Hermione must have been truly exhausted, because when she woke next, she was in bed with Draco. He was wearing only his underwear and was propped up against the wall, reading the same book she had been reading last night. She grinned up at him, her eyes scanning his bare chest appreciatively. "It's not very helpful, is it?" she asked.
Draco's eyes instantly met hers and he promptly closed the book, smiling softly at her. "No, not at all," he agreed. "Morning." He reached out and stroked her cheek.
Hermione grimaced. "I really passed out last night, didn't I?" she asked.
He nodded. "Couldn't have woken you if I had tried. Truthfully, though, I didn't even try. Just carried you to bed. You were rather cute."
"Cute?" Hermione asked questioningly. "You thought I was cute?"
Draco gave her a strange look, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Downright adorable," he amended, his expression turning once more into a smile.
Hermione was fairly certain that she was not adorable when she slept. But, of course, Draco loved her. He probably did find her adorable.
"What time is it?" she asked.
Draco shrugged. "Heard a ruckus earlier. Think there was a breakfast about to be made. We could go and check, if you wanted."
She was hungry, but she shook her head. "In a bit," she replied. "I missed out on cuddles last night."
He grinned. "Not me," he said. "You were wrapped around me all night."
"Draco!"
He slid down the bed and held an arm out for her. "Come here." As soon as she laid her head against his chest, he squeezed her shoulders and pulled the covers back over them. "This better?" Draco asked.
Hermione curled against him, kissing his bare chest. "Much," she replied.
"Good morning, beautiful," Draco said softly, gently stroking her hair.
"Never expected you to be cuddly."
"Oh?" he asked.
"I used to catalogue you, you know," she admitted quietly. "Everything about you, because you confused me. I had a running list." She held up her fingers, recounting her list. "Death Eater. Spy. Good with animals. You gave me a coin so I could contact you. Lonely. You rescued me. You sleep with your wand. I think you're handsome."
He quirked an eyebrow at her. "That's all you got?" he asked.
Hermione shook her head, smiling. "I stopped keeping a list. But if I still was, I'd add cuddly to it."
"Why'd you stop?" Draco asked.
"It stopped being important," she replied quietly. "I had this whole list trying to figure you out, and then one day—you were just Draco. I didn't need the list anymore."
"That's when you realized you liked me," Draco said knowingly.
"Yeah," Hermione agreed, kissing his chest again. "But I think I knew even before that."
Draco nodded. "I didn't really grow up in a cuddly type of family, as I'm sure you're aware. So no, not the most cuddlesome." He paused. "Pansy was the same. We didn't cuddle much. You're kind of the first girl that I've—well you're the first in a lot of ways."
"First you loved?" she asked, already knowing the answer.
"Yeah," he agreed. "Changes things a bit."
"How so?" Hermione asked.
Draco smiled at her. "You're the one, remember? And before your brain starts whirling—I cuddle with you because I genuinely enjoy it."
"Yeah?"
Draco squeezed her tighter. "Yeah," he replied, grinning. "When this is all over, I'll spend an entire day just curled up and holding you."
Hermione sighed. "That sounds—wonderful."
"Good," he said. "Then it's a plan."
"When?" Hermione asked then. "When will this be over?"
"I don't know," he said quietly. "There's still the matter of the unicorn—and we do need the Order on board."
"I'm sorry," Hermione apologized. "It's my fault we're not with the Order right now."
Draco shook his head. "Don't be sorry," he replied. "It's partially my fault anyways. It's me they're angry with—not you."
"No," Hermione said quietly. "They're angry with me. About you. They don't approve."
"They're right not to," Draco replied.
Hermione turned more fully towards Draco, narrowing her eyes. She knew she was insecure, but perhaps he was, too. As she stared him, she noticed him avoiding her eyes. Suddenly, she realized—he thought he was a terrible person. He'd said it before, but it had never really registered with her. It was something said offhandedly, or in jest. Except, it wasn't.
"Let's get one thing straight," she said, repeating his own words to her. His eyes widened and he finally looked back at her. "I don't give two shits about what the Order thinks about you and me. This is our relationship, and the only people who matter are you and me. I chose you, and they can bloody fuck off—"
"You sound just like me—"
"Shut up, I wasn't done," Hermione continued. "I know you think you're evil. But you're not, Draco. You're not. You're a good man. You just didn't have a choice."
The corner of his lip quirked, and he looked away again. "Right," he said.
"Look at me."
He did.
"Just because you've done bad things, doesn't mean you're a bad person. You are a good man, Draco Malfoy. And you're brave. Braver than anyone I've ever met.
He stared at her, almost as if he were in awe. "Hermione," he said quietly.
She knew exactly what he was about to say, because he was insecure, too.
"And if you tell me that you don't deserve me one more time, I'm going to kick your ass," she continued. "Because you make me happier than I've ever been, despite this shitty world we live in, and I'm in love with you—so don't."
Draco was quiet for several moments before nodding. "Okay," he agreed softly.
She kissed his chest again before wrapping her own arms around him so that their bodies were twined together. She took comfort in him—and he took comfort in her. Something had shifted between them. They understood each other fully, and they relied on each other, but hadn't they always? "Do you still want breakfast?" Hermione asked.
Against her, Draco shook his head. "No," he replied quietly. "I want to stay here with you. We missed out on cuddles last night, after all."
Hermione laughed. "We did," she agreed. "Just as well. I think we're nearly out of food. I might have to make another trip soon."
"No," Draco said. "Send someone else."
"Draco—"
"Shut up, I wasn't done," he replied, smirking against her hair. "This isn't just me being protective. You went last time. Send someone else this time—make 'em earn their keep."
Hermione supposed that Draco had a point. "I could see Astoria and George being up for it," she said thoughtfully. "Bit of bonding."
"See? And you even get to meddle."
She smiled against his chest. "A win-win, I suppose," Hermione agreed.
He kissed the top of her head. "I knew you'd see it my way. Just—a little bit longer, love."
Hermione nestled into him. "I can do with a little bit longer, I suppose."
They emerged from the tent an hour later, fully dressed and their hands wound tightly, to find George, Astoria, and Theo sitting around the dying campfire.
"Are you done having sex?" Astoria asked brightly. "We saved you some toast."
Hermione grinned at her. "For now," Hermione replied. They hadn't even had sex that morning. But it was fun to tease.
Gods, she really was turning into Draco.
Astoria wrinkled her nose. "Gross," she said.
"Well, you asked," Hermione shot back.
"Someone needs to go get some more food," Draco said seriously.
"Hermione—" George began.
"Went last time," Draco interrupted harshly. "This is our house. You're staying here for free. So we make the rules. Someone else gets to steal the food this time. Or pay for it—I truly don't care."
Hermione didn't miss the use of our.
Theirs. Hers and Draco's.
Astoria shrugged. "I'll do it. I'm bored."
"I'll come," George immediately volunteered.
Did that count as meddling? Hermione wondered.
Draco nodding. "I'll be warding the lake today with Hermione and Theo. We'll show you how to get there when you get back."
He was going to cast more blood wards todays. Oh, gods. She had to cut him. She had to hurt him. She squeezed his hand, and he squeezed back. It's okay, he said.
It would be okay. She wouldn't cut too deep, and there were blood replenishing potions. Draco would be fine.
She just didn't want to hurt him.
Hermione felt sick. And when she stared up at the sky, she felt sicker. It was nearly black, and something felt wrong. She wanted to vomit.
Draco must've noticed her tension, because he looked over to her. "Hermione?" he asked quietly.
"I think something's wrong," she replied, nodding towards the sky.
Draco closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, the corners of his nose twitching. "Smells like magic," he said.
"You can smell it?" Hermione asked.
"If it's powerful enough," Draco replied. "And it's powerful—you can feel it."
"Draco—" Hermione began hesitantly.
"We're okay, Hermione," he interrupted. "No one is getting through these wards."
Theo stood, also staring at the sky. "I don't think anyone should leave right now," he said warily.
"No," Astoria agreed.
"Why?" asked George. "What's happening?"
"Something bad," Draco said darkly, wrapping his arms around Hermione.
As if on cue, there was a thundering roar and the ground shook beneath Hermione's feet. She held tightly to Draco. "What was that?" she asked.
"I don't know," he replied nervously.
"A load of Dark Magic," Theo said tersely.
"Him?" Astoria asked.
"Who else?"
Astoria nodded.
Draco inhaled deeply again. "We should get inside."
Theo nodded. "Yeah," he agreed.
"Is this a pureblood thing?" Hermione asked. "Smelling magic?" She couldn't smell anything.
"I don't know," Draco replied, tugging at her hand. "Maybe."
Hermione followed Draco back into the tent, curling up on his lap on the couch. Theo looked grim, Astoria was gnawing at her nails, and George was just staring at Astoria.
Suddenly, it started to rain. No, it started to pour. Fat raindrops slamming against the tent, drowning out all other sounds. "I smell it now," George shouted unhelpfully.
Hermione curled further into Draco, wrapping her arms around him. This storm felt wrong.
Maybe only purebloods could smell it, but Hermione could feel it. She felt her body tense up.
"It's okay," Draco said soothingly. "I've got you."
"It's bad, isn't it?" Hermione asked, already knowing the answer.
Draco paused, his lips quirking. He shook his head. "Yeah," he replied. "It's not natural. Smell—it doesn't smell like regular rain."
Hermione inhaled deeply and found that Draco was right. It didn't smell like regular rain. There was something off about it—something foul. "Draco, what am I smelling?"
"Dark Magic," he said quietly, running his hands down her shoulders.
Thunder clapped suddenly in the distance and Hermione jumped in Draco's lap. "Draco—"
"It's okay," Draco said calmly. "I've got you. Nothing is going to happen to you."
The rain began to fall harder, battering the tent and obstructing every sound. She was certain Theo tried to speak at one point, but the movement of his lips had been useless. Hermione buried her face in Draco's shoulder. "What is this?" she asked in Draco's ear.
"He's pissed off," Draco murmured back.
The storm raged outside. "Something happened," Hermione replied through gritted teeth.
"Yes," Draco agreed.
"What Theo said—about Switzerland?" she asked.
Draco shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe. Fuck," he swore as there was another clap of thunder, louder than the last.
"What?"
"Go get your bag," he replied.
"Why?" she asked.
"In case this gets worse," Draco said.
In case we have to go to Russia.
Were things really that bad?
Well of course they were. It was Voldemort, and he was angry, and there was a bloody cyclone raging outside. She stood, regretfully leaving Draco's lap and headed to their bedroom, grabbing her purple beaded bag before returning to Draco's lap. She rummaged through the bag before finding the covered Portkey. "This is what you wanted, right?" she asked.
He nodded. "Just in case," he said.
There was another clap of thunder, and a bolt of lightning so close that Hermione could see it through the edges of the tent. "Draco," she murmured.
"We're okay," Draco replied. "We're okay."
"When will we not be okay?" Hermione asked.
Draco's mouth was set into a firm line. "When I tell you to run."
"Malfoy!" Theo yelled.
Draco's head snapped upwards, his eyes narrowing.
"Got a shielding spell that might prevent this place from being destroyed. Need your help, though."
Draco looked to Hermione. She nodded. "Go," she said. She had a complicated relationship with said tent—viewing it as both a place as she had once hidden from the world, and as place she had made makeshift home with Draco. Either way, she didn't want to see it destroyed. That would—hurt.
George stood from the couch, his mouth in a hard line. "I'll help," he said loudly.
Both Draco and Theo nodded, before all three of them were walking outside and into the storm, leaving Hermione and Astoria alone.
"Why are they so stupid?" Astoria asked quietly.
Hermione sighed. "I doubt we'll ever know. But a shielding spell is probably a good idea. I didn't make this place to withstand magical weather."
As if on cue, a snap came from the tent. Hermione winced.
The boys returned half an hour later, drenched from head to toe. Draco's hair was slicked back across his head, reminding Hermione very much a younger Draco—a Draco that had hurt her. It made her stomach hurt.
The feeling disappeared, of course, when the first thing Draco did was look around the tent for her, his eyes hard. As soon as they landed on her, they softened and he grinned at her. This was Draco. Her Draco. The real Draco.
Having found her, Draco peeled the wet shirt from his body, revealing his perfect abs. Hermione's first thought was that she wanted to lick him, which was unhelpful. Her second thought was more productive: Are you okay?
Hermione walked towards him, placing her palm in the center of his chest, despite wanting to grab him, and stared up at him. "Are you all right?" she asked quietly.
He gave her strange look before another look, one of realization, flickered across his face. "Yeah, love, I'm okay," he replied gently, dropping a kiss to the top of her head. "Just a lil' wet, is all."
Theo was taking his own shirt off, wringing it out on the floor. "Spell should hold for at least a day," he said. "But no one's going anywhere. It's nasty out there."
Draco sighed. "Just another dent in my plans."
"It's always something, isn't it?" Theo asked sardonically, running his fingers through his hair.
"Always," Draco agreed.
"Someone is totally pissed off," said George, who was also shirtless and currently had an arm around Astoria.
Hermione could feel herself shaking, and Draco must have felt it, too, because he looked down at her with a frown. "Come on, I need to change out of these wet clothes."
Hermione nodded and followed him to their bedroom, where Draco promptly began to strip. "Are you all right?" he asked as he pulled off his pants. "You look ill."
"You gave me that Portkey months ago," she replied quietly. "Never thought I'd have to use it."
He furrowed his brow and walked over to her, wearing only his underwear, which was also soaked. "Hey," he said. "It was just a precaution. I wasn't sure how bad things were going to get."
Outside, she could still hear the storm raging. "But things are getting worse, aren't they?" Hermione asked.
"I don't know, Hermione," he replied honestly. "This could be a tantrum or He's having a bit of fun. I don't know."
"Didn't realize magical weather was even a thing," she muttered as he wrapped his arms around her. His skin was still wet. She didn't very much care. He was still warm and solid against her.
"Magical everything is a thing," Draco replied.
"Yeah," she said quietly, wrapping her arms around his wet torso. "I guess so."
"Hey," Draco repeated. "We're fine. Nothing is going to happen to you. I won't let it."
"I know," Hermione replied. There was no place in the world that was safer for her than Draco Malfoy's arms, she thought—not for the first time.
He held her for a few minutes. "Tell me what you need, Hermione," he said. "What can I do?"
Hermione stared up at him. "I need you," she replied quietly.
Draco tilted his head briefly before he seemed to understand. He pulled her clothes off before gently pressing her down onto their bed and settling between her legs. "Like this?" he asked.
Hermione shook her head. "Closer," she replied. "And with less underwear."
Draco laughed before standing and yanking off his underwear. He settled back between her legs, curling over her body until their chests were touching. "Better?" he asked.
"Yeah," she agreed.
Outside the storm roared, but the tent didn't seem to be affected any longer. The spell was holding strong.
He slid inside her with a groan. "I'm not ever going to let anything happen to you," Draco promised as he began to move. "Not ever."
Hermione wrapped her legs around his waist and stroked his back. "I know."
Draco buried his face in her neck. "I'll kill anyone who tries to touch you," he swore into her ear.
"Draco—" she began.
"No," he said quietly, punctuating his response with a particularly deep thrust that left her gasping. "I'm not letting anyone ever hurt you again."
His response should have scared her.
Think you can do an Avada?
Yes, she'd said.
This was war, and it didn't scare her anymore. There would have to be casualties—there always were.
"Okay," Hermione agreed, moving with him.
"You're mine," he said fiercely against her shoulder.
"I'm yours," she replied. "And you're mine. No one touches you either."
Draco paused, meeting her eyes. "What does that mean?" he asked.
"You know what it means," Hermione said, thrusting her hips towards his. "The people I love aren't replaceable. You aren't replaceable."
Think you can do an Avada?
For him, she could.
It was soft and slow and beautiful, and they were talking about killing people. It was the most intense sex of Hermione's entire life. She felt it when she came, crying out his name and wrapping her arms around him so tightly that she was afraid she'd break a rib.
"Oh, fuck," he moaned, his body still covering hers as he panted out his release. After a moment he regained his breath and began to pepper her face with kisses. "I love you, I love you, I love you. I'm going to keep you safe."
Hermione giggled, feeling lighter and more reassured. "You wanted to change clothes. We weren't supposed to have sex."
"Our house, remember?" Draco replied. "We have sex when we bloody well want to."
"Get dressed," Hermione said, rolling out of bed. "We should get back to the others."
Draco didn't move as Hermione began pulling on her clothes.
"Hey," he said seriously from the edge of the bed. "I meant what I said. I love you. And I won't ever let anyone hurt you."
She finished pulling on her jeans and walked towards him, kissing his wet hair. "I know," she replied. "I know you won't. Now put on your pants."
They returned to the living room to find Theo sitting alone with a glass of liquor, George and Astoria sitting on the couch in silence. George's arm was around Astoria's shoulders.
"More sex?" Astoria asked brightly.
Oh my gods," Draco swore. "Can everyone here just grow up?" Draco broke off, shaking his head. "Hermione is my girlfriend. We're both adults. We have sex. Haha, that's so funny. Get over yourselves."
"I was joking," Astoria said.
"It's immature," Draco snapped back.
"Someone's in a mood," Astoria replied sullenly.
"Yeah, I'm in a mood," Draco shot back. "The Dark Lord is raining down bloody chaos right now and I had things I needed to do. And my hair is wet!"
Hermione's lip quirked in amusement. For the second time today, he'd reminded her of the Draco she'd known at Hogwarts. This version, at least, made her laugh. Smirking, she laid her palm on his forearm and quickly dried his hair with her wand.
He tilted his head at her. "Thank you, love. The other stuff still stands, though," he continued defiantly
"Could look into alternatives to blood wards," Theo suggested.
"I thought you said there weren't any," Hermione said, glaring at him
He shrugged. "There's probably not, but today seems like a good time to research if ever I saw one."
Draco nodded. "Then we'll hit the books. Horcruxes, Blood wards, unicorns, mass destruction, how to kill a Dark Lord," he said seriously. "Anything and everything."
"Where are there books?" George asked.
Hermione rolled her eyes and grabbed her purple bag, pulling out a stack of books. "Everyone grab one and get to reading."
"Blood wards?" Astoria asked, grabbing a book before shoving it into George's stomach.
"Oof," he groaned.
"Don't be dramatic," Astoria chastised.
Hermione looked to Draco, who was already looking at her, his brows raised knowingly. Told you so. They're us.
Hermione scrunched her face up. I hate you.
You love me.
Well, yeah.
"Can you guys stop doing that?" Astoria asked.
"Stop doing what?" Hermione and Draco said in unison.
"You two are freaky," Astoria replied, shaking her head and taking her own book.
"We aren't freaky," Hermione muttered.
The storm continued to rage outside, the slam of the rain against the tent growing so intense that Hermione's curiosity got the best of her, and she went to the edge of the tent to peer outside. The sky was a terrifying mixture of black and green, and the air smelled wrong. She immediately stepped back inside and curled back into Draco's lap with her book. "All right?" he asked, not looking up from his book.
"How long do you think this will last?"
"Your guess is as good as mine," Draco replied.
I'm going to keep you safe.
It was hard not to worry, but she knew he'd do everything in his power to keep her safe—just as she'd do for him. There was nothing to worry about. Still, she curled into his lap a little more as she went back to reading.
He tilted his head and looked down at her. "I've got you," he whispered.
"I know," she whispered back.
Draco kissed her forehead before going back to his own book.
The storm raged all day, so they read and they drank and they paced and worried. Then it was night, and the storm continued to rage.
They made love again, frustratingly slowly, with Hermione suspecting that Draco was attempting to distract her—which, of course worked, because afterwards she immediately curled up next to him and fell asleep in his arms.
The safest place in the world.
When Hermione woke in the morning, it was still raining, but not as intensely. She curled further into Draco who was still fast asleep. This, of course, woke him up. "Hi," she said. "Think it might be over."
Draco buried his face into her hair with a sigh. He was quiet for a moment, and Hermione knew he was listening. "Yeah," he agreed. "Sounds like it."
"Do you want to get up and do stuff?" she asked, thinking of his frustration from yesterday.
His arms tightened around her, and he kissed her hair. "No," he replied. "I wanna stay in bed with my girl."
"But yesterday—"
"Was yesterday," he interrupted solemnly. "I'm tired, Hermione."
Hermione stared at his face, and saw that he did look tired. She rested her palm on his cheek. "We'll stay in bed as long you like, then," she said. "I'm sorry I woke you."
His arms around her tightened. "'S okay," he muttered. "Don't mind. You're pretty."
P.S. You're pretty.
She smiled, remembering Draco's note from so long ago.
"I think you're crazy, but thank you," she replied.
He kissed her forehead. "Shush," he said. "You're bloody gorgeous. Love it when you smile."
Hermione laughed, stroking his cheek. "You're cute when you're sleepy," she replied.
And then suddenly, Hermione understood exactly what Draco saw. He saw the woman he loved, mussed and silly from sleep, because that was what Hermione currently saw. His hair was tousled, his eyes were heavily lidded, and he was barely conscious. It didn't matter, because all she saw was the man that she loved.
"You've got your thinking face on," he said quietly. "What's on your mind?"
"Just realized something," she replied. "Your hair looks ridiculous."
He grinned sleepily at her. "You're cruel, love."
"I just said you were cute."
"That you did," he agreed. "I do have things I need to do today—"
"We," Hermione corrected. "We have things to do today."
He grinned again. "We," he amended. "But I just need a little bit longer."
Over their head, the rain still pitter-pattered against the roof of the tent. "Still storming, isn't it?"
"It is," Draco agreed,
Hermione cuddled up to Draco, closing her eyes and relaxing in the feeling of the warmth of his skin and the steady thrum of his heartbeat. The gentle rain overhead lulled her further. "I love you," she murmured. "So fucking much."
He chuckled tiredly into her hair. "You really are starting to sound like me."
"Yeah, and?" she asked. "I kinda like you. Don't really mind if I sound like you."
"I love you, too," Draco said in response.
Hermione was curled up with Draco, very nearly back asleep, when there was a knock on their door. Hermione groaned.
"Go away!" Draco shouted. "We're having sex!"
Hermione giggled and pushed at his chest. "Draco, shut up!"
"What?" he asked, raising a brow. "It's not like they can hear me. I made those wards strong."
Hermione raised her own brow at him.
"What?" he repeated. "We have a lot of sex."
"Uh," came Theo's voice. "I don't mean to—interrupt, but there's someone here to see you. Both of you."
Hermione looked up at Draco. "Harry?" she asked.
"Probably," Draco replied through gritted teeth. "Do I get to knock his teeth in this time?"
"If he has something stupid to say," Hermione said. "Be my guest."
They dressed hurriedly before emerging from their room.
"Sorry," Theo said, his lip quirking when he saw them. "You'll—it seems important."
"Thanks, Theo," Draco said, clapping him on the back. "We'll take it from here."
"Sorry, if—"
"You know we do more than have sex, Theodore," Hermione replied. "We actually like each other and can spend hours talking."
Theo blanched.
Draco merely nodded. "What she said."
"This is uncomfortable. Potter is waiting for you outside," Theo said.
"We do have a lot of sex," Draco murmured to her as he followed her out of the tent.
"Draco, shut up, or we will stop having sex all together."
Draco promptly closed his mouth.
Hermione was right, of course. It was Harry standing right outside their wards, his face bruised and bloodied. It hurt Hermione's heart. "What happened, Harry?" she asked.
Harry swallowed. "He tried to take Switzerland. I didn't let him."
"The storm?" Hermione asked.
Harry grinned. "Think I pissed him off. His wand wouldn't work against me."
"Your face, Potter?" Draco asked. "Not that I'm upset."
"His wand didn't work. Other wands did."
"Ah."
Hermione crossed her arms over her body. "What are you doing here, Harry?"
Harry steeled himself. "I need you, Hermione. I can't do this without you."
"You did it for two years," she shot back.
"And look how well it's gone," Harry replied.
Hermione laughed. "You see it now."
"I saw it then. Do you know how much I fucking missed you, Hermione? How much I just wanted to see your face? The day I did again—was one of the best days of my entire life."
"Want me to tell him fuck off?" Draco asked quietly.
Hermione shook her head, tears building in her eyes. "Harry, I think we can fix this. But you have to accept Draco before that happens. He's part of my life, and he's not going anywhere."
Harry nodded. "I accept it," he said soundly. "I told Ginny."
"What?" Hermione asked.
"I beat Him into the ground and then I told her that I was in love with her," Harry replied.
"Good for you, Potter," Draco said offhandedly.
"It's not so easy for some of us, Malfoy," Harry shot back.
Draco laughed. "I'm sorry, weren't you here for my help? Also, I just complimented you!"
"Shut up, Malfoy," Harry snapped
"You told Ginny?" Hermione asked.
Harry nodded. "I did."
Draco stalked menacingly towards Harry, until their noses were nearly touching. "Tell Hermione what she needs to hear, or I'm kicking your teeth in, just for fun."
"Hermione," Harry said gently, "I'm sorry."
Draco turned back towards Hermione, watching her.
Hermione nodded. "Thank you," she replied quietly.
"Will you come back?" Harry asked.
Hermione looked towards Draco uncertainly. He narrowed his eyes immediately."If we come come back there have to be some ground rules," he said harshly, turning back towards Harry. "No one touches her, ever. No one hurts her. No one even looks at her funny. If they do, they'll be dealing with me, and I am not a nice man."
Harry merely nodded. "I had assumed those would be the rules. Hermione?"
"I—need to talk to Draco."
Harry nodded. "I didn't expect an answer straight away. Take the night. Talk about it—I'll come back tomorrow morning."
"Okay," Hermione agreed. She hesitated before taking several steps towards Harry. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, hugging him tightly. "I do love you, you know."
"I know. I'll see you tomorrow."
Once Harry had apparated away, Hermione turned to Draco. "I don't want to go back," she said quietly.
"Then we won't," Draco replied soundly.
"Draco—"
"We can still work for the Order," Draco interrupted gently. "We can reach a compromise. A few days a week. We'll show our faces—we'll help. You are not abandoning anything or anyone."
"I feel selfish," Hermione admitted.
"So be selfish for once in your entire life," he urged.
"We should go back."
Then let's go back. Hermione, godsdammit," he said, cupping her face in his palms. "Whatever you want to do, wherever you want to go—I'm coming with you. Ends of the fucking earth, if it comes to that."
"I don't want to go back," she replied quietly. "I want to stay here."
Draco nodded, rubbing his fingers down her arms. "We can make that work. We can still work together. We'll go to meetings and everything. You're not leaving anyone. I'm not leaving anyone."
Hermione stared up at him. "Was I really that unhappy?" she asked.
Draco nodded and pursed his lips. "Yes," he said simply. "There were some days I couldn't even get a smile out of you."
"You were probably being an idiot," she protested.
"Probably," Draco agreed. "But even that usually gets me a smile."
"Is staying selfish?" Hermione asked.
"You're asking the wrong person, love. I spent the first fifteen years of my life being selfish. I don't care if you're selfish as long as you smile," he replied, leaning down to kiss her.
She hadn't been selfish in a long time, she realized. "I want to stay here," she said more confidently. "You're right, we can compromise, but I want to stay here. It's quiet, and I can be outside, and I can swim in the lake. No one touches me here."
Draco raised a brow at her.
"You don't count," she said softly. "You're the only one. Remember my stupid list? You saved me."
"Of course I did," he replied softly.
Hermione shrugged. "You said as much at the time. Took me a while to understand it. You already cared about me."
"You're the goddamnsed love of my life, Hermione," Draco said fiercely.
"Then can I be selfish and stay here?"
Draco wrapped his arms around her. "Yeah, love. Let's be selfish and stay here."
"It's nice not to take care of everyone for once," she said.
"You take care of me," Draco replied softly.
Hermione grinned. "You're the goddamnsed love of my life. It's not exactly a chore. It's kind of in my job description."
"So we stay," he murmured, his arms still tight around her. "We call a truce with the Order and work with them fully. We go when needed, but we sleep here."
"Yeah," Hermione agreed gratefully. "We're the rebels, remember?"
Draco laughed. "I'm the rebel. I've just corrupted you."
Hermione laughed. "What about them?" she asked, nodding towards the tent.
"They make their own choices, but it didn't seem as if Potter cared about them much."
It was true. Harry hadn't even mentioned them.
As if on cue, George, Astoria, and Theo filed out of the tent.
"Potter," Draco supplied. "Wants us back."
Theo raised his brows. "Oh?" he asked, giving Draco a knowing glance.
"We're staying here," Draco said.
"Thank gods for small miracles," Theo replied.
"We need to have another conversation with Potter. We'll go when needed and we'll cooperate fully. But we're staying here," Draco said firmly.
Theo glanced at Hermione. She nodded. She had a sense that Theo had a greater understanding of what was going on, despite having never been told.
There was a flash of white from the corner of Hermione's eye, and as she turned to look, she found the unicorn walking cautiously into the clearing, his eyes nervously surveying all of his surroundings.
"Ah," Astoria said jovially. "There's my unicorn."
Draco stared down at Hermione. "Think it's about time we got the party started, then."
She smirked up at him. "Let's get this show on the road.
It was time for a godsdamned show.
a/n: Let the good times roll. See ya next time. Until then, drop me your thoughts? They're always much appreciated. xoxo, peanut.
