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Chapter Text

December 31st, 2002

“…And lastly, thank you all for a wonderfully successful year here at the Ministry. Without all of you, we would not be making the advancements we are today. All the departments here are valuable, but this year I would like to personally thank the DMLE for all their hard work on their latest project. Together, they have apprehended numerous dark wizards, continuing to keep our world safe. We appreciate all your hard work. Now, enjoy your evenings, and Happy New Year’s Eve!”

Cheers erupted from the crowd, especially from the corner of the room containing a majority of the DMLE employees, most of whom were already a few too many drinks deep.

The Ministry New Year’s Eve parties were a favourite amoung those employed there, and their lucky plus ones. They could celebrate the achievements of the year past, sure. But most people came for the free booze and chance to socialize.

A tap on Hermione’s shoulder pulled her away from the applause.

“Drink up!” Ginny enthusiastically handed Hermione a flute of champagne, a grin on her face.

Hermione took it gratefully. “I think I’m going to need it.” She took a long sip of her drink, savoring the taste and the feel of the bubbles in her throat.

“So, what have you observed so far?” She asked Ginny while she gently swirled the contents of her glass.

The girls kept their positions in a back corner while others spread out to dance, drink, and mingle.

“A few things” Ginny took a big sip of her champagne.

Ginny and Hermione had made a habit out of people-watching at Ministry events. These balls were the perfect opportunity to eavesdrop and gossip. Very childish, perhaps. Entertaining, absolutely. What else were two young women supposed to do?

Ginny dipped her head to the left, a motion for Hermione to look. She turned and noticed Theodore Nott smirking in Harry’s direction. Her eyes widened, her head whipping back to Ginny.

Theodore Nott had certainly changed since Hogwarts. He tended to sit in the back row with Malfoy, but she did know that he was often third in the class ranks. He was a scrawny unfortunate-looking boy, but as she looked at him now, that was no longer the case. Theodore had filled out, standing at a solid 5’11 at least. He boasted short brown waves and stunning green eyes that contrasted his tanned Italian skin. She could honestly say he was one of the more attractive men in the room. Theodore’s trial post-war was short; he was never marked and had turned his father into the Ministry. He was let off with a small fine (large to most, but the Nott fortune runs deep so it seems). All to say, Theodore had made a name for himself, an astute employee in the DMLE.

“Surely not!”

Ginny’s smile grew. “Oh certainly. When Harry handed him a glass of fire whisky earlier, their hands lingered.” Hermione’s mouth dropped more, if possible.

“No!”

“Yes! And get this…his pinky hooked on Harry’s” she demonstrated, locking her pinkies together and slowly sliding them apart. “They’re fucking. Or at least they want to. I could feel the heat of Harry’s blush from here.”

Hermione laughed. “Your observation skills are seriously impressive.” She finished off her champagne. “I’m going to grab another, you want one?” Ginny nodded.

Hermione maneuvered her way to the bar.

The Ministry always went above and beyond on the balls. They had rented out a small castle, with rooms for party-goers to stay in if they found themselves too intoxicated to apparate. Tonight, the ceiling was enchanted to look like a mix of constellations, similar to the way the Great Hall at Hogwarts was. There was soft lighting and candles set around, and a large dance floor for those brave (or drunk) enough. Hermione enjoyed the balls. She and Ginny used them as an excuse to dress up and gossip. The simple things they missed out on during their time at Hogwarts.

Tonight, she wore a long form-fitting black dress. A tasteful slit made its way up her leg, ending just above her knee. The back was open and low, hugging tightly above her bottom. Her chunky silver heels shined beneath the fabric. The finishing touch was her hair, which she had pulled into an updo, exposing her neck and the small silver necklace she wore.

“A Gin and Tonic and a Cosmo please” she smiled at the bartender.

She leaned up against the bar, waiting for her drinks. She scanned the people sitting at the bar; an older gentleman she recognized from the DOM looked to be drowning his sorrows in whiskey. A couple was taking shots, seconds away from taking each other’s clothes off more like it. Her eyes moved to the other side of the bar, taken aback to find none other than Draco Malfoy already watching her. He had a small glass of red wine in front of him, which he was running his fingers along. She felt her cheeks heat.

Merlin his fingers are long. Were they always that long?

Hermione saw Draco occasionally, but only in passing, white-blonde flashes of hair or the clicking of his dress shoes. She had never stopped to really look at him.

He had certainly grown since Hogwarts. He must have gained 4 inches at least, and he was broader, strong even. His pointy features had matured into strikingly sharp ones, every bit the aristocrat. His hair, white as ever, was styled messily. A few strands hung in his face; the rest pushed back by his hands. He was in a perfectly tailored black suit, hugging every inch of him.

Fuck, when did Malfoy get hot?

She gulped, and his gaze immediately dropped to her exposed throat. He looked her up and down, from the tip of her shiny shoes to the top of her hair. When his eyes met hers again, a small, dark smirk was upon his face. He tipped his glass towards her in acknowledgment, taking a long sip of his firewhisky.

Wait, no. That was definitely red wine, when had he gotten firewhisky?

His gaze never left hers. Hermione’s heart was racing, she felt ridiculously warm.

“Ma’am?” a voice brought her out of her thoughts.

The bartender stood with her drinks, looking concerned.

“Are you sure you’re needing these miss? You seem out of sorts…”

Hermione smiled a tight smile. She grabbed the two drinks. “Yes. I am sure I’m needing these.”
She looked back to where Draco was sitting, but he was gone. She let out a breath she didn’t know she was holdig.

Once back to Ginny, she took a long sip of her drink.

“You good ‘Mione? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Hermione blinked. “I’m not entirely sure I haven’t.”

“Oh?”

“Draco Malfoy has gotten unbelievably attractive Gin.”

Ginny chuckled. “You’re just noticing that? He’s been fit since like 8th year.”

She sighed. “There’s something…” She waved her hand around, looking for the right word. “…Off about him. He was drinking red wine, but when I looked again he had disillusioned it to firewhisky. And he looked at me most weirdly, it brought on a shiver Gin. And then when I looked back, he was gone.”

Ginny looked at her as if she was mad. A loud laugh broke out of her mouth, turning a few heads in the process. Hermione shushed her frantically.

“Shhhhh Ginny!”

“I’m sorry girl, but are you serious? You’re so much smarter than this.”

Hermione recoiled. “I..what-“

“He’s into you! He didn’t want you to think he was weird for drinking wine, so he picked a more ‘manly’ drink. And he looked you up and down because he wants you, obviously. You do look fuckable in that dress. He probably left so quickly because he had to take care of some business if you know what I mean.”

Hermione scoffed

“That is highly improbable Ginny” she rolled her eyes.

“yes well I think he wants to f-“

A deep voice interrupted them.

“Hey ‘Mione, Gin! Harry greeted them, looking a bit intoxicated.

The girls jumped.

“Did I interrupt something? Who wants to f-” Hermione threw her hand over Harry’s mouth.

“No one Harry!” Ginny was laughing so hard she almost fell off her stool.

“Okay…” he said, voice muffled from Hermione’s hand. She dropped it, chuckling as she looked at her friend.

“So…. Theodore?” Hermione said innocently, hoping to change the subject before Ginny could out her.

“Oh Theo’s so bloody fit” he paused for a moment, processing what he just admitted. “You tricked me!” His eyes got big, a blush creeping up from his neck.

Ginny and Hermione burst out in laughter; Harry looked concerned.

“Oh, it’s so obvious Harry, have you fucked yet?”

“Ginevra! It is unpolite to ask a man if he has made love in a public setting.” He looked around quickly. “No.”

She gasped. “But there’s so much sexual tension”

He pushed the two girls further into their corner. “Yes, but we have not said more than a few words to each other. We keep…touching and exchanging glances but I don’t know what to do. Do I make the first move? Fuck I’ve never actually courted a bloke before!”

Ginny and Harry went back and forth over the proper technique for courting a guy for what felt like hours. Hermione gazed around the room; her head warm with alcohol. The floor was full of witches and wizards dancing and mingling, alcohol flowing in their veins more and more as the hours went by. She felt a familiar tingle on the back of her head as if she was being watched.

The War had trained her to sense when she was being watched, and it had saved her ass more than once. So, when she felt that tingling, her body went into fight or flight. It wasn’y a necessary skill anymore, and often caused her more harm than good. She was hardly ever watched by dark wizards today, just children with staring problems. Nevertheless, her heart raced as she turned her head to the source of the watching, her hand anxiously rubbing her neck.

Her breath caught in her throat. Once again, Malfoy was locked on her from across the room. His silver eyes held no readable emotion, but that little smirk was playing on his lips.

Was he occluding?

She bit her lip, not wanting to be the first to break the eye contact, but nervous.

At her action Malfoy’s eyes seemed to darken, his lips parting slightly.

Merlin’s beard she was all warm again

Theodore Nott approached Malfoy, effectively breaking their stare-off.

Hermione sighed and turned her attention back to her friends, determined to shake the lingering tingle she felt.

“Harry, what is it exactly that Malfoy does?”

“He’s an Auror. He does private missions mostly, finds death eaters and loyalists and” he made a throat-slicing motion “you know.”

Hermione hummed. “So, he kills death eaters?” she deadpanned.

Harry shushed her frantically. “It’s sort of classified. The Ministry doesn't want the general public to know.”

She furrowed her eyebrows. “Malfoy is an assassin then?”

“Merlin Hermione when you say it like that it sounds absolutely barbaric.”

Ginny scoffs. “Malfoy covered in blood. That’s pretty hot”

Harry looked taken aback. “I never said that-“

“yes, yes but one can imagine” she waved her hands dismissively. “Right ‘Mione?”

Hermione’s mind had drifted to the idea of Malfoy killing death eaters. Was he violent? Did he do it quickly or take his time? What did he look like while he did it? How did he manage alone? She hadn’t quite heard Ginny’s question.

“yeah, definitely”

***

“Draco, dude, you’ve been staring at her all night. Can you be any more obvious?”

Draco rolled his eyes, taking a slow sip of his firewhisky.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Theo” Theo rolled his eyes.

“Come on Dray you’re looking at her like you want to eat her”

Draco shot Theo a sharp look

“She does smell divine…” he glanced at his friend “…must be her perfume”

Theo let out a dry laugh, giving Draco a knowing look.

“yes, I’m sure. More to drink?” Theo asked, headed for the bar.

Draco chewed on his bottom lip. He sighed.

“you know my order”

***

“10, 9 , 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…”

Fireworks exploded on the enchanted ceiling above. Cheers rang out around the room, glasses clinked.

“HAPPY NEW YEAR!!” the room shouted in unison, exchanging pecks and hugs with their loved ones and friends nearby.

Hermione hugged her friends tightly, grateful for making it another year with them so close. As happy as she was in this moment, she couldn’t shake the tingling feeling she felt on the back of her head.

Chapter Text

January 3rd, 2003

Hermione always enjoyed coming back to work after a holiday. She loved the structure, and she loved her work. Recently, she had been working on a proposal that would make the punishment for poaching more severe, especially when it came to magical creatures. It seems awfully boring to others, but it was meaningful to Hermione. So, when she saw the Minister of Magic walking up to her, she knew that she would not get the start to the workday the way she desired.

“Miss Granger! I trust your holidays were restful?” Kingsley Shacklebolt caught Hermione in the corridor outside her department floor, his navy blue robes billowing around him.

“Yes, Minister, very.” She smiled politely and reached out to open the door, eager to get to her office.

“If I may, Miss Granger” he motioned towards the door, signaling that he was to follow her.

Great

She pursed her lips and nodded, holding the door for him before leading Shacklebolt to her office. Hermione’s office was a carefully constructed hub of comfort that positively affected her productivity. Everything had a purpose and a place. So when she walked to her desk and noticed a pile of papers that were definitely not where they should be, her frustration rose tenfold.

In the spirit of being a good host, Hermione offered him tea.

“Tea?”

Unfortunately, he obliged.

“Oh yes, two sugars and a splash of milk if you don’t mind” After internally regretting to be kind, she shuffled over to her tea station and prepared the beverage. She then placed it on the small table beside the chair he sat at. He took a slow sip before looking up to address her.

This was a bad idea. Now he is going to be here longer than necessary.

“You’ll have noticed the papers on your desk by now.” Yes, she certainly had. “I am giving you a new assignment.” Her brain and body froze.

What did he just say?

She opened her mouth to protest but was cut off

He waved his hand dismissively. “Yes, I know. The previous person we had working on this assignment is needed elsewhere.”

She huffed and began shuffling through the papers. Ex-death eater, suspected Voldemort loyalist, ex-death eater, ex-death eater…

“And what exactly is it I am doing?” she asked accusingly, waving the papers around.

“You will be combing through files of dark wizards and determining whether they are a threat. The ones whom you deem a threat will be assigned to Mr. Malfoy to take care of.”

She choked on her tea.

“Malfoy?” she spat

She laughed humorously.

“You want me to be Malfoys glorified secretary? I am sorry Minister, but I will not accept this assignment” Hermione said hotly

The minister sighed, inspecting his tea.

“I figured you would say that. Luckily you will not be a ‘glorified secretary’ as you have so graciously put it. You will also be investigating these wizards’ whereabouts and doings, providing Mr. Malfoy with accurate descriptions and locations so he may carry out what needs to be done.”

She scoffed. “Yeah, glorified secretary.”

The minister was about to speak again, but this time she cut him off.

“By ‘what needs to be done’ you mean killing them right?”

Shacklebolt took a deep breath and stood up, straightening his robes.

“This is classified information. What Mr. Malfoy decides to disclose to you is up to him.” She looked at him incredulously. “This is not up for negotiation Miss. Granger, this is final. I understand you are disappointed, but I recommend watching the way you speak to your superiors. Good day.” he said, ducking out of her office, leaving Hermione in a state of shock and anger.

What the fuck?

Had she not proven her capability as a DMLE employee these last years? She has been demoted from doing seriously important legislature to collecting information to give to Draco Malfoy? Maybe her tone wasn’t the kindest, but bloody hell how did he expect her to react to this blatant disregard of her skills?

If the Minister was set on this, then her only option was to make Malfoy reconsider.

Fueled with anger, she grabbed the stack of files and tried to calm herself (it did not work). She made a beeline for Malfoys office, the only one she had never been to. Her heels clicked loudly on the ground and she took heavy steps.

She looked at the door in front of her, reading the shiny plaque that read “Draco L. Malfoy – Auror”.

She didn’t bother knocking as she pushed the door open and entered.

“Granger, nice of you to knock” he said without looking up from his desk.

How did he know it was her?

With a loud smack, she threw the papers onto his desk, right on top of the paper he was reading. He clenched his jaw before looking up at her.

“What the fuck is this Malfoy?” she asked harshly.

“Now now Granger, I never took you as the type to swear”

She scoffed in response.

Flipping through the pages, Malfoy responded bored.

“Looks like these are files of ex-death eaters and Voldemort loyalists Granger. I know you lost some education due to saving the world, but I figured the English literacy lessons would’ve stuck”

He was impossible to read, and his expression was making her quite unsettled.

“Don’t be sarcastic Malfoy. Shacklebolt just told me I am now your secretary”

He smirked, running a pale hand through his hair before standing up to face Hermione.

Merlin, he must be at least 6’3!

“Now don’t you be sarcastic Granger.” He bit out. “He told me he was assigning you as my investigator. You know, that way I know who to kill” he said it sickeningly sweet, as if he was taunting her

She exhaled, frustrated.

“So you do kill them. Why do you do it alone?”

She began spitting questions at him, her curiosity stronger than it ought to be.

He approached her, close enough that she could reach out and touch him.

He looks solid, I wonder if he feels that way. No stop it what are you even thinking?

She cleared her throat, waiting for his answer.

“Some things are better left unknown Granger. I have a mission next Friday, the 14th. I expect another wizard on my desk by then.”

“You do not get to tell me what to do and when to do it Malfoy!”

He leaned down, bringing his mouth next to her ear.

“You work for me now Granger. You do as I say. Got it?”

His words sent shivers down her spine and a warmth to her cheeks. He opened the door of his office for her, a signal that he was ready for her to leave. She grabbed the stack of papers off his desk and stalked out.

“Fuck you Malfoy”

He chuckled and she could’ve sworn she heard him say “I wish you would”

***

January 14th, 2003

As much as she hated to admit it, the work she had been assigned proved to be much more interesting than she originally suspected.

She of course would not let anyone know this.

Hermione had spent the week since researching a wizard named Aegon Usachev. He was a lower-ranked death eater, but ever loyal to Voldemort. Sightings had been reported of him in Hampshire, where he was reportedly holding death eater meetings in the local pub, during which he imperioused the employees to do as he pleased, then obliviated them only to do it all over again.

One of the cooks went mad after three meetings.

Not only was he actively gathering a group of death eaters, but he was also risking the exposure of wizardkind, while causing permanent mental damage on muggles.

Of course, Hermione could not just assume this was true based simply on a sighting. She had to see for herself and gather conclusive evidence.

So she had apparated to Hampshire and entered the Royal Oak Pub, disillusioned of course. She hid on the second floor and listened to the meeting below.

Not only was the sighting correct, but Aegon had managed to gather an alarming amount of pro-Voldemort supporters. She counted 15 total before she apparated back to the ministry, having seen enough.

So as she sat at her desk finishing up her report for Malfoy, she realized that perhaps this wouldn’t be as terrible as she thought. She did miss investigative work, it thrilled her unlike nothing else could. Besides, she had transferred her poaching project to Padme Patil whom she was confident would do a good job.

It was dangerous, yes. No one had told her to go out and investigate in person. But she honestly could say she preferred a bit of danger with her work. There was something about knowing she would get in trouble, but getting away with it, that filled her with excitement.

She gathered up her folder and decided to head to Malfoys office. He was supposed to return sometime at the end of the workday, and it was now 4:45. She figured a few minutes to collect her thoughts before presenting her findings to Malfoy would do her well.

She pushed the familiar door open and walked into Malfoys office. She hadn’t taken the time to truly look at it last time, but it was huge and oddly well-decorated. She should’ve assumed it would be, pureblood and all.

The office was the size of a living room, with dark bookshelves lining three of the walls. They were full of literature, muggle and wizard alike, which truly shocked Hermione.

She ran her hands along the spines. They were in no particular order, as “The Picture of Dorian Gray” was shelved next to “Ancient Potions: a detailed science and Manuscript.” She hummed as she inspected the shelves.

It was all very unexpected. Draco Malfoy read muggle literature?

She was torn out of her snooping by a drawling voice.

“Didn’t mummy ever tell you it was rude to snoop Granger?”

Hermione whipped around, coming face to face with Malfoy, who was much closer to her than originally anticipated.

How did he sneak up on her like that?

“Malfoy! I was just looking through your…” Her brain finally caught up to what she was seeing in front of her. “Blood” she said stupidly.

Malfoy stood in front of her clad in black Auror robes, covered in blood. It matted his white hair, splattered on his robes, and was dripping down his pale skin. His lips were stained red, as if the blood had gotten in his mouth.

He sneered at her. “Astute observation”

She shook her head as if to clear away what she just said.

“How do you even produce that much blood from a duel? Do you only use slicing charms?” she tried to joke, but the image of Malfoy covered in blood was currently slowing her typical brain function. She felt like a pre-pubescent witch who had just discovered the “big blokes” section of Witch Weekly.

As scary as it was, he looked hot, dangerous. And Hermione was not sure where that thought came from, but she had to agree with her stupid feminine brain.

Malfoy pulled a lip into his mouth, sucking off a drop of blood that had begun dripping from his hair.

“Who said I was dueling Granger?” she physically recoiled, eyes widening a fraction.

“w…what else would you be doing?.” She looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Trying to keep her eyes focused on his, not on the way the blood stood out on his skin.

He flicked his fingers in a precise motion while she spoke, the blood disappearing from his body.
She chose to ignore his blatant display of wandless magic.

“What are you doing in my office Granger?”

Hermione handed him the folder full of information. He took it and sat down, flipped through it as he awaited Granger’s response.

“Aegon Usachev. Multiple reports say he has been recruiting death eaters in Hampshire. He uses a muggle pub and puts the workers under the imperious curse, which has caused one of the chefs to go mad. I can confirm that the reports are correct. He is not only recruiting an alarming number of men, but is also risking exposure of wizardkind. I suggest a focus on Aegon first, then his inner circle”

There was a moment of silence.

“You can confirm?”

She realized her slip-up. She internally cursed.

“Yes.” Her voice wasn’t as convincing as she had hoped.

“Mmm. If you are traveling to these locations to spy, do ask me next time.”

Hermione stood up from the chair she had sat in. “ask you?”

Malfoy also stood up, towering over her from behind his desk.

“Yes, It is dangerous for you to go unaccompanied. I will go with you next time.”

Her mouth dropped. No seriously, it hung open at that comment.

“I don’t need you to babysit me Malfoy, I am perfectly capable of spying on a death eater now and then” her eyes narrowed.

He leaned over the desk. “That you may be, but should you get caught, you are not capable of taking on multiple death eaters.”

She scoffed. “what and you are?”

He ran his tongue over his teeth. “Yes” he moved around his desk, coming to stand in front of it.
“You’re dismissed”

He placed his large hand on the small of her back, sending a heat down to her core. Guiding her to his door, he leaned to her ear and whispered.

“Good job darling”

***

Later that night

Every Friday night Ginny and Hermione would get together at one of their flats and watch shitty muggle movies, gossip, and drink more wine than recommended by the surgeon general.

This Friday was no different, and Hermione was hosting. She had lit all her candles, ran to the market for candy and crisps. Ginny would bring the wine. She was laying out various blankets when a “pop” rang out by the front door.

“I’m hereeee” Ginny held her arms out wide, showcasing numerous bottles of wine.

“Here, bring them over to the coffee table” the girls finished setting up and got comfortable on the sofa.

“So, what do you want to watch?” Hermione asked.

Ginny stared at her. “Mione. I couldn’t name a single muggle movie besides the ones we’ve watched”

“Oh obviously. My bad.” Hermione reached for the remote and put on How to lose a guy in 10 days.

“Everything okay Mione? You seem…out of sorts” Ginny looked knowingly at her friend.

Hermione sighed and put her face into her hands.

“You know how I got assigned that new project with Malfoy?”

Ginny nodded in acknowledgment.

“gods Gin I like to think I am a feminist but when Malfoy speaks or even looks at me I get fucking red.”

“You can be a feminist and recognize when someone is ridiculously attractive and want to be shagged by them Mione” she grabbed a handful of crisps.

“I got to his office before his this afternoon, to give him the outline for his next mission. He apparated in, covered in blood Gin” she groaned, remembering the sight that was Malfoy.

Ginny’s jaw dropped and she turned quickly on the couch, grabbing Hermione’s hands in her own.

“My gods. I can imagine it now. He must’ve looked so fucking good, what with his pale skin and all”

“You’re a freak, Ginny”

She scoffed

“You’re telling me it didn’t massively turn you on? There is nothing wrong with a little blood kink Mione. Lots of people have it.”

Hermione’s cheeks burned red.

“That’s the issue, Ginny. It did turn me on. Massively.” The other girl laughed excitedly, and Hermione groaned. “How am I supposed to work with him when I can’t even look at him without blushing?”

“You seduce him, obviously”

Chapter Text

February 1st, 2003

Hermione had been working with Malfoy for almost a month now. She would be the last person to admit this out loud, but she was wrong.

This new assignment was sort of enjoyable.
Alright, fine. It was really enjoyable. Hermione hadn’t felt such fulfillment from her work since the war. She did like her legislative work, and it was very important, but she always felt that she was capable of more; even Lavender Weasley (yes, Weasley) could write legislature.

She was also faced with the horrible dilemma of Draco Malfoy. Horrible as in he was stupidly attractive and was growing on her. It makes sense that one would mature after Hogwarts, especially after a war, but Hermione never wanted to admit that Malfoy was capable of that growth as well.

She wasn’t hung up on the few times he called her that slur, he truly had not known better, add the fact that he was being brainwashed and threatened within an inch of his life by the dark lord, she truly found it easy to forgive him for that. It was his involvement in the war that she was stuck on. Yes, yes he was forced to take the Dark Mark, but what else did he do that she was unaware of?

He had always been a moody boy, but now he was downright dark. He didn’t scare Hermione, per se, not much did anymore. But she was wary of him. He had begun to warm up to her, in a very Malfoy way.

And so, as she was headed to his office for their weekly updates, she had to prepare herself to be ridiculously attracted to this unpredictable man. Ginny had told her to seduce him, but Hermione felt that was horribly unprofessional, and she was capable of working with someone she found attractive without lowering herself to….that.

Her heels clicked as she made her way down the hallway she had become familiar with. She adjusted the cardigan that had one button done at the top, the rest open to expose her green dress. She reached out to knock, but the door swung open before her fist connected with the wood.

“Morning, Granger” Malfoy looked up from his desk, blonde hair messy, wearing his usual black slacks and oxford.

Seriously, when did he get so good at wandless magic?

She tossed the folder into his open hand and took a seat in the chair across from his desk, politely crossing her legs.

“Malfoy”. His gaze moved to the neckline of her green dress, following it down to her black kitten heels. She watched his throat bob.

“You look good in green, darling.” Over the last few weeks, Malfoy had taken to calling her darling. Part of Hermione heated hearing that from Malfoy, another part was pissed off that he thought it was okay to call her pet names in a work setting. Truly a multi-dimensional woman, Hermione is.

“That is wildly unprofessional Malfoy” she scolded.

He chuckled. “would you prefer I called you Hermione?” he said sensually.

She froze, a heat making its way down her body, in between her legs. Never once had she heard her name from Malfoy’s mouth. Now that she knew what it sounded like, she wanted to hear it again.

“No. Granger is just fine.”

“Are you sure? You seem pretty…affected by it” he raised an eyebrow at her.

“I..what? I am perfectly fine Malfoy”

“Your heart is racing, Hermione” she detected a hint of hunger in his eyes, his head tilting to take her in.

“How would you know Malfoy?” she said snarkily, but she was truly wondering how he could know that.

He simply shrugged, getting up to sit in the chair across from her.

“The Usachev Project,” he said matter-of-factly, tossing the folder on the table in between them. “We need to learn more about their meeting schedule before I attack.”

She nodded. “Yes. The pub closes at 10 pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends. When I went a few weeks ago it was 11 pm and they had a full table. It was a Wednesday, I believe.”

He spun the signet ring on his finger as he spoke. “Great, we will go back tomorrow afternoon. I want to observe the cook being imperioused and then we will watch the meeting, if there is one, so I can get a better idea of what I am dealing with.”

“We?”

Malfoy ran a hand through his hair. “Yes, we. It is important that you are there to gather information for our files. I will not have you go alone and risk exposing yourself to a group of death eaters.”

She scoffed. “I’m around you, I think I can handle myself around a few wannabes.”

he snapped his head up, eyes burning through her. He leaned forward, closing the space between their bodies. Her breath sped up…why had she said that?

“I’m not a death eater anymore, darling. I’m far more dangerous. You’re safe around me because I want you to be.”

Her cheeks heated, a blush spreading furiously up her neck. They had been doing this recently, getting too close to one another, toeing the line of annoyance and lust.

“I’m safe around you because I’m a bloody good witch, Malfoy”

They were inches from each other. Malfoy placed his hands on either side of Hermione’s chair, leaning towards her ear.

“I know you are Hermione. That’s why I asked for you for this project” his breath was warm, causing her to shiver.

He asked for her?

He stood up quickly. “Meet me here tomorrow at 3:00pm.”

She cleared her throat and fixed her posture. She smirked.

“It’s a date, darling”

She bolted out of his office before he could respond, and before she regretted her little quip.

Ginny would be proud.

***

After Hermione all but ran away, Draco was left frozen in the spot she had left him, a raging hard-on forming in his trousers.

He had been flirting with her for the last month, he wanted her. But never in a million years did he think she would flirt back so soon.

“Having a conversation with a ghost Drake?”

He ran his hands over his face, walking to sit down at his desk.

“Fuck Theo, how’d you know?”

His friend laughed.

“Need a drink? You’re looking a bit pale. Paler than usual that is”

Draco rolled his eyes. “Yes. Make it a fucking triple”.

“Bad meeting with Granger?” Theo asked as he poured himself fire whisky. He bent down to the inside of the cabinet, murmuring a spell before pulling out another amber-filled glass for Draco.

“You could say that. Now get out, I have business to take care of.” Theo took his own glass and smiled at Draco before walking back to his office.

“Fine. I have a meeting with Potter anyway.”

Once gone, Draco locked the door and muttered as many privacy wards as he could think of. Once sure no one could hear him, see him, or access him, he sat back in his chair.

He reached down to his trousers, palming the hardness. Fuck foreplay, he needed release.

Unzipping his pants, he pulled out his cock. He groaned as he felt the coolness of his hand on his hard dick. He summoned a bit of lube and got to work.

He tugged at his cock roughly, imagining it was Hermione under his desk, doing it for him.

Merlin, he hadn’t been this horny since 3rd year.

Another groan left his mouth as his imagination turned to Hermione naked, sucking him off. He imagined his hands in her curly hair, her tits bouncing as her mouth was full of him.
He continued to jerk himself off roughly, and within minutes he felt release building up.

“Oh fuckkkk” he groaned as he came. He leaned back in his chair, panting.

A quick cleaning spell and he tucked himself back into his trousers before removing the wards.

He grabbed the drink Theo had made him and swallowed it in one go. He was so unbelievably thirsty it was almost concerning.

He slammed it down on the desk, the edges of the glass shattering and splintering on impact.

“I’m fucked”

***

February 2nd, 2003

3:00 pm rolled around quickly that day, and Hermione found herself eager to watch Malfoy in his element. She had chosen more comfortable clothing for this trip, not wanting to stand out amoung the muggles. She opted for some jeans and a sweater, tying her hair up with a French pin.

She found Malfoys office open.

“Afternoon Granger. Ready?”

She jumped slightly.

“Why do you always do that?” she scolded.

He arched an eyebrow at her. “Do what?”

“Talk to me before I even get in here like you sensed me coming. Freaks me out really”

He fastened his cuff links. Of course, he would still be dressed up for a field mission. “I have very good senses, Granger. Don’t overthink it.”

She hummed in response, not convinced.

“Give me your hand, were apparating” he reached his hand out towards her. She grabbed it hesitantly, before he intertwined their fingers, sending a jolt through her.

His hands were so cold.

Before she could say anything, she felt the familiar tug of apparition at her belly button.

***

Hampshire was quite cold at this time of the year, and snowflakes had begun to fall from the sky.

Hermione and Malfoy had spent the afternoon looking for clues around the town; posters, shady-looking wizards (or witches), mentally insane cooks, and so on. They came up woefully short, however. Usachev had managed to cover his tracks well.

“Let’s check out the pub, Granger. It’s getting late and I’d like to be seated before they come in.” he said

Hermione, having been here before, led the way.

Hampshire was a relatively large county, with beautiful countryside, towns, and coastline. Unfortunately, Usachev had chosen the town of Milford on Sea, which while a cute town, was absolutely freezing with the coastline.
Hermione was greeted by the warm air of the pub and shivered as warmth seeped its way through her. Malfoy eyed her oddly.

The pub was what you would expect, an average, if not run down, place. Dark woods and warm lighting, sketchy customers, but delicious food.

The hostess was the same old woman from the last time she had been here.

“Miss. Granger!” she greeted cheerfully.

Hermione smiled kindly. “Hello!”

“And who is this handsome fellow?” the hostess looked at Malfoy, then Hermione, smiling widely.

Hermione turned to Malfoy. “Oh! This is my coll-”

“Her boyfriend. It’s so nice to meet you. Could we get a booth upstairs?”

The hostess beamed. “Oh yes of course!”

Hermione gritted her teeth, angrily following her “boyfriend” up the stairs to a booth in the corner of the loft, overlooking the downstairs.

The hostess whispered to Hermione as she left. “What a lucky lady you are!”

She heard Malfoy snigger. “You are a lucky lady”

“You bastard! I don’t even know how you heard that!” she smacked Malfoy across the back of the head, sliding next to him in their booth.

“Ow! I was just building a story darling. It would’ve been harder to explain our job and why we are here.” He gingerly rubbed the back of his head.

He had a point.

“You could’ve just said were friends, or cousins” she reasoned, suddenly feeling a bit childish.

“Cousins, Granger? Really?” He placed his hand gently on her knee. She stopped breathing, frozen in her spot.

His hand gently slid up her thigh, higher and higher, sending jolts of electricity through her body. He stopped when his hand made it to the top of her thigh. He splayed his hand out, gripped the top and inside of her thigh.
“Would I tease my cousin like this, darling?” he whispered. His breath tickled her ear.

“I don’t know what you purebloods do, but it wouldn’t shock me” she muttered

Draco chuckled. His nose made its way down her neck, sending shockwaves to her core.

“I’ve always wondered what you taste like” he whispered, seemingly entranced, not of his own mind.

She gasped as his mouth began to open at the juncture of her neck and shoulder, as if he was about to kiss, or bite, her. She leaned her head to the side instinctively, giving him more access. Her eyes fluttered shut.

“Oh my I am so sorry to interrupt!” a young woman, their server it seems, said.

Hermione and Malfoy jolted apart as if a cold bucket of water had been dumped on them.

Her cheeks were burning, and she couldn’t bring herself to look at Malfoy as he spoke.

“We’ll take two stouts and the stew.” He said tightly

The waitress scribbled down their order. “That’ll be right out!” she scrambled away, either embarrassed at what she witnessed or giddy to tell her coworkers.

Hermione opened her mouth to speak, but Malfoy abruptly stood up.

“I’ll be back. I need a smoke” and with that, he was gone.

She dropped her head into her hands, sighing loudly.

What just happened? Sure, she and Malfoy had been..flirty. But it had never gone that far before. It felt as if things just went from 0 to 100. Malfoy had been acting odd recently, more so than usual.

Hermione figured he was hiding something, but the more she thought about what, the more concerned she got.

Their food came out within 5 minutes, and Malfoy was still not back.

She dug in, starving from their long day investigating the town. They had come up with a few leads; people witnessing a “weird sort of crowd” enter the pub late at night, flashes of light from inside, and one person even mentioned a frightening-looking fellow in “some sort of dress”. They figured he was referring to robes.

While running over today’s findings, her mind kept wandering back to the weird, albeit sexy, situation she just experienced. She kept drifting back to what he said.

“I’ve always wondered what you taste like.”

What did he mean by that? Hermione’s mind went the darkest routes possible, but she was a logical woman first.

So, she began contemplating the things that she had noticed.

First, his weird senses. He always knew when she was coming, as if he could sense it. He had told her not to overthink it, but then today he heard what the hostess had whispered. Did he simply have good senses, or was there something more…

Second, wandless magic. This wasn’t sketchy, per se. But it took great training and power for a wizard to do wandless magic. When would he have had the time to learn? Is it something Voldemort taught him? Now that she thinks about it, she has never seen Malfoy with a wand. Did he even bring one today…she hadn’t seen it. He must be extremely confident in his skills to face death eaters without it.

Third, the copious amount of fire whiskey he drinks. Now, many witches and wizards gained rather unfortunate habits post-war, drinking a common one. But Malfoy threw glasses back like he needed them to live. There was always a glass on his desk, and he was never drunk. So what was he drinking? Did he just have a ridiculously good tolerance? Or, like all her other thoughts had wondered, was there something darker at play?

“Granger”

She knew something was off, she was just….missing something

“Granger!”

Malfoys voice cut her off from her thoughts. She whipped her head up, bumping the table with her knees and spilling a bit of her beer.

“Nice of you to come back, Malfoy” she groaned out, taking another bite of her soup.

“I’m sorry”

She choked on her beef cube. “What?”

His jaw clenched. “I’m sorry. For touching you like that.” He was looking anywhere but her eyes; he seemed tense like he had never apologized before in his life.

Hermione wasn’t upset with what had happened, not really. She was just confused.

“It’s fine. I promise.” She sighed and sat up straighter, looking at Malfoy. He stared at her, and odd look in his silver eyes. Hermione was a strong woman; she was normally bold. So why was it so hard to be honest with Draco?

“I…I didn’t mind it, Malfoy” It seemed as if the whole room froze when Hermione admitted that.

Draco stepped forward and opened his mouth to respond, but they were cut off by some commotion downstairs.

Hermione stood up quickly, running to look over the balcony before a cold arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her back. Before she could protest, his large hand covered her mouth. He took a deep breath in before speaking.

He whispered in her ear, leaning down. “It’s Usachev”

Chapter Text

“Its Usachev”

Hermione’s breath caught in her throat. Usachev. She had almost just exposed her and Draco to their main target.

He carefully lowered his hand from her mouth, but his arm stayed wrapped around her waist, almost protectively.

“Malfoy…how many others are with him?” she carefully asked. If he had the “good senses” he claimed he did, then he should be able to tell her. But of course, no normal wizard would have that good of senses.

Malfoy took a deep breath in, hesitating. “Four. All male”

Hermione’s heart began racing. Draco was definitely hiding something. No wizard should be able to sense how many people, let alone their sex, from so far away without seeing them.

A shout from below jolted her out of her thoughts.

“WHERE ARE THEY!” an angry voice shouted. Hermione recognized the voice that followed.

“I….i..i don’t know what you m..mean sir” it was the hostess

Hermione pulled forward, straining to hear the conversation. Draco’s arm tightened.

“Don’t. You will expose us. I can hear them perfectly fine.”

Hermione’s head rang with warning bells, but she ignored them for the time being.

“He had told them not to let anyone else in past a certain time. They let us in. He had one of his men watching.” Draco kept updating her.

“fuck” he muttered, dropping his hand from Hermione's waist.

“What? What did he say?”

Malfoy looked apprehensive, almost nervous.

“he knows I came in with a woman”

Her eyes widened. “How?”

“I do have a very recognizable look, Granger, with my hair and all”

“now’s not the time to be sarcastic Malfoy! What should we do?” she whispered yelled.

He looked pointedly at her. “We are not doing anything. I will take care of it”

“I am perfectly capable of helping!” she ground out.

Draco began straightening his shirt, running a hand through his hair. “I know.” He walked towards the narrow staircase leading to the main floor of the tavern. He stopped.

“Hermione…”

She furrowed her eyebrows. “It’s only 4 low-level death eaters Malfoy, you’ve taken on dozens alone.”

He smirked. “I’m not nervous darling. I only want you to hear me out… afterward”

“hear you out?” she asked nervously

He smirked, a dangerous look in his eyes. They seemed to darken before he turned away and began descending the stairs.

***

As Draco turned away from Hermione, he felt himself losing control. He was ridiculously hungry, and his little stunt with Granger earlier only made it worse.

The circumstances were not ideal. This mission was supposed to be simply observing. He would never have invited her along if he knew there was any chance of interaction between them and Aegon. While he knew she was perfectly capable of dueling them herself, he didn’t want to kill Aegon tonight.

He wanted to question him first, and learn about his connections. His usual questioning tactics were…questionable. He never hesitated to use his strengths before, but knowing Hermione was upstairs, undoubtedly watching him, made him nervous.

Would she even consider being around him once she learned of his…unfortunate curse?

Never mind that issue, he was nearing the bottom of the stairs.

“Aegon, long time no see” he drawled.

The wizard whipped his head around, angry eyes burning.

“So it is true. Voldemort’s weapon turned to the ministry. You fucking rat!”

Draco yawned, bored with the interaction already. He noticed that most of the staff had left already, only the hostess, cook, and server from earlier were left, watching the event play out with fearful eyes. He sent a silent stunning spell to the three of them, hearing them hit the floor roughly. He hoped they didn’t bruise, but it was much easier to stun them rather than let them hear too much and worry about obliviation.

“Voldemort has been dead for five years, get over it.”

Aegon stepped forward, approaching Draco. Malfoy felt his eyes darken, the familiar hunger taking over. Aegon froze.

“Tell me Aegon, what is it you are hoping to get out of these pathetic meetings? 4 members, you truly are the next dark lord” he scoffed.

Usachev seemed nervous now. “Is it true?”

“Is what true? Use your words” Draco stalked closer to him.

“That the dark lord…killed you. That you are a….”

Draco smiled. “Scared of me are you? Where are your cronies now Usachev, did they run away?”

The three other men were positioned by the door, looking ready to flee at any minute. Draco didn’t recognize them from the war, they must be new recruits.

“You underestimate me Malfoy! I..I have growing numbers, we will bring the dark lord back!” He pulled out his wand, shouting a curse at Draco that he simply flicked away with his hand.

“That’s your big plan? I was hoping for more of a challenge Aegon, really.”

One of his cronies seemed to get some courage and rushed toward Draco. He laughed, disappearing from his spot and ending up right behind the man.

“Don’t be so obvious next time” Draco put a hand on his head, jerking it to the side, snapping his neck. His body fell limply to the floor.

This was truly a boring fight, an argument more like it. Draco wanted curses flying, he wanted it to be bloody, hands-on.

Another one of Aegon’s men shouted curse after curse at him, all poorly executed, as he was able to deflect them with a flick of his hand. He sent out his own curses, slicing both of their necks with an elegant move of his finger. They fell to the old wooden floors, bodies limp, just like their other friend. Blood began spilling from their necks, and Draco knew then that his eyes had flooded with darkness, he felt the black tendrils down his cheeks. His fangs slipped out, urging Draco to feed. Slightly distracted, he didn’t pay attention to what Aegon was doing behind him.

Aegon left out a guttural yell. “AVADA KEDAVRA!”

Draco felt the curse hit him and hissed in pain. He heard a feminine scream from upstairs; Hermione.

He slowly turned around, a smile growing on his face. Aegon’s face lit up in terror.

Draco ran his tongue over the tip of his fang, hungrier by the second. “I’m already dead, you stupid fucker”

Aegon began to sprint towards the steps, attempting to get to Hermione, it seemed. He really was a stupid wizard.

Fed up and simply starved, Draco used his speed to appear in front of Aegon, who was now sputtering in fear.

“p..p.please!!” That was all Draco heard before he sunk his fangs into his neck. Aegon screamed and flailed; Draco loved it when they fought back. He greedily gulped down the blood, its taste soothing his hunger.

Aegon gasped, his body becoming limp, and Draco lowered him to the floor, ripping open his neck in a new spot, draining him of every drop of blood he had left.

He moaned a bit and he lapped up the blood like a dog, his fangs aching. Aegon was dead, he had been for a few minutes, but the bloodlust was too strong, Draco couldn’t stop.

“Malfoy…”

He heard Hermione’s cautious voice, her soft footsteps approaching. He could smell her.

He unlatched from Usachev’s neck, throwing his head back and opening his mouth in pleasure, blood smeared all over his mouth, dripping down his neck. His fingers were coated in the blood, begging him to suck it off.

“Draco!”
Hearing his given name from Hermione mouth did many things to Draco. It turned him on, massively. It made him hungry. But most of all, it snapped him out of his trance.

“Hermione”

****

Hermione had been watching carefully from the loft of the tavern, disillusioned so that she would not be seen.

She had to hold in her gasps multiple times.

The first was when Usachev had called Draco “Voldemort’s Weapon”. As far as she knew, Draco couldn’t even kill Dumbledore when tasked, they hadn’t heard of Draco being involved past that.

Her second gasp threatened to spill out when Usachev claimed that Draco had been killed. She felt her body go cold with shock, had her theory been correct? Was Draco really…

And then her thought was cut off because Draco had casually snapped the neck of one of his men. Casually being a strong word, he only used one hand, but she could hear the snap from here.

She then watched him slice open the other two’s necks. She could only see the back of him, tall and looming, but watching the blood spill with…guilt maybe?

She couldn’t hold in her scream when Aegon cast a killing curse. He hit Draco square in the back, and her mouth betrayed her. A shrill scream left her throat, her hand clenching her wand, standing up quickly to defend herself.

Her body filled with dread, her heart thumping in her ears drowning out everything else. She began to move, but so did Draco.

Wait, what?

Something must’ve went wrong with his spell, why was Draco still alive?

The next scene she saw would alter her forever.
In that posh, snarky voice she’s so used to, albeit a bit darker in tone, Draco spoke.

“I’m already dead you stupid fucker.” Hermione felt her knees collapse under her.

He was already dead…

She wasn’t sure what she witnessed next, but she couldn’t deny what was in front of her.

Draco was undeniably a vampire.

She stood up shakily, watching Draco drain the life out of Aegon. He seemed lost in his bloodlust, and for some reason, perhaps a lack of self-preservation, she began descending the stairs.

And now here she was, calling Draco’s name as he was straddling a dead body, drinking blood.

She was either really stupid or really brave. Perhaps she knew deep down that he wouldn’t hurt her.

“Malfoy” she said sternly

He unlatched from Usachev, throwing his head back in pleasure. Hermione, although the most fucked up and inopportune time, felt a rush of arousal at the site of him.

“Draco!” she said louder this time.

He turned towards her quickly, seemingly snapped out of his trance.

“Hermione”

Chapter Text

The world seemed to be at a complete standstill.

There were bodies scattered on the floor, four of them dead, three stunned, but on the verge of waking up. Blood was everywhere. Leaking out of the throats of two men Draco had slit, spilling out of Aegon Usachev, where Draco had ripped his throat open. Covering Draco, on his teeth, staining his lips, running down his mouth, coating his pale hands. Draco’s eyes had returned to normal, but his fangs were still present. Hermione watched him run his tongue over his teeth, sucking the blood off them as inconspicuously as he could.

Perhaps he didn’t want to scare Hermione, but simply cleaning his teeth wouldn’t change what she had witnessed.

Draco was still sitting on his knees, looking at Hermione with uncertainty. She swallowed, noticing when his eyes darted to her throat. She wasn’t scared of him, per se. More so of what he was capable of.

“Draco. They will wake up soon.” She motioned towards the muggles he had stunned earlier.

He seemed dazed, not totally in his right mind. “yes” he said quietly.

“So we should clean-” she looked around the bloody tavern “- up this mess before they wake up”

He wasn’t paying attention to her, instead, his focus had gone to his hands, still drenched in Aegon’s blood. He brought his fingers to his mouth, sucking the blood from them hungrily. His eyes rolled back, pure pleasure on his features.

Hermione’s cheeks warmed. This whole situation was fucked, but watching Draco suck on his fingers like that? Merlin, her mind went to terrible places. They wouldn’t get anything done like this though, he had to snap out of it. She cast a cleaning spell on him, ridding him of the blood staining his skin.

“You made this mess. Help me clean It up.” She said sternly.

He looked at his hands one last time, leaving out a shaky breath.

“Hermione please-” he began standing up.

She put her hand up in a motion to stop him from talking. “Not right now Draco..I..” she ran her hand through her hair. “I just. We’ll talk about it later. I just want to get this cleaned up before we break the statute of secrecy with these muggles” she felt emotion prickle the corner of her eyes.

“of course” he said softly.

Working in awkward silence, Hermione and Draco began cleaning up. They quickly cleaned the blood, putting the tables back in their order and casting freshening charms. Draco gathered the bodies, using some spell she had never heard of to dispose of the bodies. It reminded her of when Voldemort died; their bodies fizzled away in a flakey sort of smoke.

Hermione went over to the muggles, now stirring with consciousness. A small obliviate to make them forget they ever saw Aegon and his men. Draco came up behind her, making sure to keep a bit of distance. He must be worried of spooking her, like she’s some frightened animal.

“We best leave before they wake up” she dusted her hands off and began walking towards Draco. “Your apparition is better than mine” She looked up and met his eyes, back to their normal icy blue color.

“Hermione..”

“Just take me home and we can talk.” She stuck her hand out shakily, and Draco took it.

***

They appeared in a large living room, regally decorated with portraits and Persian rugs.

“I said take me home, not wherever this is” she motioned around the room, frustrated.

“This is my home. I wanted to bring you here” he was still holding her hand.

“Is this how you get girls? You rip open someone’s throat, then bring them back to your house, cowering in fear?” she said hotly. He pulled her closer, putting his free hand on her waist.

“Does it work?”

She scoffed. “you’re insufferable! I just found out you’re fucking dead and you’re trying to flirt with me!?” she shoved him away, moving to sit on a sofa, putting her head in her hands.

She heard him sigh. He came over and sat down on a chair adjacent, spinning his signet ring.

“I’m sorry. I’m not exactly dead I'm just…”

She cut him off, a little less confident this time. “A vampire?”

“Yes. I should’ve told you when we began working together I just..fuck Granger it doesn’t just come up in conversation easily. Not many people know, and I intend to keep It that way”.

She picked at her nails. “Usachev seemed to have known”

“Yes, many death eaters suspect it” he was watching her, trying to say the right things.

“How long?”

“Hmm?”

She sat up straighter, feigning confidence. “How long ago were you turned? Were you born a vampire?”

No time like the present, she thought. Hermione had questions, and Draco was guilty enough at this moment to answer them.

He laughed harshly. “My father would’ve had me killed as a babe if he knew something so unpure would be heir to his bloodline.” He leaned back a bit in his chair. “I was turned by Voldemort in the fall of ‘97.”

Her eyebrows furrowed in thought. 1997, that was after he failed to kill Dumbledore! Her mind rushed with questions.

“How?”

A small smile graced his features, not one of joy, but perhaps hate. “I failed to kill Dumbledore, as you know. He was furious. If you didn’t know, the Dark Lord had been living in the manor with us, my father thought it would give us an advantage.” He shook his head. “Anyway, he began torturing me, as punishment for my failure. He wanted to kill me slowly, that was his plan. So he brought a vampire in from Romania. He slit my wrist and let him loose. He fed on me for hours.”

Hermione felt a surge of anger at what Voldemort did to Draco, he was just a boy.

Draco ran his pale fingers through his equally pale hair. “They kept dosing me with potions to keep me awake. I could feel myself dying, feel the blood leaving my body. He had drunk from every spot imaginable, that thorough fucker. Eventually, I died and Voldemort saw it as an opportunity. He fed me the Vampires blood, effectively turning me into one.”

“Draco…” she began

“He starved me when I woke up. A newly turned vampire is ravenous, the longer you go without feeding, the stronger the bloodlust grows. He was very aware of this fact. He had just completed a raid on a muggle sympathizer camp. He took 28 prisoners. He threw me in this room with them, told me to ‘prove myself’. They were all bleeding i…i..” he stuttered, his confidence suddenly lacking.

Hermione had never seen Draco so open, and emotional. She slid over on the sofa, patting the spot for him as a sign to sit. He got up and sat down stiffly next to her and she took his hands gently. Draco had most likely never talked through what had happened, probably kept it all in.

“You can tell me.” Draco let out a shaky breath.

“I killed them all. Drained them all of blood. He left me there for an hour and I had killed 28 people. The worst part of it was that I liked it. Merlin that first taste of blood sent me over the edge.” He chuckled darkly. “I wish I could say I regret it, or that I feel bad for what I did. I cant. The feeling of that much fresh blood as a newly turned vampire…I crave that feeling still.”

Hermione let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding.

“How did you come to work for the ministry?”

Draco dropped one of her hands, but still held on to the other, rubbing her fingers and her hand absentmindedly.

“After a few months of being used by Voldemort, I grew angry. He kept up the starving and killing cycle, using me as a weapon. I defected.”

Hermione furrowed her eyebrows, blinking in confusion. How had the order not heard about this? Malfoy defected? Why would it be kept a secret?

Malfoy chuckled again, dropping her hand. “You are so very curious Granger, always needing to know more. Haven’t I scared you yet?” he ran a long pale finger down her neck lightly, sending shivers through her. “I could rip you open and drain you right now, in fact I’ve been fighting my instincts the entire time we’ve been sat here”

Hermione shuddered. There was something so wrong about being attracted to something so dangerous. She had always been one to follow the rules, and think logically; she had to be, or else no one would. So perhaps the opportunity to break rules, think with her heart, and be reckless was exactly what she needed.

“I should be, but my curiosity often outweighs my self-preservation.”

“Alright darling, ask away”

She heated at the use of that nickname. “You defected. Tell me all of it. From then to now”

“All of it would take days Granger, but I’ll do my best.” He stood up, walked over to his liquor cabinet, and poured out a thick red liquid.

“I am not a drunk as you have often wondered, I simply glamour the blood to look like fire whisky.” He took a long sip. “I no longer need to do it around you, I suppose.”

More gears clicked into place. That night at the ministry ball, it wasn’t red wine she had noticed. He was drinking blood. The copious amount of liquor he went through in a day wasn’t whisky, it was blood. Could vampires have a blood-drinking issue?

“Ah” all of this was being revealed to her quite quickly, she hadn’t processed it yet.

“My defection, yes. I simply went to Shacklebolt and explained my situation. I gave him all the information he could dream of. Safe houses, numbers, attack plans, secret weapons” he said, gesturing to himself.

“Shacklebolt never said… he always acted as if that information came from an anonymous source that didn’t matter. If we had known…I mean shit if we had known people would’ve have been quicker to forgive you”

“yes, well I was an anonymous source. Sure, they may have been happy for the information, but they would’ve been quite suspicious of a bloodthirsty vampire that killed many of your supporters”

She sighed.

“And what, Shacklebolt was thankful for the information and offered you a job post-war?”

He scoffed.

“Don’t get it twisted Granger, the Ministry uses me just as the Dark Lord did.”

“Surely they don’t-“

He moved swiftly, using his vampire speed to end up behind her in less than a second. She felt his warm breath on her ear and he leaned down and spoke.

“They see me as a weapon darling, I can kill whomever they want in seconds. It sates my hunger and thirst for violence, and it rids them of their most wanted. It was either this or they throw me in Azkaban for being unregistered-“ he tucked a curly strand of hair behind her ear. “-and for murder.”

She sat up straighter, brain jumbling with all this information.

“its getting late Malfoy. Thank you for…explaining the situation. Do you have a floo?”

Still leaning behind her, he scoffed.

“You are unafraid of the fact that I am a bloodthirsty murderous vampire, but the thought of romantic touch is what scares you? You should really sort out your priorities darling.”

He was right, she really should. She was afraid of the way she felt for Malfoy, even after learning about his…true nature. She was afraid of the fantasies that plagued her mind when he touched her. The thought of him sinking his fangs into her. She shook her head roughly.

“Perhaps I should. Floo?” she reminded him.

He sighed. “No, I don’t necessarily want people to have easy access to my home.” He flicked his hand and muttered something under his breath. “There. I changed the wards, you can apparate to and from my house Granger.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh! Malfoy you did not need to do that I could’ve simply walked outside the wards.”

“That would’ve been miles.” he said matter-of-factly.

“Well, thank you. See you at work Malfoy”

As she felt that familiar tug of apparition, she heard him respond.

“Goodbye, Hermione”

Chapter Text

March 2nd, 2003

A month. It had been a whole month.

Draco had killed Usachev and she had found out he was a vampire. A whole month ago.

She didn’t expect things to change between them after that night, but she also didn’t expect did be completely avoided.

She had seen Draco a handful of times in the last few weeks, mostly in passing, or when she would leave a new verified mission on his desk. It was the same routine every time. He would acknowledge her before she entered the room; a tense nod and a deep “Granger”. She would greet him back ,“Malfoy”, and leave the papers on his desk. He would take a long sip of his whisky…or was it blood? She wasn’t entirely sure and the thought of it made her queasy. He would thank her, maybe ask her about her day or make a comment on her dress, and she would leave.

“Mione?” Harry’s voice jolted her from her thoughts.

She had met up with Harry for dinner after work, at a nice muggle pub in London. They had both been so busy recently, it was nice to catch up.

“Sorry Harry, my brains all over the place” she said apologetically.

“it’s alright, I was just asking you which drink you were considering” he said, motioning towards the cocktail menu in front of them.

“Oh! I was planning on getting the Gin and Tonic, but I always get that. Maybe I’ll venture out tonight and try the espresso martini?”

Harry nodded “I’m thinking a bloody Mary. Isn’t that a weird name for a drink? Bloody-”

“Very weird Harry!” Hermione said frantically. That’s another thing that’s been happening the last few weeks. Anytime someone mentions blood, vampires, or anything remotely supernatural, Hermione can only picture Draco, fangs out, covered in blood. It sends her heartrate skyrocketing; from fear or interest, she isn’t sure.

Harry furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. “You’ve been weird Mione. Did something happen on the Usachev mission?”

Hermione sighed. “You’re one of the head Aurors Harry, I know you were briefed”

The waitress halted their conversation. “What can I get you?”

After ordering, they picked back up. “I was hoping to hear it from you, get your viewpoint on what happened”

“Yes well we went in and were hoping to just observe, maybe bring them in for questioning. Draco killed them all.” She shivered at the memory.

Harry took a sip of his drink that the waitress had placed down moments before. “Yes that it what I heard. What I don’t understand is how. I went to drop some paperwork off while you were gone, he left his wand on his desk.” He eyed Hermione suspiciously.

“He’s very good at wandless magic” She desperately needed someone to confide in, but she wasn’t sure how much Harry knew about Draco’s condition. She didn’t want to betray the small thread of trust she had built with him.

“Mmm.” Harry hummed.

Hermione chewed on her lip, trying to change the conversation. “How’s Theo? You’ve been hanging around each other quite a lot recently”

Harry blushed. Diversion successful.

****

March 4th, 2003

Hermione’s heels clicked as she made her way to Draco’s office to deliver the latest mission. They had been lucky, these last few missions had been quick and easy; Hermione’s involvement was not needed on the field. She was grateful that the danger level was low, but a part of her desperately wanted to see Draco in his true form again.

True form? That sounded cheesy to her, but what else would she call it? She had done some research that night after he explained everything, but the source material was seriously lacking. She found that Vampires can control their features (eyes, fangs, claws?) . But did that mean he was purposefully hiding his features, or bringing them out? Did he need human blood, or could animal blood work? What else changed about him?

She was stuck in her thoughts when she felt herself bump into someone, dropping her papers in the process.

“ah! I’m so sorry I-”

She looked up to see who she had run into and was rendered temporarily speechless.

“Malfoy”

He smirked down at her. With a flick of his hand her papers floated up and neatly landed in his hand.

“What were you thinking about?”

She blinked. “What?”

He sighed, motioning for her to follow him the rest of the way into his office.

“The only time you aren’t paying attention is when you’re deep in thought” his gaze burned through her.

“Just thinking about the case I brought over. Do you want me to brief you?” she tried changing the subject before her cheeks heated too much.

He took a predatory step towards her. “Your heart is racing, darling. Don’t lie”

She feigned indifference. “I’m not lying.”

He stepped closer, forcing her to take a step back, inches away from bumping into his bookcase. His head dipped, nose inches from her skin and he took a breath in.

“I can smell it on you.” His tongue darted out to wet his lips.

Her cheeks warmed more. “I..What-”

He interrupted her. “You smell like apprehension, fear. And arousal” he said roughly.

Hermione gasped quietly, stepping back further and bumping into the bookcase harshly. Draco looked down at her with dark, hungry eyes.

“I didn’t know you could smell emotions,” she said shakily, but a part of her was genuinely curious about all the power that came with Vampirism.

Draco caged her in, the most contact they had every had, besides that one time on the mission. His strong arms surrounded her, one above her head, propping himself off the bookcase, the other one found her hair, gently brushing it off her shoulder.

“I want to taste you” he whispered to her sensually

“Malfoy you cant-” she protested before she was cut off

“your lips.” She furrowed her eyebrows.

“My… lips?” Draco’s long fingers found their way to her lips, tracing the outline of them slowly, teasingly.

“you’re so literal, it takes away all the fun. I want to kiss you”

At that moment, Hermione’s world seemed to freeze, her heart racing.

She wasn’t some pious virgin, she had been intimate with men. Just not in years. After the war, she coped with casual sex for a while, it took her mind off the inevitable. After a few months though, she gave up, wholly unsatisfied with muggle and wizard men alike. She hadn’t been intimate in almost 5 years. And now Draco Malfoy; mean boy from Hogwarts, ex-death eater, newly turned Vampire, wanted to kiss her. Taste her.

She’d be crazy to say yes, but a fool to say no.

He gently pushed against her lips with one of his fingers. Something washed over suddenly; confidence, psychotic-ness maybe some weird vampire power she didn’t know about, but she parted her lips gently, allowing Draco’s finger to slide in her mouth. He ran it curiously around the inside of her lips before dragging her lip down and removing his finger with a quiet pop.

Her mouth stayed open, mind numb at the feelings spreading through her body.

“Is that a yes?” he whispered, pressing their bodies together, one hand grasping her waist, the other on her cheek.

Hermione wasn’t normally one to be submissive in these situations, but there was something freeing about letting go, being reckless.

“yes”

She barely finished speaking when Draco brought his other hand up to her other cheek and crashed his lips into hers. Sparks immediately clouded her vision, and she responded quickly, her hands finding their way to his chest.

Draco’s lips moved perfectly in sync with hers, pulling her lip gently into his mouth every now and then. She felt his tongue trace her lips, silently asking for permission to enter her mouth. She greedily obliged, opening her mouth and allowing him full access to taste her. His warm tongue found hers quickly, fighting for dominance. For a while, all that could be heard was the wet sound of their kisses and the occasional mewl from Hermione. She moved her hands up to his hair, running her fingers through the white strands. The sudden move of boldness from Hermione sparked Draco, a soft groan leaving his throat and he pushed a knee in between Hermione’s legs. She gasped at the sudden contact to her most sensitive place and arched back slightly.

The kisses turned rough, like they were starving for one another. Draco bit down hard on Hermione’s lip, drawing a small cry from her. He pulled away slightly, looking down at her with lust-filled eyes. She felt the sting of his bite, blood pooling on her lower lip. Draco zeroed in on it immediately, eyes turning that familiar black, small tendrils of darkness leaking from under his eyes. He worked his jaw as his fangs descended, his tongue tracing them hungrily. Hermione took a moment to look at him in this form, to truly take him in.

He was beautiful, dangerous. And fuck it turned her on.

She nodded at him, before grabbing the back of his neck with her hands and pulling him closer. He took the sign of consent quickly, once again descending on her lips. The second her blood met his tongue he moaned. Something in their kiss changed at that moment, it turning rough, more passionate. Hermione moaned at the little pricks of his fangs against her mouth, sparks of pleasure flying through her. She greedily moved her hands down, unbuttoning the oxford he was wearing. Draco moved his hands down to her breasts, palming them with his hands roughly. She tilted her head back, gasping in pleasure. His long finger moved the strap of her dress off her shoulder, exposing her left breast while she had unbuttoned enough of his shirt to run her hands along his bare chest.

He pulled back from the kiss, moving slowly down her neck, leaving tender kisses on the way. His hand kneaded her breast, feeling her nipple harden under him. She squirmed under him as he rolled her nipple in his fingers, squeezing the bud roughly.

Her mouth hung open in pleasure, head lolled back against the bookcase as Draco played with her tits while sucking on her neck. Eyes shut, she didn’t notice when Draco had moved lower, mouth covering her breast. He sucked her nipple in his mouth, his fangs poking harshly into the soft skin of her breast. She cried out as he circled it with tongue, sucked on her roughly. He pulled the other strap down, exposing her other boob. He turned his attention to it, repeating his actions of sucking and licking.

“Oh fuck!” her grip in his hair tightened as she pulled her closer to her chest, forcing him to fuck her tits with his mouth. His fangs left small prick marks, little droplets of blood pooling on her tits. He followed them with his tongue, moaning at the sweet taste of her blood.

He licked a stripe from her breast, up her throat, and back to her mouth, where he ravished her lips again. Hermione was pushed up against him, the friction of her nipples against his chest making her see stars. She felt warmth pooling in her core, signaling that she was getting close. He pushed his knee up into her more, encouraging her.

“that’s it darling, use me.” She whimpered as she began to move her hips. He nipped the shell of her ear.

“Yes, keep going. Make yourself come from grinding on my leg” he all but ordered her.

She moaned at his tone, picking up the pace as she grinded herself harshly on his thigh, seeking relief. She had never been close to finishing from a make out session, but it seemed she was learning a lot about herself from Draco.

Draco bit her lip again, drawing more blood. As he sucked harshly on her lip, she felt her release coming. It seemed Draco did too.

“That’s it baby, come for me”

And with his words, she came. The orgasm rushed her through her, a breathy moan leaving her mouth.

Draco and Hermione stood there for a moment, just staring at each other. His shirt was wrinkled, half the buttons undone. Her dress was pushed up to her hips, strap falling over her shoulder breasts spilling out. Their lips were swollen, Draco’s features still Vampiric.

Completely lost in each other, Draco failed to sense someone approaching his office. The heat of the moment had lapsed their judgment, no charms had been placed on his office.

Jolting them out of their haze was a stunned looking Theodore Nott, eyes blown wide and mouth hanging open.

Draco sighed, running his hand over his face roughly. He straightened and turned around, making sure to block Hermione’s disheveled appearance from Theo.

“What the fuck do you want Theo?”

Theo’s eyes blew even wider, somehow, as he looked at his friend.

“I guess that answers my question of ‘did you tell her’”

“Get the fuck out Theo!”

Theo’s shock dissipated, leaving a shit eating grin on his lips.

“I will be back later." he pointed at Draco, knowing look in his eyes. "See ya Hermione!”

Chapter Text

March 4th, 2003 - The Same Day

Tension hung in the room. That odd feeling after intimacy where no one is sure what to do. She and Draco had just crossed a serious line. Not only professionally, but emotionally. This was not a case of casual intimacy with no feelings attached, no, this was different. She had never felt such passion in her life.

“You need to leave Hermione” Draco’s words shocked her, embarrassment warming her cheeks. His back was still to her, staring off at the space Theo just was.

She quickly pulled her straps up, smoothing down her dress and hair. “I’m sorry I didn’t-”

He stopped her, slowly turning around. “No. I enjoyed it. Fuck, I did. I am just not in the right mind at the moment”

She noticed his features were still present. Small drops of her blood stained his lips, his fangs were glistening. His eyes looked dark, hungry.

“Are you okay?” she reached out to touch him, but he yanked his arm away. She flinched at the sudden change in demeanor.

“There are things about being…me…that you do not yet understand”

She furrowed her eyebrows, stepping towards him again. He stepped back. “Draco…”

“FUCK!” he shouted, gripping the edge of his desk. She noticed the wood began splintering where he was gripping. “If you don’t get out right now I won’t be able to stop myself from draining every last ounce of blood from you. I will fuck you whether or not you want it and then I will kill you Hermione.” His voice was dark, different. It was like a starving man being shown food, all while being denied it.

Her heart was racing. “I’m-”

He bared his fangs at her, a sort of hiss leaving his mouth. A chunk of the desk crumbled beneath him. “GET OUT!”

She scrambled out of the room and made a beeline back to her office, locking the door behind her and casting privacy wards. Most of the office was on lunch break, so she avoided the prying eyes of others on her walk of shame.

She dropped her head into her hands, a shaky breath leaving her.

She felt tears welling in her eyes, but she would not cry. She needed to think logically about what she had just done.

She quickly pulled out one of the books she was reading on Vampirism, skimming through it hoping for answers.

‘Vampires need human blood to surv-’

She flipped the page, she already knew that. A bold title on the next page caught her eye, her heart rate began to pick up again.

‘BLOODLUST’ she read the text frantically, eager to fill in the gaps.

‘Some Vampires suffer from the condition of bloodlust. Bloodlust is when a vampire needs significantly more blood than an average vampire. This arises from poor post-turn training. It is often seen in those turned against their will. These vampires struggle to simply feed and move on, often killing their victims. The amount of blood they require depends on the severity of their first feed.’

The tears that were threatening to spill earlier dripped down her cheeks. Draco had been turned against his will and thrown in a room with 28 people.

28 people that he killed within an hour.

She couldn’t process the information fast enough, staring blanky at her book. A knock on her door jolted her.

She wiped the tears off her cheek and ran her fingers through her hair quickly.

She cleared her throat. “Come in!”

Theo was at her door, a sad look on his handsome face. “Hey, can I come in?”

Hermione nodded quietly, “Of course”

Theo sat down on the small sofa in the corner of her office.

“I can guess what happened after I left. Sorry about that by the way.”

Hermione’s cheeks reddened at the mention of getting walked in on. “You know Draco better than me. Help me understand.”

He sighed. “I don’t know what he has and has not told you. I came to his office today to ask him when he planned on telling you, I could tell he felt strongly for you.”

“I found out a month ago.”

Theo’s eyes lit up with recognition. “The Usachev mission. What happened?”

Hermione recounted how Draco had confronted Usachev and been hit with the killing curse. How he snapped and killed them all, draining the life from Usachev before she stopped him.

“Wait. You stopped him?” Theo’s eyes were wide.

“Yeah, he was in some sort of trance, I just shouted his name.”

Theo leaned forward. “Hermione. Do you understand how dangerous that was? When Draco is like that….” He shook his head. “Blaise once tried to pull Draco out of one of his trances, Draco almost killed him. Blaise was in St. Mungo’s for 3 months.”

Hermione felt her mouth drop. “Fuck Theo I didn’t even think…Why me?”

“Draco is a complex person. I cant speak for him, but as his friend I can say I have not seen him so protective and emotionally invested in someone as he is you. I can see you are beginning to feel the same way”

Hermione stuttered. “He’s been flirty, but I thought he was like that with everyone…I mean at Hogwarts…”

Theodore laughed. “At Hogwarts, he wouldn’t shut up about you after the Yule Ball. He slept around to fill many gaps, but one of them was that he couldn’t have you. After being turned Draco avoided people completely. It took me months to get him comfortable around me again.”

Hermione let the information settle. They sat in silence for a while as she truly processed things. Draco liked her. Hermione knew that much, but she didn’t think Malfoy romantically liked her.

Theo broke the silence.
“Your book” he pointed towards her still open book.

“I was just…” she tried to reason.

“Trying to learn more about Draco?” he smiled sadly. “His condition makes him hard to be with Hermione, you must’ve figured that out by now.”

“tell me about his bloodlust” she all but whispered

Theo sucked on his bottom lip. “Its complicated and it’s not really my story to tell. He told you about the prisoners?” she nodded.

“The level of one’s bloodlust depends on how much blood they were fed as a fledgling vampire. A good first feed is supposed to be around 6 ounces. This sets up the Vampire to only crave a small amount of blood. Draco had an unsupervised first feed. They threw a starving fledging into a room full of injured people. He drained them all dry, Hermione. He craves a massive amount of blood all the time. His control can…slip once he’s had a taste.”

Hermione let out a shaky breath. “So these missions…”

“These missions give him an outlet for his bloodlust. Not only does get thirsty, but he can get violent. He craves chaos, it is all he knew for the first 6 months as a vampire. Do you see where I’m going here?”

“He’s dangerous.”

“Extremely so. But he seems to have a soft spot for you, which is dangerous in its own right”

“There’s something about him that calls to me. I know he is dangerous, but I can’t seem to stay away. Is that a Vampire thing?”

Theo chuckled again. “Vampires do have the ability to charm, they can mentally lure people. Draco has never done that to you.”

“ah”

“Hermione, he is fucking dangerous and powerful, but he still deserves love. If you cannot learn to live with his condition, then don’t play around with his feelings.”

She sat silently, thinking about what Theo said. “I know.”

He patted her hands gently and stood up. “Give him a few days, then talk to him.”

She nodded.

“Now, I’ve got a makeout session with Potter to get to, so excuse me.”

Hermione spent the last hours of work sitting in her office, silently, just thinking.

Draco sat on the floor against his desk, staring at the chunks of the wood he had broken off from his grip alone.

What was wrong with him?

He was never ashamed of his strength, his deadliness, before Hermione and he got close. He was proud of it, it terrified the Death Eaters, and he found a sick satisfaction in that. But seeing what he was capable of with someone he had feelings for… it terrified him.

He was falling for Hermione, but his vampire side desperately wanted to feel that terror from her. He was craving the taste of his blood, the feeling of her inside of him. He needed to kill.

He knew it was possible for vampires to become obsessed with certain individuals, but he never thought it would happen to him.

He stood up, setting his features back to an emotionless mask. He picked up the assignment Hermione had brought and looked it over.

Five Death Eaters, local pub in London.

He buttoned his Oxford and let out a breath.

If he couldn’t have Hermione, then five Death Eaters would have to do.

Chapter Text

March 18th, 2003

Hermione and Draco hadn’t discussed what happened a few weeks ago. They hadn’t discussed their relationship, or Draco’s unfortunate curse. Instead, they buried themselves in work. Hermione had put all her focus on researching cases, which she would then deliver to Draco’s office with a quick “Hello” or “Here’s another for you” followed by a “Any questions?” and “Let me know when you make it back”. Draco would then spend many days in the field, taking care of the rebels, sating his bloodlust. He would then stop by Hermione’s office, peak his head in and say “Taken care of” or “Made it back”.

They could both pretend nothing changed, that they were just busy, but truthfully both knew they were avoiding a conversation. Tip-toeing around the undeniable tension between them.

“Come in!” Hermione sang.

Ginny walked into her office, holding a brown bag and takeaway.

“Hey ‘Mione!” Hermione looked up from her papers, a smile lighting up her face. She got up from her desk and hugged her friend.

“Gin! What are you doing here? I heard there was major issues in your department!”

Ginny sat down on the chair in Hermione’s office, pulling a bottle of wine out of the brown bag and pouring herself a heavy glass.

“You know, when I began working for Magical Games and Sports office, I thought my days would consist of watching Quidditch, not dealing with major lawsuits” she groaned, gulping down the wine. “But enough about my issues, why have you been hiding in here for the last 2 and a half weeks?” She asked pointedly

Hermione helped herself to the wine as well. “How do you know I’ve been hiding in my office?”

“Theodore, obviously.”

“That snitch! I’m not hiding…I’m just busy.” She whined.

“Mmmhmm. Or you're avoiding Draco after your little rendezvous.” She smiled sheepishly at Hermione’s gasp. “Theo let it slip that he walked in on you. I cannot believe you didn’t tell me!”

“Well I don’t exactly go around bragging about my feelings for Draco Malfoy, you know how people feel about him.”
Ginny handed Hermione a plate of Chinese takeaway, which Hermione accepted gratefully.

“ ‘Mione, people don’t hate Malfoy, they’re just scared of him. You’ve seen the bloke, he’s huge, not to mention has enough generational wealth to buy out the Ministry should he wish. People just don’t want to get on his bad side.”

Hermione chewed on her orange chicken grumpily. “Okay fine. I don’t even know what I feel Ginny!”

“Crazy idea ‘Mione, why don’t you just, you know, talk to him?”

Hermione rolled her eyes. “of course, I cannot believe I didn’t think of that!” she threw the cork of the wine bottle at Ginny’s head. “Obviously I thought about Ginny. There’s just more to the situation than you know, things I can’t tell you yet.”

“Fine. But I’m just saying, the Hermione Granger I know would never shy away from a hard conversation.”

“Hmph” Hermione and Ginny ate in silence for a bit after that comment. She knew Ginny was right, she never would’ve been scared to talk someone before. But she also has never had to come to terms with romantic feelings for someone who is undead and drinks blood to survive.

A bit later, Ginny chimed in. “Ask him to the Spring Solstice Ball.”

Hermione choked on her rice. “Me? Ask Draco to the ball? Hard launch a relationship we don’t even have?”

Ginny stabbed her chicken roughly. “Oh please, ‘Mione, now you’re just being dramatic. One, everyone takes random dates to the Ball, and two, everyone knows you and Malfoy work together, they wont think twice about it. Even if they do, who gives a flying fuck? You are a grown woman you know?”

“It’s in two days, he probably has a date.”

“Did he have a date for the last one?” she countered

“No but he could now, its been two months.”

“He doesn’t”

“How do you know?”

Ginny stood up. “Fuck Hermione! Are you a strong independent woman or not? Grow a pair and ask the man!”
Hermione furrowed her eyebrows. “Fine.”

Hermione pushed Ginny out of her office and prepared herself to ask Malfoy to the Ball. She felt like she was back in Hogwarts, trying to find a date to the Yule Ball. She paced back and forth in her office for a while, trying to figure out what to say.

“Hey Malfoy!” she shook her head and paced the length of the room.

“Draco, quick question” she groaned, they haven’t truly begun calling each other by their first names yet.

“Would you do me the honor of going to the Spring Solstice Ball with me?” she stomped her foot angrily. That was the stupidest one she had come up with yet, what was this, the 1800s?

“Malfoy, do you want to go to the Ball with me on Friday?”

“I personally like the third option, but the last one gets the point across.”

Hermione yelped, the voice breaking her from her…episode. She turned towards her office door, seeing none other than Draco Malfoy smirking at her.

“I didn’t hear you come in… oh fuck it all” She swore, leaning against her desk. Her cheeks were redder than a tomato.

“Yes Granger” he walked closer.

She snapped her head up, “What?”

“Yes, I will go to the Ball with you. Unless of course there’s another Malfoy you were practicing for?” he added cheekily.

She stuttered a bit, completely at a loss for words.

Draco propped himself up on her desk next to her, gently pushing a curl behind her ear. “Is it so shocking that I would say yes, darling?”

“No, Yes, I just…” she groaned and put her head in her hands.

Draco chuckled. “I came her to ask you the same thing, Hermione.” Her eyes shot to his, wide.

“I..I thought you were avoiding me.” His silver eyes swirled with emotion.

“A bit, but more for your sake than mine. Hermione, I am sorry about what happened the other week.”
Her heart sank, he regretted the kiss, amoung other things. She should have never crossed the line between them. It was so stupid and-

A large hand grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him.

“Hermione. I don’t mean the kiss. I mean me losing control.”

“Oh.”

“Theo mentioned that you were reading a book about Vampires.”

Hermione swore under her breath. “I cannot tell him anything!”

Draco dropped his hand from her chin and rested it on her thigh instead. “He does blab, but he means well. If we are going to continue….this, then I owe you the full truth.”

Hermione bit her lip. Continue this, did he mean a relationship? They surely had a lot of tension; it would be interesting to explore things.

“What is this, Malfoy?” she asked.

He sighed, gripping her thigh a bit harder. “I don’t know. I am…entranced by you Hermione. I crave every part of you.”

The brutal honesty struck her, a funny feeling in her stomach traveled lower. She heard Draco breathe in deeply, as if he could smell the change in her emotions. “You’ve changed since school, more than I could have ever imagined. I loathed you, Malfoy. I literally punched you.”

He smirked. “I got my first hard-on after that” she broke at that, a loud laugh leaving her mouth. Draco laughed too, cheeks pink with adoration.

The two sat in silence for a few minutes, thighs touching as they both leaned against her desk.

“Let me take you on a date tonight. We can talk about the hard things.”

“Oh you don’t need t-”

“I may be reformed, but I am still a pureblood. There are standards I uphold, darling. I wouldn’t think of courting you without taking you on a proper date first.”

She chuckled. “Courting, you make it sound so archaic. You can wine and dine me Malfoy.”

He smirked, standing up. “I will apparate to your apartment at 7pm.”

“What should I wear?”

“No need to worry about that darling, I have it handled.”

“But I-” but Draco was gone before she could finish her thought.

She left work around 5, walking to the apparition point along with Ginny.

“So….” Ginny prompted, bumping shoulders with Hermione.

“Yes. We’re going to the ball together.”

Ginny squealed. “I told you! I told you!” Hermione laughed.

“And I’ll do you one better. He’s taking me on a date tonight.” Ginny stopped in her tracks, mouth open.

“Mione!! I thought you said there wasn’t anything between you two!! Where to? What are you wearing?”

She shook her head jokingly. “he wouldn’t tell me, told me not to worry about it. Fuck Ginny what do I wear?!”

Ginnys smile grew even wider. “He’s going to send you something, Mione.”

“Huh?”

“Just wait, you’ll see.” Ginny disappeared, leaving Hermione stunned in her spot.

When Hermione arrived home, she immediately jumped in the shower, scrubbing her skin raw with every scented soap she could find. The hot water burned, but it eased her mind, ever so slightly. She turned the dial off and wrapped a towel around her body.

She spell-dried her hair, taming the wild curls to a more workable wave. She dried her body off as she walked to her room, debating what to wear on a mystery date. She almost tripped on her Crookshanks when she saw a package on her bed.

“Sorry Crooks!”

She scrambled to the edge of her bed, staring.

Merlin’s beard—Ginny was right. Lying on her bed in neatly wrapped tissue paper was a dress with a note on it.

“Wear this tonight, D.L.M”

Her heart was beating fast, she felt like a pre-pubescent teenager. How would Draco even know what she liked, what size she worse? She unwrapped the tissue paper to reveal one of the most elegant dresses she had seen.

It was simple, black silk. She quickly slipped into the dress, the fabric hugging her body and falling just to her feet. There was a slit on her left thigh, running all the way up to hip.

“you cheeky fucker” she said aloud. Crookshanks meowed. “Yes, yes, I know. It is quite revealing”

But she loved it, she felt feminine, sexy. The top of the dress was slightly corseted, pushing her boobs up. Thin straps sat on her shoulders.

She opted to leave her neck bare of jewelry, thinking Draco may enjoy the full view. Who had she become? A few months ago she’d be too nervous to wear a dress like this, and now she’s debating whether or not her vampire date would like to see her neck or not.

She left her hair down, slicking back some of the front pieces. She added simple silver earrings, and slipped on a small pair of kitten heels.

For makeup, she opted to stay mostly natural. Some mascara and blush went a long way. She added a swipe of dark gloss and was ready.

“I’ll tell you all about it Crooks” she said kindly, patting her cat gently.

A soft knock at her door skyrocketed her heart rate, Draco was here.

Would he like how she looked in the dress? Did she do too much, too little? Did she even look the part of a pureblood girlfriend?

Hermione pulled open the door.

“Hermione” Draco said softly. He looked magnificent in a three piece tailored suit, hair pushed back gently, white strands falling over his forehead.

“Draco.” She motioned for him to come in.

He smirked at her. “You’ll have to invite me in darling” he motioned to himself. “Vampire and all”

She sputtered. She was in a never ending cycle of forgetting and remembering that he was… not human. “Of course. You can come in, Malfoy.”

He bowed dramatically, kissing the back of her hand. “Thank you, my lady”

She laughed at the stupid gesture. “Don’t make me regret it”

Once inside, Draco’s hands found Hermione’s waist. She looked up at him.

“You must let me dress you all the time…” he squeezed her waist with one hand, the other roaming lower to squeeze her ass.

“Malfoy!”

“Sorry darling, you just look… delectable. I have exquisite taste.” he stepped back, the loss of proximity sobered her up immedialty.

“Thank you, Draco. I don’t even want to know what it cost. You really shouldn’t have.”

“Mmm, but I knew it would look good on you”

“I must admit that I was skeptical… but you have proved me wrong. Where is it we are going?” She grabbed her small handbag from the sofa and a shawl from the coat rack by her door while she spoke.

“Dinner. La Gavroche”

She tripped on the edge of her rug, about to hit the ground when Draco appeared next to her to catch her.

“Woah there Granger”

She puffed a hair out of her face, standing back up. “I’m sorry, I thought I heard you say La Gavroche.”

“I did” he looked at her questioningly.

“Draco! That is one of the most expensive restaurants in London! Not to mention the waitlist is like…years!”

He chuckled. “I know. My family owns a large stake in the restaurant. I think you’ll find it to be rather empty this evening.”

She sighed. “Just how wealthy are you lot?”

He pulled her close, whispering in her ear. “very”

The tug of apparition stopped her from responding.

It spit them back out in the lobby of La Gavroche, a restaurant Hermione had only ever dreamt of seeing.

A pretty older woman came to greet them. “Ah! Lord Malfoy, it is an honor to have you dine with us.” She had a heavy French accent.

“it is always a pleasure.”

The hostess turned to Hermione next. “Hermione Granger, an honor to meet someone so prolific in saving our world. I am delighted to have you here with Lord Malfoy this evening. Please, follow me.”

Hermione blinked. The woman spoke to quickly that she hardly had time to respond. She heard a quiet laugh from Malfoy behind her, and felt his hand on her waist as he guided her to follow the hostess.

Hermione softly gasped as they were led into an open room with a table in the center. It was covered in greens and soft candlelight, flowers and soft music. It smelled faintly of roses.

She smiled softly as she looked around room. “Draco this…this is beautiful. You rented out the place for us?”

“What can I say, I don’t like to share.”

She huffed. The comment would’ve pissed her off in any other scenario. The blatant possessiveness never did it for Hermione. Ron was always jealous and possessive, and it turned her off from him, not on. But when Draco said it? It made her feel…safe, wanted.

A male waiter at their table pulled her out of her thoughts. “Can I start you off with some wine?”

“yes, a red wine please.”

“My usual.”

“of course.”

He returned with their drinks, and took their orders for an eight course meal.

“Is that?” she eyed the thick liquid in his cup suspiciously.

He took a long sip, the beverage staining his lips slightly. “Yes. They are discrete here. And if they were not, I would take care of it.”

“Ah.” The meal courses appeared in front of them. As they ate, they talked.

“Does it make you uncomfortable? Watching me drink?”

She swallowed. “I don’t know. Not uncomfortable, fascinated. I guess it doesn’t quite feel real.” If they were to get anywhere, she would need to be honest.

“I’d be more than willing to show you proof, later” his eyes sparkled mischievously.

“We are hardly onto the fourth course and you’re already trying to take me home with you?”

“Do you expect anything less from me?”

“I’m assuming Theo told you what I was reading about?” she asked, spooning another serving of steak into her mouth. A small drop of red juice leaked from her lips, she quickly dried it with a napkin.

Draco’s eyes were pinned on her mouth. He swallowed and looked up to her. “yes, and he told me he informed you of why am I the way I am?”

She met his silver gaze. “yes, because of your first feeding you are in a near-constant state of thirst, which manifests in bloodlust.” She said clinically, like diagnosing a disease.

“Does that scare you?” he took a bite of his blue steak.
“It should.”

He smirked darkly and took another long sip of his drink. They sat in silence for a while, only the sounds of silverware hitting the plates and soft cello music filled the room.

She sat in her thoughts for a moment. Had she always had this side to her? The side that liked a jealous, possessive man? The side that liked that he was a vampire, because he was so dangerous? She liked knowing that he would kill for her. Maybe that was the war talking.

“You’re overthinking” the aristocratic drawl filled the room.

“If we continue this, you’ll come to find I do that quite often.” She neatly folded her napkin next to the empty dessert plate.

“If?”

Hermione wasn’t sure if it was the new dress, or the power of being on a date with someone so powerful, but she had a newfound confidence.

“I was offered an after-show, I believe. I’ll make my decision after your…performance.”

The fork in Draco’s hand snapped and he set it on the table roughly. Within a blink, Draco was out of his chair and behind Hermione, hands on the table in front of her. She was caged in from behind.

“Fuck, warn a girl next time.” She jolted

His cold fingers pushed her hair off her shoulder gently, his breath tickled her ear.

“That would take all the fun out of it. You don’t like being out of control do you, it scares you…what you’re feeling right now.”

His mouth moved down her throat, pressing warm kisses that sent shivers through her.

“Maybe.”

Draco’s hand left the the table and crept up the front of her, drawing a line from her belly button to her throat. His silver ring glinted in the candlelight.

“I like being in control of what’s mine.”

His hand grabbed her neck, wrapping around her throat. They apparated.

She gasped when she felt her back hit a hard wall, Draco now in front of her, hand still around her throat.

“I’m not a possession, Draco” she groaned out.

He dropped his hand from her neck and dropped down to his knees.

“maybe not, but I am yours.”

Seeing Draco on his knees in front of her, it sent her spiraling. Was this roleplay? Or did he mean that?

“Draco…”

“Let me show you the real me, Hermione. There is so much I have to suppress at work, in public. But we are in my home now, and I want you to see me.” His voice had a dark edge to it. “If you want this to go further, of course.”

“Show me, Draco.”

He stood up slowly and grabbed her hand gently, leading her to the sofa she sat on after she had found out about him.

She sat on the sofa and watched him. He shrugged off his jacket and took off his top pieces, leaving him shirtless. Hermione gasped at the sight. She had undone his shirt in his office that day, but never truly looked at him. He was so pale. So pale and so fit. There was a defined V that disappeared under his pants. She noticed white lines streaking through his chest; Harry’s sectumsempra surly, and then she noticed the dark mark. It sat roughly on his forearm, the black ink a serious contrast to the whiteness of his skin.

“Look at me, Hermione.” And so she did.

He flexed his shoulders and fluttered his eyes shut. Huge, dark, batlike wings sprouted from his back. He opened his eyes slowly, and she saw that they were almost completely dark. Small black tendrils snaked down his eyes onto the tips of his cheeks. He ran a hand through his hair and saw that his fingernails had morphed into dark claws.

She stood up and approached him slowly. She reached out and gently ran her fingers over the black tendrils on his face. His lips parted at the contact, and she saw his sharp fangs. She moved behind him.

“May I?”

He just nodded. At the contact, she heard him let out a shuttered breath. His wings felt like leather, black and slippery, but powerful.

She came back to the front of him and let out a breath she had been holding. She lifted her finger to his mouth, touching his fang with her finger. She refused to look at him, she would lose her confidence.

Before she could chicken out, she pushed her finger against his fang roughly, drawing blood.

The blood rushed out of her finger quickly, his fangs being sharper than she anticipated. He jolted in realization of what she had done and grabbed her wrist in his hand.

“What the fuck are you doing?” he rasped

“I thought you’d like…” she suddenly felt less confident. Why would he want to taste her blood?

His tongue swirled on the blood left on his fang, moaning slightly. “Fuck Hermione. I do.”

“Then take it, its making quite the mess” the blood dripped down her finger in fat red drops.

He seemed to be fighting with himself, and so Hermione pushed her finger into his mouth.

He latched on immediately, sucking at her finger with such force she felt dizzy. But it turned her on like nothing before. She wanted him to drink from her neck. She pulled her finger out and ran the blood over the junction of her neck.

“Hermione…”

“Bite me Draco”

He closed the space between them immediately, kissing her with a passion she had never quiet felt before.

He pulled her against him, grinding his hard dick against her core. They kissed for what felt like hours before he turned her around so her ass was pressed against his cock. She pushed against him, feeling pleasure shoot through her each time his hardness rubbed against her.

“Fuck darling, you want release?”

“Please, touch me” she moaned

He reached down to the slit in her dress, slipping a cold finger under her dress. His hand moved towards her core, gripping it.

“No panties? Someone was hopeful”

“The dress…” she tried defending herself

“I picked the dress, darling.”

“You…Ah!” she moaned as he slipped a long finger inside of her.

“Merlin you’re so wet. Is this all for me?”

“i..Yes” she panted as he pumped in and out of her.

“Say my name, Hermione.”

“Yes, Draco!” she cried out as he slipped another finger inside of her. This time it felt different.

“I’m branding your fucking pussy with my signet ring. You like that?”

“Fuck Draco, harder”

He picked up his speed, thrusting his fingers roughly in and out of her. She was on the brink of release.

“Are you going to come all over my family name Hermione?”

“I…I… Draco please” she moaned, desperate.

Smelling her arousal increase, Draco moved his mouth to her neck.

“Come for me, darling” he bit down on her neck, blood filling his mouth. He groaned at the feeling, moaned at the taste.

“Draco!!” she came hard, his fingers slipping out of her, and wrapping around her waist while he drank from her.

She moaned at the feeling of his fangs inside her neck, pleasure building up within her again. He continued sucking, the hand around her waist coming up to squeeze her breast harshly.

“I’m gonna…fuck” she felt herself on the brink of another orgasm.

“Fucking hell, ughhh” she whimpered, knees weak, as she came hard; again. Draco pulled his fangs from her neck, licking the leftover blood and sealing the wound with his saliva.

She turned to look at him. “Did I take too much?” His eyes had returned to normal, but the wings and claws were still present.

“No. No it was…fuck Draco I’ve never come twice. Ever.”

He smirked, blood dripping down his chin. “You taste…divine”

She blushed. “You can have it anytime if its always going to feel like that.”

“It feels even better when youre being fucked.”

She breathed heavily. “Oh?”

“But I cannot give you all of me in one night now can i? I fear you would have no excuse to see me again if I did so.” His wings and claws had retracted, and he led her to the sofa.

Draco windlessly lit the large fireplace, and summoned two small glasses of gin. Hermione curled her legs under her, and shifted closer to Draco. A dark green blanket landed on top of her.

“Care for a night cap before you go home, darling?”

He smiled at Draco. “Of course.”

If this was what a date with Draco Malfoy was like, then she could not wait for the ball on Friday.

Chapter Text

Hermione woke up Thursday with a smile on her face.

Was it sunnier than usual? Where those birds chirping?

An orange ball of fluff nestled into her arms. “Oh, crooks! It’s such a beautiful day for March in England isn’t it!”

If cats could roll their eyes, Crookshanks did.

She huffed at her debby downer of a cat. “You’re even more dramatic than Malfoy” she pushed the cat to the side and rolled out of bed.

She couldn’t stop replaying her date with Draco. Her mind raced with images of their dinner, him caging her in at the table, grabbing her neck and apparating them, Draco’s full, unglamoured look.

She found herself liking Draco In his creature form, it was after all, the authentic him. And there was something undeniably attractive about a man with sharp teeth. While the two sipped on their drinks last night, he explained how the… special features work. His eyes change only when he is thirsty (or angry or horny, but thirsty nonetheless). The wings are a protective mechanism, he is in control of them (unless he’s lost control, which is a whole issue in itself). The claws are the same as before, but Draco claims he finds them helpful when opening letters (amoungst other things). Lastly, the fangs. Those are the only thing that he has to constantly glamour. His canines have always been sharp, he claimed, but large fangs are difficult to explain, and so he glamours them everyday.

She longs to see his fangs again, they compliment the mean expression he usually wears.

Today was Thursday, which meant the Spring Solstice Gala was tomorrow evening, another chance to dress up for Draco. He had also mentioned something about sending her another dress, and if it was anything to compare to the last one, she’d be happy.

It also meant that she due for lunch with Ginny and Harry, as Theo this time; he and Harry had gotten closer over the last months.

And so her morning was filled with the usual paperwork and case briefings, but she had an unnatural pep in her step. Is this what it was like to… like someone? Merlin she had never felt such intense emotion in her life.

She headed over to the restaurant, greeting her friends. “Afternoon, sorry to keep you all waiting, Robards felt the need to question me over the legitimacy of my work with Draco…unbelievably really, considering it was direct orders from the ministry.”

Her friends stared at her, a different look on each of their faces. Ginny had a shit eating grin on her face, like she knew what her and Draco had done the night before. Harry’s eyes were the size of saucers, lip curled in pure shock. Theo had a soft smirk, (not so different from Draco’s, it must be a Slytherin trait) and his eyes flickered between her face and her neck. Fuck had he left a mark? She reached her hand up and felt tender skin.

“I’m sorry, your work with who?!” Harry asked. Hermione slid into the booth next to Theo.

“With Draco? Harry you know about my cases, you're briefed on them…”

He shook his dark curls quickly, putting his hand up to stop her. “Yes, but I thought you said Draco”

“Oh. Well I-”

Ginny interrupted her. “So did you two finally shag? Did he send you a dress like I said he would? Was he big, merlin I bet he’s hug-”

Theo snorted and Harry choked on his butterbeer.

“Gin!” Hermione scolded.

“Fucking hell Ginny. I do not want to know about Hermione’s sex life with Malfoy., nor the size of his…” Harry looked pained. Theo slid a hand up his thigh, squeezing.

“Come on Harry, I bet you’re dying to know what Draco is carrying.”

“I..” Theo leaned in closer to Harry, breath tickling his ear.

“I’m sure we could ask dear Draco… he has been with his fair share of witches and wizards, I’m sure Hermione wouldn’t mind to share.”

Now it was the girls turn. Ginny snorted and Hermione choked on her water.

“That is enough of this conversation! There will be no threesome, nor mention of Malfoy’s dick at this lunch. However, our date went well. Ginny I will tell you later.”

She smirked at Ginny. “Oh come on,” she motioned at Harry and Theo. “They’re gay, they’d eat this shit up”

“Ginny! That is an awful stereotype to ma-”

Theo leaned forward eagerly. “No no, she’s right. I do eat this shit up.”

And that is how Hermione spent her lunch explaining her date with Draco Malfoy, carefully omitting the vampiric pieces, as well as her multiple orgasms.

Upon returning to her office, there was a small piece of parchment lying on her desk.

“My office, whenever you read this. – yours, D.L.M”
She furrowed her eyebrows and headed over.

Once again, the door swung open without a word from her. “Hermione, we seem to have a small…issue.” He drawled.

She perched on the edge of his desk. “Which is?”

He tore his eyes from her short skirt, which had ridden up considerably from her position. “Robards just stopped by for a chat. Said he talked to you about our assignment?”

“Oh. Yes he barged into my office, very rudely I might add, and demanded to know what exactly it was that you and I do.” Draco gave her a look, telling her to continue. “I told him that it was classified and personally assigned by the Minister himself. He mumbled something and stormed out.”

He slammed his drink down roughly, small red drops dripping down the outside of the cup. “And you didn’t find that concerning? Didn’t think to, I don’t know, tell me?”

She was taken aback by his anger. He looked furious, his pale eyebrows drawn together.

“I truly didn’t think much about it, he has always been an unpleasant fellow.”

He scoffed, pushing his white hair off his face in frustration. “He barged into my office, although I could hear him coming a mile away. He asked me the same thing, to which I replied the same as you. Except, he told me, and I quote, ‘I will ruin you’, and stormed out of my office.

She cleared her throat, standing up from his desk to face him. “Draco, he’s always been a jealous man, I’m sure he just wants your position.” She tried to reason.

Draco picked up his glass, shoving it in Hermione’s hands. “What is in here?” she furrowed her eyebrows, what was up with him?

“I..blood, I assume” he grabbed it back, downing the rest of its contents, a drop sneaking down his chin.

“Yes Hermione, blood. Because I am a vampire. I cannot risk someone knowing about me, threatening to expose me.”

Fuck. She was so…used to it by now that she had forgotten. What a weird juxtaposition.

“Shit, Draco I wasn’t thinking.”

He look a long step towards her. “kiss me”

“what?”

He grabbed her face within his large pale hands and roughly kissed her. She melted into it, kissing back. The bit of blood that had dripped from earlier rubbed against her lips and chin. Draco pulled back slightly and licked a stripe from under her chin up to her mouth, claiming the blood, then thrust his tongue back in her mouth.

They pulled apart, panting.

“I’m angry, you calm me down.”

“right.” She cleared her throat, cheeks flushed. “What Is your plan?”

He flexed his shoulder. “Watch him closely. If I so much as suspect he has any clue of what I am, I’ll kill him.”

“Draco! You cannot just kill one of the head Aurors!” she scolded.

“Yes, I can. And that is exactly what I will do. You’re lucky you’ve tamed me somewhat, before we began working together I would’ve killed him on the spot, probably.”

Her mouth opened and closed like a fish. “I’ll ask Harry to assign someone.”

“Theo will do it”

“oh?”

“He’s a great spy darling, that’s his job.”

“Were you supposed to tell me that? He is an unspeakable…”

“Darling, you’re talking to a secret vampire turned assassin, I’m not sure if there’s anything worth keeping from you.”

“Good. Keep it that way.”

He reached out and grabbed her wrist.

“Watch your back.”

“Is that..” she flinced at his harsh words

“Robards is not only jealous, but he is also reckless. He fears me, rightfully so, but I wouldn’t put it past him to target you as a way of getting to me.”
She heard his warning, but she paid more attention to the end of his statement. “I mean that much to you?” she asked cheekily

Draco ran a tongue over his fang, eyes taking her in. “Don’t play coy with me. I would burn this fucking place down for you mon amor…”

Her breath caught, the use of French so casual, the accent so flawless, it made a heat blossom in her core.

Draco inhaled, catching the change in her scent.

“You like when I speak French darling? Heureusement pour toi, je parle couramment.” He whispered, tucking a lose strand of curl behind her ear.

She gulped. “Perhaps you can teach me someday, I’ve always wanted to learn another language.”

“I could do more than that, I am a wonderful teacher, or so I hear.”

She looked at him through her eyelashes, no man had ever flirted with her the way Draco did, nor had she ever flirted with a man this way.

A gentle knock at the door took their attention away from one another.

“Sorry to break up…whatever that was. Malfoy, can you come to my office? I need you to brief me on Theo’s new assignment from you.” Harry looked awkwardly between the two.

He gave Hermione a look, and Draco motioned his head towards the door. “Sure, Potter.”

Hermione finished her day off with a small smile on her face. She was important to Draco Malfoy.

Friday’s work day was useless, everyone was more worried about the gala that evening. So much so that the ministry gave everyone a half day.

Hermione and Ginny had chatted in her office most of the morning, what work would they get done in 4 hours anyway?

“And I was thinking of a slick back bun…” Ginny finished.

“You have the perfect features for that, Gin. I was planning on a top knot, with some curls hanging out. You think that’s good?”

She smirked. “Draco does seem enamored with your neck… I saw those love bites, literally.”

Hermione turned red. “He just…I…” Did Ginny suspect??

“relax girl, everyone has their kinks. It doesn’t surprise me that Draco’s is marking, he always struck me as a possessive fucker.”

“Something like that…”

“Anyways, did I tell you, I’m going with Blaise Zabini.” The abrupt change in topic was helpful, it was hard for Hermione to lie to her friend.

Hermione spit out her drink. “No! No you did not tell me!”

She smiled to herself. “What can I say, you and Harry have your Slytherins, I wanted my own.”

Hermione scoffed

“What? We can have one big giant Slytherin orgy…” Hermione smacked her friend lightly

“What is up with all these orgy jokes!” she asked indignantly

Ginny just shrugged. “You’ve never been good at sharing”

“I think Ron would have an aneurism if he knew the three of us were with ex-death eaters” Hermione chided

Ginny rolled her eyes. “Yes well he is a right git. I love my brother, but I am glad that he moved to America with Lavender. I was sick and fucking tired of his self-righteousness.”

Hermione hummed in agreeance. “What time are you arriving tonight?”

The girls continued their conversations until the half day was up.

***

Hermione rushed home, an excited anxiety filled her gut. She ran to her room to grab a shower and noticed another package on her bed, same as the other night.

She smiled softly and picked up the small note attatched.

“Mon amour, I hope you will wear this tonight. Not only will you look gorgoues, but everyone will know that you are mine. Yours, D.L.M

p.s I know you hate when I’m possessive, but I cant help it, its quite literally in my nature.”

She scoffed at his attempt at justifying his possessiveness towards her, but really, she loved it. Yes, yes she was a feminist, and she should hate that he claims her as he does, but there was something hot about a dangerous man so obsessed. She unwrapped the tissue paper and pulled out the gown, a gasp leaving her mouth.

It was a floor-length gown, colored dark green, almost black. She sighed as she felt the silky fabric in her hands.

She set it back on the bed and made her way to the shower. Once clean, she changed.

She slipped into the dress. It must be the most expensive thing she has ever put on her body. It hugged her curves in the right places, the fabric falling sensually over her figure. It was snug, but not uncomfortable, she’d have to forgo her undergarments.

She turned to look at herself in the mirror, noticing the low back. A delicate silver snake wound its way from the lowest point of her back up to her shoulder, softly curving in a dangerous sort of way.

“holy shit”

Draco had turned her into a walking Slytherin trophy wife. Any other time this would have pissed her off to no end, but now? Now it was fucking sexy. Now she wanted everyone to know that Draco was hers, and she his. Perhaps his possessiveness was rubbing off on her.

She turned to look at all angles of herself in the mirror, Crookshanks purred contently while watching her.

Now, let’s back up a bit. It did bother her, just a little, the way this was a deliberate display of possession. She was her own person, and Draco knew this, and everyone who knew Hermione knew this. So truly, who was he claiming her for?

The logical part of her brain screams at her that Draco is no longer human, and therefor his instincts would not be…human. But he also seemed so human most of the time that she often overlooked this fact.
She sighed, flattening her hands down the soft fabric of the gown. She pulled her hair up into an updo, strands of curls falling out and framing her face. She stuck a few silver pins in her hair, did a simple makeup look, swiping some dark kohl on her eyes.

She stood back and took herself In again. She had never felt so pretty; so…gorgeously deadly.

Something about someone so dangerous ready to burn down the world for her empowered her. She had never felt so powerful and free.

A knock at the front door jolted her from her epiphany.

Draco was here.

Chapter Text

Draco was here…

Fuck! Draco was here.

Hermione slipped on a black pair of stilettos, the nicest she owned, and sprayed a few extra spritzes of perfume just to be sure. She took a deep breath and walked to her front door.

She pulled open the door and greeted Draco.

Her breath caught. He looked… ethereal.

He wore a fitted black suit, muscles showing through the clothing. His entire outfit screamed wealth and power. His white hair was slicked back, a few strands falling into his face. He smirked and tilted his head.

“May I come in?”

She cleared her throat and pulled her lip into her mouth. “Of course”

He stepped in to her house and looked her over possessively. She turned red under his gaze. He wrapped his hands around the small of her waist and squeezed. His head tucked into the corner of her neck and he inhaled, tickling her neck.

“You look fucking stunning Hermione.”

“Is that a compliment to me or to yourself for picking out this dress?” she joked.

He pulled away and smiled. “Both. I have always wondered what you’d look like in Slytherin colors.”

“And?” she motioned to herself, smirking. She knew she looked good.

He ran a hand through his hair. “I fear I never want to see you in anything else ever again. Spin for me” he motioned with his finger.

She turned so he could admire the snake on her backside. He gently ran his fingers down the snake, her nipples peaked at the caresses.

“It’s a bit obvious Draco…”

He leaned in to her again, pacing a gentle kiss under her ear. “Perhaps, but I have always been over the top darling.”

“If I knew tonight was a ‘show everyone who you belong to night’ I would’ve done something for you.” She turned back around, eying him sensually. “Its only fair that everyone knows your just as much mine.”

His eyes darkened. “I know just the thing.”

She followed his hands as they went to the silver cufflinks on his wrists. With a quick flick of his hands, the silver M’s morphed into a cohesive HJG. She let out a small gasp.

“You wear my house symbol, I wear your initials. Deal?”

She felt slightly dizzy at the fact that Draco Malfoy had so casually decided to wear her initials on his wrists for everyone to see. She also felt confident. She had bagged a hot ass man and everyone should know.

“Deal” she presented her hand to his, ready to apparate to the ball.

The main atrium of the Ministry had been cleared out, twinkling lights and pretty flowers adorned the walls and ceilings. Tables of food and a bar were in a corner. The dance floor was packed with people dancing freely, some already feeling the effects of alcohol. These ministry dances were seriously the same as the Hogwarts common room parties Hermione used to attend in sixth year, only they were all over the age 21 and dressed better.

Draco straightened his sleeves and looked at Hermione.

“After you, darling.” He motioned for her to lead them in, an act that did not escape her. It made her feel more confident, she was the one bringing Draco, not the other way around.

Hermione’s heels clicked as she walked towards the bar with Draco tailing her like a security guard. She immediately noticed the looks she was getting from others. Some men seemed disappointed, others jealous (of her or of Draco, she wasn’t sure). Some of the women were openly gaping, whispering frantically to each other. Others smiled, that knowing look that only a woman could give.

“Everyone is looking Draco” she said to him as they approached the bar.

He slid an arm around her waist possessively. “Of course they are, they all want to be you.”

She rolled her eyes. “So egotistical…Perhaps it is because they want to be you.” She smiled over her shoulder at him.

He squeezed her waist tighter. “Oh I do not doubt it. I am one lucky man.” He kissed her neck.

She hummed in response. Lucky man…lucky vampire. Resting her arms on the bar in front of her, she ordered drinks. “Two double vodka sodas, please.” The bartender nodded. “Oh and could you add an extra lime as well? Thank you.” She smiled

Draco was resting his back against the bar, scanning the crowd with a drink in his hand. “Two doubles? You must be anticipating a long night.”

“No, I just like to limit my trips to the bar.” She furrowed her eyebrows. “Where did you even get that?” she asked, pointing at his glass.

He smirked. “Magic”

She scoffed. “You’re annoying.”

He took a long sip of his blood, glamoured as whiskey, and made a strange face. “And you’re stuck with me now. Here comes your ginger friend.” He titled his head towards Ginny, who was walking with Blaise.

Ginny broke away and ran up to Hermione, hugging her before looking over her outfit.

“Mione you look so fucking hot!! Turn, let me see it all.” Hermione giggled and turned slowly.

“Merlin you might as well have ‘Malfoy’ written on your forehead!” Hermione blushed and noticed Draco smirk while talking to Blaise. Of course he heard that.

“Is that such a bad thing?” she joked

Ginny winked. “Not all all”

“Two double vodka sodas!” the bartender shouted. Hermione thanked him again and took a long sip.

“Damn Granger two doubles? Draco here must be a lot to deal with.” Blaise’s deep voice teased.

She had not seen Blaise much since after the eighth year. Even during 8th year he kept to himself, always quiet, at least when she would see him. She knew that he and Draco had been very close, especially after the incident in the Room of Requirement with the fire. After that he got a job in the financial department, one Hermione does not interact much with; finances were never her thing.

She greeted him kindly. “Nice to see you again Blaise.” She smiled at the tall man.

He took Ginny’s hand in his own, squeezing gently. “You as well. I am having an after party at mine, I just told Draco all about it. Hope to see you there.”

Hermione eyed Draco who shrugged. She responded. “Of course! We will catch you on the dance floor in a minute!”

Blaise nodded and led Ginny to the floor. Hermione eyed Draco curiously as he scanned the crowd, jaw tight.

“Does he…” she pursed her lips, looking for the right words.

“Does he know? Yes. He and Theo both.” Draco swirled the contents of his glass, staring at the liquid curiously.

“Ah. Should we dance?” She sat her glasses on the table near them.

Draco hummed in response, holding his hand out for her. He led her to the center of the floor, where the two danced sensually together, lights flashing. Draco held her close, mouth leaving kisses down her neck, hovering over the junction.

She sighed at the feeling, but reminded herself that while everyone was drunk and a bit raunchy, this was still a work event.

“Draco” she said, attempting to pull away.

He growled, holding her tighter. She froze when she felt his teeth elongate on her neck, the prick of claws on her waist.

Panicked, she said his name louder. “Draco! What are you doing?”

Dazed, but slightly aware, he pulled away. Hermione turned to face him, noticing his eyes were that dangerous shade of black, tendrils began descending.

“Draco, have you not fed? Was that truly whiskey in your glass?” she rushed out, looking around to make sure no one had noticed.

He groaned, working his jaw, those sharp teeth on display. “Fuck… I think…I think I’ve been-”
He cut himself off with a snarl, gripping Hermione so hard she could’ve sworn she would bruise.

Hermione followed his gaze, noticing him glaring darkly across the room on a figure. On Robards.

Fuck. She started walking quickly to the door, attempting to bring Draco with her. He was so heavy, but she managed to get him into motion. He trailed behind her.

“Draco, come, please.” He stumbled out of the atrium and she led them into an empty room down the hall. He fell to his knees.

“What is going on Draco? What did Robards do?” she asked frantically, pushing the hair out of his face. He was turning…completely. “Fuck” she muttered to herself.

“He spiked my blood. He’s setting me up.” Draco rolled his shoulders roughly, trying to keep his wings hidden.

Hermione furrowed her eyebrows. “Setting you up how?”

He licked a fang, face contorted in a mix of pain and hunger. “I am so fucking thirsty Hermione…the blood lust.” She dropped his head into his hands, breathing heavily. Hermione stood up and began pacing. He needed blood, but how much? Theo had mentioned the bloodlust, he needed to kill. Was that the whole plan? Get Draco to murder someone?

While both were distracted, someone had approached Hermione from behind, pulling her tightly against them, defenseless and with a knife now at her throat.

She yelped, and Draco whipped his head up, a loud snarl leaving his mouth, wings shooting out of his back. His control was dwindling, and fast.

“Look at you, no better than an animal Malfoy.” Hermione’s eyes were wide, she recognized Robards’s voice. How could she have been so stupid? This was all part of his plan. She should have headed Draco’s warnings the other week.

“I will fucking kill you Robards.” Draco hissed. Hermione watched as he fought against his instincts.

He simply laughed. “Why that is the plan boy, although it is not me you will be killing.” Hermione squirmed at the implication. The knife pressed harder against her, she whimpered. Draco’s dark eyes were locked on the knife at her throat, whether out of hunger or anger, she was not sure.

“I spiked that little drink of yours, before the ball. I heard a nasty rumor that you were a weapon for Voldemort, known for your bloodlust. This potion simply amplifies it, while weakening you, of course.” His tone was slimy, it chilled Hermione to her bones.

“Where the fuck did you hear that? You work with Death Eaters now Robards?” Draco spat.

Hermione could see him struggling, see him work his jaw and fight against the urges he was no doubt feeling. What she didn’t understand was what Robards would get out of this little stunt. He wanted Draco to kill her, he would no doubt be sent to Azkaban, likely a dementors kiss. But what after that? What did Robards get out of that?

She whimpered a bit as the knife pinched her skin. He had her held so tightly she was losing feeling in her arms, unable to reach her wand. She wanted to speak, but what she would say…there were no words, no begging. Robards was dead set on this. She had no choice but to put her trust in Draco.

“It is none of your business who I work for, you filthy half-breed.” He yelled. The knife pressed harder into Hermione’s neck, she felt the skin break, droplets of blood rolling down her neck. She let out a whine at the pain. Draco licked his teeth at the sight.

“Let her go, do with me what you will, but do not hurt her.”

“It is you that will be doing the hurting, Malfoy.” She said slyly.

Draco’s claws dug into the wood on the floor, leaving scratches, his wings twitched. Hermione watched as his control began to waiver, his need for blood taking over quickly. Could he really control it? She knew that at some point there would be no human instinct left, nothing for him to fight.

“That’s it boy, I know you’re hungry. I will get a pretty penny for your death…” He took a rough step towards Draco, pushing Hermione with him. Draco lunged at Robards, his thirst and the potion making him weaker.

“Tsk Tsk, what an abomination to the Malfoy name.” Robards only pulled Hermione closer, moving the knife to the other side of her neck, where he left another scratch that had blood dripping down her neck again. Draco’s eyes were so dark Hermione could no longer see emotion in them. The only way she knew that Draco was fighting was the shaking in his body. She tried pleading with her eyes, but his attention was only on the blood dripping down both sides of her neck.

“Look how pathetic. He really likes you doesn’t he? I bet they would double my pay if I delivered you both dead” Robards directed the question to Hermione who kept her mouth shut.

“Answer me bitch!” Robards cut the skin on her upper arm this time, blood trailing down her arm. She felt a tear run down her cheek. Draco’s eyes trailed the blood hungrily.

“Fuck you!” she spat. Her temper was a bit of hindrance, and it was definitely not the right thing to say.

“Bad choice Mudblood.” Robards made another slice on her arm and shoved her forward harshly, her arms barely managing to catch herself on the floor, blood dripping steadily from her neck and arm. “Your little vampire looks awfully hungry.”

Hermione wrapped her hand around the wound on her arm, trying to control the bleeding, but it was too late. “Draco…”

He was too far gone. He leaned forward, towards her neck, his tongue lapping up the blood that was dripping. If this was any other moment, Hermione would’ve begged him to continue. But now, now she was scared. His fangs had not pricked her skin, only his tongue, but each movement got more rushed, more desperate, his grip tightening on her.

She heard Robards chuckle as Draco latched onto her neck, fangs piercing. She cried out at the feeling, she needed to stop this, needed to distract Draco. Whatever Robards had given him made him ridiculously thirsty, Draco needed more blood, he needed someone bleeding more than she was. His fangs sunk deeper, pulling the blood out of her harshly. She gasped at the feeling.

“I think my work here is done.” Robards said darkly as he turned towards the door.

Draco lifted his mouth from her neck, to move to the other side, and that is when she struck.

Robards seemed to have forgotten that she had her wand on her, or perhaps he thought her stupid.

He should know better.

“Sectumsempra!” she shouted, wand pointed at Robards back. She was not one for excessive violence, she was logical. But this case was life or death, literally. She had remembered Harry telling her how badly Draco bled when he used Snape’s spell, and it was the first thing that came to her mind.

Robards cursed loudly. “You fucking bitch!” he shouted, falling to the floor as cuts began to open up all over him. He began gasping, trying to figure out a spell to stop the blood. But Hermione knew he wouldn’t figure it out, not before Draco got him.

The fresh blood did the trick, and Draco snapped his head to Robards, like a wild animal locking in on its prey.

Draco lunged, teeth latching onto his neck immediately. He showed no kindness, no mercy. It was simply gruesome, and while Hermione felt satisfaction at the death of someone so vile, she also felt sick. He sucked greedily on his neck, ripping it open. Hermione noted that even in this state, he was still somewhat gentle with her.

She knew not how to deal with Draco in this state, but she hoped to merlin that Theo and Blaise did.

Robards screams were getting louder, Hermione cast a quick silencing charm on the room before darting out, running to the atrium to catch Theo or Blaise. Lucky for her, both couples were standing near the entrance.

Hermione coughed loudly, trying to gain their attention without drawing too much to herself. The four looked over at her, concern overtaking their features as they noticed the blood and her pale skin. Theo and Blaise locked onto her neck and came running.

She felt tears run down her face.

“ ‘Mione what happened?” “ Why are you bleeding? Is everything okay?” She heard Ginny and Harry ask in unison, but she had no time. She needed Blaise and Theo’s help, now. Draco would have to forgive her if his secret got out to two more people, that was if he made it out of this alive.

She grabbed Theo’s arm roughly. “it’s Draco. Robards poisoned him, tried to set him on me. He wanted me dead…” her voice broke as she continued. “he wanted Draco to kill me, so that he could frame him. He was working with Death Eaters.” Blaise swore.

“Where is he?” Theo asked quickly.

“Down the hall, room 209. I put a silencing charm on it… he’s killing him, and it’s my fault.”

Theo furrowed his eyebrows in sympathy and grabbed Hermione’s hands. “He fucking deserved to die. Blaise, go get the stake from Draco’s office.”

The men ran towards the room, Hermione took off behind them. Ginny and Harry followed her, shouting.

“please, I can explain it all after, I just need to help Draco.” She begged.

Theo swung the door open, and Blaise struck. The stake hit Draco harshly in the leg, it would not kill him, but the wound should be enough to bring him out of his state.

He groaned in pain, detaching himself from the bloodied and dead body of Robards.

Hermione gasped at the scene. She had seen Draco kill before, it is how she found out about him in the first place. But this was even more gruesome than that. Draco was absolutely drenched in blood. The tips of his white hair, his face, and his suit was stained. Robards body looked as if a wild animal had gotten him, which Hermione supposed wasn’t far from the truth. He was ripped open in multiple places, drained of all his blood. Ginny gasped and Harry covered her eyes, rubbing her head in an attempt to calm her down. He looked at Hermione with concern and knowing, as if he had suspected something like this.

“Hermione…” Theo warned, but she ignored.

“Go, I can handle it. Wait outside.” They made no argument, leaving her with Draco.

Hermione rushed forward as he stumbled backward in pain.

“Draco!”

He looked at her, the black fading from his eyes, consciousness coming back. His eyes flashed to the mark on her neck, and anger and regret filled his eyes.

“I hurt you.” He said darkly.

Hermione shook her head. “No, no it was not your fault Draco, you were poisoned.” She grabbed onto his arms, holding him steady.

He swallowed. “It does not matter, I hurt you. Fuck!” he shouted, attention moving to the body of Robards. His chest rose and fall rapidly. “Fucking hell I’m going to Azkaban. How did I…”

Hermione cut him off. “It was me. I used Sectumsempra on him… you needed to be distracted. Robards wanted you to kill me.” He ripped his arms out of her grasp, standing up.

Hermione stood with him, begging him to understand.

“Draco it was not your fault…” but he cut her off, fangs bared.

“But it was Hermione! Look at me, fucking look at me!” Hermione’s breathing picked up.

“Dra-”

“No! Fucking look at me Hermione. I am a monster. I hardly pass for Human, I’ve got claws and fangs and these fucking wings. I did that, I ripped him to fucking shreds like he was nothing more than meat.” He approached her in a few long steps. “I enjoyed it Hermione. Does that not scare you?”

She gulped. “No.” she answered simply.

He ran his hands through his hair roughly. “well it fucking should!” she saw a single tear fall from his eye. Her heart clenched at what he had been through.

She reached both hands up and grabbed his bloody face harshly. “Its not going to. I care about you too much.”

He began to respond, but Hermione cut him off by pressing their mouths together roughly. He groaned, moving his lips with hers immediately.

His hands roamed her back, and gripped her tightly, as if he was afraid she would disappear.

“I hate to interrupt this lovely moment, but there is a room full of Aurors and Ministry employees waiting to stumble upon this.” Blaise cut in, the others now back in the room.

Draco pulled back, resting his forehead on Hermione’s. “I will deal with you later.”

He turned towards Blaise and Theo, Ginny and Harry watching him wearily.

“Do I really need to explain the situation Potter? Weasley?” He asked bored. Hermione nudged him roughly.

Ginny could not make eye contact with him, she was quite squeamish. “Can you..uh…” she pointed in the general direction of the body and Draco.

“Scourgify.” Hermione directed it at Draco first, cleaning his skin and clothes of the blood. She then directed it to the floor that was covered in blood. However she could not fix the body.

“Here, let me.” Draco waved his hand in that strange motion, vanishing Robards body into a cloud of mist.

“Holy shit.” Harry swore.

Draco smirked. “Impressed Potter?”

Harry swallowed. “Robards was supposed to be on a mission this week. I’ll tell Kingsley he was killed, I can pull all the shady shit from his office. He’s been on our watch list for the last few months anyway.”

Hermione turned towards him. “Harry, are you sure?”

He smiled. “I’ve seen weirder shit. Besides, I could tell Kingsley just about anything and he would believe me, the bloke is obsessed.” He shuddered slightly. Theo smiled.

“Am I the only one here that didn’t know Malfoy was a fucking Vampire?” Ginny asked incredulously.

Blaise squeezed her waist affectionately. Harry jumped in. “No, I mean, I had a hunch, but I didn’t exactly know. I reckon these three did though.”

Theo and Blaise nodded sheepishly, and Hermione sighed. “Gin, you know I couldn’t have told you…”

“Bloody hell ‘Mione of course you couldn’t have! We have a lot to talk about…girl to girl.”

Hermione blushed, and Draco scoffed humorously.

“As much as I would love to continue this lovely conversation” he added sarcastically, “I think it’s best if Hermione and I go home. I’m not exactly in the right state to return to the party.” His wings twitched behind him, fangs still poking his lip.

“Right. Another round of drinks on me?” Theo asked the group.

“More like three more rounds.” Ginny added. “This shit is fucking weird.”

The group returned to the ball, leaving Draco and Hermione, adrenaline still high, the crash not far off.

“Come, let’s get you home. We should talk.” Draco grabbed Hermione gently, avoiding the scratches and dried blood on her arms.

“Can we go to yours?” she said shyly.

“Mine?” he said shocked.

Hermione blushed red. “No I only mean that-”

He pulled her closer to him, their bodies pressing together. “Of course we can go to mine. I have a few potions I need anyway.”

His apparition swept them away from the scene, the room exactly as it had been before, no remnants of what had happened.

Chapter Text

Hermione levitated a stack of books into a box sitting on her now-empty desk. She sealed it shut and added it to the growing pile by her door, looking around her empty office and smiling softly.

There was a knock at her door, She turned to see Draco leaning on the frame, a lazy smirk on his face. Her heart warmed.

“Darling” he moved towards her, placing a kiss on her head. “So, new head of the DMLE, are you ready to move your things?” he teased.

“I suppose.” She said in mock disinterest, pretending to pick at her nails, but secretly her heart fluttered.

The last year had been a whirlwind. After the gala, Harry had done some serious cover-up work on the Robards situation. Luckily, the man was thoroughly disliked, and his death came as no shock to anyone. Not to mention, there was very little grief about it.

Apparently, Kingsley was even grateful, Robards had been causing serious issues and was on about 6 different ministry watchlists. His death was one thing off his to-do list, as crude as it sounds.

Since then, Draco and Hermione went on 12 more missions, successfully eradicating the wizarding world of 32 more dark wizards, all of whom were a part of the group attempting to bring back Voldemort. The pair had learned how to work together well, making use of Hermione’s research skills and Draco’s…physical ones. He hadn’t killed all of them; that would be absurd (Hermione often had to tell Draco to back off. After all, they needed to question some of them or they would have no more leads).

Because of their success, both Draco and Hermione were offered promotions. Draco, while still maintaining his job as private Auror, was promoted to head of secret missions, where he worked closely with Harry, the new head of Aurors.

Hermione had been promoted to the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement where she now oversaw all of the daily operations, as well as allowed her to spend some time drafting new legislature. She still worked closely with Draco, assigning his department new missions and working closely with his junior researchers.

“Come then, we ought to get you set up before we leave.” With a flick of his hands, the boxes disappeared.

Hermione followed him down the hall to her new, very large office. The boxes were waiting for her there.

“Draco…the bookshelves!”

She ran her hands along the two walls of shelving in awe, she wasn’t sure she had enough books at work to fill it.

That excited her.

She turned to Draco, smiling at him. He reached into his coat and pulled out three large books.

“For you, consider it an office-warming gift.” Hermione took them from him, eagerly flipping through them. Her breath hitched. She couldn’t believe what she was looking at…what she was holding.

“Draco… these are first edition books on early vampirism. Where did you possibly find them?” she asked in awe, a hint of suspicion in her voice.

Information on vampires was scarce, especially in ancient sources. If these were truly legit, Hermione could hardly believe her luck.

He stood behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist. “The Malfoy library is full of surprises. You can start with these, but we’ve an entire first edition section, thousands of books, though most are not on vampirism. You can take your pick.”

Hermione turned in his arms and pressed her lips firmly to his. The kiss was sweet, full of gratitude and passion.

Draco chuckled. “Only I would have a girlfriend who gets turned on by books.”

Hermione swatted at him playfully. “It’s more than books.” She joked. Draco smirked at her, eyes darkening slightly.

“Thank you, Draco, for everything.” She added.

He smiled softly. “I would do anything for you, Hermione. You know that.”

She clenched her thighs at his words, they were so sensual. “I know.” She whispered.

“We should head to mine. We said 7 pm, but Theo likes to show up early.”

Hermione flicked her wand at the door, sealing it shut with a quick spell. It was after hours, and no one was in the office, but she wanted to be sure. She slowly undid a few of the buttons on her blouse, exposing her deep red bra.

“Soon, but don’t you think we ought to christen this office before I start working in it?” She asked seductively.

“I don’t know how I didn’t think of that.” He pushed her roughly against the new bookshelf she had been admiring. “How about we start with the bookshelves?”

Hermione sighed at the feeling of the bookshelves pressing into her skin, reminding her of one of their first times. “I think that’s a great idea.” She pushed her mouth onto his, their lips meeting in desperation.

The room was filled with the sounds of kissing and heavy breathing, their mouths working together greedily. Draco tilted her head to the side, running his tongue along her neck, causing Hermione to let out a breathy gasp.

“Are you thirsty, Draco?” she all but moaned.

He pulled back to look at her, his eyes dark, fangs glistening. “Parched.” He gritted out.

Hermione tilted her head to the side more, biting her lip. “Then drink.” Her core pulsed with arousal at the idea.

Draco didn’t need to hear anything more, he plunged his teeth into her neck, drinking from her. Hermione moaned, pushing herself closer to him, needing contact, movement. She felt his dick grow hard against her, straining. He pulled off, licking the blood and closing the bite marks.

Using his speed that Hermione still hasn’t gotten used to, Draco moved them onto her desk, her back pressed against the top, Draco hovering over her, lips bloody.

“Do you want to taste yourself, darling?”

Hermione’s eyes clouded over with lust, and she simply nodded. Their lips met again, this time slick, the blood coating his lips transferring to her. She moaned into his mouth, the metallic taste unbelievably arousing.

He ripped away, moving down to her breasts. He ripped the bra in two, exposing her soft breasts, each falling gently to the side without their support. Draco grabbed one in each hand, kneading them roughly.

“Merlin I will never get used to these.” He pinched her nipples, causing them to lengthen and harden, leaving her whining in need.

“please Draco” she squirmed.

He smirked, keeping eye contact with her as he bent down, flicking his tongue out to suckle on the skin of her breasts without touching her nipples. She squirmed again, trying to angle herself into his mouth, but he placed his hands on her waist, keeping her in place.

“You’re desperate for me to suck your tits aren’t you?” he licked a stripe in between her breasts.

“Yes!” she panted

“Tell me, darling.” He ordered, still pinning her to the desk, eyes of that unnatural shade.

Hermione relished at the opportunity.

“Fucking hell Draco, if you don’t suck my tits like their your sole source of life I will never speak to you again.” He smirked at her, waiting for more. “I want to feel your teeth on my nipple, like you need my milk to survive, like you’re so fucking thirsty.”

“Such a slut, darling.” He moaned at her words, diving his head down to latch onto her nipples. He sucked and sucked, biting and licking, pulling at them like he truly was thirsty for her, and in some way, he was.

Hermione arched her back, moaning and panting. Her hands wrapped in Draco’s hair, pulling his face against her breasts, refusing to let him up for air. She had his face pinned, giving him no choice but to devour her nipples until she was dripping wet.

He pulled back roughly, leaving her breasts red and slick with spit. He kissed down her stomach, yanking her skirt off in one swoop, pulling her underwear with it.

“Look at you, you’re positively soaked for me.”

Hermione gasped when his tongue entered her core, swirling around her swollen clit, making her hips buck as she neared her release.

“Fuck Draco, just like that!” He continued eating her out, tongue fucking her into oblivion until she came with a shout.

Draco groaned and pulled her partially off the desk. “Flip over, darling.”

Hermione was instantly aroused again, the need to be filled by him growing tenfold.

Her breasts smashed against the cool wood, her ass and cunt exposed, waiting for Draco.

He swore and pressed himself to her entrance. She moaned. “You’re so fucking tight Hermione, can you take me?”

He pushed in further and Hermione clenched around his cock. “Try me.”

With that, he thrust fully into her, pelvis snug against her. “Fuck you look so pretty when you’re full of me.”

“Fuck Draco, Move!” she moaned, pushing her ass onto him.

The next 10 minutes were filled with the lewd sounds of moans and skin slapping, as Draco fucked Hermione roughly against her desk.

They both reached their climax at the same time, moaning together as they came down from their release.

A few moments later Hermione chimed in. “Well, we got the bookshelf and the desk, but we seemed to have missed the sitting area and rug.”

Draco smirked and pressed him mouth to hers.

**********************************************

After more than a few… ‘christenings’ of Hermione’s new office, the two had made their way back to the manor, where they were hosting a get-together to celebrate Hermione’s new position.

At one point, the manor had been a place made of nightmares for her. A place where she felt on edge, not safe. But this past year had been a time of reckoning for Hermione. She had made serious strides in her therapy, ones that allowed her to face her fears head-on. Being with Draco and seeing a different side of him had also helped.

6 months ago, Hermione had decided to move in with Draco, gradually. He had given her a comprehensive tour of the home, from the summer kitchen to the numerous bedrooms and bathrooms, libraries, dining rooms, and seating areas of all kinds. Hermione was overwhelmed with admiration for the gorgeous property. The tour had ended with the drawing room, the place that she had experienced so much pain all those years ago. Her arm twitched in anticipation.

“Darling, I know the pain this room caused you, and you have every right not to-”

“No, I am not letting her have that power over me, not when she’s long dead and I am thriving.” She had interrupted him, pushing the heavy doors open.

Her breath caught, the sight so familiar yet different. The room was the same, that was for sure, but it was also lighter, cleaner. The tile had been cleaned, no evidence of her blood on the floor. The chandelier hung brightly in the center of the room, no proof that it had ever fallen.

Hermione walked slowly, fingers running over the curtains that covered massive windows. She ripped them open, flooding the room with sunlight.
“There is no reason for this room to be shrouded in darkness. The first step in healing is letting the light in.” She said to no one in particular. Draco came up behind her gently, placing a hand on her waist.

“Whatever you want to do with this room, tell me and I will make it happen, even if that means burning it to the ground.”

“An Orangery,” she had blurted. “I want to make it an Orangery.”

Draco chuckled. “An orangery?”

“Its…I know it’s very muggle, and I think that’s why I want it. Sure, we can magically produce fruit from the barest tree in Winter, but sometimes it’s nice to remember that certain things are natural, that there is a cycle.” She looked up at Draco, who was watching her with interest.

“And it is satisfying to know that Bellatrix is rolling in her grave knowing that this room is becoming something so muggle, nonetheless, designed by me.” She bit her lip, holding back her smile.

Draco swept her up in a hug, her feet dangling in the air. “You are perfect, Hermione.”

And so over the past 6 months, Hermione has been working with renowned Herbologist and old friend, Neville, to renovate the drawing room into the perfect Orangery.

It was finally complete, and Hermione thought it the perfect place to host her and Draco’s friend this evening.

Fairy lights were dangling from the trees, a long table with chairs and a gorgeous table setting including 8 settings. Tonight, Harry and Theo, Ginny and Blaise, and Neville and Pansy would join them to celebrate.

As Hermione was fixing the flowers for the millionth time, Draco appeared out of nowhere, grasping her arm gently.

“Darling, the flowers look great.” He tucked a hair behind her ear. “tonight is supposed to be about you, should anything need fixed, you know Mippy is more than willing.”

“But-” Hermione began to protest.

“For the millionth time Hermione, Mippy is paid, has her own quarters and designer wardrobe, and is very honored to be serving in the Malfoy household.” She huffed. “And she is going to be quite bored and offended if you do not allow her to do her job.” He scolded gently.

“Fine, you’re right.” She conceded.

“Mippy!” Draco called, and a small house elf wearing a designer dress popped in front of him.

“How can Mippy be of help, Mister Malfoy?” she asked eagerly.

“Would you mind taking over the food service Mippy? Bringing the food and drinks out?”

“Yes of course, Mippy would love to!” she glanced towards Hermione. “Mippy has been worried she was being fired by Mister Malfoys beau.”

Hermione recoiled at the tone of annoyance in Mippy’s voice. “Mippy that is not true I simply like to do some things myself.”

Mippy rolled her eyes. “I will be back with the food shortly! And should I bring extra wine for Mr. Nott?”

Draco chuckled. “You know him well Mippy.” She popped away.

“She’s sure… full of it.” Hermione commented, smiling.

Draco rubbed a circle on her back. “Yes, well she has been running the elves of Malfoy Manor since my parents were wed. She found you’re dismissal of her to be…quite alarming.” He chuckled.

Hermione shook her head, trying to think of ways to make it up to the elf, when a ding signaled the entry of someone into the home.

*********************************************

The evening had been just as Hermione hoped, a chance to gather with her friends. They ate and drank and laughed, and even had a fresh dessert made with some of the fruits from the Orangery.

Their friends showered her with compliments on the new room, and she promised them all fresh fruit throughout the winter.

As it got dark out, the gathering moved into a sitting room on the second floor equipped with a bar, where they continued to drink and laugh.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to you and the whole blood thing.” Ginny waved a hand towards Draco who was nursing a glass.

He tilted it towards her. “Sure you don’t want a taste weasellette? Ask Hermione, it’’s not as bad as it looks.” He drowned out his mischevious smirk with another sip.

Hermione reddened, and everyone’s gaze shot towards her.

“Mione you dirty girl!” Ginny laughed.

Harry cringed, “Please, I do not want to know”

“Oh loosen up Potter, kinks are very normal. Ask Neville here, just the other night we-”

Neville coughed loudly, taking a large swig of his whisky. “Another game anyone?”

The crowd chuckled, agreeing to another game of exploding snap, if only to save Neville the embarrassment.

“Draco, thank you.” Hermione pressed a kiss to his cheek.

He smiled down at her. “Darling, you mean the world to me.”

She sighed. “You have done so much for me, I wish I could repay the favour…”

“We have…literally forever Hermione. I’m sure I can think of something for you do.” He joked.

“You dirty little vampire!” she laughed.

“Mmm,” he nestled his head into her neck, placing a gentle kiss. “But I’m your dirty vampire, darling.”