The next few days passed without much interest for Hermione. She had dinner with the Malfoys every night, and though she didn't find out anything useful to the order, she was learning lots about Malfoy's family and their history. On Tuesday evening she found out Draco could play piano, and Hermione was very happy with how much it embarrassed him, despite him being his most unpleasant since she'd arrived there.

She spent the day times exploring the house, realising just how huge it was with every new room she entered. Though she felt guilty for not seeing the House Elves yet, she found the Malfoys's library, which was so huge and interesting she spent most of Wednesday there.

But it was Wednesday evening that she found out the most productive news.

They were sat around the table as usual, enjoying a Meat and Pumpkin Pie, when Mrs. Malfoy gazed thoughtfully at Astoria's face.

"Astoria, darling, have you made plans for Friday evening? Only, we're having a little get together and I thought you might like to join us? Just five or six of our closest friends, mind, but it'd be the perfect opportunity for Draco to introduce you."

Hermione had made plans, she'd arranged to meet Kingsley and talk about her task. On the other hand, she hadn't discovered anything important yet, and this would surely involve some chat about the Death Eaters, assuming that's who she meant by 'close friends'.

"I'd be delighted." she told Narcissa.

Conversation went back to another topic after that, and Hermione noticed Draco was strangely quiet for the rest of the meal.

At the end of the meal, as usual, Draco stood and excused the two of them and they walked silently back through the house together.

When they reached the end of the corridor, however, instead of parting silently immediately, Draco turned to Hermione.

"Why are you coming on Friday?" he asked darkly.

Confused, Hermione replied, "It's a good opportunity to get information. Isn't that the whole point of me being here in the first place?"

Ignoring her rhetorical question, Draco continued, "You know who's coming, though?", looking paler as he spoke.

She shook her head slowly, frowning.

"Bellatrix Lestrange."

Hermione nodded calmly, though she felt like she'd just swallowed a Golden Snitch.

Draco stared at her in amazement.

The first time Hermione had been to Malfoy Manor, his aunt had tortured her in front of him. He'd seen and heard some horrible things because of Lord Voldemort, but somehow seeing his own family torture a symbol of the side he had just joined, hearing the screams of agony of his only hope to escape the lifestyle his parents had forced on him, it was the worst scene of his life.

"You're very brave." he stated.

She looked down to hide a flattered smile and said jokingly, "Gryffindor."

Draco smiled too.

He left abruptly, back to the safety and solitude of his bedroom.


The solitude was sweet while it lasted. Just after one am, Draco's fireplace lit up, successfully waking him before he could enjoy the sleep, and Kingsley's head appeared in the whir of green flames. They sank back to orange coals around him.

"Malfoy." he greeted, "Sorry to call so late. Could you get Hermione for me? As quickly as possible, please."

Draco scrambled out of bed and fumbled behind his curtains for the hook. He strode through the door as soon as it appeared. There was still a candle lit next to Hermione's bed, and from the glow he could see her normal bushy brown hair and olive complexion, a large book lay open by her side. One tanned, bare leg had escaped the covers, the colour of which complimented her well.

She woke with a start, sitting bolt upright and grabbing her wand. The covers fell to her waist with the movement and she hoisted them up a second too late. He had already seen.

She automatically pointed her wand at the intruder, not letting out the gasp of air she'd sucked in in surprise.

"Granger! Calm down, it's me! Shacklebolt's in my fire, if you'd like to not try and kill me, maybe you could go talk to him?"

She breathed out shakily and lowered her wand, keeping a firm grip on the covers.

Draco raised his eyebrows. "Any time's fine. He did seem to be in a bit of a hurry, but you just stay there." he said sarcastically.

She glared back at him, but wriggled around in an attempt to keep everything hidden. Eventually she managed to stand, the covers draped over her like seductive dress robes. He watched her walk awkwardly to his room, his uncontrollable eyes focused on her delicate back and the folds of material only just covering her behind.

While the present came flooding back, Draco subconsciously admitted something disgusting: Hermione Granger looked very attractive in just a bed sheet.

Hermione knelt by the fire, listening to the distorted face within the flames.

"Sorry, I only just received your owl, I was in the middle of something. I'm sure you understand how dangerous this Friday will be, and it is imperative you do not blow your cover. If you feel like you're getting into any trouble, excuse yourself immediately. I'll send more Polyjuice that day, just in case you want more time, but remember, you're main priority is to keep yourself safe. There's no point finding out about something if you can't get the message back." briefed Kingsley.

Hermione's shoulders slumped slightly under the weight of his words.

"I think she needs something more reliable," burst out Draco, who had so far been skulking `at the back of the room, "what if something bad happens? I don't think a bunch of death-eaters are going to stop torturing her because she says she needs a piss."

The two guests stared at him in astonishment.

"Well, it was very blunt of you Mr. Malfoy, but I suppose you do have a point. I'll set up another time-touch portkey for you, Hermione. I think that's everything. You know what to do if you need me. Good luck."

Hermione had to back away as the flames turned emerald again, ending the conversation and leaving the half naked young witch and wizard alone.

Hermione looked up uncomfortably, slowly getting up off her knees. She muttered a quick goodnight and brushed past him through the door back to her room, having to kick it closed behind her so as to keep hold of the ruffled fabric.

Draco stayed leaning against the wall, thinking about what he'd just seen. Three questions occurred to him: Why had he cared so much for the girl's safety? Why was Granger sleeping naked in his house? And why the hell did Granger suddenly look so damn good?


Well, there's chapter eight for you! I'm a bit worried about doing the more... raunchy stuff, I pretty much have no idea what i'm talking about, but i'm going to start trying to put some in later on. If you don't want any of that then maybe you should stop reading. Like, it won't be explicit, but you'll get the idea...

Anyway, hope you're enjoying the story, thanks so much for coming back! Please review!

Lots of love, Gee.