Hermione barely slept over the next few days, spending most of her time in the Malfoy library heavily researching the items she wanted to gather for the counter curse. Identifying the appropriate items, mapping where they were, and creating a plan to get them quickly had consumed her mind. She was getting close, she could nearly taste it.

To increase her heart rate, we could use a concoction of things, but billywigs would be a good adrenaline source.

Mooncalf blood applied to her epidermis would protect her from the sun.

A golden feather from a phoenix tail to warm her body temperature permanently, even if the counter curse doesn't work, however, that would be nearly impossible to obtain. We could substitute with the scales from a Chinese fireball, which is far less powerful. Might need to ask Teddy to help. Especially if we need to harvest two, for Astoria and Malfoy.

The only thing left is to suppress the impulse for blood consumption, which we would need to find a lethifold…

"Merlin, you're so fucking beautiful when you're focused like that," Draco said, pulling her from thoughts.

Hermione smiled, ignoring him, continuing to scribble notes down and look at her book. Draco strode over to her, turning her chair towards him. Though her body was pointing in his direction, her head was still facing her book.

"You're late, class started hours ago. Umbridge is going to punish me because of your tardiness," she said, waving her finger in disapproval.

"I pulled some strings, no more lessons for you, young lady. You know far too much already,"

"Torture time then, I presume."

Draco chuckled to himself, seeing as she was seemingly unphased by the prospects of being in pain hours. "Do you think every time I come to you something bad happens?"

"Typically yes, it's either that or you fuck me."

Draco smirked, hovering over her. "So you're admitting that me fucking you isn't bad?"

"Oh piss off, Malfoy," she groaned.

He leaned down, his hands on the armrests of the chair she was sitting in. "I actually have a surprise for you. Consider it an early birthday gift."

Hermione nearly forgot about her approaching birthday. Usually, it was spent at the Burrow, surrounded by her friends and family. Last year's birthday was one of her favorites as of recent, receiving handmade gifts from both James and Albus, singing karaoke with Luna and Neville, drinking with Ginny and Harry, making love to Seamus. It was a brief moment where she allowed herself to forget the war, just for a night.

"What is it?" she asked, relaxing her shoulders.

He leaned down and kissed her temple, placing his hand against her cheek. "Well, if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise now, would it?"

"I suppose not," she said curiously.

"Come along with me then," he replied, before his lips pressed right at the corner of her mouth. She wondered why he didn't kiss her, as he had been so eager for other forms of intimacy. A kiss to her seemed much less intimate than everything they had already done together. They had bled on one another, slept in the same bed, and whispered secrets they hadn't told anyone else, so why wouldn't he kiss her?

So many times she had caught him looking at her lips, as if he was longing for them. And every time she smelt the spearmint toothpaste on his breath, a reminder of a home she had long forgotten, she longed for his too.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked softly, his lips still so close to hers.

"Nothing," she whispered back, looking into his silver eyes, wishing for just a second he would probe into her mind to know what she wanted.

Draco smiled and reached for her wrist. After pulling his thick cloak over his head, a tugging sensation pulled at her stomach, and they Apparated. They appeared outside of a home in the middle of a large field, and Hermione looked up at Draco confused. It looked old, with chipped white paint and ivy that crept up the walls.

"You got me an abandoned house for my birthday? Tired of sharing a roof with me after nearly half a year?"

"The surprise is inside, Granger. I'll wait on the porch until you're done." Draco laughed, holding onto her waist as he walked them to the blue door of the old home. Cupping her face in his hands, he kissed her forehead gently before pulling away. Hermione thought he might have been trying to say goodbye with how he was looking at her, studying her face, taking each one of her features in. "Take your time, but come back to me, please."

When he let go and went to sit on the wooden bench under the shade of the porch, Hermione reached for the brass doorknob. As it opened, she tried to picture what would be behind it, but nothing in her dreams would have been better than what she saw.

The pitter pattering of tiny feet followed by the giggles of James and Albus made Hermione fall to her knees. The two boys threw their arms around her and she scooped them into her arms and held them tightly, tears falling from her eyes.

"Aunt Mione," James said. "I missed you."

"Missed you," Albus repeated

"My, you've both gotten so big. How are you boys? Where's your mum?" she asked, drying her face as she looked at them.

Ginny made her way over to them, and Hermione's jaw dropped when she saw her stomach. Seeing how much they had all changed in just six short months made her heartache.

As Hermione stood, Ginny rushed over to her, hugging her tightly.

"I had no idea," she said softly, her voice cracking. But if there was one thing Ginerva Weasley didn't do, it was cry.

"It's okay, Ginny," Hermione assured, wrapping her arms around her.

"I nearly killed him when I found out what he did. Almost went to Malfoy's myself to bring you back. Didn't speak to him for weeks."

"Is he here?" Hermione asked.

"Upstairs. Wanted to give us some time alone first. If you don't want to see him, I completely understand. You look well though, Hermione. I was so scared you'd be nothing but skin and bone."

"Ginny, you look beautiful. I can't believe I've missed nearly the entire pregnancy," Hermione said sadly.

Ginny snickered. "Probably for the best, it hasn't been an easy one. This girl is already more trouble than her brothers are going to be, I can assure you that."

As most magically enchanted homes were, the outside had been deceiving. The interior was cozy, with floral wallpapers and bookshelves stacked with reading material and knickknacks. Watching James and Albus play in the open living room next to a warm fireplace was idyllic, and made Hermione crave the sense of comfort she found here.

It was stupid of Draco to not have put the silver ring on her finger. At any point she could have gone away with them. Did he really think she wouldn't try to leave him?

"Are you okay, Hermione?" Ginny asked as she handed her a cup of tea, seeing that she was watching the two boys play in silence.

"Yes, sorry. Just a bit tired today."

Ginny tapped her fingers against the mug awkwardly. "Are you okay? Is anyone hurting you?"

Hermione wanted to lie to her friend to ease her mind, but couldn't bring herself to. It was likely she knew what was happening, as Ron and Harry did, so lying would just cause more of a fuss.

"Not as much as they used to. Voldemort's been too preoccupied with losing a war to even remember I exist sometimes."

"Is he hurting you?" she asked.

"No, he's not laid a hand on me."

"That's not what Ron said."

Hermione nearly choked on her tea. "Ron should keep my name out of his mouth, honestly. What I do is not his business, it hasn't been in years."

"I agree, but he still cares for you."

After the short amount of time she spent with Draco, she really couldn't consider what Ron was doing was anything close to caring for her. The care that she saw Draco give to the Greengrass sisters in just the short time she had spent with them was nothing compared to how Ron had treated her over the years they had shared together.

And she had felt his devotion as well. If she decided she didn't want to walk, she was sure Draco would carry her where she wanted to go. Ron could barely be fucked to make her a cup of tea the way she liked it, let alone remember her birthday unless Ginny reminded him.

For the first time, she felt as if she was actually being cared for, rather than her begging for the same attention that she was so openly handing to others. It may have been twisted how he showed his affection, but it made her feel valued. The way he killed in her honor or fell to his knees just to please her toppled any act of love she had in the past.

It was sick and twisted and fucked, but she liked it because it made her feel like a god.

"He doesn't care about me, he just hates Malfoy."

"Don't you hate him too?" Ginny asked.

"Yes, I do."

"Then come back with us today. We can protect you from him."

"Ginny, I can't. He's helping the Order, we can't jeopardize that."

"The war is almost over."

"I can't."

"Can't or don't want to?"

Hermione stood up, crossing her arms. "Are you serious?"

"I'm sorry, Hermione. Forget what I've said, please just sit with me. I missed you," she pleaded.

Sighing and realizing her overreaction, she sat next to her friend. Ginny grabbed her hand and placed it on her stomach, and Hermione felt the soft kicking from the baby. It was a small piece of joy she hadn't had in so long.

"Just be honest with me about one more thing. Is he forcing you to…"

"No, of course not. He's a monster but he's not made me do anything I don't want."

"Then why be with him? When he's killed so many people we loved?"

It sounded like her heart was breaking in her chest. She was confused and hurt, and Hermione could understand why. Hermione was also feeling those same emotions with herself.

"He was just a kid like us too, Gin. Lost a lot along the way."

"Hi, Hermione," Harry's calm voice came from the stairs. He smiled brightly at her, and she stood to greet him. It made her happy that he looked less tired, but when he wrapped his arms around her, she felt her heart break again. She pushed it aside though, not wanting to spoil the moment or ruin her own birthday gift.

They sat and talked for hours, drinking tea, avoiding any more uncomfortable topics. The kids took a nap in Hermione's lap on the couch, and she soothed them as they fell asleep.

The sun had set, and Hermione was surprised that so much time had passed.

"I should get going," Hermione said softly, setting down a brush she was using to comb through Albus' hair.

"You'll have to stay for dinner," Ginny insisted. "We brought your favorites. And, a nice bottle of whiskey. You haven't even gotten your gifts or cake yet."

Hermione smiled, "Okay, let me just tell Malfoy I'll be a little longer."

"He can join us," Ginny mumbled. "If he's safe to be around the kids."

Hermione pulled Draco reluctantly from the porch and to the dining table. He sat next to Hermione, hand on her knee, and watched Harry and Ginny closely, likely reading their thoughts.

"Who are you?" James asked curiously, as being five years old would lend itself to asking such natural questions.

"Not important to you," Draco said. Hermione nudged him with her elbow, and he looked at her confused.

"What kind of name is Not?" James giggled.

"His name is Dr… uh…" Harry thought, trying to determine what to say to James. If he went around Grimmauld place telling Order members he ate dinner with Draco Malfoy, it would surely cause a stir. "It's Dave."

"Dave?" Draco sighed, looking at Harry who simply shrugged. "Yes, Dave. What's your name?"

"James Sirius Potter," James said proudly pointing to himself. "And that's my little brother, Albus Severus."

"Figures," Draco replied, looking at the toddler with the namesake of two men he had less than ideal relationships with in a high chair at the other end of the table. He turned back to the chatty child that looked identical to Harry. "How old are you, James?"

James held up five fingers on his hand, smiling a toothy grin that melted Hermione's heart. "Are you Aunt Mione's boyfriend?" he asked.

"No," Draco smirked. "She doesn't even consider me her friend."

"But Aunt Mione is everyone's friend. She's my friend."

Harry poured three glasses of whiskey and passed them around the table. With a couple waves of her wand, Ginny conjured a meal of all of Hermione's favorite foods with a beautifully decorated pink cake that sat in the middle.

"Ginny, did you make all of this?" Hermione gasped.

"Of course not, Mum did," she grinned.

James butt in, "I helped granny with the cake."

"It's lovely, James," Hermione said to him. "You did an amazing job."

"Do you like it, Dave?" he asked Draco.

Draco took a look at the cake with a half smile, "Not half bad."

James laughed before digging into his peas. Hermione began to eat as well, missing the taste of Molly Weasley's food. It wasn't as if Tappy was a bad cook, but nothing beat the homemade taste of food made by a witch in her kitchen. It seemed excessive, roast potatoes, Shepherd's pie, roast chicken, all of the classics. She missed the Burrow when things were mostly normal and didn't feel awkward with her being there.

"You're eating like you've been starved, Hermione," Ginny said jokingly, but still a hint of worry in her voice.

Draco rolled his eyes. "I can assure you, Weasley, Granger does not go hungry in my home."

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

"Gin, I got plenty to eat. Just miss Molly's food, that's all," Hermione said, wiping her face with a napkin, trying to ease the tension. Draco focused back on his glass of whiskey, his hand still resting on her knee.

"Any news on the last horcrux?" Harry asked, changing the subject away from Hermione, which she was glad for.

Draco shook his head. "Not a clue yet. With how paranoid you know who has been, it's been near impossible."

"So, you're saying you're useless to us now?" Ginny had a smug look on her face.

Draco took a sip of his drink. "I wouldn't call Granger's handler useless."

"Oh, I'm sure you love being her handler," Ginny retorted.

Ginny, the youngest sister of all boys, and Draco, the oldest of what he considered to be two sisters, were at each other's throats. Hermione was sure that even if the war wasn't in place, they'd be arguing about which quidditch teams they thought were best.

Harry placed his hand on her shoulder, "Gin, Hermione's healthy and she's here with us now. It's okay." He looked over to James, "Do you want to get your gifts for Aunt Hermione before we cut into the cake?"

James smiled and ran up the stairs quickly. Hermione, a few drinks in, full of food, set her hand on top of Draco's, lacing her fingers between his. She squeezed lightly, and he reciprocated. Seconds later, James came barreling towards her, an arm full of things in his hands.

He showed her several pictures he drew, clay models of magical creatures he made, and proudly presented his alphabet workbook he wanted her to keep. Hermione thanked him endlessly and showered him with kisses on his cheeks.

"Are you coming home with us?" James asked her after they ate cake.

"I'm sorry, little man. Not tonight. But I'll see you soon, right?" she said, looking at Draco.

"Right, we'll see you soon, James. Until then, keep doing your workbooks. You'll need to be caught up with your studies when you start school."

"Okay, I will," he said, hugging Hermione tight. He pulled away from her and quickly latched onto Draco's leg, making Ginny flinch.

Draco awkwardly tapped his head. "Make sure you eat lots of sugar, yell whenever you feel like it, and never, ever listen to a word your Uncle Ronald says."

"My mum tells me that too," James laughed as he ran back to his mother. Hermione went and said her goodbyes to Harry and Ginny. Harry seemed relaxed, but Ginny still looked uneasy. Hermione wished she could comfort her, but even then, she felt unease too.

"I promise, I'll see you soon," Hermione said.

"You better," she whispered, clinging on tight, a reminder that she was wanted in her old life by at least one person.

Harry wrapped his long arms around both of them. "We should get going. Ready kids?"

"Ready!" Albus chanted.

Within the next few minutes, they gathered up, and Apperated away. Hermione almost wished she had gone with them, but there was so much she still had to do. Draco's hand went to the small of her back.

"I apologize if my presence spoiled the night."

"It didn't. Ginny's always fighting like this with one of her brothers, it's no different than any other family dinner." Hermione chuckled. "Thank you for the lovely birthday present."

Draco reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a box, presenting it to her. "It wasn't your official gift, but I'm glad you had a good time. I was going to wait to give this to you, but you may as well have it now."

Hermione opened the lid of the box to find a silver necklace. The pendant was in the shape of a dragon's head, and in its mouth was a round glass sphere with a red liquid that flowed inside.

"It's beautiful," she said softly, watching as he pulled the chain from the box and stepped behind her. His cold hands moved her hair to the side, and he put the necklace on her.

Draco's lips pressed against her exposed neck, kissing her delicately. "Since you like to make me bleed so much, I thought you may like to have some of my blood to parade around like a trophy."

Hermione rolled the glass sphere between her fingers, watching it swirl. He was giving a piece of himself to wear as jewelry, whether it was a mark to indicate her as his, or vice versa, she didn't know. In some sense, it felt like a collar around her neck, a sign that he owned her. In another way, it felt like she controlled him so much he was offering his life to her.

"Thank you, Draco," Hermione said.

Draco froze in place, his arms that had been running up and down her body had stopped dead in their tracks. When she turned around to look at him, she saw his eyes were wide with shock.

"You called me by my name," he said in disbelief.

Hermione shrugged and smiled, "I suppose I did. Don't get used to it though, it still feels unnatural to me."

He smirked at her, kissing just the corner of her mouth again. "Let's go home, Granger. We've got a busy week ahead of us."

"Astoria has something extravagant planned for my birthday, doesn't she?"

"You have no fucking idea."