Disclaimer ~ All characters are property of JK Rowling and I am only borrowing them for my own amusement. The plot however is a creation from my own creative mind.

A.N. ~ So this is the last chapter before the epilogue. I hope that you enjoy it. Just know that anything that is not explained in this chapter will be wrapped up in the epilogue. I deleted a lot of this chapter because it just didn't seem to fit with where I wanted it to go, so if you have any unanswered questions at the end of this just know they will be answered. I promise!

Draco walked towards the Great Hall with a smile on his face. The past week had been one of the best in his entire life. He and Hermione had gone public with their relationship, much to the chagrin of some of the students, namely Pansy and Ron. Pansy seemed to go through a complete breakdown, crying hysterically, and going on and on about the life they were to have together, describing everything from their wedding day to what their first child was going to look like. Honestly the thought of it all made him want to throw up a little. Ron, on the other hand, was pissed that everyone else seemed to be okay with it. Not to mention the fact that even though his lip had healed, he was still sporting a pretty decent black eye. When Madame Pomfrey found out why the weasel had received his injuries, she decided to punish him herself by letting them heal on their own instead of using any healing charms to fix them. The thing that seemed to piss him off the most though, was the fact that Harry seemed to be warming up to Draco. True they weren't friends, that was something that if it ever happened it would probably take years, but they were cordial to each other and Draco could honestly admit that he didn't hate the guy anymore. Yes. It had been a very good week. "Draco!" Draco looked up and saw Astoria running full force towards him.

"Tori?" The girl stopped to catch her breath before speaking in short breaths.

"Hermione … passed out … hospital wing." Draco heard no more as he ran in the direction of the hospital wing, as quickly as he could. It felt like hours before he reached the entrance, which was blocked by a group of curious students. Luna, Neville, Daphne, Blaise, Seamus, and Dean were all standing near the door speaking quietly to one another. It was the two red heads standing against the wall across from the door that really caught his attention and before he knew it he had Weasley pinned up against the castle wall, his hand crushing the boys windpipe.

"What did you do?" He shouted, slamming the squirming boy against the wall with each word.

"Malfoy stop!" Ginny yelled, grabbing onto his arm and trying to pull it away from her brother's throat. Blaise ran forward and also grabbed his arm..

"He didn't do anything Draco. It was this." He said, shoving a copy of the Daily Prophet in his face. The sight of the front page caused him to drop Ron to the floor, where the boy panted and gasped for some much needed oxygen. Draco's face paled as he saw the photo and headline that graced the page. He looked up at Blaise, his gaze filled with the fury he felt.

"What the bloody hell is this? Tonks said it wouldn't even be brought up. That they had enough just from his death eater activities and the recent murders to convict him!" Blaise shook his head.

"Read it mate." Draco shook his head.

"No. Hermione needs me right now." He said turning to go into the room, only to be stopped by Luna stepping in his way.

"You can't go in there right now Draco." She said softly, only to have Draco yell at her to move.

"Don't yell at her Malfoy. We know you're upset but you aren't going to do Hermione any good by going in there all wound up." Neville said, coming to the aid of his girlfriend, who held her hand up as if to stop him.

"Its alright Neville, Draco is upset, and he has every right to be. " She said to him before turning back to Draco. "I know you want to get to Hermione Draco, its just, Madame Pomfrey charmed the door so none of us can get into the room while she is examining her."

"Oh." Draco said. "Where is Potter then?"

"He and Dumbledore went to his office to contact Hermione's parents. They get a copy of the Prophet sent to them, so they most likely have seen the article and are probably freaking out." Ginny said quietly from the opposite side of the corridor. Draco just glared at the girl wondering what the hell her and her brother were even doing there.

"Who brought her here then? Is there anyone in there with her?" He asked.

"Actually Professor Snape brought her. After she saw the article she fainted into Harry's arms. It all happened so quickly that the teacher's really didn't have much time to react. Professor Snape grabbed Hermione while Professor Dumbledore told Harry to follow him. Snape ran out of the hall with McGonagall following, and we all followed them." Lavender, who was standing with the Weasley siblings, explained.

"You need to read the article mate." Blaise said coming forward and placing a hand on his shoulder. Draco sighed and looked down at the paper in his hand.

Death Eater to Receive Kiss, Admits to Raping Golden Trio Member

by Andy Smudgley

The wizarding world can give a deep sigh of relief. Antonin Dolohov, one of You-Know-Who's most dangerous and loyal followers, has finally been captured after months of being on the run.

Mr. Dolohov had been missing since last May when he fled from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry following the down fall of his master at the hands of wizarding world savior Harry Potter. While the Ministry is being very secretive about the details of how they came to learn the whereabouts of Antonin Dolohov, we at The Prophet have learned this much.

On December 26th Aurors, led by Nymphadora Lupin (nee Tonks), infiltrated the Shrieking Shack , where they found Antonin Dolohov in hiding. Mr. Dolohov was in possession of a wand, that after being thoroughly examined, was found to be the property of missing ministry employee, Dirk Cresswell. Mr. Cresswell, who was the Head of the Goblin Liaison Office, has been missing since last September. During his trial, Mr. Dolohov, who was under the effects of a high dosage of veritaserum, admitted to killing Mr. Cresswell, stealing his wand, and disposing of the body. Mr. Dolohov also admitted to using all three unforgivables on both muggles and wizards while in the service of You-Know-Who and to the rape, torture, and murder of eight muggle women, with the most recent woman's body being found in the shack the night of the arrest. The biggest surprise however came in a surprising statement from the accused himself. As the Wizengamot was about to vote, the accused did the oddest thing. He informed the members that they had forgotten a charge and when asked what that charge was, he admitted to the rape and torture of muggle-born, Golden Trio member Hermione Granger. It was at this point that the usually calm and organized court room was thrown into chaos. Aurors were summoned, silencing charms were cast, and everyone other then the council members, the Aurors, and the accused were escorted out of the room. It was but a mere fifteen minutes later when we were escorted back into the room and watched as the Wizengamot ordered Dolohov to be sent to Azkaban where he will receive the Dementor's Kiss for his crimes.

While the ministry has refused to comment on Mr. Dolohov's sudden confession, one can only wonder if they knew of this fact before hand and if so, why charges weren't made. No matter what though, this reporter's main concern is for the physical and mental well-being of young Miss Granger. Such a traumatic event can have devastating results on ones psyche, especially a young girl such as she, and we can only hope that she is receiving the help and support she needs.

For more on The Golden Trio's rise to fame turn to page 14

"That son of a bitch." Draco muttered, crumpling the paper up into a ball, and igniting it with a quick incendio, before dropping it to the ground and letting it burn. "He got what he wanted."

"What do you mean Draco?" Astoria asked, surprising him slightly, since he hadn't noticed her arrive in the first place.

"Dolohov." He sneered. "He wanted Potter to pay for killing Voldemort. He wanted him to know that he was the reason for Hermione's pain. Wanted him to feel the guilt of his association with her. She refused though, wouldn't tell Potter a thing about it. She wasn't about to let him win."

"So its true then? I mean, I know he was under veritaserum, but its not always fully reliable." Dean asked. Draco just stared back at him, not saying a word, but knowing that they all knew the truth.

"Why didn't she tell us? Why didn't she tell me?" Ginny whispered out. Draco turned and glared at the girl.

"Why in the hell would she tell you anything?" Draco asked angrily, turning towards the two red heads. "Why are you two even here? You made your feelings about Hermione loud and clear the other day. She doesn't need the two of you here upsetting her anymore then you already have." Ron stepped forward, red faced and head held high.

"Don't think that just because you and Hermione formed some kind of Head's bond and are now dating that you know her any better then us! We are her best fri ..."

"Don't you DARE call yourselves her friends. Friends don't accuse each other of fooling around with their boyfriends!" Draco yelled, looking straight at a very ashamed looking Ginny. He then turned to glare at Ron, his voice taking on a very low and dangerous tone. "Nor do they accuse them of being some common whore who is passed from one bloke to another." He heard a gasp from behind him but ignored it. "I was the one who found her that night. She was broken and scared and a mere shell of the girl she had been the day before. I was the person who calmed her when she had nightmares almost every night. I have been the one to comfort and be there for her since it happened so don't you dare try to tell me that I don't know her or that I don't have the right to not want you here." No one said anything after that, there really wasn't anything they could say. Instead everyone just sat and waited.

It was only ten minutes later that they heard the charm being removed from the door and watched as it opened to reveal both professors. Draco jumped up from his spot on the stone floor and stepped in front of them.

"Is she alright? Can I see her?" Professor McGonagall nodded.

"Yes Mister Malfoy, however Miss Granger needs her rest, so the rest of you shall return to your studies, or whatever it is you do on your Saturday mornings. Off you go." She motioned for the others to leave, much to their disappointments. Once the corridor was clear Draco followed Professor Snape back into the infirmary.

"She has woken, however she was quite hysterical when she did. Madam Pomfrey has given her a calming draught and a draught of peace." Professor Snape informed him as they approached the curtained off bed. Draco stepped around the curtain and felt his heart break. She looked so small in the bed, just staring down at her hands and sobbing softly.

"Love?" Her head shot up and Draco couldn't help but hurry forward and take her into his arms. She sobbed harder into his chest as he murmured that he was there for her and how he wasn't going to leave her. It was a while before her sobs stopped and she was able to speak.

"Everyone knows Draco. Everyone is judging me, I just know it. My parents get a copy of the Prophet. What they must think of me." She said shaking her head in disappointment. Draco took her chin and tilted it up to look at him.

"Your parents love you. I may not know them, but I know that they would never think less of you because of something like this."

"Of course we wouldn't" Draco turned to find Harry, Professor Dumbledore and a very distraught looking couple standing there. Draco stood quickly and moved out of the way so the couple could get to their daughter. Draco watched as the trio embraced, kissed, and cried. Draco took a moment to look at the couple. He had seen them once before, when he was collecting his second year supplies in Diagon Alley. He remembered his father starting some sort of fight with Mr. Weasley over his association with them.

"Mum. Dad. What are you doing here?" Hermione said pulling back from them. Mrs. Granger pushed a piece of her daughter's hair out of her face before settling herself down on the bed next to her.

"Mr. Dumbledore floo'ed us."

"And its a good thing he did. We had just received the paper and ... well ... your mother and I … we just ..." Mr. Granger stammered, looking over at his wife, who grabbed Hermione's hand.

"Oh my dear. My baby girl. What did that horrible man do to you?" She pulled her back into her arms and both women started to cry.

"Perhaps it would be best if we give the Grangers a private moment with Hermione." Professor Dumbledore said motioning for the others to follow him. Draco nodded at him before he turned and looked at Hermione. He quickly walked over and took her free hand, placing a quick kiss to the back of it.

"You call for me the moment you need me alright." Hermione gave him a tearful smile while her parents looked at him curiously. "I'll see you later. Mr. Granger. Mrs. Granger." He gave each of Hermione's parents a slight nod and then excused himself with the others.

"Can someone tell me how the fuck this happened!" Draco bellowed the moment the door was fully closed.

"Mr Malfoy!" Professor McGonagall, who had been waiting outside, gasped.

"Now, now Minerva. Mr. Malfoy is entitled to his anger, even if his language is a bit uncalled for." Professor Dumbledore said, giving him a slightly disapproving look. Draco took a deep breath and tried to rein in his already out of control rage.

"How did this happen? How is it that no one was able to stop that article from happening?"

"Unfortunately Mr. Malfoy not everyone can afford to take care of such problems as your father used to." Professor Snape drawled out. Draco sneered at his godfather, not pleased with the fact that he mentioned his father.

"I know that!" Draco snapped. "What I want to know is why a reporter was let into a trial that never should have happened in the first place! Everyone knew he was guilty, he was more open about his involvement with Voldemort then Lucius was."

"True, however you must remember Mr. Malfoy that everyone is entitled to a trial, no matter how guilty they may look." Professor Dumbledore replied.

"How guilty they look? He was standing next to a dead body when he was arrested. I don't think they get more guilty than that." Harry said, causing Draco to look over at him stunned. Harry continued on. "I agree with Malfoy on this. Reporters should never have been let into that trial."

"I also agree Mr. Potter, but no one expected Dolohov to say anything about what he did to Miss Granger. Believe me, if anyone had a clue that he was going to pull this stunt he never would have been given the chance to."

"So what do we do now?" Harry asked, scratching the back of his neck.

"We will leave that decision up to Miss Granger. Poppy wants to keep her over night but if I know Miss Granger she will insist on going back to her dorm. We will have a meeting about what is the best course of action then." Professor Dumbledore replied. "Now then," he said clapping his hands together, "I must get back to my office. Poor Fawkes has once again been looking dreadful, I feel that another Burning Day is upon him. Minerva, Severus. If you could please accompany me to my office. We have much to discuss." Draco looked on as the three professors walked away, leaving him and Harry alone.

"What in the hell is a Burning Day?" He said, looking quite bewildered.

Of course the headmaster was correct in his assumption that Hermione would refuse over night care. She was adamant about going back to her dormitory for the night, dismissing not only Madam Pomfrey's protests, but those of her parents as well. She had told them everything that had happened since she stepped on the Hogwarts Express all those months prior and to say they were horrified, would be an understatement. Her mother had cried, holding her so tightly that her father had to pry the woman's arms away from her before she cut off Hermione's oxygen supply completely. Where her mother cried enough tears to fill the Black Lake, her father was another story. As she told her tale, she watched as her normally level headed father's face contorted into a mask of uncontrolled fury. He stood there in silence, his fist clenched, and his brows furrowed, waiting for her to finish. When she was finished he finally let his rage be known, telling her quite loudly that she should go pack her things because she would be returning home with them. Hermione was stunned. Never, in all of her eighteen years, had she ever heard her father raise his voice like that. He let out every single angry thought he had ever had about her world, thoughts he had kept bottled up since her first year and her run in with the mountain troll. He ranted on and on not even stopping when Madam Pomfrey came in to see what all the commotion was about. It was when he turned on Madam Pomfrey and started to yell at her about Hogwarts obvious lack of safety, that Hermione had finally stepped in. She begged her father to stop, telling him that what happened to her was not the fault of anyone in Hogwarts, but he wouldn't hear of it. "What kind of school allows two students to just go off on their own like that?" He had asked. "What type of school doesn't inform the parents of one of their students, that their child has been attacked?" Yes the attack may have not taken place within the school walls, or by a member of the faculty or another student, but he still blamed them. Madam Pomfrey tried her best to calm the man down, even going so far as offering him a calming draught, which got her another death glare from the man. It was then that he informed them all that Hermione would be going home with them and that she was never to return to the magical world again. He would do what ever it took to keep her safe, even if he had to break her wand himself. Hermione had been devastated by his words and she didn't know what to say or do. She didn't want to leave Hogwarts, her friends, or the wizarding world in general. Most of all though, she couldn't imagine leaving Draco, and just the thought of it had brought fresh tears to her eyes. The sight of her daughter, once again hurting, sent Ann Granger off on her own rant, telling her husband that taking the wizarding world away from their daughter would be like taking a piece of her heart. She also reminded him that she could have been attacked in the muggle world just as she had been there and that while she knew that he still looked at Hermione as their baby girl, she in fact was a legal adult and could make her own decisions. In the end her mother had convinced her father to let her stay, but he was still furious, and ended up leaving that way, not even saying good bye to her. Her mother promised to speak with him after he had calmed down, before giving her a kiss on the forehead and following her husband back home.

Now Hermione found herself sitting in her common room, contemplating everything that had happened that day.

"Sickle for your thoughts." Hermione jumped at the sound of Draco's voice. He smiled down at her. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you." Hermione smiled back and shook her head.

"Its alright." She paused for a moment before continuing. "My father was furious. He says that this world is too unsafe and he wanted me to come home, permanently. Even said he would break my wand if it meant keeping me from being here." Draco's eyes widened at this. "He obviously didn't get his way but I can't help but feel betrayed by him. He always made it seem as if he was happy with me being a witch, and for him to blurt out that he has hated it since first year..." Hermione trailed off. Draco sat next to his girlfriend and wrapped his arms around her, feeling her relax into him.

"While I can not agree with him wanting to take you away, I do understand his reasoning." Hermione turned her head to look at him. "You're his little girl, and he wants to protect you. Knowing what happened to you, all of the things that have happened to you, makes him feel like a failure as a father."

"Is that how it was with your father?" Hermione asked.

"Hardly." He laughed. "Lucius didn't have one paternal bone in his body. He didn't want a son, he wanted an heir, and before you argue with me, they are in fact two different things." Hermione raised her eyebrows at him as if asking him how. "A son is someone you want to have, just to have. No ulterior motives. Someone to teach how to ride a broom, or play quidditch with. Someone to love unconditionally. An heir is a different story. An heir is nothing more then a contractual obligation in an arranged marriage. Someone that can continue their family's legacy and keep their proud, pure-blooded name alive. Somebody to mold into what they want him to be, no matter what the consequences may be in the end. That was my father. "

"I'm sorry. You deserve better then that." Draco kissed the top of her head.

"Well, I refuse to be my father. When I have children they are going to know exactly how much I love them. They will want for nothing, both physically and emotionally."

"You'll make a great father." Hermione said smiling at him.

"And you will make a great mother." Draco said, not thinking of the implications until it was too late. Hermione pulled back so she could see him better.

"Do you see yourself having children with me?" She asked shyly.

"Well … I mean … I … " Draco stuttered. The truth was, he had been thinking a lot about his future lately and when he pictured his future family, Hermione was right there beside him. "I do actually." The smile and blush that lit up her face was one that Draco hadn't seen in a very long time, and knowing that he was the one who put it there made it all that much better. "What do you think? About children, that is. Do you see yourself wanting them?"

"I've always wanted to be a mother, after I had established a good career of course."

"Of course." Draco said with a smirk. Hermione narrowed her eyes and swatted at his chest.

"Don't make fun. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be established before bringing a child into the world. Besides," she said, getting serious, "I'm not sure when I will be ready to perform the necessary functions that are involved in conceiving a child." The awkwardness that filled the air with that one statement was quick and unwanted. Sex was not something that they had ever truly discussed and as much as Draco wanted to discuss the subject, he knew better then to bring it up. Instead he decided to change the subject all together.

"Did you get dinner while in the infirmary? If not I'm sure we have something in the kitchen that I could get you." Hermione shook her head.

"No, I'm fine." She said, pulling nervously at a loose couch thread. "What are they saying?"

"Sorry?"

"The school. What are they saying about the article? About me?" Draco sighed. He had been wondering when she was going to ask about that.

"Honestly?" Hermione nodded. "No one is judging you love. Most of the students are angry for you, while the rest are horrified for you. Rape is not something that is, or should ever, be taken lightly and the whole school knows that."

"Even the Slytherins?"

"Especially the Slytherins. We are taught at a very young age that there is certain rules and etiquette to be followed. You, of all people, should know how high and mighty Slytherin house deems itself. Rape is one of the most vile things a man can do to a woman, not to mention it shows the man to be pathetic and weak. We are taught that no pure-blood should ever have to force himself on a woman. That we, as pure-blooded men, are perfect in everything we do and a woman should be begging us to take her. Any woman who would deny us is not worth our time or energy."

"But Dolohov, was a Slytherin pure-blood."

"Dolohov, was a pathetic and weak excuse for a man. He made choices that in the end caused him to lose everything, including what little sanity and humanity he had left. He was no better than an animal, Hermione, and lucky for us all he is being put down."

"I guess." She turned and rested her head back on Draco's chest, the sound of his heartbeat calming her nervous stomach. "I just didn't want people to find out like this. I mean it really wasn't anyone's business in the first place, but still." Draco wrapped his arms around her tighter, and sighed.

"I know."

The next morning Hermione woke up feeling quite determined. She was not going to hide out in her room all day, but instead was going to take hold of her Gryffindor spirit and face the school. After taking a relaxing bath, to soothe away her jitters, she got dressed and headed down to the common room, only to stop when she saw that it was full of people. In the small kitchen Hermione could see Daphne, Lavender, the Patil twins, Hannah Abbott, and Tracey Davis talking, while over in the sitting area, conversing, was Harry, Neville, Blaise, Dean, and Theodore Nott. She spotted Draco standing over by his desk along with Luna, Astoria, Seamus, Ernie, and Millicent Bulstrode. It seemed as if Draco had decided to have a house unity party and forgot to invite her.

"Hey Granger! Hows it going?" Hermione looked at Millicent with wide eyes. What in the world is going on? Everyone was now staring at her smiling.

"Um … fine Millicent. You?" The girl shrugged her shoulders.

"Eh, I'm well. Sick of this ridiculous diet my mother has put me on, but its getting results." Hermione had noticed that the girl before her had lost a decent amount of weight.

"Um … not to be rude, but what is going on?" Draco walked over and placed a small kiss on her lips before stepping behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist.

"This," he said, gesturing to the group before her, "is your loyal group of supporters."

"Draco contacted me last night after you went to sleep. He said you were worried about everyone's reaction to the news and thought that you might need some support from your friends today." Harry explained. "He asked if Neville and I would mind coming by this morning. Dean and Seamus were there as well and asked if they could join us, along with Lavender and Pavarti."

"I knew Padma was as upset as we were about the whole thing, so I contacted her and Luna, and told them what was going on. We met up with Hannah and Ernie on the way here and they jumped on board too." Pavarti said.

"Draco came to us after he talked to Potter. Daph, Tori, and I were already planning on being here this morning but after overhearing Draco talking to us, Theo, Tracey, and Millie asked to come also." Blaise replied. Hermione stared at her fellow students in awe. She couldn't believe that they were all there to support her.

"I don't know what to say. " She said, her eyes tearing up. "Thank you. All of you. This means more to me then you could imagine." A giggle from the kitchen area had them all turn and look.

"Whats so funny Trace?" Theo asked. The auburn haired girl flashed them all a big smile.

"Look at us all." She said, gesturing to everyone in the room. "Members from all four houses coming together to selflessly help a fellow student. I must admit, I never thought I would ever see it, but I sure am proud to say I have."

"Well if there was ever someone who had the capability to make this possible, it would be Hermione." Ernie said. "Brightest witch of our age and all."

"Being the brightest witch of our age has nothing to do with it Macmillan." Draco said. "Its the fact that she has the biggest heart to ever exist in our world." Hermione smiled at him before turning and staring happily at the group in front of her. For the past seven years, whether it was because of social status, house loyalties,or blood status, they had been divided. The thought of befriending someone who wasn't in your house or that was socially beneath you was unheard of and frowned upon. Now though, it seemed as if centuries of traditions, and old world ideals were finally being pushed away, by a new generation. Their generation. She knew it wouldn't happen over night, but looking around at her friends, old and new, gave something to Hermione that she hadn't felt in a long time.

Hope.

So there it is. What did you think? How did you feel about Hermione's parents reaction? Most of all I would love to know what you guys thought of the article. I wasn't disappointed with it, but I wasn't overly thrilled with how it turned out either. Andy Smudgely is an actual HP character also and he is a reporter for the Daily Prophet. Dirk Cresswell is also a JK Rowling created character. I have had many people ask me where I get my character information from and I get all of my HP information from the Harry Potter Wiki. I lik to keep the characters real and its a great place to double check your information on characters, places, spells, ect. Please feel free to leave a review.