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.

Glad you all are still reading. Like I said story is completed so this isn't a WIP that won't be finished. Thanks again for the reviews and support!

Chapter 11

The Ministry's Interference

Her muscles were slightly sore from the climbing and running the night before. Stretching, Hermione discovered she couldn't move as freely as she should be able to. Frowning she slowly blinked a few times before finding herself staring into a pair of blue and silver eyes.

It was of course another one of her dreams, and Hermione did not feel threatened. Instead like in all of her nightly illusions she smiled hoping he wouldn't fade from view as readily as he always seemed to. He looked back at her in bemusement, but smiled in turn lightly brushing stray curls from her forehead. Still believing she was asleep Hermione moved closer, wondering why he seemed so surprised and had stiffened against her.

Whatever confusion he was feeling must have disappeared she decided with relief when he relaxed a second later. As Hermione reached out to wrap her arms up around his neck she thought she heard him sigh before softly pressing his lips to hers. This wasn't his normal reaction either. He was never rough or brutal in her dreams, but he had never been this gentle or loving either.

It didn't matter to Hermione at the moment, as it was a different and heady experience to be kissed so tenderly. Something about it was almost as arousing as when in her musings of repose she let him shamelessly roam over her body with his hands and mouth. Hermione knew she was being too imaginative really, ever thinking that Malfoy was able to express warm emotions. Nevertheless, she was going to enjoy the dream as long as it lasted, knowing the Malfoy of her waking hours wasn't capable of caring for a filthy Muggle Born witch.

As always when Malfoy would turn to cover her body with his own she opened herself to him. In slow degrees he deepened the kiss running his tongue over her bottom lip in silent plea for permission rather than simply invading and taking, as was his typical way. Hermione eagerly opened her mouth remembering how he could devastate her with the mere teasing of his tongue against her own.

Hands that before would rip her clothing open to reveal her body were so careful and gentle now, gliding slowly up under her nightgown. Somewhere in the back of her mind Hermione was starting to realize that if Malfoy were to touch her this way in the light of day, when he was not a figment of her imagination, she would succumb easily. Now, assured he was only a creation in her mind she didn't worry about her conclusion only about taking pleasure in her dream state for as long as her subconscious would let her.

She helped him when he became a bit impatient to lift the gown over her head raising her arms herself and tugging the garment free. Clutching Malfoy closer Hermione shivered at the feel of scorching lips that were slipping over the skin of her neck, across her collarbone and then to her breast. Sharp sparks of pleasure echoed through her body and she grew bolder working to unfasten the buttons of his shirt.

Usually in her dreams Malfoy would grab her hands and still their actions, except this time he shrugged his shoulders making it easier for Hermione to remove it. Tossing the shirt aside she lightly raked her nails down his back, not knowing what ways to touch a man but simply needing to feel his skin beneath her fingers. .

This dream was different from the others it seemed and Hermione wondered if this time were she to call his name if it would end the blissful fantasy. Just before he would have pressed his lips to hers once more she whispered the name that was always so foreign, forbidden really unless he was haunting her sleep, "Draco."

Distress welled up in her when he went completely still. He would disappear again and leave her as always. Hermione's disappointment was short lived however when instead Malfoy cupped the side of her cheek and laid his forehead against hers taking a deep breath. "You'll hate me later for this probably."

He didn't give Hermione a chance to ask him about his strange remark, hungrily taking possession of her lips. This kiss was what she recognized, raw and unyielding, an indication that he meant to conquer and claim her. Willingly Hermione responded moaning deep in her throat at the sensations swirling low in her belly.

There wasn't any need she wanted to tell him to try and persuade her. This time her dream would be complete and Hermione couldn't stand the waiting much longer. The emptiness that overwhelmed her only caused her to ache more. The fleeting memories she had of the time with Malfoy in the carriage carried over now and she remembered what it was like to be filled so completely, joined to one person so intimately. Shameless, she craved it, knowing that in dreams anything was possible, and there was nothing in the least to feel embarrassed about.

Abruptly Malfoy tore his mouth from hers and muttered a curse under his breath. He rolled to his feet and she reached out afraid that suddenly her dream was ending and morning was near. Rising on her elbows Hermione was relieved again to see he was only trying to rid himself of his last article of clothing. Frantically he went about undoing his pants nearly accomplishing it when a loud and persistent banging filtered from downstairs.

His head turned sharply and when the sound came again Malfoy dropped his arms to the side in defeat. Then he ran his hands through his hair shaking she figured from rage. "Gods, damn that fucking Ministry prick. I swear those Weasleys' have the most inopportune timing of anyone I've ever met!"

Hermione's eyes widened then. She was coming to her senses and the haze surrounding her was lifting. Blinking she saw Malfoy standing at the side of her bed, blond hair disheveled and hanging in his face, muttering curses about Percy and Ron, and simultaneously buttoning his pants back before retrieving his shirt from the floor. Fearfully Hermione looked down at herself as she always did when she woke from one of her passionate dreams almost instantly knowing she would not find everything as orderly as normal.

She was utterly exposed without a stitch of clothing, having lost her underwear somewhere in the encounter. Shame and horror welled up in Hermione at how wanton and unseemly she must appear. She raised her eyes to Malfoy finding him staring back at her with an oddly tender expression. There was still no masking the blatant desire that flashed in his eyes, but that she could have understood. If the last moments had not been a dream, why had he been so caring and affectionate?

"Get dressed and I'll go downstairs and let him in. Act like you immediately went to bed after the opera, and don't fidget like you do when you lie. Look him straight in the eye and think of something else, anything to keep him from seeing how uneasy his questions are making you, " Malfoy instructed her in between tossing her the discarded pair of underwear and her nightgown. "And for Gods sakes don't come down in that nightgown and a robe. Get dressed first"

Clutching the garments to her chest Hermione watched him leave hurriedly putting on his shirt as he went. Until she heard the apartment door slam she didn't move. Then she bounded off the bed and pushed all thoughts of her encounter with her husband to the side, for the time being. If it was Percy downstairs he was either coming to expound on the lovely time they had the evening before, or to question her about Prinny's disappearance.

Dressing quickly Hermione splashed some water on her face. Knowing she didn't have much time she performed a cleansing spell to freshen herself and then applied a thin coat of makeup to mask her dark circles under her eyes and flushed cheeks. Gazing back at her image in the mirror Hermione kept convincing herself that the darkness of her eyes and the trembling of her skin wasn't because of what she mistakenly thought of as a dream. Percy was probably there to question her and he was very shrewd and observant. If she lied he would know in an instant.

There were several voices coming from below and Hermione frowned while going down the stairs. Had Percy brought other Aurors from the Ministry along with him? Stepping out from behind the curtain she masked her apprehension and surprise immediately when Percy, Neville, and three members from the Du Marier family glanced up sharply as she entered the room.

Suddenly Hermione's gaze flew to Malfoy as though he could offer some explanation, a solution, or something. He was standing out of the way as Percy always liked him to, but he was watching her intently his face unreadable. She also wanted to make sure he'd remembered to put his lead wristbands back on. If Percy knew he went around without them at times he wouldn't hesitate to ship him back to Azkaban. Seeing the uncomfortable bracelets in place she groaned inwardly realizing she was actually worrying about his well being. That wasn't the response she should be having. She should've had hoped Percy caught him unawares and had an excuse to take him away.

"Hermione, I'm sorry," Percy began sincerely stepping forward, his robes sweeping about him. "There was some trouble last night and I'm afraid I have to…"

"Quit humbling yourself to her you fool," the elder Du Marier snapped pushing past Percy and advancing on Hermione. "This filthy Mudblood bitch has caused us more than enough trouble and I don't intend to stand here and watch you act as though this isn't what she deserves."

It wasn't the man's fury that caught her attention, Hermione was used to such name-calling and insults from the older pureblooded families. It was that Percy only nodded and continued, not offering her any defense. The man who had acted so gallantly the night before, had daily complimented her and praised her work with the elves, and her new spells, stood by and said nothing.

"Hermione, I'm afraid your name is naturally connected to the majority of the elves that are disappearing and bringing their cases to court. You are the prime suspect in the case of one elf named Prinny. Unfortunately this means I will be searching your shop and Neville will be assisting me," Percy finished, throwing her an apologetic gaze, but not daring to support her in any way. The Du Mariers were a powerful family and she, a Muggle-Born, no Mudblooded witch, was nothing to them or the Ministry at the moment.

"Malfoy you'll be assisting us," Percy said, changing his tone from one of placating to terseness and domination.

Hermione turned to look at Malfoy again tears forming in her eyes. For some reason she was wondering if he would jump at the chance to help in destroying the order of her business, or maybe he wouldn't want to hurt her so much. He was clenching his fists and glaring at Percy and the elder Du Marier who had stepped forward.

"No, Mr. Weasley I don't think I will be," Malfoy serenely answered. He straightened and laid his palms flat on the table in front of him. As Hermione watched it appeared he was trying to calm himself down.

Percy stared back at Malfoy wide eyed for a brief second before recovering and offering him a decently infuriated frown. "Malfoy, you've been making progress lately and Miss Granger's situation is regrettable, but you will do as I say. Would you like me to report to the Minister himself that you refused a direct order?"

Still keeping Malfoy in her line of vision Hermione was stunned when his usually cool and demure demeanor toward Percy changed drastically. His fists clenched again and he moved to round the table headed for Percy. "Draco, it's okay," Hermione said quickly wiping two stray tears with the back of her hand and throwing her shoulders back. "Percy needs the help and I don't have anything to hide. Search away Mr. Weasley, Mr. Longbottom."

Malfoy didn't take his eyes off of Percy but slowly walked forward waiting for Percy to proceed. The Du Mariers stood triumphantly in a line watching with devious satisfaction. Nodding toward the wall with robes and other odds and ends hanging in a row, Percy began his search.

"Malfoy take the storeroom. Neville go with him and make certain he doesn't try to hide anything if there is something to be found."

Neville gave Hermione a fleeting glance as he passed by slipping in the back of the shop. Malfoy followed slowly, his jaw clenched, boring a hole in Neville's back with his blistering gaze. He looked out of the corner of his eyes at Hermione while he trailed after Neville. She silently shook her head and then turned to watch Percy.

The process was agonizing as Percy mercilessly tore the robes from their hangers sometimes rending the material. It could be repaired, but it was the principle of it all. Next, he overturned boxes of wands, books, and gadgets sending the merchandise crashing to the floor. Many more things broke and Hermione flinched when a particularly beautiful painting, which she had merely used as decoration, was ripped open from the back.

For more than thirty minutes Percy tore through the front of the shop. There wasn't much noise coming from the storeroom, and when Percy was finished with his search he noticed this as well. He purposefully strode forward and disappeared behind the curtain. The next second loud thuds and bangs could be heard. They were her books still in boxes probably being dumped to the floor.

Left alone with the hawk like Du Mariers Hermione stared back at them as though she were very bored. The elder Du Marier was probably around sixty years old, and the woman at his side who she recognized as his wife from photos in the Daily Prophet could be guessed to be in her mid fifties. They looked much older, with their wrinkles around their mouths and eyes from sneering and crinkling their faces in disgust. There was another man with them, maybe their son. He was close to thirty probably and as miserable looking as they seemed to be.

"Is there something particularly interesting Mudblood or are you trying to enjoy the sight of actual wealth and class," the younger Du Marier jeered, raising an appraising eyebrow.

"No, nothing interesting at all, very ordinary really. I was just wondering why your father doesn't try to keep his arm covered better. You may have convinced the Ministry that I might be guilty of illegally taking your house elf, but I don't think they'll keep catering to someone who bears the old mark of Voldemort," she boldly and peacefully answered.

The elder Du Marier's face changed to a vivid shade of purple, and his wife's eyes narrowed like a predatory cat's. "Such insolence from a witch whose name and heritage mean nothing to this world. Your days of standing at the side of that preening Potter are over. His fame will fade in time, and any mention of your role in helping him will soon be blotted from the history books. You're nothing but a Mudblooded blemish in our society."

"I'm afraid during the last check the Ministry made as to the population of witches and wizards, Pureblooded families were on the decline," Hermione replied, for some reason feeling the need to goad the horrible trio further. They would as soon send the Killing Curse in her direction as suffer her presence, but even they had to be cautious with Percy and Neville about. The Ministry was on their side right now, and as long as they behaved civilly they expected it to stay that way.

"Those documents could have been mistaken, but if it is true then all the more reason for we pure families to band together and eradicate your kind," it was the female Du Marier who spoke now with a hissing voice. She truly reminded Hermione of a bad-tempered cat now.

"My kind? You mean hard working, law abiding, charitable? Changes are coming and I'm not the only reason for them," Hermione said, her own tone becoming harsh.

There was another crash from the back in the storeroom and this time Hermione knew things that were glass had shattered to the floor. Sighing she cast a glance behind her, miserably thinking of all the work that she would have to do to clean up after Percy was gone. It wouldn't take long if she used magic, but then she would have to reorganize everything as well.

"The Ministry won't always be around to help you filthy little creature," the eldest Du Marier spat wrathfully at Hermione causing her turn to him again.

"Is that a threat Mr. Du Marier? Would you like to repeat that in front of Mr. Weasley or Mr. Longbottom?"

"We're not the only ones watching. Remember that," the son of the vengeful Du Marier's sneered, curling his lips in an unattractive snarl.

Before Hermione could reply to the obvious threat Percy reappeared with Neville and Malfoy trailing behind. Neville was angry, angrier than Hermione had ever seen him, and Malfoy had once again placed a mask of aloof indifference over his face. Pausing before Hermione Percy took her hands in his, which Hermione swiftly withdrew, causing him to frown at her for a moment. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience. We didn't find anything as I suspected. Just like at my brothers' shop. Mr. and Mrs. Du Marier there hasn't been a place left untouched. I personally went above stairs to her apartment and searched it as well. I'm sorry but I'm afraid your elf is nowhere to be found."

Hermione blanched at Percy's words. He'd searched her personal belongings? It was too great an invasion to comprehend. "Then I take it you'll be leaving. Malfoy and I have a rather large job on our hands now. I'll have to have the shop ready to open in the morning and…"
"Actually there's been an injunction placed on your shop," Percy stated matter-of-factly. "You won't be opening again to prevent further incidents such as this elf's disappearance until he can be found. I'm sorry."

"You mean you're keeping me from earning my living? From running my own business without any evidence?" This was going to the extreme. Who were the Du Mariers that they held such absolute power over the Ministry?

"I said I was sorry, but you have been suspicious with all this talk about S.P.E.W. is it? Hermione you should let the Ministry handle the cases of abuse and keep to your own business," Percy told her bluntly, before turning on his heel. "I'll be by in the morning to see that the doors are magically barred."

"Mr. Malfoy, you poor lad," Mrs. Du Marier began sadly, her gaze softening and falling on Malfoy. "To be shackled to this monstrosity. Your father is without peace in his grave and your darling mother must not sleep at night knowing your fate."

"I prefer it to being executed," Malfoy allowed, his voice devoid of emotion. He remembered the Du Mariers. They were not in the close circle of the Dark Lord's followers but they were well known to contribute ample sums of money to his cause.

"Oh, you surely don't mean that. Death would have been honorable. You would have given your life for a cause you believed in. Such a tragedy," she murmured again, shaking her head sadly.

"Was that a cause you also believed in?" Neville asked, shrewdly making Hermione very proud of his defiant and authoritative stance.

With some satisfaction Hermione noticed the elder Du Marier pulling his sleeve down more securely, while his wife and son glared at Neville. "No, that cause wasn't one I supported. However, those days are over. As the Minister says the sooner we put them behind us the better."

"Neville," Percy called sharply from the doorway at front. "We need to be going. There are some more witnesses that need to be briefed."

Keeping a calculating eye on the Du Mariers Neville motioned for them to go ahead of him, and then followed, not daring to look back at Hermione or Malfoy. To his surprise Malfoy had grumbled about the task of searching the shop because he was afraid it would upset Hermione, not because he was actually forced to work in some capacity. It didn't matter to him really, but he felt a little better leaving Hermione with Malfoy than he did the Du Mariers or Percy.

When the doors closed Hermione walked forward and locked them first with her keys and then a charm. Sighing, she finally took in the entire sight of her shop, what she had built, and the disarray, no the destruction, overwhelmed her. Nothing stood neatly anywhere. Glass figurines, wands, robes, paintings, everything was strewn over the floors broken and misshapen.

"What did the Du Mariers say to you when you were alone with them?" Malfoy broke the silence with the question. A second later she heard his manacles clink on a table when he had removed them.

"Nothing," she mumbled absently, bending down to retrieve a broken vase that was once in the shape of a falcon.

"They didn't just stand by and let you be. I know them too well. What did they say," he demanded again, his voice growing closer as he walked forward.

"Nothing!" Hermione shouted back, raising flashing chocolate colored eyes to slash at him with malice.

He didn't appear shocked or upset by her tone. In fact Draco kept walking toward her. "Go ahead, yell, shout, break something, if there's anything left that isn't broken already. We'll fix it later."

"You're enjoying this aren't you?" Hermione accused, slamming what was left of the falcon vase to the floor. More pieces flew in different directions.

"Not particularly," Draco answered, crossing his arms and leaning against a table to her left. "Why should I?"

"Because this is what you've always wanted isn't it? The dirty, useless, Mudblood has finally fallen from grace, is a suspect in the eyes of the Ministry, and you've got yourself a front row seat for the entire performance."

"The way I see it I'm as insulted as you are," he said, shrugging his shoulders and reminding himself that no matter how angry she made him, no matter how many insults or assumptions she might make, she was hurting. The people she had trusted most in the world, the illustrious Ministry of Magic had turned their backs on her in a sense. Draco knew what it felt like to be betrayed by what you thought was truthful in your eyes.

"Oh, Gods and Merlin himself I can't stand it when you're trying to mock me," Hermione growled, shoving past him.

"It's true. I wasn't there at the manor the day the Ministry came and searched but I can only imagine. Today again the Ministry has falsely accused a Malfoy of wrongdoing." He watched her back as she retreated waiting to hear her response to his offhanded mention of their marriage.

Hermione halted in mid step, but didn't turn to look at him. "They didn't do a thing to you Malfoy. I don't know what you mean."
"You damn well know I meant you," he said a bit callously before he could stop himself. Checking his temper Draco gentled his voice. "Hermione, I warned you about Percy. Now do you believe me? He doesn't care as long as he's held in high esteem in the eyes of the Minister and the wealthy families."

"That's something else. You, Draco Malfoy, get to tell the stupid little Mudblood I told you so," she laughed at her own statement wickedly. "How does it feel? Having the upper hand again?"

"Not as good as I thought it would to be honest," he muttered realizing that much was true. Even though he'd decided to make her remain his wife and had planned to both spoil her and make her bend to his wishes, the victory of today wasn't as sweet as he'd thought it would be. "Give me your wand and I'll see if I can fix some of the robes over there. Stack books if it that's where you want to start first."

"I don't give a damn about books and robes now," she shouted in desperation. "Percy was upstairs in my apartment. He went through my things, my clothes, books, journals, everything!"

"That part I'm extremely displeased about myself. No man wants another

pilfering through his wife's knickers, but its over now and…"

"It's not your place to care one way or the other!" She threw her hands up in defeat and buried her face in them in shame. "Oh, just go away. Go downstairs, something, anything, just get away from me!"

"Hermione, you can scream all you want. Go ahead it'll make you feel better instead of holding it in, but it's not my fault what happened." This having patience with an angry woman wasn't an easy thing to do even if you liked them somewhat. Draco didn't care if she threw a tantrum right now. It would probably do her good. He just didn't want her misplacing blame to him, and to be the target of her anger. After all he intended at some point in the day to pick up where they left off that morning. She couldn't be angry with him if he wanted to get his own way later.

"Of course it's never your fault. All Pureblooded families are alike. Stick together, keep out the vermin, set out poison traps for Mudbloods like we're cockroaches, or rats, or something," Hermione snarled, but her voice was muffled with her face still covered by her trembling hands.

"If you want to get into an argument about our heritages, then fine. I can't help it that I was born into a Pureblooded family anymore than you can help it that you were born to a family of Muggles. We are what we are, and we can't change it now." Maybe he should try that Muggle concept of counting to ten before he starting shouting back at her the next time she said something unreasonable and thoroughly tainted with her overly analytical logic.

"That's the worst speech you've ever made, some of your explanations in potions class excluded." Hermione dropped her hands from her face to stare at him with incredulous anger.

That was it then. He'd tried to be calm; he'd even tried to sound soothing when he spoke to her. Hermione wasn't interested in being sensible. "Merlin's arse. I'm trying to be kind and you're acting as though I'm to blame for this entire thing. I'm not the one running around in the dark getting chased by gypsies and Gods know what else. I'm not the one sneaking around and marrying men condemned to death, and then when things don't go as planned, ignoring the vows I made."

"I'm trying to correct that second mistake as we speak. Neville assured me the papers will be ready in just a few more weeks," Hermione replied heatedly, clenching her fists at her sides. He wasn't trying to be nice he was trying to bait her. Malfoy didn't care if her feelings were hurt or her pride. He was just glad he'd been there to witness her disgrace.

"That mistake, as you call it, will stand. I won't sign anything, and as soon as this mess with Weasley is solved I'm revealing the marriage certificate and having myself freed," he informed her. There, she would have to deal with his intentions sooner or later. He wasn't going to keep delicately sidestepping her feelings on the matter forever.

"We'll see about that. Now, go away. I told you once before I won't say it again." Gathering her self-control Hermione stalked back into the storeroom deciding to tackle boxing up the books and other odds and ends sure to be scattered about.

As she flounced behind the curtain Draco wanted to shake her senseless. Hermione still didn't understand he had no intention of divorcing her. Malfoy's didn't divorce. In fact, ancient ancestors had actually performed unbreakable ceremonies where should one spouse ever try and leave the other they would perish. That was a bit extreme, but somewhere in the back of his mind whenever she was being particularly difficult about the whole situation he would see some of the merit in such an oath.

As always, Hermione's wand rested on the counter, just to the right of the money chest. Gritting his teeth Draco almost decided against it, but then slowly walked over and grabbed the wand. He was getting too weak where she was concerned. His father would have long ago reprimanded him for not simply putting her in her place, and having the entire matter solved. Then again, his father had never really been well liked by his mother for the most part so his ideas on marriage were probably incorrect.

"Reparo," Draco began to whisper at various objects around the shop. If Hermione didn't appreciate this in some capacity he knew he wouldn't be able to control his temper. He was humbling himself in a sense for her, and she was damn well going to be thankful for it.