"Strawberry Smints," The dour potions master said to the gargoyle. He stayed in the hall and watched as the stairs formed, only stepping onto them when they were finished. He knew the Headmaster would be waiting for him even though he had not sent a message ahead of him requesting a meeting. After the many years he spent in the school he was past those weird feelings that used to come when the older man knew things he probably shouldn't.

"Ah, Severus, what a surprise!" Dumbledore crowed as Snape entered the office.

"I wasn't aware that you still possess the ability to be surprised." Snape spoke not with harshness, but with a dryness that sat on the far side of humor. Dumbledore smiled warmly at him as he took the seat across the desk from the Headmaster.

"My boy, you will find I posses many astounding abilities at my age!" Snape scowled at being addressed in such a way. He found it degrading for a man his age to be referred to as a boy. Dumbledore was not put off by Snape's dark mood. "For instance, did you know that I can eat a whole bag of exploding bonbons without getting anything in my bead? Quite the accomplishment if I do say so myself! But you are not here to discuss my confectionary prowess, are you Severus?"

"No," Snape said while clearing his throat, happy for the conversation to progress into a more serious and less annoying one. "I have news on what I assume is your latest project."

"And what project would that be?" Dumbledore questioned over his spectacles. At Snapes sharp and distrusting look Dumbledore elaborated, "I have many irons in the fire you see, please humor an old man and be a little bit more specific."

"I allude to the current affairs between Mr. Malfoy and Miss Granger," Snape started.

" ," Dumbledore interrupted.

"Excuse me?" Snape said dryly.

"Hermione Granger is now Hermione Malfoy, well nearly anyway. Technicalities really, it's only a small matter of tidying things up now. It wouldn't do to continue calling her by her former surname. Which reminds me," Dumbledore breezed through his happy outburst, searching about the drawers of his desk. "It seems I need to find a suitable gift for the occasion." Snapes eyebrows nearly disappeared at the rate that they flew up in surprise. "Do you think they would like anything in here or should I look in an owl-order catalogue?"

"A gift? A GIFT! Two of your un-gradated students are finding themselves wed due some of the most ghastly circumstances and you are bothering yourself with what to give them?" Snape could not remain seated through his tirade and began to pace in front of the hearth, arms flailing to punctuate how exasperated how was. "Are you not concerned with what has led up to this? The repercussions it will have on everyone around? Did I forget to mention her in-laws might be planning an attack on her life? And here you are wondering what to give them!" Snape slammed his hands on the desk with finality.

"Are you quite finished?" the headmaster questioned, "If so have a seat, I see we have much to discuss this evening." Disgruntled but without choice Snape returned to the chair. "Now then, I must admit while I am aware of these irregular events I have not had an active hand in them. Well, other than my correspondences with Narcissa and the table arrangements. That is all."

The air was tense as Snape digested the information. His face darkened considerably as he came to a conclusion.

"So, when you say you did not have an active hand in the proceedings; you mean you knew yet allowed said things to transpire." Snape spoke through clenched teeth, his mind replaying what he learned from sifting through the senior Malfoy's mind. "Am I to assume there will also be no punishment for Potter? Just like his father! He is reckless and without consequences! And for what? What means to an end is this? I know there was a lot more at work here, but to know something foul would happen to your students, our students, and not try and prevent it? Miss Granger deserves better from us."

"Severus, I am truly sorry that Hermione was put through such a difficult situation…now wait a minute, let me continue," Dumbledore cut Snape off before he could protest the headmaster's word choice, "It is a difficult situation. It was just as hard for those boys to go through as it was for her. You need to trust me when I say that while I am saddened by what occurred, that it had to happen."

"How can you sit there and say such utter garbage!" exploded Snape, his face contorted with rage. "Are you even listening to yourself? It HAD to happen? Bollocks!"

"Yes, Severus, it did. Sometimes one must sacrifice a pawn in order to save the knight." Until now Dumbledore had stayed in his seat, but now he left it to peruse his shelves of knick-knacks.

"A pawn? Hermione Granger, brightest witch of her generation, is nothing but a pawn to you? Do you realize how much potential she has when it comes to rebuilding wizarding society and its ideals? By allowing such a break in trust she might decided after finishing her education or after this war to retire from magic, to return to being nothing more than a muggle. How can you think to gamble her future impact on the wizarding world for the sake of current play?" ranted Snape as he followed the older wizard about the room.

"Ah, but I never said she was a pawn, no, but if she were I would fathom she would return to the play as a much more powerful piece. If I dare to contemplate her actions I say she would only use this to fuel her fire for justice. No my boy," Dumbldore chose to ignore the glare he was receiving from Snape, "there is no denying her importance. However we must not neglect the importance of the other players on the field. I must admit I was surprised that it was Draco who stepped up to be her protector. I knew she would turn to your house, but quite frankly I thought it would be someone else." Dumbledore said pointly. Snape was at a loss when it came to what he might be implying, and even more confused as to how he knew what might happen. The Headmaster continued on without a pause, "Even more surprising was how he chose to do so. A binding bracelet? Your Godson is a rather smart wizard, you should give him more credit. In fact, one hundred points to Slytherin for thinking outside the box for an unusual solution."

Snape heaved a heavy sigh; it was all he could do not to strangle the headmaster. His patience was wearing thin and here the old coot was awarding house points and playing with bric-a-brac!

"Albus," Snape spoke the man's first name in hopes to anchor him to the moment. "I am done with riddles, you speak like you knew what was to come, but also as if you had no idea. I need to understand if we are to plan for what may come still."

"Which brings me to this." Dumbledore turned around, revealing to Snape a small glass orb the size of a muggle softball. The inside was clouded with a swirling mist and the air near it seemed cooler. "I am sure you will recognize this as Sybil's work. It came about before first term; I was having a meeting with her about her upcoming plans for the school year."

Snape narrowed his eyes. Once again it seems the headmaster deemed it unnecessary for him to know all the details before entering a conversation.

"What does it say?" demanded Snape as they moved back to the desk. Once seated Dumbledore took a last look at the glass bauble and stored it away in a drawer for later.

"She foretold of some tragic things to come involving Harry and Hermione, but was not specific. However its promises were such that I felt it was best to let things unfold as they must." Snape didn't like that Dumbledore chose to paraphrase, and that by doing so was able to omit information once again. "Now, don't give me that look Severus, you know that things like these can and should only be shown in full to those whom are immediately affected by them, and in this case that would be Harry, Hermione, and apparently Draco Malfoy. Not only is that very interesting, but proof that I was right to let things unravel as they will."

"What does my Godson have to do with this prophecy? How does he factor in here? What good is there in allowing him and Hermione to marry? All I see coming from this is the endangering of students. Lucius made a threat on her life! How is this proof of you doing the right thing?" It was growing late and Snape felt and urgency he knew that would not let him sleep tonight. He needed answers. He needed a plan of action.

"As for Draco's part here, I feel it is quite brilliant. Don't you see? The two are actually very well suited for each other. Without the transgressions of Harry and Ron, would the two have ever come together? Imagine what a power couple they will be when they reach peak into their magical maturity! Hermione alone would change the wizarding world, but together they will transform it! This great act will secure him from the Death Eaters and place him firmly into our camp. What advantages he will bring!"

Snape was loathing admitting Dumbledore was right. Together the two created such a dynamic that may end in history books. Both were magical prodigies, both were influential people in the public light. That is, if they managed to live to such a time. A threat from a Malfoy was not to be taken lightly.

"Compatibility aside, I feel it unwise to promote such a union at this time. We should encourage them to take the safe route, the one where we do not have students marrying in these halls. By stepping back it will return a safety to Miss Granger, one where Lucius Malfoy is not trying to kill her directly. I m not saying that they could not remain friends, retaining all the benefits you have pointed out, just that they not be wed." Dumbledore shook his head at Snape,

"I must disagree; I feel we should counsel them to further the relationship, letting their bond mature and securing safety from that." Snape was not one to back down in a disagreement, but knew here he would not change the Headmasters mind on the subject.

"How can you assure she will be safe on the upcoming Hogsmede trip?"

"I cannot make any extra assurances past what we provide for the rest of the students. Before you say it I will not ban them from going, I am learning that it only seems to make things worse when we forbid students from something as petty as a trip. Trouble will find them either way. Let them enjoy themselves for now. I also feel it is not my responsibility but young Malfoys to keep her safe at this point." Snape thought what the older wizard was saying was incredulous.

"And I cannot undo the damages already done, but I can try to prevent further ones to occur. " Snape challenged the Headmaster silently, rising from his seat to leave. He was out the door when he heard Dumbledore's voice drifted paper thin into the hall.

"If you must, but like I said, I believe this to be beyond us at this time."

oOo

Hermione had not talked with Draco immediately after dinner like he thought. In fact, he here he was on his way to Potions the next day and they still haven't had a proper conversation. Draco had mistakenly thought that they would have it out once they got back to the suit. The problem with that was Hermione didn't stay in the Jade Elephant suit. She walked right past him on the stairs and despite him directly asking her where she was off to she gave him the cold shoulder and wouldn't say a thing to him. He didn't need to ask her though, he knew where she was going the moment she past their floor.

It wasn't like he wanted to have an argument with her, just that he knew it was important to have this discussion and move on. Well, not move on per se, but at least put things back to where they were before his parents visit. He knew she was mad at him for all the lies he had told her about the bracelet and what it really meant. He was constantly going to be in trouble for that one. It didn't help that he had lied multiple times and changed the story a bit each time. Now on top of that he was going to have town up to using the M-word so casually, but he was telling the truth in that moment. He wasn't thinking about blood status when he chose to take serious action. If only he could have phrased it differently.

He thought it was funny that after all that had occurred at dinner the previous night he was focusing on what was happening between Hermione and him, and almost completely ignoring the fact that his father tried to publicly shame him and then promptly disown him when he wouldn't comply. Almost that is. Draco knew it would only be a matter of time before Lucius would put his legals at work on making his disownment official. Now he would have to work twice as hard to get good marks to ensure a job once he left Hogwarts as he would not have his parents' money as a safety net. You think a guy could get some credit for walking away from a tremendous inheritance for a girl, but he had to go and pick the one girl who wouldn't care about any of that. The fact that she walked off without a word made him worry about his standing with her. If there was one thing Draco knew about Hermione is that she has an opinion on everything and would normally go on a tirade to let you know about it.

When Draco entered the potions classroom he noticed a few things. One: Potter wasn't there, meaning he was probably still in the infirmary. Two: Weasley was pretending not to look at some Gryffindor bloke. Three: Hermione was sitting next to Finnigan, the seats in front and behind her full. Draco narrowed his eyes; he was done with being avoided. Knowing he had only a few minutes before class started he jumped straight into his half formed plan to talk with her. First step was getting the seat next to her, hoping steps two through whatever would could to him once he was there.

"Oy, Finnigan, move," Draco said with as much intimidation he could put into three words. In the past Finnigan would have scurried out of his seat and he would have been reprimanded by Goody-Goody-Granger. On the other hand he wouldn't have been trying to sit next to her in the past other than to be antagonistic. How things change. Now that he was trying to get her attention he was being ignored, and not by just Hermione. Finnigan hadn't budged. He sent a nervous glance towards Hermione before turning a resolute stare at Draco.

"No."

"What was that?" Draco sneered while raising an eyebrow.

"Um, I believe I said no. As in I'm not moving. Hermione asked me to sit here, and, um, yeah, not moving." Finnigan's chest puffed out in what must be pride for standing up to Draco. Too bad, really, because had it been anyone else but Draco he might have been allowed to live in his moment of pride a bit longer. Malfoys get what they want, and right now he wanted to sit next to a bushy haired know it all that would rather not have him sit with her. Hey, just because a Malfoy wants something doesn't mean it has to make sense.

"And I believe that you will move," Draco said with a casual tone, trying a friendly approach. "You see here," Draco's voice became softer as he leaned towards the Gryffindor as if sharing a secret, "The little lady and I need to have a talk, personal you see. If I were you I wouldn't want to get involved by standing between us, or in this case, sitting."

Finnigan gulped nervously before gathering his belongings.

"Seamus!" Hermione snapped, "Where do you think you are going!"

"Sorry," Finnigan mumbled as he collected his lab gear while keeping his eyes averted. "One thing I learned by hanging out with my cousin and his gal this summer was to never get in between a disputing couple; Especially when they have their wands on them. You might lose more than your eyebrows."

"You worthless rat!" Hermione shrieked at him just as Professor Snape walked in.

"Twenty points from Gryffindor for yelling," Snape said in a slow drawl as he walked to his desk, "and a detention for doing it in my class."

"But Professor," Hermione stuttered while reaching for an excuse.

"No buts Miss Granger, unless you want it to be your butt in detention during the Hogsmede trip this weekend." Snape and Hermione held eyes in a battle of the wills before she sat down in a huff. Even thought he had won Snape looked mildly disappointed about something. "Malfoy have seat, or would you like a detention too?"

"Actually, yes, give me one too," Draco said flippantly earning two glares and a load of curious glances.

"Would you now?" Snape asked, his tone promising that the man was not amused.

"Yes please," Draco said smugly "put me down for the same one."

"You do realize that this is highly irregular," Snape paused and looked between the two students ad if debating something. With a small smirk he looked directly at Hermione. "But if you insist. Your detention can be served during your lunch break today. Take a seat and we will begin today's lecture on how to brew the antidote to Moste Uncommon Poisons." Snape scowled at the resounding groans that ceom from around the room. "I know you were all expecting us to jump straight into the lab today, but as this is not a third year potion we will be giving it a bit more consideration. I trust to remember how fun it was to collect the ingredients for both the antidotes to common and uncommon poison? Well I can promise you that this will be so much more fun for the fact that we are not doing partners on this potion. You are seventh years, and will soon be doing everything on your own as you enter the real world. Now open your books and we will begin to examine Golpalott's fifth law…"

Draco's mind drifted off as Snape continued his monologue. It was going to be one of those lessons. The ones where he talked, Hermione waved her hand, Gryffindor looses house points and he sits there miserable because he wouldn't be able to talk with her until the end of their lesson. That was the one thing he was actually looking forward to. Lunch was after Potions on Mondays, so if he could just sit through the lesson he might have a chance to talk with her today. Until then all he could do was either listen to the lesson or daydream about winning the house cup…As much as it would be nice to let himself daydream he really needed top marks this year. Listening to Snape it is.

oOo

Severus Snape was rather pleased with himself. He found a way to talk to both Hermione and Draco without too much work on his own part. Granted Draco had pretty much given him the opportunity, gift wrapped with a bow on top. Regardless, he had them both in his classroom waiting for their punishment, if one could call what he had in mind a punishment.

Seamus was the last student to leave. He gave Hermione an apologetic glace before ducking out. Hermione frown at him in return, her eyes throwing daggers at anyone who tried to hold them. The only person who was trying at the moment was Draco. Snape could see the boy was trying hard and almost felt regretful at what he was about to do. Almost. Despite knowing Dumbledore was right about the two have great possibilities together, it was not worth the risk of Hermione's life.

The two students sat their desks, waiting for Snape to speak. Well, might as well get straight to the point.

"Your relationship is putting Miss Granger in danger," Snape began. "You would do wise to take measures to ensure her safety."

Both of the students blanched at Snapes forwardness, neither one had expected this to come from their detention. Draco was the first to recover, narrowing his eyes as he asked,

"And what is it you would suggest?" Good, the boy is right to be suspicious.

"I would suggest that you break off the bond before it becomes too strong and cannot be undone."

"You cannot be serious," Draco quip.

"I can and I am," said Snape as he tried to impress upon the two his seriousness. "Do you not see that merely by being together she becomes an even greater target? It was bad enough for her to be a muggle-born friend of Harry Potter, but to be a muggle-born marrying into a pure blood family? The lists of those who wish her harm will more than double. While that trinket will grant her a meager amount of security, it may not be enough!"

"It will have to be enough!" Draco countered, "And if it isn't I will be there as well. Why do you think I did this in the first place? It was all to keep her safe! Now you want to tell me I should have just left her to fend for herself? No, she is safer with it, with me."

"Excuse me, still here!" Hermione waved her hand between the two men, annoyed they were talking about her as if she wasn't aware of their conversation. "Look, I know you both mean well. I know there are a lot of negative side effects to being connected to Draco, but quite frankly I am getting tired of people telling me what I should and shouldn't do when it come to my love life, or whatever you want to call it. In the end it doesn't matter what others think, it matter what I think! And I am trying to think! So everyone needs to back up!

"Besides, if I were to choose to stay in this, this, whatever it is; splitting up due to some threats would be stupid. No. This is my choice, not his parents, not yours," She said pointing to Snape, "and not yours," she finished as she pointed to Draco. The hopeful smile that had began to build on his face faded quickly. None of that let him know where they stood.

"Now if that's all this detention was about, I am going to get lunch." Before Snape could say anything in response she was already out the door. Draco gave him a sheepish look as he got up to follow her. This left Snape the rest of his lunch break alone with his thought on another strong minded Gryffindor from his past.

oOo

Hermione knew Draco would be hot on her heels as she left, and she wasn't ready to talk with him just yet. There were still facts that she was missing and she was determined to get them before making up her mind. Instead of taking the obvious rout to the great hall she ducked the opposite way to stop in the kitchen. After picking up a quick bite she set off to see the Headmaster.

She stood nervously in front of the grey gargoyle that stood guard to the headmaster's office. She didn't know the password, but it wasn't strictly needed for students needing to talk to man upstairs. She simply had to wait until the stair opened for her, a signal that he was there and free to talk at the moment. She didn't have to wait long, which was both good and bad. Her feelings towards Dumbledore had changed drastically in the past few days. Before she saw him as the kindly grandfather figure who was sometimes misguided in his old age. Now she wasn't sure who she saw him as, but the whole thing left a bad taste in her mouth. She knew he had a war to win, and many things to factor into it; but he should have tried something! No, she wasn't looking for more empty apologies, she was looking for answers. She wanted to know the other half of the prophecy. She needed to know what he felt was so important that made her somewhat expendable.

"Come in Mrs. Malfoy," Dumbledore called. Hermione stumbled as he addressed her. That was the first time someone referred to her directly as a Malfoy. It was odd but not entirely unpleasant. "Have a seat. Did you have any lunch? I could send for something if you would like?" He asked as she took her palce in the chair opposite of him.

"I'm fine thank you," She answered. "And Granger will do for now."

"Are you sure?" The old wizard smiled at her, his eyes giving off a twinkle that broadcast his amusement.

"Yes. Very sure."Hermione shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "I came because I wanted to know more about the prophecy. While I still do not put much faith into such thing I feel I deserve to know what factored into your decision."

"I believe that is fair, and I thought you might come by and ask," Dumbledore spoke distractedly as he rooted about in a desk drawer. "That's why I had this made." In his hands he held the glass globe that housed a prophecy. "Do you know how a Prophecy Record is made?"

"Sir, this is hardly time for a lesson," said Hermione in attempt to steer him back to the original conversation. He simply smiled at her, a quiet request for her to humor him. "No, I do not," she answered, hoping that it would still lead her to the answers she sought.

"Starting with the obvious a powerful seer makes a prediction. Many such predictions never obtain the legacy of becoming a prophecy. Most don't achive more than allowing someone to know it will rain the next day. Others occur when there is no one around to hear them, and as many seers do not know the event has happened; the only evidence is the seer is left tired and with a blank space in time.

"It so happened I was present when Sybil had this premonition. I have been lucky to be around quite a few of hers.

"Anyway, that is the important part to making a Prophecy Record; another person must be there to witness it. Similar to when using a pensive, one pulls the thoughts from one's mind and disposes it in the proper receptacle. The reason you do not simply leave it floating in a pensive basin is that it is more than just a memory, it is a prediction made by someone else. That means it could be very personal to the seer or those mentioned in it. That's why it is best to seal it in a Prophecy Record. This ensures it can only viewed by a select few people. This includes the seer, the witness, and those who are mentioned."

Dumbledore sat the glass ball down as he allowed her to absorb the new information. If Hermione were a muggle it would look much like a cloudy snow globe. As a witch she was able to see much more. She saw the intricate lines of runes that curled about the base. She felt the cold of the item pulling magic and warmth from its surrounding to sustain it. Leaning closer she could see a dark form move in the swirling shadows.

"Go ahead, take a look," urged the headmaster, "think the incantation secundum to activate it." Putting her own feelings about Divination aside she reached out to pick up the stormy orb. Like a pensive she was sucked into the memory once her fingers and magic touched it.

oOo

"Good afternoon Albus, I must say that I am very excited about this upcoming term! According to Mars' angle to Saturn there may be the birth of a new fiery passion! It may be the passion for learning, Mercury will be in the right placement for that, but with Venus coming around the bend it could be more than that!" The woman with owlish glasses was none other than the Divination teacher herself. She busied herself with putting her shawls in the right position as she sat.

"That's all very well Sybil, Strawberry Smint? I came across these delightful things during my last trip to muggle London. I think half the joy of eating them is receiving them from the container! It is very similar to the PEZ candy sent by my American pen pal."

Hermione rolled her eyes at this part of the memory, not sure which half of the conversation was more absurd. Lucky for Hermione she didn't have to wait long, as Trelawney reached for a smint she froze. The womans eyes glazed over and her voice changed an octive or two, her words came out in a monotone stream.

"Inside Hogwarts walls a great wrong-doing will occur….the Chosen One will act not of his own mind but of one who is of great darkness, hurting those around him…He will alienate one of his friends to the point of her finding comfort in the house of Slytherin. A change of the heart will lead to a change of the mind, pulling some towards the side of good and saving others. A Great Ceremony will transpire, and a forgiveness most profound will protect those against the same darkness in the coming months. Inside Hogwarts the Boy-Who Lived will act not of his own mind and hurt those around him…"

The trance ended as abruptly as it began. The woman blinked several times before frowning.

"I'm sorry Albus, I don't feel quite myself. In my excitement I must have skipped breakfast."

Hermione was distracted from the rest of the conversation as she felt her body pull her mind back to the present.

oOo

"That's it!" Hermione protested as soon as she could voice her opinion. "I knew it was all wooly before, but now I am convinced. How does any of that have anything to do with you deciding it was ok to let the boys do what they pleased? I should bring charges on you for this!"

"I should have known you might not see it the way I do. If you would let me explain-" Dumbledore was cut off by Hermione as she quickly stood to pace about the room. The force of her pushing back the chair caused the table to rock and sent the Prophecy Record hurtling towards the ground. It broke instantly upon impact, the ghost of Trelawney -an echo- repeated the prophecy as it escaped.

"What is there to explain? That says nothing about letting them violate me! I was well alienated long before then, and I went to Draco for comfort before then. That does not allow you to turn a blind eye!"

"I know how it must look from your end, but in my defense I did not know the extremes that you had been endured until after it had already transpired. That aside, you must acknowledge the other half of the prophecy. You did seek comfort from a Slytherin. Without your connection who knows what the boy might be getting himself into; It is a poor kept secret that his family has ties to the Death Eaters. Surly you can see what the effects of you bond is doing for him? He is questioning his family beliefs; even casting them aside to be with you. Who knows how many people his defection can save? Then there is all the potential created by your union."

"So everything is balanced because you get Draco on your side!" Hermione spat her words at Dumbledore as she turned on her heel.

"So are you saying his soul is not with it?" Dumbledore questioned.

"What?" Hermione paused in her pacing, truly stumped by what the headmaster meant.

"Draco's soul. The bond between the two of you pulls him steadfastly to the side of the light, saving his very soul from darkness. Knowing this, would you go back and change things? Would you abandon Draco, condemn him, for the sake of your own comfort?" Dumbledore trained his eyes on her as she froze. Would she? Would be able to willingly let Draco continue down the path to his eventual demise? Draco who was her unlikely hero? Draco who helped her when she didn't know who she could turn to? Draco who laughed with her as they ran up the stairs? Draco who took care of her when she was hurt? Draco who stood up to his parents for her? Draco who was willing to turn his back on his upbringing for her? Draco who looked so cute in his rectangular glasses? The thought of just letting him walk out of her life before he even entered made her heart hurt.

"No." Her answer was both surprising yet predicted.

"With that matter aside I expect you would like to complete your nuptials as soon as possible. It is not normally protocol for us to promote such activities within the school, but I feel here an exception must be made." Dumbledore ignored her new shock as he shuffled papers about his desk.

"Pardon?" Hermione inquired her face full of disbelief in the turn the conversation had taken.

"Well, if you don't feel comfortable doing it here I suppose arrangements could be made for a room in Hogsmede." Dumbldor continued to pull random papers around as if searching for something.

"Sir, I hope you are not talking about what I think you are," Hermione cringed as her faced paled.

"We are talking about you and Draco performing coitus to complete the enchantment of the Contegam Uxorem, are we not?" Here the headmaster paused, looking directly at her with his annoying twinkling eyes.

"Coitus?!" Hermione shouted.

"Yes, coitus," Dumbledore stated to Hermione mortification. "You know, copulate, fornicate-"

"SEX?!"

"-yes, sex." Dumbledore smiled at her as if they were talking about a new biscuit flavor.

"Eww, eww, and more eww!" Hermione shouted as she jammed her fingers into her ears and scrunched her eyes closed. "I am going to count to three and when I open my eyes-and ears- we are going to pretend I never heard my elderly headmaster talk about me having sex. Especially those other words. One. Two. Three." When she opened her eyes Dumbledore was still grnning at her knowingly.

"While I know this makes you uncomfortable I must advise you sort it out with Draco. I feel it is very important to your safety that you activate the enchantment on your bracelets fully. This will help keep you safe as it can do more once complete. It not only acts as a shield to lower level curses, but has the ability to detect poisons and those who wish to harm you. It has been made known to me that there is already a threat to your life, and this may be the thing that saves you."

"And this conversation is officially over," Hermione stated as she walked to the door. "I already told Professor Snape that I will not let others tell me what to do with my personal life. While I will not break things off with Draco due to threats, I will also not step into that level of a commitment because of connivance. And not that it's any of your business but I don't think either of us is ready for that-which-must-not-be-said-by-old-pervy-men. Gross."

Hermione left the office, visibly trying to shake off the heebie-jeebies the conversation left her with. Between Dumbledore making bad calls based on a bunch of hogwash and him saying words she never wanted to hear from him; her opinion of the man only seemed worse on her way out of his office than on her way in. Hopefully a good long Ancient Runes lecture could cure the unpleasantness the visit gave her.

oOo

AN: hey guys, it's been a while, I know. Good news. I do have a couple of betas that are willing to go over this story. That means there will be a lot of 'updates' that are not really updates. Sure, there will be a few minor changes, but I am guessing most of them will be grammar and spelling. More good news. I have the next chapter clear in my head, along with the epilogue. Their outlines are complete, where some of the facts had been holding me up for a long while. This means that as soon as my betas are done coming through the story it should be complete soon. Very soon. Don't be sad, I do have a few other stories I have been hitting about in those long weeks (months?) between updates.

Side note: I had a review recently from a reader who was upset at my decision to have Hermione forgive Harry. After sending a few PM's I hope I helped clear up any misunderstandings. Hermione may have forgiven harry, but that doesn't mean everything is ok with them. They don't walk out into the sunset all happy together. She forgave his actions that she knew wasn't his, but that doesn't mean all the negative feelings are just gone. I was not meaning to belittle anyone's real world experiences with rape or non-consensual sexual advances, or make them feel negatively about themselves because they cannot forgive their abuser. I am also not saying they have to forgive their abusers, or those involved.

The same reviewer was upset because she felt I was negatively portraying those who are gay. If you have read this far you know that harry was not ever really gay, but Ron is. Ron's sexuality and his acceptance will be explored briefly in the next chapters. I know I had both Draco and Blaise say negative things about Ron and Harry. I deliberately had them hold those views because we have to be realistic, not everyone is going to be supportive or quite. It's an ugly part of life. (Lets also remember what Lucius said about he would rather Draco be gay than in a relationship with a muggleborn.) Also I want to recognize that I did use Ron in the attack against Hermione, but that has nothing to do with his sexuality. Not all gay men are abusive aggressors. That was not the point I was trying to make either. I have another story in the works that explores a similar theme, that gender roles and preferences' aside, that anyone could be cast in any role. There is a lot more to a person's psyche than their perceived gender.

I hope that clears up with the help of my betas.

Next chapter contains something that I am afraid that I was a bit heavy-handed with the foreshadowing. Let me know if you can guess what will happen next! (ps, what type of warnings should I place at the begning of the first chapter next time, and should this AN be part of the story's preface?)