Author's Note: So it's been another 3 years since I last updated haha. Well, actually 3 and a half. Not sure if any of my old readers are even around anymore, but I might as well update. I apologize for mistakes and lack of flow in original chapters. I also apologize for any loopholes or plot mistakes because my train of thought has disappeared completely. Please let me know if you notice any mistakes!

Chapter Thirteen: Closer

Once safely inside Hogwarts, the group decided that it would be best to hide Draco in the Gryffindor dormitories for the moment. They were unsure as to whether or not Lucius was still masquerading as Draco, and did not want knowledge of the real Draco's presence to leak out. Covering his head with a hood in attempt to blend in with the group as they headed to the Gryffindor quarters, Draco squeezed Hermione's hand lightly before letting go and parting ways. She gave him a small smile and turned in the direction of the Heads' quarters. Anxiety overtook her and she kept her hand rested inside her pocket, ready to fling out her wand in case of confrontation.

No one had any idea if Lucius was aware of Draco's escape, if he knew that the group knew of his disguise, or if he was even still on Hogwarts grounds. Once at the entrance of the common room, she drew in a deep breath and walked in. Cautiously sweeping the room with her eyes, she saw no sign of anyone being present. The fireplace was burnt out, so with a flick of her wand she re-ignited it.

"Malfoy?" she called out, her voice laced with more uneasiness than she wanted. Clearing her throat softly, she repeated herself. "Malfoy?" This time, in a more demanding tone. Remember, you have to act like Draco is actually the one here, she told herself. She feared more than anything that she would let on that she knew it was actually Lucius. If anything, she hoped that he would never return again. But she knew he wouldn't leave yet… Not if he still had plans for her. Her death, to be exact… His hatred for her and mudbloods as a whole was too strong. He would still be around to carry out his plans.

As if on cue with her thoughts, she heard a rustle coming from her room. Her hand twitching on her wand, Hermione froze for a split second before cautiously walking towards her room. She made sure to tread lightly on the carpet, but on her way to her door her hip clumsily bumped into the corner of a table. The slight sound from the wobble of the table was enough. Almost instantaneously, Draco—well, Lucius in disguise—appeared in her doorway.

"Granger," he sneered, standing with complete composure. He must have been caught off guard, and yet he was extremely adept at giving off the opposite impression.

Hermione was quick to put her acting skills to the test. "Malfoy, what have I told you before about invading my personal space?" she snapped, projecting a sense of annoyance, as though this was not that first time she caught Draco in her room. She didn't know how else to react, and figured this would be the best way to act "normal" around Lucius. She stomped over to him in an attempt to get into her room so she could end this exchange quickly with a slam of her door. Her
"anger" was a perfect excuse to lock the door and get safely out of the way of Lucius. It would have worked, only as she tried to push past him he would not budge. He continued to lean against her doorframe, effectively blocking her from the safety of her room.

"Malfoy, if you would kindly move…" Hermione attempted to sneer at him, but her voice was very nearly going to give her away. Somehow, she mustered up some annoyance in her voice. She was going to add a glare for an added effect, but the sting of fear that ran through her heart when he would not budge was enough to keep her from making eye contact.

Lucius simply stared blankly at her for a moment. Hermione's heart almost stopped, and in a desperate attempt to get away she tried to push past him again. This time, however, he gave in easily and moved aside.

"Look, Granger," he started, before Hermione had the chance to slam the door in his face. "I know you're pissed at me, but I feel bad now for what I've done. Is there a way I can make it up to you?" He looked at her with convincing hope and sincerity. The cold eyes that just a moment ago scared her to death were now filled with emotion. Hermione almost forgot who she was dealing with.

Even as she reminded herself that this wasn't the real Draco, she had to act normal. What was normal, though? Would she normally accept the apology or would ignore it?

"Okay," she said, adding a sigh to show the burden it was to allow him to apologize. "When?" Her heart was beating so furiously that she thought she might have a heart attack. She couldn't believe she just asked to set a time for when Lucius was clearly planning on putting in plan in motion. She should've simply agreed but stalled setting a meeting time. She reached towards the door to close it, deciding she would tell him to inform her later.

"Saturday evening, 6:00. We will meet in the Room of Requirements."

Too late. Hermione gave a small nod and closed the door, clicking the lock and feeling absolutely petrified. Saturday was the 31st. Saturday was in five days.

She couldn't move for who knows how long. Her whole body felt numb and she simply stared at the closed door. It finally hit her. Someone actually wanted her dead. Lucius Malfoy wanted her dead. Sure, she just recently found this out, but it never actually sank in until now. Before, it was just words and now it was something concrete. He himself had given her the time and place, though of course it was disguised as an innocent apology. If circumstances were different and Hermione was not aware that it was Lucius, she would have easily fallen into that trap. All this knowledge was just too overwhelming.

Finally, Hermione forced herself to take a step back from the door. Almost immediately, the door to the Gryffindor common room appeared and she swung it open.

"Hermione! You okay?" Harry was suddenly at her side.

"What's wrong, Hermione?" Ginny's eyebrows furrowed with concern as she put her arm around Hermione to comfort her.

Although they asked these questions, everyone looked at her knowingly. The look on Hermione's face said it all. And the look on her face when Draco pushed past everyone else and slid his arms protectively around her also said it all. "Nothing will happen to you, Hermione," he stated matter-of-factly. Everyone feared for Hermione's safety at this point, but Draco made it clear that he wasn't going to let anything happen to her.

Hermione felt her muscles relax as she let herself melt in Draco's arms. The warmth of his body and his strong arms around her made her feel safe. But more comforting was the fact that he was so determined to protect her and the fact that she knew he was there for her in this moment. "I'll be okay, you guys. We'll have a plan by Saturday."

"I'll get in contact with Remus as soon as I can," Harry piped in cheerfully, attempting to lighten the mood. "We still have a few days, and that should be more than enough time for all of us to think of a plan."

"Yeah, we're all brilliant, aren't we?" Ron joined in, providing a lopsided smile in attempt to be as hopeful as Harry.

Hermione nodded with a small smile. "Yes, you guys are amazing. Let's all rest up tonight and I'll see you in the morning." As lovely as her friends were, she just wanted to get away from everyone. All she needed right now was the feeling of safety Draco provided for her. She also refused to let him leave by her side at this point. She need to know he was safe. Everyone said they goodbyes to each other as they all parted to their dormitories and Hermione and Draco retreated to her room. Thankfully, the castle's magic was strong and there was no chance as far as they knew that Lucius would be able to get into Hermione's room while they occupied it.

Draco slid his arms around her waist and playfully pulled her to the middle of the room, lightening her mood. "I've missed you," he breathed huskily into her ear, smiling. This immediately sent chills down her spine. "I've missed you too." She smiled back up at him and draped her arms around his neck. Their gazes locked for a moment, their eyes filled with a mixture of passion and relief. He enveloped her lips in a deep kiss, his mouth fitting perfectly with hers. Everything in this moment felt right. She slid a hand down to his chest to push him back towards the bed, but was met with a grunt of pain. She'd forgotten that he was still bandaged across his chest and arm. Smiling sheepishly in apology, she gently rested her hand on his chest and he willingly moved back onto the bed with her.

As he laid on his back, Hermione carefully slid herself above him and recaptured their kiss, running one hand through his hair and gently cupping his jawline with the other. Smirking slightly into their kiss, Draco slid his hand down her body, feeling her smooth skin and running his hands up and down her sides and back. All of a sudden, he sneakily slid his hands down her pants and firmly grabbed her bare butt cheeks, eliciting a gasp from her. Pausing from their passionate kiss, his smirk grew.

"Granger, you wear thongs?" he teased, pinching the string of fabric between his fingers, pulling it up, and letting it snap back between her cheeks.

Hermione couldn't help but smile as she looked down at him, their noses barely touching. His smirk and the joking twinkle in his eyes were gone. Instead, she saw something else familiar in his eyes. It was same look he gave her in the train compartment at the beginning of the year. She realized now that he hadn't been in a daze. It was lust in his eyes. But this time, the lust was mixed with an intense passion, a passion for her alone.

Author's Note: I can't say when I'll be updating again. If I get reviews with positive feedback for more then I will definitely update again within the next 4 years! Haha but really, I will try to update further if you guys want. I actually don't know if I have any readers anymore, I did this chapter for my own sake. Thanks for reading! (if there's anyone reading this haha) Also let me know if you have any ideas for me to put in the next chapter. Constructive criticism is also appreciated!