I hope you guys read the message for all my readers on my profile. And if not, well I just said that I wasn't willing to jeopardise the quality of my story because I was trying to put up chapters quickly so please bear with me. School is going to take up a lot of my time.

A/N: there is a little language in this chapter but I wouldn't think it is anything to be seriously concerned about. If you're uncomfortable about it, it's only a very small section so you can skim over it and still read. Thought I should put this in just to be safe.

Thank you so much for your reviews, they make me feel more and more confident about my fic! Thanks!

So here is the next chapter.

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"Draco!" Hermione tried to reach him as the team separated at the end of practice. She felt bad about her earlier misconception. "Wait! Draco!" She bumped into one of the players who had large arms and quickly apologised before moving on.

The tall blonde head simply ignored her attempts to get his attention and continued walking down the corridor. Hermione broke into a jog "Draco! Can you just – ouch!"

She collided with another body again. This time she had bounced back some how and hit the wall. Rubbing her head she looked up. Before her was one of the tallest and widest quiddich players she had ever seen; he was simply the biggest human she had ever seen. How he kept himself on a broom stick, she had no idea.

"You'll be Malfoy's girl eh?" His voice was low and she heard a strong American accent in his throat.

"Yes, I believe I am. Please excuse me." She made to move past him but he blocked her.

"Quite a rude little thing aren't you?" His smile seemed more like a smirk now and Hermione cursed herself when she realised she didn't have her wand with her. After so many years of auror training and fighting during the war, how could she forget her wand? 'Stupid, stupid, stupid.' She thought angrily.

"Who are you?" She demanded, trying to look imposing, but that didn't always work out; especially if your opponent is standing over a foot taller than you and is probably wider than two of you put together.

He laughed "No wonder he likes you, quite feisty."

Hermione wished so badly she had her wand with her. She moved to the side again but he stood in her way. "You don't know who I am do you?" He asked her in a slightly dangerous voice.

"You're a man who is about to get out of my way." Hermione replied, a fiery glint in her eye.

He seemed amused by this. "I am? Why is that? Because you're Mr Malfoy's little mistress?"

"I am not his mistress!" She retorted angrily "Get out of my way!"

"You should learn some manners, Malfoy has obviously been treating you far too well." He smirked and reached for her arm. She pulled it back and slapped his face.

He seemed momentarily stunned by her actions, but it didn't take long for the red flush of anger to appear. "You little wrench!" He roared and lunged for her.

She jumped out of the way and quickly glanced around, the large figure behind her slammed into the wall. She moved to the side but he managed to grab her wrist and she tumbled to the floor.

"Let go of me!" She yelled, fearing how she was going to escape without her wand. She saw a flash of his malevolent grin and tried to pry his fingers off but it did no good.

With all the sounds of commotion the other players peered out into the corridor. Their eyes widened at the scene before them, but the only thing Hermione saw was a tall body and flash of blonde moving forward with unnatural speed. Before she could comprehend what had happened, the American man was on the floor a few feet away.

Draco pulled her up and held her close. It wasn't until then that she realised she was shaking. Her hands were trembling.

"Are you alright?" He whispered to her.

She nodded slowly, not looking to the American or up at Draco, simply relieved she had escaped unscathed.

"Keep your bitch on a leash." A harsh voice growled.

"You better watch your tongue or I'll hex it off." Draco retorted coolly, his grey eyes glittering with barely suppressed fury.

The man stalked past, glaring at Draco. Hermione looked up at him, refusing to show her fear and shock.

When he had gone into the changing room Draco stepped back and seemed to inspect her for a moment. "Did he hurt you?"

Hermione could tell he was very angry, it touched her; he cared. "No." she answered softly.

They stood looking at each other, after a while Draco pulled her into an embrace again "I'm glad you're alright." He said quietly.

Hermione glanced up at him, she had never seen such a look in his eyes; the softness was most unlike his usual self. "I'm sorry about before." She met his gaze easily.

"I… Well it's alright." He replied, shifting slightly. She could sense his discomfort.

She reached up and kissed his lips lightly. "Thank you."

The warmth in his eyes was enough to let Hermione know they were once again on track.

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"Miss Granger, Mr Malfoy, such a pleasure to meet you." Lora breezed through the door, a fake smile plastered to her face. Hermione didn't mind because she knew that an equally sweet smile was on her own lips.

"Likewise, I'm sure. Shall we get started?" Hermione inclined her head slightly. Draco smiled but otherwise left the talking to Hermione.

Lora turned and led them briskly to her office. It was large and contained a dark wooden desk in front of a large window. Outside, the streets bustled and cars inched forward as the traffic intensified.

"Now I hear you are interested in buying out our branch in the city?" Lora began.

Hermione smiled falsely "Yes, we are very interested. When we last met you expressed a concern with the value of the purchase?"

Lora sat down and clasped her hands together loosely looking at each of them in turn. "Yes, I believe that is something we need to discuss, to make an acquisition of this sort requires much thought Miss Granger."

Draco's eyebrows rose slightly at her implications, he had never met anyone before who dared to question a Malfoy's credibility to make any payment, then again, his name wasn't known in the muggle world.

Hermione was slightly annoyed that this woman thought they had not fully researched their situation "Let me assure you, will be able to finance this purchase."

"Oh Miss Granger," Lora instantly looked much more alert and pleased to be talking to Hermione "you have solved all possible problems then haven't you?"

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Harry called another meeting a few days later to which Hermione and Draco grudgingly attended. They hadn't yet met with Ron or Pansy to discuss their 'engagement' and both knew that was what this meeting was all about.

Hermione had been occupied with moving into the Manor. After their make-up, they had decided it was time to take things more seriously.

Draco had insisted that they move into the Manor together and begin the re-decoration process. He knew it would keep Hermione occupied for while and save her from the boredom he sometimes saw her experience in the apartment.

"What are you doing Draco?" Hermione asked, bewildered when she saw him sitting up in bed beside her, pressing random keys of her Cell Phone.

He glanced down at her "Good morning."

She sat up slowly as he returned his attention to her phone. "What are you doing?" She repeated.

"Wondering how this worked." He said quietly, his gaze intense and a small frown creasing his brow.

Hermione found this incredibly fascinating, he had shown slight interest before but never seemed very keen to go near any muggle equipment.

"What's this?" She gasped dramatically "A Malfoy willing to risk muggle contamination?"

His cheeks went slightly pink and he tried to scowl at her "No need to be melodramatic."

Hermione laughed "What have you figured out?" She peered over his arm at the screen.

It was a modern Cell Phone with many functions that Hermione herself found were unnecessary. She saw he had taken a picture of the window and was frowning at it.

"What's wrong?"

He looked to her "Why doesn't it move?" A thoroughly perplexed look crossed his face.

She felt such warmth then, like nothing she knew before, a feeling of wholeness spread throughout her entire being. He was looking down at her, his face open and soft, unlike the once cold, sharp face she had known.

His inner mind had changed so much since they had met, she had seen a yet undiscovered side of him and she liked it very much. This Draco Malfoy was someone who cared and had moral.

The smiled that formed on her lips couldn't have been stopped by any force that existed in the universe.

"Muggle pictures don't move." She explained, grinning like someone who had just won the lottery.

'I have won the lottery, haven't I?' She thought joyfully.

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"You need to give things time to develop and get better." Harry was lounging at the Leaky Cauldron with Ron while they waited for the others to arrive.

The tall red head sat back though he was anything but relaxed. "How can things get better?"

Harry had been planning many things over the last year and was putting into action several parts of his Post-War Relations plan. It was coming along nicely but his friends were proving hard to convince.

"She was good enough to join us; you should give her a chance." He encouraged, drinking from his large mug of butterbeer.

Ron seemed incredulous but didn't get to say anything because just then, the woman in question breezed into the room.

She was of average height and had short dark hair, her eyes were a dull green-brown and her gaze was directed on the two men as she clopped over in her heels to their corner.

"Pansy, have a seat." Harry extended his welcome but only received a glare in return. She was making it painfully obvious that she didn't want to be here, but had no choice.

"This better not take long Potter." She snapped, not bothering to acknowledge Ron's presence.

"You know," Harry smiled pleasantly "I always thought you were a good actress."

"What would you know?" Pansy retorted, clutching her bag as though it was her comfort in this dark room.

Ron snorted behind his cup and Harry kicked him "You need to stop being a snobby, spoilt brat for now and start playing your part." His green eyes now glinting slightly.

Pansy met his gaze but after a moment could not hold it and looked away. Nothing more was said until Draco and Hermione walked in.

Immediately Pansy brightened at seeing Draco who she still firmly believed was her soul-mate. Harry watched with interest however as her face dropped to the floor when Hermione followed, linked to his arm.

They stood in the doorway, dusting themselves off before spotting Harry and Ron who were waving, and making their way through the dim crowd.

"You're making them stay together aren't you?" Pansy hissed venomously.

"No," Harry shifted over slightly "they are quite happy being together without my interference."

"Ron, Harry!" Hermione hugged Harry as she sat next to him and leaned over to peck Ron's cheek.

Pansy had moved over slightly just as Draco passed her chair, hinting that she wanted him to sit next to her but he moved to Hermione's side as though he hadn't noticed.

"Pansy, how nice to see you." Hermione offered a friendly smile.

"Nice?" Pansy sat back and said no more.

If Draco felt any discomfort at being in Pansy's company, he didn't show it, merely relaxing and gazing at Harry. "Been busy have you?"

The dark haired wizard turned to face him, "Yeah, quite."

"You missed training." Draco commented casually.

Hermione was having a quiet conversation to Ron over Harry and Pansy continued to sit, sulking.

"Yes, I know." Harry admitted, smiling sheepishly "I had business to deal with. How was it?"

Draco considered telling him about the argument he and Hermione had, it was the main thing that concerned him when he thought about that day. But he and Potter were not yet good friends.

"It was tense. The Keeper, some American player; one attitude problem with legs." Draco informed him, matter-of-factly.

Harry raised an eyebrow "American? Who was he?"

"Seen him once or twice on a few posters, don't really remember his name." Draco shrugged, sparing a glance at the pouting Pansy before returning his gaze to Harry.

Meanwhile, Hermione was trying to convince Ron that the world would not end because he was with Pansy.

"It'll be fine, just give it some time." She reassured.

"That's what everyone keeps telling me, but I have a life and I…" He trailed off looking uncomfortable.

"What? You what?" Hermione asked, curious.

Ron shook his head " No, nothing."

She frowned "Tell me Ron."

Ron glanced around and seemed to be fighting an inner battle as whether or not to tell her. Finally he seemed to slump forward ever so slightly, indicating he was going to tell her. "I…Well you could say…" His ears began to turn pink.

"Yes?" Hermione urged.

"I am…I like someone else." He blurted.

Hermione's eyes widened. "You do? Who is it?"

"Oh Hermione, that's not the point!" He whispered harshly.

Before Hermione could answer a shadow fell across their table; Cho had arrived.

"Cho, come sit down." Harry offered a seat opposite him.

"Nice to see you." Cho smiled as she seated herself next to Pansy who shifted her chair away slightly.

Hermione sat up, looking at Harry who had been cautiously courting Cho for a few months now. He seemed at ease, which was a good sign.

"So shall we get started?" He asked.

Pansy sniffed slightly as though about to protest but before she could, Cho spoke. "Is this about Ron?"

Ron's face went pink to match his ears.

"It is, about Ron and Pansy." Harry emphasised her name, bringing her back into the conversation.

"I refuse." She stated simply.

"You shouldn't make such hasty decisions." Draco said calmly.

She stared at him in surprise. "Are you telling me I would enjoy being with…him?"

Draco looked at her coolly "I didn't say that."

"Then-"

"It is not what the media expects." Cho interrupted. Pansy seemed affronted at being cut off but said nothing.

Harry nodded "That's just it; we need to show everyone that unity is not impossible."

"Must we?" Ron croaked.

Hermione considered what he had told her. When Harry had set her up with Draco she hadn't been involved with anyone, so in some ways it meant it wasn't a problem. But Ron wanted someone else, it would be wrong to deprive him of something he so rightly deserved.

If Harry knew, he wouldn't force Ron into it so he had obviously not yet confided in him.

"I think it shouldn't go through." She announced.

Everyone turned to her in shock. "You don't?" Cho and Harry asked simultaneously.

"No." She shook her head, noticing Ron was wearing a worried expression.

Draco seemed just as at loss as everyone else and Pansy was eyeing her suspiciously.

"What are you on about Hermione?" Harry raised his eyebrows so far it appeared his untidy fringe had eaten them.

She looked around "I think that this isn't a good idea."

Pansy smirked at her "Want him to yourself Granger?"

"Watch yourself Parkinson." Draco growled in a low tone.

Hermione placed a hand on his arm which made Pansy's eye's widen "No, I just don't think its going to work out."

Silence enveloped the circle.

After a while, Cho smiled hesitantly "Well I'm sure you have a very good reason for your view Hermione."

Glad that someone had broken the tension Hermione returned her smile "I do." But she offered no elaboration.

"Well?" Pansy snapped.

Draco sat back, placing a blank expression in place.

"I have my reasons Parkinson and they don't concern you. I thought you would be happy to get out of this." She turned on Pansy who appeared unfazed.

"Then we're finished?"

Harry looked from Cho to Hermione, at loss. Ron was slightly pink but looked somewhat hopeful. Finally he nodded "We're finished, you may be needed later Pansy, don't think your obligations to us have ended."

Pansy threw him a glare and left without another word.

"She's quite a character, I'm sure you're glad you don't have to live with her." Draco began, offering Ron another token of friendship.

Ron seemed thrown off balance by recent events and was even more confused by Draco's open nature. He said nothing in reply.

"Why did you say that Hermione?" Harry asked, leaning forward on the table.

Hermione glanced at Ron who nodded ever so slightly she was sure she was mistaken, but her conscious told her he didn't mind her telling.

"Because Ron doesn't want it." She said softly.

"But he could have-"

"He is after someone else at the moment." She interrupted.

Harry was shocked but quickly hid it and turned on Ron "Who is it?"

"Uh…" Ron was scarlet and seemed incapable of producing an audible sentence.

"When did you know about this?" Harry demanded, looked sharply at Hermione.

"Just now." She replied honestly.

Draco was observing quietly, but Ron's anxious glances at Hermione did not escape his gaze. And he saw Weasley's discomfort with where the conversation was leading.

"So, who is it Ron?" Cho asked gently.

Ron seemed at loss, not knowing what to do he glanced at Harry who seemed just as expectant. Then a pair of grey eyes locked gazes with him, he didn't go looking for Malfoy's attention but somehow he had come here; glued to the blonde's fierce eyes.

"If he doesn't want to say then don't force him." Hermione said, sensing his unease.

He was eternally grateful to Hermione for saving him but he could not ignore the burning in the side of his face that told him Malfoy was still eyeing him.

"Well, if you really feel that way Ron." Harry relented unwillingly.

"What else is there to discuss?" Cho enquired, ever her polite self.

"The wedding." Draco's words came as a surprise to everyone else.

"What wedding?" Ron questioned, leaning forward onto the table.

Draco realised what he had just said and wondered if he could take it back, even Hermione appeared confused and little worried.

"Who else is getting married?" He replied instead, deciding that it was now or never.

"You? You and Hermione?" Ron was incredulous.

Draco inclined his head slightly "Yes, our wedding Ron."

No one missed that it was indeed the first time Draco had ever addressed Ron by his first name. Indeed it sounded odd but it was a sign of friendship if there ever was one.

"Our wedding?" Hermione wasn't angry, of confused, she was stunned.

He met her eyes, "Yes, aren't we getting married?"

"Well…I didn't….It's not that…." She trailed off feeling foolish and wanting to think about it when her head was clear.

"You don't?" he questioned, hiding his fear that she wouldn't. When did this start meaning so much to him anyway?

Harry ran a hand through his unruly black hair "You are really getting married?"

"Wasn't that part of your plan?" Draco turned his cool gaze on Harry who appeared perplexed.

"Well yes, it was, but you are serious about this?" His question was aimed at Hermione who was still looking at him strangely, but he answered anyway.

"Yes, I'm dead serious Potter."

Around them the customers of the Leaky Cauldron moved about restlessly, shuffling of cloaks and heavy boots echoed around the murky area. But all this activity was going on around the cloud of tense silence that had fallen around the group.

Hermione wasn't looking at Draco anymore, she was staring straight ahead, though she wasn't seeing anything that was inside the pub. Harry would not let his gaze wander from Draco's who held his green eyes firm with his own silver orbs.

Ron and Cho were simply sitting, surprised, not knowing what to do now.

"I'm quite serious too." Hermione whispered.

"Merlin help us." Ron muttered.

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That was quite a long chapter! I hope you enjoyed it. Yes I originally was going to go through with the Ron-Pansy thing but I don't really know much about that pairing so yeah, I thought I should eliminate it.

Oh now that's scandalous! Who does Ron fancy? Dun dun dun! Ha, ha, guess! I'd love to hear what you think.

I shall update when I can, hope you read my message about updates at the top or in my bio.

Thanks once again for all those who have reviewed, please review again!