"Let me in, Granger," Pansy's voice was hushed and scared. Hermione backed away, horrified seeing the Death Eater at their doorstep. No where was safe for them. If Pansy could find them within days, how did she expect to keep Draco away from the Order for long? Hermione drew her wand, not knowing who else was with the witch outside the door. Sending Pansy to them looking helpless would have been the perfect ambush.

"Please, Granger. I've… I've got nowhere to go."

Hermione pressed herself against the door, getting on her tiptoes to look through the peephole once more. Pansy's face had clear signs of wear, seeing that her lip was split and swollen, pulling her cloak tightly. If she were lying, she'd be an incredible actress.

"How did you find us?" Hermione asked again.

Pansy pulled her hood back up. "I'll tell you when you let me in. It's cold as shite out here."

"If you…"

"Granger, I swear on Salazar's grave that I mean no harm. I'm a defector of the Dark Lord now. No going back unless I'm dead," Pansy sighed, her warm breath fogging the peephole.

All she could feel was pity for the witch. Her green eyes, as bright as and as beautiful as the gem around her finger, were so sad. Sad, because all she had ever been is used in the war. A perfect soldier, a beautiful mistress, devoted to men that didn't care for her how anyone deserved to be at least once in their life.

Hermione placed the key into the door, turning it and hearing the locks slowly click into position. As it opened, Pansy limped her way in, clutching her side in pain.

"Are you okay?" Hermione asked, helping her to the couch.

"For the failure of not being able to capture you, I was punished. You know the drill," Pansy groaned, removing her winter cloak. Hermione saw the bruising on her thin arms in the shape of hand prints. "They got Bellatrix back though, she's fucking fuming. Shoulda seen her face. Got a good laugh out of that."

"I can get you a healer," Hermione said, summoning a glass of water for her.

"No, I'm fine," she replied. "Is Tori okay?"

Hermione shook her head, still holding her wand firmly in her hand, but pointed at the ground. "Pansy, how did you find us?"

She coughed between her laughter that nearly sounded like a song. "Knew you and that bastard were up to no good. And I didn't want Tori to be caught up in your mess, so I gave her a little teddy bear. Enchanted it with a tracking spell."

"You told them where we were, didn't you?" Hermione asked through gritted teeth, clenching her wand even harder in her hand. It pained her fingers, but she couldn't even care about how badly it hurt.

"I did. What other choice did I have? Had to make sure Tori was still alive. And if they found out I knew and didn't tell them, they'd kill me," she stated, and Hermione knew that was true. "We're all doing things to survive, Granger. You of all people should know that."

"Astoria was getting better until the attack, you've ruined it all," Hermione spat, trying not to let her anger boil over. It was difficult when she thought about the ashes of the farmhouse and the frightened look in Astoria's eyes.

Pansy scoffed, "Me? Ruined everything? Take a look at yourself. They were happy before you came and mucked up their lives."

"What the fuck is this cunt doing here?" Draco growled, closing the door to Astoria behind him. He stared at her for several seconds, and she glared back. Hermione knew instantly that he was probing her mind and she was allowing him full access. It was intrusive and raw, but likely how they communicated with one another. "I should fucking kill you."

Hermione put out her hand, centering it on his chest as he moved towards Pansy. "Draco, stop."

Draco halted in place, his heart racing as he exhaled hard through his nose. He was almost buzzing with anger and rage, so much so that Hermione feared for Pansy's life. But Draco didn't move past where she stopped him, but he still scowled in Pansy's direction.

All she did was smirk back, shaking her head and laying back onto the couch. "Merlin, you're so fucking pathetic, Draco. Where'd that big, mean man go? A pair of nice tits show up and now you're a shell of what you were."

Draco groaned, tilting his head back in frustration as a child would. "Please, Granger. Let me kill her, we've got enough shit to deal with."

Heartless. Cruel. Cold. Everything he was to her at one point. It wouldn't change, he kept those he cared for close and would damn the rest to hell if needed. They were all pawns to him, and that reality shook Hermione to her core. "Quit it, will you? Look at her. She's hurt. You've hurt her."

"Trust me, any pain she's ever experienced is due to her own actions," Draco muttered. "Don't pity her, you haven't the slightest idea of how deranged she is. She wants you dead and Astoria away from us."

Pansy laughed audibly in a taunting fashion, "Just because I want things does not mean I will act upon them. Are you frightened of me, baby?"

"Why have you come here?" Draco asked angrily.

"Read my fucking mind, Draco. I'm tired of this shit. I want him dead and gone so I can live a normal life," she snapped. "I'm so tired."

"Let's get you some rest," Hermione said, leaving Draco and helping Pansy up from the couch. She didn't need any form of Legilimency to see how exhausted and broken she was. If she was there with ill intentions, Draco would have already rid themselves of her. "Tappy, can you help Miss Parkinson to an empty room?"

The small house elf appeared before them, "Yes, Miss Granger. Tappy will happily assist Miss Parkinson."

"Can I see Tori?" Pansy asked as she followed slowly behind Tappy down the hallway.

"Perhaps when you both wake, Pansy. She isn't well now," Hermione explained. Pansy nodded in understanding, her face stoic as she disappeared into a room.

"Your big fucking heart will get you killed one day," Draco said, grabbing Hermione's waist and pulling her close. His face was close to hers, their noses pressed against each other. "Don't be nice to people who don't deserve it."

"Everyone deserves some kindness, Draco," Hermione sputtered back.

"You looked like you were about to kill her yourself before I came out here. Is everything you do just to spite me?" he grinned, flashing his fangs at her.

"I've done plenty of things to please you as well, haven't I?" she retorted, pushing away slightly so she could make her way to the tent.

"You're about the only thing that pleases me, Granger," Draco smirked, following closely behind her. She entered through the small opening, and Draco ducked underneath it, still on her heels. "Now, where were we before we were interrupted?"

Hermione organized some glassware on one of the tables, hiding a smile on her face and attempting to ignore his advances to punish him for his bad behavior. But when his arms wrapped around her waist, she melted back into him, unable to resist his touch. He moved her hair to the side to kiss her neck, occasionally raking his teeth across her skin.

"That feels so good," Hermione whispered as his hands and teeth trailed her body.

Without warning, he ripped away at her sweater, tearing her bra open and exposing her chest. Goosebumps began to cover her body as he pressed against her. The feeling of his cold hands palming her breasts made her gasp softly. It felt like ages since he had last touched her.

"These are so fucking perfect," he growled in her ear. "Your body is so. Fucking. Perfect." One of his hands slipped onto her waist, his fingers pressing into her pelvis. "Your hips. Your tits. Your pretty little cunt. It's like you're begging for me to fuck a baby into you."

"Draco…" she moaned as he gently pinched her nipples, making them as hard as his cock was against her back.

"I know, Granger. Birth control, vampirism, the threat of war and uncertainty looming over us," he kissed her cheek. "But I can't stop thinking about how good of a mum you'd be and how pretty you'd look carrying my child. Humor me."

Another dream to have with him. To be dolled up in his arms in the walls of Malfoy manor, bearing his children, growing old with him. It was everything she wanted right now. She hadn't even wanted that with Ron or dreamed of a domestic life. But she could be vulnerable around Draco. He never expected her to be strong, sensible, or independent, he just expected her to be his.

"I'm yours, Draco," she said, soaking up every inch of him.

"You're mine?" he asked, turning her around to face him. Slowly, he kissed her face, down her body until he was on his knees. His lips wrapped over her nipple and he sucked softly on them until her knees began to buckle. It was heavenly the way his icy tongue crawled against her breasts, making her mewl at every touch. With his arms wrapped around her waist, his lips left her breasts, moving to her stomach.

"Yes. I'm yours," she gasped as his tongue licked at her bellybutton. Her fingers latched into his soft hair, holding him close.

"Say it, Granger. Say what you told me the other night," he commanded, looking up into her eyes.

Hermione met his longing gaze. The silver irises glinted in the light, reflecting the myriad of colors from her workshop. It was as if she could see her whole world in them.

"I love you," she softly said.

"Again," he whispered onto her skin, his teeth gently biting into her stomach.

Hermione gasped, "I love you, Draco."

"Fuck. You're so perfect," he grumbled, looping his fingers in her waistband. "Again."

"I'm in love with you," she called out, her eyes rolling back as his cold hands removed the rest of her clothing, exposing every inch of her skin. "I'm so in love with you."

Truthfully, he didn't need to say it back to her. Everything Draco had given her felt more than any love she had experienced before. Time and time again, he had proven to her what she meant to him. She didn't expect for him to say it to her, she knew the words wouldn't be enough to convey how he felt. Even she thought the words fell short of what she truly meant.

"You are everything to me," he said, burying his cold nose against her dripping cunt. He lapped softly at her, on his knees like a dog to give her gratification. To be worshiped by Draco Malloy felt beyond the conception of what love was.

There was almost a helplessness about him when he slid his fingers into her, as if he was putting every effort into making her experience a bliss that rivaled any mortal pleasure on this earth. His eyes stared into hers as he sucked on her clit, and his fingers pushed against the sweet spot, exactly where he needed to be, knowing her body fully. There were no words that needed to be exchanged, he was begging for her to cum.

"Draco," she choked out, feeling every slight twitch of his lips and flick of his tongue. She was nearly latched onto his fingers as they swirled inside her. And as she began to feel her whole body tense, he steadily quickened his pace, pushing her over the teetering edge.

Breathless and nearly on the verge of passing out, his arms wrapped around her and his warmed lips kissed her deeply, stealing her breath even more. And as if she were weightless, he lifted her off the ground and laid her on the table, pushing away the glassware.

"Did that feel good, baby?" he asked, leaning over her. She nodded in response, still catching her breath. The feeling of his hard cock pressing against her thigh drew her attention down where he was nestled between her legs. "You're so fucking soft, it's driving me insane. All I can think about is making you mine."

"I am yours," Hermione replied, slightly confused about why he would say that.

"Fully mine," he said, this cold tip at her opening. "I want you to take my name. I want you to be pregnant with my child. I want every inch of you to be mine."

Hermione respected and held herself to the highest standard. She was by all accounts, a feminist. A feminist until Draco uttered these words as he stared into her eyes, making her nearly feral with desire to be owned by him.

"Make me yours," she said, wrapping her legs around his waist, pulling him closer.

As he inched his way inside, he let out a sigh of relief, like he had been waiting forever for this moment. He pressed his forehead against hers, looking softly into her eyes. "Does my baby want a baby inside her?"

"Yes," she muttered, her cheeks turning red. She was being honest. The safety and security he offered her was enough to make her want a family with him, to want everything with him. And the second he was no longer afflicted with vampirism, she would throw herself at him fully.

"Say it, please," he heartbreakingly asked her, inserted to the hilt, filling her with every inch of him. "I want to hear your pretty voice say it."

"I want to have your children, Draco. I want a life with you. A family. Everything," she whispered, kissing him in between the words.

His cock twitched, letting her know that he was pleased with her response. His pace quickened with each thrust, the once calm movements becoming faster, nearly animalistic. The soft growls escaping his lips drove Hermione as wild as he was, her fingernails digging into his skin, attempting to break his flesh but unsuccessful. She sank her teeth into his shoulder, biting down as he continued to fuck her.

"Harder," he grunted in her ear. And she complied, attempting in every way to pierce into him, knowing it was fruitless, but trying anyway. "Good girl. Do you know how badly I want to break you? Do you know how easy it would be for me to fucking kill you right now?"

"You wouldn't kill me," she said as she unlatched her jaw from him. "You would never kill me."

"That's right, because you're mine, Granger. I'm going to fucking breed you until the day I die. You are mine until I am no longer of this earth."

Draco's silver eyes stared directly into hers, drowning her with a lustful look as he began to cum inside of her, clutching her close to him, inserted as deeply as he could be. For just a moment, he paused, catching his breath until he slowly started pumping into her again. He was effortlessly skating into her, covered in both their mess.

"You want more, don't you?" he asked. She mumbled back a yes. Of course she wanted more. She always wanted more. It was never enough for her. So he fucked her until she stopped begging and was full of his cum, until they were both too exhausted to keep going.

Eventually, they found themselves on the floor, Hermione propped up with a few pillows and blankets Draco had conjured to make her more comfortable. His head laid on her stomach, his arms wrapped around her, leaching the warmth from her body. Her fingers stroked his hair, wondering what he was thinking about as he laid there quietly, staring off into nothing.

"Is everything okay, Draco?" she asked.

He turned to look up at her, his silver eyes looking troubled. "I'm not going to be like him. Like my father. I'm going to do everything I can to protect you. I'm going to be better than he was. If we do end up with kids one day, I swear I'm going to be good to them."

"I know, Draco," she assured him, placing her hand against his cool cheek. "I trust you."

"If I make it out of this war alive, I'm going to ask you to marry me. I'm going to give you a life you deserve."

"We're making it out of this war. We're so close, we just need to kill him and then we're going to go."

"We?" Draco inquired harshly. "There's no 'we.' I'm not letting you step foot anywhere near that bastard or anyone else who is inclined to bring harm to you."

Hermione didn't react, she just calmly looked at his panicked expression. "I've been in this fight as long as you have, told me you would respect me as a soldier. Remember that?"

"That was before you were mine," he whispered, his voice cracking under the weight of her words. "I cannot lose anymore. I refuse."

"I've lost so much too. I will not sit idly by. I need to see this through," she replied, not changing her expression.

"Granger, for once, do not let your pride…"

"You think this is about pride? This is about closure. Ten years of our lives have been nothing but pain, I must see it come to an end with my own eyes. If you were me, wouldn't you want the same?" she pleaded, her thumb gently pulling across his cheek.

Draco sighed, closing his eyes. "I can never say no to you, do you realize how frustrating that is?"

She smiled and leaned down to kiss his lips softly. "And do you realize if I were to take your last name, you wouldn't be able to call me 'Granger' anymore?"

He smirked, wrapping his arms around her, caging her in his embrace. "We'll figure it out when we get there."

—

Hermione pressed her ear against the door to Astoria's rooom. She had heard soft cries all morning. At the sign of her first waking, Draco left Hermione alone on the floor of her tent. There was no crashing or screaming, just soft wails of sadness and exhaustion.

"Shh… Tori, " she heard his muffled voice say through the door. "You're okay, you just need to eat."

"No," Astoria groaned. "I can't."

"You must," he argued, but it sounded much kinder than he normally was with anyone. "Granger said it was okay, she bled out for you to eat, Tori."

Hermione heard a clatter on the floor, likely the cup he was attempting to feed her. It was heartbreaking to hear her breaking down. It wasn't long until Pansy stepped into the hallway wearing nothing but a slip. Hermione tried not to stare too long at her figure, but couldn't help to admire her beauty. The way she effortlessly could captivate was nearly hypnotizing, and Hermione herself always felt nearly drawn by it as well. She watched as she leaned against the wall, crossing her thin arms and sighing deeply.

"I want to see her," she said, leaning her head back. "She'll listen to me."

"Draco won't even let me see her," Hermione replied.

"She's a big girl, she can make these decisions for herself."

There was a guilt in the way that she treated Astoria. But she couldn't help it, that's how everyone treated her. But she should know better than to treat anyone as they were by others. She had always prided herself on treating everyone with the highest regard.

"It's not up to me to decide" Hermione shamefully announced. All Pansy did in response was push past her, going straight towards the door. She began to bang on it loudly, vibrating the adjacent walls with fervor.

"Tori?" she called out. "It's Pansy. Tell that mean man to let me in."

"Pansy?" Astoria's voice asked through the thin walls.

"Fuck off," Draco quickly interrupted. "Do you have to ruin everything?"

"I've come to see my best friend. Let me in or I'll find a way myself," Pansy demanded.

The door swung open and Pansy was pulled into the room. Hermione stepped back, not knowing what else to do in the moment other than wait. After several minutes of listening to bickering, she pulled on her winter coat and made her way to 12 Grimmauld.

To say she was overjoyed when Harry greeted her was an understatement. He nearly toppled over when she threw her arms around him. His lanky arms held her back, reminding her of the trust she had in him fully. Despite everything he had done to betray her, she could never fully escape the magic that was being Harry's friend.

"Hey Hermione," he said. "Missed you too."

"You look well," she replied, letting him loose. His arm draped around shoulder as they walked up the narrow stairway towards the makeshift infirmary to see Theodore.

"You do too. Maybe you a little thin, but much better than when I last saw you. I'm glad you're okay."

"Thank you," she said with genuine appreciation. "Where's Gin and the kids?"

"At the park. They'll be back soon. Say, Hermione. Molly's having a dinner tomorrow. Invited you and Draco and your other friends if they want to join," he said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Wanted to thank you and Draco for saving George's life and helping out the Order."

Hermione was stunned, having to stop herself from looking too surprised at this kind gesture. Molly was kind and understanding, but she didn't think the rest of her family would be as accepting.

"I'll ask them, but I will be there no matter what," Hermione smiled, opening up the door to where Daphne and Theodore were.

"Thanks, Hermione. We all would love for you to be there."

—

"Don't tell me you're nervous about this little dinner," Draco sa Hermione as they walked up the small path to the Burrow. There were several things she was nervous about, but she tried to suppress it. Though she was happy Draco was coming along with her, she feared the tension and awkwardness. "I promise I'll be on my best behavior."

Draco was willing to come to this dinner because of the quick progress Pansy had made with Astoria. She had apparently gotten Astoria to eat and Draco was sure that she would be able to watch over her on her own for a few hours. Hermione also knew Draco, though an introvert as she was, still loved to watch drama unfold.

"I know, Draco. Just please, try not to piss off off Ronald too much tonight."

"My presence alone riles him, I don't even try," he snickered.

The Burrow was buzzing with noise and chatter. Warm light was spilling out of the windows onto the snowy ground just outside. Hermione could smell the foods and spices brewing, making her mouth water. Before she knocked, she turned to look at Draco once more.

"Don't read their thoughts. What they think of you doesn't matter," she reminded him, taking his hand in hers. "They don't know you like I do."

"You are my entire world," he softly replied, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "The only opinion I care to hear is yours."

The door opened slowly, and the chatter paused eerily as the attention turned to herself and Draco. They stood, holding hands in the cold, looking over the mixed expressions from the Weasley's and their families. Most seemed apprehensive, some were curious, but only a few happy smiles greeted them. Sitting there were people she had considered her family at one point, but now almost felt like strangers. She hadn't seen most of them in nearly a year, noting Bill, Fleur, and their kids around the huge table that accommodated the family. And though it had only been a year, everything had seemed so different.

"Dave!" James gleefully exclaimed, running up to hug onto Draco's leg. "You came!"

Draco patted the small boy's head. "Of course. Your Aunt Hermione told me that you invited me to dinner."

"I told Nan to make a mash cause I know you like mash," the boy smiled, pulling on his hand to bring them both inside. The horrified look on many faces were quelled when Molly stepped forward and embraced Hermione. After she pulled. away, she gave Draco a slight pat on his shoulder, It was a small gesture, but it meant that she didn't fear im.

"Come, let's eat," she smiled. "Made your favorites."

Despite Molly's welcoming nature, Hermione could still feel the glare of Ron as she and Draco sat at the end of the long table. Next to him was Hannah who was chatting softly, not realizing his entire attention was focused on his rage. Hermione tried to ignore it, but Draco noticed, and he smirked as he rested his hand on her thigh.

George, who had clearly had a few drinks already, stood from his seat raising his glass high. "To Hermione and Draco, for all they've done to make the end of this war a reality."

"Oh piss off," Ron groaned. "That fucking bloke is the reason why half of us are dead."

"And he's the reason the other half of us are alive. I owe him my life, that's for sure," George slurred. "And look at Mione, she hasn't looked happier in years. You're just bitter, Ronald."

"You both are so annoying," Ginny groaned, taking a long drink of her wine.

"How is Lady Malfoy doing? Harry told me she wasn't well," Molly asked.

Draco smiled, softening his shoulders in an attempt to charm the witch Hermione was so fond of. "She's better now. Just shaken after what happened. That's sweet of you to ask."

"It's cause you turned her into a vampire," Ron sneered, shaking his head. "I can't believe we are seriously entertaining this twat."

"You're damn near thirty, Ronald, don't make me send you to your room without supper," Molly scolded.

Food began to appear before them, creating a colorful array before them. Hermione couldn't help herself, and nearly jumped at the first opportunity to scoop food onto her plate. There wasn't a dish she skipped, piling it high, knowing she'd eat every bite.

It surprised her when's he saw Draco reach for the potatoes after pouring wine for them. With the grace of the highest royalty, he scooped just a small portion onto the plate, along with a few pieces of vegetables. There was a moment of hesitation as he used his fork to lift a tiny bit of the mash to his mouth. But despite him looking apprehensive, he placed the fork between his lips.

"This is phenomenal," he said,making sure to give a sweet look to Molly.

"Nan makes the best mash. Yours was second best," James called from down the table.

"Second to this is a real compliment, thank you James," Draco winked at the young boy.

Molly blushed at the showering of compliments from Draco, which made Ron fume from his seat. They continued to chat softly to one another, with them both giggling every so often. Hermione could barely follow along with their conversation, getting distracted by several people talking to her and the constant pulling of her attention towards James, who insisted on showering her how much he had eaten every few minutes.

"How are we all pretending like this okay?" Ron scoffed. "Mum's over here giggling and having a drink with a vampire."

"Just shut up," Ginny whined. "No one is happy about this, so just shut up."

"I'm happy," James said with a pout in his lip. "Why are you not happy, mummy?"

"Because I don't care much for Aunt Hermione's boyfriend or fiancé or whatever he is to her," she replied to the young boy.

"Ginny, what are you talking about?" Hermione asked, shocked at such a response.

"These ring on your fingers. Engagement rings right? I just don't understand why you wouldn't say anything to me. We're friends. Best friends. Or have you replaced me already?" Ginny muttered between bites.

Hermione was speechless, trying to formulate the exact words that would be appropriate to calm her worried friend in front of the entire Weasley family. It felt as if every set of eyes were fixated on her, making the room begin to feel smaller and her head began to spin.

"Well, I like Dave," James exclaimed, raising his hand.

"Thank you, James," Draco smiled at him, giving a quick nod before turning to Ginny. "Ginerva, the ring was just a gift. Nothing more."

"She can speak for herself," Ginny spat at him.

Ron shook his head, "She's all brainwashed, that's what I've been saying. None of you listen to me. 'Specially Harry and mum."

"Merlin, you're still so obsessed with her," George drunkenly laughed. "She's moved on, and you should have too. Ain't that right, Hannah?"

Tears began to fill Hannah's eyes, and she quickly got up from the table and ran out of the room. Fleur whacked George on the arm before following behind her. Arthur sighed, his aging face looking more weathered and concerned. Everything was so different now, they were all getting older, settling into a new reality where the war would end and they would be happy. But when the war ended, it wouldn't be happy for her or Draco. It would be hard because he would never be accepted by the people she cared about.

The chatter at the table was becoming unbearable. It was chaotic and began to ring loudly in Hermione's ears.

"Granger?" she heard Draco ask softly against her ear. "Your heart is racing, are you okay?"

"I just… need a minute," she assured, leaving the table and walking out the front door. Her chest felt as if it was tightening in the cold air. She haunched down, holding her knees to her chest. The tips of her ears felt hot, despite the winter wind whipping around her.

Draco's hand rested against her back, and he leaned down, getting on his knee at her level. "Do you want to leave?"

No. She didn't want to. But what other choice did she have? Stay and pretend that everything was fine? Was she so naive and stupid to believe that she could have everything she wanted? To have Draco and her old life seemingly intertwined. It would have been idyllic to have a world where her kids could play with Harry's and Sunday dinners at the Burrow. But it was all a dream, as most things felt as of late.

"Yes," she murmured. "We have to. It's too much for me there."

He helped her to her feet, holding her upright and close to his chest. "I know I do not deserve you. They want you back with them, but I will not allow that to happen. Not unless you wish for that."

"I want you, Draco," she whispered, closing her eyes.

For a moment, he looked at her, and she could sense his guilt and weight of many burdens pulling at his psyche. He kissed her cheek softly.

"I am yours."