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March 2, 2003
Hermione's POV
After enjoying a light breakfast with Harry, Ginny, and Theo, they promise to set a date to visit. Harry makes Draco promise to be on his best behavior if he's going to visit the Burrow with Hermione.
"Have you spoken with either Pansy or Neville yet?" Having helped clean up most of the mess from breakfast, she watches Draco prepare a tray of food for their guests.
"Only for a moment. Healer Thomas did say Longbottom would have a long recovery ahead of him, even with magic to help with the healing process. Pansy seems to have come away mostly unscathed. He said she showed signs of malnourishment and dehydration; the majority of her healing will focus on the psychological damage she experienced." Pulling up the sleeves of his jumper, he turns to face her. "Why didn't Pansy have any signs of physical torture, Granger?" He doesn't seem angry when he asks the question, but there is a definite undertone of frustration.
"I did what I had to do to keep my friend safe, Draco."
"What exactly does that mean? Because if my assumption is correct, you most likely did your best to piss Dolohov off to take the brunt of the torture. Am I right so far?"
"You're not wrong. I've done the torture thing, and I know that I can handle it. I've lived through starvation, torture, rape, and the weight of helping keep Harry alive for years. I can handle someone like Dolohov. I know that now. Pansy's never had to live through any of that. So, yes, if I could spare my friend from those same experiences, I am going to do it."
Pinching the bridge of his nose, he curses. "Bloody Gryffindors, your bravery will get you killed one of these days, Granger."
"Good thing I have a big, strong Auror around then, isn't it?" She teases, pulling the drawstring of his joggers loose, slowly stroking his already thickening cock.
"Oh, for the love of Merlin! Can you two keep your hands off each other for more than five minutes?!" Harry shouts from the doorway, clapping his hands over his eyes.
"What the bloody hell is that in your hand?" Draco asks, tightening the band at his waist.
"Crooks!" Hermione exclaims.
"What's a Crooks?" Draco asks, perplexed.
"Hermione's cat. We've been watching him while she's been here. It doesn't look like she's going home any time soon, and he's getting restless without her." Harry opens the front of the carrier, releasing the thoroughly upset half-kneezle.
"Oh, Crooksy, I've missed you, boy. Thank you so much for bringing him, Harry."
"That thing is still alive?" Draco asks incredulously.
"Kneezles, even half-kneezles, have very long-life expectancies. Crookshanks has a lot of life left. Don't you, boy?" She explained. Crookshanks purrs as he nuzzles her neck.
"I was going to bring him earlier but forgot to grab his carrier. I'm sure he'll hold that against me." Harry says, scratching the back of his neck like he always did when nervous.
"Hold it against you? He's a cat, Potter." Draco quips.
"A bloody smart cat, Malfoy. A friendly warning, you'd be wise to watch what you say around him. He's brilliant and doesn't forgive easily."
"Right. Well, thank you for bringing the beast. You can be on your way now." Draco waves Harry away in dismissal.
"Bugger off, Malfoy. I'll see you later, Hermione." He gives the two a wave before leaving through the floo.
Setting Crookshanks down, she prepares a bowl of tuna and water for him, thankful that her familiar is back where he belongs.
After setting up an area in the kitchen, she finds Crookshanks and Draco in a standoff.
"Listen here puss, I will allow you to stay on three conditions." She snickers quietly from her hiding spot behind the corner. "You will not be sleeping in my bed; under no circumstances will you climb on the counters, and lastly, you will not be allowed in the room when I require alone time with Granger. If you accept these terms, I will provide one tin of tuna daily."
Biting her fist to hold back her laughter, she watches Crookshanks blink twice before meowing once in response.
"Fine. One tin of tuna and a saucer of warm milk. Do we have a deal?" Draco asks, holding out the flat of his palm before the orange tabby.
She's astonished to see Crooks put one large paw in the middle of Malfoy's palm, meowing twice more before sprinting away; she can practically hear him saying, "Sucker!". Crooks rarely took to new people, and seeing Malfoy take Harry's message seriously warmed her heart. Ron had never treated her cat right; it had been a constant battle between man and feline.
"You are a sucker. He will not comply with any of that, and you will still be expected to hold up your end of the bargain." She chuckles lightly.
"We have an understanding, Shanks and me. Don't you worry about it, Granger? Now, back to our earlier discussion. Thank you for taking care of Pansy. I hate that you felt the need to take a beating to protect her, but I'm grateful all the same. You truly are one of the most selfless people I've met."
"Thank you. I have something I'd like to discuss as well." Knowing this would be hard for Draco to accept, she takes a deep breath before forging on. "I don't think staying hidden is the best way to handle things anymore. I will continue to let Hannah manage the store's day-to-day operation, but I won't hide away any longer. The best chance for you to catch Dolohov is for me to be in public."
"No, Granger. I can't put you at risk."
"I wasn't asking Draco. You can get on board and help me, or you can resist, but either way, I'm doing this. It's not your decision to make." Crossing her arms, she meets his steely gaze with one of her own, refusing to back down.
"IF I were to agree to this, I have a few stipulations of my own."
"Of course. Well, Let's hear them."
"Since you insist on using yourself as bait, I will be with you at all times when you leave the house. I'd like for you to remain here in the evenings, though. I have blood wards in place that are impenetrable. I have adjusted them to allow the Potters and Longbottom's to come and go without restriction."
"I agree to those terms. Why have you not allowed Theo to visit freely?"
"I have not allowed Theo in my home unsupervised since he pulled his little prank." He explains before pulling her into his lap. "Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to dinner tonight?"
"Oh, my word. Dinner with THE Draco Malfoy! What will the scandal rags have to say about this? 'Hermione Granger ensnares Malfoy heir into her web.' I can just see it now."
"If I am to be caught in a web, then I am glad it's yours. So, what do you say, Granger? Fancy a date with the Slytherin Prince?"
"Hmm, my knight in emerald armor. I'd love to have dinner with you." Their smiles meet between lingering kisses as they take a moment to enjoy each other.
"Now that we have that sorted, I am going to take Pansy and Neville for their breakfast. After that, are you SURE you want to visit the Burrow with me? I can have Harry go if you'd like."
"You must be joking. I wouldn't miss this for the world."
Draco's POV
"Are you ready for this, Granger?"
"Yes. This is a conversation many years in the making, and I'm glad I'll have you there for support." After leaving breakfast at Pansy and Neville's room, she'd met Draco at the front door, where he waited to accompany her to the Burrow.
Hand in hand, they apparate to the edge of the Weasley property. The familiar sight of the haphazard house before them hits her with a wave of nostalgia. Memories of summers spent watching the boys ride their brooms, conversations with Ginny about boys, and Molly's cooking were all experiences she would always hold dear; they had helped define her after all. It reminded her that Ron was not all bad, but he had made some terrible choices in his life and had treated her with little consideration many times throughout their childhood.
"I see where the Weasleys get their……rustic charm from." Draco comments, judgment leaking through his tone.
"Posh git. Let's get this over with." Draco may have changed in many considerable ways, but he would most likely hold a level of arrogance and snobbery that would never fade. He, of course, would say he had confidence and standards.
They are met with Molly's round face, and her bright hair has begun to fade with her age.
"Hermione! Dear, it is so good to see you." She says, pulling her into her warm embrace. "Oh, you brought a friend with you. How nice. Well, let's not stand in the cold; come inside. I'll put the kettle on."
Hermione leads Draco to one of the worn couches in the living room, taking a seat beside her while they wait for Molly. He takes one of her smaller hands into his own; warm fingers rub soft circles into her skin, providing a sense of comfort. She knew facing Ron and Molly wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to see this through.
"Here we are. I'm sorry, I didn't catch your acquaintance's name, Hermione." She bristles at her choice of words. Molly was blatantly ignoring the obvious signs before her, the lack of distance between her and Draco, on top of the fact that he held her hand firmly in his own.
"Pardon my lack of manners, Mrs. Weasley." He stands, extending his hand in the introduction. "My name is Draco Malfoy. I am merely here to support Hermione through this difficult time." Molly merely looks at his hand in disgust before taking a seat across from the pair.
"Difficult time indeed. Ronald is completely distraught over this whole thing. As a mother, I am heartbroken for him. He hasn't been the same since you left Hermione Dear. I am positive that is what drove him to such extreme measures."
Hermione sat in stunned silence at the witch's words. She had expected Molly to defend Ron on some level. After all, she did that for all of her children.
"Let me get this straight, Molly." She says, setting her tea down. "You believe that Ronald's decisions were acceptable because they were made out of some delusion of heartbreak and that it's my fault this happened because I left him?"
"I wouldn't say it's your fault exactly, but we both know you strung him along for quite some time. Never fully committing to the relationship like he did. Now, I know what happened to you was horrible, but should Ron have to pay the price for that?" Draco releases a growl of fury beside her, which Molly ignores. "I think if the two of you sat down and talked about things, you would see that you can work through your differences, and this whole mess can be forgotten. Don't you think he's suffered enough?"
"He's suffered enough?" Hermione shoots to her feet. "Ronald made his choices; he was allowed to move on and keep his magic, but he chose to pursue his twisted idea of love and tried to take my future from me. In no world was that the right thing to do. Listen to me now, Molly. I have loved you like a mother, but I will not be bullied into believing I pushed some horrible injustice onto your son. As a woman, I cannot believe you would belittle my experiences so much. The truth is that even if I hadn't been raped, Ron and I never would have worked, you have to see that."
"Mum - what is going on here?" Ron asks as he steps into the room. "What the fuck is Malfoy doing here?" Signs of his signature temper starting to flare.
Draco stands to attention at Ron's appearance, putting a steadying hand at the small of her back.
A deep rage builds in her belly, spreading like flames until she is consumed by it, leaving her with no thought but her anger at the man before her. Letting out a cry like a banshee, she throws herself at him. Fists connecting with flesh in a torrent of fury.
"You presumptuous- "
"Limp dicked- "
"ARSEHOLE RONALD WEASLEY."
"How fucking dare you! How dare you try to take that choice away from me." She cries, feeling tears of rage leaking down her cheeks.
"Hermione! Please!" He begs as he attempts to cover his face.
"Are you not going to stop her?" She is vaguely aware of Molly shrieking behind her.
"You're bloody joking, right? I've never seen her more stunning. I have no intention of stopping this. Draco says. Staring hungrily at his witch as she exacts her revenge.
"She has a mean right hook, doesn't she Weasley?" Draco says gleefully.
"What in Merlin's name is going on here?!" Arthur Weasley's ordinarily calm voice booms through the room, helping to clear the rage from her mind.
"Hermione has lost her mind. Coming in here laying blame and attacking my boy." Molly huffs, tending the dramatics.
"Let's all take a breath and talk about this like the rational adults I know we are," Arthur says, patting Molly's hand reassuringly. "Oh, Mr. Malfoy, I am surprised to see you here. I've heard great things about you from Harry, great things indeed."
Draco's cheeks pinken at the praise. "Thank you, sir, but I'm just doing my job. I can say that I've had a great source of inspiration." Draco smiles sheepishly, retaking her hand.
"Our Hermione tends to do that." Arthur beams like a proud father. "Now, let's all take a seat and have a chat, shall we?" Molly's face grows visibly redder at Draco and Arthur's easy banter.
"I believe everyone in this room knows that Ron has committed a horrendous crime. Right, Molly dear?" Arther asks, giving his wife a stern look.
"Maybe he did, but we all know what drove him to it." She responds childishly.
"I'll not hear another word about it, Molly. It's time Ron took responsibility for his mistakes. Hermione only followed her heart. She did not deserve the monstrous crimes committed against her, which Ron IS responsible for." He reprimands his wife sternly.
"Just keep acting as if I'm not sitting right here. I don't mind." Ron snips to the group, a dark bruising already forming over his right eye.
"What could you possibly add that would be important, Weasley?" The steely glare he fixes on Ron sends flutters through her belly. She could recognize that her newfound libido was slightly overactive, and she needed to get a handle on it.
"Don't speak to me, Ferret."
"That is enough, Ronald Weasley!" Arthur shouts.
"It isn't enough, Dad! You sit here chatting with Draco bloody Malfoy like Hermione isn't whoring herself out to him."
Draco had obviously had enough; moving with determination, his fist crunched against Ron's nose. She's certain at this point it's taken so much abuse it will never heal properly.
"We're done here, Weasley. No more speaking to Hermione; if you even think her name, you will lose more than a finger. Do you understand?" He hisses, looking down to meet Ron's venomous gaze.
"Ron won't be a problem anymore, Son. No matter what his sentencing is, we will make sure he leaves Hermione alone." Arthur answers in his son's silence. "Can I see you two out? I think that's enough excitement for one day.
"I will meet you both outside." Hermione squeezes Draco's hand before letting it fall.
"I'd like to speak to Ron alone, Molly. Only to speak." She watches as Molly considers her request, finally nodding in agreement before following after Arthur.
"I have nothing to say to you, Hermoine." She'd been on the other side of Ron's cruelty many times over the years, but even after all of this time, it didn't sting any less. The fact that she had given all of herself to her friends for so many years, and this is still all she gets in return, puts things into perspective.
"Well, I have things to say to you, and you are going to listen." Grabbing his chin, she forces him to meet her eyes.
"You had so much to offer the world, Ron, but instead of using all of those good things about you to make a life for yourself, you decided to follow a path of self-indulgence and laziness. You've played the victim for far too long in our story, and I'm done with it. We are no longer friends, Ron, and I am sure you will blame me for that. Either way, it doesn't change the fact that I will never allow you to cast a shadow over my door again. This is my goodbye, Ron. I hope for your sake that you consider not only my words but those who care about you." With a final glance, she chooses to leave not with the image of the hateful man in front of her but one of the hopeful boy she'd met many years ago.
With a last grateful hug from Arthur and a curt nod from Molly, she takes Draco's hand.
"Seeing you kick Weasley's ass is definitely the hottest thing I've ever seen. Prime spank bank material, to be sure."
"Hmm, prime material? I'm surprised the image of Ron would get you off, but to each their own, I guess." Her chuckle turns to a scream as Draco chases after her.
"I think you need to be disciplined, Ms. Granger." He growls against her cheek, the day-old stubble tickling her skin.
"Oh no, not the discipline, Mr. Malfoy, anything but that." She teases.
"I'm taking you home, witch. First, your lesson in not talking back, and then I have a surprise for you."
"Hmm, what kind of surprise?"
"You'll see." He smiles against her lips before taking them in softly. She melts into his embrace before the tug at her belly signals the pull of apparition.
Draco's POV
"Count for me, Pet." He commands, warming the skin of a generous cheek before bringing his hand down in a quick snapping motion. Taking a moment to enjoy the reverberation before striking again.
"Two!" She mewls. The notes of building desperation in her voice are undeniable, and he finds himself growing uncomfortably stiff in the confines of his jeans.
He massages the reddened skin before moving to the other cheek, eager to administer the rest of her punishment.
"Three!"
"Four!" He lands two slaps in quick succession.
"Are you ready, baby girl?" His tone is smooth as velvet as he coaches pleasure from her willing body.
"Mmmm, yes, please, Draco." He chuckles at her exuberance.
Bringing his palm down firmly, he relishes the way her ample backside sways from the blow, skin hot to the touch.
"Five!" She whimpers, arching her hips in an attempt to find more friction in an effort to satiate her craving.
"You did so well, Pet. I think you deserve a reward." Parting her silken folds, he circles the swollen bud, eliciting a desperate keenness from his witch.
"Do you believe that punishment and reward go hand in hand, Granger?" He asks as he dips a finger, teasing her slick entrance.
"What do you mean?" She asks breathily, struggling to focus on his words.
"You see, I always assumed you'd have a praise kink. All those classes together, I grew to anticipate the way you'd bounce in your seat, hand waving in the air. Always so desperate to be the first one to answer. The lovely way your breasts bounced in your excitement nearly broke me every time. I believe it was one of the reasons I deluded myself into thinking I hated you. Because I could not have you." He explains huskily, never stopping his eager exploration of her constricting walls, adding a second finger before continuing.
"So, it stood to reason that if you loved being praised so very much, maybe you'd crave punishment just as much. I can happily say that my theory is correct, Granger. You are positively dripping, sweetheart." He coos. "Would you like me to continue?"
"Please, Draco!"
"Good." He says before withdrawing his fingers, sucking the essence of her off the slick digits.
"Wha-you can't leave me like this, Draco!" She sputters, curls in complete disarray.
He grins wickedly in response before moving towards the bathroom, stopping to add. "Did you think the spanking was your punishment? That was simply for my pleasure, Granger. This is your punishment. I want you begging for it by the end of the night, Darling." He smirks wolfishly before leaving her gaping after him.
Hermione's POV
Despite her irritation with Draco, she was excited at the prospect of going out. Having only spoken a few words to Pansy thus far, she hesitated to intrude on her friend's much-needed privacy, but her heart twinged at the feeling of loss at the moment. Not having Pansy here to help her get ready for her first date left her thoughts of regret, but she had to remind herself that such thoughts were inconsequential in the scheme of things. So, throwing on a pair of dark jeans, a maroon jumper, and dark sneakers, she heads down the stairs to meet Draco.
He, of course, looks completely dashing in a dark tee and jeans, paired with his custom-made dragonhide boots, his blonde hair trimmed short on the sides and long on the top.
"I wasn't sure where we were going, but I hope this is okay?" She asks uncertainly.
"It's perfect. I thought we could do something simple for our first night out together. I do have one safety stipulation before we leave. You are to remain by my side the entire time we are out of the flat."
"I agree."
"Well, that was easier than I thought."
"We've been over this Draco. I don't relish the thought of being under that madman's care again. I'll stay by your side."
Stepping into Diagon Alley, they are met with wide-eyed stares and hushed murmurs.
" Is that Hermione Granger with Draco Malfoy?"
"Can't believe she'd taint herself like that."
"Shame to the Malfoy name."
"Looks like someone is off the market."
"Stop here for a moment, Granger. I can't have you peaking at your surprise." He conjures a strip of black cloth that he secures around her, yes, blocking everything from sight. "Take my hand." He instructs. She follows him for roughly ten or fifteen paces before he stops. When he removes the strip of cloth, she is stunned into silence.
"How…Draco, this is too much..how did you manage it?" The once dilapidated shop was no more. Before she stood her shop, the once faded red bricks had been transformed to a deep maroon color, large picture windows framed with black trim, and a painted wood sign displaying The Tatty Tome hung over the midnight black door.
Draco's arms wrap around her shoulders as he pulls her into his embrace, her back to his front. Never had someone done something so thoughtful, and it left her feeling completely humbled.
"Would you like to see the inside?" He asks, his voice holding so much warmth.
Her voice was thick with emotion; all she could do was nod. A small bell tinkles over the doorway, signaling their entrance into the building. She's met with one upon row of empty black shelving lined the walls, awaiting the hundreds of titles that will fill them. She takes in the two seating areas situated in front of the windows. Plush chairs, perfect for curling up with a good book, were located around wooden tables adorned with a variety of plant life. Lastly, her eyes follow the stairs up to the second level, where more empty shelving awaits her.
"Pansy designed everything, Neville chose the plants, and Theo helped keep everyone on task. Pansy said you would love the dark academia vibe, so I hope it isn't too dark." Draco says, leaning against the circular counter in the center of the room, hands shoved into his pockets.
"It's perfect, Draco." She sniffles before stepping into his arms. "I can't believe you guys did all of this."
"You're kind of important to us, Granger. You wiggled your way into the snake den, and now there is no escaping."
"What makes you so confident, hmm? Maybe you'll find that I drive you batty in the next few months." She knows this isn't even a remote possibility but loves to tease him just the same.
"Granger. If you asked me to slice my chest open at this moment, I am certain you would find your name carved in my very bones. I'll be forever grateful that through all of the twists of fate, through all of the eons of the past and future, we ended up in the same place at the same time so I could do this." Taking her chin in hand, he tilts it back, tasting her sweet sigh before his lips capture hers in a chaste kiss. "Now, enough talk; let's go have dinner." The quick change in subject leaves her dizzy.
Instead of proclaiming her love with a grand speech, she simply says. "You are mine."
"And I am yours." He finishes.
Draco's POV
An elderly waiter leads them to a booth in the back of the restaurant, one that he had requested for added privacy when making the reservation. After placing their drink and dinner orders, the waiter leaves them with a bow of his head.
"So, any changes in the case?" She inquires, sipping her chilled water.
"Some good, and some bad. The Horcruxes are gone. The DOM believes Dolohov must have charmed them so they could be summoned. The good news is that before they were retaken, tracking charms were placed on the cup and Nagini. We weren't able to find the others during the raid at the manor."
"Has the team had any luck in tracking them then?"
"Not yet. He may be using a cloaking spell to hide his location, but he will make a mistake at some point, and we'll catch him. It's only a matter of time."
"Hmm, I had a thought, but I don't know that it will lead to anything."
"Merlin, if Hermione Granger has an idea, we are all in trouble. What is it, Granger?"
"Well, I believe there is a connection between the Horcruxes and the ones who destroyed them. That nightmare you woke me from, maybe it wasn't a nightmare at all. Horcruxes are imbued with incredibly dark magic, and it wouldn't surprise me if, in destroying one, the destroyer is permanently affected. Maybe I have a connection to the cup…." He can see the cogs racing in her mind; he finds it incredibly sexy.
"Care to share your thoughts with the class, Granger?"
"Well, I destroyed the cup, Neville killed Nagini, Ron destroyed the locket, Harry the journal, Dumbledore the ring that just leaves the diadem, and well…Harry."
"Has anyone ever told you how terrifying your mind is, Granger? You are much too intelligent to have ever truly belonged in Gryffindor." His stunning witch had put pieces together that neither Potter nor himself had considered as a whole.
"I don't know about that. Either way, the question is this. What could he possibly be using them for, and why did he need our magic, Dumbledore's bones, and a pile of ashes? Would it be rude of me to ask if I could look over your files? Maybe I could come into the office with you tomorrow?"
"I think we can make an exception for a savior of the wizarding world. These are all valid questions, and I'd appreciate a fresh pair of eyes. We can head in together in the morning."
"Draco! Is that you?" A voice from his past calls, a voice he'd prefer to stay in his past.
"Astoria, how lovely to see you." He forces the polite response, wanting nothing more than to end this conversation.
"I have been trying to set up a visit, but you are always so busy. I heard word of a new upscale establishment that just opened; we could go grab drinks if you'd like?" He'd like to say he's shocked at her audacity, but he's not. When Astoria saw something she wanted, she went for it and didn't care who she stepped on in the process.
"Hello. Astoria, is it? I'm sorry, but I don't think we've met."
Astoria's megawatt smile melted into a sneer at Granger's interference. He found himself leaning back in his seat, getting ready to watch his witch eviscerate yet another unsuspecting victim.
"I was only three years below you and Draco."
"Hmm, well, I guess you just have one of those faces that blend in with the rest of the crowd. Don't get me wrong, though; I'm sure it's nice to lead such an average life that you don't have to worry about people recognizing you. Speaking from experience, it can be quite the burden." He concludes that there must be something wrong with him because he cannot control his libido when Granger lets her dark side take over.
"I'll have you know that the Greengrass family has one of the most respected lineages in wizarding history. How dare you imply that I am anything even close to average."
"Oh honey, I wasn't implying it. It's just a fact. Now, Draco and I are going to finish our date, so we'd appreciate it if you'd kindly bugger off. "
"Like Draco would ever date a witch like you. Do you even own a hairbrush?"
"That's funny, I didn't hear any complaints about my hair when he was pulling it last night. Any complaints Draco?" She asks sweetly, her gaze colliding with his.
"Uh, no, no complaints here." He stutters, unsure if he wants to explode with laughter or bend his witch over right here. Possessiveness looks good on Granger.
"Excellent; now that we've established who Draco is fucking, you can leave." Without another glance in Astoria's direction, she continues with her meal.
"Are you going to let her talk to me like that, Draco? It is entirely unsuitable." Astoria screeches.
"I think she said everything that needed saying Astoria. I'd kindly suggest you leave." He's never been more grateful for Granger's lack of regard for societal standards than he is at this moment. Astoria huffs loudly before marching furiously back to her table across the restaurant.
"The steak really is excellent; we will be coming back here again." He watches her chew daintily as if she hadn't just annihilated Astoria Greengrass.
"Like I said, you were made for Slytherin."
March 3rd, 2004
Hermione's POV
Golden Girl or Gold Digger?
This reporter has received word from a reliable source that Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger were spotted consorting over dinner last night. When a close family friend of the Malfoy's attempted to interact with the young heir, she was verbally assaulted by Ms. Granger, who is known to have a quick temper. Ms. Granger seems to be making a habit of latching onto either famous or wealthy wizards. If my loyal readers recall, she had a short stint with Victor Krum before trading up for her 'close' friend, Harry Potter. After that flame had fizzled, she took advantage of Mr. Ronald Weasley, using him to gain attention for herself. When will enough be enough for Hermione Granger? Will Mr. Malfoy be left brokenhearted like all the others before him?
-Rita Skeeter
"Complete pile of rubbish. One of the vilest women I've ever met." Hermoine grumbles, grabbing her wand. She sets the paper ablaze, watching the words turn to ash before vanishing the mess.
"Skeeter isn't exactly known for her journalistic integrity," Harry mumbles as he shuffles through a pile of forms on his desk.
"True. How is Gin doing?" She asks.
"She's doing great. Practices are keeping her busy. How are you, Hermione? I'm sure it hasn't been easy adjusting."
"I'm doing okay, Harry. I've had a few nightmares, but I know I'm built of stronger stuff now, and I won't let any part of what happened hold me back from my happiness."
"Good. You deserve to be happy. I uh, I heard about your visit with Ron. I've cut him out of my life."
"You didn't have to do that for me, Harry. Ron is one of your best friends, and that doesn't have to change."
"Of course it does. What kind of friend or even decent human being would I be if I remained his friend after everything he did? No, it's over."
"Well, I'm sorry Harry. Really. I wish Ron had been able to move on."
"Me too." He responds, tone somber.
"I, for one, think we should skip the trial altogether and take care of the problem ourselves." Draco snarks from his spot in the doorway.
"For the last time, Malfoy. You can't just go around killing anyone who upsets or threatens Hermione."
"Is my hating him not reason enough?"
"No." Harry deadpans, his green eyes reflecting.
"Fine. Have you had a chance to look through some of those files, Granger?"
"Yes, and I have a few questions. In those ashes that were found, the file says that there were traces of Crabbe's DNA mixed with metal. Do you have anything that says what kind of metal?"
"I believe we do." He says, sifting through his neatly organized folders. "Here we are." He pulls out a green folder and hands it to her.
Looking over the forms, she finds exactly what she was looking for.
Goblin Silver
Sapphire
She feels her fingers start to tremble as the puzzle pieces begin to click into place.
"We are so fucked."