A/N- Happy July 16th! What's the special occasion you ask? Well- actually I doubt any of you are asking that if you're reading HP fanfiction. So yea- my HBP book just came in the house and it looks so cool! Lol. I can't wait to start reading it- but don't worry- I'll still update this like I do now. So I hope everyone enjoys the new book!

But back to this fic- thanks for all the lovely reviews! It saddens me to say- but this will probably be one of the last chapters to this story. :( Yes, it's coming to a close. I'm, sad cause I really got attached to this story, but I wouldn't have had as nearly as much fun with it if it wasn't for all of you! You have no idea how much your suggestions inspired me and your words encouraged me! I love you all sooo incredibly much—but I'm not gonna get all mushy yet--cause it isn't over. We still need to find out what happens with Aleesa and Lucius, what Pansy's true intentions are, and how the Gryffindors deal with Hermione and Draco. O0o0oh I wonder…And I am already thinking of another fic so this is definitely not the last you'll be hearing from me- I promise you that!

Real quick to address two people- Wand- wow- I am so flattered that you'd want to translate this. I'll have to e-mail you before I agree because I have a lot of questions. So don't do anything yet but I will contact you soon. :) the obnoxious1- omg I wished you lived in Jersey- you're too awesome. :)

Disclaimer- I do not own Harry potter!

Okay on with this next chapter!

Ch12-"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.

Chapter 13- Hermione's Decision

A moment later, Hermione, Draco, Blaise and Pansy had landed in the center of Hermione's living room, right next to the coffee table. They let go of each other; the tension was slowly dropping from before. Both Draco and Blaise sat on the couch, sighing heavily and falling into it. Pansy sat down timidly and quietly in the single armchair to their left. The three looked tired and frustrated, as if it was over…but it was far from it.

Hermione looked at the three incredulously and shouted, "What are you doing?"

They looked up at Hermione as if she was clinically insane, Draco spoke, "What do you mean what are we doing?" What was she ranting about? He had promised himself to always protect her- so her being in the Malfoy Manor clearly went against that. And somehow, through way of miracle, she got out unharmed in anyway. So why in the world was she acting like she wanted to go back?

"Draco, you can't just sit there! We have to go back!"

"Go back? Hermione, love, maybe you aren't feeling well…"

"No Draco I'm feeling fine! But it's not over!"

"What's your problem?"

"There are other people still in there!"

"What?" All three yelled, equally surprised.

"Yes, Harry, Ron, and Ginny are-"

"You brought them into it! Mr. Save-the-world with his poor useless sidekick and his whole beggar family?" Draco asked harshly.

"Draco-" she warned.

"No. How did they get involved? They have nothing to do with anything!"

"They wanted to help!"

"You should've said no!"

"I did!"

"Oh Really? So then why are they there?"

"They didn't listen! What did you want me to do? Stupefy them and leave?"

"It that's what it took!"

"Draco are you listening to yourself? If your friends wanted to help, you would have no shame-"

"In telling them to shove off." He interrupted.

"So, Blaise really listened." She nodded her head in Blaise's direction, who was watching them in great interest.

"He was in this from the beginning!"

"So what if it was Crabbe…or… or Goyle."

Draco scoffed, "Are you serious?" he asked flatly.

"Draco, I don't know why this is so hard for you to comprehend."

"It's not like this is a reading assignment Granger, there is nothing wrong with my comprehension skills." He spat, mad at her for insulting his intellect. Ah, the male ego…

"Granger? Oh don't be so childish."

"You're the one being immature…bringing your friends into this as if it was some Gryffindor house party. And you know something?"

"No. Enlighten me."

"It's actually more dangerous now because you brought more people into this situation."

"Oh because I really planned this! Like I owled them saying 'Hello boys, I'm having problems with my fiancée and his god-awful father. And although it could potentially threaten your lives, I so desperately need your help.'" She said all in one breath glaring at Draco. He just wasn't being fair. Of course she knew why he was angry. This was between them and he just didn't want more responsibilities...more people to worry about. But to make her feel bad like she wanted to involve her friends, was not the truth.

"Who knows? Maybe you did." He said lightly, but accusingly.

Hermione took an audible gasp and lowered her voice. "I am going to pretend that I didn't hear that appalling accusation you just made. If you even think that I would want to put my friends at risk in a battle I already figured I could handle myself, then you must not know me very well, Malfoy."

Draco rolled his eyes and bent down so he was eye level with her, speaking very plainly so she would pick up every word. "Granger all I'm saying is that I don't want to baby-sit any more than I need to. Involving them just puts more stress on me. I don't like them, I don't feel anything toward them except for the fact that I unfortunately know them. We want to get this thing over with as quickly as we can but three extra people in the way are distracting, and the last thing we need is to be straying away from the goal."

Hermione kept her eyes burning into his as he just stared back, awaiting her answer. "The goal, huh? Malfoy since you have a hard time understanding me, I'm going to make it easier." She said condescendingly. She watched as Draco's eyes burned with anger and annoyance, but he acted against it by raising an eyebrow for inquiry. Smiling smugly, she continued, "Pretend this is a Quiddich game: Slytherin against Hufflepuff.-" Hermione ignored Blaise's snort in the background. "-Easy win, correct?" Draco said nothing "The snitch is the bracelet, and the opposing seeker is Lucius. So, as the game progresses, you're winning, easily. You've even seen the snitch a few times, but you didn't even bother to catch it. The points keep adding on, and adding on, but then, the crowd stops cheering because the Hufflepuff seeker caught the snitch-" Blaise interrupted her but a loud disbelieving laugh. Hermione looked over Draco's shoulder at Blaise. After he calmed, he apologized, and she continued. "Didn't see that coming…and now, it's serious. You're mad, obviously, but wait! It isn't over- it's tied. Thank god the Slytherins scored a lot or they would've been humiliated for weeks. So, who wins? No one. Why?- new rule. Madam Hooch decides that the teams double up. Ravenlaw with the Hufflepuffs and the Slytherins with the Gryffin-"

"Uh- Hermione? 28 players in one game? That's not allow-" Blaise interrupted.

"Shut up." She snapped. Blaise put his hands up in defense and she looked back at Draco. He was still pissed, but he also looked slightly amused. Although he did stand back up with his arms folded across his chest.

"So now, Harry's on your team and you're both working for the same goal. He didn't ask to come into the game, but by some sort of twist in fate, it happened. And he's in the running. Now, you can either play nice, or get thrown off the broom and loose against Lucius."

She finished and looked up, waiting for him to smile and apologize, to kiss and make up.

He smirked at her arrogantly and stated, "That was a horrible analogy Granger. It wasn't realistic, my team would take the loss before we teamed up with them. But, I do applaud you for trying."

"Oh! You are insufferable!"

Blaise laughed again in the background, turning both in his direction.

"What?" Hermione snapped.

"You calling him insufferable when that nickname was used only for you by his favorite teacher, and you're worst teacher-" Blaise laughed again, "-Now is that ironic? Or is it just funny?"

Hermione rolled her eyes in frustration and sat as far away from Draco as possible. "Well Malfoy, now that you've successfully wasted my time here when I could have been doing something more productive and comforting like helping my friends, I'd like to finally leave now while there's still something left of them."

"No."

"Excuse me?"

"It was a one word answer Granger, you heard it loud and clear."

"You have no say in what I do."

"You want to bet on that?"

"No."

"I'm not going to ridiculously sit here and argue."

"Why not? You were doing it so well before?"

"As were you."

"I'm leaving."

"Potter has been getting his ass into trouble for years now, I think he can escape just once more."

"But I'm not sitting here to wait and find out. Like you said, this is our battle."

"Yes and for now, it was fought. We'd be fine here if you didn't invite them along."

"For the last time I didn't ask them to come!"

"Will the two of you just SHUT YOUR BLOODY TRAPS?" Cried Pansy, which quickly silenced the room.

"Look guys, Pansy finally decided to show signs of existence." Exclaimed a shocked Blaise.

All of a sudden, a wave of remembrance came crashing down upon Draco and Hermione when they looked at Pansy, finally acknowledging that 'the enemy' was in their vicinity. They remembered how she was like an Aleesa clone that had decided to help them for no reason…but why? Was this another trick? And then the feeling of discomfort and distrust crept through the two…and finally, the questions started flying.

"Pansy, what are you doing here?" Draco bit harshly, taking his aggression from Hermione out on Pansy.

"I-"

"Why do you have the bracelet?" Hermione asked, just as ruthless as her other half.

"Well-"

"And why would you bring it here?"

"I-"

"Especially if you don't even like me." Hermione agreed with Draco.

"What are you playing at Parkinson?"

Pansy sighed, and looked up at the two, not even bothering to speak up for herself until they were done. Blaise noticed this and tried to help.

"Hey! Snape and McGonagall!"

The two snapped around to look at Blaise, eyebrows raised for an explanation for the embarrassing references.

"This might sound insane but, stay with me. Maybe if you two would pause to breathe for a second, then she could try to answer you're questions better than in just one syllable… It's just a thought." Blaise shrugged innocently, and the two wordlessly agreed to play fair.

"To answer your first question, I'm here to help. It sounds crazy, I know, it was hard even for me to say those words…but it's the truth- don't ask. Second- I have the bracelet because I took it from Aleesa before we went to talk to Lucius. The answer to the third question can be found in the first. And lastly- You're right, I don't like you. In fact, I hate you. But I'm not playing at anything. You don't have to trust me, I wouldn't expect you to. I sure as hell don't trust you…just comes with the Slytherin pureblood package…but I will keep my word." Pansy finished, and it was clear that her whole explanation was directed towards Hermione. It seems after doing nothing all day but thinking, her old self came back with a little bite.

Hermione, mind not nearly convinced that Pansy had good intentions, stared at Draco, who only smirked in return. Huffing in anger, she turned towards the other two and smiled impatiently, saying through clenched teeth, "Excuse us." She grabbed Draco's sleeve and pulled him into the kitchen, shutting the swinging door behind them.

"I don't trust her." Hermione seethed, crossing her arms in aggravation.

"Me either." He said simply, as if she wasting time stating the already known facts.

"She's lying."

"She's not."

"How can you defend her after all she did?"

"I know, I just…I think she was confused before."

"How can you not see it's a trick!"

"And you have proof of that?"

"I just know these things."

"Now Granger, what did we talk about assuming things…"

"No it's not funny Draco! I am completely serious! For all we know, this is just some stupid ploy created to confuse us more and put us right back where we started, with the disadvantage."

"That's possible…and I would not put it past her. But, we still have the bracelet here, don't we?"

"Yes but I-" Hermione ranted, but was cut off by the feeling of Draco's lips upon hers. She started to raise her arms so she could run her fingers through his silky blonde locks, but reality tapped her shoulder before she could respond. She furrowed her brow and shoved Draco off of her, pushing him once more so he got the message.

"Draco what is the matter with you! Kissing should not be your refuge from my anger. It's only going to get me more flustered in thinking you aren't listening." She spat.

"But I am." He drawled whining, rolling his eyes.

"You're not acting like it. Ugh! I can't stand you right now!"

"It's okay. The feelings mutual."

"You can pretend to be calm like you could care less with your stupid, annoyingly lazy attitude. But I don't care, you're in trouble anyway."

"Wait, I'm in trouble?" he asked in mockery.

"Oh you're in the doghouse."

"The what? Never mind. Getting back on point- as long as the bracelet stays in sight, I don't see the problem."

"The problem Draco? You don't see any problem? There has always been a problem Draco! There still is! And you know what? We are NOT seventeen anymore and I refuse to live my life this way. It's getting ridiculous! You're the most important thing to me and you know it. But if you want to stay in that position, you will grow up this instant and look at the big picture Draco! We're young adults still living in uncertainty and frustration, and until we find a way to end this constant circle of going absolutely nowhere, until we stand up to your father, it's not going to change. And I can't live my life like that…not anymore." Hermione finished, tired and saddened after her little speech. She starred into his icy blue eyes for something, anything…but just as earlier today with Harry and Ron, the man standing in front of her showed nothing. No sadness, nor happiness…no acceptance, nor disbelief…no pain, nor pleasure…just… blank.

She closed her eyes, just wanting to fall limp into his arms and cry all the burdens off her shoulders, but just sighed deeply instead. Looking back into his eyes, she silently pleaded a cry of desperation, and not receiving any sympathy…or empathy…she became mad. Anger and disappointment came out of no where, so she glaringly pushed past Draco and out the door.

Sighing deeply, and running his fingers through his hair, he thought about what she said. He leaned his head against the refrigerator and thought 'So, what is she saying? Time apart?' Getting a small glass of water, he walked back out, sitting with his former house mates.

"Ah no thanks mate I'm not particularly thirsty. But thanks for asking." Blaise voiced sarcastically.

Draco looked down at his drink and shrugged, taking another sip.

"So, is she mad?" Pansy asked.

Draco scoffed, "Is my name Draco Malfoy?"

"That bad?" Blaise inquired.

"She'll calm down… in time."

"So should I just come back next month or something?" Blaise joked.

Draco grinned, but didn't reply.

A loud crack in the room turned the attention to the door way.

The three Slytherins turned to look at the three Gryffindors, and an awkward but hateful silence passed within the room.

"There's a sight I thought I'd never see." Ron stated flatly. "The worst three Slytherins sitting in the middle of Hermione's living room."

"Ah, I thank you Weasley. That's so nice. I think I feel a tear." Blaise joked with his hand to his chest.

"We appreciate the flattery Weasley, but this is my home too. Get used to it." Draco smirked, sitting back into his chair.

"That excuse worked back in seventh year, but seeing as you really have no rights to this vicinity, I'll pretend you're not here-" Ron stopped, getting a look of silence from his sister.

"Malfoy, where's Hermione." Said Harry in more of a demand than a question.

"Upstairs."

"Hermione?" Harry called from the bottom. "Hermione!"

"Potter don't bother."

"What's wrong with her?" Ginny asked worried.

"How badly did you screw up this time?" Ron asked accusingly, and almost whining.

"Mind you own damn business." Draco answered sharply.

Ginny walked away from the two men, and sat next to Blaise.

"So, how did all of you play part in this little charade?" Blaise smirked.

"Well, Hermione did most of it, we just got her a few minutes time."

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.

Lucius Malfoy stopped to seal the door shut, and then laughed grimly at the sadistic thoughts playing in his mind, anxious to answer the door. As he swept the halls, he heard a house elf opening the front door, and then quietly closing it, leading Hermione into the foyer. When Lucius stopped at the top of the stairs, he looked down disbelievingly, and already pissed at the person who was standing in the doorway.

"Ginnerva Weasley." He drawled out nice and slow. "What brings you to my humble, yet beautiful home?"

Ginny quickly put on an act: She smiled happily and bubbly at the man and answered, "Well you know it's funny you asked neighbor-"

"I'm not your neighb-"

"- I was making tea this morning and I realized, I had no milk! I know, it's horrible! So since you lived around the corner, down six streets, across the bridge, into the next few towns over, I wondered if I could get it from you? Milk…please?" She smiled smugly, and held out her arms to receive it.

"Ginnerva-"

"Ginny." She corrected.

"Ginny. Why travel so far?" he asked, trying hard to contain his boiling urge to strangle her with his bare arms.

"Oh I'm just joking Mr. Malfoy! I was actually here to see Malfoy…well, your son of course…not you…NOT that there's anything wrong with you…it's just-"

"Get to the point."

"Malfoy, Draco, and I accidentally bumped into each other in Diagon Alley's Gringots the other day, and picked up each other's receipts. I need mine to withdraw something today. So, is he in?"

"Yes, but he's…preoccupied."

"Can I leave a message?"

"You just did. Stop wasting my time."

"But that wasn't the message. I'm sure he realizes the mistake too. So the message is…are you ready?"

"Yes." He bit impatiently.

"You have no pen and paper."

"I'll remember."

"But it's long."

"Weasley!"

"Okay, okay. Tell him to meet me at the bank tomorrow at 12…no wait I'm supposed to meet Ron at 12, so 2, wait no…getting my nails done…"

"Weasley…You're trying my patience" Lucius sing-songed, ready to push her out.

"Oh buggar! Tell him 5 pm, tomorrow, Gringotts, bring a towel." She added and Lucius raised an eyebrow. "Just kidding! Thank you so much Mr. Malfoy. I appreciate it."

"Leave."

"Leaving!" Ginny turned to make a quick exit, trying to get out of that place as soon as possible, praying that gave Hermione enough time to get everyone out and for Harry and Ron to put all the extra charms outside the door.

Lucius glared at her back and turned to ascend the stairs, feeling angered and also very… odd. Something was out of place. Lucius whirled around to Ginny, watching her touch the door handle, and called her name.

"Oh Ginny?"

"Yes?" she said, stopping still in place, not bothering to turn around.

"Why did you announce yourself as Ms. Granger?" He asked. Ginny panicked, and just opened the door hastily and fleeted. Lucius understood, screamed in rage and bolted up the stairs, only to be stopped still at the charms of the door…

"Well that was stupid." Blaise stated. "Shit I said that aloud again, didn't I?"

Draco nodded his head.

"Damn, have to work on that."

"Well it got you out, didn't it?" Ginny shot back defensively.

"Not you Weasley. I meant Lucius. If I was him, the minute I saw you at the door, I would have went back." Blaise explained.

"Me too." Draco agreed.

"Not me, I would have wanted to know what was going on." Harry disagreed.

"As well as I." Ron settled with his best mate.

"Maybe it's a Gryffindor thing to want to examine the situation." Harry shrugged.

"Ha. That man is not like a Gryffindor in any way, shape, or form" Draco scoffed.

"Thank Merlin. Then he'd give even us good people a bad name." Ron mocked in relief.

"Not that you'd know anything about having a good name" Draco sneered.

"Why you--" Ron yelled.

"Alright! Stop! Let's just calm down and then discuss this rationally like mature adults." Ginny reasoned.

"Please." Pansy snorted. "I've been watching, they couldn't act like adults with each other if they sat bound up with ropes and had a wand to their throat."

The three Gryffindors heads looked up at the person across the room who they really didn't see upon their arrival.

"Pansy!" The three chorused.

"The one and only" she smirked, getting some of her voice back.

"Thank Merlin for that." Ron stated, getting death glares from the Slytherins.

"So you're in this too? Wait a sec- I don't even know how this concerns any of you." Harry stated.

"Potter you're just confused because Granger neglected to tell you anything that's been happening between us lately." Draco sneered.

"We just met up with her today. So you got back together? From some weak relationship back as teenagers?" Ron asked meanly.

"Don't you dare even begin to think you can judge me when you don't even fucking know me." Draco growled. "And for your information, it's not just some weak relationship we restarted after having a rough finish to our teenage one. It has turned into a marital relationship that has been progressing for years." Draco stated slowly, proud that he made each of the Gryffindors mouths hang open in shock.

"HERMIONE!" Ron and Harry bellowed, loud enough for the windows to shatter.

"IF YOU DON'T GET YOUR ARSE DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW, I'M COMING UP AND DRAGGING YOU!" Ron threatened.

"Hey- watch it-" Draco warned.

"Oh go shove your wand up your ass and twist." Ron seethed, and turned to Harry who was breathing heavily.

Draco smirked taken aback at Ron's threat, and looked at Blaise. Blaise contorted his face into something that was in a state of disgust and pain and mouthed the word 'OUCH'.

"HERMIONE!"

"Oh Weasley, shut your trap. Someone's going to think she was like…kidnapped or something." Blaise tossed over his shoulder.

"Well Zabini I don't see you doing anything to get her down here."

"That's because I could care less. She could stay in her room all she wants… I would to if you were at the foot of my stairs, screaming like a lunatic. Oh and three words of advice: go to her. You can try this technique for that…I like to call it walking. It's mildly convenient, unless you're trying to go a far distance…or have warts of your toes."

"Shut up." Ron warned.

"Okay, okay, I know it's hard. Walking takes practice so I won't rush you. But I would recommend throat lozenges, your voice must be getting hoarse from all that yelling."

Ron huffed in annoyance and began to ascend the stairs with Harry. Draco stopped them on the second step.

"Whoa whoa whoa, where the hell do you think you're going?"

"Upstairs?" Ron answered confusedly.

"I know that you dumb wit. I'll go."

Before either could protest, Draco shoved past him and went to Hermione's door. He knocked softly. No answer. He knocked again a little more forcefully. No answer. Then Draco banged on the door. "Hermione this is ridiculous! Open the damn door!" No answer. Draco pulled out his wand and unlocked the door, shutting it behind him. "Look Hermione, I-" The room was empty. No shattered class, no ruffled sheets, and no shoes sitting by the bed. (That's what she does when she gets mad; she cries, throws things, and sits in bed.) Draco shook his head in worry and frustration. He called her name softly, not being able to speak too loud for his voice was caught in his throat. He ran into the bathroom finding nothing either. He walked back into her room and he saw, sitting on the bed was his ring…the ring he gave her. She only willingly took it off once, and the man behind that was undoubtedly the same behind this second occurrence. Draco sighed and put it to a chain around his neck, clipping it, and tucking it underneath his shirt. He outwardly sighed, "God Hermione, is it that hard to stay put?" before hastily apparating to Malfoy Manor.

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Right after she left Draco in the kitchen and stormed off into her room, Hermione slammed the door and took a deep breath. She opened her eyes and took her ring off, instantly feeling like something apart of her was missing (and not just in the literal sense). She placed it lightly on her bed, knowing Draco would find it and get the message. Taking one more calming breath, Hermione apparated into the Manor once more, determined this would be the last time. After her confession to Draco, she made up her mind: If they were going to be together, it was going to be an open, and healthy relationship, and Lucius Malfoy would not interfere in her life ever again. She was a little worried going alone, and who wouldn't be? But this time, she had a plan. It would definitely cost her, but it'd be worth it in the end….hopefully.

Taking a deep breath, she rang the door bell, prepared for anything with the bracelet tucked in her pocket.

A house elf cracked the door open, only wide enough to peek his eye outside.

"Can Tibby help you ma'am?"

"Can you please tell Lucius Malfoy that the real Hermione Granger is present?"

"Sure ma'am. Tibby thinks it is alright if you waited in the parlor. Tibby will get Master."

The house elf opened the door and lead Hermione into the sun room on the right. Hermione stood in the center of the room, anxiously staring at the grand staircase. Tibby weakly smiled and then disappeared. About two minutes later, Hermione heard a furious voice at the top of the stairs.

"For the love of Merlin if this is another antic wasting my--" Lucius stopped mid sentence when he saw who was in his parlor. His tensed face relaxed, and his lips curled upward as he smiled grimly. "Well, well, well…This is a surprise. Another scheme to get everyone out unharmed, no doubt."

"No, I'm here to speak with you." Hermione said confidently.

"Really? And why would you be so willing to do that?"

"I have unfinished business here."

Lucius laughed darkly. "Step into my office. I trust you know where it is?"

Hermione stared at him, but then stepped forward, walking a step ahead of him. She opened the door softly, and noticed Aleesa sitting at the window, probably trying to get some fresh air. Lucius shut the door behind them and walked to his desk. With both backs turned to Hermione, she swiftly took the bracelet out of her pocket and dropped it behind her back into Aleesa's open purse.

The two turned around from behind the desk: Lucius sat down, staring at her excitedly. Aleesa turned around- pissed beyond belief. 'Probably because we hexed her.' she thought.

Before Lucius got a chance to speak, Aleesa was roaring.

"If you think you can steal my husband AND put your filthy hands on me then you have another thing coming. If you EVER touch me again I'll-"

"Aleesa dear, quiet." Lucius cooed.

Reluctantly, she stopped.

"Not that this is important, nor holds much relevance to the situation, but what did you use on her?"

"Somnus artus" Hermione answered.

"She didn't do it, her filthy hands covered my mouth while Pansy did it." Aleesa spat with venom.

"Didn't you know that it is not right to disrespect your superiors? And touching one is not respectful." Lucius stated.

"Guess I'll remember that next time." Hermione retorted.

"Oh there won't be a next time." Aleesa spat.

"Listen mudblood, I gave you a warning, and not only should you have heeded it, you should be forever in my debt, thanking me for sparing you. But you've defied my words once more, and this time I am not so forgiving. In fact, I am looking forward to this. Aleesa, where is this evidence of yours?"

Aleesa walked from behind him and over to her purse that was on the floor by the side of her chair. She fished through it and pulled out the bracelet. Activating it, it started playing from the beginning. Hermione sat happily that the plan was in motion. They all watched a holographic picture spring up from the bracelet, expanding in the air. A small square screen was made, forming a blurry image of Aleesa, Pansy and Blaise sitting in Aleesa's office. Lucius looked at Hermione once more, and catching her gaze he raised an eyebrow, the returned his attention to the screen.

It first showed Blaise, leaving her office with a scowl on his face. Aleesa realized it was too far back and fast forwarded it with the flick of her wand. The images moved quickly and she stopped it when Draco, Hermione, and Blaise were sitting at her kitchen table. They moved quickly for only a few seconds, and then it showed Blaise standing up touching the light bulb, and then quickly sitting down. Immediately, Hermione stood up, pulling Draco up the stairs. Blaise was sitting alone at the table, drumming his fingers against the wood and moving his head side to side. A moment later, Hermione and Draco came down, and then Hermione moved close to Blaise. Next, the angle shifted, but still all three were seen. Aleesa stopped it, and it played regularly:

"It's a long story."

"Well then maybe you should start from the beginning."

"Well, it happened during May of our 7th year…"

But Lucius spoke up "Aleesa I was there. I caused the damage, remember? Move it along, I don't need to see it again."

With the flick of her wand, it went into speed mode one more. She stopped it at the words:

"Then we agreed on a secret relationship." Draco smirked

Lucius' eyes got wider with rage as it played on…this was obviously not what he expected to hear.

"Our relationship was back to normal, but we vowed not to say anything."

"Ever?" Blaise asked

"No not ever, just until he thought it was safe to tell." Hermione answered

"I don't get how the hell that lasted for two years."

"3."

"What?"

"What?" Lucius echoed Blaise's voice.

"I count it as three. We were together for two, and then stayed engaged for almost a year."

"Turn it off! I heard enough." He shouted.

Aleesa looked indifferent compared to the raging lunatic beside her. She put the screen back into it's place, and without a word nor a backwards glance, she grabbed her purse and exited the room.

Lucius stood up and started circling her. Hermione fought the urge to trip him and run.

"I have to admit mudblood, you did change my son. After he refused the dark mark, he promised he'd come back and get it the following year. But then you happened. You changed him. Not fully, thank the heavens. He's still like me in every evil way… except in two aspects."

"Draco is not evil- " Hermione stated.

"Silence! Respect…remember? Where was I…oh yes- two aspects…do you know what those are? His loyalty and his pride. He's still confused that boy…he doesn't know where his loyalties lie…"

"Well then I guess that's a good thing they're not to a dead murderer, who killed innocent-"

"I said silence!" Lucius backhanded her across the face, and Hermione fell against the side of the chair, her hair shielding her face from view. "You will speak when I allow you to." Lucius stood upright once more and continued his pacing around her.

"And his pride. He lost that a long time ago when he consorted with filth, such as yourself. Why I ask? I really wouldn't know, nor will I ever understand, but I do know it all comes down to one thing. Do you know who that is? Hm?" she didn't answer. "Oh yes- you may speak." No answer. Lucius stood behind her and grabbed her hair, forcefully yanking her head up to look in this eyes. "I told you to SPEAK."

"Me." She spat quietly.

"Correct. You. So what do we do about this problem? I can't just let you go off with a warning. Apparently, that did not stop you the last time. So what to do? Kill you? Would that work?"

Hermione didn't answer.

"If you don't answer me, I'll make you talk."

Hermione stared up at him, daring him to do it.

"Fine mudblood, die slowly and painfully. Crucio!"

Hermione's body jerked sharply when a sudden searing pain burst though her whole body, making her scream in agony. When the pain minimized slightly, she sat up slowly and saw white blotches when she opened her eyes.

"You should know better than to go around behind my back with my son. I'll always find out. Crucio!"

The same pain made her cry once more, and she fell into a heap on the floor.

"And it's the same for Aleesa. Even you mudblood, should have the decency not to fool around with married men."

"Why not? Aleesa did it?" She said sarcastically though it pained her so much to talk. She tried to put her arms and knees under her so she could sit up. Lucius put his foot on her side and shoved hard, making her fall back over.

"You are just asking for this aren't you? Why?"

"Because…because I love him. And you have no right to …to try and stop us…don't you want him to…be happy?" She said in short, ragged breaths.

Lucius chuckled at her in amusement, and then bent over, staring straight at her. "No."

"He's your son" she said quietly.

"NO he isn't, not anymore. I'm going after him after I'm done with you. How DARE he do this after all I've given him!" Lucius started to go off track. Regaining composure, he realized there was time for that later. "My apologies, I forgot for a moment that I was torturing you." He smirked.

Hermione tried to discreetly pull out a wand, secretly wanting Lucius to see her.

"Accio Wand!" he shouted, and she made an attempt to reach out for it slowly, her reflexes dull from pain.

"That was stupid mudblood. Were you honestly going to try and defend yourself? Against me?"

Hermione pulled her arm on the chair, trying to lift herself up.

"You're pathetic." He kicked the chair aside from under her, making her fall hard against the floor. "Come here mudblood, I want to hear you beg. Beg for mercy."

Hermione didn't say a word. She just sat there rocking violently.

"Imperio!" Lucius cried.

Slowly, Hermione rose to him, but was still limp, only thing holding her up was the curse.

"Now beg." Lucius commanded.

Hermione opened her mouth against her will, and only a little voice escaped her, saying in one breath "Please…"

Lucius smiled, "No. Finally, I get to do this…what I should've done years ago. You may love him mudblood, but I can't have him returning the feelings. Avada-"

Lucius eyes widened as he fell over to the floor unconscious. Hermione grabbed the desk on her fall, and held her self up to see Draco. He was standing over Lucius with the desk lamp in his hand. She slowly pulled her wand out of her pocket, and cast a silencing charm on the bracelet so that it could not hear anything around it. Then she fell back on the floor exhaustedly.

Draco placed the lamp back on the desk and ran over to her, cradling her in his arms. He lifted her limp body up and placed her in the chair. He kissed her forehead and moved the hair out of her face. Her eyes were halfway open, and she smiled lightly.

"Perfect. Right on time. I knew you would be."

He didn't smile back, just kissed her lips gently and touched her cheek. "Stay still." He told her, and walked over to Lucius. He took Lucius' wand and snapped it in two, tossing it aside.

"Enervate you son-of-a-bitch"

Lucius opened his eyes as he sat up on his elbow, using the other hand to rub the back of his head. But, he abruptly fell back down when Draco straddled him grabbing Lucius' collar with his right hand and beating the shit of him with his left. Punch after punch to the face, and he finally stood up taking him with him. Draco right hooked him in the chin, and punched up with his left hand, making Lucius fall backwards onto the desk. He then punched him in the gut a few times, and then kneed him in the groin. He finished it off with a "Petrificus Totalus" making the newly beat Lucius, fall over stunned to the ground.

Draco looked over to Hermione once more breathing heavily and rubbing his knuckles.

"Did that feel good?" Hermione asked.

"Not really. I would do so more if it was trying to kill him, but, I'll settle for the thought of him locked up for the rest of his pathetic life."

"Good." She smiled.

"I'm sorry Hermione, about everything." He kneeled on the floor by her feet, placing his head against her chest and his arms around her waist as she tiredly ran her fingers through his hair, her head resting on the back of the chair.

"Oh so now I'm Hermione again." She joked.

"Well I thought you went through enough today, the least I could do was call you by your name." he smirked and she laughed. "I was the biggest ass earlier-"

"I agree."

"But seriously, aside from that, I'm probably going to carry this guilt for the rest of my life. Knowing that you could have died because of me, twice this way—by him—because you were fighting my battles. It's too much to ask and I don't feel--"

"Draco stop. It wasn't a burden to do this. I mean, the first time I didn't really ask for it, but this time, I did. I made the choice to put myself in danger, being both prepared and ready. I knew I wasn't going to die tonight because somehow, I was waiting for you to come finish the job. I don't really mind feeling this way, physically hurt, because I did it for us. One little sacrifice from me will let us live how we want. And on a few levels, this wasn't just your battle, it was mine too." She smiled.

"One little sacrifice? Yea I guess you're right, I'm giving you way too much credit. I mean, what? A few Cruatius curses here and there, not all that bad right?" he smirked. Leaning down he kissed her lips gently, thinking it wasn't even possible for him to love this woman anymore than he did now. Pulling back, he asked,

"Wait…you had a plan? Now was this before or after you broke up with me?"

"I did not break up with you! That' crazy-"

"Yes I know. The idea of anyone denying me is just…preposterous."

Hermione laughed lightly, not having the strength to argue, "So after I left you in the kitchen, I went to Pansy and grabbed the bracelet and asked her for her wand. I don't know why, but she said yes-"

"Keeping her word- once again I was right."

"Shut up. So then I went our room and put the ring on the bed, knowing you'd see it and come for me alone. Then I apparated, here, and was alone with these two. I put the bracelet back into Aleesa's purse, knowing she'd reach for it to show him. So, he watched it, got angry, and she left. I knew he'd cast unforgivables, and as much as it hurt, I needed him to continue. I even showed him Pansy's wand, making him more upset at the prospect of me using it against him. He took it, but I still had mine just in case I needed it. And then you came." She spoke lightly and smiling, obviously proud of her work. But Draco was missing something…

"Wait I'm confused. You went through all of that because…?"

"Draco! Don't you see?"

"No…"

"The bracelet was still activated and recorded everything…well until you showed up. Now, we can take the tape to the Ministry, and they finally have something to convict him of. God knows they waited so long and they've been searching for something, anything-" She was cut off by Draco's lips crashing onto hers. She smiled out of the kiss while he couldn't get enough of her. He kissed her on the corner of her lips, then onto her cheek, her jaw, her ear, her neck, and on the lips once more.

"Hermione you are a genius!"

"I know." She smiled.

"Okay, okay. I can't think straight!" Hermione laughed. "You need to rest! And I need to get this in quickly. This is…it's crazy…Ah!" Draco was ecstatic. It was finally over. His father was going to Azkaban.

He quickly went over to Lucius, but a heavier spell on him, and bound him together so he couldn't go anywhere. He'd still send Potter and Weasley over, let them have an hour of fun with him until Draco would let the aurors come get him. He put apparition wards all over that room, grabbed the bracelet and Pansy's wand, and shoved it into his pocket. He picked up Hermione and walked out that room, wanting to never look back again.