The first week of school had gone by with much fanfare. The first day of Potions, Professor Slughorn had the students identify some of the Potions he had brewed. When Hermione had raised her hand and correctly identified them all, Horace had proudly awarded her 10 points for her house. One of the Potions, Amortentia, had been the last to be identified and Professor Slughorn asked Hermione what she'd smelled. Without thinking about it, she'd identified sandlewood, green apples, broom polish and cinnamon toothpaste. Her eyes caught Draco's, who smiled widely at his intended. Hermione had blushed prettily and had stepped back into Draco's side, where he gently kissed her forehead in return.

Slughorn had offered a tiny bottle of Felix Felicis to anyone who could brew Draught of Living Death. The book had been useless, Hermione had realized that back in fourth year and had taken to researching better ways to brew most of the NEWT Potions she would be required to learn. She had even asked Professor Snape over the summer, and he had been surprisingly helpful in guiding her research. So it wasn't too surprising when her potion turned out absolutely perfect, much to Slughorn's astonishment and Draco's amusement. Hermione's hair had grown about three inches from the heat, and it made her look wild. Her cheeks were flushed with pleasure at brewing a perfect potion and her face radiated happiness. Draco thought she'd never looked more beautiful than she did in that moment and based on the heated looks she was getting from the other males in the room, they did as well.

In Defense Against the Dark Arts, Corban Yaxley introduced himself. As former Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Yaxley was supremely qualified to teach the class. His long blonde braid and deep throaty voice had many of the young witches twittering with excitement. Hermione thought it was rather funny, seeing how uncomfortable Yaxley appeared with all the female attention. Her mother had mentioned that Yaxley had never married, and being the last of his line, it would be required of him to produce an heir at some point but he didn't seem to be all that interested. Marlene had even mentioned that Yaxley had lost his sister in the first war. She had been killed in a skirmish against a couple of junior Aurors, along with her fiancé...Argeon Rowle, Thorfinn Rowle's cousin.

Yaxley had realized that the students were woefully unprepared in the class, and decided that they would need a more hands on approach, so he decided to set up dueling clubs once the basics had been taught in the first part of the school year. Hermione had been excited at the prospect which received an amused look from her Professor. Daphne had been captivated by the older wizard, and blushed profusely when he had directed his attention towards her, which just generated a raised eyebrow and a smirk from the man.

Lucius had received his letter from Draco and had written him back, stating how proud he was of his son in his defense of his intended. He had passed on the information to Hermione's father, who had been rather irritated that his own daughter had not informed him of what happened. Hermione had written to her father and thanked him for allowing Nagini to come to Hogwarts, and told him that she was trying to allow Draco to handle these issues as they arose. It was hard for her to defer to her intended, but she understood Draco's need to protect her, and she was trying to give up some of the control to him.

The response she got was not quite what she expected. Her father praised her for allowing Draco to protect her, but that didn't mean she was to keep things from him nor her mother. He'd even stated that she was not bothering him with her concerns, and perhaps she needed to understand that as her father, he needed to be able to offer his protection too. Hermione had been shocked when she'd read the letter, and had broken down in sobs, much to Daphne's dismay. Not knowing what to do, she ran into the common room and found Draco playing chess with Theo and Blaise. Seeing Daphne's face, Draco wasted no time in running up to Hermione's dorm and taking his witch into his arms to offer her comfort. Once calmed, Hermione allowed Draco to read the letter. To say he was astonished would've been an understatement. Draco realized that Hermione's tears weren't of sorrow, but of overwhelming joy that her father truly cared about her. It filled his heart with happiness to see and feel her joy.

The following morning at breakfast had been the absolute best moment of the week so far. In the middle of eating her porridge, a rather pitiful looking owl fell onto the Gryffindor table holding a red howler for the youngest Weasley boy. Ronald cringed and shook his head at his sister, who took it and opened it for all the Great Hall to hear.

Ronald Bilius Weasley

I am so ashamed of you

How could you say such a disgusting thing to Miss McKinnon

We heard of the young Malfoy challenging you to a duel to avenge her honor

You will not be receiving any help from your Father and I

You are on your own

The hall immediately hushed and Draco's eyes gleamed in triumph as he full on smirked at the Weasel in glee. Looking up at his Godfather, who was openly sneering at the Gryffindor, Severus turned and nodded once in Draco's direction. Minerva, bent over to say something to Severus but he put up his hand to stop her and stood up abruptly.

"It would appear as if Mr. Weasley has once again, failed to grasp the concept of keeping his mouth shut. Therefore, due to Ancient magical law my hands are tied." Nodding over at Corban, who had a vicious grin on his face, Severus addressed him directly. "Professor Yaxley, as you are our Defense teacher, I will leave it in your capable hands setting the parameters for the upcoming duel between Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Weasley. Perhaps we might get this settled... this Saturday?" Corban nodded in return and Severus sat back down to finish his breakfast, ignoring the harsh looks Minerva was sending his way.

Theo and Blaise clapped Draco on the back in solidarity while Hermione just rolled her eyes at her intended. He smiled softly and placed a kiss on her cheek and went back to finishing his breakfast.

Saturday the entire Great Hall had been emptied except for a dueling ring. Yaxley had explained the parameters of the duel, the express forbidden use of unforgivables, and the naming of a second. Draco had chosen Theo as his second and surprisingly Ron had chosen Seamus Finnegan as his. When Draco looked over at where Harry Potter was standing, he was surprised to see him standing with his witch. Harry nodded once at Draco and the blonde nodded back, looking a bit confused.

When the duel began, Draco silently erected his shield charm and allowed Weasley to feel like he was gaining the upper hand. His work over the summer with the Dark Lord learning Legilimency had really paid off. Weasley was projecting his thoughts easily and it didn't take Draco long to figure out what he was trying to do. Draco's shield was such that only very few dark curses, or unforgivables could penetrate it. Hermione was getting irritated watching Draco toy with the Gryffindor. But soon, Draco sent several hexes at once, followed by a well placed stunner right to Weasley's chest, and the boy was catapulted off the dueling platform and into the wall. Surprisingly he wasn't unconscious, and went to lift his wand but Draco had decided to use a little charm his girlfriend had taught him, he had just managed to alter it a bit...make it more him. When he silently cast the Avis from his wand, crows sprang forth...but then he whispered 'Dracoignis' and the birds transfigured into dragons...he then shouted 'Oppungno' and the dragons swarmed Weasley, breathing fire. The Gryffindor's screams could be heard throughout the castle...while Draco just stood there watching the scene with a pleased little smile on his face. When he gazed over at Hermione, he was speechless at the heated look she was sending his way, while the rest of the hall was stunned by what they had just witnessed.

When Draco cancelled the spell, he silently cast an 'Expelliarmus' and Weasley's wand flew into his outstretched palm. Walking over to Corban, he handed the man the wand with a nod and sauntered over to where Weasley was cowering on the floor, covered in burns. Draco crouched down and glared the other boy directly into the eye, speaking so only the two of them could hear.

"You are alive only because we are still in school. If this had been a real duel, and we were both of age, I'd have been within my rights under ancient law to kill you where you stand. You ever look in my witch's direction, you so much as speak to her, I'll make you suffer before I end you, are we clear?"

Ron just stared at the menacing eyes of the blonde before him, before the red-head nodded. Draco stood back up and walked back over to his witch, who ran her hands over him making sure he truly was alright. Draco kissed her forehead and breathed in her scent. "I'm fine, my love. He won't be bothering you again."

Hermione nodded and smiled wickedly, leaning up and whispering into his ear. "That was hot, and I'm completely soaked. I think you need to attend to me now, Mr. Malfoy."

Draco's eyes narrowed as he took his girlfriend's hand, leading her out of the Great Hall. When he'd realized that there was no where private he could take her, he groaned in exasperation. Hermione giggled and led Draco up to the seventh floor, across from a tapestry of Barnabus the Barmy. When she walked in front of the wall three times, a door appeared. Leading Draco into a room he'd never seen before, he was stunned by the size of the room. There was a fireplace, bed, bookshelves. He raised an eyebrow at his witch, watching her observe his awe as he looked around.

"Room of Requirement?" Draco asked and Hermione nodded. "So this is where you were holed up fourth year?" Again Hermione nodded.

Suddenly realizing they were alone, Draco grabbed his girlfriend and lifted her up, throwing her onto the bed and covering her body with his while he kissed her hungrily. Hermione arched her body into Draco's and clawed at his robes, trying to get them off. Draco stood up and took off his outer robes and quickly covered Hermione's body with his so that he was cradled between her thighs.

The snogging was starting to become more intense and Draco tried to get himself under control, but his little vixen wasn't having any of it. Taking charge, Hermione rolled Draco so that she was on top and bit her lip in anticipation as she saw his grey eyes blown obsidian with desire.

Hermione started to unbutton her blouse, but Draco's hand stilled her movements. She gave him a questioning look, which he returned with an impish grin.

"Baby, are you sure this is a good idea?"

Sighing in exasperation, Hermione just glared at her betrothed. "I'm not ready for sex yet, but I want more, Draco."

Grimacing in discomfort as he tried to readjust himself, Draco slowly nodded. "Tell me how much more...you set the boundaries love."

Smirking wickedly, Hermione slowly unbuttoned her top and pulled it down, revealing a white lace bra. Draco's gaze darkened hungrily as he looked into his witch's eyes for any sign of hesitation. When he found none, he gently guided his hands up Hermione's body until he palmed both breasts simultaneously through the lace of her bra. She was simply exquisite and Draco's breathed hitched as he watched Hermione arch her chest into his touch and moan.

Draco took his time exploring how his witch liked to be touched...but when she moaned softly and said..."use your mouth...please Draco." Like an addled school boy, he nearly came in his pants right then and there.

For nearly an hour Draco pleasured Hermione with his hands and mouth. He worshipped every inch of her beautiful body that she allowed, until she arched her back and came...hard. To say he was in shock would've been an understatement. He'd heard it was possible for a woman to have an orgasm from breast play alone...but had never truly believed it. He smirked in wonder at the responsiveness of his witch...he was a lucky fuck and he knew it.