"I know you two are up to something," Hermione states matter-of-factly. She looked sternly into Draco's eyes for a moment before looking back down at her breakfast. Draco merely rolled his eyes. Of course Hermione knew. Hermione was the only witch or wizard more intelligent than he was – which is why they had become as close as they had.

Working alongside Harry Potter in Auror Training after the last battle was won, the two were brought together. Friendship was formed, trust was gained. It shone a new light on the world, showing two unlikely individuals could thrive. At first they were simply muddling through and enduring one another. When all was said and done, training over, the two men flourished. Which was the main reason the two chose to become partners in the Auror Department upon graduation.

Subsequently, Hermione allowed herself to forgive Draco of the past and think no more of it. It had felt like a breath of fresh air for the both of them. She had been utterly surprised at how well they had got off; he was brainy, perceptive, and even imaginative. Just like Hermione. Often times she felt as if he was limiting himself by being in the Auror Department.

After marrying one of her best friends, Ronald Weasley, Draco quickly filled the place of her second best mate. Draco did not take it lightly, nor did he ever take it for granted. Earning that place in someones life after a past full of horror stories, he would never ruin it.

"I can tell you want to tell me what it is," Hermione said tactically. "So just out with it."

"It's not my secret to reveal, Granger." Draco dismisses, "Where's mini-Hermione and Weasel?"

"Rose. And Ron. Are both at the Burrow for breakfast. Don't change the subject."

"There's nothing to say. He's on a scheme of "what-ifs" and he's dragged me into it. Blockhead, he is."

"You're the blockhead! Just confess your feelings for him already!"

Draco bit his tongue at this. She was the only person in existance that suspected Draco's feelings for Harry. Harry was straight, it was simple. Draco was happy being a friend to Harry. The two of them were so bonded Draco sometimes forgot they weren't a couple. Until he wanted to kiss Harry and knew he would never be able to. That reminder always stung. Although he had never admitted it out loud before, not even to Hermione.

"Hermione, I'm confident that we don't need your help." He looked her in the eyes but looked away almost too quickly. He was confident in his skills but what the two of them were about to attempt at nightfall, he'd feel much better with Hermione involved.

"Even so, I'll be here if you need me." She offered in defeat.

"Of course you'll be here. You're the size of a planet, you couldn't go anywhere even if you wanted." Draco teased. And it was half true. She was due to have a son the following month. Pregnancy did Hermione well, though. She glowed beautifully.

"Draco, honestly though. I see the way Harry is around you." Hermione tried to push further.

"It isn't worth risking our partnership or friendship. Over a stupid crush." Draco spilled.

"It's clearly more than a stupid crush. Even Ron said the other day how you guys seem like a married couple. Ron -of all people- can even see it."

"For heavens sake Hermione. It doesn't matter if I love Harry or not. He's as straight as an arrow. Just drop it. I don't want to talk about it anymore."

"Fine, you're right. I don't want to upset you, Draco. I just want you to be happy." Hermione half-smiled.

"Do you bother Harry about "this" as much as you bother me?" Draco asked. He was partly hoping she did, knowing Harry at least had thoughts about it. But he mostly hoped she didn't bring Draco up to Harry that way, afraid he'd dismiss the thought so easily.

"I did once, teasingly. To see what his reaction would be." Hermione admitted. "And if you want to find out what his reaction was, just ask him yourself."

"You can't just work me up like that and not deliver, Granger! What did he say? When did you bring it up?" Draco panicked.

Hermione giggled. "I haven't seen you break your wall in quiet a while, I must say."

"Well I'm off. Breakfast was wonderful as usual, send kisses to Rose for me." He grumbled, bringing him plate to the sink to rinse.

"Oh come off it. I was only provoking you to see how badly you want to know what he thinks. I've never directly asked him of his feelings. Only observed, commented discreetly."

Draco's tense body relaxed and he proceeded to head out. "Right, I'll think about it."

~*~*~HPDM ~*~*~

"Where have you been?" Harry questioned Draco, "You didn't tell Hermione the plan did you?"

"If I did, she'd be here right now telling you you're a prat and not to do it." Draco spat. "She knows we're up to something. And if it goes wrong, she'll definitely know eventually."

"Er- right. I have everything in the enchanted pouch. Do you have the ring?"

Draco nodded, handing a dark silver ring to Harry. "Don't ever take it off. It's your only way back. It'll be your reminder that you're not in the right universe. I still think we should tell Hermione. She could make sure my spell will work." Draco bit his lip. He was watching Harry double check the contents of his pouch, worrying. He had never attempted a spell this complicated.

"Alternate Universe's shouldn't be messed with Harry." Draco said gently. He knew any protest would be pointless.

"I need to know what life would be like if I take Ginny back and marry her." Harry whispered. His eyes were sad and tired. "Three days in another life isn't a big deal. I'll be there and back before we know it and I'll know whether or not I'll be happy or miserable."

"If you need to travel to another Universe to figure that out, you already know your answer."

Harry looked defeated at this. He knew it, deep down. But the thought never escaped him.

He had broken up with Ginny shortly after the last battle was won. Harry was happy the war was over. He was living his life without fear or shadow. Ginny was at his side. Slowly he felt as if he was still living a path chosen for him, not by him. He drifted from Ginny purposefully, trying a new path. Then without warning, he was unhappy again. He felt lost.

He found himself wondering what life could be like. Which brought Harry and Draco to this day. The day he would travel to an Alternate Universe, in which Harry was married to Ginny Weasley. And he kept it secret, as his embarrassment was high enough having Draco know his weakness.

The two young men spent the full day preparing the spell and casting it over the ring. Night time had crept up on them and it was time.

"Put your invisibility cloak on when you wake up so you can observe until you reveal yourself – if you choose to." Draco suggested.

Harry nodded, "D'you mind staying in here tonight to make sure the spell goes well?" Draco could tell Harry was nervous behind his determination.

"Yes but I'm not sleeping on the floor, shove over you great git."

Harry grinned. Draco seemed to feel more comfortable pretending they still despised each other.

As Draco pulled the covers down and got comfortable on his side of the bed, the large king sized mattress suddenly felt small. His feelings for Harry were clouding his mind, making him the most uncomfortable possible.

Harry was on his side, looking at Draco. "I know this is stupid." Harry admitted, closing his eyes sleepily. "Just let me be stupid and I'll see you in three days time." He said quietly, putting the magical ring on his ring finger, pouch in his pocket. Soon after, he was asleep.

Draco watched Harry sleeping for as long as he could before sleep caught up with him as well. When morning shone through the window, waking him up, Harry was gone. His Harry was gone. And Draco at once regretted not telling Hermione.