Author's Note: I do not own any characters or the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, that belongs to the lovely J.K. Rowling.

Thank you to sassanech and ZoeyOlivia for your reviews! They truly inspire me and help me to continue writing this story, even though 90% of the time I'm sure I'm a crap writer. But practice does make perfect and this is my first story.

This chapter is a little bit longer than my previous ones and I plan to provide you with more long chapters since this story is finally taking root and all of the filler chapters should be done.

This one I try to describe a home, I love interior design so hopefully that came across and my description is ok. I am doing my best to describe more so you can see what I'm seeing.

Anyway, enjoy, review, like, or follow! I love you all :)

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Chapter 7: The Lair of the Snake

Hermione's Saturday had come and gone with no more surprise visits or any other exciting events. Today was Sunday, the day Hermione would prepare for her work week and go over her cases.

After having a quiet breakfast with Harry, Hermione retired to their office to look over her books, files, and take notes on the upcoming week. Hermione began researching creatures that had been working with Voldemort during his time - trolls, some giants, werewolves, vampires, and dementors. Each group had begun to act differently recently and Hermione wanted to find a cause for it. Some weren't showing up to their mandatory probationary meetings, some had gone missing, and some had begun speaking to her as if a war hadn't occurred, calling her obscene names like Mudblood or telling her she was filthy.

A knock came at the door a few hours later and she looked up at to see Harry standing in the doorway shuffling his feet, "What is it Harry?"

"Er, well you have another visitor."

Before Hermione could ask who it was, Harry stepped aside and Draco walked around the corner revealing himself. Hermione shot Harry pointed glares as he walked away from the pair.

"What can I do for you on this Sunday Malfoy?"

Draco laughed at her annoyance, "Cheerful as ever I see Granger. I came by to discuss our partnership seeing as it is now permanent thanks to Potter."

Hermione rolled her eyes, how could she forget? "Well? What did you want to discuss?"

Draco had a mischievous glint to his eyes, "Well, we need to discuss living arrangements, don't we? You can't live here much longer seeing as Potter is getting married to Weaselette this fall."

Hermione cursed herself, "Yes Malfoy, but that's a few months away."

Draco grinned to himself, "Ah yes, but you aren't Potter's partner anymore, are you?"

Hermione was losing her temper, "No. But where do you suppose I live then? At the manor with you and mummy dearest? Not bloody likely."

Draco scoffed, "Only mother lives at the manor by herself now. I visit her 3 times a week, but I have my own home. If you would like to come see it before you move in, you are more than welcome. I'm sure you'll have some criticism about my decorating."

Hermione thought over what he had to say. It would be easier to live with him since they were partners. She had a lot of research she needed to go over with him anyway. But they were enemies, right? He's Malfoy, Hermione, of course you are enemies. But you need a place to live and he is your partner. Be a Gryffindor, have some courage.

Finally giving up on her internal battle, "Oh bloody hell. When can I come see it?"

Draco, shocked that he'd won her over so easily, "What about today?"

Hermione looked at her desk sprawled with papers and books. She hadn't made much head way in terms of her research. There were no specific patterns, at least ones she could see. She knew she would just hit here and stare off into space longer and think about the past 2 years if she stayed any longer.

"Fine. Let me go change out of my pajamas."

Hermione stood from the desk and it was then that Draco finally noticed that she wasn't dressed in normal clothes. She was wearing an emerald green silk robe over a spring green tank and some black silky shorts that tied at her waist. Her hair fell to her shoulders in soft curls and with each turn of her head, he saw the glint of varying browns - caramel, honey, dark chocolate, and chestnut. Her face was flushed from the coffee she had been drinking and the growing frustration from her relentless research. Gods can I wake up to that site every day?

"Earth to Malfoy! Can you please move from the doorway so I can go change?"

Draco shook his head from his thoughts of her, realizing how close she was and how he had been staring her down, "Uh yeah sure." Draco stepped to the side reluctantly and let the small woman go past. She'll be the death of me, thought Draco.

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They landed with a thud in front of a home in what appeared to be Muggle London. The home looked to be a two story Victorian style home with exposed bricks that had been painted white. There was a small front yard and each window had a window box overflowing with beautiful flowers. Hermione knew it was more expensive than most, but it was also modest, at least for a Malfoy.

"You live in Muggle London?" Hermione asked still taking in the quiet beauty of the home.

"Yes and no. This is a small wizarding community within Muggle London, so I can still apparate and do magic, but we have access to all things muggle. Why?"

Hermione stepped towards the house and mumbled, "Just curious is all."

Draco shook his head and followed after her. He took out his keys and unlocked the black front door and opened it standing off to the side so Hermione could see it.

It took every ounce of Hermione's being not to gasp in awe and shock. Hermione walked into the foyer with lightly gray washed wood floors. She looked to her right into the office and noted that three of the four walls were covered in floor to ceiling book shelves. The fourth wall was mostly covered in window and sheer curtains that allowed the light in, but not too much. In both corners near the windows were reading chairs with a slate gray with small silver buttons studding the edges of the fabric. In the middle of the room was a dark wood desk with a similar slate gray office chair sitting on a plush carpet. It was beautiful.

Hermione looked to her left and saw the den with a similar design as the office. In front of Hermione was the stairs to the second floor and between the stairs and the office was a hallway. She began walking down the hallway and found herself in the kitchen. It was beautiful and had everything any professional chef could possibly want. There was a breakfast nook in one corner and a door that led to the patio.

Hermione looked out to the backyard and noted that it looked perfectly muggle. There was a covered patio with seating for friends. There was a grill under the covered patio and out in the yard was a pergola, a garden, and a firepit. The home was incredibly warm and welcoming.

Hermione walked past the breakfast nook and patio door into the dining room that connected to the kitchen and the den as well. Hermione felt as if she was in a dream. There's no bloody way this is Malfoy's home.

Draco chuckled at her incredulous looks, "You probably didn't notice, but there is a television set in the den. It's hidden behind a door on a hutch, but it's there nonetheless."

Hermione whipped around, "Are you sure you're Draco Malfoy? Did someone take over your body? Oh hell you're under the Imperius aren't you?"

Draco laughed even harder, "Nope Granger. Still the handsome devil that you love so dearly."

Hermione scoffed, "Handsome my arse."

She didn't wait for his reply as she made her way to the stairs and went upstairs. There were a total of 4 rooms upstairs and each was as beautiful as the last. There were 2 bedrooms with bathrooms attached, a game room, and Hermione's favorite, a small library. When Hermione saw the library with the floor to ceiling book cases, the desks, beautiful chairs, fireplace, and little reading nooks, she couldn't help but gasp in amazement.

While still perusing the books she mumbled to Draco, "You used an undetectable extension charm didn't you?"

Draco teasingly asked, "Going to report me, are you?"

Hermione shook her head seriously, "No. I just like to know things. I was just curious."

Draco admired her for a moment, she was so lost in the beauty of his home and she looked so beautiful when she was lost in thought, "Good. Yes I did. I love reading and immersing myself in new worlds. I love learning new things. I didn't feel like having a mansion for just myself, so I decided to buy this beautiful home and use an extension charm so I can keep my books."

Hermione took the tall blonde in, his home truly was beautiful and his love for books almost outshined hers. Almost. "Well, I have to say I'm impressed. You have quite the collection of books. And a lovely home. When would you like me to move in?"

Draco was taken aback by the last part, "Erm well, I guess whenever is best for you? The place is basically ready for you. I saw how much you were researching today, so I'm guessing the sooner the better?"

Hermione liked that he was observant, she'd give him that, "Yes, the sooner the better. I can go get my things today if you'd like. I'll probably put some of my furniture in storage since you have the place practically decorated."

Draco looked around his home as if he didn't realize he had already decorated it, "Yes I suppose I do. I can change it if you don't like it. We can find something that suits both of us."

Hermione realized she probably sounded annoyed and tried her best to sound kind, "Oh no I love your home and how it's decorated! I just already don't have a lot so this works for me."

Draco wasn't sure how he was supposed to respond so he just stood there with his hands in his pockets staring at the small woman in front of him. Hermione was the first to speak up, "I'm going to get my things. I'll be back probably around dinner time. I'll see you later."

Before he could say anything he heard the pop of apparition. Bloody hell I'm in deep, Draco thought to himself.

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The cloaked man drummed his long fingers on the table while each of his cohorts filed into the massive dining room. Only the prominent members of this society were seated at the table with him, while everyone else stood around the table. Once everyone was in the room the man stood and his voice bellowed out above the crowd, "My friends. Our plan has worked even better than we anticipated. The Granger girl will be moving from Potter's home to young Malfoy's home."

The quiet room broke into a loud cheer as the cloaked man finished his announcement. Everyone was pleased with the new development - surely the Malfoy heir would side with them and continue the tradition of pure magic.

The cloaked man raised his hand to stop the hoots and hollers, "Though the Malfoy boy has lost his father, I have ways of making him join our group. My wife, Narcissa Malfoy's best friend, will travel to the manor and secure our standing with the Malfoy family. The Granger girl will be no more by the time the new year rolls around."

Again the room erupted in a roar, but this time the man had little patience and yelled, "SILENCE!" Every cloaked figure stood at attention in the dark room for fear of pissing off their leader - he was known to kill a member or two for not following a command.

"You will all continue your duties of recruiting creatures and purebloods. The younger generation will take some convincing, so whatever means you need to use to convince them, you may. Just do your best not to murder all of them."

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Author's Note: Our mystery group has returned. I couldn't do just a plain ol' Dramione fic with no mystery now could I?

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. As always I love your reviews and follows. The support is what keeps me going. Have a wonderful day/evening or whenever you are reading this!