Hermione roamed around the house for several minutes, not knowing what to do with herself. She made her way slowly down the stairs, avoiding the voices from her friends down the hall.

When she had been pursued by Viktor, things were easier. He was from another country and her expectations weren't grand by far. She had felt the need to conform to the trend that the rest of the female population of Hogwarts and nabbed the first guy that seemed to pay attention to her.

She couldn't lie to herself and say that it didn't feel good, of course it felt nice to be noticed by the opposite sex. The innocent flirtations went on for the duration of their stay at school and then slowly tapered off through their letters. Apart from the slight thrill that she had felt at first from the attention, her mother made sure to slide little comments against the boy.

But now, things were different. She wanted to do something for herself, without the nagging voice of her mother coming to mind. She had always in mind what her mother would say to any choices that she made, whether it was academic or personal. But now, she found that it truly didn't matter, what Draco was offering her was truly a chance for a new life.

She kept on walking for a few minutes, stopping when she heard her father talking to someone by the front hall. She was wondering how she had turned around when she recognized her Arithmancy professor. She gave a small smile for one of her favorite professors and walked towards them.

"Hello, Professor Vector." Hermione said when she came over to them.

"Miss Granger! Truly a pleasure to see you again. I've just been telling your father what a model student you are."

Hermione felt a blush rush to her face at the complement. "You're very kind to say that, Professor."

"Not really, just the honest truth. I was just about to explain what Arithmancy was, would you care to join in?"

"Sure." With that, the three made there way to the sitting room.

Draco walked briskly down the halls to his mothers' room. His anger was barely being contained as he thought of the audacity of the older woman. If it weren't for her, he would most likely be claiming his mate right now, but he saw it in her eyes right away as she closed herself of to his advances.

He knocked quickly, not waiting for an answer. He found his mother over by the fireplace, a tea service set out before her.



"I knew you would run over here as soon as you could get away. Take a seat, darling. I'm guessing by your little display that a very long talk is much over due."

"I just came to ask that this little episode never happens again. I would be well within my rights to lock her up and not allow anyone to see her until I've claimed her."

"Oh yes, then by all means do that. Just know that whatever affection she displays towards you would only be because of the venom in your blood. Nothing would be more disastrous then a forced bonding."

"I would never force her into something." Draco said fiercely.

"She would have no choice but to consent with you seducing her like that."

"Are you implying that I would actually hurt my mate?"

"No, not intentionally. I'm only saying that your past record with women does not do much to encourage trust in you maintaining proper restraint."

"I want to warn you now, mother. I know how to handle my woman, I am the head of this family now and you will do as I say. Don't force me to send you away."

Narcissa just stared at her son, painfully acknowledging the great similarity between his father and the young man standing before her. She had tried her hardest to foster a respect for women and his gifted position but had sadly been pushed to the back of his mind with trying to survive his father.

"I know that if you force a bond on that girl, you'll lose her. She's not like one of your whores, if you ruin this, it will be for life." She said fiercely.

With that, Draco just stood and left the room. Somewhere in his mind, he knew that his mother had a point. He could practically smell the nerves and fear radiating from Hermione behind the kiss they shared, she had been willing, but not totally because she wanted to.

He desperately wanted to go to his bedroom and take a Poisyn potion. Since the age of 13, he and his male friends had used the potions regularly, first to enhance their parties, then they all moved on to partaking the potion several times a week to escape from the grim reality of war and dark magic.

He had read muggle alternatives like heroine and marijuana, but didn't want to deal with the extra side affects, preferring to brew his own, and supplying it to whoever wanted a few doses, in exchange of favors and information, of course.

He hadn't touch a potion or drink in months and was now starting to feel the unpleasant demands of his body. Being in charge of a financial empire, going through teenage issues, and along with everything else that that being part of Harry Potter's clique of friends, was really starting to take a toll on him. If he had slept for more then a couple of hours during the week, it was uncommon.


In the vampire hierarchy, Katharina was just on a slightly higher level then a servant, but that didn't stop her from pushing him physically and mentally to be ready to be introduced to his grandfather in a months time, to potentially to became his heir.

His days were filled with nothing but work, a few instances of ease and fun came at the meal breaks or at the end of the day when the six teenaged residents of the house were allowed to wind down and relax.

With Hermione always on the forefront of his mind, he looked for ways to try to impress the young girl. The usual tricks that had served him so well in the past where now lost on his mate. A smirk that would have sent a normal girl in a dead faint would just make Hermione smile and shake her head. It was maddening, but also made him want to fight more for her affections.

But he was getting on better, he thought. He knew that Hermione would be his partner for life, not just some chit that would only warm his bed and provide an heir. No, he respected her mind, her courage. He lived for the smiles and gentle touches that she would grant him, holding his temper in check as best he could when she paid the same attention to one of the occasional male schoolmate passed by to visit.

But now, he knew the course to make, a plan to speed things up. He knew that he wouldn't keep his sanity for much longer unless he claimed her as his, and he intended to press forward with his suite, even if it meant using the Malfoy techniques to get his way.

Hermione left the room with a smile, her father and professor had apparently forgotten that she was in the room, so absorbed with their conversation to take much notice of her.

She walked the halls in silence once again, with a smile on her face. If she didn't know any better, she would swear that her father had been flirting with her teacher, but quickly dismissed the thought.

She walked on and on, down the narrow hallways and up rickety stairs. Not really paying attention to her surroundings as she let her mind stray to Draco. She kept her eye on the faded tapestry carpet until she collided into something large and solid, nearly sending her to the floor.

Strong arms immediately wrapped around her small waist. She gripped the arms around her, closing her eyes as a wave of dizziness swept over her. Draco's distinct cologne invaded her senses, quickly closing off the world around her.

Draco took the opportunity and bent down over her, closing in on her and sealing their mouths together. He felt her body become instantly relaxed, melting into the kiss. A small smile tugged the corners of his lips as he heard a soft moan coming from her.



Hermione couldn't even describe what exactly she was feeling at that moment. She had heard other girls throughout the years describe various kisses but this one seemed to surpass whatever had been said. She didn't realize at first that Draco had moved them until she felt the solid wall behind her, with Draco pulling at the hem of her t-shirt. She was trying to mimic his movements, something in the back of her mind seemed to be whispering what to do. She felt Draco's tongue slowly leave her month and let out a small whimper, her own tentatively following his when she felt a sharp point.

He pulled away, coming up for air when he caught the sight of her panting. Nothing had ever looked as beautiful or perfect to Draco in his entire life. He felt his fangs tart to itch and bent down lower, gently kissing and licking her where the delicate blue vain was raised.

"Draco?" Hermione said breathlessly, her hands trying tug him away a bit.

"Hmm?" His ministrations didn't stop, lowly progressing down to her cleavage.

"I don't think we should do this." She whispered, tugging on his hair a bit harder.

That immediately made him stop. He leaned over her and placed his forehead against the wall, willing with all his might that she wouldn't notice his raging erection and anger. He took a few deep breathes, focusing on his mothers advice.

"Are you angry with me?" She asked timidly.

"I can never be mad at you, love. I'm sorry, I just got a little carried away." He said with a lot more calm then he felt. He leant down and gave her a chaste kiss. And pulled away from her.

"I'm still sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for. I'll never force you into what you're not ready for. We can talk more about this later." He said, hearing the door to his mothers room open.

He turned away and walked down the hall in the opposite direction.

"Hermione dear, do you have a few minutes to have a chat?"

"Of course, Narcissa." She said with a smile, smoothing down her shirt.

The two women sat down by the fireplace, Narcissa clearing her throat and deciding to dig right in. "How are you handling everything, Hermione?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you just found out that Draco is a vampire and that you're his mate. You seem to have accepted this very well."


"What else can I do? Draco has made it clear that he would come after me if I run away."

"Be honest with me dear, do you have any feelings for my son out of your own accord?"

"I think so. I mean, there was something there between us over the past couple of months, but there's still things that we need to talk about." Hermione said softly.

"I have a book for you to read later on if you'd like. If you have any questions about anything at all, you must know that you can come to me."

"I know, and thank you, Narcissa. That means a lot to me."

"Just remember that you have a lot of control right now over Draco. You're the person that balances him, that keeps his mind grounded. Never let him pressure you into anything that you're not ready for."

"I know. And I do have feelings for him but I need time."

"Tell me darling, are you a virgin?" Narcissa asked, the blush on the young girl face telling her the answer. "Good, that takes care of a problem that might have made a bump. Now, I'm sure you know how to protect yourself and what the limits of propriety are."

Hermione couldn't remember the last time she had ever been so embarrassed. The few things that she learned about sex were from her mother and that of course had been a terrible experience in general. As soon as dorm conversations turned into details, she had always quickly fled the room, preferring ignorance over any knowledge that could be gained. "Thanks again. I think I have to be heading out, I don't know if my mother is leaving soon and I want to talk to my father."

"Of course, dear. We'll have a chance to talk soon, I hope."

"I'd like that. See you later, Narcissa."