I want to wake up with the rain
Falling on a tin roof
While I'm safe there in your arms
So all I ask is for you
To come away with me in the night
Come away with me

Before Draco opened his eyes to the new morning, he took a deep breath and sighed when he could smell her scent. Draco was blanketed in Hermione's chocolatey curls and it made him smile, for once she had finally agreed to sleep in the same bed with him. His arms tightened around her waist when he felt her stir; he wasn't ready to get up just yet. They had the entire morning to themselves, why waste it? Especially when the encounter last night would surely cause an eruption in the Great Hall once they attended breakfast. Last night, Hermione and Draco had assumed Harry would tell Ron, who would tell Lavender and well, she would tell everyone else per usual. Hermione was frightened to say the least, but Draco (even though he was dreading this part) told her that he would stand by her in the Great Hall, walk her to the Gryffindor table, and kiss her cheek like they had always wanted it to be. Draco knew all too well that there would be whispers that would travel and that eventually his father would hear the news, which somewhat excited him. He wanted to be able to shove something in his father's face, something that he chose to do for himself.

"Morning." Hermione said, wiping the grogginess out of her eyes. Again, he smiled till his mouth began to hurt. It was their first time waking up to each other and he felt as if everything would work out for once in his life.

"Morning, Hermione." His lips pressed tightly against her hairline as he engulfed himself in her vanilla scent once more. Draco had gotten so used to calling her by her first name that it scared her slightly, she was used to all of the names he had called her before like Granger or Mudblood. But he was different now, the war had changed everyone. Just as these thoughts skimmed through her mind, she mindlessly traced a few scars that scathed Draco's chest. Before she knew it, her hand was covering the Dark Mark that stood out against his pale skin.

Hermione's big brown eyes pondered over the mark, attracting sideways glances from Draco. She brought her lips down to the mark and ever so lightly, kissed his arm. Draco tensed up, closed his eyes, and prayed that she wouldn't ask any questions.

"Don't worry, Draco." Hermione's hand caressed his cheek. "You don't scare me now." Hermione cushioned herself back into Draco's arms, her eyes still watching his face for any sign of emotion.

The smile that grazed his lips sent shivers throughout her body. It was as if he finally realized the power they held when together, as if he finally understood how much Hermione cared for him. Then the smile disappeared as quickly as it came. He never wanted to get Hermione in this deep, by Salzaar, all he wanted was a quick shag! And of course, he didn't even get that! Now it had turned into something larger than themselves, something Draco never planned on facing in his lifetime.

Draco's eyes were still closed while he mumbled, "You should be." But even then, he shifted Hermione on top of his chest. She sat up, straddling Draco's hips, with a devilish grin.

"Why should I be afraid?"

"Because I am everything that you are not." He flipped Hermione onto her back, his blonde bangs tickling her forehead. "You are good, I am evil. You're Gryffindor, I'm Slytherin. Bloody hell, you're the Order, I'm a Death Eater!" His shouts left cold whispers on her neck, shivers trembled through her body.

Hermione strained her neck to give Draco a quick, but passionate kiss. "You're Draco, I'm Hermione and we work. For some insane reason, we just do." Why could Draco not accept that as the truth?

"Fuck, Hermione, I've got to go. I have a meeting...with my mother, about my father." Never once had Hermione heard Draco so spluttered, something was certainly wrong, but she ignored it.

"I'm going to sleep in then." Hermione grinned sheepishly. Draco rolled himself off of the bed and threw on a pair of blacks slacks and a white button-up shirt before turning to face her.

"I'll be back later." Draco leaned down, gave her a peck on the lips, and smiled to hide all of the lies he was telling.

…

"Draco, do you not understand the power the Dark Lord possesses? Only a fool like yourself would challenge his direct orders!" Severus Snape shouted at the young man who followed behind him, annoyance radiating from his eyes.

"I just don't understand what the Dark Lord could possibly want with a child!" Draco yelled back, leaving the grounds of Hogwarts even more confused than he was before.

"What's not to understand, Draco? The Dark Lord orders you to have a child within the span of two years with that Mudblood Granger!"

"H-Hermione? Give up MY child to HIM?" What Draco really wanted to say was our child, but no one knew about their relationship other than Harry.

"You've chosen your side, Draco, do not forget that. I am merely a pawn, played by each side. I've sworn to protect you and Potter, both of whom are on different sides. Your safety resides in the Dark Lord, for now. When it is time, you may as well become a pawn, if you so choose." Severus was not allowed at this particular meeting, for Draco was to meet with the Dark Lord by himself and was going to be informed about his new task.

"Remember, when he tells you of this, do not imply that you already knew. Good luck, Draco." With his goodbyes, Draco felt the similar tugging sensation at the back of his head as if someone was grabbing him right out of reality.

…

"Ah, Draco, so glad you could join me." The Dark Lord's voice called out from somewhere in the darkness, gripping Draco's attention.

"My apologies, Master, for being late."

"Sit, Draco, there is much to discuss."

Draco could feel Voldemort's eyes boring into his soul as he made his way to the familiar table where their usual meetings were held. At the far end, crowded by the shadows, Nagini slithered into view unlike her Master who still lay hidden.

"I am in need of a child, Draco, and I knew you were the perfect candidate. After some searching, I have found that Hermione Granger is first in your class, followed by yourself. Her intelligence not only of the Order, but of magic and magic history, is of the utmost importance. Make her yours, Draco," He shuddered, he had told Hermione the exact same thing the day before. "Court her and then have her with child in one year. That is more than enough time to capture her heart and impregnate her, understand? I have marvelous plans for this child."

"I understand, but-"

"No buts, Draco, just complete the task I have asked of you or your mother will never be released from her chamber."

There it was, the threat the Voldemort could hold over Draco's head and make him do anything he wanted him to. Draco never wanted to think of the torture that his dear mother experienced day in and day out, all he ever wanted to think about was how the hell he was going to get her out of there. But now he knew the answer, didn't he? He was forced to marry Hermione and have a child with her, but in the end, he would lose everything. If only he didn't care about Hermione! Then it would be that much simpler! But no, he would have to give over their child, which would make Hermione see the beast that dwells within Draco. Then it would ruin their marriage, the one thing Draco would never want to happen.

"Yes, Master." Merlin, he loathed this creature! He would gladly marry Hermione and have children with her, but for it all to be taken away from him? He wanted to be happy with her, more than anything else in the world.

"Leave, Draco. It is Nagini's dining time, we wouldn't want you to get hurt, now would we?" The evil cackle seemed to taunt Draco, as if it was all he could hear for his future.

Just an evil, maniacal laugh.

An evil future.

Loss.

Death.

There was no way out, no where to run. Unless, but no, Severus would never allow them to hide away. But then again, Snape didn't have to know everything, did he?

…

"Hermione, wake up."

Hermione's eyes widened as she took in the sight before her, a frantic looking Draco stood over her rushing her to get out of the warm bed. "Mm, Draco, what the hell are you doing? I wanted to sleep in." Her speech was cut short when Draco's lips crushed her own mouth in an almost threatening need. But the kisses he left were drugging and she could never resist him, not even with every fiber of her being could she ever deny how much she wanted him.

"Hermione," he groaned. "Your things, pack them." He left tantalizing love bites across her neck before she could protest, "Come away with me, where it's safer for us." His hands slipped below her night shirt, gripping at her hips tightly. "Everything will be fine." His fingers slipped below her monstrosity of a bra, receiving a muffled growl from the back of Hermione's throat. "We'll be together."

Hermione had never gone this far with Draco, but the way his voice ached for her to be near him and to leave to Godric knows where made her fall even harder for him. "Yes," she panted, before understanding what she was agreeing to fully. "Of course."

When his hand traveled farther up, Hermione understood what the reasons were behind his actions so she pushed him off of her.

"Explain, now Draco." Hermione sat across from him on the bed, her cheeks looking flustered and hot from his touch.

Bloody hell, Hermione was going to hate him for this.

"The Dark Lord has requested something from me." Silence fell throughout the room as Hermione grew suspicious of what Draco needed to give to him and why did it involve her running away with him?

"Draco, what does this have-"

"He has requested me to marry you and have you with child in exactly one year. Then I am to give the child to him. He doesn't know about us, Hermione, and I don't want him to know. I want to be able to marry you and have children, without his leering eyes. I have a hunch that he needs an heir, in case Potter succeeds in finding and destroying all of the horcruxes. He wants a young child whom he can teach dark magic to. He wants your prior knowledge of the Order and your all around intelligence, along with my intelligence and my willingness to obey a father figure. I also believe he wants to create one more horcrux, right before he knows Potter has destroyed them all. He believes if he keeps this child a secret, then no one will know of the last horcrux."

Hermione's eyes never left Draco's face the entire time he explained his theory. "If we leave, won't he find out? Draco, where did you plan on going? He would find us."

"Ah ah ah, that is where you are wrong, Miss Granger. My mother has a close friend, a muggle one that is, who lives right outside of London. My mother has charmed the house to keep her safe, she has been wanted dead by Voldemort for a while now. He has still yet to succeed at that. My mother's magic is very powerful, when she puts her mind to it. I believe we will be safest there, seeing as she has been there for almost fifteen years without ever once being spotted." Draco kissed her cheek, watching a fleet of emotions soar through her eyes.

"And you are sure there is no other way?"

Draco nodded sullenly, drooping his head low enough to where he could only see Hermione's hands twisting in confusion and angst. He didn't look up until he noticed Hermione's hands began to tremble and her sobs echoed off the walls. His eyes scanned her tear stained face, looking for any sign of something he could do to help her, but there was nothing.

"I'll d-do it." Draco's eyes shot wide open.

"You will?"

"Draco, I've spent so long protecting others, now I have to look out for myself...for us. If this woman can help us, then I'm willing. I'll be able to stay in contact with Harry, along with the Weasleys." She sniffled, wiping the tears from her cheek.

"Hermione, I don't think keeping in contact with anyone is safe, but you can talk with Francesca."

"She sounds so proper." Hermione smiled even though her eyes were still red and puffy.

"Nope, she likes to be called Fran. She used to be a nanny, I believe. She's very...homey, she's practically family."

Hermione questioned Draco, her voice was barely above a whisper, "Will we have to stay there for awhile?"

Draco pulled Hermione right onto his lap, "I don't know how long. We can stay here at Hogwarts for a little bit, he has given us a year. You can speak to Potter, Weasley, and McGonagall about what is happening. I'm sure Fran has an unrecognizable owl we can use every once in awhile."

"What's going to happen?"

"I'm going to join the Order and help them defeat Voldemort," At the shock that washed across her face he said, "I've always known where the Order is, Granger."

"I'm going to give them all of the information I know. Fran lives exceptionally close the the Order, which will be very convenient for us." He finished, gripping protectively around her waist.

"Why can't we just live at the Order?"

"Because it's only a matter of time before Voldemort finds the house. Bellatrix has been hounding the place for him." He snickered at the thought of his aunt groveling at the Dark Lord's feet.

"We should get to Potions, Granger, wouldn't want Snape to hand you over to the dark side."

"Funny, Malfoy, very funny." Hermione slapped his chest then reluctantly slid herself off of him, retrieving her bag.

"See you soon, Drakie." Hermione smiled playfully as she impersonated Pansy, the girl who refused to leave him alone.

"Bye, 'Mione."

He was going to get hell for that one later.

…

The cauldron that Hermione and Ron were working at began to bubble violently, thanks to Ron adding the wrong ingredient! Hermione drudged up to Snape, instantly regretting not sending Ron up to him.

"Professor, I'm afraid that we added the wrong ingredient."

"You mean, Mr. Weasley added the wrong ingredient, Miss Granger." Snape;s eyes flickered over to where the ginger headed boy fumbled over the mess.

"I'm going to switch you into Mr. Malfoy's group."

There, now Hermione knew for certain that Snape knew the entire task. But why would he enforce it? Wasn't he on the Order's side?

"Malfoy." Hermione slammed her things on the desk beside him, pretending to be repulsed by his very name.

"Granger."

Then she felt it; a tiny motion that slid something on her wrist. Without drawing any attention, Draco had slipped a very beautiful, ("Absolutely too expensive." Hermione thought), emerald-jeweled bracelet on her.

"I like my colors on you," Draco whispered, wrapping his hand around hers.

"What if someone sees?"

"Shh, who cares?" Draco smirked, holding a vile of wolfs bane in front of him, measuring out enough for the potion.

Out of the corner of her eye, Hermione noticed how bitter Ron looked after she had left, her heart ached for him. She always felt so bad for Ron, for the way she blew him off all the time, and now for the way he found out about her and Draco.

"I left my books over there, be right back." Hermione mumbled before waltzing back over to her previous desk.

"Ron, I'm sorry, Snape switched me." Her big brown eyes pleaded with his, hoping for some sort of reply.

"Crawl back to your snake of a boyfriend, he's getting irritated." Ron didn't even have the decency to look at her when he insulted her.

"Oh that's rich, Ronald! How about YOU crawl back to Lavender, hmm? I'm sure she would be all too eager to see her WON-WON!" Hermione shouted, anger rising to her face.

"At least she's no house traitor!" Ron retorted, his eyes like daggers.

"I was trying to be civil! But you've never had it in you, have you?" Before Hermione's emotions got the best of her, she stormed out of the classroom and didn't look back to notice Draco following her.

"Harry, I've messed up." Hermione sobbed as Potter turned the corner.

"Hermione, what's wrong? Was it Malfoy? I swear, I'll hex him so bad he won't be able to remember who he is!" Harry threw his arms around Hermione, taking note that Draco was standing right behind them.

"It's Ron, he h-hates me, I know he does. But how can I blame him? I've been secretly dating the person who was supposed to be our mortal enemy!"

"Ron will come around, but I'm not worried about him. I want to know, are you happy with him...with Malfoy?" Hermione pushed Harry back a little, just enough so she could look at his face.

"I don't know why, but Draco makes me happy. He challenges me. At times, I want to hex him too, but then he makes up for it. I know what you're think, how is it possible for me to love someone like Malfoy, but I just do."

"Malfoy can be a good guy, but I just don't want him messing with you head." Harry said sternly, more to Draco who was behind them.

Draco tried to give an appreciative nod, but grimaced more. "Hermione, ready to go?" She jumped a little bit, frightened by his voice. How much had he heard of that?

"Yeah, see you Harry." She gave him a quick hug and then turned to Draco, whom immediately laced their fingers together.

"My mother wants to meet you, Hermione. She knows about the task, but she doesn't know that I really care about you. I'm going to tell her in person, with you next to me." Draco smiled down at her, his skin instantly warming when she squeezed his hand.

"That means a lot to me, Draco." She kissed his cheek and then continued down the corridor. "Now we just have to figure out how we are going to handle this big change when we leave. How are we going to adjust? I'm scared Draco."

"I know, Hermione, I am too." But they were going to do this together, no matter who or what tried to pull them apart.

(Sorry for such the long wait, school has been such a drag! Reviews would be much appreciated, thank you for reading!)