The next morning, Hermione woke to find herself still in the same room. She lay there for a while, trying to gather her thoughts. Her mind was a whirlwind of grief and she didn't see an end to it in sight. A few moments later, there was a soft knock on the door.
"Yes?" she called.
A small house elf opened her door, poking her head into the room. "Morning Miss. My Master wishes you to eat so I brings you a tray. Will Miss allow me to bring it in?"
"Yes. Yes of course." Hermione said at last, sitting up to welcome the small elf.
The house elf happily opened the door and brought in a tray laden with savory breakfast food. She laid it on Hermione's lap and chirped happily, "Miss will let me know if she needs anything else? My name is Rose."
"Yes, thank you very much Rose. And please extend my thanks to your Master as well." Hermione said looking down at her breakfast.
"Of course Miss." said Rose. She gave a small bow and exited the room.
Hermione felt her stomach rumble and started to eat. With all that happened yesterday, she had not eaten, though drank a good deal. Food would help her slight hangover and perhaps comfort her mind. She ate her fill and called Rose back to remove the tray.
"Will Miss be coming down today? Master told me to ask," the elf inquired.
"Yes. I think I will be leaving soon Rose." Hermione said finally. Her thoughts went dark previously, replaying all the events of yesterday and the few days prior when she learned that her husband had died. "Can you send your Master in so I can speak with him?"
"Yes Miss," Rose replied and left the room.
Draco knocked a little while later and opened the door at Hermione's "Yes?"
"I wanted to thank you for letting me crash here Draco," she said looking at him. "If I could, I will get cleaned up and then I'll be out of your way soon."
"Where will you go?" he asked.
"I don't know yet. I need to go to Gringotts and see how much money I have first and then go from there. I don't want to go back to the Ministry for work, too many Weasleys and memories there. And I did far too well of a job erasing my parents memories during the war and I was told I may damage them if I tried to reverse it now." she said defeated.
"You can continue to crash here until you find somewhere to go," Draco said gently.
"Oh no. I don't want to be in your way." she started to protest.
He silenced her with a hand, "Look, you're all alone right now and I know that you have no idea where to turn at the moment. Let me help you by giving you a place to stay for the time being."
"But-" she said.
"It's fine. How many guests do you think I plan on having for the foreseeable future?" he smiled bitterly at his last remark.
Hermione got up from the bed and walked slowly over to Draco, gave him the softest kiss on the cheek saying, "Thank you."
He looked at her when she approached her, wary of what her intentions were. Then her soft, velvet lips brushed against his cheek. She was vulnerable, she was wounded, and she was beautiful. He wanted to reach out and touch her, embrace her but he held his stance for a few more seconds, nodded and left the room.
Hermione called Rose back a little while later and asked her where she could get showered. Rose skipped merrily as she showed her where the bathroom was. Rose disappeared for a few seconds and came back with fluffy black towels for her. She then bowed and left Hermione to herself. It was a handsome room, albeit a bit dark for her taste. It was black and white tiles with a walk in shower around the far left wall. She stripped of her nightgown and walked into the shower, starting the water and adjusting the temperature to near scalding. She wanted to feel something, even if that something was slightly too hot water assaulting her exposed flesh. Hermione had been feeling numb to pretty much all-external stimuli since she learned of Ron's death.
She stepped into the water and gasped slightly, the water was hot and woke up her skin. Once she was completely wet, she cursed herself for not thinking to bring her bag into the bathroom with her. She always kept a supply of bath supplies in there out of habit from searching for Horcruxes with Harry and Ron. Plus, she never knew if they would have to run from a new foe or not at a moments notice. She stopped the water and stepped back out of the shower and tiptoed to the vanity where the towels were. Wrapping herself in the soft, warm fabric, which stopped, just below her ass, she quickly exited the bathroom and retrieved her bag. She turned around and tried rushing back to the bathroom to return to her shower before being seen and met eyes with her half dressed host at the landing?! She stopped frozen in her tracks, unsure of what to do, she was an equal distance between the room she had used the previous night and the bathroom where she intended to go.
Draco had been on a walk to clear his thoughts. It had been raining outside and not thinking to bring an umbrella or caring to cast a water repellent spell on himself, he returned home drenched. He had stripped of his shirt and shoes and was ascending the stairs to change when he saw Hermione in a towel on the landing between the room where she slept the previous night and the bathroom. His bedroom door was just behind where she stood. But she was frozen in place. Shocked to be seen in naught but a towel by the person who; bullied her during her younger years, stood by and watched helplessly as his aunt tortured her physically, and now was her host. Finally coming to a playful decision, he continued up the stairs, walked up to her and was amused that her eyes had gone even wider when he nearly brushed against her to reach the doorknob behind her and open his door. As he reached behind her, he slightly turned his face into her neck and blew gently against her goose bumped flesh. His bedroom door opened, he placed a hand on her hip and turned her towards the bathroom, then moved to enter his own room.
Hermione rushed back into the bathroom, closing and locking the door behind her. 'What the fuck was that?' her mind screamed at her. She didn't know the answer. He hadn't done anything wrong, he hadn't said anything, just opened his own door and moved her out of the way as she stood there frozen in shock and embarrassment. She decided that he had gotten frustrated with her indecision and moved her out of the way. She retrieved the desired bath products from her bag and started her shower again.
Later that day, Draco found Hermione in the small library he had downstairs and she was curled up reading a book.
"Anything good?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm reading up on the pureblood lineage and practices. It's actually rather fascinating." she replied, not looking up at him.
"Can't see how my family lineage and our traditions can be 'fascinating'. But I'm heading to the Leaky Cauldron for a drink. Coming?"
"No, I think I'll stay here," she said closing the book and placing it on the small table beside her. She already had a glass of wine sitting atop it. She took the glass and drained it in a few swallows. "Don't worry I'm not drinking your wine, I stepped out earlier, stopped and Gringotts and then got some of my own."
"No worries. I really don't drink the stuff," he replied. "See you later?"
"I wanted to ask you," she started, finally looking at him. "Why are you helping me?"
He looked at her for a few moments, finally deciding on, "Redemption? Making amends? Loneliness? Take your pick."
"Huh." She said processing his answer and unable to respond to it.
"I'll see you in a bit," Draco said and left her in the library, mulling over her thoughts.
It continued like this for two months. Hermione was in the process of securing a new job for herself, she had even sent an owl to Headmistress McGonagall to see about a teaching position at Hogwarts. She had insisted on giving her host weekly rent so she didn't feel like she was taking advantage. She continued to spend her days in the library, trying to recover and Draco continued to go out to the pub each night.
One evening, she had received an owl from the Ministry, stating that due to the wishes of the Weasley family, Hermione's marriage to Ron was now considered null and void. She was stunned; did they really hate her that much? Why put on a façade all these years only to behave this way after Ron had died? That broke her newly constructed wall she had been working so hard to build. She ran upstairs and into the bathroom, slamming and locking the door behind her. She gripped the vanity staring at her reflection, wondering how this had happened? She had loved the Weasley family. Considered Mrs. Weasley a surrogate mother, hell, she had gone with her to buy her gown instead of her own mother!
She felt herself breaking apart; she wanted to feel something, something besides her emotional pain. She punched the mirror hanging above the vanity. She didn't expect it to break, but the shards fell on the vanity top and she saw her own scattered reflection in each one. She sobbed at the broken pieces of her life, the broken pieces of the mirror, and took one large shard in her hand. She sobbed all the harder and she raked the shard against the flesh of he legs, she yelped in sweet pain feeling her blood release.
There was pounding on the door, someone was trying to get in, she moved to sit in front of the door and every time it was magically unlocked, she physically locked it again. Still she sobbed and drew more blood from her flesh.
"Open the fucking door!" a harsh voice yelled from the other side of where she sat. "Open it or I'll break it the fuck down!"
Draco heard her move but the sobs came all the harder. He opened the door and searched for her. She was leaning against the wall, blood starting to stream away from her.
"What are you doing? Stop!" he said taking the shard away from her.
"I need to feel something! Anything! I'm broken, unwanted! I just wanted to feel something!" she screamed.
Draco sat on the floor before her and gently pulled her into his arms, placing her in his lap. As she sobbed against his neck with her arms around his shoulders, he pulled out his wand and set to mending her wounds. He was relieved that she didn't damage herself so far as to leave scars. He gently picked her up, keeping her against his chest; her sobs were coming stronger now, probably from shame of what she had done. He took her to her room, and keeping her in his arms climbed into the bed. He would hold her until she came to her senses. He didn't trust her to be alone at the moment. As soon as he saw Rose come into the pub, he knew Hermione had done or was going to do something rash. Rose handed him the parchment from the Ministry stating the wishes of the Weasley family and rushed back to his flat, Rose at his heels.
"You are not broken. You are not unwanted," he whispered over and over in her ear. And her grip on him tightened when she finally was sensible to hear his mantra.
She felt safe when she started to come around, the physical pain gone but she did feel sticky from the blood. She wondered who was speaking so softly to her and holding her so delicately, as though she was made of glass. She heard the gentle words next, "You are not broken. You are not unwanted." She finally opened her eyes, expecting to see the bathroom again but she was back in her room, on her bed, being held in the lap of Draco Malfoy. She started to pull away but he tightened his hold slightly on her.
"Shh, you're safe. Calm down," his voice said gently. "Rose is cleaning up the bathroom and once she's done, we'll get you cleaned up. Just relax now."
"I-I'm so s-s-sorry! I've made a mess of every-everything," she felt herself starting to break again. He just shushed her softly for a while.
"Ok, Rose is done, I'm going to carry you back to the bathroom and you are going to shower. I'm not leaving the bathroom. Do you understand?" he said starting to maneuver himself and the tangle of limbs in his arms.
"I'm fine. I won't do it again." she started to protest.
"Nope. Nothing doing. You are in no state to be by yourself." he replied, leaning his head against hers.
He carried her back to the bathroom, it smelled clean and fresh, the mirror had been replaced with a different one and all the remnants of her moment of weakness were washed away.
"I'm going to put you down. Go behind the wall of the shower, undress, and get yourself cleaned up. I'll wait here."
Hermione did as she was bid. She was put back on the floor and she made her way behind the wall, took off her blood soaked clothes, and started the water. She started to cry again, watching the blood wash off her skin, remarking that her flesh was still unmarked. At the first choked sob she let loose, Draco was there, holding her naked body against his, soothing her by stroking her hair down as the water drenched them both.
Draco hushed her gently, released her for a moment, turned the water off, and summoned a towel to him to wrap her naked frame. He then picked her back up in his arms and carried her back to her room. Rose was there and he bid her to help Hermione dress for bed. He left for a few moments to change out of his wet clothes and into his favorite pajama bottoms, his chest uncovered. He went back to Hermione's room and nodded at Rose who had Hermione dressed in her nightgown and her hair brushed and plaited. She sat under the duvet, looking at her folded hands in her lap.
"Rose, will you stay with Miss Hermione tonight? In case she needs anything?" Draco asked his house elf.
"Of course Master, Rose will watch over Miss." Rose chirped.
"I will check on you in the morning," he said gently.
"Don't leave," she said barely above a whisper.
"Sorry?" he asked. He thought he misheard her.
"Don't leave me," she said more clearly.
"Rose, you can go to bed. I can watch Miss. Hermione tonight," Draco said to his elf.
"Yes Master, let Rose know if Miss Hermione needs anything," Rose said and bowed to Draco.
He moved to the side of her bed and transfigured her nightstand into a comfortable looking chair. He was about to sit in it, when she moved over in the bed and made room for him.
"I need you to hold me again," she said finally. He had been confused on what she was doing. He thought she meant to move as far away from him as possible.
"You're sure?" he asked, his mouth suddenly dry.
Her reply was a nod. Draco lay down in the bed beside her and she moved to curl up against him, laying her head on his bare chest, her hand curled into a fist by her face. He wrapped an arm around her, resting his hand on her hip.
They lay like that for a while, Hermione listening to his quickened heartbeat. She managed a small smile, the first in months. "Nervous being so close to me?" she asked
"Terrified," he chuckled.
"Don't worry. I won't hurt you," she said unclenching her fist and spreading her fingers wide over his skin. She mused at his heartbeat picking up.
The next morning, Hermione awoke in the same position she fell asleep in, curled up against Draco, his arm still securing her to his side. His breaths were even and she knew he was still sleeping. She tried to move from her position, only to have Draco's arm tighten and his thumb gently move along her hip in a sleepy attempt to settle her. Unfortunately, her nightgown had shifted up during the night and he was caressing bare flesh. His action, however unconsciously done, was causing a ripple in her that she never thought she should feel again. She knew she should move, to get away before she gave into what her body craved. It craved attention. She managed to roll herself over so her back was to his side, but he just rolled with her and cradled her back against his chest. He wrapped his arm around her and nuzzled his face into her neck, his lips brushing against her skin. That made her predicament much worse; her skin felt like it was on fire, she wanted so much more. She tried to suppress a soft moan but failed miserably.
Draco became fully conscious when he heard the moan. His eyes shot open and realized his position, she was curled up against his chest, his arms wrapped around her, and his hand touching warm, soft flesh. His lips were lightly against her neck. Her breathing was quickening at his inhale and exhale of his mouth. He tried to move his arm from its position but her hand moved it back. He knew she was awake then, and was confused. Why accept his touch? She moved his hand to her breast, sighing at his touch, even through the fabric of her gown. He kissed her neck softly and tentatively, and she moved her head to allow him better access. He ran his thumb over her breast and felt her nipple harden immediately. Draco moved the lose fabric aside and felt her bare flesh in his hand. He heard Hermione gasp and rolled so she was facing him again. Brown eyes met pale gray.
"Finish what you started," she said simply.
"You're sure?" Draco said daring a hard swallow.
At her nod, he took her chin gently in one hand, tilting her head up and pressed his lips hesitantly to hers. She reached beneath his arm and pulled her closer to him, emboldening his kiss. His hand that was on his chin slid down to her collarbone and gently ran his thumb over it. His other free hand reached around her and pulled her closer to him, happy when both her arms encircled his neck. At his sigh of having her pressed against him, she deepened the kiss, her tongue testing gently against his. His hand that was to her collarbone moved behind her and softly caressed her bare shoulders. She disentangled her one arm and moved his to her leg and using both their arms pushed her nightgown up to just below he breasts. Draco moaned against her lips and shifted his hips back to give himself more room. His hand that was free moved slowly down her toned stomach and stopped at her pubic bone, she shifted her hips and opened her legs for him. He kissed her passionately now, moving his hand down to cup her sex. She gasped against his lips.
"I can stop," Draco said seriously. Moving his hand away from her.
She pushed his shoulder back and he thought she was rejecting him, sobered by his words, but she moved to straddle his waist. Hermione was awake, she was alive, and she was very turned on. She gazed down at him, her head tilted to one side, he hair cascading along her shoulders, let loose from the plait. He thought she looked stunning. She reached behind her and felt his throbbing dick through his pajama pants.
"Don't think you want to," she said, moving her hand along his length. He moved his hips under her, sighing.
"No. But if you're – not ready," Draco hissed. She had skillfully slid her hand under the waistband of his pajamas and wrapped her delicate fingers around him.
"Put your hands on me," she said and started to stroke him. "I need you to hold me."
Draco was happy to oblige her, running his hands along her thighs, over her abdomen, and up beneath her gown. He could feel how wet she was against his skin, and after a few moments he shifted her backwards so she was lying between his legs, her thighs on either shoulder. He blew gently against her sex, eliciting a soft moan from her. He bent his head down and licked at her folds, tasting her. He opened his eyes to see that she had closed hers, arms spread on the duvet, her fingers gripping the fabric. Her breaths came in pants and he continued tasting her. She had started to move her hips, so much so that he wrapped an arm around her stomach to hold her in place.
Hermione's skin was alight. But she craved more. "I need you now," she said between moans.
Draco moved her thighs from his shoulders so they were on either side of him and shifted to move his pajama pants down and then off. He pushed her nightgown up and over her breasts, taking one in his mouth, the other caressing the nipple. She moaned a little louder now, her breathing heavy, she grabbed either side of his face and pulled his face to her lips. She tasted herself on his tongue and moaned again. She reached between them, taking his hot member in her hand and guiding him to her. He gently pressed himself at her entrance, eliciting a husky moan from the woman beneath him. He pressed against her again, feeling himself being wrapped within her. The third press she felt frustrated and lifted her hips to meet his, thrusting him deep in her.
Draco had to rest on his forearms, moaning in her ear. She felt wonderfully tight, her small frame holding her within him. It was delicious. "I want you on top," he said finally. He would let her lead the first time, he being as inexperienced as he was, he didn't want to end it too quickly.
She dexterously shifted them so he remained inside her so that she was on top again. Placing one hand on his stomach and another behind her on the mattress, she began to move her hips. She held his gaze for a while, then started to increase her speed, and closed her eyes, moving the hand on his stomach behind her as well. She rode him, feeling him hit deeply within her core,
He had gripped her waist to slow her, not wanting this sweet experience to end, keeping his eyes on hers. "Oh fuck girl, what are you doing to me?" he asked after a groan left his lips.
She smiled then, a real smile. "What does it feel like?" she asked playfully.
"Too good," Draco started, and when she moved quicker, rotating her hips so that she nearly pulled him out then moved slowly back down along his shaft. "Ugh. Too fucking good."
"Do you want me to release you now?" she continued.
"Careful I don't flip you over," Draco played back.
"Is that so?" she started, moving her hips more quickly now.
Draco sat up, delving himself to her core, causing her to gasp. He laid her down against the mattress, letting her feet fall to either side of him with her knees on either side. But he remained kneeling between her legs. "Ready?" he asked.
Her eyes sparkled at him, daring him. With one hand on each knee, he pounded hard into her. She moaned, her eyes rolling back, her fingers gripping the footboard of the bed to hold her in place. He kept up his ministrations for a few minutes, feeling her core tighten around him.
"In or out?" he asked panting.
"In," she begged.
That only increased how hard he slammed into her, he felt her starting to orgasm. She pulled a section of the duvet to her mouth and let loose a muffled scream of pleasure. Her walls tightened and pulsed around him, and he was so close. He reached down and moved the duvet from her face and she gazed up at him, still panting and moaning. He finally let himself release in her womb, still pumping slowly as he fell to her chest, his hands caressing her face and kissed her deeply.
"Mornin'," she said once they broke apart for air.
"Morning to you too," he said after another kiss.