Review offering insight to the story:

"Humbled by your abilty to write yet again, I reveiw and must tell you how excited I was to see that you had updated! It was another wonderful chapter with the added bonus of references to yourself, (quite brilliant might I add) and Dracos obsession with Dental Hygeiene is such an admirable little quirk of his. Ron and Blaise and the Chocolate cards scenario is just the cutest, most homey-feeling scene to describe and again every character is described to such a consistent perfection (not that they are perfect-cept Draco- but that they dont suddenly change during the fic like others I've read) and its almost as if you have them sat on your shelf ready to animate each time you need them. Had I not already read HBP I would beg you to take over, and this might sound quite...corny, but you really are better than JK, you know your characters so well, its endearing. Looking forward to your next update, as with every fic you write." - mimbulus-mimbletonia of FanFiction net.

Thank you to the following reviewers of Chapter Thirty-Four - Ready or Not?: cmtaylor531, sasmith, Laendra, Phoenix flame01, Weaselbee, Mrs. St. John Allerdyce, Aurelia Malfoy, Hotkat144, cle be, . .xx, Caligirl-HPLVR, blackrose2010, anie smiles, Zarroc, chickengirl, bethygirl94, Life Is Truely Great, YourBeautifulDisaster, XxstarlightxX, thedustbunny, Jester08, your fic is so awesome, Steelo, cOoLlOsErS1902, cherry666, fictionwriter191, Michelle Felton, Athene Saile, Elven at Heart, broadwaychick07, niic smiles, annieca, mskiti, Girl With A Pen, ravenloganx3, Marionette, Protected by an Angel and especially mimbulus-mimbletonia, Classic Pairs Shipper (Emma), UniTexasWriter11 (Emily), and galloping-goose (Zeus).

To: My stalkerish (lol) reviewer Emma, Happy (belated) Birthday!

Growing

Chapter Thirty-Five

On Guard

Hermione sat on the edge of her bed, watching as Draco finished packing their things away in a trunk they were given from McGonagall. They would be leaving for King's Cross station any minute now and she felt the stir of nerves in her stomach making her swallow thickly. Her Christmas break had been wonderful for her, with the exception of what happened the morning of Boxing Day. She had fallen into a blissful comfort of being Draco's wife and she hadn't once questioned their decision. Living at their new home had been a warm embrace after the turmoil they had been suffering in and out of Hogwarts. She found herself linked to the house, wanting never to leave, only to enjoy its every nook and cranny.

It wasn't so much school that she didn't want to go back to. In all truth, she was missing her studies and the knowledge her professors held. It was more of who she would meet upon her arrival back, and what those people would have to say. She was a strong witch, one who took pride in being confident and courageous. However, people were bound to say things when she came back with Draco. Not only about what she had done to Pansy, which was blown out of context, but also because she was now with Draco. Not just his best friend, but in their eyes his girlfriend. They wouldn't know he was her husband and that thought was rather depressing. There was a small voice in her head that wanted her to shout it from the rooftops, announce it to every person who passed her, or just plain throw up a banner exclaiming it. She held that in of course, knowing he would have more than a little to say about her enthusiasm in an arrogantly proud way, and of course for safety purposes.

Ever since Christmas, Draco had taken to calling her his wife at every turn. If someone asked a question, he somehow managed to add her in with, "Oh my wife...," or, "Ask my wife," and that one time when she overheard him mention to Blaise, "I spent the entire night with my wife, what did you do that was anywhere near as stimulating?" She figured it was much like the 'fiance' thing, where he enjoyed saying it, because there was a nice ring to it in his mind. In any case, she enjoyed hearing it slip off his tongue as if the most natural thing in the world. She would miss it at school, and wondered briefly if he'd start calling her his girlfriend at every opportunity.

"They're ready to go, love," Draco's voice interrupted her thoughts. She looked up, her fingers fiddling in her lap and worried her lip with apprehension. He knelt in front of her, his large hands coming up to hold hers, thumbs brushing reassuringly over her knuckles. He stared up at her face and she felt a small sigh exit her lips, he was really quite handsome. "It's going to be fine. It'll be a shock for them at first, but we've got three of the staff on our side and four friends who aren't going to abandon us for anything." He half smiled, his eyes were warm and comforting as they connected with hers. "And I'll be right there beside you the whole time. I'm the one holding your hand," he clarified, nodding. "Or snogging you senseless in the broom closet. Oh, and certainly the one kissing you here," he said, leaning in and pressing his mouth sweetly to hers. He leaned in until she fell back on the bed, her eyes fluttering closed. "And here," he moved down to her neck, his hands lifting hers up and holding them against their bed as he lavished her throat. "And certainly here," he added, moving down and affectionately drew a circle over her stomach of calming kisses.

Hermione let out a tickled laugh, his breath and lips sending shivers over her skin. She felt the twist of worry in her stomach change to that of a flutter of adoration for her husband. Letting go of one of his hands, she slipped it into his hair, drawing him up so he was face to face with her. Her expression softened, eyes half closed and mouth turned up in a smile. "Thank you," she said quietly.

"Don't thank me, it's what I do now. I've found being a husband has many great qualities," he told her, a small smirk adorning his features. Running the tips of his fingers down the curve of her face, he leaned in to press a kiss against her forehead, letting his lips linger and cradling her closer to his body. Pulling away, he leaned his face against hers, and Hermione closed her eyes, enjoying one of their last moments at home, alone together.

They were interrupted a few moments later when Lupin told them it was time to go. Meeting Jane and Henry downstairs, they said their goodbyes, promising to send word through Dumbledore. Hermione's parents were going to be moved to another safe house, just to be safe, but they wanted to be absolutely sure that their daughter and son in law would be all right back at the school that had easily shunned them. Helena and Hermione and Draco's wedding gift of the unknown pet were going to Hogwarts to be cared for by Hagrid until graduation. Seeing as there was no one to watch over them and the Auror's didn't like having the dog around the two Granger parents, since it could be a hindrance in escaping if there was trouble.

To avoid using too many things magical, Lupin decided to drive Hermione and Draco to King's Cross and from there, they'd board the Hogwarts Express, along with all the other students. They were going to be showing up earlier than the rest though; Dumbledore and The Order thought it would be better to keep them hidden from the rest of the school until they were in a less crowded and small area. Hence, they had to be wearing cloaks that covered their faces when they moved from the train to the carriages and then up to the school. Hermione nearly scoffed at it all, feeling as if it were a bit much, but when she thought it over, the confines of the train could be hazardous to them, especially if they were caught in one of the compartments, they could easily be stunned, given that there was no escape but the door the attacker would be in.

The ride to London was silent, with Tonks and Remus exchanging worried glances every few minutes and Draco holding Hermione in the backseat. She sat in the middle so she could lean into his side, her arm laying possessively over his stomach. He watched the scenery go by outside, a finger against his chin telling her he was deep in thought. His hand moved up and down her back absently, a lulling sensation that made her feel more comforted. She drew off his strength, telling herself that she needn't be worried. They had each other, they had the support of the professors and their friends, so it was unlikely that anything would meet them at the school, or on the way to it.

Before she knew it, they were standing at King's Cross station, their hoods up and their hands linked as they walked in between Tonks and Remus, their shrunken trunk was sitting in Draco's pants pocket so that there were no hindrances if a fight broke out. Hermione's back stiffened and her eyes darted around suspiciously. Seeing as they were in rather suspicious clothes, their faces covered, people tended to look their way out of curiosity. Making their way onto Platform 9 ¾ Hermione's hand held the side of her hood, unsure what she should do now. The other students wouldn't be arriving for a good half hour.

"Wait here, I'll check the progress of the Auror's and Order members," Remus told them, leaving them with one last firm glance before he climbed onto the waiting train.

Hermione didn't realize she was shaking until Draco moved her in front of him, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. "We're surrounded by people meant to keep us safe," he whispered, squeezing her lightly. "I wouldn't let anyone get to you anyway, you know that," he added, his voice breathy and calming.

She relaxed, letting her body fall back against his chest, where he cradled it. He whispered soothing words to her, while she let her eyes fall shut and allowed his voice to swallow her whole. She wasn't sure how much time went by, simply basking in her husband's comfort. She felt his body move away from hers and straighten up, making her frown in her want to have it back where it was. She realized then that they were expected to board the train though and kept her thoughts to herself. Draco held tightly to her hand as they walked down the middle of the aisle and stopped at a secure compartment. Remus led them in and got them settled before he and Tonks told them they were going to recheck the train. The sliding door was locked and the window was darkened so nobody could see through it.

Draco sat in the corner, his legs sprawled out over the seat while his back leaned against the wall. He pulled her down into his lap, holding her in his arms while they silently contemplated what was going to happen in the near future. No words were exchanged, anything involving reassurance had already been said. Hermione didn't want anymore sympathy or understanding, she just wanted to relish being with just him for as long as she could. Her fears were pushed to the back of her mind, while she closed her eyes and leaned her head back against his shoulder. She could hear his heartbeat faintly through his thick robes and sweater.

She hadn't realized she had fallen asleep until there was a banging on the compartment door. Draco held her back from leaping off of him in fright. He placed his index finger against his lips, telling her to be very quiet. He moved without sound and she pulled her wand slowly from her robes, readying herself. It was all for nothing though, as Draco cast a revealing charm, only to find Ron, Harry, and Luna on the other side of the door. Unlocking it, he allowed them inside before using another locking charm on the door and moving back to sit where he was.

Hermione's shoulder slumped as she put her wand back, feeling a little more foolish and less scared. Draco wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer to his side and simply reminded her that being cautious is better than dead. They then turned their attention to their friends, one of which looked ready to burst with stories and laughter.

"So yesterday right, mum spent hours goin' on about how Christmas hols should be longer, eh, and I completely agree, but she goes outta her way to write Dumbledore somethin' like a Howler!" Ron tells them, his eyes wide and his mouth hanging open. "'Course she used 'lotta words like, "my poor babies," and "little Ronnie," and such, but can you imagine what the Headmaster thought when he got it?" he wondered, his face turning bright red with his laughter.

Blaise appeared not long after; he and Ron got into a heated game of Wizard's Chess where it was anybodies guess as to who would win. Remus and Tonks reappeared, telling them the train was going to start moving and that they wouldn't be allowed out of the compartment from then on. Ron protested, saying he wanted some sweets from the trolley. After rolling his eyes, Remus took his money to hold onto and get the treats for him when the lady came by. After awhile, things began to settle down and the six people inside the compartment were almost completely at ease. Hermione did her best to act as though it were any other train ride back to school and talked with Harry about the assignments she missed and even helped him on his holiday homework that he hadn't finished up. She could hear Draco and Luna talking about various magical creatures, and smiled to herself, knowing that Draco always enjoyed the wild stories Luna had to tell about her father's most recent discovery in the animal realm.

Time seemed to speed by and Hermione felt so relaxed her mind forgot about what was to come for the short time. She could tell Harry was rather anxious to get back to school, though it was more of a discomfort rather than his usual excitement. His eyes moved back and forth from Hermione to Draco every once and awhile and she knew that he was becoming worried about what would happen when they returned to the school. She wanted to reassure him that with all the professors around, they were sure to be safe, but she couldn't pretend much longer. She firmly believed that Draco would do all that was in his power to keep her from harms way, and vice versa, but there was only so much that can be done when faced with a behemoth of adversaries.

She pushed the thoughts away, wanting nothing more than to engulf herself in her studies and help Harry along in his essay. She relished in the scratching of the quill against parchment as he listed what she had to say, nodding every once in awhile. His eyes glossed over once in a while and she took this as her cue that she had lost him somewhere. So she slowed down and re-explained to him the Centaur battle against the Lapiths. She almost felt like her old self, having her books out as she tried to help one of her best friends finish up homework before they returned to school. Of course, usually that friend is Ron and not Harry, but it seemed the Boy-Who-Lived had a blonde distraction as of late, which was only too wonderful in Hermione's opinion.

When Harry's homework was nearly finished, Ron admitted he had a few questions on some of the homework assignments he had been given and lugged out his books. With a resigned sigh, Blaise also admitted that he still needed help with Arithmancy and pulled the large book from his trunk. Hermione immediately went into her Know-It-All ways, and began helping them through everything, answering questions when they were asked and trying to explain everything to Ron in a way that wouldn't have him frustrated. She found Draco staring at her a few times, a fond expression on his face and she simply smiled back. At one point, she got so caught up in smiling back at him, that she hadn't noticed Ron tugging on her arm, trying to get her attention. Finally coming to her senses, she turned back to Ron, who was whining like a petulant child over something he referred to as "complete dragon shite".

Leaving the two boys to finish their work, Hermione took over Luna's now empty seat beside Draco and leaned her head down on his shoulder, her hand lifting to rest on his abdomen. He sat back against the wall, his arm around her rather tightly. She could tell by his rigid torso that he was beginning to give in to his concern over what would happen upon their arrival at school, which was quickly approaching. "D'you remember when we were sixteen, and you tied that rope to the highest branch of the biggest tree by the river?" she asked him, hoping to distract him.

He grinned slowly, looking down at her. "Yeah, and it took us three hours to convince Claire to give it a go. But when she finally did, it had come undone from the knot and she fell into the water from much higher up then she was supposed to, screaming so much we thought she might not have taken a breath before she went under." He shook his head. "She was so angry when she came back up," he said with a quiet laugh.

"It didn't help that her brother Jack was laughing at her when she did," Hermione reminded, smiling lightly.

"It was funny," Draco said, shrugging. "Remember when we threw that bonfire down at the lake?" He smirked, "Very exclusive and high brow!"

She grinned, rolling her eyes, "There were only six or seven of us, roasting marshmallows and hotdogs," she replied, fondly. "You and the boys threw all the girls into the water, if I remember correctly."

"Mm, that was that kid Taylor's fault," he told her, his brows raising. "And you girls got your revenge later," he said with a grimace.

Hermione laughed, nuzzling her head beneath his chin. "You deserved that," she assured.

"Yeah, you try waking up naked on a beach, surround by men and we'll see how you feel," he replied, his tone light.

"Well, you and Jack have run starkers down the street on a dare, I didn't think waking up naked beside him would be all that different," she said, trying to stifle her laughter.

"Yeah, well," he cleared his throat, "Taylor's a bit of a cuddler," he admitted, his neck heating up.

Hermione couldn't hold it in and burst into laughter, her eyes shining with amusement.

Draco rolled his eyes, but he couldn't hide the chuckle that escaped him over the memory. "Why were we sleeping on the beach again?" he wondered, his brow furrowed.

"We all decided to camp out there," Hermione reminded, letting out a content sigh as her giggles ended. "It was late and Jack had brought around a case of beer, so our friends were all a little sloshed. A few of them passed out on the sand, so we stayed around talking for awhile, in hopes that they would wake up. When they didn't, we decided to camp out with them instead of leaving them there alone, especially with the fire still going." She shook her head, smiling, "I remember one of the girls woke me up, I was wrapped up in your arms and had no idea what she was doing there. Scared the wits right out of me," she told him, shaking her head. "She proposed a little payback and though you were quite reluctant to let go, I managed to squirm out of your grasp without waking you up. Then it was only a matter of who was easiest to drag where," she explained shrugging.

"And whose idea was it to take off all our clothes?" he queried, cocking his brow and smirking at her.

"Not mine," she told him, shaking her head. "As if I wanted to see Taylor and Jack's bits," she said, disgusted. Draco laughed, but nodded for her to continue. "I think it was that girl Claire brought along. I don't remember her name." Tapping her chin, Hermione tried to search through her mind, but found only a face. The girl was short, had messy pink hair that she arranged in random spikes, and sparkling green eyes. She had quite the personality and was always up for the craziest of things. She changed her nickname daily and wouldn't answer to anything but, which made things complicated, especially if you didn't know her nickname and was trying to ask what it was. But she was an all around fun girl that day, though Hermione could only take her in small sittings. Her and Draco hung out with her off and on that summer, but only with Claire around.

Draco tipped his head in though, "I think her real name was Sloan," he said, his brow furrowed.

"Sounds about right," Hermione agreed, shrugging. "In any case, she was the one who thought it would be utterly hilarious if we stripped you and left you all beside each other. There was enough space between you so you would know nothing naughty happened, but I guess Taylor rolled closer at some point."

Draco shook his head amusedly, his hand stroking her side as he relaxed against her. "Got a good show then?" he asked, looking down at her with eyes she certainly recognized now. He often gazed at her this way just before he coaxed her into bed and ravaged her completely. Given that they were sitting in a compartment, surrounded by four of their closest friends, she knew that wasn't going to happen. She truly wished she were back at their house though and suddenly very much missed the warmth of her husband's body pressed against hers.

Shaking her head, she tried to free it from its suddenly very heated thoughts. Feeling a blush creep up her neck, she tried not to let her voice wobble, as it often did when she got distracted by his soft mouth or smooth hands. "No, actually, it was quite dark and the moon was only at half that night. The fire was nearly out and so we hardly saw a thing. By the time I woke up, you were nearly completely dressed. It's not as if I hadn't seen it before, what with the show you gave me that one day," she bugged, hoping to turn the attention back to him and leave her bedroom thoughts in the dust. Perhaps when they returned to the Head Tower...

Draco cleared his throat, looking momentarily flushed, "Like I knew you were going to walk into the bedroom at half past one in the morning," he replied, frowning. "Besides, I was a normal, growing boy, that was practically expected," he told her, his eyes turned down.

She chuckled, "Yes, I guess it was. I just hadn't thought I'd ever actually see you doing it. And, I'm not sure I really considered what a boy of your age would be doing late at night, all alone," she admitted, her brow furrowed. "I was quite innocent, you know, and you sullied me completely," she accused playfully.

"Well, someone had to corrupt you, and recently it's become quite a hobby of mine," he replied, smirking as his hand skirted up her thigh slowly. She inhaled sharply, her eyes fluttering for a moment and then looked up at him with a stern expression that didn't quite reach her eyes as she fell victim to his tender touch. She nearly forgot all about the fact that they were on their way to school, and their four best mates could clearly see them. The train lurched slightly and Remus knocked on the door three times in a certain beat to let them know they were coming upon Hogsmeade station.

With the simple noise, it appeared as though the entire compartment stilled and stiffened. Faces turned grim, homework was forgotten, and the once comforting chitter chatter that claimed the small room evaporated to nothing but the anxious breathing of six teenagers. After changing into their robes, sans Draco and Hermione who were still dressed in theirs, they waited for the final stop at the station. Remus had informed them all that he'd have a couple carriages waiting for them, since they would be leaving last from the train. There was a long moment where they all sat together, eyes wide, breathing heavy, bodies rigid. Time escaped them, feeling like a drawn out curse that just wouldn't end.

When finally Remus knocked three times, that same beat to alert them, he told them that nothing had gone wrong and it was their turn to leave. With unsure steps, they picked up their luggage and exited the compartment to make their way across the desolate platform and to the waiting carriages. They stood, surrounded by Auror's, dressed like any other wizard, each pretending to have a conversation, and looking as though they didn't have a care in the world. Hermione could tell though, she could see through the act of civilian to the alert and ready Auror's and Order members hiding inside. Remus and Tonks checked both carriages thoroughly before allowing any of the children inside and then one sat with each group of three on the way to the castle.

Blaise stared out the carriage, his face strained, though Hermione found that when he noticed her looking he did his best to smile reassuringly. Remus' eyes were everywhere, watching and waiting for any sign of trouble, though nothing came about. Draco held Hermione's hand, mildly tight, and kept his eyes firmly on her. In her opinion, she'd rather set her gaze on her husband than the unusually foreboding stature of the grand castle school. He held that question in his silver eyes, the one he always had when it seemed things were going badly, "Promise?" She squeezed his hand in response, letting her reassurance seep through her palm and strengthen him.

"All right there, Draco?" Remus asked, apparently catching the worried expression on Draco's face, which wasn't surprising since he appeared to be watching numerous things at once.

"Just trying to memorize my wife before she reverts back to being my girlfriend to the public," Draco murmured, his voice verging on teasing but not quite making it.

Remus frowned, looking quite disheartened by Draco's words. Hermione noticed that her former professor seemed to get along much better with Draco recently. She often found them chatting in the early morning, going on about anything and everything under the sun. She quite liked seeing him share his comfortable smile, as he had so often hidden it from anyone he didn't dub the most truest of allies. Whether that meant Remus was an ally Draco saw as trustworthy, or his guard had come down enough to welcome friendship, Hermione wasn't sure.

"Does your wife and girlfriend look different?" Blaise asked, forcing cheer into his voice.

"My girlfriend never let me take her clothes off, so I suppose that accounts for appearance," Draco replied, lifting his brow, though his usual smirk wasn't there. "Except for those two times, but she took her own clothes off then."

"What's this then?" Remus asked, sounding rather sour.

Hermione noticed the hint of grin that appeared on Draco's face and realized her husband was trying to prick Remus' interest to alleviate the pressure. She sighed, shaking her head, and rolling her eyes at Blaise's obvious wink.

"Yeah, there was the one time when she was soaking wet and completely starkers, just standing around," Draco said, his voice nearing airy, but his face rather fond and reminiscent. She wondered how long it would be until Draco let them in on the fact that she had just gotten out of the shower and her towel had been snagged off her accidentally. "And the other time, when she came running into my bedroom, shirtless and panting," he added, a faint smirk appearing. She rolled her eyes and scoffed, remembering how Draco had screamed like a girl when he found Pansy Parkinson naked and trying to disgustingly seduce him into bed. Draco made a mock confused face, "You know, actually, we weren't even dating then," he said, letting out a soft chuckle.

Remus stared at Draco and then turned his attention to Hermione, who promptly blushed furiously, tugging on Draco's hand to fix the error.

He grinned at her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and pulling her closer. "Have to say, I prefer my wife's strip show though, rather than my best friend's," he teased her, leaning in and pressing his lips against her forehead.

She scoffed, snuggling against his chest and sighing. "I'm not sure you want me sharing the misdeeds of boyfriend and/or best friend, as opposed to my husband, would you?" she warned, her mouth turning up in a small smirk.

"Shutting up now," he assured, jovially, running his hand up and down her arm soothingly.

As they reached the school, Remus made them stay in the carriage so he could do a perimeter check. Hermione and Draco took the time to replace their heavy hoods over their head, wanting to keep their appearance hidden for as long as possible. If they could, they wouldn't reveal themselves until absolutely necessary, which would likely be the welcome back feast. After being given the go-ahead by Remus, they exited the carriage, where Hermione immediately slipped her arm around Draco's waist, wanting to be as close to him as possible. Even with her hood covering most of her face, she kept her eyes moving around swiftly, needing to be on alert. She checked to see that Harry, Luna, and Ron were with them and unscathed, even though she knew she would have been informed had something happened to the carriage behind them.

"Don't worry, Princess," Blaise told her, reaching out and squeezing her shoulder. "Soon enough this will all be over and we can go back to the regular swing of things, huh?" he said, winking at her.

"Eh, Blaise," Ron called out, "Bet'cha I can eat more at supper than you," he challenger.

Blaise frowned, his brow furrowing before he turned back and shook his head. "No way, Weasley, you may have won at dinner last night, but I'll show you tonight! I just had too many butterbeers last night, I'm sure of it!" he told him, nodding quickly. He began walking backwards, talking to his friend but keeping his place beside Hermione.

Hermione shook her head at the odd display of friendship and continued on her walk to the school. Surrounded by Auror's and Order members, they were directed to the Great Hall, where they all had to stop, nobody going in until Remus had secured the room as best he could with such overwhelming odds of students and professors. He returned a few minutes later, looking annoyed and coming over to speak to her and Draco.

Sighing, he motioned for everybody guarding them, but Tonks, to begin searching the school and grounds just to be safe. Though the school had already been swept earlier, Remus was a stickler for absolute safety, no loose ends. He stared hard at Hermione and Draco, trying to impress upon them the seriousness of everything. "Tonks and I will be around if you need us," he told them, nodding slowly. "Guards will be placed outside of the Head Tower portrait for awhile, and Dumbledore has been given permission to employ a good portion of Auror's to begin guarding the school as a whole. This isn't only because of you though, but also because of the commotion Voldemort has been causing," he told them, turning to look at Harry with concealed anguish. "For awhile, Tonks and I will be coming with you almost everywhere you go. You often won't know we're there. We won't come in the Tower, however," he assured, catching Draco's mildly perturbed and worried expression. "Unless there is good reason, you will have complete privacy there." With that and a nod, he told them they could go inside the Great Hall.

Everybody seemed to take a deep breath simultaneously, which left them chuckling quietly. Hermione turned to Draco, pulling her hood back a little so she could see him. "Are we all going in together?" she wondered, her voice loud enough for all to hear.

"United we stand, divided we fall," Blaise told her, straightening up to his full height and adopting a mocking smirk. "Ready?" he asked everyone, straightening out his robes and reaching out to clasp the handle to the door.

Luna nodded at him, her face losing its dreamy exterior to become rather concerned. Hermione noticed her grip on Harry's hand, but Luna was too preoccupied to care. Harry, though wincing every once in a while, took it in stride and nodded to both Blaise and the newly married couple. Ron stepped forward, sniffing the air and mentioning that he couldn't wait to eat, though he didn't sound nearly as cheerful as he usually did.

Hermione stared up at Draco, taking in his glowering expression. He swallowed noticeably and then squeezed her tight against his side. After clearing his throat, he humorlessly said, "Let's not keep our public waiting."

Pulling open the door with a flourish, Blaise walked inside and wagged his finger at Ron, "Race doesn't start 'til we're both sitting and have our plates full," he told him, grinning goodnaturedly.

Harry wrapped his arm around Luna's shoulder and squeezed her lightly before whispering something against her ear and bidding her goodbye until after dinner. He then followed Ron to the table and took his seat, glancing back at the cloaked couple off and on, barely hiding his concern. Draco walked her to her table, acting as though he wasn't covered head to toe in a billowing black cloak. He stood behind her when they reached the seat beside Harry and reached in front of her to slowly undo the clasp of their cover, giving her a moment to stop him if she so wanted. She felt her breathing increase, but she was adamant on not showing fear and didn't lift her shaking hands to stop him from revealing her. She felt him slip the shoulders of the cloak away and then pulled it from her completely, letting her be seen by all.

There was a collective gasp ringing through the Hall, which Hermione chose to ignore. She felt a small nudge in her back from Draco, telling her to sit down and complied, if only to stop the shaking of her legs. Draco threw back his hood, looking as though it were the most natural thing ever. Instead of retreating to his table immediately, he leaned closer to her in what would appear a rather bold move to onlookers and pressed his lips against hers in a slow, thorough kiss. "I'll see you after dinner, love," he told her, his voice soft, before he kissed her temple and took his leave to his table, where Blaise sat waiting, grinning widely.

With that conversation broke out everywhere, and Hermione was hardpressed to ignore it. She spoke with Harry, trying to act as though she couldn't hear the cold and grating words of her peers. They all had a theory, each of them had an idea of what could have happened. Various girls were sneering at her, numerous people were glaring, and she worked hard to keep her face serene and unbothered. Dumbledore made a speech about school unity and explained that there would be various guards set up around the whole of the school for the protection of all. She ate languidly, wanting to find some kind of peace in the school she once found calming and reassuring.

Christmas decorations still covered the Great Hall and left everything looking cheerful and bright. It reminded her faintly of her wedding and a warm smile broke out on her mouth. Her finger unconsciously played with her wedding band and she forced herself to pay attention to Harry, making all the background voices just a rush of noise. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Ron hurriedly eating, while staring down his opponent across the way, a glint of mischief in his gaze. He and Blaise had become an interesting duo of sorts, now referring to each other, when outside of competitions, as BAS (pronounced Baz) and RAS (pronounced Raz), mostly out of their amusing nicknames of Special Agent Blaise, and Special Agent Ron, for their escapade as Draco and Hermione's bodyguards. Taking the initials S.A.B and S.A.R, they turned them around backwards and made something understandable. It was odd and rather absurd, but they had so much fun doing it that Hermione merely rolled her eyes at their weird display of friendly affection.

By the time dinner had finished, Hermione's stomach was in knots. She had tried her best to pretend it was all okay, but she had the overwhelming worry that any minute pandemonium would break out and she'd be slaughtered. Despite her foreboding worries, dinner ended on a fine note and Draco came by to take her back to the Head Tower when she was finished and looking weary enough to fall asleep right there at the table. Most of the Great Hall had emptied out, but there were still various students gawking at the outward display of affection for one another, which clearly stated they were much more than friends. The rumors that they were a couple which had previously been circulating, were no doubt now revealed as true.

After bidding goodnight to Ron, Blaise, Luna, and Harry, they left to make their way up to the Head Tower. They were sure that Blaise and possibly Luna would be joining them later that night. Blaise would take the couch and Luna would likely sleep in the vacated bedroom if she stopped in. Hermione turned to Draco, her head resting against his chest as they walked quietly through the halls. "Which room are we going to use?" she wondered, turning her eyes up at him.

"Which would you prefer?" he wondered, glancing down at her and rubbing his hand up and down her side, lulling her into a relaxed state.

"It doesn't matter much to me, I was just thinking that the other room, it could be Blaise's," she told him, nodding slowly. "He's likely not safe in the Slytherin dorms, so he could take the free bedroom."

Draco nodded, "Yeah, he hasn't been back there for awhile. He and Luna have been using the Tower as their own personal flop house since we left," he said, rather affectionately. "All right, so we'll move my things into your room later," he assured, nodding.

Just before they made it to the portrait hole of their tower, a familiar and unpleasant face came into view. Standing in front of the door to the Head quarters, was none other than Pansy Parkinson, who was screeching and stomping her foot at one of the guards, who was grimacing, but saying nothing in reply to whatever it was she was going on about. She huffed loud and dramatic, her jaw falling open as though she were going to head into a big rant, but she seemed to notice the approaching couple then and turned her attention to them. She began stomping her way over, only to have her way impeded by the two guards, who had crossed their arms and were adamant on her not being allowed to see either Hermione or Draco.

Feeling quite cheeky about the whole thing, Hermione had to force herself not to childishly stick her tongue out at the girl being hidden from her view from the two large men in front of her and her husband. Draco nodded at the two Auror's, getting a nod back before he made his way to the portrait and whispered the password so Parkinson wouldn't hear it.

"JUST YOU WAIT!" Pansy screeched. "I'll get back at you for all of this, Granger!" she squealed, sounding as though she were about to erupt into a fit of hysterical tears. "I'll get him back, mudblood! Mark my words! You'll be left in the dust with nothing but your precious j-"

Her words were cut off as the portrait closed and Draco let out a loud sigh, looking quite relieved to be away from even that small display from Parkinson. He smiled at Hermione softly, looking rather worried and not sure what to say. He took their cloaks and hung them up on the hooks near the door before pulling the shrunken trunks from his pockets and re-enlarging them. He carried them to their bedroom and then came back out for her. "You all right?" he wondered.

She nodded slowly, feeling quite homesick very suddenly. "Just wish we were back at home, that's all," she told him, sighing.

Draco nodded understandingly before making his way over to her, a familiar look in his eyes. Before she could say anything in protest, he slipped his arm under her legs and hefted her up in the air against his chest. He grinned at her as he walked them back to the bedroom and placed her on the middle of the bed. Kicking his shoes off and toeing away his socks, he slipped out of his clothes and then proceeded to rid her of the same, leaving them in nothing but their knickers. Crawling over beside her, he pulled her up against his side and cradled her in his arms. "It's going to get better," he assured, running the back of his hand slowly down her cheek.

Though she felt as though it could only get worse, she took him at his word and snuggled closer to him. The day seemed long and drawn out to her and she suddenly wondered how she could keep her eyes open much longer. Letting out a long sigh, she nuzzled her head against Draco's bare chest and let her eyes fall shut. A warm peace fell around her and for a moment, she forgot she was back at a school where the majority of the population loathed her. She forgot all about what could be in store for them, and let herself believe she was back at home. Wrapped in Draco's embrace, she let her mind think she was falling asleep in their large bed, inside their huge manor, where they had been married only a week before. She gave a soft sigh, a smile flitting across her face. When it was all over, she would relish in the freedom of being Hermione Jane Malfoy. Of having Draco and their own home. Of never having to put up with another mean spirited word about her and her relationship with her own husband. Oh how she longed for the day when they would be free at last.

Much Love,
-Amanda