Author's Note: All chapter titles belong to Bob Dylan...or yannow...whoever else wrote his songs, obviously not me.

Chapter 1 - Ain't Gonna Go To Hell For Anybody

"Not bloody likely." In an undertone the words were spoken, hidden behind a particularly pale hand, concealing the smirk which accompanied it.

The young man's father continued pacing; rattling off inconsequential facts as if his surly son had not interrupted him. Casually he tossed the parchment onto the regal conference table, watching for the signs of explosion he expected, disappointed when it was denied, even a passing interest.

"...ninety days from today..." The young man shoved his platinum hair from his eyes, absorbing the last few words spoken by his father.

"What's that now?" He realised with angst, he had missed something important, the very thing his future depended upon, while contemplating his escape from his father's house.

"Were you not listening? This is important! Our future depends upon this!" Insolently the young man shrugged, arching his eyebrow in defiance. He stood suddenly, prepared to whisk himself out of the place he once called home.

"Father. Can you move it along a bit? I'm to meet Theo.." His father scowled with ease, as he always had done. His brow furrowed with displeasure, his hands clutching his ivory handled cane in anger.

"Daphne Greengrass. Her father and I have solidified your marriage contract. You're to be wed. Three months from today."

"You're fucking insane. That's not bloody happening. The contract was void! Astoria died! I'm free and clear!" The pale face flushed angrily, his chest heaving with fury. His father stalked across the room, slapping him soundly across the cheek.

"Must you?" He said it half-heartedly. It was never his job to correct his son and part of him still resented being forced into it now. "We've enacted the clause. The fine print you never could be bothered to put forth the effort to read. Since Astoria..." He paused out of respect, "passed..most unfortunately, her father has decreed Daphne shall complete our agreement."

"Father. You can't. Mother..."

"Your mother is gone, Draco. Therefore, I have acquiesced to this match. Prepare yourself." A flourish of long platinum hair, identical to his son's strode from the drawing room of Malfoy Manor.

Draco Malfoy stumbled from his childhood home, riddled with anxiety and even fury. He found himself wandering through a grove of trees, gazing in sadness toward the top of the small grass covered hill. A headstone stood underneath the largest tree. He had never visited it, unable to face the horrid truth. It would make everything real if he saw his mother's name on the headstone. She wasn't there. Draco knew she wasn't there. He didn't know where she was, but he knew, in the depths of his cold, empty heart, his mother wasn't there. He found himself stepping toward the worn path, his fists clenching, unwilling to follow through. He spun quickly on his heel, Apparating to the Leaky Cauldron. If he ever needed a drink, it was now.

"THEN! He bloody said I'm to marry fucking Daphne Greengrass." Theo Nott nodded, his eyes on the door, used to such tirades from his oldest friend. They had never been close when they attended Hogwarts, but war changes people. He took a swig from the bottle of firewhisky gripped in his calloused hand.

"Thought it was void and all being Astoria..."

"That's what I said! Apparently! They've forged some new bullshit and I'm going to be bloody stuck with her! For life. Can't even kill her. Or myself for that matter." Draco's forehead lay against the bar, his red rimmed eyes hidden from view. He slammed his glass next to him, not even flinching when the glass shattered, shards striking his downcast cheek.

"Blood bond then? For life?" Theo found himself mildly interested, his dark eyes darkening in mirth.

"Of course!" Draco groaned in horror. He felt a hard thump on his back, still refusing to lift his head.

"Malfoy." Blaise Zabini took the stool next to Draco, snickering, while his right arm never left the waist of the tall, pretty brunette witch beside him.

"Zabini. Fuck off."

"Take it he's heard the news then?" Blaise snickered again, waving over the bartender.

"Blaise. Don't mock him too much. He doesn't know about us yet." The soft, decidedly feminine voice caused Draco Malfoy's pounding head to lift, his bleary eyes meeting those of Daphne Greengrass.

"Know what about you?" His words were slurred yet even in his haze, he would gladly grasp any straws which removed Daphne Greengrass from his future. Theo slipped off his stool, subtly making his way toward the door once his eyes fastened on the person he truly wished to see. He stopped short, his eyes wide upon seeing the dark haired witch shaking the raindrops from her black cloak.

"Dec. What on earth are we doing here?" The pretty witch surveyed the room with a critical eye, her amber eyes the trio at the bar. "These are you friends? Really? Malfoy?"

"As my very best friend, you promised no judgment, Sweetie. Don't forget now. Even you can't deny Malfoy is a delicious specimen of the male persuasion." The exceedingly tall, muscular brunette wiggled his eyebrows, his blue eyes twinkling, as he placed his companions hand in the crook of his arm, squeezing gently. "Remember..."

"I haven't forgotten. Not a word. Promise." She smiled, her plush pink lips upturned easily.

"This? This is your bloody fucking best friend? Seriously? Dec!" Theo Nott sputtered. Of all the people he had expected to see standing before him, this particular witch was definitely not it. He wasn't expecting the pang of jealousy as he watched her grip his boyfriend's arm nor their conspiratorial giggle.

Declan Rosier shrugged with nonchalance, silently soaring as he witnessed the blatant jealousy present in his secret lover's dark eyes. He slid past Theo, heading directly toward the bar, a half smile breaching the corner of his rugged mouth.

"He calls you Dec?" The tiny witch at his side pulled his neck, forcing him to lean toward her so she could reach his ears.

"Even with your heels you're incredibly tiny." He ignored her, "Bet you're a bloody load of fun against a wall..." Declan winked as the flush crept up her face, her mouth dropped open in pseudo rage. She was fully prepared to slap his incorrigible face, but spying Theo, she smiled demurely, kissing Declan's cheek instead, sipping the glass of wine before her.

"What the holy fuck is Granger doing here? Haven't I suffered enough today?" Draco groaned into his empty glass of firewhisky, pleading for her to be a mirage.

"She's actually not that bad, Malfoy. I mean, don't ask me to admit it to her face or anything." Blaise Zabini's glanced across the bar, while entwined around Daphne Greengrass, her fingers mussing his dark hair.

"I like her. Even you have to admit she looks good."

"It was never her looks that were the problem." Draco grumbled, missing the mischievous glint flicker in Daphne's eyes even as Blaise groaned.

"Really now?" Blaise had half a mind to escape while he could, yet the devious side of him was quite interested in hearing Draco's response to Daphne's inquiry.

"Well yeah, she's alright to look at I suppose. Quite attractive really, but you have to admit she's bloody obnoxious." Draco's eyes roved the little Gryffindor's tiny form with appreciation which was not lost on his companions.

"Your aversion to her has nothing to do with her blood then?"

"Nah, I mean, I could lie and say it did, would that make you feel better? No? Alright then, it's nothing to do with her blood, it was always simply a convenient slur and I did so love to stir up a bit of trouble during our school days." Blaise continued to refill Draco's goblet with ice water, hoping to sober the poor bloke while he rambled.

"You're not averse to dating her then?" Daphne's long fingers caressed the sleeve of Draco's rumpled dress shirt.

"Dating her? Could you imagine the look on my father's face? Granger's brilliant of course, but even I wouldn't wish that on her. She'd talk me to death before I ever managed to snog her, let alone shag her."

"That's not a no, Malfoy." Daphne tossed her dark hair over her shoulder with a smirk before hopping off Blaise's lap. She rounded Blaise, Draco and Theo to sit next to Hermione Granger. Without asking permission, Daphne Greengrass, ran her hand over the smoothly coifed hair next to her.

"Daphne!" Hermione Granger never expected to find herself surrounded by Syltherin's nor enjoying their company. Part of her wondered if Ron Weasley was rolling in his grave, but the other part of her knew he'd want her to be happy. Hermione leapt from her stool, her arms thrown around the striking Slytherin.

"How is our Honorary Ravenclaw? I see Declan spared no expense..." Daphne laughed, taking in Hermione Granger's flawless appearance. The short, dark blue dress hugged the petite witch's curves, accentuating all her assets. The normally unruly mop of golden brown curls was softened, twisted upon her head. Even Daphne had to admit, Hermione looked absolutely smashing. Hermione laughed, used to the gentle ribbing of the pureblood. It was easier for them to pretend she wasn't the Gryffindor Princess nor one of the two remaining members of the Golden Trio, after-all, she was the brightest witch of their age.

"Honorary Ravenclaw now? Really? Last week it was Honorary Slytherin." From the corner of her eye she saw Draco Malfoy's eyes narrow at her mention of the previous week, but he wasn't glowering at her which made Hermione feel a bit wary.

"Of course. Last week Dec dressed you in green. Just don't sport Hufflepuff colours and we'll be just fine." Daphne winked, poking Declan in his ribs. He rolled his eyes, unappreciative of the limits set on his creative genius.

"Th'fuck last week?" Draco shoved Blaise, causing his own stool to rock precariously. Blaise shrugged, instead watching Theo Nott's jaw clench in misplaced anger.

"Declan's ok. Had him over, he brought Granger. Slow down, Malfoy. We've got reservations." Blaise downed the remnants of his friend's drink quickly with an easy smile.

"You're bloody...friends with...with...her?" If he hadn't known it would completely enrage Draco, Blaise would have let the chuckle in his chest escape at the incredulous expression painted across Draco's face.

"Nah. Daphne is though. Seems really fond of her."

"Wait. I'm going to wind up...seeing bloody Granger? All the bloody time? I'm going to find a way to kill her."

"Granger?"

"No. Daphne."

"Keep your fucking hands off my wife, Malfoy." Blaise cringed. Daphne had begged him to keep their secret until after dinner. His temper was always getting the best of him where she was concerned. Inwardly he groaned, knowing this wasn't going to end well, for anyone. The squeals across the bar informed Blaise his wife was incapable of keeping secrets as well.

"Malfoy's father is gonna kill him." Theo Nott stood next to Declan "Dec" Rosier, as they observed Hermione Granger and Daphne Zabini hold each other hands, jumping on the stone floor. Hermione grabbed Daphne's hand, her mouth agape at the size of the emerald and diamond ring on her friend's finger.

"Why?" Declan whispered, his breath brushing Nott's earlobe lightly. Theo stepped away, determined to keep his distance.

"Blood Contract was signed."

"Shit." Hermione took in Declan and Theo attempting to ignore the intensity between them and winked.

"You told her?!" Theo wished the floor would open and swallow him, his heart hammering.

"Hello! It's so bloody obvious." Declan rolled his eyes, leaving Nott behind as he kissed Daphne's cheek, murmuring congratulations. Theo growled, grateful the noise of the pub hid his moment of weakness. He ambled over to Blaise, thrusting his hand out in expectation.

"When Malfoy's father kills him, you'll help me bury him eh?" Theo winked, smiling broadly as Blaise's level of comfort plummeted.

"Food." Draco Malfoy shoved off his bar stool, wobbling slightly in his inebriated state before pushing through the crowds to head into the alley.

"Malfoy's leaving!" Blaise shouted across the crowded pub at his new wife, who was still engaged in gushing with Hermione. She nodded, pulling Hermione to her, weaving through the throngs of inebriated witches and wizards. Blaise followed close behind, leaving Theo Nott and Declan Rosier to follow.

Draco Malfoy leaned against the brick wall, his head hanging to his chest, his wand dangling at his fingertips, incapable of tapping the bricks correctly in his current state. Blaise rolled his big brown eyes, shoving Draco to the side, tapping the bricks with his wand. He reached behind him, disengaging his wife from Hermione to lead them into Diagon Alley.

Hermione smiled as the newlyweds hands swung while walking down the cobblestone. She hung back, letting Declan have his moment with Theo. She saw their hands brush lightly, her heart surging, mingled with the slightest twinge of pain. When Declan shoved Theo against the Leaky Cauldron's back door, she decided it was time to make her exit. A small part of her wondered if she should drag Malfoy with her, but she decided against it, it was Malfoy after-all.

They might have been forced to be civil with each other as they passed through the halls of the Ministry, however such civility was not required outside of the workplace and neither of them was apt to change it.

Draco's bleary eyes opened slightly, squinting at the scene before him. He shook his head trying to focus on the figures snogging. He was certain one of them was Dec but Granger was wearing some blue thing and this person was…

"Merlin's beard..Nott? Th'fuck?" He rubbed his eyes, trying to erase the images burning into them. Theo shoved Declan, spinning around, fear etched in his dark eyes. Declan crossed his bulky arms, watching the scene unfold, unwilling to smooth it over once again.

"Draco, it's...it's not..." Theo stuttered, wiping a clammy hand across his mouth, his eyes begging Declan to come to his rescue.

"Declan! Granger's going to kill you." Theo tilted his head, confused by his friend's exclamation.

"Technically, Theo's my date, you realise." An uncustomary sound emanated from Draco's throat, reminiscent of laughter, but Declan was sure he was wrong in his assumption.

"Really?" Declan raised a singular eyebrow, his sky blue eyes never leaving Theo Nott, part of him reveling in his angst.

"You brought bloody Granger. Blaise and Daphne are obviously shagging or married or whatever they are. My father's going to bloody murder me you realise? So, by default, Theo is my bloody date. Don't get any ideas. I'm not ever snogging you, Nott." Draco nodded, quite proud with himself for forming such coherent sentences.

"You knew?" Theo gasped, slightly in horror but also in relief, his secret life was weighing on him greatly.

"Have to be bloody blind." Draco smirked, "Dec. You stole my date! You wouldn't like it if I bloody snogged your date now would you?!" Theo snorted, smiling openly at Declan Rosier for the first time. Declan's forefinger rested on the side of his chin, his blue eyes skyward.

"Go right ahead, Malfoy." Declan raised his eyebrows in silent challenge. Draco baulked with a grimace, causing Declan and Theo to laugh.

"Never thought I'd live to see the day Draco Malfoy refuses a dare. Anything really is possible!" Theo doubled over in laughter, tears glistening on his cheeks in the moonlight, in mirth as well as relief.

"Today's not that day, Nott." Draco Malfoy spun on his heel unsteadily, taking a moment to regain his balance before rushing down Diagon Alley, searching for the swaying hips in the dark blue dress.

"Shit. What did you do, Dec? He's really going to snog her!" Theo gasped, grasping Declan's lapel. Declan shrugged, pecking Theo quickly on the cheek before following Malfoy.

"Please, they've so much bloody tension I could cut it with a knife." Declan tossed the words over his shoulder, not waiting for Theo to catch up. He could hear the stumbling footsteps behind him. He spied Blaise and Daphne turning the corner, Hermione just behind them, glancing behind her.

She stopped suddenly with surprise as Draco ran up to her. She looked past him to see Declan and Theo sprinting hand in hand. Her hands came together in pleasure, a smile lighting her face, before she found herself wedged between a solid brick wall and Draco Malfoy.

"Malfoy. What are you playing at?" Hermione tried to sound bored, yet she was anything but. Even after all these years, he still scared her a bit. It was those icy pools of steel grey eyes, not to mention his consistent displeasure with her presence.

Even in his drunken haze, he had to admit she was pretty. Not the usual sort of witch he spent his nights with, but pretty just the same. His throat felt dry even after being more than adequately lubricated with his libations.

He decided to blame it on her. It was her fault. If she had just kept a better eye on her date, he wouldn't have had to accept this bloody ridiculous challenge. His father had drilled it into his head from the time he could walk that Malfoy's always rose to the occasion. It was irrelevant if it happened to be displeasing since Malfoy's never displayed weakness.

Those damn adorable freckles splattered across her upturned nose. Those damn long eyelashes, hiding her golden brown eyes, usually filled with disdain for him were searching his face for an answer. Her lips were moving but he couldn't hear her words. Her hands came up, pushing against his chest, trying to wriggle away from him, but he pressed closer. As his head lowered towards her, Hermione squeaked in surprise, looking to Declan and Theo for assistance even as their mouths gaped.

Draco's left hand grasped the back of her neck, forcing her to look at him. Hermione hiked up the bottom of her short blue dress, her fingertips touching the tip of her wand, until her wrist was in his grip, raised over her head and pinned to the wall. He smirked, capturing her lips with his own.

*Fuck.* Draco's head was spinning while teasing the mouth beneath him. *They're so bloody soft.* He hadn't intended to go this far. He assumed Theo would step in before it got this far, but now that he was actually snogging Hermione Granger, he felt consumed by her. He didn't want to like it, he didn't want to feel anything, but he was rebelling against himself.

He had simply intended to press his lips to hers for a moment, yet instead, he teased her bottom lip, drawing it between his teeth. She gasped at the unexpected forwardness. He eagerly sought entrance, his tongue gently touching hers, while he pulled her closer. He released her wrist, his hand ghosting down her side to grasp her hip.

Hermione couldn't form coherent thoughts. She was vaguely aware of a gaping mouthed Declan, but she couldn't focus on him when Draco Malfoy's solid chest was pressed into her. The brick behind her kept her still and in a moment of recklessness, she responded to the gentle prodding. Her mouth opened wider, allowing him complete access, her tongue entwined with his, their breaths hitched. His fingers dug into her hip, her body flush against his.
When Draco's arm came around her waist, her hands were instantly in his hair, threading through the silken strands, leaning into him. She heard hurried footsteps next to her, but her eyes had closed as Malfoy groaned lightly into her mouth.

He tore himself away from her lips to allow his tongue to dance upon the smooth skin of her neck, to allow his teeth to scrape her pulse point, to draw her earlobe into the warm depths of his mouth. He lightly fingered the hem of her tight blue dress, the tips of his fingers slipping beneath it. He drew her leg over his hip, grinding into her while peppering her throat with love bites.

As much as Draco Malfoy did not wish to admit it to himself, he wanted her, Hermione Granger. She was soft and supple beneath his hands, her back arching as he suckled her bottom lip, nipping it gently. He was amazed by her responsiveness. The tiny pants and whimpers escaping her plump lips were almost his undoing.

He never bothered to snog the slags he brought home, but this was different. Draco cupped her face in his hands, kissing her smattering of freckles before returning to her lips. He didn't know whether it was the effects of the copious amounts of firewhisky he had consumed or Granger herself, but he didn't want to stop. He wanted to stand against the cold brick and snog Hermione Granger until he couldn't breathe and he hated himself for it.

"Should we...intervene?" Theo whispered to Declan, unable to take his eyes off the couple in front of them. He plucked the sleeve of Declan's shirt; his heart ricocheting in his chest the moment Malfoy's hands began kneading Granger's arse.

"I didn't think he'd..."

"Me either...I don't know what to do with this. Where's Blaise?" Declan gave Theo's hand a slight squeeze in reassurance.

"What the hell?!" Blaise skidded to a halt, causing Daphne to crash into him.

"Aww. I think it's cute." Daphne's dark eyes sparkled and Blaise knew she was plotting.

"Oi! Malfoy! We're late." The entwined couple ignored Blaise's declaration, their snogging long past verging on indecency. They were practically shagging against the brick wall.

"Fuck off." The guttural reply escaped between fervent kisses while Blaise stood stunned by the display.

"Malfoy. It's your father." The cold, fear of his father halted him cold. He wrenched his lips from hers and rested his forehead against Hermione's, his eyes closed.

"Sweet Salazar." Hermione removed her hands tangled in his hair, her chest heaving. Draco opened his eyes, boring into hers with indecision. He released her, spinning around and walking quickly down Diagon Alley. Blaise and Daphne chased after him, leading him toward the eatery. Declan gave Theo a gentle shove and with regret, Theo followed his friends.

"What the hell was that Declan?" Hermione's trembling hand rose to her swollen lips, her knees suddenly weak. Declan spied Lucius Malfoy moving swiftly in their direction. With a muttered curse, he embraced Hermione quickly, hoping they would be passed unnoticed. Lucius Malfoy's lip curled at them, but to their great relief, said nothing. Declan released his friend, dragging her toward the restaurant.

"Malfoy caught us snogging and got lippy. Didn't think he'd do it. Really." Hermione had to run to keep up with Declan's long strides. "Can't tell me you didn't bloody enjoy it though, can you Sweetie?" He winked, holding the door open for her smugly as she didn't reply.

Draco watched her picking at her dinner as he sat across from her, irritated with the conversation around him. He knew she wasn't paying attention which irked him further.

"Earth to Granger." Hermione dropped the fork poised in front of her mouth, her eyes widening in alarm. "You're the smart one, why haven't you thrown in a solution then? Can't be any worse than Theo's." Blaise and Daphne snorted. Declan patted Theo's hand, snarling at Malfoy.

"Theo's suggestion was absolutely valid, Malfoy. Just because you don't wish to speak to the Minister doesn't make it any less so."

"You haven't got anything better, have you?"

"Better than petitioning the Minister? Not bloody likely but there's always Polyjuice." Hermione's voice was small in comparison to her companions, but they all turned to her regardless. She squirmed uncomfortable with the scrutiny but forced herself to continue. "It's your only option since you're being exceedingly stubborn. The Blood Contract doesn't specify it has to be Daphne Greengrass, which is quite impossible now that she and Blaise have eloped." Hermione kept her eyes focused on the plate of sweets before her, instead of meeting the grey orbs locked on her lips.

"Go on then..." Draco prodded, honestly finding himself curious with her proposal.

"Well, you've got three months to find someone you don't completely detest and to agree to your terms. Never mind the fact you'll have to be bonded to her for life, there isn't an infidelity clause so you'd be free to bed as many slags as you'd like. There is however a consummation clause as well as one for an heir, so you'd definitely have to bed her. I'm sure you'd have your pick of witches. Just ask the one who happens to irritate you the least.

'It's not as if you were a complete imbecile in Potions. I'm sure Daphne would be more than agreeable to give you some locks of her hair, considering it is partly her fault you're in this bit of a mess. Brew enough so whomever you choose can withstand the ceremony and whatever other festivities your father has planned. Once the magical signatures touch the parchment, it seals the Contract and it's too late to do anything about it, regardless of whom you've married. Unless of course you don't consummate it within a specified time of I believe 72 hours, then you're right back where you started." Hermione nodded, reaching for her tea cup with trembling hands which did not go unnoticed. "Of course the easiest option is to simply appeal to the Minister. Shacklebolt is not as unreasonable as most people think he is and considering the work you've done for the Ministry I'm sure he'd consider it at the very least. I could do a bit of research if you like, Daphne. This affects you as much as it does Malfoy. I'm sure there's an obscure law somewhere that negates a contract upon the passing of the intended. In fact, if I remember correctly the contracts cannot be altered without the magical consent of both parents..."

"How do you know about the clauses?" Draco's eyebrow raised in suspicion while interrupting her rambling monologue. Hermione mumbled her answer, drawing his gaze once again to those damn lips.

"She writes them." Declan supplied uneasily.

"You've done this to me?" With determination, Hermione met Draco's unnerving stare.

"Actually, it was your mother. She came to see me and asked me to draw up your original Blood Contract which honestly is more lenient than any of the others I've been asked to draw up but your father took the reins with this one and I don't exactly know the reasoning behind it and..."

"My mother?!" Draco shouted, finding himself out of his seat, leaning across the table. Hermione shook, being the recipient of his unexpected yet instant fury. She was aware Draco believed his mother, Narcissa Malfoy, to be missing. She had spoken with the woman quite often. A nervous slip of the tongue spilt a secret which wasn't hers to tell.

"Malfoy." Blaise Zabini forced his friend back into his seat.

"I..I.." Hermione looked to Declan her eyes wide, fearing Malfoy's response to the truth. Declan inclined his head slightly, his hand covering hers, squeezing it gently. Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I see her every week, for tea."

"You're fucking lying." Hermione kept her eyes shut against the venom of Draco Malfoy.

"Language." Hermione opened her eyes, refusing to back down from the likes of him. His mouth gaped open. No one, not even Nott knew the ways in which aristocratic Narcissa Malfoy would correct her son and here it was Hermione Granger spouting his mother's edict? How could this have happened? His head ached. He sat back in his dining chair, feeling a sense of betrayal.

"How long?" He rubbed his temples trying to absorb this new information.

"Half a year or so." Hermione felt a pang of guilt as she revealed the hidden piece of information. She heard the hiss of anger, wishing she could disappear.

"I want to see her."

"Malfoy, I.." He slammed his fist onto the table, jarring the delicate china.

"I. Want. To. See. Her." Hermione recognised it wasn't a request. Draco was demanding and as much as she didn't wish to yield to his will, it was his mother. Not even Hermione Granger could deny him that.

"Next Thursday. Mid-afternoon." She could see him relax, breathe a sigh of relief when she didn't argue with him any longer.

"Happy Wedding to us." Blaise's sarcasm dripped through the tension at their table.

"Hush, darling. At least Theo got his daily dose of Declan. Didn't you dear?" Daphne winked, enjoying the flush which spread quickly across his cheeks.

"Does everyone bloody know?" Declan snorted, confirming Theo's suspicions.

"Nott. We roomed with you for six years. You were worse than Granger with your head in your fu-bloody books." Hermione smirked, yet she was pleased. "You never dated, shagged or snogged anyone.."

"I shagged Pansy!" Theo interjected, slightly insulted.

"Who hasn't? That doesn't count. You were practically drooling Fourth Year when those Durmstrang boys were about. We figured you'd tell us when you were ready, but you didn't so we outed you. Sorry, but not sorry." Blaise rolled his eyes again and not for the last time that night. He stood, pulling his new wife to her feet. "Listen. It's my wedding night. I'm taking my wife home and shagging her til she can't walk. G'nite." Without a backward glance, Blaise stalked toward the door, Daphne throwing a quick smile and a wave over her shoulder.

"Well, it's been an interesting evening to say the least. We're going to follow Blaise and Daphne's example. Sweetie, I'll be home tomorrow. G'nite dear." Declan kissed her cheek quickly, whisking Theo into the night.

"It's been a long, difficult night Malfoy." Hermione stood slowly, prepared to leave when she felt her wrist in an iron grip.

"Where?" She turned to face him, the scent of lavender assailing his nostrils.

"Where what, Malfoy?" Hermione was exhausted. She just wanted to go home and have a cuppa, wrapped in a comforter in front of her fire.

"Thursday. Mid-afternoon. Where?" Her hand began to tingle even as he squeezed tighter, dragging her against him. He resisted the urge to crush his lips to hers. He needed answers.

"My flat." She didn't want to be standing in the middle of the closing restaurant in the arms of Draco Malfoy. She was suffocating again, unable to draw a full breath while feelings of guilt and betrayal bubbled in her chest.

"Let's go then." He released Hermione, sensing her discomfort and not wishing to compound it, ruining his chance to see his mother.

"Where?" Hermione pretended to straighten her dress, while gathering her nerves.

"Your flat of course."

"Malfoy, I'm not bringing you to my flat."Hermione stepped out of the restaurant into the cool evening air, hoping it would cool the heat still lingering on her cheeks.

She felt the heat of Draco's body behind her but she refused to acknowledge him. She wasn't quite sure she understood what had happened earlier nor was she capable of pretending she hadn't enjoyed it. It wasn't that she retained childish animosity toward Draco Malfoy. Fact of the matter is, she barely thought of him at all, except for the few seconds she spied the striking platinum hair while scurrying through the corridors of the Ministry or passing him on the way to the lift. They'd nod curtly toward one another and continue on their day, though Hermione wasn't sure if she would be able to pretend they had never shared a heated moment against a rugged brick wall in Diagon Alley.

"Are you afraid of me, Granger?" Her skin prickled at the sensation of his breath tickling the hairs on her neck. His voice was soft and silky, making it almost recognisable from the angry bellows she had become accustomed to in her youth. It was her moment to lie. She simply had to scoff, say no and continue on with her evening, but something stopped her.

There were a thousand reasons if there was one to lie to him. Hermione knew he wasn't the same stubborn sullen boy she had once known. He maintained his arrogant flair, there was no denying that, but since his mother had disappeared, Draco Malfoy was softer it seemed. She could imagine his pain because it mirrored her own. She couldn't lie to another soul who had lost just as much as she had. It was war, sure and everyone lost, but it brought them together as much as it pushed them apart.

Hermione Granger was tired. She didn't wish to pretend she wasn't capable of toppling over, just the same as anyone else. It wasn't on her agenda to collapse into a void of nothingness, mind you, but after losing Ron she felt a bit fragile. It wasn't that she was completely in love with the bloke or anything, but he had been a significant part of her life and it was over. It was over, Ron was dead and Harry Potter was a bit mental, it would weigh down anyone, even Hermione Granger.

Draco Malfoy stood behind Hermione Granger, silently waiting for her answer. While she stared at the ground, weighing the pros and cons of maintaining civility with him, he studied the smooth lines of her neck, the short, tight, wispy curls which refused to be twisted upon her head, and the slivers of moonlight exposing the three light freckles on her creamy shoulder. He blinked and his fingertips gently brushed across the freckles. She was holding her breath, he knew that much. She looked so fragile and just a little broken, which made him want to protect her. It didn't make a bit of sense; at least he didn't think so.

He vaguely recalled overhearing the bit of gossip concerning the death of her parents and of course had brushed it off. Everyone lost someone during that blasted war. Draco couldn't say he felt particularly horrid knowing the bloody Weasel was one of the many casualties of war, but he was quite surprised to learn Granger and Potter were estranged.

There was no love lost between Draco and Harry, but it was the little things which caused him to pay closer attention. Harry Potter seemed quite put out whenever his name didn't garner him exactly what he was seeking. It wasn't the persona Draco remembered from their school days, but he supposed everyone had changed in some way, shape or form. In the beginning it didn't bother Draco in the least, but now, well it seemed as if The Boy Who Lived had his eyes set on Hermione Granger and she wasn't biting.

Hermione shivered, quite frightened, until she realised it was Draco. He was toying with the stubborn tendrils curled upon her neck. She was afraid of him, but it was a different sort of fear. It wasn't the soul consuming, heart stopping terror which enveloped her when thinking of Harry. No, this was decidedly different, which made it that much more terrifying.

"Yes actually, I am afraid of you. That's not the right word. You make me feel...uneasy. After your display earlier, you can hardly blame me." Draco hadn't expected such raw honesty. He thought she'd scoff at him or tell him what an absolute prat he was being and move along.

"Which display is that? The one where I snogged you senseless or the one where I shouted a bit upon discovering the girl I used to detest knows exactly where my mother has been? Do tell, Granger." Draco dropped his hand to her waist, leaning over slightly until his nose brushed the top of her ear and his words warmed her skin. He was intrigued, it didn't take much for him to admit it, his mother would be proud.

"I understand why you would lash out at me where your mother is concerned. I wanted to tell you right away, but she wouldn't hear of it. Honestly, I'm glad you know. I felt horrid keeping it from you." Hermione sighed heavily, as some of the weight upon her shoulders had been relieved by her confession.

"Granger, I know my mother. It's not your fault. I'm sure she wrote her demands on a bit of parchment and demanded you sign it with your magic." Draco smirked, watching the blush slowly rise in Hermione's cheeks.

"Used to detest?" Hermione smiled in knowing satisfaction to see Draco's cheeks pinkening as well.

"Yes well, we're not children anymore are we? I suppose it could have been construed as rude the way I was going on about your presence at the pub, but I was completely pissed. Can't hold that against me." Draco nodded, quite pleased with himself once more.

"Well, then it goes to reason in saying the kissing merely happened because you were completely pissed as well." Hermione managed to take a few steps forward, leaving the warmth of his body behind. Draco caught up easily; of course he did and caught her hand.

"I'm not completely pissed now, Granger." He spun her in a quick circle, pulling her against him.

Diagon Alley was almost completely bereft of witches and wizards as the hour was quite late and as Draco Malfoy pressed Hermione Granger into the picture window of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, a pair of green eyes crackling with rage took in the scene with his lips curling in derision. He growled deep in his chest, his right hand twitching for the feel of his wand, but he refrained. He didn't want to alert them to his presence, not yet. There would be plenty of time for that later. Instead he watched and listened, gleaning every bit of information from the duo.

"So what are you saying then? Since you're not completely pissed, Draco Malfoy is not above kissing Hermione Granger?" She tried to sound angry. She even managed to cross her arms, but Draco wasn't falling for her act. His palms slammed into the glass, boxing her in, his lips hovering just above her ear.

"That's exactly what I'm saying." The pounding in her ears and the fluttering of her heart beneath her rib cage almost drowned out the honeyed words, but the feel of his lips upon hers certainly didn't.