The night of the Halloween Ball had been so fucking fantastic, so incredible, that Draco had nearly allowed himself to forget about the text he needed from the Manor library. The text that he hoped held answers for the way the bond continued to grow between him and Granger.
After they'd…
Fucked, Draco. You fucked. No one would consider that making love in any definition of the act.
After they'd fucked in the Astronomy Tower, they'd retreated back to their shared dormitory. Between impassioned snogs, they talked. They talked more than Draco had talked to anyone in the last three years. He wanted to learn everything about her. Her likes, her dislikes, her dreams, hopes, fears. Instead, his biggest takeaway from their night spent together in his bed talking and kissing was that there was so much he had yet to learn about her.
For example, she loves toast, but only with jam. She won't eat toast without jam.
She hates flying, but has always wanted to overcome that fear.
She misses her parents, but is also relieved she never had to confront them about the war.
She loves tea– but she loves coffee more. Coffee with two sugars and a splash of milk.
She can't stand quidditch talk, but attends games to have something to talk with Potter and the Weasley siblings about.
Other things he learned that night were through practical application rather than talking.
Like the way she gasped when his tongue laved at her pulse point, the one not far below her right ear.
The way she preferred to sleep in old ratty t-shirts and knickers, and nothing else.
The way she loved being marked by him. "Please, more." She'd begged as his mouth left bruises.
The way her breathing slowed into soft snores as she fell asleep.
The way the furrow between her brow disappeared as she fell into a relaxed state of sleep.
The way she felt curled against him, head nestled into his chest.
He would have felt complete, were it not for the niggling of the bond and the feeling that something was simply not right. The urgent tingling was still there, just below the surface. The bond was still disappointed in them. For what, Draco was not sure.
A knock at his window had stirred him awake and he'd ignored it as long as he could, preferring to stay nestled under the duvet with the curly haired witch still sleeping beside him. He recognized his mother's eagle owl, and also the fact that the owl was not carrying a parcel with it, but simply a letter.
Fuck.
No book, yet.
Draco carefully peeled back the duvet and slipped out from the warmth of his bed. He padded to the window and quietly opened the latch to collect the missive from his mother.
"Thank you, Perseus. Give me a moment and I will write a reply for mother." he spoke softly to the owl.
Draco tore open the letter to find his mother's script short and to the point.
Draco,
I'm sorry, darling. I checked the exact spot where you indicated the book should be, but it is not there. I will keep an eye out and will send the book to you, should it appear elsewhere.
Love you always, my dragon.
Mother
Draco sank into the chair at his desk and quickly wrote a reply.
Mother,
Thank you for looking. I know this may seem frivolous, but it's actually quite important that you find this book. Father and I had quite the illuminating conversation before he died, and I need that book. It is actually quite essential– life or death one might even say– that I find this book. Please, look again. If you cannot find the book, I may need to take additional steps. Perhaps I can ask for permission to visit the Manor and look for myself.
Thank you, again.
Draco
Quickly sealing the envelope with his ring– now the symbol of his new status as Lord– Draco marched over to Perseus and slipped the letter and a treat to the bird before sending him off. Taking a deep breath, he turned back to face his bed and was caught in the stare of a pair of glassy brown eyes.
"Good morning." She mumbled sleepily, stretching out and offering him a lazy grin from her spot beneath the duvet.
Despite the news from his mother, Draco smiled in reply.
"Morning." He replied with a chuckle, bringing his hand up to his mouth to stifle the way his grin grew as he took in her disheveled state.
Gods, even so, she's gorgeous.
"Out with it." She grumbled groggily.
"I was just thinking we might need another pillow."
"Another pillow…?" She trailed off, confusion marking her features.
"Yes, for your hair. It seems to have grown sentient overnight."
"Oh hah-hah, get some new material.'' she groaned, half-heartedly throwing the pillow next to her at him.
"Don't get me wrong, Granger, I like it. In fact, you look quite fuckable in your current state."
Draco watched in amusement as Granger turned her head into her pillow and groaned. He reveled in her reaction as her cheeks tinged a pretty pink.
"You're just saying that." She mumbled into the pillow.
Draco stalked toward the four-poster, eyes on his prey.
"I don't just say things, Granger. It's not in my nature to say something just to make someone else feel better." He murmured as she shifted toward the opposite side of the mattress, shying away from him as he crawled onto his bed and over her.
Draco watched as she took a shaky exhale and finally looked him in the eye. Slowly, he traced her features with the tip of his fingers as he spoke.
"I had to watch from afar for years, Granger. Had to hold it all in. All of the utterly debauched and depraved thoughts I've had about you, about what I'd like to do to you." Draco felt as she took a sharp inhale.
He traced her lower lip with the pad of his thumb. "Do you know how many times I had to occlude so hard I nearly passed out, simply because you bit your lip and I couldn't help but picture your perfect, swotty little mouth stretched around my cock?" Draco heard the rustling of fabric as Hermione rubbed her thighs together. His legs shifted to accommodate her movements.
"Do you know how many times I have had to get myself off after you led a prefect meeting in those muggle denims you love so much that hug your arse just right?" His fingers traced a path down her neck and Draco smirked at the gooseflesh that rose in their wake and the barely there shudder that passed through her.
Granger watched him as if she was entranced and Draco preened at the attention. The one fantasy that seemed to replay through the years always involved her in his bed in some fashion. It was truly a dream come true, and he had her full attention.
"All those thoughts though– those fantasies, dreams– don't compare to the reality of having you in my bed. Live and in the flesh, where I can touch and explore." Draco sat up and peeled the duvet off of her. Granger's legs were bare, her old t-shirt had ridden up to her waist revealing the tiniest pair of powder blue knickers he'd ever seen.
Not that you've seen many, Draco.
Pansy was always more of a lights out kind of girl with you.
Granger moved to pull her t-shirt down when he stopped her, grabbing her wrist and tisking.
"None of that, Granger. As I said, I like you like this. No one else gets to see you like this, I want to enjoy you." Draco lowered to her stomach to trace a path with his tongue across the bared expanse of flesh there.
He paused and looked up to find her staring, panting, waiting with baited breath.
"I denied myself the pleasure of you for years, Granger." He trailed kisses down her stomach, past her navel to powder blue cotton, shifting to kneel between her legs.
She whimpered, and Draco smiled against her skin as his tongue slipped under the elastic just the barest amount.
"You're not going to deny me your pleasure now, are you, Granger?"
Draco's gaze met hers again and she simply shook her head. That wouldn't do.
"Be a good girl and use your words for me."
Draco's lips lifted into a half-smirk as she shifted and her hips lifted off the bed, seeking friction.
Her tongue peeked out to wet her lips. "Her-" she cleared her throat, eyes never leaving his. "Hermione. Call me Hermione."
Draco smiled– he knew it was wicked from the way her eyes widened at him, a frightened little doe.
Just a week ago he wouldn't have been able to do it, would never have been able to say her name.
"You didn't answer me." He brought a finger up to toy with the powder blue elastic where it met her inner thigh. Draco delighted in the shiver he felt overcome her at his ministrations.
"You're not going to deny me your pleasure, are you, Hermione?" The groan she released at the sound of her name could only be described as feral, full of want and pure need. His cock twitched at the sound.
"No- never, oh Gods!" He heard her cry out as he pulled the flimsy fabric of her knickers to the side and flattened his tongue against her slit. He licked a broad stroke up to her clit and worked in small circles, relishing in the gasping breaths Hermione took with each flick of his tongue against her.
"You're so beautiful, Hermione. But like this- fuck- like this, you're fucking transcendent."
While his tongue worked on the small bundle of nerves, Draco let his hands wander, one pushing up her t-shirt to pinch and pull at a taut nipple, the other finding her cunt wet and willing. He pushed one finger inside and worked her slowly, stifling a laugh at the way she began to fuck herself on his tongue and the finger inside her.
He was painfully hard and leaking inside his joggers, he knew he wouldn't last with the noises she continued to make.
"Remember that dream of yours? I want you to play with those pretty tits of yours while I make you come, can you do that?"
Her only reply was a whimper, and Draco nearly growled, slowing his movements before she corrected herself.
"Yes, I- fuck." Hermione's voice trailed off and Draco watched as she did as he asked, her thumbs circling her nipples before grasping and pinching. His hand now free, he lowered the waistband of his joggers and began stroking himself to the same pace of his finger and tongue working her cunt.
Draco watched as Hermione's eyes rolled back when he inserted a second finger and pressed against that perfect spot inside her. "Right there- fuck, Draco."
He'd heard her say it several times now, but his name on her lips while he had his fingers buried inside her and the taste of her on his tongue nearly made him come right then.
"Never stop saying that-" He felt her cunt clench and flutter around his fingers and the catch of her breath, her thighs shaking on either side of his head.
"So good, so good for me, Hermione. Say my name when you come." He quickened the pace of his tongue before sucking her clit between his lips. The hand around his cock moved quicker, keeping pace with the rest of his movements– he needed her to come soon.
"Draco! Oh- Go-Gods, fuck." Hermione came with a shout, her legs clamped to his ears, rutting against his fingers and tongue.
The relieved moan from Hermione triggered his own release, the sound going straight to his cock. He came with a groan, his lips still attached to her clit, eyes on her blissed out face.
He worked her through her orgasm and his own, listening to her panting breaths, before removing his fingers and sinking back on his knees. If he thought she looked fuckable before, he was wrong. She was perfect.
Perfect.
That flush- Salazar.
Perfect fucking tits.
Gods- her taste. Could eat her out for fucking hours.
Hermione looked up at Draco and his musings paused. She smiled, that smile she only reserved for those closest to her, but this one had a mischievous tilt to it.
She's the fucking sun, Draco, and you're just lucky to be in her orbit.
Hermione laughed and grasped the front of his shirt, pulling him down to her before she pressed her lips to his in a languid kiss.
He reached across her to grasp his wand and quickly vanished the mess he'd made of his sheets.
Worth it.
"Am I to assume you don't have anywhere to be today?" She asked him hesitantly. Draco watched as she retreated marginally, likely anticipating his reaction.
"Nowhere else I'd rather be than right here– particularly between your thighs, Granger." He replied as he returned his joggers to rights. He watched as she reached down to adjust her knickers and he fought the grin that wanted to escape knowing how long he'd waited for moments like this.
She barked out a laugh in reply before she grew serious once more. "Your eyes– they're clear. Does that mean…"
"Yes. It's- it's all gone. All of it. I won't practice occlumency like that ever again."
Hermione's eyes were comically wide, Draco had difficulty maintaining the seriousness of their discussion while she looked at him as if she'd seen an extinct double-horned unicorn.
"I- it was terrible. I was pretty much out cold for a couple of days after Pansy tore through-"
Hermione sat up abruptly, shoving him back.
"Parkinson?" She nearly shrieked.
"Yes, she's a legilimens, and she'll kill me if she knows I told you that so keep that between us, Hermione."
Hermione stared at the wall opposite the bed and appeared to muse over his latest revelation.
"And you're… well you're okay? No more episodes?"
Draco furrowed his brow and brought a hand up to her jaw, nudging her to face him.
"I'm alright, Hermione. I won't do it again. It's– I was a shell of a person, I know that now. And Merlin, if I wasn't so bloody ecstatic that you want me too, I might be more concerned about being myself again and scaring you off."
"Never, Draco. I've wanted you for years. I'm not letting you go that easy." She smiled, eyes crinkling at the corner the way he loved.
As he caressed her jaw with his thumb, he took a moment to sit with the stifling air in the room, the familiarity of that feeling.
The magic, again.
Stifling, hot, angry.
"I feel it too, you know. It's- something is still off. Not right."
"My mother wrote– that's why I was up, I was responding to her letter– she was unable to find what I asked her for. I've asked again and if she can't find it, I'm going to seek special permission to visit the Manor library."
"Do you think McGonagall or the Chief Warlock will allow- Godric! Draco, your probation task for the month. I completely forgot, I'm so sorry."
In all the chaos from the last several weeks and the revelations about their bond, Draco's probation had also slipped his mind. It had become easy to forget when he was with her.
Hermione was rambling, going over lists and possible activities before she paused on one thought for a moment longer than the others.
"That's it, perfect. Okay, tonight. We will complete your last task tonight and will meet with the Chief Warlock tomorrow evening."
What had she been speaking about? Something about a cable?
She was clearly worked up and worried she'd upset him, wringing her hands together in her lap.
"Granger, it's alright. It slipped my mind as well. This has been a busy month, no?"
"Right. You're right. Besides– this will be fun."
"I don't doubt it. You continue to surprise me."
She beamed at him and he moved to lock her in another kiss but was interrupted again by a glowing tabby cat at the side of his bed.
"Ms. Granger, I need you and Ms. Weasley in my office at once. There's been a development regarding our recent discussions and we need to speak."
Hermione groaned and flopped back against the pillow, curls fanned out around her.
"So much for spending all day in bed together."
Draco laughed and joined her, twisting a curl around his finger. "Oh, was that the plan?"
"You left me hanging for two weeks, Draco. I'm just making up for lost time is all." She smiled coyly at him. "Anyway, that will have to wait, I'm afraid."
Before Draco could protest, Hermione was up and walking out the door to the shared bathroom.
"Meet me here, in the common room, at 6 o'clock?"
Draco released a pained groan at the thought of not seeing her for hours after being robbed of the promise of her staying in bed with him all day.
"Of course, now hurry, witch. Don't want McGonagall wondering what's held you up." He raised a suggestive eyebrow, effectively dismissing her as she shuffled to the bathroom.
"Of course not!" She called over her shoulder, sending him a sly grin as she closed the door behind her.
This is going to be a long day, mate.
XXX
"Ah, Ms. Granger, Ms. Weasley please come in."
Hermione shuffled to the nearest chair, still a bit groggy from her late night and early morning with Draco. She allowed herself a private smile before greeting the Headmistress.
"Headmistress, what can we help with?"
Ginny had been silent since she met Hermione at the entrance to the Heads' office. She might have found the silence peculiar had she not caught Ginny staring at her high neck sweater multiple times, as if she were trying to piece it all together. Hermione had greeted her with a hug and quickly ascended the steps up to the office to avoid a conversation all together. She wasn't sure she was ready to reveal what had happened in the astronomy tower. Something about the magic of the bond had her nerves alight with worry, and she wanted to process before revealing anything to her friends.
The clearing of a throat brought her back to present and she found both Ginny and the Headmistress watching her.
"I'm sorry, I didn't sleep well." She lied through her teeth. She'd actually slept wonderfully for a change, wrapped up in Draco's arms, legs intertwined.
"I inquired as to whether you've heard any rumblings around the castle about these mysterious letters?"
Ginny spoke up quickly, squaring her shoulders and employing her best Head Student voice. "No, nothing so far. I would have reported that in by now if I had heard anything. Hermione?"
"No, I've not heard anything either. Jane has the other portraits keeping an ear out as well and has not reported anything in."
The headmistress steepled her fingers together and rested them against her chin, seeming to consider her next words carefully.
"Very well then. What I am about to share– just like all else I've shared regarding this matter– must stay between us. I received word that the Auror's were sent a tip about Malfoy Manor and several additional… artifacts… were removed from the premises a little over a week ago. Per Mr. Malfoy's conditional probation at Hogwarts this year, The Auror office assured me that not all of these items were imbued with dark magic, but all were deemed to be potentially dark-leaning, and it was determined that Mr. Malfoy would not have had any recent contact with these items. What that means I am not entirely certain. Narcissa Malfoy has been nothing but cooperative and I simply wanted to make the two of you aware, you Ms. Granger, for very obvious reasons."
Hermione flinched. "What?" she quickly squeaked out.
"Well, young Mr. Malfoy's probationary responsibilities, of course. Whatever else could I have been referring to?" The Headmistress leveled her gaze upon Hermione over her glasses and Hermione could have sworn she saw the twitching of a smirk playing at the corners of the Headmistress' mouth.
"Right, of course. You're right. Did the Aurors mention what was taken, Headmistress?" Hermione inquired, shifting nervously in her seat.
"Yes, several books. All related to blood magic and blood magic rituals. It is not surprising, most pureblood homes likely house several books on the topics of blood magic and blood magic rituals. Either way, the Aurors assured me…"
McGonagall trailed off as something clicked inside Hermione's mind– Draco had told her his mother couldn't find the book he'd asked for. Hermione knows the bond they share is unique, there's something almost volatile to it now that they've been intimate. The bond is sentient, in its own way, not just within them.
Blood magic and blood magic rituals.
Fuck, Hermione. What did you get yourself into?
Better yet, where the fuck is that book now, and why in Merlin's name was it on a list of artifacts to confiscate?
Hermione blinked away the confusion in her mind to see Ginny rising from her chair. Following suit, Hermione made to leave.
"Remember ladies, this stays between us."
Hermione and Ginny both nodded to the Headmistress before exiting down the spiral stairs.
"Are you going to tell the ferret?" Ginny asked with a quirk of her brow as they rounded the bottom step.
"I haven't seen Malfoy Gin-"
"Oh give it a rest, I went looking for you last night, Hermione." Ginny's brow crept incredibly higher and Hermione's eyes widened at the implication.
"You what!" She grabbed Ginny by the shoulder and pulled her into a nearby alcove, the alcove that was quickly becoming their spot for important revelations.
"I went looking for you. Thought you might be out getting some… air. You were getting something alright by the noises I heard down the steps, I mean you better spill, Granger. That sounded bloody incredible and Harry is gone so I've got to live vicariously-" Hermione slapped a hand over the redhead's mouth before she could continue.
"Gin- no! Just- just stop, please. Godric, this is embarrassing! I told him anyone could have heard." Hermione groaned.
"Somehow, I heard so much, but still not quite enough… no knickers, Granger? Quite Slytherin of you, I think." Ginny smirked.
"Merlin, would you quit! Do I even want to know how much you heard?"
"Probably not, if I'm being honest. Though I did leave before things could truly get awkward, I'll give you that much."
Hermione allowed her mortified groan to be her only reply.
"You never answered me, are you going to tell him?"
"I- it's complicated. I'm not sure yet. I think I have to, but I'm trying to work it all out. If I do, I'll be sure to let you know, so you can prepare for the blowback."
"Much appreciated. Now, Malfoy mentioned something about hands down pants and up skirts?"
"Ginny!" Hermione scolded, though it didn't last long before they both burst into laughter.
Silencing charm, Hermione.
You're a witch for Godric's sake.
XXX
"Albus, have something to say, do you?" Minerva asked, lips pursed.
"You know what I will say, Minerva."
"How can I trust that what you've divulged is true? I understood Severus' claim about the Malfoy boy's occlumency– but a bond such as what you've described is-"
"Unique? Yes, I know and it must be preserved, as I said. That book is now gone. My contacts have confirmed as much. It is now out of our hands and likely, if I had to wager a guess, will end up with the Unspeakables due to the nature of-"
"Yes, you've made your opinion on the matter quite clear, Albus. Have you spoken to Severus? He's been silent since I had his portrait moved back to his requested placement in the dungeons."
"No, he is silent on the matter. Refuses to speak of it. Though I do believe this refusal is partially reluctant– a magical oath of sorts, perhaps."
"Hm. Regardless, the boy is doing well this year. I do not wish to burden him nor Ms. Granger with more than necessary. We do not even know if the children– and do not fight me on this, Albus, they are children to me– are aware of the bond. Let them come to us, as I'm sure they will in due time."
The old Headmaster sat back at his desk, eyes roaming over his most recent game of wizard's chess.
"Very well, Minerva. We will wait. Though I should warn you, Jane believes there is more Ms. Granger and Mr. Malfoy's cease-fre, as the muggles would say, than meets the eye, though she is also reluctant to share with me why she believes this is so."
Minerva glared at Albus' portrait before stalking to the door, intent on making her way to the Great Hall for lunch.
"Quit meddling you old fool." With a swish of her robes and a flick of her wrist she exited her office and slammed the door behind her.
As Minerva made her way down the moving staircase, irritation at her interaction with the old Headmaster plagued her thoughts.
Can't imagine why the portraits don't trust you, Albus.
Hermione's mind was in constant turmoil. After her conversation with the Headmistress and Ginny nearly three weeks ago, she'd warred with her own mind. Tell Draco, don't tell Draco. Tell Draco, don't tell Draco. It was a constant loop played over in her mind until she felt she was going mad. She felt as if she embodied the very definition of insanity.
It didn't help that things with Draco were, well, for lack of a better word– perfect. Things were perfect. They'd had a muggle movie night in the dorm to complete a probation task for the month of October. Draco had asked her a plethora of questions and she was happy to answer them all in detail. They'd met with the Chief Warlock the next day and she'd been pleased with Hermione's assessment, and even more pleased to hear of Draco's mental well-being.
They continued to keep their budding bond/ romantic relationship under wraps. Ginny– though she'd caught them on the Astronomy Tower the night of the Halloween Ball– appeared to be none the wiser about just how close Hermione and Draco had become. In classes, everything was business as usual. Meals in the Great Hall were taken with their respective houses, as per usual. Their free time was split between their friends and each other. They determined it would be safe to study together in the library, as they'd done that previously and it was a benign activity.
They rarely studied for their shared courses, however. Instead, they pulled every book imaginable on bonds and bonding rituals from the restricted section, courtesy of the password Hermione coaxed from Slughorn one afternoon. It was scary, really, how easily she'd been able to get the information out of the old professor. He seemed to still want to 'collect' students, and still had Hermione in his sights, being a war hero and all. Unfortunately they had yet to come across any information that explained their particular set of symptoms from the bond. It appeared they were at an impasse. Just that afternoon, their 'study session' ended in a particularly heated argument regarding the possibility of a celestial aspect to the bond. She'd argued it was a ridiculous notion, while Draco argued the merits of the theory, given the aspects of a celestial soul bond as noted in the book he held. Hermione refused to believe it– the celestial bonds all held some aspect of blood magic. There was simply no way. Blood magic was thought to be a grey area, of course, not quite dark but not light either. The notion was absurd, in her opinion.
So they'd parted ways for the afternoon. Draco had bluntly informed her he had not heard from his mother and had stormed off in a rage. She assumed he'd make his way to the dungeons to see his friends, and she thought that was rather a good idea. She still didn't know how to approach the issue of the ministry confiscating items at Malfoy Manor, including books… possibly and more than likely, the more she thought about it, the book they needed.
Since then, she'd sat in the courtyard, soaking up as much of the sun that the chilled Scottish autumn air had to offer. Her Arithmancy text sat open on the grass beside her while her mind wandered farther and farther from her studies. Though in public they had remained determined to keep the trajectory of their relationship under wraps, in the privacy of their shared dormitory they could hardly keep their hands off one another. It was as if Draco's occlumency was the last thing standing between his self control and the unbridaled want he felt for her. Of course, Hermione had no excuses for herself. She'd simply decided to live . She'd wanted Draco for years, had waited for him, even. So, she gave into him easily. To his words, to his touch, to the feel of him wrapped around her every morning, either in his bed or her own.
A flash of red hair caught her eye before Ginny came barreling into her line of vision.
"HG!"
Oh, good, another bloody nickname.
"Gin, did I miss something?"
Ginny took a seat on the grass next to her, no bookbag in sight, but her wand was grasped loosely in her left hand.
"I never have the chance to speak to you alone these days. You're always in class, at the crowded Gryffindor table in the Great Hall, in your dorm, which I might add you never shared the new password to-" Ginny leveled her with a look of what appeared to be grave suspicion, a look that Hermione did not indulge, keeping her expression carefully neutral. "And when I do see you in the library, you're always accompanied by the ferret." Ginny's nose scrunched up at the mention of Draco.
"Okay, Gin, I'm sorry I haven't been around much. I- are you doing alright?"
"Oh, I'm just fine. Harry is well, classes are wonderful, Neville is still a great friend. Luna's as batty as ever. Seamus and Dean apparently shag all over the Gryffindor common room, according to my sources."
"Alright, Gin, there is such a thing as too much information!"
Ginny laughed lightly, head tilting back into the sun.
"Sorry, I couldn't help it."
"Hm, I'm sure." Hermione pursed her lips, barely concealing the mirth from her eyes as she and Ginny appeared to stare one another down.
"I- I have a different reason I'm here. Harry wrote. He asked about you and Malfoy. I- I just wasn't sure what to say. I'm not even really sure where the two of you stand. You seem to be locked up tighter than Gringotts these days."
Hermione's heart jumped. She hadn't written to Harry or Ron in weeks. Hadn't even thought about it, if she was being honest. How could she think they wouldn't be interested to know what was happening in her life?
Nervous laughter bubbled up before she finally replied, "That's not saying much, Gin, considering I broke in and rode a Dragon out of there not a year ago."
"Oh, come on, Hermione. You've got to give me something. I watch the two of you in the library, you know. Nev, too. Look, I won't tell Harry. Just- you're one of my closest friends, closest I've got to a sister and I'd like to think you could trust me. What's really going on?"
Hermione's gaze dropped to her hands in her lap as she took a few measured breaths. She knew Ginny would continue to push, even gently, and decided her best bet was to come clean.
"We- we're together, sort of- I guess?"
Ginny's brow furrowed even as her eyes widened.
"What do you mean 'sort of- I guess?'"
Hermione huffed in frustration. This was exactly the conversation she had hoped to avoid. The questions, the assumptions, the potential accusations.
"Well, you and Nev already know about the bond. I- we- we decided to… give in. Let it happen. So we're together, really, just keeping it private for now. Between the two of us."
A fire lit behind Ginny's eyes before Hermione had a chance to react.
"Was that Malfoy's idea? To keep things out of the public eye? Ashamed, is he?"
Hermione shot up, back straight as she addressed Ginny's questions.
"Ginny, no! Absolutely not! He's been fucking amazing, if I'm honest. But if you haven't noticed, we weren't exactly close the past several years. We want to get to know one another. We may be bonded, and I may have pined after him for a while, but that doesn't mean we think it's wise to just dive in head first without some sort of foundation."
Ginny seemed to have taken well to Hermione's explanation. Her gaze softened and she loosened her grip on the grass around her.
"I- alright. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. It's just so hard to imagine him as anything other than the utter bully and prat I've grown up knowing him to be."
Hermione ungracefully snorted.
"Tell me about it!"
The two girls devolved into laughter until another flash of hair caught her eye, sandy curls, slytherin tie– headed her direction?
"Gin, promise me you'll give me- us- time and space to sort this out on our own?" Hermione pleaded with the redhead, sensing an oncoming interruption.
"Of course. I'll let Harry know you're doing just fine, but please write to him soon, Hermione. And sort out Christmas, would you! Harry wants to know if you've decided to stay or if you're headed to your parents, finally."
Choking back the overwhelming urge to vomit at the mention of her– dead– parents, Hermione simply smiled and nodded.
As she watched Ginny head back inside the castle, she took several measured breaths, counting in and out, before a male voice interrupted her.
"Granger."
"Nott?"
She looked up to find him smirking down at her. He'd always been so handsome– Hermione thought in another life she'd very much have liked to know Theodore Nott better.
"Was that a question? Yes, I am Nott."
Hermione cleared her throat and gestured to the now vacated grass beside her, inviting him to take a seat.
"Thanks." He stated plainly as he leaned back on his elbows, gaze fixed on the sky.
"Is there something I can help you with, Nott?"
"Hm." He seemed to ponder her question for a moment. An indecipherable look passed over his face before he finally replied. "I'm hoping so. Did you know I'm the last living male heir to the Nott estate?"
Hermione shook her head in confusion. "No, I- what does this have to do-"
"Let me finish, would you?" He lifted an eyebrow at her before she could question him further.
Fucking Slytherin's.
"As I said, I'm the last living male heir to the Nott estate. That being so, I'm in charge of all of the happenings in our business holdings, finances, and all matters pertaining to Nott estate."
Hermione's head nodded along, slowly, still unsure of where the conversation was headed.
"You catch on quickly, Golden Girl." Hermione scoffed but remained otherwise silent. "That being so, all communication regarding the estate goes through me, including, say, communication from the ministry regarding ridding the Manor of dark magic."
Hermione froze, her mind blank. He knew . But how did he know?
"Ah, see I thought so."
Hermione's head snapped to the side, her eyes met Nott's in a curious glance.
"What is it you think you know here, Nott?"
"Oh, let's not play games here, Granger. I know you and Draco are soul bonded, and I know that you've probably been fucking like rabbits in that shared dorm of yours ever since the night of the Halloween Ball." Hermione's eyes went wide as saucers, unable to school her expression into something more neutral.
He laughed. Nott actually laughed at her response.
"Look, I'm happy for Draco, truly. We all watched him pine after you for years. It's nice to have him back. But I sought you out for a reason. I know the Headmistress trusts you, and I know you're bound to be aware of what the Auror's office has been doing at all the old Death Eater properties, including Nott Manor, ridding the estate of all dark artefacts and such."
Hermione contemplated her response for a brief moment before considering she had nowhere to hide. There was truly no response she could give that he would believe, aside from the truth.
"Go on, I'm listening."
Nott seemed to appreciate that answer, as he gave her a quick nod and continued speaking.
"I received a letter this morning, by accident, I assume, considering the envelope was unaddressed aside from a ministry seal, and the letter inside was addressed to Narcissa Malfoy."
Hermione swallowed before gesturing for him to continue with the free hand in her lap.
"I'll keep it brief. At first, I thought nothing of the letter. Benign, really. But this afternoon Draco finally confided in Blaise, Pansy and I, that he has tasked his mother with finding a book that is apparently very important to your bond, and she has been unsuccessful in finding the book so far. Is that correct?"
"To my knowledge, yes. I know just about as much as you do in that regard."
"Hm, alright. Well, Draco would kill me if he knew I came to you with this before him, but he'd get himself thrown in Azkaban for breaking his probation if I told him and he acted on this."
Hermione's breath caught in her throat as she waited for Nott to reply.
"The letter from the ministry was to inform Narcissa Malfoy that the book is being examined by Unspeakables and will not be released from ministry custody until it is rid of all magic deemed to be Dark in nature. This particular book, it appears, is bound by blood magic. Without Malfoy blood, the book will not respond to the Unspeakables who are trying to cleanse the book."
"Blood magic– what? That is- that's dark, isn't it? Why would a book about a simple soul bond involve blood magic?"
"I knew you'd take something away from this that was totally not the point, but that's not what I imagined you'd latch onto. Granger, do you really believe that what you and Draco have is simply a soul bond?"
"I-" The words caught in her throat. Realistically she knew it was improbable that the answer was that simple. The pull, the burning touches, the way she was able to enter his mind without using legilimency, coupled with the anger of the magic in the air the first time they were intimate and every time since. The pieces of the puzzle were all there, she just hadn't been willing to put them together. It was all so complicated, everything was always complicated these days.
"Ah, so you're not that dense. Didn't think so. You very obviously have a unique bond with Draco, Granger. My theory is that the book– considering the blood magic and all– is unique to the Malfoy line. Do you know if- well, has Draco shared anything with you about the history of these bonds in his family?"
Hermione's mind was racing. How had she not explored this line of questioning already? The Malfoy library just happened to contain a helpful book about bonds that his father pushed him toward?
"No, he has not." She grit out, jaw clenched tight in barely concealed frustration.
"Granger, don't take it personally. Draco has always kept things close to the chest. I'm certain he will share with you whatever you want to know, you just have to ask the right questions."
Hermione knew this, she just berated herself internally for letting her guard down the last several weeks while she basked in new-relationship happiness with Draco. Of course she had to question him. She needed to know. Something told her now that it was not coincidence that book existed, or that blood magic somehow concealed it from outsiders.
"I- I think I need to go." She rushed out, gathering up her books and shoving them haphazardly into her book back.
"Of course, but just know that I want to help. Think on it, please? Draco seemed… concerned about the bond. I want to help, remember that. I'm here if you need me."
Hermione stared at him and considered Theodore Nott for a long moment. He'd never been overly friendly, nor loud, nor did he stand out. But he had always just… been . All of her memories of interactions with the Slytherin's over the years contained a sliver of Theodore Nott, but no emotion shaded those memories of him. It seemed now she could say with some certainty that Theodore Nott is a good friend, that much she does know.
"Thank you, Theodore."
His easy smile put some of her anxieties to rest and Hermione rushed inside the castle to find Draco.
XXX
For nearly three weeks since that night on the Astronomy Tower, Draco's head would begin to throb with a headache by six in the evening. It began as a slight ache behind his eyes, but now the pain grew to wrap around his temples to the sides of his head. When he used magic, the pain became more intense.
Today was no different. He'd been in a potions lab since he'd left the Slytherin common room after talking with his friends. While in the lab, he'd used his wand to complete simple tasks– summoning ingredients, lighting the flame beneath the cauldron, setting the stirring rod to the correct speed, a quick scourgify after to clean up. Even though it was rudimentary magic, the headache bloomed right on schedule.
Draco groaned as he made his way up the stairs to his and Hermione's dormitory where he was sure to find a pain potion stashed in his trunk. He hadn't wanted to worry her with his headaches, so he'd been keeping the pain to himself for the time being. If Draco was being honest with himself, he believed it had something to do with ripping his mind open to break down all of his occlumency barriers. Of course there had to be consequences to his actions– his Aunt Bella didn't escape unscathed, and he didn't expect to either.
Supplying Jane with a brief greeting, he noted the worried expression on her face before she allowed him entry. He made his way toward his room where he knew he'd find the potion and was able to find and down the vial quickly before the pain caused him to vomit. It had only happened once before, but it was not something he wanted to repeat. Relief spread through his veins instantly as the throbbing stopped and receded into a dull ache– a mere whisper of the headache that was present just seconds before.
As he sat back against the wall where his trunk resided, he let his mind wander for a moment. It had felt good, confiding in his friends about his frustrations surrounding the book his mother had been unable to find. None of them seemed any the wiser about his newfound relationship with Hermione, but he wasn't stupid enough to believe they didn't have their suspicions.
Slytherins.
The argument with Hermione that afternoon had Draco wound up and he couldn't help but tell them as much as he felt was safe. With no occlumency to assist him, his emotions were all over the place. He felt like a bloody first year all over again with how quick he was to respond in anger. He wished more than anything that he could tell Hermione about the blood curse. Just lay it all out for her so that she understood all of what was at stake. His father had mentioned this was for her good as well, for her safety. Severus had hinted at as much once. How could he truly be honest with her when he was unable to divulge information with her that could change her mind about their bond, entirely?
A pained whimper left his lips before he had a chance to stop it. The headache was threatening its way back into his head as he mulled over what the best course of action might be. Realistically, he knew Hermione would appreciate all of the facts before making a decision. But, selfishly? Draco wanted to keep her. And if keeping her meant she never found out about the blood curse, then so be it.
One thought continually reared its ugly head in Draco's consciousness.
It's not like you could tell her, even if you wanted to.
Clenching his eyes shut, Draco leaned back against the cool stone wall and let it soothe his head further. Just as he felt himself drifting into a state of sleep, he heard the portrait open and quick footsteps move through the dorm.
Hermione.
"Draco?"
"In here."
He watched as Hermione poked her head into his room and her eyes searched the space before landing on his figure.
"Are you alright? You look a bit pale." Hermione rushed out as she approached and kneeled before him.
"Of course, I'm just fine. I had a bit of a headache but I'm good as new." He flashed her a soft smile to ease her mind, though his head still bore the memory of just how painful that headache was.
Her hand came up to cradle his cheek and he leaned into her touch. Before they'd accepted the bond, each touch was like a flame that ignited some primal urge within him. As they'd come to accept the bond and were around one another more and shared skin to skin contact often, the touches became more like a comforting warmth. Each one soothed away the day's worries and brought him a sense of peace, rather than urgency.
"Are you certain? You don't look well." Her brow furrowed in worry.
"You wound me, Granger. I know I was in the potions lab for a while but I can't look that ghastly."
Draco graced her with the signature Malfoy smirk before wrapping his arms around her waist and hauling her into his lap. Her squeal of surprise caused him to laugh lightly against her curls.
"That is not what I meant and you know it. You know I think you're devastatingly handsome."
"Ah, do go on." Draco teased.
"And bloody fit." A soft blush spread across her cheeks and Draco brought a hand up to trace as it spread.
"Ah, is that so? Is that why you came rushing in here to find me? Because I'm 'bloody fit'?"
"Draco." Hermione groaned, dropping her forehead to his. Unable to mask the pain from the slight jostling, Draco flinched. "Does your head still hurt? Merlin, I'm sorry!"
"It's alright, love. I- it's alright. Just need a moment is all. Maybe a nap before dinner?"
"I really did have something to talk to you about, Draco. I-"
"Please, Hermione? I just need a moment." And a new brain, perhaps?
Draco watched as Hermione leaned back in his arms and worried her bottom lip between her teeth, seeming to weigh her options.
"Of course. It can wait." Her thumb swiped across his cheek in soothing motions.
Draco smiled easily at the witch.
"Care to join me for that nap?"
Hermione's return smile was just as easy.
"I'd like nothing better."
Draco relaxed marginally, hoping beyond all that the headaches would stop soon. If not, he'd need to pay Severus a visit and he'd been studiously avoiding his Godfather for weeks.
Bloody occlumency.