Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter & co. - just write what could have been.

Reviews keep me going - please leave your comments, thoughts, etc.! :)

Sorry for the sporadic updates - grad school & my personal life is really kicking me up, down, & side-ways aha. Thank you all for your views & for following, you all really help me push through ^_^*

Please continue to leave your thoughts, comments, whatever at this point haha. Thank you again for reading! Son super cool ;)

Chapter Thirty-Six

The overwhelming emotion of guilt that Hermione felt made her want to apparate as soon as the blond wizard stepped out of Pansy's fireplace. This was the second time she had seem him today and looked paler than usual. He reminded her of the first time she had seen him in months, also coming announced many nights ago. By the look on their friends' faces, they hadn't expected Draco to come either. Hermione forced herself to swallow her anxiety and to stay seated while Pansy stood up.

"Draco, do you want a beverage?"

Pansy asked, without her usual snark. Hermione scrunched up her face slightly at the sudden shift in Pansy's demeanor. Even if she was just as surprised as her, Pansy would have given a comment or two on proper etiquette to an intruding friend. She hadn't and that was fishy. Draco's glare softened when it reached the dark headed witch before shaking his head slightly. Hermione had noticed he had changed from earlier. He was wearing dark joggers, a white tee, and sneakers; the most casual Hermione had ever seen him and yet he still looked breathtaking. Hermione didn't chide herself on thinking how handsome he looked; she had accepted her attraction to Draco Malfoy days ago. She noticed that his mark was glamoured to not show; Hermione made a mental note to ask him later why. Everyone knew who Draco Malfoy was and what side of the war he was on – what was the point of hiding the mark? Draco's voice brought her back from her thoughts.

"No, apologies Pansy, I should go."

He replied roughly, as if he had been talking all day and it strained him to speak.

"No, I should go."

Hermione interjected, standing up swiftly at her decision. While she was here first, the trio before her were Draco's best friends and she was hoarding all of them. She had only meant to come and talk to Pansy, not all three. However, now that she had apologized and said what she needed to, Hermione didn't have to keep them. Draco obviously needed to speak with them as well.

"No."

Pansy sharply said to both her and Draco.

"I need to run to the store for more drinks. Blaise, Theo accompany me?"

Pansy stated, asking a question as a command. Before Hermione could say anything, Pansy reached her.

"Talk to him."

She firmly whispered. Violet eyes pierced into brown as Hermione stared at her with a befuddled look on her face. It wasn't like Pansy to blatantly put herself in between her and Draco; perhaps Theo, but not her. She could hear Theo's hushed voice while Blaise made his way towards the door. He gave her a wink with his usual smirk before turning around but it seemed forced. Hermione had a feeling something had happened between the four of them and by the urgency of Pansy's request and Draco's sudden appearance, it wasn't good. Before Hermione could turn Pansy's request down, the violet-eyed witch surprised her again.

"Please."

She barely whispered Hermione thought she imagined it. Soon it was just her and Draco. As soon as the door shut behind Theo, Hermione turned to look at the platinum blond. Swallowing her pride, Hermione pressed the tips of her fingers against her palms to calm herself. She had already apologized to her Slytherin friends, what's another one?, she thought.

"I –"

Hermione began to start apologizing but Draco's sharp look cut her off. He whipped his head to look at her instead of the interesting blank space in the wall besides him.

"We don't have to talk, Granger."

He said, still standing by the fireplace as he looked away again. He stood still, hands in jogger pockets, as if posing for an absurd photo. Hermione closed her mouth and suffered one minute and eight seconds before inhaling deeply. She couldn't just stand in silence. She had to try again. It was her fault they were in this awkward situation; she had ignored him and now she was paying for it.

"Draco, I'm sorry."

She said. He shifted at her words; his weight shifted on one leg to the other, he took his right hand out of his pocket, his hand clenched into a fist before disappearing again inside his pocket. Another insufferable minute passed before Hermione spoke again, assuming he wasn't going to say anything,

"Draco, don't ignore me. I said I was – "

"Yes that you're sorry. Everyone will be shocked that Gryffindor's golden girl can apologize."

He said, words dripping with sarcasm. Hermione fought the urge to glare at him as she tried to control her stare. She clenched her mouth together to stop herself from calling him names. She deserved his ire. She had hurt his pride more than anything.

"You have every right to be upset, but that doesn't mean you have to call me silly names."

Hermione said slowly. He didn't reply. Finally, Hermione made herself busy by leaving the room altogether. In the confines of Pansy's guest bathroom, Hermione took deep breaths and tried to hype herself up. Smoothing out her hair multiple times, she paced the bright room. She knew he had every right to be mad at her but that didn't mean she liked it nor that she had to take the continued silent treatment; though, she hadn't expect it to bother her so. If he needed space, she would give him space. He didn't want to talk, and she said her peace. Leaving the yellow room, Hermione inhaled deeply.

"Well then, I'll be leaving. You obviously need space and I already said what I needed to say."

She said as soon as she was feet away from him. Draco didn't turn his head and the only indication he heard her was the tightening of his jaw. Disappointment hung over Hermione like a heavy shawl before she turned to leave. She walked as slowly as she could towards Pansy's front door to not give her anxiety away. She was almost out of Pansy's flat before stopping short at the doorway, doorknob still in hand. All three Slytherins were in Pansy's entryway looking surprised at the sight of Hermione. It was evident they had never left.

"You didn't need any more beverages, did you?"

Hermione asked monotone, looking at their empty hands.

"You both needed to talk."

Pansy simply stated, shrugging her shoulders. The witch feigned disinterest in being caught, but Hermione had caught the small panicked look on her face before she could wipe it off to be replaced. Hermione tilted her head back, sighing softly before whispering,

"Yeah."

She didn't blame them for their tactics. If only it had worked, Hermione thought.

"Did you?"

Theo asked. Before Hermione could reply, the door was wrenched from hand.

"Wha – "

She didn't finish her sentence as she turned her body to look up at Draco. Up close his intoxicating cologne covered Hermione and all she could think of was to get closer. She blushed at the contact and thought as she looked up towards his angular face. His glare was murderous.

"Can you all stop interfering in something not worth interfering and come inside so we can all speak sans the trio's swot?"

Draco snapped. Hermione pressed her fingernails against her palms, biting the inside of her cheek so she wouldn't gape at his words. Turning to face the doorway, she needed the distraction from tearing up. The insecurities were laid beneath her. He doesn't think I'm worth it. He still thinks I'm a swot, Hermione repeated to herself.

"He's right, I-I should go."

Hermione mumbled out; she turned away from Draco immediately before she could no longer hold back the frustrated, humiliated tears that threatened to spill. However, Theo's loud words stopped her before she could make five steps out.

"Draco, you unreasonable jackass! Don't speak about Hermione like that!"

Hermione stopped, her wide eyes focused on the loud brunet. He seemed physically rattled as she felt. Theo was waving a finger around at Draco while Blaise put a hand on his shoulder as top deter him from moving forward. Half of Pansy's body was in front of Theo too as to stop him from physically putting hands on Draco.

"Theo's right, Draco. Apologize."

Pansy said, coldly. Her purple eyes cut into Draco's form and Hermione stopped forcing her fingernails against her skin. Hermione evened her breath as her friends defended her.

"And stop lying, mate."

Blaise added. Hermione's eyes automatically went to Draco at Blaise's words and while he stopped glaring at them like he wanted to 'Avada' them on the spot, he glared at the feet underneath her.

"I'm sorry for calling you names, Granger. Can we go inside now?"

Draco said, forcefully. Hermione turned to see Pansy and Theo roll their eyes at him, but it was Blaise's serious expression that caught Hermione's interest.

"That didn't sound genuine."

Blaise said and Hermione silently agreed. Draco turned to his head to glare at the Italian and Blaise didn't back down.

"Sounded just as insincere as your twisted lie of saying you and Granger's relationship wasn't worth it."

Blaise said, his tone softer than Hermione recalled. Hermione couldn't stop the hitch in her breath at the mention of 'you and Granger's relationship' coming from Blaise's lips.

"Shut up, Zabini."

Draco snapped. Blaise smirked at the irritated blond. Hermione almost thought Draco was going to concede as he didn't reply but then he turned to cast a dead stare at her. Hermione stared back.

"There is nothing between me and her."

The harsh words made Hermione seek out her vine wood and hold on tight, thinking of her living room. Hermione apparated away before Draco Malfoy could say anything else.

.

.

.

Andromeda had been in Narcissa's daily life more than she had intended. While it wasn't in Andromeda's plan sto get in touch with her younger sister, she didn't regret opening her door to Narcissa when she needed help. It wasn't only the muggle studies, Narcissa needed tutoring on, now she needed emotional support on her husband's impending death. While there was no love lost between her and her brother-in-law, Andromeda sympathized with her baby sister. She was losing her husband slowly, every day in Azkaban; while Lucius deserved it, Narcissa was now going to lose her husband permanently in one of the most atrocious ways – the Dementor's Kiss. And while the Wizengamot hadn't decided yet if Lucius Malfoy was to receive the kiss sentence, Narcissa had already planned for the worst-case scenario. As soon as Narcissa heard the news, she set in motion for her son to take his father place in every possible way. Now, Draco Lucius Malfoy was Lord Malfoy. Narcissa had gone to visit Lucius for his portion of the signatures needed to turn everything over to Draco since he was still alive and in semi-mental capacity. Narcissa's brief Azkaban visit had left her in tears. Lucius had sign over his titles and everything that came with it with little hesitation; Narcissa was a mess. This was the third time Andromeda had seen her sister this week and it was only just Thursday. This time, Narcissa had come to her home and Teddy was keeping her entertained while Andromeda cleaned up after their impromptu dinner. Andromeda wasn't sure if Narcissa was taking her advice on muggle fashion or if she didn't have the energy to piece her witch's robes together or a mixture of both, but Narcissa was wearing trousers today. Andromeda didn't hide her face of surprise seeing her sister's very muggle outfit, navy boot cut trousers that showed the tips of her green heels with a matching, halter-styled blouse that showed off her sister's dainty upper half. Narcissa had her hair in a bun and the only jewelry she wore was her wedding ring; she also didn't notice Andromeda's raised eyebrows as she walked in, ever distracted. Andromeda herself were jeans and a long, but breathable tee-shirt. Narcissa barely said a greeting while she busied herself cooing over her grand nephew.

"Are you going to keep quiet or finally tell me what's brought you here today, specifically?"

Andromeda asked as she dried off the last plate used by hand. Some things were more soothing than magically getting them done in Andromeda's opinion. Finishing the lasagna Andromeda made, mostly conversing about Teddy or talking to Teddy, Andromeda's curiosity was peaking. Narcissa had shown up more distraught than before but Andromeda didn't probe. She knew her sister would talk when she wanted to, but this time her sister was more reluctant than before. She heard an inhale and Narcissa stood up, holding Teddy close to her as the full toddler was on the verge of sleep. Said toddler had to have his shirt removed because he smeared meat sauce all over himself which would have gotten a stern eye from the blonde witch any other day, but today she just sighed. Andromeda watched as Narcissa stroked the small boy's bare back in a soothing motion. Andromeda wasn't sure who was soothing who.

"Draco did something foolish today."

Narcissa said.

"He's still young, 'Cissa."

Andromeda replied. There was a pregnant pause before Narcissa continued,

"I… don't think his mind healer's session are working as they used to."

Andromeda put the dried plates back on her plastic, dark turquoise plate rack besides her sink. She turned her body fully to look at her sister and she could see the worry brimming over. While this was the first time hearing that her nephew was seeing a mind healer, she was relieved. Andromeda was glad that Draco was seeing someone – they all needed them, was her belief. Especially the children who fought in war caused by the adults in their lives. However, while the Minister agreed with this sentiment, therapy of any form wasn't mandated as Andromeda thought it should be. Before the war, Andromeda had worked as a private healer. She specialized in dark spells and curses and knew all the pros of one seeing a counselor, a mind a healer, a psychiatrist, etc. She herself saw a muggleborn, American counselor in her floo every other Thursday along with a muggle psychatrist.

"Maybe he and his healer should look into medicine."

Andromeda provided. Andromeda began walking towards the left side of the kitchen, leading to the bedrooms of her home. The walls were a soft vanilla around them. Very minimal decorations as Teddy was starting to wander. She led Narcissa's to Teddy's room to run him a bath before putting him to bed. All the while, Narcissa stayed quiet.

"Will you speak with him?"

Narcissa softly asked. Teddy's bathroom was painted to look like his tub was a ship at sea; the charmed paintings of mermaids, sea serpents, turtled, and fishes all swam along the room. Teddy was fascinated by them long enough to sit still for a proper bath. The water pooling into the small, porcelain bathtub for her grandson made it hard to hear, but Andromeda turned to her sister to make sure she had heard correctly. Narcissa was extremely prideful; she had swallowed her ego when she asked Andromeda to help her navigate through muggle culture for the sake of her son and now, she was swallowing it once more. She was asking Andromeda to go directly to him for his benefit. Andromeda offered her sister a small smile, nodding.

"Of course, Cissy."

The blonde witch seemed to find comfort in her words which struck Andromeda with a warm feeling. She hadn't planned to be involved with her younger sister's life, much less her nephew's, but she was glad she was while she still could. Family was everything to both sisters and Andromeda was damned if she let them slip away once more. She would ensure her nephew would use every possible resource he could regarding his mental health – he was a Malfoy after all.

.

.

.

.

Harry exhaled deeply, looking over his upcoming lesson plans that were soon to begin soon. The wooden desk was covered in papers and parchment, some had ink spots over them while others had too much writing on them by ballpoint pen. Some of the writings made sense, while others didn't. That didn't discourage Harry's forming smile. He was almost finished.

"Lily would be proud, little Prongs."

Sirius said behind him. Harry couldn't help the grin that spread on his face, turning to face his young godfather. Sirius was grinning back at him. It had taken some time for the two to get accustomed and trusting of one another – they both were unaware of each other's existence for so long. Since Harry had gotten back from the auror conference, he began making his plans and schedule as the future Defense Against the Dark Arts professor with Sirius right behind him. The time together had really helped the two form a stronger relationship – Harry was glad. Harry had already spoken to Headmistress McGonagall to finalize everything; his former professor, with tears in her eyes, stated how proud she was of all of them. Ron had known Harry's plans so the only person he had wanted to tell, he had yet to speak with. Sighing once more, Harry reached for his mobile in his trousers' pocket to call the witch he loved as a sister again. Expecting her voicemail, he was momentarily surprised when she answered. He heard sniffles before her voice.
"'Mione?"

He asked, tentatively.

"I'm sorry, Harry. I didn't mean to ignore you."

She said on the other side. Almost a week and a half of Hermione dodging his calls, she finally answered, and all Harry could hear is the tears falling on her cheeks.

"What's wrong?"

Harry asked, his brows furrowing and his free hand forming into a fist. Hermione rarely cried, especially over the mobile there had to be something of importance to distraught his friend so.

"I – nothing."

She lied. Harry couldn't help but to roll his eyes at her response. She wasn't a particularly good liar either.

"Hermione."

Harry said. A few moments a silence and finally, his stubborn best friend relented.

"Can I come over?"

She asked in a small voice. Every instinct in Harry was shoved to protect – what was wrong with his best friend? His sister? The brightest witch of their age?

"Of course."

He replied without hesitation. Harry stood, knowing she'd be here in no time, and wanted to greet her. Sirius dark gray eyes were curiously looking at him.

"What, Padfoot?"

Harry asked before walking out. While most conversations he enjoyed with his godfather, Harry was reminded that he was the younger, reckless version of his deceased godfather. He often gave his opinions with a naïve heart.

"Lilypad and Prongs would have approved of this witch as well, little Prongs."

Sirius said with a teasing tone. Harry rolled his eyes and smirked at his youthful friend.

"Would you date Lilypad, Padfoot?"

He asked. The face Sirius made was worth it and Harry chuckled all the way out of the study.

"Harry?"

Harry could hear Hermione calling out for him despite the house's size and he felt the magical house pull him towards the kitchen. Harry never got tired of magic, even the quirks that came with being a magical homeowner. Harry quickly made his way there and he confirmed his suspicions; Hermione had been crying. Bugger, he silently thought to himself as he couldn't help but to look at her with worry written all over his face. Her eyes were swollen and there were dried tears on her cheeks. Her hair was even more frazzled than he expected, pointing at every which direction.

"What's the matter?"

He asked her, moving towards her until they stood in front of each other. He waited until she initiated contact before he held her arms with a firm grip. Biting on the corner of her bottom lip, she looked away but kept her hand on his left forearm. Harry was patient.

"I think I made a mistake with Malfoy."

She confessed, the whisper falling from her lips. I'm going to hill him, was Harry's first thought as he tightened his hold on her.