When Hermione got back, Malfoy was already there. She knew because he had left a note by the fireplace reminding her to close the floo network. "Like I'm a child," Hermione muttered, shaking the soot off her clothes. She walked upstairs slowly, already lost. Hesitantly, she called out; "Tuffy?" there was no answer. She walked along the corridor a while longer and still was not sure what door was her's- they all looked alike. "Tuffy?" she said again, louder.

Suddenly, a door to her right flew open, and light momentarily blinded her. "Lost, Hermione?" came Malfoy's drawling voice.

Hermione squinted at him, her eyes trying to adjust to the light. "Yes," she admitted.

Malfoy sighed. "Down four, to your left," he said impatiently. "Goodnight."

"Malfoy?" Hermione said, causing him to pause at the door. "How do I get to work? Floo or apparate?"

"You can apparate," he said. "I'll be leaving at 8:30 if you want to leave

with me, see where I leave from."

"Alright," she said slowly, for some reason not wanting him to close the door yet.

He seemed to sense her hesitation. "Anything else?" he asked, leaning against the door frame.

Her eyes now adjusted to the light, Hermione focused on him fully. His lean frame lounged casually on the door frame. He was still wearing his dinner clothes, though his robes were open. His blonde hair was falling softly in his face; his grey eyes were focused on her. Hermione could finally see what Ginny and all the other woman found so attractive about him. When he wasn't scowling, he really was handsome.

"Hermione?" his eyes widened, and Hermione blushed, realising she was staring.

"I, um, thought since we're married and all, I should call you Draco. I mean, you are calling me Hermione," she muttered.

He smiled widely, looking even more handsome to her. "If you like," he said.

She smiled back unconsciously. "Alright then," she said, turning to go to her room.

"Hermione?" She turned towards his voice. "Be careful. I think the spell's beginning to work on you." He closed his door before she could respond.

"Unbelievable," she mumbled to herself, opening the door to her room. "I was just trying to be pleasant."

Hermione spent a sleepless night tossing and turning in her new bedroom. She tried to tell herself it was because she was unfamiliar with her surroundings but it was Malfoy she couldn't get out of her head, not her new bedroom. Finally, as dawn peeked through her windows, she threw her covers off of her and went into her bathroom to take a shower.

"Missus is up early," Tuffy said, popping into the room. "Would you like some tea?"

"Yes, please," Hermione said tiredly. She spent a long time in the shower and when she came out Tuffy had laid out clothes for her and there was tea waiting as well. Hermione got dressed and drank her tea. It was till early, so she busied herself with moving her things around and exploring her balcony. Tuffy was right, the view was spectacular. Everywhere she looked were lush gardens. She decided to go down and walk through them. Walking into the hallway, she saw Malfoy's door was shut. She stood in front of it for a moment, but she heard no movement inside. Walking on, she found her way downstairs and opened one of the many doors that led outside. She walked into the garden, smiling, her worries momentarily forgotten. Everywhere was wonderful landscaping and beautiful flowers. Hermione hummed slightly to herself and began to walk towards a lake she could see a few yards away from her. There were ducks resting there, she wished that she'd thought to bring bread. To her right, beyond the pond, she could see riding stables that she knew she would explore on the weekend.

"Missus, it's time for breakfast," she jumped as Tuffy popped up beside her. She followed the elf inside and into the dining room where, once again, Malfoy was already eating.

Once she sat, he tossed the paper he was reading at her. "Have a look," he said.

Picking up the paper she saw her picture splashed across the front page. She looked shocked while Malfoy only looked amused. "First round of Wizarding Preservation Act," the headline proclaimed. Hermione threw the paper down in disgust.

"Don't like the limelight?" Malfoy teased, calmly eating his eggs.

"I look like an idiot," Hermione complained, as the elf set her breakfast in front of her.

"You'll have to learn to be prepared at all times," Malfoy told her. "It will be worse when we get to work today." He eyed her clothes. "Is that what you're wearing?"

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Hermione asked, looking down.

Malfoy shrugged. "I wouldn't go to work wearing that knowing that I'll be photographed," he said.

Hermione glared at him as she began to eat. "You're just trying to upset me," she snapped.

"Why would I do that? You perfectly capable of working yourself into a frenzy without any help from me." He leaned towards her and said, in a low voice. "Did you sleep well, Hermione? You look very tired."

Hermione backed away, realizing his implication. "Did you?" she asked.

"Never better," he said, spearing a sausage.

Her appetite gone, Hermione pushed away from the table and stalked back upstairs to change, his laughter echoing after her.

When she got back downstairs, Malfoy was at the door waiting for her. "Better," he said, his eyes raking down her attire.

"Let's just go," she sniffed, grabbing his arm. A shock went through her as she touched his arm and she pulled away slightly, ignoring Malfoy's knowing smirk. "Hurry up!" she hissed, and immediately was apparated away. She let go of him the second that she was steady on her feet again.

"Problem?" he asked, still smirking at her.

"No," she said, with as much dignity as she could muster. She crossed her arms and whispered, "Why aren't you being affected?"

"I either have better control of my emotions than you or maybe," he said, leaning in so his breath tickled her lips and she shivered. "Maybe you don't hate me as much as you profess to."

"That's ridiculous," she said, shakily, her heart pounding.

"Is it?" He licked his lips and it took all of Hermione's will power not to kiss him right there.

"Draco, stop," she whispered, unable to tear her eyes away. "We're in a public place."

"Hermione?' Harry's voice broke through her fog and she was able to look away to where Harry stood, frowning. He walked over and pulled Hermione slightly towards him. "I know what you're doing, Malfoy," he said. "Stop it."

Malfoy raised his eyebrows, but walked away without speaking. As soon as he was gone, Hermione felt herself relaxing.

"Harry?" she said, "This is awful!"

"I'm sorry Hermione, " Harry said, guiding her towards the lift.

"Why isn't it affecting him?" Hermione whined.

"I don't know," Harry said.

"He's enjoying this!" she went on. "It makes me sick knowing how this will end. He'll probably make me beg. Merlin, this is so humiliating! At least I'm better when I'm away from him."

"For now," Harry reminded her grimly. "It will strengthen. You might want to speak with Malfoy before it gets too severe."

"And give him the satisfaction? No way!" Hermione cut Harry off. "It's got to affect him sooner or later, I can wait." They got off the lift and Hermione's gaze immediately went to where Malfoy was standing talking to his secretary. She suddenly felt an intense hatred for the other woman engulf her and started towards them in a rage.

"Hermione?" Harry tried to grab for her, but she was already halfway down the hallway. Other workers were parting way for her and staring at the intense look on her face. Jane saw her and began to smile before it was replaced with a look of fear.

"Is everything alright?" she asked.

Malfoy turned towards her as well. Seeing the look on her face, he grabbed her wrist and propelled her past Jane and into his office before slamming the door behind them.

"What is wrong with you?" he snapped.

"Why were you talking to her?" Hermione yelled at him.

His look of anger faded into amusement as he realized what she was upset about. "She's my secretary, Hermione. I have to talk to her."

Hermione blinked and shook her head to clear it. "What is wrong with me?" she wailed. "This is horrible! And you-" she advanced on Malfoy, pushing his chest. "Are perfectly fine. How is that possible?"

"I told you, I-"

"Oh, shut up!" She grabbed his robes and smashed her lips down on his. He seemed shocked at first, his arms flailing for a moment, before he began to respond to her kiss. As soon as he did, the effect on Hermione was immediate. She pushed him roughly against the wall of his office, grabbing the sides of his face to try to get even closer to him. He kissed her back just as roughly, pulling frantically at her robes. She let go of him long enough to push her robes off of her. He grabbed his wand and cast a locking charm on the door before she pounced on him again, this time pulling at his pants, frantically undoing them as he kissed her neck. Breathing heavily, she pulled his pants down and pulled him to her again, her lips crashing down on his. He lifted her gracefully up and turned their bodies around so that she was the one against the wall. He pulled frantically at her knickers as she grabbed at his hair and whispered for him to hurry. Her head hit the wall as he entered her forcefully and she threw her head back. "Oh, Merlin!" she breathed as he began to move faster within her, her back hitting the wall rhythmically with each thrust. "Faster, Draco," she whispered as she felt herself coming undone. He obliged and she came quickly, she could feel his release right away as well. He held her up against the wall for a moment, his head in the crook of her neck, breathing heavily. Hermione felt her stress that had been building steadily release from her and she felt at peace. Pushing him away from her slightly, her breathing began to return to normal as she readjusted her clothing. Grabbing her robes off the floor, she undid the locking charm that he had placed on the door, finally looking at him. He was leaning against his desk, still breathing slightly heavily. He looked at her with an unreadable expression.

"Yes, well, thanks for that," she said, embarrassment at her actions coming to the surface. "See you tonight." Not waiting for a reply, she left quickly. As she closed his door, she faced a rather large crowd standing there gawking at her, Harry included. "What?" she asked,

"Next time, Hermione," Harry said in a strangled voice. "Cast a silencing charm as well."