A/N: Sorry for no Sunday update... Apparently I am a working woman now and fell asleep at 8pm. On a better note I present chapter 8. I'm a little unsure about the continuity of this chapter so please let me know your thoughts.

Disclaimer: DAS not JKR


The next morning Hermione made Rachel a full breakfast, pancakes with syrup, eggs, bacon, fresh fruit and coffee. Hermione's heart ached for her dear friend. Rachel's face was red and puffy from crying most of the night. Hermione felt a pang of guilt for her happiness she still held from her date with Draco.

"'Mi, do you think we can go to my apartment and grab a few things. I think I'll stay at the loft... if that is ok?" Rachel said her voice soft and shaky.

"Are you sure you want to be alone? You can stay here for as long as you want." Hermione said trying to reassure her friend.

"I know but you finally have a man in your life and I'd be in the way." Rachel said.

"You are not 'in the way', you could never be. You are my dear friend, you have been there for me since I arrived in New York. The least I can do is be there for you." Hermione said reaching for Rachel's hand and giving it a squeeze. "Worst case scenario I spend more time at Draco's apartment." She giggled at the thought.

"Where does he live anyway?" Rachel asked.

"You know the new high-rise they built a few blocks from here? There, in the penthouse suite, of course." Hermione rolled her eyes thinking of the luxurious lifestyle the Malfoy's have always enjoyed. "His whole west wall is nothing but floor to ceiling windows. I can see my apartment from there." She said with a laugh.

Rachel let out a low whistle, "That must have cost a pretty penny." She said.

"I'm sure, but I've known him for quite some time that I forget about his 'net worth', I just see my friend... boyfriend... man person..." Hermione stammered at the end trying to figure out a title for Draco. She looked into Rachel's quizzical eyes, they both laughed at Hermione's awkwardness.

"Let's just see what develops before we label it." Hermione resigned.

After breakfast Hermione helped Rachel pack up most of her things from the apartment she had shared with her now ex-boyfriend Michael. Thankfully he was not home so the two women made quick work of gathering as many things as they could. Rachel left a note that she would be back later in the week to collect some non essential items still left. Rachel and Hermione headed to the loft above the bookstore. Hermione still insisted that Rachel stay with her but Rachel said it was better for her to be at the loft and that working would help her get through her heartache.

Once Rachel was settled in at the loft, Hermione headed to Draco's apartment for a surprise visit. It was well after two in the afternoon which meant she missed 'story time' with his Goddaughter. Hermione entered the lavish building while being greeted by the same cheeky doorman who once again watched her backside as she walked to the elevator.

Draco was having an online chat with his Mother catching her up on his date with Hermione. She had a most pleased expression as Draco was about to continue to relay the events of the night before there was a knock on the door.

"Excuse me Mother, someone is at my door." Draco said jogging across the distance from the dining table to the front door. Opening it, his eyes widened and a broad smile appeared on his face as he saw the woman he loved standing before him.

"Hi, sorry didn't call I wanted to surprise you. Did I catch you at a bad time?" She asked a slight blush across her cheeks.

Draco leaned over to give her lips a quick peck. "Not at all I'm talking to my Mother." He replied reaching for her hand.

"Oh, I could come back." She hesitated.

"Nonsense, besides I'm catching her up on our date so you can give her your version of events.. you know make me look good." He said giving her a wink and that damned gorgeous smirk. He pulled her along to the dining area as he took the seat in front of his laptop again he pulled Hermione on to his lap.

"Look who popped over." Draco addressed his Mother.

"Well Hermione darling, it is a pleasure to see you again." Narcissa said with a warm smile.

"It's lovely to see you as well Narcissa, it's been a long time." Hermione replied with a smile of her own.

"I love your hair, Draco didn't mention that you cut it. It gives you a sophisticated look, very becoming." Narcissa complimented her.

"Thank you so much, you are looking very well too. I love your new look, Muggle clothes suit you." Hermione repaid her compliment.

"Yes, well after years of being poked and cinched in that old Victorian garb, I felt a fresh look was in order." Narcissa said. As she spoke she noticed a twinkling coming from Hermione's wrist which was casually draped around Draco's neck.

"I see you are still wearing the bracelet I helped to choose-" She started as Draco cut her off.

"Bloody hell, Mother do you have to give away secrets?" Draco exclaimed.

"Draco, language!" Narcissa scolded her son.

With an annoyed huff Draco replied. "Sorry Mother."

Hermione just giggled at the exchange and placed a chaste kiss on Draco's temple. His cheeks turned pink at the gesture as Narcissa gave them a knowing smile.

"So my dear, I have heard Draco's account of last night I'd like to hear yours. Was my son a gentleman?" Narcissa questioned.

Hermione chuckled, flashing Narcissa a brilliant smile as she recalled last evenings events. "Narcissa, he was a perfect gentleman. Our date was an event I will always remember." Hermione beamed. "He planned a most amazing dinner, one of which was an experience unto itself. We shared a phenomenal dessert at the end and danced till wee hours."

"And as for date number two?" Narcissa asked winking at the both of them.

"Mother, I have not asked Hermione for a second date as of yet." Draco said exasperated. Hermione could only chuckle at his discomfort his Mother was causing.

"Well you'd better get on with that then before some other eligible bachelor sweeps her off her feet. Hermione dear, I'm sure there is a line of suitors after you, yes." Narcissa said knowing full well her teasing was getting to Draco.

"To tell you the truth Narcissa there are-" Hermione started.

"Wait...What?" Draco said in shock.

"Let her finish dear." Narcissa coaxed.

Hermione could only laugh at the expression on his face. Eyeing between the two witches Draco gives Hermione a playful poke in her sides. She squirmed laughing louder, as she wrapped her other arm around his neck planting a kiss on his cheeks. Draco grinned like a fool at his Mother, only to be met with an amused look of her own.

"Well children I'm off. Lady Greengrass is meeting me for a late dinner." Narcissa said.

"Good bye Mother I'll talk to you in the week." Draco replied.

"Good bye Narcissa, it was so great to talk to you." Hermione chimed in.

Draco closed the lap top and motioned for Hermione to stand. Walking her over to the grand windows next to the table he pulled her into a tight hug, his arms over her upper body as she held on to his waist.

"I'm so glad you came over." He said kissing the top of her head.

"Me too, I had such a wonderful time last night." Hermione replied moving to look up at him. Their eyes meet before Draco leaned down to kiss Hermione's lips. But before their kiss intensified Draco's cell rang. He growled low in his throat causing Hermione to break the kiss while she giggled at him. Draco reached for the phone.

"Draco here." He stated annoyed at the disturbance. "You're shitting me." He said letting go of Hermione to walk closer to the table. Hermione stepped back just eyeing Draco, his body was tense now. He let out a frustrated huff, then said. "You told me you had this under control and the deal would be buttoned up by Monday morning McMillan." Draco turned to Hermione and mouthed the words 'it's work' to her. She nodded and made her way to the sofa, picking up a magazine off the coffee table.

"What are you telling me exactly." Draco said now pinching his nose bridge with his eyes closed. "They want to meet when? In twenty minutes? On a Sunday? Or they'll what?" His voice starting to elevate. "McMillan, I'll be there in ten minutes, get Nott on the phone and you better pray we seal this deal or you're fired for this, am I clear." Draco spoke sternly his eye darkened with anger. Walking to his room, he reemerged with a crisp white shirt and perfectly pressed pants on a hanger, hooking them on to one of the bar stools by the kitchen.

"I'll be there in ten." He confirmed as he hung up the phone making his way to Hermione who was sitting reading an article.

He sat next to her then slowly leaned to the side, his head landing in her lap. "I just want to stay home and bake cookies with you." He said with a groan. His previous annoyances pushed aside as he wrapped his arms around her waist trying to hide his face.

"You are such a Mama's boy." Hermione chuckled. Tossing aside the magazine and running her fingers through his hair.

Draco cocked an eye brow at her and said playfully. "Am not!"

"Right and I hate books." She said dryly at his school boy act.

"Touché." He replied. "I'm sorry I have to cut our time short." He continued as he kissed her abdomen.

"It's fine, you go, save the day, then meet me at mine for a steak dinner and that shot of Fire whiskey." She said with a smile.

With that Draco sat up to face her. "Merlin woman, you are too good to me." Getting up to stand and bringing Hermione to her feet. In one quick move he scooped her in his arms and planted a very passionate, promising kiss. As he let her go she said. "I should offer steaks for dinner more often."

They walked down to the lobby together, Draco gave Hermione a quick kiss before she walked out the door. He noticed the doorman checking out his girl and gave him a pointed look. The doorman quickly corrected himself and tipped his hat to Draco.


The next day on her way to work Hermione received a text from Draco.

"Sorry again for missing dinner. I'll make it up to you, promise."

Hermione responded to the text stating, 'no worries'. He called previously letting her know that he wasn't going to make it but he still felt badly for not being able to spend the time with her. On a whim Hermione figured that she would pop over to his office to bring him lunch. Later that day she walked in to Malfoy Enterprises with a fully loaded hot pastrami sandwich and two pickles, plus a little something for Draco's secretary.

As Hermione exited the elevator she was greeting by an older woman with a light Scottish accent. Hermione approached the woman's desk with a small white paper bag. Clearing her throat to speak the older woman looked up from her work to greet Hermione warmly.

"Oh, Miss Granger my dear, good to see you." She said.

"Hi Ruby, I brought you a little something to go with your afternoon tea." Hermione said as she handed Ruby the bag.

"Thank you love, our Mr. Malfoy just got off the phone. Oh, he is in a right state over this deal. It could mean thousands of people in 4 countries could lose their jobs if it falls through. Just when he has a solution to one problem another arises. He's been here since yesterday you know." Ruby said with worry in her voice.

"Yes, I know, we were to have dinner together but it was cancelled." Hermione said sadly. "Can I go in?" She continued, nodding her head towards the door.

"Just be careful my dear... I'm not sure what mood you'll catch him in." Ruby warned.

Giving Ruby an appreciative nod and wink, Hermione proceeded to walk through Draco's office door. As she closed the door behind her, Draco was deep in concentration his head in his hands he let out a frustrated growl and flung the entire contents on top of his desk off to one side. Startled by the aggressive display Hermione let out a gasp which cause Draco to notice her appearance. He stood up from his desk taking long strides to close the distance between them. Hermione walked further into the office setting their lunch on the coffee table to the right of her. As she turned her head Draco was already in front of her. Forcefully he pulled her close to him planting a searing kiss on her lips. All Hermione could do was let out a little moan.

Draco broke their kiss resting his forehead against hers, he said. "I'm sorry for missing dinner, I would have been bad company anyway."

Hermione responded breathless from their kiss. "I understand, is there anything I can do to help?"

Draco looked over at the coffee table and noticed the bag on top. "What's in the bag?" He said with a nod in its direction.

"A hot pastrami sandwich with stone ground mustard." She said with a satisfied smile.

Draco looked back at Hermione and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. Turning back to look at the mess at the side of his desk he moved to walk towards it. "Let me grab my wand and clear this up." He said exasperated.

"No!" Hermione blurted out excitedly causing Draco to stop dead in his tracks and cock an eyebrow at her.

Nervously, she giggled walking to him as she grabbed his arm to lead him back to the sofa. "I mean no, let's eat before it gets cold. The papers can wait. I'm sure you are famished and lived off of stale coffee since yesterday." She smiled sweetly hopefully covering up her spastic reaction.

Draco obediently followed her to the sofa. "You're right I am starved." Giving her a wink. 'In more ways than one.' He thought.

While eating Hermione dared to ask what had gotten Draco so upset. "It's a number of things with this deal really, I should have handled it myself. McMillan's selling point to George Angelopoulos, fourth generation patriarch and CEO of Angelopoulos Industries, was Malfoy Enterprises is a 'family' company." He said the word with distain. "Granger you know my family's history... how in the hell can I spin that in my favor and save the jobs of the people involved. The Greeks are big on family, my Mother is not involved with my business. Father's been out of the picture for the longest. Theo and Blaise are like brothers but Theo is running the London office and Blaise is not a part of the company. I don't have a wife. ('yet' he thought) Angelopoulos wants to have a sit down dinner tonight with 'the family' and there is none to be had. He won't sign the contract unless I convince him that he can trust me and my company as 'one of the family', his signature will solidify this project." He finished exasperated.

Hermione paused for a moment taking in all the details. True there was no real related family other than his Mother to speak of but there had to be a way. Taking a bite of her sandwich she mulled over and over until she had an idea. "I've got it! Let Mr. Angelopoulos know that diner will be an intimate affair with just he and his wife, your 'brother' Theo and his wife, and you with your 'fiancé'." She said with confidence.

"Fiancé?" Draco questioned.

"Yes, he doesn't need to know the details per say, I will pose as your doting wife to be, we'll have an authentic Greek dinner. You will turn on that Malfoy charm and seal the deal. Win-win!" She smiled brightly at her plan.

"Okay Ms. Win-win, how am I supposed to pull off an authentic Greek dinner by 6pm. I still have a million and one things to finish up here. Not to mention keep the three other partnerships from falling apart before then." Draco let out a deep sigh.

Hermione reached for his knee and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Tell everyone to meet at yours for 6:30. I will take care of the rest... well Timothy and I will." She said reaffirming.

"Who the bloody hell is Timothy." Draco snarled letting his jealousy show.

"Seriously, the door man to your building. You think I'd let him ogle my ass whenever I walk by and not know his name." Hermione gave him a smirk. All Draco could do was shake his head and smile in amusement at her.


At half past six the guests started to arrive as Draco was there to receive them. Theodor Nott and his wife Daphne Nott nee Greengrass arrive by international portkey. The Angelopoulos' were staying in the city and arrived by limo. Hermione was getting ready/ 'hiding out till after the energy shifts cause by magic passed', in Draco's spare room. She was wearing a figure flattering yet modest blue dress with gold accessories. Hermione proceeded to walk into the living room just as Draco was answering the door for the Angelopoulos'. Hermione made pleasant conversation with the Nott's as Draco and the Angelopoulos' joined them in their exchange.

"Mr. and Mrs. Angelopoulos, may I present to you my fiancé Hermione Granger. Theodor Nott, whom, Mr. Angelopoulos you have met before and his wife Daphne." Draco said in his most pleasant tone.

"Please call me George and my wife Pamela." The older man said in a warm tone. The couples shook hands and exchanged salutations as George made his was closer to Hermione. Looking her over he said to her. "This face can launch a thousand ships, yes, just like your Mother." Cupping her cheek in a Fatherly way.

"Hermione is not a customary name." Pamela chimed in.

"My Mother had an affinity for Greek Mythology, it was either Hermione or Antigone... I think she chose well." Hermione said sweetly.


Hermione was the perfect hostess, offering drinks and appetizers, adding the finishing touches to dinner, engaging in conversations. She casually lead everyone to the table in front of the immaculate city view. Being sure that Draco was at the head of one side of the table with Mr. Angelopoulos at the other end, she to his right, Theo to his left. Smiling as everyone settled in to their seats she cleared her throat to gain their attention.

All eyes were on her as she spoke. "Draco, darling I hope you do not mind if I toast our guests before dinner?" She dimpled at him reaching for his arm as she spoke.

"By all means." He replied with a smile.

She spoke in perfect Greek the following toast. "Thank you for joining Draco and I for dinner. There are those that are fortunate to have a strong family bond, to be a part of and bear witness to the passing of generations. Then there are those that are brought together not by blood but by spirit. Their relationships are forged by the vibrations of the universe, whether it be circumstance or that they are soul mates. These are both bonds that tie us to another person or persons that create a family. In other words your vibe picks your tribe. Draco is fortunate to have both blood family and spiritual family. The care and concern are the same no matter the relation. ( in English) And so let us raise a glass to family in all its forms."

"To family." The table said in chorus.

Draco looked at Hermione with such admiration he leaned over to peck her on the cheek, as he did so, he whispered "I didn't know you can speak Greek."

Reaching for her glass again to take a sip she held it close to her lips and whispered back." I don't." Taking a sip meeting Draco's astonished gaze.

"Hermione..." Mr. Angelopoulos started "Your Greek is very good. How often do you get the chance to speak it."

Hermione flashed a brilliant smile and said "Only when occasion arises."

Draco and Theo shot one another a look. After dinner, once the Angelopoulos' had left, Daphne and Hermione conversed in the kitchen, while the 'boys' indulged in a celebratory toast, did Theo mention that Hermione would have made a bloody good Slytherin. "I can't believe she doesn't speak a lick of Greek and pulled off that speech. Angelopoulos was blown away." Theo said.

"He was blown away, I was convinced she'd been speaking Greek for years. She fooled everyone, and she made it easy for him to sign the deal." Draco beamed with pride over his lioness' cunning.

"Fiancé?" Theo questioned.

Draco chuckled. "Her idea, but truth mate, in a heartbeat."

"She acted like a right pureblood wife." Said Theo his voice laced with admiration.

"Scary how she just slipped right into that roll." Draco said.

"Narcissa would be proud." Theo replied.

"Narcissa would be proud." Draco confirmed.


Shortly after the Nott's left, once Hermione continently reemerged from the spare room after the magical energy shifts, the couple sat on the couch by the fire. Sipping on tumblers of Fire whiskey, Draco was playing with the ring on Hermione's left finger.

"What is the story on this bauble?" Draco asked.

She blushed at the thought of it. "Truth it is my engagement ring from Ron, it matched my dress."

"Never would have thought the Weasel had taste" Draco said amused.

"Ginny picked it out." Hermione confessed

"Figures." Draco snorted. "Still it's nice."

"It is, not quite my style thought, but at the time it was fine." She said still playing lazily with Draco's fingers.

"Mi, I can't thank you enough for all that you did tonight. You have no idea how many people will benefit from this deal. You truly are a hero. Thank you for saving me." Draco's tone was laced with pure adoration for Hermione.

She quirked her head at him, as he had never used her nickname before. She smiled brightly at Draco and said. "Just returning the favor."


The room to the head's dorm was dark and quite. The only sounds were the occasional rustling of the trees and gentle snoring of the occupants. Draco was fast asleep on the settee in the common room. Suddenly, there was a bone chilling scream coming from Hermione's room. Draco flew to the door not even considering if it was warded or not. As his hand reached for the knob another blood curdling scream came from behind the door. He flinched at the sound, in a second he composed himself turned the knob and went into her room. The door flew open and Hermione shot up out of the bed. Shaking rigorously, her body covered in cold sweat, she stumbled out of the bed. Draco ran over to catch her as she fell into his strong arms.

"It's ok, it was just a dream." He said his voice hoarse from sleep.

Hermione was breathing heavily as he guided her to the sofa in the common room. Sitting them down together he held her as she gripped him for dear life. Her breathing slowed, she hiccupped in a small sob. Taking a deep breath she quietly said. "It's not just a dream."

Draco's sleep fuzzy mind could not put two and two together at that moment. Hermione let out another deep breath as she loosened her grip on his arms. "I was back at the Manor, Bellatrix was there." Was all she said.

His sleepy eyes widened at the revelation. The memories flooded back to that day. He tried to do all he could even though it was not enough. He watched Hermione being tortured by his Aunt, she cut the disgusting slur into her arm. He cowered, he did nothing, he couldn't do anything. Now she'd have to suffer nightmares and flash backs because he could not take a stand.

"I'm sorry Hermione, I'm so sorry." He repeated over and over. "I'm sorry." Holding her tighter the tears pricked his eyes.

Hermione looked up at Draco. She saw his eyes glassy in the moonlight. Here sat Draco Malfoy, insufferable prat, the pure blood Slytherin Prince that tormented her and her friends for years, sitting on the couch, comforting her after a nightmare with tears of empathy in his eyes. She looped her arm around his neck, he adjusted her so she was sitting on his lap as they tightly embrace each other. After a few moments he spoke."Is this your first nightmare? I've never heard you scream before."

"No, not the first, I've lost count. I forgot to put the silencing charm around my room." She said weakly.

"Merlin, Hermione I'm so sorry... I come to you ... you never told me... I never heard you before." He tried to gather his thoughts. He came to her because he could not sleep. His demons were quite around her. But there she was, with monsters of her own haunting her and she'd never let him know. She never said anything, never turned him away.

His breath was shaky under her, she heard him sniffle. "You're so much stronger than I will ever be." His voice cracked.

She held him tighter, tears of her own. "You had a mad man in your home and in your head yet you survived. You did all you could to survive and protect your family. For once, it's not a competition to see who is best. We survived a war. We will have scars for the rest of our lives. We are equally strong by facing each new day to try to make it better than the one before. I never told you because you have nightmares of your own, you don't need mine to compound them." She said.

"You truly are brilliant." He said with a sad chuckle. "What can I do to help you with your nightmares?" he asked.

"Just hold me. I need to feel someone next to me that is real." Her voice soft.

"It's the least I can do." He replied.

The next morning Neville woke up to find Draco and Hermione asleep on the couch, fully clothed with their arms around each other. 'Never in a million years did I ever think I would see this, sad part is, no one would ever believe me.' Neville thought.


A/n: It was a bit of a long chapter but hopefully you all enjoyed it. Couple things to note. Last chapter Draco quoted 'She walks in Beauty' by Lord Byron. In this Chapter George Angelopoulos is referring to Helen of Troy when speaking of Hermione's mother, stating that she very beautiful. Last note, Thank you, thank you to those who read, favorite, follow and review!