Hermione Granger X Draco Malfoy/ DH retelling
The grip of the Horcrux diminishes as she gets further from their camp.
The enormity of her decision hits in.
Harry and Ron were alone now.
And so was she.
Alone and a wanted criminal.
Only one place she could go: To him.
So she finds herself standing on the gates of the Malfoy Manor in the early dusk of another winter day.
Him walking across the frozen yard to her. Black cloak almost sweeps the frost on the ground as he walks.
Draco's eyes are worn and hands cold when he takes hers.
Tears tickle her eyes, "I need help."
He squeezes her hands, "Why me?"
"I heard what you said about me." She whispers.
Nothing more.
But she knows he knows what she's talking about.
What he said after she had walked away.
After she had told him whatever was between them needed to end.
After she had held back tears and walked away.
"You love her?" Zabini had asked.
And before turning around the corner she had heard Draco's answer,
"Yes."
He looks at her now and the words hang heavy around them.
Then he nods, "come on".
Hand in hand they sneak into the dark halls of the manor.
"I love you, too." She whispers to him in the safety of his room.
And he pulls her close, enclosing his arms tightly around her, "Never leave again."