Draco.

The ground was freezing but he didn't care. He couldn't really feel anything; his body was numb even before he had ventured outside. His parents were gone and they weren't coming back. Draco hated the idea of never being able to see them again. His mother would have to spend years in Azkaban, he was sure of it. Most go completely insane or die while inside there, or perhaps both. Draco tried not to think of these cruel images though and simply focused on the twinkling blanket of stars above his head. They were dazzling and gave him a strange sense of relief from his emotional pain.

He had been laying there for quite some time before he heard soft footsteps, crunching lightly on the leaves and twigs. He didn't even have to turn his head to know exactly who these footsteps belonged to. No one else would have cared. No one cared for him like Hermione did.

"Aren't you cold?" She asked, halting beside him and looking down at his sprawled out body.

It was a stupid question; of course he was bloody cold. And Draco thought she was smart.

"Yeah." He replied, lifting his head up to peer at her. Her hair was being whipped against her pale cheeks in the brutal wind and her features screwed up mildly.

"Come inside." She suggested. Draco could hear her voice wobble as she shivered visibly and tried to keep the hair out of her eyes.

"No" He mumbled slowly, then rested his head back down gently, continuing to gaze into the sky that was gradually becoming lighter as it was nearly morning. He didn't feel particular tired, which was weird. He couldn't even remember the last time he had slept. So much had happened since he last dozed off into a dreamland. He had always enjoyed watching the stars when he was younger, his father would tell him stories about each constellation and star.

"Everyone else has gone home…" Hermione said softly, crouching down so that she was closer to his face. "I think we should do the same…" She stared sympathetically into his grey eyes, hoping he would comply.

Draco didn't have the energy to move. He was far too drained from the day's awful events. But he knew that he would most probably get ill if stayed out in the cold for any longer, so reluctantly agreed.

Hermione held out a hand to help pull him up, he grabbed it. He basked in the delightful feeling that she truly cared about him and was insistent on helping him. She was after all his girlfriend, even though that had never really stated this fact. But she hadn't needed to stay, she just did.

He stood up very slowly, his body still weak from the utter shock he was experiencing. Hermione was all he had left now. The only good thing that remained in his miserable life was her. And as he gazed into her deep, brown eyes he couldn't help but smile. It was only a small smile, but it was something.

"Lets' go" She breathed, clutching his hand and instantly apparating to their home. It didn't matter about the wards that surrounded the Manor anymore as there was no longer anyone inside to alert. It was empty.

They thudded straight into their bedroom which was exactly how they had left it. The bed was unmade, clothes were scattered carelessly across the floor. It seemed like forever since they had last stepped foot in this place.

Hermione's hand stayed entwined with Draco's and her thumb began to stroke his own gently.

"Everything's going to be okay…" She whispered. He glanced at her and nodded because for the first time he believed her. Being with her in their home made Draco realised that everything was not lost. He could still carry on without his parents, it's not like he saw them much anyway.

He knew he was strong and could manage without them and Hermione would assist him in doing that.

The pair gave each other a joyful look before simultaneously flopping on to the bed, not bothering to take their clothes off, only their shoes. They then wrapped their arms around one another in comfort. It had been an extremely long day, but one that Draco was ready to forget although he wasn't sure he would ever to be able to…

Hermione.

Waking up in Draco's arms was a satisfying feeling. She felt safe and warm, as though the previous day's events had melted away in a hazy blur. Although she still couldn't remove the vision of Draco's heart-broken expression from her mind.

She yawned loudly in attempt to wake him up as she was getting rather bored. But to her dismay, he didn't even stir. So she quietly lifted herself from the comfort of their bed and shuffled to the kitchen in order to make some breakfast. It seemed so long since she last ate and she only just realising, as her stomach gave an almighty roar, how hungry she actually was.

Hermione made some jam on toast and a cup of coffee for both her and Draco. It was her favourite after all and her mother had always made it for her when she had been depressed. She laid the food out on the table and tiredly slumped in the nearest chair. Her head began to pound strangely, most likely from the trauma she been experiencing recently. It was all catching up with her at once. Lucius' crumpled body, Narcissa's distraught face. Hermione shook her head in attempt to remove these thoughts.

She took her first bite from a slice of golden brown toast she had made, but suddenly heard an abrupt tapping that caused her to jump.

Her head swivelled round rapidly to spot a pearly, white owl sat at the window. Hermione recognised it instantly. It was Harry's owl, however she was oddly hesitant to open the window. The last time they had received a letter, it had not been very thrilling news.

Nevertheless, she slowly opened the window to allow the owl to enter. It hopped inside and nuzzled her finger affectionally. She smiled and suddenly remembered that Draco had promised he would buy her an owl at some point.

"Thank you" She giggled, slowly removing the letter from the bird's leg. It didn't fly off though; it merely craned its neck in curiosity and waited for her to peel open the letter.

Dear Mione'

We are having a small gathering next Tuesday because of mine and Ginny's three year anniversary! We would like you and Draco to come along. Of course, due to recent happenings… we completely understand if you don't feel up to it.

Hope you can make it!

Harry x

Hermione couldn't help but grin wildly to herself. Harry had actually invited both of them, together, as a couple. She couldn't believe it.

"What are you smiling at?"

It appeared Draco had finally awoken from his slumber and made his way out of the bedroom, wearing nothing but some underwear. Hermione wasn't complaining though, he had a gorgeous body.

"Harry's invited us round for his and Ginny's anniversary" She explained, smiling hopefully at him, "That's if you're okay…"

She held her breath, awaiting his answer.

"Yeah sure… I think that sounds… fine." He nodded. She could detect a glimmer of happiness in his eyes. She knew that Draco had enjoyed the time he had spent with Harry and Ron, but she also knew he would never admit to that.

"Alright then, that's settled." Hermione grinned, before pointing at the table, "I made breakfast."

Draco glanced at the lovely array of toast and coffee and scratched the back of his neck in disbelief.

"Wow… thanks, that looks great." He then paced towards her and enveloped her in a tight hug. She squeaked in pleasure and allowed his warmth to consume her.

If this is how Draco repaid her for making breakfast she definitely wouldn't mind living with him.

Of course she knew he wasn't hugging her just because of the breakfast. He was hugging her because she had stood by him, looked after him and loved him unconditionally, even when his father had acted like a utter lunatic towards her.

She didn't mind. Draco was the best thing to happen to her in years and Hermione thought that what had occurred had only brought them closer. Perhaps he really was her knight in shining armour because her life was bliss.

A/N: I know… a long wait for a rather boring chapter, I'm sorry! I've been really busy with coursework and interviews but I'm going to get back on track again… hopefully.