Chapter 21:

Everyone could feel the tension surrounding Hermione. Ron, and Harry had done everything they could think of to get her to talk about what was bothering her. But she just said 'nothing' and went about her daily routine. Everyone knew it had something to do with Draco because it was Thursday and he hadn't been seen since Saturday.

Hermione had recieved several owls from Draco. Stating he was staying with his mother until the results were finished and that McGonagall had ok'd it. He didn't mention much, most of the owls contained the same info, he loved her, and was sorry and they were still waiting for word.

Hermione had been pouring over every book about Pure-blood wills and such that she could get her hands on.

She didn't know the exactly how Lucius's will was made out so she was having difficulty. But she was convinced that she would be able to help Draco and his mother should that need arise.

And that is where Draco found her when he returned later Thursday evening. It was an hour after supper in the Great Hall, and he had no problem locating her.

She sat with a mound of books surrounding her, and she was furiously reading an odd looking book.

Draco approached her, and said quietly, "Hello beautiful."

She was most surprised to see Draco standing there when she looked up. She leapt from her seat and embraced him in a hug that would put Molly Weasley to shame. All the while, questions were spilling from her mouth.

"Draco, what happened? What was decided? Is everything going to be ok? Is your mother alright?"

Draco chuckled inspite the foul mood he'd been in. "Calm down, love. One question at a time please."

Hermione pulled away from him, "Sorry"

"No need to be sorry." Draco replied in that sophisticated air.

Hermione stood with her arms lightly on his shoulders waiting for him to answer the questions she had fired at him. When he said nothing, she huffed and pulled away completely.

Draco watched her as she pulled away from him, and returned to her seat. She sat down, plopping herself back into the chair she had vacated when he'd spoken to her.

Pretending to go back to her reading, Hermione ignored the fact that Draco had yet to move.

"I suppose you want to know what's going on?" Draco asked, stupidly. Hermione gaped at him.

She huffed again, then responded. "Well, yes. I did just ask you a few questions, you've yet to answer. Even though I know I spoke quickly, I'm quite sure you heard them all."

"Well, to answer you first question, I thought you being the 'brightest-witch-of-our-age' would have already known. Seeing as how I have owled you eve-"

Hermione cut him off, "No you prat. I want to know what has happened since your last owl!"

"Calm down. The Ministry still doesn't have the results. So as far as I know, no everything will not be alright, nothing new has happened, and yes, Mother is well." Draco replied, answering each of her afore mentioned questions. "However, I decided not to let this situation get the best of me. I missed you, and wanted to see you. An owl a day does not meet my requirements for contact with you. I also thought it best to get back to my studies. If I am going to have to take care of myself and mother with no help from my father's fortune, I'd best be getting on with it."

Hermione said nothing at first. Then she asked Draco to have a seat.

When he was seated, she began telling him about all she had been researching in her spare time. He was quite astonished when she finished.

"So you mean to tell me that you have been pouring over every book you can get your hands on, just so that you could find a way for my mother and I to keep what is rightfully ours?" Draco questioned.

Hermione blushed. It almost sounded like a praise, which Draco didn't give often anymore.

"Well, yes. That's exactly what I'm saying. I hate for you or your mother to be inconvenienced anymore. What your parents did, well that's what they felt they needed to. Who is the ministry to say that you aren't your father's heir. He left everything to you in his will correct?"

"Yes. I am his son, so of course." Draco said matter-of-factly.

Hermione leaned in to whisper, "Well, I've found that so long as the contract between your father and that Woodrow character was a magically binded contract, whether or not you are of Malfoy blood or not is of no consequence."

Draco's face lit up like a Christmas tree. Then he looked apprehensive. "Are you quite sure?"

"Yes, I spent all day Sunday, and each day since when not in classes or attending to homework, making sure there is no loop hole. You need to ask your mother to see the contract, and have it checked for the proper binding spells. If it is there, you and your Mum have nothing to worry about." She looked quite pleased with herself.

Draco reached over and pulled her into his lap. "I think I love you."

Hermione laughed, "I hope you do seeing as how we are supposed to be marrying."

Draco pulled her to him, and kissed her soundly.

She was losing herself in the passion of his kiss, when they heard a strict, "AHEM"

Breaking away from each other, they saw Madam Pince was standing not far away, looking none to please with their public-display of affection.

"Well it seems, my plans are changed again. I will speak with McGonagall about getting me back to my mother. I need to let her know what you have found." Draco explained.

Hermione nodded her responce, she was still quite dazed from that kiss that Draco seemed unaffected by.

"I will owl you later, love." Draco gently pushed against her sides to get her to rise.

"Do give your mother my love?" Hermione said, it came out a question.

Draco smiled, "Of course. I'll let you know as soon as I know anything."

With that he kissed her soundly on the lips, and moved to leave the Library.


Ok, I know it has been FOREVER since I updated and I apologize. But I'm afraid life takes precedence over Fanfic. I hope you all will keep reading this story. It won't be updated as often, but I have not given up. Hugs! and Happy Reading! :) B.