TheMountainDewologist: Oh my gosh, your review made me laugh - and so happy. This is so very much not soon, but I hope you are able to forgive me and enjoy.

Betsy: You're so right, and they haven't gotten much longer. I am really terrible, but I haven't forgotten! Maybe now that I know how to do this on my phone... *fingers crossed*

parisgibson: Thank you for the review; I can tell my writing has changed since the beginning too! I'm glad it has improved. I do like the idea of a Blaise threesome, and I am sorry that the Hermione involvement isn't your style. It wasn't intended to be a part of the story, but sometimes the characters take over. I will go ahead and tell you that there will be another person in Hermione's near future, so this won't be turning into a triad story. I hope that helps, and that you enjoy!

2222: I'm so sorry for the ridiculously long wait! That is most definitely not the end of the story. Thank you so much. Is there anything in particular you'd like to see?

Aiyoku Saotome: Oh my goodness, thank you! I'm glad you so enjoyed it. Thank you for reminding me about the scene breaks! I always have them, but sometimes the formatting doesn't take when I upload them, so I have to remember to manually check. Again, I am so glad you enjoyed, and I hope you've come back to read more!

Brooklyn Nichole Lind: I'm so glad you liked it! I'm definitely ready for some more "family" time, myself. Is there anything you'd like to see with them? Hoping you enjoy this one!

roni2010: Thank you! Yes, it will definitely be different for her to be there. :-) Glad to hear from you again, and that you enjoyed!

TheMountainDewologist, linnie31, Betsy, parisgibson, 2222, LonelyConfused, babygirl2580, k8thekitty, Jasey913, fisherlinda53, scatteredlight, xXx GoldenRose xXx, Aiyoku Saotome, falling for grace, Lady Mischief, kindiradspirit15, DarkAngelLovesEvil, little bird 35, Ju Piazzalunga, Brooklyn Nichole Lind, roni2010, i'mStillThinking, Henrietta Lee, hellbentdeathangel.117, YourLoveStory, Carpe Nocturne, CamoPrincess0913, sbbbhbflhp: Thank you all so much for your reviews, and/or adding Wanted or me to your favorites or alerts. It means so much to me!

Chapter XXV

"I have to tell you something."

Hermione's eyebrows rose. "All right..."

Ginny bit her lip. "I might have accidentally told Draco about us."

The other girl was stunned into a momentary silence. "Oh. Well... What did he say?"

Ginny snickered. "He said, and I quote, 'That's hot," and proceeded to make several innuendos which I think he's actually serious about."

Hermione's eyes went wide. "You're joking!"

"No, I'm very much not. He really does think you're beautiful. And rightly so, I might add. So. What do you say? Would you be the best friend in the entire universe and help me move?"

The brunette sighed extra heavily, looking agonized. "I suppose..."

She was rewarded with a broad grin and a tight hug. "You are the absolute best! Let's go."

"What, you mean now? As in right now?"

"Well, you're the one who always says there's no time like the present."

"Ready to get back between Malfoy's sheets, are we?"

Ginny gaped at her for a moment, and then laughed. "Well... they are very nice sheets."

|W|

When the girls arrived, Draco and Blaise were having a chat at the desk. They exchanged mischievous glances, while the men gaped at them.

"Hello boys. Hermione very kindly offered to help me move my things in."

"Oh," said Draco, very eloquently.

Ever quick on his feet, Blaise nodded to Hermione. "Nice to see you again, Granger. The oaf treating you well, I hope?"

The brunette's eyebrows raised, and she glanced at Ginny, who shrugged. She cleared her throat lightly before she spoke.

"I suppose you mean Ron." At his amused nod, she said, "We're not together anymore."

Draco choked on the drink he was taking while Blaise and Ginny grinned madly. Ginny nudged her and began to lead her out.

"Wha- I- Where are you going?"

"We're going to your bedroom, master," Ginny said innocently, her brown eyes wide as she curtseyed. "Hermione wants to see your sheets."

Blaise snorted and he burst out laughing, watching Draco turn scarlet. The girls began to laugh, too, but they left before he could sputter out anything in response.

On their arrival, Hermione quietly took in the sight of the bedroom before nodding. "It suits him, doesn't it?"

"It rather does."

"Ginny. I..." She took the redhead's hands and they sat on the bed. "I'm glad to see you happy. Even if it was Malfoy that made it happen."

"Thank you, Hermione. You deserve that, too, you know? I know it's difficult in between, but it'll get better."

"Thanks, Gin. I'm not so concerned about that right now, though."

"Then what are you so concerned about? You look like you've been worrying your lip again."

"I should've known you'd notice," she said with a wry smile. "It's just... Well... I think someone's following me."

"Following you? And you didn't think too mention that? Hermione bloody Granger!"

"I'm sorry! But I can take care of myself, you know."

"I know you can. Believe me, we all know you can. That doesn't mean you shouldn't do something about it, or tell anyone! You're scared, aren't you?"

"I... I am a little, yes. It's so silly! I have no reason to be afraid, but... Whenever I catch a glimpse of him, I get chills down my spine."

"You'll stay here," said an authoritative voice from the doorway. Both women looked up at him, eyes wide, and he shrugged self-consciously. "You'll be safe here."

"I never thought I'd hear you say that and believe you." She seemed to regain some of her bearings, and stammered, "Sorry. I... er... Thank you. But, really, I couldn't impose."

"Of course you wouldn't be!" Ginny cried. She stood and went to Draco, taking his hand and looking up at him. "Tell her! She needs to be safe."

He looked uncomfortable, but said, "Really, Granger. You should stay here until the situation is... no longer a situation."

"But I... " Twin glares stopped her mid-sentence. "Fine! I... Thank you. Both of you."

The women left shortly thereafter to retrieve Hermione's things, but not before Ginny gave Draco a kiss so full of promise that it made even Blaise blush.

Hermione packed a bag for herself while Ginny kept an eye on the windows and front door. Then they turned back to the fireplace. The redhead squeezed the other girl's hand in reassurance; Hermione had been understandably wary of entering the manor, so the prospect of staying there had her jittery.

"It'll be okay, I promise."

"I know."

"But...?"

"That doesn't make it any less scary."

"I understand. I am sorry. But I'll be there- and I truly believe he'll watch out for you as well."

"That's... so strange."

They laughed and went back through the floo. Draco and Blaise were still at the desk, though they looked much more casual, and each held a drink in his hand.

There was an awkward silence for a moment, and then Draco cleared his throat.

"We'll adjust the wards tomorrow so that you both can apparate in and out."

"Us both?" asked Hermione, her eyes widening.

He looked uncomfortable. "Well I can't have you using up all my floo powder."

The girls exchanged glances, and he spoke again in a low voice.

"You'll be safer."