A/N: Okay, the wedding is done. The honeymoon is done. Everything has been peaches and cream for Hermione and Draco recently hasn't it? Well, things are going to slowly get rocky for our perfect couple, and then BANG it's going to hit them and you readers like a bad nightmare. This is your warning (I'm also building your anticipation, considering you won't read the BANG for a few chapters). I love you all and I hope I do not lose any faithful readers with my new angsty twist. Always remember, Draco and Hermione love each other no matter what happens…and I love Draco.

ON WITH THE STORY!

Chap. 22 Back to Reality

Thursday, May 26th, 10:00 P.M.

Hermione and Draco walked into the Malfoy Manor after two glorious weeks of rest, relaxation, and passionate lovemaking. Narcissa was indeed already moved out, by evidence of a note on the front door.

Dear Draco and Hermione, I hope you had a pleasant honeymoon in Paradise City, I'm sure you did. I removed all my belongings on Monday, being as you are reading this Thursday, I was pretty speedy wasn't I? I hope you enjoy having the house to yourselves, other than the twenty house-elves still with you (I had ten come with me remember?). Feel free to visit me anytime, Draco, you know where I live, don't pretend to forget. Hermione, take care of my baby and thank you for putting his head on straight. Gods knew he needed it. I love you both, Narcissa Malfoy.

'Your mother is funny.' Hermione commented.

'Ha! She thinks she is. All she does is poke fun at me.' Draco growled.

'You know you deserve everything she said about you.'

Draco just shrugged and then set his and Hermione's suitcases down on the marble flooring. Immediately, Hilde came running up from the basement.

'Masters! Hilde is so sorry! Hilde didn't hear yous come in!' She cried, scrambling to get their suitcases.

'Hilde!' Hermione exclaimed excitedly, 'I'm so happy to see you! I was wondering if Narcissa took you with her.'

'No ma'am! Mrs. Malfoy…err the other Mrs. Malfoy, ma'am took ten of us but not Hilde! Hilde stays with you and Master Malfoy.'

'Well, good. I like you. But there's no need to take Draco's and mine's things. We are very capable to take them upstairs ourselves.' Hermione said, grabbing the suitcases from Hilde's weak little arms.

'Umm…well…does the missus need anything else? Some nice warm cider to put you to sleep after you're very long vacation? Hilde hopes you had fun she does.'

'Thank you, cider would be nice. And yes, Draco and I had a marvelous time, didn't we, Draco?' Hermione asked, trying to get Draco to talk to his house-elf.

'Yes, it was bloody brilliant. Get me a cider while you're at it, Hilde. And send another elf to bring my things upstairs, I feel like staying down here for now.'

'Yes, Sir! Hilde'll send Ridley quick, Sir!'

'Thank you.'

Hilde then dashed off to find Ridley and make cider.

'Draco why can't you take your own suitcase upstairs?' Hermione asked.

'I don't feel like it.' He said taking a seat on a chair sitting next to the staircase.

'Then I will. You don't need the elves to do everything for you.'

'Hermione, they've been on their own vacation for a week without anyone here. They need to get back into work mode.'

'Draco, you know that they have probably been cleaning this place from corner to corner this week. Didn't you notice how shiny the staircase was? Or how sparkling clean the marble is?'

'No. It always looks like that.'

'That's because they clean it. I'll take your suitcase upstairs then.'

He pulled himself up from the chair reluctantly.

'Don't be silly, love. I'll take both suitcases upstairs.'

'Draco, I'm perfectly capable of taking two suitcases up a staircase.'

'I know you are my love. You're very independent we already discussed that. However, that's not the point my dear. The point is chivalry is dead in this world and it shouldn't be.' He stated firmly as he took hers and his suitcases up the stairs, 'I'll be right back and we can have the cider in the conservatory, how 'bout that?'

'All right.' She said with a laugh.

He nodded and disappeared down the hallway.

Hermione walked into the conservatory and sat down in one of the plush stairs next to a gorgeous foreign looking flower. As Hermione gazed at the flowers and plants around her, Hilde came in silently and placed two cups of steaming apple cider on the table near Hermione.

Hilde almost left without being noticed but then Hermione smelt then cider, looked down and saw it, and saw Hilde leaving.

'Oh, Hilde, thank you! I didn't even hear you come in.'

'Good. Us house-elves are supposed to be quiet quiet, ma'am!'

'Why don't you come keep me company until Draco returns?'

'Oh, Hilde doesn't think Master would like that very much.'

'Well, I'm "Master's" wife, so I not have say?'

'Yes, ma'am, you's our master too!'

'Well, then come sit by me.' Hermione said with a smile.

Hilde nodded and hesitantly walked over to the seat next to her and scrambled up to sit.

'Who takes care of the conservatory, Hilde?' Hermione asked.

'Oh, we house-elves do! Well, Hilde only planted the little daffodils in the corner, ma'am, but Dawnie and Gus planted the others. Missus Malfoy also planted a few herself long ago before the late Master Malfoy told her not to.'

Hermione nodded, thinking about Lucius telling Narcissa not to plant anymore.

'Well, they're beautiful flowers, Hilde.'

'Thank you, ma'am. Is you and Master Draco going to keep us?'

'Well, I'd like to free you but Draco won't let me.'

'No! Please ma'am, don't let us go! We like it here!'

'Really?' Hermione asked still not believing after all these years that house-elves liked enslavement.

'Yes, ma'am. We like serving you, ma'am, and Master Draco and Missus Malfoy, even though she left. You is kind. Master Draco, he is kind now too.'

'So if you had the choice to work and get paid or stay here and work for free, what would you do?'

'Oh! We's all stay! We don't need pay! We like being needed and working.'

Hermione shook her head, still believing house-elves are brainwashed. But she gave it up.

'All right. Well, I'm glad you're happy, Hilde.'

'Hilde is ma'am.'

Just then Draco strolled into view in the entrance of the room. Hilde squeaked and scrambled down from the chair and ran to the entrance and bowed to Draco.

'Hilde's sorry, Master Draco. Hilde was in your chair.'

Draco waved his hand, dismissing her apology.

'It's fine.' He said simply.

'Thank you, Sir.' She said quickly running back into the basement.

'I think she's scared of you.' Hermione said.

'She isn't. She respects me.' He told her with a smile, 'Did you and the elf have a nice chat?'

'Yes, actually. She's quite pleasant.'

He shook his head as he walked over to her.

'I'll never understand you, love.' He said leaning down to kiss her quickly.

She returned the kiss and he sat down next to her.

'I didn't know your mother planted some of these flowers. They're lovely.'

'Oh yeah, she used to love to plant.' Draco said quickly, obviously wanting to brush off the subject.

Hermione understood and silently sipped her cider.

'It's late, Draco. You should be getting to bed soon because of your early practice in the morning.'

'Come now, mother, I'm an adult. I don't need a bedtime. Besides, I'm not done with my cider.' He took a slooooww drink.

'You're such a child.'

He snorted into his drink in an attempt to laugh. He wiped his face with his sleeve.

'Am not.'

'Well, I'm going to bed. I have to get up early too to go to the Ministry.'

Hermione saw Draco frown a bit, but she didn't comment.

'How long are you going to be awake?' She asked him.

'Awhile. I'm going to watch a movie on that new big screen Uncle Jack bought us for our wedding present.'

'Oh yes, we have to send out thank you cards this week, too.' Hermione said, 'But I can take care of those on Sunday, perhaps.'

'Oh excellent. I think I would die sitting at a desk for hours writing "Thank you for the blah-blah, Hermione and I will enjoy it immensely. We are very happy you could come celebrate with us." It's monotonous.'

'It is, but it's polite and must be done.'

'What is your favorite gift?'

'Probably the fancy new china from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.'

'China? You're such a girl.'

'It's not the china that makes it my favorite, it's the fact that the Weasley's can't afford much, yet they saved up to get us that beautiful china.'

'I s'pose.'

'I can guess your favorites.'

'And which are my favorites?' He asked in a challenge.

'The television and the brand new set of Quidditch balls.'

'Yes, Harry did an awfully good job picking those out. They were just released! That damn Potter must have hook-ups somewhere…his celebrity lifestyle allows for those kinds of luxuries.'

'But think of it this way, Draco. He used his "celebrity hook-ups" for your benefit.'

'Yes, well, Harry is good for some things I must admit.'

'Did you see what Ron gave us?' Hermione asked.

'A tripod? That's the sort of bloke he is, isn't he?'

'Draco, don't be mean. Ron would never give us something to insinuate anything sexual between us.'

'Oh, right. Well, what did the git get us?'

'A bunch of certificates for different fancy restaurants.'

'Really?'

'He probably figures we didn't need much for the house. And he probably wanted us out of the house, which remember has a bed, as much as possible.' She laughed, thinking of what Ron's logic could have been.

'Why didn't he just get us a cage? That way you could of put me inside it to keep me away from you.' Draco said sarcastically.

'Well, he probably seriously thought about it, but then figured you'd put me in it with some crazy sexual fantasy in mind.'

'Mmm…maybe we should get a cage.' Draco said with a smirk playing on his lips.

'No. Out of the question.'

'Well, did you see what Blaise got us?' Draco said, using every ounce of self-control to keep himself from laughing.

'Oh gosh…what did he get us?' She asked, not entirely sure she wanted to know.

'Ha ha, he got us "The Fantasy Kit".'

'The what!'

'That's what the box says. It contains a black, leather whip. A pair of steel handcuffs, two choke collars, and a vibrator…I'm assuming that's for you.'

'Oh god!' Hermione cried, 'I don't know about Blaise. Some times I think he's got an amateur porn business on the side of his restaurant business.' (A/N: if you think you missed a chapter about Blaise getting a restaurant, don't worry you didn't. I just made that up now.)

'If Blaise had a porn business, it wouldn't be amateur.' Draco replied.

Hermione shrugged in agreement.

'Well, I'll go through the presents again on Sunday and write out the cards. I'll see you in the morning.' She stood up from her chair and walked over to Draco. He put down his cider and stood up. He gently pulled her face to his and kissed her.

'Good night, love.' He said.

'Good night, Draco.'

She walked upstairs, and he walked into the entertainment room where the television now was. He and Hermione had also gotten an assortment of DVD's from guests so he chose one that looked interesting and popped it in. He spent the rest of the night watching "The Man In The Iron Mask".

The next morning Hermione and Draco were both awake by eight. Draco was rushing around gathering his Quidditch things together, while Hermione was running around getting ready to go to the Ministry. Hermione finally threw on a sophisticated white and black striped knee-length robe with black open-toed heels. Her hair was up in a neat French twist. She clumsily made her way down the staircase and into the kitchen for a quick breakfast. Draco was already in the kitchen eating a muffin and reading the Daily Prophet.

'Our wedding is in the Prophet.' Draco said with a hint of annoyance.

'What does it say?' She asked curiously.

Draco Malfoy Marries

Written By The Still Beautiful Blonde Rita Skeeter

This past month on May 11th, the once playboy bachelor Draco Malfoy married a muggle-born witch, Hermione Granger. They met when they were eleven at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A friend of the couple said they even used to be enemies, so much for that. I searched out an answer for this strange enemies-turned lovers occurrence. I was lucky enough to spot their old Head Master at the wedding. I kindly asked him to give me some information about the two alumni of his school, but he rudely denied me any answers. Or maybe he didn't hear, he is quite old, perhaps he's deaf. Two lovely ladies at the wedding were quite excited to talk to me however. The two girls, Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil said they are both very close to Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy. This is what they had to say, "Oh, yes, Draco and Hermione used to loathe each other! But then they lived with each other and turns out they liked one another." "I think Draco kissed Hermione because of a bet or something and after a kiss from Draco Malfoy, who wouldn't fall in love with him!" "I think they are very good for one another. Hermione was such a tight-ass and now she's normal, it's probably because of Draco." The friends seem to be very trustworthy and I take what they say as fact. Many wonder if the couple will last, since they are so young. Draco Malfoy is 19 and Hermione Malfoy is 18. A poll was taken last week asking "How Long with Draco and Hermione Last?" 29 say the couple will last for more than 5 years, 31 say they will last less than 5 years, 22 say they wish they hadn't even married in the first place and 18 said they did not care two-bits about the newlyweds. Well, the polls are against our newlyweds, can they survive against the wizarding world's predictions? I say no. Hermione Malfoy is currently unemployed and Draco Malfoy plays a game on brooms as a career. Draco Malfoy actually currently in on a team with THE Harry Potter, they are indeed enemies so I do not think their team will go very far. For those of you who personally know of the history of the Malfoy family, some of you may be wondering, "What is a pureblood doing with a muggle-born witch?" Well, young, naïve Draco must be "blinded by love" according to his very close and loving Aunt Bella. She hopes that her nephew will "snap of out his fairytale life and come back to the real wizarding world and bring respect back to the Malfoy name". Another old teacher I came across at the wedding was the couple's old Potions teacher, Professor Snape. This is what he said of the couple, "Draco was my best student. I trust his judgment, even if he is marrying Harry Potter's best friend. Many think they are too immature for this relationship but both individuals have been through many conquests and are still alive. I think they will be able to survive each other." He is one of the few whom are positive about the whole marriage. Two twins caught my attention at the wedding, they were giving out free boxes of candy and other supplies to children coming out of the church. This is what George and Fred Weasley said about the wedding simultaneously, "I think the bride is brilliant. She's a close friend of our family. The groom is a git and not a friend of the family but he's bloody brilliant at Quidditch. I guess it's wicked that they're putting the past behind them and getting hitched. Hermione deserves a good life and that dwit better give her one." The twins seemed torn between love and hate of the marriage. Their younger brother, Ronald, had this to say about the marriage, "If you would have asked me about a month ago, I would have said Hermione is making the biggest mistake of her life. But both parties have proven me wrong. Hermione is smart, she always has been, and her choice to marry Malfoy doesn't prove her to fail in brilliance yet." I tried to get a statement from Harry Potter, but he took my Quick-Quotes Quill and rudely threw it on the floor. He's obviously outraged with the whole wedding. I think the majority of the Wizarding World would agree with me when I say, it's only a matter of time before these two young people realize they are too different.

Draco looked up from the paper and saw Hermione with a smile on her face.

'That made you happy?' He asked incredulously.

'Oh that woman is absolutely dreadful…but did you hear what Ron said?'

'I don't really remember.'

'He said that we proved him wrong and it was not wrong of me to marry you.'

'Well, good. Weasel's coming to his senses.'

'Do you think that poll is real?' She asked.

'No. You of all people should know most of the shit written by this hag isn't true, remember when she said you were Harry's girlfriend? Besides, even if the poll is accurate, won't it be bloody brilliant when we prove 31 of the wizarding world, wrong? And what's up with those bloody twins? They called me a "git" and a "dwit"!'

'That's just how Fred and George are. They were probably joking.'

'I can't believe Snape actually talked to Rita.' Draco said.

'Well, of course he would! He had to stick up for his precious Draco Malfoy.' She said with a wink, 'I can't believe those horrible things she said about Dumbledore. I absolutely despise that woman.'

'Well, I believe Dumbledore does have selective hearing.'

'Yes, selective, but he's not deaf. Some things he just chooses not to listen to.'

'Well, love, I'm absolutely devastated that I cannot continue that battle of words with you, but I must go to practice.' Draco leaned down and quickly kissed her cheek. 'Good luck with the Ministry.'

'Thank you, I'll see you later.'

Downtown London-

Hermione took a car downtown and asked the driver to drop her off next to a broken-down red telephone. She stepped inside the telephone box and dialed 62442.

'Good morning,' a woman's voice greeted, 'Please state your name and business with the Ministry.'

'Hermione Granger, a meeting with the Minister, please.'

A silver badge appeared and then dropped Hermione into the Ministry's atrium. Hermione went to the elevators and pressed Level 1. She was immediately taken to the first level and she walked down to the Minister's office. She knocked softly. She heard the Minister's voice mumbled.

'Mmm, yes?'

'Minister Fudge, it's Hermione, may I come in?'

'Oh, yes, of course m'dear.'

Hermione then entered to see the elderly man.

'How are you Miss Granger…or more correctly, Mrs. Malfoy? Congratulations by the way.'

'Thank you, Minister. I'm doing well, I was just wondering if you add any job openings. You know of my past experiences and my success at Hogwarts.'

'Of course, you're a talented young witch. I do believe we have a few openings where we could squeeze you in, but you just married into one of the richest families, why do you need to work?'

'I'd prefer to make my own money also, Minister. I like to be working constructively, not get my life handed to me on a gold plate.'

'I understand, Miss Granger, err, Mrs. Malfoy, I apologize, it's going to take awhile to get used to your new surname.'

'It's fine. So, what openings do you have?'

'Well, I already know which one I want you to work for, Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.'

'Excuse me? Sir, I do not think—'

Then the Minister began laughing heavily.

'Oh, Mrs. Malfoy, haha! I know your past with house-elves and that spew organization. I know you would not work well in that department, I was only joking.'

Hermione didn't laugh, she just nodded.

'Well, do you have any other department I would be interested in?'

'Yes, with your studies and ambitions, I believe the Department of Mysterious would benefit from your experiences very much.'

Hermione was a bit speechless.

'Do you not want to work there, Miss, err, Mrs. Malfoy?' He asked.

'N-n-no, Minister, I would very much love to work in that department. I've always been interested in it. Thank you very much, Sir.'

'Excellent, I've been waiting for someone worthy enough to apply for the position. I'm glad you came in.' He said.

He then went to a closet, taking out a key, and unlocked it. He grabbed a thick folder full of papers.

'Here is everything you'll need to know: the explorations and experiments you will be working on, your salary, co-workers, oaths you need to take to work in the department, individuals you'll especially be studying, etc…I know you like to be thoroughly prepared so I have no worries that you'll read through all this before you start on Monday?'

'Oh, no, Minister, no worries. It'll be read in detail.'

'I thought so. Report back here Monday morning, eight o'clock.'

'Yes, Sir. Thank you.' She said shaking his hand and taking the large folder.

She then left the Ministry and took the car back home, excited to read through her folder.

End of Quidditch Practice-

Draco and Harry walked into the locker rooms discussing what Draco had missed these past few weeks.

'We just barely beat the Arrows, Draco, it's a good thing you're back. Deladus Tearson had to sub for you as Seeker while you were gone…I thought we were goners, but Skye did a great job defending while you were gone.'

'The Arrows almost took you? They're tenth in the seed!' Draco cried in astonishment.

'I know, it was horrible, but no more fears! We're still ranked third.'

'Well, thank God I'm back.'

'So how was the honeymoon?' Harry asked.

'Oh, bloody excellent, but I won't go into to details, seeing how Hermione's like your sister and whatnot.'

'Thanks.'

'Oh, and thanks for the wicked Quidditch Ball set! You'll be getting a Thank You card soon, Hermione insists on sending them…but how did you get it? Oh never mind, I don't want to know what hook-ups you get because of that scar.'

'Actually, it didn't have anything to do with the scar finally. I walked into Quality Quidditch Supplies one day, over in Diagon Alley, and the owner got all excited praising about how well Puddlemere is doing and he said he had a shipment of the Ball set in early and offered it to me, half price! I of course obliged and when I bought it I immediately thought to give it to you as a wedding present.'

'Wicked, well thanks again. I can't wait to go and practice back at the Manor with them, you'll have to come try them out too.'

'I'll most definitely look forward to that.' Harry replied.

Then Skye Walker walked up to them.

'Good to see you back, Malfoy.' The tall Captain said in a deep voice, 'You're ready to resume your seeker position in Tuesday's game against the Wanderer's? It's a morning game because it's the sub-championships.'

'I am.'

'Good, we'll need you. That bloody Tearson looked as if he was practicing for the ballet in out last game,' Harry and Draco exchanged humored glances, 'And the Wanderer's are ranked second. If we beat them we move up.'

'Brilliant, don't worry, after these two weeks of relaxation, I'm up to par and ready to perform. And don't worry, I'm practicing all weekend.'

'That's why I like you.' Walker said with a proud grin, 'Congratulations on your marriage. I've seen your new wife in the stands, huzzah to you.'

Both Draco and Harry laughed.

'Thanks,' Draco replied.

Walker nodded to Harry in acknowledgment and then walked away.

'My Uncle Jack also got Hermione and me a new big screen plasma television, you'll have to bring that little redhead girl of yours over soon for an evening with me and Hermione. Hermione'll like that.'

'I'll be sure and tell Gin. I'll see you Monday.'

'Right. G'bye.' Draco replied as Harry left the locker rooms.

Draco finished dressing and apparated back to the Manor. He appeared in his bedroom at one o'clock. He quickly showered, dressed, and headed downstairs wondering if Hermione was home from the Ministry. Indeed she was. He found her sitting in the living room, books and papers strewn all around her in a wide circumference. She had her hair pulled away from her face, and she was chewing on the end of a quill in deep thought and interest.

''Ello, love.' Draco said interrupting the silence.

Hermione looked up and smiled. She quickly got to her feet and rushed over to him.

'Good afternoon!' She said quickly kissing on the cheek, 'Guess what? I got a job! A fabulous job! I can't even believe it!'

'Are they actually letting you start up spew?'

'No! They are letting me work in the Department of Mysteries!'

Draco was taken aback for a moment.

'Really? Wow, that's a very important role. My father and Voldemort were obsessed with trying to find out what the whole department was about. I can't believe ol' Fudge is giving you that job just a year out of Hogwarts! Congratulations.' He said kissing her forehead.

'Thanks! How was practice?'

'Fine, apparently the team really missed me.' Draco said with an arrogant smirk.

'Of course they did, you're a great seeker. Now, I'd love to converse with you more, but can it wait until tonight? I really want to get a good head start on all this research I have to do for the job.'

'Sure, when do you start working?'

'Monday, I have to read all of this before eight that morning.'

'Earlier than Quidditch. Oh, I have a game on Tuesday.'

'Oh excellent! I'll be sure to be done with work by three. So I'll easily make you five o'clock game.'

'Oh, actually we're going for a higher rank sub-championship, so it's a morning game.'

Hermione's smile dropped.

'You have morning games?'

'For the sub-championships we do.'

'Oh…but I work Monday through Friday.' She said looking to the wall beside him.

'Oh, well, it's no big deal. They'll be more games after this one.' He said, brushing the topic off, even though it obviously hurt him that she wouldn't be there.

'I'm sorry, Draco, but I just started I can't ask for work off already. I'm really sorry, but I know you'll do great. You always do.' She said forcing a smile.

'Yeah, thanks. I'll let you get back to your work now. I'm going to go visit my mother.'

'All right. I'll see you tonight at dinner?'

'Yeah, I'll be home by five.' He said. He kissed her cheek and then left quickly.

She sat back in the center of her work and felt horribly. She was going to miss one of Draco's games for the first time. She put it in the back of her mind and continued to work. She told herself she'd find a way to make it up to him later.

As Draco took a car to his mothers he thought about Hermione's new job. She would be working for the Department of Mysteries. If his father was alive now, he would be doing everything he could to get Draco to get information out of Hermione. His wife now knew the secrets of the Department, and if she didn't now, she soon would. He couldn't believe Fudge gave her the position, a year out of her first career training. Probably because of her friendship with Harry and the ordeals that put her through. She was experienced and was dedicated, actually it wasn't too shocking that she got the job now that he thought about it. She definitely deserved it and he knew she could handle it. But what of him? This new job of hers hadn't even rocketed yet and he was already feeling the pains of it. She wouldn't be there for the biggest game of his career yet. He brushed his hurt feeling aside. She had a work life separate from their love life and he'd have to live with it. She's had to make sacrifices cause of my Quidditch career too. He told himself. It would be okay. They would be okay. He loved her with all his being and she returned this love and that is all they would need.