They landed quietly outside her home and Hermione swore her heart was beating so loudly the entire neighborhood would wake. The tall blonde clutching her waist did nothing to ameliorate her increased blood pressure or heated desire. She felt unsteady on her feet and grasped his coat for support. He chuckled, a low delicious rumble that reverberated in his chest, and Hermione had to bite the inside of her cheek to focus. She pulled away from him and began the tedious wand work on her wards. With each wave she felt the layers of the protection behind the Fidelius charm give. Her door finally unlocked and she opened it, gesturing him to follow inside. He smiled and shrugged his jacket off, watching as she hung it up properly in the foyer.

Hermione walked back to the door and placed her palm above the lock. She turned it to the right and a purple light glowed and illuminated the hallway. After a moment, it turned to a soft green and hovered around the doorknob.

When she turned to Draco, he motioned to the door with a single brow raised. "Are you keeping me hostage, Minister?"

She placed her hands haughtily on her hips and eyed him. "Only if you want to be, Unspeakable."

He smirked and folded his arms, straightening to his full height. "You're playing with fire young lady," he teased. Looking over her shoulder he asked, "Is that one of Potter's contraptions?"

"Yes," she grumbled. "It alerts the security detail that I am home but that I also have company and request privacy. If I turned it upwards, it means I've ordered takeout and to let the poor muggle bring me my meal without an Auror search."

"Merlin, they're everywhere," he sighed running a hand through his hair.

"Well if it is any consolation, they are sworn to privacy by wand oath," she smiled sheepishly. She took a step forward and placed her hands onto his broad shoulders. They were magnificent. "Do you remember what happened to that girl Marietta Edgecomb in fifth year?"

He paused for a moment and eyed her warily. She watched as he finally pieced it together and gasped. "No," he whispered, incredulous.

"Oh yes," she laughed. "Don't look so surprised. I can be the vengeful sort when necessary."

"Bloody hell, witch," he nodded approvingly.

"I take loyalty very seriously. So naturally Harry and I debated security measures for weeks. I refused to have some Auror privy to perfect blackmail material. Merlin knows the Daily Prophet is dying for a good story these days. So, Harry and I compromised after a long negotiation. I got a security detail; they got a wand oath with Unspeakable contracts. So far it has worked out."

"So it would seem," he mused. "Were they out with us today?"

"Nope," she grinned. "Apparently, Harry said when I am with you I don't need security. That you are sufficient."

He looked down at her and brushed his fingers softly across her temple, making his way down to her braided ponytail and giving it a tug, just enough to smart. "Remind me to never cross you. And to thank Potter."

She laughed and ducked out of his grasp. "I'm sure you'll cross me plenty, Malfoy. Especially given our track record. Now, I do believe I owe you a glass of wine. Kitchen is this way," she said leading him.

Hermione was extremely grateful she had the foresight to clean up before leaving this afternoon. Not that she had planned on bringing him back here. Well, maybe a tiny part of her wondered if he would. She promised herself no fucking, but a little snogging was totally acceptable. And maybe to see him shirtless. And maybe to touch him.

She headed over to her wine cellar and heard the stool scrape against the floor. He watched her grab two wine glasses from the kitchen cabinet, his grey eyes hardly blinking as he stared. She was so focused on selecting the perfect bottle, she almost missed the faded dark mark peeking out from his sleeve. She had almost forgotten about it. He followed her eyes and went to adjust his sweater before she shook her head stopping him.

"Don't," she said, softly putting the glasses down between them. She waved her hand and uncorked the fresh bottle of merlot, ignoring the way he gazed at her. When she poured them each a glass, she rolled up her sweater revealing her commemorative scar. His face softened and his left hand reached across the table to hers, turning it towards him.

"You are so beautiful," he said quietly, his words heavy.

She grabbed his forearm and ran her fingers across the faded mark. He sucked in a breath and she looked up sharply. "Does it hurt? I'm sorry I-"

"Quite the opposite Hermione," he breathed deeply. She rubbed it more firmly then, watching as his eyes briefly closed from her touch. A small blush tinted his cheeks.

When he looked up, she smiled and nudged his wine glass towards him. "To new beginnings," she toasted.

He raised his glass and tapped it to hers. "To new beginnings."

Hermione surveyed him as he sipped his wine, his hand now holding hers. He looked right at home, sitting with her like this. She could imagine them waking up on a Sunday, making breakfast together as Duke chased Crookshanks around the house. She could see them jogging in the park out front. They could spend days reading together or visiting their friends and family. Viktor never could settle in. He was always on the go, never home or away. He always wanted to maximize their time together and go out, but for fucks sake it was exhausting. Draco seemed to be equally as content with day trips as he was hanging in on a Saturday night. How could she have been so blind?

She realized then, in that moment, she was so fucked. She had no patience. When she wanted something or someone she had to have it. But she couldn't rush this. He was forward, sure. And just as impatient. But she had to pace herself. She must've gotten lost in her thoughts because he gently squeezed her hand, bringing her back to the present.

"What are you thinking about?" he questioned quietly.

"Honestly? You," she returned bluntly, taking a big gulp of wine. God she had no filter.

"Uh oh," he teased, although his eyes failed to hide his worry.

"Forgive me for being so forward Draco," she said unapologetically. "I'm wondering how I am going to make this work."

"What do you mean?" he asked warily.

"Well there's a bit of an internal struggle you see. My mind is telling me to take it slow, so as to not scare you off. My body is telling me to drag you into my bed. And my heart is worried I will get hurt and die an old cat lady."

He sat as still as stone. She wondered if maybe she could've been more tactful. Ah bollocks. "Are things happening too fast for you Hermione?"

"No!" she almost shouted. Frustrated, she put her head in her hands. "I'm so bad at this. I don't know how to date. I don't know how I'm supposed to time these things. I hate not knowing."

She heard the stool move and felt him walk over to her side. A big warm hand touched her shoulder and turned her to face him. His grey eyes were serious although a small smile played at his lips. "Do you like me?"

"Obviously," she said rolling her own eyes.

"And do you think I'm… handsome," he asked winking.

"I thought that was more obvious," she said with narrowed eyes. He smirked and she was reminded of how arrogant he could be. "Let's watch that ego Malfoy."

He practically giggled and reached over to plant a quick kiss on her lips. "Well it's a good thing I like you, probably too much, and think you are a absolutely gorgeous. I, however, am not perfect. I get in my moods. I can be an arrogant bastard and sometimes let my ego weigh me down," he emphasized. "But I take loyalty seriously too, Hermione. If you want to do this," he said gesturing between them, "then I'm in. You will not be a cat lady. I promise."

She sighed deeply and watched him watch her. "And the whole timing of things?"

He wrapped his arms around her waist and squeezed her bum boldly. She couldn't help the tiny moan that escaped her. "I want you so very badly. It has been a full-time job keeping my hands off you," he confessed squeezing her again. She gasped as he bent slightly to bring his lips to her neck where he pressed softly.

"What's stopping you Draco," she breathed, running her hands through his soft blonde hair. He chuckled against her skin and she felt herself get wet. He nipped at her pulse, tormenting her.

Slowly, he moved one hand from her bottom and traced the outline of her body, grazing the side of her breast before running up her neck to her jaw. "I want to savor you," he groaned. "Is it selfish of me? If it is, I don't really care."

"But-" she started but he silenced her with his lips.

"When I have you Hermione," he said softly. She looked up and saw he had the most…predatory look on his face. "And I will. You will be all mine. I will take you like no one ever has."

She flushed at his promise and pressed herself to him. "Until then?"

He answered by kissing her deeply, his tongue sweeping in to meet hers. Suddenly she was being hoisted up by two strong arms and her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist. He carried her out of the kitchen and tossed her onto the sofa, laughing as she bounced slightly off the cushions. Surveying her, he withdrew his wand and lengthened the furniture before crawling on top of her. Her hips met his and they both groaned at the contact. "I do believe this is part of the whole getting to know someone process. Do you agree?"

"Oh definitely," she gasped fisting his shirt. "Tell me if it's too much." He snorted and resumed his attack on her lips. Hermione floated as he kissed her so thoroughly. Suddenly, she felt her magic surge from her core and reach out tentatively to him. His eyes flew open and he gasped as he recognized where the energy was coming from.

"You need to see Elena," he mumbled against her lips. "This week."

"I know," she breathed as his hands roamed over her. He grabbed her hips and pulled her flush against him again and groaned as his erection met her center. Hermione felt her magic roll off her again, this time with more power and he stilled. When his eyes met hers, they were dilated and the most vibrant grey she had ever seen. "Draco, your eyes..."

"Are as bright as yours right now?" He said smugly. He shifted onto his side between her and the back of the couch, his other hand flat against her stomach. "It seems we are equally as affected by whatever this...energy is. How do you feel?"

Hermione blushed and laid her hand on top of his, enjoying the way they looked entwined. "Honestly? I feel extremely turned on, but also relieved that some of this...energy has been released. How do you feel?"

"I feel slightly buzzed," he snickered. Hermione huffed and he brought her hand to his lips, brushing her knuckles softly.

"It feels almost like accidental magic," she said offhandedly. "But I'm aware of it. I can feel it course out of my body to you."

Draco let out a big breath and grabbed his wand. He summoned a pen and paper and levitated them above. When she gave him a questioning look, he rolled his eyes and said "Hermione's Magical Dilemma." The pen wrote out the words onto the paper, underlining the title in one harsh stroke. "Duration?"

"Six months, maybe longer?" She estimated, eyeing the annotating pen.

He clicked his tongue disapprovingly. "Cause?"

"Unknown, although it seems to be amplified around you," she blushed.

"So it would seem," he drawled. He then sighed and looked over her, his lips set in a tight line. "Anyone else in the last six months?"

It was her turn to snort, rather unladylike, at his loaded question. "Viktor, and no, there was no magical output."

Draco chuckled, although she could tell he was slightly embarrassed. She watched as the next note read Krum cut from the team. Hermione laughed and slapped his chest. "And you?" He shook his head no and wrote Malfoy heir suffers major dry spell. "Aww," she cooed, shifting her full weight to rest on his strong chest.

"Watch it," he grumbled against her lips. "Anything else?"

"I can't think of anything other than our eyes looking rather colorful," she huffed. "I do feel like it is becoming more reactive. I almost cursed someone in court last week. And even after our little Monday session, I felt okay at best."

"I'm afraid I haven't read up on unruly magical cores," he drawled, twisting a rogue curl lazily. "I think we need to do some research, but have Elena rule out anything. We need our Minister in tip-top shape."

"Alright, alright," she agreed and stretched up to kiss him. He moved her to lie completely on top of him, their tangled legs stretched out on the enlarged sofa. Hermione couldn't help but rub herself against him, he was intoxicating. She loved the way her breasts pressed against his strong chest. She was just getting lost in the delicious strokes his tongue made with hers when she heard her fireplace roar to life.

They had no time to disentangle as Harry Potter waltzed right into her living room. He took one look at them and barked out laughing, enjoying their obvious embarrassment at getting caught.

"Now I owe Luna five galleons. You couldn't hold out, could you Hermione," he groaned in fake disappointment. He then smiled and said, "It's about bloody time. Well done Malfoy."

Draco grinned and kissed her sweetly before helping her sit-up. "You never just floo in Harry," she said carefully. "Is everyone OK?"

"Brilliant actually," he sighed agitatedly. He ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "Ginny sends her best. You weren't picking up your mobile so I had to floo in, sorry to interrupt." Hermione waved him off and he took a deep breath. "Unfortunately, I need both of you to come with me. There's been an attempted break in at Mysteries and your office, Mia."

"What!" She shouted, leaping off Draco. "Who the bloody fuck would try to break into my office and Mysteries. Some bollocks on them." She ran into her bedroom without a backwards glance and headed straight to her closet for her favorite purple robes. Hastily, she threw them on and fixed her hair up with a quick wand wave. When she came back, Draco was standing next to Harry looking equally as pissed. He had put on his Unspeakable robes and tapped his foot impatiently. Hermione stopped mid pace. "Harry! You're not supposed to be working…"

He smiled sheepishly and grabbed some floo powder. "I told them if anything happens affecting my family that they were to notify me immediately. It was rather fortuitous that you were both in the same spot."

He threw in some floo powder and called out "Ministry of Magic Atrium" before disappearing into the green flames. Hermione turned to Draco and kissed the corner of his mouth. He relaxed, marginally, and returned a sweet brief kiss.

"I'm sorry our night was cut short."

"Don't be sorry," he said although his jaw was clenched. "Gives me a reason to ask for a third date."

She smiled as he stepped into the fireplace and disappeared. Hermione quickly followed behind. When she arrived, the atrium was bustling with movement as both Unspeakables and Aurors were assessing her office or heading down to Mysteries.

"Minister," a rough Irish voice said to her left. A large ginger wizard, unrelated to the Weasley clan, greeted her.

"Hello Locke," she greeted exasperatedly, a minor headache starting to form already. "Where did Auror Potter runoff to?"

"Your office, Madame," he motioned. "I'm your detail tonight."

"Sorry to take you from your family," she apologized.

"Never a problem," he replied evenly. They walked over to her office where it looked like a homicide scene from her favorite crime show. Harry was directing people but paused when he noticed her.

"Your wards are terrific," he beamed. "Curse-breakers can't even figure out what the hell you did. They're trying to have Bill come down, but he's off call."

"Leave him home, I'm sure we can figure out what exactly happened here. Any leads?" she asked anxiously.

"Not here. It definitely was an inside job, and someone had enough sense to wipe the spellprint off your office. No other residue was found here, but the ward went off alerting Holmes, who was on call. They went through Mysteries first, which as you'll see, is in a lot more disarray."

Hermione nodded and searched the crowd for her favorite blonde. Sensing her anxiety, Harry grabbed her by the elbow and pulled over to the side. "I sent him down to Mysteries. They broke into his office."

Hermione groaned although she kept her face passive. "What the fuck Harry?"

He threw his hands up defensively, "I don't know! But something tells me this has to do with TONKS. I'm sure your other business is still a secret. Hell, it's news to me."

She groaned and rubbed her temples. "I knew we'd face some opposition. Nothing like this though."

"I know, I know. I've already set up the Internal Affairs team. They've gone through Veritaserum and are under code. They'll be at your office first thing on Monday. Let's go see what they've found downstairs."

Hermione nodded and followed Harry into the lift, Locke closely behind her. It lurched forward and the trio stood in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. When they finally reached Mysteries, they were met with chaos as Unspeakables ran every which way throughout the offices. Some were holding odd devices that even escaped her. She had honestly not visited in quite some time, partially because Unspeakable Crawford and her were often at odds over the ongoing projects. She was too much of a scholar not to pick his brain, something he had little patience for.

"Minister Granger, Auror Potter," a smooth voice called out to their left. Although Crawford was considerably quiet compared to the other Ministry officials, he had a way with words. Hermione was half petrified when she first met him, largely because she had heard of his expansive knowledge.

"Good to see you Unspeakable Crawford," she addressed politely. She knew Harry was internally rolling his eyes at her admission. "It appears we have yet another mystery to solve."

Harry chuckled at her pun; however, Crawford seemed nonplussed about her humor given the atmosphere. Guess that glass of wine kicked in after all.

"Yes, it appears someone was very interested in Unspeakable 25's office, Minister. I'm not so sure I understand what it is they seek."

Hermione watched him carefully as Harry began pointing out things around the office space. She nodded to him and slowly made her way over to Draco, greeting some of the less frantic Unspeakables who were graced with social skills. When she came to his office, she motioned for Locke to stand outside. She found Draco standing off in the corner as a team of Aurors exchanged notes about the evidence. The few books that had been thrown around his office were slowly being repaired and shelved.

"Are you OK?" she asked quietly.

He nodded although he did not reply. He watched as the Aurors began clearing out, each sending him a nod as they exited. "If there is one thing to be thankful for, it is blood wards. Only useful thing Lucius ever taught me," he said humorlessly.

"Oh?" she breathed, looking around. He hadn't even gotten to decorate. He had a model of DNA off to the side, just like Mary's, and an old Slytherin banner hanging from the ceiling.

"All of my files are kept in here," he said pointing to an internal safe located in his desk. "I enacted an old blood ward each Malfoy heir is taught on the safe. So the thief was unable to take anything of value."

"Thank Merlin," she sighed feeling slightly better.

"I also make a habit of working overnight at home, and took most of my files to our date this afternoon," he said smiling slightly. "I'm not sure why they targeted us, and that is probably most frustrating."

She nodded and tried to think of who the bloody hell would want to start more trouble. "I'm sure someone is unhappy about TONKS and wants to cause us grief. Best be on our guard though. Harry is deploying an IA team on Monday."

"Great," he huffed arrogantly. "I don't have to tell them anything right?"

"No," she smiled. "You've been accounted for over the last forty eight hours. Just keep your eyes and ears open."

"Constant vigilance," he quipped. He peered over her shoulder before stepping closer. "I'm sorry tonight ended so abruptly. When can I take you out next?"

She smiled and was tempted to wrap herself around him. "Well, I am supposed to actually see Elena this week for dinner along with Mattius. How about you come over to my place first and then we can meet up with them?"

He smirked and leaned against his desk casually. "So you're saying I'll have to share you? I don't know Granger."

"I promise I will make it worth your while," she sang.

He pretended to think about it before grinning broadly. "Works for me. Let me know which evening you ladies decide."

"Of course," she replied airily.

"Minister?" Harry said, the word still foreign on his tongue. Draco laughed out loud, causing Locke to peek his head into the room.

Harry waved him off and joined the pair. "The two of you are just so… never mind. Malfoy, well placed wards. Thank Merlin you're both so paranoid."

"Have you found anything?" she asked Harry.

"No, but apparently the curse breakers think whoever attempted the break in is still a young ministry employee. They did leave some poorly concealed spellprints around your office Malfoy. It puts the break in around dinnertime today. Pretty ballsy if you ask me."

"It seems rather rash," she commented. "Maybe something happened that initiated their plan? I can't think of anything occurring other than confirming Elena as Medical Director on this project. She's been in the hospital all weekend attending though."

Harry nodded and began pacing around the room. "Maybe speak with her and see if she knows anything?"

"Of course," she said. "First thing Monday."

"Good," Draco interjected, giving her a look. Harry was too busy taking in his bookcase to notice.

"I think that is all we can do right now. Are you two coming to lunch tomorrow? Ginny still thinks everyone will still come by."

"I have a ton of paperwork," Hermione said sadly.

Draco eyed her before turning to Harry somewhat guiltily. "I have a ton of work too. This one," he said pointing to Hermione, "is working me like a hippogriff."

"I'm sure she is, Malfoy," Harry replied smugly. Hermione punched him in the arm, causing him to grimace.

"Watch it," she warned. Best not to go announcing these things. "Tell Ginny next weekend is best."

"Mmhmm," Harry said winking. "I say it's time for all of us to head home, yes?"

Hermione nodded gratefully and lead the men out of the office. They all trudged up to the atrium, with Locke following respectfully behind.

She turned to him kindly and said, "I'll be home in five, thank you." He nodded and shook Harry's hand, which passed him a blue stone. Locke activated the portkey and vanished to the park outside her house.

Harry gave her a knowing smile and bid them both goodnights. She turned to Draco and smiled, although not as brightly as she really wanted to. They weren't totally alone after all. He waved his wand and cast the Muffliato charm.

"You know, you are free to work in the Manor's library. Maybe there is a book that can help us in our investigation."

Hermione laughed and drew her purple robes closer to her body. "If I do stop by, we are to work," she stressed. "No funny business."

Malfoy took the tiniest of steps forward, just bordering indecent. "Fine, all work and no play."

Bloody hell. He winked and turned to the floo, shouting "Malfoy Manor" into the green flames.

She sincerely hoped they'd be able to get work done. Glancing over her shoulder, she met the curious gaze of Unspeakable Crawford. She wondered what he took from their interaction. Feeling her magic begin to build again, she stepped into the floo and headed home.

Collapsing into bed was one of the most glorious things she ever felt. A bed with fresh linens tucked perfectly around the plush mattress felt about as good as scoring all outstandings on her NEWTS and falling in love for the first time. It was also the perfect remedy to having your office almost broken into right after spending the day snogging your…Draco Malfoy all day long. She wondered if he would like her bed equally as much as she did. A smug part of her told her that yes, he would, very much. She drifted off thinking of how bright his grey eyes had been before succumbing to much deserved sleep.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to review! It means so much. Looking forward to your thoughts!

xo

MistAccio613