Chapter 17

Hermione found Harry sat next to the other side of the door.

"Where's Dra… Malfoy?" asked Hermione as she quickly wiped her eyes to try and hide the tears.

"He's upstairs with Dumbledore. Dumbledore said not to disturb them. Hermione are you okay?" asked Harry. She shook her head. Harry pulled her into a hug.

"What did Ron say?"

"It's not what he said," she whispered, the tears now clearly sliding down her cheeks.

"Then what?"

"He kissed me. I tried to stop him but he wouldn't."

Harry ran his fingers through his hair.

"He can really be a jerk sometimes. I'll talk to him later, when he's calmed down," promised Harry. Hermione nodded, thankful.

"He really is something special to you, Malfoy?" asked Harry.

"Yes," she whispered.

"Please don't let yourself get hurt Hermione."

"Is there somewhere quiet I can go? I need some time alone," asked Hermione.

"Ginny's room is empty. Let me know if you need anything" said Harry. He gave her a reassuring squeeze before releasing her.

Hermione quickly made it up the stairs to Ginny's bedroom before collapsing on the bed. She began sobbing. She should be happy. She'd been rescued, and was reunited with her friends. She was safe. She didn't feel happy at all though. She was an utter jumble of emotion. She used to love Ron. She used to dream for the day he'd kiss her. But his kiss made her sick. She didn't have any feelings for him. It would be easier if she did though.

Hermione Granger loved Draco Malfoy, an utterly fucked up, but nonetheless amazing man. It was overpowering. What if e wasn't allowed to stay? Not given protection? What would happen to their relationship? What would happen to him? Dumbledore had taken pity on Snape all those years ago. Hermione prayed a silent prayer he'd do the same for Draco. Everything was so messed up. Hermione continued to cry, until she ran out of tears.

"Hermione," called a familiar voice. Hermione opened her eyes. She must've fallen asleep. She stretched out her arms instinctively for Draco. He led down on the bed next to her, and buried her face in his neck.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly. "Potter mentioned something about Weasley."

"I don't want to talk about it. Not now," she pleaded.

"Okay," he said not wanting to push her.

"How about you?" She sat up to get a better look at him. His nose looked a much more normal shape than it had earlier. "you spoke to Dumbledore?" she added.

"Yes I did. He's agreed to give me protection on a few conditions."

Hermione felt a little relieved.

"Conditions?"

"I provide him with any information I can. That I won't contact any Death Eaters, or anyone associated – including my family." Draco's voice trembled a little. Hermione knew Draco hated his father, but she was sure he loved his mother dearly.

"and finally," Draco continued, "to help you deal with what has happened to you during your time at the Malfoy Manor, and to protect you to the best of my ability. Not that I wouldn't anyway."

"Oh Draco." She was overwhelmed with her need for him.

Hermione reached up and began kissing him passionately. He moaned in response and fisted her hair in his hand. She barely paused for breath. It wasn't out of sexual desire, but out of pure desperation. She wanted him to understand – to feel what she felt. She poured all her pent up emotions from the past few days into the kiss and Draco seemed to also do the same.

After a few minutes, the broke apart to try and catch their breath. Draco reached up to Hermione's face and cupped her cheek in his hand. He looked her straight in the eyes.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too." She really did. Nothing else mattered. She loved him and he loved her in return.

Draco kissed her lightly on the lips.

"Dumbledore would like us to leave for Grimmauld Places as soon as we're ready. He would like to speak to you when we get here," said Draco. Hermione nodded. She gathered herself and got out of bed.

"Wait, before we go," he said withdrawing his wand. He pointed his wand at her and began muttering a counterspell. Hermione rolled up her sleeve and watched the bruises on her arm disappear infront of her. It took a few moments before they'd all vanished. She flashed Draco a smile.

"Thank you," she said.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Yes," she said. She was ready for anything with Draco, the man she loved, by her side.