Later that evening, Hermione found herself sitting across a somber looking Headmaster, waiting for him to say something. They had currently been sitting there for five minutes and Hermione was growing antsy.
"Sir?" She finally asked
Dumbledore sighed, "Alright Ms. Granger" he stated as he tried to word this conversation carefully, he didn't want to upset her if he was wrong.
"I would like to know if Lucius Malfoy slept in the commons last night. He did not leave the grounds and I want to be sure that… noting out of sorts happened."
Hermione blushed slightly, telling him his suspicions were correct.
"He did, sir." She answered, not willing to give him anymore information then needed.
Dumbledore let out a sigh, "Ms. Granger. I hate to ask this but as the Head Master and considering the circumstances, it is my duty to do so. Are you personally involved with Mr. Malfoy?"
She wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole. Never in her life did she think she would be sitting in front of Albus Dumbledore, being asked if she was shagging another students father.
"Yes sir" She finally answered in a whisper.
He stood from his desk and paced for a minute while he processed the situation. He felt very uncomfortable discussing this with a female student but Lucius Malfoy was not a man with a stellar reputation in loving people of her bloodline. It was for her safety that he had to have this conversation with her.
"Again, Ms. Granger, I must ask a question that I would rather not have to."
Hermione nodded in understanding.
"Is this a … consensual relationship? One that you are completely, willingly involved in?"
"Yes sir"
"Do you mind if I do a quick check for any potions, spell or curses?"
Hermione wanted to smirk, "It's fine sir, check away."
Dumbledore did a series of quick spells on her and when she came back clean, he knew there was nothing he could do.
"Alright, Ms. Granger, I will not pretend that I am happy about this but there is nothing I can do to stop you from seeing him. Had you been underage I would have had to tell your parents but as it stands, you are of legal age to court whomever you want to. Lucius is not a Professor, so there is nothing there I can do there either."
Dumbledore paused again and looked into her eyes, "I want you to be careful Ms. Granger. I would normally forbid Lucius from coming here, but considering his son is in attendence I cannot do so, but Please Ms. Granger, take extreme care when dealing with this man .. I would hate to see anything happen to you."
The honest truth was he could ban Lucius from coming near Hermione but he was wise in knowing that where there was a will, there's a way and he would rather know what was going on instead of her sneaking out to see him and putting herself in further danger.
"I appreciate your concern sir, but I can assure you that I will come straight to you should anything happen and I will be careful."
"I will expect your grades to remain at quality. You are far to bright of a witch to let your years of hard work go down the drain."
"I understand, sir."
"Very well Ms. Granger, I trust your opinion and your instinct. You may return to your rooms."
Hermione thanked Professor Dumbledore and fled from the room. The less time she was actually having this conversation, the better. She had made it about half way there when she was suddenly cornered by Pansy.
"How did you do it Mudblood?" She sneered, "I've been trying to catch his eye by dating Draco for almost two years now."
Hermione frowned, "You are using Draco to get closer to Lucius?"
"I know what I want Mudblood and I will do what is necessary in order to achieve it… give up Lucius or I will find a way to break you two apart."
"You Pansy, are a complete bitch. How could you use Draco to get to his father? I don't much like Draco but what you are doing is low … beyond low."
Pansy just sneered, "It's my business Muddy, not yours. Just remember your place."
Oooooooo
Draco had been walking to find Pansy when he heard her using her 'I get what I want voice to someone'. He paused around the corner to listen before making himself known. He heard what Pansy said about him and how she was using him. Despite his arrogant appearance, he was slightly hurt that his girl of two years was using him and very surprised that the girl he had verbally abused was now standing up for him.
"Your nothing but trash Parkinson." Hermione hissed, "and I plan to let Draco know what you are made of."
Pansy laughed, "Like he would actually believe you."
"Nobody deserves to be used Pansy, not even him. I will tell him what I know but it will be his decision on whether he believes me or not."
"Oh, I think I have heard enough to believe you." Draco stated as he stepped from around the corner. He made his way to Hermione's side.
He then glared at Pansy, " I happen to agree with Granger on this, you are a bitch and I intend on letting father know what you are after."
"Draco baby, I didn't really mean it" she cooed, trying to keep her position as his girl. If she couldn't have Lucius, she would settle for second best.
"I think you meant every word of it Pansy." Draco sneered, "And as far as we are concerned, I don't want you coming near me."
"But Draco I –"
Draco raising his hand in a shut up motion cut off pansy in mid sentence, "Save your breath Parkinson."
He then turned to Hermione, picked up her hand and tucked it in the crook of his arm. He started to walk away with a stunned Hermione attached to him the turned to Pansy once again, "Stay away from Hermione… you have been warned." And with that he walked away with a very confused Hermione on his arm.
They made it back to the common room, ignoring the stares they were receiving from the other students. Once they were inside, Draco released her hand and turned towards her.
"I know we got off to a rough start, but I appreciate you sticking up for me even though I've been an ass."
Hermione just nodded, "You don't deserved to be used… no one does."
He shook his head, never in his life did he think he would understand where his father was coming from when it came to her but now he did.
"I cant believe I am saying this, but I think you would be good for my father."
She smiled back at him, "He will find someone else eventually but I can assure you that your father is not serious about me."
Draco decided to keep his mouth shut, he knew his father was smitten with the witch, whether he would admit it or not.
A/N: Just to let you know… I did not plan on making this story anything more then a two shot. I am winging this one and Free, going where my mind takes me chapter by chapter. If you happen to notice any inconsistency, let me know so I can fix it.
