The Leaky Caldron was full of wizards that night, all celebrating the new Aurors. The table of Team Gold, there was no way of changing the unfortunate name, was no exception. George had been the unlucky one to be last and was currently ordering firewhiskies for everyone. Marian downed her and shuddered as the drink burned her throat.

"You'll get use to it, Maria," George said, pushing another drink into her hand. The Weasleys had accepted her without too much fuss, though Percy was a bit stuck up. They treated her as if she had been part of their group for years.

Marian looked over and found Mrs Weasley, bless her heart, talking to Marian's mother. The two women were chatting happily as new friends. Draco, on the other hand, was staring into his drink, lost in thought.

Marian leaned over and said, "It's not going to kill you." He looked up and she laughed at his expression. "Just relax and enjoy yourself," she said.

He smirked slightly. "For you," he said, and downed his drink. Marian went back to her own drink as Ron and Harry tried to dance some stupid jig. Ginny was laughing loudly, having gone through three glasses of wine.

Hermione leaned over and whispered, "When did Malfoy become less of a git?" Hermione's eyes had been on the ferret since he'd swung his sister around in a circle. She'd been really surprised at the emotion he'd shown. It was more than he'd ever shown in her years on knowing him.

Marian giggled drunkenly and said, "Draco isn't a git, Hermione." She leaned forward and said, "I think you like him."

Hermione stared at her and chuckled. "You're drunk, Marian," she said.

The girl shook her head, but paused. "Okay, maybe a little," she admitted. "But, I know that he feels something for you. A sister knows."

Hermione rolled her eyes and stood. "Mrs. Malfoy," she said. "I think Marian's drank too much. I'll take her home."

Narcissa smiled. "Thank you, Hermione," she said.

"I'm not drunk," Marian said, pouting. Hermione laughed at her slurred words. Marian stood up, but started to fall over.

Draco stood up and caught his sister quickly. "Watch it, Mare," he said. Hermione blinked at the affectionate name.

Marian threw one of her arms around Draco and the other around Hermione. "Let's go home," she said. "Bye, Weasleys!" She waved energetically and with a stupid grin on her face.

The Weaslesys waved back, laughing as she nearly fell over again. Hermione and Draco supported her and Draco apparated them back to the Manor.

Hermione looked around and was surprised to see that they were in a room that held a queen sized bed, an old style make-up table, and a Barghest lying on the bed's comforter. Quillic raised his head as he watched his mistress being put on the bed.

Draco knelt down to take her shoes off. "Finally done," Marian said. "No more stupid training."

Hermione chuckled and slowly pulled Marian's robes off. She wore a pair of jeans and long sleeved shirt underneath. "Yes, Marian," Hermione said. "And tomorrow, we get our first case."

Marian clapped her hands. Hermione realized that, when drunk, her friend acted like a three year old. "I hope we get a hard one," Marian said. "I like puzzles."

Draco stood up and slowly pushed her under the covers. "Go to sleep, Mare," he said softly. "You're going to have a pounding headache in the morning.

Marian pulled the blankets to her chin and reached out for Quillic. Her fingers wove into the Barghest's fur and, before she closed her eyes, she said, "You two would make a cute couple. Really cute." Then she promptly fell asleep.

Hermione was still, a little shaken at Marain's words. Draco and her? A couple? Ludicrous. She wanted to snort in disbelief, but, when she looked at him from the corner of her eye, Hermione could see his face soften as he looked at his sister. During their years at Hogwarts, Draco had taken pride in being an only child, saying that his parents lavished attention on him. But he'd fallen into the big brother mold perfectly.

He caught her looking and met her gaze. "What?" he asked.

She shook her head. "Nothing," she said. "Just thinking that you've changed, Draco."

Draco chuckled. "When did you start calling me 'Draco'?" he asked, leading her out of the room.

Hermione blushed and smoothed out her robes to avoid making eye contact. "I guess when I saw that you weren't such a ferret face," she said.

She expected him to sneer at her or call her 'mudblood', but he only laughed. "I put all that on Marian," he said, escorting her down the stairs. "The moment I met her, she's had me wrapped around her little finger."

Hermione smiled. "Glad to see you're man enough to admit it," she said.

Draco stopped by the main doors, turning to her. "Why wouldn't I?" he asked. "She's my sister, never mind that we don't share a blood mother. Marian brought my mother and I closer together and we're a family. I know that Potter and Weasley will take longer to convince...but, at least to you, I want you to know. My mother and I have changed. We're different now, though many won't think so."

Hermione stood there, stunned at what he'd said. She nodded in agreement. "Oh," Draco said, placing a hand on her shoulder as she started to turn to leave. She felt his touch burn through the robe. "Can you do me a favor? Watch out for Mare? She shouldn't have to deal with anything because of who we use to be."

Hermione smiled again and nodded. "I'll keep an eye on her," she said. She paused again, turning to look up at him. "You know, I like you like this, Draco. It's so...normal." With that, she pulled her cloak tighter around her and apparated away to her flat.

Well? What do you think? Sorry it's so short. Anyway, review!