A/N: I told myself I wouldn't start any more WIP, but I just couldn't resist this idea. Let me know what you guys think!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Expectation is the root of all heartache.

No statement had ever rung more true in Hermione Granger's life.

She'd entered the Wizarding World full of expectations only to have them each crushed in turn.

It went beyond simply the blatant inequality based on the different wizarding races and magical beings. Though, that had sparked such outrage in her heart. It was only inevitable she wind up in the middle of a war against the foundations of such beliefs.

And of course, it was expectations that led her back to Hogwarts following the war, then on to London's School of Magical Law, and straight into a position at the Office of Magical Law in the Ministry.

It was also expectations that had found her tangled up in a relationship with Ron.

She'd loved him. She had, but even she had known they would need to meet somewhere in the middle in order for any relationship to work.

She supposed it was foolish of her to think Ron would have been ready to do such a thing just right at the end of the war.

Though, for all intents and purposes neither was she.

She burned out that first term back at school. She couldn't sleep for a full night whether because of dreams or nerves. She'd had so much work to do between school and searching for her parents that it was easy to force aside her own healing in order to cope with it all... But at the same time, she'd also thrown herself headfirst into a new relationship.

For all her best efforts, even she couldn't handle it. She'd broken down in front of her Headmistress, and Professor Mcgonagall had helped her find a Mind Healer, cut down her workload, and aided in the search for her parents.

Breaking up with Ron the first time had been her choice.

They needed time, she'd said. He'd agreed.

So they went on their separate ways. He went into Auror training only to finish and immediately transfer to a security position in the Department of Sports and Games, climbing the ladder and unafraid to flaunt his war hero status in the name of his ambition.

She'd gone on and become a proper wizarding lawyer and began slowly but surely working toward a position where she would be able to put forth laws. It had been hard. With no seat on the Wizangoment and nearly no political talent to charm a member to putting forth her proposals, she'd settled for having laws overturned based on the cases she brought before the court.

Eventually, when their lives had stabilized somewhat, they did find their way back to each other.

It was nice and new at first, but then they fell into a rather stagnant cycle. She had felt that she wasn't falling more in love with Ron as time went on. Nor, did she feel he was either.

They still fought an incredible amount. Her hours. Her policies. He didn't quite understand what her rush was to knock the world into a state of equality.

It'll get there.

He'd said that, and she'd left and hadn't come back for 2 days.

They didn't work. It wasn't that Ron didn't understand ambition or appreciate her efforts, but Ron wanted what he'd always wanted. Someone who would hold his hand through life. Who he could build a home with and have a stable little family.

She wasn't ready for that, and deep down she doubted she ever would be with Ron.

So they split a second time. Permanently.

Life had gone on, and her battles with the courts had pretty much checked off the major legal actions she'd wanted done.

Expectation was the root of all heartache.

Oh yes.

She'd expected to be satisfied, but she wasn't. She wanted more, and she wasn't going to feel that satisfaction of accomplishment in her job or even if she was elected to be the Minister.

Hence why she was here at the Wizarding Academy of Science in hopes to be matched to study for a Ministry funded Mastery and have her preliminary research proposal be accepted.

She clutched her folio tight to her chest. It was normal to be nervous. This was a big change for her, and one she wanted to do.

She took a deep breath hoping to dispel some of her worries.

Gryffindor courage Hermione.

With that, she entered the building.

The Chairman of the Wizarding Academy of Sciences, Mr. Goldfelter was an older gentlemen with a slightly receding hairline and kind eyes that glinted warmly when he spoke.

He was widely considered a fair and friendly man as well as brilliant in his own right. His theory of charms had blown Hermione away when she'd first begun inquiring about him.

If anything, she'd been most nervous about meeting him.

Though that quickly changed in the first few minutes after she entered his office.

He was easy and receptive to her presentation, a few questions here and there, but otherwise a perfect audience member.

She was confident by the time she was through that he would accept it, match her with a mentor, and that would be that.

Mr. Goldfelter looked up from reading her final notes and sat back in his chair appraising her.

"This is an impressive proposal Ms. Granger. You should be quite proud."

She couldn't help but sit straighter at that, preening at his praise.

"And there are no shortages of Masters who would be just overjoyed to take you on as an apprentice."

She leaned forward in anticipation. This was it.

"But unfortunately I cannot place you."

She blinked. Once. Twice. Three times.

"Sir?"

He let out a breath.

"You see the project you are attempting to tackle is in some degree already being studied by an international lab that does not fall within my oversight. The rights to it as well are ironclad. Many of our own English researchers are unable to pursue research in this field without first establishing a relationship with the main lab or joining them."

"I.." she stammered, "I didn't see any registrations.."

"I suspect that is because they are under a different department." Mr. Goldfelter said kindly, "If you had come to me with any other proposal I could have matched you, and still could if you would be willing to alter your focus."

She bit her lip. She had wanted this project. Thrown everything she had into this proposal. She did want anything else.

"Where is the main lab?" she finally asked.

"Geneva." he sighed, "It was the home of most of the researchers who started the project as well as the home of the Primary Investigator who originally filled with the International Review Board."

He gave Hermione a wan smile then before returning her notes.

"Your options at this point Ms. Granger are to either pursue a different project focus or to perhaps go directly to the main lab in Geneva and inquire on possibly studying under one of the researchers. If a relationship could be established, then I could register you under this office for your Mastery or you could register under the International branch."

She swallowed roughly. Her head spinning. This was certainly not how she expected this meeting to go.

"You may take your time with your decision Ms. Granger." Mr. Goldfelter said while standing and shaking her hand and leading her to the door. "I'll have my secretary give you the details on the Geneva Lab should you choose to contact them."

He patted her shoulder. "Best of luck Ms. Granger and let me know of your decision as soon as you can."

And just like that it was over.

And Hermione had to think.

Draco Malfoy sat back in his seat staring at the pile of papers atop his desk, more than a little peeved that he had had to take this day away from his lab time in order to attend to it.

But he supposed it was his own fault really that he'd gotten so behind and that he'd chosen to be a lead investigator on such a complicated and intricate project.

That was his Slytherin ambition coupled with his endless desire to prove himself as both a researcher and...a man who wanted to overcome his past.

He had been trying.

He'd known better than to expect public opinion to change overnight, and certainly not in those first few months following the end of the war.

Though his own trial had won him sympathy. He hadn't been in a position to prevent the press from airing out every single godforsaken minute of it as he'd been housed in Azkaban for the duration of it, as were his parents. Strangely though, it hadn't worked against him.

It seems when people realized you and your family were under countless threat and your home was overrun by monsters who'd taken you prisoner, people tended to view your actions for what they were…

Survival.

The public was still split, but at least only half of anyone he met on the streets following his release glared at him with hatred.

He had been able to accept that and frankly it was deserved.

Returning to Hogwarts following his trial was harder.

Most of the Slytherins his year hadn't returned and those who had had looked to him for guidance he didn't have.

"We have to keep living." was all he'd said before throwing himself headfirst into his studies.

He had some freedom now for what his life would be following graduation.

With his father stripped of his titles and wealth (which had subsequently been given to him) and forced on a 5 year house arrest, he suddenly had options.

There was no rush for him to take over his family's holdings and continue grooming to take control of the various government seats his family was entitled to…

He could explore.

And he had.

He found himself even more enamored with potions and with healing.

He continued to study and when NEWTS came along he received straight O's and acceptance letters to most of the programs he'd applied to.

Then…. He shuddered. He shoved the memories of those last few weeks before he'd turned his back on England and run to the continent.

He had been so foolish...so so foolish to think that he could ever leave behind the stain of his name in England. Not when it was still cursed on both sides of the spectrum.

The scars on his body still spoke of it.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair suddenly so much more exhausted than he'd initially perceived.

He'd been going nonstop for years. His Mastery in France and dual study and internship in the university hospital. At first only to learn healing potions only to eventually be drawn so deep into it that, although not officially a student, he'd been granted an honorary Healer degree as well.

Though perhaps the word honorary was not the right one to use.

He had actually passed the certification exams when he'd signed up to take them on a lark.

He supposed that was when his life had taken a turn. There was no other way he would have found himself in Geneva, the primary investigator of a rather ambitious project tackling the very biology and magic behind the werewolf infection and transformation.

He felt the corner of his lips twist upward.

It really was his own damn fault.

He was about to finally finish his last report when a knock sounded on his door.

"Jessica, I told you that you didn't have to stay. I'm swamped with papers and anyone who's here can schedule meetings later." he said without looking up.

"Remarkable. She said the exact same thing."

His head shot up at the voice.

"Theo?"

The other man grinned at him, gracing him with a bow.

"You have any idea how difficult it is to get passed your warden. She kept screeching excuse after excuse until I finally snapped and said I would be seeing my brother today."

He found he couldn't fight the smile that came on his face at that. He stood slowly walking around his desk before he leaned in and embraced Theo.

"What's it been, since Christmas?" he asked stepping away and leaning against his desk.

Theo nodded in agreement.

"At least since then."

He gestured for Theo to sit down.

"So, what brings you to this side of the world?" Draco asked.

Theo shrugged. "Can't it just be because I missed my brother?"

Draco shot him a look that set Theo laughing until he was practically gasping.

"Ah. I guess we're both a little too smart for that." Theo grinned, his hand coming to cup his jaw as he leaned over on the arm of his chair. He took a breath before fishing something out of his pocket and tossing it toward him.

He caught it by instinct, barely moving an inch.

He turned it around in his hand, realizing it was a small box.

His brow rose. "Well I'd say yes if it weren't borderline incestuous."

Theo scoffed before a thin smile spread across his face. He ran a hand through his hair.

"I'm doing it in about two weeks." Theo looked up at him, "I'd like you to be there."

Drac felt the corner of his mouth curl up in a half smile. He opened the box and taking in the the thin platinum band with a center diamond held in a rose stemmed center.

"I'm sure Patel will love it Theo."

Theo rolled his eyes. "I've told you to just call her Padme."

"Old habits." he retorted before closing the box and tossing it back to Theo. He leaned back against the desk crossing his arms tight across his chest.

"Is it really a good idea for me to be there?"

He held his breath for a moment before continuing, "I mean, it would probably ruin-"

"Well they can get stuffed." Theo snapped, "Because for fucks sake you are my family and any one who has a problem with it well… I wouldn't want them there anyway."

Draco cleared his throat, scratching the back of his neck. "And Padme?"

Theo shrugged. "I...I've told her about...about how we grew up and all. She's open minded if not a but curious to see the Draco Malfoy that I know."

He smirked at that.

Curious. That he could believe. If Theo had told him the girl was excited to meet him again, he'd have tossed the wanker out.

He sighed. "Alright. Alright. I'll be there."

Theo grinned clearly proud that he'd managed to convince him.

"Now." Theo leaned forward on his knees studying his face, "How have you been?"

He bit his tongue back, as though physically forcing himself to not give his customary answer of fine. Theo would call him out on that shit.

He shrugged. "Busy. You know how it is."

Theo shook his head. "Mate. I heard-"

"Dear Merlin." Draco interjected.

Theo shot him a look. "You skipped 2 healer appointments. They told-"

"Mother." he ran a hand through his hair, "Salazar. There is such a thing as patient healer confidentiality."

Theo's brow rose. He remained silent, watching him.

He shook his head in exasperation after a moment. "Fuck. Alright. I didn't go. The first time, I was just swamped. I had a conference and couldn't make it. The second one…" he hesitated. He stood abruptly covering his mouth with his hand before dropping it to scratch at his chin as he turned to glance out of the lone window in his office.

"I just felt like shit. I-" he let out a breath, "It was just a stomach ulcer. Like I thought it was. Of course, I told Mother that, but she still manages to blow it out of proportion." he turned back around to meet Theo's calculated gaze.

"She worries." Theo finally said, "I mean all things aside it is concerning. It's your 3rd one in about as many months."

"It was a bad potion combination. Increased the risk and all plus the stress." he waved it off, "It's taken care of."

Theo cast a doubtful look at him. "That aside, you should try to take it easy. You're working yourself to exhaustion. Eventually, you will collapse."

"Did you just use your proposal plan as an excuse to come here and nag me personally?" he cut in. "I get enough of that in my weekly floo calls home."

"We're all just worried, and she...she just makes herself sick-"

Draco's expression softened at that. He cracked a thin smile.

"How is Mum?"

Theo sighed, deflating and appearing much more tired than he had when he'd first come in.

"She's doing better. Some days better than most. They said if she'd manage her mood it would-"

Draco shook his head.

"If you maybe… came back a while. It might help."

He couldn't help it, he snorted at that.

"In what world would Narcissa Malfoy let me leave if I stepped a foot in England?"

Theo sighed, clearly frustrated. "Draco. It's not that bad any more, and honestly all this hard work you've done has attracted the good kind of attention." Theo stood and walked over to him.

"You could come back if you wanted. You know, instead of hiding out here trying to forget everything."

"I work here Theo."

"Which is the only thing you do." Theo shot back, "This isn't exactly living."

"And yet, it is still my choice. One that no one seems willing to accept."

Theo shook his head. "If you're too stubborn to see how unhappy you are, I'm certainly not going to be able to change your mind."

Draco squared his shoulders before he allowed a small concession. Theo had come all this way after all, and maybe just maybe part of what Theo was saying was true. At least… the part about taking it easy.

He needed to hire another assistant. That he could accept, but moving back to England...

Fuck if he saw that happening anytime soon, but that was hardly going to appease Theo.

"Look. I'll think about it." he scratched the back of neck, "Let's just see how it goes when I'm back in England in 2 weeks."

Theo sighed, obviously recognizing that was the most he was going to get out of him.

He walked Theo toward the door making some small talk and promising about setting up concrete plans later for when he was home.

He'd just turned the door knob when he snapped back at the green light flashing from the floo he had in the office.

"Oh Mr. Malfoy!" he opened the door wider as Jessica nearly tripped from where she'd been on the other side poised to knock.

"Jessica, what-"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but he insisted on talking with you now, saying it was an emergency. So, I was just coming up to tell you to open your floo."

He frowned. An emergency?

"Who?" Theo suddenly demanded. "Who flooed?"

Jessica startled at Theo's outburst before turning to him. "Your father."

Draco froze.

Fuck. Lucius wouldn't be contacting him unless-

He snapped into action, taking his wand out and dropping the wards around the floo and rushing over.

Almost immediately, Lucius's face appeared in the green flames. He could barely recall seeing his father more disheveled.

Hell even when Voldemort had commandeered their dining hall, Lucius had still maintained his composure.

"Draco." Lucius began before taking a moment to clear his throat, "Narcissa was." He stopped, seemingly unable to continue that sentence. He cleared his throat once more. "We're at St Mungo's and…"

He scarcely heard another word. He didn't even pause to consider the amount of international laws he was about to break. He simply took a breath before he spoke.

"Father." he swallowed roughly, "I'm coming through." And with that he stepped into the flames.