A/N: Sorry it's been so long since I last posted. It's been an absolutely hectic start to the year for me, but things have calmed down now. I can't guarantee regular updates, but hopefully I'll be posting once a week. I know I have so many other stories, but inspiration struck for this one so here you go!

Merlin! This is ridiculous! Hermione thought to herself as she brimmed with frustration. There had been no contact from the Order or Harry and Ron in ages; to top it off food and money were low. While Draco had been somewhat more bearable since the night he saw the scar on her arm, he had hardly been good company. By his usual standards he had been positively chatty but there was a new awkwardness to most of his interactions with her that Hermione had noticed. She couldn't help but feel that they were both dancing around something; what it was she wasn't sure, but it certainly added to her growing frustration. She snapped the book she was reading closed. Her mood was made worse by the fact that she seemed to no longer find the comfort she yearned for in her beloved books. She muttered to herself as she placed the book back onto the shelf

"You need to stay strong, Hermione. They will call for you when they need you."

Draco pulled back the dividers from around his bed. "I want to go for a walk."

Hermione raised her eyebrows at him; she was in no mood for this kind of demanding behaviour. Yet a small voice in the back of her mind jumped at the idea of getting out of the tent and stretching her legs; walking the small warded area around the tent was never enough to feel fully relieved. She stood and examined the wizard for a moment while she made her decision. A brief flash of his hand hovering above her scar ran across her mind; the warmth of his body near hers. Since that night Hermione had put much effort into not thinking about how her heart had pounded at his proximity. She had tried not to think about a curiosity his proximity had ignited.

Merlin, not this again. It's Draco Malfoy! The Ferret! A former Death Eater! For pity's sake Hermione; that's not something you should be thinking about! You want to help him find the good in him, so he helps the Order… not … you don't want to do…. that! What about Ron?

What about him? Ron's not here. He never made a move. No one would need to know…

No! No! NO! Merlin, what is happening to me?

Hermione's eyes darted down to Draco's lips as the treacherous thought crossed her mind. She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. If Harry and Ron didn't contact her soon she would track them down herself - safety be damned. This isolation was clearly affecting her sanity. Merlin, she needed that walk, to speak to someone other than Draco.

"Fine! Get your jumper and a coat. I should have a spare scarf for you somewhere in my trunk. While we're out we can pick up supplies."

Hermione caught the briefest look of surprise cross Draco's face. She had never allowed him on a supply run before but they were camped near a small village in the middle of nowhere; there couldn't be too much harm in letting him come. If someone made queries they could just say they were tourists passing through.

"I'll have to transfigure your hair, for extra safety."

"As long as you don't transfigure it to red, do whatever you want." He replied as he rummaged through Harry's trunk. He fished out one of Mrs Weasley's jumpers and turned his nose up at it. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"For pity's sake, Malfoy. You've worn that jumper before! Stop being a snob and put it on."

"Can't you change the colour? Maroon is hardly my colour."

Hermione pulled her head through her own jumper and tugging it down aggressively. She spoke as she rummaged through her trunk for her scarves. "Who are you wanting to look good for? Merlin knows there won't be any eligible pureblood women milling about waiting to pounce."

She hear a muffled "oh, fuck off" as Draco pulled the jumper over his head. Hermione continued to rummage through her trunk, placing one or two things in her bag as she went. Eventually she found her scarves - she had brought a spare with not trusting Ron and Harry to bring everything she had told them to. She smirked as she pulled her school scarf alongside a plain grey one. She gave a cheeky smile before she threw the school scarf at Draco, who caught it with little effort.

"Besides, the scarf wouldn't go with another colour."

"You may as well transfigure my hair red then - finish my shame properly."

He muttered as he tied the scarf around his neck. Hermione took out her wand and performed a binding curse on the two of them before aiming her wand at his hair. For a moment she did consider changing his hair to a Weasley-esque shade of red but settled on a shade similar to her own.

"And you? Are you not going to change yours? That bush you pass off as hair is quite distinctive, you know."

Hermione huffed at his insult. She thought he had been positively cheery with her up until that point. She waved her wand and straightened her hair, using a hair tie from near her bed to style a high ponytail. "Better?"

"Passable."

"Wonderful! I suppose I can run off and find a husband now that Draco Malfoy has deemed me passable."

"Weasley won't be hard too to find with his hair."

Hermione flushed awkwardly at his mention of Ron as a potential husband. She waved his comment away trying to look unfazed as she picked up her bag and walked out the tent, waiting for Draco at the end of the wards. She focused intently on a pile of stones while he came up behind her. Hermione felt his hand slide slowly onto her shoulder, fighting off a shiver.

"Right, let's go." she said as she pulled them through the wards. Draco's hand lingered a little too long after they had passed the wards for Hermione's liking but she didn't voice her discomfort. She shrugged him off and began walking at a brisk pace towards the village.

Hermione threw Draco another venomous glance over her shoulder as they entered the town. He had walked a small distance behind her the entire walk, not saying a thing. When she looked at him over her shoulder he would simply give her a smirk, raising his eyebrow in a questioning manner. It would irk Hermione to no end.

She muttered under her breath. "Merlin, why did I agree to this?"

"What was that, Granger?"

"Nothing, Malfoy. Let's get to the grocer. There it is, down the end of the main road." She said pointing towards the store.

Hermione smiled at a passing villager. The old man, outfitted in several shades of plaid clothing, smiled back and waved in a friendly manner. Draco rolled his eyes, unimpressed by the small town behaviour. The town, though small, was quite idyllic. Even the rubbish weather they had been having couldn't detract from its cozy feel. Hermione paused at the window of a small second hand book store. Her eyes roamed over the display books, all in varying conditions. She was admiring a beautiful hardcover of Jane Austen when she felt a hand slip into hers. Body tensing, she tried to pull her hand away, but its owner's fingers tightened their grip.

"What are you doing?"

"Creating a disguise. We're much more noticeable if we behave around each other the way we usually do. People remember negative behaviour. Right now we're just a young, happy couple passing through a small town on a trip. Nothing unusual, nothing noteworthy. Now smile like I'm the Weasel."

There it was again - a jab at her relationship with Ron. Hermione knew she was playing fast and loose with the term "relationship" but it still annoyed her. She turned to him and gave him a stiff smile.

"This is just a new way for you to annoy me, isn't it?"

"I would never want to annoy you, love." He gave her hand a squeeze.

"Of course not," Hermione squeezed back, "my darling little ferret. Let's go get supplies"

Hermione forcefully pulled Draco along down the street, positively wanting to hex him. They entered the small grocer and were greeted by the ring of a bell. A stout lady in a rather garish floral dress smiled at them from the counter before continuing with her crossword. Draco looked around with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. While familiar with some of the muggle products they had been using, Hermione could only imagine what was going on in his mind - probably something about how primitive or backwards muggles were. He let go of Hermione's hand and stiffly began exploring the shelves. Hermione picked up a wicker basket and headed over to the fresh fruits and vegetables. She had been absolutely craving something that wasn't made from a box or a tin. She selected a few of choice items before moving to the small fridge section. She felt Draco slide up behind her and slip her bag off her shoulder.

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing."

"I highly doubt it's nothing."

She saw him slip something into her bag as the bell for the door sounded. The plaid clad old man from earlier trudged over to the newspapers giving Hermione and Draco a smile as he did so. The lady at the counter seemed rather put off that he didn't greet her; she frowned but returned to her crossword, sucking on her pen as she thought.

"Are you stealing?"

Draco eyed the old man as he opened a paper and began to read it. He gave an exaggerated sigh at the shocked look on Hermione's face. "Oh, please, Granger. There's so little money left that we'll probably have to start thieving for food soon anyway."

"How do you know how much money is left?"

"You've been coming back with less and less. It doesn't take a genius to realize that you're low on funds and are trying to make them stretch. You forget that I'm not as dim as Potty and Weasel."

"You're certainly more of an arse!"

Hermione huffed as she grabbed her bag back from him before she pulled away from him. Draco replaced the paper and sauntered over to a small stand peppered with pamphlets. He selected one on town history before exiting the store. He blew a kiss at Hermione through the window. She gave another stiff smile as she returned the gesture.

Merlin, he better be ready to fight of some bat bogeys when we get back to the tent.

Hermione collected one or two more items - scowling and muttering to herself about Draco the entire time - before paying. She had a brief chat with the woman at the counter. Linda, as her name badge told Hermione, was annoyingly inquisitive. Not wanting to draw attention to herself by being unfriendly, Hermione gave somewhat truthful answers explaining that she and her boyfriend (it had pained her to say the word) were just passing through on their way to meet friends.

"Well, deary, that one's a keeper." she said, giving Draco a wave and a smile. He gave her a cheeky wink in return. "Add that bone structure and your pretty looks and you'll have a lovely lot of young ones."

Hermione simply smiled as she gathered her things. She didn't want to risk putting them in her bag with such an inquisitive woman in the vicinity. She smiled once more at the old man and exited, not waiting for Draco to catch up to her.

"What did that woman say to you?" He asked as he caught up, relieving her of the packets. She mumbled a begrudging "thanks".

"That we'd have a 'lovely lot of young ones'."

"Any child I produce would be lovely."

"Even one with Millicent Bulstrode?" Hermione's question made Draco screw up his nose in disgust, causing her to chuckle. "I thought not."

They continued to walk in silence till the edge of the town as a small drizzle of rain started to dampen the world around them. Once out of the town's sight Hermione fished out a pair of umbrellas from her bag, her hand brushing past a glass bottle on the way out.

"Merlin! I forgot to return whatever it was that you stole!"

"Nevermind that; just pass me the umbrella!" He said snatching one away from her. Hermione wanted to give Draco a stern talking to regarding his thieving but before she could they were interrupted.

"Well, well, well. Who do we have here?"

Instinctively Hermione reached in her coat for her wand, but was suddenly stopped. She strained to move her body but it refused. Heart beating she looked up at Draco who was looking towards the voice's owner.

"Don't even think about it, mudblood. I nearly missed you two. The hair was a nice little trick, but it wasn't enough to hide who you are. You know, Malfoy, I never thought you would shack up with her likes. Couldn't believe my eyes, you two cooing over each other in the town like that; betrayed your family all the way down to her knickers, it would appear."

"Who are you really, old man?"

Draco's hands tensed around the umbrella, his knuckles white from the strain. Hermione looked up at him desperately but he didn't return her gaze. He kept his eyes trained on the old man, body as tense as his fists.

"Can't figure it out? And you were the clever one, Malfoy. You'll see who I am soon enough once this polyjuice has worn off. Glad I won't have to take it anymore - this old bastard tasted fucking disgusting. Now, get walking; take me back to wherever you've been hiding."

"Why not just kill us now, like you were ordered to do?"

Hermione scowled at Draco. Merlin! Are you trying to get information about his orders or us killed?

"That's not the only thing I've been sent to do but what the rest of my orders are none of your concern, Malfoy. Accio wand." Hermione felt her wand fly from her coat pocket. Her mind began to race with plans to overcome their attacker. Wandless, she would have to do things the muggle way. She slumped slightly as the spell that bound her was dropped.

"Now move!"

Draco kept throwing murderous glances over his shoulder as they neared the tent. The old man kept giving him infuriating smirks. Hermione walked quietly next to him; he could see her mind racing with ideas on how to escape.

"I can see you're planning something, Granger. Don't do anything brash."

"Oi, lover boy! Don't speak to the mudblood. Are we near your hiding place?"

"A few more steps." He said stiffly. They stopped outside of the wards.

"There's nothing here."

Draco rolled his eyes. "Are you a squib or just thick? It's warded in order to remain hidden for the likes of you!"

The old man grabbed Hermione, wrapping his hand around the back of her neck causing her to wince in pain. Draco's fists tensed in anger.

"Since I know you don't have your wand, I assume this bitch put them up. Walk me through them."

Hermione stumbled forward under the old man's grip. Draco latched onto her arm before she disappeared behind the wards and he would be left outside of them. When they were past the wards, the old man threw Hermione roughly to the ground. He pushed her down with his foot when she tried to stand.

"Stay down, mudblood."

Draco saw the look of fury in Hermione's eyes. He knew she wouldn't tolerate this treatment for much longer; he needed to disarm their attacker before she did something stupid.

"Listen to him, Granger."

He kept his eyes trained on the vile old man but he could feel Hermione's eyes on him. A sneer crossed his wrinkled face and it made Draco want to throw himself at the old geezer, fists flying.

"Oh, but little Miss Lioness doesn't like that, Malfoy! Now join her." He gestured towards the ground next to Hermione with his wand. "Both of you, on your knees and hands behind your back."

Draco felt rope wind it's way around his wrists; they were rough and they ripped his skin. He tightened his jaw so as not to wince. Their attacker pointed his wand towards Hermione but before he could conjure the ropes he winced.

The Polyjuice is wearing off!

Evidently Hermione had come to the same conclusion; before Draco could react she had taken advantage of the brief break in his concentration and hurled herself at the old man. Draco was knocked to the ground when her leg made contact with his shoulder, falling hard against a nearby rock. A pained gasp escaped him as the air was knocked from his lungs. He rolled off the rock, wincing at the pain the movement caused - something was definitely damaged. A piercing scream brought him back to the moment. Hermione was wrestling to get away from beneath a grunting -

"GOYLE!" Draco roared, "Get off her you son of a bitch!"

Draco heaved himself up, panting heavily from the effort it took. It felt like his side might explode but he tried to keep his face even.

"Don't take another step, Malfoy!"

Goyle, looking vastly uncomfortable in clothes that were now two sizes too small for him, had gained the upper hand on Hermione. Draco froze mid-step. He kept his eyes on Hermione's as she was hauled unceremoniously up by her hair. Her eyes darted down to a space just before his position. Draco snuck a quick glance at Goyle - he was distracted by Hermione calling him a rather vile word - before glancing down to see Hermione's wand on the ground; evidently Goyle had not noticed its loss during their scuffle. After a particularly nasty tug at her hair, Hermione quietened.

"Now," Goyle said, a triumphant sneer on his face, "you two are going to answer some questions I have for you or things will become unpleasant."

Draco nodded in acquiescence and Hermione gave an angry grunt which earned her another rough tug at her hair. "Now, where is Zabini?"

"How would I fucking know, Goyle?"

Goyle sneered at Draco and pointed his wand at him. "Crucio"

Pain burst through Draco's body. His skin was on fire; his muscles felt like they were ripping themselves apart. Every inch of his being was touched with pain. It was difficult to breath, difficult to think. He was vaguely aware of a woman screaming his name. Then as quickly as the pain had come, it vanished. He coughed and spat some dirt and grass from his mouth. He opened his eyes onto damp ground.

When did I fall?

"Draco!" Stop torturing him you fool! He doesn -"

"ENOUGH! Shut your mouth or I will shut it for you! Now, one more time, Malfoy. Where is Zabini? I tracked him to this town and I highly doubt it's a coincidence that you two show up as well."

"He's not here, you fucking skrew-"

Before Draco could finish his insult pain spread through his body once more. Hermione was screaming his name again.

Stop. Stop saying it. It makes it worse.

The pain suddenly stopped. Then it started again, more powerful than the last.

Goyle, you bastard!

A scream ripped from him, his throat feeling as if it was being scraped raw by the sound. Once again the pain stopped suddenly. Draco kept his eyes closed, breathing heavily.

"Draco! Draco! Are you alright? GOYLE, YOU BASTARD!"

Draco heard the sound of someone frantically crawling towards him. Then two warm, soft hands cupped his cheeks. He turned his head into them, savoring their feel against his aching skin. He opened his eyes to see Hermione's face.

"Draco! Oh, thank Merlin!".

Before he could focus fully on her, Draco felt Hermione's lips frantically kissing his. His eyes widened in confusion.

I've died. Goyle tortured me to death. That's the only explanation.

Hermione was whispering something against his lips.

"Draco, pay attention! I grabbed my wand as I crawled to you. I've taken down the wards; I need you to run. I will follow. Do you understand?"

Draco nodded gingerly before resting his forehead against hers. He wasn't even sure if he could stand, let alone run. They both turned to Goyle as he spoke once more.

"Once you two have stopped whispering sweet nothings to each other, I would like an answer to my question."

Draco felt the ropes around his wrists disappear before Hermione pulled him to his feet; the motion caused his side to explode with pain and he stumbled, throwing his arms out to stop his fall.

Shit!

Goyle's eyes widened as he realized that Draco was free. Hermione acted with lightning speed and threw a curse at the wizard. He blocked it before sending a stunning spell at her. She dodged it, yelling at Draco to run as she fired several spells in quick succession. Hermione shielded him from a jinx as he stumbled to his feet and ran, clutching his side as he went. He looked over his shoulder to see Hermione running towards him, holding her bag open as the tent flew into it. She veered to the side in order to dodge a spell but the movement slowed her and Goyle managed to close the gap between them somewhat. Draco struggled to keep his pace as his breathing became more laboured. He cursed the pain in his side as Hermione's frantic footfalls drew nearer to him. A hand grabbed his shoulder roughly as he heard Goyle bellow,

"SECTUMSEMPRA!"

Warm liquid splashed against Draco's neck as he felt the familiar pull of apparition.