Draco awoke to a cool hand on his cheek. He opened his tired eyes, hoping to see Hermione, but instead was surprised when he saw his mother. He rubbed his eyes and sat up, looking over to the other end of the hospital wing where the curtain was pulled around a bed.

"She's fine," his mother spoke in her cool, soft voice, having followed his gaze. Draco quickly looked back to her. She gave him a small smile.

"There's no point in trying to hide it, Draco. I know." Draco was surprised by the calmness in her voice, he'd assumed she would be mad.

Draco let out a sigh, "If you know everything, then why are you here? I thought you would have disowned me by now. I'm sure father has."

His mothers smile faded into a frown. "I'm here to make sure you're ok. Look, Draco, your father has made mistakes, and while I am still his wife, you are my main priority."

Draco looked at his mother, her face showed no emotion. But he knew this was one of the rare moments she would show him how much she cared.

"But Pansy? Didn't you give father the note from her telling her about me? About what I'd done?"

"I did. Though, I thought it was from you, she'd charmed the envelope to look like your script. I should have found it odd, but I was hoping perhaps you were bridging the gaps between you and your father."

Draco sighed, "I've already told you, Mother. It's never going to happen, especially not after this." He spared another glance over to Hermione's bed.

He and his mother sat in silence for a few moments until she spoke. "You love her, don't you?" She asked, gently.

Draco met his mother's eyes hesitantly; this was definitely not the conversation he wanted to be having with her. He simply nodded.

"I'd like to meet her," said Narcissa, eyeing the bed at the end of the infirmary.

"I doubt she's healthy enough no-," He stopped when Narcissa held up a hand. He knew Hermione probably was healthy enough, but he wanted to know his mothers intentions first.

"I know, she needs time to rest. But I'd like you to bring her home soon, so I can meet the girl who finally made my son see some sense."

Draco gave her a puzzled look, "What do you mean?" His mother had thought him senseless? He didn't know whether to be offended by that, or happy that she seemed to thank Hermione for 'helping' him.

Narcissa gave a knowing smile, "You've followed in your father footsteps your whole life, and despite how much I love your father, I know it wasn't the right path for you. When he was...locked away, you seemed a little lost. Not quite knowing who to be. This girl," she motioned towards Hermione's bed, "seemed to help you see who you really are. I'd been wishing it for you for so long. I never wanted you to make the wrong choices, and I'm proud of the ones you have made."

Narcissa rested her hand on Draco's. He didn't know what to say to her, but he was happy. He was worried he'd have no family after what happened, and he was glad that he would still have his mother.

"I'll let you rest," she said, standing and gathering her cloak, "I'll see you at home after graduation."

She turned to leave, but Draco stopped her with a question. "You really want me to come home?"

"Of course," his mother said without hesitation, or doubt. She turned and left the room through the large doors.

Draco leaned back on his pillow, feeling at ease for the first time in a while. After a few moments he drifted off to sleep.

He awoke the next morning, feeling much better for wear. His muscles were no longer tense from the Cruciatis curse and he was no longer feeling exhausted. Madam Pomfrey was changing the sheets on a few beds not far away from him.

His eyes shifted to the bed up the end of the infirmary, which was still curtained. He swung his legs off the side of his own bed and stepped onto the cool tiled floor. He found his legs were weak from the fact that he hadn't used them in the last couple of days.

He began to slowly make his way to Hermione's bed when Madam Pomfrey spotted him.

"Ah, Mr Malfoy, you're looking much better. I think you might be able to go back to your dorm today."

Draco nodded, "Okay, but can I go see Hermione first?" He asked, looking longingly toward the curtained bed.

"I'm afraid not. She's asleep right now. We've haven't let Mr Potter or Mr Weasley visit either," She added quickly, seeing him open his mouth to complain.

"She's alright though, isn't she?" He asked, concerned. Madam Pomfrey gave him a small smile.

"Yes, she's fine. I've just been asked to keep her sedated for a few days." At Malfoy's confused look, she continued, "Nobody knows what happened to her before they found her in that forest. Poor girl. It's her emotional well-being we're worried about..."

Draco understood what the nurse was trying to say, but he knew no harm had come to Hermione in that way; unfortunately he couldn't let anyone know that without giving too much away.

The doors to the hospital wing opened and Draco heard a cheery voice he recognised well.

"Morning, Pops," Blaise said brightly to the nurse. She scowled at him.

"It's Madam Pomfrey, to you, Mr Zabini." She said in an authoritative voice.

Zabini placed a hand on his heart. "I thought we had something special?" He said, in mock sadness.

The nurse didn't look amused, and merely turned to Draco, "You may go, Mr Malfoy. You too, Mr Zabini."

Blaise shrugged and began walking towards the door to wait for Draco; Draco turned to move the curtains around his bed so he could dress, but was stopped by the nurse.

"Oh, and Mr Malfoy," she began reaching into the pocket of her uniform; "I'll return this to Professor McGonagall, will I?"

Draco's eyes widened as he looked down at the gold chain with an hourglass hanging off it. He swallowed nervously, "That would be great, thank you."

The nurse smirked, and moved to let him dress in private. When he was done, he found Blaise waiting at the door for him. They left the hospital wing and walked down the Slytherin common room together.

"Classes have been cancelled for the last couple of days of school," Blaise began, "Most of the students have gone home, except for the 7th years, and their dates. We've got that stupid dance tomorrow, so we have to stay." He made a face.

"I won't be going," said Draco, as they turned a corner.

"Compulsory for all 7th years," he said sadly, "Except for Granger cause she's in the hospital, and Pansy...cause...well, you know."

Draco smirked, "I don't know, actually. What happened to Pansy?"

"Ah, well. She's in trouble, that's for sure. They've got her on a few charges, including attempted murder, and bargaining with Death Eaters. But I think they might be lenient on her because she doesn't have the Dark Mark herself. Last I heard, though, she was looking at a couple of years in Azkaban."

Draco nodded, "She put herself there though." Blaise made a noise of agreement.

They stepped through the portrait of the Slytherin common room, to find a few students scattered around. Some glanced at Draco with mild interest, but mostly no one bothered to look. Slytherins didn't usually whisper and chatter about things, especially when two of their own were involved.

They made their way to the secluded table in the corner, the same table Draco had sat at when he'd hidden in the common room, and they both sat down.

"Wizards chess?" Blaise offered, grabbing the board off an adjacent shelf.

"Sure," Draco said, and they set up the pieces.

"You know," Blaise began, moving his first piece, "For a while there the other day, I thought you weren't gonna come back alive. I was about to go after you, but they wouldn't let me leave once the Aurors came."

Draco looked up at Blaise, who was staring down at his chess piece bitterly.

"Don't worry about it," Draco said, "Everything turned out fine."

"Yea, but it might not have gone so well." Blaise said.

You're telling me, thought Draco. He was thankful that the Aurors had stopped Blaise from following him again, he knew how that had turned out the first time, and he wasn't sure he'd forgive himself if it had happened a second time.

"I'm just glad you're alright," said Blaise, slightly uncomfortable at being so open, "Granger, too."

"I'm glad too," commented Draco, "Not sure what I would've done if I'd lost her." He already knew what it felt like, and he didn't want to feel that again.

"Now, now, don't go getting all emotional on me," Blaise joked, watching his knight beat apart one of Draco's pawns.

Draco smirked, "You're just hurt because I wouldn't cry over you."

Blaise chuckled, "You probably would though, who wouldn't?"

Little did Blaise know, Draco would, and already had cried over losing him, and Hermione. He'd never tell a soul that though. What happened with the time turner was his secret.

Both boys chuckled at Blaise's lack of modesty, and went back to their game of chess.

In the Hospital Wing, Hermione awoke with a splitting headache. She looked around the empty hospital wing, and her heart began to race. The last thing she remembered was Draco hexing the Death Eaters, and then it all went black.

The fact that he wasn't in the hospital wing worried her; she only hoped it was because he was alright. She sat up and immediately regretted it when her head starting throbbing unbearably.

"Good to see you awake, dear." Hermione looked up to see Madam Pomfrey bustling over, with a vial, "Take this, its help with the headache. You did come in with a concussion, so I imagine it's quite bad."

Hermione gratefully took the vial and downed the potion. Her headache immediately ceased, and she let out a relieved sigh.

"Madam Pomfrey," Hermione said suddenly, handing the woman the empty vial, "What happened to Draco Malfoy? Here was there with me...he didn't...I mean, he's not-," The woman held up a hand to stop Hermione.

"Relax, dear. He's perfectly fine. I discharged him this morning," she brought Hermione a tray of porridge, toast and some pumpkin juice, "He seemed just as concerned about you, as well." The nurse gave Hermione a small smile, causing the girl to blush.

"Have Harry and Ron been in at all?" Hermione asked, attempting to change the subject.

"Oh yes, they come every morning hoping to see you, I've been sending them away until you got better."

Hermione frowned. "Am I allowed to go see them?"

"I'm afraid not, dear," said Madam Pomfrey, "I've been told to keep you in here until Saturday morning. Don't fret though; I'm sure they'll be here soon. They always are." The nurse shook her head good naturedly and left Hermione to finish her breakfast.

Madam Pomfrey was correct. No less than ten minutes after Hermione finished her porridge did the door open, revealing a raven and red haired boy. They looked fearfully at the door to the nurse's office and Hermione barely stifled a giggle at their antics.

They looked over at the noise and two identical grins adorned their faces.

"Hermione! You're alright-," cried Ron.

"We were really worried-," interrupted Harry, over the top of Ron's ranting.

"-barely eaten at all, that's how worried I was-," Ron continued.

"-what were you thinking going off by yourself-," cried Harry.

"-you going to eat that toast?" Ron asked, eyeing her tray.

"You should have talked to us!" Finished Harry, looking tired and stressed.

Hermione frowned, "I'm sorry, Harry. It's just, there are some things I knew you wouldn't understand; and no I'm not, you can have it, Ron."

Harry frowned as Ron grabbed Hermione's toast and began munching away. "We already know everything now," Harry said, "McGonagall told us when you were missing."

Hermione hesitated, "So...you know about-"

"Malfoy?" Harry interjected, "Yea we know about you and him."

Hermione looked down at her hands, "I'm sorry Harry please don't be mad. It's not something I can ask you to understand, because I barely understand myself, but I just...I care about him."

Harry looked displeased, and Ron was looking at his feet. Hermione was suddenly worried that she'd said the wrong thing. Maybe they couldn't accept how she felt; maybe they would make her choose?

"We know, Mione," Ron said gently, breaking the silence, "I think if I can get past it, Harry can manage as well. I mean, I did want to beat him senseless, but the feeling passed quite quickly."

Harry nodded, "And he did go after you, so I guess that shows he at least cares for you too...he's still a ferret though." Harry added quickly.

He, Hermione and Ron laughed. Old beliefs die hard, Hermione supposed.

"If that's the worst reaction you've got, I'm happy," Hermione said, smiling at her two friends.

"So will you be at the ball?" Ron asked, turning the conversation onto a brighter topic.

"I'm afraid not," Hermione said frowning, "I've got to stay here until Saturday morning, when we go home...I hope I haven't ruined your night, Ron, I know we were supposed to go together." Hermione added quickly.

Harry smirked, "Ron's already got himself a new date lined up," he said, eyeing Ron, who was red as a beetroot.

"Is that so, Ron," Hermione said, with mock indignation, "I haven't even been gone three days and you already replaced me!" She put her hand on her heart, feigning hurt.

Ron grinned, "Come on, Mione. It was getting difficult fight all the ladies off. I eventually just gave in." He shrugged.

Harry and Hermione burst into fits of laughter, earning a loud "Shhh!" from within Madam Pomfrey's office.

"So who's the lucky lady?" Hermione asked, still grinning.

"Luna Lovegood," Ron answered smiling, "I mean she's a bit barmy, but once she stops talking about Crumply Horned Snorvels, or whatever they're called, she's pretty cool."

Hermione smiled, noticing the way Ron's eyes twinkled when he spoke of the Ravenclaw. He didn't even realise he was already smitten with the girl; oh, he didn't know what was coming. Hermione smirked.

The three spent the rest of the morning chatting, until the boys were eventually shooed out by Madam Pomfrey when their laughter became too loud.

Hermione spent the rest of the day wondering what Draco was doing. She was glad Ron and Harry seemed indifferent about the whole thing. Even if they weren't exactly pleased, it was better than being completely against it.

Then again, had Draco actually confirmed that they were still going to do whatever this was after they finished school? She suddenly became worried, and was only stopped when Madam Pomfrey seemed to notice her distress and brought her a calming draught. Hermione was puzzled however, when she mentioned something about 'forgetting the experience soon'. Hermione shrugged though, and downed the potion, falling into a blissful sleep once her mind was free of all thoughts.

Draco stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom of his dorm, fixing his robes. It was the night of the Graduation Ball, and he was scowling at his reflection, sulking about the fact that he was being forced to go, when the only way he would look forward to it was if Hermione was there too. He hadn't managed to see her yet, and it was starting to get to him.

He stepped out of his dorm to find Blaise waiting for him, already dressed in his robes, wearing a similar look of sulkiness., despite the fact he actually had a date.

"Ready?" He asked, standing up from his chair, and brushing his robes down flat.

"Yeah, let's go," answered Draco. They made their way out the portrait hole, and headed towards the great hall.

Students were piling into the great hall, dates on their arm, dressed in their fanciest robes. Blaise met up with his date, a sixth year Ravenclaw girl, and they walked in together. The hall was decorated in house colours. There were large banners on each wall, and each table was covered in a table cloth the same colour as the house. Candles were floating around, and the enchanted ceiling sparkled down upon them, showing a clear night sky.

After everyone was settled, they made their way to their tables for the feast. McGonagall rose and gave a speech, along with the other Heads of House. They ate a magnificent feast, though Draco had no appetite for it, and once they were all done the tables moved to the side and the hall was cleared to make way for a dance floor.

A small classical band had been hired, and while it wasn't the first choice of music for the students, they danced anyway. Blaise's date stole him away for a dance, and while there were a few dateless girls eyeing Draco, he was not in the mood for it.

He looked around the room for a moment, the teachers were occupied, waltzing around, and the students were distracted too. No one would see him if he slipped out, and that's exactly what he decided to do.

He managed to squeeze out the door without drawing attention to himself, and began walking to the Hospital wing.

Ten minutes later he was standing outside the large doors, pushing them open. The only bed occupied in the whole room was Hermione's at the end. He walked over and pulled back the curtains.

Hermione jumped at the sudden appearance of someone, but when she saw who it was she grinned.

Draco smirked, "Bit jumpy, Granger?"

She scoffed. "You would be too, if you'd just been attacked by Death Eaters."

"Ah, but I'm not," he said, causing her to realise her mistake, "I am a lot tougher then you though, so..." He shrugged.

Hermione laughed, "It hasn't seemed to have damaged your ego, either." Draco smirked, sitting on the edge of her bed.

"You look sophisticated," she teased, eyeing his robes. He noticed the look of disappointment on your face.

"You're not missing much, Granger. Do you think I'd be up here if it was enjoyable?"

Hermione thought for a moment, "Well maybe my company is even more enjoyable?" She grinned.

"That's true," he said, grinning back.

"So can you tell me what happened the other day? I was sort of unconscious for most of it..." She said, wryly.

"Well I thought we were fine, then Pansy showed up, helped the Death Eaters, and I'm not really sure what happened," he lied, "but then the Aurors showed up. Pansy had planned it all."

Hermione looked shocked, "I can't believe she'd go that far," said Hermione is disbelief, "She's in trouble for it, right?"

Draco nodded, "Yea, probably a little time in Azkaban. Too lenient if you ask me."

"Well she put herself there, didn't she?" Hermione commented, still looking thoughtful.

Draco smirked at her, "That's what I said." Hermione smiled.

"So did your family react badly?" Hermione asked. She assumed they would know by now. Everyone would know by now.

Draco gave a one shouldered shrug, "Don't know about my father, but my mother visited me yesterday."

Hermione sat up straight, "And?"

"And she wants to meet you."

Hermione slumped back down, looking shocked, "She wants to meet me? Me?"

Draco nodded, "She not angry...she seems to understand. Anyway, I was thinking this summer before you start your Healer training you could come and stay at the manor for a while?"

Hermione raised an eyebrow, "You want me to come and stay there?"

He gave her an odd look, "Of course."

They fell into silence, the only noise coming from the great hall, where a slow, sensual song was being played by the band. Draco stood and held out his hand toward Hermione. She eyed it curiously.

"You were disappointed about missing the ball, so we'll make our own ball," he grabbed her by the hand and pulled her out of the hospital bed.

Hermione stood awkwardly as he placed one of her hand on his shoulder, and grasped the other with his own. He slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her so close she could feel the heat coming off him.

He began to spin her around to the music and Hermione was certain this was much better than the celebrations going on downstairs. They eventually fell into a slow swaying rhythm, as Hermione rested her head on his chest, and he rested his cheek on the crown of her head.

"Hermione?" Draco whispered softly.

"Yes?" She answered, in the same soft whisper, not wanting to break the daze she was in.

"Well, I...I just...I feel I should say," he hesitated and Hermione pulled back to look at him. She was surprised to see the pink tinge his cheeks held. Was he nervous? She never thought she'd see the day.

"I care about you," he spat out as quickly as he could, "a lot..." he added.

He seemed to be battling with himself, and didn't notice Hermione smiling.

"Oh, bloody hell, I love you, alright? See, it's not that hard to say, you idiot." He hissed to himself; scolding himself for his lack of courage.

If Hermione hadn't been so shocked, she might have laughed at his internal battle, but all she could do was stare at him, mouth agape. He seemed to take this badly.

"Did I say the wrong thing?" He asked, rather awkwardly. It was definitely out of character for him.

Hermione snapped back to reality, "Of course not," she said quickly, smiling up at him, "That's what I needed to hear, because I...well, I love you too," she blushed, "I was starting to worry you might not feel the same." She admitted, still blushing.

"That's what I thought," he said, smiling, before teasing her, "Lucky I had the courage to say it, otherwise where would we be? So much for Gryffindor courage." He shook his head in mock disappointment as she swatted him arm.

"You'll be in one of those hospital beds in a minute," she teased, as they began to sway again, falling back into comfortable silence.

Madam Pomfrey came back in hours later to find the two innocently asleep on Hermione's bed, and given that they were leaving tomorrow; she decided not to wake them.

The next morning, Hermione was discharged and carried her trunk, which McGonagall had packed for her, down to the not-so-horseless carriages. She fit into one with Harry, Ron and Ginny, and smiled at Draco as he walked past with Blaise.

She knew it would be pushing her friends too far to have them sit together, so they'd decided they would sit with their friends. After all, this would be the last journey they would make from Hogwarts and it was something to be remembered with those they'd spent it with for the past seven years.

As they made it to Hogsmeade Station, students began to pile onto the train with their trunks. Harry, Ron and Ginny went ahead to find an empty compartment, as Hermione walked slower looking around for a flash of blonde hair. She didn't find him and hopped on the train, feeling a little disappointed, until a warm hand caught her around the wrist. She spun to look at the grinning face of Draco.

"Running away without saying goodbye?" He teased as he moved them away from the door.

"I didn't see you," she said, unable to stop smiling. Blaise stepped through the door before seeing them.

"I'll find a compartment," he said to Draco, moving past, before smirking, "have a good summer Granger, I might see you around."

Hermione blushed, as Draco grinned at his best friend. They whistle blew and the doors of the train began to close.

"I should probably go put my stuff away, but come find me before you leave Kings Cross," she nodded, as he placed a quick kiss on her head.

"I'll owl you when I get home too, so we can organise this summer," he said, he turned back to her and grinned, before walking down the aisle. Hermione watched him go with a mixture of sadness and excitement, before rolling her trunk behind her as she went to find the compartment her friends were in.

She entered it to find Ginny resting her head on Harry's shoulder, while he and Ron played Exploding Snap. She stopped to take in the scene, knowing it would be the last time they'd ever be like this.

"Come join in, Mione," Ron called to her, never taking his eyes off the cards, "I'll kick all your asses."

Hermione stepped in and took the seat beside Ron. "Don't get too cocky, Ron."

He simply scoffed, "Why not?", before all the cards exploded in his face, leaving it black and covered soot, his hair at all different angles.

"That's why," Ginny commented, and they all fell into bouts of laughter as Ron grumbled.

Over in Draco's compartment, he and Blaise were sitting in comfortable silence staring out the window. Draco watched as Hogwarts got smaller and smaller in the distance, and while he felt like he was saying goodbye to his home, he knew there were better things to come.

For the first time in Draco's life, he felt like he had a bright future that he hoped would be filled with laughter, happiness, and most importantly, Hermione.

A/N: OMG, I'm done! :D

I'd just wanna say thanks to everyone who has read this story, it means a lot to me.

I hope you've enjoyed reading this story as much as I have enjoyed writing it. I'm actually kind of sad haha ah well, perhaps I'll meet you in another story if mine?

Cheers!

Leni