Author's Note: All disclaimers apply. I do not own the characters contained in this story. They belong to J.K. Rowling, her publishers, and Warner Bros. Inc. Also thanks for all of the reviews. They are very inspirational and appreciated! Edited to add credit to Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and her plot from Shanna. This entire disclaimer applies to her work as well.

Chapter 2

A Taste of Freedom

Looking at her coffee colored hair, now soft and curling ever so slightly at the ends cascading down around her shoulders Hermione did not care if she frizzed the tresses. She even contemplated letting the dark circles under her light brown eyes remain evident. What had she been thinking? She was going to marry for a noble cause that was true, but what was the price for such a sacrifice?

Neville was still cross with her for agreeing to let Malfoy have a free pass for the evening. She was cross with herself for agreeing to anything so foolish. He wasn't trustworthy, he wasn't worth a merciful act, or any kind of respect. Just what had possessed her to commit to such a bargain?

She doubted he would go as far as to try and fulfill the entire bargain as he wouldn't lower himself so much to touch any witch who was not pureblooded of nature. Frankly that part was the one that did not bother her in the least, as she was certain it would never come to that. He would get his last glimpse of the city in that carriage and promptly be taken back to his cell. Nothing further could take place.

If she didn't honor that part of the agreement however would he tell anyone of her indiscretion? Surely he wasn't serious about every aspect of the terms he had suggested? Of course not, she calmed herself then and began to sweep some of her hair up on top of her head in a fashionable style. He was trying to gain the upper hand in the situation when there was no way he could possibly win. It was a desperate act on his part since he had always been so sure of himself in the past and now he had only his arrogance and mocking remarks to help him survive.

Something pulled in her heart then, his fate wasn't fair it seemed when so many other more notorious Death Eaters had been pardoned for greater crimes. There had never truly been any proof of his involvement in the murder of a group of Muggles in east London. Honestly he was probably still in hiding with Snape when the whole thing had taken place, but not to be brave and selfless the lovely gentleman, his house mates Goyle and Crabbe, had testified without a doubt that it was Malfoy who lead the attack himself. Such a claim was highly doubtful but the Ministry had eagerly snatched hold of anything that could make it seem as though they were sufficiently eradicating any and all Death Eaters.

If they truly wanted a headline they should have captured Severus Snape by now she thought with some disgust. It had been almost three years since he murdered Professor Dumbledore and there had not been one sighting of him since. Malfoy deserved a lengthy prison term, but it was Snape who deserved to meet his fate with the executioner.

Hermione frowned at her reflection thinking about the traitorous professor while absently applying powder to her face and blush to her cheeks. She then moved to dab just a hint of lavender shadow over her lids so her eyes would stand out more strikingly. Suddenly realizing that she was purposefully trying to appear attractive for the evening simply out of habit she stopped herself for a moment. Why should she care if she looked anything other than businesslike and indifferent of her appearance? It wasn't as if she had anyone to impress tonight was it?

Someday she would marry again and then she would worry about the dress, flowers, and caterers. Tonight was a business arrangement pure and simple. A few words which neither one of them would mean would be exchanged; they would share a decent meal for the evening, and then the night was over.

She had a feeling Malfoy was not going to be pleased they would not be attending an actual restaurant but what had he expected? He was a criminal convicted of murder and he just couldn't be seen jaunting about London now could he? Well, she supposed he wouldn't exactly see it that way, but that was beside the point.

Neville would have already sent for the food and he already had a centralized location designated so that they could be done with the ceremony and eat in private. Sighing to herself she didn't know how she was going to choke down an entire meal while having to sit across from the insufferable bastard, but if she wanted her money for her organization she would. Gods, but why did it have to be Malfoy? Why couldn't the prisoner have been someone unknown and without so much history?

Taking a glance behind her at the wall clock that read six o'clock she sighed again. Knowing there was no help for it Hermione rose and dressed casually in a light faux silk halter dress that was lavender and came just past her knees. There was no pattern to speak of, but the material felt nice and it was a sleeveless garment so she would not grow too warm in her robes, as it was a rather muggy summer night.

Dutiful and very displeased Neville arrived to take her to the location he had thankfully hidden magically from all prying eyes. "Are you certain Percy won't get suspicious," Hermione asked him cautiously when they stood in front of something that looked to be an abandoned warehouse.

"No, doesn't think I've got it in me to be outright defiant," Neville answered with some tension present in his tone. "Honestly didn't think I had it in me either."

"I'm sorry Neville, but this will all be over in just a few hours," Hermione assured him hugging him impulsively realizing that he was a better friend than she deserved.

"Are you sure you don't want me to stay with you in the room?" he asked not liking the idea of leaving her alone with Malfoy in any respect even if he was going to be just on the other side of the door.

"I think it would be best and the night would go more smoothly if you didn't hover over him. You make him surly and though there's no cause for it, he might lose his temper and I need this night to go off smoothly," she asserted almost desperate to make herself believe that everything could and would go well tonight.

"All right, I had to bribe another guy though Mione', just a trainee nothing too serious. He only thinks I'm interrogating Malfoy in some more sadistic manner so he won't say anything. I'll have him guarding the outside and he'll never know you were involved," Neville explained the details matter of factly to put his friend's mind at ease.

"Thank you again Neville. If there is anything I can ever do for you please tell me. This is more than I should have asked really." She felt guilty now for heaping so much responsibility upon him and making him betray his vow at the Ministry when he had only been working there for a little under a year.

"You can thank me by being careful tonight and not letting your guard down. I know you Mione' and when you start feeling sorry for someone you forget to keep your head about you and let your emotions carry you away." Neville worried that Malfoy might try to invade Hermione's mind and hurt her in some way or make a chance at escape. Just because the man had been acting like a lamb for well over a month didn't mean the lion wasn't lurking under the surface. Actually snake was more apt, but there was no time for particulars.

Securing her robes more tightly about her as though it would keep out any evil that Malfoy my inadvertently radiate Hermione followed Neville inside the warehouse. For an extra sense of security she gripped her wand tightly in the side of her robe pocket. She knew that Malfoy would be shackled in some capacity but it did not hurt to be a bit careful.

Neville bade her stay back for a moment while he ordered the other trainee outside. Once she knew she would not be seen by anyone threatening Hermione caught sight of Neville motioning her to come forward. Taking one last deep breath she plunged head on knowing somewhere that she might be making a mistake but focusing only on the good the money could do others once she had her inheritance.

The room Neville had chosen for them wasn't as shabby and unpleasant as she would have first thought, quite the opposite in fact. He had added many candles so nothing in the least was dark or ominous and a fresh coat of paint and a rather comfortable looking dining table and two chairs graced the center of the room. "I do believe you thought of everything Neville," Hermione squeezed her friend's hand pleased he had been so considerate.

"Now for the matter of who marries you," Neville began, "My mother and father before their accidents were acquainted with an old judge north of Inverness. He's very hard of hearing, can't see his own hand in front of his face, and won't remember the next day what he did the night before. He's perfect and he's supposed to be here any moment."

"We're all waiting with rapt anticipation," Malfoy jeered from the corner not liking it that Hermione had ignored his presence completely. He was after all the only thing that was going to get the greedy little Mudblood her money.

"Yes, I'm sure we all are. Honestly, Malfoy I'm no more pleased with the situation than you, but in the end we're both going to be well compensated," Hermione rolled her eyes impatiently trying to keep her temper in check. There was no point in trying to argue with him he was arrogant and stubborn beyond belief.

To her surprise he was actually groomed for the event with his blond hair freshly cut, Neville's influence no doubt, and clean and pressed shirt and trousers. She was shocked to see he wasn't wearing any robes, but she supposed that was so there was no way to hide anything that might help him escape. As standard procedure he was wearing wrist manacles of lead that were charmed so even should he get his hands on a wand inadvertently there was no danger of him actually performing any effective spells.

"Yes, compensated is that what you call it this these days? Hiring a man for the evening?" he baited forgetting how invigorating it was to irritate her. She had always been such an easy target, but more importantly she gave as good as she got. The battle wasn't one sided.

"I'm not sure what wicked things are running about up in your thick head but I intend to act civilized tonight and since this is your last night to enjoy anything outside a prison cell I suggest you try and act gentlemanly as well," she huffed with great impatience. This was already starting out badly. There was no way he would behave himself in the least and she had four more hours to contend with his less than honorable tendencies.

"Of course there's nothing wicked about bargaining away your life for the sole purpose of obtaining money even if it is, as you say for purely noble reasons," he challenged pleased when her face starting reddening from anger or embarrassment he wasn't sure. Either way it was a satisfying reaction.

"You wouldn't have any idea what it was to be noble," she spat back crossing her arms under her robes taking a defensive stance. This was going to be a long night she realized and she didn't know if she was prepared for much more harassment. "Where is the bloody judge Neville?" she asked in exasperation.

"Always endearing to know a bride can't wait to vow her undying love to her fiancé," Malfoy drawled unable to resist one last jibe.

"He said he would be here at six thirty, but he is running a bit late," Neville said frowning and looking at his watch.

Just then a loud clatter and some mumbling could be heard from the hallway. Moments later a very stooped and withered old man stepped into view grumbling to himself about no one ever remembering to keep things out of another's way when they apparated. "Judge Tremayne?" Neville inquired but he didn't think the elderly man heard him.

"So where's the happy couple, lets get about this," the man rasped readjusting some spectacles on the thin bridge of his nose. It didn't appear to improve his eyesight as he was speaking to a wall with rapt attention.

"We're over here your honor," Hermione said motioning with her hand for the man to turn.

He didn't appear to hear her at all and reached into his robes to pull out a very worn and laced bound book. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered…"

"No your honor we're over here," Hermione said again a bit more loudly turning to glare at Malfoy who was still lounging against a wall unhurried and not making any attempt to stand at her side.

Neville bit his lip nervously and gently turned the judge to face Hermione who was trying to frown Malfoy into complying in coming forward. "Here they are your honor. They're right in front of you."

Deciding he had made her wait a sufficient amount of time Malfoy indolently strolled forward wondering if the old man had the fortitude to actually complete the ceremony or if they were wasting their time. Hermione was getting more flustered by the second and Neville was positively chomping at the bit to have the papers signed, the vows spoken, and the matter done and over with.

"Oh, there you are dear thing," the judge crooned at Hermione then, but he still didn't see her, except Hermione didn't think he did.

With Malfoy finally deigning to join her before the judge the old man proceeded once more. "Dearly beloved we are gathered here today…"

Things went rather smoothly until he came to the names of the respective groom and bride. "Do you Dru, Draven, Dra…"

"Draco," Malfoy answered tersely wondering at Longbottom's sanity and where he'd found such a doddering old fool.

"Quite right Drago, and what ah, yes that last name Malvern, Malfan,…"

"Malfoy," both Malfoy and Hermione bellowed simultaneously so the man jumped slightly at their rude tone.

"Yes well there's no need to shout," the judge admonished them harshly but when he looked over his book to issue the retort his watery gaze fell on the side of the wall.

Finally he came to asking Hermione if she would say her vows and after a few mispronunciations of her own name he stated they were man and wife closing his worn book with a resounding clap. "Now you may kiss your bride Dragan," he said happily as though he'd just performed a service for a loving and eager couple.

It had been the longest ten minutes of her life but at least the hard part was over and she didn't know if she wanted to sit down and laugh or cry at the absurdity of it all. "Well be about it young man, don't keep the lass waiting," the old man urged but motioned again toward thin air still not having totally managed to focus on Hermione or Malfoy's true place in the room.

She didn't dare look at Malfoy and impulsively she turned to Neville knowing the old man wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway. Planting a kiss on her surprised friend's lips the old judge nodded his approval while Neville just stared at her in shock. "Now is that all you needed Mr. Longbottom?"

"Yes, your honor you've been a tremendous help," Neville said taking the man's arm to lead him from the room.

"Now I don't know why but Hermione is of the opinion that you will actually behave yourself tonight and might, just might act honorably. I on the other hand know you haven't changed a bit and will be just beyond this door. As soon as you've finished dinner I'll bring the certificate and you both sign it, I'll sign as a witness, and that's that," Neville said nearly out the door.

"One last look at the city Neville," Hermione acknowledged under her breath taking a much needed respite in one of the chairs at the table.

"Oh, yes there is that," Neville allowed but had hoped to avoid that particular part of Hermione and Malfoy's bargain. He didn't trust his prisoner to maintain his docile attitude forever and didn't trust him to treat his friend humanely if he was left alone with her for very long.

Neville took the confused judge out of the room and just as soon as the pair had exited a small chipper elf bounded in with what Hermione could only assume was whatever Neville had permitted Malfoy to order. He peered dubiously at Malfoy for a moment then looked to Hermione waiting for payment and a tip. Obligingly she offered him the precise galleons he requested and then Neville appeared briefly to remove the tiny creature from their presence. Hermione distinctly hoped he remembered to cast a memory charm on the poor little thing, as she wouldn't want him involved in this chaotic event in any way.

"I do believe I expressed that I wished to dine out not sit in a shack and have food delivered to me," Malfoy finally complained but he was already removing the wrapping and laying out the dinnerware that came with the meal.

"Did you expect Neville to let you waltz around London without a care in the world. Really you're lucky I'm paying for that at all. Honestly escargo and some kind of duck pudding? Who can find that remotely appetizing?" she criticized more for the price of the food than his choice itself.

"More refined tastes Granger, more refined tastes," was all he mumbled too hungry to care if she picked and prodded at him.

Hermione hadn't ordered anything except a small sandwich for herself. Even that didn't appeal to her while her mind was in such a frantic state. She had actually done it, Hermione Granger had actually committed a heinous crime in aiding and abetting a criminal, if but for a short time, from the Ministry office and marrying him above all else. The elves and your research will benefit, she told herself over and over again, before stealing a glance at her husband to see if he was actually enjoying the expensive dish he'd ordered.

He was devouring it as though he'd never seen a plate a food, very unlike him. She didn't think she ever remembered him being almost uncouth at the dinner table. Above all else he had practiced impeccable manners, now he appeared starved. "Should we have gotten you something else? I didn't know how much of something that 'refined' you could eat."
"Not all of us are able to eat whenever we want and know when our next meal will be," he snarled before he thought better of it. Had he just actually made himself a bit pitiful in her eyes?

"Oh don't be ridiculous the Ministry is excellent at making sure even their most notorious criminals are cared for," Hermione dismissed his claim with a wave of her hand. True, Percy was rather strict almost to a point of being considered far too eager, but it was his ambition and hope to purge the Wizarding World of the remaining Death Eaters.

"That is what you wish to think or perhaps you do believe it. Either way you're wrong in assuming they don't employ certain means of persuasion," he alluded still not letting his attention be drawn from the food.

Hermione frowned then for there were times Neville had mentioned to her that he did not agree with Percy Weasley in one manner or another. She had just thought it was Neville's sometimes tender feelings that clouded his vision as far as Percy was concerned. Was there more to it however? Neville never really did find fault with someone without cause. "When was the last time you had something to eat?" she asked cautiously fully expecting him to hurl something at her in retort to change the subject.

"The night before you came actually," he answered truthfully before shoving in another mouthful.

Unable to contain a gasp of horror Hermione remembered it had been two full days since her visit. What did it matter if he at least had three decent meals a day? They had issued his punishment why make his last days so miserable? "Oh, I didn't know, I'm sorry. Here I'm not hungry you can have this," she quickly unwrapped her small sandwich and gingerly sat it near his plate.

He did pause then gazing at her as though seeing her for the first time. "Don't you dare start feeling sorry for me do you hear!" he hissed some of his arrogance and haughtiness coming to the surface to mask any weaker emotions.

"I'd feel sorry for anyone who hadn't been allowed to eat. That's just common procedure from what I understand three meals a day for each prisoner no exceptions. The Ministry isn't supposed to torture people in that manner and I do believe I will be mentioning this to Neville when this is over," she nodded resolutely wishing now she had ordered something more. She didn't like Malfoy, but it was beyond cruel to starve someone without good cause. Truly Percy was going to the extreme.

"Neville has already wasted his breath with that strutting prick Weasel on numerous occasions, and to no avail. Don't waste your time with it Granger. I don't have much of it left either so I'd rather not discuss the finer points of Ministry incarceration if you don't mind."

Reluctantly Hermione fell silent but curiosity ate at her until she couldn't be still. "I'm not all that sure that you're deserving of that punishment. Death I mean. Crabbe and Goyle lied through their crooked teeth if you ask me," she said unable to drop the matter.

"Well then I'm deeply sorry you weren't the judge officiating that day," he drawled pausing to twirl his fork in the last of the snails. "Who knows they might have truly believed what they were saying, and their fathers were instrumental in securing their early release from Azkaban. Someone had to be guilty, I didn't have anyone ready to defend me, so here we are."

"I'm sure you're not totally innocent, rather I know you're far from it. Still it was Snape who murdered the headmaster and I think if more witnesses were called they would have discovered that it was Crabbe's father who lead that attack on Muggle London," she concluded not knowing where this sudden defense was coming from. Actually she just didn't like to see injustice. As she had said to herself before it was not fair that Malfoy take the fall at such a young age for crimes committed by his father and his counterparts.

"Somewhere in there I think you actually didn't insult me," he smirked if only slightly.

"The sandwich was supposed to be hot," she changed the subject quickly very uneasy where it was leading. She didn't need to feel sympathy for Malfoy. If she let herself grow weak in that respect she wouldn't be able to survive the rest of the evening. "You had better eat it soon."

They both fell silent for a long while and did not speak again until Neville reappeared with the papers he had promised. Both signed the certificate quickly and without much enthusiasm, but all the same the deed was done. Tomorrow Neville and Hermione would deliver the paper to June's barrister and the matter would be settled.

"It's starting to rain somewhat, perhaps we'd best call it an evening," Neville suggested knowing it was probably futile but wanting to try and dissuade the outing just the same.

"Neville I made a bargain and I intend to keep it. One carriage ride through the city won't matter, besides there are some things I would like to discuss with you later. I'm not sure about the treatment of prisoners and…" Hermione began standing and adjusted her robes slightly.

"I don't want to hear it Mione'," Neville held up a hand of peace. "You know Percy's climbing the ladder at the Ministry so to speak and he's being a regular git about it at times, but he is getting the job done."

"Neville what about the conditions for prisoners, the way they're interrogated and the way that…"

"Enough I mean it now lets get this over and done with. Malfoy I'm still going to be only a few steps away," Neville cautioned leveling the intended recipient of his warning with a steely glare.

"I tremble under the overwhelming regard that is your authority," Malfoy rolled his eyes and said with aggravation.

The air had not cooled at all despite the rain that now fell steadily down. Climbing into the carriage Hermione wondered at her sanity again because of the close quarters she would share with her enemy, now husband. The lead bracelets were still securely linked around his wrists so she settled her nerves somewhat in that instance. Also he hadn't been overly difficult and to his credit he'd been very disciplined when they had dealt with the aging judge. The poor old man had raked her nerves raw as well.

Neville tapped on the top of the carriage once before they took off letting Malfoy know of his presence. Even Hermione drew her eyes upward and shook her head at his persistence. She heard Malfoy sigh in the seat opposite her however growing more impatient with Neville's threats by the minute. "He only means well. If he were in a similar situation I would do the same to protect him."

"What do you need protecting from?" Malfoy asked her quietly his voice taking on an inflection that Hermione did not understand.

"Nothing really, you're quite secure in your lead manacles and I'm seated a good distance from you. I doubt you'll try anything unseemly," she assured him straightening her back and settling in for the long ride ahead. "I suggest you pay attention to the sights, Neville is only giving you one hour."

He didn't respond to her statement and quietly shifted his gaze to the misty air and passing buildings. A few minutes went by in silence and Hermione decided that perhaps this wasn't such a bad thing. He hadn't once mentioned the latter part of their agreement and he didn't appear inclined to do so. He had just been teasing her, trying to unnerve her as he had when they were children. Finally he'd come to his senses and realized how mad he had sounded in putting forth such a request.

The atmosphere in the carriage was getting more than stuffy and Hermione found her robes hot and confining. Peering over toward Malfoy again he was serenely watching outside seemingly oblivious to her. For a moment she thought not to do it but when another wave of heat washed over her she frowned to herself and began to unclasp the cumbersome garment.

Tossing her robe to the seat beside her Hermione adjusted the dress securing the tie at the back of her neck that held the top in place. Feeling much better she missed the covert assessing stare that fell on her before the one studying her turned away a faint grin playing on his lips.

Returning his silvery gaze to the increasing clouds in the sky he realized it was a poor night to make a run for it in London. He'd be soaked through by morning. Overhead thunder rolled and it was almost as though the skies mocked him in his attempt to gain his freedom.

A few more minutes passed and Hermione felt suddenly anxious, not herself. She was getting a slight headache and began to rub her temples. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Malfoy shifting in his seat a strange frown on his face almost like determination. The sensation ebbed slowly as she massaged her forehead next and she was at peace again. It was probably the rain giving her a headache. Such dreary weather always wreaked havoc with her system. If only it wasn't so dreadfully hot.

"Gods, but you're strong minded. It took me all of ten minutes to overtake even the head Weasel at the Ministry," Malfoy spoke abruptly turning a strangely appreciative gaze upon her.

Hermione's eyes widened in horror then as Neville's warning rang back to her. Strange mental abilities, had he gone so far as to perfect his skills in Occlumency and Legilimancy that he could insinuate thoughts and emotions into ones subconscious? She noticed that her headache had vanished and she was not as hot, far from it. Rather there was a distinct chill running down her spine.

Her eyes shifted to her robe containing her wand but he guessed her intent and lunged for her first pinning her against the seat. The robe was thrown carelessly behind them after he had retrieved the object she searched for. "Now is this what you were looking for?" he asked too innocently waving it in front of her face.

Bucking beneath his crushing weight she opened her mouth to scream knowing Neville would be upon them in a second and she would be saved. A large hand covered her mouth then silencing any cries while she watched with shock and a mixture of fear as he muttered something under his breath and the manacles fell to the floor. Wandless magic! Why had Neville not told her?
"Because Longbottom doesn't know," he answered infuriating and frightening her all the more.