Screaming woke him from his hazy dreams of a curly haired witch with her head thrown back in passion, killing his erection instantaneously. Grabbing his wand, he leapt out of bed and was crashing through the adjoining door, fear etched on his face and adrenaline spiking, heightening his senses. He glanced round her room and found nothing out of place, the contrast of the silence that now filled the room deafening and confusing him.

Then she thrashed and flailed in her bed screaming again. Realising she was having a nightmare, he tossed his wand onto the bedside cabinet, climbing onto the bed behind her. He tugged her to him and attempted to calm her.

"Hermione"... he said her name softly, trying to coax her from her trauma, stroking her sweat covered face. "Hermione"

She whimpered in his arms as he soothed her.

"Hermione, it's ok, you're safe, I've got you" he told her gently.

She stirred, then feeling his arms, unsure of who held her, she started to struggle.

"Shush, it's me" he whispered, pulling her close.

"Malfoy?" she questioned, turning to face him.

"The one and only" he said, giving her a small smile "you were having a nightmare" he told her, stroking her hair.

"I'm sorry I woke you" she mumbled, a little embarrassed.

"Hey, no, you don't be sorry" he shushed her, continuing to stroke her hair, pulling her into his arms.

She closed her eyes, tears starting to form behind them, as she became aware of what her dream was about.

"Ok now?" he asked, concern in his voice.

She whimpered again and gave only one word by way of explanation as to the contents of her subconscious trauma

"Bella"

She felt him tense at the mention of his aunt's name, evidently recalling the same episode from their shared past. He held her as silent tears coated his chest. When he thought she had fallen back to sleep, he moved to get off the bed, but she clutched at him, eyes remaining shut. He stilled and looked down at her.

"Stay" she mumbled and he wasn't sure if it was a question or her vocalising a want.

He didn't move, trying to figure the best course of action. Concluding he would end up back in her anyway should the nightmares return, he lay back down on the bed and pulled the covers over them both, pressing a kiss to her hair.

.

Sunlight filtered through the curtain that ruffled gently in the morning breeze, warming her exposed shoulder, rousing her from a, thankfully, dreamless sleep. For a moment she had forgotten the events of the night before, and as her senses returned, she became aware the unmistakable feeling of an arm around her waist and the presence of someone underneath her. Confused about the identity of her bed fellow, she squinted and then gave a little yelp in surprise to find she was curled up against Malfoy, whose arm was holding her secure around her waist, her head rested on his chest.

Embarrassed as she recalled asking him to stay with her after she had woken from her nightmare and he had comforted her. Ron had always slept through her nightmares when they plagued her after the war and so she wasn't used to the comfort he gave her when her subconscious allowed old wounds to cleave open pouring forth a veritable Pandora's Box of emotions. It was as beautiful as it was unsettling. She gently tried to move from his embrace, but even in his deep slumber he pulled her closer in an attempt to still her movements, presumably his subconscious thinking she had fallen back into one of her nightmares. She puzzled at her predicament, biting her bottom lip, watching him in his sleep. An awareness of her now conscious state penetrating his stupor, his eyes remaining shut he mumbled

"Granger, stop watching me sleep"

She marvelled at his instincts for a moment before opening her mouth to speak.

At that moment a Ministry Owl came through the open window, interrupting her before she could begin.

Rising from the bed, Malfoy padded over to the dresser where the owl was perched waiting patiently for them to take the missive. Hermione was shocked to see he was only clad in a pair of designer boxers that left nothing to the imagination. She hadn't realised before and had assumed he had been wearing boxers. She was wearing an old vest top with spaghetti straps and bed shorts and this realisation made her flush as she realised there had been very little fabric between them as they slept in a tight embrace.

His back to her while he untied the official ribbon that denoted confidential correspondence, he smirked

"Like what you see, Granger?" he asked, chuckling to himself, aware that she was continuing to stare at his muscular body in his tight Hugo Boss boxers. She hid under the covers to hide her shame at being caught ogling him. Her mouth suddenly felt very parched and she was aware of a growing heat between her thighs.

Malfoy unfurled the note, a frown replacing his smirk as he read. All humour ceasing, he walked over to the bed and gently pulled back the covers. Looking up at him, she was confused at his expression as she had been expecting him to continue his teasing. He handed her the note.

"Pack you're bags Granger, it looks like we are headed to Italy".

She sat up and read the note for clarfication as he crossed into his own room leaving the adjoining door ajar

Mr Malfoy and Miss Granger

Briefing at 9am. Black Notice from Italy. Body found in Venice.

Aaldrik Aalders, Dutch Interpol Liaison

Just before they headed out to the briefing Draco sent an owl of his own

Looks like you get your wish

Cafe Florian, 4pm tomorrow

DM