The next day when Draco entered the study hall he saw her immediately, sat with Weasley and Potter as usual.

They were engaged in conversation with each other but Hermione sat still, starring at the book in front of her, her eyes dark, she looked tired, he could see that even from a distance.

"What's wrong with you?" Ron shot her a suspicious look "Neville's getting worse, I didn't think that was possible." A yawn escaped her and she longed to lie down on the table in front of her. "You can't carry on like this, isn't there another room you can move to?" Harry was trying to help but Hermione shook her head. Not unless I move into seventh dormitories and I can't bring myself to do it. You know how it is, everyone apart from our year and Ginny still gawping at us like celebrities." Ron smirked, he had realised this already and had worked it to his great advantage, dating his way through most of seventh already much to Ginny's dismay and disgust. It was common knowledge that his heart lay with Hermione but after a passionate kiss with their lives in danger nothing much else had transpired between them. Ron didn't let it cause a problem though, he assumed that one day they would end up together, even if that day wasn't today.

Suddenly the room around her became quiet, looking around she saw everyone taking, laughing together as normal but she could hardly hear a sound. Warmth spread through her body and she felt her pale skin begin to flush pink. Warm, she was so warm…. She felt dizzy, as though she were about to pass out. Terrified for a moment she thought that she may in fact fall to the floor. Her chest tightened, she could hardly breathe, she smell something, it crept into every inch of her spreading through her body like an infection. "Oh god" she muttered grasping the book in her hands so tightly her knuckles turned white. "I have to go"

She stood up wobbling slightly as she did. Harry grasped her thigh to steady her as she stood next to him but the moment he touched her it sent a pulse through her and she felt a dull ache deep inside… she had to go… now! The boys called after her but got no response. Shrugging it off as exhaustion they carried on, assuming Hermione had gone to nap in Ginny's bed as she did some afternoons, or so she said. No one other than Blaise noticed as Draco slipped out after her.

"Granger…" she was storming along the corridor when she heard his voice and it felt like being kicked in the chest. Willing herself to carry on, her body betrayed her and brought her to a halt at the sound of his voice. Oh god it was that smell again… her heart thumped and she felt the dull ache turn into intense pressure… building unbearably slowly as he got closer to her. A bead of cold sweat ran down in between her shoulder blades as he stood in front of her. His broad shoulders, defined Jaw… god he was… when had he gotten?… Malfoy was handsome there was no denying it.

He held out his Key to her "Here, go sleep… you look like you need it." Her hand reached out grasping the key, her fingers lightly brushed his and she felt a shock run through her, she whimpered… oh god she hoped he hadn't heard that.

Draco smirked to himself in delight as she walked away, he'd absolutely heard that.

She was thankful she'd been so tired, despite the aching pressure she felt between her thighs she's managed to fall to sleep the moment her head hit the pillow in Malfoys spare room. As her eyes finally opened several hours later that evening she realised there was something about this place that made her feel completely safe and happy, she felt the same way she had as a child in her bedroom at home, before the weight of this magical world came crashing down on her. Wandering through the door which Fumri had told her was the bathroom, she was met with a sight she was not prepared for.

The bathroom was a true Malfoy creation, stone sculptures lined the edge of a small marble swimming pool which must have been the bath and at the steps to it stood Draco with his back turned to her direction, a towel slung low around his hips. The muscles of his back and shoulders rippled as he moved his slender frame. He must have heard her come in, he turned to her with a lopsided grin…. "Granger…feeling better?" she couldn't process his words…. Not only was the aching pressure back in full force but she could feel wetness pooling between her thighs….seeping through her cotton knickers and beginning to run down the inside of her thighs… what was wrong with her, she scolded herself internally but couldn't seem to make herself look away.

She had no idea what was happening to her, every part of her wanted to tell him off, put him in his place and storm out as she would always have done in this situation but as though she was no longer in control of her own body… she couldn't.

He walked towards her, he could see her flush pink and he knew the effects she was feeling. He was surprised, he had to command control of himself to stop this whole situation having an effect on him also. With only a towel for cover he was sure she would notice if it did and he couldn't have that. Every step he took toward her looked like sheer torture for Granger and he was absolutely enjoying it. He came to a halt inches away from her, he could smell her and he knew exactly what that scent was. Mmm, she wanted him. He locked his eyes with hers looking as genuine and innocent as he possibly could…"Hermione.."

A whimper escaped her as she heard him use her first name for the first time, the pressure was building, the throbbing unbearable she didn't know what was happening to her she'd never been this aware of her own body, never felt like this.

"I've been thinking" he continues as she watched his lips pronouncing each word, "You can't continue like this, you're walking around like a ghost." His eyes suddenly filled with sadness "I want you to know...that I'm sorry for everything that happened and that you're welcome to stay here until you can resolve the problem with Neville. I think it's for the best and I promise you that I will never let any harm come to you whilst under my protection….never again."

Hermione drank in the words coming from his mouth, just the shape that his lips were making saying them made her ache. The pressure was excruciating and she needed to get away from him… now. Nodding her head she willed herself to back away toward the door, eyes still fixated on him "Good, so you'll stay?" she nodded again as she backed into the door and reached behind her for the handle.

Bursting through the door and slamming it behind her she fell to the bed, she's never touched herself before but her body was talking control, slipping her hand into the front of her knickers she sunk a finger inside of herself. It was bliss, utter bliss and the image of Malfoy shirtless standing in front of her replayed in her mind. It was the most incredible feeling but despite how close she got to the edge, the burning ache just wouldn't break… something told her there was something more than this, something that she just couldn't reach…alone.

Pulling her hand back she cursed herself, what was happening to her? He was Draco Malfoy for gods sake… this would never, COULD NEVER happen.

She bargained with herself as she though back over the conversation, she would stay just a few night, at least she would be able to sleep but she would avoid Malfoy at all costs.