I own no characters in this story I am simply borrowing this world for my own plot.

Chapter 4 – Waking up from the dream.

The room was still as he held her in his arms. Both a crumpled mess sprawled out on the floor. Kingsley had left well aware of the fact they both needed what little time they had to discuss this further. Alone.

Taking time he brushed the soft tumble of curls away from her face. Not in a million years would he have believed this was his future, the Gryffindor princess.

''Hermione, Hermione.'' She felt a tingle from someone's fingers running down her arms. '' I know you can hear me.'' Still she laid in his lap as if perfectly content. ''HERMIONE'' With that loud yell she nearly leapt out of her own skin.

'' Was there really any need for that Malfoy?''

''Oh so we're back to a surname basis are we? And yes there was we need to talk. Get your things together we are going for a drink.'' He made a b-line for the door.

'' I dreamt it didn't I? Please tell me I dreamt it Draco.'' The fear in her voice unsettled him. He had seen many sides of her but never one where she was afraid.

'' No.'' Turning around. '' You didn't dream it little witch. Now come we both need that drink.'' With that said he held the door open for her. Leading her out of the ministry and towards the leaky cauldron.

For a Tuesday afternoon it was relatively busy in the leaky cauldron which was good. A face could be lost in a crowd. Guiding Hermione towards a table near the door he left making his way to the bar.

'' Tom, a bottle of your best fire whiskey when you have a minute.' ' The bottle was shoved in front of him begrudgingly.

'' That will be 5 galleons Mr Malfoy.'' Handing over the money Draco made his way to the table, grabbing Hermione's hand pulling her along to the stairs.

'' I thought we were here for a drink.'' Their hands slipped away from each other.

'' We are. It's just I lodge here and you know and I both know anyone can walk in. Didn't think you would want to discuss our private affairs in a room full of people.''

Watching her pace around the room was making him dizzy but he didn't even know where to begin starting this conversation.

'' For merlin's sake will you please sit down before you wear a hole in the floor.'' Hearing his words she glided over to the bed sitting on the edge her fingers dug into the mattress.

''Look Hermione I've no idea where to….''

''Drink'' Interrupting him '' we start with a drink.'' Waving his wand two glasses appeared. To his amusement she downed the whiskey in one, coughing when the after burn kicked in.

'' There is no getting out of this for us is there Draco?''

''No, we are bound together now.'' His eyes met hers, she looked so desperately sad about her fate. Maybe he truly was the monster everyone thought him to be.

A light seemed to go off in her eyes '' But Draco didn't you say to Kingsley that only pure bloods used the espousal? I'm a muggle maybe that means it won't count.'' The last hope look on her face was painful to him.

Draco stared at her not sure if he was ready to be the bringer of bad news.

'' I said it was mainly popular with pure blood families yes but it isn't pure blood magic Hermione. Expeditious espousals have been used by muggle and half-blood witches and wizards for as long as the pure blood families have used them. It's just more common for them because marriage to them isn't about love.''

'' Then it's settled I'll just have to get on with it, make the best out of a bad situation.'' Holding out the glass, signalling she wanted another drink, to which he obliged.

'' What do you mean by 'get on with it' Hermione?''

'' Well let's face it you wouldn't of been my first choice of husband. Plus we have all these rules we have to live by to add more pressure. They are like irons bars trapping us.''

'' Because you would have been my first choice of wife? You're not the only one this is happening to you know.'' He snapped

'' And those rules don't add pressure they are all normal things people in wizarding and muggle relationships do so I believe. It's typical you know for husbands and wives to live together and be faithful. They just have you running scared because you don't like been told what to do.''

'' But that's my point don't you see Draco. We're not in a relationship. We got into some stupid fight and as a result of flared tempers we now have to force some sort of life to happen. Of course they have me scared, yesterday was the first time I've seen you in 5 years. It's not like we were ever the best of friends and now within 10 days I'm to marry you. That's fucking scary Draco.''

A low whistle escaped his lips '' Wow… You just swore.''

''Seriously? That's all you got from that Draco.''

'' Yeah, well no. I understand the way you're feeling it's just I didn't think the Gryffindor goody two shoes knew how to swear.'' The laughter in his voice skipped through the words.

A pillow darted across the room aimed towards his head. Ducking just in time Draco pretended to be injured holding his head.

'' Now now Miss Granger play nice.''

'' Don't you worry Mr Malfoy I always play nice.''

'' Oh I hope that's not true.'' He teased.

'' Behave yourself Draco.''

'' Never Hermione.'' He winked, pouring them both another drink.

'' So what happens now Draco? I don't really know too much about wizarding marriage customs''

'' It's pretty simple really little witch. We get married in the time allowed, follow the rules and the rest is down to us. ''

Nodding she took another sip of the whiskey. '' I do have a few ideas though Hermione if you would like to hear them?''

'' Go on.'' Her tone suspicious as she spoke.

'' Well firstly I don't want to force anything. Like you said we don't have a relationship so let's build one even if it's only based on friendship. I don't want either of us to spend a life trapped with someone they hate. It would be a waste. Secondly I want to come up with some rules of our own. Seeing as they seem to be a huge issue for you, perhaps been able to add your own to our marriage might make you more comfortable.''

'' Ok, now I know I must be dreaming. What have you done with the real Draco Malfoy.'' She taunted.

'' And how do you know who the real Draco is? All you have ever seen is the arrogant, selfish, loathsome, narcissistic, spoilt and bigoted act that I spent my life creating. What you never saw was the boy trying to please his cruel father. The boy who was so desperate to please his family he lived by their prejudices accepting them as his own. A teenager pretending to be something he was not who was punished for every mistake made. A young man so afraid of dying he took the dark mark instead of finding the balls to turn his back on it all and fight for what was right. That's all you have ever seen of me. Exactly what I wanted you and the world to see. How do you know who I am when I don't even know myself anymore?''

''I oh Merlin I was only playing Draco.

I didn't mean to offend you.'' Mentally she was scolding herself for been so thoughtless '' Really, I was just trying to tease you like we were earlier. It was a poor attempt at banter on my part. Let me make it up to you? Please?''

''How'' Was all he said, his gaze transfixed on the view from the window sill he sat upon.

Why had she not thought this far ahead.

'' Erm how about I buy you another bottle of fire whiskey? This one seems to be going down a treat'' With a half-smile she shook the bottle trying to lighten the moment.

''That's a generous offer but not what I want.''

Placing his glass on the bedside table he took his time strolling across the room. With each step forward Hermione took one back until she reached the wall. Starling herself with the feel of cold stone against her back. Draco towered above her. The frame of his body pinning her to the wall. The softness of his hand cupped her cheek before his fingers trailed down as he smoothed the padding of his thumb over her moistened bottom lip. '' Mean it, mean it or stop me now Hermione.''

How could it be anything else he was burning for her and she wanted to stoke the fires higher. Instinctively her hands found his broad chest. They circulated along his body slowly pulling them together. Taking her brief exploration as permission his mouth claimed her. With no hesitation she kissed him back. This was no gentle little peck, his mouth was hard and rough. Demanding the same form her. He was showing her how it would be with him. Deep desires and long nights.

Breaking away from her was not his first plan of action but he didn't want to push her too far for one night. Draco pulled her close so she rested against him. '' Well little witch that's not what I wanted but it's a start on your road to forgiveness.'' He smirked.

'' But I don't understand, what more could you want? You came to me looking for a kiss, I thought that's what you wanted?'' Hermione was confused and still in a bit of lust haze.

''Oh it was but I wanted to kiss you just for the sake of it.''

Blushing her own shade of red she smiled. '' What is it you want then, if it's not my kisses?''

''You mistake me Hermione I want your kisses every last one of them but I want them because you wish to kiss me. What I don't want is you kissing me as penance. Tonight though what I want in way of an apology from you is for you to sleep with me.''

''Hang on a minute Draco, you got the wrong girl. I'm not like that I don't just jump into bed and have sex with a guy on the first date. This doesn't even count as a date it was meant to be just a chat and now it's turned into some sexy sleep over.'' Pushing herself away from him she retreated to the safety of the other side of the room.

''Sexy?'' He raised an eyebrow ''technically I'm your fiancé but Hermione as incredible as the thought is I never mentioned anything about making love to you. I said sleep. It's late and well I've spent far too many nights alone but I think you have to. All I want is for you to lay next to me in bed and sleep. Hell ill even give you all the covers if it helps.''

'' This is really the only thing that will make it up to you? Just sleep though right, nothing else at all tonight?

''I give you every assurance, all I want is you to sleep in the bed with me Hermione.''

''Well fine, but I want one of your shirts to sleep in no way am I sleeping in this dress it's new.''

''So tearing it off you and throwing it on the floor with you naked on top of it is totally out of the question then?'' He held his hands up '' A joke just a joke… unless you're up for it that is.''

''Just get me a shirt funny man so we can go to bed. All that fire whiskey has gone to your head.''

When she returned from the bathroom Draco was already in bed waiting for her. '' Thought I'd keep the bed warm for you little witch.''

''Must be hard to keep it warm without a shirt funny man.''

''The thing is a beautiful witch is wearing the shirt I usually sleep in.'' Peeling back the covers Draco patted the bed. '' Come on I don't bite''.

The candles blown out after she had crawled into bed, curling up on her side facing the wall. Draco couldn't help but snuggle behind her. Tucking her curves into his own contours. Leaving behind a kiss on her shoulder.

''Tell me one thing before we sleep. Did you mean it this time?''

''Yes.''

That one word was all he needed to hear before sleep took them both.

Authors note: Wow that was a long chapter, Draco and Hermione clearly both had a lot to say this time my fingers couldn't stop typing. Let me know what you think? Kisses xox