AN: Oi. This story is slowly coming together...finally, it was touch and go there for awhile.

thanx for reading my pretties. i'm not one to beg for reviews & i'm not going to start now...but thanks for reviewing and following and all that fantastic stuff. *kisses*

Chapter 3 - What Good Am I

"WHAT THE FUCK!" Blaise Zabini flung open his front door stark naked, his dark eyes flashing with rage, dark hair spiked in every direction. It was obvious to Declan he had woken his friend and he wasn't a bit sorry. Declan pushed Blaise, stalking into the darkened home. He stalked to the fireplace, intent on waking Theo as well.

"Blaise?" Daphne's sleep altered voice called over the balustrade.

"Daphne. Get dressed. Bring Blaise something so I don't have to stare at his cock. Theo's on his way." Declan made his way to the bar, pouring a glass of whatever he happened to land upon.

"Why are you here? Get out!" Blaise tossed a dressing robe over his bulky shoulders.

"If I leave here now, I'm going to kill Potter. I'd prefer not to spend my remaining days in bloody Azkaban."

"Is Hermione alright then?" Daphne flew down the stairs, her dark hair in disarray, pouring a drink for Blaise.

"She can't stay with me. He knows where we live. I'm supposed to leave, the first of October. You know how I have to travel. I've been putting it off. The things that bastards done. You wouldn't believe me if I told you." Declan's eyes burned, his chest constricted. Theo stepped casually out of the fireplace. Silently he perched on the arm of a nearby chair.

"Potter? Make sense man. I'm too fuckin' tired." Blaise sipped a glass of red wine, his wife seated upon his lap.

"Yes! Bloody Potter."

"He hurt Hermione? Do I need to go over? Is she alright?" Daphne was poised to rush about, but Declan waved his hand.

"Malfoy's with her. He won't leave until I get back. Potter showed up. He must've really scared her. She used the ring. It's been years. She's completely sloshed. Before she moved in with me, Potter paid her a visit. From what I could gather in her inebriated state, he drugged her, had his way with her and their may or may not have been a child for a short time. He's delusional. I intercept the owls from him. Did you know that? Claims he loves her and..and Ron would want them together. I strengthened the wards on the flat, but he's going to find a way through. He's bloody Head Auror. She's fucked." When Declan's head raised, his friends mouths were gaped open in horror. Daphne was first to rise.

"I'm going over. I need to make sure she's alright." Daphne dashed up the long staircase.

"Daph has an idea. More for Malfoy than her, but this actually works in our favor. Someone has to convince Malfoy though. He's not bloody likely to go for it." Blaise chuckled, regardless of the tense situation.

"Can I still Apparate there directly?" Daphne bustled about, throwing on her dark green robes over slacks. Declan shook his head.

"Sorry. Changed it up after last time. She doesn't even know about last time. The street lamp. That's the closest you can get. The house wards will let you in. Oi! Remind Malfoy to keep his hands off. Hermione would snog a tree when she's as lit as she is and I was already forced to interrupt a heated and disgustingly loud snogging session in her room." Daphne nodded, pecking her husband's cheek.

"I'll get the wheels in motion." She whispered in his ear, before stepping out the door.

"Malfoy will never agree." Theo flounced next to Blaise.

"You've never seen my wife work her wiles."

Draco Malfoy was most definitely caught in a compromising situation. Hermione Granger straddled his hips, her mouth currently occupied with his earlobes. As much as he wanted to completely ravish her, it was against his better judgement to do such a thing. She was completely snockered. He wasn't certain she would remember anything which had occurred thus far in their evening. He refused to venture down Potter's path. It disgusted him. However, he was having trouble maintaining control. She was so damn tempting. Hermione gripped the back of the sofa, pressing her soft breasts into him. He groaned, which only increased her ministrations. She wiggled her hips, pulled his hair and assailed his mouth. He refused to move his hands from her hips. Every few minutes, he was forced to remove her hands from the buttons of his shirt. Hermione would pout, biting the corner of her lip which drove him to the brink of insanity.

*If I don't look at her, I can do this.* Draco chanted, begging Declan to hurry up. He didn't know how much longer he could maintain his composure.

"Decky's better at this than you." Hermione giggled into his ear. He couldn't recall a single moment he'd ever heard such noise escape her.

"You snog Dec? But he's...he's.."

"Yes and yes. He says lips are lips. It's the other parts he dislikes." Draco's eyes flew open.

He never stood a chance. Hermione smiled and the self loathing began. He hated the little flutter in his chest. He hated how absolutely beautiful she looked, right in that moment. The shoulder of her jumper fell further, the wide neckline displaying the creamy mound of a singular breast. Her hair was a tumbleweed cascading over her shoulders, her eyes bright, cheeks flushed from the effects of the firewhiskey, her blush lips parted but that smile, for him was his undoing. He hated her for it. He hated himself and still his fingertips dug into her hips, sliding her against him while capturing her lips.
Draco's hands found their way up the back of her jumper, reveling in her smooth skin. Her nimble fingers had deftly opened his white dress shirt, spreading it easily. Hermione rocked against him, slowly, elongating his torment. She forced his hand onto her breast, his other quickly following as the last vestiges of his control began to slip. She raked her fingernails down his chest, earning her a rumble of contentment.

Draco thought he heard the door shut, but he was too consumed with the young witch writhing on his lap. He ached with need, yet he denied her access to his trousers. When her hands reached for his belt, he captured them in his own, shaking his head.

"Granger. No. Not like this." It was the most difficult sentence he had ever spoken. He knew Hermione could feel his heart pounding out of his chest, it didn't matter. He wasn't going to take advantage of her. Not after everything he had heard that evening. Her head tilted, glancing at him quizzically.

"Not like what? Not like me? Harry said that would happen. He said no one would want me. Is that true? Do you not want me?" Hermione didn't sound hurt or angry or any of the emotions he was expecting. She was honestly curious.

"Merlin, Granger." Draco groaned in frustration, cursing the remaining bit of humanity lodge in him. "I'm saying, we can't. Not because I don't want too. You have no bloody idea how much I want too, but I can't. You'll thank me tomorrow. Promise." Hermione sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes, suddenly smiling and squealing. She leapt off his lap running toward the door.

"DAPHNE!" Daphne laughed while she was smothered by the tiny witch. She observed Draco leaping off the sofa, hurriedly buttoning his shirt, looking anywhere but her.

"Hermione. Why don't you go turn down your bed. I'll tuck you in." Hermione shrieked in happiness, racing toward her bedroom.

"Malfoy. Declan told me to warn you. She has a tendency to snog anyone handy when she's inebriated."
"I gathered."

"Must say though, I'm proud of you. Sixth year Draco would have shagged her." Daphne removed her robe, hanging it on the coat rack near the front door.

"I wanted to." Draco mumbled, while pouring another much needed glass of firewhisky.

"Yet, you didn't. That says something. After I tuck her in, I need to speak with you. It's important." She tossed her wavy tresses over her shoulder, opening Hermione's bedroom door.

Daphne smiled spying the sleeping Hermione. Carefully, she drew the quilt over her friend, brushing tangles from her forehead.

"What a mess. Don't worry, Sweetie. I'll fix it. Promise." With a gentle kiss on her forehead, Daphne quietly exited.

"Malfoy. Calm down. I'm not Blaise, Theo or even Declan. Your secret's safe with me." Daphne reclined on an armchair, a glass of wine dangling between her fingers while Draco nervously paced the intimate space.

"Secret? What secret? I haven't a secret." He rubbed the back of his neck, oblivious to the fact, Daphne knew him better than he knew himself. Her laughter rang loud.

"Draco. Based on your behaviour this evening, you liked snogging her. She most definitely didn't seem to mind, encouraged it actually and you feel guilty."

"I didn't. I don't. Stop looking at me like that." Draco sunk into the leather sofa. "My father will kill me." He paled at the thought.

"I have a solution. Well, your choice of solutions, both of which will save you from your father's wrath." Daphne watched Draco's reaction carefully. She knew she would have to tread carefully. If it was her idea or anyone else's for that matter, he would completely reject it. However, if he believed it was his idea, well, anything was possible.

"What then?" His knuckles whitened, clutching the tumbler between his hands. Daphne's cheshire cat smile flitted across her mouth, her eyebrows raising.

"Blaise has agreed, under protest to dissolve our marriage. Which of course, leaves me free to complete the blasted Blood Contract between our families. I've informed Blaise if we were to..." She gulped for effect, "do this. I'd want him to marry Hermione. She needs to be protected and he's her best bet. Added bonus, I'd be able to visit with her. I've grown quite fond of our little Gryffindor." She sipped her wine slowly.

"You'd...he'd...do that for me? I'd never ask you to do that. You were promised to him. It's not your fault your sister...you shouldn't be forced to take her place. I can't let you...I won't let you do it. Not even to please my father. I'm not worth it. Not really." Daphne did not expect this sudden turn in events. She expected him to smirk, roll his eyes and make his usual snarky comments.

"Draco Malfoy. Don't you listen to your father. Don't you dare. You're right. He would murder you. I can't allow that to happen if I can change it. Stop it. You're still an arse. You'll always be an arse, but that's simply who you are. You are not your father. Thank Merlin. I'd murder you."

"He'd prefer it if I were him. I don't want to be. Sometimes, I wonder.."

"Stop it." Daphne smashed the wine glass into the fireplace, mentally reminding herself to buy Declan another. Draco slumped, throwing his feet onto the couch.

"What's the other bloody option. The first one I veto. On principle alone. I'm not going to destroy the few friends I have left. I've destroyed enough." He also detested even the idea of Blaise touching Granger, but he wasn't willing to admit to such things.

"Ok. Drunk Draco is a complete downer. He's giving me a headache. Make it stop, love." Blaise slammed the door behind him, laughing at the thump behind him. "Nott and Dec are behind me. Bloody snogging. That's not how I envisioned my wedding night." Blaise shuddered.

"Be quiet! You'll wake her!" Daphne smacked her husband's arm lightly accepting the kiss he offered.

"I believe we were discussing my second option before we were so rudely interrupted by your lout of a husband." Draco smirked yet it didn't reach his eyes. He was trying, Daphne had to give him that.

"Actually, it's Hermione's idea. Polyjuice. We'll just have to find you a witch you can stand, though honestly Hermione prefers Theo's suggestion. I'm sure if you asked her, she'd speak to the Minister for you." Daphne smothered her amusement as Draco's face transformed with disgust.

Declan and Theo stumbled through the door. Blaise snorted, irritated with their behaviour. Declan's shirt was untucked and Theo's tie was askew, it was obvious they had been occupied.

"You disgust me." Blaise's lip curled. As much as he tried to accept Theo's lifestyle it still managed to chafe. Declan laughed heartily, slipping his arm through Theo's.

"We're aware." With a wicked gleam in his blue eyes, Declan kissed Blaise on the cheek, scurrying away at his angry growl.

"I KNOW WHERE YOUR MOUTH HAS BEEN!" Winking, Theo zipped his trousers innocently. Blaise scourgified his mouth numerous times before shoving his face into the bathroom basin.

"That was..." Daphne shook her head, her shoulders shaking with silent mirth.

"Granger's blowing."

"Not it!" Declan and Theo shouted in unison. Daphne sighed, heading into the washroom.

"Did you tell him yet?"

"Tell who what?" Draco was having difficulty keeping up with the speed of conversation around him.

"Did Dec tell you he's gotta jet? Work shit." Blaise searched through the kitchen cabinets, intent on discovering a hidden nibble.

"Granger going with you then?" Theo couldn't contain himself. He tripped over his large feet, landing with a rather loud thump on the rug in front of the fireplace. The peals of laughter ringing through the silence.

"Spouses only. Don't have one of those; though it looks my boyfriend's gone a bit mental..." Declan turned the sconces down, which eased the ache of his head and sighed. It was pleasant, the silence and he reveled in it knowing it wouldn't last much longer. It never did.

"LET ME IN YOU FUCKING BITCH! I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE!" The cosy flat shook with the incessant pounding.

"How the hell did he get through the wards?" Blaise hissed, all of them instinctively dropping to the floor.

"He's the bloody Head Auror. License to be psychotic!" Declan hissed back. "Nox." He whispered, extinguishing all the nights, hoping the Minister's wards kept the lunatic at the front door from seeing inside.

"We can't hex him. We'll wind up in Azkaban." Theo gushed nervously, crawling toward the washroom to warn Daphne.

"Malfoy. Dec. Zabini. Washroom. Now. Theo, put Hermione to bed. I'll take care of the insect. Keep her quiet." Brown eyes consumed with rage, she lit a singular lamp, removed her shoes, tousled her hair and opened the door.

"Harry? What are you doing here at this hour?" For effect, Daphne yawned, rubbing her forehead in feigned confusion.

"Greengrass? What the FUCK. Where's Hermione?!" Harry Potter looked like a madman. His pupils were monstrous, his dark hair which had always been a bit wild, was plastered on his forehead, yet sticking in multiple directions on the sides. His palms were sweating, his chest heaving and his wand was stuck directly against Daphne Zabini's throat.

"Harry. I don't know what's going on, but she's sleeping. Had a bit of a rough night. I'm sure you understand. I'll make sure she owls you tomorrow." Although she was a bit off kilter by the maniac in front of her, she kept her composure, attempting to close the door.

"Where's Malfoy?" The thin ring of green searched her face, his lips curled into a snarl.

"Not here, Harry. Would you like me to tell her anything? I could do that if you like." Daphne had no intention of delivering any message, but any information she garnered would be put to good use.

"Yeah, actually. Tell her I'll be back soon. Those wards were absolutely pathetic and uhm, make sure to tell her friend Rosier to have a bloody good trip." Snarling, his face filled with malice, he stomped down the concrete steps, Disapparating just beyond the garden gate.

"What the bloody hell was that?"

"He's fucking insane."

"She can't stay here."

"He's the bastard who pushed through my orders! No one else bloody knows yet!" The angry voices jumbled together but it was Declan Daphne turned toward.

"Why do you think that Dec? He's an Auror, you're...well, I don't know what you bloody do, but you're not an Auror, of that I'm sure." Daphne kept her voice low, hoping the boys were smart enough to stick a Silencing Charm on the washroom.

"Can't tell you. Can't tell anyone. However, I can say I report directly to the Minister. My assignments are always fucking confidential, unless it's been requested, then that particular Department of the Ministry is aware." Declan shook with rage.

"Harry Potter is mental. Dec, can't you just, take Granger with you anyway?" Draco was the first to speak, finding himself actually worried about the tiny Gryffindor.

"No, Malfoy. I bloody can't."

"Why not? She's friends with the bloody Minister, I'm sure he could arrange it if he knew her safety was in question." Blaise snorted, shaking his head slowly. It was obvious Draco cared about the Gryffindor, obvious to everyone but him apparently.

"There are rules that not even the Minister can refute, Malfoy. So unless I marry her, she stays here. I mean, I would of course if that was the only option but I believe Theo would object to that." Theo glared before lying his head in Declan's lap.

"There's got to be something..."

"You fucking marry her." Theo spit. Blaise and Daphne held their breath. They shared a glance and wouldn't it be just like Daphne to wink at her husband.

"Alright." Draco slammed back another glass of firewhisky, deciding in that moment, it wasn't the worst thing he'd ever done. "My life is ruined regardless. Might as well do something good with it. Potter's going to kill her. Can't have that. He'd never get through the wards on the Manor without alerting us, wait, I can't bring her there. She'd never have that. My place has fantastic wards, better than these. Sorry Dec, but you know my father and his ridiculous obsession with the old magic. If my father's going to plot my murder, might as well give him a good reason. Dec wouldn't have to fret. Theo wouldn't have to shoot daggers. Blaise and Daphne could stay exactly the way you are. There's worse people to be bonded to for life right? I mean, at least she's not Pansy." Daphne gagged, Blaise snorted and Theo vomited in Declan's lap.

"Completely unnecessary, Nott. Scourgify." Regardless of the cleaning spell, Declan removed his slacks with disdain.

"You'd really do that for her, for us?" Daphne gently prodded, quite proud of her old friend.

"She might be Granger and incredibly irritating at times, but no one deserves to live like this. She's a right mess. Father will be furious the moment he uncovers the truth of course, but even he won't be able to refute the need. He's the bastard who demanded I always rise to the occasion, well if this isn't the occasion, I don't know what is." Draco surprised himself with his conclusion, but in the deep recesses of his heart, he knew it was the right decision. The fact that he was unequivocally attracted to the witch had nothing to do with it, at least that's what he was telling himself.

"I want it in writing, Malfoy." Blaise slipped a piece of parchment from his pocket.

"I'm not going to steal your wife, Zabini."

"Writing. Now. You're drunk." Blaise wrote a few words on the parchment with a quill, Daphne thrust into his waiting hand. Draco didn't bother to read the words, simply signing his name, sealing it with his magic. "Daphne, wake Granger, get her to sign."

"Blaise. She's drunk. That's not.."

"He's drunk. Doesn't matter. Do it." Draco fell asleep on the sofa mere seconds after scrawling his signature. Daphne slipped out of the room quietly while Blaise smiled.

"Can't believe we pulled this shit off."

"They're going to kill us." Declan laughed, unconsciously stroking Theo's slumbering head.

To say Hermione Granger was furious once her hangover abated was an understatement. All the ranting and the raving in the world wouldn't change the piece of parchment emblazoned with her name, sealed with her magic.

Draco Malfoy on the other hand, was much more amicable. He grunted, rubbed his eyes and with a succinct "fuck off" went back to sleep.

"You've got to leave! Dec, you're late for your meeting. Theo, just get out. Blaise and Daphne, shouldn't you be home shagging? MALFOY! GET YOUR ARSE OFF THE SOFA!" Hermione scurried nervously around the flat, picking up wayward pieces of discarded laundry, preparing a platter of treats for tea and shoving her roommate and company out the door.

"Granger. If you're always this loud, I request separate bedrooms."

"Malfoy, shut your face and bathe. Your mother will be arriving half past the hour. Oh dear, I do hope Dec remembered to lift access on the Floo."

"Are you always this bloody irritating?" Draco Malfoy clutched his head desperately wishing the room would stop spinning and the high pitched mewling would cease.

"Malfoy, I've started the water, there's a fresh towel by the basin. Your robes are cleaned and hanging on the hook. Please bathe, you're late as it is." Hermione rolled her eyes, slamming her bedroom door, intent upon finding the perfect outfit for tea. When she emerged, the water was still running and grumbles of complaint wafted under the door. She checked her reflection, tucking wayward curls behind her ear, while smoothing the pleats of her mint green skirt, tucking in her white blouse when the Floo flashed green. Hermione rushed to the washroom door, slipping on a pair of white sandals.

"Oi! Malfoy! MOVE YOUR ARSE!"

"Bitch." Draco shut off the water, snatching the plush towel to dry his hair.

"Bastard."

"Hermione!" Only Narcissa Malfoy could step from a fireplace with elegance. Her long blonde hair was pulled back, her blue eyes sparkling with delight. She looked forward to her weekly teas with the Muggle-born witch. Her sister had suggested their first meeting. Naturally she had baulked against it, watching the witch for weeks before approaching her. Narcissa respected Hermione's composure and intelligence.

"Cissa! Oh it's lovely to see you. Please, sit. I'll bring in the tray..."

"Hermione, there is no need to fret. I had assumed my owl would cause a bit of mayhem. It's not often I am forced to alter our plans for tea, but something rather important has come up and I simply needed to speak with you." A crash and a string of curses interrupted her conversation.

"Shit!" Hermione cringed, hoping she had a few moments before Draco made his presence known.

"Cissa, forgive me. I'll be but a moment." Narcissa eyed the witch with suspicion, yet she wavered, knowing Hermione as she did, she gave her the benefit of the doubt. Though she was hard pressed to believe Hermione didn't have a wizard concealed in her flat. Hermione slipped into the washroom.

"What the fuck, Granger!" Hermione cringed. Draco was pulling his trousers on, cursing the wet floor.

"Shut up! Get dressed! Move your arse!" She hissed, shoving his robe at him.

"Stop ordering me around Granger! What the fuck is your problem!" He thrust his arms through his freshly laundered dress shirt angrily.

"Language!"

"YOU'RE NOT MY FUCKING MOTHER!" Draco bellowed, knowing if they continued this way, they would never make it to the altar. He would definitely murder her first.

"That's RIGHT. I'm NOT. SHE'S IN THE OTHER ROOM! MOVE YOUR ARSE!" Hermione slammed the door behind her.

"Bitch."

"I heard that!"

"IT'S NOT A SECRET GRANGER!" Hermione ground her teeth, took a deep breath and returned to the kitchen. She carried the tea tray laden with biscuits and tea cups toward Narcissa Malfoy. She noticed the regal woman was hiding behind her hand. She dabbed the corner of her eyes with an embroidered handkerchief before facing Hermione.

"I gather my son is here?" Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I'm sorry...really I am. We were at dinner and there was a discussion of the Blood Contract being signed and well..."

"Oh my dear, it was only a matter of time. Couldn't hide from him forever, I suppose." Draco froze on the wrong side of the door. He couldn't move. He hadn't heard his mother's voice in years yet there she was, having tea with Hermione Granger.

"I do hope Harry Potter has been keeping his distance. Most unpleasant fellow. I personally was never fond of him, less so now." Narcissa's eyebrow arched, waiting for her friend to divulge the secret weighing upon her.

"Well, Harry's been a bit persistent as of late, last night in fact, hence the reason Malfoy is here..." A petite, honey coloured owl pecked persistently at the closed windows. She plucked the sealed parchment from its beak, shoving it back out the window before slamming it shut. "So many interruptions today. Would you care for some tea?" Narcissa smiled kindly, nodding.

"Will my son be making an appearance?"

"Merlin only knows, honestly." Her eyes fell onto the familiar script on the front of the parchment. Hermione's chest constricted, her vision blurring slightly.

"Are you alright, my dear? You look a bit piqued." Hermione sunk slowly next to Narcissa, accepting the offered brimming tea cup.

"It's nothing. It's from Harry. Wasn't expecting it. That's all."

"Perhaps it is nothing. Work related? Though, as an Auror I can't say I'd even begin to understand why he'd be sending you a missive. Is it often the Auror Department contacts your section of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement? I suppose the two would work closely together, but I was under the assumption you were strictly devoted to contracts. Give it here dear, I'll read it for you." Narcissa plucked the parchment off the table, carefully breaking the seal, her eyes widening at the large, profane script.

"Draco. Please come out. You've hidden long enough. Hermione needs to be relocated immediately." Narcissa's voice carried through the thin walls, and Draco couldn't help himself from stepping forward.

He felt as if he were a young child, hiding from his parents since he had done something naughty. Except, this time, he was the adult, he had stayed, it was his mother who had runaway. Slowly he cracked the door, spying his mother just as he remembered her. Perfectly coifed hair, regal dark blue dress robes even her wedding rings twinkling in the sunlight. He carried himself forward until he stood at Hermione's elbow. His mother stared at the parchment in her hand, it trembling slightly.

"Mother." Draco attempted to maintain his facade of composure, yet the moment he looked into her pools of blue, he crumbled. While his family had never been prone to moments of emotional expression, his arms found their way around his mother, gripping her tight and it was Hermione Granger which had brought them together. He'd never be able to repay such a debt; marrying her to protect her from a decidedly psychotic Harry Potter was the least he could do.

"Oh Draco, how I've missed you." Narcissa's voice broke while clutching her son to her. "You must tell me everything I've missed. Later. Right now, we need to get Hermione somewhere secure. Harry Potter is on a rampage. He's coming for her."

"Potter? Are you sure?" Narcissa reluctantly released her son, pressing the parchment into his waiting hands. She watched his ire rise while scanning the venomous words.

*Hermione,

You can't hide from me you deceitful bitch. I'll teach you. I'm coming for you. You think I didn't see? Snogging that piece of filth? Just you fucking wait, you dirty whore. Do you remember? I'll never forget your naked body...*

Draco set the parchment on fire, refusing to continue. He felt nauseous. Sure, he had always detested Harry Potter, but this was something different. Harry Potter was mentally deranged and he had his sights set on Hermione Granger. The Girl Who Dared Reject Him.

"Granger, pack a bag. Mother, Granger and I can't use the Floo Network nor can we Apparate. Declan arranged the wards and I'm sure we haven't the time to adjust them. You'll need to Apparate obviously. I would suggest leaving here via the Floo. Potter won't be able to trace your magical signature that way. I don't live at the Manor so definitely don't go there unless you're looking forward to facing Father. I live near the place you brought me once as a child. Meet us there."

"With the ducks?" Narcissa nodded, stepping into the fireplace. Draco's head whipped around, listening to the sounds of spells being cast outside, breaking through the wards. The maniacal laughter was chilling him to the bone. He knew then, Harry Potter would kill them if they didn't vacate the premises immediately.

"Yes. Mother, please, go. We'll be there, promise." Draco kissed her cheek quickly, tossing a handful of floo powder into the fireplace before rushing into Hermione's bedroom. "Granger, hurry. He's here. We'll have to slip out the back." Hermione stood silently, not moving. Draco grabbed the brown beaded bag out of her hands, shoving random articles of clothing into it, thankful she had cast the Undetectable Extension Charm. Snatching her arm, he dragged her through the kitchen, cracking the back door before stepping into the garden.

"Just leave me, Malfoy. He'll never stop. He'll win. He wins everything." If he had the time he would have comforted her, she sounded so lost and dejected. Draco would worry about soothing her later; instead, he stunned her and threw her over his shoulder before scurrying outside the garden and Disapparated.

"Draco! Is she alright? He didn't..." Narcissa spied her son beside the pond filled with ducks. She remembered the first time she slipped away from her controlling husband, seeking a few moments of peace. She brought Draco here, Muggle London to feed the ducks.

"I stunned her." He shrugged, "She was dawdling and Potter was quickly working his way through the wards." Draco slipped Hermione to her feet, muttering under his breath to remove the spell.

"We should get her inside. I'm sure your wards vie your father's. She'll be safe there, for now."

"Why did you do that Malfoy? You should have left me behind! He can't find out about your mother! He'll tell Lucius and you know your father! Everything has escalated. There's more important things than me. You should have let me go!" Draco smirked, rolling his eyes, pulling her across the small bridge toward his estate. "Malfoy! Stop. It's not too late. Bring me back, I just.." Draco stopped short. Hermione crashed into his back with wide eyes, Narcissa a few steps behind. "Where are we? Where did you bring me? Are we still in Muggle London? Mal.." Draco silenced her instantly with his lips. They pressed gently, until she relaxed, responding slowly. Her mouth opened and he took advantage, plunging into her, until her fingers dug into his forearm and his mother cleared her throat.

"You talk too much, Granger. Shut up." Hermione gasped, instinctually slapping him before stomping across the narrow bridge. "Bitch."

"I heard that!"

"It's NOT a secret, Granger!" Narcissa uncharacteristically snorted taking in the scene around her.

"Whatever are you going to do with her Draco?" Her blue eyes sparkled, teasing her son. Draco glanced over his shoulder, almost forgetting his mother was truly there.

"Marry her."