Remnants Of The Dark Lord

by Divess

It's 2005, seven years after the Battle at Hogwarts. Draco Malfoy is a top Solicitor headed for a seat on the Wizengamot, but there are issues. During the war, the Dark Lord made Draco do unspeakable things and one of those things is, all these years later, wreaking havoc with Draco's personal and social life and won't stop haunting his dreams. Dramione. Dark Topics/Voldemort M.

2. He'll Be Killing Himself

Right now I have this scheduled as a three chaptered story. But who knows. My fingers won't stop typing.

Rated M for language, romantic interludes and *Voldemort dark matter.*

Previously on Remnants of the Dark Lord: Only When He Sleeps

She had turned back to Draco. "You bloody bastard. You come to me one way then speak of me another way. Have I misunderstood anything? I'm good enough if I can calm and shag you, otherwise I'm just one of the slags much like the ones who run behind Blaise. I understand we have no commitment to each other, but if you think I'll stand still for being maligned by your bloody friends, you have another think coming."

Hermione gathered her things and headed to the floo, but before Hermione got there Draco was at her side. "Please slow down Hermione."

Draco turned to his mate and shouted, "Leave Blaise. Now."

After Blaise left the flat, Draco turned back to Hermione and continued, "The truth is Hermione I don't know what we have. This thing is two days old. I had no intention of disrespecting you. Blaise is a git, but he didn't mean anything either. He was just surprised you and I are seeing each other. I'll understand if you need to leave, but don't leave thinking I meant anything disparaging about you."

"Thank you for the apology Draco, Hermione replied. It means a lot. I'm going to go home. I'll see you another time."

With those words, Hermione had stepped into the floo.

/

Chapter 2: He'll Be Killing Himself

Draco went into the kitchen to get a fire whiskey and found the Chinese food still sitting there as a reminder. He picked up the food and threw it across the room. Fucking Blaise. Then Draco had bowed his head in defeat. It had been his fault as well. What had ever possessed him to discuss Granger with Blaise even as she was a door away. He had been so bloody stupid.

Draco had put on a tee shirt and proceeded to walk up and down the floor. He had five glasses of fire whiskey and was pretty tipsy when he fell into his bed.

Draco's eyes had only been closed for three seconds when he was pulled into the nightmare.

He found himself back down in the dungeons. Voldemort was using Crucio on him and had been screaming louder than Draco. You useless gnat. Crucio. What do I need you for? Crucio. You will do your duty. Crucio. You're as useless as Lucius. Crucio. You will complete your project. Crucio. Crucio.

Draco had seen himself rolling around the floor twisting in agony. This time both Nott, Sr and Bellarix had been there. Bellatrix had been whimpering, "Let me My Lord. I'll teach this little bastard his place. Let me please."

Voldemort had screamed, "Shut up Bella. I have not asked you to speak," and he turned and yelled, "Crucio" at Bellatrix and she had fallen to her knees.

The next thing Draco had seen was the girl looking at him with those accusing eyes. She was waiting for him to have her, but Draco had jerked awake. He was sweating so profusely his entire pillow was soaked.

While Draco was trying to catch his breath he had been thinking. It's Granger. Granger keeps the nightmares away.

/*/

Draco had torn off his wet tee shirt and put on a clean one. He had sweat so much even his boxers were wet. He changed into pajama bottoms. He didn't even bother with boxers or shoes. He stepped into the floo and had shouted, "Granger's flat."

Hermione was sitting on the couch brooding where she'd been sitting since coming back from Draco's flat when she heard her floo. She hadn't locked it because she hadn't thought about. Looking up she saw Draco stepping out of the floo and stood up. Draco looked terrible so Hermione took him by the arm and led him to the couch.

Draco wrapped his arms around her and said, "Nightmare again. I need you Granger. You're the only one who can help me. When I'm with you the nightmares can't get through."

Hermione pulled Draco up, took him into the bedroom and let him get into bed. Then she had gone to lock the floo and when she returned to the bedroom, Draco's eyes had been wide open. He watched Hermione's every move because he dared not close his eyes until she was in bed beside him. When Hermione climbed into bed, Draco immediately wrapped her in his arms and pulled her close.

Hermione was a little uncomfortable lying with Draco after their argument, but if it helped him she would gladly do it. She was dozing off when Draco whispered, "I'm so sorry about earlier." Hermione had squeezed his hand and soon after that they both had fallen asleep.

Draco slept right through until the morning.

Hermione woke him at 7:00 am. She was just out of the shower and was only wrapped in a towel.

Hermione hadn't missed the flash of longing which passed over Draco's face. She smiled to herself, but continued getting ready for her day. Draco went into the bathroom while Hermione dressed. When he came out he thanked Hermione for allowing him to stay.

Draco wanted to kiss her, but Hermione had resisted, "That's probably not a good idea right now. I'm helping you get through a problem and I'm glad to do it, but I just don't want to get deep in to find out I was only a blanket. Maybe after you get all this sorted. Right now, kissing and shagging will only confuse things."

Draco started to say something, but thought better of it. He wished Hermione a good day and flooed home.

/*/

Later that day Hermione found herself fretting. Draco mentioned he had a 5:30 appointment with Bart. From what Draco had explained he had made a small breakthrough on Saturday so all Bart had to do now was help Draco bring the rest of his nightmare to light.

As bad as Hermione felt for Draco, she had felt worse for herself. What would happen when Draco's nightmares were gone and he didn't need to sleep with her? He could choose whomever he pleased and there would be loads of witches who would jump at the chance to be in Draco's bed. She hadn't wanted to turn down his kiss this morning, but she thought it all for the best.

/*/

Hermione's day went extremely well. She had been dodging owls from Ron and Harry all day. Nosey gits. After yesterday, there really wasn't anything to tell them. She was definitely not dating. Hermione knew she would have to explain sometime she just didn't want to do it that day.

At 5:40 a chill ran down Hermione's spine. She hoped Draco was doing okay at his therapy session. She reached home at 6:00 pm and had tried to read a book, but had been so full of nervous energy she found herself reading the same paragraph over and over. Putting the book aside, Hermione went to the kitchen to get something to eat.

/*/

At 5:30 Draco walked into Bart's office. After Saturday, Draco wasn't looking forward to finding out anymore filthy secrets.

Bart invited him to sit in the chair before they started the hypnosis. "Has anything else happened since Saturday?"

Draco explained everything to Bart. "The only time I can sleep without nightmares is when I sleep with Granger."

Bart remarked. "On Saturday you were sure Hermione wasn't your type. Why is she still coming up in the conversation? Have you tried sleeping or being intimate with any other witch?"

"Granger and I were exploring our options. I've told you about Friday. I spent the night at her flat where I was able to perform as well as sleep without nightmares. We were intimate again on Sunday morning without any problems. She was due to spend the night at my flat last night, but we had a difference of opinions. After she left, I laid down to sleep and was immediately in the middle of a nightmare. Voldemort was throwing Crucio after Crucio at me. He was screaming at me and cursing my aunt Bellatrix the entire time. The nightmare ended when I looked into Millicent's eyes."

Bart questioned, "How do you think this will affect Hermione when you are cured and no longer need to sleep beside her?"

"We were exploring our options, but we haven't made any commitment to each other. In fact, this morning Hermione refused to kiss me. She suggested we not share any more intimacy until I get myself sorted."

Bart had asked. "Don't you think that's reasonable as she will not be one of the witches on your arm when this is finished? Why get feelings drawn into the situation? After all, she's not your type. Correct?"

Draco had remained silent.

"Let's move on." Bart stated, "So you've remembered Millicent clearly. What else do you remember?"

"The girl was kept in a dirty cell. She was dressed in filthy clothes. Voldemort told me she was a volunteer and was being paid to be with him. The whole thing makes no sense. I have no idea why Voldemort wanted her pregnant. I do know he threatened me and my family with death if I didn't do what I was told. I'm of the mind I have been seeing Millicent's eyes all this time. Perhaps I feel guilty about carrying out Voldemort's plan. In some of my nightmares I am the aggressor. In other scenes she is the aggressor laying with legs spread waiting for me to have her. She was in the process of giving me oral sex when I looked into her eyes which had then forced me out of the nightmare."

"Well let's get to it then. Are you ready to begin?"

Draco nodded.

"You know what to do Draco. I need you to relax. I will speak softly and I want you to listen to the tone of my voice. When you are totally under the hypnosis I will ask you to answer my questions. Raise one finger if you feel yourself getting too uncomfortable. Otherwise, just relax and breathe."

Languidly Draco had thought. I really like that song…Breathe. Then he had felt himself going under.

Bart began his count…..10.…9.…8.….7. Bart began to speak in a monotone. Draco felt his eyes close.

Bart then asked his first question:

"Have you tried being intimate with anyone other than Miss Granger?"

Draco answered: "No."

"Why don't you see Millicent in Hermione's eyes?"

Draco answered: "I don't know."

"Do you know what happened to Millicent?"

Draco answered: "No."

"Did you think you and your family would be killed if you failed?"

Draco answered: "Yes."

"Do you believe you really did those things to Millicent?"

Draco answered: "Yes."

"Is it possible someone has placed a memory charm on you?"

Draco answered: "I don't know."

"Are you uncomfortable?"

Draco answered: "No."

"I think that's enough for today. At ten I want you to open your eyes. You will be awake. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10. Wake up Draco."

Draco sat up on the couch. He asked, "How did I do today?"

"Let's talk in my office. Draco followed Bart and seated himself in one of the chairs facing the desk.

Bart got right to it. "First. I believe you are having noticeably more nightmares because we are probing your mind. Therapy sometimes makes things seem worse before we get the mind straightened out to make it feel better."

"Second. I personally don't think these things ever happened. I believe there were memories implanted in your mind which somewhere down the line were supposed to drive you insane or kill you."

"Third. This has not been proven yet, but I believe you helped Millicent and maybe others escape and the implanted memories were your punishment. I'm sure the punishment was mental as well as physical."

"Fourth. I believe Miss Granger plays a much bigger part in this than you think. I can't run your life or dictate your future, but I have come to the conclusion that Miss Granger is preventing your nightmares and correcting your libido because she is your perfect match. This is more summation on my part than anything I can prove, but it does bear looking into. She is strong enough to overcome whatever is planted in your mind and there is a reason for that."

Draco tried to digest what Bart had just explained. "I understand about the nightmares increasing. Somehow it makes sense they would worsen as we try to untangle them. I'm not clear when you say that these things may never have happened. I've seen them. I've felt them. I've lived them. I understand perfectly about memory charms. They are used to cover up memories, but I'm not inclined to believe memories can be added in. As far as helping someone escape the dungeons of Malfoy Manor, that is almost impossible. I would have had to outsmart some of the darkest wizards alive to help anyone get out of there. Then there's Hermione. What you say about her may have some basis in fact. However, I haven't had a proper relationship with a witch in almost seven years. Maybe there is someone else out there who is better suited to me. I won't know that until I look."

Bart had cleared his throat, but hadn't questioned Draco's edict.

Bart moved on. "Tonight our session is going to run over and I ask you to bear with me. Would you like some coffee, tea, or juice.?"

Draco asked for juice and had been very surprised to receive orange juice. He had expected pumpkin juice.

"I'm going to take a little bit of time to respond to your statements. There's really nothing more I need to address about the increasing nightmares. You understand what is going on there. I think I can sum up two and three together. Simply put, I believe you found a way to assist Millicent in escaping Malfoy Manor. I believe Voldemort may have either tumbled to the fact or just blamed you directly for the escape and as a punishment, he had certain charms placed inside your mind which make you believe you are a monster."

Draco started to speak but Bart raised a hand. "Let me finish please." Draco remained silent and Bart continued. "I understand you can only go by what you know, but think about this. Think about what Voldemort accomplished. He had half of wizarding England Imperiused. He commanded legions of purebloods who followed him blindly. He also had command over werewolves, giants and inferi. He was one of the most powerful wizards of the last hundred years, yet you do not think him capable of implanting a few memories in a young man's mind. He was trying to punish you and your family Draco. If such a thing wasn't possible beforehand, Voldemort would have found a way to make it so. My last point. Regarding your future conquests. The ones you are sure are out there waiting to be on your arm and in your bed. How are they any different from Miss Granger? What is it you expect to find somewhere else you haven't found in the only witch strong enough to overcome Voldemort's tricks? These are some of the things I'd like you to think about for our next session."

/*/

Around 6:45 Bart's secretary advised him his visitors had arrived. Bart excused himself to the outer office and when he returned, he was accompanied by three witches.

Bart introduced them as "Fontella Brass, Bridget Monahan and Millicent Bolger."

Draco had jumped up out of his chair when Bart revealed Millicent's name.

Millicent had come straight over to Draco. "I didn't think I would ever see you again. I have prayed for a chance to say thank you for getting us out of that place."

She then turned to the other two witches who took halting steps towards Draco. Each witch took a turn hugging Draco.

An almost mesmerized Draco asked a question. "What is this about? These witches should be dead."

Millicent had been selected as the leader because after their initial hug of Draco, the other two witches didn't speak unless spoken to.

Millicent revealed some information. "A wizard came to their cells and did unspeakable things to them."

Draco began to pace the floor.

Bart had called out softly. "Draco, please have a seat. These ladies have a very important story to tell. The only part you play is having helped them escape."

Draco sat.

Millicent continued her story. "The wizard was big. He had black hair and piercing blue eyes. He came everyday and everyday he made us do things to him while the Dark Lord watched."

Millicent lowered her eyes when she spoke the next part. "The black haired man and the Dark Lord brought you down to me three different times. You were supposed to do things to me and make me do things to you, but you wouldn't. Every time you came into my cell you told me to scream as loud as I could. One time the man with the black hair came to check and you had to lay on top of me, but you never hurt me. Not once. One night a brand new Death Eater came who wasn't familiar with the rules. He left our cell doors unlocked. You whispered to each of us to be ready to go as soon as we heard you say, these sluts aren't worth it. I heard you shout Imperio. When you gave the signal we ran down a long corridor and slipped out a dungeon window. It was night, but we ran as fast as we could. If we heard anything, we stopped and waited until the noise had gone. The witches and wizards we saw were as scared as we were and wouldn't lend a hand to help us. Finally we heard someone shout, Aurors stop in the name of the Ministry. We had been caught by a witch called Tonks and a one legged wizard called Moody. The three of us told the Aurors we had been kidnapped and had escaped. We were too scared to say anything more. We were taken to the Ministry and given clothing and something to eat. Tonks and Moody took us back to our parents who took us away from London and we haven't been back until now."

Draco had put his head in his hands while Millicent was speaking. Then he had asked if their parents had come with them.

Only Millicent responded. "No. Our parents are at home. We are here at Dr. Waldron's request."

Draco hugged the three witches again. "I need to make it right. I need to make it up to you. I'd like to speak with you and your parents together at a later date. I thank you so much for coming in to tell your story and I'm so sorry you had to go through those things."

The three witches smiled at Draco on their way out.

Bart led the witches back to his outer office where they would meet with the person who would be apparating them back home.

Draco had his head in his hands again. This time he had been thanking Merlin the three witches were alive.

/*/

Bart came in and clapped Draco on the shoulder. "What do you think of that? I believe you outsmarted some of the darkest wizards of the wizarding world when you helped Millicent, Fontella and Bridget escape. Now tell me again what is and is not possible. You were a hero."

"All I can say is thank Merlin." Draco had solemnly added. "The truth is, I don't remember any of what they just related."

"You weren't supposed to. I believe this all revolves around the memory tampering and memory implants we have spoken about. The truth is you never hurt any witch in the dungeons of Malfoy Manor. Ever. Voldemort thought you weak. He thought he would be around to watch your own mind eat you up from the inside out. It was a diabolically clever scheme. He had you carrying his punishment around in your own head. Voldemort hadn't planned on dying. He had planned on watching the Malfoy family self destruct. I suggest you speak to the best healers available to assist you with the charms or implants you currently have in your head. That will go a very long way to resolving all your issues. Until healers fix or adjust your memory, you will continue to have these nightmares. Even though we now know the truth. Your brain still believes what is inside your head. I will set our next appointment for Wednesday at 5:30 pm to see how you are managing. If this appointment conflicts with any healer appointments you might make, let me know and we can reschedule."

Bart came around the desk to shake Draco's hand. "I'll see you on Wednesday. Good luck Draco."

/*/

Draco apparated home. He was close to being sorted. No more nightmares. No more failing dick. It would be back to right for Draco Malfoy. Draco wondered if Hermione would mind bearing with him for a little longer because he still needed her to keep his nightmares away.

Draco remembered Hermione didn't want to kiss or shag him at least until he got himself sorted. He was obviously going to try to change her mind, but if Hermione remained firm, he'd have to respect that.

Draco floo called Hermione. "I have news I'd like to share with you."

"I'm in the middle of something." Hermione had replied. "May I floo over in a bit?"

Draco heard a voice and asked, "Who is there with you? Ginny?"

"No. It's Michael actually."

Draco visibly stiffened as they ended the call. Michael Corner was in Hermione's flat. Draco's face had gone hot. Why would Michael Corner be at Hermione's flat? She said she wouldn't see him because she had chosen me. He wanted to go through the floo and hex Corner into oblivion. Instead, he had sat down and resigned himself to staying awake all night not wanting to fall into the nightmare again.

/*/

True to her word, Hermione flooed over around 9:00 and took a seat on the couch next to Draco. "Earlier it sounded like you had good news, but you look miserable. What's wrong?"

Draco stared at Hermione then lashed out in anger. "I do need your help. You seem to be the one thing keeping me whole, but I see I may be asking too much. I may be keeping you away from, from….. What is he? You don't want me to touch you and you have pulled away. Have you given him his chance? What is Michael Corner to you?"

Hermione blushed. She didn't know where Draco's anger was coming from and she reacted to his anger with anger of her own. "What is it you want from me Draco? I'm here. Did I not get here fast enough? What is it you think I've been doing and why do you care? Do you think I'm using up time which should be allotted to you? Answer me. I walk through your floo and you attack me."

Her voice had steadily risen higher. "WHAT MICHAEL DO YOU THINK WAS AT MY FLAT? WHAT ARE YOU ACCUSING ME OF DOING?"

"I can't leave you alone for an hour before you are entertaining visitors." He had shouted back.

Hermione was screaming…and crying. She had tried to calm herself. She had tried to stop crying. She had tried to stop screaming. Finally she had taken a few deep breaths and come back to herself.

Very lowly she had remarked. "Find yourself another witch to pull this shite on Draco. I'm not the one." And without another word she had turned and walked to the floo and disappeared.

/*/

Draco sat there holding his head.

He had lied to Bart. Hermione was someone he'd like on his arm. She was someone he'd like in his bed. He didn't want her to give Michael Corner a chance. He didn't want her to give Corner anything especially if it was part of her body.

Between nightmares, limp dicks and faces in the mirror, Draco had let frustration and jealously get the better of him. Granger had helped him and she didn't have to answer to him. In three short days he had begun to act like her lord and master which he wasn't. She could and would do exactly as she pleased. Draco realized he owed Hermione an apology.

He had walked to the floo and called out Granger's flat.

/*/

Hermione heard the floo, but remained standing at the edge of the hall.

Draco came through the floo heading straight for her. He wrapped his arms around her and put his face in her hair. "Granger. I'm a bloody fool. I have made two serious missteps with you within four days and you've done nothing but help me. Forgive me."

Draco kissed her forehead and wanted to kiss her lips, but remembered her directive that they not have any intimate interactions until he got himself sorted.

Hermione had pulled away. "I'm fine now Draco. Perhaps we should talk because something got away from us tonight. I won't allow anyone to get me to that state. No one. Have a seat. Would you like a drink?"

Draco sat down in one of the chairs. He accepted Hermione's invitation of a drink, but had stared into his drink for five solid minutes before saying anything. "It was not my intention to upset you Hermione. I opened my mouth and suddenly garbage was coming out. I was upset because you were with someone else. In four days, I've become accustomed to you being there…for me. I'm a selfish git, but I think I'll get better once I've grown up."

Hermione who had been completely silent until this point gave a little smile.

That tiny smile gave Draco the courage to go on. "I want us to get back to friends. I don't want you angry with me."

"Draco, I'm not angry with you. I won't tell you I wasn't angry earlier. I was. I'm quite quick on the uptake, but you caught me completely off guard. I thought I was coming over to hear what had transpired at your therapy session and I was attacked instead. Once I returned home, I realized what it had all been about. Without finding out the correct information, you assumed the Michael I mentioned was Michael Corner. Had you asked me, you would have found out you were wrong. Michael who's last name I do not even know, is the merchant clerk for Badley's Books. The owner had the books I purchased today dropped off because I am one of his lovely customers. I know Michael from the bookstore and we were chatting about the new book Magical Wisdom. We were in the middle of a conversation when you called on the floo. After that, I had a few more things to tidy up before I came over. I had every intention of helping you through the night."

Draco took in everything Hermione had just explained. He got up from his chair to sit next to her on the couch and quipped, "You scream very loudly for a small person."

With that, the tension was broken.

"What is it you thought I would be doing if it had been Michael Corner?"

"I didn't think that far ahead." Draco had replied. "I just heard the name Michael and everything went red. You told me yourself he wants to be with you. I thought perhaps you were giving him a chance."

Hermione jumped up and threw her hands in the air. "And our nights together were supposed to count for nothing Draco? What do you take me for? Is this where we are? I have stepped back from you because I didn't want feelings to get involved with my helping you. I didn't want to step back. I had to step back. What happens when you are cured?"

Draco jumped up beside her, took her in his arms and this time without invitation he kissed her. And he kissed her. Hermione melted into his arms and they stood there holding each other for the longest time.

Draco finally remarked to her. "We'll work on all of it."

/*/

When they sat back down they were ready to discuss what happened with Bart.

Draco explained, "Bart has come to the conclusion Voldemort had memory charms or memory implants placed on me. Bart thinks it was Voldemort's way of having me torture myself while he watched. Voldemort figured he would be around to watch me go mad, but luckily Potter came to the rescue on that score. Bart mentioned he doesn't know how I survived this for seven years. He said a lesser wizard might have been dead by now. He also brought Millicent and the other girls to his office to prove my memories a lie and that I've never hurt any witch. In fact, I saved them. We don't know yet, but Bart thinks the memory adjustments may have been made as a punishment for the witches escaping. Up until this point I haven't had the foresight to wonder if he has done the same thing to Theo and Greg. If Bart and I get this figured out, maybe I will be able to help Greg and Theo if they need it."

Hermione had laid her head on his shoulder as he talked. She had done this more so he wouldn't see her tears than a need to rest her head. Draco caught his first clue when his shirt became soaking wet. Draco pulled Hermione up so he could look at her face. Then he got up to find a cloth to wipe her eyes. When he finished wiping her eyes he had kissed them.

Hermione's only thought at the moment was when Draco's cured. He'll be gone.

Draco had sat back down and revealed his plans to Hermione. "Tomorrow I will begin my search for the best memory healer alive. If this memory thing can be fixed, I'll pay whatever the price to make it so. Otherwise, I'll have to sleep with you for the rest of my life."

Hermione had smiled and retorted. "I don't know about the rest of your life, but you can sleep with me tonight."

Draco then gathered enough of his Malfoy confidence to ask a question. "So, as that nosey git Potter would say. We're dating right?"

Hermione smacked him across the arm.

Both Draco and Hermione slept straight through the night. Hermione didn't give Draco a chance to see if his dick was still working.

In the morning, he told Hermione he would see her that evening and asked if he could bring her a bottle of wine.

Hermione thought for a moment. "A bottle of white wine would be nice. Thank you."

"No problem."

/*/

Draco had a case he had been working on. It wasn't a big case, but it was somewhat important. He had done most of the groundwork so he hadn't felt bad when he passed it over to his Junior. He had to free his time up so he could concentrate on getting healed.

One of the first things he had done that morning was set up a meeting with Greg and Theo. He wanted to find out if they needed help as well. They met up at noon and Draco noticed that both wizards looked the worse for wear.

After a little shop talk, Greg inquired why he was there. "What did you need to see me about Draco? It was actually a bit of a surprise to hear from you. The last time I saw you was in 03 wasn't it?"

"You might be right Greg. I'm not sure. I asked for this meeting to find out if you and Theo have suffered from the same affliction I have suffered."

Theo spoke up. "I'm not suffering from any affliction Draco."

"Maybe I haven't worded it right. Have either of you been affected by nightmares or night terrors?"

Greg looked down at his fingernails and remained silent.

"If you mean flashbacks to The Dark Lord." Theo replied. "Then yes, I have suffered with them for years. I have tried everything. The only way I can sleep is …Let's just say it's not the conventional way a bloke should sleep."

Greg looked back and forth between the two wizards. He didn't have a clue what they were talking about and told Draco so. "I'm not sure what you're getting at, but I sleep fine. It was nice catching up, but I have to get back. I have a bint of a superior who is on me for the least little thing. Thanks for lunch Draco. I'll see you around."

Theo spoke in a lowly voice. "I think I have some idea of what you're going through. I suffer an affliction, but probably not the same as you. I don't like talking out here because you don't know who is listening. I can't afford to have my frailties bandied about London. Remember Rita Skeeter?"

Draco nodded his head. The Rita Skeeter episode was just another thing he'd rather forget. Draco then asked Theo if he would be more comfortable speaking at his flat.

"That's a good idea, but for me to tell you anything I'll need for you to set your wards higher and tighter. I don't want anyone else to hear what I say."

Draco had agreed. "That's fine. I don't want my situation shouted about either. I'll need to make some adjustments. How does Thursday around 10:00 am sound?"

"Sounds good. I'll stop by at 10:00. I would appreciate it if you didn't mention this to Blaise. He has no conception of what some of us went through because of our fathers. I don't feel like being the fodder the next time he holds court with a group of witches. I'll tell you something else you may not have thought about Draco. You and I were the smartest out of the lot of Death Eaters kids. I think that's why we got it the worst. Greg Goyle, pardon my expression, was a prat. He couldn't be trusted with the simplest of tasks. That's why he was the last called for any job. He only got lucky towards the end because you taught him things your aunt had taught you. I know you don't like talking about it Draco, but it's true. Goyle came out okay because he was a fucking lazy lout. Anyway, I'll see you Thursday at 10:00."

As Theo was walking away Draco had called after him, "If I have to change anything, I'll get in touch."

Theo had waved and kept walking.

/*/

Back at work Draco sent out at least ten owls to the most prominent healers under the guise of solicitor's research. He inquired after healers who were well versed in the area of repairing and restoring memories but was very careful to make it all about a private case on hand. No nosy Nelly was going to find out the healer was for himself. It would do him no good if someone found out the heir apparent to a slot in the Wizengamot had buried memories which could blow up at any time.

Draco had worked hard building a reputation after the war and wouldn't give that up for anything.

While relaxing at his desk, Draco had thoughts of Hermione and knew he could trust her to help him. He was smiling as he thought Hermione probably knew someone right off the top of her head. He liked that about Granger. He had begun to like a lot of things about her.

/*/

Blaise had owled him several times, but Draco hadn't owled back as he was still a bit pissed off at him. Fucking Blaise and that ancient school bull shite. He hadn't been in any battles yet he still wanted to act as though he was better than Granger. They had all grown up and it was time for Blaise to do the same. Draco knew one thing for certain. If Blaise had a problem with Granger, then he had a problem with him as well.

Draco stepped out of his office. His next stop was downtown London. He wanted to look for a gift for Hermione. Draco wondered what Hermione was doing right about then and figured she was probably somewhere telling someone off. Damn, he thought. That little witch can really scream Then, he had smiled to himself again. Draco had high hopes Hermione would let him get a little closer then a sleeping partner that night. He wanted to….

/*/

"Draco. How are you? How are all the criminals treating you?"

Draco turned to find Astoria Greengrass standing before him. Well actually she was now Astoria Greengrass-something French. She had married some French Nobleman and had been living in France for the last several years. As usual, Astoria was drenched in some horrid French perfume. It was probably a good perfume, but Astoria used it by the bucket.

"Will you be a gentleman and help me with my packages?" asked Astoria. "I'm staying in Wiltshire at the Magical Luxury Hotel."

Draco helped Astoria with her packages, but she was interested in something more. She informed Draco that her husband wasn't doing the right things and had quickly moved in on him. Draco Malfoy had then fallen for the oldest trick in the world. Before he realized it, Astoria had him down to bare skin with her down to bare skin as well.

Draco had been at her entrance ready to push when he had looked into her eyes. Her eyes had been Millicent's eyes. He had jumped away from her growling. "Go home to your husband. I have no business here." And he had left her lying there.

/*/

Draco remembered he was supposed to bring Hermione wine so he picked up the white wine and flooed to Hermione's flat. He hadn't realized it was so late. It was after 10:00 pm.

Draco put the wine in the kitchen and turned to find that Hermione had come out to meet him. She had come within lips distance of kissing him when she had suddenly backed off.

Without looking back, Hermione went directly back to her bed calling out. "Please take a shower or use a cleansing charm before you get in the bed. The perfume you're wearing is lovely, but much too overpowering."

Draco had felt like such an arse. Astoria's perfume had put him in a predicament. The actual truth was, he had put himself in a predicament.

/*/

Wednesday morning found Hermione pleasant but distant. She did not mention anything else about scents. She didn't have to because Draco knew he had screwed up and it was up to him to get it sorted out.

/*/

Draco had an appointment with Bart for 5:30 and spent almost the entire day glancing at his wonder wizard watch. He willed the time to speed forward, but it continued to inch ahead. He anticipated getting more information from Bart and looked forward to spending time with Hermione as well.

/*/

Draco was always on time for Bart. That was just common courtesy.

This session Draco wasn't interested in hypnosis. He was interested in what Bart knew about the healers and doctors on his list. Draco had done his due diligence and wanted to know what Bart thought. The list he had in his hand contained nothing but the most stellar people in their fields, but he needed Bart to take a look to see which of them were worth contacting.

Draco tried to move the session along, but had been brought up short by Bart. "You can be as brash as you like Draco, but I'm going to do the job I've been entrusted to do before I do anything else. Please calm down."

Draco apologized.

Bart and Draco agreed they would not do a hypnosis session, but Bart still wanted to tie up some loose ends. He wanted Draco to explain what he had accomplished, if anything.

"As far as nightmares are concerned, I'm in good shape as long as I have Hermione looking after me."

Bart looked as though he wanted to comment, but had remained silent. The two wizards spoke for a few more minutes before Bart had seen fit to release the session.

After Bart released the session, they discussed Draco's list of memory healers. Draco had been in a jubilant frame of mind when Bart recommended five of the names on his list. Draco couldn't wait to tell Hermione. He also wanted to discuss the perfume fiasco with her. He had made a mistake and wanted to get it rectified.

/*/

When he flooed into Hermione's flat all he had found was a note. "Got an offer for drinks. Should be back before you go to sleep."

Draco was like. "What the fuck? Should be back before you go to sleep." Where had Hermione gone that she couldn't invite him?

Draco began to Malfoyize. He began to think things.

Without rhyme or reason Draco set out to find Hermione, but it had been like a conspiracy. Nobody knew where Hermione had gone. In the end, Draco couldn't find her and went back to her flat to wait.

Hermione returned home about 11:30 close to pissed asking Draco to help her get her clothes off.

Draco was pissed off at her disappearing act so he had taken his time going to help her. By the time he entered the bedroom, Hermione had taken off her clothes and was lying spread eagled across the bed.

Draco didn't know what he wanted to do more, put his mouth on her or put his dick in her, but she was pissed so he did neither. He lifted her up and put her in the bed. When he moved her, she had made sounds in her sleep which Draco thought sounded suspiciously like those she made when they had sex. The sounds made Draco wonder if Hermione had been with another wizard.

Draco got into bed beside Hermione and she woke to go to the bathroom. Like a suspicious husband, Draco had sniffed her to see if she smelled like somebody else's dick. She smelled….normal. Then Draco had wrapped himself around Hermione and gone to sleep.

/*/

Hermione had an awful headache when she woke the next morning and had dragged herself to the bathroom for a hangover potion. Within five minutes of taking the potion her head felt better.

"Where did you go last night?" Asked Draco? "I thought we were going to discuss my session."

"I'm so sorry. Seamus' cousin Ian had secured port keys so we could travel to Ireland to see him and his band."

Draco repeated her words right back. "Ireland? Band? Who is Ian?"

"You'll meet him tonight. He came back to London with us. He's staying with Seamus for now, but he's told us if things work out he'd be working from England."

Draco went cold. "What things Hermione? What is he hoping will work out?"

Hermione ignored Draco's question instead she had asked one of her own. "I didn't keep you up too late waiting for me, did I? I thought you might want more time with your highly perfumed witch. I didn't see the need to hurry home if you weren't going to be here."

Good sense had taken that moment to slap Draco across the head. Hermione thought he had done something behind her back. The simple truth was he had tried to do something behind her back. He had put his dick at the entrance of Astoria Greengrass-something French. He hadn't succeeded, but not for lack of trying. Whether Astoria had tricked him or not. He was responsible for his actions.

Draco stood frozen to the spot. Right then he knew the thing Ian hoped worked out was Hermione. There were plenty of wizards who would like to court Granger. So far, she wanted only him. He hoped he hadn't messed up and given some Irish git of a wizard a chance with Hermione.

Draco had stood outside the bathroom waiting for Hermione to come out. When she finally emerged he had asked about his competition. "Am I going to get to meet Ian?"

Before Hermione could answer, Draco had picked her up and brought her over to the bed and laid her down. "We're dating. Don't let me find out this Ian has touched something that is mine."

Without another word he had removed Hermione's towel and positioned himself for sex. Before Hermione could say anything, Draco had pushed and she had moaned his name and grabbed onto his back. Then they had made love

…like they were dating.