DISCLAIMER: Dear readers, this story is rated M and contains (or may contain, once more chapters are published...) sexual content, violence and dark wizards doing and saying dark things. If any of these are offensive to you, or cause discomfort, then please do not read on. I don't own Harry Potter, (although I often find myself wishing I did). Enjoy!

-Ravenclaw Le Grand

o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Were it not for the violent hammering of her heart against her ribs, Hermione would have thought she was dreaming. In fact, she had dreamed of this day for many years but had compelled herself to kill any last hope of it becoming a reality. Before her sat the pale Slytherin Prince she had known at Hogwarts, drenched from the rain. A puddle of rainwater lay around him and dripped from his dark robes and blond hair.

Head bent, eyes not yet ready to meet hers he spoke in a careful voice, "Years ago, you came to me begging for their lives. I granted you that wish, Granger. Were it not for me, Potter and Weasley would be dead and you know it". Hermione bit her lip, not knowing how to reply. Draco continued albeit a little more hesitantly "I put my life on the line Granger; I put my family in danger, jeopardized my fortune and turned my back on centuries of Malfoy tradition. I kept your secrets safe from the Dark Lord…"

Hermione interjected, "I know what happened Malfoy, I was there. Merlin knows I paid off my debt…"

His steely grey eyes flickered up and caught hers off guard, as he rose slowly to full height, "Not entirely, Granger". Draco stepped towards her backing her against the wall. His athletic build towered over her, clasping her forearm and pulling up her sleeve in a single swift move. His eyes searched hers, but hers were focused on her slender arm. Upon contact with his skin, their wrists were suddenly branded by the glowing shackles of the unbreakable bond. Both stood in silence, neither daring to move.

Hermione stiffened, "So it's come to this has it? What do you want, Draco?". She tore her brown eyes away from their wrists and gazed up at him, searching his face for any indication of emotion.

The Slytherin's face was devoid of any, he disregarded the droplets of water falling from his hair down his smooth pale face. But Hermione knew better than to wake the sleeping dragon, she flexed her wrist to indicate the slight pain his grip was causing. He smiled a wicked smile and let go of her arm, but did not step away. He leaned in closer so that their noses were almost touching and took a long deep breath. Hermione shut her eyes but could not stifle the rapid beating of her heart. She could feel his exhaling breath on her face, sweet and warm and reminiscent of spearmint and faint traces of fire-whisky. Her nose wrinkled slightly at the latter, but she wouldn't have minded it that much were it not his next words.

"Marry me" he whispered suddenly. "Marry me, Granger".
"-Eurgh", Hermione pushed against his half exposed chest, "Merlin's beard, Malfoy, get off me! You reek of liquor!" Feigning disgust she wiped her cheeks, now moist with the condensation of his warm lingering breath.

Did he still remember the almost kiss that almost transpired between them in their 6th year? She had promised herself to never think of it again, and any tinge of curiosity she may have felt was to be ardently suppressed. Truly, she had never thought of it again, and they continued to work alongside one another, never speaking of it again until he vanished. She felt a slight twinge of pain remembering those days.

"You disappeared, Malfoy, we searched for you for weeks! Blaise was beside himself with worry. We thought that Voldemort had disposed of you! After all you had done for us by playing the double agent, why come back now when it's most dangerous? Why not stay in hiding". She glared at him accusingly while he stood hunched over with his arms braced on his knees. She searched his face wildly lost for any further words. Both stood staring at one another, quiet and tense. Hermione could feel her chest heaving as she tried to conceal her anger.

"I wasn't hiding" Malofy's icy voice broke the silence between them, "I was following Dumbledore's orders." He was bigger that she remembered, his once skinny frame was now replaced with broad shoulders and sturdy muscles. His chest heaved in exasperation and he straightened once more. Stepping towards her, Hermione could see a glint of something in his eyes. Disgust?

No, that wasn't it.

She knew they were never friends, but he did trust her. He had to, given that he had bound himself to her with the unbreakable vow upon Dumbledore's insistence. She remembered the night vividly, as though it had happened mere weeks ago. Both of them kneeling before one another in Dumbledore's office, Dumbledore looking on from behind his half-moon spectacles and Snape's gently clasping their hands closer together with the force of his wand.

Little did she know at the time how much a toll those vows would take on her. How every minute spent not knowing his whereabouts was another minute of restless slumber. She knew of course that this was not due to any real affection towards Draco, it was purely the blind loyalty she felt towards him and the regard for his safety, both stipulations of the unbreakable vow.

At first, she was unconvinced that the vow would be a good idea. She had pressed Dumbledore to find another way to assure Draco's unfaltering allegiance, but Dumbledore had insisted that it was necessary. Neither of them had taken well to the news and had resisted initially given their less than amicable behaviour over the years. That night, however, changed something in them. She could feel an unwavering sense of trust in the old magic and consequently, in him. Over the years their relationship strengthened and she knew he could never let any harm come to her because she herself felt compelled to protect him.

She snapped out of her reverie upon hearing his voice, "I don't like it any more than you do, but the order's come from above. Here", he thrust a crumpled envelope into her hands and tightened his lips. She read what was undoubtedly Dumbledore's handwriting and a post-scriptum of detailed instructions in Snape's hand. She finished the note and nodded in quiet surrender.

"It's for your safety?" she looked up at him, her brown eyes questioning.

"Yours too", Malfoy replied, "I've been under scrutiny amongst the death eaters, Crabbe in particular. There has been some question of my loyalties, given that I haven't yet taken a death eater bride like the other followers. Snape wishes to discredit any rumours about my divided sympathies, lest it blow my cover."

The words fell from his lips devoid of emotion, almost lazily. This was the Malfoy she remembered, arrogant and overconfident. She read the letter again, fervently searching for any further explanation.

"But then why not take a death eater bride or at least something with sympathies for the dark side?" Malfoy looked on at her, amused waiting for her to put two and two together.

"I would have thought you'd know the answer to that, Granger. You are bound to me, remember? Who better to be my wife? You swore to keep my secret and protect me from those who mean to harm me-"

Hermione cut him off slightly irritated, "We're bound to one another Malfoy. If we're going to make this work you'd best not forget that".

The amused smile on his face didn't falter, instead, he slowly sauntered back to his seat but stopped short of it. "So no house-elves to clean up the mess I take it?" Malfoy looked at the puddle of his own making before taking a seat. He sat straight and regal, as though it were a throne and not a mere couch. Hermione ignored him and went on reading Snape's instructions.

She began pacing backwards and forwards in front of the modest fireplace, a habit she had taken up in the Gryffindor common room. Nights before an exam she would pace in front of a roaring fire and go over parchments and parchments of notes. The meagre state of the safe house, however, could not compare to the comforts of Hogwarts and she sensed that perhaps Draco was uncomfortable in these surroundings as well. But he showed no signs of it and regarded the room and its muggle contents with interest, as though finally sampling how the other half lived.

A little flustered Hermione folded the parchment in her hands and gave it to Draco who swiftly pocketed it in his finely tailored robes. Eager to break the silence Hermione cleared her throat, "I'm to impersonate Astoria, I take it?"

"Yes, the Greengrass' have agreed to help in return for a safe house and the protection of the Order. Snape is informing the Daily Prophet of the family's 'deaths' and Astoria tragic circumstance as an orphan, as we speak. I have an ample supply of polyjuice potion ready for you, and the rest is hidden and waiting at Malfoy Manor." He looked at her expectantly, "Whenever you're ready Granger."

Hermione's stomach couldn't help but lurch at the idea of having to stomach polyjuice potion on a daily basis. Her experiences with the substance had not at all been pleasant and she did not look upon any future experiences favourably. As though reading her thoughts Draco smirked his body shifted and he leant towards her. Hermione sat still, watching his slow movement and dared not speak.

He tucked a strand of bushy brown hair behind her ear before whispering "Don't fret Granger, Snape's made a rather potent brew, it effects last longer than usual". Her body quivered of its own accord and she couldn't help wondering why his silky voice coaxed this reaction out of her. Yes, their relationship had grown stronger over the years at Hogwarts. He had stopped calling her a mudblood and their bond had only served to strengthen the trust between them. Their tolerance for one another had grown into a mutual understanding even, but she would never go as far as calling them friends.

No. They were allies, there was no doubt, but that didn't explain why his presence had such a striking effect on her.

Accredited her reactions to the vow, after that night she had always felt a little different around him. Still, the thought of being his wife and living in such close proximity to him sent a shiver down her spine. Could she manage the burden of being surrounded by death eaters? Hermione wondered what would happen to them if they were caught.

What would the death eaters do to them should they be discovered?

She was putting herself directly in harms way and far away from the support and protection of her friends and the Order. A sudden thought flashed across her mind. Dumbledore wouldn't have made them take the unbreakable vow unless he was desperate and it was their last hope, she was sure that he wouldn't suggest a marriage between the two of them without exhausting every other available possibility. If this would help the Order, Hermione was determined not to let them down.

Quickly, she rid herself of her worries and gulped down the fear building up in her throat. Her resolve was set, she would place her faith in Dumbledore's plan.

"Yes," Hermione stared into his eyes determinedly. She could see him studying her face with curiosity, before offering her a silver flask adorned with Serpents and the Malfoy crest. As she reached for it, her fingers accidentally brushed against his and she felt a warm jolt run up her arm. In an attempt to hide her surprise she quickly gulped down the contents of the flask.

Within moments she could feel her skin bubbling and stretching, her stature grew in inches, her curls relaxed and darkened, her slightly freckled skin became smooth and pale, much like Malfoy's, she tried to fight back groans until she felt that the process was complete. Her body, now inert, was tall and slender, and she ran her fingers through her now sleek black hair.

Catching her reflection in the mirror above the fire place, Hermione was taken aback. Astoria's features were the picture of Pureblood beauty. She admired her reflection a little longer before noticing there were remnants of polyjuice potion on her rosebud lips. Instinctively, she raised her hand to wipe away the rest, but it was swiftly brushed aside by Malfoy who cupped her cheek in his large hands.

An elegant finger brushed the liquid from her lips as she stared into his piercing grey eyes, unable to look away. "Every last drop" he murmured and he held his finger to her mouth. Her body complied and she parted her lips to let his finger graze between them.

"Steady does it, Granger," he smirked "no more of that until the honeymoon."

Blood flooded her cheeks and she blushed a deep crimson colour. What had compelled her to surrender to his requests so freely? No, it wasn't her fault, he had coaxed it out of her. His demeanour and overall disposition demanded respect and obedience. She had seen it at Hogwarts and elsewhere, Malfoys had a certain authority about them that made people do what they were told.

She felt tricked, and increasingly hurt when she thought how he caressed her face only when she resembled Astoria. Of course he would crave Astoria, how could he not. They were both of the same background, destined to be with one another since their births. In fact, she was sure that it was the most desired match in their world, the Pureblood Prince and his Pureblood Princess. It made sense. But what didn't make sense to Hermione was why she cared so much.

Hermione pushed these thoughts aside. She glanced over at Malfoy who had begun pulling out items from his robes. Another piece of parchment, this time a marriage certificate, and a gleaming sliver dagger. Another Malfoy family heirloom Hermione presumed judging from the serpents and Malfoy crest adorning the hilt.

"Is everything you own covered with snakes, Malfoy?" Hermione laughed.

"Almost" Draco let the outer corner of his lip curved upward slightly. He delicately pricked the tip of his index finger and proceeded to sign his name in blood.

Draco Lucius Malfoy

He took her hand and did the same to her, and Hermione couldn't help but wince at the pain. Instead of releasing her hand he examined the blood lightly spurting from her finger, engrossed by it.

"What did you expect, mud?" Hermione muttered under her breath, pulling her hand out of his grasp.

"Don't" Draco growled, "Don't say that". His eyes wandered to her face and for a moment Hermione thought she detected a wounded expression come over it. "I was young and stupid, and filled with the prejudices my upbringing demanded of me. I know better now…"

Filled with a pang of regret, Hermione turned her head away from him. "I know, I'm sorry. It slipped out". Eager to end the uncomfortable conversation, she quickly signed her name.

Hermione Jean Granger

The ink, upon sinking into the parchment swirled and contorted itself until it formed the words, Astoria Walburga Greengrass. Her brow furrowed as she studied the parchment.

"It's a concealment charm. Dumbledore's doing" Malfoy seemed to have recovered from their earlier exchange, and his posture and expression were once again arrogant and assured. He pocketed the certificate, grabbed her hand swiftly and placed it in the crook of his elbow. "Shall we get going?".

It was more of a command than a question.

He turned to Hermione expectantly, an eyebrow raised. Hermione hesitated and thought perhaps she ought to pack a few spare things, not that the safe house held any of her treasured belongings, but she might as well bring some clean clothes with her.

She asked as much, but Malfoy just laughed, "No, Granger, you won't be needing those". He seemed far too amused for Hermione's liking, but she wasn't in a position to argue. What other choice did she have? She couldn't very well leave the safe house lest someone recognize her face from the wanted posters.

Hermione tightened her grip on his arm and caught Malfoy smirking slightly. There was no turning back now, all she could do was pray to Merlin that they would not be caught. Squeezing her eyes shut and holding her breath, Hermione could feel their bodies lurch forwards, twisting and twirling in what seemed like an eternity. Suddenly, her feet impacted against gravel and she struggled to steady her buckling knees.

Looking up, she saw the shadow of a regal building composed of a number of wings. The imposing structure was surrounded by extensive and well-manicured gardens, and she instantly recognized the place as Malfoy Manor. Draco stepped forward and walked through the gates as though they were merely smoke, securing her hand's grip on his forearm with his free one.

Grateful for his lead, Hermione allowed herself to appreciate the beauty of the grounds, there were peacocks grazing the lawns, a fountain which was not currently spouting water, hedges upon hedges of what she could only guess made up the walls of a maze. The building itself was slightly worse for wear and at first glance seemed cold and uninviting, but, she thought to herself, she could make this manor into a home. Yes, she would restore it to its prior beauty. As they approached the large oak doors they opened welcoming their master home.

Stepping into the dimly lit entrance, Hermione turned her head upwards at the blonde haired noble, "Welcome home Mrs Malfoy" he smirked.