A/n: A bit of angst premised on a marriage law. Possible triggers

Hermione was in front of the ornate vanity getting ready for yet another public appearance geared to solidify the necessity of the Ministries new marriage law but also heal the public image of the Malfoy family. She was just finishing her makeup when Draco stormed in to their bedroom suite, snatching her up on her feet by her wrist.

"Draco stop." She tried to struggle in his tight hold letting out and audible 'oomph' as their chests collided.

"I said be ready by the time I arrived." He said through gritted teeth.

"I just have to put on my dress ... Ouch! ( he squeezed her wrist harder) Why does it hurt every time you touch me?" She yelled at the end. Draco had the decency to look aghast he loosened his grip. Taking her chance she yanked her hand out of his. "Why does it have to hurt every time you touch me? I am your wife, I ... I would go willingly if you would just ... a bit of kindness. Show me a bit of tenderness, contrary to what you and your family think I am not a dog. I have feelings ... I gave up everything Draco. I lost everyone I love and whom I thought loved me. Ron is angry I did not fight this law and maybe I did not want to fight anymore." Tears brimmed in her eyes but she refused to let them fall in front of him.

"It does not have to hurt when you touch me or kiss me. The only time you are ever gentle is when we ... we are ... but even after you leave and that hurts too. This was not my choice but I thought ... hoped that if I didn't fight you wouldn't either." Hermione sounded defeated at that moment she turned on her heels towards the closet closing the door after her, she missed how Draco's face softened at her admission.

He did have a tendency to be heavy handed with her. Draco was angry. At his lot in life, the loss of status after the war, the marriage law that forced him to marry Hermione. He snorted to himself, they matched him with Hermione as if it were not a cruel joke. Not because of her blood contrary to her belief, Draco felt it was better for her to hate him as much as he hated himself. When he looked at her, his mind relived the time she was tortured in his home. At night her screams echoed in the halls even after all these years. How could the Ministry knowingly match them, knowingly let her come back to the place she suffered.

When he found out they were matched he had the room she was tortured in sealed and warded. No one was to ever enter especially her. It was the least he could have done especially for not protecting her then. So, why take out his anger on her? He could deal with hate filled, fighting mad Hermione, he was not accustomed to this accommodating, non confrontational version that he has dealt with for the past three months. This was the first time she had raised her voice to him. It did not feel as good as he anticipated, in fact he felt just as bad.

Draco took a deep breath to steady his nerves then knocked on the closet door before entering. "Hermione?" He called gently. Hermione was sitting on the bench on the other side of the accessory island wiping away her tears. Draco walked around kneeling before her. Reaching to wipe a stray tear she flinched causing him to pull his hand back, then continuing to use his thumb to brush her cheek softly. "Hermione, I'm sorry. I ... this is not easy for me but not for the reasons you think. It has nothing to do with you being a Muggle born. (She looked at him confused) Honestly, it's not. I am ... I am angry at myself and you have just compromised on everything from the financial agreements to the ridiculously lavish wedding ceremony. You have gone along with all of it when in reality you should hate me. (He took a deep sigh) I ... It was unfair for us to be matched, for you to have to live here with me. To have to build a life with me ... I watched you get tortured and did nothing. I live with that guilt and having you here ... I just ... I am sorry.

He hung his head down, Hermione carefully placed her hands on either side of his face raising it to look into his sad grey eyes. "I had no idea how you felt. I figured it would just be easy on both of us if I went along with everything. Of course I wanted to fight, to scream, to cry but nothing would change the outcome, it would just make all of us uncomfortable. However, that didn't stop me from screaming in my pillow at night." She let out a small giggle causing Draco to chuckle, she removed her hands from his face and he made to stand. Draco held out his hand as she timidly took it. He gave it a gentle tug coaxing her to her feet. "See willingly." She smirked.

"I don't deserve you." He said with all seriousness.

"If you would like, that can change." Hermione said looking at him through her lashes, a tinge of pink on her cheeks.

Draco snaked his arms around her waist, tenderly pulling her closer. "I don't want to hurt you anymore, I want to deserve you. I want to ... I want to earn your forgiveness. I want to make this life the best I can for you."

"Perhaps we can start with skipping the banquet. I mean we are already late and -" She began to say.

"Yes! Let's start with dinner, together, here if that is okay?" He questioned.

She adjusted in his arms, reaching up to move the fringe that had fallen into his eyes. "I would like that, let me put on some clothes." Hermione went to break his hold to change. Draco pulled her in closer to him.

"No, stay in your robe. I will change then meet you in the living room of our suite. Perhaps later on, if you will let me, I could spend the night. I could get used to sleeping next to my wife." He gave her a small smile, biting his bottom lip in uncertainty.

"As long as you do not snore, I have no objections." She returned his small smile.