As Long As You Love Me (Dramione)

Chapter 8: Azkaban Break-out & Falling In Love

WARNING: sexual content at the end of the chapter - just a heads up.

**1 Week Later**

Hermione was sitting at the Gryffindor table during dinner glancing over at the Slytherin table every now and then catching the eye of her boyfriend. She and Draco had agreed not to tell anyone of their relationship just yet. Hermione found it rather thrilling having a secret relationship with the boy that her and her friends had hated growing up, but he had changed, they just wanted to make sure Harry, Luna, Neville, and Ginny would accept him as her boyfriend.

“How long have you been dating?” Ginny asked startling Hermione.

“Just a week. I mean… oh bugger.” the words had come out of her mouth before she had a chance to stop them.

“It’s about time, honestly.” Ginny said smiling at her best friend.

Hermione laughed and stabbed some turkey with her fork and then turned sober. “Have you heard anything about Ron?” she asked giving Ginny a curious look.

Ginny looked a bit grim as she gave her a tight smile, “Yeah, the ministry decided that if he swore to behave then he could return to finish his NEWTS, but he won’t be allowed to be an auror.”

“S-so he’s coming back?” Hermione stuttered setting down her fork looking worried. The last time she had spoken to Ron had been during the Masquerade ball just before he slapped her. She couldn’t believe the ministry was letting him come back.

Ginny nodded sadly and then turned to greet Harry. “Hello love.” She said as he sat down beside her and gave her a hug and peck on the lips. Harry asked Ginny the same question Hermione had just asked and Ginny retold what she knew. He looked over at Hermione reaching behind Ginny putting a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it lightly, “Everything will be fine Mione.”

Hermione smiled a tight smile and then excused herself from the table. She made eye contact with Draco and motioned with her head for him to follow her out.

“What’s wrong Mione?” Draco asked as he came out of the Great Hall.

“He’s coming back, the ministry said as long as he behaved he could return to finish his NEWTS, he won’t be allowed to be an auror though.” She said leaning up against the wall with a sad expression. “I thought I was through with him, I thought I wouldn’t have to see him again.”

Draco pulled Hermione into a tight hug and rested his chin on the top of her head as she rested her head on his chest. “It’ll be alright Hermione; I won’t let him hurt you.”

Before they had a chance to move the Great Hall doors opened and Harry and Ginny walked out. Hermione jumped away from Draco blushing as Harry smirked at her before saying, “I already know, Gin told me. It’s fine with me as long as he doesn’t hurt you.” Harry looked at Draco with a serious expression.

“I’m not going to hurt her Harry.” Draco said pulling Hermione back to his side.

Harry nodded and then rubbed his face, “We need to talk about the Ron situation; I don’t know what he may try once he comes back if anything at all. I want to make sure Mione is safe and never alone with him.”

The others nodded in agreement as Luna and Neville appeared from the great hall. “Hello everyone” Luna greeted them in her usual soft voice. She smiled at Draco and Hermione and then turned to Harry, “Were you talking about Ron?”

Harry nodded and repeated to them what he had said to the others. “I agree…” Neville spoke as Harry finished, “We need to make sure nothing happens.”