Hermione apparated into the hall of the house and took off her coat. She started to walk to the kitchen and she could hear Harry and Ron talking.
'I can't believe you did this Ron.' Harry was saying.
'Neither can I.' she heard him say.
'What are you gonna tell Hermione?' Harry asked.
'I don't know.' He sighed.
What were they talking about? She had to know what was happening, she walked into the kitchen and asked 'Tell Hermione what?'
They both turned round shocked and looked at her. Harry put his drink down and said 'I'll leave you two to it. I'll be upstairs if you need me.' He said looking at Hermione and left.
'Tell me What Ron?' She looked at him. He couldn't look at her. He had his hands in his pockets looking at the floor.
'I volunteered to go to Canada.' He muffled.
Hermione couldn't believe what he'd said. Surely she'd miss heard. 'What?'
He looked at her now. 'I volunteered to go to Canada.'
'That's what I thought you said.' She sat down in a chair. 'Why?'
'I don't know really.' he took a deep breath. 'I was just thinking about when we were at war and how no one came to help us. They need our help Hermione. When I was thinking over the weekend the more it made sense the more I wanted to go'
'How long will you be gone?' She didn't know if she could take anymore.
'At least three years.' He rushed out. 'If the war ends within that time I'll be staying to help afterwards. Help them rebuild.'
Hermione let out a sob. Three years. 'How could you do this?'
'Hermione.' He said coming to sit next to her. 'I have to do this. I have to do something on my own. I think... I think we should end us. It's for the best I don't want you to be unhappy because of me.'
'It's a bit late for that isn't it Ron.' How could he do this after everything they had been through? She had tears running down her face for what felt like the hundredth time today.
'Hermione I'm sorry.' He reached over to take her hand and she pulled away from him.
'I'm sorry too.' She stood up and walked away to her room.
A while later there was a knock on her door and Harry came in.
'Oh Harry!' She said and burst into tears.
He rushed over to her and hugged her to him tight until she'd stopped crying and fallen asleep.
Draco went to Hermione's office the next morning only to find it empty. He was puzzled this wasn't like her. He went and asked the person in the next office who also didn't have a clue where Hermione was. He only had one choice now and he started to make his way to the Auror office to find Potter.
He found Harry talking to Kingsley Shacklebolt, the Minister for Magic, and waited for them to finish talking. When they had he walked up to him.
'Hey Potter. Where's Granger?' He asked he still had two coffees in his hands.
'She's off sick today Malfoy.' He said walking past him.
'Granger? Hermione Granger? Off sick?' He asked stunned.
'Yes Malfoy.' Harry looked at him puzzled. 'Why?'
'Were still working on that house elves law. She wasn't in her office.' He was a bit worried now she never went off sick. 'Wait, this hasn't got anything to do with Weasley has it?'
'That's none of your business Malfoy.' Harry said dismissively.
'It is when she's sat in her office having a panic attack because of him and I have to calm her down. What's he done now?' He was pretty certain this was because of Weasley now.
Harry turned to look at him. Why was Malfoy so concerned? 'Ron's volunteered to go to Canada.' Harry said bluntly.
Draco couldn't believe it. He was truly shocked. 'He's done what?'
'Yes he's going to Canada.' Harry said.
'Weasley? What happened?' Draco asked.
'Ron broke things off last night.' Harry told him. 'She's pretty upset. Why do you care anyway Malfoy?'
'Believe it or not Potter me and Granger have become friends, spending eight hours a day plus with someone can have that effect.' He paused. 'Is she at home?'
'Yes I think so.' Harry was slightly shocked. 'Why?'
'I'm gonna go check she's ok.' He handed him one of the coffees. 'That's what friends do. Here have that.' He turned and left. Leaving Harry just watching him leave.
He arrived at her house not long after and knocked on her door. Ah he thought as the door swung open its girl Weasley. It was clear by her face that it was a shock for her to see him stood there too. He cleared his throat. 'Is Granger in?'
'Erm. I don't think she wants to see anyone today.' She said cautiously.
'Can you ask her if she'll see me?' He asked. Before she could object he said 'I'll wait here, I won't come in. Can you just ask?'
'Ok.' She said 'Just wait here.'
Hermione was sat on the couch in her pajamas and night gown. Ginny came in with a look of shock on her face.
'Oh god!' Hermione cried getting to her feet 'What now?'
'Draco Malfoy is at the door.' Ginny said.
'Oh crap.' Hermione jumped up. 'What does he want?'
'To see you apparently.'
He couldn't see her in her pajamas. 'I need to go change. Let him in I'll just be minute.' And she ran upstairs to change.
Ginny went and let Malfoy in and led him in to the lounge. 'Would you like a drink?' She asked.
'No I'm fine.' He said feeling awkward. 'I just came to check on Hermione.'
'Ok well I've got to go to work.' She said 'Hermione should be down in a minute. Bye.'
Ginny came up to say goodbye to Hermione. 'Why has he come here?'
'I don't know but I guess I'll find out.'
She checked she looked ok and then went to meet Draco.
'Hi.' She said shyly pulling on the sleeves on her jumper. 'What's up?'
'Hey' He said. 'Well when I knew you were off sick I was worried I came to check you were ok.'
'Oh. Um Thanks. I've just had a tough few days.' She walked further into the room.
'Yeah I heard about Weasley.' He ran his hands through his hair. 'That guys a real idiot. I can't believe he left you.'
'Thanks. I'm starting to see what you mean.' She said with a small smile. 'Um do you want a coffee or anything?'
'No thanks. I should probably be getting back.' He sighed. 'I just wanted to check you were ok.'
'Ok. I'll be back in work tomorrow so we can get back to the law.' She walked up to stand in front of him. 'Are you sure you don't want to stay for a drink?' She said looking up at him.
His self-control was waning he wanted to take her right now but knew he couldn't. 'No I think its best I leave.' He didn't move though.
She had a weird thought, so she pulled up her courage from somewhere and moved closer to him and put her hands on his chest. 'Are you sure?' Maybe Malfoy could help her get over this mess.
He swallowed and put his hand to her cheek. Dammit.
'Draco.' She whispered. 'Kiss me.'
Damn he'd wanted to hear her say that since he'd seen her in the club. He leaned forward and put his forehead to hers. 'No' He breathed. Crap he could see the hurt in her eyes. 'Hermione. I've wanted to hear you say that since I saw you at the club. But I want you to want to kiss me not so you can get back at Weasley. It wouldn't be right to kiss you now no matter how much I want to.' God he was turning into a girl.
'Draco, I...' He stopped her from talking with his thumb on her lips she gasped as he ran his thumb along her parted lips. He bent down and kissed her cheek. She felt it all the way to her toes.
'I'll see you tomorrow.' He said and left. Leaving Hermione standing there with a hand on her cheek and her lips tingling.