A/N: Um... Hello. Okay. Okay. I know I said that I would upload this chapter some five-six weeks ago. But my parents cut off my internet access due to my upcoming exams. So, I am really really sorry for the delay. But you know what? You people are amazingly sweet. I was expecting some 2-3 threatening emails saying something like "Update or die!" But there were none. So, a big thank you to all of you for being really patient and sweet. Okay. I'll stop my rambling now and let you read the story.

Disclaimer : Don't sue me. All the characters, places,... okay the entire Harry Potter world and anything related to it is owned by J. K. Rowling.

Enjoy!

Hermione Granger Is Never Wrong

Being in Hermione's presence for as less as fifteen minutes soothed him. Calmed him. He had left later that day to break this news to his mother, Narcissa. She had always been tolerant of muggles and muggle-borns. And all that mattered to her was her son's happiness. So, he rushed home to tell her that Hermione had been found.

After that day, the routine was set. Every morning, Draco would visit Hermione and keep her company till Healer Smith came in for the morning check-up. Then during the day, he would come in again with Harry and Ron to have lunch with her and would stay back longer than the two Aurors. When her Healer came back for the evening check-up, he would return to the Manor to meet his mum and to eat dinner. Then, he would return to Hermione and would usually spend the night at Hogwarts.

They need each other. – Narcissa thought. She knew how it felt to be parted from someone you love since Lucius was still in Azkaban.

Some nights Draco did return to the Manor, and this was one of those nights. It had been a month since Hermione had been found and rescued. Now, she was on the verge of full recovery. Although this was reassuring and brilliant, something else was starting to creep into Draco's mind.

It had been a month since Kingsley had found Hermione. How? He had only said that he had gone to America for a meeting with the head of M.A.C.U.S.A., she had flooed into the main office room before passing out.

But what was more important was that it had been a month since Hermione Granger had slipped out of the grasps of the Death-Eaters and yet, they had not made any attempt to get her back. This could only mean two things – either they had given up on her or they were planning something huge. Knowing them well, Draco thought sorrowfully, it had to be the latter.

It was a seemingly normal morning. Draco woke up as he usually did, due to the screeching of his owl. After freshening up, he pulled out a flawless black suit. Then, he came down for breakfast. Sipping his coffee, he skimmed through the Daily Prophet. He also talked with his mother over a number of topics like Hermione's health, his investments, and the Ministry happenings. The morning breakfast was one time when the mother and son would talk and bond with each other. No other talk during the rest of the day could be compared to their morning conversation. But it is said that all good things come to an end, and so when the clock chimed eight times, Draco kissed his mother goodbye and apparated in front of Hogwarts.

He sprinted all the way to the Hospital Wing, stopping only occasionally to avoid crashing into students, and teachers. By the time he reached his destination, Draco was winded. Really need to start playing Quidditch again. – he thought, amused.

Catching his breath, Draco peeked inside and saw only one student, with Madam Pomfrey rambling about how the 'dangerous and lousy' sport of Quidditch should be banned. When he entered, the mediwitch looked up and nodded as if acknowledging his presence.

"As usual I assume, Mr. Malfoy?"

"Yes, Madam Pomfrey." – It was his turn to nod.

Leaving her to tend to the unconscious Gryffindor, Draco walked towards the cubicle. Towards his Hermione.

She was still asleep and so, he cast a quick 'Muffliato' and settled down near her. She had recovered so well. And quickly too. Her cuts although deep, had healed. The bags under her eyes were gone and her face held a healthy tint. So, Hermione Granger was back in the game, huh?

He chuckled, waking her up in the process.

"What are you laughing at?" – Hermione yawned out.

"And good morning to you too, sleepy-head." – Draco whispered, leaning in to kiss her lightly on her lips.

"Good morning." – She smiled against his lips. "Really. What were you laughing about?"

"Oh that. You know, it is kind of funny. A month ago, Pomfrey and Kingsley say that you are dying. And now, you look like you are ready to take Voldemort head on. I really was an idiot to think that you would leave me alone in this cruel world." – Draco laughed again.

Hermione smiled when he said Voldemort's name without flinching and looked at the man in front of her. Draco Malfoy. He was one of the most complex men she had ever met. He was brave, selfless, soft, loving, caring and intelligent. At the same time, he was cowardly, selfish, hard, cold, uncaring and stupid. He had made mistakes. But he had also tried to correct them. And yes, Hermione Granger was proud of Draco Malfoy. He had once made her feel worthless and yet now, she felt precious because of him. He had made her cry a lot but he was the one who would lift her mood at times. She thought she hated him but it was only love. Yes, Hermione Granger was in love with Draco Malfoy.

"Why are you staring at me like that, Hermione?"

That was enough to break her out of her trance. "Nothing."

Then they started to chat. Draco started to tell her about his meetings, his investments and about his mother. Hermione interrupted him occasionally to express her opinion on the matter. Even when Wadden came in, Draco could not get himself to leave. He still wanted to stay. To hold her, kiss her, hear her voice, her laughter. To memorise her completely.

But after sometime, he had to leave due to Hermione's constant pestering that he should not neglect his work.

The morning hours dragged by and Draco tried to busy himself with some files and meeting notes.

Finally, the clock in his luxurious office cabin announced the time for lunch. Grabbing his cloak, he strode out towards the elevator.

Draco along with Harry and Ron entered the Hospital Wing in Hogwarts, carrying lunch packets. It was good that the entire school was in the Great Hall for their lunch. It would raise considerable commotion and suspicion if the Head of the International Magical Co-operation was seen walking into the infirmary with two Aurors carrying four lunch packets.

Well, students are known to have a very good and colourful imagination.

All of them entered Hermione's cubicle quietly in case she was asleep but she was wide awake and as usual, reading a book. This time, Harry cast a 'Muffliato' quickly. "Constant vigilance."- he reminded.

Handing Hermione her lunch packet, the three boys sat down to talk, eat and relax. Or, as Harry liked to put it, unwind.

The hands on the clock turn quickly when you are having a good time and so it happened with them. Before they knew it, the two Aurors had to leave. Draco remained with Hermione, waiting for Healer Smith to come over for the afternoon check-up. But even when the clock struck two, Wadden did not arrive.

"That is quite strange." – Hermione said. "Wadden has never been late before."

"I might need to have a little 'chat' with him." – Draco stated.

"Draco..." – she glared at him, making him raise his hands in mock defeat.

Just then, the curtains were pushed aside and the Healer walked in. Wadden did not greet them cheerfully like he usually did, nor did he apologise for his delay. He simply entered and handed Draco a potion. "I have to leave. Drink that, Miss Granger." – he pointed at the vial he had just given Draco. Then, he left hurriedly.

"That was weird." – Draco said, observantly. "Doesn't he administer you potions himself? And aren't you two on first name basis?"

"Yeah... But maybe he has some emergency cases to attend to. After all, he is one of the best Healers in the world. He is bound to be busy." – Hermione reasoned.

"Maybe you are right. After all, when has Hermione Granger ever been wrong?" Draco smirked.

"Yeah. Whatever... Anyway, I should drink it." – she motioned towards the vial in Draco's hand.

He nodded and handed it to her. Looking wearily at its contents, Hermione emptied the vial, immediately grimacing at the taste – "Oh my God! Is he trying to kill me?!"

Draco laughed heartily and then, leaned over to kiss her.

"I have to leave now. I love you, Hermione."

"I love you too, Draco."

Then grabbing his cloak, he left.

Well, well. When, indeed, had Hermione Granger ever been wrong?

A/N: Can you guess what happens next? I think it is pretty obvious. So, please review.