The next several trips through the manor were significantly less eventful for the first. As the base of operations, there were always groups of death eaters circulating the halls. Some days they stirred with excitement over an important mission. Other times they seemed more relaxed and leisurely. Hermione had nearly mapped out the entire west wing by the end of the week and could walk the path from Malfoy's room to the drawing room with little thought.

She had established a bit of a new routine. Immediately after breakfast she would head out on her self-guided tour. Her top priority was always to overhear as much as she could, and then she would scope out more of the mansion with any remaining time she had left.

Goyle was there often immediately. Thick as ever. He had a sadness to him that he didn't used to carry before. Crabbe's death was likely still fresh in his mind, as Harry's was in hers. Goyle typically hung around his father or the other former Slytherin's from their class. Their conversations usually stayed rather light, not containing the same level of malice as most the older members.

"Alright there, Goyle?" Malfoy walked up where was chatting with two boys Hermione remembers from classes.

One had dark brown hair and olive skin like her own, the other had black hair and a more tanned complexion. While neither boy was short, Malfoy still had nearly three inches on them. His shoulders were also broader than most of the men he stood next to and his muscular arms, while lean, made his overall presence more impressive. His hair had been combed and gelled back, unlike how it was when he was ready for bed and had run his fingers through it several times. Not that Hermione paid much mind to his appearance. It was a practical observation.

Malfoy returned from another secret meeting with his father, who walked past the group of young men to have a seat at the table. "Ah. Knott, Zabini, back already? Didn't think we were expecting you for another week."

"Please. I swear they are only providing us tasks meant for children." Theodore Knott snorted. "Zabini and I finished ages ago and bunked off at the London flat for a few days."

"I am sure the Dark Lord would be pleased to hear of your dedication," Malfoy chaffed.

"Hmm, but if not us then who would cater to the witches in London? Think Theo and I made a few believers of them yet. I'm sure we could find a place for blood traitors among our ranks," Blaise Zabini answered for them.

"You neglect to return at the conclusion of your mission, because you went out shagging blood traitors?" Goyle asked.

"Recruiting, Goyle. An essential part of any operation." Theo announced. "And you know what the Dark Lord said, once they buy into our vision, all magical blood is as precious as any others."

"And cunts just as warm." Zabini quipped with a smirk.

"Charming. I am sure you'll provide us with a detailed debrief of your recruitment efforts at the meeting tonight." Malfoy said, daring his friends.

"Now Draco dear, you know how shy we are. Can't hardly kiss and tell, this one. Better to save it for our next private party. Could get on after if everything goes alright tonight?" Blaise suggested.

"Can't see why not," Malfoy answered and began to relax a bit more into the conversation. Goyle nodding along to whatever he says.

"Brilliant. Head up to yours then?" Blaise said as other death eaters walked in and grabbed a seat at the table.

"No good. Haven't had a moment outside the grounds for anything other than work since before the battle."

He was mostly deflecting as his rooms are currently occupied. However, Hermione could also hear the honestly behind the words. She hadn't really thought much of it, but Malfoy had been back to the room every night since she's been there. From what she had observed, his days haven't been filled with anything enjoyable.

"We could go to mine? My parents will be out for a few more days. We'd have the place to ourselves?" Goyle offered and Hermione let out a small sigh of relief.

"Rubbish. It takes over a half hour to enter or leave this bloody prison; wards go all the way past the road now- no offense mate." Theo argued back. "We could get through half a bottle of your father's reserves in the same amount of time it would take to get to Greg's."

"So I am burdened as host for all eternity since you lot are too lazy to walk down the driveway? Seems hardly fair," Malfoy said, remaining calm and disinterested. If Hermione didn't know better, she wouldn't have any idea as to how adverse Malfoy actually was to the idea.

"Then get a working floo. We'll meet you at your door after things wrap up down here." Theo joined the rest of the members at table after this, and Malfoy does not have time to argue back again. He rolled his eyes and ran his hand through his hair before taking his own seat next to his father.

The informal meeting continued like the others had, Lucius leading. Muggle attacks had not stopped but had scaled back enough that they are no longer teetering on the statute of secrecy. Most of the conversations revolved around gaining control of wizarding towns and restoring them back to their former glory. Or more so, restoring them in the image of Voldemort's glory. Above all else, Hogwarts remained the utmost interest to the dark wizard. The castle was the focus of most of his actions, and where he resided whenever he was not out in the field or at the manor.

After dinner with Neddy for company, she lingered in Malfoy's room on the couch by the fire. She found herself irritated when it was half-past midnight, and she was still hiding out in Malfoy's bedroom. The party must have gone on at one of the others' houses after all. With that thought, she decided to go to sleep in her usual spot on the study couch. There was no sensible way to explain to Malfoy why she would choose to sleep on his bedroom set instead since the first night she stayed there.

Hermione woke to her breakfast sitting in front of her.

He never came home. She would have woken up the moment he opened the door. He was mental to leave her for an evening without so much as a note when he was the only other person she saw, or spoke to, or who even knew she bloody exists anymore! If she had any guilt about her spying, she was relieved of it at that moment. To think of the panic she would be in otherwise.

She ate a few grapes from her breakfast tray and headed straight to the bathroom, wanting a hot shower and practice exactly what she would say to Malfoy when he returned. The window curtains were still closed and the room was much darker than usual. It took her eyes a few moments to adjust.

"Oh."

Malfoy groaned response. He was lying on his stomach stretched out diagonally on his bed. His large, fluffy comforter covered all his body except for his head.

"Sorry. I-I didn't think you were in here."

"Having a lie in," he grumbled without opening his eyes.

"Oh, I – I can wait. Sorry." She turned to walk out but his response cut her off.

"Just go. I'm not getting up anytime soon."

Hermione closed the bathroom door as gently as possible. She felt more out of place than usual. The thought of stripping down with him on the other side of the door felt more scandalous than it should. She willed herself to take a quick shower and dressed quickly, hopeful that Malfoy would be asleep again when she walked out. Would it be suspicious if she didn't at least ask where he was? She probably should. If only to keep up with appearances.

She opened the door and cleared her throat quietly to try and get his attention. When he didn't move, she decided to just let him but kicked one of his shoes that was lying misplaced on the floor on her way out and sent it flying.

"Merlin!" he shouted, grabbing his head.

"Sorry!" she apologized a little too loudly. "Sorry."

"Bloody hell," he rubbed his eyes, covering them both with one hand.

"…are you alright?" She asked quietly.

"Feels like I fell off my broom," he said absentmindedly. "And then got wrecked by the whomping willow."

Hermione laughed at his dramatics. "A good night, sounds like?"

"Stop yelling at me."

"Sorry."

"Stop saying sorry." He opened one eye to look at her.

The blanket now laid around his waist. Hermione realized his upper body was bare and forgot what she was about to say. He looked passively at her again before falling back onto the bed, one arm above his head.

"Remind me never to try and keep up with Blaise," he mumbled towards the ceiling.

"Who?" Hermione asked a little too innocently. For God's sake, she could at least admit she knew who he was.

"Bloke from my house. Doesn't matter." He turned his head to the side to try and fall back asleep.

This could be an opportunity for him to let something slip, and then they could talk about it later rather than her pretending she knew nothing.

"I didn't realize those meetings of yours got so lively," was what she came up with.

Malfoy growled. "Mm, meetings. Bloody meeting after meeting. It's insufferable."

"Well, it looks like last night wasn't so bad. Except for that whole bit with the broom. And the willow."

"Why are you still yelling?" He grunted. "I don't remember you being so loud. Always talked too much. Talk, talk, talk… but I never noticed the volume was so offensive." He said half to himself.

She sat on the bench at the window. Not any closer to him, but at least she could see his face while he spoke rather than standing at the foot of the bed.

"So… Blaise. I think I recognize the name. Taller, chaser if I remember?" Hermione tried to introduce the conversation again.

Malfoy chuckled at her question without acknowledging her move. "Oh no. Not you too. He has enough fans. I fear your chances are quite slim, Granger."

"Everyone keeps up with the statistics. It's the only extracurricular activity at school." His comment made her feel put off, especially remembering Blaise's rendition of his time in London. "Does he come here to… well do whatever causes this, often?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I have seen how much you drink with me. I can't imagine what happens when you're with company you actually like."

Malfoy opened his eyes properly now and looked at her. She couldn't tell what he was thinking and suddenly became overly aware of her hands.

"To be honest, you are far less of a pain than I thought you would be." He looked back to the ceiling after he finished his statement. "Not that I gave your visit much thought."

"I'm flattered. What did you expect, exactly?" Her pestering need to always know more betrayed her.

"Oh Merlin. Endless questions, nagging, running to the door every time I have my back turned and getting us killed." He turned his head to look at her, a small grin pulling at his mouth. "I even had Neddy take my breakables to my storage room. She could hardly believe it, the thought of a muggle born smashing my great grandmother's tea tray out of spite."

"What?! I would never-" she stopped herself, seeing him laugh at her reaction. "You didn't have time to move anything, prat. I believe my visit was a bit of a surprise." She tossed the small throw pillow at him, and it hit his face softly. He scowled at her, but then tucked it between his arm and head. A pop interrupted her and Neddy was standing at the foot of the bed.

"Good morning, master. Neddy brought your breakfast, and your detox potion." She and Hermione exchange a small smile as Malfoy sat up in bed to take the tray.

"Excellent, you read my mind."

Neddy turned to address her. "Would Mistress like her breakfast brought to the bedroom today?"

Mistress?

Mistress.

"I'm okay."

Malfoy was holding his teaspoon mid-air like he'd forgotten how to move his arms. Neddy gave a small nod and disappeared from the room.

"Speaking of potions," Malfoy said, directing the conversation elsewhere, "I finally got the powdered Bicorn horn. We should be able to the polyjuice. We can start today, actually."

"What? We?"

"Yes we. I'm still not convinced you can manage it. I have always wanted to try. It can't be that difficult."

Hermione wasn't surprised that he would want to help her brew, mostly just that he would actually be staying with her all day.

"Is no one expecting you today?" She asked.

Malfoy shook his head as he finished his bite, the detox potion taking effect and his appetite coming back. "Taking the day off. The Dark Lord was pleased last night so there's not much to do today. Not that we'd be of much use after draining Goyle's cellar."

Hermione, hoping he would continue, just nodded, and leaned back against the window. She can see the discomfort emerging on his face as if he just remembered who he was talking to and may have said too much.

"I'll meet you in the study when I'm ready."

Hermione didn't miss the dismissal in his voice and got up to leave him to breakfast in peace.

As she was mentally preparing to spend the day working with Draco, Neddy was bringing in the ingredients to brew the potion. Hermione was just rolling up the sleeves on her stolen jumper when Malfoy walked in. Even on weekends at school, she had never seen him so casually dressed before. Seeing him in a simple long sleeve cotton shirt paired with gray joggers made him look significantly less like the aristocratic pureblood that tormented her growing up. He looked like he could be any other boy from her neighborhood. Except maybe for his blonde hair or his seekers build-

"All there?" He asked coming to stand next to her at the table, looking over all the contents.

"Looks like it." She answered a little too loudly. "Alright. Well, we should be able to complete the first part today and get the lacewing flies stewing." Hermione started preparing the fluxweed. "Can you get the knotgrass ready?"

"Hmm, no. I don't think I can." Draco conjured a stool and took a seat leaning his back against the table. "I'm supervising."

"You can't be serious." Hermione deadpanned.

"Oh very. Can't have you screwing up such a high-risk potion on my watch. What kind of mentor would I be?"

"You're not going to help me at all?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Malfoy said resting an elbow on the table. "Of course you'll need my help."

His face looked smugger than ever. It was true, she would need a wand after she was done stirring so the potion could brew properly. Malfoy, having read ahead, clearly knew this too.

"How generous of you." Hermione sneered back. "Why don't you just go and take a nap and I'll come fetch your wand when I need to borrow it. It should only take a moment."

"You are more mental than I thought if you think your filthy, little hands are getting anywhere near my wand." He meant it to be teasing but it came off his tongue sharper than it should have. She really shouldn't push him any farther, but he was being such a ponce.

"I hate to be the one to tell you, but my filthy hands have already been all over your precious pureblood wand." She provoked him.

A deathly pause.

"Liar." He was starting to fume now.

"Harry and I took turns casting our Patronus with it one night." She sang causally as she continued to chop the fluxweed and added the appropriate pieces to the cauldron. It felt good to talk about those last few nights with Harry. Even better that the memories were being used to annoy Malfoy.

"Ron tried to give it a go too but he- "

Malfoy stood up suddenly, sending the stool flying backwards. Hermione froze under the intensity of his gaze before turning back to her work to avoid caving to his intimidation. After several moments, she heard him huff out a small laugh as he moved to pick up the stool and retake his seat, dangerously close to invading her personal space.

He leaned on his elbow on the table, facing her. "And how was it Granger, feeling real power within your grasp for the first time?"

This had her snapping her head at him and he scoffed.

"That good, huh?"

She refused to give in and just focused on her work. Not dissimilar from what she'd do when he would attempt to torment her in class.

"I honestly can't blame you, probably would have done the same in your position." He carried on, feeding off her displeasure now. "I imagine some of my magical signature was still in it, could you feel it humming in your fingers while you held it? It'd probably go off buzzing through your body if you held it now that it has attuned to me again."

He twirled his wand in her fingers, and her eyes betrayed her as they locked in on it. "Maybe set you on fire if I touched you directly."

Hermione turned her attention back to the potion. "As highly as you think of your pureblood magic, I assure you mine is just the same. I have touched Ronald plenty and have yet to burst into flames."

All this talk about touching and magic and wands made her statement come out more scandalous than she intended.

"You've touched him plenty?!" Malfoy shrieked.

"Oh stop it, you know that's not what I meant."

"Merlin Granger, to think I thought low of you before."

"I only meant that purebloods are no different than-"

"All this time sharing my rooms with a girl who enjoys fondling with the weasel."

She slammed her instrument down on the table and turned fully to him. He raised a brow, leaning in even more to respond. "Did you practice with his precious pureblood wand as well?"

She reeled back like he puffed smoke in her face. "That – that is foul, Malfoy!"

He burst out laughing and turned back towards the table. "We agree at last. Better continue your prep, things will start to decay since you already started handling them."

Hermione felt him Draco watching her as they settled into a comfortable silence. Not in the intimidating way he was before, more like he was genuinely interested in what she was doing. He listened without giving her grief, and even twice asked clarifying questions. Hermione had just started the tedious task of mincing the knotgrass when he took the tool from her. He rolled the grass tightly before meticulously slicing. It's a trick she never thought of, and she was impressed with his innovation.

They worked for another hour in tandem and completed the first two steps in half the time it usually took her. She was undeniably impressed. He may even be one of the better potions partners she's had.

"I think you've got the rest of the first part handled. I have to meet my father for tea." He said when they reach a milestone, looking up at the clock and noticing the time.

"Oh. I thought you didn't have any obligations today?" Maybe she could do a quick sweep of the manor this afternoon. She hadn't been able to eavesdrop on the later crowd in a few days.

"I didn't. He likely just wants to scold me for getting Astoria home at such an unbecoming hour." His blonde fringe was extra wavy and falling in his face. A tiny push to the side would help in clearing his eyes, but he didn't seem to mind.

His appearance and statement took a second to process. She had seen the Greengrass sisters, Astoria and Daphne, a few times when they accompanied their father to the manor, but she didn't know she and Malfoy were close. Certainly not getting home at 'unbecoming' hours completely smashed close.

"Right. Sounds like it was a fun time," she said as she stared intently at her stirring. She could see Malfoy's guard go up as he ran a hand through his hair.

"I should get changed. I'll be back in plenty of time to set it to brew once the flies are in." He gave his wand a wave and walked into his room.

There was still a considerable amount of work left to do, but she has always enjoyed the intricate processes of this particular brew. However, the easy feeling she had reached with Malfoy just a few moments ago was gone. She shook her head and focused on the next steps, no longer needing to pretend to read from the book now that she was working alone.