Hermione had been quiet. It was not an entirely new characteristic but Draco could sense that there was much on her mind. He had tried to engage her in idle conversation to no avail. Finally, as evening drew close, he simply asked her what was on her mind.

"I want to contact the Order," Hermione announced.

Draco looked at her in disbelief. "It's too dangerous."

"I need to do something. I can't stay here and do nothing. I owe that much to Harry and Ron and myself as well." Draco's expression darkened and she took his hand. "Come with me," she pleaded.

"You know I can't."

"Yes, you can! The Order will protect you!"

"Why should they? With my history? With everything I've done?"

"You were being blackmailed! You saved my life, Draco, and I know that Dumbledore offered to help you."

How could she know that? He looked at her with a questioning look and she explained that Harry had been hidden in the tower the night Draco confronted their headmaster.

"Oh yes, that was right before I let the Death Eaters in," he added sarcastically. "There's no guarantee the Ministry of Magic won't chuck me into Azkaban. They'll probably be happy to make an example out of me. Even if the Ministry doesn't, the Death Eaters will."

"And you think you'll be safer here, alone?" Hermione snapped.

"Yes," he answered her honestly. A moment passed between them, each hoping the other would give in.

"I can't stay here, Draco," Hermione whispered at last.

He slipped his hand from hers and left without saying another word. He tried to sort out his feelings as he walked along the dirt road, his chest feeling constricted. He wasn't surprised that Hermione wanted to return, he was surprised it hadn't happened sooner. Still, they had been together all this time and now she wanted to leave? He didn't understand.

Hermione knew that it would be difficult to convince Draco to come with her. However, she had hoped since they had grown closer, that he would. She understood his distrust of the Ministry, even the Order, but she was afraid the Death Eaters would eventually find him. She blinked back tears.

How could she leave him? She didn't want to loose someone else.

Eventually, she went to bed knowing Draco needed time alone to cool off. She went to his room; it would be their last night together and she wanted to be close to him. Eventually, she was roused from her light sleep when Draco slipped behind her.

"Don't leave me," he whispered. "You're all I have."

Hermione was stunned by Draco's declaration. Her heart ached. She turned to him. "I don't want to leave you but I have to go back."

"I don't want anything to happen to you."

"I'll be OK. I promise" her voice caught in her throat.

"To come back?" Draco smiled as if he were only jesting but his glassy eyes gave his true feelings away. Hermione managed to laugh, even as tears slipped from her eyes.

"Yes."

Draco moved closer and his lips brushed hers. She watched in fascination as he drew closer. She reached out a hand and stroked his cheek, wondering where this person had been. Her eyes asked him to give her another kiss and he obliged. She threaded her fingers through his fine hair and savored his kiss.

Perhaps it was because it was so unexpected that it felt as exciting as it did. Draco had studied Hermione's mouth and lips so often these last few days that he almost knew how they would feel. It was a hundred times better than he had imagined.

His hand moved to caress her shoulder; the thin strap of the simple dress she used to sleep in slipped from her shoulder. His lips moved from hers to her cheek, jaw, neck and shoulder. Hermione reveled in the soft kisses she had never experienced before.

Her body responded to his in ways she never felt and she longed for more intimacy. She wrapped her arms around him and his body shifted slightly to cover hers. She bent her knees and her dress slid to reveal her thighs. Draco sensed this and moved his hand to stroke the sensitive skin there.

Hermione breathed into his ear and kissed his neck while her hands explored the smooth skin of his back. She could feel him between her legs. This had happened once with Viktor but then she had blushed at the thought. Now it thrilled her and she opened her legs wider.

Draco groaned quietly and kissed her lips once more. His hand slipped underneath the thin cotton of her dress, roamed over her hips and his fingers whispered over her breast. Hermione arched her back at the simple touch. The sensation sent shivers through her body and she craved more.

She hissed as Draco's hand covered her bare breast and fondled it gently. He moved to kiss the sensitive skin there; his wet lips and tongue teasing her. Hermione could only arch her back and grasp his hair in wanting. Her legs wound around his waist, her hips ground into his, her bare feet caressed his calves.

Desire guided her; she reached a hand underneath the waist of his shorts. Draco suddenly moved to shove the things off. He turned to Hermione, looking into her heavy eyes for permission to move on.

Slowly, he shifted the dress up over her hips and he watched as her body was revealed slowly. His body ached at the sight.

The dress revealed her breasts Hermione reached down to pull the clothing free from her body. The two lay there for a moment admiring each others forms, hands gliding over the planes of skin, fingers teasing sensitive flesh. At last their eyes met once more and Draco moved to cover her wholly; their bodies melding.

He kissed her neck and earlobe. His lips moved slowly to hers. As her mouth welcomed him, her legs as well. Draco coaxed his body to connect with hers while they kissed. Hermione shifted her hips and at last, the connection.

Hermione arched and gasped at the intrusion. Having never done this before, her body was tight and unaccustomed to such a thing. Draco paused, kissing the salty skin of her neck and then her forehead.

His body trembled slightly at holding back from the glorious feeling of slipping further inside her. Contrary to popular belief, he had never done this with another. At last Hermione shifted, ready to explore further. Draco shifted on his elbows so that he could see her face. Her moved slowly, gasping at the velvety luxury of Hermione. His hand had never come close to this!

Hermione winced as he moved further inside bit by bit. Despite the pain, she felt a rush as she looked into his darkened eyes. Sweat covered his brow as he tried to control himself. He began to move back and forth, slowly, working his way inside her.

The pleasure grew intensely and he could no longer maintain eye contact and his body begged him to move faster. He did. Hermione's fingers dug into his shoulders and she cried out. However, his body wouldn't let him stop. The tremors grew deep with his belly and suddenly surged to his groin until he released himself into her.

He moaned loudly as his body took over. Hermione watched in fascination as he lost himself in her.

She shifted her hips and felt tiny bubbles of pleasure. She continued her grinding until she too came with a shudder. Draco collapsed upon her.

Silently, the two lay holding one another. Hermione felt tears sting her eyes. She was not sad. She had experienced something so incredible that it touched her deeply. They had become as close as two people could. She kissed his shoulder and held him closer.

Draco had been transported to another plane and was slowly returning. He had never experienced anything quite like that before. The feelings that tugged at him were much more than physical. He felt them in his mind and heart.

Leaving Draco was one of the most difficult things Hermione ever had to do but she had to continue the fight against Voldemort and his Death Eaters. She could not let Harry and Ron's deaths be in vain despite the pain she was causing herself and Draco.

She had planned to travel the Muggle way but Draco surprised her by giving her his wand. "I can't take this!" she insisted. "What if you need it?"

"I think your need is greater than mine."

"Draco, I can get a new wand. You should keep this."

"No," he was firm and she knew he wouldn't give in. Suddenly, there was an awkward pause between them. Neither was certain what to say or what to do.

"I better go," Hermione said at last.

"Be careful."

"You too."

Draco nodded and then, somewhat awkwardly, pulled Hermione into a fierce hug. She clutched him tightly and willed herself not to cry again. At last they separated and Hermione Disapparated with a pop. Draco stood for a moment, looking at the empty space where Hermione had been and he willed himself not to cry.

Hermione Apparated directly to the stoop of Grimwauld Place. She stood for a moment recalling the last time she had been there and teared at the memory of Harry and Ron. However, she resolved to be strong and taking a deep breath, she placed her hand upon the door handle.

She stepped inside the front hall, glanced at the curtain hanging over the portrait of Mrs Black, and crept quietly passed the painting. On the walls hung photos of Order members; Remus Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks, Arthur Weasley, Molly Weasley, Rubeus Hagrid, Alastar Moody, Sirius Black, Albus Dumbledore and the many others.

There was also a photo of Hermione with Harry and Ron. It had been taken the day before Bill and Fleur's wedding. In it, Hermione stood between the other two, their arms linked together, all three were laughing. The photo made her smile.

"Hermione?" Molly Weasley stood at the end of the hall and stared at Hermione as if she were looking at an apparition. At once, the two burst into tears and grabbed each other in a tight embrace.

"We've been looking for you! Are you hurt? We've never stopped looking! Oh, it's so good to see you! Are you all right, dear?"

Hermione giggled through her tears at the woman's nonstop questions. After their long embrace, Hermione assured Mrs Weasley that she was fine. Mrs Weasley looked doubtful but did not press the matter.

"You're too thin," Molly commented worridly. "Come, the others will be thrilled to see you!"

Hermione entered the kitchen with Mrs Weasley and was immediately accosted by Ginny. Not ordinarily an emotional girl, Ginny nonetheless sobbed happily as she hugged her friend. Ginny finally released her, wiping away her tears. Remus and Tonks were there as well and each gave Hermione a warm hug. However, their joyous celebration was suddenly interupted.

"What's the bloody ruckus about?!"

Turning to the voice, Hermione found herself looking at none other than Ronald Weasley. His look of annoyance was suddenly replaced by suprise at the sight of Hermione, back safe and sound. Hermione was too stunned to react.

"Hermione!" Ron rushed to her and enveloped her in his arms. Hermione could only sob. Silence reigned over the kitchen while the couple held each other and more tears were shed. At last they broke apart and joined the others at the table.

"Are you all right, Hermione?" Remus asked.

"Yes"

She shook her head and fresh tears dripped along her cheeks. "But, I don't understand, there was so much blood. I didn't know any healing charms! I thought you were dead." She sobbed harder and Ron put his arm around her shoulders while Mrs Weasley patted her hand.

"We thought we'd lost him as well," Molly said. "Once the Death Eaters retreated, healers were summoned and Ron was taken to St Mungo's. It was touch and go for a few days but he pulled through." Molly smiled through her own tears at her youngest son.

"He's fine now, though he likes to milk it," Ginny grinned.

"And, the others?" Hermione was nearly afraid to ask. "Is everyone alright?"

"There were some injuries." Remus answered. "We were very lucky not to loose anyone."

"But, Harry, I saw him hexed and the Death Eaters said he was killed! Is he alright? Where is he?"

"He's fine," Ron assured her.

"He was hit with a stunning spell," Lupin explained. "I'm sure the Death Eater who cast it had no idea who he was cursing. However, it was leaked that Harry had been in disguise at the wedding and had been killed. It's given us a huge advantage."

"Who spread the rumor?"

"We have an agent inside Voldemort's circle."

"Who?" She couldn't help but ask.

"The fewer people that know, the better."

"Where is Harry?"

"Off hunting Horcruxes," Tonks answered.

"Alone?!"

"No," Lupin assured her, "Charlie Weasley and Kingsley Shacklebolt are with him."

"Have any more been found?"

"Yes, but we can fill you in on that later. You need to tell us what happened to you."

Hermione explained that she had been held at the Malfoy Manor but spared them details of Mangela and his experiments. She did tell them Draco took her from the cell and kept her hidden until she was strong enough to return. She left out the details of their relationship, suddenly feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt.

"Malfoy?!" Ron asked in disbelief.

"Dumbledore knew Draco didn't have it in him," Lupin commented. "Where is he?"

"I promised I wouldn't say. He's afraid of being thrown in Azkaban."

"Better that than caught by Death Eaters!" Tonks stated.

"He doesn't trust the Ministry," Hermione explained.

"I don't blame him," Lupin said.

"What's important is that you're back," Ron said. She smiled into the blue eyes that she thought she'd never see again.

"We should take you to St Mungo's, just for a once over," Molly suggested and Lupin nodded in agreement.

"No, I'm fine, really."

Molly looked ready to argue but decided the visit could wait. "Well, at least have something to eat."

Hermione could hardly believe that she was back at Grimwauld place having breakfast with Mrs Weasley, Lupin, Tonks, Ginny and Ron. It was almost as if the last few weeks hadn't happened at all.

She ate the food that Molly gave her, wondering briefly how Draco would manage to feed himself. She joined in the conversation and later, sat down with Remus and Tonks to give her story to them again. They updated her on the latest news of the fight against Voldemort. The Order had managed to track down all but one Horcrux and they had their best and brightest researching possible locations.

Hermione asked if she could help and was welcomed quite happily.

The excitement of the day tired her quickly and by the late afternoon she wandered upstairs to take a nap. Molly had already seen to making the extra bed in the room she was to share with Ginny, including laying out an extra set of pajamas for her to borrow.

Exhausted as she was, she found herself staring at the ceiling, unable to fall asleep. Why wasn't she completely happy? Her best friends were both alive!? She was thrilled to see Ron standing in the kitchen. She recalled and she remembered her joy when they were last together. Yet, something was tugging at her happiness now.

She was confused. She and Draco and become so close. He had asked her not to leave him. What were her feelings for him? If he had come with her, what would have happened? She hoped to see him again. Then what?

Ron woke, remembered that Hermione's return was not a dream and even though it was barely nine a.m. he came down from his room, excited to see her. He found Hermione seated at the kitchen table listening to Ginny chatter. Molly was fussing over the stove and he stopped to give her a kiss on the cheek.

"Morning, Mum."

Molly smiled at her youngest son and began to prepare a plate for him. He sat down next to Hermione who greeted him with a shy smile. He had the urge to kiss her but decided against it as both his sister and his mother were present. Instead, he grabbed her hand and squeezed. Hermione felt a slight unease at the intimate gesture.

"Oi, Ron! What are you doing up before noon?" Ginny teased.

He simply smiled. Molly placed a plate before him and he began tucking into his breakfast. Hermione felt a sense of relief when he released her hand.

"Hermione, dear, you've barely touched your food!" Molly admonished as she took a seat at the table.

Hermione looked at her plate and realised she hadn't eaten much but her mind had too much to sort through to think of eating. Ron gave her a concerned look.

"I'm fine, Mrs Weasley, I just don't think my stomach is use to so much food," Hermione explained.

A silence fell over the table.

"Of course not, dear," Molly coddled. "Is there anything special I can make for you?"

"No, thank you." Hermione suddenly felt a bit guilty at the attention she was getting and found herself becoming emotional. She excused herself from the table and left abruptly.

Ron made to follow but Molly stayed him with a hand. "I think she might need some time to adjust to things."

"Adjust to what?" Ron asked, dumbfounded. "She's back home where she belongs."

"We don't know everything she went through, dear. Give her some time."

Hermione had been back to Grimmauld Place for several days and immersed herself into research and joined in whenever the Order met. It was at these times that she seemed most like her old self; confident and industrious.

Ron was beginning to feel that she was avoiding him. He rarely had time alone with her and when he was fortunate to find her without anyone else around, she seemed uncomfortable and would find an excuse to leave soon after. He tried not to take it personally but it was difficult.

"It's like she doesn't want to be with me," he confessed to his sister one evening while they sat in his bedroom.

"She's been through a lot."

"I know," he said, feeling badly for being selfish.

"Ron," Ginny began gently, "it's just that we can't know exactly what she experienced, you know? I mean, she may have suffered some horrible experiences."

Ron suddenly looked frightened. "You don't think she was" he could hardly bring himself to say the word, "raped, do you?"

Ginny didn't answer right away. She knew that in times of war that women and girls were often victims of rape. "I hope not and I don't think she was but we just don't know what happened to her while she was gone."

"I don't know what I'd do if I found out she had been" his eyes teared.

"Don't worry over it, alright? Just don't take her behavior personally."

"When'd you get to be so smart?"

"Me!? I've always been the smart one!"

The two laughed and then were soon interrupted by the sound of someone's arrival.

"HARRY!" Ginny yelled and darted out of the room. She ran down the stairs into the front room where Harry stood alongside Kingsley Shacklebolt and Charlie Weasley. Ginny pounced into Harry's arms and kissed him soundly on the lips. "I'm so glad you're back!"

"I'm sure she's happy to see us too," Charlie said to Shacklebolt. Everyone chuckled, including Hermione who stood behind. Once Ginny had released Harry, his eyes met hers.

"Hermione?"

"Surprise!" Ginny announced.

Harry and Hermione embraced like two siblings reunited after being separated at birth.

"The Golden Trio!" Charlie beamed.

Hermione felt her heart lighten and everything seemed nearly perfect. She was with her two best friends once again and she would be damned if she would be separated from either of them again.

They celebrated the trio's reunion as well as the latest successful Horcrux hunt. The following day the Order would meet.

There was only one Horcrux to be found and then the final battle could be planned at last. Everyone felt a sense of hope that the end of the war was in sight. Later, that night, Hermione stared out the window into a clear star filled sky. She hoped that Draco would be watching the same star at the moment and that he would some how know that the end was near and she would see him again, soon.