"Miss Hermione, Miss Hermione!" squeaked Busby frantically. "You must please get up Miss Hermione!"

Hermione groaned and rolled over, having slept most horribly.

"Master Malfoy is waiting Miss Hermione!"

Hermione popped open one eye; the sun was barely entering in through her curtains. It must have been very early.

"Please, Miss Hermione, get up and get ready, then meet Master Malfoy in the north wing."

Zombie like, Hermione walked to the shower and then, a little more awake from the cold water, disappeared into the closet. She emerged in a pleated black skirt and slim fitting gray v-neck, a white tank top visible beneath the collar.

"Quickly please!" Bubsy squeaked again. "The north wing."

Hermione made a brisk walk through the halls of the mansion wondering what she would have to endure today. She tried to shrug off how tired she was, having had horrible, sad dreams all night despite the magnificent bed.

Once in the foyer she made her way up one of the grand, curved stair cases. Lucius appeared at the top, and began to talk extremely fast.

"Listen carefully," he barked as he fixed his hair in a mirror hanging on the hall wall, "You love working for me, you've been too busy to answer any owls, you miss your grandmother terribly, she had uh… brain cancer and if they ask about Draco just smile and say 'that's a little personal'. Oh, and look happy and cute. Do me wrong Granger and you WILL regret it, understand?"

"Uh…" said Hermione, utterly confused. Then there was a chime from the door.

"Merlin, they're here already," declared Lucius, "Come with me," and he placed his hand on her shoulder and led her down the stairs. Hermione could see a house elf opening the door and a small group of professionally dressed wizards were standing on the stoop, a couple equipped with cameras.

"Welcome to my home," cried Lucius cheerfully as they came to the landing, "I'm honored to have you! I must apologize, I was just having a brief word with Miss Granger…" A blonde bug-like woman who had been smiling huge suddenly began writing frantically on a pad of parchment… "I wished to be ready to invite you in but Miss Granger is quite a distraction, I'd heed her call any time of day."

Hermione's face dropped and she almost burst out laughing, did Lucius say he'd heed her call any day? Suddenly, it all made sense… the woman… Merlin, it was Rita Skeeter.

Rita must have seen the look of recognition on Hermione's face and she smiled maliciously. The two hadn't seen each other since she blackmailed her into the Quibbler article. But to Hermione's surprise, she spoke quite friendly to her.

"Oh it's quite alright Mr. Malfoy, we understand you're a busy man, pleasure to meet you Miss Granger," said Rita, lying and extending her hand, having had met Hermione before.

"Now, please tell me, how is it working for a man like Lucius?"

"Uh…" said Hermione, "I like it very much," realizing the point of Lucius's instructions. Without thinking she repeated what she was told to avoid punishment.

"Ah, yes," said Lucius smiling at Hermione, "you've interned as my secretary for what now? Has it been nine months already? Why, it's been such a joy I can't believe it's almost over!" Rita was busy scribbling down everything Lucius said as a camera man got a picture of Lucius with his arm still around Hermione.

"What made you want to intern for Lucius if I may ask?" said Rita.

Lucius gripped her shoulder, nervous for he had not prepared her with an answer, "Oh well I've always been interested in working for the Ministry someday," said Hermione, thinking off the top of her head, "and Lucius was gracious enough to show me the ropes."

Lucius chuckled and faked a modest shrug, "Well I just remember her first day, she looked so determined and dignified yet they had her filing papers in the back, it was despicable. I had heard of her academic accomplishments like so many of us have, so I said 'I want that ambitious young women working for me'", said Lucius, shaking a pointed finger, "and well after I heard about the tragic incident with her poor grandmother…" said Lucius, his face turning somber.

"Grandmother?" interrupted Rita.

"Yes," said Lucius softly, "Diagnosed with a tumor in her brain right before Hermione's 6th year. Hermione, the angel, decided to be home schooled just to be with her until her last days."

Rita insincerely puckered her lips, "Do you miss her Hermione?" she asked earnestly.

"Yes, terribly," said Hermione robotically, her real grandmother having died before she had even been born. She felt Lucius's grip on her tighten and she panicked…. "But there's not a day I don't think of her…" Hermione added softly, "I know she's watching over me." Rita's quill began to scribble at rapid speed. She felt Lucius's approval from behind her.

"Unfortunately the medical bills were quite high and her family found themselves in quite a financial situation." Lucius went on, "Hermione almost had to cut her internship short to return to her muggle home instead of living in the apartment she was renting through the Ministry… too expensive you know. But I just didn't want to see that happen. Long story short she's been staying here ever since! She's completely revolutionized the way my office is run, I'm bloody organized let me tell you!"

Rita and her camera men chuckled mirthfully with Lucius.

"So the internship wasn't just some ploy to get close to young Mr. Malfoy then?" Rita asked smirking.

Hermione giggled nervously but inward she was furious. She could not believe what was happening, in a matter of moments Lucius had come up with a heartwarming story of her whereabouts for the last two years that surely everyone would believe without question. Not only that but Rita Skeeter of all people was back to reporting on the Daily Prophet! The same woman who, just years ago, was reporting how ugly Hermione was, and there Hermione was, forced to smile and nod in polite kindness to the ghastly women. Suddenly Draco appeared carrying a picnic basket.

"Father," he said smiling broadly, going into his side for a hug, the camera flashing like mad. "Good morning. Is the interview today? I can't believe I'd forgotten. I'll certainly get out of your hair…"

Hermione couldn't believe her eyes. Although Draco was a convincing actor, Hermione could tell he was not himself.

"It's quite alright Draco," said Rita, "We were just chatting with your girlfriend."

Draco's face remained in the same plastic smile but Hermione saw the flicker in his eyes. "Really?' he said sweetly, "Well that's good."

"Were you surprised?" asked Rita out of the blue, "That your father approved?"

Lucius's face flashed an angry red for a brief moment, and then he appeared to pout.

"Now really Rita," he said whimsically, "That hurts me, really it does. I don't know where things got so skewed but I have never been in favor of purification of the wizarding race, but merely in favor of ridding our fair world of mongrel disrespectful renegade wizards, of any blood, who don't earn they're keep nor respect the integrity of magic. Talented, hardworking and dignified wizards like Hermione here is what I hope everyone in the wizarding world evolves to, I would've hoped you of all people would've known that."

"Well that's what I'm here to report Lucius, surely you understand."

"Well father," said Draco, "Hermione and I are off to our picnic."

"Alright then," said Lucius, smiling again, "Have fun you two."

"Just one moment if you would," said Rita desperately, "Hermione, you wouldn't have any information about your long time best friends Harry Potter and Ron Weasley or their whereabouts would you?"

Lucius's face turned stern, as did Draco's.

"Harry and Ron?" repeated Hermione, "Oh, wow… I've just been so busy, I can't recall the last time we've owled."

Rita looked extremely disappointed.

"Now Rita," said Lucius again, "I know my family is incredibly charming, and as there may be some very interesting information about them perhaps revealing itself within the next few days, but as I recall we're here today to hear about the plans I have for my department. Now if you'd be so kind as to step into my study we can proceed as planned…"

Hermione and Draco subtly bowed their good byes and Draco led Hermione back down the hall as the camera man took a few last pictures of them together.

… … …

"That was absolutely disgusting," cried Hermione as she and Draco found themselves outside, walking towards a stable on the Malfoy grounds.

Draco chuckled.

"So that's why I am here?" she cried, "To change your father's image? He staged that whole thing! How disgusting!" she yelled again.

"Yeah well, what are you going to do?" said Draco, obviously not caring and walking faster through the yard.

"I can't believe I'm apart of this," Hermione said out loud, "Why me?"

"Why you?" repeated Draco, "Don't be daft, you're perfect for it."

"Excuse me?" said Hermione, hopping through the tall grass, trying to keep up with Draco.

"You're Harry Potter's best friend, you're a Gryffindor, you're… not ugly, not only can you actually do magic, but you're one of those 'proud-to-be-a-magical-muggle' people… You're a muggle icon, if Lucius can like you, then surely he likes all muggles."

Hermione let out an exasperated gasp, "People are going to believe this rubbish aren't they?" she said, thinking of how gullible the public as been in the past when it came to the Prophet, what with Sirius Black, then Harry being a crazy attention seeking whore and last but not least Fudge in his asshole days denying Voldemort getting a body back. "God, I can only imagine why your father would want people to think he liked muggles… he's going to do something terrible isn't he? I wish I were dead rather than apart of this!"

Suddenly a rushing whirl of black and white encircled Hermione, the blurry small bodies nearly knocking her down. She let out a startled scream and tried to run, but tripped over the black whirl. From her knees Hermione covered her face as their horrible open mouths began to….lick her.

Hermione started to laugh. It was a pair of beautiful Labrador dogs, a black and a white one, their tails wagging excitedly. Draco was now laughing as well.

"Midnight! Noon! Settle down!" ordered Draco.

Hermione rose to her feet, petting their silky heads as they were obedient to Draco and sat, although it was obvious it was against their will, they're bottoms still wiggling excitedly, eager to get to know the stranger.

"Come," he said and they went to him obediently, affectionately kissing his finger tips as they followed at his heels.

"What are we doing anyways?" asked Hermione, starting to follow Draco again.

"Lucius suspects Rita will send a cameraman after us, so we're supposed to be on a precious wholesome date. Horseback riding and a picnic in the woods."

Hermione looked out past the stable to the tall thick trees. It was a beautiful sunny and warm day given it was well into October, and the leaves on the trees were turning into the most beautiful array of colors. The reds and golds glistened in the sun, despite the accumulation of growing gray clouds behind them.

They finally reached the stable where house elves were brushing one of the numerous horses.

"Whichever one you'd like," said Draco, going to his horse and adjusting the saddle, "You've ridden before right?"

"Yes," said Hermione venturing down the hay laden hall, passing each of the horse filled stalls.

Draco had just attached the picnic basket to his horse, Troy, and mounted onto him when he heard a wild loud neigh and the gallop of hooves coming down through the stable hall. Hermione sat up tall in her saddle and pulled hard on the reins, barely getting the horse to stop.

"No!" cried Draco, "not that one."

Hermione was atop a magnificent, huge, smoky white horse, with a long flowing mane that seemed to glow with light. "Why not?" she asked.

"It's too wild," said Draco, "You can't handle it."

"I got on it didn't I?" said Hermione defiantly.

"By some bloody miracle that's for sure," he repeated, "he's part unicorn, we can't tame him. He doesn't listen and he's barely trained."

"What do you care?" she barked, still pulling on the reigns tightly, struggling to keep him in one place.

"If you get hurt I get hurt," Draco responded angrily.

"Well that's not much incentive for me to choose another one now is it?" said Hermione. Her horse started to go again and Hermione tried to cover up her lack of control by yelling, "Let's go!" like she was leaving the stable on purpose.

Her horse took off into the woods, as if drawn to them, and didn't slow down until they were well into the cover of the tall trees. Draco galloped up to her side on his handsome chestnut brown horse, looking foul.

"What's its name?" Hermione asked.

"Doesn't have one," he said dully.

Hermione furrowed her brow, "Then I'll just call him Mystery," she decided.

"Cute," mocked Draco, secretly thinking it was very fitting name.

Hermione looked back as she heard Midnight and Noon trot along after them.

"Your dogs followed us in to the woods," Hermione informed Draco.

He glanced down at them, "That's fine, they can handle the woods. They're out here all the time. This way," he directed, taking the left fork as they approached it.

They rode in silence further into the thick trees, the trip proving to be quite long. Draco eyed Hermione on Mystery angrily. The horse was much better-behaved for her than it had ever been for him. He looked back to see if there was indeed a cameraman assigned to them. Hermione looked back too.

"Anything?" she asked.

"Feels like it," Draco said oddly.

"Feels?" Hermione repeated.

"Hunter thing," Draco answered shortly, "Let's hurry up, I'm hungry."

The two picked up their pace, the dogs jogging to keep up. Hermione noticed the dogs comfort and stamina being out of doors, and figured with their skills, combined to Draco's behavior outdoors, with the constant calm but precise surveying and listening, that they hunted often together.

Hermione thought it strange, the image of Draco hunting, and found it hard to believe he learned from his father. The idea of them out together enjoying some genuine father and son time just didn't seem to fit their personas. She was wondering if Draco had taught himself to hunt, meaning he spent hours out here, by himself. She thought that to be a bit lonely, but didn't dwell too long on the idea, since it was so beautiful. She continued to admire the changing leaves as they galloped on.

After awhile they emerged along a clearing set against a bluff over looking a beautiful creek. The view was amazing and the lovely autumn sunshine warm. After an hour and a half of horseback, Hermione was quite tired and hungry herself.

Draco laid out a blanket on the bluff's peak and took out the picnic basket. Silently Hermione and he began to eat. The elves had packed them platters of fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses and crackers, along with fried chicken and pasta salad.

Every once in awhile Draco or one of the dogs would pause and look slowly around, as if hearing something. Hermione just watched them in silence, assuming that Draco and the dogs hunted often in this area.

Hermione was eating carrots and sipping her wine when suddenly Draco picked a beautiful wild flower and offered it to Hermione.

"Smile," he said with little emotion, "They'll be photographing this."

His actions now explained, Hermione accepted the flower and smiled weakly.

"Perhaps they'll go now, it's a long trip back," he said.

Hermione looked at the flower for a long moment only to finally ask, "Why does he want everyone to think he likes muggles?"

"Can't say," Draco responded, looking off into the distance of the peak, reclining back onto his side, supporting himself with his elbow.

Hermione expected such an answer, "Well I hope it's not too important, whatever it may be."

"What do you mean," Draco said, looking at her while he spoke this time.

"Well I just don't want him to be terribly disappointed by his fruitless scheme when I escape."

Draco scoffed with laughter, "And how are you going to do that?" he asked, smirking,

"Can't say," Hermione mocked. Once again, Draco would've liked to laugh at her wit, but, it was her, so he held it in.

"Well be sure to let me know how it works out," is all he said.

"What happens to you specifically when I do?" she inquired.

"I get beaten and tortured by Death Eaters," Draco said blankly, looking at the bluff's edge again. "Why? Does that make you happy?" he asked boldly, looking back at her again.

"No," she said firmly, and Draco felt an odd unexplainably warm sensation in his chest. "…I don't approve of anything a Death Eater does, even if it's to another Death Eater."

The sensation disappeared. "I'm not a Death Eater," said Draco.

"Yet," replied Hermione, picking at her grapes.

Draco scoffed again, "Well just be sure to keep that in mind when you escape and squeal on my family."

"Maybe I won't even mention you," said Hermione coyly "…I mean I will mention Voldemort's lair, all the stuff I heard when he was at dinner, what really happened to Podmore, and… jeez, what am I forgetting? Oh, I'll suggest they investigate your Father's north wing, I can only imagine what must be there…" she trailed off for a moment and Draco leered at her, "But, if you were to help me out, maybe your name could be cleared and all the Death Eater's put in Azkaban before they even get the chance to touch you?"

Hermione's eyes met Draco's, who was staring intently at her. His unwavering gaze made her feel a little funny, not necessarily uncomfortable or intimidated, but his look was powerful nonetheless.

Slowly, he smiled. "Funny," he spoke, "a Gryffindor trying to bribe and manipulate a Slytherin, you'd think it would be the other way around. Sorry Granger, you were close, but not quite cunning enough."

Hermione bit her lip to hide her scowl. "We're out of school Malfoy, do houses really mean anything anymore?"

"It appears that they do," he answered. "Now let's pack up. Clouds are moving in, it's getting colder by the second."

Hermione folded up the blanket as Draco strapped the basket back onto his horse.

"Let's take the long loop back," he said, looking around as if scanning for something, "it's a bit longer but I don't want to see those reporters again when we get back…"

"Alright," answered Hermione, privately glad to enjoy the beautiful woods a bit longer.

She did exactly that as they trotted along in silence. Hermione took in the splendorous sights and smells of the gorgeous green wilderness. She had practically forgotten Draco was there, only to be reminded by catching him rolling his eyes at her from the corner of her eye.

"What?" she demanded to know, but really only paying half attention to him.

"I still can't believe that horse hasn't killed you yet," he said, referring to her horse.

Hermione caught sight of the biggest leaf she had ever seen hanging down from a branch they were about to ride under, it was a brilliant red and the size of a hubcap. She shifted in her seat to pluck it off and keep it, "I suppose he just has a good judgment of company," she boasted as she stood up in the saddle and took her wild colorful souvenir, causing the branch to pull then bounce from the leaf's release, "He just likes me."

"Yeah right," said Draco, neither of them noticing the hornets nest Hermione had just knocked off the same branch as the leaf when she bounced it, "You're just insanely lucky nothing had spooked him yet…"

Suddenly, it was Draco's horse who cried out in savage pain. Angry neighs escaped from his mouth as he reared up on his hind legs and Draco's eyes grew wide as he took strong hold of the reins. He barely managed to conclude his horse had been stung as a swarm of hornets started to rise around him.

Hermione spotted the destroyed hive near the hooves of Draco's horse just as it bulleted down the path, it's hind quarters stinging and too spooked to take orders.

Immediately Hermione urged her horse to follow Draco's, who by then was out of sight.

Mystery, who was exceedingly fast, managed to catch up to Draco and his renegade ride as they were about to crash into a tree trunk that had fallen across the path. A second too late the horse attempted to jump it but knocked it's legs, tipping to it's side, causing Draco to fly off, both hitting the ground and rolling awkwardly. Only Draco continued to roll, as he was flung to a steep hill covered in dead leaves on the side of the path. Hermione heard his grunts as he undoubtedly rolled over rocks.

Mystery skidded to a halt just barely missing crashing in to the same tree trunk and Hermione jumped off and ran after where Draco disappeared down the hill.

She found him lying on his back, grimacing and clutching his ribs. She fell to her knees beside him and tried to see what he was holding.

"Oh my," she cried, shaking, "Are you alright!"

He sharply inhaled as Hermione pulled his hand away, revealing a slash to his upper side, a branch scratching him through his robes and clothing.

"Oh no," she uttered, looking grim, "I'm so sorry," she pleaded, "I didn't know about the nest I swear, I swear," she was shaking her head.

"Granger…" he said faintly, trying to rise. Hermione didn't know whether to let him sit up or not. He saw that her hands were shaking and he was extremely surprised at her concern. She looked as though she was going to assist him to a sitting position but then stopped.

"I'm sorry," she said again, "It was an accident, are you ok? Maybe I can heal you."

Draco's other hand went to his hip, pinning his wand to him from inside his pocket, guarding it from her.

"I only want to help," said Hermione, more desperate and scared looking.

"Granger…" he said again.

"I wasn't going to do anything," she said frantically, trying to explain her request for his wand. "Don't get up, I can bandage you… don't move!" she demanded again.

"Hermione!" he finally yelled, getting her to freeze. "I'm going to be fine" he spoke again more softly, "I've been thrown off a horse before you know!"

Hermione sighed with relief, "It really was an accident you know, I didn't mean to knock down the nest…. now let me help you."

"No," said Draco earnestly, holding tighter to his scratch.

"But I just want to fix you, it was an accident I swear!"

"I believe you already!" Draco yelled, "why are you having kittens?"

Hermione's eyes narrowed, "You may get beaten if anything happens to me, but I get killed if anything happens to you!" she finally cried, "Lucius will never believe I didn't mean to!"

Draco looked up at her as she loomed over him. So that's why she cared, she was eager to fix the damage she caused so she wouldn't get into trouble. Not understanding the feeling that came over him Draco just laid back on the leaves.

"There's a kit in the saddle bag," he said quietly, scowling.

Hermione returned in a matter of seconds with a bag full of potion remedies and her canteen. She unfastened his robes and then paused, deliberating. Finally deciding pulling up his shirt would disturb the wound, she ripped off his shirt. Draco didn't have much time to analyze what that was like because she poured water over the cut making it sting.

He closed his eyes tight and breathed deep. He was surprised when Hermione took his hand to squeeze and lowered her face dangerously close to his bare chest and gently blew on the cut to ease the stinging. He was also surprised that she knew exactly which potion to use, and she gently applied it when she was done rising the cut with water. Finally she pulled bandages out of the kit and wrapped him methodically around his rib cage, her hands soft and warm. She was quite the nurse.

"Can you get up?" she asked.

"No," said Draco.

Hermione's eyes grew wide, "Why not?" she pleaded to know.

"Because you're sitting on my legs." He said matter-of-factly.

Hermione frowned and stood up. Draco slowly rose to his feet and dismissed her offer for help back up the hill.

They reached the path and Draco's horse seemed to cower in front of him, avoiding direct contact.

"Yeah, that's right," said Draco, "Be ashamed. It was a measly hornet for crying out loud!"

Hermione couldn't help but smile at Draco's lighthearted attitude towards his horse bucking him off. Troy slowly went to Draco, putting his face into Draco's chest, where Draco stroked the side of his mouth. Hermione had expected Draco to be furious due to his embarrassing injury, but shockingly he wasn't that bad.

"How's your arse?" he asked the horse with joking sincere concern as he refastened his robe over his ripped shirt. His horse whinnied and Draco smiled softly.

"Should I let you ride me back home then? Or do you think you can manage?"

The horse snorted and stomped his front hooves, causing Draco to laugh. He looked back at Hermione, who Mystery had walked to; she was softly stroking his nose. His smile disappeared and shook his head as he mounted onto his horse. Hermione did the same, thinking Draco was sour with her.

Finally he said to her, "I can't believe my horse was the one to spook at that exact moment, what perfect timing he's got," he was shaking his head again and a small smile returned.

Hermione smiled to and was about to let out a gratuitous laugh only she was interrupted by an unexpected, loud, shrill, inhuman cry.

Frightened, she turned to look behind her to see where the terrifying nose came from, but Mystery had already bolted, ironically being the one to spook that time.

Far faster than Draco's horse, Mystery was gone in a flash, Hermione barely able to hold on. They disappeared around the bend when Draco commanded his horse to follow.

He pursued them for a long time, never able to catch up and grab hold of Mystery's reins. They neared the curve of the path, and Draco began to panic. He knew the terrain well, and the turn there was sharp, the edge of the bluff extremely close.

He was right to be concerned, because Mystery didn't steer sharp enough to make the turn of the curving path. Draco witnessed Hermione, still on Mystery's back, and Mystery, skid off the edge of the bluff. Hermione's scream mixed with the cry of the horse and then there was the crashing splash noise of large objects hitting water.