I must sincerely apologise if you're following - I accidentally skipped a chapter last week, meaning this one was only supposed to go up today. Chapter 6 has been fixed and is now added.

Beta love as always to CourtingInsanity - including an extra big thank-you for the feedback on this chapter, which I initially wasn't at all sure about.

Things are getting interesting now between Hermione and Draco - but will it all go pear-shaped?

Hermione and Draco arrived in a small park.

"This way!" Hermione called, heading toward the exit.

Draco followed as she turned onto the street and walked for several minutes until they came to a small row of shops. As they neared the building, the scent of garlic and spices drifted tantalisingly toward her on the air. She turned back to see Draco inhaling deeply.

"What is that delicious smell?" he asked.

"That, Malfoy—" Hermione smiled "—is Indian food. The best in all of London, in my opinion." They had reached the entrance. A sign above the door declared the name of the restaurant to be The Charming Tiger. "I come here several times a month," she explained as she pushed open the door.

"Welcome, Miss Granger!" a tall man greeted her as they walked in. He sported a trim black moustache and a clean-shaven jaw, and his wide smile was infectious. Glancing over her shoulder, he spied Draco. "You have a date, Miss Granger? He is very handsome." The man waggled his eyebrows suggestively and winked.

Hermione blushed and laughed. "Hello, Nazim. This is Draco—" she leaned toward Nazim and added in a loud stage whisper "—and he's never eaten Indian food before."

Nazim gasped in shock, bringing his hands to his chest for good measure. "Surely you are joking, Miss Hermione!" he cried theatrically. "Maybe he has simply not tried quality Indian food?"

Draco, uncomfortable at being the centre of attention, cleared his throat. "I've never tried it in any form, I'm afraid."

"Well! This is serious and must be remedied immediately!" Nazim announced. "This calls for—"

"The banquet platter!" said Nazim and Hermione together.

"I trust you will be eating in tonight, Miss Hermione?" Nazim clarified.

"Yes, please," came the reply.

"Excellent! Sit wherever you would like." Nazim gestured to the room, which was quite busy despite the small size of the restaurant and its out-of-the-way location.

Hermione, leading the way once again, selected a roomy table near the window, and they sat.

Draco picked up a folded card propped up in the centre of the table and examined it. It featured a range of drink options, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. "So," he started, putting the card back on the table, "what's a banquet platter?"

"It's heaven!" Hermione gushed. "The banquet platter has half a dozen different curries accompanied with rice, just enough to try each pairing; and samples of popular appetisers. You get onion bhaji, samosas, pakoras and spring rolls with dipping sauces. Plus naan bread, of course."

"I don't know what any of that is, but it sounds intriguing," Draco replied. "I'm starving!"

"Good! You'll be full afterwards!" Hermione grinned.

Just then Nakim approached. "The banquet platter will be out in a few minutes, Miss Hermione. Can I get you and Mister Draco some drinks?"

"Thank you, Nakim. Two beers, please," Hermione smiled.

"Certainly!" he beamed, retreating to the bar and returning moments later with their drinks.

Hermione held up her beer. "Cheers."

"Cheers." Draco clinked the neck of his bottle against hers, and took a sip. He was pleasantly surprised. The beer was crisp, light and refreshing.

"One banquet platter, coming up!" announced a voice. Draco turned in the direction of the speaker to see a second man, shorter and stockier than Nakim, arrive at their table bearing a large tray.

"I have heard you have never tried an Indian curry before! After tonight, you will never go anywhere else!" the man enthused.

"He's right." Hermione nodded. "This is Ravi. He's the head chef, and his skills are legendary."

Ravi positively beamed at the praise. "You are too kind, Miss Hermione! It's good to see you, as always!"

"And you. Thank you, Ravi." Hermione smiled.

Ravi began setting out the dishes, with assistance from Nakim who had joined him bearing a second tray. Hermione watched Draco's eyes widen as the food was laid out before them.

"It looks amazing!" Draco observed.

Once everything had been arranged between Hermione and Draco, Ravi and Nakim bade them, "enjoy your meal!" and retreated.

Draco examined the pewter bowls holding the curries. "What are they?" he asked, intrigued.

"Butter chicken." Hermione pointed to the first bowl. "Lamb rogan josh, chicken tikka masala, vegetable biryani, chicken korma, and lamb vindaloo." Indicating the appetisers, she described, "Onion bhaji, pakoras, spring rolls and samosas with dipping sauces; coriander-mint chutney, yoghurt chutney and a tomato chutney. And this—" she indicated a basket holding a flat bread with a flourish "—is garlic naan bread."

Draco looked worried. "What do I do?"

Hermione grinned. "Try a little bit of everything, of course!" She picked up a spoon and scooped up a small amount of sauce and meat from one of the pewter dishes on to her plate, then used a second, clean spoon to add some rice. Next, she picked up a piece of the bread and tore off a chunk, adding it to her plate. Finally, she chose one of the appetisers, dipping it in a green sauce before bringing it to her mouth. "Mmmmm," she moaned happily, closing her eyes in pleasure.

Draco found it strangely erotic, and felt his cock twitch in response. Wanting to avoid embarrassing himself, he quickly followed Hermione's lead, imitating the steps she had taken. Picking up one of the appetisers, he elected to try the white sauce and brought it to his mouth. The burst of savoury and tart flavours on his tongue both surprised and pleased him, and he could see why Hermione had reacted in such a way. It was delicious.

Hermione was aware of how closely Draco was watching her, and instead of making her uncomfortable, she found it amusing. She, Hermione Granger, showing Draco Malfoy how to go about eating a new dish. Picking up her naan bread, she dipped it in the curry before bringing it to her lips, followed with a forkful of meat and rice. Observing Draco out of the corner of her eye as he imitated her actions, she took a swig of beer.

Draco had tried the bread and found it delightfully chewy. Scooping a forkful of rice and meat into his mouth as Hermione had, he relished the tenderness of the meat and warmth of the curry. It was very warm as he swallowed. In fact—it was—it was hot!

Draco suddenly realised his mouth was burning. He grabbed up the pitcher of water that had been placed on the table when their food was served, and poured some into an empty glass. Trying to appear casual and unconcerned, he gulped back half the contents and was slightly horrified that it bought no relief. His eyes were watering and he was sure his face must be flushed. He looked over at Hermione in desperation and she giggled behind her hand.

"Are you alright, Malfoy?" She smirked.

"Um.. yes. Fine, thank you," he croaked.

"Try the beer," she suggested, indicating the bottle.

He did as advised and hurriedly swallowed a mouthful, sighing inwardly with relief as the burning feeling began to recede. "Thanks," he muttered, embarrassed. "I didn't think it would be quite so hot." He frowned at her, feeling slightly put out at how she continued to laugh at his expense. "You could have warned me!"

"I could have," she replied lightly, "but that wouldn't have been nearly as entertaining as watching you sweat." She casually swigged from her own beer before taking another bite of her meal. "Oh, don't pout, Malfoy." She smiled. "It's a rite of passage for anyone new to eating hot curries. It takes some getting used to, but you'll become more accustomed to it."

Braving another bite—because heat or no, the flavours were wonderful—he decided that if he took small bites of curry and accompanied them with regular sips of beer, he might just escape this strange but enjoyable meal with his esophagus intact.

Silence descended as Draco and Hermione made their way through the remaining curries and appetisers. Navim helpfully kept up a regular supply of beer, so that by the time they had demolished most of the food, they both were beginning to feel the effects of the alcohol as well.

Draco knew he had a buzz on when he blurted out, "So why didn't you correct Navim when he referred to me as your date?"

Hermione stilled, momentarily caught out by the question. "Um..." She paused, fiddling with her napkin. "I don't know. I guess I got caught up in the excitement of introducing you to a food you hadn't tried before."

Draco had the feeling Hermione wasn't being entirely forthright with him, but he didn't want to make assumptions and get his hopes up. Still, he couldn't avoid that flutter in his chest at the idea that she didn't seem to find the idea of him as her date utterly repulsive. Wanting to change the subject and save either of them any further discomfort, Draco moved them on to the subject of work. "You work at the Ministry, right?" he asked. "What do you do?"

Hermione explained how she'd initially trained as an auror alongside Harry and Ron prior to working for Shacklebolt, but had found it just wasn't for her. "I suppose I went along because it was expected." She shrugged. "The Ministry and the Wizarding public expected the three of us to stay together, and in a way Ron, Harry and I assumed it was the natural thing to do, as well. I realised partway through the training that I was doing it for the wrong reasons, and withdrew."

"So how did the Weasel and Potty react to you withdrawing?"

Hermione gave him her signature glare at his use of his old nicknames for her two best friends. "Harry and Ron both accepted my decision. Although—" she sighed "—Ron took longer to come around. He thought I was abandoning them, and him, at first. Harry had to talk some sense into him on my behalf."

"And how did you come to work for Shacklebolt?"

She smiled fondly. "Well, that was Harry's doing. A lot of people are under the impression that they owe him many favours, and he has no qualms whatsoever about using this to his full advantage. He spoke to Shacklebolt about finding me a position where I could continue my 'crusade for change', as he puts it.

"Shacklebolt agreed and offered me a position as one of his assistants. Since then I've learned a great deal more about Wizarding traditions and law, and have had the opportunity to be involved in improving and changing aspects of society that were overdue for review." She sighed. "But, there's only so far politics can take me as an assistant, and it's hard work. I enjoy it still, but I'm not sure I want to do it long term."

"What do you really want to do?" Draco asked, curiously.

"Teach," she replied immediately.

"Why?"

"I love learning," she said simply. "Besides, I helped Harry and Ron with schoolwork so often during our years at school that it became something of a hobby. As much as it annoyed me when they didn't pay attention in lessons or procrastinated over completing assignments, I liked the feeling of sharing knowledge and seeing them learn a new skill with my help."

"Why don't you contact McGonagall, then?" Draco suggested. "I'm sure she would be more than happy to have one of her favourite students marching the halls once again," he teased.

Hermione coloured. "Well.. I don't think I was her favourite—"

"You were!" Draco countered. "She let you lot get away with far more than she would have allowed from any other student. It drove Sev mad." his expression turned sad as he remembered his former head of house. "Anyway," he continued, "I think you should contact her regardless. It never hurts to ask."

Hermione shrugged. "Maybe..." she murmured unconvincingly. She stared off into the distance for a few moments and swigged on her beer. Suddenly focusing on Draco again, she abruptly asked, "What's with that owl of yours, anyway?" When Draco gave her a blank look, she continued. "He has no manners. He came barging into my sitting room like he owned the place, got impatient with me and—" she tried to remain serious, but couldn't help giggling "—he whacked me in the face with a wing when I was slow to fetch the treats. He—" she began giggling harder and she remembered the animal's haughty attitude and mannerisms "—he reminded me of you at school!"

Draco began laughing with her. "I'm sorry about that. Aeneas is a snob and terribly recalcitrant to boot. He deliberately does things his way." Shaking his head in exasperation, Draco proceeded to tell Hermione about the previous evening when he had summoned the owl, describing the slow response and the rodent. "—and so—" he chuckled "—I was so distracted by Aeneas' style of departure and chastising myself for not asking him to wait for your reply, that I sat down in my chair without thinking."

Hermione, who had been giggling along with Draco as he recounted his confrontation with the owl, widened her eyes in surprise and covered her mouth. Pulling her hand away, she gasped, "Oh no! You didn't—?"

"I did." Draco tried to contain his laughter. "I sat down directly in a pile of rodent innards, feathers and dust."

Hermione threw back her head and laughed uproariously. Gasping and trying to return her breathing to normal, she wiped her eyes with her napkin. "Oh, I wish I could have seen your face!" She snorted. "It would have been priceless."

"I'm pleased my soiled trousers are such a source of amusement for you." Draco sniffed haughtily, trying to suppress a smile.

Still giggling, Hermione said, "I'm not going to let you live this down, you know." She smiled wickedly at him.

"Don't make me hex you, Granger," he grumbled, finishing his beer.

Hermione eyed him mischievously. "You haven't got the guts," she teased.

Draco groaned. Looking at his watch, he was surprised at how long they had been at the restaurant. "Do you want to go for a butterbeer?" he asked quietly. The alcohol must be really doing a number on him, as he had been able to ask without agonising over it for several minutes beforehand; it had just popped out.

Hermione checked her own watch and sighed regretfully. "I'd best head home soon, actually. Athena might be waiting for me with a reply."

Draco tried to hide his disappointment. "I understand." Remembering what she had said earlier regarding Greek mythology, he added, "I like the name you've chosen. I always did admire Athena for her courage and wisdom."

"Me, too." Hermione smiled. "To me she is symbolic of the base ideas of feminism."

Draco frowned in confusion. "What is feminism?"

Hermione brightened. "It's a muggle concept. Basically, it promotes equality between the sexes and argues that women should not be constrained by typical gender norms or expectations, and deserve to be regarded on par with men."

"Well, that seems reasonable," Draco mused.

"It's funny you should say that," Hermione replied, her expression serious. "Some of the more traditional practices and expectations of Wizarding society are—well—somewhat at odds with the concept of feminism."

"How so?" Draco asked, curious now.

"Well, for example, one of the ideas feminism promotes is the right of women to seek and retain a career, even if they choose to have children. It also promotes the right of the woman to choose whether she wants to have children at all."

"But witches normally bear children when they marry and then stay at home with them, at least until they begin their formal education." Draco frowned.

"Exactly!" Hermione responded vehemently. "It's archaic! Witches should be given the right to choose whether they want to get married, have children and stay at home, or pursue other avenues in life."

"But why?" Draco argued. "Witches help continue the family line and are best placed to care for the children because—" he stopped abruptly at the knowing look she was giving him.

"Because...?" she prompted.

"Well, because—" Draco stopped himself from speaking further. He strongly felt that any answer he gave would prove to reflect poorly on him.

"Hah! You can't think of a good reason why, can you?" Hermione responded triumphantly.

"I can think of good reasons!" Draco retorted defensively. "They're good reasons for much of Wizarding society, even if they aren't for you with your muggle concepts!"

Hermione glared at him. "Your 'good reasons'—" she made air quotes to emphasise "—are supporting the patriarchy!"

"Yes, well, the patriarchy rules for a reason! Even if I don't know what that is!" Draco sniped.

Hermione huffed in response, rolling her eyes heavenward. "Well of course you wouldn't!" she muttered.

The two sat in sullen silence for several minutes, until they were startled out of their tiff by a quiet, "Ahem."

Draco and Hermione looked up in surprise to see Navim standing awkwardly at their table. "May I take your plates?" he asked quietly.

Hermione and Draco nodded, and he began to clear the table, stacking the empty dishes on the tray. "Would you like to see the dessert menu? Any coffee or tea?" he asked as he worked.

"Not for me, thanks," Hermione declined. "I should be going, anyway."

Draco sighed. "Me, too."

Navim nodded and retreated toward the kitchen, carrying the tray.

Hermione stood up. "I'll go settle the bill," she announced.

Frowning, Draco put up a hand to stop her. "No, please let me get it."

"Absolutely not. I chose the restaurant and the menu, so I'll cover it."

"But I invited you to dinner. It would be improper for you to pay."

"According to whom?" Hermione challenged. Her eyes dared him to argue further, to say that wizards, not witches, should pay for meals or make some other form of protest.

Draco sighed in defeat. "At least let me split the bill with you?" he asked without much hope.

"No," came the firm reply.

Before he could say another word, she had walked away from him and over to the counter where Navim was waiting.

Draco watched as Hermione passed what appeared to be a small plastic card to Navim, who then swiped it through some sort of small box and handed it back to her. She pushed some buttons on another box-like thing attached to the first by a cord, then a piece of paper appeared which Navim tore off and handed back to Hermione, along with the plastic card. Draco had seen muggles in the Blue Jazzist use this method of payment several times but did not know what it was or how it worked.

He stood up and walked over to the counter. "Thank you, Navim. The meal was delicious. Please pass on my thanks and compliments to Ravi."

Navim smiled. "Ravi will be pleased, and thank you for coming, Mr Draco. I hope to see you here again soon with Miss Hermione, yes?" He winked.

Draco simply nodded and smiled in response. He wasn't sure if he would get another chance to eat at The Charming Tiger, or indeed at any establishment, with Hermione again. He sensed she was still rather put out with him, and if truth be told, he was a little put out with her as well.

They left the restaurant and Hermione led the way again, heading back toward the park. She was walking slightly ahead of him and he increased his stride so he could draw even with her.

"Granger." He put his hand on her arm to halt her, and she turned to look at him, her face carefully neutral. "Look… I won't pretend to understand your views. I know they're different from what I've been raised to expect. But I'm not going to automatically agree with yours just because you think mine are wrong."

She started to protest and he held up his hand, indicating he wasn't done. "I'm also not saying I'm not open to hearing more about your views and reconsidering my stance on some things, given time on my part and adequate reasoning on yours. Just… let's not allow our opposing viewpoints in this subject prevent us from getting along."

Hermione sighed. "I suppose you're right. I apologise if I was out of order. It's a subject I feel strongly about."

Draco smiled. "I can tell. And you weren't out of order. Just bossy." He smirked, and she poked her tongue out at him in response. "Truce?" he asked, extending his hand.

"Truce," Hermione agreed, taking it. They shook and then stood there awkwardly for a moment, neither knowing what to do next. Hermione took charge by beginning to walk again, and they re-entered the park in peaceful silence.

"What was that box thing you used to pay for the meal?" Draco asked curiously. "I've seen muggles use it before, but how does it work?"

Hermione looked at him in amusement. "If you'd taken muggle studies, you would know. It was covered in fifth year."

Draco snorted. "Can you imagine me—well, the Hogwarts me—taking muggle studies? Besides," he added with a wry smile, "my father would have beaten me senseless."

"But that's horrid! It's child abuse!" Hermione gasped.

Draco shrugged. "It wouldn't have been the first time. He was quick to anger."

Hermione looked at him in sympathy. "It's wrong, regardless. Parents should never raise a hand to their children." Moving the subject back to its original direction, she explained, "I used a payment card. It's an electronic transaction; the card is connected to your bank. The card is swiped through the machine and the due amount is electronically deducted from your bank balance, and then transferred to the account of the establishment you're paying at."

"I see," Draco replied, though he didn't really. He didn't understand electronics or the multiple ways in which they seemed to work at all.

"Well, I'll be off. I hope you enjoyed your first Indian dining experience." Hermione grinned at the memory of Draco's initial reaction to the hot curry.

"I did, once I got over the shock." He grinned back. "Thank you for the evening." He paused. "Let me know once you hear from Weasley and Wood."

Hermione nodded. "Goodnight, Malfoy."

"Goodnight, Granger."

Draco waited until Hermione had departed before turning on the spot and apparating away with a sharp crack.

Hermione arrived home and immediately opened the sitting room window, calling for Athena. The owl appeared from within the boughs of a nearby tree and flew gracefully through the window, landing on her perch. She looked weary but pleased at she held out her leg to reveal two letters attached to it. Hermione retrieved the items then fetched the treat jar, feeding them to Athena, who gobbled them down gratefully.

"Thank you, Athena. You're as speedy as ever." Hermione praised, gently stroking the owl's feathers. Athena hooted contentedly before flufflng out her feathers and closing her eyes, clearly ready for a well-deserved sleep.

Hermione took the letters to her chair by the window, first opening the one from Charlie.

Dear Hermione, it read.

How wonderful to hear from you again. I'm sorry to hear about what has happened at your club, and of course I will be more than happy to help. I can spare a couple of weekends away. I'll come down to London Wednesday evening for the group meet, and head back to Romania Thursday after lunch. Can you please owl mum and let her know to expect me Wednesday evening to stay?

See you in a couple of days.

Love, Charlie. Xx

P.S your owl flies like a champ. She could give some of the Dragons a run for their money.

Hermione smiled at the familiar warmth in Charlie's letter and felt a glimmer of excitement at seeing him again. It had been far too long since he had last visited England. Turning to the second letter, she broke the seal and removed Oliver's reply. It was much more short and to the point than Charlie's, simply reading,

Anything for the lioness. Let me know when the meeting will be held and I'll be there. Maybe we can get a drink, too? Xx

Hermione giggled and rolled her eyes at Oliver's flirtiness. It wasn't a behaviour exclusively reserved for her; Oliver simply loved women and naturally flirted with just about any female he came into contact with. He was truly incorrigible.

Hermione decided she would reply to Oliver and inform Malfoy of the proposed date tomorrow; Athena was exhausted and it would be unkind to ask her to deliver any more mail tonight.

Instead, she sat and mused over her dinner with Malfoy. It had been less uncomfortable than their tea the previous day, certainly. She caught herself smiling slightly and was shocked at the realisation that she had… actually had a good time.

Malfoy's eagerness to try something new, coupled with his being caught unawares by the strong flavours, had been strangely endearing. The conversation had flowed freely and she had been surprised to discover he was a vibrant and energetic storyteller. She giggled again at the memory of his description of Aeneas' stubborn and defiant nature, then frowned as she recalled how quickly they had gone from laughing together to having a heated disagreement.

She supposed she shouldn't be surprised; not really. She and Malfoy were sitting at opposite ends of the societal spectrum. He was a spoiled, wealthy pureblood who was descended from an ancient magical line, and part of the Sacred Twenty-Eight; she was a muggleborn, with an ordinary middle-class upbringing and dentists for parents.

They had disagreed on just about everything while they were at Hogwarts, and she shouldn't expect that they would suddenly share the same views just because they had put aside the animosity they held toward each other previously.

Hermione then remembered Nakim referring to Malfoy as her date, and her evasive reply when Malfoy had later asked why she hadn't corrected Nakim. She wondered that herself; why had she brushed the comment, and Malfoy's question, aside? It wasn't a date, was it? Just two people who had previously hated each other trying to find common ground and begin again, surely?

But why, then, did she recall the way he became animated when telling a story, or how eager he was to try something new? Why did she notice the dimple at the corner of his mouth when he smiled, or the way his eyes had sparkled when he joked about hexing her?

She was pulled from her musings by a tap at her window. Turning, Hermione was surprised to see Aeneas eyeing her through the glass. She rose and quickly went to let him in. He glared at her as he entered, and she hastily retrieved the jar of treats. Seemingly mollified by her gesture, he held out his leg so she could untie the letter and quickly gobbed the food, looking with disinterest around the room.

Opening the letter, she read,

Dear Granger,

I wondered if your owl has returned, and deduced that if she has she will be too tired to fly any further tonight. I have sent Aeneas in anticipation, so he can deliver any mail you need to send this evening. He'll be disagreeable about being asked to carry out additional deliveries, but he'll get over it. Although, it might be wise to bribe him with some meat, if you have any.

Regards,

Draco

Hermione was touched by his thoughtfulness.

She looked over at Aeneas. "Some meat, huh?"

The owl lifted his head in interest at the word 'meat'. "Come on, then."

She led the way into the kitchen. Looking into her fridge, she found some leftover chicken from her dinner the previous evening. Removing the plate, she placed it on the kitchen counter, and Aeneas set to eating it eagerly.

While he was eating, Hermione headed back into her sitting room to pen letters to Oliver, Molly, and Malfoy. Thinking a private room at The Three Broomsticks would be the best place to meet, she suggested a time and the location to the two former Hogwarts students. Next she wrote a note for Molly to inform her she should expect Charlie to stay on Wednesday evening, as he had requested.

"Aeneas!" she called when she was done. The owl hopped down from the counter and across the floor, the last piece of chicken in his beak. "Can you please take these letters to Oliver Wood and Molly Weasley?" she asked.

The owl bobbed his head once in acceptance and jumped up onto the arm of the couch, holding out his foot so she could attach the letters.

"There's one here for Malfoy, too," she explained. Reaching out gingerly, she gently stroked his head. "You're very handsome," she told him. "Thank you for helping me while Athena is resting."

Aeneas puffed up proudly at the complement and hooted at her kindly, before making his way across the room and out the window, disappearing into the purple darkness.

The Three Broomsticks, Wednesday evening

Draco paced nervously in an upstairs room, waiting for the rest of the group to arrive. He had received Hermione's response on Monday evening and had been surprised to observe Aeneas was not nearly as put out as he had expected following the owl's return. Upon reading her reply he had immediately Flooed Blaise and Theo to update them, and had spent the remaining time up until now in a state of excitement and trepidation; excitement, because he would see Hermione again, and trepidation because he had no idea how Wood might react when faced with three former Slytherins in the room whom he was expected to get along with.

The door opened and his head snapped up, his heart hammering nervously in his chest. He relaxed visibly when he saw the arrivals were his friends. Blaise was carrying a bottle of firewhiskey and three glasses.

"Granger's downstairs with Weasley and Wood," the dark-skinned wizard announced. "Wood looked pissed off, but Weasley seemed to be trying to calm him down." Blaise poured nips into the three glasses as he spoke, handing one to Draco and Theo before picking up his own.

"Shit," muttered Draco, his nervousness back. Abruptly he knocked back the entire contents of his glass and quickly poured another, his hand shaking slightly.

"Easy, Drake," Theo soothed, placing a comforting hand on Draco's arm. "I think between Granger and Weasley, everything's under control. They won't let Wood do anything rash."

Draco nodded, though he wasn't so sure.

The three men turned toward the door as they heard voices and footsteps approaching.

Hermione had debated the best way to manage the meeting in order to prevent any violence, and came to the conclusion she should confess to Charlie and Oliver once they arrived at The Three Broomsticks, before they all went upstairs to the room Malfoy had reserved.

It was for this reason she found herself perched on a barstool, nervously waiting the arrival of her two fellow Gryffindors. She knew Malfoy had arrived not long before and was already waiting upstairs, as the barman on duty had informed her she could go up whenever she was ready.

The bell over the door rang and Oliver stepped into the room. He glanced around quickly and, spying Hermione, strode over to her with a cheeky smile on his face. "Hello, my lioness," he greeted, kissing her on the cheek.

"Hello, Oliver." Hermione smiled. "Thanks for coming along. Charlie should be here soon."

"Oho! You didn't tell me it was that kind of a meet," he replied, giving her a lewd wink.

Hermione laughed and gave him a gentle shove on the arm. "You know it's not that kind of a meet, you arse," she chided.

Oliver sighed theatrically. "A man can only dream."

Just then, the bell tinkled again and Charlie walked in. The second-eldest Weasley was an imposing presence. He was tall and muscular, and wore his fiery red hair long, almost to his shoulders.

He gets more good-looking every time I see him, Hermione thought to herself as he spotted them and wandered over.

"Hey Hermione, Wood," Charlie greeted them, shaking hands with Oliver and embracing Hermione. "Merlin, you're beautiful," he complimented her. "My brother was a fool to let you go."

Hermione blushed at the compliment. "We just weren't suited to one another." She shrugged. "If we'd remained together, it would have been a disaster. He's much better paired with Lav."

"So are you currently single, Hermione?" Wood asked, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"I am, but I am a one-man kind of woman. I don't like to share." She grinned, referring to Oliver's tendency to date multiple witches at a time. "Right. A bit of business before we go up." She took a deep breath. "I feel I should warn you both beforehand; the people we're meeting are Blaise Zabini, Theo Nott, and… Draco Malfoy."

Charlie simply frowned slightly, but Oliver burst out, "What? In Merlin's name, why? Why would those snakes help anyone outside of their own house? Especially Malfoy, that super snake! He—" Oliver stopped, and looked at Hermione closely. "You're not under the imperius curse, are you, Hermione?" he asked worriedly. He pulled out his wand, apparently intending to cast a revealing charm, but Charlie stopped him.

"I'm sure Hermione isn't being influenced by Malfoy or anyone else," Charlie interjected, trying to calm the other wizard down.

"Thank you, Charlie," Hermione said quietly. "I'm not under the imperius curse, nor am I being coerced in any other way. I'm here of my own free will." She had seen Theo and Blaise arrive a few moments ago out of the corner of her eye, but Charlie and Oliver had not noticed them. "Let me explain in full."

She signalled for drinks, and started from the beginning, explaining how Malfoy had come to be involved with the club and his concern for the muggles who worked there, their subsequent discussion and carefully formed truce, and the present situation.

"... so Malfoy has convinced Nott and Zabini to help out as well. Larry is expected to be off work for at least a month and maybe up to six weeks. John definitely longer, because of his broken leg and dislocated shoulder. With four people rotating three nights a week, it might just be doable without disrupting anyone's prior commitments too heavily."

Charlie nodded, although Oliver did not look entirely convinced.

"Please, Oliver?" Hermione asked, batting her eyelashes at him. "I'm sure they will all be on their best behaviour. Malfoy in particular has been trying very hard not to be a complete and utter prat these days."

Oliver sighed. "How can I resist when you ask so prettily?" he conceded. "All right, but I will hex him if he puts a foot wrong."

"Thank you, Oliver." Hermione smiled at him. "Shall we go up?" she asked, addressing both men.

They nodded, and the three headed up the stairs.

"Well, that went as well as can be expected," Draco mused.

"Considering no one was hexed, I'd say it went very well," Theo replied with a wry grin.

The meeting had been quite productive, despite some initial tension between Wood and the Slytherins. They had set up a schedule of rotating shifts which would cover the three nights a week the club was open for the next four weeks. Draco had offered to compensate each of them for their time, but Blaise and Theo had declined, noting that they didn't need the additional money and were happy to do it as a favour to him. However, Blaise had said, he would happily accept bottles of expensive alcohol from Draco as a token of his thanks. Charlie and Oliver had eventually accepted the offer after encouragement from Hermione, and the matter was settled. Hermione had not long left, with Wood and Weasley accompanying her.

"Wood seemed to have his roving eye firmly on Granger," Blaise noted. "I'm surprised he was able to pay attention to anything else that was going on."

Draco gritted his teeth. He had noticed Wood continually flirting with and eyeing Hermione too, and he hadn't liked it in the slightest. His hand had itched to reach for his wand on several occasions, and he had barely managed to maintain an outward air of indifference.

"Of course," Blaise continued, seemingly oblivious to Draco's reaction, "she is pretty good looking. She's really grown into her figure, and her hair is far less of a fright."

"Shut it, Zabini," Draco growled.

"What did I say?" Blaise exclaimed indignantly. "I'm just making an observation. I'm not going to steal her from you, Malfoy. Unless," he added with a teasing grin, "you fuck it up somehow. Then I might have to move in."

Draco pulled out his wand and pointed it at the dark-skinned wizard. "Not funny, Zabini," he said tightly.

"Okay, okay, that's enough," Theo interrupted, stepping between them.

"Draco, you're not going to fuck it up. If it's going to happen, it will. Just relax and let things progress." Turning to Blaise, he continued, "As for you, stop teasing him. We both know you would never do that to a friend." Turning back to Draco, he looked him in the eye and repeated, "He would never do that to a friend."

Draco sighed and put his wand away. "You're right." Turning to Blaise, he added, "I apologise. I know you wouldn't make a move on her, even if I do fuck it up." He paused. "I just hope I don't."

Blaise waved away Draco's apology. "Are you kidding? You're Draco Malfoy. Malfoys always get what they want."

"Not always," Draco countered quietly, thinking of the actions forced upon him in his final years at Hogwarts, and his inability to prevent the killing of his mother.

"Just try not to overthink it," Theo contributed. "She seems more at ease with you, and that's a good start. You've even had your first argument already, and she's still around. Give it time and keep talking to her."

"I wish it were that easy," Draco replied. "Taking my time, I mean. I feel like if I throw this away, if I drive her away or she rejects me, that's it for me. I just—" he looked helplessly at his two best friends, afraid to say the words out loud "—I feel like this—she—is my last chance at redemption. I've got nothing else left to motivate me to do better."

"Well then, you'll just have to win her over," Theo replied firmly. Blaise nodded in agreement.

Draco nodded silently. He just hoped he could live up to their expectations, and Hermione's, in the coming weeks and months.

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