When Draco slowly came around the next morning, he was met with a warm body and a mop of hair. Fighting against the thick mass of curls, he shifted the young woman in his arms so he could get a glimpse of her face. Granger was a natural beauty, unlike many of the witches who tried to win his affections in the past. She had an array of freckles that ran from her nose across her cheeks, down to her collarbone where they exploded onto her shoulders. Her nose was small, but perfect for her face. Long dark lashes decorated her cheeks as she slept.

What made her so beautiful, apart from her personality and zest for life, was her ability to express herself so freely. She never cared what others thought of her, and she was so secure in herself that she never hid her emotions. Sleeping in his arms, she was completely relaxed and at peace, something he knew very few others were fortunate enough to witness.

He was quite suddenly overcome with affection for her, not quite love, but beyond admiration. She was so many amazing things, like the first ray of sun after a long day of rain. And she cared for him. Of all the wizards and hell, muggles, in this world, she wanted him. And they were bonded, for reasons unknown to them both. He wasn't sure if they had always been, but he was somewhat fearful why now, of all times, did it finally present itself. He never felt any tangible pull towards her during their Hogwarts years, apart from the compulsion to bully her every time they met. He didn't feel a particular pull towards her now, save the typical desire to be near a new lover. This was not a unique feeling to her, although the short amount of time it took for them both to build such an attraction was curious.

He sighed heavily, the weight of their relationship settling deep into his bones. Draco felt her shift slightly, a quiet snore catching as she inhaled a deep breath of the morning air. "What time is it," she mumbled half asleep. He turned his free hand in a circular motion, creating a clock that hovered over them.

"Six," he replied hoarsely. She groaned, and an image of her sprawled out beneath him last night while he explored replayed in his mind. A hot rush of blood raced downward. He attempted to shift away from her, but she scooted her bum closer. Tease. He stilled for a split second before wrapping his arms around her a little tighter.

"Good morning to you too," she chuckled. He let out a deep breath causing her to snort. "Sleep well?"

Draco was so distracted with the feeling of her skin on his he forgot to answer. She wiggled her bum suggestively and he groaned, pressing his hardness into her. "Behave," he pleaded.

"Fine," she pouted playfully. Slowly, she turned so she was lying flat on her back. Well this wasn't going to help his current situation, he thought. The sheet had slid down to reveal her breasts and the dip down to her hips. The early morning sunlight illuminated her skin and Draco took a mental photograph for later. She was stunning, especially because she was looking at him in such a way that made his chest tighten. Her warm chocolate brown eyes surveyed him with a mix of affection and appreciation. He tipped her chin towards him and laid a gentle kiss onto her lips.

"Good morning," he said against her. She wrapped her hands around his face and pressed harder. Draco dove in, feeling her magic seep across her skin into his. She sighed happily as he dipped his tongue into her mouth.

"Hello," she gasped between breaths.

"I slept well," he said as he moved to her neck and began nipping at the skin there. "And you?"

"Fantastic," she replied, running a hand down his shoulder and squeezing. "You feel so bloody good."

Draco rewarded her with a light squeeze to her breast. Her hips flew off the bed. He broke away from her neck and repositioned himself over her entire body. She stared up at him so passionately, he lost himself for a moment. He wanted to devour her, to pleasure her, to make her happy. He swallowed hard. She must've sensed the change in him for her eyes softened slightly. She sat up so they were almost eye level, and ran her hands across his chest. He felt his core magic run from his abdomen to her wanting hands and she sighed heavily.

"You are so beautiful, Hermione," he said softly. She rolled her eyes and he cupped her face in his hands. "You are." She responded with a heavy kiss. He pressed her back into the bed and hovered over her. "I want you so badly, but-"

"Then take me," she begged. She brought her hips to meet his cock and he almost came right there. She was so wet for him and ready. Ten years ago, he wouldn't have a single doubt in his mind. But this was her. And this bond. This fucking bond.

"Soon," he sighed regretfully. She wrapped her legs around his hips and brought him closer. "Hermione…"

"I don't want to wait," she pouted huskily. Gods she was breathtaking. And to feel her bare center rubbing deliciously against him was unlike anything he had felt before.

"I don't want to either, but I'm worried about the bond. What if it causes us to be magically tied together forever? And then you despise me or don't want to be with me?"

"Draco…"

"Just a bit longer," he groaned against her shoulder. "I will research everything I can these next few weeks in between work. If we find nothing, we go the trial-by-fire route. That alright?"

She bit her lip as she drew lazy circles across his back with her fingertips. "Alright," she sighed defeated.

"Doesn't mean we can't practice other things," he flirted. She laughed and smacked his arm. "What?"

"I wasn't going to let you out of this bed otherwise," she smirked before grasping him tightly. "We've got twenty minutes."

Draco arrived at the Ministry later than he would have preferred, although the reason behind such tardiness was currently reprimanding a poor Auror in the Atrium. They had been about to step into the fireplace before she launched herself at him for a passionate snog, which turned into him tossing her onto the kitchen island and devouring her tight warm body. He hadn't felt this free since… ever, really. She had cleaned them both up a second time before racing into the floo ahead of him. He had delayed another ten minutes as to not raise suspicion.

When he finally made it into the Ministry, her voice bellowed against the walls in the large receiving area. He saw Potter standing beside her idly as she went off. Although he maintained his bored façade, internally Draco was laughing at how riled up she was. The poor bloke must've really screwed up for her forego a Muffliato and berate him openly after three orgasms this morning. Or her magic was affecting her more than she had let on. Potter caught his eye and sent an all-knowing look. He shrugged and headed towards his office.

"Malfoy," Crawford greeted warmly. "A quick word?"

"Of course," he replied evenly, moving into the Head Unspeakables office. Draco took a seat opposite the older man, folding his hands in place while strengthening his Occlumency shields. The only positive skill that came from being a Death Eater was having Voldemort live at the manor. Draco quickly developed the ability to mask his emotions and his mind. Crawford must've sensed this, as he didn't bother intimidating him.

"I'm sorry your office was broken into," he said neutrally. "I'm pleased they were unable to take anything from you."

"That would have been a bad start to my career," Draco drawled passively. Best slip on the "unaffected pureblood" mask.

Crawford chuckled and leaned back in his desk chair. "I assume your projects are going well? Do you need any resources?"

"No, sir. All is going per the Minister's plans," he smoothly replied.

Crawford surveyed him carefully, his eyes hovering a bit too long over his covered Dark Mark. Draco wasn't sure if it was because of his concern for the newest Unspeakable or if it was pure wariness. Finally, he smiled, though it was clearly forced. "Yes, yes. Of course. Our Minister is quite full of ideas. The last time an Unspeakable worked on a project with a Minister was three hundred years ago. We are lucky to have someone so dedicated to the natural mysteries of our world."

"Indeed," Draco said. "Our efforts will lead to great contributions to both academia and the lives of our fellow witches and wizards." Bloody hell he felt like a politician. Crawford nodded, appeased, and stood up.

"It's great to have you on the team, Unspeakable. I'll check in with you soon." Draco nodded and walked out of the man's office.

Hermione had been right, as she always was, that the man really didn't say much. He could see why some of the other Unspeakable lost their nerve around him. In a way, he was like Voldemort in that his lack of conversation with his employees made others feel compelled to fill the silence with words that were, quite often too telling.

He walked back to his office, shaking the odd encounter off and mentally preparing his week's agenda. They needed to visit Hogwarts, so they could speak with McGonagall and Longbottom. They needed to bring in Dr. Eastchurch to oversee the venom analysis. They needed to visit TONKS to preview the space and build the lab. That would require a wizard architect, a team of magical contractors, and a set of muggle inspired plans. That was all Hermione, he thought.

He entered his office and ran a quick spell over the room. Old habits turned out to be useful especially after some arsehole tried stealing from him. Satisfied, he set up at his desk and began to organize the tasks at hand. On top of all this, he needed to figure out what bond existed between them and why it was causing such obvious core destabilization. Rubbing his eyes, he sighed and hunkered down into his chair and began attacking his ever-growing responsibilities.

"Bloody hell, you're still here. It's past seven," a voice called out from the doorway. Draco practically jumped out of his skin and glared at the smug Harry Potter. "Merlin, you didn't even hear me. Everything alright?" Draco tossed his pen down and motioned to the empty chair across from him. Potter sank into it gratefully and cast a Muffliato around the office.

"Has Hermione told you?" Draco asked carefully.

"In brief. How in the hell did you manage to be bound," Potter sighed. He looked as tired as Draco felt today.

"Merlin knows," he said. "Just when things were starting to take off."

"Story of my life," Harry chuckled, his green eyes bright as they peered over towards Draco. "Our lot was never to know peace. I can't say that I know anything about magical bonds, but at least it was the pair of you. Most capable witch and wizard I know, and that's saying something."

"You flatter me, Potter."

"Mostly Hermione, best not let it get to your ego, Malfoy," he grinned. "I assume you know what you're getting into?"

"Getting into?"

"Hermione," Harry said matter-of-fact. "She's a pistol, that one."

"A what?"

"She's a Stupefy. Muggle saying," he said. Draco thought he needed to start writing them all down.

"Right. Well, she wouldn't be Hermione if she wasn't a handful," Draco said warily.

Harry nodded in agreement. "Don't let her be a martyr and try to overcomplicate your relationship. It tends to be her biggest flaw."

"Is that so," Draco laughed shaking his head. "I'm really trying to make this work. I hope this bond doesn't fuck everything."

"Oh Merlin, you're perfect for each other," Harry scoffed. "I was always shit at relationships."

"We all are shit at something, Potter. Thank Merlin Ginny took pity on your poor arse," he drawled. "Otherwise you'd have drowned in Chang's tears."

"The-Boy-Who-Drowned," Harry snorted. "The power he knows not or some bollocks like that."

The two men laughed at the absolute absurdity. Draco felt delirious with all of the stress hitting him today. He couldn't imagine Hermione feeling any better. She was probably pacing her office, racking her brain for what book she could pull the minute she stepped into the Hogwarts Library. Hell, he had already started to jot down a few himself.

"You look like you've been working here for thirty years, Malfoy," Harry interrupted quietly. "You're truly worried about this?"

"Of course I am," he almost shouted. "The timing of these events is shit. The minute the Unspeakable vow was made it was like a bloody explosion."

Harry looked at him pensively, his green eyes boring into Draco's skull. "You're afraid Hermione only likes you because of the bond."

"Since when did you become so insightful," he deflected. Harry grinned and straightened his Auror robes.

"Since I spent my seventh year living alone with Aunt Mia," he snickered. "So what if the bond has sparked this new attraction? Now that I think about it- is it really that new? You two have always been at each other's throats, this time it's quite literally," he winked dramatically.

"Potter..."

"It's true Draco!" He exclaimed excitedly. "Yes, you said and did terrible things to her. But don't think for one second she didn't get anything from your… encounters. I know deep down she just loved to exchange insults with you. Probably because you were the only one smart enough to argue with her. Ron and I learned very quickly how to mollify her or just simply run."

Draco swallowed heavily, the old memories resurfacing. Him calling her mudblood. Him enlarging her teeth. Her telling him to get bent. Her eyes shining with determination as she answered a question in class he couldn't. More recently, her cheeks flushed as she listened to him explain his theory on the chain of infection.

"Trust me on this Malfoy," Harry said more sympathetically. "She's not perfect. You? Far less. But there has always been something between you two. Plenty of others bullied her and she never engaged with them as much as she did you. Sure, you and I loathed each other," he smirked. "But she took it to a whole new level. And she'd go on and on about "fucking Malfoy" this and that. Although," he grinned cheekily.

"You stop right there," Draco pointed aggressively.

Harry crossed his arms over his chest. "You two have been bound for a long time Draco. I know Lena confirmed it, but it's obvious to those who know either of you very well. It'll be interesting to see why you two didn't jump each other on the train first day, but I'm sure you'll figure it out."

"Fucking hell," Draco cursed, rubbing his tired eyes. "Where's all this coming from?"

"I'm not just the Chosen One you know," Harry smiled. "My parents were bloody brilliant, I just had a lot of catching up to do without them."

"That makes sense," Malfoy said kindly. He hated all the lessons he took as a child but it really made quite the difference at Hogwarts.

"Let's switch gears, I don't want to overload you too much. What's the deal with TONKS? What do you need from me?" Harry asked tiredly.

"Well, I think a security detail around the new building is a good start. I also think maybe a team that helps them transport materials in, since we've given the OK to build the lab."

"Fair enough," Harry said. "The IA team will start with their investigation tomorrow. They've got full reign across all departments, so we'll see who gives them trouble. That's always a first good lead."

"What are your thoughts on Crawford?"

Harry sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Well, Hermione hates him. I would say I'm not far behind. Obviously you're an Unspeakable, so you don't have to tell him anything except what project you're on. There's a beauty in that," Harry said. "For the rest of us, he is extremely difficult and pompous. Clearly he is bright, but it's been ages since a Minister has scored higher on all examinations than a Head Unspeakable."

"From what I understand, Hermione also contributes academically?" Draco asked.

"Yes, which pisses him off. His job as Head Unspeakable is to manage the team, which for this particular department, is to secure resources and funds. In the past, Ministers were too dumb to understand the projects and threw millions of galleons at the department. Now?"

"Hermione keeps a tight grip on funds because she understands all of the projects," Draco explained.

"Exactly," Harry said smiling. "And while we are all grateful the war is over, funds are being closely monitored. There was a lot of, shall we say corruption, in the past where funds were inappropriately allocated."

Draco groaned, slipping into his chair. "My father made sure of it."

"He wasn't alone, but yes."

"So now everyone's vying for funds," Draco frowned.

"Basically. The Auror department gets plenty of donations, and I try to hold a benefit annually to help support the team. You've seen, it's rather successful," he smirked.

"You're welcome," Draco laughed. Each year he and his mother donated half a million galleons to Harry's division. Keeping any potential Dark wizards away was priceless at this point.

"So now every other department is dragging Hermione and her committee each and every way. It's insanity."

"She's amazing," Draco blurted out. Harry nodded.

"Now you see why we go to the pub on Fridays."

Draco nodded lost in thought. He hated politics. His father tried miserably to groom him into this perfect businessman-politician and only one out of those two actually stuck. Draco never really thought about the inner workings of the Ministry. It gave him a headache so he tried his best to avoid it. Potter was equally averse to politics, but had to periodically dabble in order to support his department. He did not envy he or Hermione in the slightest.

"Hermione will be happy we met today," Harry said. "I feel accomplished in that I got one thing checked off my list of a thousand."

"Well if it's any consolation, TONKS should be ready for a soft opening in another month or so. I'm due to get an update at the end of this week."

"Fantastic, Malfoy. Let me know if you need anything, alright?" Draco nodded as Harry stood. He hesitated towards the door and turned back to face him. "Don't let the bond bother you too much. I'm bound to her a thousand times over with all of the life debts. It's not so bad," he teased.

"Thanks for your vote of confidence Potter."

"Don't mention it," he grinned and closed the door softly behind him.

Draco dipped back into his chair, lost in thought. He looked at his timetable and moved Hogwarts up to the very top of his to do list. The stress of the day was starting to wear out both his patience and his back. He felt like a bludger had nestled deep between his shoulder blades from his shit posture. Attempting rather futilely to straighten his muscles, he penned a letter to McGonagall to request a visit for he and Hermione this week. He levitated it over to the box adjacent his office door and watched as it was whisked away to the mailroom.

Twenty minutes later he finally made it out of his office and realized he hadn't eaten anything all day. Grumbling, he walked towards the atrium and noticed Hermione was still in her office. He paused and wondered if he should visit her or pass. He hated dating for this reason. Was it too soon? Would she be upset if he just went home without stopping bye? Would she be upset because she had literally seen him all weekend and needed space?

He settled for the best alternative and grabbed his cell phone. Casting a Muffliato, he dialed her number.

"Hi there," she said breathlessly.

"Hello," he said somewhat awkwardly. "I need help."

"Is everything OK?" She asked worried.

"Well that depends. See, I'm outside in the atrium about to leave and I'm not sure what to do," he teased.

"With?" She sounded as if she was trying to hold back a laugh.

"I'm not sure if I leave you to work in peace, come by and say goodbye, or come by and snog you, so I settled on a phone call first."

"We are absolutely terrible at this," she snickered.

"I couldn't agree more. How long are you staying for?"

"Another hour or two, honestly," she sighed. "Harry just dropped off my dinner. He said he spoke to you."

"That he did, Granger. It has been an insane day and I've yet to eat."

"Malfoy!" she chided. "You have to eat!"

"I know, I know. I'm headed home now, but just wanted to say I'm thinking of you. And also, I wrote McGonagall. We should tear into the Hogwarts library, after work has been addressed."

"I'm thinking of you too," she sighed airily. "That sounds like a great plan. I'm swamped tomorrow but maybe the day after we can meet with her before dinner? My place?"

"Perfect, have a good night."

"You too."

Draco hung up the phone and waved off the Muffliato. A growing headache was starting to set in and he felt absolutely exhausted. He walked slowly towards the floo, surprised to see a number of Ministry employees shuffling after him. He headed directly home, desperate for some of Shelley's quiche and a hot shower.

"Is that him?" The petite witch said, glancing at the small pocket watch from her robe's pocket.

"Aye," her companion replied. "Another late night it appears."

"The Minister remains," the witch said, glancing casually towards the large office. Two Aurors stood outside, passively watching the trickle of remaining employees heading home. "That woman never sleeps."

"So it would seem," the man said gruffly. "But she is not our concern. He is."

"I know, I know," the witch dismissed with a wave of her hand. "Just noting an observation."

"We will have to continue to monitor the situation. The break-in was careless. Who even suggested-"

"Don't speak his name," the witch interrupted. "We will not be as foolish. Draco Malfoy will be sorted when the time is right."

"See to it," the man said sharply. "We cannot afford mistakes. He will not be pleased."

"Soon. Good night," she said, pocketing her watch and parting abruptly towards the floo.

"Goodnight."

Thank you all for your patience! I've spent the last few weeks writing and ironing out some plot points.

Would love to read your reviews :)