Happy New Year! I sincerely hope 2011 is better than 2010.

Since I last updated, let me fill you in on my life...

I continued to be chased by a guy at work who had fancied me since February- I only thought of him as my friend. Went on two holidays. When I got back, I finally liked this guy back and we became a couple. Fell out with my best mate over many issues (one being my boyfriend). Went back to school. Applied for uni. Spent all available free time with said boyfriend, who eventually I fell in love with. Juggled coursework and eventually got 5/5 conditional offers from my chosen universities. Went to Florida. Celebrated my 18th birthday. Went to my work Christmas party where my boyfriend cheated on me. Three days later, he tells me this but doesn't seem to make a big deal out of it. I asked for a break, he said ok. Spent a week absolutely desolute, with nothing to do. I didn't even go to school I felt that crap. Broke up for Christmas. I tell said boyfriend I'm done needing space, I forgive him. He still wants more time to sort his head out. I said I'll wait for him. On CHRISTMAS EVE he dumps me. Lovely guy. Spent last week trying to be normal when really all I want to do is curl up and cry. This was my first boyfriend, and everyone says the first is the worst...Spent yesterday being asked by my friends to come out New Years Eve but I refused, since my now EX would have been there. I really don't want to see him drunk and make out with random girls- he seems totally fine, but he did dump me so I shouldn't expect him to be broken hearted. So instead, I wrote you this chapter, as I've ignored you all far too long.

Kind of a whirlwind few months huh? So forgive the lack of updates. Sorry if I've lost you readers, but...I was actually enjoying life for once. I hate being single again *sad face*

Anyway, I've filled you in. Here it is...

Chapter 32: The Botherings of Draco Malfoy

The night passed relatively quickly. Hermione tried to ignore frostiness surrounding Luna and Ron, and enjoy the films but it was very difficult. She could feel their stares penetrating her, so she snuggled up to Draco in an effort to shield herself. Everyone else seemed to enjoy the films she had chosen, and it was gone midnight before everyone began to yawn.

"Shall we call it a night?" Harry asked, rubbing his eyes underneath his glasses.

"That's a good idea," Ginny replied, rubbing her stomach. "I need as much sleep as I can get."

Blaise grinned and kissed her on the cheek.

"Night all," he said. Everyone said goodnight and he, Ginny, Harry and Pansy trotted to their respective rooms.

After a pause Luna said, "Thanks for inviting us over. I'm sure our room will host a small get-together soon. Maybe after Christmas."

"That sounds wonderful, I'm really glad you wanted to come round," Hermione smiled nervously.

Ron chuckled darkly.

Draco sharply turned round to him, "Something you want to say... Weasley?"

Ron's ears blushed. "Don't know what you're talking about...ferret."

Luna put her hand on his shoulder. "Leave it Ron."

"No come on. I saw you both looking at Hermione all night. What's your problem?"

"Draco..." Hermione whispered. He silenced her with a glance. Hermione stood there awkwardly.

"I don't think this is a good time for that conversation," Luna sighed.

"So you're admitting there is something going on?"

"Of course. I'm not a liar, but this isn't the best time."

"You don't need to tell me what to do Luna," Ron muttered darkly. She flinched.

"Fine. I'm just trying to help you," Luna said bitterly. "That's all I've been doing, looking after you, listening to your rants. I'm tired of it. Don't come into our room tonight."

She stormed out. Hermione stared after her; she was shocked at this transformation in Luna. Where had the serene girl gone? Had Ron changed her?

"Now look what you did!" Ron shouted at Draco.

"Me? Oh don't make me laugh; this is all down to you," Draco laughed coldly. "You're full of yourself, thinking everything you say is right and can't stand it when things don't go the way you want. Hermione was kind enough to ask you round tonight, she didn't need to. She could have let you continue to be bitter, but she wants to be friends with you still. I'm sorry that we've all bonded, but maybe it's time to move on. Everyone is friendly with their roommates and partners, why do you need to be the exception?"

"You've taken them away from me! You've bewitched Hermione so she loves you. The son of a Death Eater! No-one can see it, and it kills me. I should have been partnered with Hermione." Ron said angrily.

This was too much for Hermione.

"You? You honestly think we're made for each other? Surely if that's the truth, you would have realised your feelings sooner, and made more of an effort to keep our short relationship going earlier this year. We're not soulmates. We don't fit as a couple. And if you can't get that into your thick head then I'm done trying to be your friend. Grow up, or leave us alone," Hermione spat. She turned around and walked to her room. There was a lump in her throat and she was glad her voice hadn't cracked with emotion.

He was so arrogant, and bitter and...ugh. She needed to punch something. Hermione heard the outer door slam, clearly Ron had finally left.

She went into the bathroom and splashed water on her face before changing into her nightclothes. There was a knock on the door.

"Let me make myself decent Draco," she called. She ran her fingers through her hair, and took a few deep breaths.

Sighing, she opened the door. Draco sat on the bed, looking at nothing particular.

"Boo," she smiled weakly.

He gestured for her to sit beside her.

"I'm sorry for causing an argument, but I was sick of him glaring at you. You haven't done anything wrong. I'm sorry for telling you to be quiet, but I wanted to protect you...stop you hurting."

Hermione leant back, pulling him with her. She rested her head on his chest, hearing his heartbeat quicken.

"Don't worry about it. Thank you for standing up to Ron. But I don't want you fighting my battles for me. I've faced much worse than a stroppy Ronald Weasley."

"I'm...glad. But I can't promise that won't happen again. I won't have anyone hurting you. I love you too much."

Hermione smiled. "I hope you mean that...I'm too attached now."

"Of course I do. I'm never going to leave you."

"I never knew you were such a softie," Hermione giggled.

"I didn't either until I met you," he winked.

"Kiss me you fool," Hermione breathed.

And he did.

Ron seemed to have actually listened to Hermione. He smiled at her when they passed in the corridors and during lessons, although that same courtesy wasn't given to Draco. Draco noticed the odd frown directed to him, but he wasn't bothered at all.

What he was bothered about, was Blaise.

It was merely days until his wedding to Ginny, and he was adamant that the latter needed her rest. He therefore took it upon himself to organise the wedding, along with the help of the Weasley clan. He flooed over to their house at every spare moment, and Draco was worried that he'd drive himself into an early grave with the stress of it all.

"Lighten up, Blaise. You've got everything covered. It's at the Burrow...you have the food, and the officiator and music. What more do you need?" Pansy asked tiredly as Blaise fretted over the colour of his robes.

"It needs to be perfect," hissed Blaise. "If you want to help me, answer me this. Which colour looks best?" He held up two pictures of dress robes. Innocent enough, except-

"Blaise, they're the same bloody colour."

"No they're not!"

"Yes they are!"

Blaise sighed.

"No. They're not. See, this one on the left is black point one. The one on the right is black point three. They're totally different."

Pansy groaned and slammed her head on the table, narrowly missing her bowl of porridge.

"They're black, Blaise," she muttered.

Harry laughed. "Just choose one Pansy. You're making it more difficult for yourself."

She glared. "Fine. That one. Black whatever."

Blaise looked, and nodded. "Good choice."

"I don't see how it's a choice, they're both black."

"Pansy? Do me a favour will you," Blaise asked sweetly.

"Shut up?"

"Yeah."

"Thank god. Come on Harry, let's go finish that Transfiguration homework before Blaise asks us another stupid question." Pansy pulled Harry to his feet and they walked out of the Hall, leaving Blaise to fret over yet another colour decision and Draco to frown at his best friend.

"You need to calm down, mate," Draco said seriously.

"Not you too. You don't seem to understand the importance of this! I need this to be perfect alright? I've already...complicated Ginny's life. I want her wedding to me to be the happiest day of her life," Blaise explained passionately.

"I get it. But if you don't calm down, you're not going to make it to the wedding. We break up tomorrow, and you've got over a week left. Rest, eat, sleep. Anything to give you a break from this bloody wedding business," Draco replied.

Blaise sighed again.

"Fine, but if something goes wrong-"

"-You blame me. I get it."

With that Blaise picked up his charts and pictures and left the Hall as well.

Draco was alone. Left with his thoughts, something he'd been unable to do for a while. Before he got to Blaise's wedding, he and Hermione needed to make it through the Christmas dinner at his parents' house. He hadn't replied to his father's letter, but he was sure his mother would have told Lucius that he was still with Hermione. He just hoped they wouldn't do anything drastic; Dumbledore could only protect them to an extent. The Malfoy's could cut off his inheritance, as long as they didn't harm Hermione. That's all he cared about.

"Have you got everything packed?" Draco asked her for the sixth time.

"Yes, of course I have," Hermione snapped. "I made a list and everything."

"Good," Draco nodded. He was pacing side to side, watching the sunrise from their window. Today was when they went to Dumbledore and take a portkey to Malfoy Manor. They were to spend the night, and then depart for the Burrow the following day. It wasn't a long time- thank Merlin- but it was long enough. Plenty could happen in less than 48 hours.

There hadn't been any news in the Prophet about Lucius Malfoy, but Draco didn't expect there to be. The outrage of the public would be tremendous, if Lucius was to leave Azkaban, there would have to be cover-up.

Draco was trying to remain calm; he couldn't let on to Hermione how desperate he was to never see his parents again. He knew what they could do, and he was afraid.

"Draco? Shall we leave then?"

"One minute. There's something I need to do first."

"OK, what's thaaa-"

Draco pounced on her, pushing her onto the bed. He kissed her with all his might, holding her down. It was like he would never kiss her again. Hermione soon relaxed into the kiss, and kissed him back fervently, gripping his neck and hair so tightly it was almost painful.

His mouth moved to her neck, touching her collarbone. She sighed happily.

"I love you Hermione," Draco murmured between kisses.

"And I love you," she replied, enjoying the sensations Draco was giving her. She didn't want to know what had caused this, and she didn't want it to end. She was petrified of the day ahead. She knew they hated her because of her blood status. So simple, and out of her control.

After an eternity of kisses and murmurings of love, Draco let her up. Her face was red, and her fair was slightly messed up. Draco had never seen her so beautiful.

"Come on," the love of his life said softly. "Let's get this over with."

They enchanted their trunks and said their goodbyes.

Ginny held Hermione tightly, tears threatening to spill.

"Good luck," she said. "You better get to the Burrow as soon as you can." Hermione nodded.

They made their way to Dumbledore's office, where he was waiting for them.

"I hope you understand the threat of what's about to happen. I don't want to alarm you, but you must be prepared for anything. Do not trust them," he advised, before slipping them each a small vial of clear liquid.

Hermione looked curiously at it.

"It's a potion of my own making. It will give you protection for 24 hours once drunk from all potions and major offensive spells. The only things it cannot protect you from are the Unforgivables. Use them well."

Draco nodded somberly. The protection wouldn't last them the entire time. There was still a risk.

Dumbledore waved his hand at the trunks and they vanished- presumably to the Manor.

"Good luck," he said, holding out a golf ball. "This will turn yellow when you are able to use it to get to the Burrow. Don't lose it."

The couple looked briefly at each other, and touched the ball. Hermione felt a hook tug her stomach and she fell through space.

Hitting the ground, she groaned.

"Good morning young Master and young Mistress. Welcome to Malfoy Manor," a high creature-like voice spoke from above.

They had arrived.

Start 2011 off with a bang. Make me happy and review?