Disclaimer: I own nothing still.

Chapter 18

Tim kept passing Draco and Hermione by as they entered March. The couple took advantage of every moment possible they could get to be together. Hermione couldn't believe she felt her happiest when she was with the Slytherin.

One night while in they were in their common room snogging, Hermione wondered if she was ready to move past kissing to something a little more physical but nothing too far. She felt embarrassed saying it out loud to Draco so sent him a mental picture of what she was thinking about. Draco got the message and paused from kissing. He pulled his face away to look at her.

"Are you sure?" he asked out loud.

"Yes, I think I am", she replied. She wasn't thinking of going really far but starting at her breasts.

Draco starred at her for a moment thinking. She wanted him to do it and he definitely wanted to. So he leaned back down and resumed kissing her. As they got into it, Draco slowly began to slide his right hand up Hermione's body toward her breasts. As he hand drew closer, Hermione's breath became shallow. When his hand reached its destination, Hermione jumped.

Draco quickly removed his hand, "It's ok, Hermione. It's just me."

Hermione covered her face with her hands. She thought she was ready but obviously wasn't. As soon as Draco touched her there, all she thought of was Ron. "I'm sorry, Draco. I'm sorry."

Draco shook his head, "Why are you apologizing to me? You did nothing wrong."

Hermione slowly uncovered her face and looked at Draco, "I thought I was ready but when you touched me all I thought of was Ron."

Draco didn't know how to respond.

"Maybe one day I'll be comfortable with sex again", Hermione said with a weak smile.

Draco rubbed up her back and up and down. He wished he knew what to say to make her feel better but he couldn't think of anything to say. He was never good at comforting anybody. "Hermione, could you tell me how it happened?" he daringly asked.

"You really want to know?" she asked.

Draco nodded his head, "Only if you are comfortable talking about it."

Hermione thought about it for a moment. She only had told Harry about it in detail and she had a hard doing that. But why shouldn't she tell Draco? She sucked in a deep breath and began her story.

"It happened one afternoon at the Burrow when everyone else when everyone went to Diagon Alley for the day. I, Ron, Harry, and Ginny were the only ones that stayed behind. Ron and I were in his room while Harry and Ginny were outside playing around. So Ron and I were snogging on his bed. That's all we had ever done. I wanted to wait for marriage and Ron had agreed. But something came over him that day and he was being a little aggressive. I was going along with it until he started pulling at my clothing to take them off. That's where I drew the line."

Hermione's emotions started growing strong as the images went through her mind. They were so strong; Draco started seeing them for himself in his mind. He didn't have to hear her explain it anymore because he was seeing them first hand through her eyes. Hermione continued until she finished in tears. Draco slowly slid his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. Tears had swelled in his own eyes, "I'm so sorry, Hermione", he whispered.

Hermione wiped away her tears. She was surprised she had made it all the way through the story. She hated to remember it all but felt a little better for sharing it with Draco. "Thank you for listening, Draco", she said as she raised her face up to look at him.

Draco smiled back, "No problem, it's what I'm here for." He was glad he shared it with him, even though it was such a horrible experience. He wanted nothing more that to curse Ron Weasley out of existence. Someone should have already done it.

"Draco, could you tell me about your childhood?" Hermione asked. She had been curious about it and since she shared her experience he could share his.

Draco wasn't expecting that question and was taken back by it, "Alright, I can do that for you." Draco paused for a moment while as he decided how to start.

"Well, granted coming from a rich family gave me several advantages that many children didn't have but looking back now, I rather have grown up poor with better parents. I love my mother and she was wonderful to me but she obeyed Lucius too much. I used to look up to him and wanted to be like him one day but he was a bastard and a horrible father since the day I was born. He never showed me any affection at all while I was growing up or my mother from what I saw. He thought showing any emotions like sadness or hurt or even love meant you were weak. He believed only women express those emotions and in private. Lucius believed in making a good impression and making people respect him. If you showed any emotion in front of them then they wouldn't respect you. Now Lucius didn't care how old I was, I wasn't supposed to show any weakness. He would always tell me 'You're a Malfoy. People will be looking at you and judging you so you must look tough. You can't appear weak or they will walk all over you.'"

"But how were you supposed to do that as a little kid?" Hermione asked.

"Real simple, if I didn't do what he said I was punished. After a while, I learned to keep it locked inside out of fear of what he would do to me. I still do that out of habit even though I know he's gone. But back to my story, Lucius wanted me to be carbon copy of him. He put all of his beliefs into me since I was about five. He said that since I was a Pureblood, I was above everyone else, especially Muggles and Muggleborns."

"So, did you change after he died?"

"No, actually I started seeing it after fifth year but I wasn't able to really do anything about it then. I wish I had though and not been a coward. But it doesn't matter now because he's dead and I'm here, with you", he added with a smile at the end. "I've never told anyone about my childhood before. No one's ever cared enough to ask", he said as he gazed drifted to the floor.

"Well I do care", Hermione said firmly.

Draco looked back at her and she leaned forward to kiss him.

XxX

On the morning of March 15, Hermione and Draco each received a short message from Dumbledore during breakfast. The Headmaster had decided it was time to inform Harry of the plan. There was going to be a meeting with him Sunday during instead of their lesson and they would need to be present. Harry was going to tell Harry about it on the Friday before. After Draco finished reading it, he glanced across the Great Hall at Hermione.

'So, he's finally going to tell Potter. Sunday night is going to be so much fun', he said sarcastically.

'It won't be that bad.'

'Oh really? Well when he finds out about our relationship he's going to flip out. I'm defending myself if he tries anything.'

'I don't think he'll do anything to you…but it wouldn't hurt to be prepared. But don't hurt him ok? He's just protective of me.'

The days soon passed by and it was Sunday. Hermione and Draco made their way to the Headmaster's office around 6:45. Harry was told to come at 7:00. Once in the office, they sat in two of the three chairs in front of Dumbledore's desk. Professors Snape and McGonagall were present as well. The five of them exchanged greetings and made small talk until Harry arrived.

Harry entered the office at seven and was surprised to see the room full of people. "Evening, Professors. Hey Hermione", he greeted, ignoring Draco.

"Welcome, Harry. Please have a seat. We have a lot to discuss tonight", Dumbledore said with a smile.

Harry approached the desk and sat down in the vacant chair next to Hermione. Once he was seated, Dumbledore cleared his throat to begin.

"Over the past year I have been researching and devising an alternate plan to defeat Voldemort just in case all the Horocruxes could not be found in time. On a whim, I was reading the tale of the beginning of the wizarding race. There were two beings, a male and female, with magical powers. The regular people looked up to them as living gods. Their names were Nero and Cassandra. They looked after the people and took care of the, But due to unknown reasons, they gave up their powers to trusted individuals. Cassandra created the good witches and wizards while Nero created the dark ones. It was believed their souls would be reincarnated when the world needed them again", Dumbledore stopped for a moment in case Harry had any questions.

Which he did, "That's an interesting story, Professor, but what has that got to do with your alternate plan?" Harry asked.

"Because Harry, their reincarnated souls are sitting to your left."

Harry slowly looked from Dumbledore to his friend and enemy sitting next to him. Hermione met his gaze and nodded her head. Draco glanced at him then turned away. Harry turned back to Dumbledore to see if he was serious along with Snape and McGonagall.

"It is true, Harry. They are Cassandra and Nero. It was tested, proven, and witnessed by the three of us. They've been preparing this since Christmas break and have accomplished quite a lot. My goal is to have them at the final battle and weaken Voldemort enough for you to defeat him."

Harry sat in his chair soaking everything in. He glanced back to Hermione. It explained why she hadn't been around much lately. But he didn't like Draco in the mix. He couldn't believe Dumbledore was trusting Draco but he didn't want to say anything about it in front of everyone.

"For the past couple of months, I've had Hermione and Draco here every Sunday night learning advanced spell work. I would like for you to join them next Sunday."

"Alright, I'll do that", Harry responded. He still was trying to grasp everything Dumbledore had thrown at him tonight. He definitely was going to talk to Hermione about this more in private.

Dumbledore talked more about what Harry was going to be learning and what to expect out of all of this. He dismissed the students close to eight o'clock. Once they were back in the corridor, Harry stopped Hermione. Draco stood right next to her with his eyes on Harry.

"Can I talk with you in private now?" he asked finding it odd how Draco was standing so close to Hermione.

"Of course you can. Come to our common room and we'll talk", Hermione answered. She started walking again as the two boys stared at each other but they started walking again quickly to catch up to her.

The three of them walked in silence as they made their way to the Head common room. Harry kept glancing between Hermione and Draco the entire time. He noticed how comfortable Hermione and Draco were around each other. He couldn't understand it. When they arrived at their portrait, Hermione said the password and they entered into the common room.

Hermione conjured up an extra arm chair for Harry to sit in as she sat down on the couch. Draco joined, relaxing into it. Harry walked to the couch and looked down at Draco.

"Does he have to present for this?" he asked as if Draco wasn't there.

"Yes because he's apart of this too", Hermione said.

Harry walked to the chair and sat down only looking at Hermione. "So this explains why you haven't been around much lately", Harry began.

"Yes and I'm sorry for not saying anything but Dumbledore said we couldn't tell anybody. We're had lessons with McGonagall every Tuesday since break to become Animagis and the lessons with Dumbledore like he explained already. It hasn't been easy work at all."

"Wow, Animagus?" Harry asked amazed.

"Yes, mine is an otter and Draco's a wolf."

Harry couldn't believe it, "So you're really the reincarnations of them? That's fascinating. I've never heard of that happening in real life before."

"It was hard to believe in the beginning as well. But Harry, there's something I need to tell you", Hermione said as she prepared herself to tell her best friend that she was dating his enemy.

"Okay, what is, Mione?" Harry asked getting a little worried about the tone she had used.

"Draco and I are dating", she simply replied.

It seemed like time had frozen. Harry sat in his chair speechless and didn't know how to react. His eyes flicked back and forth between the two seated on the couch. A smile spread across his lips. "This is a joke right?" he asked, "You've got to be joking. There's no way you two would date."

Hermione sighed, "No, Harry, we really are dating. I know it's a shock but we're a couple. You can ask Ginny because she found out on Valentine's Day. But we've only been dating for almost two months now. We started becoming friends over Christmas Break after the meeting with Dumbledore and things have just gone from there."

The smile vanished from Harry's lips and his eyebrows frowned after it turned out to be real. Hermione knew what was coming.

"How can you date this guy after the past six years?" Harry yelled rising from the chair. "He's insulted you and all your friends. Not to mention he comes from a family of Death Eaters. How can you trust him?"

Draco starred at Harry and prepared himself in case Harry tired to attack him. Luckily from all of Dumbledore's training, he didn't need his wand.

"Harry calm down", Hermione said firmly.

But Harry continued, "How are you calm about this? How are you okay with this?"

Hermione stood up to face her friend, "Harry, this is happening. Draco and me are in a relationship. Either you can suck it up and accept it or you can leave now and our friendship is over."

Harry starred at Hermione shocked with his mouth hanging open. "You would really choose the Slytherin over me?"

"I didn't say that. But if you can't accept this then how can we be friends?"

Harry put his hands on his hips and he looked away from Hermione. This was all too much to process. Hermione looked back at Draco, "Can you give us some privacy?"

Draco stood up, "Sure, Hermione." He looked over at Harry, who was looking at them from the corner of his eye, and kissed her on the lips before walking to his room.

Harry waited until heard the door close to look back at Hermione. Hermione slowly sank back down onto the couch, "Please sit, Harry."

Harry sighed as he returned to the chair. He leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees letting his hands hand in front of him.

"Do you really think I intentionally fell for Draco? This just happened", Hermione started.

"I'm glad you've moved on and are with a guy now, but Malfoy?"

"I did date my best friend and looked how that turned out", she replied bluntly.

Harry didn't expect that, "But how can you date him?"

"He's changed, Harry. He's not the Draco Malfoy we've grown up with over the years."

"But how do you know it's not some kind of act and he's playing you to get information?"

Hermione shook her head. She expected Harry to think of that but she couldn't blame him. "I just know, can't you trust me?" Hermione asked, almost begging.

"I do trust you but I'm worried about you."

Hermione smiled, "I know, Harry, but I'm happy for the first time in a very long time."

Harry gazed at Hermione. He had noticed his friend was happier over the past few months. "I need to say a few words to Malfoy."

Hermione nodded her head and Harry rose from his chair. He walked up to the Slytherin's bedroom and knocked on the door.

Draco was lying on his bed thinking when he head knocking at his door. He got off his bed and walked toward the door. He opened it partially and saw Harry. "What do you want, Potter?"

"I need to talk to you", he replied.

"Fine, come in", he said opening the door wider to allow Harry to enter.

Harry entered the room and walked to the middle of the room before stopping. Draco closed the door and walked over to him. He crossed his chest and waited for Harry to start.

"What are your intentions with Hermione? Is this some sling with you or something serious and real? If it's the first choice I'm kicking your ass."

"Relax Potter, it's not the first choice. I really care about her. I know you don't believe it but I do."

Harry starred at Draco to see if he was lying or actually telling the truth. As Harry gazed at him he noticed Draco seemed different. His grey eyes were no longer cold and hateful. "Okay, I'm willing to trust you even though everything in my body is telling me not to. I can tell you're making Hermione happy which is good. I haven't seen her this happy in ages. But one wrong move and you'll regret it", Harry said.

"Okay, but your girlfriend already beat you to the threatening", he replied with a smirk. "But seriously, thanks for accepting this. You have no clue how upset she's been about having to keep this all a secret from you."

Harry nodded his head, "Well that's all I have to say to you. I'll be going now." Harry walked back to the door and left.

Harry returned to the common room. Hermione looked up at him. He stopped by the couch and said, "I accept your relationship with Malfoy."

Hermione smiled as she jumped off the couch and hugged him. "Thank you, Harry."

"I had a feeling you were dating someone but I never would have thought Malfoy."

Hermione pulled away, "Well they say opposites attract."

"I still think you could do better", he said with a playful smile. "I better go. I still have some homework to finish before tomorrow."

Harry gave Hermione a good bye hug and left the Head Tower. Hermione was relieved Harry finally knew and he accepted it.

A/N: Harry knows now! The next chapter might not be put up before the end of the week. I'm still working on it. This story is going to have 30 chapters by the time I finish it. I already have each chapter planned and I just have to write them out. I'm hoping to get most of this story finished before I start school, least that's my goal.

Peace!