A/N: I know, I know. I'm supposed to be working on "SAY" but this little bit came to me at work and I had to get it down on paper before I lost it. I start my vacation from work March 13th and I plan on working on "SAY" and "The Need" during that time. Thanks for reading so far.

As promised, Lady Hermione arrived the following morning with the rest of Harry's belongings. Draco directed her to their room and informed her he'd be in his study should she have a need of him. She watched him stalk away before turning to his mother.

"Forgive me, My Lady, for being so blunt, but your son is being an arse this morning."

"He is at that. He only has himself to blame."

"Oh?"

"I assume you know that Harry is fighting this marriage?"

"Oh I know so. But I also know that Harry wants this as much as your son does, if not more so. But your son being who he is, is making things difficult."

"They're both miserable. Harry barely said two words at breakfast this morning and excused himself as soon as the dishes were cleared away. Didn't help matters any when Draco kept sniping at him for the smallest things." Narcissa sighed.

"Where is Harry now?" Hermione wondered.

"Last I saw him, he was out in the back gardens." She pointed to a set of doors behind her. "He should still be there as I haven't seen him come back in."

"Please excuse me, Lady Malfoy." Hermione started toward the doors but Narcissa's voice calling her name softly turned her back around.

"Does Harry really love my son?"

"With every fiber of his being, Lady Malfoy."

"Then there may be hope for them yet. Draco can be mulish and pig-headed but he does have a good heart where Harry is concerned."

"Then as the two mature people in this quadrangle, we should set things right, shouldn't we?" Hermione smiled.

"We should." Narcissa giggled. "I have a feeling you and I will get along splendidly, Lady Hermione."

"Agreed." Hermione grinned, continuing her search for Harry.

He was sitting on one of the many stone benches lining the garden's path looking so forlorn, her heart broke. Unobserved, she watched him take a deep breath before swiping his hand across his cheeks. She saw the wet trail of tears and wanted to cry herself. Silently she made her way to his side.

Harry felt a gentle hand on his shoulder and flinched.

"Please go away, Draco." he whispered. He didn't have the strength to deal with his spouse's mood.

"It's me, Harry." came Hermione's voice. Harry whirled around, surprised and pleased to have his best friend. He wrapped his arms around her petite waist and buried his face into her stomach, crying his heart out. She simply let him cry, stroking his hair in a comforting gesture.

When he was finished, she sat beside him, holding his hand.

"I think I've made a mess of things, 'Mione."

"In what way?"

"You were right, yesterday. I do love him. And it scares the hell out of me."

"Is that why you're so upset?" she wondered. A slight nod. "What's there to be upset about? You know he loves you."

"I know that. But the whole thing scares me silly. I can't explain why."

"Did it upset you that Draco forced this marriage on you?"

"Deep down? No. It was kind of thrilling actually to be wanted that much." Harry managed a small smile.

"Then I don't see what the problem is, Harry."

"It's me. I resent the fact that he steamrolled his way into my life. How do I know he wants me as a person and not some token spouse to be paraded about in front of his snobbish friends? Why did Remus let him do that?"

"Maybe because Remus knew how you felt about Draco. From what you told me, Remus didn't deny or refute Draco's statements concerning your virtue. If that had been the case, Remus was within his rights to challenge Draco to a duel to defend your honor. That should tell you something right there."

"Do you think Remus helped Draco with his plans for me?"

"I think so, yes. But Harry, Remus only did it because he loves you and he doesn't want to see you wasting your life staying with him and making sure his needs are met. You deserve a life of your own. Remus saw fit to give it to you with his blessing."

"Still doesn't make it right." Harry mumbled. "But I understand his motives better. What am I going to do, Hermione? I practically denied the man his own bed last night."

"You did WHAT?" Hermione gaped. Her tone alone was enough to make him feel 2 feet tall. "Harold James Potter, are you out of your blasted skull?"

"The man practically threw himself at me! How was I supposed to react?"

"He threw himself at you? How's that possible?"

"He had me pinned to the bedroom door and was kissing the breath out of me." Harry admitted, blushing hotly, remembering the feel of Draco's body pressing him against the door and the hot wet heat of the tongue in his mouth.

"And you kicked him out?"

"Yes." At her look, he sighed in exasperation, "I was SCARED, Hermione! How was I supposed to react?"

"Like all virgins do on their wedding nights. Get naked and let the man have his way with you!" she stated in the most bluntest way she could think of. Harry was pretty sure his face was as red as the roses on the rose bush he was sitting next to.

"Hermione!" he gaped, trying to stifle his laughter. She smiled then.

"It's good to see you laugh again, Harry."

"I'm glad you're here with me." Harry sighed. She hugged him gently.

"Harry, all I can give you is this piece of advice. Love is never easy. You just have to take it as it comes and hope for the best."

Harry looked at her, seeing the wistful look on her face.

"You miss Blaise, don't you?"

"Yes, I do."

"If he hadn't been killed by pirates, do you think you and he would have gotten married?"

"We talked about it a few times, but I don't think either of us was ready." she sighed.

"You'll find someone again." he smiled.

"One can dream." she nodded. "I better get back inside and make sure all your things are in their proper places. See you at lunch?"

"Count on it." Harry smiled. Hermione nodded, then headed back into the house. But it wasn't for what she was planning.

After asking Nigel for directions to the Manor's study, she went in search of the Lord of the Manor. She had a few choice words to share with the man.