A/N- Hey everyone. Terribly sorry for the delay. I had this chapter ready around the 23rd, but I needed to do the finishing touches….so right as I was about to, my mom said we were leaving for Pennsylvania a day earlier...which was that night…so, long story short, I didn't get a chance. (I was at dance camp all week). But, I came home today and felt horrible, so I had to get past my exhaustion and post this chapter. And, nothing really exciting happens in this chap, I actually just needed to post this as an interlude into the school year because I didn't want to jump right into it. Anyways, hope it doesn't suck and you still enjoy it. :)

Thanks to all my readers and reviewers! I love you guys! You made me happy before my trip. Oh…and to answer a question or two- lameydovey- Thank you so much for pointing that out! I completely forgot about the age thing. So yes, EVERYONE- Hermione and Draco are 17! Sorry about that guys. xOxOkIsSmYaSsXoXo- Thanks for bringing that up too. I should have made that clearer but no, they're not having a wedding in this one. I can't think of more vows! And plus, the vows would be totally forced anyway. Lol. Darkprygoddess374- That's a really good point. I wasn't going to do the money at first because I thought the same exact thing, but then, I don't know. For some reason I just couldn't see Hermione agreeing to that, even if it was immoral to decline his requests. I hope that doesn't discourage you from reading the story though!

All right- I hope I cleared up those few things. If anyone has anymore questions or whatever…just ask!

On with the story! And an updates coming soon:)

Ch2-"Oh this is absurd! I can't believe I agreed to this! What was I thinking?" she said more to herself than him.

"Maybe the 15,000 galleons made you feel better. Now lay back down."

Hermione angrily complied as Draco put the warm cloth over her head and made her drink more potions. As she glared at him while taking deep, calming breaths, she new this would be one long year.

Chapter 3- Visiting Harry

It was ludicrous. Absolutely Ludicrous. No onewould believe them. Could she even believe it? I mean, how could he ask her this? No, how DARE he ask her this? Well. Whatever. It didn't matter because they wouldn't get away with it. The notion was just…implausible. Everyone knew they were total opposites in ALL aspects.

They fought on opposite sides.

They had different friends.

Different morals (if he had any…)

Different views.

For Merlin's sake…they couldn't even stay in a five foot radius of each other without wishing death upon the other.

No. It would never work.

"C'mon Granger. You have to. We agreed and you owe me your life." He taunted.

"Stop using that excuse." She spat.

Over the past two days, Hermione had healed and looked as healthy as she always did, while Draco was the same as well: arrogant, indifferent, and smirking.

It was the second to last week of the summer. Draco had stayed with her the past couple of days, naturally driving them both insane. They had told her parents about their marriage as soon as she arrived home, and it was a hell of a shock to them both. (And her mother was extremely distressed that she wasn't invited.) Now Draco kept coming over her house at random times, trying to get her parents used to the idea of her new husband. However, Draco had yet to tell his mother about his little bride, and he wanted to keep it that way for a little while longer. But, he knew he would have to tell her before it reached the papers because she would go ballistic.

Aside from all that, Hermione hated him now more then ever. Surprisingly, it wasn't because of their "marriage".

….Well, that's a lie. She knew she would always hate him for that.

But, nonetheless, she was ready to "play her role" in this marriage, and she would help Malfoy out. (Though…she didn't really have a choice in that, with or without the money.)

Still… the real thing that was annoying her was that he didn't even give her a day to let it sink in! Not one day to herself to let her acknowledge the fact that she was married to her enemy. Couldn't they have waited until school to start feigning the union? Nooooooo. Why? Because Draco, King-of-the-Purebloods said they needed "practice".

Unbelievable.

He really wanted her to die in the most uncomfortable way possible.

The following day, they were walking up towards St. Mungos to visit Harry. Hermione had argued with Draco for an hour on why she didn't want him to come, but he told her he had to…because in reality…what kind of husband would he be if he didn't go with his wife to visit her best friend in the hospital?

Well…a fake one.

He was struggling to get her to hold his hand…she just wouldn't do it. She wasn't even attempting to look like his wife…more like an annoyed sister whose pestering brother kept following her around. Draco asked her why she couldn't just cooperate, and she said she was pretending they were in a fight.

They were probably going to be pretending they were in a lot of fights.

The two walked up to the front desk and Draco grabbed Hermione tightly around the waist with one arm. She subtly struggled, and then turned her head towards him. She narrowed her eyes and he smirked in return.

"Can I help you?" the receptionist asked.

"Er- yes. Can you please tell me what room Harry Potter is in?" Hermione formed a smile.

"Are you family?"

" Well…not exactly but-"

"Then I'm sorry. But only family visitors are allowed at this time."

"But Harry doesn't have any—wait, my name is Hermione Grang- Ow…Malfoy…but, I know Harry listed me as Granger"

"Oh, right, right. You may enter. But wait- who is this?"

"He's my husband."

"Alright, go ahead. Room 203."

Hermione thanked her and proceeded down the hall, shoving Draco off of her as she walked. They got to Harry's room and Hermione went in, leaving Draco outside. He didn't really protest because he wasn't in a hurry to see Potter anyway.

Draco sat down on a chair against the wall in the hallway, staring down the corridor to try and find anything interesting. He was praying some crazy nut job would come stumbling down and entertain him. But, no avail. His head snapped towards the window when he heard Hermione shout for help and he looked down the hallway to see if the healers were coming. He stood there for a good moment just waiting for someone…anyone…so he wouldn't have to do it. Sighing, he walked into the room.

"Malfoy! Go get a healer." She said, stroking Harry's hand. He was lying on the bed and was out cold.

"Why?"

"Harry fainted!"

"That's normal, Granger. Patients tend to fall in and out of consciousness."

"Malfoy just do it!"

"I'm going, I'm going…"

Draco stuck his head out the door and hollered down the hallway. "EVERYONE, QUICK! THE HERO IS IN TROUBLE! STOP SAVING INSIGNIFIGANT LIVES THAT ARE PROBABLY MUCH MORE IN NEED OF YOUR HELP AND COME SAVE SAINT POTTER WHO MERELY FAINTED!"

Draco shut the door and turned around to Hermione who scowled at him while shaking her head in shame. "You are so…sad."

He was so sick of her giving him that 'look'. He did what she asked for, for Merlin's sake, so what was her problem? Did this girl have any sense of humor in her body?

He scoffed and bit back, "Well then, good thing I don't have a mudblood wife to put me down even further, right?…oh wait…"

Hermione grinded her teeth and turned her head

"Why is he out anyway?"

"He saw the ring then turned and saw you out the window."

Draco snorted, "Oh."

Harry started shifting in bed and then sat up.

"Oh, hey Hermione. I just had the weirdest dream...oh HELL no." He looked up at Draco.

"Potter." Draco smirked.

"Hermione…" Harry said shakily, eyes widening in horror. "This is a joke, right? Some sick, twisted, and utterly cruel joke to make me feel better?"

"Oh grow up Potter and get a box of tissues. You may-"

"Draco!"

He looked over at Hermione who widened her eyes warningly for a moment as to say 'snuff it'. He rolled his eyes and leaned against the wall.

"No joke Harry. I'm sorry, I know it's not what you wanted to hear." Hermione patted his hand.

"But…when did you…how did you…Malfoy!"

"Look Potter, here's the shortened version for the challenged. Hermione and I dated. Hermione and I wed. You were sick. We came down. And now we're here." He explained dumbly.

Harry sat in shock. His mouth was agape and he sat there staring, totally at loss for words. A few moments later, it seemed he made a little voice, "And you agreed?"

"Agreed to what, Potter?"

"To come see if I was alright?."

"After all you just found out, that's what you want to know? Wow."

Harry's mouth still hung open and his brows furrowed; he couldn't even formulate a retort. "Hermione…we need to talk."

"I agree Harry. But, not now. You need rest. I don't want to put more stress on you when you should be in peace."

"I'm injured Hermione, not dead. But, if you want we can talk later." Harry sighed.

"Thank you." She smiled, and kissed him on the cheek.

"Okay Potter, that's enough snuggling with my wife." Draco smirked and walked over to his bedside.

Ignoring him, he continued. "I'm just glad you aren't hurt. How long did you fight?"

"Um…." She started. Hermione looked from Harry to Draco, who raised his eyebrows and awaited her answer nervously, while Harry caught the exchange between the two. "I didn't…really…"

"You didn't?"

"Well. I did…for a little. It's complicated. I'll tell you more about it later, I promise."

With a squeeze of the hand, she walked out of the room and headed towards the exit, followed by Draco.

"Well that was stupid. In that whole 10 minutes… you visited Potter for like, 3 seconds because the bloke couldn't stay awake, I had to waste my voice by screaming down the hallway, and then you almost blew our case. What happened to the story you were going to use?"

"It's harder to lie in front of Harry!"

"Pathetic."

"Okay, we need rules Malfoy if this is going to work."

"I agree. You can't go around kissing other people."

"Like who!"

"Like Potter, Weasley-"

"I don't really. And it's strictly platonic…sisterly even."

"Brothers and sisters don't kiss."

"I'm not going to argue with you."

"Sweet Merlin I honestly never thought I would hear those words come out of your mouth."

"First time for everything…like being married to you."

"Rule two…No pushing me off every time I touch you."

"Sorry. It's not my fault I get chills when your skin hits mine."

"Oh really Granger? Hm…that sounds deep. Some call that attraction."

"And others call it revulsion."

"Oh I love it when you talk dirty."

"Rule three- Be nicer to my friends."

"But…nice is such a strong word."

"So is Avada-"

"Bloody hell! Um… Fine. I'll try."

"Honest?"

"No."

Nope…never work.

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The next day, Draco came back over around 3 for their "lessons" again, but they ended shortly because Hermione needed to go talk with Harry. Draco didn't want to go again, and was about to go back to his house to do some flying. Ironically, Hermione actually wanted him there, so that they could both be on the receiving end of Harry's anger. And if she was going to make up things on the spot, she wouldn't remember to tell Draco every detailed thing. So, in short, he was strung along…again.

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"So Potter, did you know I'm married to Hermione?" Draco smirked sitting in a chair on one side of Harry's bed, ignoring the piercing look he received from his wife.

"I know that, Malfoy" Harry replied through gritted teeth.

"Oh I know you know…I just wanted to see your face when I reminded you." xxx

"Draco!" Hermione scolded while standing opposite Draco, across the bed.

"What love?" He grinned.

"Out. Now."

"But I need to speak with my…er…brother-in-law….sort of."

"No you don't!" she growled.

"Hermione! What did I tell you about growling? Those noises are solely for bedroom purposes." Draco said in a hushed whisper, trying to get it all out before he started laughing.

"Draco!" she shouted incredulously.

"Fine, fine, I'm finished." He mocked, and didn't move from his seat.

"Harry, I'm sorry about him. You know how he is…doesn't get out much."

"Sweetheart, don't place all the blame on me. You know exactly why I don't get out much. You keep me locked in that house so you can come back home and do all the dirty and unspeakab-"

Hermione coughed loudly. "Excuse me." She smiled lightly when Harry moved to rub her back in a hug, and then cast a murderous look at Draco over his shoulder, mouthing 'STOP IT'.

"Well Hermione…I was hoping to have this talk without him." Harry snapped.

"Me too." Draco spat.

"You are more than welcomed to leave."

"Enough." She commanded sternly. Draco was about to say something vulgar back at her, but remembered he couldn't anymore.

That sucked.

"Draco, if you want, you can leave. I'll see you later."

"You're positive?"

"Yes."

He sat up and turned to walk out the door, and then thought better of it. He figured he'd be doing this a lot, so he had might as well got used to it…and she better had to as well. If she flinched, he would kill her.

Draco turned around and stalked over to Hermione who stood there looking confused at him. He internally took a deep breath, then leant down slowly and softly kissed her rosy cheek. He could feel the heat radiating off of it, no doubt from embarrassment, but thanked Merlin she didn't move. That wouldn't have been good at all.

Draco stood up and smirked at her, and she hesitantly gave a small smile in return. He looked at Harry, who was murderous…still…and started walking towards the door, "Potter."

"Prat."

"Poof"

"Ferret"

"Scarhead"

"Asswipe."

"Fucker."

And then he was gone.

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It was 3 days before they were to board the Hogwarts express, and Draco and Hermione were sitting in the basement. She had moved down there when she turned 14; it was like her own home. There was a bedroom, a TV room, a bathroom, and a mini bar…which she transfigured into a mini kitchen. It was enough room for a few people…but Hermione was already finding that two was a crowd.

"What are you reading?"

"A book."

"Elaborate one, you are."

"Maybe I don't want to tell you seeing as it's none of your business."

"But I saved-"

"Don't. You. Dare."

Some days were better than others…but he was still always there. Sometimes they would hold a civil conversation….for about 40 seconds…and it would turn into a fully heated brawl. They needed to work on that.

She could tell that he hated being around her just as much as she did him, but he needed to be there. They needed to get more comfortable with each other to make this seem believable, and the more they were together, the more people would catch on. And the more to catch on, the more important it'll become. And the more important it'll seem, the better Draco will look.

He was a smart young man.

"So is Potter still owling you everyday to see if I turned evil and killed you yet?"

"Yes."

"All the while not realizing that if I did kill you that it'd be physically impossible for you to write back?"

"Yes."

"And do you continue to tell him to seize that nonsense?"

"Yes."

"And why doesn't he?"

"Because he doesn't trust you."

"Sucks for him."

After a two minute silence….

"What about Weasley."

"Same."

"Hm."

Another two minutes…

"What other friends do you have?"

"Ginny. And I don't know. We haven't talked yet."

"Right."

Silence…

"What are you reading?" Hermione asked, mimicking Draco's deep voice.

Draco raised his eyebrow and smirked, "A book." He replied mocking Hermione's tone, but he added a childish face to it.

"Elaborate one, you are."

"Maybe I don't want to tell you seeing as it's none of your business."

"But I saved-"

"Ah, ah, ah…no you didn't Granger." He chided simply, in his regular voice.

She sent a glare and they continued their reading.

Hermione got up and went to the tapping on her window.

"The owl post is here." She informed him.

"Joy." He drawled.

"Here, Dumbledore sent your letter too…which is quite interesting seeing as you don't live here and he still knows where you are."

"Fucking stalker."

"Shut up Mal—AH! Yes! This is brilliant!"

"And it would be even better if you weren't screaming like a wild broad." Draco winced.

"Look! I got Head Girl!"

Draco took her letter, scanned it over once, and gave it back, "Surprise, surprise." He drawled with a forced grin and continued to read his book.

"Well, what does your letter say?"

"I could care less."

"Fine, give it here."

"Don't touch my mail."

"As your wife, I can."

"Touch it Hermione and I swear you're pulling back a bloody stub."

"Touché." She stood there for a second before she smiled and ran away.

Draco rolled his eyes as Hermione bolted upstairs to tell her parents. He picked up her paper again to see that the Head Boy was some stupid bloke from Ravenclaw. He scowled at the paper and thought 'Not for long…'