Disclaimer: I own nothing. You know the deal. I'm going to stop writing these. No one else usually does…

AN: I'm sorry this story took a hundred years to update! What happened? Life happened! What else is there to say? Can a girl ever get a day off? NO!? Okay… Yes, I know! This chapter took forevarrrrr please, please forgive me. I honestly could have written so much more for this chapter but I really, really wanted to update for you guys and I've been working on this chapter for far too long. It's been a few months so it was time to update. I apologize for the wait but I hope this was enough to hold you over.

One thing about this chapter I will say is I don't know how long Auror training really is or much that has to do with it all but this is an AU story so I just went with whatever :0)

Teacher's Pet
Chapter Nine

Hermione closed the door to her chambers and slid down, grabbing her knees and tilted her head back against the mahogany. She let out a tumultuous breath. Her heart hadn't ceased its racing and her toes still tingled from fresh thoughts of what transpired in Draco's living room only moments ago. She was still having trouble piecing together how everything ended up the way it had and backtracked in her mind to the moment she saw Draco on the Hogwarts Express to every other time she'd encountered him then after. Was this his plan all along? No, that had to be rubbish. She was just being paranoid again. It seemed possible that perhaps it all just unfolded naturally.

Grizelle trotted out from the bedroom with a little, chirpy yawn and came to greet her mistress. The smoky-grey kitty rubbed her head against Hermione's thigh as a thick purr emanated from her throat. Hermione fluffed up the fur on the patch between her pointy ears and gave a great sigh, letting the contentment the feline brought wash over her. "Oh, Grizzy, what in Godric's name have I let happen?" she whispered but the kitty gave no sound, just peered up comfortingly with striking jasper orbs. Just then, there was a pecking and flapping sound at the large window. Hermione stood and opened the glass, letting in the compact Northern Pygmy-Owl she knew to be Harry's newest postal pal. She was a small, tawny-brown creature, with fine white speckles on her rounded head and white spots on her back. She had a long tail but short wings and big, cartoon-cute yellow eyes.

"Hello there, Cricket," she greeted, patting her affectionately. "What have you got for me?" The owl gave a high-pitched, proud 'hoo' and lifted her little leg up to show off two rolled up letters attached above her claws. Hermione untied the scrolls and went to fetch some owl treats she kept for such occasion. She gave Cricket a decent pile of the food, which she gladly accepted and began unrolling the parchments. Grizelle scrutinized the intruding animal, eyeing her with a wary countenance. The first letter Hermione opened was from Harry.

'Mione,

Happy belated birthday! You should be getting a package from Gin and I any day now. I'm terribly sorry we haven't written you sooner. There's just been a lot going on. I've been continuing my studies (finally almost finished!) and I leave in a few days for six weeks of intensive training before I can officially be called an Auror. You'd think they'd let me skip it all and dive head first considering what I've accomplished, but I try not to let my ego get the better of me. After all, there's plenty I needed improving on and still much to learn. I know you're sitting there reading this, laughing at and scolding me for my arrogance but you know deep down I am humble. Ginny and I are very happy together, but despite how much we love the Weasley's we've been talking about moving into our own dwelling. You're well aware that the Burrow isn't known for its peace and quiet and it's rare that we get alone time, which is much needed. Anyway, how is the professor life working out? I bet its going smoothly and I hope your students have been giving you the respect you deserve, because if they're not you tell them Harry Potter is on his way. I am a bit worried about you, after Ron came home from work in a gloomy mood the day before the school term began. He was going barmy, lamenting about seeing you with Malfoy in Diagon Alley, and that Malfoy is the new Potions Master? I couldn't believe my ears, actually. I've never laughed so hard.

Did you really not know he was going to be there? I bet that was shocking, I couldn't imagine suddenly confronting him. Ron also said you two seemed chummy, which doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Don't tell me you two get on good with each other now, although, I suspect you'd have to since you're both staff members. To me, it's just bizarre to hear, you know? I'm not angry, just puzzled and concerned. Fill me in on everything as soon as you can because I leave on Friday and I'm not sure if I'll be able to receive any posts.

Love you,
Harry

Oh, Gods. She hadn't even given any thought to what Ron might have said to them after he'd spotted her and Draco shopping together. Apparently, he had been very upset, but she couldn't blame him. Hermione quickly unrolled the next parchment.

Dear 'Mione,

Galloping Godric, I miss you so much! Has it really only been less than a month? It felt like an eternity. I wanted to write you much sooner, love but I thought that maybe you'd need a bit of time to settle in and adjust. How are the students? Do any of the little twerps need to be reprimanded? You let me know.

You absolutely have to come visit us for the Winter Holiday! I'll be mad if you don't. Can we just go forward in time? This next month and a half is going to be dreadful while Harry is away for his Auror training. Mother has been prepping me for the 'wife-life', if you can call it that. Shoving advice down my throat and forcing me to learn how to cook and clean. You know those things have never been my forte, but I'm learning. It would be nice to get a little gig to pass the time, perhaps at a small shop somewhere. I was thinking about applying for the clerk's position at the Quality Quidditch Supplies store in Diagon Alley.

Speaking of the Alley, Ron (who I will tell you more about later) was acting mental about seeing you there with Malfoy and that he's the new Head of Slytherin. What in the blazes is that about? I don't even remember him being that great of a student, but I guess I just wasn't paying attention to him, not after those first few years of his bullying. Is he being nice to you? I just can't imagine the ex-death eater git being friendly or professional whatsoever. I'll fly down there on my broom and beat the Slytherin out of him if he lays one slimy finger on you. You give the go ahead and I'll be there quicker than you can say 'Hogwarts'. I'm ordering you to give me all the details, immediately. I'll be bored out of my wits anticipating your response. I love you!

Ginny

P.S. Happy belated birthday! I hope you enjoy the gifts we are sending. In case you're wondering, Crookshanks is doing splendidly. I can't thank you enough for letting him stay with me at the Burrow. He'll keep me company while Harry is training. Also, Ron briefly mentioned you had a kitty with you. Did you get a new one? I can't wait to meet it!

Hermione couldn't stop smiling at how both of her closest friends were being very patient and understanding with what they'd heard. Harry and Ginny knew that there are always two sides to every story. Her fiery friend's noble threats really made her laugh! She knew she could count on Ginny to cheer her up. Hearing all about how her best friend's lives were going made her elated and she couldn't wait to write them back. Unfortunately, she really didn't have the time at the moment. She had to get ready to go to the Alley with Draco. Another thought crossed her mind: What if Ron saw them together again? That could not be good. She inwardly groaned at this as she went to get cleaned up and dressed.

This day, she decided on wearing simple black cigarette ankle pants, and a very soft oversized, light violet jumper. She tied crisp white tennis shoes with ankle socks on her feet and then donned her simple black cloak. Finally, she left her hair in its long braid, giving it a quick 'taming charm' to soften it up. When she was all freshened up, Hermione bid farewell to Cricket, promising she'd send a Hogwarts owl with her own letters later that evening.

"Would you like to come with me Grizzy?" The smoky kitty looked curious and interested. Hermione wasn't sure if Grizelle could actually read minds but she scooped her up in her arms anyway, grabbing her larger bag just in case she needed to put Grizzy in there, and headed out the door.

She went to the stairs to find Malfoy waiting there at the bottom landing. He was sporting his own black cloak, dark grey slacks and also wore a pale blue, thermal-henley. His aqua-flecked stone eyes shone with appreciation and he smiled playfully at her as she approached. That look he was giving her made the insides of her belly flip upside down, fluttering with a horde of wild butterflies. Hermione wondered if he was feeling the same and if he always felt that way, like she did.

"Ready to go?" he asked her, holding out his hand.

"Uh, yes but shouldn't we go ask Headmistress McGonagall first?" she hesitated.

"Already taken care of," Draco said. "I just got down here from her office when you showed up."

Hermione smirked. "Excellent," she held her kitty under one arm and took his offered hand. "Let's go be mildly entertained, then."

With a pop they arrived right outside of the Magical Menagerie and went inside. The lot was immediately spotted by the old, wiry shop keeper from before. The man's eyes zeroed in on the familiar smoky grey kitty and Grizzy gave a cheerful meow of acknowledgment to him, purring happily in Hermione's arms and his otherwise usual frown curled upwards into a small smile.

"Sweet Merlin, its Grizelle!" the old man enthusiastically exclaimed behind the clerk's counter. She and Draco waltzed up to him and the shop keeper peered over his crooked nose at them with a twinkling stare. "Yes, yes, she seems incredibly happy with her new master."

"She's absolutely perfect," Hermione told him. "Total delight to have around, she serves me well." He looked back and forth between her and Draco, not sure if the reason they came back to his shop was because they were unhappy with the purchase but Hermione quickly reached out her hand for a friendly shake. "I didn't get to properly introduce myself last time. I'm Professor Hermione Granger, Head of Gryffindor House at Hogwarts. How do you do, sir?" His eyes suddenly gleamed with appreciation for the witch before him.

"Shame on me," he replied, accepting her handshake with a moderately firm grip despite his age. "I did not realize- my-my eye sight isn't the greatest and to be honest I haven't seen many photos of you, I don't read the Prophet much, but I sure do recognize your name. You're the war heroine. Without you… well, we're so lucky to have someone like you," he croaked out and seemed genuinely happy to meet her, stumbling over his words, practically gushing at her with the friendliest of doe eyes. It was like he was star struck. Hermione smiled but felt particularly bashful and she wanted to tell him how it wasn't just her who helped win the war. It wasn't like she hadn't experienced this type of admiration before but every time she was still rendered surprised. "My name is Franklin Frilende. I've owned this small pet and magical creatures shop for over sixty years, and my ancestors before me."

"Yes, surely you must remember that orange half-Kneazle you sold to me in 1993?" she asked him. Draco rolled his eyes at her affinity for ginger animals. "You told me nobody had wanted him! He's still gorgeous, enjoying life with my best friend and her husband while I'm away."

It appeared like a light bulb went on in Franklin. "Ah, I do remember, how funny. That ol' fur-ball's still kickin', eh? I can't believe it's already been that long since then. You've certainly grown up, Professor Granger,"

"I-I suppose I have, yes," she stammered and then waved her hand in Draco's direction looking up at him ruefully. "My apologies, this is –"

But Draco interjected, offering his hand to shake Franklin's as well. "Head of Slytherin House, pleasure to formally meet you, Mr. Frilende."

Curiosity sparkled in Franklin's eyes but he took Draco's hand politely and smiled nonetheless. "Great to meet you,uh, Professor…?"

"Draco Malfoy, Potions Master, sir," he introduced himself attempting not to look as sheepish as he felt. He wanted to make a good impression for his family's name now that Voldemort was finally dead. The Malfoy legacy would now more than ever, forever go down in the history books as a name tainted by dark magic and evil doings and he wanted to help little by little to eradicate that opinion of himself and his children and their children and so on. Pureblood traditions or not, it shouldn't have to go down the way it always had. It was time to rock the boat, so they say.

"Draco Malfoy, eh…?" Franklin assessed the blonde-haired man before him very carefully, scrutinizing for a moment how to react before settling on being tolerant. "It's nice to see that you've done well for yourself, Professor Malfoy, and if either of you two need anything at all, just stop on down. Speaking of which, was there anything that either of you specifically needed today?"

Draco nodded his head, slightly shocked at the older wizard's kindness. "I came back to see if you still have that lovely snowy ferret from a few weeks ago." His grey-blue eyes darted over to where he remembered seeing it and walked over to the pen it had been in. The pleasantly beady-eyed creature blinked up at him with a smiling mouth and his pink nose like a little button. "Yes, this one right here."

"Oh, right, the long-haired white mink. I'm honestly surprised no one's wanted him yet but somehow it feels right selling him to you, Professor," Mr. Frilende relayed as Draco tentatively brought the weasel-like creature up into his arms and it gave a small happy squeak and curled up in a comfortable circle with his long body. The Head of Slytherin ran his fingers affectionately over the ferret's fluffy white fur and the little guy chirped and trilled in excitement. Both Hermione and Franklin gaped at the sight of the silver haired wizard with his matching animal companion. "He really suits you, actually."

"Yes, he does." Hermione added, flushing pink-cheeked, eyes glimmering with adoration for her new gentleman caller. This situation really was so adorable. Her reflex was almost to laugh, taunt him a little about fourth year and his run in with the false Alastor Moody in the courtyard, but Hermione held back for she had no desire to ruin this god-like phenomenon that was Draco and his animal familiar.

Draco's new ferret friend agilely crawled up and over his shoulders, ironically looking a lot like a majestic furry scarf. Slytherin's Prince grinned at how adventurous the ferret was and frankly was reminded of how pirates in those old stories would often times have a parrot on their shoulder, or how a very lethal looking cobra would be draped around the Hindu God Shiva. Yes, Draco knew about all of those things but only from books he'd stumbled upon.

"How much for him, then?" he asked the shopkeeper. Franklin stroked his whiskered chin.

"I knocked down the price ages ago, more than once. Most recently I had him up for eight galleons, but I'd prefer at least ten."

"Great," said Draco as he fished his robes for his wallet. "I'll give you twenty, just like with Grizelle."

The old man's eyes shone with what could have been building tears, truly moved by how generous the man in front of him was. "Uh, please, Professor, that's certainly too much. I couldn't ask you for –"

"You didn't. You didn't ask me," Draco smirked. "Thank you, Mr. Frilende for your great business that you've upheld for many, many decades, and for being so courteous to Professor Granger and me as well as giving the Malfoy name another chance. Therefore, in honor of that all I'm going to donate a large lump-sum to you for not just your business but for yourself, for whatever you need." Hermione was confounded, her mouth dropping almost comically as she gaped in marvel.

Franklin couldn't help it as two tears streaked down the sides of his cheeks. "I-I don't know what to say, Professor Malfoy. Are you sure?"

"I've never been more firmly set on anything in my life, Franklin," he said genuinely but with a hint of humor in his tone. "I'll come back with the funds next weekend, how does that sound?"

"Uh, ah, it sounds positively brilliant, I-I've never been so moved in my life, Professor," Mr. Frilende rubbed at his wet eyes, sighing through his sobs. Draco leaned forward and patted the old man on his back comfortingly. "Thank you, thank you, thank you," he said over and over again.

"You're very welcome, Mr. Frilende," With a curt nod of his head he reached in his robes and counted out twenty galleons before handing the money to Franklin. Draco turned to Hermione and her cheeks pinked even more from his sudden cognizance of her. "Would you like to get something to eat now, Hermione?"

"Ah, yes," she answered more meekly than she meant to. Hermione had no idea that he thought her to be entirely endearing, though. She turned to the shop keeper. "Mr. Franklin Frilende, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you,"

"Oh please, Professor Granger, the pleasure was all mine and thank you for your service in the war."

"Of course,"

"Have an excellent rest of your day, Mr. Frilende, I'll owl you later this week about the details and I look forward to doing business with you in the future." Draco declared.

"Thanks again, Professor Malfoy, I cannot tell you how honored I am, you have truly inspired me. I'm going to make the Menagerie so much better, you'll see. I'll tell you all about my plans later!" Franklin was exceedingly excited.

"I can't wait to hear them!" the Slytherin said.

"You'll do great." Hermione added sincerely. She anticipated to see what would transpire from this and thought of how it could pan out. This event surely would cause some sort of domino effect and if her hunch was right, good things were to come. They bid Franklin farewell and the two Heads exited the shop with their respective pets in tow.

Once out on the busy, cobblestone path Hermione noticed she couldn't tear her eyes away from Draco and his ferret as they walked. It was honestly quite the sight to behold, like a superhero and his little sidekick. She almost outwardly giggled at the thought of it and it was too late when she realized she'd been showcasing a toothy grin.

Malfoy's silvery eyebrow arched in bemusement, "What on earth are you grinning about, Granger?" but he held no malice in his tone. Hermione felt hot as she blinked a few times and cleared her throat which was suddenly stricken desert dry.

"Oh, ah, just very impressed, is all."

"You are, are you? Well, think about it this way: now, he'll be able to update his shop and take even better care of all of the creatures that reside there. The place wasn't in terrible condition, but I got the idea after he was so kind… to both of us. It made me realize that the more I do to help people and show them that I care, because I do, I do really care about small businesses and hospitals of the like, then the better reputation the Malfoy name and my future lineage can grow into and uphold."

Hermione didn't say anything she just smiled at how much she truly liked this particular Draco Malfoy she'd been getting to know. He was compassionate, polite and why hadn't she ever noticed how very well-spoken he was? He nudged her in the shoulder with his elbow playfully.

"What do you think I should name him, then? Perhaps, something like Snow?" The snow-white ferret chirped contentedly around Draco's shoulder and many of the witches and wizards in the crowd blatantly stared in befuddlement but with awe and wonder as well. They glided past a group of sophisticated, very-feminine, middle aged women and all of them gasped and chortled to each other about how handsome the silver-haired young man was who walked by cuddled up with his spirit animal.

One of the witches, a red-head leaned in to whisper to the others, "Ladies, really, don't you think he's just a tad on the young side? He could be your son for Merlin's sake!"

"There you go again, Matilde, ever the killjoy." A dirty blonde haired witch said.

"That's Lucius Malfoy's son, Katarina…" they heard another mumble.

"Oh, none of that bothers me in the least, Doreen, and he's of age, so no reason not to let this ol' mummy take care of the poor poppet!" the woman replied mirthfully.

Hermione and Draco heard them all erupt into frivolous laughter but the rest of their conversation they could hear no more as the voices dwindled away. Hermione chuckled and was reminded of the street word "cougar" that many muggles used to describe an older woman who avidly sought relations with younger men… much younger men, in most cases.

"Think that's funny, do you?" he asked her gruffly but playfully, a blazing fire gleaming across his pewter eyes. He had red splotches on his cheeks in minor embarrassment at the older witches' open display of staring and gaggling about him.

But there was more to it than the attention he'd just gotten. Memories of what transpired with Granger only a mere hour and thirty minutes ago revisited his mind and it made his heart beat thud with even more ferocity against his ribcage and the blood boiled in his nether regions. A smirk tugged at his mouth as he attempted to calm himself down and he tried to faux sneer at her but he found he was in such an elated mood that he simply couldn't. He had a brand new, furry little friend to keep him company as well as a superbly attractive, charming and mesmeric witch who surprisingly enough, desired to be around him. Draco had no idea how he'd gotten so lucky.

Maybe it was when he actually started to do the right thing.

"It was a bit priceless, wouldn't you think?" She played him a coy side-ways glance, her eye lashes fluttering flirtatiously and Draco snickered. She beamed at him. Hermione was beside herself, and she couldn't help it. She was completely smitten with the unexpectedly charitable and generous Potions Master. That was for certain the type of person she rather enjoyed knowing.

Hermione was slightly surprised she hadn't been noticed or gawked at herself, especially whilst spending time side by side in public with the darkly infamous and exceedingly handsome ex-Death Eater. If they were to be openly discovered she only now wondered what impending events would ultimately transpire. People would want to know why the Golden Girl of Gryffindor, and Harry Potter's best friend Hermione Granger was casually but intimately strolling down the street with Draco Malfoy, and those people would talk and make assumptions and then the word would get out that they were an item and that certainly wasn't being discreet like she had wanted was it? That wouldn't be ideal.

The History of Magic Professor shook her head to clear her thoughts, not set on worrying about it anymore. No one had found them out yet so until then her plan was to continue to keep it low-key. She smiled down at Grizelle who was snoozing peacefully in her master's large bag. Remembering Draco's comment about a choice of name, Hermione focused in on the pink-nosed mink whose whiskers were exceedingly adorable with his kitten-like little mouth. His long, brazen white fur looked so soft so she tentatively reached out and caressed him to find he in fact, was as smooth as silk. The ferret's little eyes twinkled at her and he trilled in delight, comforted by her presence, which she was glad for. "Snow may be a simple name," she began. "But I do believe it to be a very good fit for him."

Draco nodded. "True, it is a tad cliché, but it's the name that clicks with me when I look at him, even since I first saw him there at the Menagerie; the name just came to me and stuck."

"Well, Snow is great." Then suddenly an opened, empty, blue and gold chocolate frog box caught Hermione's eye. "Looks like we had a litter bug," she sung as she bent down to pick it up with the intention of throwing it away. Just as she was about to toss it in the nearby garbage bin Draco spied the picture on the box and stopped her to get a better look at it. "What?" she peered up at him confused as he leaned over her, cradling her elbow with one of his large hands as he grasped the candy box she was holding with his other. Snow was still atop his new master's shoulders and blinked down at the scene.

"We didn't check to see who's on the card love," he said with a sly smile.

"Oh," she breathed bashfully and let out a light giggle, her freckled décolletage and face ablaze from the closeness of him. The man made her considerably aroused. Hermione was sure that he knew what he did to her too, and he was thoroughly enjoying her reactions.

"My, my, who do we have here?" he asked jokingly, referring to the photo on the card, knowing full-well who it was. "Woah, she looks a lot like you!" he pointed at the picture, looking back and forth between the witch on the card and her. "Oh, wait, it is you!"

Hermione scoffed and he barked a laugh. "Hush, Malfoy" she crossed her arms, feeling embarrassed somehow. Perhaps, it was because Draco had grown up the prized prodigy of the Malfoy pureblood lineage and had been well-known in the community since he was basically born. Hermione hadn't known that life, not that she had wanted to, but even though Draco was reprieved in her eyes he still had that way about him that could make her feel small and insignificant. He couldn't have meant to do that though, he must not know what he does to her, or how much he really affects her. "I've seen it before so it's no big deal, really."

"Come now, Hermione, you're famous! Isn't that what every girl, nay, person dreams of?" he sighed day dreamily into her ear sending gooseflesh over her entire body. Despite his sensuality his voice was dripping with obvious sarcasm.

She cackled hysterically and Snow the ferret snapped his head over at the suddenly shrill, but jovial sound. Grizelle remained tranquil, by now accustomed to Hermione's way about her, the energy of her magical aura. "Don't be ridiculous!" and then, "I'm sure many ordinary individuals long to be worshiped by the masses but to be blunt this is not the way I would have wanted things to be. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, I know I'm appreciated for my contributions to the war… and at least my fame is because of good reasons. It's just there's no going back to normalcy, is there? Perhaps, I miss the innocence of youth."

He fought the urge to roll his eyes, unsure that she'd caught his subtle humor and trailed his fingers across her forearm as he gazed at her, completely transfixed with her amber stare and then he was lost. "You're still innocent," he stated to her with the seriousness of an irrefutable fact. "But you never were ordinary were you, little lion?"

Her blush deepened but finding a newfound gusto she swiftly leaned in and quietly purred closely against his neck, "I've always been somewhat of a… peculiar girl, I suppose." He instinctively wanted to laugh but as she whispered against him he felt the delicate, warm puffs of air she emanated that vibrated and melted into his skin. "I never thought of myself as someone special, not until I learned of magic and came to Hogwarts." The proximity of her mouth triggered the blood within him to knot and boil as a tingling sensation rushed down his spine, igniting the nerves and right into his pelvis with the force of a waterfall, and his almost-chuckle died in his throat. He hid how his body quivered with lust to the best of his abilities as he tried to regain his control. "Besides, my chocolate frog card is old news. I'm sure every collector has one by now." His eyes were wide and his breath hitched as she took back the blue box and chucked it into the bin. Snow peered on concernedly through the whole interaction.

Draco regained his composure quickly. He straightened out his robes, harrumphing snootily but she could tell he was kidding from the glint in his pale pewter irises and the tiny smirk he sported. She could certainly give him credit to how well he pulled off pretending to be physically unaffected by her, this time anyway but Hermione knew now that she had some kind of allurement that pulled Draco in and she wanted to reel him to her over and over because it made her feel so good to know he was attracted to her these ways.

The Head of Slytherin patted Snow on his fuzzy head. "So, Hermione Granger doesn't prefer to be famous? For all of her life to be forevermore speculated and scrutinized by the community?" she rolled her eyes. "Welcome to the club, girl-wonder, now are you ready to get something to eat? Then I have to make a quick stop at the market and grab some food for this little guy."

She threw her head back and laughed at him. "Good idea! I could get some more kitty food and snacks. I also need to pick up some tea, I'm almost out."

They turned up out front of the small, Crystal Ball Café, and because of their animal companions they had to make due with sitting outside, which was just fine with them. It was a very, very pleasant day; strikingly warm with just the right amount of a calm breeze. The two of them received their drinks; Hermione decided on a 20 oz. frothy, double-shot of white chocolate expresso with natural sea salt sweetener and soy milk.

Draco ordered a big vanilla macchiato with special blend of French pressed, Italian Dark Roast that had notes of cocoa and subtle mandarin orange. It reminded him a lot of what the Head of Gryffindor's natural scent was... mostly the vanilla. It was the scent that imbedded every square inch of her and emanated from her every essence, the one scent that was strictly and insurmountably only her; her pheromones or whatever the damn muggles called it. It was a carnal scent… an animalistic, heady, sexually sweet, citrusy smell that made him on instinct highly aroused.

When the coffee drinks weren't too hot they both took a cautious sip and agreed they were totally satisfied with their choices. "By far one of the fanciest lattes I've ever gotten," she said, smiling sweetly as her little pink tongue darted out and licked away a puff of creamy froth on the corner of her lips. His eyes never left her mouth, wanting all the more to kiss it and unconsciously he licked his own lips and took another drawl from his own custom beverage.

Snow was curled over Draco's lap peacefully, perfectly content with taking a nap. "So what will you order, Miss Granger?" he quizzed. Her eyebrows furrowed, scanning over the menu as she drank from the straw of her glass of water. His eyes still never left her mouth.

"Do you actually know what you want already?" she questioned him almost suspiciously but with frisky undertones.

"I do, indeed," he told her honestly but with an over-theatrical voice. "I'm going to have their lunch special; the creamy tomato, curry chicken masala."

"Ah, wouldn't have pegged you to like Middle Eastern Food," she said and he snickered. "I'm going to have the summer salad with grilled chicken, watermelon, apples, walnuts and feta cheese tossed in lemon peppercorn vinaigrette. Their food here really is top-notch."

"That it is, Granger. The summer salad does sound nice. I think I'm also going to get a small side of the pesto pasta with peas and broccoli and a baked cauliflower salmon cake."

"That sounds wonderful." She said, fully intrigued from everything about him, to the tips of his suede oxford shoes to the way he held himself, his posture, and then his strikingly fair features; his trademark silvery-blonde tresses, incredibly rare, dangerous grey-blue eyes that were as light as ice one moment and could turn deep slate when saturated with more distraught emotions, and his skin... sinfully white, like fresh coconut milk and was stirringly no longer pale or pallid. Draco was warm, startlingly inviting like the smell of roasting logs smoldering in the fireplace. He was sophisticated and well-groomed, yet somehow rugged and roguish. He was stupidly gorgeous, like a damn fallen angel and he definitely kept Hermione on her toes; he had so much more depth to him than she ever would have imagined and it was always a nice surprise to learn something new.

It's insane to think he was an ex Death Eater, albeit a sexy one, and here she was the Golden Girl of Gryffindor, falling madly in love with him… not that she'd admit it.

Lingering on his outward appearance, she suddenly realized she hadn't noticed his Dark Mark when he was shirtless earlier that morning… but of course, there was no way the terrible tattoo could ever be removed. It stunned her that she hadn't even thought to get a peek at it. Sure, she had been in a bit of a situation at the time, with him berating her for subconsciously making up the whole "dating is against the rules for teachers" thing she'd spewed for days, but her curiosity was now catching up to her.

Draco watched her golden sunburst eyes flicker to his arm and his eyebrow quirked. "I know exactly what you're thinking," her darker brow rose to match his. "You're wondering about the Mark." He stated simply despite the touchy subject.

"Did you just use Legilimency on me?" she questioned and he laughed.

"I don't need to use magic to be able to read your mind love." He winked. Her cheeks burned up and he relished in his innate ability to make her swoon. "I'll show you back at the castle, when it's just you and me," he promised.

"Deal," was all she said, happy with the outcome.

After lunch they made a dash for the Merry Market in the center of town, decidedly avoiding Weasley's Wizard Wheezes for blatant reasons. Once at the market, which was owned by, naturally the prominent Merry family, Draco and Hermione bee-lined to the pet food and supplies. The Head of Slytherin did quite a fair share of doting on his new ferret friend and Gryffindor's Head likewise picked out a good amount of new toys and treats for her kitty Grizelle.

They acquired the pet essentials and Hermione got a few new types of all-natural teas that also worked as remedies, one of them being a Peppermint and Eucalyptus blend that worked as a mental rejuvenator and physical energizer. The Professor in her had to buckle up for this next week of classes. She was due to hand out quizzes, tests, and a slightly formidable three-foot essay about the history of the First and Second Wizarding Wars and every important event leading up to Tom Riddle's demise. To be fair Hermione decided the deadline will be two weeks later after her students already started the next chapters of their curriculums.

The Head of Gryffindor felt truly marveled by how strong and unbreakable her students seemed. Most of them were only a measly couple of years younger than her however she still felt her maternal instincts kicking in whenever the classes fell into a deep, sorrowful discussion. Perhaps she would assign a small, 1 foot creative essay on what living during the war meant for them. It would be nice to see the different, complicated sides to all of the children and maybe it could help bring closure for some of them.

She only hoped the older of the students, those of them who were once her peers, didn't just secretly loath her behind her back. Hermione knew she had been widely perceived as 'swotty', with her thirst for knowledge, relentless pursuit to always be the head of class and her maddening amount of time in the library, but she wished her students could see beyond that outer layer, and she longed for the publically placed 'heroine-halo' to be something that didn't really sum up or define who she was as a witch, and as a human being.

After grabbing a few more essentials the odd couple with their pet entourage went to the apparition point and from there landed in Hogsmeade with a crackle. A few close-by, local townsfolk spun their heads at the sound and their expressions contorted into that of befuddlement at the strange sight of the Golden Trio's Princess and Slytherin's Prince cordially travelling with animal familiar companions and apparently shopping too.

In the backdrop, there were untraceable, devious camera clicks and shutters, signifying that there were candid, unwarranted magical photos taken by an unknown, anonymous source.

Neither of them noticed the blatant stares from the people throughout Hogsmeade for Hermione was, for lack of a better word, awestruck. She couldn't get enough of how splendid spending time with Draco really was. He kept calling her 'love' and unashamedly brushing against her as well as being a complete gentleman that she realized she'd expect nothing less from an aristocrat born of an ancient pureblood dynasty, and she bashfully couldn't fathom that she was actually on the receiving end of his attentions.

Draco was equally enamored with her and as they walked towards the road back to the school he wondered how he might continue to succeed in wooing this fiery woman further. He'd have to get creative. Certainly, a legitimate date would suffice until he could come up with the next gesture, and possibly a grand one at that. He was positive the perfect idea was already stewing in his mind…

AN: I still have many plans for this plotline but there are other fics I'm working on as well so please bear with me here until I can bang out the 1oth chapter for this story. There will be more Harry and Ginny moments, Hermione/students and Draco/students moments, more deliciously sensual situations, and Magnus malevolence and Astoria angst to come. Thank you so much to my loyal followers! You're the best! There's much more to come, promise. Cheers!