A/N: Sorry it took so long, I struggle with writers block a lot. Anyways, enjoy and please please please review. It absolutely makes my life to hear what you think:)

Chapter 2

Draco and Hermione made their way up to Dumbledore's office. Standing at the bottom of the spiral staircase, Draco looked as if he was about to be ill. His face was paler than usual and if she wasn't mistaken she could see tears in his eyes.

"Draco?" she spoke softly. "Do you need a minute?"

"Mhm," Draco slid down the wall and cupped his face in his hands. Hermione slid down next to him, taking his hand in hers.

"Draco, it's all going to be ok, I promise." The brunette gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

"I'm about to go against everything I have ever been taught. I am about to disgrace my family and lose them for good. How can you say it's all going to be ok?"

"I know what kind of a sacrifice this is for you, but it's worth it. We can help you, protect you. We can give you the kind of life that they can't"

"I know that. But I also know that once I do this I can't go back. I would never have thought I would be the one to betray them. This whole lifestyle has been drummed into me my whole life. I don't know what I am going to do."

"We will work it out, Draco. I know that you know you need to do this. You don't want that lifestyle, Draco. Just look at your father. Do you want that to be you in a few years?"

"No… I don't ever want to be compared to my father again. I hate him." Draco's eyes hardened. His decision was made. "Let's go in. I'm ready."

Draco stood and pulled Hermione up with him. He turned and embraced her quickly before pulling away and looking at the door. "Thank you Hermione."

"No need to thank me Draco. Let's go." She told the statue the password and started up the spiral staircase. "Professor Dumbledore?"

"Hermione, good to see you! And what's this? Hello there, Draco."

"Hello, Professor Dumbledore," Draco replied, clearly uncomfortable.

"Is there something you wish to discuss with me, Mr. Malfoy?"

Draco took a deep breath. Mixed emotions washed over his face. Hermione noticed this and reached for his hand reassuringly. "It's ok, Draco."

Draco took a deep breath and launched into the story of his life with the Dark Lord and the Death Eaters. He told Dumbledore about his orders. He told him how he was working to carry out the orders. He even told him about Snape and how he was a Death Eater. He finished with the conversation between he and Hermione in the bathroom and her promise that the Order could help him. "Please, sir, you have to help me. You have to find a way to get to my mother before… before Voldemort can get to her." Draco's voice broke at the thought of her mother at the manor with that monster. A single tear slipped down his cheek.

Hermione's heart broke for him. She reached up and wiped the tear away. He wrapped an arm protectively around her shoulder, "And please, keep Hermione safe, Headmaster. She could be a risk through all of this. I don't want anything to happen to her. I could never forgive myself if something did."

"Very well, Draco. If this is really what you want, we shall put a plan into place. Is this really what you want?"

"Yes, Professor," Draco looked the headmaster in the eyes. Dumbledore smiled at him.

"Very well, but I'm sorry to say we will not be able to tell you about our plans just yet. You will surely understand."

"Of course."

"Professor, where will Draco be staying? I'm sure you'll agree with me that he can't go back to the Slytherin common room tonight," Hermione cut in.

"Yes, Hermione, I agree with you. I can't go back there tonight," Draco looked nervous just thinking about it.

"Very well, Draco and Hermione, you will both be staying in the astronomy tower tonight. Hermione, I'm sure you can transfigure some furniture. I will send Professor Snape to fetch Draco's things and Professor McGonagall to get yours, Hermione."

"Thank you Professor."

"You are very welcome Hermione, Draco. Head up to the tower now, and don't stop for anything on your way there."

The two headed out of the room and up to the tower. Hermione transfigured two chairs, a lamp, a book self, two beds, and a dresser for their clothes. Hermione picked a book off of the shelf and sat down on one of the couches. Draco sat down on the edge of his bed, appearing deep in thought. A few minutes later, Professor Snape rushed up the stairs, Draco's trunks in hand.

"Professor," Draco stood. "I can explain!"

"No need, Dumbledore told me everything. This may be the best choice you have made since you were born Draco. It will not be an easy path, but you can do it. We will not be able to stay in contact. It is too dangerous for both of us." Snape looked at him sternly.

"Thank you Professor, for everything you have done for me. I will never forget it." Draco held out his hand and shook the professor's. Snape nodded curtly before turning and disappearing down the stairs. Draco picked up his trunks and unpacked some of his clothes into the dresser between the beds.

Professor McGonagall soon appeared and set Hermione's trunks quietly on the bed, not wanting to disturb the two. Neither noticed her arrival or heard her leave. Hermione was too engrossed in the book and Draco was staring out at the horizon, deep in thought.

Before either knew it, the sun was beginning to come up. Draco was stirred from his thoughts by the rays of sun hitting his face.

He looked over to Hermione, who was asleep with her head against the back of the couch. The book was lying open on her chest. She looked so peaceful. He wished very much that he could feel as peaceful as she looked.

Her eyes opened and he quickly averted his gaze.

"Good morning," she stood and stretched.

He half smiled up at her and she saw the dark bags under his eyes. "Did you sleep at all, Draco?"

"I don't think so. I couldn't stop thinking."

"About what?" Hermione walked over to her trunks and began to unpack them.

"A few different things, Snape mostly." Draco looked at her, his eyebrows knitted together. "Why would you care?"

"I have a feeling we are going to be spending a lot of time together. I reckon we should get to know each other a little bit, at least be civil."

"I suppose you're right."

"What's wrong, Draco? I can tell something is bothering you."

"It's… it's what Snape said. He meant we wouldn't be able to see each other again. OR talk at all. He has been here for me since I was young. I don't know how to feel about not being able to talk to him."

"I understand. I haven't been able to talk to my parents in a long time. Sending post is too dangerous. The owl might be followed and who knows what would happen to them then. It's hard, but I have to accept that it is for the best."

Draco looked deep in thought. He walked over to the edge of the tower and rested his hands on the banister. Hermione followed in silence. They stood side by side, gazing off at the sunrise, for quite a long time. Neither knew quite how long.

After a long time, Draco reached over and covered one of Hermione's petite hands with his own. She looked up to find him looking at her intently, remorse written all over his face.

"Hermione, I am so sorry for all of the trouble I have caused you. I hate all of the things I have said you over the years and I would give anything to be able to take them back. I don't know how you could find it in your heart to help me, but you came along when I needed someone most and I thank you for that. I am so sorry that you haven't been able to speak with your parents, that my family and their various… affiliations are the cause of that. You are quite right in assuming we need to be civil with each other. I don't know how you can bare to be around me, but it means more than you know."

"Thank you, Draco. That means a lot. Everything is in the past, alright?" She took his hand in hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

He smiled and pulled her to him, giving her a hug. He ran a hand through her hair while keeping the other wrapped securely around her waist. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and rested her hear in the crook of his neck.

Both would have been content to stay like that for quite some time.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed it. It may seem out of character but I always believed Hermione was so compassionate that I could find it possible that she reacted like this in this situation. As for Draco, well, I think he is just desperate for someone to cling to and rely on at this point. I know I would be! Review please, love you all! :)