Summary: Hermione's life is left in pieces, all because of Draco.  She finds herself lying often, betraying her friends' trust.

Draco meets a mysterious woman, who has a thing against him.  He finds himself spending more time than he cares to stomach with Kyle Thompson—the only guy to ever win Hermione's heart.

As for this mystery woman, well, there's a deeper meaning than Draco could ever comprehend as to why she's sneaking around, bent on being there at every turn of his life.  A deeper meaning that she herself doesn't want to remember.

Last time:

Hermione stood in the Great Hall, where the party was being held, clutching her drink tightly.

A few acquaintances clapped her on the back, babbling on how great it was to be able to know her, and signed her yearbook with fake things like 'Keep in touch'.

Harry and Ron had been the first to sign it, and they were the only ones she thought she'd still talk to.  Kyle Thompson aside.

She threw away her cup, tying her hardest to be anti-social.  But people kept coming up to her, taking the yearbook, and signing it.  Asking her to sign theirs, offering congratulations, or hugging her like they were upset.

Hermione felt eyes on her back, and felt the urge to just cry.  It was Malfoy again!

Sure enough, when she turned around, two silver eyes were focused on her.

Why in Merlin's name is he still staring at me?! she thought, upset.  He hurt me, not the other way around!

Draco nodded briefly to her, and murmured something to the person he was with.

Hermione wanted to scream in frustration when he began his way towards her.

"Yearbook," he demanded, holding out his hand.

"No," she replied stubbornly, hugging it to her chest.  "Sod off."

Draco clenched his jaw, and muttered a spell, causing her book to fly into his hands.

When he was done signing it, Hermione immediately read it.  And it confused her even more.

~*~

Hermione,

We haven't had the best seven years by a long shot.  But this year wasn't so bad, was it?  Recent events aside, of course.

I really must thank you for a great night.  Really, you come in the top five.

I'll also bet you're freaking out right now, thinking 'Oh my Gods, what if people read this?'  Consider this my Graduation gift to you.  My signature's protected by a spell so that only you can read it (try as you might to make it go away), and no one can write over it.

Yeah, that's right, I go to the Library and read, too.  But I think we've covered the fact that you don't know the real me.  Which, darling, is why you'll never understand any of my actions.

It's ended for good…Hope you're truly happy.

Your dirty secret,

D.M.

Hidden Lioness

Prologue: Catching Up

Twenty three-year-old Draco Malfoy looked around his manor, scowling.  It was so tidy!  Too tidy for his liking.

He threw some trash on the floor, and shooting dust into the air with his wand.  Finally, he was satisfied.

It was one of those rare moods for Draco, where he was never happy.  Surveying the room once more, he whistled, waiting impatiently for a house-elf.

One came skidding onto the semi-shiny floor, looking in dismay around the room.  "Master Malfoy, sir, we's very sorry for it being dirty.  Libby clean it up now, sir!" she squeaked in fear.

"No, don't.  Just the trash.  The dust must remain," Draco ordered sternly.

He walked out, not caring to observe the process.  He wandered the endless halls aimlessly, looking for something to do.

"Draco," a voice said coldly.

He grit his teeth, but turned to face his father.  "Yes, sir?"

Lucius eyed his son disdainfully, before speaking.  His voice was one to demand attention.  "There will be a Death Eater party tomorrow night.  Do see that you attend it, and not cause a scene, hmm?"

Bowing his head, Draco nodded, mumbling, "Of course, father."

"Speak up, boy!"

"OF COURSE, FATHER!" he yelled, close to snapping.

"Don't get smart with me, young man," Lucius growled, flexing his grip on his cane.  "It's never wise to test me."

"Yes, sir."

Draco turned on his heel, preparing to depart.  He suddenly felt something holding him back.

Turning back to his father, Draco sneered.  "Let me go, father."

Lucius' cane was in the hood of Draco's robe, keeping him near.  "Did I say you could go?" he asked stiffly.

Draco bit his tongue, and merely shook his head, not trusting his voice.

"Now you may go."

He sighed with relief, and walked at a brisk pace away from his demanding father.

You'd think, after the crushing defeat of Voldemort, that Death Eaters wouldn't feel the need to associate.  But then, you'd be wrong, wouldn't you?

They met in secret, having parties in alternating manors.  At least Draco wouldn't be forced to get that idiotic mark burned into his arm.  He wasn't one to be a silent, loyal follower.

Lucius had the power only because he knew his son's weaknesses.  Which, Draco figured, Voldemort could probably just as easily discover—if he were still alive.

Draco ran a hand through his long platinum blonde hair, his silver eyes boring into a wall.  Back in the school days, he had so much power.  Both sexually and intellectually.

Then again, back in the school days (more specifically, Seventh Year), Draco had even more weaknesses.  Human weaknesses by the names of Narcissa Malfoy and Hermione Granger.

Narcissa had been finally put to peace, in a painless way right after he graduated.  St. Mungo's said it was in her sleep, but Draco still had his suspicions of his father ordering some inane, crazy pill to kill her.  At least there was no blood.

And Hermione…she was a different story, one he didn't care to touch upon.  What she thought of him to this very day must be terrible.  Their 'relationship' ended on harsh terms, and they hadn't spoken civilly since then.

I suppose Potty and Weasel were glad that they had the old Granger back.  I'll bet they had a celebration, in honor of her disassociating with the likes of me, Draco thought bitterly.

Painfully, he imagined Hermione at this very moment, eyes big and glimmering.  She was laughing, holding the hand of some random wizard.

Not that he cared what happened to her.  Really.

Draco scolded himself for thinking about the meaningless mudblood, and turned his thoughts to people worthier of his thoughts.

Ever since graduation, Draco had perfected his cold, empty exterior.  Thanks to Granger, most likely, but she was off-limits ever since that day.  It was painstakingly early in the year, which didn't do wonders, needless to say, for their Head Boy and Girl projects where they had to work together.

~*~

Draco tied back his long blonde hair in a silk black ribbon, completing the mini-Lucius look.

He intended on going into Hogsmeade, and cutting it once and for all.  Time to look as good as he did in school.  Personally, Draco hated long hair, and didn't know what moment of insanity caused him to grow his silky hair.

Grabbing some Floo Powder, he threw it into the needless fire and roared, "HOGSMEADE!"

Trapped in swirling fireplaces, Draco watched his movements, careful not to fall out.  Suddenly, he stumbled gracefully out, landing on his feet; knees bent in the building lovingly referred to as 'The Train Station'.  The only way to Floo yourself into Hogsmeade.

Draco smirked, feeling more at ease with the swooning women, who eyed him lustfully.

He made a note to check one out, as it had been a while.

He dusted off his robe, eyeing the fireplace disdainfully.  He nodded to familiar faces, and winked at the witches giggling like little girls again.

Draco strode briskly out 'The Train Station', searching for the place to cut his hair.

He bumped into a seemingly familiar beautiful witch, and apologized swiftly.  "I'm sorry, miss.  Did I hurt you?"

The woman looked at him, disgusted and mad.  In an even voice, she managed, "No, Malfoy, you didn't.  See that it doesn't happen again."

Draco tilted his head, offended.  "Snippy little thing, aren't you?"

"Sod off, Draco.  I haven't time for your games."

Draco clenched his jaw, reminding himself that it wasn't gentlemanly to hit a lady.

He wasn't taken aback at all at her knowledge to his name, because he was widely known.  He'd have been hurt if she didn't.

"Have a nice day, then, ma'am," he said tersely.

"You too, I s'pose."

Draco watched her stalk off, and couldn't help but wonder what he had done to her—a witch he didn't recognize at all—to make her so upset.  He brushed off the sudden curiosity.  She was probably one of the many he had slept with, and ditched the next day, grateful only for the sex.

Draco opened the door to the hair cutters, and took his usual seat, picking up a wizard magazine, not surprised to see Potter grinning at him, posing with vapid witches.

His arms were slung around their waists, and he seemed happy.

But Draco knew it was killing Potty to have to touch anyone other than his wife.  Who, Draco personally thought must've lost all five of her senses to be with the Boy-Who-Refused-To-Die.

~*~

Draco shoved the satin sheets down roughly, sweat pouring down his face.  It was that damn nightmare again, waking him up from his nap.

It wasn't necessarily scary, but it certainly wasn't something a Malfoy should dream of.

Once again, innocent cinnamon eyes haunted his dreams, staring at him with a hurt expression from a beautiful face.  Big, watery tears filled the eyes, threatening to topple over and stream relentlessly down her face.  Her face.

It was the morning after they shared a night she found special.  A night she never intended to happen.  A night where he had never experienced more joy.  A night they'd never forget.

But Draco screwed it up, tainting the memory.  Just like everything else in his life, it was tainted, and went bad.  By no fault of his own.  She could believe what it appeared to be, if it made her feel better.  But it wasn't his fault.  Never.

It had hurt Draco that she accused him with the things she did a week after it all went down.  He was so hurt, and angry, that he let her think that.  His only reaction was to walk away.

Problem was, it wasn't just a nightmare…it had been reality.

Draco slapped his own cheek forcefully.  It was in the past.  Done with.  Over—forever.  No use pining away at worthless things.

Let Hermione Granger have her moment.

~*~

Hermione huffed, flopping down on the couch in Harry's apartment.

"Rough day at the Ministry?" Ron asked sympathetically.  "I should know, today sucked for me, too."

Hermione briefly bit her lower lip, and nodded.  "Yeah…yeah, rough," she responded vaguely.  It wasn't exactly lying.  Not as though she included where it was a rough day.

Harry plopped down next to her, looking around the room.  "I'm sick of green."

With a wave of his wand, the room was sky blue, considerably brighter.

"I liked green," she told him defensively.  "It's a pretty color!"

"No," Harry began, shooting her a pointed look; "it's too Slytherin-like."

She fell silent, looking down at her lap.  "Look, it was never like that.  I just—"

Ron cut her off, holding up his hand.  "Hermione, we've been over this.  It's ok, we understand.  Harry just likes to tease you, is all," he added, glaring at his friend.

Harry smiled sheepishly.  "It's a nasty habit.  Can't blame me!"

"Bugger, where's Mrs. Potter?" Ron teased, looking around dramatically.  "Not having an affair, is she?"

"No!" Harry exclaimed vehemently.  "She was at Hogsmeade earlier, getting a haircut.  Won't be back until later."

"Take your little prat of a son, too?" Ron asked.

"Well, yes.  He's at the Day Care there."

Hermione smiled.  "Don't listen to Ron, he's just jealous."

Ron crossed his arms huffily.  "Well, fine, then.  I'm jealous now," he said sarcastically.  "Yes, because I'm a free wizard, handsome, rich, smart—"

"Full of himself?" Hermione cut in, smirking.

His mouth flapped open and shut, having not one snappy comeback.  "Oh, I've earned the right to brag," he said finally, maliciously eyeing Harry, who was doubled over with silent laughter.

"How do you figure that?"

"I've been in the shadows of you two right up until Graduation!  I've earned my spot in the limelight!"

"Oh, of course.  How silly of me," Hermione responded, in a demeaning manner.

"Oh, sod off, 'Mione.  No one asked you."

Harry finally straightened up, and grinned.  "So, Mr. Weasley, can we be counting on any additions to your family soon?"

Ron pretended to look thoughtful.  "Of course.  Fred's going to marry Angelina."

"Ah," Harry said.  "But I thought he fancied Alicia."

"No, that was George," Hermione corrected.  "Honestly, Harry.  You're very good at confusing them."

"Look, mate," he began, waving around his wand.  "None of those smart-arse insults in my house."

"My, what a prat I've been.  Horrors," Hermione retaliated, looking mock horrified.

"Living with Malfoy was a bad thing for you.  Completely tainted you," Ron complained.

She sucked in a breath, and chewed on her nail.  "Don't feed me those B.S. lines, Ronald," she scolded.  "Malfoy didn't do anything to me."

Her heart pounded, and she bit her lip again.  That was quite possibly the biggest lie she told in her entire life.

Draco had played a big part in her life, and she knew it…She just kept it from Harry and Ron, was all.  Draco wouldn't be blabbing it to either of them anytime soon, so it would be ok.

Yes, there had been a few close calls.  They had almost stumbled onto her biggest secret without even trying.  From then on, Hermione was extra-careful.

Of course, Hermione knew that in six years, it would be inevitable that the two found out.  Seven, at most.  She knew it had to come out soon.  But she couldn't bear the thought of losing her friends again.

~*~

Hermione strode briskly down the street, pausing to wave at Harry and his wife when she left.

The outside thundered, and lightning briefly lit up the dark sky.

Harry and Ron had been so worried to let her walk home like this.  They had insisted on giving her a ride there.  But they simply couldn't…or they'd know.  They'd find out.

Hermione pulled her raincoat closer to her chest, and murmured a spell to repel the rain.  Still, she felt cold.

She sped up, nearing her house.  She walked up the steps to the small, modest manor.

It wasn't extravagant, like the Malfoy Manor.  It didn't even have a name.  Certainly, not the Granger Manor.  No, it was nowhere near that status.

Hermione cursed softly when the rain poured down forcefully, breaking through her spell.

She broke into a run, and panted breathlessly when she met with the mahogany door.  Hermione whispered the password-like spell, and stepped back, waiting for it to open.

She stepped inside, wringing her hair on the floor.  She looked up, smiling.  There was one of her pride and joys, Gretchen, her dog.  "Hewwo, Gwetchen, baby," Hermione cooed, in a baby-like way.

Stroking the small dog, she walked up the steps to her room.

Hermione grinned even wider at the sight before her.

A/N: There it is…the first part of the sequel.  I must say, I love the attention my old one got…hopefully this one will get more?  Lol, I know I'm greedy…

Well, this story isn't going to get quite up to 'R' standards, I'll admit.  I just put it up here first, just to check one last time.  This is last call for those of you who don't move around from 'R'.  If you would like to be on my mailing list, please leave your email, and a name you'd like to be known by.  If you have already done this, no worries, you'll be on it!  In fact, this chapter should be proof…

After this update, I'm changing the rating to PG-13, because I don't want to fool people.  Yeah, so please hurry.

I'd like to thank the people who have reviewed my past stories, I lurve you!  I'm glad you guys liked the last chapter to Hidden Dragon, because I worked hard on it.  I must've changed Draco's signature a thousand times, to get the tone right.  Some people thought that everything was okay between the two, and it really isn't.  I couldn't bare to have Draco be even more cruel in his siggie, so I tried to make it a little less mean.

I have to admit, I liked the part where he signs 'Your dirty secret', because if you'll recall, she accused him of letting her be his dirty secret…which is all true, lol.

So any and all questions you guys have WILL be answered in this sequel.  If you think there's a point I'm going to forget, then include it in your review…Here's what I have so far:

Hermione's secret, why Draco slept with Pansy not long after, who the mystery woman is (she'll be introduced next), WHY she is so hell-bent on Draco, how Hermione found out her secret, how they both really feel, why Kyle's so pivotal, how it turns out to be D/Hr, etc.

It won't seem Draco/Hermione at first, I know…but I promise, it is them more than you could ever suspect.  So, guesses welcome.  Remember, when 10 people (I changed it) figure out the plot secret.  To divulge more, the plot secret is why the mystery woman is so important to their relationship.  Bonus points to those of you who discover why I called this Hidden Lioness.  I'll admit, between two reviews of my last story, you people have it down.

Ok, I'll stop the torture now…you're done reading my insolent ramblings!  YAY!

[Submitted date not included, because it is Publish Date, and I have no idea when I'm going to submit it…]