A/N: I'm back with another chapter! Sorry for the delay I've finally gotten back into the routine of college life. I would like to thank TheKaseyWay for her message that motivated me to get this chapter done. I hope you enjoy it. It was inspired by the song "Endless Sacrifice" by Dream Theater.

Chapter 23

Hermione lay in her bed asleep until she was disturbed by a pecking sound coming from her window. She cursed as she slid out from underneath her warm blanket and approached the window. She peered out and saw a hovering owl in front of the window with a letter. She quickly opened the window and the bird flew in, dropping the letter and departed.

Hermione closed the window and picked up the roll of parchment. The lights came on as she unrolled it to read it. She slowly sank onto the foot of the bed as she began to read, realizing who it was from.

Dear Hermione,

I know I am the last person you want to hear from right now and I completely understand. The past couple of months have been horrible for me. All I have done is lye in my bed and stare into darkness with this pain. It saddens me to know that I caused you so much pain; I left you helpless when you needed me the most. After thinking about that day, it occurred to me that I might have over reacted over the wrong thing. My emotions were all over the place and I wasn't thinking straight. Since I hadn't seen you in days I thought you were possibly cheating on me with Weasley. When I witnessed the two of you kissing, I snapped and my mind wasn't thinking rationally. When you tried to stop us from fighting I saw it was you were trying to protect Weasley from me. I regret every word that I said to you in the Great Hall and in the common room. I feel like I will never be able to apologize enough for it. And the kiss with Pansy meant nothing. I was angry and wanted you to feel the betrayal I had felt toward you.

What I am trying to get around to Hermione is I miss you. You were the best thing that has ever happened to me. Your light shined on my broken soul and gave me the strength to be a better person. The emptiness inside is growing deeper still as time keeps passing by. I love for love's embrace. Too many moments have been wasted and taken for granted. Isolated time is escaping us. I'm so alone as you're so far away. I need to see your face to keep me sane and make me whole.

If we never meet again, I want you to remember the good memories we shared from those five months we were together.

Draco

Hermione starred at the elegant signature once she finished it. She read through it all again once more before lying it down. She couldn't believe what she had read. Was Draco sincere? Did he really miss her? Hermione didn't know what to think and it was too early in to the morning to debate about it. She gently rolled it back up and placed it on the nightstand before lying back down. But she had a hard time falling asleep again.

The next morning, Hermione awoke to find the letter from Draco still on her nightstand. "So, it wasn't a dream", she said as she rose from her bed. As she took her shower, she debated whether to tell Harry about the letter. She figured she might as well include him on it since included him to begin with. Besides, she could use his advice. She dried off after the shower and dressed, grabbing the letter before leaving the room for breakfast.

Harry was already sitting at the dining room table as Kreacher enter the room carrying a tray with bacon, eggs, and toast. "Morning, Kreacher", Hermione greeted as she entered the room. Kreacher returned the greeting before returning to the kitchen. "Morning, Harry."

"Morning, Mione. What's that in your hand?" Harry asked noticing the parchment.

"It's a letter from Draco. I want your opinion on it", she replied handing it to Harry.

Harry took the letter from her and read it. While he read, Hermione made her plate and ate a piece of toast. Harry read it twice just like Hermione had done before he laid it down and looked at her. "It's interesting that he would send this to you now. Malfoy just keeps surprising me. I didn't think he had this side in him."

"Do you think it's real? I mean, do you think he means it?" she asked.

Harry thought about it for a moment before responding, "I honestly think he is. Maybe you should talk to him face to face", Harry suggested as he handed the letter back to its owner.

Hermione thought about his suggestion but didn't say anything else while she ate. Harry was already devising a plan in his mind. He knew Hermione wanted to be with Draco but she wasn't going to do it on her own. She needed a push.

Draco awoke around ten the next day which was earlier than his normal noon wake up time. While he was getting dressed he noticed his letter to Hermione was missing. He darted to the desk and searched around for it but was unsuccessful in finding it. He quickly left the bedroom and went downstairs to Snape, who was sitting in the living room reading. HE glanced up and was surprised to see Draco up before noon. "Draco, I'm surprised to see you awake", he greeted.

"Morning to you too. I had written this letter last night but now I can't find it in my room. You didn't do anything with it, did you?"

"Oh yes, I sent it for you last night", he replied nonchalantly.

Draco's eyes widened and his mouth slightly hung open. "You did…what? You send it!"

Snape placed the bookmark in his book and laid it down. He looked at Draco directly in the eyes, "Yes, I owled it because it needed to be done and I feared you wouldn't have the balls to do it yourself." Snape picked his book back up and resumed reading, showing he wasn't going to discuss the matter any further.

Draco stood frozen in his spot, starring at his godfather. He couldn't believe what he had just heard, besides the statement involving the term balls. He didn't know what to do now since the letter was sent. He was considering sending it of course but he didn't know if he was ready. Draco would have liked to have read it again to make sure it was perfect.

At the moment, Snape glanced up at Draco, "Don't worry, the letter was wonderful. I'm surprised you had it in you."

"You…you read it too?"

"Of course, it's a side of you I've never seen. It's nice to see you have more emotions besides hate in you."

Draco soon found the ability to move his legs again and he slowly returned to his room. There was nothing he could do about the letter now. It was out of his hands.

Harry was up in his room, which had been Sirius', packing a small bag. Dumbledore had sent him a short message that morning informing him he had a lead on a horocrux. He wanted Harry to accompany him, which meant leaving the next day. Harry hadn't mentioned it to Hermione yet since she brought up her letter first that morning. He hated to leave her alone for who knows how long. But an idea had struck him that morning.

Once his bag was packed, he sat down at his desk and started a letter.

Snape,

I hate to ask you of all people for help but I'm sure you can get Draco here. I'm doing this for Hermione. I'm sure you already know I will be leaving for a week starting tomorrow. But this means Hermione will be left here alone and I hate to do that to her. Would it be possible for Draco and you to spend the week here and keep her company? I've read his letter and know this would be the best chance to try and get them back together. I know they want to see each other but it's not going to happen on its own. I'm leaving in the morning and would appreciate a reply by tonight.

Harry

Harry sealed the letter and handing it to Hedwig. She took flight out the window and was soon gone from sight. That night after dinner, Harry received a reply. He couldn't help but smile.

A/N: I'm glad to have this done. I'm sorry it's short but the next couple of chapters will be great. I can't guarantee a date for the next chapter but it will be over a week. I have a paper to write and 2 tests this week so I won't have any time for this. Hoped you guys liked it. I can't wait for your feedback.

Peace.