A/N: My heartfelt gratitude to all you wonderful people for the follows, favorites, and reviews. A big shout out to White Bishop for the amazing edits, wonderful ideas, and awesome support.


Magical compatibility and its hassles


"I can't believe this," Hermione muttered, hands moving through her now wild tresses as she paced across the narrow alley. "I can't begin to comprehend your motives for hiding such an important thing from me."

Draco didn't spare her a glance as he lazily checked his nails. His feigned disinterest in her ranting was nothing more than a façade while his mind attempted to plan his escape. For all her beauty and intelligence, a life with Hermione Granger would certainly take a toll on his sanity unless he found a way to manage her fierce Gryffindor nature. Previous concerns about her wellbeing seemed rather meaningless when he was the target of her fury. He should have fled the moment brunch with Potter had ended; He should have seen what was to come the moment she asked to speak with him, and he should have known that his mother would ask Potter to escort her home and force him to deal with Granger alone.

"Tell me, Draco. Did you somehow forget to tell me about the meeting with your father?"

Draco cringed as his name effortlessly flew from her lips. "Will you stop that!"

She stopped her pacing and shot him a look that could've easily rivaled Professor McGonagall's glare. "Stop what?" she hissed as she folded her arms across her chest,

Letting out a frustrated growl, he gestured wildly towards her and said, "Being so you!"

"Ugghh," she groaned and stomped towards him. "You're utterly impossible! First of all, you have the audacity to not inform me that your father has requested a meeting with me and now you have an issue with me being myself." She narrowed her eyes at him and asked, "I'd thought that over the past few months, we'd built a cordial working relationship and we might be able to genuinely try to become friends. Are you not comfortable becoming my friend?"

"I didn't say that," Draco looked at a black spot on the wall, beyond her shoulder. Blatantly lying to her seemed all the more difficult a task, considering it felt like she was trying to look into his soul. Desperate to keep his eyes away from her fiery gaze and gloriously reddened cheeks, Draco decided on a different tactic. He sighed deeply, "I have very little issue with establishing a friendship. Just don't ever expect me to call you by your ridiculously twisty name."

"That's rich coming from a person, who himself has a funny name?"

Draco slowly took a step forward, slightly stepping into her personal space, testing the waters. "You seem rather focused on my name as of late Granger. Is there any particular reason for that?"

Hermione's eyes slowly widened but she didn't step back. She lifted her chin in defiance and spoke in a whisper, "I just happen to think it's a rather, brazen name for such a timid man."

"Timid? Are you sure about that?" he murmured seductively, as he met her gaze. He saw a moment of hesitation in her eyes and wondered how she was going to react to his proximity. It seemed that seduction was an effective tool to quell Granger's fury. She didn't relent but her expression faded into a less volatile fury with a hint of something neither of them wanted to address.

"What kind of game are you trying to play?" Hermione asked, her voice hitching slightly higher than normal. "and why didn't you tell me about this meeting?"

Her swift return to the matter at hand forced Draco to take a step back and told him that he wouldn't be able to distract her again. His frustration mounting, he turned away and sighed, "Don't get your knickers in a twist, Granger. As I said earlier, I didn't think it was the right time. The project is going forward smoothly and I didn't want to derail any progress with a pointless meeting. Informing you wasn't necessary, and you're hardly in a position to dictate how I choose to carry out my father's wishes."

Hermione took a deep breath and spoke in a dangerously low voice, "Let me make one thing clear, Draco Malfoy. This is my project and I intend to do everything in my power to make it a success. It has not even been a week since we dealt with Tracey Davis. Merlin forbid, if your father decides to intervene and compromise everything we have accomplished so far; I promise, I'll give you a fresh reminder of our third year." Her eyes narrowed as her finger poked his chest.

Draco had to curb a sudden urge to reach for his nose. "For Salazar's sake, Granger. Did you drag me into this alley, to fight?" He tried to dislodge the finger that was still pressed against his chest and said in a frustrated tone, "Do you think I forgot what happened to you in that house?"

Hermione's eyes widened and she drew back her hand from his clutches. Her lip quivered as she spoke, "I'm not some damsel in distress for you to save. I'm well aware of my past and I'm not afraid to face it."

"Well then, forgive me for presuming you'd find it unpleasant," Draco spat harshly turning his face away from her. "Really Granger, can you not identify courtesy when it's staring you in the face? Has your association with Weasley and Potter hampered your ability to understand human civilities to this extent?"

"How dare you!" Hermione was fuming.

Draco pinched his brow and exhaled harshly before turning towards her. For the first time in his life, he had completely contradicted his beliefs and disgraced everything he had been taught since birth. He was concerned for a mud... Mm… Muggleborn. He couldn't even say that blasted word anymore when it came to her; and what did he get in return for his concern, more accusations. He bit back all those things and donned a mask to conceal his feelings from the feisty Gryffindor standing in front of him. "If you're so sure of yourself, I don't see any point in waiting any longer," Draco folded his arms and stared into her eyes. "Are you free tomorrow?"

"What are you trying to say?" Hermione's heart started to thud.

"I'm talking about the meeting with my father. He wishes to know what sort of progress has been made thanks to our substantial investment. Given that the ministry has placed him under house arrest, the meeting will have to take place at the Manor."

As she stood there looking into his probing eyes, she started to realize the depth of the situation. Never in her life had she thought she would return to that ghastly place again. She unconsciously brushed the scar on her neck, where Bellatrix's dagger had bit into her skin, an action that was duly noted by Draco's cold gaze. The very thought of going back to that place made her shiver; but if that's what it took to ensure her project's survival, she wouldn't let that stop her. Bellatrix may have made Hermione endure the greatest of pains in that hall, but she didn't break her. If anything, that pain made her stronger and gave her hope that so long as she kept on fighting, success would never be out of reach.

Beyond the fear of returning to Malfoy Manor, Hemione was confused. Draco's earlier words had suggested that he was worried about her. There was a time, not long ago, that she might've been able to dismiss such an absurd idea without a second thought. After all, who in their right mind would ever believe that the pureblood snob in front of her could genuinely care about her. The whisper of a little voice in her agitated mind told her that he might have had another motive in insinuating himself into her project and life. Blood rushed to her cheeks as she tried to control the overwhelming emotions that started to manifest within her. "Alright," the word spilled out of her mouth before she could decide.

Draco remained silent, taking care that his face never betrayed the conflict of his mind. "I would've offered to pick you up; but since you're not a damsel in distress, I don't see any point in troubling myself." Throwing her a look from over his shoulder he said. "I'm sure you know where Malfoy Manor is. The fireplace will be open for you, from noon onward. Until tomorrow, Granger." Without giving her a chance to speak he swiftly walked out of the alley, leaving Hermione to her tempestuous thoughts.


"It is a lovely dress," Luna said running her hands on the dress, she was trying on. "But I would've preferred it in yellow, a sunny color is much more suited to a wedding."

Hermione absentmindedly nodded her head, tucking a stray curl behind her ears.

"Although red is more of a Harry and Ginny color," Luna continued as she twirled around looking at herself in the mirror. "Do you think Ginny would mind if I add few Sunflowers to the dress?"

"Mm-hm."

"How about a necklace of radishes and Butterbeer corks?" Luna said giving a strange look at Hermione.

"I guess."

"You should wear one too. To keep away those Wrackspurts that are troubling your brain."

"Okay," Hermione said rubbing her temples. Suddenly, Luna's words reached her addled mind. "What? No! No sunflowers or butterbeer cork necklaces. Those accessories are always lovely, but they won't fit into the theme of their wedding. Why don't we stick to what Ginny picked?"

"Oh! such a shame," Luna said without any change in her serene expression. "Red seems fine too, especially, on you."

"Um, thank you" Hermione smiled uncomfortably. "It looks great on you too, Luna."

"You wore red to Ron's brother's wedding and Ron couldn't keep his eyes off you. I'm sad that it ended so badly."

"Yes, that was a troubling day for all of us," Hermione said fixing the large bow that hung to the side of the dress.

"I was talking about you and Ron."

"Oh," Hermione bit her lip. "We just wanted different things. Even if the results of Magical Matching were positive, I don't think we could've lived happily with each other. I can completely understand his wish to have a magical child and I sincerely hope he finds his perfect match." Hermione said lowering the zipper on the back of her dress and carefully stepped out of her dress while Luna continued twirling in hers.

"I can understand Ronald's perspective as well. Pureblood families are more similar than they care to acknowledge." Hermione furrowed her eyebrows as Luna continued. "For all of them, magic guides their every action. If you really ponder there is not much of a difference between the Weasleys and the Malfoys."

"I'm sorry to say, but you are quite wrong. They despise each other," scoffed Hermione moving around to pick up her clothes that were draped over the chair.

"I don't deny that," said Luna. "But their ideals, outlook, and upbringing aren't entirely different. The Malfoys place a great deal of value on those with a strong magical lineage, while the Weasleys act as if it is their responsibility to look after and help those who do not to come from a wizarding background. Do you see the similarity?"

Hermione paused buttoning up her shirt. In a weird way, Luna's words made sense. Both families placed a very high value on magic; one as a symbol of power to be coveted, and the other as a gift to be shared. Hermione's practical mind struggled with this revelation but didn't quite agree, as it flashed glimpses of how the Weasleys had become her surrogate family in the Wizarding world. She wanted to list out various way in which they were different, but looking at the clock she stopped herself. Once done with their dress fittings, she had to head to her dreaded meeting and an argument with the quirky Ravenclaw could easily consume her entire day. She bit back her words and looked at Luna, "Then, what about you Luna? What do you think?"

"Magic is everywhere, Hermione. It doesn't belong to anyone and couldn't be held inside anybody. We just have to learn how to see it," Luna closed her eyes and sighed with a serene expression on her face. "Are you getting back to the ministry? I thought you didn't work on Sundays anymore." Luna opened one of her eyes and asked Hermione as she started to put on her robes.

"Not exactly. I have a meeting with the Malfoys at the Manor," Hermione gulped trying to hold on to the tiny wisps of courage that were dangling in her heart. She had hardly had any sleep last night and the lack of rest started to weigh on her. She started to wonder if the mere thought of visiting that dreary place induced her panic or was the unease related to the fact that she would be meeting with the Malfoy patriarch. Harry had been livid, but he didn't object or try to stop her; he simply offered to accompany her if needed. Although she appreciated his help, this was something she had to alone. Only after shoving Harry out of the house after giving him enough assurance that she'll be fine and downing the entire vial of calming draught, she was able to prepare herself for her impending visit.

"You both are good together," Luna said with a smile. "The article in those papers didn't do justice to the growing bond between you."

"There is no bond between us, Luna," Hermione sputtered. "I mean, except for the project we are working on together." As the words escaped her mouth, she noticed the hesitation in her claim. Pulling her shoes onto her feet, she tried to ignore Luna's curious gaze.

"Are you asking me or telling me?" Luna said slumping down into the armchair beside Hermione. As Hermione's mouth opened, Luna chuckled. "I definitely think there is more, seeing that you've accepted to go to his house."

"No, it's not like that. It's just an official meeting with his father," Hermione grimaced.

"Oh!" Luna's expression became thoughtful. "Still, it's good to accept the past in order to move into the future."

"Yes. I'm not going to let Lucius Malfoy stop my project," Hermione said standing straight. "I'm going to prove to him that all those elves need a better life. I appreciate Draco's concern about me, but I'm not going to let a tiny thing like that stop me."

"I'm glad you have his support. If anyone can understand the pain of stepping into a place where they were tortured, it would be him. He lived with Voldemort under the same roof for two years and we all know how Voldemort punished those who failed him. I used to wonder how he managed it when I would hear cries of anguish while I lived in their dungeons."

The new understanding hit her like a blast. While she was struggling with how to face her own past, she had been completely ignorant of the weight of reality. Draco had survived living under Voldemort's rule in his own home and had somehow been able to reclaim his home from the horrors that likely took place within its walls. Unlike his father, Draco had never been forced to return to Malfoy Manor. He had chosen to return and conquer the nightmares that resided within. A new respect bloomed in her heart for Draco, and she felt warm as she understood why he'd been concerned for her.

"Eep," a sudden scream from outside the dressing room dragged Hermione out of her stupor. "It's poking me in the eye." the screams continued and Hermione reached for her wand, heading towards the door that led them outside. "I think it came from the dressing room."

"Oh, the tiny rascals," Luna chuckled lifting her bag that lay strewn open on the floor. "They must've escaped."

Hermione turned towards her with a horror-struck expression. "Who are they?"

"Not to worry, Hermione. They're practically harmless," Luna explained looking under the armchair. "Most of the time. Ah, there you are," she said dragging a reluctant stick from under there.

"Luna, why did you bring a Bowtruckle to a dress fitting?" Hermione said placing a hand on her hip.

"They are for Neville's new breed of Mimbulus Mimbletonia. Since he and Ron are already coming here for their dress fittings today, I thought of giving it to him." Luna stated and turned her attention back to the Bowtruckle in her hand. "Where are your brothers?" Luna cooed coaxing the tiny stick like thing back into her bag. "There should be five in total. They are from Scandinavian forests and have a special affinity towards Mimbulus. I guess they are the ones outside causing all the ruckus. I'll check," Luna said opening the door.

"No, Luna. Why don't you check in the room? Since I'm already dressed I'll go outside and see," Hermione said rushing out of the door without giving Luna a chance to respond. "I'm so sorry," Hermione said moving to the woman who was screaming at the top of her lungs, Bowtruckle partially tangled in her hair attacking the side of her face.

"Get this blasted thing off my face," the offended person yelled again giving Hermione a good look at her face.

"Parkinson," Hermione said and moved forward, making her way towards her. "It's nothing to be worried about. It's just a Bowtruckle," she said gently taking the fragile thing into her hands. Her eyes narrowed in concern looking at one of the arms of the Bowtruckle that seemed to be twisted at an odd angle.

"Granger?" Pansy hissed. "Does that thing belong to you? Not surprising at all. I guess you need to be reminded, this place is for people and not for the creatures from the Forbidden Forest."

Hermione threw her a scathing glare, "I see you haven't changed. Didn't you learn anything from our last encounter? How can you hurt a poor little thing?"

Pansy responded by raising her chin in defiance. "Little thing? That pest almost gouged out my eye. It doesn't belong here any more than you do."

"Bowtruckles are gentle creatures. Until they feel threatened they won't attack anybody," said Hermione, ignoring Pansy's insult while searching around the room for the others.

"Whatever," Pansy flipped her hair and turned to the assistant who stood around awkwardly looking at the exchange between them. "If you have my dresses ready, I would like to get out of this place immediately," Pansy said scrunching her nose at Hermione who was now joined by Luna who had gathered all the Bowtruckles into her bag. "Just so you know, no one from a respectable pureblood family would ever shop here if they knew you are hoarding creatures instead of fabrics," she said glaring at Hermione and Luna.

"Why you," Hermione advanced towards Pansy still holding the injured Bowtruckle.

"Neville, Ron," Luna's chime stopped Hermione's gait.

"Luna," Neville's kind voice reached her ears and Hermione's interest piqued as she observed the weird changes in Pansy. Gone was the snobbish expression on her face and in place stood a coy smile. "You brought them?" Neville excitedly took the Bowtruckles into his arms and thanked Luna. "They are just what those plants need. Do you have the woodlice?"

"Yes, right in my bag," Luna offered the bag, while Neville carefully lowered all the tiny creatures back into the bag while she held it open for him. "It should keep them occupied. Ron, would you mind holding the bag, there is one more with Hermione."

Before Hermione could react, Pansy snatched the injured Bowtruckle from her and glided towards Neville. "Oh, Neville! It's so nice to see you again."

Neville's eyes widened and the bag slowly started to slip from his hands. Thankfully, Ron was there to hold it. Although, Ron cringed a bit as the woodlice crawled up his hand, but held his grip. He shot a pitiful look at Hermione and begged for help. Mercifully, a glare from his ex-girlfriend kept him in place and silent.

"You forgot this little one," Pansy dangled the injured one in front of Neville, who gasped and gently took it into his hands. "Adorable aren't they?" she said batting her eyelashes. "They're almost as interesting as you."

Hermione was left in a state of shock trying to decipher Pansy's sudden change in demeanor. This wasn't the first time she'd seen Pansy behaving in such a way towards Neville and she couldn't help but wonder what exactly was happening.

"Let me help," Luna said lifting her wand trying to fix the injured arm of the Bowtruckle.

"Oh, please. I'm very good at healing charms," Pansy said pushing Luna out of the way and turned her own wand at the creature in Neville's arms.

"No, not you," Neville put his hands behind his back. "Anyone but you."

Ron slowly scooted towards Hermione and sniggered. "Bloody hell! Just look at his face."

"Honestly Ron," Hermione shrugged. "How can you laugh at his struggles. Besides what worries me most is why Pansy Parkinson is suddenly interested in Neville."

"Beats me," Ron said. "I don't remember her sparing a glance at him at Hogwarts."

"Didn't you know, they're supposedly a strong magical match. It really is fascinating to see how Magical Matching brings two people with completely different interests together," Luna said extracting the last Bowtruckle into her hands, while Neville unsuccessfully dodged Pansy's attempts.

"What?" Hermione gasped while Ron was reduced to a sniggering mess.

"Seriously? Neville and the Slytherin Ice queen? That's the most outrageous thing I ever heard. Who are they going to pair up next? `Mione and Malfoy?" Ron guffawed.

Ron was the only one who remained laughing at the apparent ridiculousness of his own words. As for Hermione, she shot a withering glare at Ron making him choke on his own laughter. "Think before you speak Ron."

"What are you glaring at me for? Seriously, was I the only one who laughed at the absurd article. As if you would spare the ferret even a minute of your life," Ron continued as Hermione dragged him into a corner, gesturing Luna to follow them.

Hermione shook her head at Ron's absurdity and turned to Luna. "Is it true?"

"Neville told me, the Parkinsons had approached his Grandmother regarding an alliance. Since Augusta dismissed them, Pansy has been running mysteriously into him everywhere he went. It's kind of cute," she said looking at Pansy who was laughing at something Neville had mumbled, making him turn red in embarrassment.

"This is outrageous. Just look at them. I've never seen two people more ill-suited. Just for the sake of a powerful magical child, she's ready to sabotage both of their lives," Hermione said shaking her head.

"I mean I understand their desire for a strong magical child," Ron said scratching the back of his neck. "But she's too feisty and Neville's just plain boring. I don't think they can be happy together," Ron said shrugging his shoulders.

"Come on, Ron. Neville's wonderful. I just don't want Parkinson to take advantage of him making his life miserable," Hermione said folding her arms.

"Don't you see, Hermione. The wizarding world revolves around Magic. Pansy isn't to blame; it's hardly her fault that since childhood she was taught that magical strength was essential for survival. The belief in blood purity was born from that." she said with a pitiful glance at Pansy and Neville. "It's really not that surprising."

"Well then, I'm going to put an end to it," Hermione wanted nothing but to stomp over and rescue them from their impending disaster.

"Wait, aren't you getting a little late, for your meeting at Malfoy Manor?" Luna stopped her by her arm.

"What? Have you gone completely mental?"

"Ron," Hermione said pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Why are you going back to that blasted place?" Ron's voice exploded attracting the attention of the people gathered. "Did you forget you were tortured in that bloody house?"

Hermione pursed her lips. "Thanks for the reminder Ronald; but this is something I have to do for the success of my project."

"I won't let you, I won't let you do this to yourself," Ron said moving into her personal space, creating a human barricade. "I saw the pain you went through, Hermione."

Hermione looked at the protectiveness in his eyes and reached out to his shoulder. "I appreciate your concern, but If I don't go, everything I've done to help others would be completely wasted." Her eyes wandered to the gaping people around them and she gritted her teeth. "And if you ever act like this, I won't hesitate to introduce you to my own version of a Bat-Bogey Hex."

Most of the people turned their heads away at Hermione's words, but Pansy's gaze remained glued to them with a sudden curiosity.

"Hermione, please. Think about it. Is that program really worth your sanity?"

"If you think that, I don't know if you ever really understood me, Ron," Hermione said in a dejected voice.

"Fine. Have it your way. If thinking about the safety of a friend is a mistake, then go and do whatever you want," Ron seethed. "I held you when you were hurting, Hermione. I can never forget the image of you broken and huddled in my arms."

Before Hermione could reach out to him, Ron stormed away. Neville who was standing near placed his hand on Hermione's shoulder. "He means well, Hermione."

"I know," Hermione said placing her hand on her chest, as she tried to control her erratic breathing. "But I have to do this."

"Yes, we understand," Luna said gently squeezing Hermione's hand. "We'll take care of it from here, you go."

"Are you sure?" Hermione said throwing a glance in the direction Ron had rushed off.

"Absolutely," Neville assured as he left dragging Luna with him.

"Well, isn't that interesting," Pansy said as she approached with a predatory gleam in her eyes. "Are you planning on testing the limits of your Gryffindor courage?"

Frustrated and angry, Hermione unleashed her torrent of emotions on Pansy. "You listen to me, Parkinson. I'm trying my best to control my urge to hex you. You would do well to remember that it's really not that hard for me to make your life miserable. I'm certain you remember what happened with Pippy. So think hard before commenting on my Gryffindor sensibilities." Pansy backed up a bit, at the anger that was shining in Hermione's eyes. Gathering all her belongings, Hermione asked the assistant who was still hovering in the background. "May I use your floo?" The young girl nodded her head and pointed in the direction of the fireplace. The fierce Gryffindor stomped her way towards it and grabbed a handful of Floo powder. She shot one last look at Pansy and hissed, "I also suggest you stay away from Neville."

Pansy watched in shocked silence as Hermione threw the powder into the fireplace. As the green flames rose, Hermione took a deep breath readying her mind to face the challenge that awaited just beyond the verdant flames. Ron's words echoed in her mind as she found her resolve, and stepping into the roaring flames she called out, "Malfoy Manor."