Calindy, cassady11, jenniferebeling5, , melissah87, percabeth4evaeva, weasleyfanno1- thank you for pressing follow

Fanficc2, Megabeth03, cassady11, jenniferebeling5, oliwiaflorek349, percabeth4evaeva, weasleyfanno1- thank you for pressing favorite

Percabeth4evaeva, and an anonymous guest thank you for leaving reviews.

Chapter 2- I know this is a short chapter. I'm so sorry.

Hermione rested her head on Draco's shoulder. Draco wrapped his arm around her waist as they walked to Hermione's apartment. Hermione spoke, "I thought that relying on someone meant I was weak. Living as a muggleborn in the wizarding world was not the most exciting thing to do. So I did the only thing I was good at, I studied, to be recognized as a witch."

"I'm terribly sorry I wasn't a good helper when you were in school. But my shoulder is always free."

"To who?"

"Only you."

"That was a very good answer. You know how to impress a girl."

They both chuckled.

They reached Hermione's small apartment. The couple parted away and Hermione spoke, "It's time to go." "Unfortunately, I can't disagree with that." Hermione walked to the door and Draco slowly walked away backwards, still fixing his eyes at Hermione. Hermione grabbed the handle and opened the door but hesitated to go inside. "Draco! Would you have a cup of tea inside?"

"Are you aware that it is a very seductive statement considering the time?"

"You don't have to come if you don't like it." She blushed.

"Who said I don't? I'll love to join you, Granger."

This time, Draco jogged the short distance and entered her apartment together.

As he entered her apartment, he was able to see a large bookshelf filled with books. There was a fireplace, a cream colored armchair, and a light grey couch. There was a small kitchen and there was a pile of instant food beside the microwave.

"No offense, I am saying this because this looks very unhealthy. You don't cook?"

"Uhmm… I just couldn't get used to a knife after that day."

It was the day when Hermione was tortured brutally in Malfoy Manor by Bellatrix. The cruciatus curse hit her numerous times, and the word mudblood was carved on her flesh by Bellatrix. She was Draco's aunt and Draco hated the twists caused by his family. It seemed like a quirk of fate. It was a nightmare for both the two of them. Hermione suffered from PTSD and Draco felt like as if he couldn't breathe every time when he recalled the incident. He was there. As Hermione screamed, he was there doing nothing.

Draco suddenly looked down to the floor, "I'm so sorry. For everything. I wanted to stop it, I really did. I know it sounds like a lot of stupid excuse but…"

Hermione put her finger on top of Draco's lips. Draco was forced to look at her in her eye.

"I know. But you are not the one to be guilty. You don't have to be sorry. I have to admit, it was terrible. But I'm proud of it. I lived through it and I managed to keep the secrets of the Order. It is not your fault."

"I'm sorry."

"Now let's have a cup of tea and follow the original purpose. I won't tolerate any more apologies." Hermione spoke as she made tea, "You can look inside my room if you like until I make tea."

"That is something I really wanted to do." Draco chuckled and entered Hermione's bedroom. Her bed was covered in light periwinkle blue sheets. On the other side of her bed, there was a large window covered in black-out curtains. There was a simple closet and a large bookshelf, filled with books that Draco never saw before. Possibly muggle books, he thought. Hermione was the brightest witch of her age, but Draco was also very smart. He was second place when it came to tests and essays because of her. He picked out a book without thinking. "Romeo and Juliet." Draco muttered.

"It is a very famous book that was originally a script written by Shakespeare." Hermione spoke as she entered her room after making tea.

"That is a weird name, to start with."

"Do you want me to tell you the summary, or will you read it yourself?"

"I'll try reading a muggle book for a change."

"Anyway, tea is ready."

Both of them left her room and sat on wooden chairs facing each other. They were happy as Draco joked and Hermione giggled. This was what they fought for. Peace, safety, happiness, and love.

"Times up. You really should get going."

""Unfortunately, I really can't disagree with that. We have to get to work tomorrow. I hate Mondays."

Both chuckled. "See you tomorrow."

"Bye." Draco gave her a sweet smile as he apparated back to his own apartment.