Leaving.

Walking up to the door of the house that had brought us so much joy, I felt a sense of strength knowing I wouldn't be coming back. I had it all set out in my mind, Tom should be at work for now, I had the week off and he was going back today. I would grab my stuff and just like that I'd be gone. I couldn't help the sense of guilt in the back of my mind but for once I trusted Malfoy when he said it was for the best. I couldn't even comprehend what had happened since yesterday, but I had to take the strength whilst I had it and leave.

Opening the door with my key I snuck into the silent house. I didn't know why I felt like I needed to sneak in but somehow this house that I had called home felt like I was intruding. Walking into the Living room I froze. Tom was there. He was sat with his head in his hands on the sofa and my heart broke for him, he looked so sad. He looked up when he saw me enter, his eyes were puffy and red as he stared at me.

"Babe, I'm so sorry. Thank god you're ok." He muttered, his voice cracking as he spoke. I didn't know what to say, he wasn't supposed to be here, he was supposed to be working.

"What are you doing here?" I asked after a few seconds, snapping out of my trance. I had to remain strong but he was breaking me down. I knew he was sorry, and boy was he good at reminding me of that. As much as my head was telling me to run, my heart was breaking for him.

"I thought you'd left me. I needed to see you, I needed to say I'm sorry. I've been worried." He said stepping closer and making me flinch slightly as he took hold of my arm. He noticed my action and pulled me into a tight hug.

"You don't need to flinch; I've said I'm sorry." His voice sent a shiver down my spine as he whispered in my ear. He kissed my cheek softly, I tried to pull away, but he held me where I was.

"You forgive me, don't you?" He added. His voice was dark now and his grip had tightened.

"I…I" I stuttered forgetting all of the confidence Malfoy had instilled into me. I couldn't help forgetting the things he had said I just needed to do anything to get through this moment to stop him from hurting me again.

"You WERE leaving me!" He roared suddenly. I felt frozen to the spot as tears formed in my eyes. I could feel my lips opening but nothing was happening, he was in full control again.

"You found someone else didn't you. Slapper!" My cheek stung harshly as he backhanded me his ring dragging a cut across my cheek.

"No! I wasn't leaving you… I just wanted to give you time." I stuttered crying, as he towered over me. He seemed to soften slightly at my words. Right now, I'd say anything to get him to calm down.

"Prove it." He said menacingly, positioning his face nose to nose with mine. His lips came crashing down on mine and he held me tightly as I struggled to get away and gasp for air. By the time he released me I choked for air and doubled over. He kicked my legs out from underneath me and sent me tumbling to the ground before he grabbed me by the hair and dragged me up the stairs.

"I'll prove how much you love and need me." He growled as blood poured from my nose and I tried to scramble my legs beneath me to ease the sheer pain ricocheting through my head.

******A few hours later*****

I lay curled in a ball a mixture of tears and blood drying on my skin. I'd been awake for hours now, in too much pain to move. I had to move if I was going to. Tom's snores bouncing around the room from next to me in the bed. If I was going to leave, I'd have to do it now. My body ached as I moved and grabbed a bag. Waving my wand, the few things I wanted flew straight into my bag, I couldn't leave my mothers rings or my fathers ring collection and there were a few photo frames from their wedding day, my birth and the last photo I had of the three of us before the war. I didn't care about my clothes or anything else of mine. Zipping the bag tightly I crept down the stairs not caring that my clothes were dirty and ripped. Walking out of the house barefoot I saw a light flick on as I clicked open the door. My heart jumped into my throat as I heard Tom's yell from upstairs. I swung the door open and made it out to the street. Turning on the spot I disapparated just after I caught a glimpse of his broken face. My heart sunk as the events of today finally hit me. I loved him but I had to leave him. Loving him wasn't enough anymore.

I landed in a heap in front of the fire I'd left just this morning. It was late night now and I didn't know whether Malfoy would still be awake. The house was quiet besides the crackle of the fire. I couldn't lift myself properly as the pain became too much. I dragged myself a little closer to the fire and let its heat envelope around me as drowsiness took over.

*******The next morning*****

I could hear whispers and people shuffling around before I could open my mind. They were speaking about me but for some reason the words didn't seem to make sense to me. My mind felt confused and my body ached from top to bottom. I was warm, but I definitely wasn't still by the fire. I was in a bed again but this one was soft and warm, and I felt like I was floating on a cloud. I could've happily stayed exactly where I was for a week or two. As my mind became a little clearer, I finally opened my eyes. Sunshine was blasting through the windows and it took a few moments of blinking for my eyes to focus. I was in a king size bed in the centre of the of the room with soft golden sheets and Malfoy was sat looking thoughtful and concerned.

"Hey Mal…Draco" I croaked realising how dry my throat was and remembering that he'd asked me to call him Draco. It felt a little strange, but I would get used to it. Draco stood up the moment he heard me speaking but didn't come any closer. His eyes were filled with an emotion I couldn't quite read. I found myself curious as to what he was thinking.

"Are you ok? Tinky said you arrived some time between 2 and 3 this morning, she found you by the fire." His voice was calm, but I could tell there was an anger behind it. I couldn't help the slight nervousness that crept up to me. I never thought the day would come when I trusted Malfoy but right now I had nowhere else to go. Looking to the bedside table I noticed that the last photo of my family was sitting there.

"I'm sorry… I… he was there when I got back." I muttered quietly. Looking down at my fingers.

"I could kill him for what he's done to you." He growled whilst still keeping his distance. I didn't look up at him as I couldn't look at the pity in his eyes.

"No… I'm away now, I got away." I replied still fiddling with my hands.

"What happened when you went back? What did he do?" I sighed closing my eyes as various images flashed through my mind.

"N…nothing." I responded. I knew he'd know that I was lying but I couldn't talk about it all yet.

"It's ok, you don't have to tell me. You weren't in the best shape when you got here so Tinky and Tinnie helped clean you up. They'll assist you with anything you need, and the house is yours to roam, just don't go into my study if that's ok. I'll let you rest." He nodded softly before giving me a small smile and turning to leave the room. I felt guilty that it seemed as though I'd pushed him away and I hope he didn't feel bad for it, he was being a massive help as it was there were just certain things, I couldn't tell him.

"Draco?" Malfoy turned on the spot and glanced at me quickly and for half a second I thought I saw a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

"Yes Hermione?" He said smirking as he pointedly mentioned my name.

"Thank you for saving me. Will I see you at dinner?" He smiled softly.

"Of course, shall we say six for dinner?" He replied quickly placing his pale hand on the door. I nodded quickly and watched as he went before leaning back into my pillows and letting the dull ache from my body settle into me. Today was the beginning of my new life and for once, I had absolutely no idea how it was going to look.

*****End of Chapter****

Sorry it has been so long! I've been ill and only just found the chance to write again! This is the last of the really serious topic chapters for now and hopefully things will look a little brighter in the coming chapters! Do we think Malfoy can be trusted? Is Hermione truly finished with Tom? And what's hiding in Draco's study? Let me know what you think! Sending love guys xoxo