AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I don't own any characters or story lines created by J.K. Rowling (though I appreciate her for creating them for me to terrorize!) Bwahahahaha.


Hermione opened her apartment door and shuffled in, going through all the normal motions as she took off her robes and sat her purse on the living room table.

Stopping suddenly, she stared around her apartment blankly.

What…just happened?

She must be in some alternate universe. She had to be! There was no other explanation. Did she really just wake up in bed with Draco Malfoy? The Draco Malfoy that tormented her all through school?

She gave a shaky laugh and dropped onto the sofa with a plop. Shoving cold fingers through her hair, she tried to find her center. This wasn't happening! She hated Malfoy, and he hated her!

Groaning, she put her face in her hands and tried to think rationally. What would she tell Ginny, Harry? Merlin's ass! What would she tell Ron? That they'd… Her eyes widened.

Oh. My. God.

Hermione felt all the blood rush from her face and she became light-headed.

She still had no idea what she'd done last night. She couldn't remember!

And the only person she could ask was Malfoy.


"What did you think was going to happen?" Hermione asked, rubbing her temples. She was using all of her will power to keep from screaming at the batty, old man in front of her - and it was only ten in the morning!

Tapping her pen against the desk (she refused to use quills once she'd left Hogwarts), she adopted a stern look, "Mr. Williamson, this is the fifth time you've been in my office within the last two weeks – you already know it's illegal to breed Doxies within a home!"

She ignored the contrite look on his face. Her patience evaporated when she'd walked into the office this morning to the huge mess the older man had created.

"Now Hermione, dear, you know Doxies are just misunderstood creatures. They deserve the chance to be free! To be shown equality and to love who they want!" Mr. Williamson declared, his passion for Doxy rights showing as he gestured wildly, nearly falling off his chair in his excitement.

"While that may be true, the chaos they cause while interacting with humans, magical or otherwise, is the reason there are laws against mating them anywhere near a city!"

"And here you are, breeding a SWARM of them in magical London! What in the world were you thinking?" Pushing back from her desk, Hermione folded her arms, wishing at that moment that there was someone else, ANYONE else that could deal with this situation.

"I walk into my office to find that nine people in your apartment complex had to be administered an antidote to Doxy venom because you forgot to close their cage after feeding them. Nine people, Mr. Williamson! Thank Merlin they were wizards and witches and knew what to do once they were bitten!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Well, I didn't know the latch was faulty," Mr. Williamson said sheepishly, looking down at his feet.

Standing at no more than five feet and seven inches, Mr. Williamson was a small man, with snowy, white hair. His attitude, however, was more like that of an eighteen year-old then a mature man of ninety-five.

"Look, I'll see what I can do for you, but as of this moment The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures has a tight eye on you. Doxies are a class XXX creature and not allowed as pets," she sternly said. "If this happens again I won't be able to help you."

After Mr. Williamson left, looking a little putout at her unusually abrupt manner, Hermione couldn't help but sigh in relief. She knew she was a being a right bitch today – but she couldn't seem to help it! After waking up in bed with Malfoy, MALFOY of all people, she couldn't stop her mind from working in overdrive. And that wasn't even the worst of it... She couldn't remember exactly what happened that night, and it was slowly killing her! Looking at the mess on her desk, Hermione sighed loudly. Lunch was right around the corner and it didn't even look like she'd have time to eat – not with the work she'd missed the day she was out and all the paperwork she had to complete because of Mr. Williamson.

It was just her luck that Charlie was out for the rest of the week.

Resolving herself to a cold cup of tea to tide her over, she got down to business.


"Are you hiding from me?" a concerned voice said from the doorway.

Jerking her eyes from the document in front of her, Hermione stared distractedly at the red-head standing in her doorway.

"Hey, Ginny. Hiding? Why would you say that?" Fully focusing on her friend, Hermione sat down the sheet, somewhat thankful for the interruption.

She was finally done with everything she'd had to catch up on. Glancing at the clock she raised her eyebrows when she noticed it was nearly three o'clock in the afternoon!

"Well, you weren't at the bar last night and today you didn't show up to our lunch date! I got a little worried so I decided to stop by for a quick visit." Ginny leaned her weight on the edge of Hermione's desk, her eyes quickly drifting over her friend for signs of upset. "How are you feeling today? I know things are still fresh…."

Startled, Hermione stared at Ginny in panic. How did she know what happened?

Searching for something to say, she kept quiet, her mind whirling with questions. If Ginny knew she'd been with Malfoy last night, why was she being so calm?

"You know, even though Ron is my brother, you're my best friend. I'd hex him in a minute if it would make you feel better. We witches have to stick together!" Eyes lighting up at the thought of having a go at her brother, Ginny missed the momentary look of relief that flashed over Hermione's face.

How could she have forgotten what happened with Ron so quickly? Damn that Malfoy, he always could get her so discombobulated! Suddenly, she felt totally overwhelmed. This wasn't like her - she never got into situations like this.

Hermione focused on Ginny, who had begun listing different options for hexing off her brothers bits.

Interrupting her, Hermione gave a weak smile. "Well, I can't say the past two days have been the best, but of course I'm not hiding from you! Last night, well, I …decided to go to my parents and take a quick breather."

She felt a flash of guilt at lying to her friend, but the other option was just short of…horrifying.

"And then, well, I had so much work to catch up on when I got to the office. Mr. Williamson was causing more trouble, and I had to make sure that all of the witches and wizards he sent to Mungo's were okay. Then I had to figure out what to do with the swarm of Doxies at his apartment! On top of that I had to handle all of the paperwork for both Charlie and I from yesterday, plus the work I had to do from today and I just forgot about our lunch date and…" cutting herself off she realized she was rambling. Forcing back a blush, Hermione tried quickly to calm her heart.

Throwing a quick look Ginny's way, she cringed when she noticed that sharp look in her friend's eye. Damn Ginny for knowing her so well!

Despite her somewhat gangly appearance at Hogwarts Ginny had easily grown into womanhood – and she was aware of it. She dressed effortlessly in clothes that flattered her pale skin and red hair - men turned their heads when she entered a room. And even though she could be sweet as treacle tart, her fiery temper was still intact. Though they graduated from Hogwarts at different times, Hermione and Ginny had become quite close..

"Are you sure? You seem a little...agitated. Did something else happen with Ron?" Ginny asked, fire flashing in her eyes. "I flooed Mum this morning. She said Ron had already moved his things back to the Burrow. He's going to be staying there again until he can find his own place."

A fierce scowl crossed her face. "At least the git had better sense then to go shacking up with that bent, Lavender." Twirling her wand, Ginny seemed to be contemplating what she would do when she saw Lavender face-to-face.

Clearing her throat, Hermione couldn't help but smile. Ginny was like a lioness when protecting her loved ones. She really was one of her best friends outside of Harry and…frowning, she pushed those thoughts from her head.

"I'm sad…But I'm a little better then I was yesterday. I took some time to think things through and, well, I realized Ron wasn't the only person in the wrong," she said sheepishly, moving things around on her desk idly.

"I knew that things were getting pretty bad between us. I mean, you couldn't miss it! We didn't even argue," Hermione grumbled.

"I can't say I didn't think it was strange that you two were on the best of terms, considering you always argued like kneazles and dogs. I mean, it was kind of eerie having you guys agree on everything," Ginny remarked thoughtfully.

Huffing, Hermione staved back her irritation. They hadn't been that bad...Had they?

"We weren't arguing anymore because, well, I think we just didn't…care anymore. At least, not as a man and a woman would in a relationship." Sighing unhappily, Hermione frowned. "I can't help but feel like we ruined our friendship!"

Tears started to leak out again as everything came rushing back. She hurriedly wiped them from her eyes. Now was not the time. Thank God Ginny had closed her office door as she came in…

Ginny moved swiftly around the desk to give Hermione a warm, Molly-like hug. "Oh please, Hermione! You know my brother is as thick as they come. He's already feeling like an idiot. You know my family loves you – he's gotten an ear-full from everyone since they've heard. Mum threatened to never cook for him again if he didn't fix it! Even Charlie sent him a Howler from wherever he's at right now!"

Ginny smiled smugly. "And Harry isn't speaking to him. He's so angry that Ron would cheat on you! He called him a blooming idiot."

Eyes wide, Hermione just stared a moment at Ginny, before bursting into laughter.

"Oh Ginny. I needed that laugh," she said, finally giving a genuine, albeit small, smile. "Did Molly really threaten not to cook for him anymore? I would have loved to have seen his face!" She giggled, thinking of Ron's horror at not being able to eat his mother's cooking anymore.

Giggling too, Ginny smiled brightly. "I heard his face turned an alarming shade of red, before he went pale as a ghost. Ah, wish I could have seen it. The family is pretty mad at him right now…"

Sobering quickly at the thought, Hermione frowned. "I really don't want to cause problems with your family Ginny. I'm going to talk to Ron, eventually. I just can't right now. It's too soon." She sighed again. "Even though I'm hurt, I don't know what I'd do without him as a friend."

Smiling ruefully, she shrugged. "I know it sounds strange, but I'm not really broken-hearted. I'm just upset that he'd disregard everything we've shared together."

Ginny rubbed her back soothingly, "I understand. Trust me - you'll know when it's the right time to talk to him. Don't rush yourself!" Leaning back on the desk again she glanced at the clock, jumping up quickly when she noticed the time.

"Bloody hell! I'm supposed to be meeting Luna right now! She's going to tell me about some handsome guy she met the other day in the apothecary that she thinks is a perfect match for me." Laughing a little, she shrugged at Hermione's raised eyebrow.

"It's amazing how Luna seems to know when people would be good for each other. I don't see why I shouldn't test her out. Anyone who's gone to her has gotten married within a year!"

Darting for the door, Ginny threw a quick wave over her shoulder, promising to floo her later that night, and then disappeared.

Smiling slightly, Hermione felt a little lighter now that she had the chance to talk to Ginny about things. Before she could do anything else her stomach grumbled, reminding her that she'd missed lunch. Grabbing her purse and wand, Hermione decided it wouldn't hurt to run out for a quick bite to eat.

After all, everything looked better on a full stomach.


Heading for the nearest elevator, Hermione was surprised to see Harry coming her way, his face breaking into a strained smile when he saw her.

Giving him a warm smile in return, Hermione hugged him quickly. "Harry! What are you doing here? I thought you were out on a mission? Is everything okay?"

Shrugging, he slung an arm over her shoulder and they started walking together to the elevator. "To see you, of course. My mission ended today and as soon as I could get away I thought I'd stop in and see how you were doing…"

Green eyes bright with concern, Harry hugged her closer to his shoulder.

"I'm okay…" Hermione started, stopping when she noticed Harry had raised his eyebrow. Huffing, she stopped for a moment to gather her thoughts. "Well, I'm still angry and a little hurt. But like I told Ginny, I'm not as angry as I initially was…"

Stepping into the waiting elevator Harry pressed the button that would take them to the lobby, smiling at her slightly. "I'm glad to hear it. You kind of saved Ron's arse. I was going to go and see him next – and chances are he wouldn't have come out in one piece. Ron's been my friend for what feels like forever, but sometimes I'm still surprised at what a right bastard he can be…"

Frowning fiercely, Harry snapped, "He had no RIGHT to treat you like that Hermione. Not after everything we've been through!"

Grateful they were in the elevator alone; Hermione put a calming hand on his arm. Harry was still a little weary about public displays of affection – she couldn't blame him. The Daily Prophet still had a good old time printing crap about his personal life in the paper.

"I know you're mad – so am I. But I really don't want this to cause a problem in your friendship with Ron. We've always known he was a git at heart…but, well…we love him anyway, don't we?" Chuckling sadly, she pushed he shoulder against his.

For a moment she thought she saw something flicker in Harry's gaze as he stared down at her before he smiled ruefully. "True. He wouldn't be Ron if he didn't stick his foot up his arse occasionally."

The door opened to the lobby and they walked out, stopping before one of the many exits from the Ministry.

"So are you headed out of work early?" Harry asked, fiddling with his watch.

Quirking an eyebrow, Hermione wondered why Harry suddenly seemed out of sorts."I wish, but no. I'm actually headed out to grab a late lunch, though it's nearly dinner time. I missed lunch as I had too much to finish before time out today."

"Well, how about I join you? I haven't had a moment to sit down and eat myself and I'm starving! I'll even let you choose the place." Grinning, he looped their arms together as they left the ministry.

A few blocks from the small sandwich shop Hermione liked to frequent she caught sight of a blonde head – and her heart stopped a moment before beating violently in her chest. Unaware, she'd trailed off mid-sentence Hermione couldn't help but stare, her palms starting to sweat when she realized they were walking right towards him. Harry noticed her distraction, searching out her point of focus.

"Well, haven't seen that ferret in a while. I guess he's been keeping out of trouble. Mrs. Malfoy has also been very quiet since Lucius was sent to Azkaban…" Harry looked thoughtful, his eyes following the blonde as they walked closer to him.

"Don't worry, Hermione. I won't let him bother you." Harry assured her, aware that she'd always seemed to be uncomfortable in his presence.

She frowned when she noticed Malfoy was walking with his head down – when did Malfoy ever walk with his head down? She prayed to every God she knew that they'd be able to pass him without notice. Hermione remained quiet, keeping her eyes straight ahead, not even daring to glance at him again. But, as they got near she saw Malfoy's head snap up, his eyes making direct contact with hers.

Hermione felt her body flush.

Why was Malfoy looking at her as if he wanted to eat her? After a moment his gaze broke, and it moved to glare at Harry's arm linked through her own, and a scowl formed on his face before it went blank. His eyes kindled with... what was that? Anger?

What did Malfoy have to be angry about?

They finally drew close, stopping as Malfoy moved directly in their path.

"So, Potter, running after your best mate's girl the day after they break up? I didn't know you were that hungry for attention." He drawled icily.

To Be Continued…


Hello all you wonderful people! Here is your chapter, as promised! I know quite a few of you had questions - trust me, they all will be answered! Lol. You just have a be a liiiiiiiitttle patient. ;-) But, I'll answer a few!

Alijandra's Editor - That's something that will have to be explained over time. We don't want to ruin it! But GREAT questions! And yes, I totally understood. :)

Semantics - Yes, Draco did already go through the ritual. But more will be revealed - not everything is as it seems! Thanks for the insightful review!

k99 - The line can be found in the document manager here on right next to "Align center." Lol. Hope that helps!

thfouteenth - The plan is to explain everything, yes :)

Glorioux - Thank you for that. You made me start doing some more research!

I can't say I'll always answer questions, but if I think it may help other readers out I just may!

And now, PLEASE REVIEW! What did you think? It really really helps me get motivated to write! :)