Despite having told Blaise a few days ago that he needed to call Gawain to give him a report Draco hadn't. He knew he'd have to say he'd found Hermione and for some reason that didn't sit well with him. Draco had made a few notes on the matter and compiled a list of possible reasons for the disappearance. So far, most of the evidence he had pointed towards a memory charm. She couldn't seem to recall the past well and when she did it brought on a series of headaches. She hadn't divulged any personal information about why she's here. His memory charm theory made sense. The only issue then, is who did this? And why?

Draco's phone rang and he picked it up knowing exactly who was calling.

"Gawain."

"Draco! How's everything going?"

Lie lie lie. Lie like your life depends on it.

"I still haven't found her yet, Sir." The words tumbled easily from his mouth.

"Ah." Gawain's disappointment flitted through the phone, "Potter's brought in three already. We're keeping them at St. Mungo's until we figure out what is wrong."

"You mean, you don't think it's a memory issue?"

The line went silent. Draco could hit himself. He did actually end up delivering a harsh blow to his knee. How could he be so stupid? Digging himself such a hole? He'd made it so obvious that he knew something. How else would he have come to that conclusion if he hadn't of met her?

"Good call Draco, we hadn't thought of that. Anyway, keep searching. She can't have wandered far off. I can give you her parents last known address if that helps?"

"Yeah," He breathed, relieved he hadn't been caught out, "That might help."

The call ended a few moments later and Draco laid back on his bed, covering his face with his hands. He had just lied. He could get sacked for that. Merlin, if it puts Hermione's life in danger he could get put in Azkaban. Okay, so he'd only be in there for about a week, maybe two, and he'd probably just pay his way out anyway, but this was serious.

What had compelled him to do that?

Deep down he knew it's because he's not ready to give this up yet. Whatever 'this' is. He doesn't want Hermione to remember who he was. She wouldn't look at him twice if they were back in the wizarding world. She was so… good. And he wasn't. Well, he never used to be. Draco wasn't entirely sure that he had completely redeemed himself since the war. He knew some people had forgiven him and he knew some people hadn't. He wondered if the Hermione before all this had forgiven him.

Maybe. Maybe not.

Blaise took a swig of beer whilst Theo attempted to calm his hysterical laughter. All that could be heard is his panting breaths between exclamations of 'Draco?!' and 'Granger?!' Blaise waited patiently for the laughing to subside, rolling his eyes at his friend. After a while of Theo failing to control his chuckling Blaise whacked him over the head with a cushion.

"Oi!"

"Listen to me Theo, I know you think it's mental but I think it's a great idea."

Theo ran his fingers through his hair and stared at Blaise incredulously, "Oh yeah, it's an amazing idea until she remembers him and runs for the hills. No offence Blaise, but this is the fucking stupidest thing I've ever heard."

"Wow. Thanks for the vote of confidence there." Blaise muttered, dejectedly.

"What? Did you actually think I'd agree with you on this? They couldn't be more different-,"

"Look I saw her a lot at the Ministry. Our offices are right next to each other. She was so painfully unhappy. Weasel was annoying her all the time about if they were dating or not. They're so incompatible it hurts. They kissed once like what… four years ago? How hasn't he realised that she's clearly not interested? I mean, he's dated other people since, but he still goes back to her. It's pathetic. Draco is a man. He'll challenge her. She's intellectual and sensitive. Weasley's emotional level is equal to an ant. Not even a whole ant. Half an ant. Maybe less than that."

Theo shook his head, "Mate you've got this all wrong. No way. Draco's only just come out of an engagement. He told me he wasn't interested in dating."

Blaise sputtered, "Just?! That was months ago! Astoria's moved on and so should he. They didn't even like each other!"

"I don't know man," Theo shrugged, "Draco seemed pretty cut up about it. He wouldn't come round to dinner for weeks after with me and Daphne because she was there."

They gulped down some more beer and changed channels on the TV. This muggle contraption really was very good. They observed the tiny men on the screen kicking around a small ball for a bit and shouted like hooligans when the teams missed the goal. After they both voiced that muggle sports were shit Blaise's phone rang next to him. He took a glance at it, smirked and let it ring out. Theo glanced over curiously.

"Pansy?"

"Yep." Blaise grinned at his friend, "Just playing hard to get. You know me. How's Daphne? Engagement still going strong?"

Theo's eyes glazed over and he smiled, "Yeah. It's going great."

Over the next few days Draco was forever popping into the shop. He and Hermione had developed a routine of sorts. He'd pick up a book, buy it, read it that night, go in the next day to discuss it and then buy another. This was the fourth day of their routine and the weekend was nearing. Lisa had put on a machine that played music and was singing a song about drinking from the bottle and swinging Hermione around the store. Draco watched them both with an amused expression.

"I thought this was a book store, not a night club." He called over the music. Hermione span around and walked towards him with a small smile blossoming on her mouth. Lisa wolf whistled behind them and turned the music down. Boo was thankful for this and finally managed to drift off as she napped on top of her tower.

"We're going out tonight, Draco!" Lisa said, "You should come!"

Hermione gave her friend a warning glance and then tucked her hair behind her ear nervously. Lisa came up to the two and nudged Hermione with her elbow, something that did not go unnoticed by Draco.

"Yeah," She responded, looking up at him anxiously, "You should come. It'll be fun."

Draco didn't even have to think about it. A chance to get a bit drunk and feel Hermione dancing against him? He'd be an idiot to say no. "I'd love to. Where shall I meet you both?"

Lisa rattled off the address of the bar they were meeting at and he smiled, expressing how much he was looking forward to it. Hermione couldn't help but grin back. Her cheeks hurt so much from smiling recently. It was a nice change compared to how she'd felt when she had arrived in Australia four weeks ago. Over the last two weeks this man had captured her attention and somehow wormed his way into her life, not that she was complaining. Hermione was thoroughly enjoying his company and attention.

Draco turned to leave and Hermione eye's landed on his arse. She stared at it for a moment as he walked away and then caught herself. So did he, as he turned and saw her eyes downcast and wide, a slow blush creeping over her skin. Her eyes flickered up to meet his and he winked, "My favourite colour is green by the way."

The club was absolutely packed. Draco could not stop staring at Hermione. She'd acknowledged what he'd said about green. She was wearing a dark, forest green sequined dress. The skirt flared out flirtatiously from her waist and stopped mid-thigh. As she spun and danced it rose and fell, the pulsating lights catching each sparkle and illuminating her. Her legs went on and on and on and Draco followed them from the tips of her toes all the way up until they disappeared under the dress. Oh how he wanted to take off that dress.

It was perfectly her. The neckline was high and she clearly felt comfortable and confident in it. She looked classy and elegant. Some of the girls in the club were all tits and arse, but not Granger. She was an incredible combination of sexy and sophisticated. Her hair was pulled up into a ballerina bun, though some wisps had fallen from it as the night went on. Draco loved it. Despite its neatness, it still refused to be tamed. She was untamable. She was fire, burning and glowing. Maybe it was the alcohol, or the atmosphere, but she was uncontainable, her energy was spreading and catching.

Draco had never been more mesmerised in his entire life. He thanked Merlin he was here, on the dance floor, gripping Hermione's petite hips and swaying in time with her. The song changed and bass filled the club. He could feel the vibrations pounding throughout his body and watched as she threw her hands up into the air, turning in Draco's arms. He pulled her flush against him and they moved again. Swaying, grinding, spinning. The vocals of the song kicked in then, deep and seductive. The whole atmosphere was enchanting. He was enchanted. He twisted her back to face him and brought his hands up to her face. She stared up at him with half lidded eyes and he groaned, bringing his mouth towards her neck, testing the waters. Her head tilted and that was all Draco needed. He went in for the attack, kissing and licking and sucking and biting with everything he had. He heard her sigh and melt into him, bringing her arms around his neck and pulling him up.

His eyes met hers again. Hermione leaned in and planted her lips firmly on his. She was tracing his lips with her tongue, spreading her fire against him, and he set alight as soon as their mouths opened and his tongue touched hers.

Hermione Granger was officially freaking out.

Lisa had filled her in on everything that had happened on their night out. She had brought up their kiss by saying, "Oh Jesus it was like porn. The sexiest thing I have ever seen. Jesus Christ," and Hermione had not been able to stop flushing all morning. She couldn't remember how she got back to Lisa's flat, only that she had. She thought she could remember the two of them with their arms around each other singing 'Sweet Caroline' as they wandered into the early hours of the morning. The two of them were currently in Lisa's double bed and Hermione was covering her face with her arms.

"I thought I'd dreamt it! Oh Merlin."

"Hermione, trust me, he looked like he was having an amazing time. He couldn't keep his eyes off you all night. He was constantly by your side. Heck he even picked you up and carried you here when you fell over-," Hermione groaned with embarrassment, "He was completely enamoured by you."

Lisa got up out of bed to open the curtains and prepare for the day whilst Hermione continued to lie there, "I fell? He probably thinks I can't handle my drink."

"Well, you can't." Lisa replied, snorting. "Now get your lazy butt up and get ready. I want to go to the beach!"

Hermione sighed but dragged herself up and into the shower. She could hear Lisa singing 'Sweet Caroline' from the bedroom and giggled, singing the melody back whilst Lisa then took the harmony. As she washed she thought about the kiss. It had been incredible. Her toes tingled just thinking about it and she wiggled them against the floor of the shower. She brought her fingers to her lips, touching them briefly. They didn't feel any different and yet she felt she had changed so much because of it. She rolled her eyes at how ridiculous she was being. She was living up to every stupid romantic stereotype she had seen in the books she'd read and films she'd watched. Of course she wasn't going to physically feel different or look different, though it'd be nice to see a change to show the way she felt internally.

She wondered if Draco felt the same.

Lisa halted Hermione as they got to the beach insisting they needed the perfect spot. Her eyes flickered around the area until finally she saw it. A perfect space near the waves but not close enough to get caught by the sea every time it rolled in. She looked at the watch on her wrist. Eleven o clock. Lisa smirked to herself. Oh she was a genius. Hermione glanced over at her friend suddenly feeling unsettled by the scheming look on Lisa's face.

"Look, Sophie, Michael and Jack are over there!" She pointed, "Let's go!"

Hermione followed her friend and when they got to their spot, rolled her towel out. Her and Lisa pulled off their summer dresses (as they had cleverly decided to wear their swim suits underneath) and laid back, facing the sun. Hermione flipped her sunglasses down and opened her book whilst Lisa socialised with her friends. She heard Jack greet her and she sat up briefly to wave, before returning to her book. Jack attempted to whisper quietly to Lisa about Hermione and the latter rolled her eyes behind her sunglasses. Jack had asked her out a few times now and then moaned to Lisa about it and each time Hermione overheard. Jack was an intelligent guy but just a bit too self absorbed for her liking.

But then Draco seemed self absorbed too. Huh. Maybe she just liked him better.

A shadow suddenly crawled in and she felt a wave of disappointment crash over her. Hermione loved her days at the beach with Lisa, she didn't want to have to go home because of some stupid cloud. She glanced around her and noticed the shadow only covered her spot. Hermione huffed and sat up ready to move into the sun when she heard Lisa's voice exclaim, "DRACOOOOOOO!"

Hermione wanted to dig herself a hole in the sand and bury herself in it. How didn't she realise Lisa would hatch a scheme such as this. "Hi Draco," She said and then turned to Lisa, pulling her close before whispering, "I am going to get you for this. Mark my words."

Lisa simply shrugged her off and chucked a bit of sand in her direction before turning back to her friends. Hermione shook her head, exasperated, and tilted her head up to see Draco who grinning wildly at her.

"Nice swimming costume," He murmured and she could feel his eyes drinking her in even though he was wearing sunglasses.

"I'd say the same for you but you're in long sleeves once again." She said, frowning as he held his hand out to her and helped her up. "Do you ever wear anything with short sleeves?"

He suddenly looked uncomfortable, pulling at the t-shirt around his neck. She watched, confused, as he glanced around the area. Hermione bent down to collect her towel and then turned to him, taking her hand in his squeezing it gently. Hermione made her excuses to Lisa who seemed all too keen to get rid of them and off the two walked.

Draco didn't say anything as he lead her away from her friends, instead he was a man on a mission. She didn't mind though and she took in the scenery as they walked. The beaches were beautiful, vast golden white sand surrounded them and the sea glittered in the sunlight. It looked so cool and inviting and she could not wait to wade in it for a bit later. If there was anything Hermione enjoyed it was the sea. She'd always loved swimming. It was much nicer than the beaches in England. She could remember them being stoney and the water being a strange murky colour.

Draco let go of her hand suddenly and sat on the edge of a small ledge of rock. He jumped off and disappeared downwards. She ran over to the edge, worried, until she saw him at the bottom of a cove. He looked up at her and smiled, holding his hands out. She smiled too and chucked her towel down before sliding off the edge too and into his arms. She felt safe with his arms wrapped around her and all to soon he lowered her to the floor. She felt cold from the loss of contact and pouted playfully at him. He smiled back at her, flicking her nose with his finger.

"I just thought we should go somewhere a bit more private. It is hot and I'm sick of wearing long sleeves just… please don't question me about what you're going to see." He said. His eyes were sincere and soft. She nodded quickly and walked past him, laying her towel out again. She could hear the rustle of fabric behind her as she sat down on her towel and then turned to face him.

Draco was covered in scars. Long, thick and dark against his pale skin. Her mouth fell open and she could feel her mind stop. She couldn't even think about what she was seeing just that she was seeing it. He had a few scattered along his abdomen and then one long one on the right side of his hip. It looked jagged and uneven. She assumed this was due to it not being healed correctly. There were more on his chest, small circles and slices where it looked like he'd be stabbed and then cut open. His shoulders were fairly unmarked and she couldn't see his back but what caught her eye the most was a dark mark on his forearm.

He sat on the towel next to her and took her hand in his pulling her back to lie back with him. She turned over on her stomach and reached out to hold his other hand with the mark on in a gesture she hoped seemed innocent.

"I know you're trying to see it better."

She flushed but didn't let go hoping he wouldn't pull away from her. He didn't and so she continued to study it. It looked sinister; the way the snake came out from the skull's mouth and curled itself around the head of it. She didn't think it was a very attractive tattoo. Lisa had a few that she'd seen but they were all very petite and feminine aside from her first one which she considered a mistake. Maybe this was too. She stroked her thumb against it and Draco's arm tensed. It was bold and garish against his pale skin and for some reason it made her feel uncomfortable.

"Granger," He warned.

"I've never told you my last name." She questioned, looking up at him. "Lisa's got a few tattoo's. She has one she hates though. Her first one. It's an eagle on her lower back. She's part American so she thought it would be a good idea to honour her heritage. She hates it though. I'm not saying you hate this... sorry. Oh God I just implied you hated your own tattoo. Do you like it? I mean, of course you do-,"

"I don't actually." He stiffened against her as she touched it softly before muttering, "And about your last name, Lisa told me."

Hermione fell silent. Draco longed to hear her voice again, happy and carefree. He should have kept his top on. He didn't realise she'd feel this despondent about his scars. She had them too… but then she didn't seem to realise that. He glanced down at where mudblood was etched on to her arm. It was in exactly the same place as his mark was. How ironic.

"Tell me about yourself." She murmured, letting go of his tattooed arm and snuggling into his side. He brought his other arm around her, folding her against him and nuzzling his nose against the top of her head. Gone was the uncomfortable feeling in Hermione's stomach. It had now been replaced by a soft fluttering. How she loved being so close to him.

"My name is Draco Lucius Malfoy. I'm twenty-two. My father owns a medicine company. My mother is a socialite. She likes to organise parties. I'm from Wiltshire. I'm an only child. I'm here on work. I think you're beauti-,"

She blushed, "No Draco. Not stuff like that. Tell me the little things about you."

Draco paused not knowing what to say. Who was he really, under the surface? Behind the death eater façade he had put on as a child. Behind the Auror and good man he tried to be now. Behind the pureblood heir who just wanted to make his family proud. Who was he really?

"I'm just a guy that made a lot of bad choices in my life," He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, leaving his arm with the mark to rest above his head, his other still tucked protectively around Hermione. His fingers were lazily drawing patterns against her back, "When I was younger I got into a lot a trouble with all the wrong people. All I have ever really wanted is to make my family proud. I love my parents. But they raised me with certain ideals that we shouldn't of had but it was all they knew and so in turn it was all I knew. I joined a… gang at sixteen and got this stupid tattoo because of it. I nearly went to prison. I'm trying to sort my life out but I still don't really know what I'm doing."

Hermione remained silent for a moment, thinking over everything he had said. She rolled on to her stomach and ended up flush against him. She tried to ignore this. It was all he could think about.

"Parents are programmed to love their children and be proud of them," She frowned, "That comes naturally. I'm an only child too. My parents are dentists. I went to school, was the top of all my classes but I…" she trailed off, closing her eyes against the pain that was pulsing from behind them, "I think I dropped out. It's all so fuzzy now. School was so long ago. I know people used to tease me for being intelligent. I think that's probably why I left. I came here for a fresh start. I don't think anyone really knows what they're doing, Draco."

Draco similarly also stored the information in his head. Yes. It definitely sounded like the work of a memory charm. He turned his face towards her, "Any boyfriends?"

"I don't think so. Maybe one. But… it didn't feel like this. I thought it did. But I'm not sure anymore. You?"

"Boyfriends?" He responded, smirking. Draco was secretly celebrating the fact that even though she did remember Weasley to some extent, it didn't compare to him.

"No. You know what I mean."

"I was engaged once. A few months ago. My parents arranged it. She was a lovely girl. I thought I loved her for a while but it just didn't work out. We tried to make a go of it but everyone could see we were unhappy. I think she fell in love with someone else. I was annoyed but now…" He trailed off, looking up to the sky and letting the warmth soak his skin. He could feel one of Hermione's fingers delicately tracing the skin of one of his scars. A scar, ironically, that she had given him in one of the many battles leading up to the final clash at Hogwarts.

"But now?" She repeated softly, her fingers never leaving his skin.

His lips parted and he sucked in all the Gryffindor courage he could muster, "But now I've realised I didn't even like her. Because it never felt like this."