AN: Rated M for a reason

It's been so long, I apologise. I have not abandoned the story as there are lots in store. Those questioning Hermione's behaviour when it comes to Nott are right to feel it is unlike her but I can explain. Due to the effects of his spell in combination with her PTSD symptoms, it's safe to assume she's not going to be at her full and healthy mental capacity. The spells feed off of that and that is why she is not the same old Hermione from before the war. I hope this clears things up for some readers. Thanks again for reading - Haru

The sun was setting in the distance over the lake's horizon as Hermione found herself back at the boathouse with Draco. The two sat at the water's edge, dangling their legs over the wooden platform that ran out into the lake with the soles of their feet barely touching the surface of the water.

They had planted themselves far from the other students and needed a space where they could freely discuss what Draco had seen in Walter and Lachlan's minds. The process was daunting at first but once Hermione prompted the two boys into remembering the incident, it was easier than he had anticipated.

Draco could recall the moment the two boys woke up that morning and what they were doing before they met up at the school's entrance. They had decided, with a bunch of their friends, to head into Hogsmeade together but had eventually split off once they entered the town. Walter and Lachlan enjoyed the rest of the day with each other until dusk and ended up in front of the Hog's Head Inn & Pub as their final location. But as the boys began to approach the dingy building, their minds began to fog up, turning their surroundings into a hazy motion picture.

Fortunately, Draco was able to catch glimpses of the shifty event unfold and explained how he recognised himself and Nott make their way into the Hog's Head. They were a few steps ahead of the boys, which wasn't surprising, and had disappeared inside with no commotions. The haze eventually overcame the memory and Draco was just about to let go until an image flashed before him. Standing above the boys was a curious looking Nott who appeared to be looking down at them. Draco struggled to make out Nott's expression as he made no inclination to move or help the boys up and before he knew it, everything went blank.

"Based on your description, it's still unclear if Nott did it," Hermione said, watching the water ripple through the lake, indicating the giant squid was swimming across, "but it definitely places him at the scene."

Draco didn't respond to her right away as he flicked a tiny stone into the lake and watched it sink into the water.

"Reckon he's the one tormenting these kids?"

All Hermione could think about was of Roberta, lying in the hospital bed unable to move or properly breathe due to the condition she was found in. She was just a fourth-year student, quiet and kind and had done nothing wrong to deserve her brutal fate. If Nott truly was the culprit behind these beatings, what reason did he have to go after them?

Looking at the profiles of the victims, there was only one muggle-born. Walter and Roberta were both half-bloods to her knowledge and had no clear relationship with one another besides being schoolmates of different years. There was no gender or race preference and age was questionable. The timing of the incidents appeared random... or were they?

In broad daylight, being so far out from town, the Hog's Head was quite the convenient place to attack the boys because it garnered no eyewitnesses. As for Roberta, she was found in the middle of the night in a desolate hallway where no one would happen upon her until morning.

Was that enough evidence to consider the attacks premeditated or were they the product of random encounters?

Hermione was suddenly startled by Draco as he placed his hand over hers. He gently squeezed her fingers to bring her back from her deep rumination.

"Perhaps we should wait and see what Lutterworth has to say when she wakes up," Draco said as he rubbed his thumb in circles on her skin.

He was right. Trying to make connections with little clues was futile and would only give her a headache. Unless she received more information, she was overreaching with the little evidence she had that would connect the victims back to Nott.

"Do you think it was Nott who did it?" Hermione asked in return. After all, there was some reasonable doubt.

Draco stared at Hermione's fingers possibly contemplating on the notion that a fellow classmate of his, let alone housemate, would be responsible for such heinous acts. She'd understand if he didn't believe the culprit to be Nott and almost dropped the question until he spoke.

Without hesitation, an "I do" slipped from his mouth.

Hermione's chest grew light as she felt a flicker of hope glow deep within herself. She wasn't alone with her intuitions and felt more confident in pursuing Nott.

"What do we do now?" Draco asked as Hermione leaned her head against his shoulder, looking out into the lake again.

Her mind was reeling with possibilities. To catch Nott would make her entire week. But there were far too many road bumps to overcome and prove he was the one assaulting these students. The thought of failing suddenly ravaged her mind and she was beginning to doubt her previous suspicions.

"It'd be easier to just forget it all," Hermione confessed, sullen.

She could feel Draco slowly remove his hand from on top of hers so that he could wrap his arm around her waist to pull her closer to him. He didn't speak and remained silent only to listen to what she had to say.

"I could ask the Headmistress to assign someone else and move on with my life. Focus on the important things, like my school work before I graduate..."

She could feel his head shift above her and waited to hear his response.

"So you've given up," Draco said with a tone that held a hint of disappointment, "that's not like you at all."

She watched the sun duck behind the treetops of the forest and breathed heavily. They were fleeting thoughts but her thoughts nonetheless. It wouldn't make her any less of a person but it did hurt. To quit fighting for what was right was not her forte but the pressure of maintaining her prestige was drowning her.

Why was she tasked to be the smart witch? Her logic wasn't unmatched and her bravery could be seen as fortuitous. Why did everyone count on her to help solve their problems? She too had her own troubles to face and didn't always have answers at the ready. Most importantly, why did she care so much what others thought of her?

"No one else can do it but you," Draco quipped, interrupting her train of thoughts.

He pulled away from her, forcing her to look up at him. His face was solemn as his hand left her side to cup her cheek.

"What if I can't? I don't know how much more I can take."

Hermione closed her eyes and exhaled deeply to calm herself down. Her self-motivation had grown feeble and it was mentally draining her.

"Stop doubting yourself," Draco said rubbing her cheek with his thumb, "we wouldn't be here right now if it weren't for you."

Hermione slowly opened her eyes the moment she had felt his forehead leaning against hers. The tips of their noses grazed one another but their eye contact was what captivated her. Feeling his breath brush across her lips tempted her and with a slight tilt of her head, Hermione gracefully captured his lips. It felt like a dose of energy and she was beginning to grow obsessed with the way his lips latched onto hers.

Gradually, an irresistible force overcame Hermione, pushing Draco flat onto the platform. Her weight pinned him down while his arms enveloped her form, the two of them smiling into the kiss that made her forget about her previous thoughts.

Hermione, for the first time in a long while, felt appreciated. The warmth of his acceptance freed her troubling conscience.

A few feather kisses in, the sky darkened into dusk and the one lantern that hung on the outside of the boathouse's back entrance automatically lit up. The sudden flame startled the two and they both shared a tired laugh. It was only a matter of time before they had to head back to the castle but Hermione didn't feel the need to leave. Instead, she bowed her head to place her ear against his chest to anchor him down.

"Can we stay like this for a little while longer?" Hermione asked.

She couldn't see his reaction in the way she was positioned but she could tell he was a bit flustered with how fast his pulse pounded in her ear. He didn't say anything and only tightened his grip on her, comfortably holding her in place.

Slowly did his heart calm into a rhythmic beating that eventually lulled her to sleep.

The soft sighs against a deafening silence echoed in Hermione's ears that woke her up from her slumber. She wearily opened her eyes to face a cabinet in the corner of the rusty old boathouse she had grown accustomed to.

Hermione blinked a couple of times before she could register where she was and found that she was lying on top of a sleeping Draco propped up against the wall. One of his arms was still wrapped around her waist as she was still pressed up against his chest, her hands clutched against him.

It seemed that Draco had brought her into the boathouse to rest after she had fallen fast asleep outside and instead of just waking her, fell asleep too.

Hermione smiled at the consideration and slowly pulled away so as not to wake him just yet. She couldn't help but stare at how peaceful the boy looked with his eyes closed as she sat quietly beside him. It was a sight she's seen before but this time it produced a soothing effect on her and was one she hoped eased him.

Hermione leaned in close for a better look at his face. She always knew Draco was one of refined taste, sporting luxurious attire that matched his sharp features. But it was his smell that attracted her the most. Whether it was with or without the expensive cologne, he reminded her surprisingly of home.

As Hermione watched him sleep undisturbed, she had to resist the urge to push some hair that fell over his eyelids aside. She, of course, could not and with careful balance, reached out to tuck the strands away from his face. As her fingertips brushed against his forehead, his quick hand shot up and grabbed her wrist, effectively startling her.

"Rest well?" he groggily asked as he pulled her hand to his chest and relaxed after realising who she was.

The way he drew circles with his thumb against her skin made her limbs tingle and stomach flip along with her now racing heart.

"You've charmed the place, correct?" she asked, trying to distract herself from the fluttery feeling.

If someone had found them together at the boathouse again, she would die completely mortified.

"I did."

Draco lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her fingers to reassure her they were safe from prying eyes.

"You could have woken me," Hermione said, facing the window above them, viewing the dark sky, "what time is it?"

Draco let go of her hand to lift his sleeve to check the time on his watch. She hadn't noticed he wore such an expensive item on his wrist before and felt silly when it was common knowledge he was wealthy.

"It's half past five," Draco said as he tiredly leaned further against the wall, "we should probably head back soon."

With her eyes still concentrated on the tree line right outside their window, Hermione realised they hadn't just woken from a nap and watched sceptically as the early morning began to show.

Even though it was now obvious that the two had spent the entire night together in the boathouse, Hermione still did not want to separate herself from Draco so soon. She quickly brought her leg over to straddle his thighs to stop him from getting up to leave.

In an instant, Draco stopped all his motions and stared directly into her eyes.

Hermione could feel her face blush red from embarrassment. She didn't know what compelled her to stop him from leaving but it felt good. She didn't want to leave his side just yet and could tell he felt the same as his hands gripped firmly at her thighs. A tinge of pink formed in his cheeks.

"Granger, what are you doing?"

Her first reaction was to grab both of his wrists to restrain him, but as he enunciated her name, it had sent shivers down her spine and her hands helplessly grasped him instead.

He made her feel curious things, deep down in the core of her stomach and it urged her to follow through with whatever she had in mind for him. Her fingers eventually found his taut neck and pulled him close to her as she impulsively nipped at his jawline, indulged with his scent.

"I can feel you," she whispered heavily into his ear, "under me."

He hissed at the sound of her breathy voice and tensed his jaw as she continued to instil kisses onto his skin.

"The mornin's to blame," muttered Draco, losing all sense of modesty.

Hermione smiled against his neck, feeling the heat rise all over from the both of them. Her heart beat furiously in her chest, aching to be loved.

"I can help you with that," Hermione replied as she dragged her hand down his chest and over his abdomen. Her destination was above the opening of his pants where a clear bulge had formed.

Looking into his eyes, she could see the storm rage in his irises. His predatory stare accompanied with his laboured breaths as he watched her provocative form hover above him caused her to wriggle in her spot. His hands gripped her thighs tighter in response to stop the sudden urge to overtake and have his way with her.

Her pulse pounded erratically in her ears from the building tension and it beckoned her to continue on with her wicked ministrations.

Draco was hers and hers alone to control. It felt empowering and a new sense of confidence emerged from the depths of her capricious heart.

With a small wave of her fingers and a chest heavy with yearning, Hermione successfully removed the one button that would eventually set him free.

A wave of anxiety splashed at her chest from the realisation that she was slowly exposing Draco by her own initiation. She could blame it on him casting some kind of wicked spell over her but knew full well it was what she wanted, what she needed to do in the heat of the moment. The only thing separating her hand from his heat was the outline of his dark briefs and she needed to remove them. She wanted to know if he'd sing for her like she did when he touched her. She needed to know if he was affected as much as she was whenever they were together.

His hands started to loosen their grip on her as he started to draw more circles on her inner thighs with his thumbs. She knew immediately he was trying to distract her which proved successful as Hermione involuntarily shuddered, digging her chin into his shoulder blade.

Draco chuckled at her failed attempt at seducing him. It was far more difficult than Hermione had anticipated but she wouldn't give up. She was determined to wipe the smirk off his pretty face and proceeded to grab one of his wrists to warn him what she was capable of.

He continued to expertly knead and caress the areas she had no idea would excite her as she was wearing thick jeans due to the cold weather. However, not once did he make a move to tug off her clothes as she assumed he would with how much he was bulging from the seams. Then did she realise that she had absolute control over the situation. He was merely masking his own excitement that he usually tries to hide so well. What a shame, she thought, smiling at his own lame attempt at seduction. She was going to win this game.

Slowly, Hermione released her hand from his wrist and placed it at the hem of his shirt. She lifted the fabric that covered the top of his briefs to reveal not only the full extent of his excitement but a slightly sculpted abdomen she craved to touch.

"You're teasing," Draco sighed as his stomach flexed under the pressure of her curious fingers.

Hermione grinned as she watched her fingers trace the deep lines of his hips until they slipped underneath his waistband. She carefully unravelled his girth which became the object of her fascination as it stood, preening to be touched.

Immediately, Hermione's cheeks and neck flushed red from the exposure but it didn't stop her from wanting to touch him and satisfy his obvious need. She wanted him to want her.

The Slytherin sharply inhaled and gripped her thighs tighter as she moved her hand closer to his glistening length. Hermione smiled widely, pleased to know she had such an effect on him and proceeded to wrap her fingers delicately at the base, rewarding herself with the sound of him groaning in response.

"Witch," Draco growled as his head tilted upward toward the ceiling, eyelids hooded.

"Hardly an insult," Hermione countered as she watched him squirm beneath her, feeling him pulsate under her touch.

The Draco Malfoy was at her mercy for once, vulnerable and hers to please. Dazed with a growing infatuation with him, Hermione almost forgot her main goal of having him submit to her whims and increased her hand speed.

As she continued to relieve him, Draco reached up to cradle her cheek in his hand, his thumb pressing against her lips. Like second nature, Hermione parted her lips to accommodate his digit with her tongue. The roughness of his finger against her soft palate exciting her more.

"Fuck-" Draco snarled, gradually losing his senses as he was close to exploding.

Hermione never felt racier than she did now, straddling a boy with his finger in her mouth while she rubbed him off. It was unfathomable to imagine Hermione Granger, the biggest bookworm of her time, was fooling around with Slytherin's poster child.

In a last-ditch effort to save face, Draco leaned forward to capture her lips with his but failed to as she began to stroke the velvet skin of his length with both hands. At such a masterful pace, he was getting harder than she thought possible and slowed down.

"Granger, please."

"Begging are we?"

She watched as his mouth clamped shut, realising the mistake of showing any forms of submission. He writhed in his spot on the cold wooden floor, yearning for her to speed up but she wouldn't allow it, not unless he begged for her again.

"That's how you'll play?"

Hermione nodded, juvenile glee spreading across her face.

He dropped his head back again from the painful delight she created with her hands, incapable of responding vocally any more. Caught up with the euphoric feeling, Hermione began to slow her pace down to a halt in order to get what she wanted.

"I want you to beg," Hermione demanded with as much sex appeal as she could muster, "will you do that for me?"

Hermione began again, tracing her fingers to the tip, drawing tiny circles with his early nectar to push him closer to the edge.

Draco's eyebrows furrowed together as his stare grew magnetising. He didn't speak a word but his heavy breathing was evident that he was close to giving in.

"Please-," gasped Draco, desperately needing her to continue, "please Granger, I need you."

It was all she needed to hear and in mere seconds, quickened her pace before Draco came undone.

Thick spurts of white fluid coated her fingers followed by some more heavy breathing. She's never seen him so spent as she watched him slump back against the wall losing face. Almost out of embarrassment, Draco covered his eyes with his forearm, exhausted from the battle he ultimately lost.

She came out victorious.

Elated from winning, Hermione examined her hand, warm with his heat, with an excruciating need to taste him. Before she could bring her coated fingers up to her mouth, however, Hermione was stopped. Draco, with a tired bashful look, held her stained hand down before reaching into his pocket for a handkerchief. It confused her that he didn't want her to clean up his mess but she didn't complain and only watched as he began to wipe the fluid off of her fingers with the expensive cloth. The way he massaged her hand, tending to each finger with considerable care oddly excited her. She wanted him to lavish her the same way in a place far more passionate and involuntarily rubbed against him.

But before Hermione could incite any more foreplay, a sudden tugging at the boathouse's entrance alerted them to an unwanted presence. The sound of a confused Hagrid trying to open the doors from the outside was enough for them to quickly get up, clean their dishevelled selves and sneak away through the back. Once they made it safely out of the boathouse, away from the unexpected intruder, and onto the open grass that was dewy from the early morning, Hermione and Draco let out a roaring laugh.

The two had successfully escaped what could've been an awkward encounter.

Eventually, breakfast came around the corner where Hermione was happily enjoying crumpets, so much so, she was licking her fingers dry from the jam. Ginny noticed the older witch's rare temper and was curious to know what made her so lively on that particular morning.

"I slept well for the first time last night," Hermione answered after swallowing a mouthful.

"Mhm and where were you exactly?" The younger witch asked, painfully aware of Hermione's absence at the dorm.

"The library," she lied, "I guess I lost track of time."

Ginny smiled and shook her head in amusement. "Only you would enjoy studying all night and wake up the next morning happy."

Hermione wanted to retort but left it at that as she wasn't about to give up her location that night.

Reaching for another cup of coffee across the table, Hermione noticed the unsightly form of Nott walking into the Great Hall with a merciless look on his face. The sight of him immediately made her stomach drop with dread.

She had forgotten about their planned meeting yesterday and cursed herself for the oversight as she warily watched him stalk toward his table.

She didn't know why his bad mood affected her so much but it did and it felt ghastly.

On his way to the Slytherin table, Nott had unceremoniously bumped into a fellow Ravenclaw of the same year.

Without missing a beat, Hermione braced for the reception.

"Watch where you're going, yeah?" said the boy who clearly had no idea who he was speaking to.

Nott, visibly provoked, immediately grabbed the boy's collar and almost lifted him in the air with strength fueled by his own anger.

Their exchange instantly caught everyone's attention and the moment Nott had laid his hands on the Ravenclaw, Hermione along with a couple of other prefects, including Draco, stood up in response.

Luckily for everyone, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor was also making her way into the hall and stopped the confrontation from escalating. It ended with Nott letting the now frightened Ravenclaw boy go before exiting the hall with what she would describe as murder in his eyes. It was only a matter of time until chatter started to fill the room again when Hermione found herself staring anxiously at a worried Draco.

Could her absence yesterday have contributed to Nott's awful mood? She was left wondering for the entire day until later that evening. Back in bed, Hermione anxiously held out Nott's CV in her hand to analyse it. How bothersome.

She contemplated about the letter she would write to Harry for the boy's recommendation and have almost forgotten about her letter from Ron.

Carefully, Hermione leaned over, pulled open her nightstand drawer and took out the fully intact letter. The spidery handwriting only belonging to Ron tugged at her consciousness as she hesitated to rip open the envelope. She wondered what he wrote, his probable last words before possibly never seeing him again, and inwardly crumbled in despair. Would she be able to handle such a rift?

In the end, she couldn't bring herself to open it.

An audible sigh escaped her lips as she chucked the letter back into the drawer, deflated at the thought that she was still worth writing letters to.