Hermione was surprised at the routine she had settled into in the two weeks she had spent waiting for school to start. She would meet Draco in the common room around eight in the morning and they would walk to breakfast together. After that they could usually convince Professor Snape to escort them to the quidditch pitch where she would take a morning jog while Draco took to the air to practice on his broom. The rest of the day would be spent in the lab or library working on project research, Draco often starting debates or running possible ideas across her. She had been reluctant to talk at first, knowing this was supposed to be a competition, also thinking Draco was just trying to figure out a way to steal a project idea. But as the days passed he was never rude or mean once and she found herself finding him as easy to hang out with as Ron or Harry was. After dinner they would watch a movie together. The first movie Draco had viewed in the muggle studies classroom had hooked him and Hermione was certain that if she didn't harp on him to focus on his studies he would spend all day watching television. She had tagged along with him on one evening and spoken to the new professor, Ms. Anne as she preferred to be called, and had learned the proper spells to be able to make electronic devices work in a magical environment.

Hermione discovered that Ms. Anne was muggleborn as well and had started tinkering around with spells in her college days when she had started to miss some of the muggle comforts of home. They both agreed that even though they loved the wizarding world, there were just some things they would always want in the muggle world. She was impressed with the spells and after asking Professor Snape she was allowed to make a trip home to collect some electronics to experiment with. She was relieved she had managed to get the spells right and not destroy her television or dvd player. The electricity spell she had to learn had been a bit trickier, but had been worth it when she had surprised Draco in the common room with their own entertainment center.

She had also shrunk and brought along her dvd collection with her as well, which Draco had practically drooled all over, much to her amusement. Contrary to everyone's beliefs, she did not spend every waking moment studying and did actually enjoy watching movies when she was at home. But now it was their last true evening of freedom; their classmates would arrive in the afternoon. In less than twenty-four hours most of their free time would evaporate between classes, studying and Head Girl/Boy duties. She sighed and tried to block out the impending stress of the school year, already feeling like an invisible weight was settling onto her shoulders.

"You okay?" Draco asked from his end of the couch, taking his eyes off the movie for a moment. They were watching Shaun of the Dead that evening, having decided a good laugh was what they needed before school started back. Some of the humor had slipped by him, but he seemed to be enjoying it regardless.

Hermione stretched her legs out slightly on the couch from where she had them curled up underneath her. "Just thinking about school starting." She commented as she wiggled her toes to get the blood to circulate through them. She was surprised as he reached out and grabbed one of her feet. She almost jerked it away as reflex, thinking of how if it was Ron or Harry they would begin to tickle her. She blushed as she watched him peel off her sock and then gave a groan of pleasure and let her eyes slip shut when he began to rub the bottom of it with firm pressure. She still couldn't explain how Draco touching her had become normal. Maybe it was just being thrown together under the circumstances had made it not seem so odd. He had confessed one night that even though he was no longer dating Pansy Parkinson they were friends and they would still treat each other affectionately, giving hugs or back rubs. She guessed his touching her was just his way of trying to show he liked her and that maybe all of the bad history between the two of them didn't have to exist anymore.

Her eyes slowly opened back up to find Draco once again watching the movie, her foot now resting on his leg as he continued to rub it. "You going to study after the movie?" He asked her.

"Of course. Though don't wait up for me. I think I am going to go down to the potions classroom for a little bit."

He glanced at her sideways for a moment. "Don't stay up too late or you'll sleep the last free day away."

She pulled her foot of his grasp. "I'm a big girl Malfoy; I can take care of myself." He opened his mouth to say something, when she propped her foot still wearing a sock up on his leg. "Other foot now," she ordered, a smirk on her face.

"Yes Mistress Granger," He replied sarcastically as he pulled the sock off and threw it on the floor.

After the movie was done he got up to take a shower and decided he would watch another movie afterwards, ignoring his own warning of staying up too late. Hermione went and retrieved her satchel from her room, putting her project research in it along with a shrunken pair of pajamas. She said goodbye to Draco and left the common room and made her way down to the potions classroom.

She walked in to find Professor Snape standing over a cauldron, his mouth silently moving as he counted off counterclockwise stirs. She quietly sat down at a lab table and began to unpack her papers, lighting a nearby candle with a flick of her wand to give her a bit more light to see by. Once her quill was in hand she began to make more notes, omitting a sentence here, adding notation of needing more research in other spots. After he was finished Snape came over and stood behind her, reading over her shoulder. He didn't speak at first and neither did she. She silently marveled at how even this had changed. His presence used to feel like he was looming over her, looking for every mistake, the whole experience nerve wrecking to her. But now, she found herself not bothered by him. Even this had become part of her new routine.

"Still can't decide, can you?" He asked, interrupting her thoughts.

She paused and nibbled on an old quill tip. She had a habit of chewing on things when she was trying to work things out. She laid out two pieces of parchment in front of her, making them easy for him to see. "I've boiled it down to two ideas. The first one is to produce a potion that could work as a universal substitute for rare potion ingredients. You would just tweak the potion slightly for whatever ingredient you needed it to stand in for."

"What ingredient would you try to substitute for your project?"

"Phoenix tears."

Snape hmm'd softly at her. "That is an appropriate and probably challenging choice. Nothing I have ever come across can substitute for Phoenix tears. I'm supposing it would require some charm work as well to change your base potion into the ingredient you desire."

"Exactly," She replied. "Which may make it too complicated to complete in the given timeframe for the project. My other idea," She motioned to one of the sheets "is a potion that can capture the exact smell of something and then release it, like a cologne or perfume."

Snape raised an eyebrow while he perused the content of the paper. "And what practical purpose can you foresee for this potion?"

"Several. Many things are integrated with scent. You could use it to help train familiars, or to trick dangerous animals' senses to calm them. You could use it to comfort homesick students. Research also shows that ill people can recover faster if they are in their home environment. Maybe if they can't be at home at least the scent of their home can be brought to them and maybe it can fool the body into thinking that it is home."

"There are potions out there that can do the effect of holding the scent for a short amount of time already."

"I'm talking about trying to make it permanent. For as long as you have the potion, it has the scent. I think it will have to be oil based." She paused a moment, gnawing on the quill as she thought. "The other potions work by trying to soak the potion in the desired scent and then distilling it back out. I think if it could be directly infused into the oil, that the scent would be permanent. The oil needs to be bland in its original state to absorb the scent. That way even weak scents can be attached. It would probably need a few key ingredients that would help to attach the scent and some that would hold it in. I think I will need to come up with a spell that can capture a scent. Maybe an alteration of the spell used to vanish unwelcome smells?" She pondered out loud.

"If you could accomplish it, I could see good use for it," Snape said.

She smiled at him, feeling a small glow at the miniscule compliment thrown her way. She had come up with a good project idea from his point of view. Something that could have some benefit. "Just think," She started, her enthusiasm building. "Everything out there is generic. It's like muggle air fresheners. Even if it were to be just seen as a commercial potion it would still have great potential for people who would want something custom-"

"Calm yourself Miss Granger," His eyebrow quirked upward even as she saw his lips twitch as if he wanted to smile. "It is too late in the evening to be getting yourself worked up into your usual enthusiastic frenzy."

Hermione tried to look properly chastised. "Yes Professor."

"I do believe it is time to retire to my study for the evening." He stepped away from her and placed a stasis charm on his cauldron. "Will you be joining me?"

She stored her parchments in her satchel and followed him into his office where a warded door hidden behind an illusion bookcase led to his quarters. "Absinthe," He intoned, waving his wand in front of the bookcase, causing it to shimmer away. "So you are aware," He remarked "The password will be changed after tonight."

"Of course Sir." She tried to keep any disappointment out of her tone. She wouldn't exactly classify Snape as a friend, but she had felt that things had definitely been improving between them.

He paused and turned to face her after they were in the study. "I understand that I am the only one who still knows what happened to you. If you do still need to contact me I will leave the floo connection open in the study. Beware, however, it will only grant you admittance if I am in my quarters."

"I appreciate everything you have done for me Sir."

He waved off her thanks with a flick of the hand. "All part of my duties. Though I am more used to catering to Slytherin's needs. I know we have not discussed it yet, but you do understand-"

Hermione sighed, cutting him off, as she flopped down ungracefully into one of his armchairs near the fireplace. The way she rested her head on one arm and allowed her legs to drape across the other reminding Snape of how the girl was still a young eighteen and not the twenty something vibe she often gave off. Despite her appearance, her tone and speech defied her age. "I am aware Sir. When the students return you will revert to being snarky with me once more. I am after all a Gryffindor and best friend to Harry Potter. I know there is an image for you to uphold."

She did not see a physical change in his appearance, but she was certain she saw a relieved look in his eyes. She watched as he retrieved a book from one of the numerous shelves in the room and then settled into the chair opposite her.

"Now Miss Granger, maybe you can tell me where you stand on the debate of inbreeding of pureblooded society might be having on the magical population?"

Hermione's face broke into a grin as she began to vocalize her standpoint.

*~~~~~*

"Nox," Snape muttered as he placed the book he had been reading on the nightstand. It was nearly three o'clock in the morning and he was still having trouble sleeping. He tried to stubbornly ignore the voice in his head that whispered his restlessness was a result of this being the last night he would share his rooms with Miss Granger. Even though he had hated the idea of her intrusion into his private time, he still marveled at how easily they had settled into a comfortable routine. They would work on potions in the evening and then retire to the study where they would read or debate something of interest. At the first sign of a yawn or any other indicator of fatigue on Miss Granger's part he would herd her off to bed. He would turn on his bedside light and read from a book until she fell asleep and then would finally turn in himself. The next part he both dreaded and craved. It always seemed he would awaken to find her curled up next to him, her head tucked under his chin with her hands fisted in the shirt he slept in. His arms were always wrapped around her in a protective embrace and he would always find himself inhaling the sweet smell of her shampoo. So far he had managed to scramble from the bed without waking her and would run for the safety of the bathroom where he would try to clear his mind in the shower and then would grudgingly leave the haven of his bedroom to start the day, feeling like everything had almost returned to normal by the time she and his godson made their appearance at breakfast.

Now as he settled a little further into the bed and tried to make himself comfortable on his pillow, he tried not to think about how this would be the last morning he woke to the smell of cherries and vanilla or feeling her small hands pulling at his shirt. After what felt like a small eternity he felt sleep start to claim him. As he started to drift he felt the bed shift then suddenly she was there, pressed against him. Her hands sought purchase in his shirt and the riot of curls that was her hair tickled slightly as she snuggled into his chest. He froze as she settled in and let out a soft noise in her sleep, feeling a small stirring in his chest that he was uncertain of. Part of him wanted to bolt. He was not supposed to be aware when this happened. He found his body betraying him as his arms snaked around her waist and pulled her closer. After a few moments of internal argument he found his eyelids drooping. With a sigh, he decided to give into sleep. This would be the last time she slept in his room anyways. With her scent and warmth still invading his senses, he drifted off to sleep.

He awoke only a few hours later and fled to the bathroom, leaving her still slumbering as usual. He spent longer than normal under the hot spray of the shower, hoping to wash off her memory like one would an unpleasant dream, but his mind defiantly fought him on it. At the end, he only managed to push it to the far recesses of his mind. He dressed and made his way out of the bathroom only to pause in the doorway. Normally he would take a moment to watch her sleep, but this morning she was gone. The bed was made and there was no sign of her clothes that she usually left folded on the trunk at the end of his bed. Walking over to the trunk also proved to find her shoes were no longer resting near the bottom of it. He strode out to the study and found her satchel no longer lying near the chair she always sat in when reading. The book he had offered to let her borrow was also gone. He stood there a moment, feeling a dullness settle into his stomach. Hermione had left.

*~~~~~*

Hermione stood panting in the fireplace as the green flames of floo travel died down around her. She was disheveled, her hair and clothes a mess from rushing, her cheeks still flushed pink. Hoisting her satchel strap higher onto her shoulder she clutched her prize to her chest and ran to her room, storing the item under the pillow on her bed. Her pulse still raced from her frantic dash to accomplish her task before he had been out of the shower. Already she missed the warmth of his bed and more so the security she felt with him close by. Sighing, she placed the book he loaned her in her nightstand drawer. She stashed her satchel next to her bed and quickly changed her jumper so she was not wearing the same one as yesterday. As she got ready to make her way to the common room she had an epiphany and spun back to her bed and grabbed the item out from under her pillow and placed a stasis charm on it. Satisfied, she returned it to resting under her pillow and went to go study to pass the time until breakfast.

*~~~~~*

The day had passed more quickly than she had preferred and before she knew it, the students of Hogwarts arrived. She pasted a smile onto her face and greeted her friends enthusiastically, talking with them as she helped them to get settled back into their dorms. She blushed when at the welcoming feast they toasted her with pumpkin juice for earning the position of Head Girl. Afterwards, she had a moment of panic when Harry tried to corner her alone to talk to her. She felt dread clawing up inside and almost sobbed in relief when Draco appeared around the corner.

"Hey Granger! We have rounds to do before lights out!"

"Bugger off Malfoy," Harry growled, turning towards him.

Hermione used the moment to scurry around him and went to stand beside the blonde. "He's right, Harry." She commented, her tone having a bit of bite to it.

"But Mione-" Harry started, a plea in his eyes.

"I'll talk to you later. Be sure to get some sleep. I'm sure you haven't studied for any of your classes so the least you can do is be coherent on the first day." With that she turned away and walked off down the hall, missing the smirk her companion tossed the raven haired boy.

"You okay, Granger?" Draco asked as he caught up to her.

"Fine." She replied as she met up with a group of first year Hufflepuffs and helped direct them to the right staircase to get to their dorm. She felt slightly unnerved as he gave her a scrutinizing look, but thankfully he did not push it and returned to helping her in their duties.

An hour and a half later found them finally able to return to their own common room and they both seemed to breathe a sigh of relief as they passed through the portrait hole. "Blimey. The castle feels downright claustrophobic now after having been in it for a month with it being empty."

Hermione smiled at his comment warmly. "I agree whole heartedly with that."

The pair dropped down onto the sofa and Draco turned to her, his expression serious. "Granger, I want to tell you something." She felt unease flutter in her stomach but only nodded in response. "The reason I returned to Hogwarts early was before my father was sent to prison he tried to get me to take the dark mark. When I refused, he beat the tar out of me. My mother contacted Snape, hoping that if I was here I would be safe from father's friends coming and recruiting me."

Hermione gave a gasp and felt tears welling in her eyes. After coming to count him as a friend she found the information to be horrifying.

Draco's gray eyes filled with concern and he scooted closer to her, taking one of her hands and grasping it between his own. "Gods, I didn't mean to make you cry," He muttered. "The only reason I told you Granger was because I want you to know I trust you. And I want you to trust me. If there is ever anything you need to talk about, or need help with, I'm here for you. I'm sure most of my housemates know of my situation now, so I don't feel a need to carry on with a charade of hating you. I hope you feel you can trust me."

Hermione looked into his eyes and felt a conflict of emotions as color rose in her cheeks. "Thank you Draco," She said softly, startling him as she used his given name. On an impulse, she leaned forward and placed a kiss on his cheek. "I'm glad you could confide in me."

She watched as his face took on a light pink shade. "Me too," He stammered. "Well…" He looked off to the side as he released her hand. "I think I am going to have a shower and turn in. It will be a busy day tomorrow."

She reached out and squeezed one of his hands gently and he once again scrutinized her. "Goodnight Malfoy."

"Goodnight Granger." He squeezed her hand back and then left the room.

*~~~~~*

The potions lab had felt uncommonly empty that evening and Snape decided to retire early, restlessly rummaging through the books in his study for something to read. After a half hour of nothing seeming appealing he gave up and retreated to his bedroom, deciding to take a shower and turn in for the night. He made the shower quick, refusing to let his mind stray to the subjects that had plagued him in the morning. He stepped out of the shower stall and dried off, reaching for his pajamas where they hung on a hook on the bathroom door. "What the…?" He muttered in confusion as he realized his shirt was not with his pants.

*~~~~~*

Hermione yawned as she decided to put the book away for the evening, tucking it into her bedside table's drawer. She shifted into a laying position in the bed and murmured nox as she reached underneath her pillow. She gathered the soft gray material into her arms and burrowed her nose into the heap, inhaling the scent of musk and sandalwood deeply. A small smile crept across her face at the familiar smell and sleep soon claimed her.

Ending A/N: I know. It has been a small eternity since I have posted anything for this story, but my personal life keeps throwing me curve balls and I find it hard to muster the energy to write. Hopefully I can start posting more regularly. Thanks for reading!- JediScully