A/N: Big thank you to everyone reading!

Later in the evening Astoria found herself standing numbly as lukewarm water from the shower washed the remnants of dried blood off her twitching hands and white face. It trickled slowly down the drain; a mixture of red and pink. Her gaze was unfocused, but turmoil raged inside. She felt as though she had died and been reborn. The energy pulsing through her body made her unable to control the goosebumps that prickled her flesh. She gasped in pleasure, at the same time as tears spilled from her eyes. Sliding down against the cool marble tile, she allowed sobs to shake through her, gasping for air. Images and sounds from earlier entered her mind, but she shut them out. Finally, composing herself she straightened and turned off the water.

Grabbing a fluffy towel, Astoria began humming softly, all the while observing her reflection. She would have Draco tonight, that she had decided. After all, she deserved to forget the events of the day. Using a quick spell, she dried her hair, but left it down in soft waves. Grinning, she then proceeded to put on green lingerie which she had recently purchased. It was both feminine and sexy, playful and lacy; cupping her small breasts, but leaving just enough to the imagination. White stockings connected to her garter, showing off her lean legs, and finally a pair of extremely high black pumps.

Satisfied, Astoria pulled on a light robe to cover herself up. She wanted to surprise Draco, to make this special. She could be as good as any muggle born if he would just let her. Walking across the manor, Astoria realized that she was a bundle of nerves. She was never this bold when it came to sex, usually leaving it up to Draco. Stopping in her tracks she considered turning back around, but flashes of Cornelia taunted her.

"Draco," she called his name and knocked on his bedroom door three times.

After a few moments his silvery blonde head emerged. He looked startled, and perhaps upset. She heard water running in the background and wondered if he was about to take a bath.

"Did you need something?" he asked quickly.

She noted that he did not allow her entrance, but instead remained in the threshold.

"I was rather in the middle of something-"

"Draco," Astoria mumbled grabbing his hand. "Stop," she reached out and placed one finger on his lips. They were soft and warm, much unlike the man himself.

Backing up a few steps she undid her robe and dropped it to the floor.

"I know your secret," she stated calmly.

"I-what?" he asked, color leaving his face. "What are you wearing?"

Astoria smiled, placing a hand on her hip. "You didn't honestly think that word wouldn't get back to me. Everyone knows. Our dirty laundry out there for everyone to gossip over during tea. Did you even consider your mothers feelings? My dignity? Attempting to bed a dirty whore," she finished.

Draco blinked three times before answering. "Do not speak of things you know nothing about."

His hard demeanor made Astoria cringe. She wondered if perhaps she should allow him to see the pain that his betrayal caused her, but knew that Draco would not find the sight of tears attractive. She was merely a pawn in a bigger game, and knew her position.

"I want a child," she replied. "Take me to bed."

"I am not in the mood," he growled.

It felt like a slap in the face, stinging and burning. She made a move to walk inside his bedroom, but he clasped his hand around her wrist pulling her back.

"I said I'm not in the mood."

"Then you will get in the mood unless you want for the whole world to find out that you are not doing your duty. What will your father say when he finds out how little you have done to further the family line? I can and I will ruin you Draco. Please don't make me," she whispered.

He was quiet for a few moments, and she noticed thin wrinkles gathering across his forehead. She felt repulsive, horrid.

"Go back to your bed. I will join you shortly."

Without another word, he walked inside his room and shut the door.

...

Draco pinched the bridge of his nose, and rubbed his temples which were now aching. He had to gather himself, he had to act. He wasn't surprised that Astoria had heard the story of his and Blaise's failure, but he was sure that she had not discovered the truth. The truth was currently taking her evening bath.

He had spent the day appeasing the Dark Lord. He had hoped to spare some time to see Pansy, but was unable to do so, instead sending her an owl letting her know that he would explain everything soon. He was deeply worried about Blaise, and what he would do to Pansy now that he had lost his outlet.

Sorting through his storage of potions, Draco quickly found the one he was looking for; a large blue bottle. He took three small sips and coughed.

"Contraceptive potion?"

Nearly dropping the glass, Draco turned around to find Granger observing him. She looked much healthier, and cleaner. The smell of fresh vanilla with just a hint of cinnamon reached his nostrils, and he couldn't help but take a large whiff.

"How did you-?"

She walked over to him and looked at the liquid.

"The cobalt blue coloring gives it away. Not to mention the slight metallic scent," she stated.

While she spoke calmly he noticed the fear reflected in her eyes.

"Still a know it all," he muttered out of habit. "I have to visit Astoria for a while, you are to stay in the room of course."

"Astoria? I didn't realize that...oh."

A deafening silence fell.

Draco felt angry, defensive. Every inch of him stiffened with the confrontation. He knew that he didn't have to explain himself to anyone, least of all Granger, but the girl had gotten to him. He didn't know why he was doing any of this. Was it madness or something else?

"I'll be back then Granger. We can discuss...things when I return."

He left before she could reply. Who did she think that she was, questioning his marriage. She was supposed to be everything that he despised, that the Ministry despised, everything that they had fought to eradicate. Yet he had saved her. Saved her so that she could save him from becoming like them. If only she knew how disgusted he was by the situation. How awful he felt having to touch his own wife.

It took Draco a mere five minutes to reach Astoria's side of the manor. Her bedroom door was wide open, and he noted that only a few candles flickered inside. She was sprawled on her back, gazing up at him through long eyelashes.

Draco took off his shoes, his socks, unzipped his trousers, and finally removed the undershirt that he had worn under his robe. He then slid into bed, wishing that darkness could consume them. Propping himself up on his elbow he observed her. She looked bored, yet there was a certain air of lust about her.

"Take off your garments," he drawled.

When she complied he raised himself so that he towered over her, and she easily wrapped her legs around him, forcing him closer. A small sigh escaped her parted lips, and she tipped her head back closing her eyes.

Draco too closed his eyes; pretending that she was not Astoria, but a woman that he loved. Pushing inside her, he imagined other witches, but was somehow taken back to the memory of Granger's naked breast. It had been perky, and full, with small rosy nipples that were hardened by the cool air in the tent. Disturbed, Draco groaned, and gave a few hard thrusts before emptying himself inside Astoria.

Immediately he rolled off and stood up.

"I hope you're happy now."

"So happy," she chuckled. Her tone was laced with a mixture of loathing and sarcasm. "We will keep doing this until you get me with child."