The weeks after the Halloween Ball were hectic to say the least. Despite Ron clearly having come to the ball with Susan Bones on his arm, looking very much in love, the Daily Prophet's front page headline the next day had been Golden Girl cheats on her Golden Boy with Former Death Eater. If Ginny hadn't been next to Hermione when the paper arrived, she very well might have murdered someone.

Hermione Granger, golden girl and war heroine seems to not be so golden after all, trading the warm love of fiancé Ronald Weasley for the arms of a former death eater, Draco Malfoy. A brokenhearted Weasley looked distraught after Ms. Granger took to the dance floor with the son of Lucius Malfoy (Whom I must remind readers is currently serving a five-year term in Azkaban for war crimes.) More details on this sordid affair can be found in the society pages.

"Of all the rubbish that gossiping beetle could publish, she goes with that I'm cheating on Ron!" Neville, Hannah, and Ginny gave her some space, but simultaneously began talking her out of assassinating Rita. The pictures that adorned the article made her skin boil. One was a lovely picture of her and

"At least you're not engaged anymore." Neville offered.

"No one really believes that you would cheat on Ron." Hannah added, attempting to make her feel better.

"We can have Luna publish a response if you want. She's in Africa right now with Rolf Scamander, but I'm sure we could figure out something." Ginny was using her calming tone that Hermione was all too familiar with and she closed her eyes tight and sighed. The rage she felt at being accused of cheating on a man she was not dating wasn't going to dissipate anytime soon. She felt Ginny get up, but didn't open her eyes, preferring instead to focus on her breathing so she was less likely to spontaneous catch something on fire.

The Great Hall around her had gotten quiet, and the silence was what finally spurred her to open her eyes. The Great Hall was rarely quiet, and the last time it had gotten so quiet was when she and Theo had walked in holding hands for the first time. Ginny had returned to the table and had brought with her one Draco Malfoy. The particularly grumpy look on his face dissipated when he saw the scowl on hers.

"Weaselette insisted I come over here since you're upset. What can I do?" His grey eyes fixed on hers, and she could feel herself calming. The rage was still there, but it was pushed down. She moved over slightly to allow him to sit.

"Murder Rita Skeeter?" Hermione half-joked, placing her head on his shoulder. He laughed quietly at her statement before grabbing a croissant. Offering her a piece, he chewed for a second before speaking. "It could be done, but then who would create scandal around our relationship. After all, I did breakup the greatest love story that never happened. Two if you count the you pretending to date my best mate for months bit." The casual tone he used to joke with her made her feel guilty, and she opened her mouth to apologize again. Before she could say anything, he popped another piece of croissant in her mouth, cutting her off.

"Do not apologize to me again. You have done nothing to be sorry for. Plus if we're counting up wrong-doings I have you by a million probably." Putting an arm around Hermione's shoulder, he gave her a slight supportive squeeze before turning to Ginny.

"Weaselette, what did you think of the Puddlemere Chudley match? I remember the Weasel was a Chudley fan." Hermione and Ginny both stared at him in shock that he had remembered Ron's favorite Quidditch team. Not that it was unknown, as it was all Ron ever talked about and he had a tendency to talk loudly, but the fact that Draco had remembered it was still incredible.

"Yes, well Ron's an idiot. I'm a Holyhead gal myself, hoping to get a slot as a chaser for their season after I graduate. They're sending a scout to the cup, assuming Gryffindor earns their rightful place in the finals." Draco seemed intrigued by this, and Hermione was holding her breath waiting for something to go wrong. They made small talk about the Hogwarts Quidditch cup for a few minutes, and Hermione couldn't help but smile that Ginny and Draco seemed to actually be getting along. They were even at a point of playful comments on the Quidditch rivalry between their houses. Everything was going swell, until the conversation shifted back towards Draco.

"What do you plan on doing after graduation ferret?" The nickname didn't even phase Draco, who merely sneered at the red-head and took another bite of the apple he'd been eating.

"I hadn't given it much consideration." He answered, shrugging off his lack of planning. "Didn't really think I'd have a future until a few months ago." Hermione squeezed his hand, knowing exactly what he meant. She hadn't even started to consider her options for a career until after the Battle and Voldemort's defeat; it was kind of silly when she was fighting for her life each day. An uncomfortable silence fell over their section of the table, and after a few moments Neville tried to break it.

"Oh well…I'm going for a mastery in Herbology." Neville cut in, noticing the discomfort in Ginny's posture. Those who had fought for the Order against Voldemort never really stopped to consider the consequences on the other side. Not that Ginny could be pressed to feel bad for Draco, or any other death eater for that matter, but she understood what it was like to not know if she would live long enough to have a future.

Draco's face didn't show any of the tension that he was feeling, but Hermione had noticed his body language shift when Ginny had asked him about his career plans. Tightening her grip on his hand, he didn't look at her, but she could feel him squeeze it gently to show her that he noticed.

Hannah jumped in at that point, saying that she was planning on entering a healer training program at St. Mungo's and working at the Leaky. Right when Hermione went to ask about the program, a large brown owl flew overhead, landing with a slight thump on her other side.

"Hello there." She greeted the owl, reaching out to pet its beak. The large bird didn't take kindly to this however, and it went to bite her fingers. "Oi!" She warned, glaring at the bird. She had never really grown accustomed to owls, and she was relatively sure the birds sensed it. Draco sniggered at her and held up a bit of a sausage to the messenger. He seemed to prefer that, and happily let Draco pet him. Hermione pouted, and promptly let go of the blonde's hand, earning another laugh, but this time from all of her friends.

"You would think for the brightest witch of her age and one of the saviors of the wizarding world, she wouldn't be thwarted by a bird." Ginny teased, grabbing the letter that the bird had dropped onto Hermione's plate. It was addressed to her in neat emerald ink, and there was no return address on the outside. The red-head witch simply shrugged, handing the letter to Hermione. It was very uncommon for Hermione to receive mail other than from Harry or Ron, and this handwriting was certainly too neat to be either of theirs. Before she could open the letter however, Draco grabbed it from her hands. There was something in his posture that changed, and his eyes became wide and panicked.

"You can't open this." He warned, his pale complexion having somehow gotten even whiter. Hermione would've normally ignored it and opened it anyway, but he was never this rattled.

"Why not?" Ginny asked, and Hermione was grateful to her friend for asking it since she couldn't seem to get the words out.

"Its…its from my mother." There was a shame in Draco's voice as he admitted that, and Hermione felt herself stiffen. The last time she had seen Narcissa Malfoy had been when Harry had testified at her trial. Unlike her husband, Narcissa had escaped time in Azkaban. Hermione was never sure how much of all that blood purity tripe the woman believed, but she was married to Lucius Malfoy.

"She…what could she want?" Hermione began, before her eyes slammed back to the Daily Prophet laying on the table next to Hannah's half-eaten omlette. "Oh…oh. Well that…I can't believe I didn't think…you don't suppose it's a coincidence?" The smile she tried to force didn't quite reach her eyes, and there was a debate going on inside her brain. On one hand, she wanted nothing to do with the woman whose home she had been tortured in, but on the other hand, she knew how close Draco was with his mother. He often talked about her when they would walk to and from classes.

Draco merely shook his head. "She…well she was never as…persistent about blood purity as father, and after the war. I don't know what this is going to be. Please just…know whatever she says to you that I will not let her come in between us." He grabbed her hand, bringing it up to his mouth to press a chaste kiss on her knuckles. She took a deep breath, grabbing the envelope back from him as it was offered. Breaking open the seal, she closed her eyes for a moment before delving into the elegant script.

Ms. Hermione Granger,

I do hope this letter finds you well. I was most surprised to open the Daily Prophet this morning to find a photograph of yourself and my son looking quite comfortable. It distresses me to know that a young woman who has won my son's affections has such an unpleasant history with my family. The past few years of my life have held some of my biggest regrets, not the least of which is the manner with which you were treated in my home by my sister.

Knowing that you have no obligation to beg this indulgence, I ask that you meet me for tea. I will not ask you to return to my home, so perhaps Hogsmeade would be more convenient. I have many apologies to make and many wrongs to right. I will be at the Three Broomsticks at noon this coming Saturday, should you choose to join me. I do not blame you if you would rather not, but regardless I will be there.

Yours Sincerely,

Lady Narcissa Malfoy nee. Black

"She wants to meet for tea." Hermione spoke, her voice barely above a whisper as she frantically re-read the letter. Ginny's mouth dropped open, as Neville laughed nervously. "Narcissa Malfoy wants to meet me for tea." The words sounded foreign in her throat. Images from the night she was tortured started flashing through her brain, and her breathing got harder. It took all her strength to remember the tricks the mind-healer had taught her. Focusing on the air coming in and out of her lungs, she slowly began to breath normally again. Ginny's hand was on her back, slowly stroking it the way she did after Hermione had her nightmares.

"Well obviously you aren't going." Ginny spoke resolutely. She shot a look of anger towards Draco, and he didn't even try to sneer at her in return. Hermione leaned into his body, pushing against his chest until she could hear his heart beat. That was helpful in her regulating her own, and she poured herself some water.

"I agree with Weaslette. I love my mother, but you…you clearly aren't ready to face her." The regret and pain in Draco's face was evident, and Ginny looked at him with a mix of shock and confusion.

"I want to." Hermione choked out, taking a long drink from her water goblet.

Draco was about to argue when Ginny locked eyes with him. "Do you think it's a trick?" She asked him without a shred of humor in her voice, and he could see how scary the ginger witch could be. There was a protective fire in her eyes that shook him, as if she could see into his soul and if she didn't like what she saw, she could tear him apart.

"My mother has been…lost since the end of the war. She was never as staunch a blood purist as father, but the horrors of the war…having the Dark Lord live in her home…No. I don't think this is a trick." Ginny seemed to accept the truth of his words, and she nodded slowly, turning her fiery gaze to Hermione.

"If you truly want to go then I will go with you. I won't for a moment leave you alone with that woman…No offense ferret." She tacked on the end, not removing her eyes from Hermione's.

"Okay. I do…I want to hear her out. Seeing how much you've changed…" Her eyes met Draco's cool greys and she sighed. "I have to give her the benefit of the doubt. She seems sincere." It was Neville who spoke next, reaching across the table to put his hand on Hermione's.

"That's a really Gryffindor way to go about it Mione, but you shouldn't push yourself. I still remember when the Carrows tortured us. No one would blame you for needing time." Draco flinched at the mention of the Carrows, and she could see him put his indifferent mask back on.

Breakfast was wrapping up by that time, and as it was a Sunday, Hermione figured she would go to the library to get her mind off of the unexpected invitation. "Do you want to come to the library with me? I'm going to invite Theo as well. We're partners for that charms project." She looked at each of her friends, knowing that Ginny had Quidditch practice, she waited for Hannah and Neville to respond.

"I'll join you later if you're still there perhaps. Hannah and I are going down to the greenhouses for some work and then a picnic." Neville looked at Hannah who in turn smiled back at him, their mutual adoration clearly displayed on their smiling faces. Hermione nodded her understanding and looked to Draco, who had been quietly re-reading the letter. "That just leaves you then, are you coming?" There was no change in his posture, and he didn't turn to look at her, making it clear that his thoughts were miles away.

"Draco…" She called, hoping that would bring his attention back. He seemed really distraught that his mother had reached out to her, and she couldn't blame him. Brushing a strand of his hair out of his eyes seemed to finally bring him back down to Earth.

"Oh umm…" He cleared his throat, making sure to return to his cool indifference. "The library sounds good. I have to finish up some…personal business first, but I can join you when I'm done." The pause he had taken before stating that he had personal business to attend to made every nosy bone in her body crave more detail, but seeing how shaken he was by his mother's letter, she decided to drop it for the time being. Nodding curtly, she finished her last bite of a raspberry tart she had been eating and prepared to leave. Only a step away from the table, she turned back, grabbing the discarded Daily Prophet and setting it on fire.

"Well, I suppose that's one way to get rid of bad news." Draco joked, and Hermione let out a breath of relief that he was back to normal. She hadn't liked seeing him distracted, and wasn't sure what to do about it. The Great Hall quieted again as Hermione took Draco's hand and prepared to exit; their walk was cut short however, by Griffin and Roger.

"Ms. Hermione…" Roger began, stepping in front of the couple. Roger and Griffin were both still in their growing phases of puberty, so they were about half Draco's size. It was actually pretty funny to her, watching Draco size up the boys in front of them.

"Yes Roger?" She tested, unsure what the boys thought they were doing. Dealing with the younger-years fighting for her honor was not a headache she wanted to have.

"We were wondering if, even though you and Malfoy are…ummm…well whatever is going on, can we still walk you to class and carry your books?" Hermione's face blushed deep red as she realized that they still wanted to follow her around. Her plan had really not considered that her fan club would still exist after she had gotten what she wanted. Draco let out a snicker behind her, his signature smirk being held back unsuccessfully. A swift elbow to the ribs seemed to right him, as he shot her a look to apologize for finding the hilarious situation funny.

"Well…thank you boys for all you've done for me, but I…" An evil grin broke across her face, and she soon replaced it with a look of faux innocence. "You know what, I would love for you boys to continue helping me out. You have been such a blessing with all the books I have to carry and such, but perhaps Malfoy..." She drew out his name, and he narrowed his eyes at her with suspicion. "would like for you to help him as well. After all, we're going to be spending an awful lot of time together."

Draco sneered at her with contempt as he realized she just gave permission to every student in her fan club to follow him around like they had her. He remembered teasing her about it during one of their Runes classes, and now he could see the detriment to those actions. The last thing he wanted was Gryffindor first years trailing him.

"Oh I'm sure that won't be necessary." He attempted, moving his eyes to the boys, hoping that their fear of him would outweigh their devotion to her. It seemed not to be the case though, as the two boys whispered amongst themselves quietly before nodding towards his witch.

"You did that on purpose." He accused, as they finally escaped the Great Hall.

"Did what?" She responded, playing innocent; even having the audacity to bat her eyelashes at him. His reaction was one of frustration, and she couldn't help but gloat in her victory. She volunteered to walk him to the Dungeons, wanting to spend a few extra minutes with him before starting her work for the day.

They talked briefly about a tricky potion they had done the week prior, and the results of their most recent Runes exam. Hermione could feel the air getting thicker as they headed to the sub-levels; she hated the dungeons because it was always humid and damp, which made no sense in the winter of Scotland.

"How are they taking it?" Hermione asked, as they approached the entrance to the Slytherin common room. Draco stalled for a moment, leaning against one of the pillars in the room.

"Greg has been the most verbal against it, but I'm certain that a few of the younger students silently agree with him. Strangely enough, Pansy has been our most staunch supporter; nearly hexed Greg at the Ball for saying that I was degrading myself. Blaise and Theo were never really a concern obviously. Daphne doesn't believe in blood purity, and never has so she isn't a problem. Tracey is just the most wishy-washy person I know and will say and do whatever is popular, so she has no problem with it." Hermione was listening intently, surprised that Pansy was so adamantly in support.

"Pansy is okay with us? I mean I know she helped me figure out who to ask to the ball to drive you the most up a wall, but I didn't expect outright support. She's really changed." There was a pride and sadness in Hermione's voice, wishing that this change in the Slytherins…in the purebloods, could have been possible without all the death and bloodshed.

"Yes well, she said something about me being a less-miserable sod or the like. Really I think its Blaise's influence. She doesn't let it show, but she is absolutely nutty about him. I never thought she'd get over the idea of being the next Lady Malfoy, but Zabini did me a favor and turned her into a real person rather than a banshee." They both shared a laugh at that, and Hermione split the distance between them, placing her lips softly on his. It was still uncharted territory, kissing Draco Malfoy in public; not that there was anyone around to see.

"Go take care of whatever mysterious business you have. I'll be in the library." With one last glance at his face, she wished he would stay like that all the time; his cheeks slightly flushed, and his fringe hanging shaggily. He was her Draco like this, not the Draco he was expected to be.

"You know for prefects; we are doing far too-much clandestine snogging." He teased, kissing the top of her forehead. "I'll see you later."