Hey Guys! Here is the next chapter! I hope you like it! Please leave a review.
November 18, 1998
Hermione remained in the hospital wing to be observed by Madam Pomfrey until Saturday morning. With the slightest bit of reluctance and after an immense amount of pleading from the patient herself, the matron agreed to let Hermione leave. The compromise being that if Hermione felt even the slightest bit unwell, she was to return to the hospital wing at once.
Hermione was packing her things into her beaded bag and getting ready to leave when she heard the hospital wing doors open. She turned and smiled, admiring her boyfriend in his gameday uniform.
"Good morning, love." He grinned walking over and kissing her cheek, his gloved hand gently touching her waist. "Are you sure that you feel up to going to the game today? I'll understand if you don't. So will Potter, Weasley, and Ginny."
She tilted her head, "And Blaise and Theo?"
He nodded, "They'll understand too. Though, Theo may whine a bit, but he'll get over it."
He was terribly concerned about her leaving the hospital wing so soon. He had disagreed with Madam Pomfrey's decision and had bucked up enough courage to confront the matron on the issue.
She had assured him that should anything happen, Hermione had agreed to return.
Though Draco still doubted the plan, he agreed to it.
"Draco, I am not going to miss your first game of the season. Plus, it's Slytherin versus Gryffindor and I want to be there." Hermione said, not mentioning how he had not kissed her on the lips.
Ever since waking up and taking the potion, he had barely kissed her lips or done much more than kiss her cheek and gently hug her. She was tired of being coddled. She understood that he was concerned about her, but she truly felt fine, and she wanted him to see that.
He nodded, "I know." He muttered as he reached out and took her hand in his. "I just don't want you to do too much too soon."
She smiled and cupped his jaw with her free hand, "I'll be careful and just to be sure of that, I'll be with Luna, Pansy, Hannah, Cordelia, and Neville, so don't worry. I want you to stay focused on the game. Got it?"
He inhaled, knowing full well his mind would be split between the game and her, but he nodded and said, "I love you."
She smiled and nodded, "I love you." She whispered, wanting so badly to kiss his lips but she didn't. "Now go. I'll be there soon. Flynn offered to walk me to the pitch before he leaves." She said, nodding towards the door, where Auror Godfrey was to remain on guard duty until she officially left the hospital wing.
Draco nodded and kissed her once more on the cheek before turning to leave. He swallowed nervously, terrified that she wasn't fully ready to leave but trying to focus his mind on the game.
"Hey Malfoy!" He heard her say and turned back to see her smirking at him.
"Yea?" he grinned.
"Kick some arse out there today." She said, smirk in place before blowing him a kiss.
He chuckled and winked at her, nodding "You got it, my love." he replied before turning and leaving.
She smiled, watching him as he left. She rather liked seeing him in his gameday jersey. His name and number shone on his back his in bright white:
Malfoy
05
She truly loved that Malfoy man.
Draco walked down towards the pitch and into the locker room.
"Macey, I want you to be sure and hit that play we made up last practice. I know it's a tough one but it's a great play and could get us a big score when we really need it." Blaise said to Dara Macey, the other Chaser as Draco entered the locker room. "Malfoy! You and Macey both need to get it right, got it?"
Draco nodded, knowing that when it came to gameday, Blaise was the Slytherin version of Oliver Wood; he was not one to be messed with.
"Got it." He replied, adjusting his gloves as he nodded.
"Are there any questions?" Blaise asked the team.
Justine Rodrigo, the reserve Chaser nodded, "If I'm needed, do you think we ought to try that play I recommended a few weeks back?"
Blaise looked thoughtful as he considered her comment for a moment. "Yea. I'll let you know if we decide to trade you in but for now, let's stick with the original plan."
The others nodded and began to grab their brooms that were lined up on the wall.
"Those bloody lions won't know what hit them." Vastano, the Keeper, smirked as he slipped on his helmet.
Draco met Blaise's eyes before meeting Theo's. They knew that they needed to win but they didn't plan on being utterly ruthless like in the past.
Much had changed for them and with a large sum of their friends being on the other team or in Gryffindor, they didn't want anyone to get hurt.
"Let's keep it clean, you lot." Blaise said pointedly.
They walked out to the tunnels and waited for Seamus to announce them.
"Now for the red and gold Gryffindors!" Seamus said excitedly, "As Keeper, we've got none other than Ron Weasley! For the Beaters we have Nate Henfield and Lionel Taggert! For our Seeker, our very own, Harry Potter!" The crowd cheered as each team member flew out onto the pitch, "And our Chasers are Elena Pearson, Dean Thomas, and the Gryffindor Captain Ginny Weasley!" The cheering got louder.
"And now for the opponents, the Slytherins!" Seamus said, but without any hatred that would normally have been in the announcer's voice. "For Keeper, Angel Vastano! The Beaters for the Slytherins are Theo Nott and Lucas Bancroft!" Seamus said as the crowd cheered as each member that was announced kicked off into the air. "For Seeker, the Slytherins have Mia Birman and for their Chasers, they have Dara Macey, Draco Malfoy and Slytherin Captain Blaise Zabini! Let's hear it for the Slytherins!"
As Draco flew out onto the pitch and the crowd cheered, his eyes scanned the stands that he knew Hermione would be in. He spotted her with Cordelia by her side and felt a bit of relief seeing Neville, Luna, Hannah, and Pansy with them as well. He smiled and winked at Hermione before speeding past them to get into position for the start of the game.
"Professor Yotov has released the Snitch! Hopefully Potter or Birman can see it because I bloody well can't." Seamus announced making the crowd laugh and cheer, "And now the Bludgers have been released. Watch out for those, you lot."
"I want a good, clean game!" Professor Yotov announced before tossing the Quaffle into the air.
"And the Quaffle is up!" Seamus announced, "Ginny Weasley is the first to snatch it up and she takes it past Bancroft and towards the goals but wait, oh bloody hell! Draco Malfoy has stolen it from Weasley and is speeding past, barely missing that Bludger sent by Taggert as he goes for the goal. And gets it past Ron Weasley for the first score of the game!"
The crowd cheered and Hermione was beaming as Draco high-fived Theo.
"Dean Thomas is quick to take the Quaffle back after that score by Malfoy and he is dodging the Slytherins as he speeds through to attempt a goal that does not get past Vastano."
Hermione watched as Draco played. She was impressed by his agility on the broom. He seemed to improve each time she saw him play. She made sure to take some photographs of the game for his photo album.
"As Zabini attempts to get another goal for the Slytherins, he is nearly hit by a Bludger that was sent by Henfield. I told you to watch out for those. As he tries to shake off that close encounter, Ginny Weasley sneaks by and steals the Quaffle!"
Draco sped off to try to catch Ginny, but he was too late as she got it past Vastano, scoring for Gryffindor.
As the game went on, Ginny got the Quaffle multiple times. She scored time after time. The game was close when Ginny got the Quaffle once more and Bancroft hit a Bludger towards her with surprising strength. It ended up knocking her completely off her broom and she fell towards the ground.
Draco and Harry both took off after her with Ron right behind them. Draco was the first to get to her, catching her in mid-air.
"You okay, Ginny?" He asked.
She let out a relieved breath and nodded, feeling a bit shaken up, "Ye…yea but I think my arm may be broken."
He nodded, seeing how it was turned awkwardly and flew straight over to the sidelines, landing them gently on the ground.
"Looks like Ginny Weasley, the captain of the Gryffindor team will be missing the rest of the game due to an injury." Seamus said, "Gryffindor will bring in their Reserve Chaser, Birgit Villars." He explained before adding, "And it also appears as if Slytherin caption Blaise Zabini is benching Bancroft for hitting Weasley with the Bludger. That would mean that Slytherin will also be bringing in Reserve player, Alexander Rosetti, to take Bancroft's place."
Hermione was concerned for Ginny but knew the red head was okay if Harry hadn't paused the game.
"So that brings the score to seventy points for Gryffindor and sixty for Slytherin." Seamus announced as the game was about to start up again, "And the teams are back in action!"
Hermione continued to watch as Slytherin scored goal after goal bringing their score up just high enough that when Harry finally caught the Snitch, Gryffindor still lost by ten points.
By the end of the game, it was evident that the Gryffindor's most valuable Chaser and team member was their captain.
"And that's it, you lot!" Seamus said with a smile in his voice, "Gryffindor two hundred and forty points and Slytherin two hundred and fifty points. I've had a brilliant time today and the next game will be on December ninth. It'll be Hufflepuff versus Gryffindor. Don't miss it!" He said before going silent.
Hermione, Luna, and Cordelia went to the Slytherin locker room. They expected to find a cheering and excited team but instead they found, Theo, Draco, and Blaise yelling at Lucas Bancroft for hurting Ginny. The rest of the team had already gone to the showers.
"Now, you need to go up to the hospital wing after you shower and apologize." Blaise said, pointing his finger at Lucas's chest.
"What the bloody hell, you lot?" Bancroft exclaimed, "I mean, I feel bad about her getting hurt but it's part of the game! I know the lot of you are all friends now but really, come on! It's bloody Quidditch!"
Draco shook his head, "Bancroft! She's one of my girlfriend's best friends. Just make sure you apologize, understood?"
"Yea…yea, okay." Lucas sighed, nodding before going to take a shower.
Once he was out of earshot, Theo turned to Blaise and Draco with a serious expression, "Now, as for winning." Theo said before breaking out into a dance with a wide grin on his face.
Both of the other blokes chuckled and nodded before high fiving. Theo was the first to notice the girls.
"Hey ladies." Theo smiled, making his way over to Luna, "Darling, what'd you think of the game?"
"I found it very entertaining, and I adore you or standing up for Ginny." Luna smiled and kissed her boyfriend passionately.
Draco grinned and walked over to Hermione, "Hello love. How are you feeling?"
She smiled, "I feel wonderful. How about you? By my count, you scored one hundred and seventy points."
He grinned, "Really? I suppose I wasn't counting."
She laughed and noticed Blaise and Cordelia talking, while standing closely.
Draco looked over and sighed before turning back to Hermione, "Bloody hell." He muttered.
She smiled and cupped his jaw, "Draco, she really cares for him. We talked during the game, and she told me about their interactions. He's a true gentleman. I think he might truly care for her as well."
He nodded but sighed, looking down into Hermione's honey brown eyes, "I love you."
She smiled, loving when he simply said it because he wanted to. "I love you." She said as she pulled him closer, wanting to kiss him.
Draco paused, glancing at her lips and sighed.
"Draco…" she whispered with a sigh of her own.
"I just…I don't want to hurt you." He murmured.
She shook her head and pulled him down into a deep kiss. A kiss they normally wouldn't share in front of others.
He bit back a groan that attempted to escape before pulling away from the kiss.
When she looked into his eyes again, she saw how they had darkened significantly. She smirked and raised her brow.
He shook his head, "Hermione, you just got out of the hospital wing this morning." He whispered, concerned.
She sighed but wasn't able to reply as Luna walked over, "Theo is going to shower and then we're going to go see Ginny. Would you two care to join us?"
Hermione nodded and looked at Draco, "Go shower."
He nodded and kissed her cheek before making his way to the showers, thinking to himself that it would need to be a cold shower.
Once the blokes were dressed and ready, they went up to the castle with the three girls.
As they walked, two young Slytherin girls ran up to them, giggling, "Draco, you were brilliant in the game today. Really brilliant." One said while blushing fiercely.
The other nodded, "Anyway, we just wanted to say that." She said, giggling, before pulling the other girl away.
Draco furrowed his brow, "What the hell was that?"
"That was two young girls who both fancy the Draco Malfoy." Theo smirked, making Blaise chuckle.
Draco rolled his eyes, "Bloody hell."
Hermione smiled and squeezed his hand.
He met her eyes and smiled.
When they arrived in the hospital wing, they found two women in there talking to Ginny.
"Yea, I'm so sorry about today. I hope you will come to the next game." Ginny said.
"We will definitely be at the next game. You just heal up and get back out there." One of the women said
"You were doing wonderfully until that Bludger hit you. We're eager to see more." The other added, before they both left.
As the door shut, Ginny flung herself back onto the bed, groaning as she covered her eyes with her right arm. Her left arm was bound to her stomach.
"Who were they?" Hermione asked. "They looked familiar."
Harry nodded, "That was Cleo Creed and Gwenog Jones. The Holyhead Harpies Coach and Captain."
Draco froze in shock. "They were here to watch you play?" He asked.
Ron nodded, looking irritated as Lucas Bancroft entered the hospital wing.
"What the bloody hell are you doing here?" Ron asked angrily.
Bancroft sighed, "Listen, I am honestly sorry. I know it sucks but it's part of the game."
"What kind of apology is that Bancroft?!" Blaise shouted.
Theo huffed, "Bloody hell!"
Lucas sighed, "I just don't understand! It's Quidditch!"
Ginny exhaled and sat up, "It's fine, Bancroft. Just leave."
Lucas nodded and left.
"We told the whole bloody team to play a clean game!" Theo huffed. "No one seems to listen."
Draco shook his head, "Ginny, I'm truly sorry. I…I never thought Bancroft would…" He sighed.
She nodded, "I know. But they'll be back for the next game so lets just move past this and be grateful that we don't play each other again."
Draco nodded but still felt terrible.
"We'll erm…we'll leave you lot alone." Blaise said, feeling terrible for Ginny.
Luna nodded, "Ginny, should you need anything, please just send me a Patronus."
The group left after Hermione hugged Ginny and made their way down the corridor.
"Blaise and I are going to go to the library. He's going to help me study for my OWLS." Cordelia said, "Draco, I'll see you at dinner?"
"Yea." He replied and looked at Blaise, who nodded at him.
Draco nodded, understanding that Blaise would behave as a gentleman.
Theo and Luna made their way to Luna's dorm room while Draco and Hermione headed to the eighth-year dormitories.
Hermione looked at Draco as they entered the portrait hole, "Let's go to your dorm room since Blaise is in the library."
Draco nodded, swallowing nervously and they headed up the staircase to his dorm.
When they arrived in his room, Hermione turned to him, "Draco." She said with some edge that took him by surprise.
He raised his brow in response.
"Why the bloody hell won't you kiss me properly?" She asked with a huff.
Draco swallowed and sighed before saying, "Hermione…"
"What?" She huffed when he didn't continue. "I don't understand, Draco!" she exclaimed, losing the patience she had been holding onto for days.
He sighed and pulled her over to his bed. They sat down and he looked at her, "Love, I want to kiss you properly. I truly do, but you just got out of the hospital wing and…and I don't want to possibly hurt you." His voice held a desperate tone that made her heart break a bit.
She sighed and shook her head, "Darling, you are not going to hurt me. I feel perfectly fine. Your potion, it cured me. I'll let you know if I need to stop but please, love, kiss me like you mean it." She said with a desperate tone of her own.
He swallowed and nodded, looking at her lips before leaning in. He kissed her softly at first before cupping her jaw and deepening it.
Hermione hummed and pulled back, slipping her jacket off before kissing him with fervor.
Draco groaned as she straddled his lap, her hands resting on either side of his neck.
He let his hands slide into the back pockets of her jean trousers but fought the urge to pull her against him. Pulling his left hand from her pocket, he cupped her jaw and gently pulled away from the kiss.
Hermione's brow quirked, confused as she watched him.
His eyes remained closed, and he inhaled deeply, "Love, I erm…I may need to stop for a moment." He muttered; a slight tinge shaded his cheeks from embarrassment. He felt like a fifteen-year-old bloke again who could barely contain his desires. If he was completely honest, it had been a while and he was struggling a bit with not going too far.
Hermione understood but sighed, "Draco, we don't have to stop." She whispered.
He opened his eyes, "You only just got out of the hospital. I know I've said it before, but I simply want to be cautious."
She tilted her head, looking at him with calculating eyes before nodding, "Okay." She said, moving to get up.
Draco sighed, "I didn't mean to upset you, Hermione." He said, standing up.
She nodded, rubbing her forehead, "Draco, it's not you. I'm just a bit embarrassed is all. You're being terribly sweet, worrying over me and I'm just trying to…" she huffed and shook her head. "You've done so much for me. I mean, your potion saved me from spending my life in St. Mungo's because of the Cruciatus Curse." She sighed. "You've done all this for me and I'm bothered over this…" she huffed, shaking her head.
He shook his head and stepped closer to her even though her back was toward him, "Love, I'd spend every second of my life searching for the proper potion to save you." He whispered, "Please don't feel embarrassed around me. I want you too, Hermione. You must know that. I want you terribly bad. But I can't take the chance that I'll hurt you. Please, let's give it some time."
She swallowed, crossing her arms over chest protectively, "I've just missed you terribly."
He stepped right behind her and wrapped his arms around her body. He kissed her shoulder and muttered, "I've missed you too, love." as he hugged her close to his body.
Hermione closed her eyes, letting herself be enveloped in his embrace.
"I love you so much, Hermione." He muttered into her hair.
She let out a sigh and smiled while nodding, "I know. I love you too, Draco…so much."
"And I want you more than you know." He said, "But if I were to hurt you…I'd never forgive myself. I just want to give you a bit more time to heal." He muttered.
She nodded and leaned further back into him.
After standing in each other's embrace for a few moments, he smiled and pulled back so that he could see her.
She turned to face him and cupped his jaw, "How about we go and grab some lunch? Then maybe take a stroll around the grounds?"
He nodded, "That sounds lovely."
After they ate lunch, the couple made their way down towards the Black Lake.
They walked along the edge of the lake, holding hands, and talking about their plans for the future.
"Well, after graduation, I'd like to live with my parents for a while. We lost so much time and I think we need to rebuild our relationship." Hermione explained as they strolled.
Draco nodded, squeezing her hand, "I understand that. After graduation, I was going to move back to the Manor for a short while until I get my own place. Whenever you're ready, I'd love for you to move in with me…" He said, feeling a bit nervous.
She smiled and nodded, "Absolutely!" She said, squeezing his hand in response, "Draco, I am eager to start our life together. I just want to make sure my parents are okay first."
He turned to her and nodded. He smiled and cupped her jaw in his left hand. "Love, I'll do whatever you decide. I'm perfectly fine with that plan. You need to spend time with your parents. I know how much you missed them during the war."
She nodded and turned her head, kissing his palm.
He grinned and leaned in, kissing her lips as his right hand came to rest on her hip. Hermione smiled into the kiss and pulled him a little closer by the front of his jumper.
As they separated, she looked behind him and saw Astoria Greengrass glowering at them.
"Draco." Hermione muttered, nodded towards the Slytherin girl.
He furrowed his brow and turned, sighing, "What do you want, Greengrass?"
Astoria huffed, "I need to speak with you."
He clenched his jaw, "About?"
"Well, if I could bloody well say that here, then I'd just say it, wouldn't I?" She exclaimed. "I need to speak with you…privately." She said, pointedly looking at Hermione.
He turned back to Hermione before glancing around to make sure no one else was around, "I'll be right back."
She nodded and watched as he walked over towards Astoria.
"What?" Draco sighed as when he got near enough.
"Look, I don't care about your Mudblood, but I…"
"Don't call her that!" He scowled.
"But I do care about you." She continued, ignoring his remark. "We were once betrothed." She said with the slightest blush, "But look, my point is, Wolfe is getting out. His father and grandfather were able to work something out and he's getting out of Auror custody tomorrow."
He furrowed his brow and nodded, "And you're telling me this because you care?" He asked but didn't wait for a response before huffing and saying, "You do realize that the vial that you were going to pour into my younger sister's drink contained arsenic. It's a muggle poison that would have killed her within minutes." He said angrily.
Astoria swallowed, "I…I didn't realize. I…"
He huffed, "Astoria, I appreciate you telling me about Wolfe but that doesn't make up for everything. Hell, it doesn't make up for anything." He said before walking back over to Hermione.
Astoria walked away and Hermione was quite sure she saw her crying.
"What was that about?" she asked Draco.
He swallowed and licked his lips, "Wolfe is getting out tomorrow."
She inhaled deeply and nodded, "We'll need to be extra careful while at the wedding and when we go to the bridge."
He gently lifted her chin up with one bent finger, "We will be. I've got a gift for you as well that should help with that." He said with a small smile.
She smirked, "What gift?"
He shook his head, "You'll have to wait until we get back to the castle."
She leaned in closer and smirked, "You, Mr. Malfoy, are withholding."
He nodded, "I am but you'll see soon, why that is." He smiled, "Come on. Let's go back to my dorm room."
They made their way back to his dorm and found it to still be empty.
Hermione sat on his bed while he opened the trunk at the foot of his bed and pulled out two small boxes.
He handed her the first one and sat down beside her.
Hermione smiled and opened the box, revealing a gold necklace with a gold lion's head charm.
"Draco." She breathed. "It's beautiful."
He smiled, "There's more than beauty to this piece. It's a form of sneakoscope. A specificscope if you will." He smirked before adding, "You see, if Wolfe or any of his family or lackeys are near, it'll alert you. I've charmed it to send a sort of alarm to your magical senses."
She shook her head, in awe of his capabilities, "You're amazing and beyond brilliant, Draco. Did you know that?"
He chuckled and smiled, "Thank you, love. But really, I'm only trying to keep you safe."
She smiled and leaned over, kissing his lips softly before asking, "What's in that box?"
He smirked, "I made one for me as well." He said, pulling out a gold chain with a black and gold dog tag on it that had an 'H' engraved into it.
She smiled, "I love that."
He nodded, "I'll have it on from now on." He said, slipping it over his head and underneath his jumper and tee.
"Here." She said, turning around, "Fasten it for me?"
He nodded and fastened the necklace before pressing a kiss to the back of her neck.
November 24, 1998
The week passed by rather slowly. Hermione had struggled terribly the entire week with knowing Wolfe was no longer in custody. Draco had noticed how she had been keeping to herself, never taking the necklace off, and appearing to sleep less.
Their necklaces did alert them when Wolfe's lackeys were in their vicinity, but Wolfe never appeared at the school.
After dinner, on Friday evening, the group packed their bags and made their way to the Headmistress's office.
"You must all return to the castle by ten o'clock on Sunday evening. Is that understood?" McGonagall asked.
They all nodded before each took their turn using the fireplace to floo to the Burrow.
Draco was the last to arrive and was immediately pulled into a hug by Molly.
"It is so nice to have you lot home, even for such a short time." She smiled, "Now, due to us having family here, all the bedrooms are taken but I have set up a tent on the Quidditch pitch as the wedding is being held right out here, near the garden." She smiled, "I've put food in the tent and made sure that the loo works properly. It's got plenty of space for all of you. I hope that is okay with you all."
"It's perfect, Mum." Ginny said, "Thanks."
"Yes, Mrs. Weasley." Blaise smiled, "It's lovely to be back, even if we don't get to stay in the house. We're simply glad to be here."
She smiled, "It is so very nice to see you all. Now it's late, and though I do want to visit with all of you, the wedding is tomorrow evening and there will be much to do before then so go on out to the tent and get some rest."
The group nodded and headed out to the Quidditch pitch.
"Well, I don't think we need to say much. Obviously, Pans and I'll be sharing a bed." Ron smirked.
Ginny rolled her eyes, chuckling, "Clearly, Ron. The moment Mum said we weren't sleeping in the house; do you honestly think any of us planned to sleep apart from our significant others?"
Ron shrugged, "I just wanted to set the record straight."
They found a small tent set up in the middle of the pitch and walked over to it, entering one by one.
As they entered, they found the inside to be exceedingly large with separate bedrooms and a kitchen as well as a lounge and loo.
Ginny and Harry waved to the others and made their way towards the bedroom on the left.
Theo and Luna took the next room while Ron and Pansy took a room on the right. Neville and Hannah took a room next to theirs, leaving the last two bedrooms for Draco, Hermione, and Blaise.
"Which would you two like?" Blaise asked kindly.
"Either is fine, Blaise." Hermione said, "I'm actually going to have a cuppa first." She added, setting her beaded bag down on the sofa in the lounge before walking to the kitchen.
"Is she all right?" Blaise asked Draco quietly.
Draco nodded, watching his girlfriend, "She's fine. We'll take whichever room you don't."
Blaise nodded and went into one of the rooms.
Draco set his duffle bag on the sofa and walked over to the kitchen, "Hermione?" He whispered, hoping the rest of them couldn't hear him.
She turned to him as the tea steeped in a cup, "Yea?"
"Are you all right, love?" He asked.
She sighed and nodded, "I am. It's just…we've been on guard all week with Wolfe out and I wanted to feel at ease here. I truly thought I would, but I don't. I feel even more desperate to just go."
He knew she meant to go to the bridge. It was clear that she was anxious to find the answers and find her family.
He stepped closer and nodded, "Love, we'll go first thing Sunday morning. I think, though, that perhaps we ought to take someone with us as backup."
Hermione sighed, unsure, "Perhaps. Let me think on it."
He nodded, "If you choose to take someone with us…I'd suggest Potter."
She nodded, "Yea." She replied thoughtfully.
Draco stayed with her while she sipped her tea before they grabbed their bags and went to the last empty room. Draco closed the flap to the room and set up some wards and a one-way silencing charm.
They both got changed for bed and before climbing into the large bed and scooting close together.
Hermione rested her head on his chest and listened to the steady beating of his heart.
"I love you." He murmured.
She smiled and kissed the underside of his jaw, "I love you, Draco."
It was the first night all week that Hermione got a bit of rest.
November 25, 1998
Draco and Hermione woke up to the sound of laughter coming from the lounge area of the tent.
It was nearly seven in the morning and evidently some of their friends had already woken up.
Hermione scooted back, further into Draco's embrace.
He pulled her closer and kissed her shoulder, "Good morning, love."
She smiled, "I love waking up to you."
He nodded, his eyes still closed as he simply enjoyed the moment, "Me too."
Hermione sighed when she heard Ginny say something about going up to the house.
"We ought to get up and get ready."
Draco sighed and kissed her shoulder once more before pulling back and rolling out of bed.
The two of them got ready for the day before exiting the room to find all of their friends in the lounge.
"We were just about to wake you two up." Ginny said. "Mum sent a Patronus and asked that we make our way to the house to help set up. She said we'll be done by two, so we'll have time to get ready."
Hermione nodded. She and Draco grabbed a couple pieces of toast to munch on before the lot of them left the tent.
They spent the morning and early afternoon helping set up the two pavilions, tables, and chairs for the wedding and reception.
"Hey, you lot!" They heard and turned to see Charlie walking over to them. "Thank you so much for coming and helping out." He said as he hugged Ginny.
"Of course, Charlie." Hermione smiled.
"Yea, congratulations on your big day, mate." Harry added with a grin.
"How are you feeling?" Ron asked.
Charlie sighed, "I am a bit nervous to be utterly honest." He muttered.
Blaise nodded, "That's normal. All three of my brother's were nervous on their wedding days but they're all still madly in love with their significant others."
Charlie nodded, appearing to feel a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Zabini."
Blaise smiled, "No problem."
"Where is your betrothed?" Luna asked with a smile.
"Oh, well, Adrian has got it in his head that we cannot see one another until the wedding, so he's in the twins' old room with his sister and brother." Charlie said, rolling his eyes lightheartedly.
Molly walked over, "Okay you lot, go on and get ready. You too, Charlie."
The group made their way to the Quidditch pitch and into the tent. Draco and Hermione got dressed but kept from looking at each other.
Once they were both ready, Hermione nodded and said, "Okay, you can look now."
He chuckled and turned around, his jaw nearly dropping open.
She was wearing a burgundy swing dress with half sleeves and a boat neck. She had her hair down in tamed curls and was had on simple, black heals to go with the dress.
"What do you think?" She asked after a moment of silence.
"Hermione, you look radiant." He said, shaking his head, "Love, that dress looks wonderful on you."
She smiled, "Thank you, darling." She replied with a slight blush as she admired him in his black tuxedo robes. "You look dashing, Draco."
He smiled and walked over to her, taking her hand, "I feel honored to be by your side."
She smiled and kissed his lips softly, before it deepened, and she was grateful she had magically applied her lipstick so it would stay in place. As she pulled back, she smiled up at him, "Come on. I want to show you off."
He chuckled and nodded, holding out his elbow for her to take.
They met the others in the lounge of the tent.
Luna was wearing a floral tunic dress while Ginny had on a sage green lace party dress with a shawl.
Pansy and Hannah each wore a cocktail dress, though Pansy's dress was plum colored while Hannah's was pumpkin colored.
All the blokes wore black tuxedo robes except for Ron and Harry who both wore deep blue tuxedo robes as they were part of Charlie's wedding party.
They made their way back towards the house where guests were already arriving.
Draco spotted his mother as well as the Grangers in the pavilion and felt Hermione let go of his arm to go hug her parents.
As she hugged her father, Draco smiled and hugged Narcissa and Andromeda before taking Teddy, "How are you doing, mother?" He asked as he lifted Teddy in the air, making the seven-month-old boy laugh.
"I'm well. Cato is here. He's gone to help Arthur with his speech." She replied, "I wanted you to know."
He nodded, "I'm glad you brought him. How are you Andie?" He asked, looking at his aunt.
"I'm well, Draco. Teddy and I are doing wonderfully." She replied, "We are both eager to see you at Christmas."
Draco nodded and looked at his cousin, "I've got a great gift for you, little cousin."
Andromeda smiled as Hermione and her parents walked over.
"Draco!" Jean smiled, "How are you?"
"I'm doing well. How are the both of you?" He asked as Andie took Teddy back.
"We're doing wonderfully." Hayden replied with a smile.
Draco smiled back as Hermione leaned into his side. He wrapped his arm around her as Jean spoke.
"These decorations look lovely. Who did them?"
"That would be a Molly question." Hermione replied, "But she, undoubtedly, did them herself."
"She's a force of nature, that woman." Narcissa smirked and the others nodded in agreement.
As the time passed, and the wedding drew near, Draco noticed Hermione loosening up a bit. The stress he had seen her holding onto the past week seemed to be fading from her shoulders as she spent time away from the castle and with her friends and parents.
Hermione was laughing with Ginny and Harry when Molly announced that everyone needed to take their seats.
Draco and Hermione sat down on Charlie's side and waited as the music began to play.
Charlie walked down the aisle with his mother on his arm and his father behind him. He left Molly and Arthur by their seats as he took his spot at the front, next to Harry and his brothers.
Adrian came down the aisle with his mother and father, leaving them at their seats before taking his spot by his brother and best friends.
"Welcome all to the uniting of two homes. Charles Weasley and Adrian Fischer have chosen today to be bonded for life." The officiant began.
The ceremony was short but beautiful and when the bonding vow was complete, everyone stood and cheered for the newlyweds.
The reception was in the next pavilion and as everyone walked over to it, Draco pulled Hermione close and kissed her gently.
She smiled and cupped his jaw as they separated, "What was that for?" She asked.
He smiled and shook his head, "I just love seeing you so happy."
She rubbed her thumb along his cheek and nodded, "I am happy. I was struggling a bit last night but today, after seeing Mum and Dad…I feel a bit of the weight lifted off my shoulders."
He nodded, "I noticed."
"I hope you know that you were never what was causing me to feel stressed." She said, tilting her head in concern.
He nodded, "I do know that, but I was still quite concerned."
Hermione leaned in and kissed his lips softly, "Draco, you are always what helps ease my worry. Please don't forget that."
"All right, love." He smiled and kissed her lips once before adding, "Would you care for a bit of champagne?"
"I'd love some." She replied and they made their way over to the next pavilion.
During the reception, the family gave toasts, and everyone cheered the newlyweds.
Draco and Cato were reintroduced as people danced.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Draco." Cato said, shaking the younger wizard's hand.
"You too, Cato. I'm thrilled to hear about you and my mother." He said. "She said that the two of you have been together a while."
Cato nodded, "We have. I'm sorry that you and I didn't get to speak at the start of it. I can imagine that you might have been a bit worried or concerned for your mother's wellbeing."
Draco nodded, appreciating that Cato took mind of that. "Yes. I must admit, I do always feel concerned about my mother's wellbeing. She deserves the best and I want to make sure that she gets just that and nothing less."
"Well, are there any questions that you have for me?" Cato asked without any tone of irritation or annoyance.
Draco thought for a second before sighing, "Honestly, Cato, I just want to be sure that you have the best intentions when it comes to my mother. So, what exactly are your intentions?"
Cato smiled, "To be utterly honest with you Draco, I would love to marry Narcissa at some point in the not-too-distant future. I've fallen in love with her even in the short time we've been together. She's a wonderful woman with a kind heart who deserves to be treated like a queen." He said. "I have yet to speak with her about this plan but there it is."
Draco nodded, with a smile, and held out his hand, "I wish you and my mother the very best. But take care of her, or I'll rescind my kind statements and jovial attitude."
Cato nodded, understanding.
They shook hands once more before Draco rejoined Hermione and Blaise who had been talking at their table.
"Love, would you care to dance with me?" Draco asked, holding out his right hand.
Hermione smiled and nodded, "I'd love to." She said, taking his hand as she stood.
The two of them made their way out to the dance floor as the band began playing a slow song.
Draco took her right hand in his left and placed his right hand on her lower back. They slowly swayed to the music.
"So this is a preview for the ball?" She asked with a small smirk.
He grinned, "Well, I've heard the ball will have a lot of faster music as well but yes, this is a preview." He chuckled, pulling her closer.
Hermione's left hand moved up his shoulder, to his neck and gently played with the ends of his hair. "I love getting to show you off."
He smirked. "Show me off? Am I a prize?"
"No, but you are something in my life that I am immensely proud of." She said sweetly.
He smiled and leaned down pressing a gentle kiss to her lips as the song ended.
They made their way over to their table where Harry, Ginny and Ron were sitting.
"Where's Pansy?" Hermione asked.
"She's dancing with Blaise." Ron said, nodding to the dance floor where Blaise was finally smiling.
"We should have brought Cordelia." Draco muttered, surprising Hermione, but neither could remark more on it.
Suddenly their necklaces alerted them of the presence of either a member of the Wolfe family of one of Wolfe's lackeys.
They surprised Harry, Ginny, and Ron by both pulling out their wands and looking around suspiciously.
"What's wrong?" Ginny said, confused.
"Somethings…off." Draco muttered. "Someone's near."
"Who?" Harry asked.
"Wolfe or…someone…" Hermione add, looking around.
"How do you know?" Ron asked.
"Trust us." Hermione said.
At that, Harry brandished his wand and both Ron and Ginny followed his lead.
"You have you're bag, right?" Draco asked Hermione who nodded and held it up.
He nodded, feeling better but knowing, somehow that Wolfe was most likely in their tent looking for Hermione's bag.
Draco looked at Harry, "I think he's in the tent."
Harry nodded and the group of them made their way back to the tent with their wands at the ready.
By the time they got there, their necklaces had stopped, and all was calm. Hermione performed a couple different charms to check to see if he had placed any curses on the tent, but he hadn't.
"I think he was just looking for your bag." Draco said, looking around with his wand still in his hand.
Hermione sighed and nodded, holding her bag close.
"Ron, I'll meet you and Gin back up there." Harry said pointedly.
Ron nodded and left with his sister while Harry turned to Draco and Hermione, "I don't want to intrude but you've told us a bit about what's going on. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Draco looked at Hermione and nodded.
She sighed and nodded, "Harry, tomorrow morning, Draco and I are going somewhere. Will you come with us as backup?"
Harry nodded, "Of course." He replied, "May I ask where?"
"Yes, but I'd rather we discussed it somewhere else and later." Hermione replied.
Harry nodded, "I understand. Let's head back to the reception. I do think we ought to move the tent next to the house tonight once the pavilions are cleared up."
"I agree." Draco said as he and Hermione glanced around, even though their necklaces weren't alerting them of anything.
While in the pavilion, Hermione hugged her parents tightly and told them to be extra careful.
"We will, Minnie." Hayden said, "You too."
Jean hugged her daughter once more before leaving with Narcissa, Hayden and Cato.
Later that night, once the pavilions had been cleared away and the tent had been moved up next to the house, Harry met with Draco and Hermione in their room. They put a few wards in place and a silencing charm.
Hermione began to explain in detail everything they planned to do the next day.
"So this bridge is where the wand is being hidden?" Harry asked.
"We aren't sure." Draco said, "But we believe so."
Harry nodded, "I understand why you haven't kept us all informed about every detail. This is incredibly important and secretive information. Hermione…" He said, looking at his best friend, "I'm so sorry about your family. I'll do everything in my power to help."
"Thank you, Harry." Hermione replied as she hugged him.
Harry bid them goodnight and went to bed while Draco and Hermione stayed up a bit longer.
"Are you nervous?" Draco asked as they sat in bed, and he noticed her biting her bottom lip.
She nodded, "I am, but I'm much more eager than nervous. I want to get this over with so that I can find my family."
He nodded and kissed her shoulder, "You're not alone in this."
She looked at him and nodded, "I know, love. Thank you."
She scooted closer to him and kissed him deeper than before.
He turned towards her and cupped her jaw, understanding that she needed a moment to connect with him.
She reached up, taking his face between her hands, and pulling him further into the snog as she straddled his lap.
He was surprised by the action but rested his hands on her hips.
Hermione let out quiet moan that shot straight down Draco's spine.
She pulled back from him and clenched her jaw with her eyes still closed, attempting to contain her arousal.
"Hermione…" He muttered.
She shook her head and licked her lips, "I'm sorry. I know you want to wait a while."
He swallowed and pulled her close, "How do you feel?" he asked quietly.
She opened her eyes, meeting his dark but thoughtful grey orbs, "Draco, I feel fine. I'm not in any pain. But I don't want you to do something that you don't feel is right…"
He shook his head, "I just never want to hurt you."
She leaned forward and gently kissed his lips before whispering against them, "I'll let you know if I'm in pain."
He nodded and deepened the kiss. He reached underneath her long sleeve tee and pulled it up, over her head.
He swallowed, seeing that she wasn't wearing a bra. His eyes shot down to her breasts and he bit back a groan at the sight.
He reached over onto the bedside table and grabbed his wand. He aimed it at her stomach and quietly spoke, "conceptus praeventionis".
A small light moved through her navel and stomach before diminishing. He set his wand back on the bedside table and looked back at her.
She bit her bottom lip as he leaned in, kissing her jaw softly before moving down slowly. He took his time, grazing his lips along her skin as he moved down to her chest.
She sat up a bit higher on her knees, searching for more contact with his lips as her fingers ran through his hair.
Draco kissed the top of her left breast and gently took her nipple between his lips as his hands cupped her arse.
Hermione inhaled sharply before letting out a soft moan with the syllables of his name floating within it.
He kissed his way over to her right breast and gave it the same treatment, causing her to moan a bit louder.
"Draco…" She breathed.
He raised his head and took her lips with his own, both moaning into the kiss.
She could feel his arousal against her inner thigh and moaned louder, pulling back from the kiss. She reached down and pulled his tee over his head. Her eyes were met with the marvelous sight of Draco's sculpted torso.
She brought her eyes up to look into his and found him watching her face. She felt her face heat up a bit from embarrassment.
He cupped her jaw and kissed her before bringing both of his hands down to the hem of her lounge trousers. He tugged them down but left her knickers on.
She re-straddled his lap after he got his own lounge trousers off.
He reached down and softly rubbed her thighs. His eyes were focused on his hands, so he didn't see her biting her lip, but he did feel her hands land on his shoulders for support.
He let his right hand move to her inner thigh and slowly dragged his fingertips along the soft skin he found there. He looked up to see her face and swallowed.
"May I touch you?" He whispered in a breath.
She bit her lip harder and nodded, looking into his eyes before whispering back, "Please."
He nearly came at the sound of that word escaping her lips, but he held back and moved his hand to touch the outside of her knickers.
She inhaled shakily and her hips jerked but he kept his steadily soft touch.
He reached and pulled her knickers down her legs before having her re-straddle his lap, completely naked.
She felt the slightest bit insecure until he touched her, and she heard him groan, "Bloody hell." in a low tone.
He lightly traced his fingers along her core, feeling just how aroused she was and how much more she got by the minute. When he touched her clit, she whimpered, and her hips jerked. He began to trace soft circles around her clit, causing her hips to thrust in a rhythm.
"Draco. Please…I need you." She whimpered and he groaned, pulling his hand back so that he could lower his boxers.
She scooted further up his body, and he gripped her hip before meeting her eyes as she sunk down onto him.
They both moaned out loud. She leaned down and kissed his lips passionately as she began to move in a slow but steady rhythm.
"Hermione." He muttered against her lips causing her to whimper and move faster. "That's it, love." He groaned.
He could see that she was needing release but wasn't quite getting there, so Draco gently held her and carefully flipped them over so that he was on top. He began thrusting into her, causing her moans to grow louder as he hit certain spots that brought her more pleasure.
"Draco…oh Draco! Right there!" She moaned as she felt her climax nearing.
Draco felt his own nearing as well and reached down, circling her clit. Hermione's legs wrapped around his waist as he thrust and felt her tighten around him.
"Oh…yes! Yes!" She moaned in nearly a scream, her nails digging into his shoulders.
He groaned, coming deep inside her as he watched her face when she hit her peak. She was beyond beautiful. Her eyes were squeezed shut, and her jaw had fallen open in silent scream of pleasure.
He leaned down and kissed her neck softly, moving along her collar bone and up to her jaw before kissing her lips, "You're so beautiful." He murmured against her lips.
She hummed and kissed him back with fervor.
"So beautiful." He repeated as they separated. He pulled back and rolled onto his side to look at her.
She smiled, sated, and met his eyes, "I love you so very much, Draco."
He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her bare shoulder, "I love you so very much, as well, Hermione." He replied, "More than I can express, to be honest."
She rolled onto her side to face him and cupped his jaw. Looking into his cooling grey eyes, she felt a sensation of serenity and quietly said, "You are more than I ever dreamed I could have, you know?" she looked down and sighed before meeting his eyes with slightly watery brown ones. "I never imagined I could be this happy…this in love. We've gone through so much with the war and I simply never thought I'd get to a point in my life that I'd be truly happy. But Draco, you make me so bloody happy. Thank you for coming into my life and being the man you are."
He clenched his jaw and swallowed, surprised by her unhindered honesty, and leaned forward, kissing her lips. As he pulled back, he pressed his forehead to hers and swallowed once more, trying to contain some of his emotions.
"Hermione, thank you for helping make me into the man I am. I was so lost, so broken and then you came into my life, and you made me whole. I can't imagine my world without you in it…I don't want to even try. I love you so much."
She smiled and kissed his lips deeply, rolling on top of him.
They held each and snogged for a while before deciding to go to sleep. They both redressed and curled up together.
"Night, love." He murmured.
She smiled and leaned further into him, "Goodnight, Darling." She whispered, finally feeling some peace.
November 26, 1998
It was six in the morning when Draco and Hermione woke. He pulled her close and reminded her that he would be by her side the entire time; she wasn't about to do this alone.
She smiled and kissed his lips softly before nodding.
They both got up and dressed before meeting Harry in the lounge of the tent.
Hermione inhaled deeply and cast a Disillusionment charm on each of them. She took their hands and Apparated them to Berry Brook Bridge in Richmond.
Draco and Harry already had their wands out, and Hermione was quick to brandish hers as they all looked around to see if anyone was nearby.
Neither necklace alerted them of anything and none of them saw anyone or anything suspect.
Hermione inhaled deeply and didn't bother pulling out the note her grandfather had left her, having memorized it long ago.
"Harry, will you stand guard please." Hermione asked as she removed the Disillusionment charm on each of them.
Harry nodded and focused on their surroundings. "I'll be up here. Shout if you need me."
She nodded as she and Draco walked down to the brook, under the bridge. She led him to the largest boulder that reached out into the water.
She sat on the very edge as Draco remained standing behind her, looking around for anything suspicious.
The words of Leo's note ran through her mind.
I need you to look for your reflection in the brook as you sit on our boulder. Truly look for what you seek, and you will find so much more. It's such a divine place, full of beauty, wisdom, and treasures worth more than diamonds.
She looked down into the water and thought about what it was that she was truly searching for. In all honesty, she didn't care all that much about the Celestial wand. The only reason she wanted to find it was to find her family. Searching for her family was her true mission.
She yearned to find them and bring them home where they belonged.
That's when she saw something in the water. Just under the edge of the bridge was something that didn't belong there. She furrowed her brow and sat up on her knees before reaching down, into the brisk water.
Draco watched as she pulled a tarnished chain out of the brook.
"Here, Draco. Help me." She said, attempting to pull the chain.
He nodded and helped her carefully tug the chain, pulling a rusted, metal box from the water.
Hermione furrowed her brow and attempted to open the box.
"It's locked." She murmured disappointedly, seeing the keyhole on the side of the box.
"Let's take it back to the Burrow." Draco said quietly as he glanced around.
She nodded and slipped the box into her beaded bag along with the chain.
They went back on top of the bridge and met up with Harry.
"Let's get back." Hermione said quietly as she looked around.
Both wizards grabbed her hand and she Apparated them back to the Burrow.
When they arrived, it was only just a little past eight, so they made their way to the tent where they found the group eating breakfast.
"Where'd you lot go off to?" Ron asked.
"We went to see Hermione's parents for a moment." Harry said, knowing full well that they weren't ready to inform the group of what they had found. "I was awake, so they let me go with them. I'm surprised Molly didn't insist on all of us eating with them in the house." He added, hoping to distract them and change the topic.
"Well, most of the family is still here." Ginny said. "So, Mum might be a bit overwhelmed. There are too many people in that house. There isn't even enough room at the table."
Blaise shook his head, "Bloody hell and that's a huge table."
"What do you say, we all go out to the Quidditch pitch for a bit?" Theo asked.
The others agreed and got ready to go. Hermione told them that she and Draco would be there soon.
Once they were alone, Draco and Hermione went into their room and set up some wards and an extra strength silencing charm.
Hermione pulled the box and chain from her bag and set them on the floor before sitting down next to them.
She aimed her wand at it and quietly spoke, "Alohomora." She checked and sighed, "It didn't work."
Draco looked at the box thoughtfully before noticing something odd. It was a sliding piece of metal.
"Hold on." He murmured and slid the piece, revealing another keyhole that looked nothing like the one they had originally noticed, "That's interesting."
Hermione huffed and shook her head, "So there are two keys…"
"I don't think so." Draco said, examining the first keyhole, "This one only goes in about five millimeters. I don't think it's deep enough for an actual key. I believe it may be a trick keyhole."
She furrowed her brow and nodded, "Okay, so one key, but where is this key. Grandad would have kept it somewhere safe."
Draco looked at Hermione who was rubbing her left temple in a stressed manner.
"Love, we'll figure this out." He said, "I promise, we will."
She nodded, "I don't remember there being any keys that would fit that lock in that box that your mother brought to the castle from my parents."
"Want to look through it again now?" He asked, knowing she had that box of items in her bag.
She shook her head, "Even though I truly want to solve this now, I think that we ought to wait until we get back to the castle."
He nodded and watched as she put it back in her bag and stood up.
He stood and pulled her close, leaning down to press his forehead against hers, "I love you."
She nodded, keeping her eyes closed for a moment. "I love you too." She whispered.
He gently cupped her jaw and asked, "What would you like to do now? I'll do whatever you want."
She sighed, "Let's just go out to the pitch."
He nodded and pressed a light kiss to her forehead.
Draco and Hermione made their way out to the pitch, with the bag in hand, and joined their friends.
The group spent most of the morning on the pitch until Molly called for them to come inside for lunch, having sent most of the family home.
When they arrived in the Burrow, they found that Molly had set up a large meal for them.
"Mum, you act like you've missed us a bit." Ron grinned.
Molly blushed a bit, "Well, I have. Last summer, my house was packed to the beams with people and for the past few months, it's been nearly empty. It's difficult to go from having so many people to take care to having none."
Hermione walked over and hugged Molly, "We've missed you too, Molly."
Mrs. Weasley smiled and hugged the younger witch tightly.
After lunch, the group gathered their things. They all had assignments that needed to be completed before the next day, so they had decided to leave earlier than anticipated.
They arrived back at the castle at four that afternoon. McGonagall was surprised to see them back so early but simply nodded and welcomed them back.
The lot of them split up, going to do their own assignments or spend time with their significant other.
Hermione and Draco went straight to his dorm room and set out the box of items Narcissa had brought from the Grangers sometime back. Draco placed a silencing charm on the room and a few wards before helping her search through it all.
"Here are some keys." Hermione said, flipping through the keys on a keychain but none of them looked anything like the key that matched the keyhole.
She huffed and sat on his bed, groaning.
Draco joined her and quietly said, "Love, I know how important this is. I do but…but we don't have to figure it out tonight."
Hermione shook her head and stood up frustratedly, "I am so tired of the bloody mystery of this damn thing! Dumbledore knew so much, and he kept it all hidden until there was no other choice!" she exclaimed.
Draco nodded but didn't speak, feeling as if she needed to release some anger.
"I hate him!" Hermione exclaimed, "I never fully understood Harry's anger towards Dumbledore until now. That man kept everything important from us!" she huffed and continued "And now, if Wolfe thinks we have it, then they could…" She swallowed, "Wolfe and his family, they could kill my family, if they're even still alive." At her own remark, she broke down into tears. "What if…what if…what if all of this is for nothing and they're all dead? Draco, I'm not sure how to handle losing Grandad and Grandmum all over again."
Draco stood up and pulled her into his arms, holding her close as she sobbed into his chest.
"Love, don't think like that." He said, "For now, we continue to work under the assumption that they are alive and in need of our help. I'm not giving up and I know you too well to think you're going to give up." He said, pulling back to meet her eyes, "I know you, Hermione Granger and you can handle this. I know it's got to be the most difficult thing you've faced because it's your blood but love, you can do this. We can do this…together."
She sniffed and nodded, "I'm not going to give up."
He nodded, "So, for now, let's go down to the Great Hall and have dinner. We both should eat something. Tomorrow, we can begin working on this again. We'll find the key. I know it. We just need to think."
She looked up at him and shook her head slightly, "Draco, I don't know what I'd do without you. You've been so strong for me. Especially at the times when I feel like I'm going to shatter."
He cupped her jaw and looked into her eyes, "Love, believe me when I say that you're the strong one. I'm simply following your lead."
She huffed and hugged him tightly.
She knew there was much to do and with Draco by her side, she had no doubts that they could conquer every obstacle that crossed their path…together.