Disclaimer: JK owns everything Harry Potter, that lucky woman.

Author's Note:

Hey everybody! First of all let me apologize for taking so long on this chapter. The professors aren't cutting me an inch of slack and I finally had time today to get some recreational writing done. Anyway, thank you as usual for reading, and please, please, please leave a review. Enjoy!

Mikey

P.S.

Thank you everyone that has left me a review so far. I really appreciate it. You all are wonderful.

Draco stared at Hermione, unblinking.

"I am not going."

"Of course you're going. You don't have a choice," she said walking away from him, and down the hall. Draco moved from his position against the counter and followed her into her bedroom.

"Wait, just a minute, Granger…"

"Hermione," she sang, opening her wardrobe.

"I know what your bloody name is, woman!" he growled in frustration, but Hermione ignored him, perusing her closet. Draco was huffing and puffing near the window when he said, "Look, I may have changed," he said putting his index and middle fingers up on both hands to make quotation marks, "But I am not going to pretend I like Potter or his weasel of a wife."

"Don't call Ginny a weasel," she said, holding some khakis at arm's length, before putting it back on its hanger.

He rolled his eyes, "Like I said, I am not going. I'm a grown man. Nobody tells me what to do."

"Then what was Acer doing when he told you to get out of your own house?" Hermione mumbled under her breath, plucking a top from its rack.

"What was that?"

"What do you think about white before Labor day?" she asked aloud, eyeing the blouse.

"What?" Draco exclaimed incredulously.

"You're right, absolutely not." She put the blouse back in its place.

"Are you listening to me, woman?"

"Grown or not, Draco," she said, sounding very bored as she finally decided on an outfit, "I'm your caretaker for the time being and my job is to make sure no harm comes to you. And I can't very well do my job if you are not with me," she laid her clothes out on her bed and then walked to her bathroom, grabbing a towel from under the sink. "And since I am going to Harry's, you are also going to Harry's. That's really all there is to it."

"Listen to me, Granger..." Draco said, chasing her.

She stopped halfway through opening the door behind which the toilet and shower were located, and raised an eyebrow, "Who?"

"Hermione," he said with a sneer.

She smiled sweetly, and batted her eyelashes, "Yes?"

"I am not going. And that's final."

"Yes, you are," she said cheerily, and shut the bathroom door behind her with a snap.

"I'm not going, Granger!" he banged on the door with his fist and yelled over the running water, "You hear me, woman? I am not going!"

Hermione and Draco apparated outside Harry and Ginny's flat one o'clock on the dot. As they walked up to the door Hermione smirked at the look on Draco's face. He had mustered up the most sullen expression he could manage, and had it set firmly on his face. She had to admit, Draco wasn't too hard to convince. He had returned after she had a shower to remind her that he would not be accompanying her to Harry's, however he unwittingly left his wand on the nightstand in the spare room. So after Hermione finished getting dressed she "gently" hexed him into submission. Her experiences had thought her that a few well-placed curses could get any man to behave. She wasn't sure exactly how well Draco would respond to it, but she figured it worked on all the other men in her life. She used to hex Ron on a very regular basis and even Harry had gotten his fair share of curses. Although Hermione couldn't remember ever hexing Rick, it wasn't because she didn't want to. He was just never dumb enough, or smart enough, to disagree with her. All in all, Hermione didn't consider herself violent or mean, she was just a huge advocate of tough love. No harm in that.

So she didn't feel bad at all watching Draco's sour face. When the door opened, her smirk became a genuine smile to see Ginny Potter beaming at her from inside.

"Hey, Hermione!" said the red head. Ginny hugged Hermione as close as she could from behind her protruding belly and then stepped back so she could come through the doorway. She peered around Hermione to see who was still standing on the doormat. "Draco Malfoy?" she said, cocking her head.

Draco immediately changed his expression from distasteful frown to a cocky smirk, "The one and only, Weaselette."

"Mrs. Potter, thank you," she said unfazed. "Come in, Malfoy. This certainly is a surprise."

"What's a surprise?" Harry said walking into the foyer. He caught sight of Draco and stopped dead in his tracks. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"I really couldn't tell you, Potter," Draco said, looking at Hermione from the corner of his eyes.

"I'm babysitting him until he can go back to his lair," Hermione said, tiptoeing to place a kiss on Harry's cheek.

"You're not babysitting me, woman."

"But you do live in a lair."

"My mansion is not a lair, thank you."

"Whatever puts you to sleep at night, Draco."

"I swear, woma-"

"Why don't we all step into the living room?" Ginny said loudly over their bickering.

"Great idea, Gin. I can tell Hermione about my little project." Harry said cheerily as they walked into the other room.

Ginny rolled her eyes at this as she eased herself slowly onto a sofa. Hermione quickly went to her side to help. "Thanks, love," she said gratefully. Hermione took a seat dutifully at her side. Draco, looking at the two made himself comfortable on the love seat across the room, unpleasant disposition having returned. Harry alone remained standing.

"On second thought, Hermione," Harry said, glancing down the hall. "Why don't we go into the study so we could get to work on this project, eh?"

"Harry dear," Ginny said, clearing her throat, "I think you have a good handle on that project already, why bother Hermione with it when you have it under control?"

Harry frowned at his wife, "No, I don't think I have it under control. I need help and who better to ask than Hermione?"

Her voice got a little louder as she responded. "Well, it looks to me like Hermione is currently busy with other, more important things," she said looking pointedly at Draco. "I think that this project will only be a completely unwanted and unexpected," she said widening her eyes, "waste of her time."

Harry's eyes narrowed. Then he put on a bright fake smile, "Ginny," he said through his fake smile, "Sweetheart, could I talk in private for a moment, dear?" he asked pointing behind his back to the foyer.

"Of course, Harry dear," she replied with the same false sweetness plastered on her face. She started to raise herself from her seat, and Hermione got up to help. Ginny gave her a real smile, and then turned an angry eye back to Harry, "Excuse us just a moment." Harry put a hand on the small of her back and led her out of the room as they spoke heatedly in hushed voices.

Draco had been watching the exchange quietly with mild interest but now put his attention back on Hermione.

"I don't suppose you know what the hell that was about?"

Hermione shifted her gaze from the foyer to Draco and shook her head. "I haven't the foggiest, actually," she looked away again, biting her lip in concentration. This was a common gesture of hers. One that didn't go unnoticed by Draco. He shifted in his seat a little.

Why does that turn me on? He questioned himself. She wasn't doing anything particularly sexy, just biting her lip. She wasn't wearing anything sexy either. He looked down at her attire. She wore a black button down top with slim dark blue jeans and some comfortable loafers. It was tasteful. But yet, it was a completely average outfit. Why then was his heart beating slightly faster just to see her in it? He furrowed his brow and looked away. You are not attracted to Hermione Granger, he told himself. Yes, and Father Christmas visits in July, another voice said. Draco sneered. Shut it, you, he thought. Arguing with yourself again, Draco? You really have gone off your rocker. Draco growled and clapped an angry hand to his forehead.

At this Hermione awoke from her daze. She looked at Draco with concern and asked, "Are you alright?"

"Fine," he said through gritted teeth.

"You don't look fine," she said getting up from her seat. She crossed the room to sit down next to him. His eyes widened in fear and he scooted as far as he could to the other side of the loveseat, which turned out to not be very far at all. Hermione moved closer to peer at his face. Draco fidgeted in his seat. "You look a little peaky," she said placing a gentle hand on his forehead, then on the side of his face. "Are you sure you're alright? Are you still in pain from yesterday?"

Draco stopped squirming enough to properly look at her. Her warm brown eyes showed such sincere concern that he calmed and softened a bit. He gave her a small smile, "I'm fine. Really." He placed his hand on top of hers and slowly removed it from his cheek. Hermione, although still skeptical, smiled back, their hands still slightly touching on the cushion. Draco glanced at this and was contemplating whether or not he wanted to do something about it when Harry and Ginny walked back into the room. Draco was surprised to see how fast Hermione flew to the other side of the loveseat. She folded her hands on top of her lap and sat as if she was there the whole time, looking completely composed and serene. She was fast, but not fast enough not to be seen by the couple walking in. Harry frowned and Ginny just looked up at him. "Like I was saying, dear. Completely unwanted."

He looked away from Hermione and Draco to leer at her. "You don't know that." He looked back to his friend. "Hermione, could you come with me into the study please?"

Ginny folder her arms and rested them on her stomach. "Fine. Fine. Do what you want, Harry," She looked at Hermione, "I'm very sorry, Hermione. I just want you to know I am completely against this. It was entirely his idea. Could you just humor him so we," she glared at Harry, "can all get over this?"

Hermione looked at Ginny bewildered, but got up from her seat. "Okay…" she gave Ginny a last confused glance as she followed Harry into the study.

Hermione saw only Harry as he closed the door behind them. "Harry, what is this all about? It's not like you to be so secretive. What is this project and why is Ginny so set about me having nothing to do with it?"

Harry looked at Hermione sheepishly. "Well, I haven't been completely honest with you. I didn't ask you here to help me with anything."

"Then why am I here, Harry?" Hermione asked sternly, placing her hands on her hips.

"Hermione, I'm gonna tell you, just promise me you won't be cross. Please, just hear him out before you say anything rash," Harry said pleading.

"Harry what are you talking about? Hear who out? What is going o-"

"Hello, Hermione."

Hermione whirled around, her jaw dropping.

"Rick?"

Outside in the living room, Draco tapped his fingers on the armrest. He had been staring around the room for the longest while taking in his surroundings. It was clearly a wizard's home. Moving pictures of Harry and Ginny, the rest of the Weasleys, and Hermione were showcased on the walls, and picture frames on coffee tables. Next to a picture of Harry and Ginny kissing on their wedding day sat a magical calendar, the dates changing constantly from pastel blue to pink, counting down the time until the baby was to arrive. Draco observed that the little one was due in two weeks, the date glowing with stars circling around the numbers. He closed his eyes and imagined a small child with unmercifully messy red hair, freckles, and glasses. He smirked at the thought. Hilarious. He opened his eyes again and looked around the rest of the living room. It was a mixture of cherry wood, red, and gold; both magical and non-magical items adorning the space. It was luxurious, without being overly decorated or overbearing. It was nice, he could admit. Draco imagined it very much resembled the Gryffindor common room, although he had never seen it. It was just so very… Harry and Ginny. So, needless to say, Draco greatly disliked it. He glanced at Ginny who was seated across from him, looking extremely peeved. He followed her gaze to the door of the study and raised an eyebrow.

"So what's really going on then?"

Ginny smiled ruefully, shifting her eyes to Draco. "Rick is in there."

Draco looked at her quizzically. "Who the bloody hell is Rick?"

"Hermione's ex-boyfriend," she paused, rubbing calming circles over her swollen belly. "He's come to ask Hermione to take him back."

Draco made sure to keep his face even and void of any emotion while receiving this information. But inside he scowled. He didn't so much care that someone was pursuing Hermione. Her love life had absolutely nothing to do with him, after all. But to spring Hermione's ex up on her unexpectedly seemed very tactless, especially coming from a supposed best friend. He couldn't imagine Hermione being too happy with Harry right now. Draco chuckled and then said conversationally, "You're husband's a prat. You do know that, don't you?"

Ginny sighed. "He's not a prat. Meddlesome. But not a prat. Rick came over here last night looking extremely pitiful. He asked Harry if he could help him get some time with Hermione because he knew he couldn't get her to speak to him on his own. And Harry being too kind couldn't say no. So," she sighed again, "here we are."

Draco nodded and was silent. After a few moments he asked, "Does she still love him?"

Ginny laughed remorsefully, "She never loved him. She was happy for the time she spent with him, but I think it was more loneliness than love that kept them together, at least on Hermione's part," she said sadly. "They're all wrong for each other." Ginny looked at him calculatingly, "Why do you ask?"

"No particular reason."

She looked at him, a knowing look etched on her face, but she didn't press it. She started to get up smiling pleasantly, "Would you like some tea, Draco?"

Draco tore his eyes from the study door and back to Ginny, "Please." He rose to offer Ginny his hand and she didn't hesitate before beaming and taking it. She stood upright and steadied herself. Letting go of his hand and uttering a small "Thank you," she lead him into the kitchen.

Rick Reed was standing beside a bookshelf, looking very sharp, as usual, but also very nervous. Hermione hadn't even noticed him on her way in the room. She had been so intent on getting information out of Harry that she had completely missed him. Hermione opened and closed her mouth a few times before finally asking, "What are you doing here?"

"Well, Hermione. You see, I-"

"Harry, what is he doing here?" Hermione asked, speaking over him.

"Will you give him a chance, Hermione? He has something to say."

"How could you just let me walk into this situation unaware of what was going on?" Hermione yelled. "Do you have any idea how inconsiderate that is, Harry? Do you have any idea how that makes me feel? What kind of friend does that?" Harry looked thoroughly uncomfortable and was about to defend himself when Rick spoke up.

"Hermione, I asked him to arrange a meeting for us as a favor. He was only trying to help me out."

"You shouldn't even speak to me right now. We ended things on good enough terms, Rick. Why can't you just leave well enough alone?"

"I love you," he said, his eyes pleading, "Hermione, I need you."

Hermione's eyes softened, but only a little. "Rick, you don't mean that."

"Yes, I do. I miss you. Why can't things just go back to how they were?"

"Things weren't alright the way they were," she said pulling her hair, frustrated.

"I'll just excuse myself, shall I?" Harry said moving quickly towards the door.

"I'm not through with you yet, Potter," Hermione said darkly pointing angry finger at him. "We'll be having a nice little chat when I'm finished here."

Harry flinched at this but proceeded on his way out, pausing to give Rick an encouraging smile, then closing the door behind him.

Rick sat down in an overstuffed armchair and gestured that Hermione do the same, "Could you just sit down so we can talk about this calmly?"

"I'd rather stand, thank you."

He nodded, "Standing is fine too," he gulped and trained his eyes somewhere around her knees for a long while, "Hermione, everything was fine," he finally said looking up. "What happened to us?"

"Everything was fine for you, but not for me." Hermione said quietly. "Not by a long shot."

"What did I do? I promise I can change, Hermione. Whatever you want me to do, I'll do it."

"You didn't do anything wrong, Rick. This right here is wrong. The two of us together," she said pointing back and forth between the two of them, "is what's wrong. We don't belong together, Rick."

"How could you say that?" he asked miserably. "How could you just all of a sudden stop loving me?"

Hermione scoffed turning away from him. "There was nothing 'all of a sudden' about it. I was distant. I was always distant. The fact that you couldn't see that only proves my point."

"Is there someone else?" he asked quietly.

Hermione turned her neck so fast she gave herself whiplash. She raised a hand to massage her neck and exclaimed, "Are you accusing me of cheating on you? How dare you? You know I would never do something like that. Of course, there wasn't anybody else."

"Then I just don't see wh-"

"Rick, we are finished. End of story. Please," she said placing a weary hand to her forehead, "Please just leave it alone. I am more than willing to be friends with you. But we can't be anymore than that. So please, just stop pressuring me about it."

Rick gave her a long, deep stare, before finally nodding and getting up. He walked towards her and placed a hand on her shoulder. Her form stiffened, but she didn't shake him off. "I'm sorry, Hermione. I didn't mean to upset you. You just have to understand how much I care about you," he sighed. "But I see your mind is made up. I promise you I won't bother you again." Hermione turned to look at him. He appeared hurt, but was trying admirably not to show it. "Goodbye, Hermione." And before she could respond he placed a kiss on her lips, fast and chaste, with more passion than Hermione could ever remember from him. Yet, however passionate it was Hermione did not feel that jolt of excitement his kiss should have elicited. She stepped back from him and gave him a weak smile. He nodded sadly, and made quick work of exiting the room. Hermione, emotionally drained, felt herself slide into his vacated chair.

Draco was the first to look up when Rick came into the kitchen. He and Ginny were sitting at the breakfast bar, sipping tea and Harry was at the kitchen table reading the Daily Prophet. Draco gave him the quick one up and immediately a foul taste filled his mouth. He looked too well put together. Simply unnatural. How dare he walk around the place looking… just like Gilderoy Lockhart actually. He cocked his head to the side, considering their resemblance for a moment before he remembered what Rick was doing here. He replaced his thoughtful look with an upgraded version of his usual sneer. Rick however, ignored Draco's presence completely and walked up to Harry, who looked up and folded his paper.

"No luck, mate?"

"None at all, actually. She hates me," he said staring out the kitchen window.

Harry looked at him sympathetically and gave him a manly clap on the shoulder.

"I highly doubt she hates you," Draco said suddenly, stirring his spoon around his teacup. "She just doesn't want to be with you."

Ginny made a very un-lady like snort in her tea.

Rick finally turned to look at him. "Draco Malfoy?" he said incredulously. "What are you doing here?"

"Minding my own business, what about you?" Draco said giving Rick an uninterested glance, as if to decide whether or not he cared for an answer.

Ginny who was mid-sip, choked. She coughed loudly and cleared her throat, placing a hand to her chest.

"Excuse me," she whispered hoarsely, trying her hardest not to laugh.

Rick opened his mouth to reply, but Harry cut him off.

"Come on, Rick. I'll walk you to the door." Harry eyed Ginny sternly and she had good grace enough to look slightly chastised. However, this was only for a brief moment, for she was smiling by the time he turned his back. Lucky for her, Harry didn't see this. He once again adopted a kind face and led Rick out of the kitchen.

"Draco Malfoy, I love you." Ginny said shaking her head and smiling as soon as Harry and Rick were out of earshot.

He merely put on his signature smirk and ran a hand through his perfectly platinum blond hair. "Everyone does."

Hermione entered the kitchen moments later and all smiles evaporated instantly. She looked as if someone had put flobberworms in her soup. Completely outraged.

"Where is Harry?" she said, her face stony.

Neither Draco nor Ginny hesitated before both pointing to the foyer.

"Thank you," she said shortly and quickly made a beeline towards Harry, her wand sending off red sparks in her right hand.

Ginny edged herself off her stool and moved as fast as she could to the doorway. She looked back over her shoulder.

"Aren't you coming to watch?" she asked, amused.

Draco smirked in response and dashed to peer around the corner as well.

A/N: So what do you think? Good? Yes? Kinda sorta? lol. Leave a review and let me know!