Chapter 7

Her mother picked both Draco and herself up from the train. Snow covered the ground outside the station. She put both of their bags in the trunk of the car and they piled into the back seat.

Draco hadn't been in the muggle world much so he was watching out the window the entire time, fascinated at the buildings and cars they passed. She smiled happily watching the blonde haired boy. It was funny seeing him so amazed at their surroundings.

They pulled into the driveway and as Hermione entered the warm home, it reminded her of how it was when it was just her and her mom. They were happy and cozy together. She loved their life.

Her smile quickly faded when she saw her family. She took a step back and slammed into Draco who steadied her with a chuckle. She looked at him apologetically. "Sorry."

She clears her throat stepping into the living room. She grips Draco's hand tightly, needing the support of him being there, "This is my step father and my step brother. Guys, this is Draco. He's a friend from school."

Finn steps forward, hands in his jean pockets, "Boyfriend?"

Hermione blushes but quickly responds, "No of course not. He's just a friend Finn."

He quirks an eyebrow, "Hm."

Seeming to gain confidence from being close to Draco she shoves him out of her face, "Leave me alone Finn."

"That's enough kids," Daniel's deep voice booms. His hand lands on my shoulder, "Hermione why don't you and your friend go unpack. Show him to the guest room. Dinner will be ready soon. Kay?"

Hermione nods, glancing at her mother who shoots daggers at her daughter.

She pulls Draco up the stairs behind her, "Okay so this will be your room. I'm right next to you, adjoining bathroom."

Draco nods, hands in his pockets, "Alright. Hey Mione. I really appreciate you having me over. It means a lot to me."

A faint blush crawls on his cheeks and she laughs. "Of course Draco. I'm happy to have you here. Truly."

Christmas morning seems to come quickly and they're opening gifts in the warm living room. Hermione has never been happier at home. Her mother was acting like a mom again. Her brother was leaving her alone. And her father, well, he didn't do a whole lot of anything.

She thought Draco may have literally saved her life this break. Who knows what could've happened if she'd been here alone. Horrible unforgivable things she'd bet.

To her surprise, her mother had gotten Draco some gifts too. He seemed happy as could be but a sad smile crossed his face at moments.

After dinner, she decided to ask him about it in her bedroom. "What was the matter this morning? You act happy. But you don't seem genuine."

He chuckles, "You know me too well Hermione. I guess I should've known you'd see through me. It's just...my family has never been anything like this. My friends mother, someone who's never met me before, has treated me with more kindness than I've received from both of my parents combined."

He continues, "I'm jealous of you Hermione. And I shouldn't be, because it's not your fault that you have this perfect life. But I...truthfully I am envious."

"My life isn't perfect you know." She says softly, "You don't want this."

He scoffs, "What do you mean? Mommy and Daddy don't buy you everything on your Christmas list? Your brother and you fight over the TV remote? Come on Hermione. I'm being serious. I'm talking about real issues."

Her blood boils. She hasn't dealt with all she's been through for her feelings to get dismissed so easily, even if he didn't know. She should be happy. This is what she had wanted after all. For everyone to believe this perfect facade she wanted people to see. But deeper than that...she wanted someone to see through it. To not believe her when she said she just fell down the stairs. To question her. To keep asking until they got the truth from her. To care enough to get the truth. To push for it.

But she definitely wouldn't stand here and be told by Draco Malfoy of all people that she hadn't gone through any real problems in her life.

"You have no idea what you're talking about Malfoy." She whispers, voice barely above a hush.

Hurt flashes through his eyes, "Back to Malfoy are we? Fine. I should leave then. I'll see you back at school next week."

Shit. She had screwed up. "No wait Mal-I mean Draco. You don't have to leave. Stay."

"No thanks." He insists. Going through the shared bathroom, she can hear him packing his things. She follows him out into the hallway and watches him descend down the stairs.

"Thank you so much for having me Mrs. Granger. I had a wonderful time." Draco says by the door to her mother.

"Leaving already? I thought you were staying all break?" She asks.

He shakes his head politely, "I wish I could. But alas I have homework I should catch up on and some Head Boy duties to finish before students get back. I really appreciate you having me though."

"Sure dear. Come again." She says sweetly.

Draco doesn't even spare her a glance before closing the door behind him.

She hurried back to her room and locks the door.

Footsteps approach the door and her breathing gets heavy.

"Doll. I thought he'd never leave."