Chapter 2
"But what if Ron finds out?" Hermione said as they disappear. They appeared in Malfoy Manor. Hermione gasped at the changed Manor. Where was the black? Where was the gloom? It was happy and inviting. Malfoy's mother came into the hall in simple robes no jewels. She looked to Draco surprised and said, "Dear, your back something wrong?"
"Yes, I found Hermione bruised and working a corner by force. Ronald Weasley." Draco said as his father came in and said, "Weasley you say. But, as much as I was irritated by them no Weasley ever hurt their spouse. I am disappointed. You must have her stay I insist. It seems the Weasleys can't survive without Authur there to support Molly. You are welcomed Granger. Malfoys are against abuse, you are safe here."
"I must apologize my sister was quiet insane. I'm sure Sirius Black told you all about that unfortunate family trait. I am glad she's gone. Sorry but it's true. Good night my dear. Call if you need anything." Malfoy's mother said as she left with her husband.
Hermione was in shock and looked to Draco who removed his cloak and hung it over his arm. She noticed that his hair was long and braided. He was so different then the arrogant boy she knew. Draco looked at Hermione with his grey eyes and said, "There is a room connected to mine that I want you to stay in. I can't let you get hurt by him."
"But it's my fault. I should not questioned him. He hates questions. He's not angry all the time." Hermione said defensively as she looked down and hugged herself.
Draco took a deep breath and said, "It's not your fault."
Hermione said, "But, I let everyone down and Harry."
"He was not meant to survive death. It scarred him. But Snape may be able to help him. He did help me. You only let yourself down. You deserve better." Draco frowned and said.
"I can't stay. I have to go. I didn't get enough." Hermione panicked and backed up and said.
Draco said as walked up to Hermione, "I am afraid I can't let you get hurt."
"What are you gonna do?" Hermione asked concerned.
"Don't fight me. I mean no harm." Draco said as picked up Hermione and walked to his room. Hermione started to yell and fight in a panic. Draco walked into his room and went straight to the joining room and put Hermione on the bed. Malfoy's mother came in with a potion and said, "I almost forgot. Here is a sleeping draft dear I know you are tired."
"I'll give it to Hermione. I'll live with out sleep for one night." Draco said as he handed to draft to Hermione. Hermione looked guilty, but Draco just shook his head. Malfoy's mother said, "But your nightmares?"
"She needs it more. Mother." Draco said as tried to not fight it out it. Truth was he didn't have it in him anymore. His mother understood and simply nodded. Draco turned back to Hermione and said, "Drink and sleep."
"You have nightmares?" Hermione asked.
"No one left the war that same. I see Dumbledore die every night. Sometimes my aunt torturing you and you screaming. Sometimes it's worse. I wake up and swear I can smell burning buildings. No tonight I'll stay up. You sleep." Draco said as turned to leaving to his room.
"But, why do you talk about it and no one else does?" Hermione asked confused. Harry panicked until he just became catatonic and Lupin had to put him away. Ron drinks and hits Hermione every night, until Draco found her. But, he was open, not closed off like he used to be.
Draco stopped and said, "Professor Snape is why I can talk about it. I owe him my life." With that Draco walked out of the room and went into his room. He took out his pipe, his 3 in 1 pipe tool and his herbs and set them down on the beside table. He then walked into his large closet. He put away his cloak unbuttoned his black elven spun cotton shirt and put it away. He undid his belt and pulled out the belt. He hung it on the hook and took off his black slacks. Draco put on black sleeping pants. He grabbed a blue t-shirt in his hand and walked out of the closet. He saw Hermione staring at him. Hermione was surprised at how well he kept in shape. His skin was near luminescence white like he glowed. Tight washboard stomach not over done. Draco's pants road dangerously low on his hips and Hermione couldn't stop staring.
She realized who she was gawking at opened her eyes wide in shock and turned away looking else where. Draco couldn't help the smirk that graced his face and said, "See something you like Granger?"
"Hardly." Hermione scoffed trying to fake contempt and hide.
Draco knew her and decided to have fun. Hermione was obliviously lying, "Funny since I know you were visually molesting me. I wouldn't mind giving you a show. All you have to do is ask."