Soo...I had this weird(er) idea for a marriage law fic that was going to be a standalone and then I got carried away (as I always do) so now it's two parts! Yes, it's a cliche trope but I'm still fascinated by it and I don't think I've seen anyone approach it from this angle yet. Here's part one and I really hope you enjoy it.

As always, these characters and world all belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing but a crazy idea. Please read and review!

What You (Don't) Say

1st June, 2000

Upon the passing of the second anniversary of the Second Wizarding War, the Ministry of Magic has, upon great consideration, passed the implementation of the Recovery Marriage Act. All research indicates without immediate action, the British magical community will continue to dwindle in size. All witches and wizards aged 19-35 at the time of its passing will be matched by Ministry approved legillimens. Matches must marry within six months and begin attempting for a child. Those matches not identifying with traditional male-female relationships will be asked to adopt and raise young orphaned witches or wizards.

~o~O~o~

29th July, 2004

"Merlin, he's getting heavy," Hermione grumbled as she and Ginny Potter meandered through Diagon Alley Friday afternoon.

Ginny grunted under the weight of her own son and nodded her understanding. He was only eighteen months old now. It had taken her and Harry longer to conceive their first than they'd imagined. She eyed Hermione's son clinging to her neck as he slept in her arms and smirked.

"Yes, and didn't you say the muggle doctor said he was already tall for his age?"

Hermione tightened her hold on her child with one arm and reached to open the door to Flourish and Blott's with the other. She followed her friend inside and shook off the light drizzle from outside. He'd fallen asleep in her arms nearly as soon as she'd picked him up from her parents that afternoon.

"Yes, and I swear if he gets as tall as his father I'm going to croak. Everyone already towers over me as it is."

"I'm just still surprised he's been so comfortable using the muggle doctor."

Hermione snorted as they passed through the various sections until they found the historical books. Working for the Magical Law Department at the Ministry, she had a case coming up and needed a bit of background reading on a certain magical creature if she was going to successfully argue her point.

"Don't be so impressed," she told the redhead. "He still insists on us also seeing a healer at St. Mungo's. You don't even want to get me started on the smug look I get to deliver when the bloody healer says basically the same things the muggle doctor does."

Ginny laughed openly at that, soothing a hand over her son's back when he fidgeted at the loud noise.

"I swear I still don't understand you two. You have the oddest relationship."

Hermione shrugged and reached for the book she'd been searching for, pleased to have found it so easily.

"What do you expect, Ginny? We were the last two people anyone expected to have been matched for that idiotic law. Imagine having to not just marry your childhood bully but then have sex with him whenever you're ovulating until you conceive his child." She laughed when her friend shivered visibly for dramatic effect. "We live together, sleep in the same bed just because we both merely got used to it by the time I got pregnant, and we co-parent. There is absolutely nothing romantic about being married to Draco Malfoy."

Due to work schedules, she and Ginny didn't get to have girl time as much as they'd both like. They had dinner at least once a week, but spouses were always present as well as Ron and his wife. The fact that Draco could even sit in the same room as them was a vast improvement given the nature of everything when the law first passed.

Hermione well remembered the self-loathing, pessimistic Malfoy she encountered upon their first meeting. He'd not met her eyes when he'd apologized to her and he'd been stoic and detached for the better part of the planning for the ridiculous wedding his mother insisted they still have.

Draco's turning point had been their wedding night. Facing the real prospect of consummating their marriage together, he softened considerably. She'd been mildly shocked by his consideration for her given that it was her first time and for whatever reason he became friendlier to be around.

Lucius had been a rather annoying pain, constantly being condescending to her whenever Draco wasn't present. Oddly, the one time he slipped and Draco caught his father speaking to her that way just after they married, he'd laid into the man so thoroughly that Lucius hardly spoke to her at all anymore except to ask about his grandson. And then he was perfectly polite, if not a bit withdrawn.

Narcissa had been the greatest surprise of all. She'd been hesitant and expectedly pompous but as soon as Hermione found out she was pregnant six months after the wedding, the woman's demeanor had changed entirely. She'd worried over her, insisted on pampering her by having the elves cook her favorite foods (much to Hermione's annoyance) and even shockingly sending her into Muggle London with her mother for regular massages.

After Leo had been born, Narcissa hadn't changed either. The woman still checked in with her at least once a week, not enough to smother, but enough to be present. She was the only positive part of being associated with the Malfoy family. Well, outside of Draco.

There was nothing romantic about their relationship. They'd not had sex since she'd discovered she was pregnant, though her hormones at the time had made her oddly crave him but she refused to ask for what she wanted, particularly when he wasn't offering. They lived together, shared meals together, parented together—they were partners without much emotion beyond the mutual concern for their son.

It was—odd. Even the public noted their detachment often in the Prophet. Draco had been accused of cheating on her a few times over the last couple of years even though he spent most evenings at home when he wasn't out for work and if he did, she wasn't aware because she didn't ask.

After purchasing her book, Hermione miniaturized the item into her bag with a quick spell before they struck off again into the Alley.

Ginny tore her eyes from a copy of the Prophet on a nearby newsstand and clucked her tongue disapprovingly. "You know they're saying he's sleeping with Astoria Greengrass again, don't you?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and tightened her hold on Leo. The boy could sleep through anything, much like his father. Sporting a headful of blonde, wavy hair, he looked mostly like Hermione but he did have Draco's eyes.

"Astoria Nott, would be more accurate and from what Narcissa tells me there aren't any problems between her and her husband so I really doubt it."

"It's so weird that you're close to his mother. Is he even close to your parents?"

Hermione shook her head as they crossed the street, intent on the sweets shop apparently. It was Harry's birthday Sunday after all.

"No. Mum and dad still have issues with all of this but they adore Leo of course. Draco's never been even the slightest rude to either of them but they just can't wrap their minds around it. Some days I can't either honestly," she sighed.

Ginny stopped before they went inside and touched her friend's arm. "I really wish I knew what to say sometimes." She lowered her voice. "While I'm surprised so many marriages have worked out, no one deserves to be in a loveless marriage, Hermione."

Hermione shrugged, forcing a small smile. "I'm fine, Ginny. Honest. Some people got lucky, some people really got the short end of the stick. I think I got something in the middle honestly. He's not horrible to me at all. He's honestly the perfect partner is all other aspects as he works with me and doesn't complain. We're just—there's nothing there on his end."

She moved to open the door but stopped short when Ginny jerked her back, blue eyes blown wide. She realized then that she'd slipped.

"Hermione, you've never even insinuated before that you felt—I mean—do you?"

She sighed and wrapped her arms tighter around her son as he moved his head to rest his other cheek against her shoulder. "Draco is a wonderful father and a very considerate partner. The sex, when we did have it, was always very good—which is odd if you consider that we didn't even like each other then and were still figuring out how to work together." She shrugged self-consciously but knew it was better to get it out now because Ginny wouldn't let it go if she didn't. "I won't lie and say I'm not attracted to him and that I haven't grown to have feelings for him but I'll never want a relationship with a man that doesn't want me."

Ginny watched sadly as Hermione passed her into the shop, the topic clearly shelved for the moment. Hermione had always been a bit hesitant to share her feelings, particularly about men, and she couldn't imagine what it must be like for her to keep it all inside all the time.

Hermione returned home in time for dinner. The prospect of cooking wasn't exactly appealing, but it was her turn after all and she wouldn't shirk the duty. It had been in their agreement when they'd first sat down to discuss their Ministry arranged marriage.

She wouldn't live at the manor. He got to choose the house they bought. He had to learn to cook. They were to share household chores. Draco had been surprisingly on board with the agreement and in the last three years it was no wonder they weren't romantic with each other—they had next to zero conflict. Normal married couples sometimes argued, fought over silly things. But she and Draco rarely ever had an outright row over anything and even when they did, they eventually talked it out like business. Most disagreements revolved around decisions for Leo. The lack of conflict, at least in Hermione's mind, signified the lack of passion.

When she made it to the kitchen, with Leo finally awake and pestering her for a snack before dinner, she was sort of surprised to find Draco already there. He'd shed his jacket and carefully rolled the sleeves of his crisp, grey shirt to his elbow. His dark mark had never truly bothered her though it clearly pained him as he'd once admitted in one of their past deep discussions while she was pregnant that he was petrified of explaining it to their son, afraid he'd hate him for having once been so horrible to his mother.

She'd never forget how relieved he'd been when she touched it, as the so rarely made an effort to touch each other, and smiled at him as she reassured him that she'd make sure their son understood.

Hermione stopped short when she saw him. He looked up from his task of unpacking the takeout he'd brought home and nodded at her in greeting.

Ever the politeness. At times it made her feel like a stranger to the man she'd had a child with yet it was also entirely normal and comforting in an odd way.

"Tonight was my night to cook," she finally spoke as she bent to set Leo on his feet.

Draco reached down for the small boy and lifted him easily in one arm as he pushed the empty takeout bag aside.

"I know but I got your owl that you had to stop in Diagon Alley so I figured you'd be a little later than usual. Takeout won't hurt for one night."

Her heart squeezed a little when he turned to meet their son's smiling face and kissed him on the forehead before he grinned at the boy.

"Will it, Leo," he squeezed him gently before he set him down again.

He toddled back to her and wrapped his arms around her leg as usual, hugging her knee close to his head. Hermione pulled her wand from her skirt and flicked it at the sink. His small stool appeared and the water cut on.

"Go wash your hands, honey," she told him and watched as he hurried to do what he was told. It seemed would be taking after her more in his temperament. Eager to please and follow the rules.

Draco summoned the silverware with a flick of his wand and then helped their son into his chair when he hurried back.

Hermione sighed happily when she took her seat and realized he'd gotten the Chinese she loved. That meant he'd gone into Muggle London for it which still surprised her even now when he did it willingly. He'd really changed.

But then she'd learned over the years that that was just Draco. Animosity past them, he was quite observant. Anniversaries were noted by their parents but they merely shrugged them off. They observed their respective birthdays as it was only polite and traded gifts each year. That was when she learned that he paid close attention to details. She'd not known that first year what to make of receiving a new bottle of the perfume she wore regularly but knowing he wasn't completely withdrawn had been a comfort.

"Long day," she asked once they were all tucked into their meal.

Draco shrugged and helped Leo with his water glass. "Not particularly. I'm about to hex Blaise if he makes another pass at his secretary though."

Hermione nodded and withdrew her fork from her mouth. Draco and Blaise had gone into business together in the Potions market, specifically in buying and trading ingredients. Blaise was one of those who'd been a right arse about his match, having been paired with Pansy Parkinson. She'd learned early on after they married that Draco believed in strict lines that you didn't cross in business and that included with your employees. While she didn't know for certain if he had interactions with other women, she certainly knew it wouldn't be with anyone he worked with if he did.

"Blaise is the equivalent of a belligerent peacock around women," she muttered around a bite of her food.

Draco snorted and smirked at her before nodding. "I won't argue with you there. Brilliant partner but a right git in his personal life."

"Then again, if he didn't insist on his wife staying at home with their daughter then perhaps she wouldn't be driving him so batty," she offered.

Draco gave her knowing look. "Possibly but you do realize that our arrangement is unusual, given my background."

Hermione rolled her eyes openly at him. "Not that rubbish again, please. You're lucky I didn't hex your bollocks at that first meeting for merely suggesting I stay at home."

He held his hands up in supplication but the prat was smirking at her through the gesture. "And have the great Hermione Granger waste her golden brain? Not bloody likely."

"Language," she admonished, her eyes darting pointedly to their son.

"He'll hear it eventually," he shrugged. "Best teach him now not to repeat it."

"I doubt that will work. Ron used to use the word nearly daily our first year."

"That's because Weasley is an uncultured rodent," he grinned.

Over three years of marriage and a child and he still maintained his childish rivalry with Ron, sometimes with Harry, too.

"Merlin," she groaned. "And for that, you're cleaning this up without me so I can have a moment of peace in the bath."

He rolled his eyes at her but didn't argue. She had picked Leo up after all and for that he was thankful. Her parents still didn't like him and he got the distinct feeling they blamed him for this insanity that their lives had become.

As he watched her slip her heels off on her way up the stairs, he thought it all could have turned out worse. She'd been so livid, nearly sparking with her magic, upon that first meeting and yet things had turned out all right in the end. It had been a lesson in reining in his ego but he couldn't be upset with the outcome. They learned to work well together and he'd realized they weren't as different as he'd grown up thinking. And she'd given him the greatest thing of all in their son. The boy looked just like her minus the hair and eyes and he oddly enjoyed how it annoyed his father. Draco was fairly certain that Leo was also going to be just as brilliant as his mother, too.

After he'd cleaned up and bathed their son, he found her seated on the edge of the bed wrapped in an oversized towel.

"Feel better," he asked as he untucked his shirt and removed his belt.

He tried not to watch as she reached for that godforsaken lotion she kept on her nightstand and began applying the muggle concoction that always made her smell like summer—something he didn't quite understand but knew it was true.

Hermione glanced in his direction, careful not to watch as he unbuttoned his shirt. They respected each other's boundaries.

"Much, thank you."

"Leo's waiting for you to tuck him in when you're ready."

"Okay," she nodded.

Hermione kept her back to him as he shucked his trousers and stepped into the bathroom in only his underwear. The last time she'd seen him, truly taken the time to look at him, as such had been the last time they'd had sex. That was over three years ago now. She'd never known she had a preference before for men's underwear but those tight black briefs nearly did her head in. It was much easier not to even dare look, especially not at his bum. She remembered all too well what those muscular cheeks felt like in her palms as he thrust into her and the thought made her shiver.

She dressed in her normal pajamas, shorts and a fitted t-shirt, and made her way down the hall to the Leo's room. They moved him out of the nursery finally six months ago and she was still mourning the loss of his baby things. She'd somehow allowed Draco to convince her to decorate the room in quidditch things and Leo was now mesmerized.

"Mummy," he called sleepily from his place on the floor. Draco had pulled his blocks out for him, knowing it would tire the boy enough to get him to sleep.

"Time for bed, sweetheart," she smiled.

She put his toys away with a quick wandless spell and picked him up when he held his arms out to her. He was such a sweet, quiet child and she prayed he didn't turn out like Draco had been when she met him first year. She doubted it, especially considering that Draco wasn't at all like his father thankfully. But a small kernel of doubt always made her wonder.

She smiled though when he settled under his covers after she kissed his forehead. He was a halfblood and that meant part of her was in there, too.

She found Draco fresh from the shower and resting against the headboard watching the television. The sight made her smirk even though he was completely unaware. He'd been so intrigued by the device when she'd first introduced it to him though it meant she had to endure a lot of sports along with the cooking channel he'd used to help him learn to cook.

She was thankful that he always wore a shirt to bed so she didn't have to see what she knew was underneath.

"I know it's a bit early but I'm exhausted."

Draco turned his attention from the television and eyed her closely. "I'll turn it off."

"No," she shook her head and got in on her side. It was a king sized bed which meant she could comfortably stretch out and never touch him. She yawned as she turned on her side towards the window and pulled the covers over her shoulders. "Just turn the volume down a bit. It's fine."

Draco did as she asked and glanced at her for a moment. Her slim shoulders relaxed when the volume lowered and her head of curls rested more easily against her pillow. He tried his best to share the load. Neither one had asked for this but he often felt she got the worst of it. She'd had to deal with his father which he'd honestly hated for her but she handled the man with practiced grace. She'd had to marry him of all people. Worse still, she'd had to sleep with him and then sacrifice her body to have their child.

He'd been rather amazed though when she'd bounced back from that pregnancy rather quickly. She looked just as she did before she'd gotten pregnant. She wasn't like he thought she'd be growing up and honestly was quite easy to work with. Blaise had pointed out that she did generally get her way but maybe that was because he gave in easily. Or perhaps that large brain of hers just made sense when she argued her point. Regardless, they were a well-oiled machine and he couldn't be too upset about it.

Hermione woke first the next morning as she often did. Draco could sleep through the Hogwarts Express crashing through the Great Hall if you let him. She left him in bed as usual and brought Leo downstairs for his breakfast.

Draco trudged down an hour later when she was cleaning up and took up the seat at the island counter where she'd left a plate of eggs and bacon for him, kept warm with a simple charm. He rubbed at his eyes and scowled when she smirked at his hair he'd not brushed before coming down. He frowned when he realized she was already dressed in jeans and a simple blouse.

"We agreed to go to dinner for Harry's birthday so Leo's staying with your parents tonight," she told him as she waved her wand and the coffee pot poured into his cup. "Are you coming with me to bring him?"

Draco nodded as he sipped his coffee and took a bite of the eggs. She was a good cook and had certainly gotten the raw deal on that. He'd been a shit cook the first few months of their marriage but became more determined after she was pregnant. His mother insisted on it. The woman had acted like his wife was growing a bloody golden egg of sorts.

"Father's in Bulgaria anyway," he commented.

"Thank Merlin," she muttered under her breath. She looked up to find him smirking at her and tossed her towel at him. "Shut up, you git. He might be polite now but you know he still doesn't like me. He merely tolerates me because you threatened to disown him and never let him see our son."

Draco shrugged. "It worked, didn't it?" He glanced up at her with a smirk. "Oh, and language."

She rolled her eyes at him and marched off towards the stairs. "I'm going to pack Leo's bag."

Draco nodded as he sipped his coffee, his eyes drawn to her as he watched her go.

"Seriously, mate," Blaise scoffed as they met over drinks after work. "Why in the hell are you not shagging the brains out of your wife on a nightly basis?"

Draco sneered when the man sloshed his drink, narrowly missing his new suit as they sat side by side at the bar.

"You know why, Blaise. Quit nosing."

The dark-haired man rolled his eyes and shook his head. "I ended up with a bleeding menace of a wife who nags me non-stop and doesn't care in the least about taking care of herself since our daughter was born. You—" He shook his head again and wagged a finger in Draco's face. "You end up with the Queen of Gryffindor, every tiny bit of her, from those damned curls—they turned out nice, didn't they? And that body? Ugh, I'm not even saying my wife needs to lose weight, she just doesn't care. And yours…she wears those bloody tight skirts and bless muggles for those heavenly tight jeans. I'd spend every last night with my face buried between her thighs if it were me."

Draco scowled at his half-drunk partner and reached into his pocket to pull out enough money to pay for his drink.

"You're a vulgar prick, you know it? Keep your bloody eyes off of Hermione. She'd hex your bollocks if she heard you talking about her like that and you're lucky I'm feeling charitable or I'd do it for her."

"Still doesn't explain why you're not shagging your wife," he smirked.

Draco growled as he stood from his barstool and nodded at the barkeep who took his empty glass away. "Because she's not interested, mate," he sneered. "We had sex when she was ovulating until she got pregnant and I kept my hands to myself after that. End of story. We're not children anymore and I happen to have grown to respect her."

Blaise knocked back the rest of his drink and banged the bar with his fist for another. "I bet you keep your hands to yourself. You're bloody boring, mate. A little shower wanking all you got? I'd have to if I woke up next to her every day."

Draco's face grew rather red at that and he simply turned on heel and left his friend to drink his evening away. Pansy would be pissed with him but that wasn't Draco's problem. He'd talked to the man until he was blue in the face about being a better father and at least trying to get along with his wife. Besides, Hermione was likely waiting for him to put Leo to bed.

Draco sighed as he finished the breakfast she'd made him. Some had gotten lucky and had developed romantic relationships with their spouses; some had ended up miserable like Blaise. He and Hermione had found level ground and maintained their platonic partnership. His initial worries about having her as his match had gone out the window when they proved actually quite compatible on that level.

However, the shower wanking really did get old.

Draco's mother was waiting for them when they emerged from the floo. He watched his mother's face light up upon seeing her grandson. The usually poised socialite suddenly squatted in her expensive robes and held her arms out wide to the boy.

"Grandma," Leo squealed happily.

Narcissa smiled as she picked him up in her arms and then moved to embrace Hermione first.

"How are you, dear," she smiled at the small woman.

"Fine," she smiled at her mother-in-law. "Thanks again for sending those books this week from your library. It really helped with my investigation."

"Of course," she smiled. She rubbed a hand over Leo's wavy hair and then glanced at Draco. "And you, Draco?"

Draco nearly snorted at the way she eyed Hermione expectantly before making eye contact with him again. He knew his mother didn't understand their relationship but Hermione had never asked for more out of their marriage and he wasn't inclined to risk his pride and ask for something he wouldn't get. He was still a Malfoy after all. However, that didn't stop the witch from routinely suggesting he do something and try and foster a romantic relationship with his wife.

"Fine, mother," he drawled, his hands deep in his pockets. Hermione had bought him new jeans and he was surprised at how comfortable they were. He'd have to ask about that. They were rather snug in the bum though, more so than usual anyway.

"And what are you plans for the evening," she asked as she led them further into the sitting room.

"Ginny invited us out to celebrate Harry's birthday tonight."

Narcissa set Leo on his feet again as she took her seat and smiled when he toddled off to find one of his toys she kept in the corner. She turned to Draco with a lifted brow, a slight smirk on her lips. "And you conceded to go? Willingly?"

Draco's lip curled slightly as he met his mother's sardonic stare. "Hermione went to my business dinner last week. Therefore, it's my turn for something of hers." He glanced at his wife now sitting next to him, a good foot separating them. "It's not exactly the highlight of my day."

Hermione rolled her eyes pointedly and crossed her legs as she leaned back against the sofa. "It's part of our agreement. You behave around my friends when your presence is required, aka everyone else's spouse is present, and I attend your vapid business dinners so they're not mistaken and think you're actually married to a troll. Fair is fair."

"They are not vapid," he argued indignantly. "I'll have you know the CEO of the company we dined with last was more interested in your bloody research and casework than my company's sales numbers."

She scoffed at that, her mouth falling open. "Oh, so that's why he was staring down the front of my dress for the better part of the evening? Pardon me, I had no idea my brain had relocated between my breasts. I'll just have that checked on then, yeah?"

Narcissa covered her mouth discreetly to hide her smile as she watched them. If there'd been such fire between her and Lucius after they'd married perhaps they would have had more than just the one son. Such a waste.

"Well, it sounds as if you both have it under control. Behave yourself this evening, Draco."

Draco rolled his eyes as he stood, knowing that was their dismissal. She wanted time to spend with her grandson without their bickering or worrying over him. He kissed his mother on the cheek and then escorted Hermione back through the floo.

"Git," Hermione murmured as she stalked off through the house.

"Bookworm," he countered with a less venom and went in the opposite direction.

For all their maturity and progression as adults, some things never changed. However, they kept the name-calling to a minimum in front of their son even if it was lighthearted these days.