The performance was at a bar called Hellcat's, and, apparently, the agent I suggested was doing well for the band, because when I apparated in, it was packed, even for a Saturday night. Not a bad gig. In fact, it was so crowded it was damned near stifling, and in the interest of preventing dehydration, I did the only sensible thing, and made a bee-line for the bar to get myself a beverage.

Navigating my way through that crowd was difficult, but I followed the sign that read 'cocktails' like the North Star, and eventually fought my way to where three women stood behind a polished stretch of mahogany, and fended off a wave after wave of humanity by shoving alcohol at them. I liked their tactics.

With no more than a moments hesitation, I joined that wave.

"What'll it be, honey?" asked on of the women after a surprisingly short amount of time.

She looked like Malfoy's type. Blonde, statuesque, wearing a black mesh top, through which one could easily see her brazier, and tight black jeans that rode so low the top of her thong underwear were visible. I bet she was the type who had sex on the first date. Definitely Malfoys type.

I suppressed the urge to snort. Women like that may give females a bad name, with their obvious flaunting of their 'wares,' and the degrading way in which they use their bodies… they may make me want to scream, and shake them, and yell 'he won't respect you in the morning, and will have less respect for me because of your actions,' they may do all that, but this one was preparing to pour me a drink, so I thought I'd let it slide.

"Scotch," I said "straight up."

And shortly there after, straight down.

A sigh, and then I ordered another. Scotch with a Scotch chaser. The thought brought a smile to my lips as I sipped this second one. I'd take it easy tonight. The last time I got drunk, I ended up on Malfoy's doorstep. I was by no means ready for a repeat performance.

And this time I didn't even have anyone to act as chaperone. Though it was probably better this way, I did still have a wedding to go to, with no date in sight, and I supposed it was possible to meet someone worthwhile here. Or not… perhaps what I really needed to do was to meet someone. It had been a while, after all… and I was a woman with needs (illustrated by that stupid disturbing dream!) perhaps I could just… I mean, just this once… it wasn't like I was the sort to have one-night-stands often (or at all) maybe if I—

My god, what was I thinking?

With a groan, I swiveled my seat to look at the crowd. No, no one night stands. That just wasn't something I did. Obviously this whole dream of Malfoy was wreaking havoc on my psyche, but there was no need to 'relieve the pressure,' so to speak. It wouldn't hurt, of course, to see if I could find a possible date, and if we happen to sleep together… well…

I frowned, surveying the crowd. Something was off, and it took me a second to realize what exactly that was, and when I did I nearly choked on my scotch.

A hand was laid on my shoulder, and a breath was in my ear. I jumped about three feet in the air, and turned to find that bartender leaning against the counter, her face inches from mine.

"Are you doing okay, there?" she asked, her voice a little too soothing, and little too soft.

"I- I'm fine."

"Here," she said, reaching over to take my glass, and brushing her hand against mine in the process. It took all the self control I had not to pull back. "looks like you could use another." Her smile dipped towards seductive, and this time, I really did pull back.

"Actually, I'm taking it easy tonight, you know how it is,"

"Don't be shy, love, tell you what, I'll make it on the house."

I shuffled backward, tripping and catching myself before I fell. "Um… I don't think that would be advisable… I…uh…" the band was starting to play on the stage, and I sighed with relief… the timing couldn't be more perfect. "I don't want to miss the act."

She waved as I pushed off into the crowd, and I had to shake myself. Stupid, Hermione, just stupid. You've acted like and idiot. Just because you've noticed that there were only a handful of men in a crowd full of women on a Saturday night, and half of those are bouncers… well… even if Hellcats was a lesbian bar… even if the bartender was flirting with me, and I wasn't just being over sensitive… well, it was no reason to freak out. But then again, it seemed that I was having quite a bit of trouble keeping my control these days.

With a sound that was something in between a growl and a groan, I made my way to the stage, where Nine Inch Wands was just about to start their set.

If only Ron had come with me. I'd flooed him, despite the fact that he was supposed to be working tonight, hoping that I might be able to convince him to come anyway only to find out that he was already skipping out to take Paige to Florendo's for dinner. Naturally I was happy for him, but still… a little backup would have been nice.

I sighed, and closed my eyes. And that proved to be my undoing, for just as my eyelids slid shut, a woman to my left poked me in the ribs, causing me to stumble, and the crowd surged forward as the first notes of a song wafted from the stage. I went down like the titanic, hitting my knees roughly on the floor, my cry of pain, however, was drowned out by the roar of the crowd, and the whine of a guitar.

I was staring at a sea of knees, and moved to get up, but the crowd shifted again, and I was quickly knocked back down. Again I tried to rise, and again, I couldn't.

And then a wave of panic washed over me. I wasn't going to be able to get up. My god, I was going to be trampled.

No, relax. Easy there. Remember, you're a witch.

I inhaled, a deep calming breath, and reached back for my wand, before I was jostled again, and had to place my wand hand back down to steady myself. Just as a spiked heel came down upon it..

With a cry, I pulled my hand back to my chest, cradling it there, as the sea of feet around me began to stomp in rhythm. I bit my lip, and tried to keep my eyes from watering.

The pain faded quickly, however, with one realization.

I was going to die. I was going to die here, on my knees, in a lesbian bar, clutching my hand to my chest. If it wasn't so ridiculous, I would laugh. Instead, I began to cry.

And then there was a firm hand on my collar. Thick fingers curling around my shirt, and hoisting me up in the air. I sniffled, the relief welling up so strongly that I very nearly collapsed against my rescuer, and cried out my fearful tears. Very nearly. I was stopped short of such an act at the realization of just who my savior was.

"Goyle!"

"We seem to keep running into each other, Miss."

"W-what are you doing here?"

"I'm working, aren't I?" he asked, gesturing to his Hellcat's t-shirt. A bouncer, I would imagine. Or rather, I couldn't imagine him doing much else at a place like this.

I said the only thing that came to mind.

"Does Malfoy know you work here?"

"Ah, sure he does. It's only on the weekends, you know, put a few extra quid in my pocket."

"Goyle."

"Yes?"

"He's here isn't he."

The large man shuffled, for a moment, looking a bit sheepish, and I resisted the urge to smack him upside the head. My hand was injured, after all. "Well, listen here, you lummox, you can tell your sleazy little boss that there's no way he's going to ruin this night for me!"

"Shall I just leave you as I found you, then?"

What was that? Snide sarcasm from Goyle? I supposed I'd forgive him. Obviously, his lifelong partnership with one Draco Malfoy had had some negative effects on him.

"Alright, you've made your point. Get me out of this crowd… and… Goyle?"

"Yes?"

"Sorry for the lummox bit, it was really uncalled for. I've just been under a tremendous amount of stress lately. I hope you can understand."

He shrugged it off, "No worries, he can have that effect."

He parted the crowds with sheer bulk, and I followed in his wake, a frown on my face. What was with that last comment exactly. I mean, assuming that Malfoy was at the root of my problems. Well, I certainly had news for him! My world did not revolve around that g—

Giggling, from just up ahead. And the low tones of a masculine voice, and when the crowd parted, I saw that Goyle had led me back to the bar. And Malfoy was currently sitting between two women who looked, by the way they kept shooting heated glances to each other, to be lovers. Though that wasn't stopping them from draping themselves across him, and laughing at his no-doubt rude comments.

That man. I stifled the urge to hex him, The initial pain in my hand had settled to a dull ache, and as I hadn't had a chance to examine my wand hand yet, I hadn't determined if it wasn't as bad as I had initially thought, or if I was experiencing the side effects of the adrenaline still in my system, and couldn't feel it. Either way, I figured it best to refrain from unnecessary use of it, so I settled for a snort and eye roll.

Goyle came up behind him, and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Sir, I…"

"Goyle, not now… can't you see I'm busy?" He didn't even glance backward.

"But sir, I think…"

"Goyle, these lovely ladies were just inviting me to a private party at their flat around the corner, why don't you scamper off, so they can get back to inviting, eh?"

"But I really think you'll want to know this."

"Goyle!" this time, he turned around, nearly dumping the redhead on his left off her stool. He stopped short of a tirade as his eye focused on me. "Oh," he said, after barely a moments hesitation. "I see. Thank you, Goyle, that will be all."

His lackey gave a nod, and melted back into the crowd. Malfoy's eyes never left mine, as he leaned one elbow against the counter. "Alicia, Trillian, perhaps it would be best if you two waited for me outside, I shan't be long."

The redhead glared at me, while her partner ran her tongue along the shell of Malfoys ear by way of goodbye. I clenched my teeth at the display, seeing her throw herself at him like that… Christ, didn't she have any self-respect?

"Well, well, Granger, fancy meeting you here… although, I always had a feeling about you." His tone was light, and playful, but I wasn't in the mood for his antics.

I chose to ignore that comment instead of dignifying it with a response. Taking the moral high-ground, and all.

"Have a seat, Granger." He said, indicating the one that had just been vacated by that… that… ear-licking hussy!

I almost refused, but realized that my knees were starting to wobble. If I stood much longer I was sure I'd start shaking, and that was the last thing I wanted him to see, so I sat quickly, tucking my hand into my lap, and noting that the pain was starting to get sharper. Sprained, maybe. I'd have to have it looked at soon, and there was no way I'd be able to use it for spells unlit it was healed.

Great.

I ordered another drink.

The bartender was the same as before, and just like she promised, gave me the drink, free of charge. I picked it up with my good hand, and tossed it back before turning to Malfoy.

"Made a new friend, I see."

"Shut up, Malfoy."

"I have to say, Granger, after all your admonishments to me about the way I conduct my personal business, and here you are, trying to go home with the bartender."

He was impossible. Infuriating, even when I was at my best. And he just wasn't letting up. And I was now starting to shake visibly, and I knew that the adrenaline was wearing off, because, damn, my hand was really starting to hurt now, and I was tired, and irritable, and I just couldn't take it…

"I hope you have you purse spelled, Malfoy, those two look like the type to rob you blind afterward."

So much for the moral high-ground.

"So long as they wait until afterward, I don't really see the problem. I'm not going home with them because their honest, Granger. I'm going home with them because they aren't"

"Pig." But I really should have expected as much.

"Granger, not a civil word out of you mouth. Why do you hate me so?"

"Because you are."

"What did you mean by that exactly, Granger?"

I closed my eyes, and let out a pained breath. "You are a horrible person, Malfoy. You are rude, and cold, and selfish, and egotistical, and bigoted, and you spent the first seven years I knew you making my life, and the lives of my friends a bloody night mare, the next five and a half years avoiding prosecution for your crimes, and the last three weeks terrorizing me into taking a job from you and torturing me after I accepted. In other words, Malfoy, 'you are.' Your very existence is reason for my loathing."

"I'm touched, Granger."

"T- touched?" I stared at him slack jawed, as he gazed back at me, eyes dancing. "I've just insulted you, and you're touched?"

"Certainly. You must think about me an awful lot… besides, I know you don't mean that."

"Didn't you mention something about a speech you had to write? Why are you here attending to 'personal business' when it is quite obvious you have professional business to be attending to."

"Ah, Granger, you are forgetting, 'all work and no play…'"

"Might make you a decent human being? My god, Malfoy, you're a common beast. A dog sniffing out… ARGH!" I yelled.

"No, don't stop now Granger, I want to hear what I'm sniffing out." He was leaning toward me now, his cheek resting on his palm as his eyes danced in mine, the barest hint of a smile on his face. In this light, he almost…looked…

I pulled back, sitting ramrod straight in my seat. And then I felt his hand on my back, his fingers kneading my spine through the thin fabric of my blouse.

"Malfoy…"

"Hm?"

"Malfoy… what are you doing?"

"You know, you are really tense. I think there's something in the medical plan about stress relief activities… you know, yoga, meditation, acupuncture… of course, we both know what the best stress reliever is, but I doubt that's covered." I shot him a dark glance, and he just grinned back at me. "I could have my assistant schedule you an appointment, or a lesson, or something." He suggested, pulling his hand back, to run it through his hair.

"You have a new assistant already?" I asked, more than a little annoyed that, despite the fact that my hand was now throbbing, I could still feel the tingling he'd left on my skin, and the feel of phantom fingers along my back. Best to forget that had ever happened.

"hm? Oh, yes, of course. Alicia, the charming flame haired minx you met tonight."

I snorted, it figured. "I wouldn't say we met. I don't think I said one word to her."

"No, but you certainly did a bit of glaring, didn't you?"

And still the pain became more insistent. Perhaps I should leave immediately… no… no, it couldn't be all that bad, and I didn't feel like telling Malfoy I was injured. He wouldn't care either way. Probably throw it in my face, how I could have been helping him with his blasted speech, and getting paid for it, instead of being here, getting hurt. Of course there was the possibility that he would care, and I couldn't figure out which was worse, facing his scorn, or facing the possibility of becoming his damsel in distress.

No, the best thing to do was get rid of him, and take care of this myself.

"Speaking of which, aren't you supposed to be out there right now?" but I couldn't keep myself from wincing, as pain lanced up my arm.

"Granger… hey, are you alright?" He almost sounded concerned, I thought with a bitter smile. Slytherins were always known for their powers of deception.

"I'm fine," I managed, after a moment, but I felt like I was going to be sick.

"You don't look fine." His hand was back on my back, and this time the other one was on my shoulder, steadying me.

"Don't you have to get to the wonder-twins."

"Why are you so concerned about it, Granger, are you jealous?" but the reply was purely habitual, said without any sting. Empty words, he spoke for the sake of speaking, because that was the way it always was with us. Even as his hands slipped over me, and he kneeled next to me. Looking me over for injuries, "I'm sure they wouldn't mind if you watched." His eyes stopped where I had my hand settled in my lap, below the bar, where he wouldn't have been able to see it, had he stayed in his seat.

"My god…" his eyes shot to mind and his hands sought my shoulders, shaking me once, "what were you thinking of, you stupid girl? Talking to me while you're injured."

"It's nothing," I snapped,

"The hell it is, your hand is broken!"

"Nonsense," I said, through closed eyes and clenched teeth.

"Believe me, Granger, I know a break when I see one," and with that he was on his feet, and pulling me up after him, holding me close as he apparated.

And of course, I found myself right back where I said I'd never be again. Malfoy manor. Standing in what appeared to be Malfoy's study, no less. I shuddered.

"Satori," Malfoy called, and a house elf appeared at his elbow, bowing and groveling as house elves are wont to do. I was dizzy with pain by then, and couldn't muster the proper indignation at Malfoy for his participation in this atrocity.

"Yes, Master?" he asked in a soft voice.

"Satori," Malfoy said, handing the elf a card, "please go to this address. Ask for a Murray Splint. Tell him that Mr. Malfoy is sorry about the late hour, but request his presence at once for a matter of some urgency. Tell him to bring his kit… do you have all that?"

"Yes, Master Malfoy, Satori is having all that sir. Satori will be back shortly."

And with that the elf disappeared.

"Now," he said turning his gaze on me, "for you…" he took my hand in his, and I made as if to jerk it back, but his eyes on mine stopped me cold. He mumbled something I couldn't quite make out, and I breathed a sigh as the pain lessened. I closed my eyes, feeling so relieved, and grateful that I was dying to just collapse into his chest, and bury myself there. He spoiled this feeling a moment later, of course, by opening his mouth. "Just what were you thinking in there? Hm? Managing to break your hand, and then sitting there, talking to me instead of telling me you were injured so you could get medical attention… have you gone completely barmy?"

"Don't talk to me as though I were a child!"

"Then don't act like one."

"I'm acting like a child? Listen here, I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I don't need your help."

He snorted, "Of course you don't. What were you thinking?"

"Listen, I fell by the stage, and someone stepped on it while I was down. I was very nearly trampled until your man, Goyle, pulled me out of the trenches.. Apparently I couldn't be heard over the music."

"That doesn't explain why you felt it would be wiser to chat with me, and try to goad me into an argument, than to have that hand looked at. What exactly did you think you were proving?"

"Nothing… I really didn't think it was that bad. It didn't hurt all that much at first, okay? Well, it hurt a lot initially, but it faded pretty quickly… I thought it was just sprained."

"Well, it wasn't… couldn't you tell?"

"I didn't really look… it was so dim… I didn't think I needed to examine it, because it really didn't hurt all that much."

"Well, that was only because you were still shaken from the fall."

"Well, thanks for working that out, but I sort of figured as much when the pain became nearly as unbearable as your company. And on that note, I think I'll be leaving."

"Don't be stupid, Granger."

"I already told you, I don't need your help. I can handle this, alright?"

"Don't need my – well, pardon me, Granger, but how exactly did you plan to leave? That's your wand hand you broke, it isn't as though you could apparate."

"Don't you think I'm well aware of that? I can have caught a cab, or the knight bus, or something."

He snorted, "riding the knight bus is a gamble when you're healthy, Granger."

"Well, that cab then,"

"And where would you have them take you? Hm? And how long would that take? You're luck I was there Granger, admit it… and I still can't believe you were sitting there, talking to me… argh!" he ran his fingers roughly through his hair, and began pacing. My god, I hadn't seen him this agitated in a very, very long time.

"Malfoy…"

"Sorry to interupt…" a thin, reedy voice came through the slightly cracked study door. "but Mr. Malfoy has said he had business with me."

"Ah, Splint," he strode to the door, and wrenched it open to reveal a bent old man wearing a tweed jacket over flannel pajamas. "You did bring your kit right?"

"I did, I did… my goodness, calm down young man… what seems to be the problem?"

Malfoy cast a glare at me over his shoulder, "that girl," he said jerking his thumb in my direction, "needs medical attention, and if you will excuse me, I need a bath."

"If you hurry, you ass, you can probably catch those two out in front of the bar!" I called to his retreating back. He stiffened.

"Don't tempt me, Granger." He paused to whisper to Murray Splint , receiving a nod as he closed the door.

"Now," he said, turning to me with a kind smile, "where does it hurt.

okay, this chapter probably has a ton of errors, as it is the first electronic draft ( I usually write at least four drafts of each chapter… two hardcopy, in my notebook. One typed. And one slightly revised) so I expect typos galore… if there's anything glaring, please let me know, but I'm putting this up because, damn it, it's time.

Incidentally, I once ended up on the ground in a mosh-pit… scary stuff…

5-8

see… this is why I usually do four drafts… anyone who read this chapter right after I posted it will notice several changes…