A/N: It's been a while! I'm making an effort to put this story at the top of my priority list. I have a few plunnies for other stories, but I don't really want to dive into them while this one sits unfinished, so hopefully I'll have more motivation to finish it! Thank you for being patient while my muses were uncooperative.

Thanks to the amazing BiscuitsForPotter for being the best beta and buddy!

"I can't believe Granger came to visit and I missed it." Theo crossed his arms petulantly over his chest and scowled at his shoes as the lift barrelled toward the Atrium.

"It was like one of those creepy stories about demons they tell children."

Draco glowered at Blaise. "It was not that bad."

"Not that bad?" Blaise baulked. "The woman bought you a kneazle and called the three of you a family. How did you not run away?"

"You know how." Draco rolled his eyes. "If I put up with Granger's insanity for just a few more days, I get promoted."

"Well at least you'll get a break from her tonight. You did tell her that you couldn't see her tonight, right?" Theo narrowed his eyes at Draco.

"Of course I did! I'm not going to skip our poker night. Merlin knows that I could use a night off from her." Draco scrubbed a hand over his brow.

"How many more days?" Blaise asked.

"Four." He sighed, feeling as though it might as well be four hundred. The lift screeched to a halt and the three wizards made their way toward the Floos.

"Well," scoffed Blaise, "based on what I saw earlier, she's already madly in love with you. I say just coast all the way to the Ministry Gala and then reap your rewards."

"If the crazy witch hasn't killed me by then, that's the plan."

Hermione placed a few notes from her latest exploits with Malfoy in the top drawer of her desk and locked it with a charm. "I think he's close to ending it," she said, turning to where Ginny was waiting for her by the door.

"But the cat didn't do it?"

Hermione shook her head. "He didn't end it on the spot, but it was pretty obvious that he was humiliated. I'm sure Zabini took the mickey out of him after I left."

"So what are you going to do to tip him over the edge?" Ginny asked as they made their way toward the lifts.

"Well, tomorrow I thought I'd—"

Ginny's feet halted abruptly. "Wait. Tomorrow? Why not tonight?"

"He's got a poker night with his friends tonight."

"You're letting him have a poker night?"

"Apparently they do it every week."

Ginny's eyes glinted, and she spoke slowly to emphasise each word. "Before he met you."

Hermione stared at her friend for a moment as the meaning behind Ginny's words sank in. A laugh bubbled over her lips. "You know, you're far better at this than I am. Maybe you should have written this article."

Ginny sighed and looped her arm through Hermione's to steer her toward the lifts. "Alas, you're right. But sadly I'm happily engaged to the most famous wizard in Britain."

Hermione grinned. "Poor you."

With a dramatic sigh and a smirk, Ginny pressed the button to call the lift. "I'll manage somehow."

Draco poured three glasses of Firewhisky and passed two of them to Blaise and Theo before taking a healthy swig from his own. "You have no idea how badly I need a night like this. That woman is driving me crazy."

"Which woman?" Blaise quipped. "Granger or Princess Hufflepuff?"

In a flash, Draco's elbow shot out and jabbed Blaise in the ribs. With a laugh, Blaise reeled away, rubbing his side and nearly spilling his drink. "Oi! Watch it."

"You watch it," Draco grumbled.

"Someone's grumpy," remarked Theo as he sank into his chair at the card table.

"I'll say," Blaise agreed, taking his seat as well. "If he'd just shag the witch, I think he'd feel better."

Draco scoffed. "I'm sure I would. Sadly, I haven't had the opportunity yet."

Blaise threw his hands in the air. "What do you mean?" he exasperated. "She would have shagged you last night if your little Princess hadn't gotten so embarrassed!"

Draco's cheeks heated as ire roiled within him. "I'm serious, Blaise. Stop it."

"Alright," Blaise conceded. "It just seems a bit unfair to blame the witch when she was warm and willing. You're the one who couldn't handle a harmless nickname."

Draco slammed his glass onto the table with a growl. "What would you have done, mate?"

Blaise laughed and leaned back in his chair, clasping his hands behind his head. "Well unlike you, my masculinity isn't so fragile."

"You could have kept it up after your cock was deemed 'Princess Hufflepuff'?" Draco raised a brow sceptically.

"Easily," Blaise sang with a shrug.

Theo shook his head. "You're full of shit, mate."

Blaise laughed. "I'd let Granger call it whatever she wants as long as she gets on top of it afterwards."

"I wish you'd stop objectifying my temporary girlfriend," Draco growled, grabbing a bowl of crisps from the kitchen and joining the others at the table.

"Fake girlfriend, you mean. And just a few days ago you were all too happy to let me have her after you had your turn." Blaise sat up and narrowed his eyes at Draco. "Growing soft on her, are you?"

Draco scoffed and popped a crisp into his mouth. "Definitely not. Especially not after the week I've had. Let's just play. I need a few blissful hours of Granger-free conversation."

Theo dealt the cards, and Draco examined his hand, exchanging one of his cards before they all made their first bets. The sudden sound of the Floo activating made Draco's blood run cold.

"Hi, honey bear!" Granger's chipper voice drifted in from the living room.

All three men's eyes widened in horror.

"You told her you couldn't see her tonight, right?" Theo hissed.

Draco nodded. "I did." He pushed himself to stand and walked out of the dining room to see Granger standing in his living room. "What are you doing here?" he asked, careful to keep the bite of annoyance out of his voice.

As her eyes landed on him, a grin spread over her face. She wore a simple white sundress with yellow flowers. Her usually wild curls were tamed into a delicate style pulled back from her face but cascading down her back. She looked beautiful. Any other time, he would have enjoyed the sight of her. But this was supposed to be his night of freedom. Everything about her — her presence there, her beauty, her alluring sundress — irritated him.

In her arms was Godric the kneazle. She set the tiny thing on the ground and watched it scamper off to explore. Then she stepped towards him and leaned in to kiss his cheek. "I just missed you."

Draco glanced over his shoulder to watch the kneazle disappear into the dining room, his head low and his tail fluffy. "I — er — I told you that tonight was poker night, right?"

"Oh, don't worry. You won't even know I'm here!" She brushed past him and walked into the dining room where Blaise and Theo stared at her agog.

Remembering that he was supposed to be playing the role of loving boyfriend, Draco rushed in to make introductions. "You know Blaise, of course. And you might remember Theo from school."

Granger smiled broadly and extended her hand. "Of course, Theo. Good to see you again." She looked at the table. "I didn't mean to interrupt your little game."

Little game. Like they were children. Like they were playing exploding snap or gobstones or something equally juvenile. Draco grimaced, quickly forcing it into a smile as she turned to look at him.

"Don't let me stop you." Then she flitted off to the kitchen.

All three men shared a look. "Why is she here?" Blaise hissed.

Draco shrugged roughly, trying to tamp down his frustration. The last thing he needed was to shout at Granger when he was so close to getting the assignment he so desperately wanted.

"Let's just play, yeah?" Draco suggested, picking up the cards.

No sooner had they started the round than Granger's voice interrupted them again. "I brought yummy snacks!" She floated back into the room with a tin in her hands. She placed it in the centre of the table.

When none of them moved, she stared at them expectantly.

Draco flinched and reached for whatever it was first, followed shortly by Blaise and Theo. It was some kind of lumpy scone. They all examined it sceptically.

"What is it?" Theo asked. Draco scowled at him.

Granger didn't seem fazed. "They're cakes, of course."

Draco stared at the supposed cake in his hand. It was hard and slightly grey, with a burnt bottom and singed edges. The last thing he wanted to do was eat it, but he knew that refusing to do so would offend Granger. But perhaps if he just stalled until she walked into the other room, he could vanish a bit and claim that they'd found them delicious.

"Cakes, lads!" Draco said, doing his best to sound supportive and optimistic. "Did you make them, love?"

Granger nodded proudly.

"Thank you, darling. That's so thoughtful." He grabbed hold of her hand and tried to pull her in for a kiss, but she didn't move.

"Aren't you going to try it?" Granger asked, smiling at him with wide, waiting eyes.

Draco hesitated, not seeing any way he could avoid it. "Of course I am." He turned to Theo and Blaise and gave them both firm looks that he hoped promised bodily harm if they refused. If he had to try Granger's baking, they sure as hell did too.

Offering Granger a final forced smile, Draco took a bite. Or at least he tried too. The cake was hard as a rock, and his teeth didn't sink into it. Instead, a bit of it broke off into his mouth, where he forced himself to chew it up.

It tasted about as appealing as it looked. It was dry and bland, with just a hint of sweetness that was mostly masked by a very bitter aftertaste. Across the table, Theo and Blaise were poorly masking identical looks of disgust after taking bites of their own.

Suppressing the urge to gag, he forced himself to swallow the miserable excuse for a cake and then plastered on a grin. "Delicious," he rasped out.

Granger's face lit up. "Really?"

He nodded and looked at Blaise and Theo, silently communicating with them to agree with him.

"It really is something," Theo said with a pained smile.

Blaise swallowed thickly. "I don't think I've ever had a cake quite like it."

With a proud smile, Granger stood a bit taller. "Thank you. Get back to your game. Enjoy those cakes!" She flounced away.

Theo promptly spit out what remained in his mouth. "Ugh, vanish them, quick. Before she comes back and makes us eat more."

Blaise nodded, dropping the rest of his cake back in the tin and pushing it toward Draco. "Honestly, is she trying to poison us? That's foul."

"Keep your voices down," Draco hissed as he pulled out his wand and strategically vanished bits of the cakes, leaving just enough to make it look like they'd all eaten their fill.

"You have to get rid of her. She's ruining the entire evening," Theo urged before taking a hearty swig of his drink.

"How do you suggest I do that without hurting her feelings?" Draco countered, pushing the tin to the far edge of the table and picking up his cards.

"Surely she'll understand if you just explain…" Blaise began.

With a scoff, Draco cut him off. "Did you see her? She's likely to burst into tears if I imply that I want to spend one second away from her."

Slow footsteps approached, and Draco turned.

Granger stood in the doorway to his bedroom staring at him with tear-filled eyes. In her hands was the potted plant she'd gifted him days ago, the one that was meant to magically bloom when he felt feelings of affection for her.

It was wilted, the flower petals dry and curling in on a badly bent stem.

Dread filled him.

"Our love orchid," Granger warbled, stepping closer. "You let it die."

"I… no, darling, I just…" Draco stammered, at a loss for words.

Granger burst into tears, dropping the flower on the table top and covering her face. "You don't love me!"

Draco rushed to his feet, taking Granger by the shoulders and trying to console her. "That's not true!"

"But the flower!" Granger protested, her teary eyes looking back to the pitiful plant.

"The magic must have been poorly cast. I promise, love. You have nothing to worry about."

Granger looked unsure. Her wide eyes darted between him and the flower as if she didn't know whether to believe him or the traitorous plant.

Sure, the plant happened to be right, but he couldn't have Granger believing that.

He held his breath as Granger seemed to consider whether or not to believe him. He wasn't sure what else to say to try to convince her. Truthfully, the plant showed an accurate depiction of his current deflated feelings towards her, especially after the previous evening's events.

At last, Granger huffed petulantly. "That herbologist is going to get a piece of my mind."

"Surely there's no need to—"

"No, I think I should get a refund, don't you? Completely unacceptable. I think I'll write them a scathing owl."

"Sounds great," Draco dismissed quickly. "There's some parchment and a quill in my room. Why don't you go write up a letter and I can send it with my owl later."

Granger nodded and then turned and marched to his bedroom, spine straight with determination.

With a sigh, Draco sank back down at the table. Hopefully that would keep her busy for a while.

Theo eyed the orchid. "What's this thing supposed to do?"

"It blooms when things are going well between us and wilts when they're not," Draco replied, picking up his cards.

"Then it's doing exactly what it's meant to."

"Yes," Draco confirmed, scowling at his less than stellar hand. "But I obviously can't tell her that."

"You're going to let her ruin a herbologist's day and get an unnecessary refund over this?" Blaise poked one of the brittle petals thoughtfully.

Shaking his head, Draco dropped a queen onto the tabletop. "Hermes is out hunting right now. I'll tell her I'll send the letter after she leaves. As long as she thinks it's sent, it'll be fine. I'll find out how much it cost her and send her the money myself so she thinks she got her refund."

"Is she always like this?" Theo asked in a hushed voice.

"Unfortunately, yes."

"She's mental," Blaise scoffed.

"Certifiably," Draco agreed with a nod. "There's a padded room in St Mungo's with her name on it."

Theo and Blaise's faces fell, their eyes fixed on a point over Draco's shoulder.

Stomach sinking like a stone, Draco turned to see Granger standing just outside his bedroom doorway, folded letter in hand. Her jaw was clenched and her eyes dark with obvious rage.

"Padded room?" she repeated softly, her voice trembling with anger.

"I wasn't — I didn't mean—"

Granger approached the table slowly, her heels clicking on the wooden floors menacingly with each step. "Are you saying that I'm mental?"

"No!" Fear rocketed through Draco's veins. He still recalled Granger's punch from third year. And who could forget the way she'd hexed Marietta Edgecomb for telling her secrets. Or how she'd looked Bellatrix Lestrange in the face and lied.

There was no denying that Hermione Granger was a terrifying witch.

And he'd just called her crazy after pretending to be in love with her.

Granger moved quickly, balling up the parchment in her hand and throwing it at him before stomping past him. "That's it! I'm leaving!" she shouted.

Draco scrambled to his feet as she picked up her bag and headed for the fireplace. "No! G— Hermione, please."

Granger scooped up the potted flower and turned to scowl at him. "I'm taking our love orchid," she spat before stomping into the living room and snatching her beaded bag off the coffee table.

Running after her, Draco grabbed hold of her wrist before she could make it to the Floo. "Woah woah woah. What the hell is going on?"

Granger looked at him with wide eyes. She said nothing. She merely stared at him expectantly.

"I don't know what's going on with you, but you're acting completely insane," Draco said, unable to tiptoe around her emotions any longer. Enough was enough.

Her head tilted mockingly. "Oh, so I am mental, am I?"

"No," Draco countered. "You're acting mental. I mean, Merlin, Granger! What happened to the sexy, cool, intelligent, independent Hermione I saw at the pub last week? The one I went to school with?"

"Not what you expected, am I?"

With a scoff, Draco released her wrist. "Not at all."

Granger placed one hand on her hip, her eyes challenging. "So I guess this means we're over."

"Yeah, I guess so." Throwing up his hands in defeat, Draco stepped away from her.

"Fine," Granger spat with a flippant wave of her hand.

"Fine!"

With a scowl and a roll of her eyes, Granger picked up a pinch of Floo powder and disappeared in a flash of green.

Draco let out a frustrated growl and turned around to three sets of eyes staring at him. Theo and Blaise gaped at him incredulously as Godric the kneazle let out a soft meow.

"It's over," Draco said as he dropped his arms to his sides in defeat.

Theo shook his head and marched over to him. "You can't give up, mate."

"He's right," Blaise chimed in. "You're so close! Just a few more days and that promotion is yours."

"I'm sorry," Draco scoffed. "Did you not just witness the nightmare that is Hermione Granger? You fucking saw it!"

Blaise shrugged. "I thought it was sexy."

"Fuck you. That was not sexy. The woman's loonier than Lovegood!"

Theo snapped his fingers. "Couples counselling!"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Couples counselling! My parents went a few months before they split up. It'll definitely buy you another four days."

"Counselling?" Draco repeated, trying to wrap his mind around the possibility of going after her. Could he really endure four more days of this?

"Go after her mate," Blaise urged. "I'm not going to let Parkinson get that promotion over you because you're too Hufflepuff to put up with a crazy bird."

Draco nodded, steeling himself.

Hermione kicked off her heels and flopped onto the couch with a sigh. "Finally." She leaned back and sank into the cushions. Despite the relief she felt at having completed what she set out to do, an odd feeling settled in her chest. It was over, but she felt a bit — could it be the right word? — disappointed.

She tried to evaluate the unexpected feeling.

She supposed that it had been a bit fun to mess with Malfoy, and even though none of it had been real, it had been a surprising treat to indulge in a few physical pursuits with him.

Quickly shoving the feeling aside, she refocused herself on what was important. She now had everything she needed for her article with time to spare. There was little doubt in her mind that she could turn this experience into her strongest article yet. Then perhaps Sarena would see that she was ready to write about more serious topics.

Pushing herself to stand, she started toward her bedroom to change into some more comfortable clothes. Perhaps she'd even treat herself to a glass of wine or two as she wrote down her notes from the evening.

Before she could step around the coffee table, the Floo flared to life and Malfoy stumbled out, his grey eyes wide.

"Hermione, darling, I'm sorry. I don't know what I was thinking. Can you forgive me?"

Stunned, Hermione stared at him as he walked towards her, palms lifted with his plea. "What?"

"I was wrong. Please, will you take me back?" He dropped to his knees before her, reaching for her hand.

Hermione hesitated. She'd never imagined that she'd ever see Draco Malfoy in such a position. For him to beg her like this after everything she put him through caused irritation to ripple through her.

"Haven't you had enough?" she spat, incredulous.

"I don't want to lose you, baby. Please, give me another chance. I'm willing to do anything."

Disgusted, Hermione recoiled slightly. "Get up," she snapped.

Draco rose to his feet, but the begging didn't stop. "I'll do anything, Hermione." He held his arms wide.

Hermione rolled her eyes. It was perfectly obvious to her that he was the mental one. Why would he still want to be with her after everything? It certainly didn't seem like he was that interested in her. Was he so desperate that he was willing to stick around just for the slightest possibility that she would sleep with him?

She bristled with annoyance. Surely she had to take him back. The article only worked if he was the one who ended things. It would do no good if she was the one to refuse him in the end.

He reached forward and grabbed hold of her hand. "What do you think about…" A muscle in his jaw twitched. "... couples' therapy?"

"Couples' therapy?" Hermione parrotted, the suggestion sparking an idea that even she had to admit was brilliant.

Malfoy nodded. "Yeah. Theo suggested someone and said he could probably help us."

Shaking her head, Hermione pulled her hand from his and crossed her arms over her chest. "No, I know a therapist who will work wonders on you."

Malfoy's jaw twitched again. "Yes. That's what I need."

"I'll owl and schedule an emergency appointment for tomorrow."

"Whatever it takes."

Hermione tilted her cheek up. "A kiss, please."

Malfoy leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Thank you for understanding, love."

Drawing herself up to her full height, Hermione levelled him with a glare. "I love you, Drakey… but I don't have to like you right now."

For three full seconds, Malfoy didn't move a muscle, as if his brain were having trouble comprehending the simple words she'd just said. Then his whole body jerked and he stepped backwards toward the Floo. "Thank you, Hermione. See you tomorrow."

Hermione gave him a tight smile and a wave, counting the seconds until he left so that she could analyse what was happening and owl Ginny.

Like a dog slinking away with its tail between his legs, Malfoy ducked into the Floo and disappeared in a flash of green.

Hermione had never been so grateful that Harry had used the money he typically hated spending to buy a flat in central London. Grimmauld Place simply would not have worked for Hermione's plan. There had been some discussion early in Harry's adulthood of simply living there, but it was quickly determined that a clean slate was better for his mental health.

Sadly, Hermione's trip to Harry and Ginny's flat today was likely to be extremely damaging to her mental health. She bit her nails as she and Malfoy ascended the stairs toward the flat, hoping that Ginny had had enough time to prepare for their arrival.

Reminding herself that she was playing a role, she quickly composed herself. "If this is going to work, you really need to open up. Don't be afraid to bare your soul."

Malfoy was uncharacteristically quiet, but nodded as Hermione came to stop in front of Flat 7A. With a deep breath, she raised her fist and gently rapped on the door.

After only a few seconds, the door swung open, and if Hermione hadn't known any better, she'd have thought they were at the wrong flat.

The woman before them looked hardly anything like Ginny Weasley. Her hair had been changed to a dark brown, her skin no longer pale and freckled, but a darker olive tone. The only recognisable feature was her eyes, still bright and blue beneath newly dark eyebrows and thick-rimmed glasses.

Hermione's eyes widened briefly before she quickly schooled her features.

"Hermione, Draco, welcome." Ginny's voice was lower and smoother as she beckoned them inside the flat. "Please have a seat."

Taking a quick glance around the living room, Hermione was surprised by how much Ginny had transformed her flat on such short notice. Gone were all of Harry and Ginny's photos as well as most of their personal belongings. It looked every bit like a flat that a professional couples therapist might conduct business from. On the coffee table were a few pamphlets and a box of tissues. Hermione sat down, marvelling at Ginny's preparedness. The pamphlets looked real enough, and she couldn't help but wonder where Ginny had gotten them.

Ginny sank into the chair opposite the couch and peered at them over her glasses. "Before we begin, how will you be paying for the session?"

Hermione turned to Malfoy, placing a hand on his arm. "Drakey?"

His jaw twitched and he cleared his throat. "How much is it?"

"One hundred galleons."

"A hundred galleons?" Malfoy parroted incredulously. He let out a breath, something between a laugh and a scoff before mumbling, "whatever it takes."

As Malfoy handled the payment, Hermione perused the pamphlets on the coffee table. They seemed to be legitimate, bearing titles such as Communication in the Healthy Relationship, and How to Keep your Baggage from Affecting your Partner.

"So," Ginny began, pulling a notebook out and peering at them over her glasses. "How long have you two been a couple?"

"Seven days," Hermione said lightly.

"Seven days…" Ginny's eyebrows jumped as if this was new information for her. "Interesting." She jotted down a few words in her notebook.

"Is that too soon to be seeing a therapist?" Draco piped up, craning his neck to try to peek at the notebook.

Ginny just tilted the notes away from his gaze.

"Draco," Hermione said, placing a hand on his forearm. "I know seven days isn't a lifetime, but—"

"It's a week." Malfoy's tone was sharp, his expression irritated.

Hermione looked at Ginny, who looked appropriately concerned at Malfoy's words. "Did you hear that? How can we not have problems when he takes that tone with me."

Ginny nodded sagely. "Yes. Draco, it's important to remember that every couple is different. There is no set timeline for therapy. By coming to see me early, you may well be setting your relationship up for success. Clearing out the negativity as soon as it arises."

Malfoy clenched his jaw, but nodded.

"How are thing between you two sexually?" Ginny asked bluntly.

"Oh," Hermione giggled in a way that she was sure would have put Lavender Brown to shame.

"We haven't had sex," Malfoy answered.

"Draco has a bit of a problem with his… erm… performance." Hermione gestured indelicately to Malfoy's trousers.

"I see." Ginny pursed her lips and wrote something down in her notebook.

"No," Malfoy protested, his cheeks going crimson. "No. No, I do not have a problem."

"Drakey, it's okay," Hermione said gently, wrapping her fingers around his arm. "You can talk about this here."

"Hermione's right, Draco. This is a safe space."

"I do not have a problem!" Malfoy snapped.

"Yes, you do. It's a big problem."

Malfoy's eyes flashed dangerously. "I don't have— Listen, the only time we even got close to having sex, she—" he pointed an accusatory finger at Hermione, "decided to nickname my—"

"Penis," Ginny prompted clinically.

"Yeah… Princess Hufflepuff."

Ginny hummed and nodded, jotting down a few more notes. "I see. And why do you think you feel such a strong need to prove your masculinity?"

"What?" Malfoy snapped.

"Oh, that's a great question," Hermione said, turning her body towards Malfoy to await his answer.

"How long have you felt latent homosexual urges?"

Malfoy's eyes bulged wide. "I beg your pardon?"

"I see this in many of my patients of traditional pureblood upbringings. Particularly in pureblooded males who have no siblings. The desire to continue the family line and carry on the traditions of the household often urge them to suppress their natural instincts."

Hermione gasped dramatically. "Drakey, are you gay?"

Malfoy held out his hand, his eyes darting between the two women. "Listen, I've disappointed my father in plenty of ways over the years. I'm quite accustomed to the look in his eye when I tell him something that goes against his ideals. I have no problem with being the one to let him down, and would have absolutely no qualms about coming out to him if I were gay. But I'm not."

Hermione gave him a sceptical look as if she didn't believe him. She did, of course. She'd felt his arousal on more than one occasion and was very aware that he found her attractive, but she needed him angry. She needed to push him until he ended things for good.

"Honestly, I have no issue with homosexuality, and I certainly wouldn't conceal my sexual orientation. I like women. It's just that simple."

"Methinks thou dost protesteth too much," Hermione said in a singsong voice.

Malfoy pointed an accusatory finger at Hermione, his head swivelling toward Ginny. "See? That's the kind of shit I'm talking about. What is with the baby talk?"

Hermione recoiled, crossing her arms over her chest. "Oh, now you have an issue with the way I talk?"

"Not normally, no. But the past few days it's like you're a different person."

Ginny leaned forward, raising one hand to catch their attention. "I'd like you both to take a deep breath for me, please."

Hermione let her arms drop from where they were crossed and took a deep breath. Next to her, Malfoy did the same, his breath coming out in a frustrated sigh.

"Good," Ginny cooed softly. "Now Hermione, how would you like to respond to what Draco has to say?"

Hermione frowned, looking at her hands. "I guess I'd just like to know who he thought I was, and what about me isn't living up to his expectations."

"Draco?" Ginny prompted calmly.

Malfoy scrubbed his hands over his face. "I've known this woman for years. Never once have I heard her talk like this or giggle like an imbecile. You're just not the Hermione Granger I knew."

"But you didn't like the Hermione Granger you knew in school," Hermione protested with a frown.

"I wasn't allowed to like you."

Hermione's mouth fell open. What did he mean by that? Did he mean to imply that he might have liked her if not for his father, if not for the war, if not for Voldemort?

"It seems to me, Draco, that there is a dichotomy between who you thought Hermione was and who she really is," Ginny said, pulling Hermione out of her thoughts. "But part of being in a relationship with someone is accepting them for who they are, not who you perceive them to be."

Malfoy was silent, and for one mad moment, Hermione wanted to tell him that she was the woman he'd always thought she was. That this act wasn't the real her at all.

Ginny pressed on, playing the role of prying therapist well. "Draco, are you ashamed of Hermione?"

After a beat, Malfoy and Hermione began speaking at the same time.

"No, I'm not."

"Of course he is!"

Hermione turned to him. "Of course you are! It's so obvious. And how do you think that makes me feel?" She forced her voice to break and quickly conjured some fake tears.

"I am not ashamed of you," Malfoy argued.

"Oh no?" Hermione challenged. "Don't think I didn't notice how irritated you were when I stopped by the Auror Department the other day. You couldn't get me out of there fast enough."

"I try to keep my personal life separate from my work life," Draco countered.

Hermione pressed on. "And I haven't even mentioned how obviously uncomfortable you were when we went to the Muggle restaurant. After all these years, I'd hoped that you'd moved on from those prejudices, but obviously I was wrong." Malfoy began to protest, but Hermione cut him off. "I was raised by Muggles, Draco. That's a huge part of who I am, and if you still can't handle that then—"

"I have no issue with Muggles."

"Don't think I don't remember vividly how many times you called me names in school just because of who my parents are."

"I've apologised—"

"If this relationship is going to last you'd eventually have to meet my parents and I think we both know how that would go."

"Do you want me to meet your parents?" he countered, his tone challenging.

"Yes, of course I do!"

"I'd love to meet them! I'm even happy to go spend the weekend with them if you want."

Hermione hesitated, a strangled sound escaping her throat.

"What a positive idea!" Ginny sang happily. "Hermione, would you like for Draco to join you this weekend with your parents?"

"I… I—" This was her own fault. She pushed too hard. But she'd never dreamed that Malfoy would want to meet her family after only a week of dating. And what was Ginny playing at, encouraging this when she knew that Hermione was meant to push him away? This would only prolong the entire thing.

She shot Ginny an angry, pointed glare and received only a mischievous smile in return.

Turning to Malfoy, she saw his jaw clenched, his brow furrowed. He looked at her and nodded, offering her a tight smile. He was actually willing to spend a weekend with her and her Muggle parents.

Hermione grimaced at the floor, wondering how the hell she was going to get out of this one.

A/N: Still no update schedule for this one, but I'm making an effort to keep the gaps between chapters shorter than they have been. Comment if you're so inclined!
You can follow me on tumblr graceful-lioness. And if you're on discord, pop over to the GracefulBiscuits Discord server and say hello to me and BiscuitsForPotter (link on my tumblr)