[forty one]

Draco wasn't planning on leaving Hermione alone in bed after the night she had. Draco's hand on her lower back was the only thing that made her comfortable enough to fall asleep. However, he woke with a start in the middle of the night, worried about his mother.

He sighed and looked at his fiancée, who was peacefully cuddled into his chest. Draco usually had no nightmares when Hermione was sleeping next to him, but for some odd reason, he had one tonight.

It wasn't vivid enough for him to remember every detail, but he just recalled their lives being in danger and that there were many many birds around Hogwarts.

Draco frowned and carefully unlatched Hermione's arm from around his waist, watching her eyebrows furrow for a second and then relax once again. Perhaps even in her sleep, she knew when he wasn't next to her anymore.

Draco slipped out of the room and carefully made his way out of the common room. He was planning on sending a patronus to his mother out in the hallway, but an owl was already waiting for him just outside the portrait hole.

"A little too late into the night to still be awake, Draco." Dumbledore hummed from his frame

"Bad dream." Draco answered, curiously taking the letter from the owl's beak. He recognized it to be one of his family's.

Draco released a sigh of relief. His mother was safe. He had to figure out a way to keep her protected. Perhaps he can order house elves to guard her with their magic.

"Good news?" Dumbledore wondered

"Yeah, I guess." Draco shrugged. All these months staying in the Head Prefects' common room with him as their portrait, and Draco still hasn't mustered the courage to speak to the late headmaster properly.

"It'll all be fine, mister Malfoy." Dumbledore assured, his eyes twinkling "You best head back inside. I can hear miss Granger looking for you."

Great, he woke her up. Muttering the password, Draco entered through the portrait hole and found Hermione groggily walking down the stairs "Draco?" she called out

"Here, sweetheart." Draco said, walking up to her.

"Where'd you go?" Hermione asked, her voice small and tired "I woke up and you weren't there."

"We'll talk about it properly in the morning." Draco tenderly pressed a kiss on her temple "Let's go back to bed."

"Okay."

"Are you still having cramps?" Draco asked

Hermione shook her head, tugging at his hand to follow her up the stairs "I feel much better."

"Good." Draco didn't want to leave her while she felt sick and uncomfortable. He could feel it in his gut that she was. The bond was so much more stronger now, it was getting harder to tell which emotions were his and which were hers.

Draco led her into their room and wrapped his arms around her as soon as they got in bed. "I love you." He whispered

"I know. I can feel it." Hermione said quietly, her ear pressed against his chest and listening to his heart "It's difficult to tell what I'm feeling and what you're feeling, but I get these warm waves in my chest and I know they're yours."

"My mother sent me an owl. It was why I was out of bed." Draco said

"Oh?"

"She asked me if I could come home for a day or two. She said that we have to learn how to harness the bond." Draco explained "She'll teach me and I'll teach you. Besides, there's much to be done about the estate."

"You're missing class."

Draco chuckled "Yes, I'll be missing class."

"I'll take notes for you." Hermione said eagerly

"I don't doubt that one bit." Draco pressed a kiss on her head "Sleep, my love. I can vaguely feel your pain." He placed his hand on the part of Hermione's lower back where it hurt, his warm fingers on her skin instantly giving her comfort.

"I love you." Hermione whispered

"I know, I can feel it." Draco echoed her words earlier, relishing in the warmth that spread all over his chest

———

"" Pansy demanded

"Just for today, Pans." Draco rolled his eyes

They were all in the Great Hall having breakfast before class, except for Draco who looked about ready to leave in his usual coat and tie ensemble.

"Reckon if I asked McGonagall for one more day of vacation, she'd let me? I mean, I helped save the world." Ron whistled

"In your wildest dreams, Weasley." Draco snickered "Besides, this isn't for vacation. There are important matters to be discussed with regards to the sanity of two students in this school."

"Right, the Malfoy bond." Theo made a face

"Exactly." Draco pocketed his wand "I best be going."

Hermione frowned at him "Now?"

"I have to go now so I wouldn't have to spend an extra day away from you, baby." Draco told her with a cheeky smile

"Uh, ? I'm trying to keep my breakfast down?" Blaise said

Hermione laughed and pressed a kiss on his lips "I'll see you when you get back."

"I'll write to you before bed." Draco smiled

"You better, Malfoy."

"You can count on it, Granger."

"Malfoy, get your cheesy arse moving right now." Ginny demanded