Draco woke up very early this Saturday morning. Normally his weekend plans would involve quidditch practice, finishing homework, taking naps, sending an owl to his mum, normal stuff. Today, however, he had a full agenda that didn't include any of those. Well, except that owl to his mum, not only would she be expecting an owl from him, there was something he wanted to ask her. Before he could do that he had some slightly higher priorities.

First on his agenda was to move Hermione to another location. The lower level prefects' bathroom had suited their needs last night, but soon there would be prefects from both Slytherin and Hufflepuff banging on the entrance to use the facilities. There would be no easy explanation to why he was carrying a naked Gryffindor girl, which everyone knows he hates, out of the bathroom.

Second, once he moved her to a more permanent location he would have to procure a healing balm for Hermione's wounds. She wasn't bleeding anymore that he could tell, but if left untreated they could scar or possibly lead to an infection. Then there were all those bruises. The hot water had helped last night, but her skin was still discolored with dark purple and black marks. Even after he tended to her physical wounds, who knew how deep the emotional ones ran. How long will those take to heal?

Draco thought while busying himself with restoring the bathroom to the way it was before they had entered last night. Once everything was put right, all that was left was Hermione and the futon. She was laying on the futon, still asleep. He could tell she was having a nightmare because she was crying in her sleep. He wanted nothing more at this moment than to go to her and hold her. He didn't give in to that want, knowing there was still a lot he had to get done. He did sit down next to her, trying to think of a solution for her lack of clothes. He couldn't leave and come back, the bathroom wouldn't allow that. At the same time he couldn't walk about with her in this state. She had also made it very clear last night that she didn't want to wear them again. The only other viable option was to transfigure the towel into a dress.

Draco has transfigured a lot of things over the years, it should be easy, but he knew it wasn't going to be this time. See, it is one thing to change one item you knew about into another. Like the futon from the towels. His family had vacationed in wizard Japan during summer a few years back, and he learned about futons there. Since he already had knowledge about what a towel looked like and a proper futon, the switch was easy. But a dress? What did he know about dresses other than girls wore them? Still, he had to try.

He tried to concentrate as he cast the spell, thinking of one of his mothers elegant yet simple dresses. Examining at his handiwork he realized he got something right: Draco Malfoy did not know much about dresses. The shapeless thing she was now wearing still had the texture and look of a towel, the only difference it had now was that it looked like a potato sack made out of a towel with head and arm holes. At least she was covered and it wasn't in danger of falling off. After he had looked at his makeshift dress, the stray thought that he should learn more about dresses crossed his mind. Seriously? When will I ever be in the position that I have to transfigure a towel into a dress again!

Now to find somewhere safe. He continued to discard the ideas he had last night, for the same reasons. Too many people, especially Slytherins, in all those areas. He had to move though, and he was running out of time. In fact, he was becoming almost desperate to find a safe haven for her to be while he ran his errands. What do they say about desperate times? They often call for really desperate measures. There was probably only one person in this castle who knew the majority of Hogwarts mysteries and secrets. And that person would be the school caretaker, Argus Filch.

o0o

"Good morning my lovely," Filch cooed to Mrs. Norris. "Do you know what today is?" The cat was used to the old man talking to her, as if he couldn't keep his thoughts to himself. Instead of meowing a reply for him like she would often do, she rubbed against his leg, trying to lead him to her food bowl. "Saturday. I hate Saturdays! Without classes there is too much free time for these mangy students to do things like pull pranks, makes messes, find trouble, or even worse," He paused for dramatic effect, the cat uninterested pawed at her empty bowl, "they might smile or have fun. Can't have that can we? Everyone knows if a student is smiling they are up to no good!" He finally got the cats hints to feed her and he walked to the cupboard where the food was kept.

Just as he was beginning to open the can there was a knock on his door. It was distant so he knew it was coming from his office. He grumbled just about everything as he walked from his small living quarters he was given to his office. The knocking came again, sharp and insistent.

"Knock that off!" Filch snarled through the door as he worked to open all the locks. There were seven in all; each one charmed by Professor Flitwick to resist or repel unlocking spells. For some off reason or another, the old teacher took pity on the caretaker's plight for privacy, giving the locks as gifts each year for Christmas starting the same year as those infernal Weasley twins came to the school. It was a nice gesture that Filch never properly returned. He opened the door to find the blonde boy from detention two nights ago. What was his name? Durku Malfrey? "What do you want Durku?" Filch growled out at the boy.

"It is Draco, and I am in need of your assistance." The boy stood there patiently, as if he was going to get exactly what he asked for.

"Unless there is a student in need of punishing, I suggest you leave now!" Filch did not have the patience for this, especially on a Saturday! He began to slam the door on the boy, only for the boy to stick his foot in between the door and its jam. A wince of discomfort flashed on the boys face before it set into a look of determination. That look never means anything good!

"I wish to have a bit of information about the castle, nothing else. I am prepared to make it worth your while." Hearing a jingle, Filch looked to the source of the sound. Shuffling from one of the boys hand to another was approximately twelve galleons. Still leery, Filch interest was piqued. "Just think of how many cat toys you could buy with this…" What's a little information anyway?

"What would you like to know?" Filch said, greed gleaming in his beady eyes.

"That hall you had us clean the other night, it has a secret room near the end, doesn't it?" Flitch tried not to fidget as the boy spoke, but the boys eyes were sharp and caught him tracing a finger over one of the keys he had on a loop. The boy pressed on. "What I would like to know is where can I find another room similar to that one, not in the dungeons, first level or anywhere near the towers?"

"Demanding little bugger, aren't you" Filch grumbled.

"I am not done," the boy snapped, "It has to be safe, but supplied with furniture and utilities."

"And I'm supposed to tell you where this is, so you can get into whatever trouble you are planning, just because you flash about a few pieces of gold?" When Filch spoke, he sneered out the word 'few'.

"Oh? You thought this was all I had to offer? Silly me, I should have shown you the whole amount." The boy spoke with confidence as he pulled a coin purse from his robes, opening the bag and letting the coins in his hands slip in to join several more of its kind. That would provide a lot of toys and treats for my precious Mrs. Norris…Filch thought before deciding. He reached for the bag only for the boy to draw it back.

"Information first." The boy demanded.

"Fourth floor, the hall that views the lake side, there should be an abandoned teachers quarters. You will find everything you need there, guarded by a jade elephant with ivory eyes." Filch rushed through his sentence, eye not straying from the bag.

"How do I enter this room?" the boy asked.

"You twist the right tusk and whisper into its ear why you wish to gain entrance. If the elephant deems you satisfactory it will let you enter."

"That sounds a little much to be doing every time I wish to enter." The boy said, as if he was not entirely convinced.

"It's not every time, just the first. After all, an elephant never forgets."Feeling he lived up to his part of the deal Filch tried once again to snatch the coin purse. This time the boy allowed him to take it. He rubbed the soft material, feeling the coins through it. Yes, this will provide for quite some time. Obviously the boy is up to no good. Once he is in Mrs. Higglebricks old room I will be able to find out what he is up to, and when I do-Before Filch could finish his thought, the boy said something that more than interrupted them.

"Obliviate."

o0o

Draco went around the corner where he had left Hermione while he dealt with Filch. He didn't feel sorry at all for what he had just done; he felt he was justified seeing his cause. Not only would the old grump not remember their conversation, but he wouldn't question the bag of contraband items he will have assumed that he confiscated. The galleons were all fake, and if Draco hadn't shuffled them about constantly Filch would have seen there were no serial numbers. Sure, Draco had lots of money, but one did not stay rich by giving it all away, plus he didn't want any surprised from the old caretaker or his cat.

When he neared Hermione she put her arms up so that he could lift her. She had tried to walk on her own on the way down, but between the pain in her back and muscles and the cold of the floor on her bare feet, it would have taken them a lot longer to get anywhere. And speed was a necessity at the moment. They took all the back ways he knew to get from one place to another without running into anyone, reaching the jade elephant without any trouble. The elephant was truly a unique and beautiful piece, but he had not time to admire it properly. Grabbing the tusk he twisted, leaning forward to plead his case to the ornament pachyderm. Leaning back, he watched to see if he had convinced the guardian of their potential safe room.

The elephant closed its ivory eyes, and the air seemed to hum for a moment, followed by a soft rumble. Around the round base the elephant stood on the floor began to sink, forming a spiral staircase. They had gone down exactly six steps when there was a grinding shift behind them. Draco looked over his shoulder to see the stairs behind them rising to complete the floor around the jade elephant once again. A bit relived that no one would be able to follow them down, Draco descended the rest of the steps with Hermione. The stairs came out into a light and airy room, with windows looking onto the lake. The water shimmered dazzling in the bright morning sun.

"It's beautiful," Hermione breathed, her eyes dancing as they reflected the light. This was the first thing he had heard her say all day. He had been beginning to fear that she had given up on talking. Maybe she will be ok, everything will be ok, Draco let himself think positively. He carried her forward to a plush blue couch in front of a jade fireplace, setting her down in a way which would allow her to look at the lake. He took a quick glance about the open room. There was a small kitchenette with a small breakfast table that shared the wall with the curve of the stairs. On the far wall was a wooden desk surrounded by bookcases full of books. Yes, this will do nicely.

"Alight, you're safe now, I have a few errands to run, but I will be back before lunch." When he mentioned lunch he realized they had missed breakfast, and wondered if the small kitchen had anything to offer. A quick inspection of the cabinets had confirmed his suspicions; they held nothing but cutlery and cooking tools. He would have to add stopping at the kitchens to his to do list. He looked to Hermione before he left; she sat there staring out the windows to the sparkling waters outside. Draco ran up the stairs, taking them practically two at time. As he neared the top there was a rumble as the top stairs formed once again. He would be able to do all his errands without much worry knowing she was somewhere safe.

He ran all the way to the owlery when he came to a screeching halt. He had come all the way out here, but had forgotten to write the letter! It is a good thing they have some up here just for that instance! He thought as he grabbed a sheet and began to write. He wrote two different letters before approaching his large eagle owl. He knew the owl would not like going on this flight early, normally it was much later in the day when he would ask his owl to deliver things. But this was extremely important. Grabbing a owl treat he called to his owl.

"Bubble, I need you to take these letters." The owl glared at him, but was pacified by the treat. He had recived the owl as a gift when he was very young. His parents tried to tell him the name of his genus, Bubo Bubo, but Draco had misinterpreted, thinking the owls name was Bubble. His father tried to get him to change it, but his young mind was made up, and the owl was stuck with this ridiculous name.

"One of these you are to take to mum, you know where she is, the other you are to take to 93 Diagon Alley, London, England. You are to wait for a response from mum if possible, but the other you are to drop and leave immediately! Understand?" the owl cooed before taking the letters and expanding its large wings. Without a moment's hesitation the owl took to the air. Draco watched the owl fly for a moment, hoping it would return soon with what Draco needed.

He turned out of the owlery, set on his next task of getting a healing balm for Hermione. He could ask either Professor Snape or Madame Pomfrey for some, but both would ask to see why he needed it. Short of hurting himself, an option he did not want to perform, they most likely not give the balm to him. That is how he found himself heading out to the Herbology greenhouses to see Professor Sprouts. She was exactly where he assumed she would be on an early Saturday morning.

"Professor," He called. The professor jumped slightly, she turned to see Draco and smile lightly as she did with most students.

"Mr. Malfoy, you startled me, I wasn't expecting anyone this morning." She said as she stood up and dusted off her hands. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" Draco hesitated before he spoke, and then forged on, not wanting to waste much more time.

"Professor, I feel as if I need to practice my healing balm a little more, I just can't seem to get it right."He laid out his well practiced lie. His healing balm was near perfect, he just needed the ingredients' he could get from her.

"This sounds more like a Potions exercise, are you sure you wouldn't rather asking Professor Snape for help?"Professor Spout said while tucking a stay hair behind her ear, leaving a smudge of dirt on her brow.

"Well, I feel I also need to practice identifying the ingredients', plus I want to surprise the Professor the next time we make it."Draco said with a convincing smile."If you could, just make a list and I will do my best to pick them out."

"Well, alright then," she said while reaching into her work apron to retrieve a scrap of paper and a charcoal pencil. "You will need camphor, menthol, cajuput oil, mint oil, dittany, crushed pomegranate seeds and clove oil for this basic healing balm," She spoke out loud as she wrote down the plants he would need to gather the ingredients from. "It should smell strongly when done, but it very effective."

Draco took the paper from her hand and went about collecting the items without a pause. Once he had all the main plant parts he took them to the greenhouse work station to process them into the ingredients he needed. It took him a while to get the menthol from the mint leaves, but once he had it he was ready to make the balm. Pulling a mixing pot from under the bench he started to put them together. When it was time for the last step he lit a small fire under the pot, letting the mixture steep for a few minutes. It defiantly has a strong smell, he thought as he poured the hot balm into a jar. Looking through the glass the color was right, and the texture should be as well once it has cooled down. Thanking Professor Sprout he headed off to the school kitchens for his final morning task.

Upon entering the kitchens he saw how busy the place was right before lunch compared to when he normally visited for a late night snack or drink. House elves were bustling everywhere to prepare the large midday meal. Feeling more than a bit out of place and lost, he stood there in the doorway until he saw something familiar.

"Dobby!" he shouted, trying to be heard over the ruckus in the room. "Dobby!" he shouted again, only this time he knew the house elf had heard him because the elf's ears had perked up.

"Young master!"Dobby spoke while walking to him, "Dobby wants to know what be it the young master is here for?"

"Dobby, it's nice to see you again. I don't want to be too much of a bother, but could have some food?" Draco's father hadn't been too nice to the house elves, but as Draco was an only child it was often the house elves who kept him company.

"Dobby thinks that the young master should be waiting not long and the food will be arriving in the Great Hall." The house elf nervously wrung his ears, showing his discomfort.

"Dobby, I can't wait, I missed breakfast and I'm very hungry." Draco said, emphasizing by clutching his stomach.

"Nothing is to be changed by Dobby young master, lunch is being soon."Dobby said, stamping his foot a bit. Draco didn't want to let house elf in on his secret, but it seemed that it might be the only way.

"But Dobby, it's not just me, my friend Hermione Granger is also very hungry and she is not feeling well enough to come to the Great Hall, and I promised I would bring her food."Draco waited anxiously while Dobby thought for a moment.

"Young Master be not a friend of Miss Granger, why would young master lie to Dobby for?"The house elf regarded Draco suspiciously.

"I'm not lying, it is the truth. In fact you could visit her and ask her yourself! She will be in the room underneath the jade elephant. But she needs food; she hasn't eaten since lunch yesterday."Draco hadn't fully realized how many meals they had skipped throughout this ordeal until he said it out loud.

"Young master and Miss Granger is to be staying in the Jade Elephant Suite? Why is young master to be not saying so to Dobby in the first place! Dobby can stock the suite with food for young master and Miss Granger!" the house elf jumped about enthusiastically. At first Draco was taken aback by Dobby's sudden change in emotion towards him. All I had done was mention the jade elephant…that's it! Draco thought about the room and the requirement the room has for those to enter. Perhaps it was just the simple fact that the room had let them in that had changed Dobby's mind.

"Thank you very much Dobby, but I must ask that you must speak of this to no one, especially Potter and Weasley." Draco looked directly into Dobby's eyes as he said this, as if that could that could communicate the level of gravity in the situation to the elf.

"Why is Dobby not to tell Harry Potter or Ron Weasley that Miss Granger is being not well?" Dobby's eyes were huge as he asked this.

"I can't tell you right now, it's still too fresh and upsetting. Just trust me…and the jade elephant."Draco threw on that last part; thinking would help to convince Dobby to keep their secret.

"Dobby will be keeping the young masters secret and delivering food to Miss Hermione" the elf said before rushing back into the throng of the kitchen to collect things. Now that his errands were done Draco could return to the Jade Elephant Suite, as Dobby had called it. There would be food, and hopefully soon there would be answers.

o0o

Hermione heard the rumble that signaled the steps were moving and Draco's return. She didn't move as he entered the room. In fact, she hadn't moved at all while he was gone. She had sat there the whole time, her eyes fixed on the water and her mind lost in thought. Several times her mind replayed last night's events, and each time she thought of another way it could have been avoided. She had been silly thinking she was safe just because she was doing their homework. Then again, she didn't understand why they were doing this in the first place, this wasn't like them. That is what made her follow them to that room the first time, their odd behaviors.

"I have a healing balm for your back and wounds," Draco spoke softly, as if she might fall apart if he was any louder. "Plus Dobby will be stocking the room with some food for us soon." He sat down on the couch next to her, offering the small jar with the orange balm. She took it and twisted the lid off. The strong mix of smells hit her nose. She could easily identify clove and mint, although the clove was the stronger of the two scents.

Dipping her finger tips into the jar, she began applying it first to the bite mark on her breast. The pain that had been there all night ebbed away until it was a faint touch. She tried to apply it to her back, but winced as she tried to reach it. Without being asked Draco took the jar from her hands, rubbing the orange balm on her back for her. He reached as much as he could through the back collar of her makeshift dress. Relief washed over her back as the pain there faded. All that was left for her to take care of was the aching pain that was between her legs.

Hermione took the balm back from Draco, and he must have realized where she needed to use it next because he mumbled something about 'see the rest of this place' and disappeared through a door between the fireplace and the entrance. Dipping her fingers in the balm again she hesitated, not even wanting to touch herself there. But the pain guided her balm covered fingers inside her. On her skin the balm had tingled warmly, but inside it almost burned as it heated to heal her wounds. She also found she couldn't reach all the spots that were harmed, her fingers being shorter than Harry and Ron's. Still, she made do with what she could reach. Closing the lid to the balm she straightened her clothes out, intending to find Draco and thank him for, well, everything.

Before she could go search for Draco there was a small pop, and there in the kitchenette stood Dobby, holding a tray with soups and teas.

"Miss Granger, Dobby is hearing the Miss is not to be feeling well, so Dobby has brought the Miss lunch to be having the Miss feel better." Dobby sat the tray down on the small breakfast table. When he got a proper look at her his eyes lit up. "Oh, what a lovely outfit the Miss is to be wearing today! Dobby likes it much; Dobby would be liking one of Dobby's own if Dobby could!" Looking down at her ridiculous towel dress Hermione gave off a small laugh.

"Thank you very much Dobby, for the lunch and the compliment. This dress was made by Draco for me this morning." Hermione smiled at the Dobby as Dobby looked at her with amazement. Only a house elf could find this dress any more than hideous. "Maybe I can even ask him to make one for you, if you would like that." Hermione suggested this, thinking it would make the Elf happy, and it did. Dobby jumped up and down in excitement, twisting his ears about.

"Dobby thanks the Miss, she is too kind, but Dobby must return to the kitchens, lunch is being soon!" And with a loud crack the elf was gone. Shortly after Dobby had left, Draco returned to the room, joining her at the small table for lunch.

"Have you looked in the other room?" Draco asked lightly.

"No." Her answer was short, but not curt, just a statement.

"Well, if you thought this room was nice just wait till you see the next one. It has a nice bed, and the view is the same, but it's still nice. Plus there is a bathroom with a big tub, not as big as in the prefect's bathroom, but still a nice size." She knew he was trying to make small talk so that she would feel better, but she didn't care to talk about the suite or its furnishings, however lovely they may be. He noticed her silence, watching her eat her soup.

"I know you might not want to, but if you need to talk I'll listen" Draco's eyes and voice spoke with extreme sincerity. There was no way that she could go untouched by such sincerity.

"Thanks, I will keep that in mind." Hermione replied, then starting eating her soup in silence. The soup was hot and warmed her insides, making her feel sleepy. When she had finished her meal she placed the dishes in the sink and made her way to the couch. Now that her injuries had been seen to and her stomach full, she found that she was still very tired. She had hardly been on the couch for a minute before she curled up and went to sleep.

o0o

Draco watched her go lie down on the couch and fall asleep. He was glad she was being more responsive, but was still worried by how short those responses were. When he saw her shaking in her sleep he walked to the bedroom and pulled a blanket out of one of the closets. It was really a nice bedroom, if not hideous in colorings. He returned to the sitting area and wrapped the blanket around her, adjusting her so that he could hold her in her sleep. With the blanket and himself in place she ahd stopped shivering, making him feel much better.

He spent the rest of the afternoon like that, holding her as she slept, looking out the windows as she had done earlier. He watched out of the windows, waiting for the answers to his problems to arrive with the wings of a great eagle owl named Bubbles.

Authors note:

Well, it goes without saying that this chapter was much lighter than the last. I was also very encouraged by all the positive feedback I got after the last chapter. I had wished to finish writing this chapter sooner, but found that I spent a lot of time creating the Jade Elephant Suite, once again in ms paint. I'm not exactly happy with it 100%, but it was quite the challenge to create a whole suite and not just a room. I find making a visual layout helps me with working out their actions as well as keeping with continuity. I have replaced Study Room Number Three with The Jade Elephant suite for the time being. I need to find a way to put them in a place where they can all be seen.

For those who have stuck with me even after the last chapter, thank you for your continued readership! So let me know, what do you guys think about Bubbles the owl? Do you know who the second letter was sent to? How do you feel about Draco Obliviating Filch? What are your thoughts on the Jade Elephant suite? Did I get the house elf speech pattern down ok?

Until next time let me assure some of those who are asking, yes, Harry and Ron's characters are intentionally being portrayed this way for reasons you will find out later. In fact, there is a lot you will find out later, just keep reading and reviewing and we will all watch the stats climb again. Let's see if we can break last month's records!

And here are the stats:

October finished the month with a total of 7,084 Hits and 2,713 Visitors to this story, the largest amount of hits in one day being 1.57 k on Sunday the 30th of Oct, the day ch 7 was posted. With the start of a new month the stats are reset, so instead of doing a chapter by chapter breakdown I will just be posting the current month's total stats with a reminder to the previous months. I will add it all together when I post the last chapter, but we still have a few chapters to go. The other half of the stats are maintained by my own tally system in my email and will be able to remain the same:

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