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.

Truly, thank you all for the great reviews especially these last few chapters. They mean so much and I'm so thrilled you are all enjoying this story.

Chapter 15

Harry's Offer

He hadn't thought about his father in any real sense for months, but that night when he had finally drifted to sleep the malevolent man came to him in his dreams. Since Draco was a child he hadn't had nightmares. Never allowing himself the luxury of emotions even in his sleep, he had managed to stay aloof and unfeeling. Now, he felt things he didn't understand and suddenly couldn't control. That was probably why Lucius Malfoy figured prominently into the night terror.

Coming awake abruptly, Draco saw the curtains were now pulled back, and the first rays of light were starting to peek over the horizon. The morning was still young and taking a moment to realize where he was he smiled with satisfaction turning to reach out for Hermione, but the other side of the bed was empty. Frowning he let his hands glide over the sheets where she had lain the night before, next to him, discovering they were still warm.

For just a brief moment Draco panicked, his dream still fresh in his mind. Then, he heard the sound of a bathtub filling with water, and released a heavy sigh of relief. He was being ridiculous thinking that a nightmare was real, but it had seemed that way not too long ago.

Throwing back the blankets Draco came out of bed and wondered if she was trying to sneak away and bathe before he could catch her. Hermione was probably going to be embarrassed about the night before, try and be overly modest. Though her shyness was alluring he wanted her comfortable with him in every aspect. Striding into the bathroom when he found the door unlocked, he immediately caught a hint of the gardenia fragrance she always used.

"Who's there?" Hermione asked suddenly, jumping in the bathtub causing the water to splash and spill a little over the side.

"Who else, unless you were expecting someone other than your husband," he teased crouching down beside the bathtub.

She was already blushing and sunk down farther into the water. That defense wasn't worth the effort really, but it was all Hermione had at the moment. "You startled me. You should have knocked or something."

"Just to have you tell me I couldn't come in, or to go away?" Draco innocently asked, reaching out to wind a stray curl around his finger. Hermione had piled the mass of ringlets atop her head again, and he preferred it when she let her hair fall past her shoulders and down her back.

"I am trying to take a bath," she defended her words coming out in a rush. "Give me a few minutes and I'll be out."

Hermione reached over to pull her hair out of his grasp, but Draco only caught her hand and brought it to his lips flicking his tongue on the inside of her palm. "You're not suddenly shy are you?"

Losing the battle to keep from meeting his gaze Hermione turned and without warning that familiar aching twinge came to life between her legs. The heat churning in her lower belly intensified as Draco came closer to kiss her more tenderly than she would have thought him capable. After a few moments he leaned away smiling at her his eyes brimming with obvious want and need. "So, what did you want to discuss about the arrangement again?"

Blinking many times Hermione knew she couldn't hide her erratic breathing or her trembling when he began to stroke the side of her neck, down her shoulder, and arm. "Can we talk about that when I'm done bathing?"

"Do I still have to try and convince you? Do we really need to make this so temporary, just until New Year's?" Draco drew close to her again, placing an affectionate kiss on the curve of her shoulde, wanting to see the answer in her dark eyes clouded with warmth and desire.

Her initial response was a resounding. No, she didn't need more convincing, and she wanted to reach out and never let go. However, with the start of a new day Hermione realized she had to let her logic guide her instead of her body's weakening resistance. It was so hard to deny him anything right then and simply staring back at him she didn't offer a conclusive answer. "We should discuss this more," was all she could manage to say.

Draco sighed inwardly, knowing it had been too much to hope for, but not in the least bit discouraged. Reaching out he shut off the water, and brought his hands up under her arms. "Come here."

Watching herself stand at the mere command, Hermione felt the bubbles sliding down her wet body, but would have preferred his hands roaming over her flesh instead. Blindly she let him lift her from the tub and press her to the wall at their left. "I said I'd be out in a…"

He was already drawing her breath from her in a burning kiss grinding his arousal against her smooth stomach. "I don't think I can wait that long," Draco drawled, nipping and biting at her neck as he teased her breasts with his hands.

This time things did not proceed as slowly as the previous night. Even Hermione surprised herself at how suddenly desperate she was to touch and feel him in any way, eagerly wrapping her legs around her husband's waist when he lifted her from the floor. Blindly she let the sensations take over her again and was more than breathless when they had both found fulfillment in the each other.

Vaguely Hermione felt the twinges of an ache in her back from their exertions and pounding against the wall. She unwrapped her legs and slid them to the floor, but was unable to hold herself up. Silently Draco guided her back to the tub and she sank down into the water again deciding not to over analyze why she was reluctant to let him go.

Hermione had at first thought to keep herself somewhat detached, not wanting to show Draco how much the previous night had affected her. Obviously as easily as he had drawn out each passionate response moments ago, that plan wasn't viable. It also didn't help that he seemed to know what she was thinking or feeling before she did. That was annoying, and also didn't help her to hide any emotions she might not want him to see yet.

When Hermione had casually mentioned that she wanted to marry for love Draco all but stated he didn't have feelings for her that went that deep. He had seemed very uncomfortable, and answered obscurely. It had only mildly bothered her at the time. Now taking in account her sore, but sated body, and confused, chaotic thoughts, she was coming to understand something. She no longer had to fight the unsettling attraction she had developed, having surrendered in that battle willingly. She was frightened she might grow to care more than she already did, maybe even love him, and as far as she could tell he would never be able to return the affection.

"Now you can finish," Draco said smugly, but ruined his conceited tone and stance by lightly kissing the top of her head.

Watching Draco close the door behind him Hermione slid back down, deep into the water, finding she was still shaky and unsure of her limbs. Though she was inexperienced sexually she was certain that the lingering affects from their encounter must not be normal. Obviously he was more skilled and practiced than she would have believed and she felt a stab of jealousy over that fact.

Sighing angrily with herself Hermione went about the task of scrubbing her body clean and starting her day. She was hopeless already if she was jealous of women that were no longer part of his life and shouldn't have had any bearing on hers now. Maybe there was no way to help her separate passion, caring, and attraction from love and affection, but she was diligently going to try. If she didn't she was certain she would lead herself to a broken heart.

"How you managed to survive the war I'll never know," Malfoy hissed opening the front door and casting a quick glance over his shoulder. "Potter, subtlety isn't a strong trait of yours is it?"

"Sod off Malfoy. I'm in no more of mood deal with you than you are with me, but Fred and George explained it all. Has there been anything else? Any other letters?"

"Two yesterday, but she hasn't seen them," Malfoy whispered, quietly shutting the door behind the unwelcome guest.

"Where are they?" Harry asked, pushing past his once and still adversary. "Let me see them and I'll take them to Scrimgeour and settle this…"

"So Scrimgeour can just pawn them off on Percy and Granger's back to where she started?" Malfoy asked, incredulously. "All of that talk about the Ministry's fairness and justice is a load of bollocks. Even you have to admit things are somewhat unusual when Granger, the loyal little witch who stood at your side during the war, is considered to be a criminal."

"Scrimgeour is fair and just. Just because he didn't allow your money and name to buy your freedom doesn't mean he's not upholding his position," Harry snarled back, hating the very notion that Malfoy was involved with this in any way. Fred and George had to be inhaling something that was buggering their better sense to think that Malfoy was actually being helpful.

"It isn't Scrimgeour that's the problem. Percy's trying to push Scrimgeour out and if he cann't find that damn creature for the Du Mariers then he's going to have to punish someone to appease them." Draco hated to admit it, but Fred and George were easy to talk to. They at least listened, and actually agreed to a certain degree. Potter was too thickheaded and single minded. He regretted ever getting the Weasleys involved now if they were just going to turn the entire mess over to the scar faced wonder.

"Percy's a bit of a…"

"Prick, arsehole…"

"Malfoy," Harry growled. "Percy's a bit over zealous and he does push the envelope. Oh, well he's bloody intolerable at times, but he does take his job very seriously."

"Will you be praising him when he's got Granger in a holding cell at the Ministry waiting for a trial?" This had been a mistake. Potter wouldn't look past his loyalty to the Ministry and he'd probably go to Scrimgeour now that the Weasels had told him everything.

"Gods Malfoy, you've really taken to believing that Percy's that irrational and unfair," Harry frowned, also hearing Hermione rustling about upstairs. "How long before she'll come down?"

"Soon, any minute really. Is there a reason other than the letters that you've come by?" Even knowing that he was going to be making a visit ahead of time Malfoy hadn't been prepared for all of the animosity and anger that flooded back to him. Fucking useless hero who couldn't save Dumbledore and countless others that was all he truly was.

"How did you get a reprieve? How did you manage to get your death sentence appealed?"

"You know as much as I do about it really, but that's not the issue," Malfoy reiterated. Even when his best friend's life was at stake making sure he, Malfoy the evil incarnate, was properly reprimanded was Potter's main objective.

"You never asked any questions? Never even tried to figure out why your luck suddenly changed?" Above Harry heard a door open and then close. "Shouldn't you be finding out why? I mean it just could be a misprint on some paper work and you really should be languishing among the Dementors or overdue for your execution."

Malfoy wanted grab Potter by the throat, rip the flesh open and watch him slowly bleed to death on the floor. "Or maybe someone realized that I was falsely accused in that Muggle raid and had served my time."

"Even if you didn't take part in the London attack we both know you deserve to be rotting in Azkaban for your plot against Hogwarts and Dumbledore," Harry spat back, his green eyes flashing as he warmed to the old feelings of anger and resentment.

"Did you ever think that things aren't always black and white, or as they appear to be?" Malfoy questioned, with a decidedly sharp edge to his tone. "Maybe if you'd tried to protect Dumbledore instead of fixating on fighting Snape and myself he might have survived!"

"You wanted him dead, but you were just too weak to finish the job," Harry accused, heatedly stepping forward, all intentions to be civil until Malfoy turned over the evidence he needed gone. "Snape as always cleaned up your rubbish, and now he's living as freely as you are. He may never be brought to justice and you've managed, through dishonest means no doubt, to secure your own well being."

"Can't live with the guilt Potter? Do you think you're the only one who has to live with the choices made that night?" Malfoy snarled back, getting dangerously close to actually harming the pretentious bastard.

"Your conscience is clear and you don't waste a moment on anything but yourself. The moment your term here is up you'll just return to being the spoiled, selfish, prat you've always been, and the rest of the world can bugger themselves. Gods, I think I'm just going to give you the money myself so you'll buy your freedom and leave Mione' in peace," Harry sighed, shaking his head not seeing the young woman slipping past the curtain behind them.

"Money isn't my problem Potter," Malfoy said, smirking at his rival making him wonder at the depth of those words.

"Never is for you and probably never will be, but money doesn't solve it all Malfoy. You know someday you'll remember them, the faces of the Muggles you killed, of Dumbledore as he pleaded with you to put down your wand, of Snape finishing what you started and didn't have the balls to pull off," Harry warned with a smile of satisfaction of his own.

"Harry!" Hermione snapped, rushing into the front of the shop. "Is that necessary?"
"Mione' I was just dropping in to see how you were," Harry's cruel smile softened as he turned to greet his friend. "Ginny wanted to know if you would stop by next week at The Burrow. Her Mum's been hinting at trying to get us all under one roof for a family dinner and I don't think she's going to take no for an answer."

"Of course I'll be there. Just owl me with the day and time, but Harry don't you think it's time to let go of the past?" Hermione shouldn't have sounded so outraged. It would make Harry suspicious, but the way he thought things had played out that night wasn't quite the truth. She couldn't explain that to him either.

"Mione' what's between Malfoy and I is too deep and bitter so please don't get in the middle," Harry urged her patiently. She was always trying to soothe hurt feelings and make the peace. There was no way to forget the past with Malfoy, and she didn't need to get herself involved with something she couldn't understand. She hadn't witnessed the headmaster's death, he had. There was no way to forget that terrible night, and Malfoy's participation in the attack that had started it all.

"Harry, Malfoy's paying for his crimes, and you're living the life you always dreamed of. Now, let's just behave like the adults we're supposed to be." Hermione didn't dare look at Malfoy to see how he was handling Harry's last remark that he hadn't been allowed to respond to. After reliving the events with her the night before she was certain Harry's words were hitting a nerve and she was surprised she hadn't found them pummeling each other on the floor. Somehow no matter how old they got she doubted they would ever really outgrow the urge to resort to the old grudges that each held against the other.

"Well, I just don't feel safe with him paying for his crimes under your roof. Hermione, I'm going to give Malfoy the money he needs, and he can pay the Ministry the funds for his freedom," Harry told her, glancing sideways at Malfoy who was studying his friend oddly as though seeing her for the first time.

"Harry you really don't need to do that," she stammered finally looking up and seeing Malfoy staring at her his expression unreadable, but searing nonetheless. Would Malfoy accept the offer for the opportunity to resume his old life? Even if it was from Harry the money would relieve him of the rest of his sentence and hadn't that been one of the reasons for admitting they were married?

"Mione' I want to, and if Malfoy's too much of a…"

"Keep your fucking charity Potter," Malfoy sneered, with a low growl.

"I'm doing this for you Mione'," Harry said pointedly ignoring Malfoy. "Ron told me how Percy thought he could keep a better watch over Malfoy if he was with you, and I know you also have been miserable ever since," Harry reasoned, reaching into his pockets as though he'd produce the galleons right then and there. "I can give you this note and all you need to do is get to Gringotts and transfer the funds."

"Harry I can take care of my own affairs," Hermione said weakly, suddenly feeling a little unsure and sick. Malfoy had of course only refused the offer out of pride and pure hatred for Harry. If anyone else had offered he would have snatched the opportunity and disappeared.

"Mione' I'll go down there and do it myself if I have to, but one way or another Malfoy's leaving here. Ron should've owled me sooner so this mess could've been resolved," Harry stated pointedly, while shaking his head at his friends' determination to hide the fact from him.

"Harry, you will stay out of this," Hermione sighed heavily, not prepared for a confrontation like this one so early in the morning. "I'm handling everything and I can take care of it. I already planned to do the same thing myself, so as much as I appreciate the offer I'd appreciate it more if you wouldn't get involved."

"This isn't something like scuttling an elf out of the city, or making a mark in research and spell writing. This is dealing with Malfoy, day in and day out. You know the bloody prat isn't worth the aggravation," Harry continued, staring back at his friend in bewilderment. Where Hermione's sudden determination to make such dreadful arrangement work was beyond him. He was sure she would have jumped at the chance to send her problem packing out the door and back to his decrepit manor.

"Harry," Hermione sighed, realizing the turn of the conversation wasn't going well. "You aren't going to Gringotts or the Ministry. I've made the arrangement with Malfoy, and it's my business. Now, if I ever get to reopen then I'm going to need help. Besides, Fred and George actually said he was useful."

"Mione' we've treaded lightly around you since that husband of yours died and we've let you go about your business, but not this time," Harry stated firmly, glaring back at Malfoy again. "Malfoy, you'll take this money even if you don't want it. I'll be back this afternoon, and I'm sure Percy will be more than happy to give you your papers and send you on your way."

"Potter, you're getting dangerously close to overstepping your bounds," Malfoy warned fists clenched. If he hit the bloody sod Hermione would never forgive him, and she was somewhat on his side at the moment. Although, just one good blow to the bastard's chin wouldn't hurt him too badly, and it would give his little wife a reason to fuss and fawn over him. Potter liked being made over, or else he wouldn't run around proclaiming his hero status.

"Malfoy, this doesn't concern you. Now, Mione's this is for the best and you know it. You may think you're helping him, but he's beyond redemption and you have to see that somewhere?" Harry looked his adversary up and down shaking his head. Hermione bless her was really trying to make amends and rescue him. Malfoy was a lost cause, and always was.

"Harry did you come here just to start an argument?" Hermione finally crossed her arms over chest, and leveled her friend with a glare. "Dumbledore's gone and I do know that he asked Malfoy to rethink his decision to join the Death Eaters before Snape interceded. You told me Malfoy lowered his wand…"

"He faltered, he was too much of a coward…" Harry interrupted

"You failed Dumbledore. You were focusing on me instead of him. You could've protected him," Malfoy accused.

"My point is, would he want the two of you rehashing this years later? He wanted house unity. We're not in school anymore, but we could honor Dumbledore by putting aside differences and recognizing that the mistakes we made had lasting implications for all of us," Hermione finished above their rising voices.

"Mione' you know this peacemaking shite you're spewing is sweet a,nd since you can't rescue your elves anymore you're desperate for a cause. Malfoy isn't it. He's beyond help and it's time you started to see the world for what it was. Malfoy's going to always be a selfish bastard and when he's served his term here he won't remember a thing you've done or said."

"I don't believe that, and I know you'll never get along, but…"

"But nothing," Harry snapped, thoroughly flustered. Hermione was being unreasonable and he didn't want to have to remember those moments with Dumbledore begging Malfoy, begging Snape, and then tumbling off of the Astronomy Tower. "We're not in school anymore, you're right about that. You can't save the world so stop trying. It's time to find something worthwhile. The elves aren't it, Malfoy's not it, and this shop will be a hobby at best. Mione' I don't want to sound harsh, but it's time to grow up."

Hermione's face fell and she couldn't find a retort ready. Dropping her gaze to the floor she drew in a deep breath. Finally she serenely raised her eyes to meet Harry's. "Harry, Malfoy is indebted to me now, and I quite like the idea of it. For all of those years he was such a hateful prat, now he has to clean my shop, do anything I ask, and it's sort of like retribution."

"There's nothing I can say is there?" Harry asked with irritation, even liking less the smirk growing wider on Malfoy's face.

"You can tell me that you won't be going behind my back to release Malfoy," she replied calmly.

"No, I can't promise that. We're all worried about you and I think it's time to…"

"I think it's time for you to go Harry. If you're bent on disagreeing with everything I say, and do, then just go home. Let Ginny put up with you," Hermione snapped, more angrily than she intended. "You know the way out. I'm going upstairs to get something for breakfast."

That was the last Hermione was going to say. She couldn't very well get into it with Harry that she was married to Malfoy and that she knew a different version of Dumbledore's death. Walking away was the best plan right now, and if Harry and Malfoy wanted to continue their war of words or beat each other bloody then let them. Dumbledore's wishes were for peace and unity. If they wanted to be stubborn and hold onto grudges, and sick childish hatred, that was their affair and they could continue to make themselves miserable.

"I'll be back with Percy and those papers," Harry muttered. "I don't know what you've done to make her think you're worth it."

"I think she told you to get out. She was polite about it, but the meaning was clear." Malfoy couldn't kill him, he couldn't even maim him, and the cocky prick deserved it. All they would ever be to each other was enemies and Potter was too self involved or ignorant to try and see another truth.

Not trusting himself to continue Harry left, but not without a final glare of pure hatred and contempt directed at Malfoy. The door to the shop closed with a resounding crash and Malfoy took his hand and sent a large box of wands and gadgets flying to the floor. Potter's visit had ruined everything, he could already sense it, already knew what Hermione was probably thinking.

Glancing down at the mess he'd made Draco sighed, but decided to clean it later. Instead, he stalked up the stairs already smelling some eggs and bacon, hopefully magically prepared. It was strange, but this mundane domesticity actually was comforting, enjoyable. Maybe this was why the Weasley brood was always so chipper, sickeningly so. Molly Weasley cooked, cleaned, and soothed everyone's hurt while Arthur was kind, gentle, and obviously adored his wife. Gods, he was losing what little sanity he had left if he was comparing his life with Hermione to a Weasley morning ritual. Then again, Arthur must have been doing something right. The old bugger had gotten his wife pregnant enough times to start their own Quidditch team, well maybe not quite, but close.

Draco decided to act as if Harry's visit hadn't happened at all. That was the best approach. She already was acting shy about the previous night, and Harry's determination to get him out of her life hadn't made things any easier for her. "Using your wand I hope," he asked lightly, trying to sound teasing, but not hostile.

Hermione didn't answer, and that was always a bad sign. She was thinking and when she thought about something, too much, she always talked herself out of it. "He's gone now, but I don't think he listened to you about…."

"This isn't going to work," Hermione said suddenly, dropping the plate she held in her hands on the counter.

Fucking Potter and his narrow minded, one-sided ideas. "No, I don't think as long as you let that bacon sit over there and burn to a crisp it will. I don't know but maybe you should try turning it or something." Avoiding what she really was saying, that would throw her a bit. Maybe she would get flustered and not finish, Draco decided.

"When Neville gets the papers it'll be better for both of us, especially you, if we just end this. We can't even go one morning without Harry being uncomfortable around you, and you wanting to bloody his nose."

A bloody nose was the least of what Draco wanted to do, but telling her that right now wasn't going to behoove him at all. "So that's it then? Just like that, because Potter can't handle something, you give it up? That's pathetic and I would've thought you were stronger than that."

"Can you really imagine staying with me, knowing that Harry will always be important to me and have a place in my life?" Malfoy would say no and that would be the end of it, Hermione reasoned. Why hadn't Harry stayed away this morning? She wanted just one morning to enjoy things before she would be forced to sort them out.

"Well, when we're at the manor I doubt the Golden Boy will venture out to see you much," Malfoy replied, with a shrug. "It's his choice if he can't live with the decisions you make. You're not a child and he's got to learn to let you have your own life."

"See, you can't even talk about him once without adding an insult in somewhere. I think it's best if you let him do what he wants. Obtain your freedom, and Neville can help us with the rest."

"I'm not going anywhere, and you know that," Draco said, his irritation becoming apparent.

"What happened this morning with Harry will happen again and again. We can play at this for two months, or we can actually admit we're fooling ourselves. Be unique Malfoy, be the first in your family to admit to a mistake and divorce," Hermione sighed, returning to the bacon frying. He was right, she should have used magic, but it was too late now.

"So again we're back to no one but Potter matters, is that right? You would've put yourself in front of him in a battle too wouldn't you? You'd slit your own throat before you'd hurt his feelings, or let him think you didn't abide by his rules and opinions," Malfoy raged, not liking the turn of the conversation.

"Harry's my friend and I owe him my loyalty and respect," Hermione answered demurely.

"I'm you're husband and that should mean more than Potter's undying devotion and approval!" Now he was shouting, but he didn't care. Always, without fail, Potter won. Even when he wasn't trying, and this time Malfoy had heard enough.

"We married for business reasons…" she began

"And we're staying married for reasons that I thought were more pleasing than a boring business arrangement. I'm sorry if that isn't the case, and I'm mistaken, but last night, and this morning you didn't have any trouble enjoying yourself. If Potter hadn't come by you wouldn't be having second thoughts."

"We both would've had them eventually," Hermione said with a weak shrug. This was difficult for her, but Draco didn't understand that. Harry was her best friend, and to simply disregard his feelings, and freely begin a relationship with his mortal enemy was a betrayal. Wasn't it?

"If that Ministry Weasel shows up today, Potter's ignored your wishes, and they've decided to shuffle me back into society you're leaving with me," Draco stated firmly. He meant it too, if things went too far, then so be it. "I'll give Percy our marriage certificate and there won't be a thing he can do. Legally you'll have to come with me if I order you."

"Stop it!" she cried out finally turning to face him, her face flushed. "Don't you see? I know how this will end. You'll convince me that Harry will come around and when he doesn't Ron, Ginny, their family will turn against me. Then, after a while, you'll get bored and after you've decided we won't work either, I'll be left with no one. I'm not stupid Malfoy, I know you'll eventually get back to your old way of life, and when you do there won't be a place for a Muggle-Born witch."

"Do you have any idea how much I want to shake you right now for what you've just said!" No one had faith in him, not even her and he wanted to go and find Potter to make him physically pay for his ruining everything. Potter had her loyalty, her love, her respect, and trust. Malfoy was beginning to wonder if there was any left over for anyone else.

"I wouldn't try it," she hissed, changing quickly from desperation to anger. "Here, if you want something to eat, fix it yourself. As for what happened last night…"

"And this morning," he growled, reminding her. She wasn't going to gloss over this, forget it and tuck it away like it never happened.

"It's better forgotten," Hermione said, the words falling around them like a death knell.

Fists clenched and chest heaving, Malfoy stared back at her not sure of himself or what he was capable of in that moment. He should've left, but he couldn't make himself move, couldn't make his feet carry him away. It was Hermione's mistake to walk by him before he had gotten control of his anger, no, it was hurt and rejection. She was discarding him for Potter. She would rather live her life alone, and among dingy books and second hand items, than with him. As she passed he reached out and caught her arm twirling her about sharply. "I told you before if you mentioned divorce I would be done with talking and resort to actions."

Hermione twisted, but instinctively knew he would ease his grip. "Malfoy stop this. This isn't going to…"

The words died in her throat as they both went sprawling to the floor, Malfoy pinning her beneath him. He looked like a different person, determined and though she wasn't afraid of him anymore, she knew he was somewhat dangerous at the moment. "Let me go," Hermione groaned fighting to keep her legs tightly clamped together. She failed when without much effort on his part he wedged a knee upward and then positioned himself between her thighs.

"I'm afraid I can't do that," he drawled, raising an eyebrow and leaning closer, near enough to brush his lips with hers. "Not, now, not ever."