She felt bad for lying to him. She honestly did but if she didn't get out of there soon there's no doubt in her mind they would have done something they may regret later on. Not that she didn't want to, but… it was just too soon. That's what she kept telling herself anyway. She truthfully did have a meeting at the ministry tomorrow but she also had a sit in for the lesson she helped prepare today.

Hermione apparated directly into the castles courtyard, knowing it was against the rules, though Dahlia had insisted it was fine, stepping quickly down the halls of her former school. Nothing had really changed except for the staircases, of course, they were always shifting. Her heels clicked on the hard stone floors with every step as she hurried along to the Defense against the Dark Arts classroom. When she finally arrived she noted that the archway had yet to be filled with students. She was just late enough to be early for class. When she knocked on the huge metal studded oak door it opened almost immediately, revealing walls lined with moving portraits, magnificent and quirky tools of the trade and numerous skeletons hanging from the ceiling. What caught her eye was the enormous portrait of Sirius Black that was homed at the highest point in the room, next to the opening of Dahlia's new office. His portrait smiled and leaned against the open doorframe painted into the scenery. She'd had many encounters with the man and she truly did admire him for the happiness he brought to her friends. To top it all off Faux was perched in the window, pulling out feathers. Poor thing must be molting but soon enough he'd burst into flame and be reborn. Oh, how she missed this place.

Dahlia heard the doors open and the clicking of heels on the stairs coming to her office. Glancing at the clock, the DADA professor gave a slight laugh, Hermione Granger was late. That never happened. This fact combined with the owl she thought belonged to the Malfoys; something truly interesting must have taken place yesterday. The wavy haired witch broached the open door and with it pulling a huge knowing grin from Dahlia with just a glimpse of her face.

"You had an interesting night," she remarked, now having the final piece of the puzzle.

Hermione looked shocked at the blatant and accurate observation stopping in her tracks to the desk. A flush of red streaked pale cheeks; "Well…" she stammered becoming nervous losing all thought and composure.

Dahlia laughed, "It's all right Hermione," she motioned for the girl to take a seat, "I don't judge and you never have to tell me anything you don't want to." Granger took a seat while Dahlia picked up the envelope she received yesterday, "That charm worked fantastically, as I knew it would, great pictures," she said with her nose wrinkling studying the glossy prints, "these will do wonderfully, thank you again Hermione." Professor Black looked at the girl again, her posture, her general demeanor was off. Putting down the pictures and straightening the framed family photo of Sirius and Nathaniel, giving a love sick smile to the boys, "Is there something you want to talk about?"

The young witch paused unsure where to look as eye contact was too much to bear at the moment. What would Dahlia say if she confessed to where she had been or who she was with and what almost happened and what did happen? She felt the heat back on her face looking up to see Sirius' wife looking rather perplexed and quite concerned. The Gryffindor opened her mouth but words failed to form.

"Hermione," Dahlia said softly, "I will never condemn you for your actions, you're my friend and all I ever want is for you to be happy. Please remember you can tell me anything and will find a safe space with me." She pulled out a drawer rummaging for a minute before placing a piece of chocolate in front of Granger, "Tea?" it was a habit she had picked up from their dear friend Remus. She found that most problems could be solved with a bit of chocolate and a hot cup of tea.

The younger witch nodded sheepishly taking a bite of the confection, smiling a bit; she certainly took after Professor Lupin in method, her grin dropped again; he was just another casualty in her world. Finishing the nib while Dahlia was busying herself with getting the tea started she noticed a business card on the desk. Picking it up, the curious thing, it read: John Constantine: Exorcist, Demonologist, and Master of the Dark Arts, but 'Master' was crossed out and 'Petty Dabbler' was handwritten underneath it with what Hermione thought was an American phone number.

"John Constantine," she asked interestedly.

A loud, over-dramatic sigh broke from Dahlia's mouth followed by a light laugh, "I'm surprised you haven't heard of him. A thorn in my side from my school days," she turned to the young witch, "he either dropped out or was expelled, picked up being an exorcist, he's quite good just enormously cocky," the professor laughed again, "Sirius told me not to take his card, that I'd never be rid of him." She brought her care worn tea set over to her desk heating the water and pouring two cups when the kettle whistled.

"Why is 'petty dabbler' written in?" She was deflecting by being her usual inquisitive self, making the professor shake her head in amusement.

"That is a story for another day," she took the card and handed Hermione a cup. Dahlia fixed her tea after placing the card in her desk; watching the girl while stirring her tea, "So, why did I receive my pictures from an owl that belongs to the Malfoys?" she took a sip of tea and waited.

"I blame you and today's lesson on runes. They put me in a bloody awkward position yesterday," she confessed still refusing to make eye contact, nibbling on the chocolate square. Immediately blushing as the accidental double entendre slipped from her lips.

Dahlia took another sip of tea, her trademarked cat that ate the canary grin behind her favorite chipped mug, "Do enlighten me Miss Granger."

"I-uh …ran into…" she paused still wary of admitting her tale to Dahlia, "Draco, while photographing the runes at St. Pancras…or rather…backed into him while he was on a run." she took her own cup of tea in hand using it as a shield from the professor's stare of amusement.

Dahlia's voice perked up at the name, "Draco," the professor said slightly teasing. She remembered there was an incident back when Hermione was in school about being in the Slytherin common room which only she and Sirius were privy to. There were a few secrets within the black family, which reminded her that she should call on Cissa in the near future to inform her of recent events. "I see," she paused waiting for the young witch to continue.

Hermione flushed scarlet again, "Just like you saw me coming from the Slytherin common room as I saw you coming from the Potion's classroom," the Gryffindor fumed a bit before settling down.

"Yes, Draco…and thank you for not outing me to Albus that morning," she took another sip of tea with a sheepish smile remembering their awkward exchange in the corridor. Hermione was probably the only person besides Sirius that knew what Dahlia had been doing in Slughorn's classroom that late at night. "I'm surprised you haven't noticed it's his coat I'm wearing," she turned open the lapel to flash the monogrammed silver DM stitched in the lining. "He ripped mine in the tumble down to the icy ground and insisted on having it repaired after I practically jogged back to his flat because that was the only way he would answer any of my questions." She began to relax sitting back into the overstuffed armchair, crossing her legs.

Dahlia was slightly taken back at the witch's remarks; the pace of the words reminded the Ravenclaw of her proclivity for talking fast. "I have always let my students make their own decisions regardless if I think I know better. I noticed the coat dear, I was just waiting for you to open up to me." Dahlia smiled kindly but couldn't keep the amusement off her face, her eyes were laughing. She saw Hermione relax and it felt like old times. She missed the clever witch's company and insight, wishing she had taken the position of being her full time assistant. Many were under that impression already, including Filch, so why not take advantage of the situation. Besides, she felt the need to keep watch over her dear friend with the inevitable path that was unfolding.

"He's quite clever in the kitchen, and even cleverer when it comes to living out of the wizarding world I have to say. It was just by a stroke of luck that his owl showed up with a parcel of letters from home or else you wouldn't have the key to your lesson plan." She paused, her blush came back accompanied by a softer tone, "Conversation led to dinner, which led to wine…" she paused slightly, "which led to comfort drinking and watching David Bowie's Labyrinth."

Dahlia nodded draining the last bit of tea, "I always knew Draco was a gentleman, no matter who his father was, his mother taught him well. I'm happy he's thriving." Sirius' wife chuckled, "On a side note I made Sirius dress up as Jareth for NJ's first Halloween, it was brilliant. I've never let him live that down. The trousers alone were to die for."

"More a gentleman than you'd know. He refused to let me apparate in my…unreliable state…and I may have…" she trailed off looking away from Dahlia; she began swirling her tea in its cup, and stood slowly pacing the office.

Dahlia looked at Hermione, the way she did when Albus used to pace. This escapade with Draco shook her to the core. She had lost her good sense in being inebriated with Malfoy; it was obvious that she spent the night. Putting together the puzzle, they hadn't had sex, but something happened, to one make her late and two admit her activities to the professor.

"...spent the night in his bed." The witch continued in a shy voice, ducking behind the armchair. Finally peeking out from its upholstered corner.

"Oh, Hermione," she said softly, "you should not be ashamed of what happened. He obviously makes you happy, there shouldn't be any stigma laid on you for a choice that makes you happy." She looked at the young woman, "If anyone should know about stigma in relationships it's the witch who married an escaped convict. Come and tell me all about it, forget that I'm Professor Black and just think of me as Dahlia, you're old friend. Talk to me like I did to you when you asked me anything and everything about Sirius." She smiled making Hermione feel a bit more at ease. Then Dahlia went in for the kill, "Spare no detail, I want every last element in all its unedited glory."

Not only was Dahlia a professor but also her friend and one of her most faithful confidants. Proceeding to tell her every detail from the painful memories and his apology for their dodgy past to the lovely dinner he prepared along with the excess drinking. "After unknowingly emptying a bottle myself he cut me off," that pulled a smile from the professor. "I suppose I nodded of in his lap after that because I woke up after the film was over. He told me I'd have to stay the night, and I admit I was quite intoxicated at that point. After brushing my teeth it seems he'd fallen asleep waiting to get me settled in so I sort of…"she paused trying to find the words, "made myself at home. Borrowed a t-shirt, and curled up to him." Dahlia studied her look, there was something in it telling the Ravenclaw there was more to the night than she led on.

Dahlia considered her friend's story, while true, there was information missing. Going right after it would put off the Gryffindor. The professor had to pull the information out gently if she was going to be completely forthcoming. "Isn't wearing your boyfriend's t-shirt the best? The smell and fit just over the top, holy grail of girlfriend privilege! I still have a few of Sirius' dress shirts I won't let him have back," she laughed lightly before tossing her pale blue eyes to Hermione. "Was that all that happened? You two slept and then …woke up?"

"Exactly!" she exclaimed not noticing the use of 'boyfriend'. "I still feel terrible about sending his Slytherin jumper back via owl during our final year. And I mean…well…Draco talks in his sleep and basically stripped down to his underpants in the middle of the night complaining of it being 'Hotter than Satan's nut-sac'" She had to laugh through Draco's choice of phrase so she didn't choke on it. "Later on he startled me awake after realizing his state of undress. Then, and I blame my lack of self-preservation on still being half asleep, he demanded fair payment in the form of my most hated weakness…"she paused, her tone was so serious making Dahlia lean forward, "the damn sadist tickled me!" The professor had to hold back her amusement letting the witch continue, "Which turned into world class snogging and somehow finding myself in his lap. We had this sort of odd frustrated conversation, split into pieces each time we came up for air; which I suppose is how our relationship started out. Hating each other I mean." Dahlia briefly remembered witnessing a hate fueled kiss between the two during their 3rd year. Although she had a feeling it was much more than hate fueling the young Malfoy. "not that I could hate him after waking up this morning. I was so clear headed then that all I could do was ogle him like some kind of daft bimbo! You wouldn't believe what he looks like now, with his hair grown out and tousled…wearing nothing but a pair of low rising sweatpants…tight sculpted chest…abs you want to trace with your tongue… and bedroom eyes like you've never seen, "she was getting caught in the memory, forgetting exactly who she was talking to.

Dahlia cleared her throat quietly pulling Hermione back to the present. "My goodness it's gotten warm in here," she fanned herself slightly. Considering her words carefully, "I don't think appreciating who you're attracted to is being a 'daft bimbo'. When was the last time you've been intimate with anyone?"

"I suppose just after Harry and Ginny married. Getting Ron to commit was impossible, so it ended rather quickly. It's been almost 2 years come to think of it…" the realization twisted the Gryffindor's features unpleasantly.

The urge to say "GOOD GRACIOUS CHILD!" was overwhelming but Dahlia held her tongue. Carefully trying to find the right words; it was hard. Hermione was always so proper, aside from the particular anomaly just a moment ago, that is was almost hard to believe she had a bad girl streak. Dahlia always thought it would do her good to indulge in it from time to time. It hurt yet overjoyed her to see Miss Granger so flustered over a boy, er…Man. Merlin's beard she was getting old. More than anything she wanted to tell her to leave the school, lesson be damned, and go to him, pounce on him until they were spent. She'd be doing the same to her husband once the day was over.

"Why didn't you stay?! I would have understood. There are needs that can't be ignored my friend."

"Would it be too forward to say it was in the hopes of being appointed as your assistant next term?" her voice was hopeful looking at the lilac haired witch. "Of course I'll be heading back to his flat…" She paused. "as soon as the students have had their fill of knowledge. My meeting with the minister isn't until tomorrow morning"

Dahlia smiled, relieved that the conversation had turned so casual. "Good, as you have now become my assistant, I'd like to appoint you immediately." giving a wink to her that was pure Sirius, "I would have made you go after the lesson anyway."

Hermione laughed, "I'm surprised you didn't shove me out of your office the moment you heard I passed it up at all. You'd do anything to corrupt my good nature, Mrs. Black." She emphasized the professor's last name with a teasing grin. "Your husband is a terrible influence on you."

The professor laughed, "Downright awful indeed. And shoved you away before I get all the juicy details?! Never!" Dahlia glanced at the clock, "Oh! Lost track of time, the students should be here any moment," she pushed away from the desk and gathered the needed materials. "Are you ready Miss Granger?"

"Ready as ever!" She stood from her seat and followed the professor down the staircase just as students began to file in.

"Everyone please find your seats as we'll be starting shortly." Once all the children were seated Dahlia made short of her introduction as her new assistant lowered the window shades and started the projector to display the pictures she'd taken. "Today's lesson will be on Ancient Runes, which Miss Granger has so kindly agreed to help us with. Now please open your books to chapter eleven."

The lesson went along smoothly and the students seemed genuinely interested in the lesson. Even the usual class clowns kept their eyes trained on the glowing images of the stone and its shadowed runes.

Just as Dahlia was giving the homework assignment she noticed someone lurking outside the open classroom door. She only knew two people with naturally silver blonde hair and only one that would set foot on school grounds. It seems her assistant had a rather eager visitor. "Alright my precious students, that's all for today. Please remember that your reports will be due the day after you return, I suggest you not wait until the last minute, 26 inches of parchment and 3 photos of a place that houses your rune of choice and why you believe it was used. You are dismissed."

Dahlia approached the lovely girl and removed the textbooks from her hands and gently turned her in the direction of the open door and clasped her shoulders. "Remember dear girl, you have needs. The key to which lies just beyond that door." Just as Hermione was about to protest and go back to collecting the textbooks the mischievous Mrs. Black struck again. "Mr. Malfoy! Would you be so kind as to relieve my teaching assistant of her duties and escort her to a safe apparating distance from the school?" The lilac haired witch was practically yelling across the classroom and into the corridor.

Grinning shyly the younger Malfoy stepped into the open doorway addressing the DADA teacher. "You're as discreet as ever Dahlia."

"It's good to see you too Draco," Dumbledore's niece smiled turning to Hermione mouthing "Oh my!" pulling a light laugh from the girl as she flustered, dutifully walking to her escort.

The moment his eyes found Miss Granger the atmosphere shifted so suddenly the half Veela felt the heat rise as if someone lit the classroom on fire. "Hermione." The name rolled of his tongue like a purr.

These two needed to go, and she needed to have a talk with his mother. Hermione gathered her purse and returned just in time for the elder to usher the two bewildered youths out of her classroom.

"Off you go you two, and for the love of all things magical remember to be safe!"

Shutting the heavy door behind them Dahlia heaved a sigh as the portrait of her husband gave a charming smirk and a seductive wink before disappearing from his post.

Perhaps that owl could wait.

She hurried to gather her things, with nothing on her mind but getting home and between the sheets with that cheeky wizard.