Hello again! Hope you've enjoyed what's been written so far and that this chapter keeps you coming back for more.

Now this is the last pre-written chapter for this story. After this, I'll be working on other stories and updating those that have been neglected for a while now.

So there is some drama in this chapter and another confrontation.

So enjoy...

Bound by Love Ch. 5

When the train pulled into the station in Hogsmeade, the four couples put on their outer house robes and went to the horse carriages. They were able to get the only carriage that could fit them all and climbed inside. As they rode to the castle, Harry asked, "Will the girls be called by their maiden names or married names?" Hermione said, "Unfortunately, it will be by our maiden names. The Ministry barely recognizes Old Magic or its ceremonies, so it won't recognize our marriage or Harry's until we go and officially declare it. The same goes for Draco's marriage to Luna and Neville's to Pansy."

Lucius wasn't shocked at the news of Draco's marriage. During both wars, countless people had gotten married, not wanting to die alone. He had done it himself with Narcissa. He just hoped Draco's wouldn't end the same why. He congratulated Draco, not as his son, but as his godson. Narcissa had told him the truth when they divorced, though she wouldn't name the father. Draco knew and was happy to be a normal person. His last name remained Malfoy as he was Lucius' ward.

The carriage soon reached Hogwarts. Everyone got out and walked to the Great Hall for the Sorting and Welcoming Feast. Each couple separated for the feast, Lucius going to the Head table as he was a school governor. They all sat and waited for Headmaster Dumbledore to begin.

Headmaster Dumbledore stood and as the Hall quieted he said, "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. First, I would like to welcome three new staff members. Professor Lupin has happily returned as our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Professor Black has joined us as Professor Lupin's assistant and as our new History of Magic professor." Taking a moment, he then said, "School governor Lucius Malfoy has also joined the staff as our Wizard and Muggle Defense professor. Finally, our Head Boy and Girl this year are Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger."

Hermione and Draco stood and once the Hall was quiet, Hermione said, "As you all know, Harry and I started a group called the D.A. in our 5th year. Anyone is welcome to join. House rivalries end when you do. Speak to either Harry or myself if you want to join." She sat down and after a few more announcements, the feast began. As she ate, Hermione glared at Lucius every so often, wondering why he hadn't told her about his teaching position. She didn't like it when people kept things from her, no matter how small.

Once they'd eaten their fill, the eight of them decided to go up to their tower for the night. Lucius followed behind, knowing he'd have to explain himself to Hermione. He had seen the look on her face when Dumbledore had made his announcement. He didn't know how deep in trouble he was in, but he knew he was in trouble. Reaching Phoenix Tower, Luna said the password in French, which was a language all of them knew. They stepped inside, the portrait locking behind them.

After everyone checked out the tower, the regrouped in the Common Room to talk. Lucius sat next to Hermione, but she basically ignored him as her distrust simmered. Harry asked, "So since Ron is going to continue being an ass, when are we going to prank him?" Hermione said, "Class day after tomorrow, first thing." "Whose class?" "My dad's." Draco asked, "How are you going to pull that off?" "Easy, he's put us all into pairs. Ron's isn't with any of us, so he can't cheat. It'll be so easy. If everything goes right, he'll be in detention for at least half a year with Filch, Snape or both."

Lucius said, "As your professor, I must tell you that there will be severe consequences if you go through with this." Hermione's eyes narrowed as she said, "Of course you do." Before Lucius could respond, Harry asked, "What about Quidditch? Ron's our Keeper." Hermione rolled her eyes as she asked, "Surely you can think of a replacement?" Harry thought about it, turned to Neville and asked him. Neville took the spot as Draco asked, "Are you warning Snape Hermione?" "Hell no. I want Ron to feel the full force of his anger."

Lucius said, "You are a cruel woman Miss Granger." Hermione's chest hurt as he addressed her by her former name, which reminded her of his position at the school and what it now meant for their marriage. No longer feeling sociable, Hermione said good night and went to the room she would have been sharing with Lucius if he wasn't her teacher. As she went up the stairs, she knew he was following her but she didn't say anything to him. She just went into the room, gathered her pajamas and shut herself in the bathroom. Hermione knew she was probably being ridiculous, but after all the things that had been kept from her, she felt she was allowed to be a little upset. Not to mention that this particular thing had an effect on their marriage.

Hermione started the bath and stripped while the water heated and the tub filled. Once the water and bubbles were high enough, Hermione slipped into the bath, leaned back and closed her eyes. She didn't want to fight, but she didn't want to be a dirty little secret again. She had gone through that with Fred, though that was because of the age difference and not because Fred was her professor. Now even if they formally declared their marriage, they couldn't be together publically. Technically, Lucius couldn't even stay in the same bedroom or tower with her.

Hermione had just started to relax when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Lucius whispered, "Will you allow me to explain sweet girl?" Hermione sighed, but nodded all the same. Lucius sat next to the tub and said, "I accepted the position at the beginning of the summer. I had no idea that I'd be Bonded so soon after. As I told you Hermione, I'd have preferred that we had married after you graduated." Looking at her he asked, "Do you regret how we came together Hermione?"

Her eyes opened and she whipped around so fast that water sloshed out. The hurt in her eyes was evident as she said, "I can't believe you actually asked me that." She stood, stepped out of the tub and left the bathroom while wrapping a towel around her wet body. Growing impatient, Lucius stormed after her and asked, "Hermione, what is this all about? I'm sorry I didn't tell you that I was going to be one of your professors this year, but I don't understand why you're so upset about it." Hermione spun around and said, "You don't understand why I'm upset? Lucius, by becoming a professor, you've made it impossible for us to be together publically. You can't even stay here even though you're my husband. Congratulations, you've made me your dirty little secret."

Hermione started to walk past him, but Lucius grabbed her and backed her into the wall before saying, "DO NOT EVER say that again Hermione Malfoy. You are my wife Hermione and I will not allow anyone or anything take you from me in any way." Taking her head in his hands he continued, "I am so sorry sweet girl. If I had known this, I would have fixed it before we came here. I'll make it up to you I swear it." He gently kissed her tears away before gently seizing her mouth with his.

They gently made out and Lucius was about to lift her into his arms when their fireplace roared to life and a purple envelope flew out. It was addressed to Lucius and it was from the Board of Directors and the Ministry of Magic. It read:

To Mr. Malfoy,

It has come to our attention, courtesy of a visit from Headmaster Dumbledore, that you are now married to top student Hermione Granger. Normally, such a union would result in your termination from your position and Miss Granger, now Mrs. Malfoy, being suspended and her grades investigated for evidence of favoritism. However, due to the magical power of your Bond, and as a personal favor to the Headmaster, we have decided to allow your union with Mrs. Malfoy to be public without risk of punishment. The Headmaster has already filed your Marriage Declaration form and it has been accepted by the Ministry.

Please note that any sign of favoritism in Mrs. Malfoy's grades will result in an investigation. Also, she will still be known as Miss Granger as long as she is a student of Hogwarts.

-Board of Governors & Ministry of Magic

Lucius dropped the letter and said, "Thank you Dumbledore." Turning to Hermione he asked, "Does that work for you sweet girl?" She smiled and said, "Lucius, take me to bed." Lucius smirked and said, "Not quite yet pet. I think I want to play with you a bit for being so rude to me earlier." He backed her against the wall again, seizing her mouth with his in a hard, passionate kiss. Lifting her up, and using a spell of his own creation, Lucius secured her wrists against the wall at a comfortable height.

Once he was sure she was comfortable, Lucius peeled the towel from her body and stepped away. Her body still glistened slightly from the earlier bath, her hair drying into loose, messy curls. As Lucius observed his bride's body, he saw quite a few things. The fairy wings on her back peeked out over on her ribs. She kept herself healthy, her body lithe and fit. In his eyes, she was perfect. He shed his shirt and vest, moved closer to her and started slowly kissing his way down her body.

When he was on his knees, her glistening center at level with his mouth, Lucius looked up at her and asked, "Am I forgiven Hermione? Tell me I'm forgiven." "Lucius, I forgave you the moment you promised you'd fix it." Something snapped in Lucius because he stood, shed his trousers, wrapped Hermione's legs around his waist and thrust deep inside her. Lucius made slow love to his wife, driving her mad with slow, deep thrusts. It didn't take long before Hermione was begging to touch him. Lucius released her wrists from the wall and continued to thrust into her as he carried her to their bed.

Lucius held her close as he brought her to the edge of ecstasy over and over again. Only when she began to beg did he begin to thrust harder and faster, making her moan his name. He whispered, "You are mine Hermione. Never forget that pet." A few more hard thrusts and Hermione screamed his name as she fell apart around him. He followed soon after and collapsed next to her, breathless. Pulling her close, Lucius kissed her forehead and said, "I love you Hermione Malfoy." She sleepily murmured, "I love you too Lucius." Lucius held her close and fell asleep next to his bride.

The next morning, Hermione woke to the burn and dressed for morning training. She wrote Lucius a note, grabbed her tape and went to the courtyard. A few minutes later, the rest of the D.A. showed up and they stretched before starting training for the day. While taking a break, everyone was surprised when Ron Weasley walked into the courtyard. Harry asked, "What are you doing here Ron?" "I came to rejoin the D.A." Hermione asked, "What makes you think you'll be allowed back in?"

Ron was shocked as he asked, "I thought I was kicked out because of how I treated you?" "Ronald, I'm not that petty. You were kicked out because of what you did during the Final Battle. Think and I'm sure you'll remember." Ron was silent for a few minutes, then he went pale as he remembered what happened that night. He turned to Hermione and yelled, "That wasn't my fault! I did nothing wrong."

Hermione pointed her wand at him and said, "Ronald, you cost three men their lives. You were told to stay in your group not only by Dumbledore, but by Kingsley and Tonks as well. I can't trust you Ron, but I can't speak for everyone here. Ask them." Ron turned to each of the D.A., but they all gave him the same answer. Even Harry and his family said they couldn't trust him. Ron was so pissed off that what he said next didn't register until after he'd said it. He turned to Hermione, who had started to walk away, and said, "At least I'm not a slut who goes from one man to the next in a matter of days."

Hermione stopped and turned towards him. She asked, "You want back in? Fine, but it will be by my rules. You and I will fight, one on one. No gloves, anything goes. We fight until one of us yields. Loser is out of the D.A. for good." She took off her gloves and used some powder to dry them. Before they began, Hermione turned to Harry and said, "Don't interfere. This is between us." Harry reluctantly nodded and they began.

As the fight went on, it was clear to everyone that this fight wasn't going to be like any other. Not that long after they began, Hermione and Ron were bloody and bruised. With no gloves on, their hands were extremely bloody and heavily bruised. Ron was beginning to fade, but so was Hermione. Harry finally had enough. He turned to the twins and said, "Go get Snape and Malfoy and tell Snape to bring healing potions." The twins left and Harry started pacing in the courtyard, wondering if he should intervene. He didn't want to piss Hermione off, but if he was going to avoid getting hexed by Lucius, he would Stun Ron to end this. Lucius and Professor Snape showed up a few minutes later and had to be restrained by Harry, Neville and Draco so they wouldn't interfere. They all had to watch as Hermione and Ron beat the crap out of each other.

Finally, Ron pinned Hermione to the ground and said, "Give up Hermione. You're just a Mudblood whore trying to land a Pureblood husband." Rolling her eyes Hermione said, "Ronald, Professor Snape is my father, which makes me a Pureblood. Oh, and you've given up your footing for a kill shot." As Ron cocked his head, Hermione brought her knee up right between his legs. Ron squealed like a pig as he fell to the side. Hermione slowly got up and as she got close to Ron, he squeaked, "Yield, I yield!" "Asshole. From now on, you don't come near any of us unless we're in class. You do, and I'll hex you so bad even your own mum won't recognize you. Got it?"

Ron nodded yes. Snape came up and gave him 6 months detention with Filch. Hermione was about to walk away when she heard Ron mutter, "Mudblood bitch." She turned and sucker-punched him in the jaw. She turned away sharply, holding her hand awkwardly. She walked slowly to a bench and said, "As satisfying as that was, I think I broke my hand." Professor Snape walked over and started handing her potions to drink while Lucius examined her hand. It turned out not to be broken, just out of joint. While she was distracted by the potions, Lucius fixed her hand before wrapping it to reduce the swelling.

Hermione stood and was about to walk to the tower when Lucius scooped her into his arms and carried her there himself. When they got there, Lucius set her down and she began stretching so her muscles wouldn't seize up. Lucius asked, "Is there anything I can do?" Hermione smiled and asked, "Help me check for breaks?" He got closer and ran his hands over every inch of her body. No broken bones and the potions had healed any bruises, but she would be sore for a few days. Hermione took a quick shower and dressed for the day, choosing a black halter vest top, low slung blue hip hugger jeans and black flip flops to wear. Putting her hair into a loose bun and applying some simple makeup, she left the tower with Lucius.

She met up with Harry and the others in the courtyard and not long after that, the Dementors arrived. Everyone sat down and they began to discuss training and strategies. At the end, Hermione did something she'd never thought she'd do. She gave the Dementors two photos, one of the current Order of the Phoenix and the other was of the current members of the D.A. Both would enlarge or shrink as new members joined and old ones left or died. Hermione said, "I need you to keep an eye on the people in these photos. If you have to use Locator Spells, do it."

"If I might ask, why?" "War makes people desperate and in some cases, dangerous. Speaking of which..." She and the others told the Dementors about Ron and his behavior. The Dementors vowed to keep an even closer eye on him. After they left, Hermione laid down on the bench, placing her head on Lucius' lap as she said, "Never thought I'd be doing that. Spying on the people I love and trust." Remus said, "You're right to do so. As you said, war makes people desperate and dangerous. Don't second guess yourself."

Hermione nodded and said, "Well Draco and I have to come up with some plans for the Halloween Ball. Dumbledore needs some rough plans so he can start reserving bands and other stuff. So we'll be in the library if anyone needs us." She quickly kissed Lucius, who whispered that he wanted to see her after lunch in his new classroom. Hermione nodded and then went with Draco to plan.

Upon reaching the library, Hermione and Draco started spouting off ideas. Since it had already been decided that it would be a costume ball, all they needed to figure out was the theme, music and food options. They decided to suggest the same band that had been used 4th year. They also decided to decorate in red and black, making the theme Devil's Night. Food was debated on for some time, but ultimately they decided that a buffet would be easier than a formal dinner. Hermione and Draco wrote out their ideas and sent them to Dumbledore for his approval. Once it was sent off, they went to the Great Hall for lunch.

Each going to their house table, they sat down to lunch. Hermione sat next to Ginny and was about to eat when she noticed how pale Ginny was. She had barely touched her food and was just sipping her pumpkin juice. Hermione asked, "Are you okay Ginny?" She shook her head and said, "I don't feel so well." Her cup was slipping, so Hermione took it before it fell to the floor.

As Hermione put the cup to the side, she got a strong whiff of something rotten coming from inside it. It smelled like henbane and nightshade. Hermione's eyes went wide as she recalled how deadly that mixture was. She sealed the rest of the contents in a vial before turning to Harry and saying, "Harry, we've got to get Ginny to the hospital wing. Now!"

"Why?"

"She's been poisoned."