It's here! At last it's here.

I made myself finish this, otherwise I wouldn't get to watch My hero Academia like I promised myself. (I can be mean sometimes,)

I would like to thank those that commented on the last chapter, every-one means so much and I'm sorry for the wait, I know it is slow in progress and I do appreciate those that still read and comment. I hope this slightly longer one will make up for the absence and look—progress, and progress in the next one to, more Voldy and the death eater meeting so that will be a good one… I just have to get his and Bella's character right.

Leaving it here. Hope everyone likes, I don't own HP and any mistakes I apologise for here. Now I'm off to watch season three. Eeep so excited.

Also, the ending of this, happens to be one of my favourite Daenery's Targaryen lines, so I thought I'd borrow it. Dany for the iron throne!

Minerva's opportunity to get Hermione out of the house surprisingly came the next day. After Albus had left, the older woman pondered on her predicament; half mulling about what she was going to do in order to get the girl to leave, and half wondering what the issue was that had the headmaster so concerned.

Lost in her thoughts, she didn't see Hermione in front of her.

Hermione had come down searching for the older woman; having gotten a response from Cedric, she was happy to hear he was free soon and so went on the hunt to find the other witch, leading her to the living room. She should have figured it really, as she made her way into the room, it wasn't as if she would be anywhere else.

Pausing just in front of her, the younger girl frowned at the absent expression adorning her Mothers face.

"Mum,"

No response. Hermione pursed her lips and tried again to no avail. Head canted, she eyed the older woman's countenance and a slither of worry grew at how vacant she looked and so quickly move closer, fearing she might have been in pain, knelt at her side.

"Mum!"

Reaching out, she gently gave the other witch a gentle shake—enough to rouse her from her thoughts and smiled when it worked as Minerva jolted. The feel of the hand on her arm, broke the woman out of her speculative thoughts and looked to find similar green eyes staring at her.

"Hermione?"

"You ok?"

It took her a moment to reply and Hermione frowned at the mild nod she got in response; Minerva saw the disbelieving stare and reaffirmed the nod with a smile; Hermione didn't say anything, still inspecting the older woman carefully; eager to move the moment on, Minerva coughed to clear her throat.

"Was there anything you wanted, dear?"

Still not speaking Hermione kept her gaze firmly on her face, Minerva fought the sudden urge to fidget, unaccustomed to being looked at so thoroughly and finding the experience a tad uncomfortable Minerva arched her brow, a sure-fire way of gaining back her lost equilibrium as Hermione eventually nodded—though her face still held a trace of suspicion, nevertheless let it slide.

"Yes, actually. I was wondering if I could go to Diagon ally."

The request slightly threw the older woman for a moment, who regarded the younger girl with a curious eye, "Diagon ally?" Hermione nodded.

"You only go there when its time to get your school things." Hermione shrugged, "True; but I'm meeting a friend,"

That surprised the older woman who leaned back slightly, "Oh? One of the Weasley's I presume," Inwardly pondering on when Molly had started allowing social visits since they only ever went to the magical street if it was absolutely necessary. Across from her, Hermione had been mulling on whether to lie or not; not wanting to disclose the real reason as to why she was going, (Potential more than friends situations were not good conversation topics, and she would be dammed if she was trapped into one, not unless she lost all shame and willingly jumped headfirst into that embarrassing can of worms… which she was not,) but on the other hand, if she lied and said yes, then it might backfire like it always did.

Somehow the woman would find out and then she would feel sorry. Not because she was using her friend as a tool, on the contrary the two youngest Weasleys were rather easy to use to her own ends; Ron with his endearing but continuous idiocy, would simply go along with her scheme, which would be good but his acting was shit and her Mother would no sooner sniff it out than a Kelpie hunting blood, and Ginny would…

Well she had yet to speak to the girl and so decided that mentioning her would be of no merit; no, if she wanted to get away without mentioning Cedric than she had to be smarter about this.

"I was actually going to meet with Daphne," it took Minerva a moment to recall the name but finally it dawned on her and her gaze immediately turned shrewd.

"Greengrass?" Hermione nodded, "There is only one Daphne I know," and cursed as the older woman's eyes narrowed.

"You're going to meet Miss Greengrass,"

"That is what I said,"

"Miss Greengrass as in… a Slytherin?"

'Bingo' Hermione inwardly smirked. This was perfect. Hearing her mention the often scorned upon house, she knew she could use this to her advantage. Slowly giving her Mother a look of mild disappointment, the younger witch spoke.

"Really? After all this time, you're still thinking badly of them, even though a few have been my friends for years,"

She knew years was pushing it, after all, she didn't even speak to Blaise until second year, when they were put together on a Potions assignment; the pair being frosty to each other until they had both laughed at something Ron had done which turned his potion a rainbow colour, an impossible feat and one normally reserved for Neville, but low and behold he had done it. Of course, as his friend, it was her right to laugh, harry had and so hearing the Slytherin boy chuckle wasn't anything knew, but it had given them an opening as he then turned to her and offered one of his patented grins.

From then on a tentative alliance was born; one made up of semi-shared lessons, study notes and mutual habits of silently judging their classmates from their seats… sometimes not even silently, from Blaise Daphne came next, the resident Slytherin Queen of frostiness wandered into the library, intent on meeting her fellow housemate for a study session and was surprised to find him sitting with none other than the golden girl of Gryffindor.

It took a while for them to warm up to each other. Daphne's initial reaction was to treat her like she did everyone else; with detached indifference, it was only when she noted the other girl doing the same—going as far as to ignore her existence in favour of talking to the boy at her side, a small part of her felt insulted at the snub. Hermione could see the look on her face and had to fight the urge to grin. She knew the other girl from observation and though she gave it in full, Daphne hated being ignored and so purposefully denied her presence whenever she and Blaise met up, something the blonde had started turning up more and more to. Only for Blaise, she insisted when she took her seat next to him, but neither of them was fooled, they could see the look of interest she held as she took to eavesdropping on their conversations. It was only after the seventh one did she deign to speak to the other girl at long last.

If Blaise clearly found something worthwhile about the Gryffindor—a sworn enemy of their house though she knew the Italian didn't give a dam about rivalries, and from what she had gleaned from their vast range of topics, it seemed the golden girl wasn't at all like her other idiotic housemates and so it was by that she eventually gave her a chance and so when they next sat down, she offered her a polite hello.

It was then Hermione added another Slytherin to her collection, as she now had three snakes, two Ravens and one Badger; well, could she really call Cedric a badger since he no longer went to school? After a second of deliberation she decided that yes, she could, after all, house pride didn't go away once you did and so looked back to the older woman still staring at her.

"I thought that with the people I talk to and hell—Addy, shouldn't he be a fine example of not all snakes are as bad as you have been thinking?"

Minerva lowered her head a little, it was true that ever since she had seen Hermione talking with the young Zabini boy, it had thrown her for a loop, never fully understanding how such a friendship came about but was determined to watch it all the same. As the years went on and she considered him a firm confidant, the sight made Minerva see that the Slytherin was more than his house.

"I know Daphne is a little more conservative than Blaise, but really, its just who she is; no nefariousness, no parents making her spy for details… no nothing. So why now is it you've suddenly questioned my choice in friends?"

"I haven't dear, it's just—"

"I thought you'd be more open minded about them by now,"

"I am, it's just I thought—"

"I know some habits are hard to break, but really, I feel a bit sad that you've taken a step back and—"

"Alright!"

Minerva settled back into her chair, a small scowl on her face as Hermione cheerfully stood in front of her, muttering under her breath, the older woman exhaled and returned her gaze back to the patiently waiting girl. Despite seeing this as the opportunity she had been seeking, Minerva was still firm in setting down the ground rules, and one of those was time. With her still on 'supposed' bedrest it was clear she couldn't take Hemione personally like she wished, but luckily and with a bit too much enthusiasm in the professors' eyes, the younger girl said she would go by Floo.

So, making sure she had everything she needed, Hermione barely made it through the newly switched on connection, rolling her eyes as the sound of the other woman's vice stopped her short.

"I expect you to be on your best behaviour."

'yes, like all the other bloody times you say it… doesn't mean it sticks,' but she still gave a cheery wave and smile over her shoulder as Minerva watched her disappear and left her to stare at the flames; a few minutes later and tired of staring at the flickering blaze, she exhaled and moved gingerly to go make her next call. Despite anticipating Albus' visit, a part of her had also been dreading what he had found, having been investigating more between his previous visit and now, it made her nervous and a little unsure of she was ready to hear what he had discovered. But she called his office and stood back, leaving the connection open she moved back towards her chair and focused on distracting herself until he heard her message and came through.

Across the country, Hermione had finished stepping out of the familiar fireplace situated in the familiar establishment that was the leaky cauldron, dusting herself down and looking to the bar where Tom was busy serving his patrons; the older man lifting his head and winked as he spotted her, lifting his hand she returned his smile before moving to the exit. On his side, Tom's brow arched as he watched her for the door—to the Muggle side, she caught his stare and gave him once last smile, this time with a small edge of defiance to it, as if calling him to question her choice; but the man simply shrugged, it wasn't his place to ask and so went back to the people sitting at his bar and leaving her to carry on with her day.

Yes, she knew it was dangerous, what with the admittance and revelation of the newly emerged death-eaters, she had to beg her Mother for this chance and was in all honesty, surprised when the normally stringent woman agreed-with a note of reluctance because she couldn't have it all, but in the end here she was and felt a small slither of guilt creep into her gut.

She didn't feel so bad about lying on the person in question, she stood by her own thoughts the two Weasleys would have simply been too much of a risk and that using a one of the snakes, her Mother wouldn't bother asking questions. On the off chance that she did, she knew Daphne well enough to know the other girl had an excellent poker face and so would cover her, but for a price and truth be told she wasn't all that bothered as that would never come about seeing as she knew her Mother better to know she wouldn't ever ask. Professionalism aside, personal lives of students was not on her list of topics when it came to interacting with them, specially not Slytherins. The older woman might have opened her mind a little more since the first year, but old habits were hard to break.

Stepping outside she glanced around and eyes landing upon the figure standing as far back into the building as possible, an equal look of worry and wariness on his face as he silently watched the mass of Muggles pass him by quite hurriedly and did his best to blend in with the brickwork of the pub behind him, made her laugh as she soon put him out of his clear discomfort and made her way to him.

"Cedric!"

Said person turned his head, a look of startled confusion on his face which quickly morphed into relief at spotting her, he hurried from his none subtle hiding place by the wall. She had to admit, as he stopped in front of her, he did look dashing; the wind was far heavier than what it was back home, and she regretted not bringing a warmer coat, but it seemed to do wonders for his aesthetics as it blew at his hair it forcing him to sweep it back and gifting her with a rather appealing sight of his eyes. His black jacket coat along with his checked grey scarf and blue jeans made her simply want to hug him and never let go.

'Where the hell did that come from'

Luckily, he didn't seem to notice her own look of bafflement at the inwardly thought slip up and shoved his hands into his pockets, a trace of anxiety on his face.

"Hermione. Why the heck did you want to meet out here?"

It was true, when she sent the owl back with her reply, she had asked a small prerequisite as going to London, she sensed another opportunity to explore and given that it wasn't school term, she wasn't going to waste it by spending the day in one place and so gave him her best dazzling smile in the efforts to ease his nerves since he wasn't used to this side of the world.

"Well, I figured that since you decided to accept my invitation, I would show you my favourite places to go,"

One of his sandy brows arched at her words. "Some of your favourite places… are in Muggle London?" he watched her nod and blew out heavily; his cheeks puffing and gave a sceptical glance around the street. It wasn't that he was averse to anything Muggle, hell he was wearing their clothes—ordered from a friend of course, but it was exactly that reason why he wasn't so confident. But the girl in front of him had saved his life, a feat he wasn't sure he'd be able to repay and so upon stepping onto the pub, had steeled his courage and was prepared to push his limits of uncomfortableness… it was the least he could do.

Plus, he would be lying if he thought spending a day in her company wasn't a large part of what gave him that extra push. Seeing her large green eyes staring at him with expectant hope, he sighed but the growing smile betrayed his intentions to tease her a little, as he slowly nodded.

"Alright, Miss McGonagall. Dazzle me with your expertise."

She grinned widely, hearing the challenge in his tone. If it was a tour he was after, she'd be the best dam guide he'd ever have, and went to slip her arm through his but stopped, a slightly pensive look on her face.

"What is it?" he waited for her reply, canting his head a little as a second later, a sheepish look of realization crossed her face and she turned to him.

"I err… I might have forgot to go to the bank."

He stared at her in silence, before he realized the flaw in her suggestion of their meeting place and chuckled, her smile grew, and she joined him in his laughter before nodding and sighing she turned back to the entrance of the pub and made her way back in, Cedric following behind.

"Right, now that's sorted," she said as after a detour to the bank and finishing their exchanges, they once again stepped out of the pub on the Muggle side as Cedric flicked up his scarf,

"Ready for the best tour of London you'll ever have?" he turned to her, grey eyes shining with amusement, "Best? Rather bold words aren't they,"

She shrugged. "Not when it's the truth." He laughed again and bobbed his head before throwing out his arm to the street before them.

"Lead on."

She smirked and quickly stepping beside him, slid her arm through his causing him to look at their now joined arms in surprise, but it didn't last long as she started walking, forcing him to match her steps as they set off. Across the country and back inside the McGonagall manor, Minerva had finished thanking Patches for the tea as she turned to her guest. Albus had finally arrived and soon settled himself across from her. He smiled gratefully accepting the cup before she turned to face him.

"So?"

Never one to mince her words, especially when this meeting was mostly all she could think about and didn't feel like small talk when he still looked like a thunder cloud was following him around. The older man took a moment to compose his words before speaking, knowing that coming outright was the only way to start.

"Umbridge never made it back to the Ministry."

An abrupt silence followed his statement, Minerva paused in her movement as she struggled to find words to reply. Over the course of his last visit, she had been trying to work out just what it was he wished to speak, and had speculated all sorts, but never could she had imagined him saying something like that as finally, she managed to find her voice.

"And… you think Hermione might have something to do with it," despite her shock, she could easily see where this was heading; Umbridge had caused her grievous harm and had almost nearly ended her career, it stood to reason out of everyone she had angered, the younger girl had the biggest reason to hate the woman and get revenge against; it had also been pointed out in the past that Hermione wasn't quite the pacifist Minerva had hoped and wouldn't hesitate to get her own back, no matter how long she had to wait. Already Minerva could see where the headmaster was coming from and as much as she hated it, had to agree with him on some parts… but the other side, of her, the Mother side, rebelled and so she replied.

"Do you have any evidence to support this? For all you know she could have simply hidden herself away; I doubt it would be out of character for a person like her, humiliated by a couple of students and so to save face she makes the excuse of recuperation, licks her wounds and returns a few weeks later. For all we know Fudge might have allowed her and all of this is simply yet another worry due to her incompetency to inform the proper channels."

She caught the look on his face, still solemn and pensive. "What now," he remained silent for another few seconds, "Well, after I had been allowed to return to my office, Fudge called me personally, Minerva. He apologized for the accusations he made against me, and reassured me that no one else from the Ministry would be coming to teach,"

That had her scoffing, as if an apology would make up for running Albus out of the school, if the Minister wasn't some weedy little rodent chances are he would have still been cowering to those around him and still hunting the other man to this day; it was only by unfortunate luck that the attack at the Ministry happened and finally did he see sense enough to take responsibility for his own failings. Or rather, didn't wish to mess up the only anchor keeping him in that job, if he lost Dumbledore than he might as well call a meeting and resign tomorrow, as it wouldn't take much.

She nodded, allowing him to continue, "He had asked if Umbridge was still at the school as she had yet to report to him and after realizing his own slip up and confessing he had practically sent her there to spy, he was quick to inform me that she hadn't returned to her own office when the school term ended and her contract for the year expired."

He paused for a moment, taking a sip of his tea, "No one recalls having seen her, there is no record of her having entered the Ministry in the last three weeks and a house call proved fruitless as there has been no sign of anyone having lived there, and the elf who comes to clean has said she hasn't seen Umbridge either."

He finished to more silence, not that he was expecting a rebuttal, Minerva looked deep in thought and to be frank he had been thinking too much to try anymore. They both knew that Hermione was very loyal to her family, very close and very protective; as much as he didn't want to think it, he couldn't ignore the direction the points where taking them.

Still lost to her thoughts, Minerva didn't know what to do; the overall conclusion to what he was suggesting had left her feeling slightly bereft of warmth and a myriad of feelings were battling for dominance: shock… confusion… anger at what he was insinuating and lastly denial. No matter what the logical side of her was thinking, (and she hated herself for it,) it as still the intimate side of her that knew the younger girl that still refused to believe that worst case scenario.

"Have you checked everywhere,"

"Minerva,"

But she shook her head, eyes focused back on her friend who was giving her a tired look, she shook her head again. "No, until there is absolute concrete evidence that Hermione had anything at all to do with her disappearance, I will hear no more about it."

"Be reasonable Minerva," the headmaster sounded as fatigued as he looked; did she really think he wanted this on his mind, "The fact that Umbridge attacks the one person closest to her and a few weeks later, suddenly vanishes; the timing is too suspicious to be anything but a mere coincidence."

Hands clenched at her side, Minerva shut her eyes as his words once again hit her and cursed him for yet again making sense. He watched her with sadness as she struggled to comprehend what this meant and not for the first time, hated himself for being the one to bring it to her. She didn't need the stress, but it couldn't have been kept hidden. Eventually she inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself before looking back to him.

"Alright, if it is true… what are you going to do?"

That was the question he had been asking himself since the moment he had been given the news, Minerva never took her eyes off his weary form that seemed to sink further into his chair as the aged wizard thought over his choices; in the end he shook his head, despite all the marks pointing to the younger witch, he couldn't face making a decision right now and so faced his friend.

"I'll wait a little longer; perhaps you're right, perhaps she simply took off to soothe her wounded pride and will make a show soon."

Minerva's face was blank for a moment, before she hurriedly nodded, eager to follow his suggestion, though both silently refraining to mention just how fanatically loyal Umbridge was to Fudge, and that there was no way she would have gone anywhere without telling him.

The doors to the large building opened and Hermione walked out, her face was filled with amusement as she spun on her heel to find Cedric slowly walking after her, his own was a mixture if bewilderment and slight terror making her laugh.

"What do you think?"

He slowly turned to look at her, still weirded out from what she had forced him to watch. "I— I just… I mean… what the hell,"

His response earned another bout of laughter he struggled to take in the small yellow creepy things that seemed to swarm, what he learned, was a big screen.

"I thought they looked cute," his expression turned horrified as soon they started walking slowly down the street, "Hermione, they didn't even speak English,"

She nodded earnestly. "That's what made them so cute," he rolled his eyes at her confusing logic, before a small flicker passed his face and he eyes her silently, a small smirk crossing his face.

"So, if I learnt a completely incomprehensible language, would you find me cute?" having been focused on the passing dog at their side, Hermione didn't spare a second as Freudian slip took over.

"You're already cute enough and dam it!"

She spun on her heel at the sound of his full-throated laughter. Scowling she halted her movements in favour of aiming a punch at his arm which he deftly caught and taking pity on the sullen look now adorning her face, pulled her closer. He hummed lowly, wrapping his arms around her body in the most contact they'd had since him leaving school and the act made her breath falter a little.

He playfully pursed his lips, seeming to think something over, deliberately keeping his eyes away from hers as he held her close; around them people were moving around to avoid the pair standing in the middle of the street; finally, he lowered his eyes to meet hers and she found the shine from soft, grey coloured orbs enticing that she couldn't look away.

"Don't worry," he said, arms closing that little bit tighter, but she found them to be perfect. "I know what you mean… and for the record, I find you adorably cute to,"

Before he leaned down and caught her lips with his. Hermione was taken back by how gentle the kiss was, in comparison to the speed in which he lowered his head, before she caught up and wound her arm around his neck, pulling him closer and just hoping that all their other previous kisses were enough for her not to mess it up. Very soon his hand found its way to the side of her neck, cupping it tenderly and she nearly whimpered when his teeth playfully nipped her lower lip, this was something more than she had ever experienced with him and honestly, she never wanted to let go and with her other arm, gripped his sleeved bicep, holding it tight as she pressed her lips against his a little harder, until the need for forced them apart.

Breaking away, he watched with a smile as she slowly opened her eyes and couldn't help but the small flickering of smugness as he took in her slightly dazed state.

"Merlin,"

He laughed loudly, "No, just Cedric… but thank you." Slowly she went over her words and scowled again prompting him to swoop down and peck her lightly on the lips before pulling away.

"Come on, I think there are still some places we have yet to go; and you did still promise me this tour would be good."

She was silent for a moment, as slowly a small smile crossed her lips and she nodded her head a little, "Not good, the best," before she turned around and was about to start walking when his hand sliding into hers had her pausing once more but slowly brushed it off and smiled once more, as she leaned into his arm and they resumed their exploring.

"How come you decided to change internships?"

After a little more walking around in which Hermione was casually surprised at what they found, they decided to duck into a small, but cosy looking café as he went to order drinks and she found them a few chairs by the window. He lowered his cup and she lifted her nose at the caramel mocha scent gently rising from the rim.

"I don't know; I guess I just found myself a little disjointed from the work I was doing," she recalled him saying that learning about the laws and fraudulent rimes that occurred regularly was good, but she did get the sense his heart wasn't into writing greater things about it,

"But St. Mungos? That's a bit of a random change don't you think," he nodded. "Completely, in fact it didn't nearly happen considering just how hard it is to get in there. But a few of the employees at the Ministry vouched for my hard work, coupled with my grades from school and the fact that a few on the hospital programme had already dropped out… I was lucky."

Lucky was right, considering the manic competition surrounding the profession, she had to wonder just what the people he used to work for had said to get him the chance, but then again, his own ethics and intelligence should have spoken for themselves; she gave him a warm smile.

"Well, I'm glad to see you looking happy."

He returned her smile, happy himself he had chosen to change paths early on, he didn't want to end up like his father, who meant well but had missed his chance to do what he wanted in favour of supporting him and his Mother early on in their marriage; they stayed in the café for a while, talking about random topics; a few more injury cases he had seen, her impending results which he had no doubt she came top of, and she had to fight the smile that threatened to emerge as he mentioned in passing, Umbridge, and how his cousin had complained endlessly about her.

"Is it true she used blood quills?" it wasn't that he doubted his cousin, but Hermione was a more reliable source of information and whistled lowly when she nodded.

"But luckily she's gone back to the Ministry now," she said, placing her own mug down, crossing her arms she lifted her head to meet his eyes. "No more reason to worry about her,"

"Though I think considering what her true job was, I dodged an Avada when I left as soon as I did," he chuckled, vaguely referencing his time when he had actually dodged the real thing as she hummed lowly in agreement. Once their respective drinks were finished, they left the café; finishing the tour of the city, with her pointing out various shops which he didn't quite understand and explaining what it was they sold, as well as buying a few items herself. Before she knew it, it was already half six and or some reason felt oddly sad she had to leave soon, normally she enjoyed going back home as they slowly made their way back to the leaky cauldron.

"I'll admit," he began once their journey came to an end, "I didn't think you knew so much about this side of London, especially given where you live,"

she gifted him with a small, smug grin. "Well, there is no comparison to experience of course, but I do read; be it grades or simply giving information on shops, I don't do anything halfway."

"Oh, I think that's something we all know far too well," when she remained silent, he elaborated a little further, "Harry's spell for the first task?"

Git really enjoyed pushing his luck, didn't he? Rolling her eyes, she broke contact but didn't refute his point earning a throaty chuckle.

"You know," she turned back to face him, "It's a real good thing I happen to like you, isn't it? I wouldn't tolerate this kind of behaviour from Harry or Ron."

"And what kind of behaviour would that be?" he asked, taking a step closer as she stared up challengingly at him. "Backchatting of course, they wouldn't dream of it. They're too scared."

He bobbed his head a little, seemingly taking note of her words, before a small shriek left her lips as his arms wound around her waist once more and he leaned down, his face close to hers.

"Well it's a good thing I have more backbone then they do," a dark brow arched at his words, "You saying Gryffindors don't have backbone?"

He shook his head, eyes still locked on to hers, "Nope, I said they don't have backbone; I on the other hand, happen to know exactly what to do when it comes to soothing the little snap dragon inside."

His words didn't fully process as she was more focused on the warmth of his breath tickling her cheeks, but when they finally hit she blinked.

"hang on… did you just call me a dragon?" whatever words came next were drowned when he leaned over and slanted his lips against hers again, he pulled back a minute later, a knowing look in his eyes as she tried to recall her earlier words but stupid kisses… they were rather good.

"Oh, shut up," she hissed, glaring at his pleased smirk. Eventually though it was time for them to leave, and so still a little unsure of what they actually were, she waited until he had gathered the few items he had seen and liked enough to buy, before speaking.

"So…"

"Yes?"

Merlin this was hard! She frowned making him mirror as he waited for her to continue. What could have happened in the space of thirty seconds to make her scowl again. Finally, and finding her voice once more, she spoke.

"What are we?"

He blinked a few times, taking in her words and trying to understand what she meant, though it didn't take long, and she was slightly annoyed to hear him chuckle again, before he reached out and took her hand.

"I thought that by now, would have been obvious," he teased, rubbing his hand over knuckles. Well it kind of was, but still; he watched her turn her head slightly, mumbling something under her breath.

"Hmm,"

She sighed and faced him. "Ron says that I have the social life of a blast ended skrewt,"

"They're pretty social," he replied, not missing a beat but inwardly had to wonder what on earth made the other boy say that as she carried on.

"Whilst Harry says its getting a little better… I think he was only saying that to be nice personally and so really, as much as all these kisses have been nice… and they have; they really, really have. I just don't actually know what it is you want. So perhaps maybe if yo—"

Her words were once again swallowed by his kiss, Cedric internally shook his head at just how much she rambled. Though he did find it cute and so when he pulled back, he made no move to tease her further.

"Hermione,"

"Hmm," restraining himself from laughing once more at her sudden inarticulacy, he made sure to meet her eyes, despite having never done this before, he found himself actually at ease to say the words. Something which took him off guard slightly, but in a good way.

"Will you do me the honour of being my girlfriend?"

She was silent for a while, simply staring at him; at long last she managed to smile and gave him a short nod. "Though eventually once Mam finds out about this, you will have to meet her,"

His abundance of courage suddenly took a wronski feint and his smile faded on picturing the stern countenance of his old Transfiguration professor. It was bad enough when he was in class, she only liked him then because he gave in his work on time and was polite, somehow, he doubted turning a rabbit into a handbag this time was going to earn him house points once she found out he had asked out her daughter; closing his eyes to the inevitable doom it seemed Hermione wasn't aware of his internal suffering, for she pounced on him in a hug.

"Thank you for clearing that up… hasn't this day been great."

He buried his face in her shoulder.

Minerva watched as the Floo activated, and braced herself, steeling her expression into something hopefully neutral as since Albus had left a few hours before, all she could think of was what he had told her and against her will, images of Umbridge and Hermione came together; images of Hermione when Minerva had caught her being less than savoury to those around her transferred to the ones with the woman and finally, ones with Hermione standing above the severely injured other witch, ending with the final flash of green.

"Home!"

The older woman forced herself to smile as Hermione stepped out of the fireplace, having gotten Cedric to shrink her items, wishing for the day she could do it herself, it was easy to hide the evidence of the days activities as she brushed herself down and made her way into the room.

"Did you have a nice day," Minerva watched her nod as she sat down beside her, upon noticing her empty hands, Minerva, momentarily forgetting her thoughts, inquired.

"I thought you and Miss Greengrass was doing some shopping?" Hermione rolled her eyes and shrugged off her jacket, "I thought so too; but it turned out she wanted a live dummy and seeing as Pansy is out the country and her sister is with her own friends… ta-da!"

Minerva quirked her lips. "But you had a good day though?" Hermione paused, before slowly nodding, resisting every urge to think on the kisses she had Cedric shared, lest she gave herself away and spoke.

"Ay, it was I suppose. She is good company once you get over just how much she loves clothes and rather and interesting person to talk to… if she likes you that is."

Having seen Miss Greengrass in class many a time, Minerva had been witness to her more, reserved demeanour when it came to those around her and so chose to take the younger witch at her word. A few minutes passed in silence, by which Minerva thoughts had taken her back to her darkened corner and before she did something to give herself away, Hermione unknowingly saved her, as she stood and yawned.

"I happened to get dinner with Daphne. Do you mind if I turn in for the night?" It took all her willpower not to hurriedly oblige as Hermione smiled and leaned down; allowing her body to relax, she felt the brief peck to her cheek and bade her goodnight, watching as the younger girl rounded the corner, and once out of sight, as soon as Minerva heard her footfalls fade, let go of the sob she had been holding and wondering what on earth she was going to do next.

Meanwhile, back on the other side of the country, deep within the heart of Wiltshire Draco Malfoy was a mess. Sitting alone in his room, his hands trembled with the thought of what was coming. He had dreaded the return home, as it was he couldn't remember the last day of school and though he had his suspicions, there was little he could do about it and frankly he didn't care anymore. What good was avenging his father when it was the older man that had gotten him into this state. An elf popped in to inform him it was time for dinner and giving the small creature a look of disdainful terror, watched it vanish before standing. He knew it would do no good to linger, and possibly even detrimental to his health, before he strode from his room and made a brisk walk towards the dining room.

Numerous people passed him by as he went, each one having no right to be in his home yet couldn't tell them to leave, as he rounded the corner and stopped outside a set of closed double doors. Taking a moment to compose himself, trying in vain to calm his rapidly beating heart, he was doing this for the family honour. To restore their good name and get themselves back into their lords' good graces, soon he'd be able to get vengeance on Potter, to make him wish he hadn't even bothered to try save that useless godfather of his.

"What are you doing out here?"

He whipped around at the sound of another's voice, as he came face to face with of his aunt. Taking her in, he noted her perpetual disgruntlement and noted ever since she had returned from the Ministry, she had been angrier than ever; Roldolphus had been overheard telling his brother that she had been through so many house elf's in her anger, she had wiped out the line that had served his family for almost six hundred years and had to wonder just what could have possibly made her so furious. The raid on the Ministry was a failure yes, but even still that couldn't have been it, if she had been worried about failing the dark lord then she wouldn't be this angry, she'd be at his feet begging his forgiveness… but so far, the creature he called lord hadn't so much as sent a Crucio her way, choosing instead to punish those that managed to escape.

It was baffling.

"You just going to stand there looking like an idiot? Though considering that useless coward you call a father, it's little wonder that you'd fail in something this small."

His body tensed at her words, seeing his posture stiffed, dark eyes fell to his fists which had curled once more, as a languid, smirk lazily fell across plump lips.

"Ickle boy have something to say? Does Draco wish to defend his pathetic father… come on… tell me what's on your mind."

Her tone, coupled with how she was staring made him look away, feeling more pathetic he heard her patronising chuckle and wished, not for the first time, they'd all just go away. Suddenly his back hit the doors and he flinched when a hand gripped his chin.

"You listen, and you listen good," she hissed into the young wizards terrified face, "The dark lord has been gracious enough to give you another chance. The monumental fuck up your father caused at the Ministry, not only cost the lord his chance to learn why that Potter bastard managed to escape him so many times, but also managed to get those that went with him caught!" she leaned back, taking in his pinched face and feeling the hot flush of anger filling her veins as clearly it wasn't just his near identical looks he had taken from that worthless skin sack.

"Your lucky that the dark lord has seen fit to look past the dismal failures your father has brought, because he knows you'll do better,"

His breath quickened as she moved closer, much like a hawk corning a far smaller bird, she leaned her face closer to his. "And you will do better, won't you, Draco?"

She watched as he nodded. "Good. Because fail him again and I'll happily be the one that ends the stain that is the Malfoy line from this world."

Her words had him turning to face her; despite his fear he gazed at her in silence and she must have guessed his unspoken question, for she laughed again and moved to cup his cheek.

"No, you silly boy. I said the Malfoy line. My sister has, and always will be, first and foremost, a Black. I've always said she could do far better than what she was shackled with; Lucius' passing won't be the worst thin to happen to her and I suppose given time, she'd get over you as well. If not, then there is always spells to take those blues away."

She met his eyes, smiling with far too much tooth and gave his cheek a few pats, just as the door opened behind them.

"Bella, I thought I heard voices, and young Draco too." The fake look of tenderness fell from her face, replaced by her usual showing of disgust reserved for his father and swept passed him, leaving him to regain his lost breath.

"Draco, won't you join us," it wasn't a question and so slowly turning, his gaze fell upon the two lines of people that made up the dark lord's closest inner circle, as he shakily nodded and started moving forwards. He noted the few empty spaces and closed his eyes, knowing that along with his fathers being one of them, he was the reason for it and suddenly his body felt very heavy, as a hand had him opening his eyes and he looked to see the comforting smile of his Mother, as she tugged him into the seat next to her.

He slid into the chair beside her, whilst she wasn't and never would be a death-eater, it was her house and what hostess would miss her own dinner party, as up at the very top, and sitting in the head chair, Voldemort sat staring good naturedly at his followers. Though the young wizard knew that was far from the truth.

The newly constructed Wizard's Aura reached all the way to the other end of the table, filling the room and clouding those around him with an oppressive feeling of nerves and fear; wondering if he was going to be able to finish the first starter before somebody was either injured or dead, Draco let his hands fall into his lap.

Voldemort sat staring at the attentive men and one woman-minus Narcissa- and felt nothing. Oh, he had been angry at the loss of a few of his men, on returning to the manor, he cursed Lucius, swearing that he'd make the man regret his errors and made those that had come back, and stood before him, sorry they had failed. After he had exerted some of his rage and ordered for the bodies of those passed out to be removed from his sight, he had decided to let the man rot where he was for a while.

The others he'd save, just as soon as he got a list of those that was captured, hence the dinner/meeting this night. But for the elder Malfoy, he had been so smug and boasted that his greatest achievement was fooling the Ministry into thinking he was nothing but a forced victim, escaping prison and throwing it in the faces of those who knew better.

He knew Lucius was nothing more than a gutless craven and Azkaban would be the very literal idea of hell for him; what better lesson to teach those who constantly failed him, what would happen if they continued to mess up then making an example of the man that had once been his second commander. Waiting faces stared back at him, so eager to hear him speak, so willing to do his bidding that it disgusted him at just how low they would debase themselves, yet still had the audacity to call themselves the best.

Well when he finally took over, when his reign would begin and those that opposed him were firmly nothing but ash and dust underneath his feet, he would weed out those who sat at this table and dared call themselves worthy. He would eliminate the pretenders, those like Karakoff, who rode the wave simply for the glory it would bring. If the man wasn't already dead, then he'd be here as guest of honour. But it didn't matter, there were many more taking his place and when he won, they'd all burn.

He gazed around in silence once more, before slowly, a smile cracked his face; a slow, twisted, saccharine smile that did little to ease the tension in the room and in fact, for Draco, only served to heighten his terror.

"Shall we begin."