Hellloooooooooooo there!

Wellllllll - I'm finally somewhat established in my new Californian abode. Had to get everything set back up and they actually tried to tell me I had no internets - SAY WHAT? AW, HELL NO! Luckily, I finally figured it out and I'm able to stream my movies and write my fan fiction.

Earthlings shall live another day.

Without further ado…(You already know I don't own this, I hope.)

Chapter 7

"A young woman has young claws, well sharpened. If she has character, that is. And if she hasn't so much worse for you."

-Henri Matisse

Hermione didn't know whether to laugh or cry after two hours of their shopping excursion. Draco was all politeness, yet he refused to look her in the eyes. He had apologized profusely before they had floo'd over and now he was as skittish as a colt.

It was driving her absolutely crazy. He held open doors, carried her bags, reached for books that were on high shelves - all without once touching her. She was surprisingly unembarrassed and found herself being completely relaxed, it was an interesting twist. Deciding to give the poor man a break she willing walked into Quality Quidditch Supplies, ignoring the raised platinum blonde eyebrows behind her.

Perusing the goods, she pretended to know what she was looking at.

"See anything you like?" She jumped, Draco was so close behind her she could feel his warmth against her back. But she did not attempt to move away from him.

Looking up, the top of her head almost brushed against his jaw line. "Not particularly. You?"

"There's a few brooms, but I still think the latest model Harry and I have are better. I do need to get another broom care kit."

They walked together towards the aisle where the handle wax, trimming shears, and bindings were. While flying was not her favorite pastime, she was still fascinated by all the shapes, colors and sizes of accessories available. While looking at a particular binding that Ginny would love since it looked rather Griffindor-ish, a loud squeal made her jump.

"Oh my goodness! It's Draco Malfoy!"

Draco let out a sigh yet didn't attempt to acknowledge the speaker.

"Draco! Draco Malfoy, I'd know that platinum hair anywhere. It's been ages."

Hermione looked up at Draco and bit her lip to stifle a giggle. The look in his eyes was almost pleading that they ignore the female voice and exit the shop, or better yet - apparate.

Slim fingers tapped him on the shoulder and he finally, slowly, turned. Hermione's view was blocked by his broad shoulders.

"Astoria, pleasure as always." She was always impressed with how he was able to recall the bored and filthy rich drawl at will.

A high-pitched giggle made her roll her eyes. "I'm so glad you remember me. It's been a few years since Hogwarts hasn't it?"

"Yes, yes it has."

"Well I'll tell you how I've been since you haven't asked, Daphne has gone and gotten herself married last year."

"Did she now? That's good."

She heard Astoria let out a overly dignified sniff, "It's not good. It's dreadfully boring. I'm still single you know."

Draco's shoulders stiffened as he took a breath to prepare whatever subtle rebuff he could, Hermione decided to cut her mate a break. Drawing her hand along his shoulder blade she peeked around.

"Draco, darling, I'm exhausted. Are you ready to go?" She pretended not to notice the blonde that was now looking between the two of them to ascertain what their exact relationship was. She kept her hand on his chest and put her best innocent look.

Draco looked down at the woman in front of him, torn between enjoying her attentions and laughing outright at her behavior. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Astoria frowning in his direction.

Cupping Hermione's cheek he winked at her. "I'm all set, love."

Astoria cleared her throat and Hermione faked a little startle. "Oh! I didn't see you there. Hello Astoria! How's your family?" She gave her sweetest close-lipped smile, to prevent from exposing her new mouth accessories.

The witch, who was about two inches taller than Hermione, stared down at her. "Fine, thank you. Draco and I were just discussing how droll it can be when you are single."

She almost rolled her eyes at the significant twist of words, yet she kept her smile. "Really?" She turned to Draco, "Were you discussing Ron then? He's still single, perhaps we can invite you to lunch one day and you and he can chat?"

Draco had to swallow to keep the laugh down at Astoria's horror-struck expression.

"It was nice chatting with you Astoria, but Hermione and I need to head back home before it gets too late."

Hermione covered her mouth as she feigned yawning, "Yes, I'm exhausted and it's all your fault Draco."

He raised an eyebrow, "My fault? How is it my fault?"

She stepped away from him, giving him her sauciest smile. Which if observed closely enough, gave him a glimpse of fang as she tossed her curls over one shoulder. "You know exactly why it's your fault. Make your purchases and take me home." She waved at Astoria and spun on her heel, devilish hips swaying as she swept out of the aisle.

If Astoria wasn't witness to that little display, his jaw would have willingly hit the floor. As it was, he needed to exit the stage as quickly as possible.

He turned to the blushing blonde, "Excuse me Miss Greengrass, but my witch will not appreciate waiting for long. Have a good evening!"

Exiting the shop, he followed the amused cackles around the corner. "You proud of yourself?"

Hermione had her back against the wall, eyes alight with glee and unsuccessfully trying to control her snickers. Her cheeks had a becoming flush to them from her amusement.

He just leaned his shoulder against the brick, letting her get it all out. Finding something flutter in his chest as he watched her so free with her expressions.

Once she was calm, she patted her hair in place and wiped her eyes. "Well, that certainly made my day."

"I can see that."

"Oh hush, I had to do something, she was laying it on a little thick."

He rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment, "You know I had nothing to do with that."

She smiled at his unease. "I know, now that I've terrorized yet another female who is interested in you, I find myself famished."

Pushing off the wall, he held his elbow out to her. "Fancy a bite at the Three Broomsticks?"

When he thought she would just rest her palm in the crook of his arm, he was pleasantly surprised when she wrapped her arm through his, locking him to her.

"Lead the way."

As soon as they stepped through the front door, a loud red-headed voice boomed. "Oi! Hermione!"

Harry and Ron were sitting at their own table, readily making room for them as Ron went to the bar to get them drinks.

Harry watched Hermione with that careful, studious look he always had and seemed to see something he liked as his features eased.

"Well Hermione, you sure are looking better. How is everything?"

Hermione, who was in the process of removing her cloak, handed it to Draco and smiled in thanks as he hung it on the back of her chair.

"It's a work in progress, going better than expected."

He raised an eyebrow causing Hermione to blush. Sometimes it irked Draco as he watched Harry and Hermione have their silent conversations, but it appeared right about now he knew exactly what that eyebrow meant.

"Mind out of the gutter, Potter. She means that she is able to be around others with more ease. The others we are working on."

Hermione sighed. "Well, we've got a few more days until we have to meet with the Minister. I should be able to muster up enough to go through a debriefing."

Harry tensed and Draco raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Ron plonked down in his chair, sliding their drinks over a little too hard. Draco's lightening reflexes caught Hermione's before it would spill all over her robes. He was rather fond of that color on her.

Ron's gaze darted between the two of them then he turned to Harry. "Well did you tell them?"

He felt Hermione stiffen at his side, "Tell us what?"

Harry ran his hands through his hair, "I was getting to that before you came stomping over."

"Getting to what?" Hermione hissed, Draco placed his arm over the back of her chair, more than willing to let her interrogate them.

"Well, we met with the Minister yesterday. He had already spoken to Draco and Ron previously but he wanted to know the full extent of your….condition."

Ron nodded, "Yeah, he wanted to know exactly what the Healer said and what it what it meant for you mental, physical, and magical abilities."

Hermione paled and Draco put his palm on her back, rubbing softly in a silent show of support.

"Is my position on the Ravens in jeopardy?" He pulled her closer to him.

Harry violently shook his head. "No, the opposite in fact. He expressed serious interest in what you are capable of and he's hoping that once you are in full control of all of your," he waved his hands in the air, "abilities, he mentioned that he wanted to utilize your skills a lot more in the future."

Draco frowned. "What exactly does that mean."

Ron shrugged, "From what we can gather, he's going to want some sort of exhibition to see her maximum abilities and then my guess is our missions are going to get a lot more dangerous."

Hermione looked to the man that she considered her closest brother, "How does Ginny feel about all this, Harry?"

Harry looked at the scarred wooden table-top and slowly drew circles in it with his fingertips, "She's not happy about it, but she understood the nature of our positions when all this started. She did get a hell of a kick out of you being a Harpy, she wanted me to tell you too bad you are such rubbish on a broom or you could be their mascot."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Ha ha."

Draco's hand trailed down her back as he leaned forward on the table, his fingertips leaving a trail of sizzling heat that she just barely withheld a shiver.

"So what does this mean for Hermione? Do we know what sort of trails they are going to put her through?"

Ron took a drink before he spoke, "They are going to run her through the basic protocols of spell work and dueling, just to make sure her magic didn't take a hit. Then I imagine they are going to test her physical abilities since we've all witnessed her speed and….thoroughness. How they plan to do that though, we have no idea."

Draco turned to look at her, his silver eyes serious. He was asking her if she was ready for whatever they had planned for her. When she gave him what she hoped was her best smile, he nodded and looked back at the other two wizards.

"Tell us what else we've missed."

Both enthusiastically got back into the business of updating their missing duo, making up for lost time and to all outsiders looking as if nothing else had changed.

Two hours later, Hermione and Draco popped back into the study. Hermione slumped onto the couch while Draco placed their purchases on the desk.

Rubbing her face with her hand as she sighed, she turned to face the fireplace. Letting the myriad of oranges, reds, and yellows calm her chaotic mind. She would never admit it, but she was worried.

Two warm hands landed on her thighs and brown met grey. Draco was kneeling in front of her, studying her face carefully. "Why don't you tell me what you're fretting over?"

She opened her mouth to reply but he interrupted her, "And don't tell me it's nothing. Because it is the exact opposite." She snapped her mouth shut. Insufferable know-it-all of a man.

"Ok, I am worried."

He smiled, "Yes, we've established that. What about?"

"I worked so hard for so many years to keep myself under control. And now I have to figure out a balance between the two, just when I wrap my head around that - I'm soon going to be asked to unleash everything. I just-"

She shivered clasped her hands tightly as she looked down at her lap. Draco cupped her cheek, raising her head bringing her gaze to his. His thumb brushing her cheekbone.

"Just what, Hermione?"

She bit her lip, "What if…what if I unleash something, something so horrible that I cease to exist?"

Her voice trembled as she struggled to get out her real fear, "What if….I can't come back, I'll just be…..gone." A lone tear slid down her cheek.

Draco pulled her to him, wrapping his arms tightly around her as warm tears continued to slid down her cheeks. He kissed her forehead.

"Hermione Granger, you are one of the strongest witches on this planet. Certainly one of the smartest I have ever known, but if there's anything I know about you, it's this: you meet any challenge brought before you. Not just meet it, but exceed all expectations. Nothing and no one will ever stop you. Want to know how I know that?"

She nodded. "Because I know you. And you you know what else?"

"I know that no matter what shall happen, you have me."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and clung to him, Draco just held his Harpy witch until long after the fire had reduced to cold ashes.

Phew. A little fluff, a little laughs, and a little bit of plot furthering. Not as long as I usually have them but I'm back 'at work' which means I have to get up at 6am in order to be on correct East Coast Time….ugh.

I appreciate everyone's patience and as it happens - I'm going to beg for a bit more. As if it wasn't enough to pack up my entire life and move thousands of miles away from my family just as my husband returns...

I got another surprise:

I, AshesNFeathers, am going to be a MOM!…..WHOA. I never thought I'd see that in black and white. Had to read it three times after I typed it.

So you're gonna have an already slightly insane female trying to muddle her way through California and getting her home just how she likes it with a twist of added crazy trying to make space in her mind to write and write well. (Thank you, breeding hormones.)

Super mucho gracias for reading. I am ever so fond of each and every one of you.

Have a great week my dears!

~Ash