A/N: Hi everyone, it's been a really long time since my last update. I apologize to all of you, especially to those who have waiting for my promised update. I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint.

This chapter isn't beta-ed as I couldn't contact my beta. I hope all is well with her and that she is doing well.

I would love to hear from all of you, your support has kept me motivated to completing this story despite many hurdles.

Love Esa!!

Samhain(pronounced Sah-win) is the Gaelic word for the festival celebrating the end of summer and the beginning of winter, it's the origin point for Halloween.

Samhain

Breakfast was served in the common rooms as the Great Hall was under preparation for the Halloween ball. Hermione could barely manage eating anything. Even though she had made up her mind to help Draco, she could feel anxiety churn in her belly. Whatever he needed done wasn't going to be easy and she hadn't come up with a plausible explanation to explain her inevitable absence. She felt far removed from the happily excited teenagers that surrounded her. Her soul was growing frail with each passing year and the uphill battle. It was all for a good cause, she knew that they were making a difference but at what cost. She wondered what awaited when it all ended.

o0o

Hermione smiled as she watched Harry and Ginny share excited whispers. They were good for each other. Ron and Lavender looked happy too. Ever since her increased interactions with Malfoy, she found herself less disturbed by Ron's relationship with Lavender. Not that it made watching them less nauseating but she had begun considering the possibility that Ron was probably more friend than anything else to her. Of course that lead to the significant problem that Malfoy meant more than an ally. Attraction and sex appeal were different from romantic leanings, it was a very bad idea to fall for him. All she could hope from it was a very tragic love story, where one or both of them wound up dead.

A horrible image flashed in her mind, Draco was on a stone floor twisted, bleeding out and she watched as the light left his eyes. The solitary tear that rolled down her cheek, told her he meant something to her and she couldn't watch him die. She couldn't forget the welts that his father had left on him. She couldn't fathom the cruelty Draco must have borne, yet he'd never spoken against his father until now. There were more questions than answers and she really wanted to understand this situation.

o0o

She had tried to distract herself all day and managed to eat a few mouthfuls at lunch. When it was finally time to begin dressing, it turned out that Lavender was going to meet with some Hufflepuff friends leaving their dormitory to Hermione and Parvati. Ginny brought along a small case that had enough to fill a store.

Hermione sat as quietly as she could through the entire process. Ginny and Parvati helped each other in getting ready too but they focused the majority of their attention on Hermione. Hermione fiddled with her bathrobe as they did her makeup. Draco needed to explain his ridiculous behaviour amongst other things. There wasn't a strict curfew tonight so she'd make sure she had all the answers she needed, she'd agree to nothing less.

o0o

Draco had been frantic all morning, he'd not be seeing Granger until the ball. What if she didn't agree? What if she was going to but changed her mind after yesterday's debacle? These thoughts kept circling his mind, almost giving him a headache. His house mates had been watching him with thinly veiled curiosity, he'd stand, walk a bit, sit in another chair and repeat, frowning all the while. The only reason everyone kept their comments to themselves was because they weren't interested on being on the wrong end of a Malfoy's wand.

o0o

A gift, that's it, an apology. He rushed to his room and looked for the token his mom had given him. Narcissa had given him a beautiful Viking hairpin, it was a swirling silver dragon in an infinity symbol with an emerald eye. His mother had intended him to present it to his chosen bride and while Hermione might not share his interest, she was it's rightful owner.

It lay in the bottom of his trunk in its lovely black velvet case. He wrote a short note and sent it off with Blaise's owl because he wasn't sure if she'd be alone.

'Of course, you can borrow my owl, Draco.' Blaise laughed at Draco's startled face.

'I'm sorry, I didn't see you around and knew you wouldn't mind. My owl is too noticeable.'

'Isn't that trademark of a Malfoy? You can spot them a mile away because they're not anything if not iconic.'

'C'mon Blaise, you know me better than that. I need you to not ask me questions about who or where or why.'

'You know I can help you, if you tell me what's going on. But I've got a feeling it's not my help you need, right? It's ok, if my guess is right, she'll agree. But I hope you know what a mess this is going to be.'

Draco didn't know who Blaise was referring to but he didn't want to clarify the identity.

'I haven't been able to locate her though, your blonde. Take care Draco, you're looking like a zombie.'

'I'm fine, just having trouble sleeping.' Draco almost snapped deciding to go take a shower.

The girls were debating how to style Hermione's hair when Parvati yelped as an owl swished past her dropped something on Hermione's bed and zoomed back out.

'What was that?' Hermione asked, her eyes were closed as they had just applied the hundredth coat of mascara and asked her to wait until it was completely dry.

'Just an owl on speed post. Seems you've got something.' Ginny responded.

Parvati was about to pick it up when Ginny held her hand, 'It's best if Hermione looks at it.' She wasn't certain but Ginny suspected anything mysterious came from Hermione's secret admirer and she didn't trust him. She shared Harry's concern that there was a good chance the man was dangerous. Then again Hermione was getting into enough trouble with Lavender messing around.

Hermione stared at the simple parchment that was wrapped around a box. Taking a deep breath, she picked it up. It was tied with a simple green cord, she untied it quickly and pocketed it.

The box was simultaneously simple and opulent. Malfoy. She didn't know anyone else other than her dad who'd gift her things in a velvet box. Ginny and Parvati were on either side.

'Open it.' Ginny exclaimed

'Wait, there's something on the parchment.'

Hermione held it close and sat on her bed.

She read the brief note, folded it and pocketed it.

'Well...who's it from?' Parvati asked.

'You-know-who.' Hermione answered looking at Ginny.

'Voldemort!' Paravati gasped.

'Not that one, the other one. Hermione's admirer.' Ginny scoffed at Paravati's assumption rolling her eyes, Lavender's silliness was rubbing off on the poor thing.

'So what's this for?' Ginny continued.

Hermione couldn't explain the apology it contained, because that would require explaining.

'If I wear it, I'm accepting his proposal to meet tonight.' She answered without giving it too much thought. Only realizing a moment later that these ladies would like to know about her mystery man and there was a good chance they'd follow her.

'Open the box.' They practically shrieked. Hermione hoped there wasn't any indication whom it came from within the box.

For a moment all three of them gazed at the hairpin. It was simple, understated and elegant but the craftsmanship was flawless.

'This did not come cheap.' Ginny commented a moment later. 'Whoever he is, he has a fair amount of money or some serious family heirlooms. Lucky you.'

'Wizarding families with this kind of money or heirlooms are Purebloods. They'd want to have nothing to do with someone like me. I don't think I should accept it.' Hermione stated hoping that the girls would give up on the secret admirer.

'Just because filth like Malfoy, think Purebloods are better than Muggleborns doesn't mean the rest of us do. I say you meet him and then decide if you want to call it off. I mean you're just agreeing to meet him, tonight right?' Ginny asked concerned.

'Yes.' Hermione said knowing it was only partially true. The note had an apology for yesterday and said that he would explain it if she would meet him, regardless of her decision.

She'd have to ensure that neither of these girls followed her. Parvati would be busy with Zach, hopefully. But Ginny and Harry were more than likely to be watching her, together. She was certain Ginny would tell Harry about the gift.

She looked at the hairpin, it was beautiful. Her hormones were wrecking havoc, causing her to be attracted to Malfoy. Weren't these the markers for an abusive relationship, he had abused her the night before, she had played along but that didn't change his actions. Could any explanation justify being abused? Abusers often compensated the abused with material or emotional gifts. Was she a stupid butterfly getting entangled in Malfoy's web? Fair possibility.

The potions and lotions and spells used to keep her hair in place were so numerous that Hermione could actually feel the weight of it. But as she looked at herself in the mirror she had to acknowledge that she looked beautiful even in the bathrobe.

'Woohoo. You look ethereal Hermione. We did a great job. What say Ginny?' Parvati squeaked excitedly.

'He won't be able to take his eyes off you. But be careful ok. You know how we feel about him.' Ginny said her concern for Hermione apparent in her eyes. 'Oh no look at the time. We have to get into our dresses or we'll be late.'

o0o

Hermione went to the washroom while Parvati finished dressing up.

'Take your time Hermione. I'll see you in the Great Hall. Zach's waiting for me and has already asked for me three times.' She blushed.

Parvati clearly liked the boy and it would be a fun night for her. Hermione wondered if she would ever have such opportunities for frivolity. Not in the near future, unless she counted messing with Malfoy.

o0o

Draco's breath caught in his throat as he gazed at Hermione entering the Great Hall with one of the Weasley twins. He'd always liked them the best amongst the Weasleys' but at the moment he felt particularly murderous towards the man who had his arm snaked around her waist. He couldn't see much as they all were surrounded by darkness and each person had to enter by wandlight.

'A hearty welcome to all of you. This Halloween Ball has a special Trick or Treat event and I would like everyone to participate wholeheartedly. Each of you will receive a piece of parchment and you will know what to do when it's time. It's binding magic and all in good fun, so have fun. Let the party begin!!' Dumbledore announced and at once the Hall came alive.

There were floating pumpkin lights and glowing ghosts. There were huge cotton candy webs that had fudge flies. A jello pond with chocolate frogs. Severed finger rolls with blood red ketchup. Eyeballs that were actually rum balls. There were many others that Hermione had no idea what they could be and knowing the twins she wasn't keen on trying them herself.

Hermione turned to Fred, 'Wow! You two have outdone yourselves. Halloween at Hogwarts has always been magical but this is something else. Though last year's exit is still my favourite.'

Fred grinned broadly at George, 'Heard that, Hermione here is already impressed.'

'Thanks Hermione, but you haven't seen most of it. Anyway, it's good that you like what you see. Have good one.'

o0o

Hermione had received more than a few compliments and she was quite pleased that some had come from people she'd barely known. Lavender didn't look too pleased and was trying to grab the spotlight. Hermione couldn't be bothered though she had one thought worrying her, her rendezvous with a certain blonde. She had someone constantly around her, Ginny even accompanied her to the washroom.

Then when she l least expected it, she found herself sitting alone at their table. The others had gone to dance and her date was talking to Dumbledore. Even though her shoes weren't pure torture devices like the kind Pansy had on, her feet were aching. She had been staring at her shoes wondering what was the deal with her piece of parchment. Some people had got dares or pranks and others had received gifts. It seemed quite random, she wanted to ask Fred how it worked. Maybe she could prepare herself for whatever was on her piece. Though it looked perfectly ordinary and she had tried basic revealing spells.

'You look beautiful.'

Hermione's head shot up at the sound of the familiar voice.

'Malfoy, what if someone hears you?' She asked staring wide-eyed.

Draco gulped as he looked down at her. She looked ravishing in that dress, a bit too much cleavage from his point of view. But he drank it in all the same, realising how much he lusted after her. He desired her as much as he loved her.

Suddenly he felt himself rooted to the spot. 'What have you done, Granger?'

'Huh? I haven't done anything. What are you talking about?'

'I can't move my feet. Something's wrong.'

Hermione's eyes grew wider than they already were when she saw the words that had appeared on the parchment.

'Malfoy, check your parchment piece.'

Draco stared at it. Impossible. Maybe it was a hidden blessing. He would blame the trick and treat event no one would need to know he enjoyed it.

'May I have the next dance with you?' He asked showing her the parchment.

Ask the person closest to you for the next dance, you must dance the entire song.

Oh this is just bloody perfect, Hermione thought. She was somewhat relived but it was going to be something to actually fulfill her dare in front of everyone. She crushed it and stood up as the next song was about to begin.

There were gasps and stares before they even began dancing. The fact that Draco Malfoy was holding Hermione Granger's hand was enough to stir up a commotion and it was about to get a lot crazier. Clearly the plan was to make them as awkward as possible because the music shifted from upbeat dance music to a romantic number.

They both scowled at each other and reluctantly moved into a suitable position for slow dancing. Hermione wanted to laugh, they no longer hated each other but according to everyone they were sworn enemies. The show must go on, she sighed. This entire relationship was such a tangled mess, who knew what was real anymore. They swayed to the music, Draco was watching Hermione intently but she was lost amongst her own musings. She hadn't let go of the possibility that Draco was conducting an elaborate scheme to what end though she had no idea. She wasn't too sure how she felt about him either, he'd been nice and charming for the most part but it couldn't take away years of torment, regardless of what he said or did.

'How does it feel to be dancing with the most handsome man in the school?' Draco asked with a mischievous smirk.

Hermione rolled her eyes, 'We're only doing this because we're magically compelled to do so. You're a good dancer but I can't help feeling uncomfortable with all these eyes on us.'

'I'd have thought you'd be accustomed to being in the spotlight after all you're the brightest witch of the age and best friends with Potter.'

'That's different.'

'Enjoy the moment, Hermione. We may never get to do this again.' Draco said with sadness lacing his voice.

Hermione nodded, but she could hear the whispers, feel the daggers being thrown at her and the judgement that would come in a moment as the song began to wind down.

They finished the dance but they were frozen to the spot.

'What the bloody hell is going on? I did what the damned parchment asked. I danced with Granger so why am I stuck here?' Draco tried to wave his arms but they were stuck on Hermione's hip which made everyone snicker. But one swift glare from Draco silenced them.

'That's odd, if you completed the task the magic is complete.' Fred said from where he stood. He was about to come towards them when Hermione spoke up, holding out her crumpled parchment.

'I've not done my task. That's why we're stuck. Sorry Malfoy.'

'Well get on with it, Granger. I don't want to stand next to you a moment longer than necessary.'

Hermione narrowed her eyes at his words.

'Very well Malfoy as you wish. I was hoping to find a way around this but you don't seem to mind it.' Before Draco or anyone knew what she meant, Hermione pulled Draco towards her.

The magic sealed their lips together and they couldn't pull away, though not for a lack of trying. Hermione knew that they'd be stuck like that for a minute so she just stood frozen but a whole minute later they were still stuck together.

Fred shook his head as he read the chit. 'It's French kiss for a minute at the end of the dance. You need to snog Malfoy, Hermione.'

The whispers turned into protests and Hermione's eyes bulged as she tried to silently plead with Fred to spare her. But Malfoy had had enough and he grabbed her pulling her close and began snogging her. Hermione's gasp allowed Malfoy to accomplish the task, he was aggressive and Hermione could feel her lips swelling. Then the moment they were free of the spell, he threw her off himself and left.

Hermione stood there stunned, not sure what to do. She felt like she was merely observing things. Harry didn't look too concerned, as if he'd seen them kiss before, but that wasn't possible. Ron looked an interesting shade of green. Ginny was smirking. Lavender looked smug as she clung to Ron's arm. Pansy and the blonde girl Hermione had noticed hanging around Malfoy looked murderous. Most of the others had resumed doing whatever people did at a party.

'I need a moment to myself, please excuse me.' Hermione said stiffly.

'We're sorry Hermione, we didn't think it would come together like this.' Fred and George said in unison.

'I understand but I'd really just like to be on my own for a bit.'

'Take your time, we'll be here.' Ginny said reassuring her.

o0o

Hermione just let her feet carry her where they willed. She understood why Malfoy had acted the way he did, it would be suspicious if he didn't. Yet she'd felt a bit hurt at being cast aside.

It was all very well to say they'd danced and kissed because of the event. But people would remember and there had been too much happening around the two of them. It was actually getting very suspicious. It felt like someone was drawing up scheme after scheme to force them together. It had started on that night she'd come across Parkinson and Malfoy.

Harry's paranoia was contagious.

Whether there was a master plan or just plain coincidence, it didn't change anything really. It was almost midnight and she needed to find Malfoy.

o0o

Back in the Great Hall.

Harry and Ginny were discussing in hushed whispers.

'Harry, Hermione was supposed to meet her secret admirer today but I think kissing Malfoy might have short-circuited her brain. Do you think her admirer would have seen it?'

'It would be sort of hard to miss considering the ruckus Malfoy made. I hope Hermione's okay.'

'Don't worry Harry, Hermione is tougher than she looks.'

'I know that Ginny. But that's exactly why, I worry. I feel like she's got so much on her mind and doesn't want to worry me so she just keeps it to herself. I don't think we need to worry too much about the admirer, he hasn't shown up in a while.'

'What do you mean? He sent Hermione the silver hairclip that she's wearing. It was to indicate that she's agreed to meet him. Maybe one of us should have followed her?'

Harry had been concerned about this admirer but he was just as concerned about Malfoy's connection with her. At the start of the year he'd have said it was impossible for Malfoy to be her admirer but after all that he had witnessed, he had to consider the possibility.

o0o

Hermione found Malfoy loitering in a random corridor.

'We were supposed to meet at midnight. I was about to give up and go back to the others.'

Malfoy opened his mouth to speak but Hermione wasn't done so she gently pressed her fingers to his lips. Draco blinked a little surprised.

'I'm not going to leave you until you satisfy me, you understand.' Draco raised his eyebrows in question. He knew Hermione was a stubborn, bossy witch but this was bordering on dominatrix. Hermione saw the mischief in his eyes and rolled her eyes as she clarified.

'I meant I have questions that need answers and I'm not going to help unless I'm satisfied with your 'answers'. I'm agreeing to help you against my better judgement in order to save you from some terrible punishment and/or death but if I have to choose between you and what's right, I'm sorry Draco.'

'Honestly, sometimes I forget that you're just as hormonal as any other teenage boy.' She muttered under her breath as they began walking towards the 7th floor corridor.

Today's room looked a bit like a Japanese teahouse. It really didn't matter as long as there was somewhere to sit and the low sitting and floor cushions meant Hermione could stretch her legs. Draco stared at the floor, he much preferred a chair and he found one against the opposite wall. But decided to join Hermione on the floor.

'You know what happened at the Ministry of Magic. My father's failure resulted in him losing his standing in Voldemort's ranks. My father offered me in exchange for a less severe punishment. However, Voldemort wasn't satisfied by my mere addition to their ranks, he wanted me to do something and failure to do so would result in death. This is where you come in, I need to repair an old vanishing cabinet.'

'Draco, if we fix it and you said there's another. That would put everyone in danger. Voldemort could get to Harry. I can't do that, I can't let everyone die to save you. How can you be so selfish?'

'I'm in Slytherin for a reason, Hermione. We are self serving but we're also cunning. We don't have to fix it completely, just enough to let them know I'm working on it. I've been trying to fix it for weeks but I've made limited progress, based on my research it requires two wizards or witches to fix it. I'm not even certain if the one I've found is the twin of the other cabinet. I'm taking a guess based on something I've heard.'

'Why don't we just tell Dumbledore everything you've just said. I'm sure he can help.' Hermione pleaded.

'You don't understand Voldemort's spies are everywhere. If he learns I've said anything to anyone, I'm doomed and so is my mother. That's why I attacked you yesterday, I thought you were a spy using polyjuice potion, wouldn't exactly be impossible to get a strand of your hair, considering it's everywhere.'

Hermione's eyes narrowed at his sharp comment but she had to admit he had a point.

'That's why I had to act as Voldemort would expect me to act towards you. Though if you were a spy, I probably ought to use a curse on you next time. I'm really sorry I did what I did. I had no right to treat you in such a manner. But please understand that if Voldemort ever thought that I have anything other than pure hatred for you, it'd put you in danger.'

'Whatever, I'm still upset with you. But we should try to avoid this particular problem, let's use something to verify that we are ourselves. What about things that only the two of us know?' Hermione recommended.

'Ok. Like what flowers did I send?' Draco suggested.

'Yes, something like that, we need it to be less obvious though. It sounds fairly straightforward, you need to convince them that you're working on the plan, I need to help to the extent where it's kinda fixed but not really working. Also, I know there's something you can't or won't tell me, it can't be helped. Anyway it's so late we should get back to our dormitories. I still need to have some explanation for where I've been tonight and where I'm going to be from now.'

'We'll come up with something, don't worry.' Draco stretched out his hand to lift her off the floor.

Hermione's feet had fallen asleep so she wobbled as she tried to stand. She held on to Draco as he wrapped his arms around her waist to stabilize her. Hermione didn't dare to look up as she felt the electricity of attraction course through her. She chided herself for having a bad boy complex.

'What's wrong Hermione?' Draco asked his voice deep with desire. He could feel her trembling in his arms.

'My legs are a bit unsteady can we sit for a while.' Hermione mumbled.

He set her back on the floor cushions and sat beside her. He held her hand and raised it to his lips, kissing each finger before sucking on them.

'What are you doing?' Hermione exclaimed horrified by his behaviour as she tried to tug her hand out of his firm grasp.

'Since you've agreed to help me. I should keep my end of the bargain, shouldn't I? You were rather impressive yesterday and I didn't think something this simple would startle you.' Draco said as he turned over her hand and began drawing circular patterns on her palm.

'Are you trying to seduce me?' Hermione tried to ask flippantly but it came out a bit breathless.

'Would you like me to?' Draco asked in response, his voice a little breathless too.

Fabulous we're flirting again, thought Hermione. She glanced at him only to find him staring at her.

'Why are you looking at me like that?' Hermione asked.

'Who did you dress up for tonight? The last time you were this dressed up was the Yule Ball but you were going with Victor Krum. Don't tell me you've switched from one weasel to another.' Draco teased her, hoping there was no truth to it.

'Ewww...you're disgusting, Malfoy!' Hermione said as she slapped his arm.

'I'd like to believe you dressed up for me but I'm just flattering myself. The hairpin looks beautiful on you.' Draco said brushing his hand over it. 'I really prefer your hair in a less severe style.' He added undoing the hairpin and setting her curls free.

'Draco! Are you seriously flirting with me?' Hermione exclaimed as Draco kissed her shoulder, then her collar bone moving up her neck.

'I hope you're dead-serious about Weasley and the effort you're willing to put into learning. Because I'm not going to go easy on you. Lesson 1 is in progress, try and respond as naturally as possible. Tip: don't think, react.'

Hermione tried to focus on Draco's words but her heart was beating too loud and her mind was more focused on the subtle scent that wafted from him. Only his last three words meant anything. Don't think, react!

Hermione would not be able to recount what happened after that point to anyone other than herself out of sheer embarrassment. If she had been daring the night before, she had been outright scandalous tonight.

Hermione would later question herself about her terrible lack of self-control and her certain desire to have a sexual relationship with Draco. However, in the moment logic and common sense be damned, he felt so good. His skin like smooth porcelain marred by the scars but it made him look more statuesque in the flickering candlelight.

They kissed again, slower and more gentle than what had happened in the Great Hall. Hermione wasn't sure how but she found herself straddling Draco, practically riding him when she suddenly jumped up, coming to her senses.

'If your legs are fine, let's get back.' Draco stated not missing a beat.

o0o

Headmaster's office

- Next morning

'Professor Snape, what are your thoughts on Mr. Malfoy and Ms. Granger?'

Professor Dumbledore asked over the tips of his fingers.

'He's a young man and Ms Granger is growing into a fine young woman. It wouldn't be unnatural for something to happen.' Snape answered stiffly.

'I suppose your God son is more like you than he realises. I just hope it doesn't take him too long to notice it.'

'Professor, Draco would be endangering Ms Granger if he considers acting on his emotions.'

'You have sworn to protect the boy's life, Severus, but try to protect his heart too. He still has a chance at happiness.'

'He could ruin Ms Granger and his own life for her. Why would he do that?'

'You'd do the same thing and for the same reason.'

Snape didn't answer, instead he waited a few minutes before responding. 'He has an extraordinary strength of character. I respect his choice to abstain and, if he keeps to it, he will probably succeed. As for Miss Granger, I hope it will be long before the little twit catches on to the fact that she has become the object of many a man's affections. I rather doubt that she will suffer any loneliness as a result.'

Dumbledore smiled, 'Miss Granger, is more focused than others her age. But do you think she's impervious to the charms of boy, you know how wonderful he can be if he wants to. I'd like you to give him the chance to dream.'

'Albus, when that dream shatters, so will he.' Snape said quietly.

o0o

A/N- Thanks for reading. Please let me know if there are any mistakes as this chapter isn't beta-ed and there maybe errors I've missed.

I'm working on the next chapter and hopefully it won't be too long before it's out.

Take care and Happy reading!!

Also I'd love some good recommendations if any of you have them, drop a comment.