Disclaimer: This tale is a pure fantasy of my making utilizing characters from the Harry Potter series in a muggle setup. You have been warned, proceed at your own risk.

AN:Hi everyone as requested here is a muggle college situation starring Hermione and Draco.

Let me know what you think love it, like it, want more.

This is my first oneshot. It's not beta-d so any mistakes and errors are my own. Please bring any errors to my notice.

Story told from Hermione's POV.

oOo

Warning: This story deals with sexual abuse, not super descriptive but it could be uncomfortable or triggering for some.

It was going to be another awkward evening ( I thought as I desperately tried not to roll my eyes) . Ever since Ginny and Luna had started dating Harry and Ron, I had become the awkward 3rd wheel or perhaps it was the 5th wheel to their relationship, not that they cared. We were an absurd group anyways, Ginny was the goth drummer for our band. Luna was the flower child rhythm guitarist. I was the wild child lead guitarist slash vocalist. I really just wanted to play the guitar but they had managed to coerce me into doing the vocals, much like how they'd convinced me to tag along on their group date.

These girls were the closest friends I'd ever had. Since I had never really had many friends growing up and my disturbed family life didn't make me keen on having close relationships, I usually kept to myself. Being roommates meant that we were constantly in each other's company. I'd kept my distance from everyone the first few weeks in our freshman year. But one evening Luna had stormed in, which was completely unlike her and she had been furious. Apparently, her now ex-boyfriend - Zach, who was in a different college had hooked up with another girl at a party and he was having doubts about continuing their long distance relationship.

I don't know why people even bother. Love is an overrated emotion. And while it's all great in books and movies, real life not so much. It was more trouble than it was worth. And I believe I voiced these thoughts or something similar to the furious Luna. Surprisingly, she agreed whole heartedly and hugged me. And without much warning, it turned into an evening of bonding. Thereafter, Luna chatted with me in class and took it for granted that we were best friends. She was always kind and helpful that I felt like a bitch to tell her I felt otherwise (so I went along with it until it sort of turned into a habit).

Luna quickly forgot about her heartbreak and a few weeks later she was crushing on Ron, whose twin Ginny was conveniently our other roommate. I think, Luna was more intimidated by her than she was by me. So she asked me (no...scratch that, she begged me) to ask Ginny to join us one evening. It turned out Ginny had been interested in getting to know Luna too as she was interested in Harry, who was Luna's childhood buddy. I did wonder; why they didn't ask the respective boy to introduce them to their love interest? But honestly, I don't think I understand women any better than I understand men.

I was sorely tempted to leave them with each other but they had decided that I was part of their plans, regardless of my absolute disinterest in boys. Don't get me wrong, I'm not into women either. I simply don't harbour the desire to find romance (or human interaction unless absolutely necessary).

oOo

We had stalked the boys basketball team (much to my ever growing discomfort) until these girls had finally convinced their respective love interest to ask them out. Which I should probably tell you was not an easy task.

'Why?' you ask.

They had chosen the most popular boys on campus, that's why. They were a part of the Golden Trio, Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Draco Malfoy. They were unbeatable in their coordination and communication. The team had literally come up with new strategies that centered around them. I wasn't a big fan of the sport until I saw how beautiful it could be.

There were literally hordes of women that hounded them (it's actually quite terrifying, I don't know how anyone can find this creepy behaviour, acceptable). Ginny and Luna had an advantage being related to one of them. Though while their fame was equally shared, the largest turn out was usually for Malfoy. Couldn't blame those girls though, he was a popular rich kid, good looking (actually very good looking) and talented too. Unfortunately, I soon learned that he was a sarcastic smartass to boot. Something he usually wasn't around his adorning fans, nope he was always so saccharine sweet, it was nauseating.

However, he was the unfortunate 6th wheel in the relationship. If anyone glanced at us they'd assume we were three couples but Draco Malfoy didn't date. He could have any girl on campus, so heaven knows what his problem was, maybe he was the problem.

'Why don't you bring a date? Then I don't need to be here.' I wondered aloud. Did he have no concept of personal space, his hand was resting on my knee drawing absentminded patterns.

'But where's the fun in that, Granger. I love it when everyone assumes we're dating and you squirm trying to deny it.'He laughed.

Oh, of course, his pleasure lay in tormenting me. His friends and mine found it funny because we were such a stark contrast. He was always dressed to kill while I dressed like I could kill. It wasn't my doing that made the waitress who was eyeing him, glare at me. It was all because Malfoy thought it was funny to drape his arm across my shoulders. I tried to rid myself of it.

'Keep squirming and I'll kiss you.' He threatened, smiling all the time.

I wanted to punch him, he'd never done anything more than tease me but it was annoying. So I turned to glare at him instead.

'Malfoy,'my lips smiled while my glare stayed put. I must have looked creepy if not a complete psycho. 'Are you looking for a reason to kiss me?'

'Don't you want me to?' He smirked.

I knew he was referring to our drunken episode a couple of weeks ago. The girls had just begun dating Harry and Ron, we were at a Halloween party at Malfoy's place. Over the top barely covers it, it was crazy, everyone was in costume, alcohol flowed freely, the food was delicious. I'd reluctantly agreed to dress up as porcelain doll, it was quite a goth look as Ginny did my makeup and I looked rather stunning, even to myself.

Somewhere in the middle of it all I'd lost track of the girls, I'd already had one too many drinks, when I was asked to join a drinking game.

It was some kind of pass the parcel game, where we held a card with our lips and passed it. If we dropped it we had to kiss for awhile and take a drink. I was too sloshed to realize that the person on my left was Malfoy. I had literally kissed him in each turn and only become more drunk as the game progressed. He'd been pretty drunk himself and it was only the following morning that either one of us realized what had happened.

As per the flow of events, Malfoy had realized I was super drunk and decided that it was best for me to sleep it off. He'd carried me and there was photographic evidence of this along with some pictures of us kissing during the game. In fact, this was also part of the reason everyone thought we were dating. It appeared that the Golden Trio was dating the Silver Trio as we were commonly known.

What had followed wasn't common knowledge and thank the gods for that small mercy. I'd woken up in an unknown room, feeling sore all over and in the arms of a shirtless Draco Malfoy.

It was oddly comfortable which was disturbing. I was also wearing a hoodie that wasn't mine. Part of me wanted to ask him what had happened but part of me was afraid to hear the answer. So I'd quietly picked myself up and gone back. I wanted to forget whatever it was, wouldn't be very hard since I didn't exactly remember it.

I'd taken a morning after pill and three days ago taken a pregnancy which was negative. But everytime I saw Malfoy, I couldn't forget the image of waking up next to him. It was my only memory of the night and maybe subconsciously I wanted to remember my first time. It must have been pretty rough judging by the bruises left on my arms, torso and ankles. I didn't even want to imagine what had happened, while I was quite curious all the same.

'Not particularly.' I replied cooly. Keeping my thoughts to myself.

He narrowed his eyes saying, 'We need to talk later.'

This was odd. He wasn't one to be secretive with his boys, maybe it was about the girls. Worry clouded my eyes as I nodded wordlessly.

We proceeded to have a rather nice meal, even though I was very concerned about Malfoy's words.

We went to a local club and both the girls dragged their boys to the crowded dance floor. We'd barely ordered some drinks before a tall, heavily dolled up chic (she was definitely out of place in a club filled with kids who were old enough to be hers) walked up to Malfoy and began chatting. She totally ignored me, which was fine if she didn't keep flicking her hair in my face which was rather annoying.

Eventually I excused myself and went to the restroom. I eyed myself in the mirror, I wasn't ugly or unattractive but perhaps unconventional. My short tartan skirt, white vest and biker jacket accessoried with gloves and combat boots along with dark smokey eye makeup and neutral lip, had an aggressive tone rather than pretty. My curly hair was as untamed as my spirit. Maybe that's why Malfoy had done me so roughly, maybe he didn't think it was my first time.

Why did that upset me? I didn't care about this stuff. I wasn't interested in love or marriage. What did it matter if I'd had sex or that I didn't recall it. It was immaterial to me, it was a physical act devoid of affection. I didn't have any feelings towards him other than annoyance, and that too because he seemed to find it amusing being paired with me because we were such an unlikely couple. Yet it always felt like a snub at me.

I walked back to my table to find it empty, I wondered if I had got the wrong one. A moment later I spotted Malfoy on the dance floor with a group of women, all of them were eyeing him hungrily (it made me cringe). They looked ready to battle each other for him. Then, I laughed to myself, Malfoy may have gotten more than he'd bargained for, I thought as I sipped my drink. I raised my drink to him with a smirk when he caught my eye, the women had encircled him.

'You don't mind him dancing with others?' The question came from my right. I turned to spot a middle aged man watching Draco. I shrugged, it wasn't my business.

'Those women are the wealthy wives of businessmen, they're here to party and the main attraction in a tiny place like this is 'college boys'. That boy you have there is a stunner, these women will buy him whatever he wants to get him to bed them. Are you sure you're alright with that?' He asked me with concern.

'I think, you like many others have mistaken my relationship with him. He's not mine and I'm not his. He can dance with anyone and bed anyone he likes. I don't think I have a choice but be alright with it.' I turned back to watch as one of the women whispered something into Malfoy's ear. Humans were deplorable, these women were married (forget the infidelity), they were trying to hookup with a boy less than half their age (does it make them less of a pedophile, cause he's somewhat in the legal zone).

'Is that so?' The dude continued not realising that I was done with the conversation. 'Then it's very odd that he kept watching you, even when talking to her. He waited for quite awhile before he went to dance with them too.' I shrugged in response. I had no idea on Malfoy's thoughts, but I constantly felt everyone was trying to read more into the situation.

oOo

I really wanted to go home after 10 minutes of watching those women grind against Malfoy. It was a fucking orgy, I thought all of them would come right there on the dance floor. I hoped my friends were watching this, that would hopefully get the message across, that Malfoy and I weren't happening.

I rummaged through my bag and found my phone. If they hadn't, I'd make sure they did. I recorded from a safe distance but Malfoy was clearly visible with his dazzling hair catching the light.

I was contemplating leaving and just messaging everyone that I wanted to go home but didn't want to ruin their fun, when someone approached me.

'Want to dance?' He slurred a bit.

'No thanks, I'm just leaving.' I replied.

'Really you want to get out of here so soon. My kinda girl.' He said grabbing my hand.

'Excuse me, what do you think you're doing?' I was appalled.

'You wanna get out of here, right? So let's go.'

'Yes and no.' I said wrenching my hand free.

'What are you doing?' He yelled as I ran to the dance floor. I couldn't spot Ginny or Luna. I'd stupidly been laughing at Malfoy, instead of paying attention to my surroundings (so stupid, hadn't I learned anything from all the incidents). I ran to where I'd spotted Malfoy, much to the disapproval of the women who surrounded him.

'Help.' I yelped as the drunk man grabbed my waist and tried to drag me out. Malfoy excused himself from his cougars and clasped my out stretched arms. I threw a well aimed kick at my offender's groin and practically lept into Malfoy's arms. I almost missed the warm affectionate smile on his lips as he held me.

'Give her back, she's mine.' The drunk snarled at Malfoy. Malfoy's eyes narrowed dangerously.

Ginny and the rest magically appeared besides me. There was a circle of onlookers now, watching the show.

'She's not a thing, asshole. Get out and leave her alone.' Ginny yelled furious that I'd been spoken to in such a manner. She knew my history with men was rather messed up.

You see not all of my mom's boyfriends were good or kind or even halfway decent. Over the years mom had gone through a lot of men. Most of them had tried their luck with me because I didn't understand what was happening. My experience had left me, marked.

'Dance.' Malfoy said as everyone stared at us. I realized that I was shaking, whether from shock, anger or fear I couldn't tell. So I held onto Malfoy (later I realized that I'd dug my nails in, leaving crescent markings on his pale skin)and stared at him with all my might, ignoring the whispers as my blood boiled.

We just swayed for awhile, then I finally heard the music. Malfoy never returned to his cougars and stayed by me.

'I'm sorry. I ruined a fun night. I just ran here without thinking about the consequences.' I apologized.

'Maybe you should have just joined us instead of sitting by yourself. That guy thought you were alone.'

'You guys are here today. But there'll be a day when you won't be around and I have to figure out what to do when that day arrives.' I knew that I planned on avoiding dating and marriage. I would always have men hitting on me and I couldn't rely on others being around to save me.

oOo

Malfoy and I sat in the small living room of our apartment. Ginny and Luna were giving their boyfriends a tour of their bedrooms, if you know what I mean.

'Wine or juice?' I asked trying to be a good host. Luna was much better at handling visitors, I tried to imitate her.

'Wine.'Malfoy answered with a dazzling smile. One of those prize winning kinds, it confused me. I was always the recipient of the smirks and sneering smiles as he joked around. This was a genuine one of those he usually mass produced for the girls in class.

'What's going on with you?' I asked wary of him as I handed him his glass.

Taking a sip and eyeing me over the rim, he asked, 'Whatever do you mean?'

'You're being very different from usual. I mean your teasing is more like flirting today. And you're actually smiling at me. I'm not sure if you're drunk or I am.' I said levelling with him and taking a sip of orange juice. I hadn't forgotten my last drunken encounter with him and didn't want to wake up to find him in my bed.

'I'm trying to understand you.' Malfoy confessed with a shrug.

'Whatever it is, you won't get anywhere with this fake behaviour? I can see through your facade. I know you despised dancing with those cougars, so why'd you do it?' I had seen him smile with his face and diss them with his eyes.

Malfoy looked surprised, like I was the first one who had noticed. 'I had my reasons.'

'So much for an explanation.' I said dryly.

'Why didn't you just beat that guy up?' Malfoy asked with genuine curiosity.

I had been learning self defense and other fighting styles for the last few years after a particularly nasty incident. But no one knew, not even the girls.

'What makes you think I could fight him?'I asked in reply.

He frowned, 'Don't you remember what happened at my party?'

I froze, did I fight him?

'Not much, I was quite hammered.' I admitted.

'Ok, what's the last thing that you remember?' He asked looking concerned.

'I don't think I remember everything, but I'd been having quite a nice time by myself eating and drinking. Then I was walking around trying to find the girls when someone asked me to a game, saying they were short by one girl.' I said squinting as I tried to recall as much detail as I could remember.

'That was me. Then you sat beside me and we played for awhile. Do you remember?' He asked expectantly.

'Yes, I also recall that you dropped the card every single time and kept snogging me. I remember being annoyed when I realized it.'

'Oh that's what annoyed you. I thought you noticed that I snogged you a couple of times in between, when it wasn't our turn. I'm sorry but you have a very nice mouth.' Malfoy confessed with a mischievous smile.

I was speechless for a moment, then my temper kicked in. He had the audacity snog me in public and yet he'd always made it seem like I wanted him.

'Lucky for you that's all I remember. So tell me more.' I huffed, I wondered if he'd confess to the rest of the happenings.

'Hmm... I'm a little fuzzy about the details, I was quite tipsy too. But you got up halfway through and stomped off to the washroom. That's when things got way interesting. I followed you, I wanted to apologize but Pansy intercepted me.' He looked uncomfortable as he shifted in his seat. I stared blankly, Pansy was about as charming as a piece of moldy cardboard.

'She pulled me into the kitchen...and flashed me.' Malfoy stated watching my face for a reaction. 'Have you ever done that?'

'Not that I know of. Why?' I asked wondering what this was leading to. Malfoy was beating about the bush and I just wanted details to fill in the gaps.

'No reason, just not sure how high the probability is for something like this.' He shrugged.

'Not to inflate your already grandiose sense of self, but have you seen yourself. I'd say there's a very high probability of getting more than just flashed by total strangers. Forget Pansy, you can have any girl on campus. But I remember you telling that pretty girl...umm... Daphne...wasn't it...that 'You don't date'. You were really rude by the way, her eyes were red rimmed all week.' I sighed. We were having such a direct no nonsense conversation and being unbelievably honest, it felt surreal.

'I don't think it's polite to date someone I don't like. And I trust your foresight, I look forward to seeing beautiful breasts dangled before my eyes simply for my pleasure. Do you think they'll let me play with them too?' He asked me innocently as I scowled at him. I knew he meant it as a joke but it was irksome all the same.

'You're disgusting. All men are disgusting, vile, evil little cockroaches. If Pansy flashing you was the highlight of your evening, I believe our conversation is done and you may leave.' I stood up and walked over to the kitchenette.

'I'm sorry, I was just messing with you.' Malfoy said wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder so I could feel his breath on the shell of my ear when he spoke.

My body went rigid and my breathing was shallow. He turned me around and watched my face with growing confusion. I'm sure all the colour must have drained from my face.

'Are you ok? Do you need something to drink or lie down for a bit?' He looked and sounded worried.

'Can you move away from me, please?' I answered in a detached, flat tone. He stared then backed off slowly.

I finally let go of the breath I'd been holding. I realized two things, even though I'd panicked I wasn't afraid and I knew he wasn't the type to do anything without my permission. Which meant that whatever had gone down that night hadn't been without my permission. It was a small relief, that I had at least consented even if my sensibilities were compromised.

'What happened then? After Pansy flashed you...' I asked trying to be as normal as I could. Malfoy eyed me warily before responding.

'I heard yelling and crashes in the hallway. Turns out Theo thought he could try his luck with you. Apparently, you didn't take kindly to his advances. Not sure what he said or did, but when I joined the scene, you were flipping him over your shoulder. Blaise tried to stop you but you tackled him too. He may not look like much but I know that guy is all muscle, how you did it is quite beyond me. I watched horrified and fascinated. I've never seen a girl actually fight. You were beautiful, mesmerizing. They were hitting back but you were a real maniac. I think you would have killed someone if I hadn't called out to you.' He had a strange look in his eyes and I knew he wasn't making this up.

'I was sure you'd hit me too. But you just told me that you don't feel so good and you ran to the washroom and threw up. Pansy hadn't got the context and told everyone that Theo, Blaise and I were fighting over you.' He said scratching the back of his neck. 'I didn't bother to correct that notion for the sake of your reputation and theirs.'

'That's how you know I can fight. I'm sorry I lost control. I honestly just learned it for self defense.'

'You certainly did that but why didn't you fight today?'

'Too much attention. I learned it so that I'm not helpless the next time I'm on my own. But when there's so many people, I would rather ask for help.' I shrugged.

'What do you mean, you learned it for the next time you were on your own? Has this happened before?' Malfoy was giving me a piercing look, I felt trapped.

'Yes, surprised that anyone would be interested in the rough oddball. Actually, I wish I was invisible to men.' I took a deep breath, Malfoy was like a baby with a rattle, he wasn't going to let go, not without a lot of screaming and crying.

'You want to know about my life and choices. Well here goes nothing, but let me warn you this isn't a pretty picture and I'm not as nice as Luna believes or as lovely as Ginny thinks. Are you sure you want to know?' I asked before jumping head first, hoping he'd leave it be.

'Of course, but could I maybe get a refill on my wine?' Malfoy asked.

I rolled my eyes as I grabbed the bottle and another glass. I was gonna need more than orange juice to get through this story. We sat on the couch and I looked him straight in eyes and began.

'My parents got married for all the wrong reasons and some wise idiot of a crackpot told them that a child would solve their marital problems. Where people get such inane ideas from is beyond me. Fighting was normal in my house but it kept getting worse. I soon noticed that my dad wouldn't return home on some days.

Eventually my parents filed for a divorce. My dad got married to this nice lady but she really didn't want me in their lives. My mom on the other hand went from boyfriend to boyfriend. I was eleven and just beginning to grow up. I didn't understand what many of them were doing in the guise of getting to know me.

All I can say is either all men are jerks or my mom only dated jerks. Either way, I was constantly uncomfortable and my mom would ask me to not be rude. But I was being regularly molested, in my home by men who were screwing my mom. By the time I was twelve and a half I had figured out what was happening. I tried to tell my mom and she thought I was saying it to get her attention. I told my dad and he said he didn't want to interfere with my mom's affairs. So I made a plan to go to college and get away from parents who didn't care. I saved every penny I received as a gift, payment for summer jobs etc. I silently tolerated the abuse because no one was going to do anything. It gradually got worse, it went from getting randomly groped while I was doing the dishes to being held down and squeezed until I was sore.

But two and half years ago, my mom was working late, my mom's boyfriend called his best friends over and the three of them knocked down my door, dragged me while I was still in my school uniform, they said it turned them on, they tied me to a chair and were halfway through stripping me when my neighbours dropped by because they wanted to invite us to their son's wedding. My screaming had alerted the husband who was an army officer. His wife called the cops.' I swallowed and blinked to see him staring at me with an unreadable look. It wasn't pity, I remembered that was the look in my neighbours eyes. It wasn't anger, like my mom who thought it was some elaborate setup on my part to be rid of her boyfriend. Not disappointment either, my father thought I was being dramatic like my mom.

'Please tell me that they were hanged or got a sentence or something.' Malfoy was furious, he was upset.

'Just a two year county service something. I'm sorry, I know I'm ok so I shouldn't be making such a big deal of it. But the fear of being raped was very real to me, even if it didn't materialize.' I looked at my hands. I didn't know what to say to calm him.

'What the fuck are you apologizing for?' He said with such feeling, forcing my eyes to look at him. 'That was a very scary experience and I'm sorry that no one was there for you. I'm also sorry for being such an ass, I just wanted you to ease up a little, bookworm, I thought you were stuck up and a bit of a snob. I won't tell anyone, you can trust me. And if you ever feel unsafe, you can come to me, I'll make sure you're ok.' He held my hands and reassured me.

For the first time in a long time, I felt safe in the hands of a man. But there was one last detail.

'Malfoy, the night after the party I woke up in bed...with you...shirtless...and me in a hoodie that wasn't mine... What happened?'

'You threw up, some of it got on your blouse so I gave you my hoodie cause I don't own any blouses. And I didn't want to ask my mom for one at that hour. Then I suggested you sleep in my room as it was probably safer, for everyone. When I woke up, you were gone. I was hoping to speak with you but you avoided me and I thought you were upset about me kissing you. That's why said that we need to talk.'

'So we didn't have sex?' I asked incredulous. Malfoy choked on his wine, 'What? No? You thought we had sex?'

'Well I couldn't remember much, I woke up in a strange bed with your arms around me and my body feeling sore. You tell me what to think.' I blushed, I was still a virgin.

'So that's why you hate me, you thought I'd taken advantage of you.'

'In my experience that's what men do.'

'No darling, that's what jerks do. I'm a gentleman, I will touch you, only with your consent. My parents have an open marriage, you know, they love each other but they also have other lovers and it works for them. They're very big on the whole consent thing. I'm too possessive though, I don't think I could share. What about you?' Malfoy asked curiously.

'I don't know, I'd have to find someone I want before considering if I can share. Don't I have to consider their feelings?' I replied uncertainly, I had never thought what I'd do if I fell for someone.

'He just wants you to himself and he doesn't want to share you with anyone. Are you ok with it?' Malfoy was suddenly demanding.

'I'm not a thing to be claimed. I'm a person with feelings. All that time everyone, ignored my feelings. I didn't want to be molested, I didn't want to bear with it. I didn't have a choice because my own mother would rather have a boyfriend than care about how it hurt me.' The intensity in his eyes making me wonder if he was saying what I thought he was. Maybe he was just teasing me again, he loved to watch my reactions.

'I'm not asking for an answer tonight. Just think about being friends for now. If everyone continues to believe that we're dating there's a lower chance of anyone trying their luck. And if you ever find someone else we can stage a dramatic breakup.' Malfoy said striking a diva pose purely for my amusement.

'Drama queen.' I laughed. 'I'm not sure, I think I have trust issues.'

'Oh, you most certainly do. First thing, we need to do is get you into therapy. You have buried all this inside you, it's not good. My mom knows some great people, I'll make sure you get the best.' Malfoy smiled.

'I can't afford it right now. College is costing me everything I have. Mom disowned me after her boyfriend got sentenced and she was charged with negligence. Dad has two kids with his new wife and can't support me. Good doctors equal good money. I just can't do it now.' I knew he meant well but I could manage a while longer.

'What about as a gift? We've completed a month dating each other as far as everyone is concerned.' Malfoy negotiated with a grin.

'Why me?' I asked. He had every girl on and off campus throwing themselves at him.

'Hmmm... Because beyond that delicious mouth, desirable body and fiery personality is an intelligent mind and beautiful soul. You are nicer than Luna believes and lovelier than Ginny thinks. You're just too blind to how gorgeous you really are and I love you.'

How could he say that with such a serious expression? I'd have to see if he felt the same way in the morning or if he'd go back to tormenting me.

oOo

AN:

Hope you enjoyed reading this oneshot. Please let me know your thoughts, it would mean a lot.

love Esa.