Draco just had to survive this inspection with Hermione today without saying something that alerted his parents to what happened with her while they were in Las Vegas.

Thing would be better if he could do that. He was thankful his parents would be present so that they would avoid any awkward alone time. He had no idea what to say to her – it wasn't like anything could come of what happened in America. It's not as if she'd ever want it to.

How could she after what he'd done?

Draco waited by the front door for Hermione to arrive. His mother and father swept into the foyer dressed in their outing robes.

His chest clinched. "Are you going somewhere?"

"Yes. I promised your mother I'd take her out for lunch." Father's arm draped over Mother's shoulder.

"Your father is quite the romantic."

"But... Herm- Granger is coming today."

"Can you not handle the Granger girl, son?" Father expelled a cold laugh.

Draco's mouth opened fell open. "Of course I can."

"Good," said Mother. "Then we will see you this afternoon." She placed a dry kiss to his cheek and followed Draco's father out the door.

He let the door shut and squeezed his hair, shutting his eyes. Why in Merlin's name did he ever leave Vegas?

There was one harsh knock on the door.

Shaking but trying to pretend it didn't affect him at all, he opened the door.

Hermione was standing there, her cheeks blushed by the chill wind, her lips crimson red as if they were freshly bitten. Her eyes were dark and earthy and looking right at them.

"Hello, Dra- Malfoy."

He swallowed, hard. "Granger. Come in."

She stepped inside and the door squeaked shut behind her. Hermione had her hands stuffed into the pockets of her grey wool overcoat.

"Would you like me to take your coat?"

Hermione shook her head. "Where are your parents?"

Draco unconsciously rolled his eyes. "On a date."

The tension was heavy in the room, a shocking weight on his shoulders.

"We're alone?"

"Yes," Draco whispered, his eyes locked with hers, a swell rising up in his throat, touching his lips that so desperately wanted to touch hers. He tore his gaze away. He couldn't kiss her. He could never kiss her again.

"I'll look around the house now." Hermione walked toward the staircase then glanced back at him.

"Yes?"

"Your father or mother usually walks with me."

Cautiously, Draco followed in step behind her, trying not to walk the curve of her hips in her skirt as she walked.

"What made you change your mind?" she asked.

"About what?"

She was flicking her wand about, opening up drawers and closets and even picking up floorboards.

"Coming back here. Last time we, uh, talked... you didn't seem all that interested in returning."

Draco leaned against the wall, his legs feeling oddly weak with her so near to him.

"You can't run away from your past forever," he said.

Hermione's eyes flashed in the direction of the room where she'd had that terrible encounter with Aunt Bellatrix.

"No I guess you can't." She sighed.

Draco didn't know why, but suddenly his hand cupped her elbow. She looked up at him with softness in her gaze.

"I know it doesn't change what happened or make it hurt less, but I am sorry. I was an idiot. I got in over my head."

Her lips pressed out into a thin line. "Do you think I blame you?"

Draco felt his heart jolt as he straightened his back, looking down in shock at Hermione.

"How could you not?"

"You were a child. I blame your parents. I blame Voldemort."

Draco stepped closer, squeezing her elbow even tighter. He stared into her eyes.

"That's fortunate for you." He breathed into her ear. "I will always blame myself."

"Blame yourself. Don't blame yourself. Doesn't matter." Hermione stared down at her high heels. "But you should forgive yourself."

Draco's fingers tucked under her chin and forced her gaze to meet his. The breath hitched in his throat and his whole body trembled.

"Hermione-" And Draco brought his lips to hers with urgency, with abandon. She stiffened at his touch but the brought her hands to his hair and pulled him closer.

With a gasp, she tore away from him. Her hand flew over her mouth. Then she ran down the steps and out of the manor.

A/N: Thanks for reading and please review. Draco was right about it being a bad idea for them to be alone.