A/N: Chapter 10! What!? It's unreal to think that I've written ten whole chapters of a story and people have actually read it, and some have liked it enough to want more. I can't thank you enough and I really hope you enjoy this chapter.

Last Chapter:

"That's just it, though. You're always perfect to me." He murmured in her ear, knowing he'd never be able to leave her again, and being perfectly content with that.

"You're soaking," Draco said, releasing her. She laughed and the sound, though shy, warmed Draco so thoroughly that he forgot about the rain completely.

"Well spotted, Sherlock." She smiled teasingly, eyes sparkling happily under dripping lashes.

"Come on, we'll go back to mine." He slung an arm around her shoulders and gently pushed her in the direction of his house.

"My parents, they'll wonder where I am," She protested, the severity of her statement interrupted by slight shivers.

"It's fine, you can text them can't you? I only live a few minutes away." The girl gave in almost immediately after that and they walked, their rapid footsteps unfazed by the scattered puddles covering the pavement.

When they arrived, Hermione was astounded by the house, and by the fact she'd been on this street before. It had never crossed her mind that Draco and Blaise were neighbours or that his house would be quite as immense as the latter's.

"Excessive, isn't it?" Draco commented dryly, noticing her awed look.

"Yes – I mean, no, but… you went all the way to my house only to come back to a party at your neighbour's?" she clarified.

"Yeah, of course I did," Draco replied nonchalantly. "Wouldn't want you getting lost, would we?" Hermione's heart fluttered at the hidden meaning behind his words and they stood in silence in the driveway, each contemplating the events of the past few days.

"Granger," She looked around at him automatically and he paused. "Hermione." He amended, one side of his mouth lifting up in a smirk.

"Yes, Draco?" She replied with a small smile also.

"Thank you."

"For what, exactly?"

"Your infuriating ability to never give up on me."

"No problem." She took his hand and squeezed it tenderly.

Once Draco had unlocked the front door, they stepped in together. Hermione froze in admiration, mirroring her reaction when she stepped into Blaise's house. Draco's house was much the same, as far as the layout was concerned, the only difference was the history of it. Hermione knew the Malfoy family was well-established, but never would have guessed they went far enough back for their house to be filled with ancient antiques, family portraits and furniture that looked Victorian.

"It's amazing," she breathed, turning to Draco. His eyes were not scanning the room with reverie, though - quite the opposite. They were clamped shut and he was clinging desperately to the edges of his coat, a purple maze of veins showing through his skin. Hermione was scared into silence; it was as much as she could do to simply place a hand on his shoulder. Slowly, he relaxed, hands unclenching, eyes blinking open.

"I'm fine," Draco assured, answering her expression of worry. "I get flashbacks occasionally, they come and go. Seriously, it's nothing. Just like having twenty seconds of a bad dream." He smiled reassuringly, but Hermione wasn't convinced.

"What happened to you here, Draco?" She whispered, trying to keep the pleading from her voice.

"I will tell you, sometime. I want to tell you but… just…"

"When the time is right." She said kindly and he nodded.

"Draco, who are you talking to?" A woman's voice called from one of the rooms.

"I have a… friend with me, mother." Draco shouted back, and the next moment his mother was standing before them. She was just as Hermione thought she would be, the same blonde hair and pale skin as her son, with good looks and an air that demanded respect.

"This is Hermione Granger," Draco introduced. To her credit, Narcissa Malfoy remained unreactive at the mention of that name. She smiled at the girl and shot Draco a confused look when Hermione's eyes were averted. "Hermione and I are on good terms, despite what I may have said previously," he smiled sheepishly at her, "she's going to stay the night, if that's OK." Hermione spun around, a look of incredulity on her face, directed at Draco.

"Of course she can! But you'd do well to treat her better – she looks drowned! How long did you keep her out in the rain, Draco?" She winked subtly at Hermione who smiled, seeing that her 'sleepover' had already been organised for her. It would be rude to reject the offer now, she thought, placating herself. As Draco spluttered out an excuse, his mother interrupted him: "never mind that, go and get this poor girl a dressing gown, there'll be one in the spare room." Draco pursed his lips but moved towards the stairs to follow that order.

"Oh, one thing." Draco said, walking back and smirking in a mischievous way that was rather disconcerting for Hermione. He stood facing her, placing a hand under her chin. Tilting her chin up with one finger, he kissed her gently. Neither could be quite sure, but they thought they heard Mrs. Malfoy let out a small squeal.

Immediately after, Draco departed, taking two steps at a time and disappearing through a door on the landing. Hermione was left in wondrous bewilderment with Mrs. Malfoy staring at her, wide-eyed and grinning with amazement. Hermione smiled nervously, fiddling at the hem of her jumper.

"I didn't think he'd find anyone." The older woman was observing her kindly, with a look of motherly affection.

"I still don't know if there's anyone good enough." Hermione agreed contemplatively.

"It seems you are."

Thanks once again and please review! They are what keep me writing and anything is appreciated. It doesn't matter if you're a guest reviewer, I just want some opinions: suggestions, criticism or encouragement, it's helpful to see anything! See you in the next chapter :)