I have been trying to for the last few days to post this chapter, but unfortunately FF.N has been timing out and all sorts of neato things.

Disclaimer: In chapter 1

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Chapter 7: Best Laid Plans.

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It was surprising that there wasn't a clear pattern of wear, on the floor, in Draco's room. Ever since returning from the infirmary in the middle of the night he had been pacing, back and forth across the length of his room. His mind was racing, he had almost lost her tonight. Desperation was taking hold of his heart.

When he had been younger he had imagined that when he found his mate that they would fall blissfully into each other's arms forever. As he got older he just assumed that the Veela Inheritance had passed him by, so he would just find his spouse the tried and true, trial and error method like the rest of the world. Now here he was with a mate that couldn't stand the sight of him. It wasn't exactly encouraging.

In fact since Hermione had come, nothing had gone right. And this last episode along with the bludger, made it seem as if someone was trying to kill them. He couldn't imagine why? Well he could imagine why someone would kill him, his family name alone was something that inspired hatred, but Hermione he couldn't think of a soul who didn't adore her. (He also didn't think that was his Veela attractions talking, Hermione was PERFECT.) In any case he would need to be more careful, watch her for any attack that might come her way.

He was lying on his bed with his forearm over his face when the first rays of sun peeked over the horizon. Well it was morning. Hadn't Ginny said wait until morning? The sun meant morning didn't it? Draco was off his bed and out the door only taking time to dress himself in a clean set of robes.

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Ginny wasn't surprised to see Draco striding across the infirmary towards her. She was only surprised he had been able to wait until sunrise to come back. She didn't know if it was lucky or not that Hermione was still sleeping.

"How is she Ginny?" Draco asked as soon as he was close enough to not have to raise his voice.

"She is sleeping Draco, but the worst is over. She will be swollen a bit for a couple of days, but she is breathing easily." Ginny smiled her best encouraging Medi-Witch smile.

"Can I see her now?"

"Draco she is sleeping." Was the firm reminder.

"I know, and I won't wake her, I just want to see that she is alright."

Ginny looked at Draco, he obviously hadn't rested. She knew he wouldn't until he was allowed to see Hermione.

"Oh, very well. But only a couple of minutes." Ginny led Draco over to Hermione's bed.

Moving the screen for Draco and then back again giving them a bit of privacy, she then turned to the paperwork that needed her attention.

A few minutes later Draco exited the enclosure.

"Thank you Ginny." He turned to leave.

"Draco, not so fast. I have to talk to you. Last night wasn't the right time, but I need to know something." She paused, biting her lower lip slightly, trying to decide how to frame her question.

Draco stood watching her, no expression on his face. He wasn't making this any easier.

Ginny sighed.

"Draco, did you...um, did you put the roses in Hermione's room?" When Draco didn't answer immediately she continued. "If you did, you weren't to know she was that allergic, don't blame yourself Draco." A smile and a touch on his arm accompanied the words.

"No, Ginny I didn't. But with this and the bludger it seems as if someone is trying to harm us. I will find out who is responsible and they will pay!" His face was quite fierce.

Ginny took a step back without thinking. Before she could gather her wits, Draco was gone.

He hadn't put the roses in Hermione's room? Ginny had assumed he had done so in some misguided attempt to be romantic. But no, he hadn't. What did this mean? And what about the bludger? Was that really an accident? Hmm, this all needed some looking into.

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Draco wasn't the only one who hadn't slept that night. In the dungeons Professor Snape was sitting in his usual chair, staring into the fire. So far his plans had gone awry but that didn't mean that he was ready to give in. No indeed, it only made him that much more determined to succeed with his NEXT plan! A sure foolproof plan. And Fool Proof was what he needed.

The sneer that covered his features was the very same that made his first year students blanch in fear.

Evil was, as usual, a good look for our dear Professor.

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Fawkes trilled softly on his perch, the song of the phoenix should have been soothing to the occupant of the office, but the headmaster wasn't soothed. Nor was he amused with the events of the last week.

He had assumed that his warning, when Draco had been struck by the bludger, would have been sufficient, but apparently less of a veil and more of a threat was going to be necessary. He prided himself on knowing everything that happened in his own school, but so far he only had loosely formed theories on the events.

The problem was he didn't believe that it was the children who were the culprits. After much thinking on it, it seemed to him that what appeared to be acts of violence toward Draco and Hermione, could in fact be misguided attempts at matchmaking. But who would be foolish enough to employ such blatant schemes? Who would be willing to attempt this all with so little finesse? The list was getting significantly shorter.

He leant back in his chair and stroked his beard with one hand, an interesting thought entered his mind. With regards to Draco and Hermione's courtship, if he were to put his hand to it, he imagined he could do much better.

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Everywhere that Hermione went these days Draco was always there. He had the uncanny sense to anticipate her every move! It was very frustrating.

As she was everyday, she was at this very time in the library with her usual pile of ancient manuscripts. Trying to find a spell to counteract the Veela instincts in Draco had become paramount. Draco of course was sitting less than ten feet away pretending to read. Ok in truth he COULD have been reading, but after the last few days she thought it highly unlikely that he was doing anything other than simply shadowing her.

Part of her understood why he was acting like an over protective father, but that didn't mean she had to like it. She was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, despite what might look like evidence to the contrary. One little near death experience and suddenly everyone wanted to put you in cotton wool! She had survived the war after all, and there had been far more danger there than misguided fools with flowers.

She was getting irritated with everything. Professor Dumbledore had forbad her to leave until things were solved with Draco, and she hadn't the heart to ignore the demand. Her brain knew that to leave wouldn't help, eventually things would have to come to some sort of a conclusion. The instincts of a Veela wouldn't allow Draco and Hermione to remain as they were, it would end one way or another. The one way or another thought sparked a moment of fear in Hermione.

That reason was why she was in the library every day. Finding a spell or potion was of utmost importance, it would mean freedom for herself. (And Draco, of course.)

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Draco wasn't the only person watching Hermione study, whist pretending to read. No indeed another set of eyes was drinking in the sight of her Hero. Anne Haroldson, just happened to have a couple of Hermione's books right in her bag.

She sighed and finally got up the nerve to approach her favorite author. Taking the books out of the bag she started to get out of her seat. Noticing movement out of the corner of her eye she turned. There was Professor Malfoy. She swallowed hard and sat back down again.

She would get her books signed, but just maybe not today. She buried her nose back in her Arithmancy textbook and tried to look studious.

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Draco did everything he could to stifle a yawn, and glared once more at the book he had been trying to read. He needed to be more careful in the future which books he picked, even if he had been interested in sitting in the library reading, he wouldn't have chosen "Lines of Lineage of Cornish Pixies and Highland Brownies" He personally couldn't think of anything less exciting than the book in front of him, there were scarcely any pictures in it at all.

He shifted in his seat, he was starting to get sore with so much inactivity. How could Hermione stand to sit here for hours on end? Wasn't she bored out of her mind? No of course she wasn't this was just the sort of thing she loved. How many times as a student had she done just this? Too many to count. He wondered what on earth it could be that she was studying with such determination?

He sighed and shifted again. Closing the book he gave up any pretense at reading and instead rested his chin in his hands and watched Hermione. The sun glinted off her mass of fuzzy hair. Her posture was upright, and she sat with the book propped up at an angle, turning page after page. From where he sat he couldn't see her face but he imagined that it would a picture of concentration.

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That strange extra sense that humans have telling them when someone is staring at them, flared to life in Hermione. She wasn't about to turn around and confirm the feeling, that prickle of awareness was enough,

Damned Draco!

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A yawn was torn from Draco's throat and he was drawn out of his reverie, the sun was starting to go down.

The sun was starting to go down? Already? He looked at the time, he was going to be late. He looked around the library making sure that it appeared safe to leave Hermione alone. The students whose gaze he encountered looked away at his glare. With any luck he would be back in just a few minutes and could continue his watch over his mate.

He replaced his book onto the shelves and left the library. So intent on his destination was he, that he failed to notice the relieved sighs coming from more than one corner of the library.

He looked at the time again, and hurried his steps. Ginny said it was important that she needed to speak with him. When it came to Ginny he had given up long ago questioning her, he knew it would do no good in any case. When Ginny Lupin put her mind to something she got it. After all hadn't she coerced Remus into attending Harry's wedding? A wedding that the werewolf had pronounced he would only attend if he were body bound and levitated there. Draco had known better than to tease the man when Remus had shown up and made his rounds smiling and acting like there was no other place he would rather be. Not many men crossed Ginny Lupin and lived to tell. (Well at least lived HAPPILY.)

When next Draco put his foot out it encountered nothing but thin air. He clutched onto the railing and breathed hard. The set of stairs had swung away from the landing and he hadn't even become aware of it. He needed to get his mind on what he was doing. He had almost plunged three stories. A derisive chuckle sounded from his throat, well at least that would solve all of Hermione's problems.

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Ginny looked at the clock for what seemed the millionth time. Where was Draco? If he didn't get here it would be too late. She walked over to the door and looked outside, he wasn't in the corridor. Humph, this made her very displeased. He couldn't even keep a simple appointment.

Slamming the door shut she crossed to the kitchen area of the suite, of rooms, she shared with Remus. The water, in the kettle, was starting to steam. How was she to ever get Hermione and Draco together if he didn't have enough sense to just be here at the time she had asked? A little cooperation wouldn't hurt. Men!

She shut the kettle off then flopped down on a chair to await Draco arrival.

A knock on the door a few moments later caused Ginny to arrange her face, into a frown, before going to answer the door. It better be Draco!

"Sorry I am late Ginny, I lost track of time." He did look harried. Well Ginny supposed she would forgive him, after all Hermione hadn't arrived yet.

"That's alright Draco, please come in, sit." She waved him in then turned and pointed her wand at the door and whispered a silencing spell on it.

"So, what was it that you wanted to talk about?" Draco was sitting forward on the chair as if he was about to take flight.

"Sit back, relax, I will get you some tea." She didn't wait to see if he complied, but went and started the kettle again.

Now if only Hermione would get here.

Ginny stalled in the kitchen as long as she could, arranging and rearranging the tea tray. Looking at the time again she just had to hope that Hermione was more punctual than Draco had been.

Ginny picked up the tray and took into the lounge room. Draco had found a book to read and was thumbing through the pages listlessly.

At her appearance he put the book down and partially rose from his seat to take the tray from her hands.

"Thank you Draco." Ginny sat down and started to pour out the tea.

"So what was it that you needed Ginny?" Draco was starting to get annoyed.

"What?" Ginny asked.

"You said that you had something important to tell me."

"OH, yes I do. You see..." Quickly looking at the time again, she got up and handed him his cup of tea, allowing her hand to touch his as she leaned over.

"Ginny I knocked but..."Hermione stood in the open doorway seeing what looked like a private moment between Ginny and Draco.

"OH, Hermione I didn't expect to see you tonight." Ginny pulled away and hid a smirk with a (psuedo) shocked expression.

"But you invited me here tonig..."

"Well since you are here come have some tea, let me just go get another cup." Ginny quickly interuped Hermione.

Ginny stood in the kitchen with her back to Hermione and Draco, things couldn't have gone better. Hermione might not realize it but her face showed her feelings very well. Ginny just had to step things up a bit and see if she could push in the jealousy a little deeper. Cheerfully she went back to the lounge room.

"Here we are." She poured Hermione a cup of tea and they sat chatting.

Ginny made sure to touch Draco as often as she could. She also made it a point to gaze longingly at him whenever possible. Draco of course didn't notice a thing he only had eyes for Hermione. But Ginny was certain Hermione was noticing, if the looks her friend was giving her meant anything.

"Let me just get some more biscuits." Ginny picked up the plate and turned quickly and then as if by accident her foot caught on the rug and she found herself in Draco's lap.

"OH! Silly, clumsy me!" Ginny made it appear that she was trying to get out of Draco's lap, but was actually doing everything in her power to stay in a place she was not wanted. Draco couldn't get a good grip on her or she would have been out of his lap and across the room. Ginny almost ruined the whole thing by laughing hysterically at both of her friend's expressions. This was almost too easy! They would be together before the week was out, if she kept this up. Hermione would have to admit to liking Draco.

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Remus had entered the suite of rooms through his office and stood in the shadows watching the little melodrama take place.

His wife was drinking tea and she seemed to be "flirting" with Draco Malfoy. What game was she playing? He started to move out from the shadows when Ginny pulled her little "trip and fall into Draco's lap' stunt. It never for one moment crossed his mind that she was actually trying to get Draco's interest herself, he was as sure of Ginny as he was of anything. So what in the world was she doing?

A horrible thought crossed his mind. Oh Dear Merlin, please, please don't let it be true. A huge sigh came from his lips. She was trying her hand at match making wasn't she? Matchmaking! Ohhh...the old jealousy ruse. He ran a wearied hand through his hair and stepped into the room. The moment Ginny saw his face she squeaked with real surprise.

"Ginny as soon as you can remove yourself from Draco's lap may I have a word with you in the bedroom?" His voice was silky smooth.

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Ginny started with fear at the look on her husband's face. Damn, Damn, and Damn again! He was early tonight. With an apologetic look at Hermione and Draco she slipped from the room.

"Well?" She stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips. The most important thing that growing up with slews of older brothers had taught her it was that a good offense is a good defense!

"What do you mean "Well" Ginny? You were just in Draco's Malfoy's lap." He hadn't been fooled by her defensive stance at all. He looked at her and she found herself being the one to look away first.

"Remus, its not what you think." Ginny smiled and sidled in close to her husband.

"It isn't? It isn't what I think Ginny? What do I think?" Remus was enjoying himself now.

"Well obviously, you...well I...well...I don't know what do you think?" Ginny sat on the bed and started twisting the fringe of the bedspread between her fingers.

"Ginny what I think is that you are TRYING to play matchmaker. You can't meddle in other people's lives it never works out how you imagine. I won't have it Ginny!" His voice rose slightly

He wouldn't have it, what was that supposed to mean? He was going to try to tell her what to do now, was he?

How interesting.

Ginny could feel the frown steeling over her features. Stood back up and faced her husband with THE look on her face.

"No Ginny." Remus knew the look. "No, please, just. We need to talk about this." He held his hands up in what she assumed he thought was a placating gesture. (It wasn't)

"I have no idea what you are talking about, but if you can't trust me, then I don't think we have anything else to say. Do we?" She turned and left the room.

Laughing she almost skipped her way back to the lounge room. The second most important thing living with brothers had taught her was that if you can confuse a man you can get away with almost anything.

Naturally there would be fall out, but even that could be dealt with at the appropriate time. However now was not the appropriate time!

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Remus stood in their bedroom not quite sure what had just happened. It had seemed like he'd had the upper hand, for a moment, but then she had used the look on him and he had caved. Damn! He hit his hand against the wall. He was going to have to keep a much closer eye on his pretty wife, before she did something she shouldn't.

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Hermione and Draco found themselves ejected into the corridor outside of the Lupin's living quarters, only a few minutes after an apologetic Ginny had come back to the room.

"I am so sorry but you know men." Ginny had grimaced and motioned her head toward the bedroom before closing the door on them.

Hermione smiled blankly. No she really didn't know men, but she could imagine what she would do if she came in and found her wife...well husband, in someone else's lap. Or with someone in HIS lap. Just what was Ginny doing? The flirting? The tripping and falling ploy? It looked contrived to Hermione but she couldn't imagine what Ginny was trying to prove by it, unless she was trying to make Remus jealous. Were they having problems in their marriage? Oh here poor dear friend. Hermione had thought they were so happy, maybe there was some way she could help.

Draco heaved a sigh and Hermione turned to him.

"Sooo, how are feeling?" Draco looked at Hermione intently.

"I am feeling much better thank you."

"I am so glad, I was worried. We all were worried I mean." Draco stammered to a halt.

"Yes, well I'm feeling much better."

"That's good. Yes, yes that's very good to hear." There was an awkward silence after Draco's words. Hermione wasn't exactly sure what she should say.

May I walk with you to dinner?" Draco smiled in a very benign way and Hermione could think of no good reason to say no. Before she knew it her hand was tucked into the crook the crook of his arm and Hermione felt a small spark where her palm came into contact with the sleeve of his robes.

Still smiling Draco led her down the corridor and toward The Great Hall.

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A/N Thanks again for all your reviews. Until next time, keep reading. :)