Disclaimer ~ I own nothing but the plot. All characters are the property of JK Rowling.

A.N. ~ So I know it has been a very long time but life attacked me hard. My family and I finally moved from our two bedroom one bath house to a four bedroom one and a half bath house. All the extra space is so wonderful! I am getting a divorce, I had to help my friend move into the house she just bought, and well its just been crazy.

Some interesting things in this chapter including a look into Narcissa Malfoy's mind. I hope you enjoy!


The duo were surprised to find not only the Headmaster waiting for them but Professor Snape as well. Both were dressed in their finest dress robes, and Hermione was surprised to see that Professor Snape's looked as if it had actually been washed for once.

"Ah Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy, you are here. I must say you both look quite dashing." Dumbledore said, approaching the two students. Draco gave a curt nod.

"As do you Headmaster." He then turned his attention to Professor Snape. "You will be joining us too Severus." Hermione gasped softly, turning to stare at Draco. Had he just called their professor by his first name? Yes, Hermione he did, she thought. She knew that school was officially out for the holiday, but that did not give the students the right to be disrespectful, and calling a teacher by their first name was disrespectful in her eyes.

"Yes Draco, I promised your mother that I would be her escort for the evening. Now then we must be going. Your mother is waiting for us." Snape said, not even flinching at the fact that Draco had called him Severus. Hermione watched as he grabbed a handful of floo powder, threw it into the fireplace, calling out their destination and then stepping through. As Dumbledore did the same Hermione took the opportunity to scold Draco.

"Draco?" She watched him turn to face her. "What were you thinking, calling Professor Snape by his first name? Even though we are out for holiday, it does not give you the right to be disrespectful to a teacher." Draco let out a hearty laugh, startling and confusing her.

"If anyone ever told me that one day Hermione Granger would be scolding me about proper etiquette, I would have thought that they had been hit in the head with a bludger." He shook his head. "For your information Granger, the reason I call him Severus is because I can. I have known him since the day I was born, when my parents named him my godfather." He said before turning towards the fire, copying the professor's before him, and taking her hand.

"Oh, I see. " She said as she was pulled through the fireplace behind him, leaving the headmaster's office and arriving at the Tonk's residence. As they stepped out of the hearth they were greeted by the sight of the professors greeting Draco's mother.

"So kind of you to attend this evening Albus. We all know what a busy wizard you are."

"Think nothing of it Narcissa. I was quite happy to receive the invitation. Now then if you will excuse me, I believe there was talk of new muggle sweets being served, that I must go and try." They watched as Professor Dumbledore bowed slightly and left the room, leaving Hermione, Draco, Narcissa, and Professor Snape behind. Hermione watched as Professor Snape nudged the woman and alerted her to their arrival, causing her to turn towards them.

"Draco!" The woman exclaimed rushing over to embrace her son. Hermione had only caught a glimpse of Narcissa Malfoy once, so she decided to take the opportunity to study the woman. She was a tall woman, not nearly as tall as her son, but tall by female standards. She was also quite slim with blue eyes, and long blonde hair. Hermione could tell just by watching them that there was an extremely strong bond between the mother and son standing before her. She watched as Narcissa stepped back and took her son's chin in her hand, and smiled up at him.

"My, my Draco. It seems that you have grown another inch or two and even though I would have never thought it possible, you have gotten even more handsome."

"Well, did you expect anything less mother. After all I do get my dashing looks from the loveliest witch to ever grace the wizarding world." Narcissa beamed.

"Well that is true." She teased, "However, while you did inherit my looks, you did not inherit my manners. Are you going to introduce me to this lovely creature standing behind you, or must I do it myself?" She asked him pointedly. Hermione watched, shocked as Draco's face turned a light shade of pink, embarrassed at his lack of manners.

"Oh yes of course." He said taking Hermione's hand and pulling her forward. "Mother. I would like to introduce you to Miss Hermione Granger." Hermione started to stick out her hand to the woman but was shocked when she stepped forward and pulled her into a delicate embrace.

"It is so nice to formally meet you Miss Granger." She said before stepping back. She held onto Hermione's shoulders as she gave her a once over. "My, my, you have grown into such a lovely young woman, quite different from the young lady I saw all those years ago in Flourish and Blotts." She smiled at her. "I must admit I had never seen a child so excited about purchasing books." Narcissa thought back, remembering the curiosity and amusement she felt when she notice the young bushy haired girl clutching a stack of books, smiling brightly at them as she stroked the leather bindings. Hermione also remembered that day, however she did not know that anyone had been watching her. It was first year, and she had just found out that she was a witch. Between that new knowledge and the fact that she had just found a whole new world of books just waiting to be read, had put her beyond excited.

"Its a pleasure to meet you too Mrs. Malfoy." Narcissa shook her head at her.

"Please dear, call me Cissy." She said before turning towards the two gentlemen who had been patiently observing the two from the other side of the room. "Now then. I believe we all have a party to attend. Shall we?" She walked over to Professor Snape and placed her arm through his, while Hermione did the same with Draco before following the older pair through the set of double doors, into a small hallway, and to another set of double doors. As they approached Hermione was surprised to see two house-elves positioned on either side of the door way. Both looked to be about two and a half feet tall, with the usual pointed, bat-like ears, and spindly arms and legs. They were almost identical except that the one on the right side had big blue eyes and the one on the left had green ones. While house-elves were not an unusual thing to find inside a wizards home, it was surprising to see them so well dressed. Instead of the normal pillowcase smock that the enslaved elves would wear, these two were dressed in identical red, taffeta, Christmas dresses, white, lace cuffed socks, and black shiny shoes.

"Good evening Isri and Iria" Narcissa said, greeting the two as they curtsied at the group.

"Evening missus'. Evening sirs." They said in unison.

"Is the party going well Isri?" The elf on the right nodded quickly.

"Yes miss. Everyone has arrived and are enjoying drink and appetizers miss. You should hurry though, there is a tall red headed boy who is eating all the sausage rolls. Not saving any for the others. Greedy I tell you." Her words caused the elf on the left, Iria, to gasp in horror.

"Isri! You mussn't say such things about the masters!" She looked absolutely horrified that she had said such a thing. "Please be excusin' my sister, she doesn't know when to hold her tongue." Draco laughed.

"No need to get so upset Iria. Isri only speaks the truth about that one." He knew right away that the red head in question was Ron. "I'm surprised there is any food left with him around."

"Perhaps, then we should venture inside, before Mr. Weasley eats everything in sight." Professor Snape said in his normal, monotone drawl. Iria and Isri curtsied again before turning to open the double doors and announcing their arrival. Hermione's eyes widened as she entered the room, that in her mind shouldn't have been as large as it was. The room, which she had figured would be the size of their common room, in fact was almost the size of the Great Hall.

"Undetectable Extension Charm." Draco whispered in her ear. She turned to look at him.

"Sorry?" He smirked at her and then gestured to the overly large room.

"Undetectable Extension Charm. You seemed confused at the size of the room. I must say I'm surprised that you didn't realize it right away." Hermione blushed lightly. She did feel quite foolish, after all Mr. Weasley had used the same charm on the tent they stayed in during the Quidditch World Cup fourth year. She opened her mouth to say something back but was interrupted by a loud squeal from behind her.

"Hermione!" She turned just in time to see Ginny throw her arms around her in a tight embrace. She was soon felt two more sets of arms hugging her as Luna and Lavender joined in. They all pulled away and gave her the once over.

"Where ever did you get that dress Hermione? You look amazing." Lavender asked. Hermione looked over towards Draco, only to find that he had wandered off. She looked back and found two of the three girls staring at her, waiting for an answer. Ginny on the other hand had an all knowing smirk on her face.

"Um ... well. It was a gift. All of it was actually." She said shyly.

"Well who ever gave you these gifts must care about you an awful lot. These are all from Madam Mirabelle's Boutique, in France." Lavender said gently touching the fabric.

"How in the world did you know that Lav?" Luna asked curiously. Lavender giggled and shrugged.

"What can I say? Fashion is my passion and anyone who is anyone in the fashion industry is on my radar. Madam Mirabelle happens to be a very big anyone in the fashion world right now. My Aunt Iris recently attended one of her runway fashion shows while she was in France and brought me back a catalog of the items in it. This dress was included."

"Yes well ..."

"Hermione!" She was interrupted by the sound of her name being called. She turned to see Neville, Harry, Ron and the twins walking towards her with bright smiles on their faces. "How are you Hermione? Are you having a nice holiday at school?" Neville asked after they had all welcomed her.

"Yes I am Neville. Thank you for asking. How is your grandmother?"

"See for yourself." He said pointing over towards an elegantly dressed elderly woman talking to someone in the corner. Hermione watched as his grandmother placed one hand on her hip and started poking the chest of the man she was speaking too. "Thats

Alaricus Macavoy. He is the new head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation and he has been avoiding my grandmother's owls. As you can see, she doesn't take kindly to that."

"Why won't he answer her owls?" She asked, as she watched the man turn red from the tongue lashing that he was so obviously getting. Neville motioned for everyone to come closer to him, making sure that only they could hear his next words.

"It seems that a couple of potioneers over in America may have developed a potion that can reverse the effects of the Cruciatus Curse." There was a small gasp from the group.

"Neville, thats wonderful." Harry said. "Would it help only those recently effected or anyone who has been." Hermione knew that Harry asked this for Neville's benefit. It was no secret that the young boy's parents had been patients in the Janus Thickey Ward at St. Mungo's since Neville was an infant. Neville turned Harry with a small smile on his face.

"Thats why grandmum has been owling him. The Cruciatus Curse isn't used very much over there so they don't feel the need to explore the possibilities of such a potion. However grandmother, contacted the two potioneers and explained everything that has happened here and they are more then willing to come work over here and try to find an overall cure."

"So whats the bloody problem? Voldemort or no Voldemort, there will always be someone trying to do his bidding. This potion could change everything about that curse. The only reason the death eaters used it was because if used long enough there was almost no coming back from it." Ron said, shocking everyone with his slight words of wisdom.

"Funding. The kind of research and facilities needed for the research are going to cost quite a bit, not to mention housing the two potioneers while they are here. Grandmother thinks that if the ministry brought the idea before the public they may be able to get some outside funding from some of the wealthier and more prominent wizarding families."

"Like that'll happen. Most of the wealthiest families are pure-bloods. The Cruciatus Curse is there go to curse, and they are not going to want the effects of it to be curable." George snorted. Hermione took in what was said, and thought about it a bit, before she was hit with an idea.

"Maybe not all of them."


Draco stood back and watched as Fred Weasley twirled Hermione across the now opened dance floor. After they had arrived and he had left her with her friends he had found Blaise and Daphne talking over in the corner so he joined them, though his eyes never left his little Gryffindor. They had soon been informed that it was time to eat and the room suddenly was filled with two very long tables, almost like the kind they sat at in the Great Hall. After everyone had been seated the tables filled with enough food that it made the Hogwarts beginning of school year feast look shabby. There was roasted beef and chicken, pork and lamb chops, steak and kidney pie, casseroles, and stews. Carrots, peas, fried tomatoes, and all types of potatoes were also laid out along with rolls, gravies, and butter. Everyone ate until they couldn't eat another bite, or at least until they could fit in the many treats and desserts that would be out later. Once dinner was finished the room once again transformed, removing the tables and replacing them with a giant dance floor that now was occupied by most of the guests. Draco watched as Harry and Ginny danced over to where Hermione was just as the song ended and the next one started, both pairs changing their partners. Draco sighed. It seemed like every time he tried to go over and ask her to dance another bloke got to her first. It was really starting to piss him off, after all she was his date for the evening.

"Why don't you just go cut in?" Draco jumped and turned to find Blaise smirking behind him. "I mean she is your date after all, is she not." Draco turned back to look at her and once again sighed.

"I know. Believe me. Part of me would love nothing more then to go over there and rip her out of Potter's arms."

"And the other part?"

"The other part of me knows that she rarely gets to see these people and that she and the rest of the Golden Trio have not exactly been on speaking terms as of late. I get to see her every day so I guess I can allow her this time to rebond with her friends." Blaise chuckled, and slapped him on the shoulder.

"Ah! You can allow her. Thats a hoot. As if anyone could ever allow her to do anything. She does what she pleases, when she pleases, and asks no ones permission. Well unless it has to do with school. Can you imagine her just getting up in Potions class, telling Snape shes done, and then just leaving. I think we would all have bloody heart attacks." Draco smiled at the image he had created in his head. Just the look that would most likely be on Severus's face would be worth it.

"While you are so busy going on about my date, it seems that you have lost yours."

"Not at all. She went to the ladies room with Astoria and then she wanted to talk to Mrs. Weasley and your mother about ideas she had for some charity event that they want to put together ." Draco knew of the event. His mother had wanted to do something nice for the families of both the wizards and muggles that had lost so much when Voldemort returned. He knew that his aunt and Mrs. Weasley were both heavily involved and they had put word out that they were looking for some creative ideas for a fund raiser. "Come on. Lets get something to drink and sit. She is safe here. You don't have to keep your eyes on her all night." Draco let out another loud sigh and followed his friend over to where the drinks were, grabbing himself a large glass of eggnog and then following him over towards a corner of the room that was set up as a sitting area. As they walked over Draco heard something coming from a cracked open doorway that made him stop.

"This is the seventh killing in two months, Arthur." Draco grabbed Blaise's arm and pulled him into a small nook behind a tapestry next to the door, placing a finger on his lips to signal his friend to be quiet.

"I know Remus, but are we sure that a wizard was involved?"

"Ella Ashen works for the local muggle authorities. She was at all seven of the crime scenes and said that a wizard was definitely involved." Draco knew of Ella Ashen. She was a squib who was hired by the ministry to keep an eye out for any strange muggle deaths after Voldemort was resurrected. Draco felt Blaise tug on his arm and turned to look at his friend. Blaise's eyes were wide, and he looked as if he was about to be sick. Draco quickly put his thoughts away and concentrated on the conversation that was happening.

"All seven deaths have been the same. The women have been brutally attacked, beaten, raped, and then their throats slit. The thing the muggle police don't know, is that they have also been crucioed past the point of insanity, almost to death. As you know the look in the victims eyes can tell you if the curse was used. Ella checked all and we at the ministry sent someone in to see for them selves. Each girl was crucioed to death."

"But why Kingsley? What is this wizard after?" Draco could recognize Arthur Weasley's voice.

"Not a what Arthur, but a who. All seven girls had very similar attributes. All were about 5'4", long, curly brown hair, brown eyes, light skinned, and a muggle. Sound like anyone we know?" Draco could feel Blaise clutch his arm tightly. He was thinking the same thing he was. He heard a female gasp as the realization hit them.

"Hermione! All the girls resemble Hermione!" He heard the woman say.

"Yes. I think that who ever is doing this wants Hermione, but since he can not get to her he is using these girls to bide his time. We need to figure out who is doing this, and quickly. The ALIO APERIO spell only works if the victim is alive or within a day of death. The seven victims were found days after they were killed. I would like you all to meet me in my office tomorrow so we can discuss this further and devise a plan."

"Should we inform Miss Granger?"

"No, Minerva. I think that all it would do is frighten her. How ever I would suggest keeping an eye on her. Make sure she goes nowhere alone."

"I will. Mr. Malfoy may be able to help me with that."

"Ah yes. I noticed that he escorted her here this evening." They heard Remus say.

"Yes. They seem to have become quite close these past few months. Best Heads Hogwarts has had in quite some time. I will see what can be done."

"Well then. Shall we all get back to the party then." Draco felt Blaise drag him out from behind the tapestry and over to some chairs, shoving him into one just as, Arthur, Kingsley, Dumbledore, Remus, Tonks, and McGonagall, stepped out of the room they had been in. They watched as they all went their separate ways before turning to one another.

"Son of a bitch Draco. Hes hunting girls who look like her and is killing them. He must be stopped. You must tell them who is doing this." Draco just stared back at his friend.

"If I tell them then I will have to tell them what happened to Hermione. I will have to betray her trust in me."

"So what! Would you rather she be killed? Did you not hear them Draco? What he did to those girls? He is obsessed with her and he won't stop until one of two things happens. He ends up killed, or he gets her." Draco felt his heart racing, pounding roughly against his chest. He didn't want to betray her but he knew that to hold back this information could end up getting her killed. "At least talk to her about it Drake. Let her know whats going on, let her know that you know who hurt her, and then let her decide. Knowing Granger, she isn't going to allow innocent muggles to die in her place." Blaise glance briefly over Draco's shoulder and stood up. He looked back down at his friends. "Talk to her Drake. Tell her." He said and walked away.

"Tell who what?" Came a small voice from behind him. Draco looked over his shoulder to see Hermione standing there looking at him expectantly. He pondered her question for a moment before deciding that this wasn't the time or place for such a discussion.

"Nothing for you to worry about." He said standing up. "Are you having a good time?" Hermione nodded.

"Yes. Its been quite fun, however ..." She trailed off and looked down shyly. "It would be better if I could get a certain Slytherin escort of mine to dance with me." She peered up at him through her long dark lashes, clearly embarrassed at having to ask him and waiting for what she thought may be rejection. Draco smiled down at her and took her hand in his.

"I have been waiting all night to dance with you, however it seems that I haven't been quick enough."

"Well I'm here now, partnerless." She said jokingly, sticking out her hand for him. Draco took her hand in his and led them out onto the dance floor and pulled her close to him. He felt her relax in his arms as she rested her head on his chest, and he couldn't help but smile. He liked the fact that she had become so comfortable with him, that she seemed to have started to fully trust him. As the two twirled around the dance floor neither was aware of the looks of awe that they were receiving from some of their fellow party goers. While some looked confused at the sudden, but obvious closeness between the former enemies, others smiled at the realization of the history that was happening in front of them.


Narcissa Malfoy smiled brightly towards her son before turning to her companion.

"Did you ever think you would be witness to something so wonderful Severus?" Severus looked at his students dancing before him.

"I never knew it would be possible. Do not get me wrong, I always thought they would be the perfect match, the only thing against her in his eyes was her blood status. After all even with all her annoying qualities, Miss Granger is by far the best witch of her time, and we all know that Malfoys only want the best." Narcissa nodded.

"Quite true. The Malfoy men are known for getting what they want, no matter what lengths they may have to take, to get it." Severus watched as the lovely witch in front of him got a far away look in her eye, as if she was locked in a memory of some sorts. After a minute or so she shook her head clearing it of her thoughts. "She will be perfect for my Draco. He needs someone to keep him on his toes, a strong girl with a bright head on her shoulders."

"And it is an added bonus that a merger between the two would place the Malfoy name back in the good graces of the wizarding public." Severus drawled. Narcissa turned herself away from the young dancing duo and glared at her companion so fiercely that he actually cringed.

"First of all Severus," she sneered, poking one long, slim finger into his chest.

"To call what ever is happening or anything that may happen between my son and Miss Granger a merger, is an insult to them both. To imply that they are nothing more then a couple of businesses in desperate need of each other to survive is preposterous! They are both independent souls, neither one needing the other for anything other then love itself. Something, I might add, that the pure-blood community has always lacked."

She turned and looked at the couple again before continuing.

"From day one, pure-blooded girls are groomed to be nothing more then a pretty face and a warm body. We are instructed on everything from how to walk with perfect posture to how to host the most elegant of galas. Our school education is nothing more then a formality, because after all, a witch with a brilliant mind is in no way attractive to a man of status. We are told that the man is always right, so we should always bend to his whim because to dare question him will lead to a swift punishment. The thing though, that is drilled into our heads more then anything else is that when we do finally get married, most likely to someone who we have been betrothed to since birth, it is for two reasons, and two reasons only." Narcissa stopped and turned once again to Severus, her eyes no longer glaring at him, but instead filled with sorrow.

"Money and power. Very rarely do you find a pure-blooded couple that are together for love, and love alone." She laughed softly and glanced across the room and sighed.

"I have always secretly envied Molly Weasley. She married for true love and even though they have very little, they always look so happy. I didn't get to have that. Yes, I grew to love Lucius in my own way but we were never truly happy, not like that. I don't want that for my son. I don't want Draco going through his life regretting the person he married. I want him to be happy, I want him to love and to be loved, and if Miss Granger is the one who can give him that then so be it."

Narcissa watched as her son twirled his dance partner across the floor, causing her to laugh out loud. She was sure that she felt her heart skip as she watched her son beam down at the giggling girl in his arms before joining in her laughter. It was then that she knew without a doubt that her son loved this girl and it was then and there that she came to the decision that she would do what ever it took to make sure they had their happily ever after.


Okay then! So what did you all think. I'll be honest, its going to get a little rocky in upcoming chapters. We may just get a look into the mind of the creepy Antonin Dolohov and his obsession!