Hello. Yes, this is another biweekly update on the count of I have been busy *hemhem not lazy* with my personal life, but … I'm sorry, I have a huge rant coming towards the end and I simply don't want to ruin the chapter before it even gets started. After reading one particular review the other day I really needed it, in fact I wrote quite a colorful journal thanks to it. Just as a reminder, updates are usually ('usually' meaning most of the time) not past two weeks, and if I'm luck within a week of each other ... So thank you to everyone who supports my story and I. This chapter is for you. I love you all and I hope you enjoy.

Note: Please read the ending Author's Note. It will explain something very important to me. Thanks.

I do not own any of J. K. Rowling's work, solely the plot to this story.


A rush of wind and then she was falling. Though Hermione was perfectly capable of landing on her feet, she couldn't help but stumble slightly upon impact. Fortunately she caught herself before hitting the redheaded girl in front of her.

"Welcome back! The castle is mostly empty due to the holidays. And Headmaster Hasaan will speak with you all at dinner. Please follow your escort to your rooms. Seventh Years, with me."

Hermione glanced towards her blond companion, whom she'd spotted immediately upon their arrival. She blamed it on the fact that Ginny was still not talking to her. And his absurd paleness.

But Draco didn't even blink her way.

She snorted. Oh, so he was going to play that game again?

"How was your holiday, Hermyninny?"

She caught up to the broad Bulgarian easy and flashed him a bright smile. "It was great, Viktor. My parents took me to Six Flags in California and I nearly threw up on one of the roller coasters."

Viktor frowned and cast her a sideways glance. "What is a Six Flags? And a roller coaster?"

Hermione laughed. Sometimes it was so easy to forget that things like television and roller coasters didn't exist in the wizarding world. "Six Flags is a sort of amusement park. You know, for recreational fun? And a roller coaster is—"

"It's a muggle contraption that looks like a miniature train. Similar to the railway at Gringotts."

Both turned to eye the indifferent Slytherin behind them. Viktor voiced first.

"Is that true?"

But Hermione hardly heard his question. She stared at Draco. "How do you know—"

Still without looking at her he replied simply. "I study. Surely even you know Muggle Studies is now a requirement to graduate from Hogwarts?"

She frowned, unsure of how to respond. Fortunately, however, Viktor cleared his throat at that precise moment.

"We are here."

Before Hermione could think of another thing to say Draco had shoved past her and extended his palm out.

Viktor frowned. "Do not forget—"

"Yes, I know. Granger," Draco barked, not bothering to even glance back, "better grab hold of me before I leave you out here."

Hermione couldn't believe it. He was back to his usual insufferable self. Or was he simply putting up another front? The annoying little prat! Oh, she was going to let him have it when they got into that room. Making a mental decision, she reached out a hand and grabbed hold of the taller teen's shoulder.

Draco refrained from grimacing with the tighter than necessary grip. Then without saying another word, he placed his palm against the familiar stone wall and they walked through.

Viktor cast the now fading doorway a concerned look. So they were bickering still? Would they never realize how wrong they were going about things? That Malfoy boy was a complete idiot. And Hermione …

It does not matter, I suppose. As long as she is kept safe. For some reason I have this bad feeling …


"So what? You're going to go all sour-puss on me again?"

Draco ignored her and headed straight to the bathroom, throwing his bag as he went. He slammed the door, not even glancing at the now-glowering Gryffindor behind him.

Hermione saw red. Just what the hell was his bloody problem? She pulled out her wand and pointed.

"Alohamora!"

The door slammed open and Draco—

"Hey!"

"We need to talk."

"Can't a guy take a freaking piss? Geez, Granger, I know you want to take a peek but—"

"Don't even start with that nonsense, Malfoy." Hermione glared.

Draco crossed his arms. "Talk about what?"

Hermione gave a bitter laugh. "Really? It's amazing how annoying you can be. Let me guess, daddy didn't get you what you wanted for Christmas and now you're back to your arrogant bratty self?"

He strode out of the bathroom, ignoring her still pointed wand and stepping right into her personal space. He peered down at her, his usual composed mask twitching between anger and what Hermione guessed was frustration. "Fine then. Let's talk."

She could feel his cool breath against her forehead. He was so close, and despite her aggravation, memories of their other instances flashed through her mind, causing her a momentary blank.

Draco smirked. "What? Cat got your tongue?"

She snapped back to the present. "You can start where you ended in the Astronomy Tower. You know, right before you received that suspicious-looking package?"

A flash of something crossed those silver depths. Fear? Hermione couldn't be sure, but it was gone before she could further instigate.

Draco broke the distance to veer towards his bed. He threw himself onto the small four-poster and sighed. "Here's the way I see it: you hate me and I hate you, and yet for some reason we both seem to get off on the idea of bedding the enemy—"

"You're disgusting!" Hermione vehemently interrupted. "If you think, for one second, that I would actually slee—"

"Allow me to condense the situation for you, Granger." He cut her off, sitting up and staring at her meaningfully, coldly. "I admit in the beginning it was only meant to be a cruel joke, but somewhere along the way, I found I needed more. I don't know, maybe it's the thrill of having something forbidden, at least for me."

"And what about the last kiss, huh? And you hugging me that one time? Admit it, Malfoy, it's not just about physical lust. You're just afraid to admit that—"

"That I what? That I care?" Draco laughed. "You know what, I don't even know why we're having this conversation again. The real question is what we're going to do about it."

"We never finished having this conversation."

"Oh, but I think we did."

Hermione growled, taking the few steps it took to bridge the gap between them. She pushed him back so that he was once again lying on his bed. Then, with a hard glint in her eye, she hovered over him, her wand carefully held in the tips of her fingers as she glared at the somewhat surprised blond beneath her.

Of course, surprise was unbecoming for a Malfoy. It vanished quickly and Draco sneered at her. "So what exactly do you plan on proving by straddling me like this? Not physical lust, you say?"

"I'm not straddling—aahh!"

In one fluent movement Draco had knocked her stocking-clad legs apart and thrust her forward, so that she was, indeed, now straddling him.

Despite her anger, Hermione couldn't help the bright shade of red that burned on her cheeks. She had never been in such a vulnerable position.

And in a deadly serious tone, Draco spoke softly. "There. Now, look into my eyes and tell me you don't want to shag me senseless right now."

Hermione did. She looked him straight in the eyes. Those silver-blue orbs. So beautiful for such a foul person at times. A glimmer of softness seemed to pass between them, or maybe it was just those eyes. Like liquid silver. They were getting closer somehow, those paradoxical eyes, and she could feel his breath, much warmer, on the nape of her neck. So Hermione did the only thing she thought was right for this moment.

She slapped him … and sprung off of him before he could react.

Unfortunately Draco caught the hem of her robes, and before she could successfully lock herself in the bathroom, they were both toppled over on the floor, Draco on top.

"You insolent little filth!"

"Get off of me!"

"Why can't you just admit it!"

"Why can't you!"

"What do you want me to admit, huh? So we've been marginally decent to each other. So what? Big deal. We're Head Boy and Head Girl, isn't that what your precious Dumbledore wanted? For us to get along? The war is fucking over and so maybe I just don't see the need to constantly torture you anymore. Why, when you could just as easily torture me back? I'm a selfish being, remember? Or did you forget with my overwhelming kisses? That's all it is to me, a moment of pleasure. And it so happens you serve that purpose quite well. And service is something I'm quite used to getting, or did you forget that as well? So tell me, Granger, where in this convoluted equation do you find that I care?"

Hermione was staring at him, her mouth dropped and her brown eyes wide. Draco was yelling, and his face was an uncanny mixture of emotions. It was very unlike him, to wear such emotion, and his words, those cruel yet very true words … She needed to get away from him.

"What? Are you crying? How pathetic. Just like the Invincible Wonder and his brainless sidekick—"

"Shut up."

"No wonder you make such a becoming trio. A bunch of hopeful fanatics, you are."

"I said shut up! And get the hell off of me!"

Draco bit out a haughty chortle. "With pleasure. Wouldn't want to rub you the wrong way, as much as I would enjoy it. You might take it is a wedding proposal—oof! You little bitch!"

Hermione kicked him once more on the side whilst he cupped his groin area and muttered another string of profanities. She cast a shield charm over her belongings before locking herself in the bathroom, making sure to shield against 'alohamora'.

She could still hear the Slytherin's moaning behind the door, and so she also cast a Silencing charm. Unfortunately the absence of sound only highlighted her already increasing sobs.

He doesn't care. He really doesn't. Everything he said makes sense.

Another heartfelt sob. She felt completely stupid. Not to mention insulted.

Why did it hurt this much? It shouldn't. It was Draco Malfoy, after all.

So … why?


Now you've done it. You've really messed up this time, mate.

Draco groaned, having somehow managed to drag his lower half of his body onto the bed. I really don't want to talk to you right now.

Draco, how many times must we go through this? We are one and the same.

No, we're not.

Yes, we are.

No. You are an irritating, mudblood-loving freak. I am not.

You insult me.

Fuck you.

You shouldn't have said those things. You know it's not all true.

All of it is true. Just because I could picture us having hot sex doesn't mean I care for her.

Then why were you thinking about her the entire holiday?

I was not.

Um, yeah you were. Remember, you and I, one and the same. I know everything you were thinking.

Well how could I not! What with father's stupid plan and all …

Draco halted in his inner mind battle. The plan. It would be going into effect sometime very soon. Was that why he'd been thinking about her? He didn't care, but that didn't mean he wanted her dead. Right?

Bloody Gryffindor. The most typical girl, going and locking herself in the bathroom. How stupid. And he still had to take a freaking piss.

Really? Even after she kicked you in the ba—

Don't even mention it.


Lucius Malfoy was very happy. Very happy indeed. He pulled up his hooded cloak, a mere habit rather than necessity. Beside him the two individuals did the same.

"Sir," one of them suddenly spoke, breaking the stillness, "what if it affects the purebloods as well? Are you absolutely certain—"

"Do you question my authority?"

The man looked terrified. "No, sir! Of course not! It's just—"

"Then shut up and listen. Listen well."

The two looked on in complete silence. Lucius grinned, and then bowed his head so that, despite their isolation, no one would hear his next words.

"The time is coming very soon. Do you remember your assignments?"

They nodded.

"Good. Remember, the girl must be captured before anything starts. Kielm must be kept in check, after all. Do not let anything get in your way. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir."

The elder Malfoy turned to the other. "And as for you, do not even think of betraying me. Remember, not even Hasaan must interfere. If necessary, you will kill him. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

"Very well. Off with you."

And in seconds, they were gone.

Lucius smirked and watched the dark castle in the distance. "I failed you once, Lord Voldemort, but believe me, I will not fail again. Harry Potter will die as well, and I … I will be your living legacy, that, I promise."


Author's Note: Lots of review replies, just to let you know. Also, this first review-reply is one I'm requesting all readers read, simply because I'm hoping no one will ever say such an ugly thing to any fanfic author out there, including myself. I don't know if this reviewer was just 'joking' but it sure as hell didn't seem like it to me. Sure, I'm probably over reacting, but I've never been flamed, and although this isn't a flame to the story itself, it certainly felt like one to me as a person, and frankly, made me feel very, very bad and offended. Reading it now (a few days after it was posted) I do admit it is somewhat laughable and I may have gone a little overboard with my rant (lol yes Alex) but nonetheless, it is something I believe needs to be addressed. I'm a hard worker and I do not appreciate such crudeness, after all. Idk, you be the judge and see the review for yourself if you'd like. This is a reply to 'anon' an anonymous reviewer.

Anon- Um, so where to start … I'm a decent person, I really am, but even the nicest person will have reached their limit at some point, and I just breached mine. 'Seriously', one thing is to be critical about things, concerning the story, and even if you just don't like it, by all means you are entitled to your opinion, at which I will justify as much as I possibly can. But being downright rude? And calling me lazy? Flaming a story is bad enough, but flaming me as a person? Because that's how I felt/feel when I read that review. Horrible. You don't even know me. Or the things going on in my life. For instance, did you know that I'm currently struggling to keep a semi-decent job? Or that I tend to an elderly grandmother every day who has multiple illnesses? Oh, wait, you didn't know any of that because those are elements of my personal life. Yeah, most people have a life outside of fanfiction, I'm sure you do as well. So how do you justify calling me lazy? You think I sit around all day and twiddle my thumbs? I can assure you, I don't. And even if I did, you have no way of knowing now, do you? So what is your logic there? If it's not A then it has to B? Sorry to prove you wrong, but life isn't always one thing or the other. There are multiple possible reasons for almost anything, in fact. And me not updating certainly does not imply that I am lazy. And another thing, I'm pretty sure I've posted that some updates will be posted every two weeks (biweekly) as opposed to one, wherein I always apologize and give my reason(s) for lateness—and they do not include me being lazy. So again, how can you justify calling me lazy? I'm really interested to know where such a rude comment stems from. Really, I am. And if you feel offended right now, sorry buddy but just what else did you expect? Now if you'll excuse me, I believe I'm going to go rant on my LJ, because otherwise I would go on and on here. And for the future, I would appreciate if you refrain from directly insulting fanfic authors. Thank you.

Sephra- I'm telling you dude, if you and this guy make it, it will be just like a movie! Lol, anyway, the old man's 'intuition' will be explained later. I do like leaving little mysteries, as I'm sure you already know ;) oh and of course I'd beta for you! I'd be honored! Thanks so much!

YourBiggestFan698789-Wow! You reviewed before even reading lol, that's very flattering. And no, I won't take your request for more Dramione in a bad way. This is Dramione fic, after all, and I'm waiting for it myself (so is Draco, we think Hermione is the one holding out lol). I can't say I'm too familiar with French bands though, but I'm sure they sound great haha, loved that bit of randomness. Thank you!

Binotaurs- You have a bunch of questions lol, some that I obviously cannot answer just yet. I'm still debating on the Ginny/Hermione issue, to be honest, so we will see. As for who will save the day (Harry or Draco) well…remember when I said I love Drarry? I'll leave it at that ;) Hehehe. And omg, you are serious about the translating thing! Wow. Ok, well, like I said, if you do, let me know so we can set up a hyper link on my page. Thanks again for being such a loyal reviewer!

SilverStar- No need to apologize. I appreciate any review I can get lol. Plus I use my phone all the time for internet, too bad I can't sync it with my laptop though…But anyway, you are not alone in the desire for Dramione, believe me. And yes, I know things are moving at a snail rate but trust me when I say it will be worth it for those moments. There was a tad of Dramione here though, no? I'm glad you find the story to your enjoyment, thank you lots!

iUnknown- Lol! You read my story all over again? We really do need to chat some more some time, I've been just been so busy (Catch phrase of the millennium haha). But I'm glad you are still enjoying it. Thank you so much!

Alex-hey back! Tookkia is obviously just my username lol, but my alias is Kia Took (also my MSN), haha, get it? I really enjoyed reading your review. You described my Draco quite well, I think, and I'm happy he fits into the canon version of Draco as well. And I wouldn't worry about those self-arguments stopping; they will most definitely continue—I enjoy writing them too lol. And it's so funny you compared Draco to Casanova! I just recently saw that movie (the one with Heath Ledger) and loved it! But anyway, off topic. As you can see, I didn't laugh right away lol, but having read your second review just moments ago I did burst out chuckling. It is a silly accusation, after all. But I suppose the reason I went a little psycho and ranted was because I have worked all my life and if there is one thing I can't stand it's someone calling me lazy and/or anything synonymous to a sitting duck (read my LJ entry if you'd like, it's off of my profile...). Make any sense? Anyway, thank you for your support and for reviewing!

Korra1sg-haha! You-know-who? Do we mean our version of Voldie? *rofl* You know, you have some interesting theories concerning the story that I don't even think about until you bring them up. As you can see, no one got hurt in the quidditch match so far, though it would have been a nice little twist to events, say if Ron or Harry got hurt. Hmmm, I might think about it. And thank you for your confidence in me. You know I'm not lazy, at least not the way it was implied, and I would hope that the contents of my effort are readable and at least a bit enjoyable. So thanks!

I apologize if this Author's note seems a bit strong. Like I said, every one has their limits, and I feel it only right to defend myself. Thank you for hearing me out. Review please :)