A/N: Hello, dear reader! Thanks for stumbling upon this story of mine. I am totally new to this so please forgive my lack of experience...? Anyway, I hope you enjoy this story. I'd like to confirm before anyone has any misconceptions (which I'd totally understand from just reading this chapter), this is a Romione and not a Dramione story. I have never understood the ship between Draco and Hermione although I usually do love a good 'bad boy/good girl' story, I am absolutely devoted to Ron and Hermione and their relationship. The best part about it is that it is Canon lol x. If you are wondering where I got the inspiration to write this story, it was actually from another author called 'AzaleaBlue'. We don't know each other or anything but I think her writing and creativity is beautiful. She is easily my favourite Romione author. I really hope you don't think I'm trying to copy her brilliant story, 'When Fate Decides', mine will be very different, although probably much worse. I just thought the whole concept of Hermione and Draco being a messed up couple after Ron broke her heart was brilliant. I'm sorryyy for the long Author's Notes, expect that from me if you continue to read :P.

By the way, I definitely do not own these characters. With my life, JK Rowling owns all of them.

Chapter 1 - Letters

Pulling her uncontrollable hair into a ponytail, Hermione made a few final adjustments to her appearance. It was around 5 in the morning, but she couldn't sleep any longer. So instead, she decided to get up extra early to prepare herself for work. Sleepless nights weren't a rare occurrence for Hermione Granger, not since the war, not since he left. She sat on her bed with a sigh as she turned to face the lying form of Draco Malfoy, her blonde boyfriend soundly asleep in her bed, completely oblivious to the pain his girlfriend was suffering all through the night. But Hermione knew even if he was awake to witness her suffering, he wouldn't understand. And how could she blame him? It had been four years since the war, and three since-since he left. Hermione knew she had ought to be over him by now, and she knew that it frustrated Draco that it did still get to her. She couldn't blame him. So she had begun to confide in him less, instead let her tears fall silently, hoping with every inch that he wouldn't awaken to the sound of her sniffles.

Yes, it had been three years, well, three and a half really since the only person she loved and trusted so deeply had broken? No, shattered her heart into a million pieces before leaving without a hint of an explanation. All he had said was that he 'couldn't see a future', he had to 'move on and be his own person'. It was so out of the blue, so absolutely random and it left Hermione absolutely devastated. When the one person she loved a painful amount had walked straight out of everyone's life, her life, without a guess as to where he was going, what he was doing, or how long it would take. All anyone had known was that Ron had to go on a mission for work, his first year as an Auror and he was already asked to disappear from everyone he loved. He just walked out on everything, and for no apparent reason. He walked out and left a complete mess in his absence. He hadn't even told his mother that he and Hermione split. She couldn't bring herself to do it, everyone was already so upset with his shock departure that Hermione could not even face breaking Mrs Weasley's heart - she had always treated Hermione like her own daughter.

Matters only escalated when it had been a week since anyone had heard from Ron since his quick disappearance. Tensions rose in the Burrow as everyone became frightened of the unknown. After losing Fred not even a year before Ron decided to up and leave, it was understandable how fragile the whole family were when they learnt of Ron's sudden exit. A week had passed before the Minister for Magic, Kingsley himself had visited the Burrow. Hermione came, as did Harry and Ginny who were currently living at Grimmauld Place. Kingsley explained very little about what was going on. Hermione recalled the night vividly

"I am grateful that you could all be here tonight" the Minister began as he peered around to a handful of concerned faces. "Ron is fine" he continued vaguely. "But unfortunately I cannot disclose any more information about his whereabouts or what he is doing" he added.

"What?" Mrs Weasley cried as tears emerged into her eyes. "Kingsley, you've got to tell us more" she pleaded.

Kingsley shook his head sadly. "I am sorry that I cannot. If you knew a shed of information you will not only be putting Ron into great danger, but yourselves too". If Kingsley's intentions were to calm the worry that simmered over everyone, he was doing a rather awful job. Mrs Weasley began sobbing as Arthur Weasley comforted her.

"Please, Minister. We've all been through this enough, we just want to know our boy'll be safe" Mr Weasley exclaimed weakly.

"Ron is safe." The Minister clarified. "He is carrying out a task that requires top secrecy, Arthur"

"What task?" Harry chimed in, fear flooding his face. "None of us ever knew about any bloody task!" He expressed, referring to the other Aurors that made up the squad he and Ron were both in.

Kingsley shook his head. "As I said, this particular task requires only the strictest confidentiality. You of all people should understand that, Harry."

"W-when will he be back?" Mrs Weasley begged as she cried more.

"It's hard to say." The Minister stated as he stared, unseeing the chair that sat vacant beside Mrs Weasley. "But please know that Ron is indeed safe and is simply carrying out Ministry work." He paused to retrieve a letter from his long, purple dress robes. "He left a brief letter in apologies. I would hope that no one in this room would think less of him, he is an incredibly brave Auror" he added, turning his gaze to Hermione. She shifted uncomfortably. There was no doubt in Hermione's mind that Ron was incredibly brave Auror, this wasn't what had hurt and angered her. What caused all of those negative emotions was how he had just snapped at the chance of demolishing their relationship, not even giving it a mere chance, especially considering the amount they had already been through together.

"Of course we do not think less of him!" Mrs Weasley cried, ignoring that Kingsley was looking pointedly at Hermione. "I just want him back!" She wailed, clutching to Arthur again.

"I know. But nothing can be done, we will just have to wait. I will update you where I can, but for now I must go." Kingsley offered the piece of parchment to Harry as he made his way to the door. "Thank you for your patience" he added before leaving the Burrow.

Harry sighed deeply before looking down at the letter. Everyone stared at him in anticipation. "Well, read the bloody thing, then" George instructed. Harry nodded stiffly. With a deep breath, he began.

Dear everyone,

I'm sorry that I was acting so differently the week before I left. I just didn't know how to act around you all knowing I'd be leaving so soon. Not that I deserve it, but please forgive me. If I told anyone about what was happening you would've all been in immense danger. I'll be as quick as I can, I promise. I'll miss you all, deeply.

Love always, Ron.

Harry finished and looked up, sighing tiredly.

"Is that it? Is that bloody it? He's gone for Merlin knows how long and this is all he leaves us with?" George asked rhetorically as he took the letter from Harry's hold. They all took it in turns to read the short and vague letter. It eventually got to Hermione, whose heart felt like it skipped a beat as she watched another string of words appear on the parchment. Shocked, she read on.

Dear, Hermione

This part of the letter is charmed for only your eyes. Please just forget me. You need to move on. I haven't told the others, and I'm sorry about that, it's the first thing I'll do when I get back.

Tears trickled down Hermione's pale face as she reread the words. How was she supposed to just move on from him? He breaks up with her and then decides to leave unannounced. How was she supposed to move on from that?

Mrs Weasley and Hermione spent several weeks after Ron's departure grieving over him to the point where Hermione felt numb, numb and stupid. It was simply humiliating, he had wanted nothing to do with her, for the rest of his life. The words "forget me" echoed in her mind even though he had never said them, only written them. Yet here she was, sobbing over him like some deranged, delusional psychopath who wouldn't let him go. She had cried out so many tears that pain and anger overcame her instead. Hermione was so angry at him, but at the situation more. She knew he was only doing his job, but this. This was next level, a level Hermione could never imagine Ron would reach. But, this Ron wasn't the Ron she had fallen crazily in love with, how could he be? She knew she had to stop, to give up. She would do exactly as he asked, and move on.

Hermione decided to focus on her own job; go to university and work for the Department of Law and Enforcement at the Ministry. Whilst living at the University, she knew that it was effectively distancing herself from the Burrow, from the Weasleys. From her best friend Harry, and from her essential sister, Ginny. Hermione couldn't bare it. The hugest part of her life had been ripped from her in an instant. She felt utterly alone, but she had no other choice. She made a few friends at the University, undoubtedly quite popular after the war. Hermione even started going out to bars and nightclubs with her new friends, something she had never even considered before. As expected, it wasn't really her scene at first, but she began to enjoy it more. And then one night it all changed.

On the anniversary of the war, the anniversary of so many people's deaths, Hermione decided that going to the bar could only take her mind off things, so agreed when her friends basically dragged her from her revision. Whilst there, a horrific fight broke out between two people Hermione realised she knew. She couldn't believe the scene, Draco Malfoy and his so called best friend, Vincent Crabbe brawling in the middle of the dance floor. Everyone stood, watched and laughed, cheering on the boys. But Hermione couldn't bare it. They were both tall and big, but Crabbe was considerably larger than Draco, he was getting ripped to shreds. After one sudden punch to the face, Draco crashed to the floor unconsciously. Much to her astonishment, everyone cheered and laughed as they walked off, not caring to walk around the limp body, but taking care to tread on him as they walked away from the scene. Not even the bar workers did anything. Hermione rushed over on pure instinct and rushed him over to the disabled toilets, struggling to hold all of his weight.

Draco awoke hazed, as his eyes adjusted to the bright lights of wherever he was. It only took a millisecond for his head and nose to begin throbbing with immeasurable pain. He rubbed his somewhat tired eyes as he gathered his surroundings, he was sat on a counter top of a sink, the door opened and he instinctively latched onto his wand, but nothing could have prepared him for what or who specifically walked through.

"Ah. You're awake" exclaimed the voice of a girl he hadn't seen in a whole year, with the same bushy hair and brown eyes, holding a glass of water. He said nothing as shock rendered him speechless. "Here" she said softly, handing him the glass. He took it tentatively, and drank slow steady sips, watching her still. "I'm not going to do anything" she rolled her eyes, acknowledging his clear unease.

"W-what happened? Where am I?" he asked, Hermione was amazed he managed to uphold his emotionless voice. She studied him, watching his grey eyes that looked dead beyond the irises. She sighed.

"You were in a fight. It looked pretty nasty, actually"

"Did I win?" he asked weakly, although Hermione was no stranger to the arrogance in his voice.

"Would you be sat on a sink in the disabled toilets accompanied by the only person who noticed you were in genuine pain if you had won?" She smiled weakly.

Draco shrugged. "Others probably noticed, you were just the only person who cared" he noted and she looked up at him quickly, she blushed, an action that surprised Draco greatly. Hadn't she hated him? Hadn't he given her every right? He had to know. "Why are you helping me?" he asked, an edge of concern in his voice as she handed him an ice pack for his nose.

It was her turn to shrug. Hermione was very aware of all the things he had done, all the names he had called her, all the attempted murders he'd committed, but for some reason none of that bothered her as much, she couldn't just let him lie there with no help. "If I didn't, who would?" she asked, genuinely hoping for an answer.

"No one, probably. Lost a few friends this past year" he stated dryly.

Hermione looked back at his eyes. "Why?" she asked concernedly.

"Came to my senses, suppose. Realised that Daddy dearest wasn't quite the man I thought he was. Realised it years ago, to be honest. But never had the courage to leave - without a goodbye". Hermione furrowed her brows, as much as she was surprised by his confession, she wasn't as shocked as she ought to have been

"Oh. You've had a busy year then?" she eventually said, she noticed his nose was still bleeding despite the spells she had cast in attempt to heal him. She began rummaging through the cabinets that were above the sink. Draco shrugged even though Hermione couldn't see him.

"Ugh" Hermione groaned in frustration. "You'd think they'd store dittany or any sort of healing potion here at a Wizarding bar" she sighed in defeat and instead began rinsing a bunch of toilet paper with warm water.

Draco wasn't half as phased by the lack of healing potions. He didn't care for pain. He lacked many emotions as of late, he had lost everything, his friends, his family. Even if it was at his own desire, it was still difficult. But one emotion he was feeling right now was curiosity, towards the one girl he used to hate - he could barely find the energy to feel such a heavy emotion anymore. In fact, he couldn't even say he disliked her right now, after all, she was at his aid when no one else was. "Why are you helping me, Granger?" he inquired as he let her dab his bloody nose. It stung painfully and he winced.

"Sorry" she said quickly, almost mechanically. "And, I told you. No one else was appearing to"

"But I was awful to you, you'd have every right to hate me, watch me suffer, enjoy it.." he mused almost sadly.

Hermione took in his melancholy expression. "I know I had every right, Draco. But people do change you know" she smiled weakly as he looked up to her eyes.

"Heard what happened with Weasley. You must be..scared, him being your boyfriend" he suggested. Hermione's stomach flipped just at the mere mention of his name.

Without really realising why she suddenly felt so open, maybe it was because she had no one else to confide in. "Well actually. We, we broke up, a little before he, he left." She stated, looking away. Draco's eyebrows arose and he couldn't help but discover a shed of - what could it be - happiness at this revelation? He could tell that she was clearly hurt, so he suppressed this glee as much as he could.

"Oh. Can I ask why?"

Hermione sniffed and remained looking away, trying to busy herself with dampening more toilet roll. "He said something about moving on with his own life.." she trailed off, hoping to appear vague and maybe dismissive, although she was still absolutely torn.

"He's a fool" Draco spat without even realising what he said. But he meant it, nevertheless. How could Weasley be so stupid as to let something go that was an absolute miracle he could get? Draco knew she deserved better. Anyone else would treat her better. He would treat her better.

Hermione's eyes shot up quickly to meet his, she blushed slightly and realised that she hadn't spoken for an abnormal space of silence. "I-I should go. My friends will think it rather suspicious if I keep disappearing off to the toilet for a while. How- how are you feeling?"

Draco watched her fluster and actually found it rather endearing, much to the contrast of his younger self. But maybe she was right, people do change. Evidently, that fool Weasley had completely. "I'm fine." he said shortly. She smiled weakly and headed for the door but he couldn't let this one ray of light escape from him, not this time. "Grang-Hermione, Hermione please wait" he found himself stuttering. She turned quickly and furrowed her brows in curiosity. "Thank you" he declared as he lifted himself off of the counter.

"It's fine" she exclaimed, and put her hand back on the door handle.

"Please" he called quickly, hoping she wouldn't leave. "If-if you need anything, a friend perhaps-" he cut himself off realising how ridiculous he sounded, why would she ever befriend him? "Or maybe just someone, anyone to talk to about..about that idiot, or or anything really. Then I-I'll be here for you." He cringed at his own awkwardness but she didn't seem to mind it.

Instead, she smiled sweetly and said, "thanks, Draco. I would appreciate that" before leaving through the door and returning to her friends.

A week had passed since his neck had been saved by the girl who had the most right to watch him in pain. Draco spent the evenings since at his flat sat at the empty dining table, sussing out ways he could reach her and pondering over weather he should or not. After doing some mild research at the Ministry - where he worked on helping to discover hidden Death Eaters, a job that could hopefully redeem his trust by the Wizarding world, he discovered that she was at University. That evening he rushed to his apartment, snatched a piece of parchment but when his quill was reaching the paper, he paused abruptly, not even knowing where to begin. He stared at the blank parchment that mocked him, chortled at him for even thinking he had any right to contact her after all he had said and done. But a ray of hope danced through his heart, her voice echoing through his mind. 'People do change'. She was right. He had changed. He was no longer Malfoy, son of Lucius (a prime Death Eater), he was now just Draco, a young man trying to redeem himself. He would prove that to her, he needed to. He picked up the lonely quill again and actually started to write.

Dear Hermione,

Thank you for saving me that night, I didn't deserve it. I didn't deserve your graciousness, especially after all of the awful things I did to you. I am so sorry that you never experienced who I am now, instead enduring the insufferable beast that I was. I know I don't deserve your trust, I know it's even unfair for me to write to you now. But, please give me a chance. Let me show you that I am a different person. I have changed. I know you don't need me in your life, you'd of course have plenty of friends.

Draco stopped writing and rubbed his forehead with his hand, wondering how on earth he could persuade her to give him an inch of her attention. He sighed and struggled to continue.

Please allow me to make up for all the years I was awful to you.

I hope to hear from you soon,

Draco.

And with that he sent the dreaded letter as his stomach fluttered with nerves. His owl, Cynthia - a black, elegant, tall bird hooted pointedly as she took the letter and glided through the night.

Draco couldn't believe his own luck. She had replied. His heart lifted like he hadn't though possible, in fact he had started to wonder weather he could ever feel this happy again in his whole life, little did he know that this was only the beginning. Him and Hermione had become the at most unlikely, yet amazing friends. He hadn't had a friend in ages, and who was he kidding, he had never had a real friend before in his life. Emotions struck him that he didn't think imaginable, all just because of the pleasantries they would exchange. But it had become more than that, more than simple friends. The feelings that started to develop were none to be limited to that of friendship, but the only question was weather or not she felt the same. He toyed with the initially foolish idea, why would she ever feel anything more than sympathy for him? Especially after the way he had treated her for the best part of their life. But there was always a slight shimmer of hope in the mounds of darkness that sat in his heart. She had written back, she had agreed to go to his, she had even invited him to her own flat, and had charmed the wards so that he could visit hers without even having to knock. Draco, as much as he had tried could not forget these gestures. Gestures that she too wanted more perhaps?

Weeks had rolled to months before Draco had plucked up the courage to do or say anything remotely suggestive, anything that pushed the friendship line ever so delicately. But miraculously, one night, one dark night he was with her, comforting her as she recalled some of the horrific memories that haunted her ever since the war's end. He couldn't bare watching her, clearly traumatised by the troubling events. Guilt filled him to the point where he had even felt a lump form in his throat, just thinking about the grief him and his family had caused her, never again, he promised to himself. And without really thinking twice, he pulled her in and kissed her softly. She was evidently surprised by this action as her body stiffened under his hold, so much so that Draco nearly pried himself away, however she eventually softened and had returned the kiss with more than matched intensity.

Things only got better from there.

Hermione sighed as she watched the sleeping form, she stood quietly and left the room. Entering the kitchen, she didn't even bother with the kettle. She knew just one thing and that was that she needed to leave before he awoke and realised how upset she had been. He was always comforting, yes, but Hermione couldn't kid herself - he was becoming less and less tolerant of her sudden outbursts of upset, and Hermione frankly couldn't blame him. Scribbling a quick note, guilt rushed through her as she reviewed the bluntness of her exit. But she concluded that her sudden absence would be better than him finding her in this state. She carefully taped the note to the kitchen counter. Thoughtlessly swiping her coat from the stand that stood in her hallway, she left as noiselessly as she could and headed to work.

A/N: Please feel free to review, I've never been that bothered about criticism, definitely not because I think my work is perfect, but simply because I am my worst critic and have probably slated myself on everything and more that anyone comments. Having said that, please do feel free to voice your opinion, I'll gratefully read them all. Thank you for reading, you are truly brilliant and I will update soon.