"Draco?" Hermione asked

"Hmm?"

"What's a floo?"

Draco opened his mouth to ask how she didn't remember what the floo network was but stopped himself when he recalled what Healer Pye had said. He took a deep breath before saying, "We go through the fireplace back to Hogwarts. Come on, I'll explain more on the way to the lobby," he said as he held his hand out for Hermione to take. She took it, and they left the room to find the lobby.

"So, can you tell me about anything?" Hermione asked. She was feeling insecure about her memory loss once again.

"I think it's best if you just meet your friends again. As for the floo network, it connects every location together so that we can get back to school quickly." They trooped along down a long corridor that smelled like it had just been charmed to help get rid of its smell of bleach in companionable silence. The only sound was their shoes occasionally squeaking on the pristine flooring.

"Ok, what happens when we get back to the school?"

"First, we'll get out of the fireplace in Headmistress McGonagall's office. She's probably waiting for us to get back. Then we'll update her on you. Just wondering, how much do you remember?" Draco wondered.

"I remember that I'm in the wizarding world, and I remember some faces and events. I don't remember any names though. Not much is really...connecting at the moment. But I feel like I'm getting better every minute. Is it crazy of me to say that holding your hand helps?" Hermione asked.

"No. Not at all," He said. It would probably be best to wait for McGonagall's help in explaining the whole veela-mate thing to Hermione.

They finished their walk at the rotunda of a lobby. They approached the receptionist's desk, and Draco asked for the paper Hermione needed to sign herself out. She quickly signed, and they approached the fireplace to floo back to Hogwarts.

Draco picked up a small handful of floo powder. "Ok, you see this? It's floo powder. You step into the fire, say where you want to go, and get out where you see where you want to go. I'm gonna go first. Then you'll grab a handful of powder, step into the fireplace, say 'Hogwarts" while you throw it down. It's gonna feel like you're spinning, but get out when you see me"

"Ok, I've got it. Powder, say 'Hogwarts' and throw it, get out when I see you," She repeated.

Draco pulled her into himself for one more hug. He knew that they'd be fine and only apart for a minute at the most, but he still didn't want to let her go. Hermione wrapped her arms tightly around him and took a deep breath. She knew it wasn't, but something about his scent smelled familiar and divine. She couldn't decide whether he smelled more like cinnamon or crisp apples, so she settled on a mix of the two. He released her, stepped into the fire, and was gone in a few seconds.

Hermione waited a few seconds before following his lead. She stepped into the fireplace and followed his directions. She did feel like she was spinning, but it was a pleasant meandering rather than aggressive spinning. She resisted the urge to close her eyes and instead watched out for when she saw Draco.

She saw Draco standing next to a familiar older-looking witch, so she took a step out. Hermione stumbled forward, causing Draco to spring forward to help her catch her footing.

A large smile spread across the headmistress' face as she saw how much healthier Hermione looked since she had last seen her. She approached Hermione and took both of the young woman's hands in her own.

"Oh, Hermione, you simply do not know how relieved we all are to have you back. Excuse me, but I don't know if you remember me. I'm Headmistress McGonagall."

"Yes, ma'am, you're familiar to me. I remember you, but not entirely."

"Yes, of course. Now surely you are exhausted from this ordeal. You and Draco are to go and rest. We shall meet here in my office at noonday tomorrow. I've already alerted your friends that you are not to be bothered until tomorrow," Said the older woman.

"That sounds wonderful, headmistress," Draco said. "Thank you for all of your help." He turned to Hermione. "I'll show you where we sleep."

Draco and Hermione smiled at each other once again before grasping hands. He guided them out of the office and to the third-floor corridor their dorm was in. They reached the door, then Draco stated the password.

"initium novum"

They stepped over the threshold, and Hermione was mesmerized. She looked around the common room with wide eyes from side to side, up and down. She was particularly pleased with the kitchen. It wasn't very large or impressive, but it was cozy and comforting. She could imagine drinking fresh pumpkin juice there.

I was a moment before she noticed Draco not looking at the kitchen or the living area across from it. He was looking at the bedroom. Hermione's eyebrows rose as she read the plaque on the door reading "Mr. and Mrs. D. Malfoy". She approached the door and opened it. It was a large room and in it sat most of Hermione's belongings along with his. Draco turned to her before she could say anything.

"Listen, I thought this would have been explained to you by now, but I'm a veela. You're my mate. We're meant to be. It's why you're calmer around me and why I'm protective of you. If you have no problems with sharing a bed with me, then we can. But if you don't want to, you can have the bed, and I'll sleep on the common room's couch." Draco looked down to where he twiddled his thumbs while awaiting Hermione's answer.

"I trust you, we can share the bed. I'm actually quite tired at the moment. I think we should have a nap," Hermione says as she walks into the bedroom.

"Sounds wonderful to me," He said as he followed her.

Hermione looked around at her possessions on the left side of the room while attempting to find some pajamas. She found the right drawer and settled on a matching set with Gryffindor colors after holding them up to use the light from the window across the room. "Did I bring all of this here?"

"No, it wasn't here before. One of the kitchen elves must have moved everything while we were gone. You're good friends with that drunk one, Winky I think." Hermione nodded and went into the adjoining bathroom to change.

When she came back Draco had already changed into his own pajamas and was settled into the bed. Hermione got into the left side of the bed and settled herself near Draco, but far enough at the same time. She laid down, but couldn't get quite comfortable. She tried turning over, but that also did not help.

"Come here, you'll be comfortable." It wasn't until Draco wrapped his arm around Hermione's midsection and pulled her into himself. He was warm, so she fit herself right into him. It was only midday, but she slept as if it were night. Draco checked on her one last time before allowing himself to fall into a deep slumber.

"Goodnight, Hermione."

a/n: Please continue to post a review after each you for reading! Want to read each chapter early? You can become a patron and get early access to each chapter by heading over to my P atreon! Even if you don't want to become a patron you should still check out the poll I have on there. It's asking what you guys want my next story to be after I finish this one. Please check it out!

-E.K. Jane