Chapter 1

 He sat in the park, a fresh cup of earl grey in his hands as the Autumn wind blew over his face. He was dressed in casual muggle fashion, a simple pair of blue jeans, white sneakers, and a warm vest to protect against the approaching chill. He always got up at this time, acquiring a coffee, and enjoyed the morning in the park, every Sunday. Even the young teenager who ran the coffee shop had learnt his order, and would smile every time he came in, "The usual?"

He honestly enjoyed the familiarity with a random stranger, whose name he would always have to remember by glancing at the nametag pinned messily onto her oversized apron. He felt noticed. He smiled a bit as he thought about this. Reduced to feeling happy because some random muggle knew his name and face. He sighed and got up, tossing his now empty coffee cup into a nearby trash bin, strolling through the park. 

His hair was covered by a warm cap, only small tufts of platinum blonde visible at the nape of his neck and his fringe near his eyes. He had moved from downtown London to a smaller village near the wizard community Godrics Hollow, but not inside of the village. He lived outside the village, in a simple cottage. He loved it. Nobody bothered or harassed him. He didn't have neighbors for a mile either direction or had a large plot of land. 

Draco took a left turn and continued his leisurely stroll, walking past a water fountain, and towards one of the parks exits. Familiarity. Something he had built his new life on. Familiar places as he walked, familiar faces though he knew nobody by name, familiar sounds. He wanted everything to seem normal. Something caught his eyes that wasn't normal. A woman walking at a slightly faster speed, towards him. He studied her as he continued his slow pace. Her face was one of concern, nerve, and fear. Her walk was rushed, and slightly staggered as she lost her footing multiple times. Her hair was a little wild, brunette curls turning to frizz. Then she approached him.

"Adam! Thank goodness I found you!" She said loudly, smiling. He surveyed her as she reached out and embraced him. Draco did not let people embrace him, not even mother. The girl pulled away, "Come on. We should be going!" And her hand clamped onto his, tightly, pleading for help as she turned, and whispered, "I need help…"

Draco knew this wasn't a prank. This was real. His eyes instantly scanned around and saw someone following behind her. A man. Dressed in darker clothes, red hair underneath a hat, and then he saw the glint. A wand in his left hand. He quickly played along, putting his arm around her shoulder, squeezing her tightly back, assuring her he knew what was wrong, "Yes. We should. Let's go towards my house as yours is farther." And he started walking, his grip on her tighter than ever, his wand slipping into his right hand, unseen by any bystanders, although he wondered if this girl was a witch, but kept it hidden in case she was a muggle being attacked by someone who was obviously a wizard, and a psychotic one at that.

He sighed, 'This was supposed to be like every other relaxing Sunday….' Draco thought to himself, as he exited the park, and picked up his pace a bit more, and spoke to the woman quietly.

"It's alright. I'm safe to be around. I'll take you to my cottage and we can wait for him to stop hovering and then I'll drive you home." He offered kindly, as her speed started to move faster. He matched it, making it look like they were chit chatting, so no people around them would be alerted that something was not quite right. He didn't need muggles involved. He never needed muggles involved. They always wound up getting hurt and- the amount of paperwork that would involve made him grit his teeth.

"You don't understand…But fine. Fine." The girl muttered, and he smirked to himself. 'Oh, the amount that I understand that you do not would make your brain melt little girl….'

Draco continued to keep watch, but slowed their pace slightly, "Stop moving so fast. If he notices us rushing, he won't hesitate to approach, and that is the last thing we need…" He explained quietly, as the two of them walked down a narrow sidewalk. Halfway out of the park…Closer, so close.

He heard footsteps growing nearer, and a yell, "Hey!! Let my girlfriend go!!"

"Shit…" He muttered, knowing this would draw attention to them. He picked up the pace, and heard a woman, who obviously was a muggle, painfully irritating people, muggles were.

"Sir!! Sir!? What are you doing!?" She cried, approaching from the front.

He answered calmly, "Escorting a woman who approached me, miss Lillian here is my friend. We work at the local newspaper together." Smiling at the woman, hearing the footsteps getting closer.

The girl at his side answered, also strangely keeping her voice calm, "Oh yes ma'am. We work together. We're going to his house so we can discuss the newest ads to install. If you would please excuse us-" 

Drac didn't need to be told. He nodded kindly to the woman, and then picked their pace up to double, and they finally got out of the park. "You are alright with entering my home, aren't you, miss?"

He felt her nod against his side, and her vice-like grip started shaking again, "Be careful…He's armed."

Draco felt a bit of fear go through his system. Armed? Could she mean the wand? Or…A gun…?

He swallowed, "That's quite alright. You'll find that I am trained perfectly well to fight off an armed man…"

They approached his home, and he cast a simple 'glissio' and the sidewalk behind them became worse than an ice rink. He approached his door, unlocking it, and letting her inside. He locked it again in extra safety, and then looked at her as she wrung her hands in nerves.

"So. Now we are in a somewhat safer place. Who is he? Why is he stalking you, while being armed…?" Draco asked calmly, hanging his coat on the coat rack, and taking hers, placing it there, to give her a sense of calmness.

She shivered as he walked her towards some sofas and love seats. The living room, "My insane boyfriend…. He…Never mind the details. He's after me, and I forgot to make sure he couldn't track me today, and he found me at the Costco. I just had to find the first person I could that looked like they could feed him off. I'm sorry sir, for dragging you into this."

Draco smiled slightly, "Oh, if only you knew…" He muttered under his breath, but before they could say anything else, he heard slamming on the door, the handle rattling. He saw her eyes light up in fear, "Your boyfriend can't get in here, I promise…"

"But he…He can do more than you think," she muttered, and she got out of the seat she had taken residence in. He saw the fear in her eyes, as she spoke again, "He's more dangerous than you could comprehend, sir…I swear…I don't know why I drug you into this-"

"You needn't worry about what I can do or what he can do…" He said sternly, and his wand slid down his sleeve again, "Pleasure to meet your acquaintance. Draco Malfoy." Holding his hand out and saw her face pale, but the shock in her eyes told him what he needed to know. She knew him.

"Is something wrong?" He asked, pulling his hand back. "I'm telling you; he can't get in here. My wards are stronger than most other places, including Godric's Hollow."

Her face hardened into a look of serious concentration and though, and her posture changed, her eyes widening, "You're…I haven't seen you since the war- "

He cut her off, "I get it. Don't start. I have stayed hidden. All I need to know is that your boyfriend is a wizard, correct? You are either a muggle who knows, a squib, or a witch in turn. Which is it?"

"A…A witch…He…I'm a witch." She answered, before she then asked, "You haven't realized who I am…?"

Draco sighed, "No, because I'd rather not have to try and figure it out. And if I do, you probably hate me, so what does it matter?

The girl smiled slightly, "Malfoy…My name is Hermione…Hermione Granger…"

His eyes widened slightly, and he smiled, "Oh…. Oh ok…So that's…Mk…"

Draco took her wrist, and started walking down the hallway, quickly talking, "So for now, I have this safe place, that I use mainly for a library. Don't worry. I'm not here to murder you. You approached me, remember? I said I would save you, so that's what I will do."

He led her into a magnificently large room, that contained books galore, and a cauldron station. "This place has numerous spells, including the unplottable charm. Along with that, nobody can enter unless I personally will them inside. And Granger?" He stopped before he left.

She looked very truly scared, something he had never seen before, "What…."

He smiled again slightly, "Be smart. Stay here. I'll get rid of him."

"Wait!!" She called out before he was out of earshot. "He took my wand! Be careful…"

He smiled slightly and closed the door, making sure it was secure and closed, before he walked up the stairs, and made his way back to his entrance room, keeping his wand in his shirt sleeve. He heard a spell get muttered outside the door. "Bombarda…" And then the door exploded into almost dust, flying everywhere, and making Draco take a step back from the pressure.

"Oi! That costed real muggle money, ya knows?" Draco snapped; arms crossed as he faced a grown-up version of the weasel.

"Where is that bitch!?" He snarled, and Draco raised an eyebrow.

"You mean the human I have hidden because you have scared the living shit out of her? Oh. No idea." The blonde smiled and shrugged, "Sorry. Can't help you. Goodbye."

Apparently, the ginger had other ideas, pointing his wand at Draco, "I'll give you to the count of three Malfoy. One."

Draco stayed still, but let his wand slide from his shirt sleeve into his hand.

"Two…"

He stayed still again, his eyes not showing any concern, "You know, you could just take a chill pill and try and talk things out with her, you know, like a sane human being- " 

"THREE!" And a yellow spell shot from Ron's wand, aimed right for Draco's chest. He easily deflected it, and every other spell Ron attempted. He started pushing him forwards, using nonverbal spells, as he talked.

"Honestly, if I were you, I'd give up. This is my house. My property. My life. My town. I know this place. I OWN this place. I can get you arrested, sent to muggle jail, call the Aurors from the Ministry…. Send you to Azkaban for attempted murder…" His voice getting dangerous as he knocked Ron backwards with a stunning spell, "I'd just give up. Leave in peace. Not pieces."

He blasted him backwards, stepping through what was left of his front door, the ginger wizard sweating and having difficulty fighting Draco, "Oh, and maybe if you hadn't stolen Granger's wand and stalked her for Merlin knows how long, you would be in a better situation." Ron got thrown off his feet, over the hedges, and onto the cobblestone street.

"Accio Hermione Granger's Wand," Draco said sternly, and the brown stick flew from the Weasley's pocket, and into Draco's hand. He smiled at Ron, "Thanks for visiting. Don't come back." As he put a ward up that blocked Ron's entry, he walked back inside.

"Reparo…" Draco murmured, fixing his busted door. The blonde then ventured back down to the safe house, and opened the door, seeing an annoyed Hermione with a book in her hand.

"Hey there, bookworm. I got rid of him." He looked a bit exhausted from so much magic. "I'm only offering, but you can stay for lunch. I usually eat in for that meal."

The brunette glanced up, and then at the book before saying, "Staying for lunch won't be too bad I guess."

Draco then approached her and held her wand out, "Got this back for you." She reached out and gingerly took the wand from his fingers, and got up, the book under her arm.

"Uh…Just make yourself at home, I guess. I'll make you some lunch soon. I assume you never got to eat any food from that café?" His silver eyes looking anywhere but her brown ones.

"Oh…Yeah, no, I was running before I could even pay." Hermione mumbled, as the two ascended the stairs, and she plopped onto the love seat in his living room. "Your house is so…. - "

"-Not what you expected?" He chuckled, sitting down on the other end of the couch, crossing his long legs. "So bright? Not a dark hollow crevasse in the side of a mountain? No thanks. I'd prefer color and light."

Granger was staring at him, as she set the book into her lap, making a dull 'thunk' sound into the awkward silence. He folded his hands into his lap, and said, "Well uh…Could I interest you in some tea or coffee?"

Draco glanced around a bit, and then back at her to see her smiling. "It's good to know that you do have nice manners there, Malfoy. And yes, a nice Lavender and Earl grey would be brilliant."

He got up, and walked back towards the kitchen, shedding his coat onto one of the seats of the breakfast bar. Draco set the kettle on the stove, getting out two teacups, prepping them, and then he leaned on the bar, glancing over towards the girl calmly reading on his sofa. 

She had her hair down now, as it had fallen out the bun when they rushed back towards his house, and it was hanging in her face as she read his book about the Goblin Revolution. Draco smiled slightly. Classic Granger. Literally gets stalked by her crazy boyfriend, and then decides to start reading a random historical book on the Goblin Revolution. 

The blonde sighed, as the kettle whistled. He wandered back towards the stove and pulled it off the heat, pouring them both some hot water as he let the bags brew. He looked out the window and could see the Weasley hovering outside, wand ready as he tried to break through the wards Draco had set. He rolled his eyes and looked down at the cups.

Why was he protecting her? And for Merlin's sake why was it so awkward when he tried to talk to her?

He added milk and sugar to their drinks and walked back to her, and sat one on a tea cozy, and kept his in his hands, sitting back down on the couch. "So, have you decided that I am not a crazed death eater who Is planning your imminent demise yet?"

She picked up the tea and gave him a small smile, "Yes, I have. Which is why I am willingly drinking a beverage you made without question."

Draco liked her lip, not rude but it was clear that it was a bad idea to piss her off, "So. Weasley seems to be camping out, outside my house, trying to break my wards, which won't happen. I can offer you the guest bedroom, or the couch if you need to stay. But just letting you know; I have two dogs. They are in the Guest room right now as I was planning on giving them baths today. I apologize if- "

"Really? I want to meet them. Can you let them out to say hi?" Granger cut him off, clearly excited about his pets.

He felt his cheeks get a little too warm for his liking and he quickly got up and walked down the hall, past his own mess of a room to the guest. He heard the scraping of claws as Severus and Scotch bounded to the door. He clicked it open, and both of his retrievers tackled him. He grinned, petting them both, "I have a surprise for you two good boys. I brought a girl home." Quickly pushing them in the direction of the living room.

Scotch was quickest. He was a golden retriever with an almost bronze colored coat, with hazelnut eyes. His full name was Butterscotch, but it felt a bit too long, so Draco shortened his name to Scotch. He skidded on the wooded floors as he turned, seeing a girl on the sofa.

"I'd set the tea down if I were you! They don't have manners!" Draco called, holding Severus back.

Scotch dove into Hermione's lap, whining and sniffing all over, before settling for his 'pet me' session. Draco walked down the hall, holding another dog by the collar.

Severus was much better about personal space and liked to take turns with things. This retriever was solid black, his fur shining in the warm mid-day sun, and his eyes were a baby blue color. Scotch backed off as Severus approached and sat in front of her.

Draco sighed, and walked around the couch, retaking his seat on the other side of the love seat, watching Hermione smile and pet his dogs.

"The golden retriever is Scotch, short for Butterscotch, and the black retriever is…. Is Severus…" He explained.

The bookworm looked up at him, "That's so sweet…You named your dog after your Godfather?"

He smiled and nodded, "Out of my family, he was the nicest. Even if he wasn't by blood."

"Bit of a dramatic change from this morning…" Granger chuckled, rubbing Scotch behind the ears. "Thank you, by the way. I seriously don't know what he may have done if he got to me…. Are you sure he isn't getting through the wards?"

Draco gave her a serious look, "I am 99.99% sure he won't get through them. You need at least two braincells to rub together to do it."

She looked away to hide the small smile that Malfoy's rude comment made on her face, "Yes, I suppose so." Hermione eventually agreed, sipping her tea. "it's just the way I like, thank you Malfoy."

He glanced at her, to see Scotch squeezed as close as he could be to her legs, and Severus curled up in her lap. A better description was his head in her lap, and his body sprawled in the space between them on the sofa.

The blonde glanced back down at his own, sipping it again, before saying, "Has this happened before, Granger?"

He looked up and saw her eyes slightly wider and a bit of color had left her face, "Don't worry, you don't have to answer, not my pla- "

"Yes. But not to this degree. He stalked me all the way to Luna Lovegood's home, but never approached, and left soon after I got inside…." Granger said, her voice changing slightly, scared again.

 He nodded in consideration, "Well, I'm glad you were able to find me quick enough. And rest assured, despite popular opinion, I will protect anybody who needs it. And for your safety, I do request you staying the night. I don't think it safe for you to travel alone in the dark, tonight at least."

Her silence greeted him again, but he saw her nod, before going back to his Goblin book, "Hey, by the way. Free access to all my books. I have a lot more of a variety than Hogwarts. Some information they didn't want to teach you about the dwarf and goblin revolutions and boycotts from 142 b.c. Very interesting to compare with the schoolbooks honestly."

Draco glanced at her, to see her eyes wide, and mouth slightly open, "What?'

"You actually paid attention in History of Magic?" The brunette quipped, and he smirked, "Yes Granger. I am not like Pansy Parkinson who threw spit wads at the chalk board as she knew he couldn't wipe them off. On the contrary, I found many subjects quite interesting. For example, do you know what a town of Romanian witches and wizards did in 1693?"

She smiled, "Burnt down their entire town in hopes of making it look raided when the witch hunters came searching for them."

"Did it work?" He asked, knowing well and well what the answer was.

"Not at all. They left a trail of ash too their hideouts in the caves. Every man, woman, and child were burned at the stake, even squibs." Hermione proudly answered.

"My, what a smart one we have here…." Draco said, imitating Snape from their first year Potions lesson.

He was surprised when she laughed at his joke, and he smiled, "I can make you some actual food soon. Just tell me if you feel hungry. I think I'll just grab a book and come lounge here for a while." Getting up and walking down to his cellar to retrieve his favorite book.

Draco stared at the shelves for a while before walking along to the darker back corner where he kept his personal books that he would rather not be touched, so they would be protected from damage.

 He walked along the shelves slowly, and just stared at the numerous rows of books. His silvery eyes trailed up and he grabbed onto the shelf, reaching up for a brown cover, pulling it down. It was small, very insignificant amongst his thousands or massive encyclopedic ones, but this was his childhood favorite. He would beg his mother each night to re-read this story of stories.

Draco wandered back out and found her deeply engrossed with the item perched on her knees, her tea between her legs, slouched down on the couch, Severus curled at her feet and Scotch's head resting on her stomach. Something about this sight felt so right.

The blonde maneuvered around his pets and sank into the other end of the couch, crossing his legs and kicking of his shoes, the book small in his hands. He saw Hermione glance over and her eyes snagged onto the book.

"You own that?" She quipped.

Draco tilted his head, "Uh yeah. It's a childhood book."

"The Tales of Beetle the Bard is a favorite childhood book for you?" She asked, and he smiled, amused by her confusion. "I would have thought you would have...Well, actually I didn't think your parents would have read to you."

He sighed, putting his finger in the page, and properly looked at her, "Mother only read to me until I turned 6. She then stopped after father threatened her for reading me outlandish tales, saying I should be maturing enough to read real books to myself. Only muggles get read to." His eyes growing a bit cold. "The last time she read to me she told me off for asking such nonsense of her, and threw the book down, leaving. Same book." He muttered, looking down at the old, battered book.

"Oh....I'm sorry for mentioning it." Granger said quietly.

Draco shook his head, "Don't be. I am disgusted with both of my parents anyways. And with my younger self for falling into their lies."

He opened his book again, missing the way she stared at him, as if corks and screw were whirring in her brain, before going back to her book, her left hand absentmindedly rubbing Scotch's head. Lucky Bastard.

Draco's eyes widened slightly when the thought struck him, and he shook his head, before glancing bac at the reading woman on his sofa.... He quickly tried to get his mind out of the gutter, "I uh- Would you like some lunch?" 

She looked up and smiled, "Oh yes, that sounds nice right now. What would you be willing to make?"

Draco shrugged and smiled at her, "I have some stuff for lasagna or meatloaf or if you want something simpler like mac ad cheese?"

Granger shrugged, "Whatever you want to make. I'm good with most anything."

He gratefully got up and walked back to his kitchen and wandered to the fridge. [CD1] 

Draco stared at the contents inside, his eyes not really catching on anything, his thoughts rushing. He had just thought about her like that. He had just thought about how it would feel to hug her and lay with her. Why? He literally just had to save her from her crazy boyfriend. He shook his head. He sighed, "I can't do that. That's....wrong in so many ways." trying to convince himself outload.

He then busied himself by getting the ingredients to make her a lasagna. He started making the meal, letting his mind wander, his eyes trailing up again. The weasel wasn't giving. He continued to watch as the man tried spell after curse after charm. Nothing was working, but Draco didn't like that he hadn't left yet.

He continued to mix the cheese, and jumped when a voice spoke beside him, "Do you want any help?"

Hermione was standing beside him, her eyes looking up, her hair pulled back into a messy bun, a few baby hairs hanging down. He stared at her for a moment, as he twitched his hand, the curtains drawing so she couldn't see Ron attempting to get into Draco's home, "Sure. Would you like to mix the meat? It's a lasagna."

Granger smiled up at him, and he felt butterflies stir in his stomach when this happened, cueing him to look away, continuing with the cheese. His dress shirt sleeves were rolled up, his rings discarded on the counter by the sink, but a bit of a dark tattoo showed on his arm. He was focused on the cheese, his face relaxed, not noticing her milky brown eyes locked onto him for a prolonged time, before starting to cook the meat.

The two worked in silence for a while, before Draco reached over and flicked a button, turning on a muggle radio, which started to play some of the music in the charts.

"You really have changed." Hermione said quietly. "The Malfoy I knew would have burnt a radio."

He glanced at her, "You thought that of me? I don't understand why..." He muttered, not looking at her. "Yes, I put on a bad boy look, but I honestly didn't hate muggles. My parents did. And if I didn't, they got angry at me. Honestly. Muggleborns, squibs, muggles themselves. Never really cared." He said, shrugging.

Draco went back to mixing the cheese before he reached over towards her and grabbed the bag of noodles, their arms brushing, and he saw a faint blush spread across her cheeks as she turned away, tending to the now sizzling meat.

He smirked to himself, not looking back towards her, as his eyes once again snagged on the close curtains, knowing good and well her ass of a boyfriend was still trying to break into his house, "Granger do me a favor and don't be a selfless bitch, stay inside the damn house." Letting his profanities fly.

"Jeez Malfoy, no need to be so harsh. I don't really want to leave" She muttered in response, before blushing, "I mean- like- I would leave but- like.... Ron's out there-"

He chuckled, "Chill. Breathe. I know you're not running, and I get what you mean. Want to make some vegetables to go with dinner?" Casually trying to change the subject and ease her fluster, not really knowing why, but he wanted to help a bit.

"So, uh.... Anything you want to do tonight? I know we're like, sworn enemies or something, I really don't know, but you are my guest, so I guess you would.... Uh, be entertained?" The blonde awkwardly attempted to offer.

Hermione glanced at him, and smiled a bit, as she poured the meat into the lasagna dish, as Draco layered it with noodles and cheese, and he leaned over, trying to reach a seasoning. He turned his head a bit, and his cheeks heated up, as their noses touched, and she gasped, taking a step back, "Sorry-" He stammered, as he quickly stood up straight again, turning away to hide the blush, and then ben down, shoving the lasagna tray into the oven, turning on the timer. 

He took a deep breath, as she seemed to decide to answer his previous question, "Uh, sure? DO you have a tv?"

He blinked, "I uh, I think so. Is that the black box thingy? Blaise insisted I get one."

He took another deep breath, ad motioned for her to follow. As soon as they walked back into the living room, Scotch and Severus were crowding his knees, and he tried to shoo them away. "Scotch, down, Severus- Scotch get down!" But the two massive dogs jumped up, and Draco found himself being almost thrown backwards by them, covered in puppy love and wagging tails, and then he happened to look up and heard her. Laughing. Truly laughing. He blinked, almost forgetting his little assassin dogs, and he stared as her voice echoed in his head, her smile...He got lost in it, until suddenly Scotch licked him in the face, and it snapped him back to real life-

He swallowed as he realized who he was staring at, as she bent down, still laughing, helping pull his excited pets off his chest. He quickly got up, not realizing he had taken her hand for help up. He swallowed again, looking at her, and saw her smile at him, "You alright They really tackled you down."

Draco still had to take a deep breath, looking at her, "Yeah…." Smiling a fake smile, and nodding, "Uh, thanks, for getting Scotch off."

Draco then looked away, and said, "The black box thing. Right there. I think the remote is-" He turned around, and saw she had plopped onto his couch, having found the remote already, and watched as she patted the couch next to her.

"Well? Are you going to sit down?" She asked with a smile, and he gingerly sat beside her, careful not to sit touching her. The dogs crowded the other side of the couch, and he sighed, slowly trying to relax.

She clicked a few buttons and his eyes instantly locked onto the weird glowing pictures, and then she clicked another button.

"It makes sound!?" He asked, not realizing how stupid it sounded.

Draco heard that same angelic laugh, "Yeah, Malfoy, it makes sound. Just watch it. I think you might like this one. Ever read the book Anne of Green Gables? It's an older muggle book."

He shook his head and looked at her, feeling a bit more comfortable, "Are you sure you're ok with staying here? With me? I- "

"Well, we did make dinner. I must stay at least until that's been done." Hermione smiled up at him, her milky brown eyes connecting with his, and a bit of red blush spread over his face, "Oh, uh, ok."

He let her settle, and then he turned his attention back to the movie, his face relaxing.

It seemed to be about a young, orphaned ginger girl, who was then adopted by two farmers. The plot just seemed like showing all the chaos she got into with her friends. An hour through the movie, he tensed, as her head slowly rested against his shoulder, and she sighed, seemingly comfortable, and he took in a deep breath.

'I can't feel good. I can't smile. She's hiding from her boyfriend. She has a boyfriend. I can't-' it all failed when her hand slowly rested on his leg, and she nestled against him, comfortable. 'Merlin's saggy tits!!!'

He sat stiff for most of the movie, until she looked up at him, "Are you ok? You're really tense."

Draco looked down and made the mistake of looking into her eyes, and lost his train of thought, relaxing, "I uh…."

She smiled, "Never mind, you're relaxed again. It's just a movie." And she looked away, resting back against him. He swallowed, still staring down at her, extremely and forever grateful when the oven started beeping, and he shot up, running to the kitchen. He turned the timer off and bent his head over, holding it in his hands, "Sweet merlin I want this night over with…"

Draco then realized the food was still cooking in the oven, and quickly jumped to grab oven mitts, pulling the bubbling lasagna out, and sighing, letting the platter cool. He walked across the kitchen, and reached up to a cupboard, standing in front of the bar window, his shirt clinging to his body, and he didn't notice her brown eyes latched onto his body as his muscles flexed, as he reached up, pulling down the plates. He then turned and walked back, serving up plates. He was highly unaware of the fact that he wasn't the only one feeling the awkward and immense tension building.

Draco sighed, letting himself have a few more moments, grabbing utensils, and he walked back to the living room, slumping back into the gap that was his seat. His dogs knew better than to beg for food or try to take it, so they sat quietly curled up on his other side, Hermione reaching out to relieve him of the two very hot plates in his hands. The two got settled again, her left leg folded over his as she sat in a criss cross position. Draco didn't realize at the time, but he relaxed, he wasn't tense anymore, as he just grabbed a pillow and set it on his lap, balancing his meal on top, and dimming the lights with a flick of his wrist, as she started the movie again. This time, he paid attention.

The blonde set his empty plate on the coffee table in front of them, and got a bit more comfortable, his arm stretched out behind her along the back of the couch. Everything happening tonight felt like some crazy rom com with the two characters that had immense sexual tension. He then scolded himself for thinking this because usually they would end up in bed by the end of the night. He glanced down at her, 'No, I don't like her. She's here to be kept safe, not for a new blooming romance with her school nemesis.... She wouldn't even be here if she hadn't gotten into trouble.'

He looked back as the movie ended, and she smiled at him, "I have another movie idea. Something more modern.... Something that seems to fit your vibe." He didn't like the way her smile turned into a weird looking evil smirk, but despite his nerves he said, "Whatever you want."

He took her empty plate and his own, "Do you want some more?" He asked, glancing at the black box as she answered, "Yeah, sure. I haven't eaten today."

He blinked, walking to the kitchen once again, He pulled back the curtain, and was slightly surprised to see that it wasn't near as bright out, "Oh." Realizing something. She had been staying at his house, all day. It had only felt like a few hours!

Draco closed it again, but then he froze, looking back out. The road was empty....

He looked down the road both ways and into the fields across but saw nothing. "Huh..."

He then turned and served up another two good sized servings, walking in and setting one in her lap and the other on the table, as he settled back at her side, noticing the way she was pressed to him, but then he blinked, shaking his head, "Stop." He told himself, as he pulled the meal to his legs, glancing at the black box, reading the name, "What is this movie?"

She smiled again, "It's a horror movie. Have you heard of The Ring?"

He simply shook his head and she said, "Then this will be fun."

Draco still didn't like how she said, 'fun', but he would let her watch whatever she wanted, unprepared for the horror movie they were about to watch. He just ate his food as it started, slightly bored by the bland scenes and annoying comments the woman made. He set his once again empty plate on the counter, as did she, as two girls sat in a bedroom, putting a caset tape into their player. He stared, suddenly intrigued, not realizing how Hermione flinched and looked away, hiding her head behind his shoulder, as his eyes locked to the screen, very disturbed by the video, "What the-" Her hand covered his mouth, "Hush!"

This movement tore his eyes away, and he stared at her, "You just touched me..." Draco said blankly. "Uh-"

He swallowed, and turned away, just in time to see the girl's dead body and her horrifying face, and he gasped, "Oh my fucking god-" Jumping, and wiping his eyes, "Good fucking merlin-" obviously scared by the image, and he glanced at her, seeing her trying not to laugh.

"Malfoy? Did you just get jump scared by a movie?" She asked, failing at not laughing. He flushed in embarrassment.

"I- I uh- no!!" He said adamantly. Although the slight shaking of his hand gave it away.

Hermione chuckled, "I don't like that part either. Don't worry." Assuring him, and he looked away, back at the movie. He took a deep breath.

Draco, however, wasn't expecting her hand to gently take his shaking one, and her gentle voice saying, "Did it actually scare you...?" He didn't verbally answer, but that was answer enough.

"When people got tortured in my home.... After a while.... They....They looked like...." He didn't finish, he didn't need to. She sighed and said, "It's alright. It's not real. Just...Just make believe."

He hummed into the quiet, and said, "Are you going to leave.... Tonight, I mean...?"

His question hung unanswered for a while, maybe a few minutes passed, it felt like hours, and then, "No."

Draco looked down at her, and saw her eyes already looking up at him, "You may think I'm scared, or that I don't trust you. I thought that's how I would feel as well, but miraculously, I feel protected. Being around you? I... No. I'm not leaving. I'll take you up on that offer of a bed tonight."

He stifled the weird sound that bubbled in his throat and swallowed, "Ok....Ok great." Smiling, not knowing why but it made him happy.

The movie was still going in the background, as her voice spoke again. The room was now dark aside from the television's lights splaying into his living room. 

"Where do you work?" She asked him. He stiffened.

"The ministry." Was his simple answer, and he felt her look up at him. 

"Which department?"

"Potion creation and distribution control." His voice was tight, "Although I didn't in school, I can work and keep my head down, go unnoticed.... Where do you work?"

Her voice was quiet, "Malfoy.... I'm the head.... I-" Her eyes were so confused," What do you do?"

He shrugged, "I work in the lab most days, as I'm the main potion creator in the business." 

Her eyes widened, "Malfoy, I'm the head of the department of Potion Creation and Distribution Control...."

"What...?" He deadpanned, staring at her.

They just stared at each other in silence, and he mumbled, "So let me guess where you are stopping by on Monday...." Smiling slightly as she looked up at him.

"Yeah....Yeah I guess...." She murmured, and he saw how exhausted she looked.

"I can set the room up for you, if you want." Draco offered, but she shook her head.

"I'm fine. I promise. Let's watch the rest of the movie. We missed a good amount of it." Looking back at the horror movie she seemed so invested in. He settled, but his neck was cold. She was his boss? And they had never seen each other!?

He sat deep in thought for a while, zoning out. This means that every single shipment he sent out, every bottle he made, every time he sent in requests, even the rudely worded memos to his 'boss' about being low on supplies, his items being declined, requests being denied, all to her. Everything it all went-

He was snapped out of it as something gently thudded on his shoulder, and he looked down. She was asleep. On his shoulder. "Oh fuck...."

He gently moved his shoulder, and turned, so she would be more comfortable. He wanted to get up and move her to the bedroom, but...It was so comfy. His hand reached out and shut off the box, and he just...Maybe if he laid here for...Just a minute...[CD2] [CD3] [CD4] [LS5] 

His head fell back, his arm weakly draped around her in his attempt to move, and Draco was fast asleep.

Seriously struggling while writing this in class to not burst out laughing at the sexual tension-