen," Draco started. "Why don't we use our first names from now on? It'll make you feel better."

"Draco," Hermione said. "I'm in pain. Please help me. I need a doctor."
"Shh….I'm a healer. You can come back to my cabin with me and I'll help you."

"I can't- He's coming back. He'll see I'm gone."

"Who, exactly, is 'He?'"

"I can't tell you. He said he'd kill me if anyone found out."

Draco nodded. "Then I'll come back here and help you."

"Thank you," Hermione whispered.

Draco turned to leave. "Bye," he said.

"Bye…Draco"

A/N: How's my new story, everyone? Remember to review!!!!