Story Title: This Unlikely Redemption

Chapter 1: Forget the World

A/N: So here's another one. I'm trying to decide if I like this more than

'Just to Feel You Breath', personally as a start I think I like this one more. And with this one, I have most of it planned out already. Anyways, here it is everyone, Read and Review. And don't forget to check out 'Iris' by SeanEmma4evr, as I always say she's brilliant!

She sat up in her king sized bed, as she twirled the silver band on her ring finger fiercely. Her soft features folded into grimaces every time she glanced up at the clock above her doorway. She couldn't understand where he was, he should have been home hours ago. She breathed in deeply; this was the fifth night this week he had worked 'late'. She huffed and puffed, refusing to sleep until her husband walked through their bedroom doorway.

They had been married for almost a year now, they started out dating just after the war. The war had lasted only a short while, half a year, until the entirety of the Dark Lords followers were either murdered or were forced to betray the dark side and join the Light side. He had been someone with minimal involvement, in the wake of the war he began to spy for the Order. Thus began her trust in him. It had been two years since then, it seemed like an eternity away. She remembered how charming he had been, virtually flawless. He had been everything she was looking for.

On their 5 month anniversary, he proposed, and seven months later Hermione Granger became Mrs. Blaise Zabini, it had been one of the most unsettling days of her life, yet one of the happiest days too. It was unsettling to think that she, Hermione; were no longer just a single, not just one, but two and with that meant opening herself up. And inevitably it was the happiest because she truly loved Blaise Zabini and was more than happy to bare the Zabini name.

Lately she had been quite unsatisfied with Blaise, in every sense of the word. He would come home well past his normal work hours and when he came home he always smelt of cheap perfume and alcohol. His clothes were always disheveled and sometimes he would have lipstick smeared on his cheek. Hermione shut her mouth, never mentioning how fuming mad she always was. She took it, sat back and watched as her husband cheated on her every night of the week. He had some nerve coming home without even primping himself. Did he honestly think that she had no clue? Hermione might have been a push over, but blind she was not.

She sat in her bed, her expensive Italian silk sheets pulled up over her legs. She looked around the room, taking in her setting. Blaise's family had been one of the wealthiest, next to Malfoy's. But his parents were murdered in the war, even in their minimal involvement they had been murdered by the Dark Lord for their son's incompetence. So their fortune was passed down to Blaise and he had managed to triple the amount they had passed on to him, so to say he was wealthy was an understatement.

Hermione had always been a simple girl, and when Hogwarts ended she had stayed that way. But when you marry Blaise you became extravagant, the embodiment of exaggeration, everything about your life had to be expensive. He was not a simple man, and in some ways he had transformed Hermione into the perfect companion. He thought her blind but not dumb, she rarely ever objected to the things he said and she was passive.

The war had weakened Hermione; it had weakened her soul to see what human beings were capable of. Right after the war Blaise nabbed her vulnerability's and molded her, into a Hermione she barely recognized today. Truthfully she couldn't care less if her sheets were Italian silk or cotton, she couldn't have cared less if her house had 6 bedrooms and 8 washrooms or one bedroom and half a washroom, but she cared when her husband came home drunk and obnoxious, clearly just finishing up with a mistress. That broke her into pieces.

She decided that tonight, tonight she refused to have home come home and see him smashed and slurring, she refused to. She walked to her closet and searched through it with careful consideration until she discovered what she would wear tonight, a night without Blaise.

0o0o0

Hermione apparated into a fancy bar located in the middle of London, it was a magical bar with a charm placed over it that represented a small shack boarded up and out of service. Inside was another story, inside it was magnificent, fit for royalty.

She wore an onyx coloured black dress that reached just above her knees. It was simple but made out of the finest silk money could buy. It had a deep neck that reached just above her waist and was held together by a black lace tie in the front. It had quarter length sleeves and it rightfully accentuated her curves. Blaise had bought it for her two weeks ago when they celebrated his birthday. He always bought her a new dress for every occasion, insisting that no wife of his could be seen in the same dress twice. Hermione never minded it much, especially because she kept fit and ate well. She wore a pair of black strappy heels in addition to a pearl necklace that had been their year anniversary gift. She wore her hair down with waves and a very small amount of makeup. She wasn't incredibly stunning alone, but with the right get-up she could have any man drooling over her.

She made her way over to the bar and took a seat on one of the plush leather stools. She laid her purse down on the seat next to her, clearly stating that she wanted no company. She had went out tonight for the simple reason that she hadn't wanted to be at home when Blaise walked in. She was tired of being there to clean up after him. She dressed up because she hadn't wanted to be out and look like a bomb had gone off beside her.

'What can I get you Miss?' The bartender asked, staring her upper half from bottom to top before he noticed the ring sitting on her finger. Hermione was flattered at his gesture, but wasn't interested.

'I'll have a dry martini please, no olive' she stated simply, again taking to the habit of twisting the ring on her finger. The bartender slid a drink across the mahogany wood of the bar. Hermione nodded her thanks. She sat in the same spot for a good hour and had been approached by a number of respectful men, asking if they might join her, Hermione simply raised her left hand and pointed to the diamond ring that sat placidly on her thin finger. They had been gentlemen and got the message, leaving her alone. That was the reason she had picked this place, for its classy men and great alcohol. She had downed two martinis already when a headache sat deep within her temples, pounding loudly.

'Another Mrs.? The bartender asked politely. Hermione shook her head, realizing that the headache would only get worse. She knew Blaise would probably be home, and looking for her, furious that she wasn't there. She made to stand up, but stopped herself dead in her tracks. What are you doing Hermione? Blaise has you trained like a dog. She told herself realizing what she was doing; she was letting Blaise control her, even when he wasn't there.

'Bartender!' She called, his swung around and nodded. 'Another please' She told him, preparing for a sweet revenge on Blaise. She wondered how he would react if she came home drunk, she knew he wouldn't sleep until she was home, but it wasn't because he was worried for her safety, he was worried about what she might be up to, the mischief she might be causing.

The clock struck one o'clock, the place was as packed as ever. She was forced to place her purse on her lap as a couple filled the last two seats on the bar. She looked around the place; it was full of young couples, people drinking, people nibbling on light desserts, people snogging in booths. Finally her eye fell on the door and she saw as a well dressed man walked in, wearing what appeared to be an Armani suit (Blaise's favourite) as he held a girl close to his side. The suit jacket was a strong black that accented the stunning features of his pale skin, the azure tie, nearly a perfect match compared to the icy hue of his striking eyes, danced as a salient ornament against the ebony dress shirt wrapped around his torso. (A/N: Thanks to SeanEmma4ever for that last line)

Draco Malfoy. Hermione rolled her eyes and turned her head, not wanting to be noticed by Blaise's best friend. She had dinner with Blaise and Malfoy and some girl Malfoy was dating named Emma, just the other night. The girl that Malfoy had walked in with was not Emma, but what appeared to be Pansy Parkinson. Great, Hermione thought, just great.

When the war came to an end Malfoy had joined the Light side, and had been forced by the Order to kill his own father. It was cruel and the order knew it, but Lucius wouldn't have expected Draco, his own son to be the one sent to murder him. It had worked well and Malfoy had done just that, murder his father using the Avada Kedavra curse. It was the night the war ended, Harry killed Voldemort that night, but in turn had been sent to the hospital for critical injuries. They hadn't thought he would make it, but he had. After that night, nobody saw Draco, until he had shown up at Blaise's wedding to hold the position of Best Man.

Hermione knew Draco had changed, but she still didn't like him very much. The fact that he had agreed to kill his father made her like him even less. But still, for Blaise's sake they made nice to one another, and eventually formed impartiality to one another. Sometimes they even laughed at each other's jokes, and had very sporadic bouts serious conversations. And they were together a considerable amount, considering Blaise was Hermione's husband and Draco's best friend so they made the best of a bad situation.

But tonight Hermione wanted nothing more than to crawl into a whole than be caught here, at this hour without Blaise. She sunk lower into her chair as he passed her; he stopped and looked behind him, but he didn't notice her honey coloured locks and her olive toned skin, so he passed right on by. Hermione sighed in her relief. She requested that the couple beside her trade spots, at first they thought the idea peculiar but Hermione explained that it was a more private spot for the two of them (the couple) the two foolishly accepted, thanking her.

Twenty minutes passed and Hermione had finished two more martinis. 'Another please' She hiccupped and laughed to herself. She occasionally glanced over at Draco and Pansy, but decided against it from now on, because seeing the two snogging pissed her off.

Hermione finished another three in a matter of minutes, and now her vision was blurry and she was convinced she was capable of doing absolutely anything that came to mind. She was making jokes with the man sitting next to her, and he obviously dateless and looking for a lay was laughing loudly at her jokes. He wasn't drunk, merely sipping on a beer.

He was tall and handsome; he had brown hair and green eyes, and kind of reminded Hermione of Harry. He had full lips, and the whitest teeth and he wore a gorgeous suit.

'You're a beautiful girl' he admired Hermione's features and placed a hand on her face.

Draco sat in a booth with Pansy clinging onto him. They had a light supper and were now sipping Drinks, fire whisky for him and a light wine for Pansy. The two were quite sober, for the fact that neither was interested in their drinks but snogging one another.

Draco's eyes drifted around the room as Pansy unlatched her lips from his and began discussing the manicure she had earlier that day. Draco wanted Pansy for nothing more than sex, and Pansy knew it. But still she insisted they had a relationship.

Draco's eyes fell on the back of a head he recognized. The girl had long honey coloured hair that fell just the small of her back. She was wearing a black dress and strappy heels, he noticed a set of pearls, and then he recognized her. Hermione. He knew he sensed someone watching him throughout the night. He looked at the man sitting in front of the bar, facing in his direction. He noticed that man wasn't Blaise.

Draco had always known about Blaise's affairs and had always reminded Blaise that sooner or later Hermione would realize what was going on and she would leave him. He felt truly sorry for Hermione. He noticed that this guy had placed a single hand on her thigh, and Draco's blood began to boil. He watched the two for a few more minutes, realizing that Hermione would never be unfaithful. He saw that Hermione had pushed his hand off her thigh countless times. He strained to hear her voice, it sounded slurred and wobbly. She was drunk. The guy placed a hand on her face and leaned in for a kiss. Hermione moved her lips so that his face fell on her cheek. Draco smirked. He knew Granger could take care of herself. He decided against barging in upon the two's conversation, confident that Hermione wouldn't make the mistake of leaving with this git.

'Bartender!' Called Gary, he was the man who Hermione was sitting beside. 'Another drink for this young lady' he mused, yet his drink still stood half full on the bar. Again he raised his hand up to Hermione's face, in an attempt to kiss her. Hermione was drunk yes, very drunk, but she still had a conscience. She knew that she couldn't cheat on Blaise because as much as she hated him right now, she still loved him. And she wasn't about to sink to his level. Still Hermione wasn't sober enough to realize that soon this guy could become pushy.

Draco pushed Pansy off him as she tried to crawly up on him and straddle his waist. 'Parkinson' He said coolly as he pushed her off 'have some class' He smirked inwardly, before his eyes fell on the couple leaving. Hermione was walking out the door with that git from before. Draco stood up and threw two hundred dollars on the table, leaving Pansy behind, shrieking.

Draco pushed the door open and looked around the street. Fuck he thought, they must had apparated. Suddenly he heard a girlish giggle from the alley to the left of him. He walked down the street a little further and peered down the alleyway. It was pitch black. He pulled his wand from the inside his suit jacket.

'Lumos' Draco whispered, taking care to shine his wand in different spots. He heard another noise, this time it sounded more like a grunt. Draco began to pick up his pace, this was his best friend's girl.

Finally he heard the sound of lips against skin and he picked up his pace even more.

'Stop' He heard Hermione mutter, still slurring. Finally he reached the two. Gary had Hermione pinned to the brick wall his hand was sliding up her dress. Draco jumped forward and pulled him off, punching him as hard as he could in the face. He raised his wand in the air.

'You stupid prick' He drawled, his voice low and menacing. He grabbed him by the collar and punched him again, harder this time. Gary fell to the floor, seemingly out cold. Draco looked over and some a wobbling Hermione begin to tip over. He grabbed Hermione promptly, and held her bridal style before apparating to the Malfoy manner.

They landed in Draco's bedroom, where Draco laid Hermione on his bed, poured himself a firewhisky and called for his house elf. A female house elf wearing an apron appeared.

'Master call Starry, Starry here master' the little else squeaked. Starry's eyes drifted to the bed where Hermione lay, her dress was hiked up and she looked a mess.

'Starry' He called harshly, the house elf snapped away from Hermione's body.

'Starry sorry Master!' She squeaked grabbing the corner of her apron and sticking it in her mouth, evidently nervous.

'I need you to get me a potion. It's labeled 'Alcohol Revitalizement, and a glass of water' he commanded the elf, Starry jumped up and with a crack she was gone. Draco pulled his wand from his robe and pointed it at the fire; it immediately ignited into roaring flames. He walked over to where Hermione lay and pulled her dress down so that it sat tastefully just above her knees again.

He sat down on a leather chair in front of the fire. He loosened his tie and made a disturbed face. He looked down at his knuckle, it was bleeding slightly. His gaze lifted from his hand and fell on Hermione once more.

'What did Zabini do this time Granger?' He asked her out loud, well aware that she couldn't hear him. Once every few months Hermione would go 'missing' but only for a few days. She always ended up staying with Potter or Weasley, and turned up the next day. But more often than not she would stay home, get piss drunk, then get into an argument with Blaise. Blaise always ended up telling Draco the next time they went for dinner, usually when Hermione was with them. It embarrassed her to no end. He cheeks went red and she clenched her jaw in anger. She rarely ever retorted, just sat there with sheer embarrassment. Draco never laughed; he didn't think it was funny that Blaise abused Hermione. Sure it wasn't ever physical, but mentally, verbally and emotionally was bad too. He always took note of the fact that she wasn't the Hermione he knew in school, she wasn't vivacious anymore, she wasn't opinionate and loud, but soft and humble.

Crack!

'Starry brought Master the things Master wanted, Starry is gone now if Master not needs Starry' Draco nodded and motioned for the elf to leave the tray on the table near the door.

Crack!

The elf was gone. Hermione stirred against the sheets of his bed and groaned slightly. Her head was pounding and her head was spinning. She opened her eyes; everything taking a while to focus in, but when it finally did Hermione realized that she was no longer at home.

'Fuck' She groaned when she looked over and saw Malfoy standing from the leather chair. He walked to the vial on the table and poured its contents into the water.

'Drink this' He commanded. Hermione took the water and stopped before she opened her mouth.

'Did you poison it Malfoy?' She snapped. Malfoy chuckled to himself.

'Granger if I wanted to poison you, I would have done it well before now. Drink' He commanded. Hermione hesitated but decided anything was better than enduring this headache. She gulped its entire contents down and made a sour face.

'That's a good look for you Granger' He smirked and chuckled slightly.

'Shove it Malfoy' She commented, Draco hinted that old Granger-ness in her voice.

'Now, now. If that how you thank someone who saved you?' He asked a darkness about him. Hermione bit her lip and shut her eyes tightly, embarrassed. She sucked her teeth.

'Thank you Malfoy' she said as politely as possible without sarcasm dripping from her voice.

'Stop fucking up Granger' He warned 'or you won't like the man Zabini will become' He warned, looking at her face intently. She stopped all movement, and glared at Malfoy.

'What… what do you mean?' She asked, her strong demeanor leaving her, and her intimidated one showing. Draco tightened his jaw muscles.

'What I mean Granger is that I've been best friends with him for years, I've seen how he handles his women' Draco said warningly. He warned her because he didn't want to see what Zabini would do to her pretty face. It irked Draco through the years, to see Zabini slap women around. He knew he would never do that to a woman. He had watched his father destroy his mother with his abuse. He cringed inside. Hermione's lips quivered slightly in the light of the fire. She shifted on Draco's large bed uncomfortably.

'I can't stay with him' she said quietly.

'Merlin Granger, could you speak up?' He asked, annoyed that she had taken on this timid appearance.

'I said I COULDN'T STAY WITH HIM' she shouted lifting a hand to her head, running her fingers through her bouncy curls. Draco turned away and stared at the fire, thinking. He took a seat.

'You can stay here' He told her 'You'll have a room, just don't get in my way' He warned in a passive tone.

'I won't. And thank you' She told him. She stood up, expecting him to take her to her room.

'I don't have a problem with you staying, as long as you stay out of my way. Why wouldn't you want to stay with Weasley or Potter?' He asked, curiosity looming throughout him. Hermione bit her lip.

'Harry and I aren't on speaking terms, and Ron is extremely busy' she said, exasperated 'Could you show me to my room? I'm quite tired' Hermione stood, stumbling a bit. She was thankful that Draco had intervened tonight; otherwise things could have gotten ugly. She rarely ever drank, and when she did she found herself easily drunk. She was still feeling a bit tipsy, but was mortified about what happened tonight so she tried to keep her composure. Draco stood and opened the door, she walked through and they walked through a series of hallways, before they reached a tall black door. He opened the door and Hermione nearly fell over. It was a gorgeous room, the colours were purple and black, and Hermione vaguely wondered why Draco had a female inspired room.

'It was my mother's' He replied dryly, answering her question, suspecting she would be wondering why he had this room.

'It's beautiful' she stated in awe, she walked a few steps and she noticed Draco was about to leave. She called after him.

'Malfoy!' She called. He turned around.

'Yes Granger' He answered disdainfully.

'Thank you…' She said in all sincerity.

'Mhm' He replied and walked on.

'Malfoy!' She called again. He nodded his head without tuning around.

'Please… please don't tell Blaise I'm here, or that anything happened last night' she begged.

'I'm not stupid Granger' He told her and walked on. Hermione walked around the room, she noticed a pair of small pajamas lay on the bed, along with a pair of slippers. She smiled and placed herself down on the bed. She wanted nothing more than a long hot shower.

Malfoy's turning out to be more noble that Blaise… who would have thought. She remarked to herself. Through her shower and the rest of her night she replayed Draco's words about how Blaise treated his woman and she realized that she was scared. Oh how she wanted to forget the world, forget his world.