A/N: Hey everyone:) Sorry about my tardiness- once again- tsk, tsk, tsk- but i…well I don't really have a good excuse so I'll just say sorry, lol. But you guys should thank my best friend who has been bugging the hell out of me to update-like seriously…I've been yelled at every day…but now it's up! So thanks to her and many thanks to all of you who reviewed! I love you guys! Hope you enjoy this next chapter! And I hope everyone had a great fourth of July! Watching fireworks on top of a truck was a fun experience for me! Loved it! (We Jersey girls don't get out much...lol jk)

p.s- I know many of you didn't get what I meant when I said "why did Blaise leave?"..and don't worry, it's not just you. I threw it in there pretty discreetly…or I guess the better word is 'so randomly'…that it was hard to catch. But some of you did and almost got it! Yay! So here's the small sentence that I wrote with Blaise's acute departure- Thinking quickly, Blaise yelled "Stupefy!" watching Pansy freeze in place and fall over to the ground, and ran out of the room with a pen and paper in hand." –So there it is. I think the only real reason I had him leave was so I didn't have Hermione show up in this chapter w/o a reason. I don't know about you guys- but for some reason I thought that whole duel thing was so stupid that it was comical. I laughed non stop when writing it and…idk…it's just funny, lol. I mean, can you picture Aleesa jumping on Draco's back, even though she's a witch and could've thought of a million spells to stop him with out physical force? You know? Okay maybe not- I thought it was funny….haha, jk :)

I know you want to shoot me for delaying the chapter even more- but I was in the mood to write out person thanks from chapter 11 to show how much I love and appreciate you guys :)

Sandiwandi- I couldn't agree more- shes very much a bitch. Maybe she'll become nicer…nah. Lol. :) thanks 4 reviewing!

Padfootsluvr- I'm sorry! I like cliff-hangers, hehe- I'm evil. And I'm so happy this is one of ur fav.s!. :) thanks 4 reviewing!

Wiccan-witch88- yes, I know the feeling, lol. Don't worry- draco and Hermione will find a way to stay together…and the sound of making something bad happen to Aleesa and Lucius is sounding more and more tempting…:) thanks 4 reviewing!

DragonGirl81- Thanks I'm glad you liked it! And I'll try to update soon again too, lol. :) Thanks 4 reviewing!

Theobnixous1- Yes I totally agree. Both need to die- they're getting on my nerves as well. And yes, I'm dying to know what your inkling was and to see if it was correct (which it probably was cause ur just that cool). Haha- and that's really cool we use the same word- I love fantabulous- and a you a jocker? Nah- never! Lol. :) Thanks 4 reviewing!

Daretodream322- I got it up! And I'm so happy this fic rox ur socks:) thanks 4 reviewing!

Danish Pantry 28- Yeah it was mentioned- but barely (lol)- so don't worry about it. And thanks for saying that- I was happy to hear it was still okay although Hermione wasn't in it. :) Thanks 4 reviewing!

Amycharys- don't worry- everyone will get what they deserve in the end. (even if it wasn't really what Aleesa would want, lol) :) thanks 4 reviewing!

DeeCohan- yay! I'm so proud! You guessed right! Go dee- go dee- it's ur b-day! Okay I'll stop. Lol. :) Thanks 4 reviewing!

Deztine- lol- you always make me laugh. I'm the same way 3:30 in the morning on the computer….well sometimes, if I had enough sugar, lol. And I loved the hole to hell line- I completely agree. "evil as brown cows that don't make chocolate milk"…gosh I laughed at that one for a while. :) Thanks 4 reviewing!

Tankbbg- Close! But not quite…but it does have to do with Hermione! How I wish she had the bracelet and all was fine and good…but then Aleesa and Lucius wouldn't be there to ruin any lives now would they? lol, jk. :) Thanks 4 reviewing!

Curlyg2713- Yeah Hermione can take them all down- we can only hope! Thanks, I'll try :) thanks 4 reviewing!

Draco'sblackrose- haha I'm glad you like the duel- I had fun with that. Yeah- pissing off the two is fun. :) thanks 4 reviewing!

Redsox1175- g- yeah so I already told you what I thought about ur review at ur house when we were standing by the sink putting the dishes away, and then we got the ice cream...and then we went to ur room and then I blamed hunter for saying cookie doe ice cream sucks. Haha- did you like ur shout out…well..sort of…

Hotskittles- I finally did! (took forever, lol) hope you enjoy:) thanks 4 reviewing!

Lilbabyangel510- yeah I barely wrote it in there, lol, so that's okay. But I hope you enjoy this next chapter :) thanks 4 reviewing!

xOxOkIsSmYaSsXoXo- yeah things are getting crazy! Glad you like it. :) thanks 4 reviewing!

Juicy-FruitforDraco- haha- yeah I tried to make it exciting so im glad you enjoyed it:) thanks 4 reviewing!

The girl trapped in a dream- haha- yeah the suspense is killing! Jk. Glad you're enjoying it. :) thanks 4 reviewing!

Clairence- Claire! What's up? Haha- I loved that first line and too bad Aleesa and Lucius couldn't get married…match made in heaven. Lol. You're cutting you're hair short? I can see it- it'll be cute:) thanks for everything

Degrassichick- thanks I'm glad you liked it! omg! Just to let you know- cause you probably saw the seasons premiere- but I was so disappointed…stupid emma. Anyways :) thanks 4 reviewing!

Jessika-14- ahh! You were right! (well he sent a letter but same difference) so great job! Hope you like this next chapter:) thanks 4 reviewing!

Maryo1-yeah true- everything's going wrong, but I'm glad you're enjoying it:) thanks 4 reviewing!

Vampiremasquerade- yup- draco's def. digging his own grave here. But I'm glad you like it:) thanks for reviewing!

Ironic-idiocy- haha- thanks so much and im thrilled you're enjoying it! btw- this is totally random but I really like your pen name :) thanks 4 reviewing!

Idbur-haha- don't worry- we all are. I'm glad you like this fic! And yeah- Aleesa is definitely the object of hate in this story so it's all good. :) thanks 4 reviewing!

In too deep- Thanks so much! I'm glad you like it and I'll try to update faster. :)thanks 4 reviewing!

Okay no more stalling…

Disclaimer- don't own anything but the plot…and Aleesa Harris

Ch11- "--Please if you'd all so kindly proceed to my office." Lucius Malfoy smirked with evident fury behind his eyes. Although he just addressed everyone, he only looked at Draco.

"Father, let me talk to you alone first--" Draco started.

"No son…I insist."

Chapter 12-Changing Sides

Hermione and Ginny sat in a small downtown London restaurant known as 'The Vineyard', talking and giggling as they made up for lost time. The two friends hadn't seen each other for a little over a month, and both had so much to tell; Hermione informed her on all the happenings with Draco while Ginny told her about her new fiancée Jonathan. Just the same old girl talk…

"Wow Gin, he sounds fantastic." Hermione smiled.

"Yes, he is." Ginny replied happily, she was practically glowing.

"So, have you talked to Ron lately?" Hermione asked while taking a sip of her water.

"I'm so glad you asked! I mean, I knew that you wanted this to be a girl's afternoon thing, but see they missed you so much and I know you do too--" Ginny sighed relieved.

"Gin? What are you talking about?"

"I asked Harry and Ron to meet us here. Well actually, I told Ron I was meeting you and he practically begged to come along. And then of course he told Harry. But anyway…they should be here any minute."

"Really?" Hermione asked excitedly.

Ginny nodded with a broad smile.

"Ah! Gin you are the best!"

"Well Hermione I know they're you're best friends and all, but am I that bad to hang out with?" Ginny mocked her friend's excitement.

"Oh be quiet!" Hermione grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly, now happy to see her men. It's been about a month's time since she's seen them, and with all of life's new complications, they've been apart. She felt guilty never trying to visit the two, but things were more important at the time; Hermione knew she could go a while without seeing them because they'd always be there when she was ready.

"You should go outside to meet them because I don't think this is the best place for a reunion scene." Ginny joked.

"Alright, I'll be back in a moment."

Hermione smiled and quickly left the table. Practically running outside, she opened the door and stepped out onto the sidewalk. Looking left and right, neither Harry nor Ron was found. She sighed deeply and leant against the wall, awaiting their arrival. Getting bored, she started to play with her nails, but stopped when she glanced over her ring. 'I wonder where he is.' Hermione was quickly pulled out of her thoughts when she heard two men calling her name as they rounded the corner.

"Hermione!" Harry called, jogging up to her.

"Harry!" she yelled excitedly as she was pulled up into a tight and loving hug by her best friend.

"Hey." He said against her hair and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. She looked over his shoulder at Ron, who was standing behind Harry with his hands lazily in his front pockets.

"Ron." She said softer with a genuine smile as she stepped up and hugged him to.

"Hey Hermione."

After he released her, she stared at the two smiling brightly. "So, how have you two been? Causing trouble I presume?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Ha. I wish, but I leave that up to Fred and George. But yeah I've been great. Been traveling a lot lately."

"Really?"

"Yup it's been loads of fun and I'm learning things too."

"Good to know I have an impact."

Ron rolled his eyes but smiled nonetheless.

"And what about you Harry? I've seen you in the papers recently."

"Yes, Quiddich will do that to you." He responded, proud to be Seeker on a professional team.

"How's the team doing?"

"Great, we haven't lost one."

"Harry that's brilliant!"

"Yeah out of 6 games." Ron cut in sarcastically.

"Shut up. The season just started." Harry defended.

Ron just laughed.

"So, anyway, what have you been up to Hermione?" Harry asked ignoring Ron.

"I've been busy now more than ever."

"I find that hard to believe. I'm sure those Hogwarts years will give you a run for your money." Ron stated jokingly.

"No really. The ministry work is tough. Since Fudge got impeached, the new minister is stricter because he refuses to be as 'oblivious as the last head minister' and works everyone to their full potential."

"But Voldemort is-" Harry started, confused.

"Dead I know—but I guess he just doesn't want anything happening under his nose."

"Well. Someone's a little paranoid" Ron said in a sing-song voice.

"Yea." Harry agreed.

"So Ministry work, that's great Hermione. What else has been happening?"

'Well Ron, I'm back with Draco Malfoy and there's a crazy woman who's out to get me.' "Nothing really." She lied easily.

Ron and Harry exchanged looks like "Suuuuure."

"What?" Hermione inquired.

"Nothing really." They both answered in mockery, attempting to raise their deep voices up to Hermione's.

Hermione narrowed her eyes at them but giggled, "Okay. Well, let's eat! I left Ginny in there."

"Speak of the devil…"

"Hermione!" Ginny yelled coming out of the doors form the restaurant.

"Yes?"

"Here this came for you." Ginny said, handing her a bad excuse for a letter. It was a lined piece of paper that was folded many times and taped almost everywhere. It looked as if it was done in a hurry.

"Hey Harry." Ginny smiled giving him a big hug with a giant smile.

"Oh please Ginny. You're engaged!" Ron joked.

Harry rolled his eyes while Ginny kept talking. "And? I can't give him a hug?"

"No I didn't say that! I just don't think that Jon would like it very much if he saw this little display of affection. He'd probably make the wrong assumptions and try to take it up with Harry when really it was you who gave the hug in the first place."

Ginny stared at Ron for a moment and then turned away without saying anything.

"Ginny what was that? No comeback?"

"Oh sorry." Ginny turned back around and faced Ron. "That was me, pretending for one second that I actually gave some thought to that explanation. But it was stupid so I was done listening."

"Ouch." Ron said sarcastically. "That one will really leave a mark."

Harry sat there and laughed at the two brawling siblings and their playful insults. He then looked across at Hermione and noticed she was standing still, just staring at the letter.

"Hermione, are you okay?" he asked.

She couldn't find the right word to truly express what she was feeling…if there were a such a word, it would be defined as fear, worry, anger, distress, and hopelessness, all combined into one. Seeing as there was none, she settled on shaking her head no.

"What does it say?" Ginny asked worriedly.

Hermione handed the letter over to Ginny.

Hermione-

I probably wasn't supposed to send this until after we got the bracelet back safely, but, I don't know if that'll happen. You have no way of knowing either because neither one of us it with you. But when you get this, go straight to the Hotel on the corner of Beau and Saxons and go to room 406. We'll be there. If not then, just go home. Don't come looking for us. You don't know where we are.

-Blaise.

p.s- Ginny if you get this and read it although it was clearly not addressed to you…give it to Hermione.

"Well, we should—" Ginny started, trying to discreetly fold it back up and place it in her pocket, but seriously, like Harry and Ron wouldn't ask?

"Give me that." Ron said, snatching the letter out of her hands.

"Ron no!" Ginny yelled as she watched the two men read the small paper.

Hermione and Ginny stared at the two, you would think after a minute or five, that they would have stopped staring at it. But no, the two were looking at it as if they were trying to burn it with just their eyes.

"So…?" Ginny asked apprehensively

Harry and Ron both looked up as if unaware of her presence. It was hard to read the expression on their faces. It was probably more disbelief rather than anger, but it was safe to assume that the anger would show up in a few moments.

"Er—right." Harry squinted his eyes at the paper once more, before handing it back to Hermione. She took it slowly and stared into their eyes, seeing…nothing. She probably would've preferred some yelling from Ron, or maybe some disappointed looks from Harry, but received neither. Just some built up anger that was taking too much time to come out…time that was important to her right now.

"I have to go." Hermione stated, and turned to find a safe place to apparate.

"Wait." Ron demanded. "You're leaving?"

"Ron you read the letter. Draco needs me."

"Draco? As in Malfoy?"

"Oh because there's so many other 'Draco's' we know." Harry stated in a monotone voice.

"Shut up mate. What's he got to do with this!" Ron seethed turning his attention back to Hermione.

Hermione looked at him in incredulity. He was actually her friend? Someone this thick?

"Everything!"

"The letter is clearly from Zabini."

"Ron—I…Yes it was from Blaise but it's not…what did you think the 'us' meant? He was referring to him and Draco! I…You…Oh this is ridiculous! I can't believe you thought…" she shook her head.

"So you're with Malfoy now?"

"Obviously." Harry stated again in the same voice.

"Harry, please! Shut up! If you're not going to help then stop commenting all together." Ron sighed deeply and then raised his eyebrows for her to answer.

"Yes, Ron."

"And, when did this happen?"

"A while ago."

"What is 'a while' ago?"

"Not today."

"Hm. So, I'm assuming it was you who stopped his wedding."

"Look, Ron. I have to go. Draco's in trouble…or will be soon and if you're not going to help then I'll catch up with you three later. I'm wasting time."

"You don't even know where he is."

"Yes I do. He told me."

"Malfoy?"

"Blaise."

"Now were back on Zabini."

"Yes."

"He told you where he was?"

"Yes."

"When?"

"In the letter!"

"No he didn't! Wait you mean that French place?"

"No."

"How do you know then?"

"Ron he made it blatantly evident where they were likely to end up, so I'm leaving. Please, I am really wasting time. You can ask me anything you wish when I return."

"We're going with you." Harry cut in.

"No, no you're not." She refused.

"We've always done these things together in the past, why is this different?"

"Harry, we were young and immature."

"So you regret those years of fighting alongside me?"

"No! Harry you know what's not what I meant."

"I know. But the point is, you did it so it would only be fit for me to do the same."

"But this doesn't concern you."

"You two were never concerned with Voldemort, but you came along anyway."

"Good point." Ron agreed.

"Harry. No. Draco wouldn't--"

"I'm not doing this for him. I'm doing this to help you…and to see him in the most uncomfortable position ever so he's begging me to save him."

"Ahh! Gross! My ears!" Ron yelled.

"What? Not like that you git. I just mean so that he owes me. That's up on his list of things that will never happen, so, I'd like to make his life hell."

"Harry--" she warned. She really did not want any of them to get involved…with anything.

"And Hermione, do you honestly think that the git will let it go over his head that we let you into that house unaccompanied?"

"Well I suppose that's true." She thought aloud.

"Great. So that's settled."

"But Harry--"

"No Hermione he's right. We'll all go." Ginny chimed.

"Gin not you too!"

"Look's like you're overruled. I've never thought I'd say it, but I'm anxious to see Malfoy. He'll be happy to see us." Ron laughed.

"Overjoyed." Hermione said sarcastically. "Seriously guys, if you're coming, this isn't a joke. Torture him after we get him and Blaise out of there, with that bracelet--"

"What bra--?" Ron started.

"Don't ask questions. We just need that and need the men and we're out. I promise to explain everything later. You have my word." Hermione looked deeply into Harry and Ron's eyes and they knew she meant business.

"Fine." Harry agreed.

"Alright. So, where we headed?" Ron asked.

"The Malfoy Manor."

000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

As Hermione was battling with her friends, Draco was dealing with harder conquests at his 'residence'. Currently, Lucius was practically pushing all four of them into his office and only one-quarter of the party really wanted to go in there. Three guesses who that was.

However- Very surprisingly, Pansy was not all too keen on being there. Being quiet all morning gave her time to think about this. Sure, she wanted the money that she was guaranteed to receive, but what else? God knows she has enough of it, so why did she want this so bad…if she did at all? Yes, she and Aleesa were close, but through everything, she felt like Aleesa's dog…and since Aleesa was already a bitch, following one was not what Pansy liked. And did she really want the mudblood dead? Yes, Hermione pretty much ruined Pansy's life by ruining Pansy's chances with Draco, but was that 'crime' worth a slow and painful death? Because that was exactly what'd be sure to follow once this little meeting was over, and everyone knew it. Now that the situation was heightening, she stayed quiet within her thoughts, thinking, is the money really worth it?

Draco turned around to face his father once more, but he decided to take a different approach since his last question didn't work.

"Father please give us a moment." Draco asked, grabbing Aleesa (who was a step ahead of him) by the inside of her elbow and swinging her around to face Lucius with him.

Lucius narrowed his eyes and sneered, but still walked past them. Draco watched the three enter the room and close the door behind them.

"What, Draco?" Aleesa snapped, snatching her arm out of his grasp.

"Last chance." Draco stated.

Aleesa scoffed. "It's not going to happen."

"Why are you doing this!" asked in a hushed, and slightly desperate whisper.

She didn't answer and looked down at the floor.

"What happened to you? You weren't always like this." He asked a little softer

"It's your fault."

"My fault?"

"Yes you're fault!" she whispered back a little more forceful. "If you hadn't--"

"What? Met you? Met Hermione? Yes, because it's really my fault who I fell in love with and who my family decided to ally."

"Well it is you're fault you fell in love with her! She's a mudblood!"

"So!"

"So? Draco who are you anymore?"

"You haven't known me long enough to ask me that question. You didn't know me back in Hogwarts, nor how she helped me change. If you did, you'd hold at least some respect for her and not go through with this." He looked into her eyes but saw little remorse. So he added as an afterthought, "If you cared for me at all, then don't do this, it would kill me."

"So now you know exactly how I felt." She spat.

"What?" Draco asked, he couldn't believe his ears. With everything that's happened, she waited now to tell him? Not that it mattered nearly enough to change his decision, but, it still mattered.

"Nothing. Just…hold you're tongue and maybe Lucius won't make it to painful for her."

"Does it matter to you that much that you would kill over it!"

Aleesa stared into his eyes for a moment…a long hard stare. It reminded him of what he and Hermione do; just stare at each other until the other breaks. Her eyes softened; he thought for a second he had gotten through to her with the guilt trip, and noticed her closing in on the space between them. Out of nowhere she grabbed his neck and pulled him down into a rough kiss, smashing his lips onto hers. She shoved her tongue into his mouth, without bothering to ask for entrance. Right before Draco was about to kiss back, he realized who this was and broke off the kiss, lightly pushing her away from him.

Aleesa looked flushed and disappointed, like she missed his kisses…and she did. But, then it occurred to her, he didn't kiss back. Looking at him without saying a word, her disheveled stare turned into a full, hard, spiteful glare. He knew right then and there-- that was it. Draco had lost her forever. Anything she felt for him quickly diminished like a burning flame to dry paper…and Draco knew she wouldn't help him ever again. Now, guilt wouldn't work, seduction sure as hell wouldn't (not that it was an option…Hermione would kill him), nor would anything else. That kiss could have maybe saved Hermione, but he would never know since he did not respond.

Aleesa moved in closer once more, but instead of another attempt of rekindling any connection or passion between them, she just leant in to answer his former question. "It wouldn't be the first time." She said slowly, and then hurriedly walked back into the room.

Draco watched her leave and thought 'What the hell was that? Good job Draco…just should have fucking kissed her back! Now what are you gonna do? And she's probably in there already telling Lucius everything without you…'

"FUCK!" Draco yelled as he turned around and flew to open the door.

Luckily, Aleesa was just getting comfortable in her seat with Pansy standing behind her chair, a little standoffish. Blaise was standing five feet away from her on the right side with an empty chair in front of him.

"Ah Draco, so glad you came to join us." Lucius stated as he put out his right arm, signaling him to sit.

"Yes well I did not have much of a choice there, did I?" Draco replied sarcastically, taking a seat.

"Correct."

Lucius began looking over papers, ignorantly making them wait. Draco got restless and spoke up, "Father, is there something you needed to address? Because we have places to go."

"Like where Draco? Hm? Too see anyone in particular?"

"No. But I'm a grown man with other affairs I must attend to."

"Hm. I presume none of you have a problem with Draco leaving since he has 'other affairs that he must attend to' that are more important than this?" Lucius addressed the other three.

Neither Pansy nor Blaise said a word. Even if they wanted to, Aleesa jumped at the chance.

"Of course not! I mean…Draco, darling--" she drawled as she rubbed his arm lovingly, "—if you have plans then I'm sure I can talk this over with my father-in-law by myself. I mean, he is family to me too." She smiled at Draco and then looked over at Lucius.

"No. It can wait. I just meant, we should, start this…whatever… it is…" Draco was already getting angered by the moment, truthfully he'd been angered all day, ever since he earlier had a talk with his father, then to the fight with Aleesa, and now back where he started the day. And being at this place twice was not very appealing. But no matter how angry he was getting, he had to suppress it for Hermione's and his sake. Aleesa and Lucius would not win this. It wasn't even that he was afraid of his father anymore, because he wasn't; he saw this as a competition…a battle…and he would prevail. But he wasn't about to leave and let Aleesa screw it all up for him.

"I agree. So, why are you here Aleesa?"

"I'm--"

"Er—excuse me, but don't you think you should be asking me that question as since this was the second time I was here this morning?" Draco cut in, prepared to interrupt as many times as he had to, in order to avoid the subject that he was dreading.

"If that was the case then I would have asked you. But I did not. So hold you're tongue." Lucius spat.

Draco rolled his eyes and silently counted to three. 'I swear…if someone tells me to hold my tongue one more damn time…'

"Continue." Lucius looked at Aleesa.

"Right. I came here because I was worried about Draco. Father—may I call you that?" Lucius nodded his head while Draco rolled his eyes. She was taking this too far. "Yes well, Father, I was utterly distressed when I heard that Draco was being unfaithful--."

"What did you like, rehearse this or something with a new virginal, nun-like approach?" Blaise asked incredulously but was silenced by a piercing look from both Aleesa and Lucius.

Aleesa continued and felt her eyes get teary. "—I mean, Blaise said that he was dating her--"

Blaise coughed obnoxiously at this statement to get her to stop again. "Excuse me. Carry on, but leave me out of it."

"--But in all honesty, I think he was cheating." Aleesa said fast and hurt, wiping her eyes clear of the forced tears.

"Cheating?" Lucius asked not mad, but more excited at the thought of having a significant reason to find Hermione again."Draco I raised you better than that."

Draco evilly stared back at him. "Really? I didn't notice." he stated in monotony.

"--And, I would never ever wish harm on Draco in a million years…I only want what is in his best interest like a loving wife, such as myself--"

Blaise snorted in the corner. "Yeah and Lucius is really nice while caring for the well-being of all mudbloods." He grunted sarcastically. Looking up he realized the room went silent, 'Oh shit! Did I just say that out loud?' And with one look from Draco telling him to 'snuff it', told him he did.

"Er—I mean…this room is as cold as ice…and I could really go for...a hot coffee mug!" He looked around the room and noticed no reactions, so he added a "Buuurrrr." while rubbing his hands together and blowing in them, trying to get warmer. He laughed nervously and added, "Hey Lucius, it's freezing, do you think you can turn the furnace up?"

Lucius stared hard at Blaise, then moved his eyes to the cackling fire that was burning in the fireplace, and looked back at Blaise. Blaise noticed the fire he was pointing to and stopped his gestures. "Yes, well no bother! I sure feel warmer now…that fire…sure is something." Blaise stated as he retreated back to the corner with everyone's eyes on him. Slowly, they turned back around, except Draco. Draco mouthed the words 'SHUT UP!' to Blaise as he replied back 'SORRY!'. Draco turned back around in his seat and faced his father.

"Like I was saying. I thought it should be brought up as a family meeting so that these problems don't return in the future." Aleesa concluded.

Blaise sighed deeply at the absurdity of this conversation. Aleesa was a poor actress in this scenario; he was almost disappointed. She was smarter than that and yet, this was what she came up with? The poor house-wife who loves her husband, despite his adulterous ways? Psh. Yeah, okay. Aleesa was totally opposite. She was a working, independent woman who would hex her husband (or divorce him) after the first sign of cheating. Perhaps she didn't really care how bad it sounded because she knew Lucius did not need to be convinced, he knew them all to well, especially his own son. It was more than obvious that they were back together. Blaise snorted once more about the irony of Aleesa's lies. Quickly noticing his mistake, he made a coughing sound to try and hide the mocking one.

But, no avail. Lucius doesn't let people off easy.

"Blaise, what is your problem?"

"Er…Cold Sir. I told you… room is an icebox."

"What happened to being warmer?"

"What?"

"Why don't you put you're coat and gloves back on?"

"Right, but see, then it'd be a little too warm for my liking, and I'd rather be too cold than--"

"Blaise?"

"Yes?"

"Quiet."

"Right."

"Aleesa, just to understand you fully, who was this witch you were referring to? Is it someone I know?"

"Oh, yes. Very well too."

"And her name is?"

"Master Malfoy…Sir?" A timid voice called from outside of the room.

Lucius rolled his eyes and told Blaise to open the door. On the other side of the door stood a tiny house elf, barely wearing anything short of Dobby's rags from the earlier years. She hung her head down in submission and waited to be addressed.

"What do you want?" Lucius asked impatiently, not bothering to even look at the pitiful creature.

"Tibby is sorry to bother you Master, but Tibby was asked to inform you that a Miss. Hermione Granger is here to see you."

Silence quickly entered the room as if the mute button on a television was suddenly pushed. It seemed everything went quiet; no one moved, hell, no one breathed. All that could be heard was the noise from the fire. Each stood in shock, just different forms of it. One fearful. One worried. One surprised. One happy. And one was so pleasantly surprised that he decided he'd go greet her himself.

"Thank you Tibby. You may go." The timid house elf left quickly. "No one move."

Draco stood up against his demands. "So it's true? You are back with the little filth."

"You better--" Draco seethed.

"Silence. I'll bring her up here. Sit down Draco. I won't hurt her. I promise." He mocked.

He stood in the doorway and added, "Maybe I should give you a ring too, just so you trust me." before shutting the door.

Draco got up and followed right after him, but he couldn't open the door. "Alohomora!" he shouted, but nothing. "Alohomora!" he shouted more forcefully, but the door still didn't budge. "It's probably some dark magic he used…I have to just think." Draco said anxiously pacing the room with the wand in his left hand.

"On the door?" Aleesa asked sarcastically.

"What?" he stopped moving and glared.

"He used dark magic…on the door…?"

"Shut up!"

Aleesa smirked.

Draco looked at Pansy to the left side of the room, and she hadn't said a word. She just stood there…all…spacey…and her mind was aloof. But he didn't have time to worry about her. Time was what almost made him loose her the last round.

He looked at Blaise and got angry. "You told her?"

"Well technically…"

"What did you say!"

"It was rushed, I don't remember."

"Is that why you left earlier!"

"Yes."

"BLAISE! Now she's downstairs with him and I can't open this goddamn door!"

"What the hell is your problem?" Aleesa asked.

"ARE YOU SERIOUS! I mean, honestly, we ALL saw it! Did you not forget what happened the LAST time she was in here all alone with him?"

"She has her wand. If she's smart she'll leave unharmed." Aleesa stated simply.

"Shut up!" Both Blaise and Draco yelled. Aleesa just threw her arms up in defense and sat back in the chair, waiting for Lucius to come back.

"All right, how do I get out of here?" Draco asked hastily.

"Draco, he did say he'd bring her back." Blaise reasoned.

"What is wrong with you people? Do you really think, that man means any bloody word that comes out of his mouth!"

"I was just saying…he did promise."

"Yea well he also promised he'd be a good father…look what a liar he made himself out of in that one."

Blaise didn't have anything to say.

"Bombarda!" Draco yelled at the door, but still got no where.

"And what the hell? Why'd you tell her we were over here anyway?"

"Mate, I wrote the letter during the fight. If it was after it, I wouldn't have written it. And wait, you're the one who told me to send it!"

"After it was over!"

"I thought you 'weren't gonna loose'!" he said imitating Draco voice in a goofy way.

Draco narrowed his eyes at Blaise and spoke quietly. "Hermione is a smart woman. There's something else behind this. Hopefully she didn't just willingly come here without a plan. But I'm not waiting to find out, we're finding her and leaving now. So help me with this door."

"Bombarda!" They both yelled.

"Draco stop!" Hermione requested.

Both Draco and Blaise turned around at the sound of her voice. There she was, nervous and clearly uncomfortable standing in the room where one of her most painful memories existed. Still, she was there with her wand, standing next to Pansy who was hold her wand over an unconscious Aleesa. Looking down at Aleesa she sat limp in the chair. Draco instinctively ran over to Hermione and scooped her up into his arms, so relieved to find out she wasn't on the other side of that door. She kissed him on the cheek and pulled away to start placing locking spells on the inside of the door.

"Hermione what--?"

"Leave now, questions later. Aleesa should be up in 5 minutes." She explained. Her eyes told him she was worried and there wasn't much time, so he did not bother to argue.

"Blaise come over here. We're leaving."

"THANK the gods! Bloody hell, Lucius has an everlasting wedgie up his ass. Like a fuckin drill sergeant …or McGonagall…" He replied, his voice getting progressively lower.

"Wait but what about the bracelet?" Draco asked, his eyes already starting to search for it while both Blaise and Hermione did the same.

Pansy spoke up for the first time all day. "Draco. I have it." She exclaimed as she pulled it out of her pocket.

Everyone stood still for a moment; Pansy wanted to help? Again, another strange, deafening silence ran through the room. But the foreboding feeling of someone coming made them all snap back into reality.

"Yes, guys… Pansy has a heart. Shocking I know. Now let's go!" Blaise yelled sarcastically as the four grabbed hands and apparated out of Malfoy Manor.