For You

December 2005

She tried dating. It was official. She didn't like it. Parvati had set her up on a date, and though she had protested it, eventually the constant nagging made her give in. It was one date. How bad could it be? Terrible.

He was short, incredibly boring, and had evidently read a few of Ginny's public comments about her and thought she was easy. After an excruciating hour-long dinner, he expected her to take him back to her flat and 'rock his world'. When she explained that she most certainly would not, his response about her obvious lack of morality and accompanying smirk was enough to make her want to hex him.

It was now official - she'd be a lonely person. Maybe she'd go to a Muggle sperm bank and just have a baby by herself. Perhaps getting a new cat would help. Heaving a sigh, she rolled her eyes. Who was she kidding? Stupid Draco Malfoy did this to her. He had to go and be charming, smart, sexy, and perfect for her, all while being a real bastard who wouldn't commit to her out in the open. Stupid ferret.

January 2006

"Two Mudbloods jump off a tall building. Who hits the ground first?"

"I don't know, who?"

"Who cares?" Laughter filled the boardroom as the investors and upper management at Malfoy Enterprises gathered for a meeting. They were still waiting on a few people, so Draco couldn't start yet. However, the jokes were making him nuts. These men were so ignorant; he couldn't wait to give them exactly what they deserved.

"Want to hear a joke?" another man said, grinning wildly. "Mudblood rights!" Most people it the room cackled, and Draco looked at his watch, hoping he could start the meeting soon before he exploded.

Another one chimed in, "Why did the Mudblood cross the road? That's not the point. Why wasn't she chained to the bed?"

Draco had enough. Luckily, his own assistant walked in and rounded out the group. "Okay," he said, his voice tense. He was both nervous and pissed off, and he was having trouble deciding which he felt more. Probably pissed off. He couldn't believe that grown men really felt this way about other human beings. Well, he shouldn't be surprised. Didn't his mother and father both have the same feelings? It made him sick.

The group quieted down and gave Draco their attention. Standing, he took a deep breath before he started the speech he'd been practicing for weeks, "Today, things are going to change around here," Draco said, looking around the room. They were silent and confused, just as he thought they'd be. "For too long, I've let you all take the reins of this company. I did things the way my father did them, and I need you to know that will not continue. First of all, the time for jokes about Muggle-borns and women is over. This is a workplace, not a cigar lounge." His voice was stern and he could see the narrowing eyes of the older men around him.

"This business, from this point on, is pro-Muggle. In fact, I have even started the process of forming connections with large Muggle corporations and starting Monday, this company will be publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange." There was mumbling around the room, likely people asking what the hell the London Stock Exchange was.

"That said, I really won't need most of you anymore. Anyone who believes that pureblood society is superior to others, or that the 'old ways' are better than new, can leave. Take your money with you; we no longer have any use for it. Those of you who are excited to take Malfoy Enterprises into the 21st Century, are welcome to stay, but let me make myself clear," he took a deep breath and made eye contact with everyone in the room, "things will change around here. This is my company, and if doing the right thing means running it into the ground, then that's what I will do. I won't be treated like a figurehead any longer, and I won't listen to mindless, sexist, racist chatter about people that I care about."

Scowls marred the majority of the faces in the room and he was wondering if there was going to be a fight. "You are making a big mistake, Malfoy," one of the oldest investors said, standing up. "You're father would be ashamed of you."

"To tell you the truth, I'm ashamed of my father," Draco countered, causing a gasp to erupt in the room. "Now, you all have a choice to make. Stay or go, but if you stay, know that things will be a lot different."

Angry muttering filled the room as all but three of the investors walked out. About half of the staff left too. Finally, when they'd vacated the room, Draco saw he was left with three investors and about fifteen staff members, most of whom were women. Smiling for the first time in the meeting, he sighed. "I'm glad to see some of you stayed. Now, I think I'd better explain to you my new plans for the company." Everyone nodded, removing quills and parchment to take notes. Draco knew it was going to be a long day, but he felt an enormous weight lifted off his shoulders. He wished he'd done this a long time ago.

"Mother," Draco said, as he found her in the tearoom at the Manor. "I have to tell you something."

"Yes, dear," she said, smiling up at him.

"If all goes according to plan, I plan to bring a woman to dinner tonight," Draco said, pulling nervously at his clothes.

"Oh, Draco!" Narcissa cried, her eyes shining with excitement. "Finally, you are bringing someone home! I might get those grandchildren after all!" she clapped her hands together, and he almost grimaced. He had a feeling she wasn't going to be quite so excited when he showed up with his 'date', assuming Hermione would even agree to come with him.

"Mother, it is very important to me that you treat this girl with respect. She means a lot to me," Draco said seriously.

"Of course, Draco. Why wouldn't I?" She was beaming and Draco just nodded and left the room. He didn't know if this was the best way to deal with his mother, but part of him held out hope that if she just got to know Hermione, she'd love her as much as he did.

Hermione had just settled into her couch with a cup of hot cocoa, pajamas already donned at five in the afternoon when there was a knock at her door. Confused, she sighed, wrapped her throw blanket around herself, and went to the door. Everyone she talked to knew she was planning a night in with her TV and DVD player.

Her breath caught in her throat when she saw Draco, dressed impeccably, standing on the other side of the door. It had been months since they'd seen each other. He had respected her wish to cut off contact, and all of a sudden, here he was. "Wh..Why..." she started, but couldn't get a full sentence out.

"Can I come in?" he asked.

Was he nervous? She'd never seen him nervous before. She was the one that should be off kilter. She was standing in front of his beautiful form looking like a train just hit her. Nodding, she moved aside allowing him to come in. Whatever it was, it had better be good. He better not have come over for a booty call, or she'd hex him into next month.

"Would you like some tea? Or hot chocolate?" she asked with a nervous chuckle.

"Actually, I really just want to talk to you. I couldn't drink it, even if you made it," Draco said, sitting on her couch and motioning for her to sit next to him. She did, but not close.

"So, what did you want to talk about? I mean, I thought we said all there was to say..." Hermione said, trailing off.

"We did," Draco said. "You were right. I was selfish, and how I treated you was so wrong. I loved you. I love you still. I will always love you. I don't know how I couldn't see it before, but all the things you want-the family, the happy future, all of that-I want that too. I only want it with you," Draco said, he was rushing, but he was nervous and hoped that she wouldn't kick him out before he got to tell her everything.

"I know that, Draco," Hermione said, not willing to let him get her hopes up. "But we still have a problem." Her heart beat faster as she listened to his confession. She wanted to hear these things for so long, but she couldn't bring herself to believe he was really fulfilling her dream. She'd been let down too many times.

"Not anymore," Draco said. "I told my close friends about us, and they don't really care. They don't like you, but they don't care about us being together." Hermione's jaw dropped. The absolute last thing she expected was that.

"That still doesn't change anything," Hermione started. His friends were the very smallest of their problems. He just smiled at her and cut her off.

"I also fired most of my investors today," Draco said.

"You what? Are you crazy?" Hermione shrieked. How the hell was he going to run a business without financial backing. She wanted to be public, not to financially ruin him!

"No," Draco said. "I've been researching this since the morning you ran me out of here. I set up investments with some Half-bloods, Muggle-borns, and Muggle companies," he explained. "I can tell you all about the new business plan sometime, but suffice it to say, I got rid of the racist pricks that were infecting my company."

"Wow, Draco. I'm really proud of you. It must have taken a lot of courage," Hermione said. She was more than a little shocked. That was a big step, and for a man who had no formal business training, it was quite impressive. She felt a tug at her heart, knowing he did it, at least partly for her.

"It had to be done. For you and for me," Draco said. Hermione smiled, but didn't let herself get her heart invested just yet. There was a big obstacle still left in play.

"And your mother?" Hermione asked, hope lacing the edge of her voice.

Draco sighed. "This is the hardest task, but I want to tell her about you. I want you to be mine, and I want to bring you to dinner to introduce you. I think if she just got to know you, she'd come around."

"Draco, are you telling me that you want to be with me, in the open?" Hermione asked, clarifying. She had to make sure she wasn't misunderstanding...again.

"More than anything. I only want you. I did all of this for you because I can't live without you," Draco said, taking her hands in his. He was wearing his heart on his sleeve, something she'd only seen him so a handful of times, and it was enough to get her to believe him. If what he said was true, he really had put his money where his mouth was.

"And you want me to meet your mother?" Hermione asked, trying to hold onto the facts at hand instead of falling into his intense gaze. "Like this?" she said, indicating her appearance.

Draco chuckled. "Well, if you wish. Although, I think you might want to change."

Hermione rolled her eyes, but turned serious again. "How do I know this is real? How do I know that if Narcissa doesn't like me you won't drop me again?"

"You have to trust me," Draco said. "I know I don't deserve it, but please trust me. I'll make a wand oath," he offered. Hermione laughed at his serious expression.

"I'll trust you," she said. "But if you break my heart again, that's it. I'm done."

"That's fair. Please let me just have a chance to make it up to you," Draco pleaded. Hermione nodded and made her way to her bedroom where she got ready while Draco watched her TV.

"Draco, maybe this is a bad idea," Hermione said, fidgeting nervously by Draco's side as they walked toward the front door of his enormous house. She remembered the last time that she was here, she was being dragged up the front steps.

Draco turned to her and cupped her cheek. "I won't let anything happen to you, Hermione. I swear." Hermione smiled through her grimace and took a few deep breaths before she nodded and let him lead her through the door. She wasn't added to the wards, so they couldn't Apparate in together, nor could she Floo in. It was something he'd have to change immediately. For now, this was the best he could do.

He squeezed her hand in his for reassurance and led her to the dining room where he knew his mother would already be prepared for their arrival. Her steps were slow and halting and he understood why. He'd second-guessed his plan about a million times since he made it. Was it a bad idea to blindside his mother? On the other hand, was there any other way to introduce the two? He just hoped Hermione wasn't caught in the crossfire.

"Draco, wait," Hermione said, stopping before they reached the dining room doors. "Are you sure you want to do this? I mean, there is no going back after this."

Draco smirked at her. "I'm well aware of that. I've lived as a coward for too long."

"Thank you, Draco," Hermione smiled, finally feeling the gravity of his decision to take this seriously.

"Don't thank me, yet," he chuckled. "Mother could still be a pain in the ass."

"As long as you support me," Hermione said with a smile. She linked arms with him and let him lead her into the dining room. She was Hermione Granger, Order of Merlin, First Class, and celebrated War Heroine. She could handle Narcissa Malfoy.

The first thing Hermione heard was a sharp gasp as they entered the room. "Draco, what is the meaning of this?" Narcissa's aristocratic voice said from the head of the table where she was already sitting.

Hermione felt grateful that she'd dressed up for the event as Draco's mother was wearing an evening gown. She obviously had dressed to impress, though, currently she looked as if she was wondering why she'd bothered.

"Mother, this is Hermione Granger. You've met before," Draco said, leading Hermione to the chair to the right of his mother while he took the one across from her, to his mother's left.

"I'm well aware who this is, Draco," Narcissa snapped, not even looking at Hermione. Hermione wanted to point out that it was rude to ignore a guest, but thought better of it. Draco had to handle this. It was his job, and his right.

"Hermione is my girlfriend," Draco said. Hermione couldn't help but smile, as it was the first time she'd ever heard him utter the sentence. Things had really changed. Later, she'd have to find out what really happened to make him see the light.

"But she's a Mudblood," Narcissa stated blandly. Draco's fist hitting the table startled Hermione from her shock. She knew Narcissa would be a tough sell, but she had no idea the woman was this bad, or this openly rude. Perhaps she understood Draco's trepidation a little better. It didn't change her opinion of how he handled things, but she could see how a woman like that might be a bit intimidating, especially if she was your mother.

"Mother, you won't talk about her like that," Draco growled.

"This is my house. I'll do as I please," Narcissa countered.

"Actually, Mother, it's my house," Draco returned. He thought things might go down this path, and he was prepared. The last thing he would stand for was Hermione feeling any more uncomfortable in his house than she already did. "Father leftme everything, including the Manor."

"I did not raise you to talk to me this way. If you are going to date this," Narcissa said, turning up her nose in Hermione's direction, "I'd rather see you single for the rest of your life."

"Mrs. Malfoy," Hermione tried to interject, her voice respectful, although she wanted to throttle the woman, "I understand this must be a shock..."

"Don't you talk to me. You've done enough. What kind of game did you play to get my son to do this to me?" Narcissa spat, looking at her as if she was an insect in need of squashing.

Hermione was shocked. Could someone truly be this blindly hateful? "I..." she started, but she didn't actually know how to respond.

"Mother, stop it," Draco demanded. "I made the first move. I pursued her," he explained. "We've been in a relationship for over six years." He explained, knowing the truth was the best option in this case. After all, he owed Hermione that. She'd suffered a great deal of ridicule protecting him all these years.

"So you were cheating on your husband, Miss Granger," Narcissa scoffed. "I knew it."

"I don't see how that is relevant," Hermione responded stubbornly.

"Well, if you will cheat on one man, you'll cheat on another," the older woman replied.

"Mother, that was my doing too," Draco said, disappointed. He really hoped she'd behave better than this. "It is none of your business what Hermione did, does, or will do in the future. I made a choice to be with her, and I want you to accept it." He sighed heavily when she made no move to acknowledge him. "You are my mother. I was scared to tell you, and it almost ruined everything." He smiled at Hermione who gave him a smile of encouragement in return. "I'm just asking you to be understanding."

"No," Narcissa said, crossing her arms over her chest, regally. "I don't accept it, and if your father was here, he'd knock some sense into you."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Mother," Draco said, feeling emotions well inside him. "Because if you force me to choose between Hermione and you, I'm choosing her. I went six years doing what everyone else wanted me to. I'm not doing it anymore." His mother's mouth dropped open and he figured it was the best time to drop the rest of the bomb on her.

"And, if you have such a hard time accepting Muggles and Muggle-borns, I think you might want to cancel any and all shopping sprees you have planned in the future, because Malfoy Enterprises is officially Muggle integrated," he said matter-of-factly.

"Draco, who are you?" Narcissa asked, her voice scandalized. "That company has been in our family for generations."

"Yes, and now, this generation is going to bring it into the 21st Century," Draco said. "Perhaps Hermione and I should go. We'll give you some time to think about things. But know this; she's here for good." Hermione smiled when she saw how strong and forceful Draco was being. She'd dreamed about this moment for years, and the reality was overwhelming.

"Come, love. Do you mind if we stay at your flat tonight?" Draco asked, getting up from the table without a backward look to his mother.

"No, that's fine," Hermione said, taking his hand and letting him lead her out of the room. Looking back at Narcissa she pasted on a smile and said, "Good evening, Mrs. Malfoy." She didn't even get a grunt in response.

"You know the press will find out about this eventually," Draco said.

"What better night than tonight?" Hermione sighed. There was no use putting it off. Her old friends would have a heart attack, but as they weren't talking to her, she didn't see how anything would change. Besides, she'd waited to be Draco's for a long time. If he was willing to be open, so was she.

"Okay, so public dinner before we head back to your place," Draco smiled.

"What are your bets that Rita Skeeter broke a heel getting back to headquarters to write the article about our 'outing'?" Draco asked with a chuckle.

"Oh, I think that's a safe bet," Hermione said, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "Thank you, Draco. You made me really happy tonight."

"Don't thank me," Draco said. "I should have done this so long ago."

"Yes, but I'm glad you did it eventually." Hermione smirked. "Come to bed."

"It's been too long," Draco almost moaned, leaning in to kiss her neck.

"Yes, and even longer that we've been together without the weight of the world on our shoulders," Hermione mused, running her fingers through his hair.

"You're right," Draco smiled against her. Pushing her gently back, he lead her to the bedroom, pulling at the zipper of her dress along the way. She kicked it off as it pooled at her feet, and couldn't help that her heart skipped a beat as she realized this would be the first time they made love as...a couple. It changed things. She knew he felt it too.

His kisses were passionate and frenzied at first, until her legs hit the edge of the bed and they tumbled onto it together. His shirt had already been ripped off and his trousers were nearly open. Slowing down to savor the feeling of her skin against his, he ran his fingers lightly up her sides before bending down to kiss her again.

"Please, Draco..." Hermione breathed, clutching him to her. She couldn't wait any longer than he could. Pushing his own trousers and boxers down his legs, Hermione reached around and rid herself of her bra, her knickers came off next and, soon, they were pressed against each other naked.

"Merlin, I've missed you. I've missed this," Draco groaned, rubbing against her, letting the wetness between her legs coat his cock.

"Me too. Please..." Hermione gasped. She was already feeling an orgasm building from the way he was rubbing against her. "I need to feel you inside me, now," she begged.

Draco groaned and kissed her tenderly as he pulled back and sunk into her wet heat. "Yes..." they both hissed in unison. Hermione tilted her hips so that he sank deeper and Draco thought his eyes would roll into the back of his head.

Pulling back, he pushed into her again, this time with more force. "Yes, harder," Hermione begged, wrapping her legs tightly around his waist. He complied with her wishes, but kept the lovemaking tender at the same time. The last time either of them had touched each other like this was the night Draco broke her heart. Draco had wanted to relive that night over and over, but changing the ending of course.

"I love you," he breathed, gripping her hips tighter as he fucking her harder. He was so close to oblivion, he couldn't control the pace any longer.

"Yes," Hermione almost growled. "I love you, too." She met him thrust for thrust, seeking out her own end. She wanted to do this again, a hundred times tonight, but she had to come right now. Her body was begging for release, and after months of sexual frustration and years of emotional neglect from the man inside her, she needed this. It felt better than sex with them had ever felt, simply because it was real this time.

Draco pounded harder and harder, his breath coming out in desperate pants as he brought them both toward the edge.

"Draco!" Hermione shouted, feeling her legs shake around him as she came hard and fast against him.

When he felt her tighten around his engorged cock, he gripped her tighter and plowed through his orgasm; grunting her name as he shot his seed deep inside her waiting body. Slumping over, he pulled her to him; too exhausted to speak, and waited for his heart to stop racing.

"Mmm," was all she could say, too sated and content to really do anything but lay atop his chest.

"My thoughts exactly," he chuckled.

"Please, don't leave me," Hermione finally said after several minutes of silence. "I can't do this again."

"I'm not going anywhere this time," Draco promised.