What should I say? I am simply terrible with updating and my life is way too messy. But as you can see, I am still updating, even if it's a chapter a year. Sorry about that. Anyway, I hope everyone is safe and well and that we don't get anymore disasters in the forseeable future. Thanks to Nantai for betaing. Enjoy the chapter and your comments make me happy (even if we all know that I wont hurry up and update faster bc I simply do not have time. I should be writing yet another paper right now...)

Draco rolled over, blindly reaching for Granger's warm body. He was sure it was still late at night as the alarm didn't get off yet. Usually, he would have had trouble falling asleep again, but cuddles helped a great lot, not that he would admit it out loud. The only question was, why Granger was so far away from him. His bed wasn't that big….

Draco sat up, suddenly wide awake. He remembered now. Granger hadn't come over last night after their little adventure in the library. That was not an issue, they didn't spend too many nights together. It would be weird. No, the real problem was that he had been looking for her right now. She helped him sleep and frankly, he missed the warmth. His bed felt huge suddenly, or rather he felt lost and alone.

"This is only happening because we usually spend the night together after shagging…" he whispered into the night. No one responded as he was all alone, but he was the one he was trying to convince anyway. "That's the only reason." Draco laid back down and pulled up his duvet up to his nose. He had been cold because half his body had been uncovered, he reasoned. This was not about Granger. It couldn't be.

As always, Draco could not fall asleep again. He turned from one side to another, somehow not finding a comfortable position to sleep in. Finally, he sighed and reached for his phone. 3:45 glowed at him in bright numbers from the display. It felt as if the universe was mocking him. He put the phone away again and closed his eyes. Granger's face appeared in his mind immediately. Only if she was here…

Draco's hand slipped into his pants as images flashed in his head. Granger, on her knees in front of him, sucking him off as if her life depended on it - he stroked his already hard dick. Yesterday had been so hot. He couldn't wait to have her again. To fuck her mouth until she gagged, tears in her eyes, and stop just before he spent himself inside of her. No, that would have to wait. He would tie her up next; face down on the bed as she kneed, her wrists next to her ankles and her arse up in the air so he could tease her mercilessly, fuck her pussy, spanking her arse occassionally for good measure until her cheekes were a satisfactory shade of red. And then, then he would insert a finger in her arse, then two, preparing her for him. It would be glorious when he would finally enter it as the first of her lovers. She would like it.

Draco groaned, the mental picture of fucking Granger's arse while she begged for more being almost too much. His hand sped up as the muscles in his abdomen tightened. He exploded all over his hand just as imaginary Granger moaned his name.

"How do you ask a man on a date?" Parkinson said instead of a greeting as she put the tray with food down next to Ginny's.

Hermione forced a smile, ignoring Ginny's kick under the table. They had finished lunch ten minutes ago and were biding their time until their next lecture. Nobody could have expected that Parkinson would turn up in the cafeteria and ask weird questions.

"Just walk up to them and ask in the clearest way possible," Ginny muttered. "It's not rocket science." She sat back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest and staring daggers into Hermione in front of her.

"Are you seriously telling me you just walked up to Potter and told him you want to date him?" Parkinson asked, looking Ginny up and down as if she saw her for the first time.

"No. That one just happened. It worked with Dean Thomas, but I seriously doubt you remember him," Ginny spat out. "Why the heck are you even asking us that?"

Hermione gulped, avoiding Parkinson's eyes. "Actually, we kind of talked about this stuff at a party," she said to Ginny, not sounding convincing even to her own ears even though it was the truth. She didn't want to explain the whole Malfoy situation to Ginny. After all, in her eyes he was still a racist arse. Hermione wondered when that picture of him started to change in her own mind. Sure, he was still an arse, but he was smart, not to mention even prettier than he had ever been, now that she has seen so many different sides of him. And he didn't seem racist anymore, regretting the mistakes of his past.

Ginny raised an eyebrow. "You went to a party I didn't drag you to? When?"

"Can you focus?" Parkinson interrupted before Hermione could answer. "We were discussing how to ask a guy out! Now Granger, how do you do it?"

Hermione hoped she wasn't referring to Malfoy. She had assumed that Parkinson had a good idea about how Hermione ended up with Malfoy, even though the picture wasn't complete as far as she knew. Hermione didn't think Malfoy mentioned that she had quite literally walked up to him and told him that they should have sex. He knew she would kill him if he told a soul. She decided to simply not include him in her list of past dates.

"Similar to Harry and Ginny, Ron and I kinda happened. Victor Krum asked me. But I asked McLaggen out back in the day and Lavender," she swallowed, somehow still having trouble speaking about her long-dead love-rival, "had kissed Ron in front of everyone. I think you have to be really clear with men if you don't want to waste years waiting for them the way Ginny waited for Harry and I waited for Ron," she finished, her voice tense.

Parkinson shifted in her seat, staring at her food, clearly uncomfortable, while Ginny stared at a point somewhere behind Hermione. They were all clearly thinking about the same thing, remembering the horrible things that happened so long ago at their old school. It was rare to meet up with old school mates other than those closest to you and even rarer to mention what had happened.

"I have to go now," Ginny stood up abruptly. "See you later Hermione." She left without another glance at Parkinson.

The other two girls sat there immersed in their own thoughts for a long while.

"I don't know if I ever apologised," Parkinson finally broke the silence, "but I am really sorry about what happened. I know there is no excuse for my behaviour back in school, but trust me, I have learned the hard way how wrong it was."

Hermione nodded. "You were children," she said. For years, it had been her mantra every time she had to see one of them. It had kept her from screaming at them, from hurting them, or worse. While she had been angry, furious even, seeing the broken Malfoy drinking all alone in front of the library had her understand that he, that they all have suffered even though it had been in different ways. It had not made it easier to forgive them and she had come a long way being able to talk to Parkinson and Malfoy like this, but she was not able to forget. She doubted she ever could.

"Thank you." Parkinson's soft words brought Hermione back to reality. "I know this can't be easy for you. But we have changed and are doing our best to atone for our sins. Especially Draco… I hope you know that."

Parkinson stood up, took her almost untouched meal and walked away, leaving Hermione to her thoughts.

Draco's finger hovered over the send-button of his phone. He had typed out a message to Granger, asking her if she wanted to meet up even though they had sex the previous day and he had masturbated to the thought of her in the middle of the night. He didn't want to seem needy. Hell, he didn't want to feel needy and like he cared. But he really wanted her. With every time they had sex he wanted her even more. It was ridiculous. He was in so much trouble. "Fuck this," he said, pressed the send-button and threw his phone on the bed next to him.

Draco Malfoy: Hi. Want to come over today?

He hoped Granger would see his message before she went to sleep. If she was in the library again, it was possible that she wouldn't check her phone for hours and would decide that it was way too late to come over. It had happened before. If she didn't respond within an hour, he might even consider going over to the library himself. Of course only to finish that stupid case, for no other reason. Another study session with Granger and he would be done with his homework long before the deadline.

When his phone lit up, indicating a new message, Draco checked it immediately. Unfortunately, it was only a message from Blaise asking if they had milk or if he should buy some. He wrote a short answer, hitting the letters with more force than necessary. Draco was about to put his phone away when another message arrived, this time actually from Granger.

Hermione Granger: Hi. I' am not in the mood for sex.

Draco stared at the message. It wasn't unusual for them to be curt with each other, but the rejection stung nevertheless. That didn't mean he would try to convince her to meet him anyway, but checking in on her was okay, right?

Draco Malfoy: Are you alright?

This time, the reply came immediately. Granger probably hadn't put her phone away yet.

Hermione Granger: You can't assume something is wrong just because I am in no mood for sex. The world doesn't revolve around you and your dick, Malfoy

Draco raised an eyebrow. She was getting all snappy again. Unfortunately, he wasn't sure what to do with that information. He didn't want to leave her on read, but he needed to proceed with caution for once if he wanted to avoid another fight. At the same time, his temper was rising. He knew he had the tendency to lash out when he allowed himself to care, as it was his way of protecting himself when he made himself vulnerable.

Draco Malfoy: I am aware of that. But you need to stop assuming I always have ulterior motives when I am just genuinely trying to be nice

He hit send and closed his eyes for a second, hoping that everything wasn't going to hell again. He simply didn't have the energy for that.

Hermione Granger: I' am sorry. That was uncalled for. Parkinson, Ginny and I talked about what happened during lunch and I haven'thave not felt like myself since.

She didn't have to say more. He knew immediately what she was referring to. The terrorist attack that happened at their school, the one which he kind of made possible. Draco bit his lip.

Draco Malfoy: Do you want to talk about it? Or I could distract you if that's what you need.

Draco knew it was a risky move, but he felt like the talk had to happen sooner or later if they really wanted to get over their issues, even though he truly dreaded the conversation.

Hermione Granger: Thank you for the offer but I think I will go to bed early today and hopefully my mood will improve by tomorrow.

Draco Malfoy: As you wish. Good night

He sighed. Maybe he should just get drunk with Blaise. He feared he would dream about that incident if he didn't.

It had been a few days since Malfoy had messaged Hermione and she had refused to see him and he hadn't sent another message or tried to talk to her during one of the lectures they both attended. She hadn't seen Parkinson either, but that wasn't too surprising as all of her classes were in a different building and she had to actually make an effort to come over.

Hermione stared at her phone. Was Malfoy angry with her? Or was he just trying to give her space? It was hard to tell, really, but after their last texts she had thought about it a lot and had decided to give him the benefit of the doubt from now on. She had been too harsh on him several times since their arrangement begann even though he clearly tried to maintain the truce. Sure, he wasn't the best with words when it came to feelings but he was making an effort and she should too if she wanted to continue seeing him. She sighed. It seemed making an effort started with the small things.

Hermione Granger: Hi. Are you free this evening?

She didn't have to wait long for a response. It almost seemed as if Malfoy had been waiting for her message.

Draco Malfoy: Hey. I have fencing practice with Theo at 8:30

Hermione was surprised how disappointed she felt when she saw the answer. She hadn't realised she had been looking forward to seeing Malfoy. She blamed it on the lack of sex in the last few days.

Draco Malfoy: But you could come over after if it's not too late for you. I think I will be home by 11

Hermione hesitated. It was quite late. She feared she would not get any sleep if she arrived that late and they shagged. They had a lecture at 8 in the morning the next day after all.

Hermione Granger: Maybe we could grab a coffee after the lecture tomorrow?

Draco Malfoy: Sure, that would work for me

Draco was surprised how well their coffee-date was going. On their way to the cafe they were approached by a guy trying to collect donations for a non-profit organisation fighting for the good of animals and have been in a heated but fun and friendly discussion on that topic since. While Granger was convinced that non-profits were doing a lot of good and were necessary for change, she had admitted that he was right when he pointed out that a lot of them were not transparent and others were doing more bad than good, fooling people. But he had to admit that the goals and policy changes Granger supported were important even though it might mean the loss of profit for some usually already way too wealthy people. If his father heard him, he would accuse him of turning into a communist because of a woman. It was quite funny actually.

"You should come to a Malfoy family gathering sometimes," he said suddenly, making Granger choke on her hot chocolate.

"Excuse me?"

His lips stretched into a lazy smirk. "The outrage about your opinions would be way too entertaining. And who knows, you might even win some political and financial support for your causes thanks to an ironic twist of fate."

She huffed. "You are impossible, Malfoy!"

"Why?" he cocked his head, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "Don't you enjoy riling up old white conservative men? I certainly enjoy watching you do it."

"I do not enjoy making people angry. It's not my fault they get angry when somebody points out they are wrong!" she said firmly, chin stuck out, arms crossed in front of her chest.

Draco couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Most people can't take criticism well, especially if it comes from somebody younger, prettier and smarter than them."

"Are you speaking from experience, Malfoy?" she was laughing now too.

"I have no idea what you are talking about, Granger. I am younger than you are after all," he said with fake innocence.

Hermione moaned into Malfoy's mouth. He was pushing her against the door to his flat, kissing her senseless. She didn't know how it happened, but their earlier discussion had turned into flirting and teasing and now they were making out where anybody could see them and the only thing she cared about was how fast he would be inside her.

Malfoy somehow managed to unlock the door and they stumbled into the flat, Malfoy leading them to his room without breaking the kiss. They were so preoccupied they didn't even register Zabini and Parkinson sitting on the couch, their mouths hanging open as they stared at them.

As soon as the door closed behind them, Malfoy stopped kissing Hermione and stepped away from her. "Do you want me to fuck you?" he asked, tilting his head in that arrogant way of his, his hair falling over his eyes in the most flattering manner.

Hermione wet her lips. "Yes sir," she said and started undressing slowly, just like they had agreed before. She felt his eyes on herself the entire time, her body tingling with anticipation.

She kneeled down, her eyes on the floor, waiting for him to speak up, but Malfoy didn't come closer as he fumbled with something, continuing to watch her intently. Hermione squirmed. She wanted to look at him too, but he might punish her if she did that. Did she want to be punished? The thought was exciting, but she decided to wait for now.

"Stand up, Princess," he said finally and Hermione obeyed immediately. He stepped behind her and bound her hands behind her back with his belt. He nibbled on his shoulder as he pulled the belt tighter.

"I'm quite impatient today. I am sure you will understand if we don't drag this out unnecessarily," he whispered into her ear, finally satisfied with the makeshift handcuffs. He pushed her towards the bed and onto her knees, pushing her head into the soft pillow.

"You are already so wet and ready for me," he murmured, his fingers teasing her pussy. "Is this enough to turn you on? How naughty!" He slapped her lightly on the arse and took a condom from a box on his nightstand, opening it swiftly with his teeth.

He unbuttoned his trousers and quickly put it on, before positioning himself at Hermione's entrance, running the head of his dick over her wet slit.

"Do you want this? Do you want me to fuck you, Princess?" he asked again, one hand running up and down her spine.

"Yes sir," Hermione said, wiggling her arse against his erection impatiently. He was driving her crazy. Why did he always have to drag it out so much?

"Good girl." He finally pushed into her, slowly at first but when she didn't protest more and more until he was finally fully inside her. "You feel so good. But remember, you are not allowed to come unless I allow it." He thrust into her to enunciate his point.

"Yes sir," Hermione moaned. Finally, finally she was getting what she wanted. Malfoy sped up and she closed her eyes. Surprisingly in this position he was hitting the sweet spot. She knew she wasn't going to cum just through penetration, but it still felt amazing nevertheless.

Suddenly, Malfoy started rubbing her clit and Hermione realised just how close she was as the tingling slowly started to build up in her belly.

"I am close," she whispered and Malfoy sped up.

"Wait," he commanded, pounding into her mercilessly, making her legs feel like jelly. His breathing had sped up as well and he was muttering things like "Good girl" and "oh, yes" making her believe he was close himself.

Hermione whimpered. She was sure she couldn't wait much longer. "Sir, please," she cried out. "I can't wait anymore."

"I'll count down from ten. You are allowed to cum in that timespan if you can, if not, you have to wait till next time I am having my way with you," Malfoy said, suddenly slowing down his movements.

Hermione wanted to scream.

"Yes, Sir," she said instead and he started to count.

"Ten."

Hermione moved back, desperate to get more friction.

"Nine."

"Eight."

She was really close, but the last spark was missing. His fingers were toying really slowly with her clit at this point and it simply wasn't enough.

"Seven."

"More, please," Hermione begged finally.

"What? I didn't hear you." She could hear the smirk in his voice. "Six."

"Sir, please, more." At this point, Hermione didn't care about her pride anymore. The only thing she wanted was the sweet release.

"Good girl. Five." Malfoy said and both his fingers and his thrusts sped up again. "Four."

After a few thrusts, Hermione felt herself nearing the edge. Only a little more…

"Three. You need to hurry up if you want to cum today, princess," Malfoy teased. "Two."

Finally, finally Hermione felt the familiar tangling in her belly, the sensation spreading into her whole body. "Yes," she moaned as her walls clenched around Malfoy.

"Good girl," Malfoy kissed her back once and sped up again, hitting the sweet spot again and again. It felt so good, Hermione wondered if she could actually cum again just from penetration.

But it didn't take too long and Malfoy went over the edge himself, moaning her name as he finished inside of her. It took him a few moments before he came to himself and he pulled out of Hermione before helping her up and untying her wrists.

"Are you alright?" he asked casually as he removed the condom, tossing it into the bin.

Hermione nodded. Her body was a bit stiff from the uncomfortable position she had been in, but the angle had been perfect so she wasn't going to complain about that.

"Good. You did well," he said and leaned down to kiss her on the forehead. "Should I make you tea or do you need something else?"

"I am not thirsty, thank you," Hermione smiled up at him, only then registering that he was basically still wearing all of his clothes. "But you could undress and come into the bed with me?"