A/N: Sorry another short chapter. I had to reevaluate the ending of the story. I'd say there is probably four more left. Hope you all enjoy, let me know what you think.

A special thanks goes to: Grahamgirl93, zoesheppard, Legolas' Girl 31, Snowflake Dazzle, HarryPGinnyW4eva, Guest, LightofEvolution and puasluoma for the wonderful reviews.

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Chapter 25:

December 23rd

Hermione awoke to the sun filtering through the curtains of Draco's bedroom. A smile curved her lips as she rolled to her side; but felt no one there. Instantly, she was awake and sat straight up. The covers fell from her naked body, exposing her hardened peaks. All that was in his place on the bed was a cream color piece of parchment.

"Hermione,

I left you sleep, didn't want to wake you. Pansy and Stewart left already to attend to their plans for the holiday. Please get ready and get to Potter's as soon as you can. Again, I apologize for not being there when you woke. My mother insisted my presence now. I'm going to dig into the fact that father most likely is the one behind the attacks on you.

I love you, stay safe and I'll see you soon.

Draco."

She wanted to understand his reasoning for leaving without telling her; but she wanted to kiss him one more time before they had to be parted. Rolling out of bed, she walked out of the room and into the one she had occupied. She found an appropriate outfit and then stuffed other garments into a travel bag.

Once out into the living room, she could see that someone had folded the blanket Pansy was using on the sofa. The room felt empty without Draco present. Looking up, she could see white snow falling from outside the large windows. The fact that everyone was trying to protect her made her feel like a shell of her former self. She remembered being the one to face danger straight in the eye and fight back.

"I'm sorry, Draco...I can't do as you ask." She said to herself and turned away from the window.

She zipped up the sides of her boots and then proceeded to leave the flat with bag in hand. Racing down the steps, every single bad thing that's happened over the last several weeks came flooding into her mind. Janey's death, the Chimera attack at the Christmas party and Pansy's attack. Not to mention the death threats. There was just far too much hiding and not enough fighting back on her part.

XxXxXxXx

Malfoy Manor

"So good to see you, Draco." Narcissa greeted, kissing her son on the forehead.

He accepted her embrace, only to keep appearances. Deep down he wanted to ask her about Hermione and if his father was the one pulling the strings. Her long black and blonde hair was pulled back low, as always, she wore elegant clothing that suited her status in the wizard world. "Yes mother, it is good to see you." He answered.

"No, Miss Granger?"

"I think you know why I did not bring her."

Narcissa looked at him oddly. Draco thought he might have struck something close to the truth. Her eyes shifted away from him, avoiding his gaze. "I don't know what you mean."

"I know you've been in talks with Stewart Lyons about eliminating Hermione."

"Draco...it's not what you think."

"Oh don't I? It sounds to me like you can't stand the fact that Hermione might be the one for me, only because she's not pure blood."

She swallowed hard, begging to whoever would listen that she could convince her son of the truth before it was too late and he trusted the wrong people. He crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for an answer to his accusation. It wasn't like his mother not to have an answer ready when someone confronted her about something. "Please, let me explain."

"Then explain."

"Mr. Lyons is right in the fact that I was talking about eliminating Hermione; however, I only joined in so I could figure out who was behind the attacks. It had nothing to do with actually hurting her. I know how much she means to you."

Draco studied her face, searching for signs that she would be lying. "What of father in all this?" He asked, needed to know what his opinion was if he even had one. Narcissa sat down in one of the over-sized chairs in the library. She crossed one leg over the other and folded her hands across her lap. A house elf carried in tea and placed it on the side table next to her. The steam emulated from the spout on the kettle.

"I asked your father what to do about your feelings for Miss Granger. He made it clear that blood supremacy was important; but I couldn't make you hate me for forbidding a relationship with her."

"Typical of father...to hate everyone who isn't pure. The times have changed and the old ways don't work anymore." Draco stated proudly.

Narcissa took a sip from her tea and nodded her head in acknowledgment that her son was indeed on the right path to becoming a decent human being, or rather a decent wizard. She couldn't be more proud of him than she was right then. "Have you figured out who is behind the attacks?" Draco asked sitting down in the chair opposite of his mother.

"It's not Pansy or Stewart. They are just pawns and ones that really aren't capable of hurting Hermione."

"No, they came to my place last night. They apologized for their actions. Plus, Pansy was attacked."

Draco could see the surprise on his mother's face then he had a sudden feeling of dread wash over him. He felt like Hermione was in danger, even though he knew that she couldn't be. She should be with Potter by now, surrounded by her friends and people that considered themselves family to her. He tried to push the feeling away and concentrate on the conversation with his mother. "If I had to guess, this whole thing is about jealousy." Narcissa answered.

"So you don't know who is behind this."

"No."

"Then who's to say that it isn't father pulling strings from Azkaban."

The words were out of his mouth before he could think better of it. Narcissa frowned a little at her son's accusation. She had to think hard on his words, because she could very well see where he would think that.

Draco felt sick to his stomach. His vision was fading in and out. The continued feeling of dread circulated through him. He knew there was definitely something wrong for him to feel this way. "Draco..." His mother called to him.

"Something is wrong. I can feel it..."

XxXxXxXx

Hermione walked the crowded sidewalk, making her way towards the lit tree in the park. She wanted to see it one last time. There were people skating on the frozen pond and it brought back the memory of when Draco took her skating to cheer her up. It made her smile at the mere thought of it. "Poor little Hermione...all alone...with no one to protect her." A voice said softly.

She turned around, to see no one there. Spinning the whole way around, there was still no one there. The voice was slightly familiar; but she couldn't seem to put her finger on where. "Show yourself."

The sound of heavy panting came from behind her. Hermione's body froze momentarily and then when she was able to, she turned around to see the Chimera that had attack the Ministry Christmas Party; but what really surprised her was whom was sitting upon the creature like a princess on a throne. Her long blonde hair and blue eyes stuck out against the white feathers of the Chimera.

"Daphne..."