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 5

Fate's Devious Humor

It was three days until she could open her shop, Secondhand Treasures, meager as it was. It was hers and an accomplishment all the same. Her parents didn't understand her need to live in the Wizarding World hoping that she would come home and go to college after she had graduated Hogwarts. She didn't feel as though she fit in the Muggle world any longer. Besides, she had a worthy cause to devote her time to and she was corresponding with Professor McGonagall on numerous spells thought might be useful and was working to perfect. It might prove boring to any other person, her life in general, but generally she was content.

"That's the last of it," Ron said with a profound sigh as he dropped a heavy box filled with papers and folders. "You want it over here in the corner?" he motioned with his head to a spot behind the counter out of sight from customers.

"Sure, that's fine, thanks," she whispered absently concentrating on where she should stack the used books. If she put them in the back they might be ignored, but if she placed them closer to the front…

"Don't you think you ought to reconsider this decision to just take in a criminal?" Ron broke into her thoughts suddenly.

"Ron, now we've gone over this. I'm not taking anyone in I'm basically helping the Ministry and in return getting help with the shop. It's not as if whoever Percy would choose will be really dangerous and they're taking precautions and such," Hermione explained patiently once again.

"Well if you don't feel comfortable with who Percy selects don't feel like you're obligated," Ron reiterated still unsure of the entire procedure and not convinced Hermione had thought of every aspect of the arrangement.

"I can't rely on you to help me everyday. You know your Mum and Dad are determined you'll take the job at the Ministry and it will be useful to have someone else around. Ginny will be in and out during the day and I'm sure I can count on both you and Harry to be making numerous attempts to drop in," she smiled knowing she was blessed to have friends who were so considerate but wondering if they were just trying to check in on her because they didn't trust her judgment.

"Once Ginny and Harry are back from Paris I know they'll object just as much as I am about this agreement you've made. It's not just that though Mione' there's those threats to consider. Now I know you got one again this morning and I can't help but wonder if you should just let this liberating the elves project go for a bit. Concentrate on those spells and the shop. That's more than enough to keep you occupied," Ron urged getting slightly angry that she refused to see how much more her life was worth than the thrill of freeing a house elf.

"I promised myself I would put my money to good use and I intend to continue as if nothing is wrong. I can't let a few notes and a minority dictate how I'm going to live my life." The dishonest means she had lowered herself to in order to get control of her inheritance only reinforced her determination to use the money to better the lives of others. Of course, Ron not knowing the truth behind how she actually acquired the funds could not understand what drove her to see to the welfare of others so feverishly.

There was a loud, insistent rap on the front door of the shop catching both Ron and Hermione's attention. "That's probably Percy. Would you let him in? I'm going to the back to get some more books."

Sighing with mild aggravation and throwing Hermione a disgruntled glare over his shoulder Ron grudgingly did as she requested. He'd hoped to be safely gone before his brother arrived, but he was never lucky enough to avoid one of Percy's visits it seemed. Quickly he glanced down to see if his robes weren't too out of sorts and there were no traces of crumbs or anything incriminating for Percy's shrewd gaze to assess with displeasure.

Opening the door Ron put on a polite mask of greeting for his sibling actually hoping for a decent greeting. "Percy, it's good to see you…"

Ron's words died in his throat when he opened the door. Percy wasn't in good spirits Ron knew from the moment his eyes fell on him, but the reason most likely was standing at his side. Not knowing whether to give into shock or rage first Ron for the first time he could remember tried to stay silent. Actually there were no words to describe how mad Percy must have been to deliver that particular man to Hermione's shop or how furious he was with his brother for being so thoughtless.

"Good morning, Ronald. I trust Hermione is about?" Percy asked casually disguising his anger at the prisoner quickly and stepping inside gliding past his brother.

"Yes, she's in the back," he mumbled finally composing himself to glare at the man who followed Percy into the shop. If Ron hadn't known better he'd have thought the prisoner wasn't aware of his station in life, sauntering and holding his shoulders squarely as if he wasn't wearing charmed ministry manacles and drab garments.

"Ronald, I believe you remember Mr. Malfoy," Percy drawled with distinct derision as he spoke the man's name.

"Unfortunately, and have you gone and lost your mind? What the bloody hell did you choose him for?" Ron finally lost the battle to refrain from shouting. "Percy you didn't seriously consider any of this did you?"

"On the contrary Ronald I considered every possibility and the best place for this particular criminal is right here. It will be easy for me to monitor his rehabilitation. Now instead of standing there gaping please tell Hermione that we are here," Percy said his impatience becoming evident.

Pausing to stare defiantly at his brother's back while the elder Weasley took in the view of the shop Ron then glanced sideways at Malfoy finding his maddening superior smirk as annoying now as it had been in their youth. "Percy, she'll send him back," Ron assured his brother dragging his feet toward the back of the shop.

"Ron, was that Percy?" Hermione's voice called from behind a curtain.

"Yes, um, Hermione I think you should…" Ron began not knowing the best way to warn her.

"I'm sorry I just went to get some more books. I know the place is terribly out of sorts but…"the smile on her face disappeared instantly when she stepped out of the back pushing past the curtain.

"Good morning, Hermione," Percy greeted politely a genuinely charming smile creasing his usually sharp and unyielding features. "I hope that you won't be too displeased with who I've assigned to you. Rest assured he is properly restrained and knows he risks his life to try escape or anything else remotely imprudent."

The stack of books she had been carrying fell from her arms with a loud crash. There was no way this was possible. Neville had been informed first hand by an Auror that Malfoy had been transported as planned to Azkaban and his execution carried out four days later. There was some mistake surely, or her mind was playing a wicked trick on her. He was dead.

"Hermione, are you ill?" Percy asked watching the young woman's face drain of color and her breathing grow rapid and unsteady.

"Of course she's ill. You've saddled her with that git Malfoy. Percy really you know better," Ron groused bending to retrieve the books heaped at her feet.

"Ronald leave them," Percy tersely ordered. "Malfoy make yourself useful and help Miss Granger. She seems to have dropped something."

Out of habit Ron immediately straightened amazed that his brother could still intimidate him so readily. No one moved not even Malfoy who seemed to be waiting for something. He was watching Hermione intently enjoying the wide range of emotions overtaking her features, mainly panic and astonishment.

"Malfoy," Percy said with a low hint of warning.

Deciding now was not the time to test his position just yet Malfoy slowly strode forward and though the act was the most menial task he had ever been forced to undertake he leaned down and gathered the books. "Where would you like these Miss Granger?"

Hermione did not miss the emphasis he placed on her name so she knew he meant to remind her in some covert manner of their last meeting. "On the table beside the window up front," she whispered refusing to meet his gaze and turning her attention to Percy.

"Will this situation be satisfactory?" Percy asked her wondering if his inept brother might be right and she wished to send Malfoy away. That would suit him and he would find someone else to report to her. "If you feel uncomfortable in any way I can return him to the Ministry and find someone more appropriate."

Yes, she wanted to shout. Send Malfoy back to the Ministry, lock him away and never let him see the light of day again. Then Percy's words from the day before came back to haunt her and she knew if she told Percy to return him to the Ministry he would most likely be executed and this time she would indirectly to blame. Still, she could not allow him to remain anywhere near her or be expected to live in close quarters with him for seven years.

"No, this will be fine. I'm aware of what happens to those who aren't accepted as servants. Everyone in some capacity deserves a second chance." The moment the words were out of her mouth she wanted to reach out and snatch them back. She had not meant to say that. She wanted Percy to take him away, keep him at a distance so he could never tell her terrible secret.

"Then it's settled," Percy nodded approvingly. "Ronald, I assume you will be dropping by this afternoon. Mother told me you had finally made the wise choice and will apprentice under Robards."

"Maybe tomorrow," Ron said absently worrying how pale Hermione still was and knowing she would be left alone with Malfoy even if he were restrained and incapable of magic.

"Ronald, I scheduled your meeting for this afternoon, I won't make excuses for you. I'll expect to see you then," Percy insisted leaving no room for arguments. "Hermione, I will stop in tomorrow to see that everything is going well. If for any reason you feel this arrangement isn't going to be acceptable then don't hesitate to let me know."

"Malfoy, remember what I've said. Should Miss Granger find anything remotely lacking in your performance there is no reason for me not to recommend you for a new trial and second incarceration do you understand?" Percy did not wait for the prisoner to answer and Malfoy chose not to acknowledge the haughty Ministry official.

When Percy had gone Ron finally unleashed his pent up rage. "That insufferable prat brother of mine, Mione' I swear he was pissed when he decided to choose Malfoy."

"Ron, there's no reason to get upset. What's done is done and you heard what Percy said. He's wearing charmed restraints, can't perform magic, and has to honor whatever order I give him. Let's just leave it at that," she sighed uncomfortably still not able to fully look at Malfoy himself. She also knew better, he was possibly capable of anything unless Neville had managed to impart the fact that he was more versed in wandless magic than he had first lead people to believe.

Malfoy listened with amusement at the outrage in Weasley's voice. He wondered if the slapdash redhead still thought he was in love with Hermione and was trying to appear gallant and worried. A thought occurred to him that maybe there might be more to the Weasel's relationship with Hermione than he knew. Peering out of the corner of his eye he watched to see how the pair would interact annoyed if it were true and they shared a relationship. She was after all a married woman, and surely Granger's morals would never allow her to be unfaithful.

Struggling to locate her voice Hermione decided to simply find a task that put Malfoy out of her way for the majority of the day. The cellar hadn't been properly cleaned yet and it had been the only place she decided was appropriate for whoever had been assigned to her to sleep and make their home. There was a secure lock on the cellar door from the outside so she would not have to feel ill at ease when she went above the shop at night to her own apartment. If necessary she could always employ a charm to keep him below as well.

"Malfoy," she finally addressed him directly trying for a superior and flawless tone. "The cellar is in mess and since I'm in the middle of setting the shop up you'll spend the day making sure it is spotless. You might want to be especially meticulous. It's where you'll be sleeping and spending whatever time you have to yourself for the next seven years."

She sounded strained and apprehensive and it was exactly the reaction he had expected. It was a pity Weasley was present it could have been so much more enjoyable to bait her and prey on her fear that he would reveal their secret bargain. Of course Weasley couldn't remain at the shop forever and Malfoy had every intention of discussing their clandestine vows at some point this day. "As you wish, Miss Granger," he replied much too demurely so that Ron immediately became suspicious.

"All right now come off it Malfoy," Ron scowled walking up to face him. "Last I heard you were sentenced to death and suddenly you manage a reprieve? Doesn't make sense if you ask me and you know as well as I do you can't possibly be this agreeable about it all. You'd as soon as spit in mine and Hermione's face as to quietly and meekly do as she tells you."

"Unfortunately Weasley I'm partial to living more than I am my pride at the moment. Besides your brother explained it all. Any show of disrespect or defiance and I'm back to waiting in a cell to die. I'm of the opinion that I want to live." The Weasel was right however. He would like to spit in his face, but he had to bide his time and wait until he had obtained his freedom. Then he could wish the sodding Weasel to hell and back.

"You mean you can't even utter a cross word? That must be disappointing for you. It's got to be terribly depressing to know you have to drudge day in and day out doing whatever Miss Granger wants. I'm guessing you can't even defend yourself if someone where to say, rightly knock you in the eye for…"

"Ron," Hermione hissed impatiently. Why did he have to press the issue and make matters worse? "Stop tormenting him and let him do his work."

"But you have to admit Hermione it's entertaining to know that whatever we say or do he can't react to it," Ron grinned sizing Malfoy up as an opponent. "See," he said as he circled Malfoy and then insolently poked a finger into his back. "He can't touch me and I can…"

"He's not an animal you can jab and prod at," she sighed with irritation raising her eyes from a group of folders on elvish cases she had hoped to immerse herself in until Malfoy had disappeared into the cellar. "Malfoy, I'll send something down for you to eat for lunch and dinner. I won't be needing anything until you've finished downstairs."

She waved her hand indicating he was dismissed. Playing the haughty and indifferent lady didn't suit her at all and her nervousness was apparent. Yet Weasely kept him from approaching her as he wished. Waiting as he had done for so many months Malfoy walked past Ron and Hermione pausing briefly to rake her with a calculating gaze. To her credit she appeared to outwardly ignore him, but he caught the distinct trembling of her hand as she shuffled whatever papers she was fumbling with aside. Smirking to himself he walked to the back of the store finding the cellar door not far to the left of the curtain that separated the front counter from the storeroom and living quarters.

"Do you suppose he knows how to use a broom for something other than flying?" Ron asked frowning as Malfoy could be heard trudging down the flight of stairs below.

The only answer he received was an annoyed glare before Hermione rolled her eyes and returned to stacking books on the front table.

The day proceeded rather smoothly, too smoothly in fact and it made Hermione even more apprehensive. Ron did not leave the shop until he was well past five minutes late to his appointment at the Ministry. He was convinced she wasn't safe in Malfoy's presence for even a second and there was no way she could agree with him without revealing the damning truth about her past with the man.

Nighttime was setting in and though it was still summer and the days were long she had dreaded the darkness the entire day. There was nothing to really worry about she decided. Tonight she would tell him curtly that he could retire to his room for the evening and she could lock herself away and think about the best way to sort through the chaotic matter.

She had owled Neville immediately after Ron had left telling him of their new dilemma. His future was at stake as much as hers. If Malfoy chose to give details as to how they had come to be married then Neville's name and reputation would be brought into question. She couldn't bear it if her friend's life was ruined all for the purpose of her most insensitive mistake.

Seeing that the front door was securely locked Hermione pulled the curtains over the two display windows. Three more days and she would officially open. Everything was second hand, wands, clothing, books and other odd trinkets, but it was the finest quality and only the best merchandise she could find. It didn't seem possible but she had accomplished this on her own and felt a surge of pride at the fact.

Guilt washed over her submerging her more pleasant emotion. The accomplishment was the direct result of money she had acquired through dishonest means. Yes, it had helped her obtain this stop so she could quietly handle her elvish cases and she had actually made her society somewhat successful, but now her lies were coming back to haunt her. This was her punishment she realized, to have her deceit blatantly thrown into her face. She should never have considered such an ill-conceived scheme, but she had been desperate at the time. Now she was even more desperate to conceal the truth.

"Will there be anything else or will you not be needing me anymore tonight."

She jumped at the abrupt intrusion into her thoughts audibly gasping. How had Malfoy managed to come upon her so quietly? Not turning to face him she went about pretending to lock the front door once more. "No, nothing. Go down to your room and we'll discuss what needs to be done in the morning."

"As you wish, Miss Granger" he said evenly, but she could discern the same emphasis on her name.

She heard his footsteps falling as he walked away and sighed in relief. He was trying to unnerve her by refusing to confront her openly. That must be the reason he had not resorted to taunting her or threatening to reveal all that had passed between them.

Crossing her arms about her she slowly made her way to her own apartment just up the stairs at the back of the shop. Twice she checked the lock on her apartment door before feeling remotely secure. Then as a second thought she placed a charm on it as well not trusting Malfoy in any sense. Undressing quickly she neatly laid her robes and clothing over a chair to be cleaned in the morning. The best thing she could do for herself now was draw a hot bath and relax so she could better think on her dilemma.

Her apartment was not overly spacious but it was enough for her means. There was only a small kitchenette and living room, with a relatively roomy bedroom and bathroom connected. Walking into the bathroom she began to fill the tub adding some of her favorite scented soap.

Neville had promised to make it his first priority to see her in the morning before he reported to the Ministry. He would have some way to help she was sure of it. There was the matter of destroying the certificate on file. Maybe no one would believe her and Neville capable of such behavior.

Attempting to find a meager ray of hope in her discouraging situation she slowly eased into the water allowing herself a sigh of contentment. If only Neville could make the certificate disappear then Malfoy would have nothing to use to prove his story. The judge who had married them wouldn't recognize them that much was certain. He probably wouldn't even remember performing a marriage ceremony over a year ago.

Maybe her situation wasn't as dire as she first thought. Malfoy's reputation as a liar and deviant was well known but she and Neville were considered trustworthy and honorable. It would be his word against theirs.

Then again what if he had meant what he said to Ron this morning. Perhaps he was prepared to serve out his time to prevent the chance of another unfair or hasty trial. There was the possibility that although he would loathe every moment of it he might intend to honor the agreement that could ensure his freedom in seven years.

Closing her eyes she slipped farther down into the tub letting the bubbles that had foamed in the water slide over her skin. Facing another day didn't seem as terrible as it had moments before. It would certainly be uncomfortable dealing with him day after day, but maybe if he were going to be reasonable he might concede to a secret divorce as easily as he had to a secret marriage. That probably wouldn't be too hard to convince him of, as he surely did not want to have any legal ties to her whatsoever.

The hot water lulled her yet more and she dozed for a few minutes before reluctantly admitting to herself that she should get out and go to sleep. She was going to have another early morning if she expected to finish getting the shop ready by the end of the week. Dreamily opening her eyes she blinked twice completely certain she was imagining things.

This was an invasion that she could not ignore and her first reaction of surprise and fear turned to anger quickly. "Unless you want me to give Percy a less than shining report tomorrow you should leave," she warned reaching out to grab a towel and cover herself, not convinced the bubbles hid her body adequately.

"And unless you want for me to tell Mr. Weasley about our little arrangement you'll sit there quietly and listen," Malfoy countered leaning lazily back against the bathroom door, effectively blocking any chance of escape.

Her face did become a bit pale then and she fell silent. How had he gotten past her apartment door? She had thought to be courteous and not lock him in the cellar like an animal, but maybe she should have been more cautious. Still, unless he had forcefully damaged the lock and as his manacles were still tightly about his wrists he should not have been able to gain access to her room magically.

"This is a rather strange turn of events to say the least don't you agree?" He strolled closer amused that she tried to pull the towel around her more tightly and sink deeper into the water. For a second he toyed with the idea of confessing he had been watching her since she entered her apartment, but that would not make it easy for him in the long run so he kept silent.

"I was wondering when you would finally bring this up. I have to tell you however that as far as I'm concerned the arrangement you're talking about never took place." She glared back at him defiantly hoping he could not see how unnerved she was becoming. The circumstances were not in her favor as her wand was lying on her dresser and he was between her and the bathroom door.

"Oh, I'm well aware of your determination to forget everything that happened that night. Don't you think you're taking it a bit too far though to keep your maiden name? Also, the questions everyone must have asked as to why you of all people married so suddenly. What did you tell them happened to your husband?" So that was how she was going to approach it, Malfoy realized, denying her actions. That should not have surprised him. He was accustomed to being ignored and forgotten about by now and he had hardly expected her to be elated that he had cheated his sentence of death.

"That is none of your business. I'm no longer married, my husband is dead, and my friends understand that is a part of my life I don't discuss. Now, you will leave and I don't care what you tell Percy tomorrow. I intend to have you taken back to the Ministry." There she had dared to threaten him. She waited to see how he would react. More than likely he would laugh and think her too weak to actually make good her warning.

He came forward in a rush leaning over the tub and pressing his face inches before her own. "You're wrong I'm afraid. You are still married and your husband is very much alive despite what you may have wished otherwise."

Momentarily disconcerted by the anger evident in his eyes and how set his jaw had become Hermione crept back involuntarily. Recovering quickly she frowned not wanting to give in and let him intimidate her. "This discussion is over. Leave now and maybe I'll consider telling Percy that we simply don't get along and forget to mention this incident."

"Wouldn't the Ministry Weasel be interested to know that Longbottom and Granger had been sneaking around letting prisoners out of their cells, and falsifying documents," Malfoy chided mockingly leaning closer still as she drew away from him.

Frightening her was not as exhilarating as he thought it would be, but neither did he want to spend the rest of his days bowing and bending to her every order. The night he had been given the news he was not going to be put to death he made his decision how he would proceed should he ever be freed from Azkaban. She would accept his terms in time whether she wished to or not.

"Percy won't believe you and Neville can destroy the certificate proving there was ever a marriage in the first place," she shrugged but her eyes widened when the movement caused the towel to slip too far down and almost reveal more than she wished.

"What about the second certificate?" He asked raising a sardonic brow. "Longbottom gave it to me remember thinking it would be destroyed when they carried out my sentence. As you can see I'm alive and well and in possession of said document."

Hermione's mouth fell open into a gasp of horror. She hadn't really forgotten about the other copy of the marriage certificate. She had just assumed that if he had survived he wouldn't have been able to keep it with him. In prison no one was allowed to have anything of value or any papers with them for security purposes. Gods, why had Neville given it to Malfoy? Yet, there was no indication that he would be pardoned and the certificate would have been destroyed without a trace. Narrowing her eyes she stared back at him wrathfully. "What is it you want? Money, your freedom, because I swear I'll…"
His hand shot out then to cover her mouth and he shook his head slowly. "There's nothing you can do unless you want to admit the truth and that would be most unpleasant for you and Longbottom wouldn't it? As for what I want, we'll get to that in time. For tomorrow when dear Mr. Weasley comes back you'll tell him how you are certain that this arrangement is for the best. I'm not going anywhere and I don't intend for you to so easily dispose of me again."

Shaking her head to rid herself of his touch she jerked backward hating the sense of helplessness she felt engulfing her. "You've said what you came to say. Leave."

Staring at her intently he rose from the side of the tub. "I think I've made my point for tonight. Now, stand up."

Eyes flashing with indignation and ire she vehemently refused. "I will not. You may think you've gotten the upper hand, but I'm not afraid of you. We're not children anymore and you can't harass me into doing whatever you want."

"I have a document that says otherwise. Now stand up and drop that sopping wet towel," he ordered again. She was going to learn that she couldn't deny him and he wasn't going to let her exert any control.

They stared at one another neither willing to stand down. Reluctantly out of desperation to be rid of him she decided to relinquish some of her dignity and gradually made to come to her feet. There was no way to calm her trembling and she knew it probably pleased him to know he was going to win this battle. Fighting back the urge to cry she unwound the towel and dropped it with a sickening splash into the water.

She did not know how long she stood there looking into the water hating the man watching her attentively. Though she did not look into his face once she felt the path his eyes took over every inch of her skin. Shaking visibly she reminded herself that he wouldn't be foolish enough to attack her. He wouldn't want her in that way and this was just another ploy to humiliate her.

Suddenly a dry towel was thrown against her chest. Thankfully but with bemusement she wrapped it tightly about her. Thinking she was free and that he would surely walk away she almost screamed when large, but dexterous fingers curled into her hair and loosened the knot atop her head. The emotion she saw in his eyes, now that she had the courage to face him, was dark and undefined. The sight of him raking her features so shrewdly did more to terrify her than his threat to reveal their marriage had.

When he finally released her she stumbled back almost slipping in the tub. Scrambling she stepped out onto the rugs and backed into a corner not certain what to expect of him next. He kept his gaze focused on the water as it settled from the upset she had caused in her haste. "I will see you in the morning. Remember what you'll be telling Weasley."

He opened the bathroom door and continued on through pausing briefly to glance back over his shoulder. "Good night, Mrs. Malfoy."

With a cry of frustration and rage Hermione reached out grabbing the first thing her hand could find. Hurling the hairbrush in his direction she prayed foolishly that it would knock him unconscious. The hairbrush harmlessly hit the door as he shut it behind him and he avoided any injury infuriating her all the more.