There is going to be a bit of Blaise x Hermione, but it is not the main focus. I know I haven't written anything for a while, but I wanted to post this. It's been an idea swimming in my mind for what seems like forever. Oh and Harry is a pureblood in this story.


Learning to Love

"So it's all set then?"

Hermione sighed, frustrated with a look of defeat.

"Yes……," she huffed tiredly, "….we have... a….. deal."

-- -- --

-- -- --

Rain fell heavily atop the roof of Malfoy Manor. It was an all together dark and gloomy day, though those seemed more common for the Manor after the war ended. Though majestic and a sight to behold, the Manor was daunting and borderline scary- it's inhabitants maybe even scarier. Said inhabitants sat comfortably in one of the Manor's grand rooms, until the sound of hoof beats interrupted the peaceful silence.

"Hey, who is in that carriage that just pulled up to the manor?"

"Shut up, Draco"

Narcissa's voice remained steady and cold-just like her personality. She looked outside and a scowl was instantly lifted to her lips.

"But mum, since father died I am the new head of the house and I deserve to know."

"Head of the house, my ass, you are still my son and will obey me."

Draco muttered angrily under his breath as he stocked off, peeved. He hated women who got the best of him. When he married a woman he would make sure she was dim witted and well endowed – the perfect woman in his opinion. She would do everything he asked of her without question and would adore him no matter what wrong he committed. Perhaps a beautiful blue eyed blonde, maybe a woman with raven hair and exotic eyes, or perhaps a feisty curvy red head- whatever the difference he knew he would have other women besides his wife. He smirked- he could almost picture it. With that image in mind he headed off towards his room.

-- -- --

-- -- --

"So you understand our predicament with the new law the ministry has enforced, Mrs. Malfoy."

Narcissa Malfoy took a long drag out of her cigarette before slowly blowing out the smoke in a large dark grey cloud. Her eyes gleamed intensely, aiming to intimidate.

"In my opinion, Blaise, the law is not really a predicament. The mudblood doesn't have to marry my son, just a pureblood."

As if on cue, Hermione Granger stepped into the study and joined Blaise on the couch. Dressed to impress, she wore a short flattering yet modest black dress that rose just a bit above her knees. Its perfect V-neck cut reminded the man and oldest Malofy in the room that she was indeed a woman who possessed feminine wiles that any man would love to experience. Her golden brown hair fell atop her shoulders in soft curls, framing her face in an innocent yet alluring way. A challenging mocking grin upturned the corners of her full pink lips.

"Nice to see you remember me, Narcissa."

"Wretched wench, what gives you the right to call me by my first name."

Hermione took a seat next to Blaise and crossed her arms and legs defensively; tall red heals shimmered to reflect her matching crimson earrings.

"Hmm…..let's see….your family killed my parents, one of my best friends, and countless innocent people because you wanted to feel superior. I believe that gives me the right to call you anything I want," she replied matter-of-factly.

"Listen here you little harlot, you are just a—"

"THAT IS QUITE ENOUGH, LADIES."

Both women turned to Blaise and his booming voice, shocked at how assertive he could be. He drew a labored breath and closed his eyes.

"Look Hermione, go to your room. I'll be there shortly."

Before giving Narcissa one last glare, Hermione got up and left the room.

Blaise heard Narcissa scoff and then rise.

"Well, ain't she a spitfire," she spat.

Blasie sighed looking longingly at Hermione's retreating figure.

"She…….spits…...fire alright."

-- -- --

-- -- --

When Hermione arrived at her room, she couldn't help but gasp. She was amazed and couldn't believe that she would be living in such a luxurious room. It was beautiful. Decorated in a classy sophisticated way, she reveled in its beauty. She launched herself on her bed, letting out a pleasurable sound at the silky soft feel of the cool satin sheets. She then looked up and was shocked. Stars were scattered on the ceiling. Whoever had painted them, painted them to perfection. She looked around her room and couldn't help but notice the celestial look that surrounded her. It was phenomenal.

She had never been one to lead a lavish lifestyle, so this next week staying at the Malfoy Manor seemed a bit surreal.

She sprawled out on the bed and just as quickly as her smile had come, it vanished. Sure she had a week, but she had to make one the biggest decisions of her life in only a week.

She had to pick a husband, a pureblood husband.

The ministry had been noticing that the purebloods were become closer and closer to inbreeding, and they wanted to solve the problem. When they chose her to be the first subject of the new law designed to integrate muggles into pureblood marriages, she was disappointed. She honestly wanted to have a say in the choice of man she wanted marry. After hours of negotiation, they had reached a compromise.

She would have three pureblood wizards to choose from- Blaise Zabini, Harry Potter, or Draco Malfoy.

She thought that was an improvement, but she still desired more freedom. She didn't complain then, but now she couldn't bite her tongue. She wanted out of the deal. So far she didn't know who she would choose.

Harry was due to arrive at the manor tomorrow morning and Blaise's suitcases and things were to arrive tonight. She didn't really care about Draco's whereabouts. She knew by process of elimination that Draco wasn't even a choice. She hadn't spoken to Harry since the end of the war and wasn't sure how he was doing. She knew he was in good spirits at least because of the ramblings of his ex-girlfriend Ginny who was expecting her second child with Neville. Other than that not much news had reached her ears.

"I see you like the room."

Hermione turned towards the origin of the voice. It was Blaise, smiling warmly. She had grown to like his smile the more she was around him. It was always so uplifting. After the law had been announced he was appointed to bring her to the manor, but she didn't trust him to at the time. So when she found out about the law she decided to get to know him more. They had spent two weeks living together before they went to the manor.

It was odd and awkward at first, but as time transpired she had found out that they had quite a lot in common. He didn't share her like for the arts because he wasn't any good at them, but he was a good listener and they easily became good friends. His fun loving easy going personality won her trust over in no time.

In those two weeks she had found out that Blaise wasn't the Slytherin monster everyone made him out to be. He was actually just a big softie. He did look intimidating at times, but underneath it all- he was a big sweetheart.

"Yea it's great. Who decorated it? It's absolutely beautiful- so…… unordinary, so……I can't even describe it."

"I know. Drake really did a good job on it."

Hermione's eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"Malfoy did this?"

"Yea……Narcissa had him design it."

Hermione scoffed.

"I'm guessing she didn't want to do it, so she made him do it."

Blaise laughed suddenly and Hermione couldn't help but smile. His laugh was so infectious.

"Either way, he did it. So you should thank him when you get the chance."

Hermione sat up and fidgeted a bit.

"I guess….."

Her voice was low and doubtful. Blaise sensed her uneasiness and embraced her, enveloping his whole body around hers. He felt her tense a bit before relaxing.

"I know you feel weird about this law," he stroked her hair tenderly, "but everything is going to be ok," he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "I'm here, and I promise everything will turn out ok."

He smiled at her and she couldn't help but return the smile- even if it was a little forced.

"Knock knock…..am I interrupting anything?"

Hermione turned to see a pair of arrogant silver eyes. She sighed tiredly. He was the last person she wanted to see right now.

It was a known fact that everyone had changed after the war, some for the better, some for the worst. With quick observation towards Malfoy, Hermione wasn't sure what kind of change he underwent. He seemed to look the same except maybe a little taller and he seemed to gain a look of maturity. He no longer looked like a little a boy.

"Naw Draco. I was actually about to leave. I need to go run some errands for your mom." Blaise turned his back to Draco to look at Hermione. His eyes were warm and he smiled at her, trying to reassure her.

He placed a kiss on her forehead.

"I'll be back later. See ya."

Hermione watched Blaise leave and pat Draco on the back as he left the room. She could tell he was close to Draco. She knew they had to be since they had grown up in the same house at Hogwarts and had family ties, but it was still a little hard to believe. She wondered how such a good nice person could be close to such a horrid cruel person like Malfoy.

"So you like the room, huh?"

His voice was smug and above all else arrogant. She could tell he was expecting a statement of her gratitude. Well, he could wait till hell froze over.

Hermione laid back against her pillow and closed her eyes, trying to ignore Malfoy.

"Well someone's acting rude."

Hermione tried her hardest not to get mad or to laugh. Even though he looked mature and seemed mature, she could still hear the pouty little voice of the spoiled fifteen year old boy inside him. She shut her eyes tightly, hoping if she ignored him long enough he would leave. How wrong she was. Her eyes shot open when she felt another weight settle down next to her on the bed.

She turned and was greeted by bright mischievous silver eyes and a haughty grin.

She gasped instinctively and his grin widened.

His eyes were piercing, yet they held a soft glow. It was if he could see right through her. She didn't know whether to feel threatened or aroused or scared. If anything she felt a mixture of all three and it gave her quite a rush.

"You could be a little nicer to me seeing that you are living in my house."

After hearing his mocking tone Hermione came back to her senses. She matched his mocking tone.

"Don't think so momma's boy. As far as I see, this will be your house the day your mother dies."

And just like that Draco was again upset because a woman seemed to get the best of him. His playful mood was instantly lost and a moody scowl controlled his countenance. She resisted the urge to laugh at his sour mood. He was still the self-centered, easily agitated moody Malfoy she remembered from school. Some things never seem to change.

"Whatever, dinner's at seven. Don't be late."

With lazy movements he left her bed. She could tell he was suppressing his anger, but she honestly didn't care. Draco Malfoy mad at her- what else was new?

She turned back to lie on her back and yawned deeply. The trip had really worn her out. Slowly her eyes shut and sleep overwhelmed her.

But she hated to admit- Draco really could decorate a beautiful room.

-- -- --

-- -- --

"WHERE THE HELL IS THAT INSUFFERABLE LITTLE WENCH?"

Both Blaise and Draco flinched at Narcissa's harsh tone. It had been quite a while since they had heard her angry to this extent. Narcissa Malfoy was by no means a patient woman. No one with good sense dared cross her. With eyes afire, Narcissa turned to glare at Draco.

"You told her seven, correct?"

Draco cringed and nodded vigorously.

"Yes, mother," he croaked out. She could make the strongest men cower in fear if she willed it so.

She turned back to face forward. She twirled a knife in her hand. Both men gulped uneasily. Dear God, who had put a knife in that woman's hand? She let out an annoyed sigh and pursed her lips.

"Well if the mudblood wants to starve; she can starve," she stabbed the knife into the table threateningly, rose out of her chair, and eyed both men, "I won't have either one of you sneaking her food."

And with an indignant exasperated sigh Narcissa stormed out of the dining room, head up in the typical proud Malfoy way.

Both men let out a breath of relief. The air always seemed to be a little less when Narcissa was mad, especially with a knife.

Draco was the first to recover and speak.

"I can't believe her, purposely not showing up to get mother upset. What a bitch!"

Blaise was quick to react.

"She is NOT a bitch!"

Draco stared at Blaise, a little startled. His hands were clenched and his eyes were narrowed- signs he was mad. Blaise was a large man, a tall man, and definitely a strong man; and as much as Draco hated to admit it- he was much taller AND stronger than him. With that in mind Draco decided to drop the Hermione bashing lest he painfully lose a limb before dinner was over.

"Potter's coming over tomorrow, you know that right?"

Blaise sighed and through clenched teeth and replied, "Of course."

Draco was getting mad. First his mother's outburst, then Blaise's, - tonight wasn't going to well and all because of fucking Granger.

The rest of dinner was eaten in an uncomfortable silence. Draco picked up a forkful of food and slowly chewed.

"Well tomorrow ought to be 'loads of fun'."