Ok...so I was mean ending where I did...but you guys will forgive me when you read this next chap...or will you?

(insert evil laugh of your choice here)

Now go on faithful readers...go and read...be free...

Disclaimer: We all know what I've said in the past...but what would you do if I told you all the other disclaimers were a lie...(insert second evil laugh of your choice here)...just kidding...

Realizations During Tea

When she reached the bed Hermione put her hands on the mattress ready to hoist herself up. So she was surprised when Draco put his hands on her hips and lifted her gently. When she was sitting on the bed she pulled Draco closer and kissed him again. She couldn't help but feel excited now. She had been nervous but now that she was kissing Draco like they had been together for years Hermione was relaxed.

Something within her took over. Her hands slid up his front slowly until they reached his broad shoulders. The fabric of his shirt was so soft beneath her fingers. Tingles shot through her wherever his hands touched and she couldn't seem to get enough of it. Her mind was overloaded with the feelings that his touch was bringing on. She couldn't think clearly so she decided to leave the thinking to when it was over.

Her hands began to fumble with the buttons on Draco's shirt. He broke the kiss to watch her slowly unbutton it. Hermione kept her focus on the buttons afraid that if she looked up she wouldn't be able to continue. When they were all undone Hermione lifted her head and their eyes connected. Her fingers skimmed his chest as her hands rose. She stared right into his icy eyes as she pushed his shirt off letting it fall to the floor.

Draco leaned in and kissed her again only this time he really wanted to. He couldn't help but be attracted to the woman before him. The innocence in her eyes as she pushed off his shirt was too much for him to handle and something within him snapped. He wanted her then and he was ready to have her.

Draco's hands unhooked his belt and unbuttoned his pants faster than they ever had before. He'd already tossed his shoes off and was standing before Hermione in nothing but his boxers and socks. She looked him up and down drinking in the sight that was her husband. His body was more remarkable than she'd thought. He had defined stomach and chest muscles that she ran her hands over lightly.

Hermione didn't protest when Draco grabbed the bottom of her shirt and began to lift it off, nor did she stop him when he pulled down her skirt. But after both articles of clothing were off Draco stopped moving. Hermione saw that he was staring at her seemingly drinking in every bit of her. She felt self-conscious and looked away embarrassed. But Draco reached out and lightly turned her head back to his own.

"Your beautiful." He whispered before he kissed her.

Draco climbed into the bed as Hermione slid up toward the pillows. Draco crawled along behind her and when she stopped he wasted no time catching her lips in deep passionate kisses. His hands roamed over every inch of her soft skin. Tingles shot through her whole body but she didn't want him to stop. She was enjoying his touch and the things that it did to her. That combined with the intensity of his kiss was driving Hermione wild.

He laid her down her head touching the soft pillow. He slid a hand up her side his thumb just grazing her left breast, which was still covered by her bra. But that would soon come off leaving her top half exposed to him. Hermione no longer felt nervous before him.

Goose bumps spread across her stomach as Draco planted a soft kiss just above her navel. He kissed his way north, up her flat stomach and through the valley between her breasts. His other hand was gently caressing her right thigh as he sucked and nipped at her neck.

Hermione's fingernails lightly scratched at his back while he did all these things. Her breathing was quickening, as was her heart. Her body was poised and ready for what was going to happen. One of her hands strayed up to his hair. She ran her fingers through it letting them get tangled in the wonderful blonde locks. That drove Draco crazy. In the end making it harder for him to take things slowly.

At every nip Draco heard her gasp and felt her shudder beneath him. He couldn't take the teasing any longer. He wanted her. He sat up above her and pulled the blankets from beneath them. He slowly slid off her panties and tossed them to the floor. He did a quick sweep of the woman lying beneath him and knew she was more beautiful than any other. There was no doubt in his mind.

He slipped off the last bit of clothing on himself before leaning toward her. He asked her once more if she was ready and received a yes in reply. He gave her a long soft kiss before he pulled the blankets above them.

He positioned himself above her, having done this many times before with other girls. Gently he began. He knew that this being her first time it would hurt. He would go slow and try his hardest to make sure it didn't hurt more than it needed to.

He gently moved in stopping when he saw her wince. Her eyes were closed tight for a moment but then they opened and she gave her head the slightest nod. He leaned in and kissed her before he continued. His pace was slow, as he moved in and out, so that he wouldn't hurt her more than he had to. Her body was tight so he would lean in to kiss her softly relaxing her before he moved again.

Soon the pain lessened and Hermione began to move in time with Draco. Their hearts were beating so fast as Hermione moved her hips. She let out a small moan that made Draco smile. His movements grew quicker, but she kept up with him. Their bodies moved as one beneath the covers as the passion flowed through them.

Draco brushed his lips against hers as he went deeper. Hermione moaned again then did something Draco never thought she'd allow herself to do. She softly moaned his name against his chest before planting a kiss on the area where his neck and shoulders met. Her fingernails dug gently into his shoulders then released as her hands slid down his back. The pleasure she was feeling was heard in her moans and whispers of his name.

His movements grew quicker and Hermione knew that it was almost over. The sensations pulsing through her very skin had her on another level of ecstasy. Her back arched as Draco pushed one last time and Hermione tried to hold it in but couldn't, she called out his name one final time before falling back to the bed.

When he was finished Draco collapsed beside her breathless and sweaty. Hermione felt him move beside her after a moment and saw that he was propped up on an elbow and looking down at her.

"Are you all right?" Draco asked and she could tell by his face that he was genuinely worried for her. The git did have a heart after all.

"Yes." She said softly and he nodded.

"All right." He said then looked at her for a moment. He decided that he wouldn't mention her calling out his name for it might cause an argument. Instead he would settle for a kiss.

Hermione watched as he leaned in and kissed her softly before lying back down. She could, and probably would have lain there beside him pondering just why he had done that but her body gave out and she fell asleep. She turned on her side and curled up against her already sleeping husband and the two spent the rest of the night wrapped in each other's arms.

Draco woke the next morning to see that Hermione wasn't beside him. He heard the water in the bathroom running and assumed that she had gone to take a shower. He was tempted to go in and take one with her but he wasn't sure she would appreciate it. After all the night before had only been to save them from punishment not because she wanted to be with him.

He got up and grabbed a fresh pair of boxers and his robe and walked over to the window to wait for his turn in the shower. There were plenty of others in the house that he could have used but he wanted to use that one. It wasn't because Hermione was in there but because the bathroom was his as well and why should he go to another one.

The water shut off and five minutes later Hermione walked out dressed and ready for the new day. Her hair was parted right down the middle and braided on both sides. She was wearing a baby blue tank top with a white prairie skirt that went to her ankles. She headed right to their closet and returned with a pair of tan wedges that she slipped on.

"Why are you getting so dressed up?" Draco asked curiously.

"Didn't you see the letter?" she asked pointing to the night table.

Draco walked over and picked it up reading what was most definitely his mother's handwriting.

Hermione,

I would be delighted if you would join me for tea this afternoon. Please come round at eleven. We have much to do and talk about I can assure you. Till then.

Narcissa

It was a quick note scrawled on a scrap piece of parchment. Draco sat it back down on the table and turned around to see Hermione at the desk. She must have been writing a reply. He walked past her to the bathroom closing the door behind him.

As he stepped into the shower Draco thought about last night. His mind recalled the amazing feel of their bodied combined and the power that seemed to surge between them. He wondered if that was normal for married couples or if it had something to do with this prophecy.

He remembered the things that he had said to her and felt his stomach drop. He had told her that she was beautiful. But he had only said it to make her feel comfortable. He couldn't really mean it. No, he didn't he was only trying to get the thing done.

He wasn't attracted to a Mudblood.

After convincing himself Draco stepped from the shower and grabbed a towel. He left the bathroom in a cloud of steam and headed toward the closet. At hearing the door open Hermione looked up. She watched as he crossed the room and entered the closet disappearing from view.

Thoughts of the night before ran through her mind. She had to admit to herself the truth. After last night she could hide the fact no longer. She did fancy him. She thought he was physically beautiful but she knew that beneath all those rude words and smirks that there was a gentler more caring side of him. She hoped that she would see that side more often but knew that she probably wouldn't.

She turned her attention and thoughts back to the paper before her. She had responded to Draco's mother's invitation earlier. Now she was writing a reply to the letter that they had received the day before. She was writing the Dark Lord to tell him that he wouldn't have to punish them because the marriage had been consummated the night before.

It unnerved her to have to write something like that to her enemy but after everything that she'd gone through in the short time that she'd been kidnapped she had no problem getting it done. She folded it and sealed it with the wax crest that had been given to them as a wedding gift.

"Where are you headed?" Draco asked coming out of the closet fully clothed. Hermione couldn't help but remembered what was underneath those clothes.

"Down to send my letter."

"Have you had breakfast yet?"

"No not yet, why?" she asked wondering if she was going to witness Draco Malfoy being a gentleman again.

"Just wondering." He said turning away and closing the doors.

She shook her head before leaving the room. But she knew that she wasn't alone however. She could hear the sound of his feet behind her. She stopped and waited for him to catch up before walking again.

"What are your plans for today?" She asked him, turning to look up at his face.

"I have to go with my father to pick up something's." Draco said wondering why she was walking with him.

When they arrived in the kitchen Draco called for a house elf and told it what he wanted for breakfast. Hermione however walked right to the refrigerator and began taking things out. He watched her walk confidently around the room her head held high. She glided gracefully back and forth and seemed to know where everything was.

"Why don't you just let the elf make it." Draco said from the table.

"Because I can do it myself. I detest elf labour." She said not looking at him. Draco looked at her like she was crazy.

"I heard about that. How you made all kinds of clothes and left them all about the Gryffindor common room hoping elves would pick them up and be set free." He said with a chuckle.

"How would you find out?" She said turning about.

"I have my ways. And don't you even think about giving any of our elves clothes." He said with a stern voice.

Hermione didn't turn to look at him or even acknowledge his comment. She was too busy fixing herself something to eat. Draco could smell the eggs and sausages from where he sat. He rose from his seat and walked to the counter where she had set up a plate for herself.

He looked over her shoulder at the sizzling sausages in the pan. But he didn't really see them. He was too busy taking in her scent. She smelled of lavender and vanilla. It was a strange combination but he didn't mind. It suited her really.

"What do you want?" she asked turning her head and seeing his face awfully close.

"That smells good." He said softly his breath tickling her ear.

Shivers ran up her spine at that. Was he trying to do that to her? She had to fight it. To let him know that she fancied him could possibly make living with him unbearable. She tried to move away a bit but she felt his body behind her. He was so close and after the night before and all the things he said and how he acted Hermione felt that she couldn't fight him. She wouldn't be able to say no.

He pulled her from the stove and she opened her mouth to speak but Draco held up a hand. He then leaned in and kissed her deeply. He pulled her close with the hand positioned on her lower back and caressed her cheek with the other. His mind was completely blank as his lips claimed hers as his. But when the kiss ended Draco turned and sat back down.

She stared at him for a moment before turning back to her breakfast. Was Draco just fooling with her? Was all this affection that he was bestowing on her true, real? Or was it another trick to get things to work in his favour. Was he just using this weakness as a way of controlling her?

Draco sat at the table wondering what he had just done. Why had he kissed her? The Dark Lord hadn't forced him to but he had felt the need to do it anyway. He couldn't allow this. He couldn't let himself enjoy her. They were still enemies no matter what. He couldn't let feelings that would get him killed form between them. It was too dangerous.

Plus she was a Mudblood.

Draco reminded himself of that fact. He remembered all the things that he'd been taught about them. He remembered his father's description of the filth that they were and the filth they came from. He forced himself to think of her that way. But it was still hard. After seeing her so innocent and beautiful beneath him last night, looking neither filthy nor disgusting, he had trouble convincing himself. But he had to for both their sakes.

He turned his attention to the elf that delivered his breakfast bowing lowly before scooting away. Hermione also had her breakfast finished and was approaching the table. He looked at the plate and noticed that the food looked identical, but one plate was cooked by and elf and the other by hand. What made his plate so much better?

'It wasn't made by walking filth.' He thought harshly in his head feeling a quick pang of guilt afterwards.

"Why do you have two letters?" Draco asked getting his mind onto other topics.

"On the other one is nothing." She said trying to hide her eyes. He could tell right away, she was hiding something.

"Whom are you writing to?" he asked. "If it's Weasley or Potter don't even think about it."

"It's not." She said looking up. She hadn't even thought of writing to them in fact. She'd been preoccupied with other things that escaping had been her last thoughts.

Draco eyed her suspiciously before continuing his breakfast.

Just as Draco rose from his chair after the elf had taken away the plate there was a roar of the fire. Someone had arrived. Draco walked into the parlor where the Floo grate was located and watched as Macnair and his father moved through the room.

"Hello father." Draco said in a flat tone.

Hermione came round the corner and saw Lucius Malfoy standing there. She stopped in her tracks as his cold eyes turned on her. His expression turned to one of slight disgust before his attention turned back once again to his son.

"I've come to collect you. Macnair will be escorting her to tea with your mother. Are you ready to leave?"

"Of course." Draco said turning to go back into the kitchen. Hermione followed him.

"I don't want to be alone with him." Hermione said softly making Draco turn toward her.

"He's not going to hurt you. He wouldn't." Draco said picking up his wand.

"When will you be home?" she asked as she stepped in his path. He stopped and looked down into her eyes.

"I'm not sure exactly." He said wondering why she was asking.

She only nodded before standing on her toes and giving him a long kiss. It was only fair that she get him back for earlier by the stove. He had done it to confuse her and control her she was sure of it. But this was a message that said she wouldn't be control. He wouldn't be able to use her emotions against her.

When the kiss broke he paused before kissing her once more quickly then sidestepping her to join his father. She followed and watched him and Lucius Floo away. Macnair was standing watching them go as well and Hermione felt nervous now being alone with a Death Eater. But then again she had been spending most of her time around him.

"Would you like something to drink?" she said before turning to the kitchen.

After an hour or so of waiting Macnair announced that it was time to head off for the Malfoy Manor. Hermione rose and took the glass that he had been using and went to the kitchen. When she returned Macnair waited by the grate. She stepped up and used the Floo powder calling out her destination. The last thing that she saw was Macnair standing before the fire waiting to follow her.

When she arrived she hurried from the grate. She had tucked the second letter in her purse deciding that she would just send it with Macnair. She had already sent Narcissa's note by owl.

As she stood there dusting herself off the fire roared and Macnair appeared. Hermione took a step back as the man ducked out of the grate. Hermione reached into her purse and removed the letter.

"Are you going to see Voldemort after this?" she asked softly as Narcissa entered.

"Hello dear. How are you?" Narcissa said walking over and giving Hermione a hug. Macnair looked at her confused and slightly surprised.

"Yes of course. I have to report to him so that he knows nothing went wrong." Macnair said raising an eyebrow.

"Take this to him. He'll know if you opened it." Hermione said handing over a note. Narcissa watched the exchange with interest.

Macnair only nodded then left by Floo. Narcissa turned to Hermione and asked her what the letter was about and why it had to be delivered to the Dark Lord.

"It's a long story." Hermione said as Narcissa led her through the house to the back garden where the tea would be served.

Narcissa took her seat in a lovely white wicker chair that sat facing the rolling lawns of the back garden. She motioned for Hermione to be seated in the chair beside hers. Hermione stared out into the garden with wide eyes. The flowers were wonderful, in full bloom and adding colour to the yard. She saw a large hill that sat bare over to her left. The trees seemed to turn away from it leaving it and the space behind it wide open.

"Now dear about that note."

Hermione felt nervous telling Draco's mother about their love life but Hermione knew that she would discover it anyway.

"Yesterday Voldemort sent a letter to Draco and I telling us that we had to consummate the marriage by tonight or be punished."

"And was that note telling the Dark Lord that you wouldn't be consummating the marriage?" Narcissa asked softly for she knew the consequences.

"No. The note was to tell him that there was no need for a punishment." Hermione said looking at her feet.

"There's nothing to be ashamed about Hermione." Narcissa said. "I see how you two treat each other. And I know, Hermione, how you feel about him. I can see it in your eyes right now."

Hermione looked up at Narcissa who was smiling and nodding. Was it that easy to tell how she felt? Was it that easy to tell that she had feelings for the man that was supposed to be her enemy, the man who she was supposed to despise?

She couldn't fight it anymore. She didn't despise him. He wasn't as bad as he had been. He hadn't called her a name and truly meant it in a long while. He showed her affection, kissing and touching her gently even when he was supposed to despise her. His eyes were beautiful and his touch drove her mad. She wanted to be near him all the time just because his smell was so intoxicating.

"I'm just afraid. I'm not supposed to feel like this about him. He and I aren't friends. We can barely even tolerate each other. We are supposed to hate each other Narcissa and I can't do it anymore. I can't hate him, not after last night, not after the first time he kissed me. I just can't and I've tried, I've tried so hard." Hermione could feel the tears welling in her eyes. But she held them back not wishing to cry anymore.

"Hermione don't try to fight the feelings that you have for him. It is all right to love him." Narcissa said softly. She laid a motherly hand on her shoulder.

"I don't love him, do I?" she asked quietly looking Narcissa dead in the eye.

"I believe that you do Hermione. You may not see it yet, but you do."

Hermione's eyes opened wide as she remembered her reaction to everything that Draco had said to her. What she had done everytime they'd ever touched, even by accident. And the realization finally set in. She had, somewhere over the years, fallen for Draco Malfoy. It hadn't only been over the last week or so that would just be impossible. It had started ever since her first year, ever since he'd first noticed her and decided to insult her. She'd loved their little insults that they would throw back and forth though there were, of course, times when he'd just angered her.

She'd always thought him annoying and a complete git, but deep inside her, way down in her heart she'd loved him. She'd thought he was the most beautiful creature even if he was lost to her. But now she had the chance to have him and save him all at once, it was only how to do it.

"I think I'll see what's keeping tea." Said Narcissa.

She stood and disappeared into the house leaving Hermione to contemplate her new found feelings for the man who had been her greatest torment and was her greatest love.

Hours went by after the tea was served yet it felt like only minutes. Hermione and Narcissa moved away from the topic of Hermione's just discovered feelings to things lighter and happier. They talked about Draco's childhood and how he was wild and happy and smiled a lot, until his father got hold of him. Narcissa told Hermione that Draco was the rude and arrogant person that he was because of Lucius.

Soon it was time for Hermione to leave. Macnair had returned to retrieve her and take her to her home. Narcissa and Hermione said their good-byes, giving one another a quick peck on the cheek and loving hugs. Narcissa was someone that Hermione was glad to have helping her through everything. She wasn't sure what would happen if Narcissa wasn't there to talk to.

After their good-byes Hermione stepped into the green flames and disappeared from the Malfoy Manor. Macnair soon followed leaving Narcissa alone in the room.

Turning Narcissa moved quickly from the room. She rushed up the stairs and down a hall. She ran through the complicated halls of the manor twisting and turning until she reached a darkened hall. This wing of the house was rarely used therefore it was covered in dust and inhabited by cobwebs.

Narcissa started down the hall careful not to touch anything lest she get three inches of dust on her. She reached the only door located in that hall and gripped the door handle firmly. She composed herself before turning the latch and entering.

"It has been done. I put the potion in her tea, she had no idea." Narcissa said softly a smile playing across her pale lips. The figure in the large armchair stationed in the center of the room merely nodded.

I was really worried about this chapter...did i put in too much sexual stuff...if i did let me know and i'll sort it out...I don't want to offend anyone...also tell me something...do i use to much or not enough detail in my stories...cause I don't think i do enough really...infact I don't think i do well at all but you guys seem to disagree...your comments really are what keep me writing this...

Starry