Ron met Harry for breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron. He had a flat in Diagon Alley and it was an easy trip. Harry Apparated in from his place with Ginny near the Burrow. Ron's head was pounding and he picked at his breakfast. Harry on the other hand, seemed to be in high spirits.

His mood was worsened by the litany of articles about Hermione and that git Malfoy. His exploits with various models and Quidditch players were not affecting her in the slightest, which was unfortunate. Especially, as things ended with Poppy the instant the new law passed. Her parents had a match in mind for her. She was Pureblood and like most Purebloods her parents had arranged a marriage for her, one she had scorned until now. She didn't want to marry Ron, not so soon after his divorce and as she figured if he could cheat on Hermione Granger of all people, he could cheat on her too.

So now Ron had to find someone else to marry. It shouldn't be hard. With his fame and money, he had plenty of eligible witches to choose from. The new law had even increased his popularity in the past week. But none of them compared to Poppy or even Hermione for that matter. He was starting to think, he might have made a mistake.

So the second Harry was in his spot, he blurted out the question he had been desperate to ask. "Is Hermione really dating Malfoy?"

"That's her business, you don't seem to lack for dates yourself, mate."

Ron scowled at him. "You're joking? She is! I can't believe she is dating that, git!"

"Calm down, mate," Harry said unsympathetically. "You cheated on her, remember?"

"I remember, but that's not the point! It's Malfoy!"

"Shouldn't you be more concerned about the new Marriage Law?" Harry asked as he stabbed his eggs.

"Dunno what I'm going to do about that. Suppose I'll meet someone. Poppy dumped me."

"Oh," Harry's expression registered sympathy. "What a shame, mate."

Ron ate his breakfast, feeling worse than he had when he first came in. it was true then. It wasn't just George pulling his leg. Hermione was dating Malfoy.

Well, not if he could help it. If Hermione knew he was willing to try again, she would probably dump Malfoy. He felt sure she was only seeing Malfoy to make him jealous. In fact, she wanted Ron back. After all, he had been the one to end things right before the scandal broke. She would take him back.

Yes, he was going to make things right.

XXX

Hermione was sitting at Ginny and Harry's kitchen table. It was early afternoon and they were all having a cup of tea. Ginny had brought back a rare raspberry, black currant, cinnamon and apples blend from Ireland. She had picked it up on her last trip there when the Hollyhead Harpies had their final match last season. It was delicious, sweet and spicy it hit the spot on such a cold winter day.

Little Sirius James came running through the kitchen. He was screaming and howling at the top of his lungs. Hermione smiled fondly at his dark hair. Minutes later, his older brother Teddy came chasing after him. Teddy looked so much like Lupin for a second, Hermione believed they were back in their third year at Hogwarts.

"Can you imagine adding another one to that lot?" Ginny said jerking her head toward the kids with an affectionate smile.

"Can you believe this new law?" Harry said as he read Hermione's letter for probably the fifth time.

They had invited her over to talk about what Ginny had called a 'dreadful' situation the night before.

"It's absurd," Ginny sniffed. "Hermione is recently divorced, surely that should allow her more time?"

"I already inquired with Zabini last night," Hermione said. "Apparently, he spent half the night answering questions about that and the answer is no. There are no special circumstances unless you can medically prove you are unable to have children."

"Wow, rough gig," Harry said staring into his cup of tea. "Still this is bonkers."

"Hear hear!" Ginny said having a sip of tea. Her expression was thoughtful before she lit up into a mischievous smile. "You have a few months left, I think you should spend them playing the field before settling down again."

"I'm sorry, but this is wrong!" Harry exclaimed suddenly. "You just got out of one unhappy marriage you shouldn't have to jump into the next one right away!"

"Harry, it's alright. I hadn't planned to have children anytime soon or even remarry, but we have survived worse. And no matter how it goes, it can't possibly be worse than what I went through with Ron, now can it?"

"I wish I could help, 'Mione."

"We can and we are going to," Ginny said in calculating tones. It reminded her of how Ginny used to look at school when she was thinking of a way to get away with something. "Or perhaps you can simply find someone, who wants the same thing out of this arrangement as you do and then carry on your separate ways afterwards?"

Hermione shook her had. "I can't do that. Not after Ron, especially not if there will be children in the mix."

"Gin," Harry shook his head. "Hermione deserves more than that. What did you think of Tom?"

Hermione flushed. "He was nice, but I'm not sure I'm ready to get back out there."

"I know he owled you," Harry said with a twinkle in his eyes.

"He owled you?" Ginny exploded. She hit Harry's arm. "How could you not tell me?"

"He invited me out for drinks and I accepted."

"What?"

"Brilliant!"

"I like him well enough and I think it's only fair I give him a chance. Besides, perhaps it will get Skeeter to stop writing about myself and Malfoy if nothing else."

"Oh Hermione! That's so bloody boring!" Ginny exclaimed.

"Brilliant! Or you could just threaten to reveal she is an unregistered Animagus again?"

"No, I don't have the evidence and it was ten years ago, I would just be asked why I didn't bring this to the Ministry immediately."

"There's that," Harry agreed with a grimace. "The only bright side that I can see is how mental this is driving Ron."

"Serves him right," Ginny sniffed. "Anyhow, have you seen his mentions in the Prophet? It's always him and some new girl out for drinks. Honestly, I'm ashamed to call him my brother."

"We grew apart when he was always on the go," Hermione said in off-hand way. She didn't want to discuss Ron.

"That's a fine excuse," Ginny huffed. "I'm always travelling and so is Harry, and we are fine. He's a bloody fool is what he is."

"A right proper fool," Harry agreed. "Honestly, I saw him for breakfast this morning, 'Mione. And he looked rough."

"Good."

"He was hungover and in a foul mood," Harry shook his head clearly disgusted with his friend.

Hermione felt oddly cheered about that and tried not to show it.

XXX

The next day at lunchtime Hermione ate in her office along with Andrew. Andrew had wanted to go out, but when Hermione showed him the latest article in the Daily Prophet and he agreed to stay in with her. Andrew loved to be told the latest gossip and Hermione's non-existent love life was some of the better gossip.

"Ooh, I love this part here," Andrew said and then cleared his voice, preparing himself to read in a dramatic fashion. "Ms Granger was spotted dancing quite intimately with a mysterious man at the Ministry dinner on Saturday evening. Mr Malfoy stood on the sidelines, visibly pouting," Andrew threw his head back and laughed. "Visibly pouting," he repeated laughing as he shook his head.

Irritated, Hermione snatched the paper back. A photo of her in the arms of Tom showed her smiling as he swung her around on the dancefloor. There was another photo of Malfoy having a drink with Zabini and Ginny. He looked as if he was listening intently to whatever Ginny was saying even the picture version of her was talking, but he wasn't pouting.

The last lines of the article seemed to taunt Hermione.

Is there trouble in paradise for these two star-crossed lovers? Has Ms Granger already jilted Mr Malfoy for another, more promising man? Inquiring minds want to know! Though how she could hope do better than one of the richest bachelors in England is a mystery that might just be solved when his identity is revealed.

Hermione tossed the paper aside.

There was a knock on the door. "Come in."

Ernie the postman entered. He was grinning from ear to ear as he carried in a large bouquet of red roses.

"Tell me those are for me!" Andrew exclaimed. "My dearest Holten, the love of my life…"

"They're for Ms Granger," Ernie said in a gruff voice.

"Thank you."

Ernie put them on the desk and left. Hermione sat staring at the card, completely flabbergasted. Who would be sending her a bouquet of red roses? With tentative hands, she opened the attached card.

Dear Hermione,

I hope you can forgive me.

I would love to try again. I would love to have dinner this week. Owl me your response.

Love,

Ron

Hermione cursed. Without hesitation, she threw the whole bouquet including the lovely white vase in the trash. Then she crumpled up the card and threw that out too.

"Who were they from?" Andrew asked peering at the discarded flowers.

She grimaced. "Ron."

"Gross," Andrew put his head on his hand, his expression was sulky. "I wish Holten would send me flowers."

"You could have them. Pity I threw them out."

"That's sweet, but no thank you."

"You deserve flowers."

"So do you. From anyone someone better than your scum of an ex-husband."

Hermione nodded in agreement. She scrawled a hasty note and used the Ministry's channel to send it to him. It contained one word 'no'.

Two hours later and Hermione was back to work. She was working on a press release she was going to take to Zabini. He was gathering information about house elf rights in other countries. Both he and Malfoy were going to open their houses to the press and discuss how much happier the elves in their employee were now. Malfoy was preparing one of his house elves to talk to the press as well, assuming any of them wanted to.

It was times like now Hermione missed Dobby. He would have been perfect for this and he would have loved to help. His passion was what had inspired her in the first place. Thinking of Dobby was depressing. He had helped rescue her from Malfoy Manor with Malfoy. Without him, she wouldn't be here now and Voldemort would be in power.

She looked up in surprise when the door to the office burst open violently. A furious Ron, who was almost as red as her hair came bursting in. A flustered Andrew came running in behind him.

"Mr Weasley, I must insist you leave! Hermione is very busy –"

"SHE'S MY WIFE AND IF WANT TO –"

"Andrew, I will handle this. Thank you," Hermione said fighting for calm. When he closed the door behind him, she turned to face Ron. "Explain yourself."

"Me? You can explain yourself! YOU'RE THE ONE THAT'S BEEN RUNNING AROUND WITH MALFOY! I INVITED YOU TO DINNER."

"And we are divorced. I declined on account of your affair."

Ron blanched. "EXCUSE ME?"

"Stop shouting, I am at work."

"YOU COULD AT LEAST HAVE THE DECENCY TO EXPLAIN WHY YOU DON'T WANT TO TRY AGAIN! I LOVE YOU!"

That was too much for Hermione. "YOU CHEATED ON ME! I DON'T OWE YOU AN EXPLANATION AND WHO I DATE IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!"

"BLOODY HELL! I CAN UNDERSTAND WANTING TO PUNISH ME! BUT YOU'VE MADE YOUR POINT! NOW WOULD YOU COME BACK TO YOUR SENSES AND REMARRY ME!"

"HAVE YOU GONE COMPLETELY MENTAL?" Hermione was aware she shouldn't be in a shouting match at work, but this was ridiculous.

XXX

Draco was on his way to Hermione's office to ask if she would like to have tea tomorrow before work when he heard the shouting. He paused by her assistant's desk. Andrew was blushing.

"Is she in a meeting?" Draco drawled with a raised eyebrow.

"Does that sound like a meeting? It's Weasley."

"Her ex-husband?"

"The same," Andrew replied off-hand. "He has two minutes before I call the Aurors to escort him out."

"Or perhaps I could break up this unhappy reunion," Draco said trying to decide if Granger would appreciate such an accident.

"YOU ARE ACTING PATHETIC HERMIONE! ONE LITTLE AFFAIR AND –"

"DON'T YOU CALL ME PATHETIC, RONALD BILIUS WEASLEY!"

That was it for him. With an encouraging nod from Andrew, Draco calmly entered the office.

"You alright, Granger?" he asked her.

Hermione, who had been standing with her mouth open, snapped it shut. Her cheeks were flushed and she looked mortified. Finally, she nodded.

"GET OUT!" Weasley roared at him.

"I work here, Weasel. Leave before security tosses you out in the gutter. Where you belong."

"He's right. You should go," Hermione said. She looked as if she was struggling to regain her composure. She pushed a lock of her curly hair behind her ear. "Now, Ron."

"This conversation isn't finished."

"Yes, it is. We are divorced and there is nothing more to discuss."

"You heard her, now get out," Draco helpfully held the door open.

Throwing one last furious look at them, Ron stomped out.

Hermione exhaled visibly in relief. She sank into her office chair. Her elbows landed on the desk and she put her face in her hands, apparently she didn't care if he saw her fall to piece or perhaps, and Draco thought this more likely, she had forgotten he was present.

After a long while she looked up. Her brown eyes were both confused and anxious. "What are doing you here?"

Draco resisted the urge to snap back an equally rude comment. Bickering as if they were still at Hogwarts would not help his goal to be her friend. "I came to see if you wanted to have lunch tomorrow," causally he checked the watch on his wrist. "I'm done for the day."

Hermione's answering expression was so flabbergasted he chuckled.

"Now? But it's not even two in the afternoon!"

"I'm working half-days until my retirement from Quidditch."

"Yes, of course. Bagman is a good guy. He would be more than open to such an arrangement."

Draco was surprised she had thought otherwise for even a second. The head of the Magical Games and Sports Department, Ludo Bagman was a former beater himself, for Draco's current team no less. Naturally, he would be willing to help out a team mate. Draco had grown tired of Quidditch, there was no privacy and people were constantly torn between condemning him as a Death Eater and a redeemed hero, who had helped save the Golden Trio. To be honest, he couldn't decide, which opinion was more irksome.

So he had decided to make the move into the Ministry hoping for more privacy. Unfortunately the Wimbourne Wasps wouldn't let him out of his contract for another season, which meant he had another eight months left before he could take up a full-time position at the Ministry. Bagman had graciously allowed him to start early and allow him to get some training in before Quidditch training started this season. The Ministry was rife with rumors that he had used dark magic to land this favor, but it would seem no one had told Granger any of this. Or perhaps, she dismissed it as idle gossip. After all, she had been the subject of gossip so much herself that she placed little stock in it.

XXX

Hermione was surprised that Malfoy didn't leave. Now that she knew why he was in her office, she went back to lying with her head on the desk. Why wasn't he leaving?

"I was hoping, perhaps you would like to join me for tea tomorrow before work?"

Hermione looked up, sputtered for a few moments unable to formulate a reply, she went back to lying with her head on the desk. What the bloody hell had Ron been thinking? This was exactly the last thing she needed, she was still raw from the divorce. Her house was too quiet and now he wanted her back just as she was getting used to the silence?

"Sorry, bad timing. Are you alright?"

"Do I look alright?" Hermione grumbled, her face still firmly planted on the desk.

Malfoy laughed, but it was without malice. Which was lucky for him or she would have hexed him regardless that they were at work.

"Sorry, but you should see yourself. It's a little comical."

Hermione gave a half-hearted chuckle. "I suppose I do."

There was a tentative knock on the door. She looked up to see her Head of Department Mr Diggory hovering. After the death of his son, he had thrown himself head first into work and fighting Voldemort. With the dark lord defeated almost six years ago, he had even more time to dedicate to work and now ran the Department.

"I'm sorry Mr Diggory I should be working," she said immediately straightening up.

"No need to apologize, Granger. I heard what happened, I daresay the whole office heard. Terrible business with your divorce and the new law, why don't you take the afternoon off to collect yourself?"

"No, I can't do that. I have loads of work and I'm really making headway on the house elf legislation –"

"I know you are," Mr Diggory said with a paternal twinkle in his eye when he looked at her. "You're heaps ahead of the rest of the Department on their cases. I think you can afford one afternoon to yourself. Perhaps even treat yourself to the spa?"

Seeing that it was pointless to argue, she smiled. "Thank you, Mr Diggory."

Mr Diggory looked at Malfoy as if seeing him there for the first time. He flashed an amused and knowing smile at Hermione that made her want to shout 'no, it's not what you think'!

"Hello Mr Malfoy, what brings you by?"

"I was just about to invite Granger to tea to set up a press meeting for the house elves right's campaign. Unfortunately, Weasley was already here."

"What a splendid idea! That's just the thing you need Granger. Out and about with other young people!"

Hermione stared at him. Mr Diggory didn't think Malfoy was a Death Eater? How surprising a good portion of the Ministry did, in spite of Harry's attempts to set the record straight.

"It's work related, Mr Diggory," Hermione said as politely as she could.

"Still, still it's something. A young girl like you should get out more often."

Why didn't he just tell Malfoy that she was an antisocial loner with the same two friends she had had since first year? Oh, right. He knew that already.

Faced with the daunting prospect of fending off both Malfoy and Mr Diggory, Hermione surrendered. Surely tea with Malfoy couldn't be so bad? He'd been in her office for almost ten minutes and he had actually been helpful.

"Fine, but we are not going anywhere Skeeter can see us."

Fifteen minutes later and a kettle was boiling on the stovetop. She and Malfoy had flooed back to her house. He sat surveying the kitchen with polite curiosity. She supposed she could understand. She hadn't changed much since her parents moved out, but the shelves were stacked with magical cooking books, magical herbs and a painting she had bought on a trip to Italy last summer. It was of witches in the Renaissance and the female pictures all peered out of curiously at Malfoy. Each time he looked in their direction, they waved at him and giggled.

"That doesn't look like a wood oven," Malfoy remarked as she shuffled through the tea herbs.

"It runs on electricity," Hermione explained. "I think I have some biscuits in here," she rooted through the cupboard.

She found various sweets in the back from her last trip to Hogsmeade. She laid them out on the table and placed everything needed for tea on the table in front of him. She poured them each a cup of hot water in two large tea mugs. She offered Malfoy the tea selection.

Hermione opted for the blackberry current and stirred in some honey.

"You know, I've been here before," Malfoy said with a discomfited expression.

"I know. I saw the destruction you and your friends left behind."

"I asked them to wait outside in case you or parents tried to escape in the Muggle fashion."

"Oh?" Hermione looked up from the tea she had been stirring curiously.

"I was going to warn you to Apparate out. I'd disabled the anti-Apparition spell cast on the house."

"I had no idea –" she cleared her throat before steadily meeting his silver gaze over the rim of her cup. "That was – well you know."

Malfoy shrugged. "You were a pain in the arse at school, but I didn't want to see you dead."

"Likewise, although I do admit sometimes I still giggle when I think of you as a ferret."

"Think of me a lot, do you, Granger?" he said in an insinuating tone of voice that made her choke on her tea.

"Friends," she reminded him as sternly as she could.

Malfoy rolled his eyes. "Come on, Granger at some point we will have to be able to joke about Paris."

"Not if I have anything to say about it."

"Bloody hell, I'm half-tempted to brew a draft of Remembrance just to put an end to this foolishness."

Before Hermione could reply that she actually had everything they needed in the kitchen, her newly built fireplace burst with the green flames of floo powder. Ron's green head appeared among the flames, making her jump and Malfoy swear.

"Hermione! Bloody hell why did you block Apparition into the house?"

"Because I live here alone, Ron! What do you want?"

"I want to talk to you –"

"Stalking your ex, Weasley?" Malfoy drawled. "I would say I was disappointed in this newest low of yours, but I can't say I'm surprised."

"Malfoy," Hermione growled.

"WHAT IS HE DOING HERE?"

"That's honestly none of your business."

"Having tea, what does it look like, Weasel?"

Ron's face shifted through several expressions before settling on one that was both enraged and constipated. Hermione got to her feet, anticipating trouble. The last month of her marriage to Ron had been a nonstop shouting match. She wasn't keen on another one.

"ARE YOU SHAGGING HIM – A DEATH EATER – SLAG!"

Malfoy rose and held his wand the ready. "Insult her again, Weasel."

Hermione rolled her eyes. She grabbed the tea kettle and tossed the water on Ron's head inn the fireplace. The green flames sputtered and extinguished. Ron disappeared with the flames.

"Well that was bracing," Hermione said. With shaky hands, she put the kettle back down on the table.

"Does that happen often?"

"Not since the divorce. Ever since I found out about the affair things have been ugly."

"I ought to have hexed him for calling you a slag," Malfoy said still glowering at the fireplace.

Hermione felt exhausted all over again. She put her head on the desk and covered it with her arms. "Granger?" Malfoy said in a gentle voice. "Has he talked to you like that before?"

"What do you care?" she mumbled. "It's no worse than anything you've called me at Hogwarts."

"Ouch, suppose I deserved that. But I was a stupid kid and he's your husband."

"Really, it doesn't matter. He's just trying to even the score."

"Over what?"

That I wasn't a virgin when we first slept together, but he was, Hermione thought, but didn't say. That he always felt overshadowed by his brothers and Harry. That he felt he wasn't good enough for me and now he has something to prove.

"Just old stuff from when we were younger," she groaned. "Look, the Ron thing has been exhausting and I don't want to talk about it."

"Suit yourself. Are you planning on coming up for any time soon?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and sat up. she waved her hands sarcastically. "Better?"

"Yes, and ignore the Weasel. He never had much in the way of brains."

That actually made her laugh. "Thanks. That is so peculiar, I can't believe I actually feel better after talking to you," she said watching him suspiciously.

There was a small, suspicious part of her that was afraid to trust Malfoy. By all appearances, he had turned over a new leaf. Some part of her had known that for years, but another part of her was leery of trusting that instinct. It was the ingrained distrust she had learned during fifth year.

But then you must trust him, at least a little otherwise he wouldn't be in your kitchen, a small voice at the back of her mind told her. It sounded a lot like common sense to Hermione. Malfoy had help save her life, from the press' interest in his life she thought he seemed as if he had worked hard to improve himself.

"You know, Granger I'm considered quite likeable among my friends."

"Who would have guessed?"

"You think you're cute, don't you Granger?" he asked with a twinkle in his eyes.

"I know I am," she quipped. "And brilliant."

"How could I forget?" he mumbled.

The subject strayed onto more mundane subjects. It was pleasant and Malfoy asked her several questions about the Muggle objects in the kitchen. He seemed particularly fascinated by the dishwasher. He eyed it and finally got up to open and close it, inspecting it thoroughly.

"Is it faster or slower than magic?"

"Slower."

"How utterly useless."

"Muggles can't use magic, Malfoy," Hermione said in completely exasperated tones. "And didn't you have some work related issues to discuss?"

He straightened up, his expression confused. She could see it the moment he recalled. "I was thinking perhaps your journalist friend could come to my place on Sunday and interview my staff?"

"I'll owl Luna and I'll let you know as soon as she replies."

"Sounds – did you say Luna as in Loony Luna?"

"Yes, and she prefers Luna," she said with a glower.

"Sorry," he grimaced. "Old habits and all that. But really Granger you think the Quibbler is more reliable than the Daily Prophet? I know they did their part during the war and they're reputation has gone up however, they do regularly post pieces about Nargles."

"Still?" Hermione sighed. "Oh, Luna. Well she is certainly less likely to paint either of us or the cause in a negative light."

"That's something," Malfoy shrugged. "Fancy a drink on Thursday?"

"Oh, that would be lovely if only Skeeter weren't buzzing around like the pesky insect she is."

XXX

Draco smirked when he heard her answer. He had been prepared for this. Skeeter was her favorite excuse to avoid him. If she had agreed to be his friend and still was trying to avoid him, there was only reason. She must feel that spark between them as well. Otherwise, why would she feel the need to avoid him after Paris? After all, if it meant nothing to her, she should be past it by now. Especially, since she seemed comfortable enough with him in her kitchen now. Or perhaps Weasley was so horrible that even a former enemy seemed pleasant by comparison?

"I was thinking my place. No reporters present, I promise."

Hermione blushed. "Actually, that's not the only reason. I'm having drinks with Tom on Thursday."

"Who's Tom?" he wracked his brain before coming up with an answer. "You mean that Auror at the dinner? The bloke with wonky hair?"

Hermione gave him a look so reminiscent of Professor McGonagall he was actually intimidated for a moment. "His hair is fine, but yes. It's a date of sorts."

Draco feigned a smile. Inside he was screaming. Granger was unattached for the first time since the war and she was already seeing someone new? Another bloody tosser. As if that prat Weasley wasn't bad enough, now this?

"A date? Really?"

"Yes, really," she hissed. "What do you care?"

"I was just surprised because you didn't seem to like him. It was only one dance."

Granger's brown eyes widened in surprise before her lips twisted into a knowing smile. "Were you keeping track of who I danced with?"

"No, I happened to notice is all," he said feigning indifference. They were getting off track, he needed to change the subject. "Have you heard the latest rumors coming out of the Magical Legislative Department?"

"No, but if the look on your face is any indication, I won't like them."

"Zabini told me in confidence mind you, so don't go telling all your mates that the Ministry is considering matching up those that can't find someone magically."

"Oh dear," she paled and looked completely put off for a moment. "That's one way go ensure that this barbaric law is successful."

"Barbaric? Strong wording."

"Shut up, ferret."

Draco scowled and had a sip of his tea. To this day, he winced whenever someone called him a ferret. Although, he was well aware he deserved it at the time. Attacking Potter when his back was turned? That was low.

"You know Granger friends generally don't tell each other to shut up or call each other names."

"Come off it, Malfoy," her lips pursed into a thin line once again today, she reminded Draco of Professor McGonagall. She didn't say anything more, but she didn't have to. 'You've said worse to me', the unspoken words seemed to linger in the air between them. He appreciated that she didn't say them even if he would have deserved that as well.

"Fair enough," he flashed a confident smile. "So what you think you're going to marry Tom?"

Granger grimaced and flushed pink. "I highly doubt that, but I have to start dating again at some point and he's nice."

Draco shrugged. "Sounds like a match made in heaven."

Granger's eyes flashed with irritation. "And I'm sure all of the Pureblood dates your mother has been arranging for you have been truly romantic."

"I haven't been attending any dates," Draco replied having a sip of his tea. "But if I were, I am capable of finding my own dates."

"Oh," she flushed. "A lot of the Purebloods at the Ministry are having their parents set them up."

"Yes, they're accepting the marriages many tried to buck after the war."

"And you're still dodging it?"

"No, I already married once for that reason."

Granger sputtered and choked on her tea. "Your marriage to Astoria was arranged?"

"Of course it was. It's an open secret among Purebloods that most of our marriages are arranged."

"Oh, I see," she knit her brows together as she studied him.

"It wasn't a forced arrangement," Draco explained feeling foolish. This too likely seemed 'barbaric' Granger. "We were both looking to meet someone and our parents arranged a proper introduction."

"That's more like a matchmaker than what the Ministry is doing. Have you noticed the chaos?"

"Oh, yes. I passed three different people asking people out just on my way to the office today," Draco said sardonically. "People are in a panic."

"It's absurd, right?" Granger laughed and it made him laugh too. "I overheard this one couple in the hallway on Friday, they were arguing about whether or not they should get married or just meet someone else. The woman, I think it was Mariann from Games, she said, well I could hardly do worse when her boyfriend proposed."

Draco burst out in laughter. "Her boyfriend is Ian Mc –" he hesitated. "Something. He's a real tosser, been fired from almost every job he's ever had until they dumped in some assistant job. According to Mariann, he's good at taking orders and not much else."

Granger laughed. "That's terrible! I think they ought to break up."

"Me too, but better be careful, Ian has a proper crush on you Granger according to Mariann."

"Me?" she blushed a furious shade of scarlet.

"Yes, you."

XXX

Hermione got ready for bed feeling a little better after Malfoy's visit. He could still be a big as prat as he had back at school, but he seemed to like talking to her. Hermione thought about how strange it was that his parents had set him up with his ex-wife. she was also surprised that Malfoy wasn't out dating everything that moved. As a Quidditch player he had plenty of fans that probably wanted him as a husband.

Ron certainly hadn't wasted any time caching in on that fame. He and that teammate of Ginny's might have broken up, but she hadn't missed his appearances in the Daily Prophet. He was out almost every night and with a different girl. Skeeter still found the time to write about that even her if favorite topic still remained Hermione and Malfoy, unfortunately.

Thinking of Ron when she got into bed, Hermione replayed the horrible incident that had happened earlier today. Was Ron cracking?

Crookshanks hopped onto the bed with her and curled up. She scratched him behind the ears. He purred contently and went to sleep.

Hermione wished she could fall asleep as easily. She tossed and turned for hours before she finally fell into a fitful sleep.

Hermione was back in the Malfoy dungeons. Bellatrix's leering face loomed over hers. The stone cut into her back and she focused her eyes on the ceiling. Bellatrix laughed and cast the cruciato curse. Pain like she had never felt before in her entire body wracked through her body. She bit down on her bottom lip until she tasted blood, she wasn't going to give Bellatrix the satisfaction of hearing her scream.

Time blurred together. She started to scream, the pain had broken her. Bellatrix was taunting her, but the only word that registered was 'Mudblood'. Hermione looked over and for the first time, she saw that Malfoy was there. His expression was paler than usual and she might be hallucinating from the pain, but he looked as if he was about to cry.

Still, he didn't break eye contact with her. It felt as if he was trying to keep her grounded as pain coursed through every inch of her. She couldn't turn her attention away from him even when Lucius Malfoy saw they were staring at each other and sneered something to his son. The young boy, shook his head and kept right on staring at Hermione.

Bellatrix wasn't even torturing her for information. There was no way to stop this, but it wouldn't have mattered, Hermione wouldn't have talked anyhow.

"NOW!" Malfoy cried.

Dobby cracked into the room.

Just as Hermione was about to be freed the scenery changed. She now sitting in the cell in the Malfoy dungeon except the only other prisoner there was Ron. He was shouting at her.

"YOU SLEPT WITH THE DEATH EATER? TRAITOR SLAG!"

Hermione woke with a scream. Crookshanks hopped onto her chest, waking her by sinking his claws into her shoulder. Hermione cried out and Crookshanks settled back down next to her.

"Thanks," she said scratching him behind the ears until he purred in content.

Hermione wiped the tears away from her cheeks. She must have been having more of those horrible nightmares she'd had after the war. According to the psychologist she had seen at the time they were a common side effect and had told her she had some PTSD, which was normal. So Hermione had done everything she could to get herself back on the right track and eventually the nightmares had stopped. She hadn't had one in over three years.

What could possibly have happened to trigger them again now?

XXX

By the time Thursday night arrived, Hermione had rarely felt worse. Her nightmares had continued all week and Hermione was too stubborn to take a Sleeping Draught. Besides, those had never worked in the past. Only time had done that. Ron used to wake her when her screams woke him and being in his arms until morning helped too. But Ron was a cheating prick and she had to fight this out on her own.

Hermione arrived at the Leaky Cauldron feeling bleary-eyed and a little disoriented. Hermione slipped her hand into her robe and had a sip of the Pick-Me-Up Potion. The effect was instantaneous she felt awake and alert once more.

She wore a long light blue robe that hugged her figure. Ginny had talked her into buying it right before Christmas. Her long curls hung down her back and her makeup was discrete. For an exhausted woman, she looked wonderful.

When she entered the Leaky Cauldron, she saw Tom was already there. He was seated at a table near the back. He smiled and waved when he saw her. Hermione smiled and realized for the first time that he was quite handsome. He had dark wavy hair, bright blue eyes and a grin that made her heart skip a beat. He was dressed in impeccable black wizarding robes.

Hermione joined him. He passed her a glass of Ogden's Old Firewhisky.

"I already ordered, hope that's alright," he said with a sheepish expression.

"Perfect, thank you," Hermione said. "How have you been?"

"Busy, you wouldn't believe the number of arguments we've had to break up."

"Oh?"

"Tensions are running a little high. We've been called onto the scene of four dates gone wrong."

"Really?"

"Really," Tom confirmed seriously.

Hermione felt a little awkward because she knew they were nearing the topic of the new Marriage Law and she didn't want to discuss it on a first date. In fact, she didn't want to talk about it at all. It felt like everywhere she went it was all anyone wanted to discuss.

"Fascinating. What Hogwarts house were you in?"

"Ravenclaw," he said smiling brightly. "I was quite the bookworm when I was a child."

"Me too. I recently read –"

"Yes, but I remember you from Gryffindor. I never got the chance to ask you about the riddle you solved in first year."

"Riddle?" Hermione asked.

What riddle?

"To save the Philosopher's Stone. How did you go about solving it? Using logic to help stop You-Know-Who? Absolutely, brilliant! Bloody brilliant!"

Oh, so that's what he wanted to talk about. Hermione felt herself sink. Unlike Ron and Harry she had never enjoyed basking in the glory and rehashing the details of every adventure. Most times, she was just happy they were all safe and they had stopped Lord Voldemort.

But Tom seemed so eager she couldn't bring herself to refuse him. Reluctantly, she explained the riddle to him. He then immediately started explaining how he would have gone about solving it. It was precisely the method Hermione had used and she found herself warming to the topic.

Until Tom started to ask her about how she worked out there was a Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets. Blast him, all he wanted to do was recount her adventures. She should have known as an Auror he would have a taste for adventure. That was the opposite of what she was looking for. She was tired of adventure. All she wanted was equality in the wizarding world.

Bloody hell, after she had explained all about Sirius and Peter Pettigrew, she was forced to admit this was the worst date of her life. She even tried to get him onto the subject of werewolf rights, he had zero interest in the subject. Stating in no uncertain terms that werewolves were not fit to live in ordinary wizarding society.

Yes, the bloody worst date she had ever had, Hermione decided.

"I need another drink," Hermione said.

"I'll get it."

"No, no," Hermione rushed to her feet before he could. She ran to the bar and ordered a double-shot of Firewhisky. She had a long sip before going back to the table. Now that she had sufficient liquor. "Now, where were we?"

"You were telling me how Pettigrew escaped?"

"Right," Hermione said depressed to have missed her opportunity to scold him.

XXX

Draco walked into the Leaky Cauldron with Pansy Parkinson. She was complaining about the New Marriage Law and how she bloody well didn't want to marry anyone. If she did, she would already be married. Did the Ministry honestly think she had gone all these years and never been proposed to? Because if so they were wrong. Draco laughed and smiled.

"Come now, Pansy cheer up. I'll buy you a drink."

"Oh, look it's Granger," Pansy said peering over at the booth.

Thrilled, Draco feigned surprise. "Well it certainly is."

"Maybe we should say hi to your new girlfriend?"

"She's not my girlfriend, Pans."

"Not yet you mean," Pansy sniffed. "I've known you fancied her since the Yule ball. I was thrilled when I saw the Prophet –" she stopped talking because they had now reached Granger and the prat's table.

"Malfoy, how lovely to see you," Hermione said with a frantic sort of panic. He still noted how beautiful she looked. Quite unlike the dark circles she had been sporting around the Ministry all week. "And Parkinson, it's been too long!"

Pansy looked at Draco and he knew what she was thinking. Granger hated Pansy, it had been mutual until some time after the war when Pansy decided Granger wasn't all bad. She had been ashamed of her actions at the Battle of Hogwarts and had worked hard to do better.

"Hello Granger. Strange man I've never met before," Draco smirked as he sized Granger's date up.

He looked a little like Potter. Now there was a disturbing notion he did not want to examine any closer.

"I'm Tom."

"Marvellous," Draco said ignoring him. "Ready for Saturday?"

Hermione perked up. "Yes, I'm quite excited. I really think this will make a difference in the house elf liberation act. I was actually hoping to pick Zabini's brains regarding werewolves."

"I'm sure he'd be thrilled to help. Blaise loves a tough case," Pansy said smiling in a genuinely friendly way.

Granger looked at Pansy with a little more scepticism now. Draco realized there was a good chance her date was not going well.

Splendid!

"Would you like to join us?" Hermione said just as the other man said; "Well we should let you get on with your date."
"It's not a date," Pansy supplied with a charming smile at Granger. She sat down and started chatting happily about her boutique in Hogsmeade.

"And we would love to," Draco agreed.

He sat down next to the other bloke and flashed a smile at Granger, which she returned with a smile and a flash of relief in her eyes.

XXX

Hermione had never been more relieved to see Malfoy or Parkinson before in her life. Parkinson insisted she call her Pansy to which Hermione then said she might as well call her Hermione.

"When did you open the store?"

"Oh, about two months ago. Business is booming. You should come by sometime, I insist. It's the least I can do after the war."

Hermione smiled stiffly. Pansy had tried to turn over Harry to Voldermort and she was not certain she trusted her. "Next time I am in Hogsmeade, I'll come visit, Parkinson."

"You should, her store is lovely," Malfoy said flashing a fond smile at Pansy. "Mother shops there all the time."

Hermione grimaced. As if she was going to shop anywhere Narcissa Malfoy shopped. Seeing the look on her face, Malfoy flashed an easy smile and chuckled.

"How do you like your team's chances this season? Thanks to Weasley the Chudley Canons are looking good."

Malfoy expression darkened and looked at Hermione. She could read his expression easily enough. 'Doesn't he know about Weasley?'.

"They're alright, the Weasel isn't all he's cracked up to be," Malfoy said at last.

Hermione desperate to change the subject scrambled for the first topic that came to mind. "You know Wormwood has many uses in potions, far more than most people know."

"Really?" Malfoy quirked an eyebrow, an amused smile played on his lips. "Such as?"

Hermione scrambled some more. The truth was Wormwood only had the standard uses. How much had she had to drink anyway? One glance told her she was already done with her first drink and there was a good chance, the nightmares were taking its toll on her.

Tom looked down and his expression changed. "Hermione, I'm sorry I have to go. There's a case."

"No problem."

The truth was, she was relieved.

There was some awkward scrambling as everyone stood. Tom leaned in to kiss her and she ducked her head to the side. She gave him an awkward hug that made her blush.

"I'll swing by your office for lunch tomorrow, yeah?"

"Uhm –" Hermione blushed. It had been a long time since she had rejected a man and finally she landed on the safest option, lying. "I've already made plans for lunch with Malfoy. Perhaps another time?"

"Yeah," Tom nodded. The coin that Aurors used to call them into the office was glowing even brighter, Harry had borrowed her idea for DA. It was more efficient than the old system. "Bye."

Tom Apparated out of the Leaky Cauldron. Hermione gave a great big sigh of relief and ran her hand through her hair.

"I take it your date didn't go well?" Malfoy asked without malice, but with a great deal of amusement.

"You know very well it didn't," Hermione said with a look of great exasperation. "Are you through gloating or should I transfigure you into a ferret?"

"Really? The ferret thing twice in one week? That's cold, Granger."

"Shut up, Draco," Pansy said with an eye roll. "Since your date was a washout you might as well join us and drink away your sorrows."

Seeing that she didn't have any other plans except returning home to another nightmare filled night at home, Hermione sat down. It turned out both Pansy and Malfoy were quite a lot of fun. After a while, Hermione found herself wondering if they had been like this at Hogwarts. It was strange to think of the students in Slytherin sharing the same type of bond as those in Gryffindor, but she supposed that they did. After all, just because they were bullies didn't mean they spent all of their bullying each other. In fact, when she thought back on it, Slytherin House had always been united.

"Well I should get going," Pansy said after their fourth drink. "I have to open the shop tomorrow morning. It was lovely seeing you again, Granger. Your hair looks fantastic!"

"Thanks," Hermione said uncertainly.

Her head was still reeling from the idea that she had actually enjoyed herself with Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson. Recently it seemed as if her life was only becoming more and more peculiar.

"Are you sober enough to Apparate home, Pans?"

Pansy gave him a withering look of pure disgust. "Of course, I am. Bloody prat."

"Sorry," Malfoy raised his hands defensively.

Pansy gave Malfoy a kiss on the cheek and waved at Hermione before she too Apparated away with a loud crack.

"Care for another round, Granger?"

Hermione looked down at her still half-full glass. "Better not."

Malfoy nodded and ordered himself another drink. "What was wrong with Tom? He seemed perfectly boring and entirely oblivious to the fact that you might not wish to talk about your ex-husband?"

"Well that actually perfectly summarises it," Hermione begrudgingly admitted. "All he wanted to talk about before you and Pansy arrived was mine, Harry and Ron's exploits at Hogwarts. I felt like I was giving an interview."

"Granger, correct me if I am wrong, but you have never given an interview in your life."

"You know what I mean. I swear, you are the most difficult man I've ever met."

Malfoy laughed. "I'll have to take your word for it as I personally think I am delightful."

"You're wrong, but then again you so often are."

"Ouch," Malfoy winked at her and she blushed.

"I have to confess, I am surprised by how much you've changed."

"It wasn't easy. It took years to throw out all the garbage my parents taught me, but I have to say spending a year in hiding with Arthur and Molly Weasley did a lot of the work for me. I rather like Mr Weasley, not that I will ever admit it."

Hermione laughed. "He's wonderful. I often help him regarding the function of various Muggle items."

"Yes, I imagine you would. One year in a safe house with him and I think I learned more about Muggles than I ever intended to."

"Perhaps you should have taken Muggle Studies?"

"I feel as if I have."

They both laughed at that. Hermione looked up at him shyly. His eyes were the nicest shade of grey, almost silver. How had she never noticed before? Malfoy's expression changed to from open and friendly to something more – what though? The air felt too full with tension and she felt it weighing on them.

She cleared her throat and straightened up to break the heavy tension that had come over them. "I should go home. I have work in the morning as well."

"Don't remind me," Malfoy groaned. "Life at the Ministry is unbearably dull."

"Then perhaps you should stay in Quidditch."

Malfoy laughed. "You're hilarious. Not. Come on, I'll Apparate you home."

"No, that's not necessary."

Hermione got to her feet and brushed off her outfit. As if to be contrary, Malfoy got to his feet as well and held out the crook of his arm to her. Hermione eyed his arm dubiously. There had been a time when Malfoy wouldn't have touched her if his life depended on it. When had that changed?

"Don't be stubborn, Granger. I've just bought you two rounds of drinks, the least I can do is make certain you get home safely."

Hermione studied him not bothering to hide her scepticism. Finally, she nodded, but she did not take his arm. After a moment, he let it fall to his side.

"Ready?"

"Yes, but I don't want anyone to see us Apparate out of here together. I don't care to have that printed in the Prophet."

Malfoy grinned. They walked outside and he led her into a dim alley behind the Leaky Cauldron. It was on the Muggle side of London, which greatly reduced their chances of being spotted by Rita Skeeter or anyone else that might be inclined to share the story with her.

Malfoy wrapped his arm around her waist. His body was warm and hard. She could feel his rock hard biceps from Quidditch training. Hesitantly, she moved closer and she felt sparks shoot through her at the close contact. With brisk determination she ignored it. They were just friends, which was strange enough.

She felt the familiar tug of Apparition in her stomach and heard the crack as they vanished. Within the blink of an eye, they stood inside of her kitchen.

She looked up at Malfoy and those sparks shot through her again. Nervously, she took a step back and made a mental note never to consume alcohol with Malfoy again. He flashed a smile and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. She could have sworn she saw actual warmth in his eyes.

"Are you sleeping?" he asked his hand lingering on her cheek.

"Of course I am," she flushed and took a step back. "I've just been working a lot, is that alright with you?"

Malfoy sighed heavily. "Good night, Granger."

"Night."

With a crack, Malfoy Disapparated.

Thank you so much for all the wonderful support for this fic! That's what keeps me writing even when I am exhausted from work and real life is hectic. I don't think I've said so before, but Sundays are the update days for this fic. I'll try to stick to it as best I can. To those reviews, I haven't answered yet, I've seen them and I will answer as soon as I get the chance. I've been working double-shifts all week and I haven't had the chance to reply, but I will because they mean the world to me!

So lots happened this chapter, what do you think about the Ron stuff? Oh and the Draco and Hermione things? Not to mention the update to the marriage law, what do you think is going to happen there? I'm fireismylement97 on tumblr if you want to leave me a dramione request.

Izzy