Hermione was sure she'd stopped breathing even though she could feel her chest rising and falling as she took in more air. The way her chest was aching, like it was about to cave in any moment now, right in front of the four of them. Absently, she noted Blaise was suspiciously missing. Her face was perfectly schooled as it had been throughout the last half hour as she bid goodbyes to their never-ending list of guests. The new jewelry on her wrist was suddenly extremely heavy.

Not fair, she chanted in her mind, Not fair. Not fair. He deserves to choose.

Meanwhile Draco shrugged at his mother, "I agreed to consider one. Astoria is-"

Narcissa held up a finger to which he responded immediately, his mouth snapping cut. The angry witch looked at her husband, "He is just a boy."

Draco's face turned sour, and Theo couldn't help but chuckle while the two parents continued to argue.

"He's of age, Cissa, by graduation he will be nineteen. You and I were married when you were eighteen."

"You may not use our nuptials as an example. We agreed before he was even born that we would not enter him into any marriage contracts."

"Without his consent," he added.

She huffed, "You are insufferable."

Unalbe to stop herself, Hermione laughed, earning fiery looks from both adults and astonished looks from the boys behind them. Putting her hand over her mouth she tried to swallow her laugh, "I'm sorry, I am so sorry." Wiping her eyes she met Lucius's now humorous gaze, "She sounded so much like Professor Snape and he only ever calls me that."

Lucius gave her a dazzling smile, "Happy to entertain my dear."

Hermione blushed, thankful for the distraction, if only for a moment, "While I am sorry I interrupted, I think I'm going to excuse myself. My feet are absolutely killing me and I think I may sleep until New Years." Getting a wink from Narcissa and kissing Lucius's cheek Hermione walked up to Theo, "Care to help me up the stairs?"

He grinned wolfishly, "Oh sweet, succulent, Slytherin princess, you know I would love nothing more."

That earned a chuckle from Narcissa behind them but the pair could hear the parents arguing as they left a worried looking Draco to witness their verbal spar.

On the stairs Theo broke their silence, "Are you okay?"

Hermione didn't answer right away. Instinctually she opened her mouth to say she was fine but stopped after a second thought. Theo seemed content to let her consider her answer as he walked up all the way up to her room. She stopped with her hand bracing the door, using his arm to balance herself when she put a foot up and took off the heal.

"No but I will be." Shoes in one hand, dress skirt in the other she gave him a sad smile. "Thank you for the walk."

"He's only considering it, Hermione, it doesn't mean anything."

"But it does," she countered, "Theo, look me in the eye and tell me it doesn't mean anything at all. That him considering it doesn't mean that he might end up married to Astoria by the end of the next summer." When he pressed his lips shut, she sighed, "Exactly."

"He cares for you."

"And for her."

"Not as much though. I can almost guarantee he only agreed because Lucius was pressuring him or Greengrass said something that put him on the spot. That and seeing you with Krum bruised his ego."

"Which is even worse. It's no different than fourth year when Ron called me a 'traitor' and ruined the night except this time-"

"You love him."

Hermione's face fell, "Goodnight Theo."

"Hermione," he stopped her with his hand on her wrist, "You have to tell him," she blanched, "Tell him how you feel and he will open up."

"It's not that easy Theo. He knows, he knows but he got jealous and decided to strike back after this morning. After..." she stopped herself. She didn't want to think of that now in light of the newest circumstances. "I thought I fit with Draco but this, this isn't my Dragon," she whispered. Theo's eyes sparked with recognition. "My Dragon wants me and he has me but Draco, he doesn't know what he wants."

Theo gave her a sympathetic look and jerked his head in a tiny nod. "Goodnight Granger."

"Will you be here tomorrow?"

"For breakfast," he shrugged, "I was issued an invitation to the Greengrass's for brunch."

Despite the ache in her chest she grinned, "Look at you."

Playfully pushing her into the room he shut the door, "Go to bed!"

The sound of the door closing behind him had her shoulder slumping as finally allowed the weight of the night to finally affect her. Dangling her shoes from her finger she walked into her closet, which had somehow been filled with clothes by the end of her first day in the Manor. Unzipping her dress was easy with the side zipper, she did it after placing her shoes in their empty spot on the cubed wall. She'd only just gotten her dress back into its garment bag when she heard the door to her room re-open. Hurriedly putting on her dressing robe she tied it as she made her way into her room only to come to a bracing halt seeing Draco standing at the foot of the bed.

His taunt posture made him look like he'd been wound tight and let go. Like he might explode at the slightest touch. Except she felt the same seeing him and had to work to hide her hurt.

When she thought she had it under control she said his name, "Draco."

His head tilted in her direction, but he didn't look at her. Unsure what to do she rolled her lips between her teeth and waited. Eventually he moved to the side of her bed where the jewelry box from earlier was still sitting and set down a wine glass.

"Mother said you might enjoy some spirits."

"Thank you," she whispered.

Finally turning to look at her his silver eyes looked angry. She didn't know where his anger was coming from so she opted to say nothing else.

"Have a good night?"

She felt her eyes sting, "Are you asking me about Vicktor without actually asking about him?"

"Krum," he spat.

"Vicktor," she corrected, "He's a friend, has been for years and I was grateful he was able to be here as my escort when both of the first wizards your mother chose for me were spoken for. How was your evening?"

"Wonderful."

Her chest hurt, "You and Astoria were picture perfect. I'm sure your father and hers are very happy with the idea of a contract." His eyes pierced hers and she couldn't take it so she looked down at the tie of her dressing gown and walked to the bathroom, ignoring how he followed her.

"You're quiet the picture together," she continued nervously reaching for the flannel to clean her face. It felt like nerves but it was anger, just simmering under her hurt, still she tried to tame it. Except he didn't say anything, so it just bubbled as she washed her face. When it was dry again she looked at him, her hip leaned against the counter, "The perfect pureblood couple."

His jaw clinched, "That's what you think?"

"Honestly? Yes. You complement one another very well. I can understand the draw to one another and the appeal your fathers have in matching you."

He stepped closer, "I told you, if you wanted, I would go with you tonight."

"That would have been improper with the guest list already in place. Your mother would have had a calf if we tried to make any more unexpected changes. As much as I would have loved it, it I wouldn't risk her wrath." Unable to look at him anymore she looked at the shower stall instead. "You also told me to you picked me mere hours ago."

"I do."

"If that were true you wouldn't even entertain the idea of a marriage contract that could mean you were married to Astoria the end of summer. What would you do in my place Draco?"

"Your place? Do you forget I had to watch you with him all night? The wizard I know knows you more than I ever will. The one who still calls you 'My-own', that you apparently still write to on a regular basis!"

He was finally starting to lose his cool and now that he was, it was practically melting off of him.

"What are you talking about?"

He glared, jaw clinched like it could cut glass, "It's so obvious Hermione! You too are way too familiar to have never been together." Hermione felt a tear finally fall. Is that what he thought? He'd done all this because he thought she and Vicktor had been intimate? "Too affectionate," he continued with venom in his voice, "Everyone can see how you two feel about one another. Is he the one?"

"No, he isn't," she looked at him again not caring that she was crying. "You're upset because you think Vicktor and I have had sex? Why don't you just ask?"

"You obviously did! I don't even need to ask!"

Hermione clinched her jaw, "Did you ask Astoria if she was a virgin?"

"No," he scoffed, "Why would I?"

"Don't you want your future wife to be virginal?"

"I don't need to ask her. It's expected that she would be."

It felt like a slap. "To be the perfect pureblood bride," she finished with a bit of spite in her tone, "What about you Draco? Are you a virgin?"

"That's none of your business."

"You're a hypocrite." Taking a deep breath she wiped her face and faced the mirror, pulling the pins from her hair so it fell completely down her back before bracing herself on the counter. "Whether or not I slept with Vicktor in the past, that wouldn't be your business now. It shouldn't have affected us now. But you...you got jealous and you lashed out."

"I did not."

"So you didn't agree to consider that contract because of me and Vicktor?" She didn't have to look at him to know his answer when he didn't verbally respond. "So if I told you I believed you when you said you were serious about your offer to be mine and that I was going to tell you so when she was no longer on your arm or Theo and Blaise we're watching us in my room. That you were my choice. You were my choice except at the end of the night, I wasn't yours. Again," she whispered the last part. In truth she hadn't meant to say it aloud but it fell out. She took a deep breath, "Not only that but with my virtue in question I'm not a suitable candidate when you know the other is pure."

Unclasping her bracelet she laid it gently on the counter, her finger gently doing over it before she took off her earrings. Seeing them now hurt. They felt too intimate.

He'd been quiet a long time.

"Lets be honest Draco, I wasn't your choice. For whatever the reason. You said a lot but when it came down to it, you couldn't believe in me."

"Hermione..."

Still not looking at him she flicked her wand to start the shower and sat in her chair. Reaching under her dressing gown she unclasped her stockings and rolled them down her legs individually.

When he didn't continue she shook her head, hair falling like a curtain between them, "You're questioning my virtue because you saw Vicktor and I together. Have I ever had the audacity to do that to you?"

She heard him take a few steps closer. "We never went there."

"No, we just hit every other topic. And when I asked you tell me it's not my business. Like my virtue is yours."

Standing she looked at him.

"I shouldn't have said that," he'd deflated completely and now looked like a kicked crup puppy. "Hermione, this thing with Astoria, I don't understand it and I feel obligated to see where it goes. That doesn't mean I didn't mean everything I said earlier."

Biting her lip she closed the space between them. If it hadn't been for the hint of Astoria's perfume clinging to his robes she might have told him right then. But the scent of the other witch was enough to ground her in reality. This was the exact reason she hadn't told him months ago. Putting her hand on his dress robes she noticed her rings were still on and closed her eyes.

"Draco, you are free to choose. I told you that earlier. You always have been. But I think we both know what we need to do in the meantime."

"Hermi-"

"Goodnight Draco. I'm afraid I need to shower and while your mother has wonderful taste, I'm still a bit uncomfortable." Gently she pushed on his chest to tell him she wanted him to leave. But he held his ground.

"And if I don't want to leave?"

She bit her lip again willing herself not to cry anymore, "Unless you're prepared to choose me, really choose me, don't. Please spare me anything else tonight and just go to your room because I can't do this anymore Draco. Not tonight. You're having doubts and I understand but for the love of Merlin, let me recover because I was ready and I thought you were too."

His hand came up to cup her cheek, "Forgive me. I know you're hurt but forgive me." Then he kissed her forehead and mercifully left her alone.

Narcissa felt how wrong it was the moment her children walked into the room. A void followed the four of them as Theo sat beside Draco in Hermione's usual spot while Hermione moved to sit by Blaise. Neither her son nor Hermione would look at one another despite the flow of conversation around the table.

One shared look with Lucius and she knew he sensed it too.

Something had happened. And by the way even Blaise and Theo were actually avoiding the topic, it was something rather big. The marriage contract, obviously.

Breakfast had been abnormally quiet, there was conversation but it lulled to silence rather quickly. When they moved to the where the tree and presents the previously inseparable pair took seats completely opposite one another leaving their friends to sit between them. Another shared look with Lucius saw that he was now frowning at them too. Theo opted to hand out presents starting first with Narcissa.

It was a lot of the usual things they got her. Perfumes from France and jewelry. But Hermione's gift made her eye's dry with the threat of tears.

"Oh my..." In her palm sat a small compact mirror. Or what looked like a compact. Inside was an assortment of moving pictures. "How did you get these?"

Hermione toed off her shoes and tucked her feet under her, "I wrote Lucius and Andromeda. I found the spell work in the library and the compact was my mothers. I know you have your pearl shell one but wanted to get you something you could keep with you easier that wasn't a locket."

Narcissa looked up at her after dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief Lucius handed her while he rubbed her back.

"Your mothers?"

Hermione felt her own eyes water, "She'd love for you to have it."

The pair exchanged watery hugs before Theo coughed, "Alright, enough with the waterworks and estrogen," as he handed Draco his gifts. Except Hermione snatched her present to him before he could open it.

"Not yet," she said quietly in answer to their strange looks. It was the first time she looked at Draco all morning but he just shrugged and went back to his presents. When he opened the homemade knit sweater from Molly Hermione almost cried. She barely kept it together when Draco asked her what it was. "Molly makes sweaters every year for her kids, their spouses, and Harry and I. I think this is her version of an olive branch."

Draco looked down at the sweater in his hands, thumbs rubbing the silver 'D' that stood out against the dark blue surrounding it. Absently Hermione thought of how much the color complimented his eyes but shook herself.

Blaise opened his without much surprises. When Lucius got to his presents Hermione gave Draco his present at the same time Lucius picked up his.

The father and son shared a look before she chuckled nervously, "They're similar."

At that Lucius and Draco both opened their gifts with Theo and Blaise looking over Draco's shoulder and Narcissa over Lucius's. Narcissa gasped again.

"Oh..."

When neither man said anything Hermione grew nervous and started to babble because of it.

"The Weasley's have a clock in their home, a lot like a family tapestry actually, it has all the family on it. Anyway, it works to tell you the basic location of the persons on the clock. Home, work, school, diagon alley, etc. I made yours so they don't work with the same magic therefore you have to add people to it yourselves rather than it occurring automatically. I included the spell in your cards that way you can add people at your own discretion. But I thought, after the war, we all want to know where those we love are and if they're safe. Lucius yours is my grandfathers old pocket watch. It's nothing special but it's been passed through the Granger family for generations. D-Draco," her voice cracked and she swallowed the lump in her throat, "yours is my fathers.."

"Thank you, Hermione," Lucius said in a rough voice. It was the most emotion she had seem him display to anyone other than Narcissa.

Draco didn't say anything. But Hermione didn't blame him. She couldn't even look at him.

Then it was her turn. Her pile of gifts was significantly large. Mostly books and chocolates from the Weasleys, her own sweater that was purple and gold. She had to chuckle when Theo tried to haul all the presents to her without his wand.

"Merlin Granger, I think they feel guilty about your birthday."

Narcissa frowned, "Your birthday passed."

"Ooo, you're in trouble now," Theo tisked. Turning to Narcissa he grinned, "September 19th, apparently. Her family forgot. Or at least the ones at Hogwarts did. Didn't realize it until one of the twins showed up to apologize."

"Hermione!"

She shrunk into her chair, "I didn't want anyone to go out of their way and when people forgot I understood. This," she motioned to the books, "is most likely to replace the presents since Ron refuses to say where they are." Looking at the pile beside her she bit her lip, "I just hope they didn't go too far out of their way. It's not their fault."

After that and a major deflection to divert Narcissa's temporary irritation, she opened her last gift. It was a small box. Inside it held a bottle tab and a polished rock. Her lip was trembling before she could even get her question out.

Seeing her struggle Lucius cleared his throat, "You told Severus your portkey's were on hold because of your student status but as you're of legal age in both worlds that was just preposterous. I pulled what strings I had in the Whizengamot and wrote Arthur. I would offer my services but as we all know I can't. Arthur has assured me he and his eldest, the curse breaker-"

"Bill," she whispered.

He nodded with a smile, "Yes. That they would both go with you if you wish. However the portkeys are for up to five people so you are free to take whomever you wish within those limits."

"T-This is for Australia?"

"Mhm. We have also contacted the Australian Ministry and they have located your parents." He leaned forward in his chair enough to reach into the inner pocket of his robes and withdrew a picture that Narcissa handed to her. "They seem to be in perfect health and happy."

Hermione couldn't hold back a sob when she saw her parents having lunch in a corner café. Her mother laughed while her father grinned cheekily and Hermione just knew he'd told a corny joke.

"Y-" she closed her eyes to breath, "You did this?"

"I'd be lying if I said it was my idea," he smirked at his wife.

"What dates are they good for?"

"The twenty eighth through the third."

Unable to find the words Hermione just gapped at the portkeys in the box she was holding. Theo, being Theo, was unable to hold back his curiosity. "What of your parents Granger?"

Looking up through blurry eyes she tried to blink away the tears. Still at a loss for words she looked at Draco who gave her a small, concerned smile that conveyed his understanding perfectly.

"She took their memories of her before our seventh year started."

"Woah, that's deep Granger," Hermione snorted while wiping her face with a handkerchief Lucius handed her, "So who are you going to take?"

That gave her a whole new reason to pause. Before yesterday there would have been no doubt she would have chosen Draco but now things were different. Nonchalantly she shrugged, "I'll probably take Bill and Arthur up on their offer, I'll ask them later today."

"Why don't you take Draco and Mister Potter, I'm sure they would love to go. Provide moral support."

Awkward silence clouded the room as Hermione swallowed thickly and looked down at the handkerchief in her hand. Even Theo was quiet, looking awkwardly away for the pair of friends beside him to share a 'yikes' look with Lucius.

Narcissa was trying to understand what had changed in such a short time. Yes there was the contract but surely there was more then that if the two couldn't look at each other.

Eventually Draco broke the silence by clearing his throat, "Actually Mother, I have plans today and over the New Year at the Greengrass's. Theo too."

Narcissa looked displeased and didn't bother to hide it as she sneered at her husband, "Something else that was discussed last night?"

"Love, it is his choice. Theo's too," Lucius tried to gently chorale her but it was clear she was having none of it since she scoffed.

"And here I thought you had plans to go to the Burrow with Hermione today Draco. The Weasley girl and Mister Potter mentioned it last night."

Hermione bit her lip as she felt four sets of eyes move to her. Leaning back in her chair, resolving to put on a brave face she gave a tight-lipped smile, "I meant to offer the invite last night but," she paused and glanced at Draco, "things changed. They'll understand, it was an oversight on my part after all."

"Well, I'm sure Mister Potter would accompany you."

The older witch was trying to salvage the situation seeing Draco staring quizzically at Hermione. "I'm sure he will. But if worse comes to shove, I'll have Arthur and Bill. I wouldn't want to interfere with anyone's plans and the Weasley's throw a ragging New Years with the twins fireworks display."

Although greatly subdued the five of them continued their morning until it came time for everyone to ready for the day. The boys went upstairs while Hermione turned to Narcissa and Lucius.

"I understand if you wish to stay home given Lucius can't leave, and I would hate for him to be alone, but would you like to come with me to the Burrow today?"

Narcissa looked presently surprised, "No, I couldn't possibly dream to impose."

"You're not! They would love to have you! Molly also wanted me to convey a tea invitation but I forgot. I promise you won't be imposing."

With a rejuvenated smile Narcissa nodded but looked at Lucius who only grinned, "I planned on inviting Severus over, I'll hardly be lonely."

Narcissa clapped, "I'll go get ready! Do you think my jeans will be appropriate?"

Hermione giggled, "Very much so."

"Wonderful!"

With a pep in her step Narcissa glided out of the room leaving Lucius and Hermione. "Well I best get ready too. Molly will expect me in my sweater," she chuckled. "Thank you, for the portkey and everything else."

Standing with her Lucius reached for her hand and kissed the back, "It's nothing. We enjoy spoiling someone who actually appreciates it."

Grinning Hermione nodded and left the room as Lucius moved to the floo, presumable to fire call Professor Snape.

Hermione made it to her own room with her gifts following her without intervention. In the bathroom she charmed her hair into a braided up-do before changing into her newest sweater from Molly, this one was a purple knit fabric with a gold 'H' embossed on it. Looking down at the countertop in the bathroom she bit her lip seeing her bracelet from Draco. She was still wearing her rings and fingered them while making her decision on whether or not to put on the bracelet. Her want won out. She told herself she shouldn't but felt compelled to. After the night before she felt it was all she had left of what there had been between her and Draco and she wasn't ready to give that up yet.

Clasping it on she tucked it under her sweater, checked her hair in the mirror and went to meet Narcissa.

Draco was waiting outside his room, leaned against the door to his rooms.

"Waiting for Theo?"

She hadn't meant to ask but she did.

He obviously hadn't expected her to speak because he raised a shocked eyebrow before responding, "Yes."

Nodding she bit her lip again, nervously twisting her rings, "Well I hope you both have a good day."

"Why didn't you ask me?"

She stopped at the top of the stairs and turned to look at him. "About?"

"The Burrow," he huffed.

Hermione sighed, "First there was the crying and then getting ready and then well...I was going to but things changed, as I said earlier."

"I would have gone had you asked me."

"Maybe if I'd remembered before the ball but even then I doubt it."

"I would have gone had you asked me. No matter when."

She shook her head, "I don't think that's true. Not after you went back on everything from before. Not after already accepting an invite to the Greengrass's and I...you can't blame me for not wanting to be overlooked again."

"Hermione that's not what it is."

Looking away from him she shrugged, "That's what it feels like. You made it out that I was your everything before the ball and in a fit of jealousy you changed your mind. That quickly and so decisively. Now you don't know what you want and I'm left with empty promises I had hoped would come true." He was quiet so she looked at him again. "Before last night you would have been my first choice to Australia, to meet my parents, to help me. You'd probably be wearing Molly's sweater right now and walking me down the stairs to the floo for an afternoon with my family. Whether you believe it or not, you were always my choice Draco, but I wasn't yours. You have to give me time to accept that. That's why I didn't ask after. That's why, as much as I want to, I'm not asking now."

Breaking eye contact with him she saw Theo standing outside his door looking like he was stuck between wanting to hear and wanting to leave. Looking at the ceiling she blinked back tears. They wouldn't help anything.

"Have a good day Theo," she winked at him playfully then went down the stairs.

When she was out of sight Theo walked up to Draco, turning to him with his arms crossed over his chest. He looked pissed.

Draco took a deep breath, "Say it."

"Did you really do that? Dangle everything in front of her and snatch it away in a matter of hours?"

"I didn't mean to," he growled, "but yes. Essentially. But she didn't give me an answer before the ball. I thought-"

"Her and Vicktor had a history that was being rekindled. She has a bloody bond Draco, whatever you offered her, it's understandable she would need some time to think about it."

"She wasn't going to pick me Theo! Don't you get that? Even if she did, in the end she would leave for her bonded!"

"So you were just saving yourself?" Theo sneared.

"No."

"Yes."

"Fine, yes."

"Draco have you ever wondered why Granger is so close to you? She's known about her bond for however long and she still got close to you. Close enough that she was sleeping in your bed in her knickers, that she was willing to come here where she was tortured, or she needs you to console her. That she picked you over her family! And yet she is always stepping back for Astoria. Have you ever asked yourself why?"

"You're being absurd."

"Or you just don't want to acknowledge what I'm hinting to."

"I'm not her bonded. I haven't a mark."

Theo shook his head, "Drake..." huffing he ran his hands through his hair, "that witch loves you. Bond or no bond, she loves you. But you can't overlook the bond, you won't even consider that it's you. Yet you still dragged her along, let her fall further, and then did what you did last night."

"That's not fair."

"No it isn't, but that's what you did. She was your first choice to the yule ball but only because of tradition. She gave you an out and you invited Astoria. But not after asking Hermione's help to find an appropriate gift. Here for Christmas, again it was Astoria."

"Mother-"

"Would have easily worked some of her planning magic if you wanted to take Hermione. Just as she did for Hermione when Daphne requested me." When Draco didn't fight back he continued, "And then last night. Whatever happened, you still picked Astoria. Can you blame her for not inviting you to the Burrow or Australia? Honestly Drake, why even ask why she hadn't, you know why she didn't. You broke her heart."

"I know!" Draco yelled. "I know! Bloody hell I know and I regret it! Every fiber of my being wants to race down those stairs and be with her!"

"Then why don't you?"

Theo asked so calmly it was almost frightening given how passionate he'd been just moments prior.

Sighing Draco closed his eyes and shook his head, "I can't risk it.."

He looked at Theo when he didn't respond only to see his best friend shaking his head at him in return, "Then you don't deserve her mate. Come on, let's go."