A/N- Hope the last chapter met y'alls expectations...I'm pretty excited to be back writing again. You guys get a new character this chapter, I hope y'all like her. Anyways, I better quit rambling so I can whip this chapter out. Once more into the breach, my friends!

Disclaimer: I tried to make a deal with the devil so I could lay claim to the wonderful world of Harry Potter. However, something about a restraining order came up in the conversation. Alas, no deals for me.

Chapter 14

October 5, 1998

Draco woke a little at a time, aware that his mate was squirming in his arms. He wasn't even completely awake when he felt himself being pushed flat on his back. His attention didn't snap to full alert until he felt lips on his.

His mate had climbed atop him, straddling his hips, while her mouth came down and captured his. The intensity with which she kissed him brought him to a near-instant arousal. Her fingers twisted in his hair as she ground her core into the throbbing erection pressing against her.

Draco couldn't resist the urge to reach up and grip her arse, quite firmly, squeezing it with every grind. There would probably be bruises later for him to feel bad about, but he didn't give it a second thought at the moment. Hermione scrambled down his legs pulling his boxers off as she slid down.

The Malfoy scion didn't get more than a second to contemplate what she was doing before she had executed her plan. Without a moment's hesitation, he felt her mouth on his cock. She was wary at first as she began to press kisses and little licks to his length. At his gasps of pleasure, she became more confident and began plunging his cock into her mouth, slowly at first but quickly gauging what made him feel good and making adjustments.

Draco couldn't hold back his moans of pleasure as he felt her tongue swirl around his head. When he felt the back of her throat, there was no holding back the instinct to fist his hands in her waves and fuck her mouth just a little faster. Her fingers toying with his bollocks sent him over the edge into bliss; Draco felt himself empty for what seemed a long time into her throat He watched in fascination as her throat worked at swallowing his seed with his cock still in her mouth.

As Hermione pulled her mouth off his erection, she gave it a suck, cleaning him off with her tongue. After a quick wipe to her lips, she lay down on the bed next to him, small smile playing at her lips. Draco was floored at her words.

"I'm sorry it wasn't the greatest but I've never done that before. I've wanted to try it for a long time though." Draco couldn't speak for a few moments. When he did, he knew his voice wavered.

"My sweet witch, what gives you the impression that you weren't amazing?" Hermione wouldn't meet his gaze as she answered.

"You had to help me, you grabbed my head and made yourself finish." Draco couldn't hold back the smirk that blossomed on his face. However, when Hermione looked up and saw his expeession, hurt clouded her eyes before she leapt from the bed, surprisingly fast.

"Just because I haven't experience with anyone else and I'm insecure about it doesn't give you the right to laugh at me. Piss off, Malfoy. Draco followed her off the bed, in all his naked glory, and grabbed her round the waist to stop her from leaving.

"Hermione Jean, you stop right there and listen to me. I wasn't laughing at you, I was smirking. I couldn't help but be amused at the fact that my reactions mean I fucking loved what you did, that it was amazing, not that it was terrible. I've never been able to be that free to react with a girl before, nor have I found one that would allow me to do those things to her. You were fabulous and I greatly enjoyed myself. For the record, you are the best I've ever had when it comes to anything. I never shared an intimate moment with a female in my life, not until the night of your first nightmare. Not only do you feel good, I feel good when I'm with you. There is no need for you to feel insecure. Please believe me." When the fight went out of her and she sagged into him, he knew that she was no longer angry.

Draco took advantage of the moment and their position when he slid his hands up her shirt, ghosting over her sides and giving her goosebumps. He started with the tender spot behind her ear, kissing it softly, until she gave a long sigh and tilted her head, giving him better access. When his lips touched her mark, she moaned and pressed her back into his chest.

The veela pulled her shirt off, his hands roaming over her skin as though it was silk. When his deft fingers found her nipples, tugging on them lightly, Hermione's head fell back against his shoulder, eyes closed. Draco let his hands travel to ger curvy hips, shoving the scrap of lace she wore down her legs.

The Slytherin Prince slid his fingers down her slit to see if she was ready. Dipping his fingers inside her, his mate began to buck her hips against his hand. Draco walked her a few steps forward and leaned her against the wall. Grasping her hips in both hands, the head of his cock found her entrance. After teasing her for a few moments, Draco slid inside her, savoring the feel of her sweet curves against his hard body.

A moan escaped the pink lips of his mate, driving Draco over the edge. He could tell his eyes had changed, pitch black, because he caged Hermione against the wall, leaned his weight on her so she couldn't move, and began to piston into her with relentless energy. Her hands traveled over her head, locking around Draco's neck pulling a moan from her that he had never heard before.

To drive her over the edge with him, his hand found its way to her pleasure pearl, stroking it at first, then giving it a savage pinch. He felt the pleasure burst inside her, which he drew out with a lick to her mark. When he exploded inside her, his knees went weak and he saw stars.

Once he had eased out of her, Draco led her back to the bed where they both snuggled into each other for another hour. When his stomach growled, Hermione gave a small laugh and pushed herself off the bed and towards the loo.

"Come on, Dray, let's go eat breakfast. It sounds like you worked up an appetite." Once he was in his own room, Draco reflected a bit on the experience he had just had. Never had he felt the urge to push a girl against the wall and shag her senseless. His mate stirred something within him that inspired him to reach new heights, for both her and himself.

Draco couldn't help but wonder if this was normal for every veela and his mate, or if it was just him and Hermione. From what the Headmistress had intimated, he was extremely powerful. Would this make the bond between he and his mate more powerful? There weren't many times that Draco missed his father, but this was one of them. Was it like this for his parents? Were they both powerful?

Looking back on his childhood and how his parents had acted towards each other, he really couldn't wager a guess. They were both able to conceal the fact that they were veela from him so he really couldn't answer any questions based on their actions. Vowing to do more research on the matter and on his family, he quickly dressed and met Hermione by the door.

They both had their cloaks with them since it was a Hogsmeade weekend and they would all be going directly after breakfast. As they made their way to the Great Hall, Draco took a pouch of galleons out of his cloak pocket and handed it to Hermione. She gave him a confused look which only endeared her to him more. He smiled indulgently and gave her an explanation.

"We're going to Hogsmeade, Sweets. It's money so you can buy something if it catches your fancy. I know all the girls want to go shopping." Hermione looked enraged.

"I have money, Draco. Just because my parents don't want anything to do with me doesn't mean that they didn't set me up for life if they died. Which technically by muggle standards, they did. I'm not some fling that you shag and then hand out money to so you feel less guilty about ditching her." Draco pulled her up short, incredulous look on his face.

"Is that what you think you are to me?" Hermione gave a sharp shake of her head.

"No, I don't think that. However, I still don't want to be treated like that. Everyone already thinks I'm after you for your money, which is far from the truth. I would never want you to believe that." Draco smiled inwardly at her explanation.

"Mia, I know you're not with me for my money. It's the phenomenal sex." When she began to swat his arm, he laughed and took her wrists in his hand.

"Angel, my father didn't make good choices and he didn't give good advice. There are only a handful of phrases that I believe were good advice. One was to sow your oats, have fun with all the girls you wanted, but when you found one you cared about, never play with her heart. The other was that if you committed to someone, you take care of them. When my mother married my father, he received her massive dowry. My father never touched it, said it was his duty to take care of my mother, not her family's. The whole sum is still sitting in the vault it was moved to when they said their vows. I know you were brought up muggle, where independence is smiled on and women take care of themselves. However, I was raised a pureblood aristocratic prat who was taught from the cradle you always take care of your family and you always treat a woman with respect. Please take the money. Besides, think of it as yours. If you accept me, eventually we'll end up married. If you dont, I'll die and I'll leave it all to you anyways." He saw her resolve crack and she wrapped her arms around his waist. She spoke into his chest.

"You really are a pain in my arse, you know that, right? I'll take the money for Godric's sake." He smiled into her hair, glad he had won this fight. It made him feel a bit better about taking her choices away from her.

When they arrived at the Great Hall, they made their way to their table, where the whole group had gathered. The pair greeted their friends and sat down, eating quickly so they could all leave soon. Everyone around them was making plans for their trip, their group of friends included. Draco was silent, as was Hermione, but they both followed the conversation.

Ginny, Luna, and Grace wanted to go shopping so Hermione was going to be drug with them. Ginny even promised they could stop at the bookstore if she came. Draco smiled as she finally gave in after the bookstore was offered. Harry wanted to go to the new Weasley's Wizards Wheezes, Honeydukes, the quidditch shop, and find Ginny a present. The other boys all agreed to go so Draco acquiesced without a fight.

Their whole group made their way to the carriages after eating, surprised that they all fit in one. The journey was only ten minutes, but Draco noticed that the chatter was just as loud and boisterous as it had been at breakfast. When the group crawled out of the carriage just outside of the Three Broomsticks, Draco couldn't help but feel as though things would go terribly wrong and Hermione would get hurt.

After asking Hermione to get him a couple specific books at the bookshop, he pressed a kiss to her temple before he watched the four girls head off in the direction of the boutiques. When he was sure the girls would out of range, Draco turned to Harry.

"So what kind of gift are you wanting to get Ginny?" Harry shrugged a little.

"Maybe a really amazing quidditch present. Ginny gets more money from her family than Ron ever did because she's a girl and needs clothes. The Weasleys still don't have much money though. They received a payoff from the Ministry for their help in the war but they're far from wealthy. Not to mention they would give up all the money they had to have Fred back. Still, there are a lot of things Ginny wants and deserves but they can't afford. The girl is a quidditch nut so that's where I'm leaning." Draco nodded absentmindedly.

"When's Hermione's birthday? I need to start thinking about a gift to get her." Harry grimaced before he answered.

"You missed it by two weeks or so. It was September 19. She didn't want Ginny or I to remind anyone because she didn't want any mail or gifts from anyone. She doesn't like attention to begin with and she was even more horrified by the war heroine thing added in. I figured she had told you though." Draco couldn't help the flash of annoyance he felt at not being told. Instead he gave Harry a smile.

"Well, she'll just be getting a gift late this year. I'm going to head to the jewelry shop, I'll meet you guys at the Three Broomsticks." Harry smiled and nodded, letting the blond head off to take care of his business.

Now Draco just had to find the perfect gift.

-O-

Hermione's back and feet hurt. She was miserable and really just wanted to go to the bookshop, but Ginny insisted on one more stop. Hermione had learned long ago not to complain when it came to shopping with Ginny. The redhead was a force to be reckoned with.

Hermione had allowed Ginny to dress her in numerous outfits, had even bought a couple. They were still a casual style, new skinny jeans, a new skirt, off the shoulder shirts and boots. Hermione dreaded the last store most though. Lingerie. Ginny wanted to buy a new set to surprise Harry with.

As the girls entered the high end shop, Hermione felt completely uncomfortable and out of place. It was at this moment that she realized she was going to be there for awhile; Grace and Luna seemed just as excited to be there as Ginny was. Determined to make the best of it, Hermione took a seat in one of the chairs.

It wasn't long at all until Ginny drug over an employee, spinning a story about Hermione.

"This is Hermione Granger and she wishes to be fitted so she can buy the correct size bra. Once you've discovered her size, she wants to see a set in each color you have; she'll determine which sets she wants after that time." Hermione was horrified but Ginny was grinning wickedly. The shopkeeper looked delighted and drug Hermione into the fitting room.

The mortification of the the situation didn't dissipate because the shopkeeper vanished her clothes so she could be fitted. The woman was extremely friendly, chatting about everything under the sun, not even requiring answers from Hermione. The whole process took ten minutes and the Gryffindor was allowed to dress and exit the fitting room.

However, once she was settled again, the keeper came back and drug her to a large table in the back. On it was every cut and color of lingerie she could showed up at precisely this moment, claiming to be there to help select some sexy pieces for her friend.

Hermione only personally chose three sets; one in royal purple satin, a crimson silk, and a forrest green lace. Ginny, however, spied her sack of money from Draco and had different ideas. Even though she agreed with Hermione's choices, she insisted on more than three choices. Before Hermione even really realized what she was getting, the shopkeeper had bagged up her three chosen sets plus sets in bright pink, royal blue, ice blue, black, white, yellow, and leaf green. When she saw the price for all the lingerie, the Gryffindor almost keeled over in shock but the payment barely seemed to make a dent in the bag of coins from Draco.

Hermione flat out refused to do anymore clothes shopping so she drug the girls to the bookshop. She browsed for an hour before she finally tracked down the three books Draco had wanted and one that she got him because she thought he would enjoy it. It was quite reluctantly that she left the bookshop, but knew if she didn't go meet her friends, they'd track her down and drag her out.

As the four girls made their way towards the Three Broomsticks, Hermione went over the five books she had bought in her mind, trying to decide which one she wanted to read first. She was completely lost in thought when she was slammed into by a distraught girl. Hermione righted herself as she tried to see who had run into her. The girl was in tears.

"Leslie? Is everything alright? Are you ok?" The girl blushed red and hung her head, wiping the tears off her cheeks.

"Oh, Hermione, I'm so sorry. I truly didn't mean to run you over, I was just heading back to the castle." The Head Girl part of her personality kicked in and she had to make sure that nobody had harmed the painfully shy sixth year Gryffindor.

"Why are you so upset? Has anyone bothered you while you were here?" Leslie shook her head.

"No, nobody was bothering me. I just got in a terrible argument with my best friend. Since she left me alone to go off with her boyfriend afterwards, I decided to go back to the castle. Hogsmeade isn't any fun when you're by yourself." Hermione had seen the girl around the common room in Gryffindor Tower and knew she only had one real friend. If the girl had just left her alone to run off with her boyfriend, the younger girl would be feeling terrible. Hermione gave her a small smile before speaking.

"Why don't you come in with us and have a butterbeer? It'll help you calm down. Then you won't be alone." The sixth year girl glanced at the other three girls.

"Are you sure? I don't want to intrude." Grace gave a musical laugh.

"Of course we don't mind, silly. We're just going to go meet the boys, have some drinks, and listen to quidditch talk, I'm sure." Leslie gave a small laugh.

"Well, it sounds more fun than sitting by myself at the castle." Ginny linked arms with the girl and marched her back into the Three Broomsticks, chatting constantly to fill the empty space. As they approached the table where the boys were seated, Luna broke into Ginny's chatter.

"You know, Leslie, if you want to speak at all, you're going to have to just interrupt. This group never shuts up otherwise." Ginny stuck out her tongue and Leslie smiled. Draco, Blaise, and Theo all rose to their feet when the group of girls approached, showcasing their pureblood pedigrees.

Draco took Hermione by the hand and led her to her seat next to him. Leslie sat in the last free seat between Ginny and Blaise. Hermione gave the group a smile as she began to speak.

"Guys, this is Leslie Pritchard, a sixth year Gryffindor who is going to be joining us for awhile. She didn't want to head to the castle by herself so we offered to go with her. Leslie, you know Ginny, Luna, and Grace. Well, I suppose you know Harry and Neville as well. This is Theo Nott, Draco Malfoy, and Blaise Zabini, all eighth year Slytherins." There was a chorus of hellos before Theo made his way to the bar to order drinks for the group. Hermione felt Draco lean over and whisper in her ear.

"Well, I see that you spent some money. Please tell me you didn't just buy the books I wanted...tell me you spent a little money on yourself." Hermione's mind flashed to the small fortune she had. spent in the lingerie shop alone.

"Yes, I spent a fortune, thanks to Ginny seeing your monogrammed coin purse while we were shopping." Draco gave her an amused grin.

"I guarantee you, you didn't spend near enough. How much is the fortune you spent?" Hermione felt the flush creeping up her face so she lowered her gaze.

"I spent almost three hundred galleons on three outfit and five hundred galleons on ten sets of lingerie and three little nighties. Ginny's bullying knows no bounds." Draco wore his emotionless mask for a full minute before he broke down into laughter.

"Sweets, you didn't spend anything. My mother would spend three times that on a new dress every week. If her habit didn't break the Malfoy fortune, your little expenditure surely won't. I have to know now...did you buy any green knickers?" Hermione couldn't hold back the bubble of laughter. She leaned towards him conspiratorally, laughter dancing in her eyes.

"I bought forrest green and leaf green, along with an array of different colors. I'm sure you can find it in yourself to enjoy them." While they had been conversing with each other, Hermione hadn't been paying attention to the conversation around them. Theo waved his hand at them, grin on his face.

"What you think, 'Mi? You and Draco in?" Hermione was a tad embarrassed to be caught not paying attention so she nodded.

"Sure, count us in." Theo gave her a half smile and she knew he knew she hadn't been listening. When he nodded, she thought she was off the hook. Blaise turned to Leslie, charming smile on his face.

"You should join us tonight, Leslie. It'll be a good time and you could find some other friends along the way." Leslie blushed at his attentions but nodded just the same.

"Alright, I'll be there. Heads dorms at seven thirty. Got it." Hermione looked to the group for a clue as to what was happening. When Draco gave her an imperceptible nod, she knew she would be alright. Damn his veela hearing. He smiled a little to the group before he stood, holding out his hand to Hermione. She was paying attention when Draco looked straight at Theo.

"I'm going to trust you and Blaise are able to sneak firewhiskey into the school without me. Hermione and I have planning to do for the New Years Ball and if i know her, she has five assignments to complete before she'll play tonight. See you all at half seven." Hermione said her quick goodbyes and went with Draco, bursting to know what was happening.

The fact that firewhiskey was involved made her nervous. It wasn't that she had anything against drinking; she just had very little experience with it and didn't want to make a complete fool of herself. However, if there was anyone she could trust herself with when she had no mental faculties, it was Draco and Harry. They began walking back to the castle and Hermione gave Draco an impatient look.

"Are you going to make me ask? You know I don't have super hearing powers." Draco laughed a deep laugh.

"You agreed we would host a party for our friends. Drinking, some Wizards Truth, all pretty par for the course. Are you regretting not admitting you had no idea what he was talking about?" Hermione couldn't help but laugh as she moved into his side.

"A little. I've never been drunk. I don't want to make a complete fool of myself." Draco threaded his hand in her hair.

"I won't let you drink too much, Angel. No vomiting and no making a fool of yourself. The trick is to drink little sips all night long and make sure you tell the truth." Hermione took in a deep breath.

"Alright, I'll play. It's not like I have anything to hide." Draco gave her an indulgent smile before he leaned down to kiss her.

-O-

Upon reaching the castle, Draco steered his mate to their rooms, deciding that the best place for the rest of the day's activities would be there. Hermione settled on the couch with her bag, fresh parchment and a new quill. Before she could begin, however, Draco sat next to her and took her hands in his. She looked worried for a brief moment before he spoke.

"I bought you something today, Sweets." She started to protest but Draco cut her off.

"I got it for your birthday because Harry told me it was on the nineteenth of last month when I asked him. We were together, why didn't you tell me?" She looked truly startled at his revelation.

"It wasn't important. I had decided in August that I wasn't going to celebrate my birthday, had told Harry, Ron, and Ginny that I didn't want well wishes or gifts. I simply wanted to feel normal and that never would have happened if everyone had seen or heard that it was my birthday. I'm sorry, I didn't think you would be so angry." Draco heaved a sigh. Of course she wanted to feel normal.

"I'm not angry, Sweets. I simply didn't understand why you wouldn't tell me it was your birthday. Did you think I would make a big deal out of it anyways?" Surprise flitted through her eyes and he could feel that she felt bad about not telling him

"Honestly, what day it was didn't pass through my mind. If you would have asked me when it was I would have told you. I truly just didn't think about it. The birthday before, Harry, Ron, and I were on the run, Ron's too, and they weren't very pleasant. Ron almost lost his arm and was healing on my birthday and we were in the middle of the woods for Ron's. It was only a couple days later when we were captured and taken to your house. I just didn't want to face another." Draco drew her into his arms before he spoke.

"Like I said, I'm not mad. I understand. However, you won't be getting out of getting your gift, this year or any others. Now open your gift." He set a wrapped gift in her lap and watched the slow smile spread across her face.

Hermione carefully unwrapped the ribbon, then untaped the paper before she pulled out a flat jewelry case. Censure was written all over her face, but he simply urged her on. When she opened the case, her eyes went wide. Inside was a beautiful goblin-made necklace. As she examined it, Draco told her about it.

"It's goblin-made, platinum, so it won't react if potions happened to splash up on it. It was the only lion head they had and the ruby eye is a rare find according to the jeweler. Read the inscription on the back." His mate glanced at him before turning over the pendant.

'For my lioness with love. Always, Draco'

Tears pricked her eyes as she continued to study the beautiful gift. Hermione held it out to him, silently asking if he would help her put it on. She pulled her hair out of the way so he could clasp it at her neck. It was perfect. It settled right above the dip of her cleavage, making him smile.

Once it was on, she turned in her seat and scrambled into his lap, straddling him. His mate leaned down and caught his mouth with hers, lacing her fingers in his silky blond hair. When she finally surfaced for air, she was breathing hard. Brushing his hair off his forehead and out of his eyes, she gave him another brief kiss.

"Thank you. It's beautiful and I love it. I promise, I'll remind you about my birthday next year."

Draco laughed as he lifted her off him and back into her seat. Even though he would love to attend to other things, like the throbbing cock encased in his trousers, they really needed to work on the Ball and do some homework She tugged her hair behind her shoulders, where he played it while she took the notes on the Ball.

Since Draco had had more experience planning parties, Hermione let him take the lead, interjecting when she had an idea or was confused why he was doing something a certain way. After a steady hour of ideas and planning, they turned to homework that needed done for the weekend.

Transfiguration and Herbology took precedence, followed by an essay for Defense Against the Dark Arts over patronus charms. Hermione still couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment when she had attended Defense Against the Dark Arts the week following her detention. Professor Holloway apologized to the class for what he called a misunderstanding in his teaching the week before. He retought the lesson on werewolves, making certain to point out that werewolves were people as well, not beasts to be looked down upon.

After he gave the assignment that day, he shot Hermione the nastiest glare possible before he left the room, door slamming behind him. Of course, the glare had not gone unnoticed and her friends had badgered her about it until she spilled about the meeting with Professor McGonagall that Draco orchestrated. All her friends looked at her shocked, especially Theo and Blaise. They deemed it odd that she was a Gryffindor who had such great Slytherin cunning and ambition.

Draco was nervous about the looks the DADA was giving his mate, they were pure loathing. However, there really wasn't anything he could do to stop her and it was better for him to be there with her than in an argument because he was paranoid about her safety.

The pair finished their work just before seven and decided they should eat a quick bite before their friends arrived. A trip to the kitchens guaranteed that Kreacher and Winky took great care of them. Within thirty minutes, they were fed and full and being told to come back more often by both Winky and Kreacher.

Draco conjured enough seating for ten people in the common room, while Hermione made sure that there were enough glasses and such. He watched his mate nervously tug her hair into a high pony tail and then straighten her shirt for the fifth time. Finally, Draco took pity on her.

"Angel, they're all already your friends. You dont have to impress any of them. They've all been here before. If you're nervous about the drinking, don't be. I already told you I would take care of you and wouldn't let you drink too much. Please stop being so nervous." She flashed him an embarrassed smile and took a seat next to him. Just a couple minutes had passed before the sound of the portrait door opening alerted them to the fact that they had company.

The group must have agreed to meet somewhere else first because they were all there and flashing smiles. Leslie was twirling her shoulder length honey brown hair in her fingers and looking slightly uncomfortable, but even she looked excited at the prospect of a good time. Draco did notice that she was on Blaise's arm, surprising him. He made a mental note to ask his friend about it later.

Draco smiled at the sight of his mate flitting from person to person, making sure they had a drink and trying to be a good hostess. He did sincerely wish that Leslie would open up just a bit; so far she hadn't spoken to anyone other than Blaise, Hermione, and Ginny.

Before long, Ginny was yelling that they would be starting Wizards Truth and that everyone needed to make sure they had a full glass and a seat. Draco sat next to his mate, pulling her hand into his lap and lacing his fingers with hers. Ginny was just beginning to explain the game.

"We all take the oath before we start. We all take turns asking each other questions. If you lie, the tip of your wand will glow red. If this happens, you take a gulp. You then have two choices; tell the truth or take a dare. If you take the dare, however, you take two more gulps as punishment. Everyone understand?" There was a chorus of nods before Ginny clapped her hands.

"Ok, I'll start then. Luna, do you really believe nargles are real?" The dirty blind looked to Ginny, smile on her face.

"Of course, Ginny. You can only see them if you believe." Draco couldn't help but want to chuckle at this but kept his mouth shut. Luna turned to Harry.

"Harry, do you sometimes hate the world for how they've treated you and now revere you as the Saviour?" Harry gave a snort and took a drink even though he didn't lie.

"I hate them everyday. I wish everyone would just leave me be so I could be normal." He turned to Leslie.

"Alright Leslie, do you like hanging out with our rag tag group of friends?" The younger girl gave a soft laugh before answering.

"I think you're all amazing and I love hanging out with you. I just wish I wasn't so painfully shy." Theo snickered.

"Have another drink then, you'll loosen up." After she had taken Theo's advice, she turned to Hermione.

"We all heard the rumors when you and Draco got together. Did you really cheat on Ron Weasley while you were dating?" The room went quiet as Hermione struggled to find the most diplomatic answer. To be honest, Leslie and Grace were the only ones who didn't know the whole story. Hermione straightened her spine.

"Technically, yes, I did." When it was plain she wasn't going to say anymore, Harry spoke quite heatedly, informing her of the whole story. When he was finished, the girl smiled an apology to the Head Girl, who gave her a smile in return. Hermione turned to Blaise.

"Blaise, has a certain blond caught your attention?" Blaise gave a crooked smile and answered with no shame

"But of course, 'Mi. I see you're taking lessons from Draco on how to read me." She snorted next to Draco. Blaise turned to Ginny.

"If you could change one single thing in your whole life, what would it be?" Draco knew the answer already from his talk with Harry earlier that day.

"My brother Fred would still be alive so my family would be whole again." There was a sobering silence for almost a minute before Ginny turned to Theo and spoke brightly.

"How do you feel about Grace?" Theo turned red but didn't lower his eyes.

"I'm in love with her, just haven't gotten up the nerve to ask her out yet." Draco had already known this so gave no reaction. Theo looked at Grace.

"How do you feel about me, Grace?" The girl showed no signs of shame or embarrassment

"I'm in love with you as well, Theo. I thought about you for a long time before Hermione ever introduced us." Theo gave her an honest smile. Grace turned to Draco.

"Whats it like, living for the girl that you hated for years?" Draco felt on the spot but didn't want to lie, not since it was about Hermione.

"It's amazing. I love her and will be happy with her the rest of my life if only she will have me." He turned quickly to Neville, trying to keep the attention off himself.

"Do you wish that you had been in Harry's place? The prophecy could have been relating to you just as much as him." Neville looked at him like he was barmy.

"Absolutely not. When I was younger and more pathetic, I probably would have said yes. Now, I feel I was right where I needed to be and that will always be good enough for me." He moved on quickly as well.

"'Mi, what do you like and hate most about your mark?" Hermione had a deer in the headlights look.

"I don't even realize it there." Her wand glowed a bright red, making everyone order her to drink. Once she had acquiesced, Blaise gave her a smile.

"You know your options, Princess. Truth or dare?" Draco could feel her mortification and uncertainty. He gave her hand a squeeze and she met Neville's eyes.

"I hate it when other people besides Draco touch it. It burns me. I love it when Draco touches it; it makes me orgasm." Draco felt a surge of anger rush through his body at the thought that someone was causing her pain. He leaned down and cupped her face.

"Who's been touching my mark, Angel? Who's been causing you pain?" Leslie and Grace seemed surprised at the intensity in his voice but said nothing. Harry was the one who spoke.

"It was me, Draco. I was poking fun at her, telling her I could tell you bit her there again because it was bruised. I ran my hand over the bruise, I had no idea that it burned her." Draco felt himself calm marginally. Hermione looked up at him.

"Thats the only time anyone's touched it. I should have told him it burned but he had already let it drop and changed topics. I didn't want to start anything or make him feel guilty." Draco finally nodded and then turned to the room.

"Nobody touches her mark. If you see someone do it and she doesn't hex them, I expect you all to tell me." Hermione rolled her eyes while everyone else nodded solemnly. Hermione pushed onward before it could get anymore awkward.

"Luna, do you love Neville?" Luna simply gave her a serene smile and nodded.

"Of course I do, silly." The questions carried on, getting more personal and a lot raunchier then they previously had been.

Finally, two and a half hours into the game, Draco looked down and saw that his mate had fallen asleep against his side. He reached around her and pulled her into his lap, bringing the fact that she was asleep come to everyone's attention.

It was at this point that the room began to clear, slowly but steadily. Ginny and Grace picked up the mess while Luna and Neville were snogging in the corner. Blaise was still enamored with the younger girl but she seemed clueless. Draco had been happy to see that she had in fact loosened up halfway through the game and became quite talkative.

After everyone had said their goodbyes, Draco brushed the hair that had fallen out of her pony tail back behind her ears. Marveling at how amazing she felt in his arms, he stood carefully and laid his mate down in her bed. Waving his wand, he vanished her clothes and magicked her pajamas on her.

Draco crawled in behind her and began to think about his evening and the things he had learned about the others. Looking back now, he was extremely happy that he had answered his question about Hermione. She would have felt like something he was trying to hide if he hadn't answered. Glad that he had done the right thing, he snuggled himself down against his mate's tender neck and fell asleep.

A/N- Well guys, there's another chapter down. I'm not sue how I feel about this one but I'm just gonna roll with it and see where it takes me. Hope you all like Leslie, i had to have at least character who was shy! Anyways, enough chatter since I have to get up in four hours to get the kiddos ready for school. Leave me your thoughts, please.

Love,

A