A/N: Thank you all so much for your reviews, favorites and follows! I am so glad you are enjoying the drama that Rodolphus and Bellatrix are bringing, and can I just say, I am loving all the creative ways you guys are wishing they would go away, haha! I got a real laugh out of that. You can follow me on tumblr (nauticalparamour) where I post sneak peeks, story updates and answer questions!

Please let me know what you thought of chapter nine and be on the lookout for chapter ten soon!


If there was one thing Hermione hated, it was her friends invading her study time with meaningless non-questions. "So, Rabastan," Harry said, perhaps hoping to sound completely nonchalant, but failing miserably, leaning with his back against a stack of books.

Hermione looked up from the stack of books that she was reshelving in the library, wondering just how Harry had tracked her down in the historical library stacks. It was as if he were some kind of bloodhound or something. "So, did you have a reason to bother me here or are you just going to say the name of my neighbor without any explanation at all?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at her friend.

"I guess he just...well he wasn't what I was expecting at all," Harry said eventually, rubbing his hand against the back of his neck. "Don't really understand what Ginny was on about. I wouldn't have guessed you would be...you know...interested in that type of guy."

She snorted in amusement. "No, I don't suppose you would understand," she agreed, knowing that her guy friends always seemed unable to tell when another man was attractive. "He's surprisingly sweet," she said, thinking of the helpless way Rabastan moved through the world. She certainly wouldn't be telling Harry about the way that he held her and kissed her.

Harry made a noise of surprise at hearing that. "Sweet isn't the word that I would use to describe him," he said giving her a significant look. "He was quite forceful when he introduced himself to Ron and me. Ron's still complaining that his hand aches after the handshake."

Hermione couldn't stop herself from rolling her eyes at hearing that. "Well, perhaps Ron shouldn't have come in acting all macho, demanding to know who I'm on a date with - which it wasn't - as if he is entitled to that information in anyway," Hermione countered, trying to let Harry know just how annoyed she was with that line of questioning.

"Of course you're right," Harry conceded quickly. The messy-haired man did not want to get entangled in the middle of Ron and Hermione's will-they-won't-they relationship again, having spent more than his share of time having to play peacekeeper between the two. He'd been relieved when Hermione finally confided that she just wasn't interested in Ron like that anymore, and he'd hoped that Ron had finally moved on as well. But...he couldn't hold his tongue about Rabastan. "He's just...well, not your type, I guess. All tattoos and leather jackets."

"Oh?" Hermione questioned, crossing her now empty arms over her chest, curious about who Harry thought her type was. "And just who is my type?"

"I dunno...someone more like Remus," he explained helplessly.

"Harry, you want me to go after Remus?" she asked, laughing at how absurd it sounded. She might have had a crush on Harry's godfather's friend when she was younger, but she certainly couldn't imagine getting together with him now that he had a wife and young son.

"No, of course not, I just mean...someone more like Remus," he tried to explain, though he was not doing a very good job. "I just mean, you both like books, and he's quiet and likes an afternoon in, just like you."

"How do you know that Rabastan doesn't like an afternoon in with me?" she asked, wanting to push Harry's buttons a bit. "Maybe we spent all weekend last cuddled up on the couch making out." Hermione desperately tried to keep a straight face, but seeing Harry's scandalized face made her dissolve into a fit of giggles.

When she finally got control of herself, she gave Harry a grin and a squeeze to his shoulder. "See, this is why it's better to keep your nose out of my love life, Harry. Rabastan and I aren't together," she added, though she was unable to not blush when she remembered the passionate kiss they'd shared, just days before. "But, if we were, I'd want you to just respect my choice."

"You might not be dating, but I can tell that you are interested in him more than just as your neighbor, Hermione," Harry said sagely, his green eyes penetrating her guilty gaze. "And I just want to make sure that you are being safe."

"You know me Harry - cautious Hermione Granger," she said with a shrug of her shoulders, wanting this conversation to be over.

"I know, but...well, I looked up his record," Harry said, giving her a significant look. "I think that you deserve to know what you are getting into." He dug around in his backpack, shuffling papers until he found what he was looking for. He held out the papers, waiting for her to take them.

Hermione stared at the papers, torn over what she should do. "Harry, Rabastan already told me what he did," she said, nibbling at her lower lip. "He recognized that what he did was wrong and he seems to be genuinely remorseful about it. I want to give him a chance," she explained.

"Well, if he already told you what happened, then there should be no surprises in here," Harry said, perceptively. "I think you owe it to yourself to at least know what kind of man you are dealing with."

Although she wanted to trust Rabastan's version of events, she couldn't help but wonder if he'd been completely truthful. And perhaps Harry was right that it was best to go into whatever their relationship was going to be with eyes wide open. She wouldn't want to be shocked with some hidden truth later on down the road. Sighing, she took the papers from him, before putting them into her own bag. "Okay, Harry, but if I decide to date Rabastan - I mean, if we should ever get to that kind of a relationship - I'd hope that you would respect my decision. After all, I am a smart girl who can take care of herself."

Harry smiled, looking relieved that she'd taken what he'd given her. He pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. "Of course, Hermione," Harry said. "Now, how about some lunch?"


It didn't even take a week for Rabastan to seek her out again after he'd had to chase her out of his flat when he'd had unexpected guests show up. He'd been working out in the garden, his shirt getting sweaty and greasy from his motorcycle, when he'd caught her peeping out at him from her kitchen window.

He'd wiped his dirty hands on the bandana hanging out of the pocket of his jeans before crossing into her section of the garden, calling out to her to come out. "I've seen you watching me Miss Granger," he teased, his voice carried in through the open window. "Aren't you going to come out and speak to me or do you insist on being a naughty girl and hiding away?"

Hermione's cheeks burned furiously at the way that he'd called her a naughty girl, but she'd crept outside all the same, forcing herself not to feel the least bit guilty about looking out her window. Biting her lip, she decided to tease him back. "What was I supposed to do, not look? I had such a good view," she answered.

Rabastan grinned back up at her, his light green eyes drinking in her weekend attire. "I was wondering if I could convince you to go on a date with me, since our last one ended so poorly."

"Oh, was that a date?" Hermione questioned, knowing that it had not explicitly been called a date, though she'd desperately hoped that it was one. "I thought you were just tricking me into making your dinner for you, only to leave myself to starve."

He did frown at that, perhaps still feeling badly about the way that he'd asked her to leave. "Well, then you must come out to dinner with me tonight," he answered, eagerly. "That way, you will know that this time it's definitely a date, and I can make up for my bad manners."

Hermione looked at his messy clothes before her eyes dropped down to her sweatpants and slouchy t shirt. "You mean like, right now?" she asked, suddenly feeling very self conscious. She saw his eager grin, and bit her lower lip, wondering if he was joking. "But I'm not dressed to go out, and no offense, you look like you could use a shower yourself."

Rabastan looked down at the rag that he still held in his hands, seeing that he left a lot to be desired. "What if we met out front in an hour?" he proposed.

She thought through to all the things that she would need to do to get ready. Of course, she'd already showered earlier in the day, but she'd have to fret over what to wear, perfect whatever makeup she talked herself into wearing, and, of course, sort out her hair, which was unlikely to cooperate after spending the whole day up in a messy top knot. Still, she wanted to go out with Rabastan, so she would make it work. "Sure, that should work for me," she agreed.

"Great," he grinned back at her, before turning to return to his own garden. "It's a date," he added, over his shoulder, making Hermione's heart flip-flop in excitement.

As soon as he was out of sight, she rushed back inside to get ready. As usual, most of her time was spent in front of the mirror, trying on numerous tops to match her favorite pair of jeans that made her arse look great, only to get frustrated at the pile of rejects on her floor. Eventually, she found the perfect plaid button up in red that she figured was equal parts flattering and casual. She didn't expect Rabastan to take her anywhere too fancy.

Before she knew it, she was walking out her front door, finding Rabastan leaning against the steps waiting for her. He'd not dressed up too much either, but he looked handsome in a rugged sort of way in his jeans and black shirt.

"So, just where are we headed to Mr. Lestrange?" she asked, using his full name much like he'd done to her before.

Rabastan wrapped his arm around her shoulders as soon as she stood next to her down the block. "Just a little place I found not that long ago," he answered with a grin.

Hermione felt her stomach flip flop at the feeling of being safely tucked underneath his arm. She loved feeling the heat of his skin seep into her body, and being surrounded by his new leather and spice scent. She wondered briefly what it would be like to slip into his worn motorcycle jacket, traitorously. Would some possessive part of him like that?

He deftly guided them several blocks away from their flats where the residential area melted away into a tiny section of shops and restaurants that Hermione was vaguely familiar with. When they got to the pub on the corner, he held the door open and led them to an open table.

"This place has the best Thai food I've found so far," he said with a conspiratorial grin. "Though, since you only ever eat takeaways, maybe you know some place better."

Hermione laughed at that, but shook her head. "Guess I will just have to see how this place stacks up to my usual," she countered, laughing at the cheeky grin on his face.

They ordered pints and dishes to share between the two of them. Over all, Hermione was very impressed with the location. It was cozy and warm, with small tables that meant their knees would touch underneath the table. The food was delicious, much better than Hermione's normal Thai, and she resolved to grab a paper menu on the way out for future dinners.

Rabastan greedily asked her plans for the summer, and was relieved to hear that she didn't plan on returning somewhere for the holiday. He listened to her decision to take a job at the library, which would give her a chance to study for law entrance exams, and give her a little extra money. She explained to him how her parents had moved to Australia several years before, and how they just didn't see each other very often any more.

In turn, Hermione was glad to hear that Rabastan was settling in well at his job. The pub that he worked at was exceedingly pleased with how he'd done as their door man, and had even begun training him to work behind the bar. "You'll have to come visit me while I'm working some time," he asked, reaching across the table to grab her hand affectionately. "I'll give you a discount," he added with a wink.

When their dinner was done, Hermione had drank two and a half IPAs - her third had to be finished by Rabastan - and they reluctantly had to make the walk back to their flat, knowing that the pub was going to be closing up for the night. Neither one of them really wanted the evening to be over, so they took their time walking back in the light drizzle that had started once the sun had gone down.

Finally back at the flat, Rabastan followed her up her stairs, standing with her at the door. Hermione could feel her heart thumping against her rib cage when he looked at her with those decidedly unchaste green eyes. Hoping that she wasn't about to make a terrible mistake, she looked up at him through sooty lashes. "Umm..come in for a nightcap?" she asked, playing with the keys in her hands, though, if things went her way, she didn't plan on offering him any beverage.

Rabastan rewarded her with that crooked smile. "I thought you'd never ask, babe," he agreed, following her inside her little flat.

Stopping to shove off their shoes at the door, Hermione pressed her fingers under the sides of his leather jacket. "Let me hang this up for you?" she asked, pulling it off of his body, before leaving it on the hook by the door.

The pair retired to her living room, where she fumbled with the remote to turn the telly on in some spurious move to distract them from what they really wanted to do, while Rabastan settled in on her couch. When she returned, he grabbed her hand and pulled her between his legs, until she was settled across his lap.

"Rabastan!" Hermione giggled, unable to find her balance unless she pressed her hands against his shoulders. He cut off any more protests by pressing his lips against hers, moving against her slowly but surely. She melted against him with a tiny moan, feeling his hands delve into her hair, positioning her head just how he wanted her.

Opening her lips to him, Hermione sighed when he took the kiss deeper, sucking her lower lip between his, his tongue tracing against the plump flesh. Cautiously, she allowed herself to meet his tongue, rubbing against him a sensual dance, a shiver of pleasure racing up her spine when they moved together.

Pulling away from her lips, Rabastan kissed down her jaw to the skin just below her ear, while his fingers worked on the buttons at the front of her flannel, revealing the milky skin of her breasts to him. Not to be outdone, Hermione's fingers found the edge of his t-shirt, pulling it up over his head.

She groaned, seeing his lightly tanned and well muscled chest, not for the first time, but the first time close enough to reach out and touch him. Her finger tips traced along the tattoos on his right arm, only to seek out the single tattoo on his chest. The rest of his abdomen was bare, save a light covering of dark hair that disappeared beneath the waistband of his jeans. She delighted in seeing his muscles twitch at her delicate touches.

Rabastan pressed her back against the couch, his mouth leaving hot, open mouthed kisses down the side of her neck, stopping here and there to suck lustily against the skin, sure to leave a love bite her and there. He groaned when his lips reached the tops of her breasts, pressing reverent kisses to the soft skin.

He brought his hands up her still clothed sides to cup her breasts through the black cotton fabric, and Hermione could feel her nipples pebble beneath his touch. Her mind was fuzzy and focused at the same time, as if her entire being was focused on his tattooed fingers pulling the cups of her bra down so that his lips could finally meet the hardened tip, sucking against her, sending shivers racing up and down her spine to her center.

With his body cradled between her open hips, she could feel how hard he was pressed against her tightly, telegraphing his need and desire for her. Her insides clenched in desire and heat and she was positive that no one had ever made her feel that way. But, no matter how much he clearly wanted to take things further, he didn't press her further, seemingly content to lick and kiss all over her chest. His scruffy face rubbing against her sensitive skin had her moaning, arching against him.

Just when she thought she could go on no longer, he was kissing back up to her lips, capturing her in one, final, blistering kiss. She let his fingers play with his dark hair, twirling her fingers in the half curls that she found.

Rabastan broke away, grinning at her with well kissed lips. "God, I could spend a day just kissing you, babe," he told her honestly.

Hermione nodded helplessly, feeling the exact same way. He'd spent all the time exploring her body, but she'd barely gotten to appreciate him. Still, she sat up, righting her clothing, grateful that he hadn't pushed things too far too fast, despite that his body clearly wanted him too. "Oh, is that the time?" she asked, a blush rising to her cheeks when she finally saw the clock on the wall. Somehow, they'd spent nearly two hours together on her little couch.

"Early morning tomorrow?" he asked, looking at her out of the corner of his eye once he'd pulled his shirt back over his head.

She nodded helplessly, remembering that she did have her earliest class the next day. Sighing, upset that the date was over, Hermione stood and walked him to the door. "I did have a really great time, Rabastan," she told him with a shy grin. "I'd like to go out again sometime."

Rabastan pulled her in for one last lingering kiss, before nodding. "Me too, babe. I'm sure we can arrange something real soon," he answered, making no secret of the way his green eyes sweeped up and down her disheveled body, feeling obvious pride that he'd made her that way.