Return to Eden

A/N: Thank you to all the wonderful reviewers who liked the previous chapter. Your comments and feedback is appreciated. I apologize for the delay in writing this chapter. I plead writer's block for at least one week. I'm not going to say much in this author's note; I'll just get straight to the chapter. From now on, my chapter titles will be names of songs just for the fun of it. Cookies to whoever can guess the singer. I'll continue to write as much as possible. Thank you for your continuous support. As always, PLEASE R/R!!!!!

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. I am simply using them for my own depraved pleasure.

Return to Eden

Chapter 10: No One Needs To Know

Draco's only conscious thought while he was melting so lusciously into Hermione was a bed. I have to get to a bed.

He grabbed her away from the wall they were crushed against and began walking her backwards to her room. He knew no one would bother them since time had yet to be reactivated. His body quivered with excitement at fulfilling his unspoken lust for her.

Hermione knew she was in deep trouble once she felt her back hit the door to her room. Draco's hands were twisting around her to clench the knob and she felt it turn against her hip.

They stumbled into the room and nearly lost their footing. As Draco regained his balance, Hermione took advantage of the momentary pause in their intoxicating kisses. She raised her hands between them and shoved him away. Hard.

Draco barely registered the dismissal in his desire-induced state, but the glazed look in his eyes started to fade when Hermione took two firm steps away from him and crossed her arms determinedly in front of her chest. A look of utmost fortitude decorated her face as she gauged his reaction cautiously. Draco felt something inside him break at her obvious show of rejection. Fury began bubbling inside him as he took in her stance and the detached glint in her eyes.

"What is wrong with you?! You want this as much as I do! You were practically begging me for it back in the prefects' bathroom! What's the matter?! Afraid I'll outdo the standards that fucking Potter and Weasel set?!" His feelings of rage and unfulfilled want were causing his voice to rise higher in decibels with every syllable he spoke.

Hermione just continued to stand there until he was through ranting. Her voice was calm and even when she spoke.

"Draco, I'm not going to sleep with you."

"Why the bloody hell not?!" Draco was nearly at the end of his rope and losing ground fast.

She tilted her head before narrowing her eyes at him. "Do I really even have to answer that question? I would think it would be obvious."

He was trying to reign in his anger before he did something he'd regret as he ground his teeth in frustration. "Enlighten me."

"Fine. If you really want to know, I'll tell you." She made her way into her room and further away from him. "First of all, I'm not some object in your possession to do with what you wish. I deserve more, and I expect no less. Second, we've shared exactly three kisses. Not nearly enough to build a sexual relationship on, or really anything else for that matter." Her eyes locked with his to let him know that she was serious. "If those reasons aren't good enough, deal with it."

His hands were scrunched into fists by his sides, but he managed to ground out "fine."

Hermione nodded towards the door and they made their way back across the hall to Draco's room to reactivate time. As they went, both made sure not to come in contact with the other in any way. Upon entering, they found Blaise frozen between the door and the bed about to follow Hermione out of the room.

Hermione took her place by the door putting her hand on the knob. Draco made his way to the bed, and as soon as he settled upon it, Blaise came alive.

"See you later, Dev."

She started to follow Hermione out of the room, but Draco was back off the bed and across the room with an agility borne from a Seeker. He grabbed Blaise by the arm and pulled her back into the room.

"Just a minute. Blaise, I'd like a word with you." By now, his body was humming with suppressed desire and contained anger.

Blaise turned uninterested eyes upon him. "It can't wait?"

Draco was having trouble keeping a handle on his calm demeanor. He put himself between Blaise and Hermione, but kept his eyes on Blaise. "No. Besides, Hermione will be here all day, and then you two can talk about as much as you want."

Blaise locked eyes with Hermione and they silently communicated before the latter left the room without saying anything. Blaise turned her focus back to Draco who was looking at the closed door from whence Hermione left.

"I hope you have a good reason for detaining me because what I have to talk to Hermione about is really - " She was sharply cut off by the feel of Draco backhanding her. The force of the blow knocked her back on the bed.

Before she could blink, he was upon her, but she already knew what was to come. As he plowed her mouth with savage kisses, he whispered an incantation that bound her wrists to the headboard with leather straps. His hands snaked between them and viciously ripped her blouse from her body. His attention diverted to her skirt while he nipped fiercely at her neck. He roughly pushed the garment up and tore her panties away.

Without wasting another moment, he freed the aching bulge in his pants and plunged into her core. He pulled back and slammed into her again before setting a grueling pace. The bruising grip he had on her hips started lessening once his nerves calmed. The pull of oblivion began building within him as he continued to pound into the consenting female beneath him.

*~*~*

Albus Dumbledore was sitting in his office at Hogwarts pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to take everything in. A letter from Lucius Malfoy was lying innocently on the desk in front of him.

He picked it up and began reading it again to make sure his initial perusal had been correct.

Albus,

Although we've had our differences in the past, I'm sure that you will understand and agree with my concern for the object of this letter.

As I'm certain you already know by now, Hermione Granger is staying at my home under my care and the guardianship of my wife. Cordelia named Narcissa her guardian not very long after the babies were born. Imagine our devastation when Evan was killed, Cordelia was admitted to St. Mungo's, and the baby, Regina, was lost. When Hermione arrived at our home with the news, we were overcome with joy at her being found. In part, we are grateful to you for your role in her being returned to us.

While we're happy to have her, our main concern is for her safety. I learn in confidence from my son, Draco, that Miss Granger had the unfortunate experience of running into the Potter boy during our recent stay at Diagon Alley. She was visibly upset from the encounter, and I'm worried that the Potter boy's persistence will only cause her greater stress if she is found with us. I also do not want her to undergo any examination from the Ministry.

To solve this problem, for the time being, I'm planning on sending her to stay with her great aunt for the remainder of the summer. However, this solution will not last considering her position.

I've been in correspondence with her grandmother, the Lady de Winter, and she wishes to meet Hermione during the Christmas break and introduce her to court. Cordelia's younger brother now sits on the throne of France with no heir making Hermione the successor. Hermione knows nothing of this, only that her mother was a French royal. Lady de Winter fully intends to let her pick up her royal duties and teach her how to be the princess that she is.

During the school year, nevertheless, it will be harder to keep her away from those who would do her harm since she has already been sorted into Gryffindor. That is why I'm requesting she be resorted on top of staying in the Head Girl and Boy dorms. I know it might seem overly cautious, but I assure you it's for the best.

Respectfully,

Lucius A. Malfoy

Albus sighed as he put the letter back down. There was no mistaking what the letter said now. Lucius was obviously very worried for Hermione's well being. He knew deep within himself that Lucius was right. If Harry and the Weasleys found out that Hermione was staying with the Malfoys, they would do everything possible to convince the Ministry to take her away from them. No, that would not do at all.

Albus reached into his desk and drew out some parchment to write his reply. He would fulfill Lucius' wishes as well as doing his best to keep her safe throughout the year. He quickly finished the short letter and summoned one of the school owls to deliver it. As he watched the owl take off from the ledge and soar through the sky, he reminded himself that it really was for the best.

*~*~*

Percy had just apparated outside of the Burrow and was about to knock. He had spent the day doing something very un-Percy like.

Instead of going to work and doing his job as efficiently as possible, he spent his time going through piles and piles of papers on the French royal line. By the time he had come to the current royal family, it was well after noon.

He started digging into the files on Cordelia de Altair. Apparently, her daughter, one Regina Rosier, was lost before Harry Potter defeated Voldemort. She was last seen in the Ministry offices right before her mother was taken to St. Mungo's to be admitted. No one had heard hide or hair of her since.

The cogs in Percy's mind started to turn as he pieced the puzzle together. There had been no record of Regina after she disappeared at the age of six months old. Percy knew that there had been a fuss over Hermione Granger a few days ago, and he had thought it to be an odd thing.

Hermione had always been something of an enigma to the staff of the Ministry. There was no document of her as a magical child until the age of six when she had accidentally levitated her cousin at the annual family picnic. Most magical children were documented as such from the moment of their birth. The Department of Births and Deaths had run around for months trying to figure out how they lost the girl, but they were unable to discover anything and finally deemed it a lost cause.

Percy believed all this was too much of a coincidence. He had been, after all, Head Boy at Hogwarts. Regina's disappearance, Hermione's lost birth, the fuss over her location a few days back, and Lucius' sudden interest in Cordelia the day before led Percy to come to a startling conclusion: Hermione Granger and Regina Rosier were one and the same.

That's why he was now standing outside the house of his parents about to tell them that he believed the girl they thought of like a daughter was not only the sole beneficiary of the Rosier Estate, but also the heir to the throne in France. It was a hard pill to swallow when he thought of the girl he'd known for nearly six years and whose ambition matched his own.

He raised his hand and softly knocked on the wooden door. After a moment, the door flew open on its hinges to reveal an extremely frazzled looking Mrs. Weasley.

"Percy! How delightful! Come in!"

Percy entered the small kitchen as his mother closed the door behind him. Molly made her way back to the stove where she was in the middle of making supper and trying to keep the peace at the same time.

Apparently, Percy was not the only one who had come home today. Fred and George were currently participating in a shouting match with Ginny who was accusing them of transfiguring her cat, a birthday present from a few months before, into a flobberworm that she now held in her hand. Percy simply shook his head at the display thinking that some things never change.

Molly had heard quite enough. "Fred! George! Change Ginny's cat back and please refrain from causing any more trouble until you get back to your shop." Molly diverted her attention to Percy who was sitting quietly at the dining table. "So, Percy, what brings you here? Miss your mother's cooking?"

"Mum, you know you're cooking is wonderful, but that's not what caused me to come here today. I was hoping to talk to the whole family tonight at supper. It's important." Percy's expression held no trace of humor, and Molly was put immediately on edge.

"What's wrong? Something's not the matter, is it?" Her voice was tinged with worry and fear.

"No, mum. It's just something I discovered that I think everyone deserved to hear. Nothing for you to worry about." Percy tried to sooth his mother with his words.

Molly quietly nodded as she put the finishing touches on the meal. Almost at once, Arthur popped into the kitchen and the rest of the Weasleys came into the room to eat. Percy was surprised to see Harry trailing after Ron to the table. Harry looked up and gave Percy a polite nod before taking his seat next to Ron.

After everyone settled in and piled up their plates, Percy decided to dive right in.

"Everybody, there's something important I need to tell you." He waited until he had everyone's attention before he said anything else. "It's about Hermione."

This simple sentence caused everyone to go on alert. Ron nearly jumped across the table at Percy in his frenzy and had to be held down by Harry.

"WHAT'S WRONG WITH HERMIONE?! IS SHE IN TROUBLE?! IS SHE IN DANGER?!"

"Ron, you're not helping anybody by being irrational. Just hold on and let Percy speak before you go jumping to conclusions." Harry said, always the voice of reason.

Percy told them everything he had found in his search. Arthur noticeably stiffened at the mention of Cordelia de Altair. He continued to discuss Regina's background and her disappearance before switching over to Hermione's lost birth and the fuss made over her earlier in the week. By the time he got to Lucius' office visit, the Weasleys were all on the edge of their seats. Percy trailed off with one final statement.

"I believe Hermione and Regina to be the same person thereby her inheriting money from the Rosiers and taking her place in the French royal court. She is, after all, their princess and the heir."

Each Weasley at the dinner table digested this information differently. Harry and Ron were probably the most stunned since she was, still, their best friend. Harry turned to Ron and took in his shocked and slightly dejected expression before speaking in a quiet and even voice. "I think it's time to pay Professor Dumbledore a visit."

*~*~*

Blaise silently watched Draco sleep from the other side of his bed. Draco had released the spell on her wrists before succumbing to his slumber. He looked so tranquil from where she was sitting, completely at peace with the world. A far cry from how he had been less than an hour before. A lone tear glided down her cheek before she impatiently pushed it away. There's no reason to cry about it now. You've always known, but you let yourself fall in love with him anyway. It's too late to change the past, and wishing for it accomplishes nothing.

She rose from her spot on the bed, instinctively knowing that he would sleep deeply for a few hours at least. She picked up her shirt and panties and quickly repaired the damage with a wave of her wand. She redressed, trying not to look too rumpled, before exiting the room into the quiet corridor.

Blaise took a calming breath before knocking on Hermione's door. She waited until she heard a soft "come in" before entering the other girl's room.

Hermione was sitting on her bed with her feet curled underneath her reading one of the books she had purchased in Diagon Alley. It had been nearly an hour since she had left Blaise with Draco in his room, and she didn't need to guess what they had been doing. She was not surprised, but something about seeing Blaise now made her feel that this time had been vastly different from when she first found them in bed together. She stored that thought away for later inspection as Blaise started walking towards the bed after closing the door.

Hermione smiled at her and patted the bed next to her. "Come and sit down."

"Thanks. I'm sorry for making you wait. Draco is a most impatient thing." Blaise returned the smile as she positioned herself on the bed next to Hermione. "There are quite a few things that I wanted to talk to you about. Most of them are about Draco."

Hermione sighed. "I had a feeling that's what this conversation was going to be about. Let me just say, I'm not going to try and take Draco away from you. He's really not my type and even though we've been making nice since the news of my newfound parents came about, six years of hostility just doesn't go away."

Blaise held up her hand to stop Hermione from saying anything else. "That's not what I was talking about. I was just going to tell you some general things about him and answer any questions since you're the one who's going to be living here."

"Oh." Hermione appeared dumbfounded before she found herself. "What kind of questions?"

"Whatever you want to ask, I'll try and answer, but first, I'd like to say my part." She glanced around the room as if looking for inspiration before beginning.

"Since the only side of Draco you've seen in your years at Hogwarts is the sadistic bastard that he's practically perfected, I'll give you some insight as to how he is when he's not trying to piss off the Golden Trio."

"He's actually a pretty quiet person. When he's in the Slytherin dorms, he's usually by himself pouring over homework or planning Quidditch strategies. He actually enjoys school, and he throws a fit when you beat him at anything." At this, Hermione let a small smile escape, but Blaise didn't notice and continued on.

"He's artistic: plays the piano and draws. He likes to work on potions and creates his own. He already has two patents: one for a potion that heals burns with less chance of scarring, and one for a potion that counters the effects of mixed-up hexes. I think your little stunt in fourth year on the train home was the inspiration for the second one. When Professor Snape decides to retire, I have no doubt that Draco will be Dumbledore's first choice in replacing him."

"He also loves anything to do with dragons. I think it has something to do with the fascination he has for his name. The dragon you saw on your tour of the grounds was actually a birthday present for Draco when he turned ten years old. Lucius had all the special permits taken care of and everything. That's another thing, Lucius might seem like a hard, cruel man, but he really does love his son."

"Draco might seem like a carbon copy of his father, but he's really not. Most of the time, he's a very caring and humorous person. I hope you give him the chance to show what he's really like, especially now."

"Wait. Now? What are you talking about? And why are you telling me all this?" Hermione was beyond confused at the end of Blaise's explanation. She had no idea what this all had to do with her.

Blaise gave her a thoughtful searching look before replying. "I'll just say this, Draco really, really likes you. If you give him a chance, I think you'd really like him too. And if I lose him to anybody, I'd rather lose him to you."

"But I told you already, I -"

Blaise quieted her with a look. "Just trust me." She turned her attention to her fingernails as she picked at the black polish. "So, do you have any questions?"

"Just one. Why do you call him Dev all the time?"

Blaise's eyes shot up and locked with her own before she could blink. Hermione was surprised at Blaise's sudden reaction, but was soon comforted when Blaise began to speak, albeit with some hesitation.

"I know why I first started calling him Dev, and so does he, but he doesn't know why I've continued to call him that." Blaise let her eyes shift downward before continuing. "When all the Slytherins were kids, we would dare each other to do things. You know, steal candy, sneak butterbeers, normal kid stuff. Draco was the only one out of all of us that would never back down from a dare. Hell, he actually encouraged us to come up with better dares. That's when people started referring to him as the 'daredevil' of the group. I shortened it to Dev."

A small nostalgic smile came across her face as she recalled the memories. "When we were nine, Terence Higgs came up with a dare that he hoped would knock Draco off his high horse. He wanted him to go up to the tower on Malfoy Manor and freefall with his broom. Pansy and I begged him not to do it, to back down just this once, but he would hear none of it. We watched with bated breath at the foot of the tower as he jumped off the ledge, broom in hand. Each second felt like an eternity as he continued to plummet towards the ground below. Then, at the last possible moment, he mounted his broom and flew back into the air. I can't convey my relief at that exact moment."

Blaise looked back up at Hermione who was listening with rapt interest before letting her gaze drop back to her lap. "Draco accomplished the dare, but Terence wouldn't be outdone. He made his way up to Malfoy Tower and tried to do the same thing. He waited, just as Draco had, to mount his broom at the last moment, but he didn't have the natural grace that Draco was born with. We held our breaths knowing he wouldn't get it in time. Even now, I can hear the way his bones snapped when he crashed into the ground. In all, he cracked two ribs and broke his left arm in four places. I guess he was lucky. To this day, the parents don't know about the dare and we never dared each other again. Terence hated Draco from that day on which turned into loathing when Draco replaced him as the Slytherin Seeker three years later."

"I guess Draco thinks I call him Dev still because it reminds him of Terence and that aggravates him, but it's not."

Blaise once again let her eyes connect with Hermione's before looking away. In that brief moment, Hermione saw a flicker of emotion not of a proud, stubborn girl, but of a woman that knew the loss of innocence and the pain of love.

"See, to love Draco, you can't just love the man, you have to love the devil inside."

*~*~*

Pansy Parkinson was a girl that was accustomed to getting what she wanted. When she didn't, it wasn't unusual to see the seventeen year old throw a temper tantrum that would rival one of a three year old. Her older brothers just sat back and watched marveling at her impudence. Her parents simply didn't know where she got it.

Pansy was the youngest of four children and the only girl. Her older brothers, Patrick, Paul, and Peter, were not doted upon half as much and had much more to show because of it. One played Quidditch for England, one was head of the Floo Network Authority and moving up in the Department of Magical Transport, the last brother was in his third year at the University of Magic in Britain training to be a mediwizard.

In all, the Parkinson clan had proved to be a productive bunch after their parents who co-owned Parkinson Products, a company that manufactured magical cosmetics and hair care. Pansy was the only exception in the family's record.

It was apparent after her first few years at Hogwarts that she was neither as clever nor as ambition as her brothers before her. Her mother, Patricia, had tried everything to interest her daughter in school, but Pansy would have none of it. All she wanted was new clothes, shoes, and make-up. Finally, they gave up.

The Parkinsons were friendly with the Malfoys, the Rosiers, and the Zabinis, but they couldn't hope to amass the kind of wealth that these three families had over the years. The plan was to marry her off to a boy from one of these three families. Draco Malfoy was the first and obvious choice, but there was a problem.

Pansy had transformed from a quiet, kind little girl with blonde ringlets to a selfish, whiny chit that hardly anybody could tolerate being around. The only thing that hadn't changed about her was her hair.

So, Patricia Parkinson was faced with perhaps the most difficult ordeal of her life: either transform Pansy into a girl that Draco Malfoy or another wealthy young man would be delighted to marry or face the grim reality of never getting rid of her. It was safe to say she had her work cut out for her.

*~*~*

Hermione couldn't bring herself to comment on Blaise's quietly muttered statement. Unfortunately, she didn't have the time to.

Before Blaise could elaborate, her wand started glowing blue signaling that she was wanted at home. "I'm sorry, Hermione, but I have to go. We'll talk about this some other time, okay? I'll see you again soon." Hermione opened her mouth to say goodbye, but the other girl apparated away before she had the chance.

Hermione's mind was reeling at all that Blaise had told her about Draco. Was it possible for him to really like her? Was it possible that she was starting to develop feelings for him?

"Whoa there, Granger. Let's not start jumping to conclusions. Best to think logically about all this."

First, she needed to talk to Draco himself to apologize for how cold she had been earlier. She was still shocked at what the three beings had told them, and she wasn't sure she could handle another surprise right now. Her nerves were close to collapsing from all the pressure she found herself under. It was just too much too soon. It had only been four days, four days, since she had initially learned about her adoption.

Hermione crossed the corridor and knocked on the door. When she received no answer, she entered silently. Draco was laying face down on his bed looking for the entire world like a sleeping angel. He was the picture of innocence. Silky strands of his silver hair caressed his brow above closed eyes where dark lashes swept across his perfect cheekbones creating shadows in the half-lighted room. His full, smooth lips were parted slightly to let his deep breaths in sleep pass through like whispers of love in the moonlight.

His beauty entranced her for he was truly a creature of perfection. He couldn't ever be considered something so trite as cute or even handsome. Draco Malfoy was the most beautiful man she would ever have the privilege of being in the same room with. Even his name sounded like a sweet-nothing as it passed through her lips.

She couldn't help herself as she let her fingertips trail across his brow brushing back the wisps of flaxen hair. She looked back down at his face and nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw his eyes open watching her.

A small smile curled on the corners of his lips at her reaction. The lethargy of sleep had yet to vacate his mind as he spoke gently. "Hi."

She took a seat next to him on the bed as she gazed into his gray eyes. "Hi. Sleep well?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact. No dreams." He shifted into a propped up position against his headboard as he took in her form. "Did you really come in here to make sure I rested well?"

"Well, no. I came in here to apologize. For earlier." She let her gaze fall away from him. "I'm sorry I was so distant from you. It's just, there's been so much happening to me that I don't think I'd be able to handle any more complications right now."

She looked back up when she felt his hand enclose her own. "I know. I'm sorry as well. I had no right to get so angry. Sometimes I lose my head and I forget what I'm doing. I'll try not to let it happen again."

Hermione smiled. "Okay. Let's just be friends for now."

Draco acquiesced with a nod of his head. They slipped into a comfortable silence as they gazed at one another. A sudden rapping at the door tore them from their reverie. Draco uttered an admission as Hermione turned to face the door.

Lucius entered looking somewhat worse for wear as he took in the sight of the two teenagers. "Oh good, you're in here. I was scared I'd have to search the whole manor for you. Hermione, you have to leave at once."

Hermione was stunned. "What? Leave? I don't want to leave here."

Lucius smiled sadly at her. "I know you don't, but I'm afraid we have no choice. My sources at the Ministry have informed me that Percy Weasley spent the day snooping about in your records as well as Cordelia's family. I'm sending you to stay with your great aunt for the remainder of summer vacation."

"I still don't understand. What's the big deal if the Weasleys find out?"

Lucius came and sat down by Hermione and his son who was at a loss for words. "Hermione, there's still a lot of paperwork to be filled out before you are legally under our guardianship. I've been trying to take care of it quietly. Your disappearance was a mystery and still is to this day. Imagine the attention you'd receive once word of your discovery gets out. I don't want you to deal with that until you're ready. It's too soon now."

Hermione understood that the Malfoys were just trying to protect her, but she still felt that it was unfair. She was starting to get used to being here.

Lucius patted a compassionate hand on her shoulder before he rose from the bed. "Your clothes are being packed now. We'll send your Hogwarts trunk with Draco when he leaves for school. Narcissa and I will be waiting for you in the entrance hall where we'll take you to the train station. From there, you'll take the train to meet your aunt. I'm sorry that we have to do this." And with that, he disappeared out the door.

Hermione turned back to Draco with her eyes beginning to brim with tears. She wiped them away, but couldn't keep the waver from her voice as she spoke. "I can't believe I have to leave so soon, and just when we made up too. I was really starting to like it here, but Lucius is right. I'm not ready to be scrutinized like that. I don't think I'll ever be ready for it." Her tears broke through as the strain from all the revelations in the day caused her to crumple into Draco's waiting arms.

"Shh. It's all right. Everything will be fine, you'll see." Draco continued to murmur words of comfort as he rocked her back and forth. After her cries ceased, she raised her head and gazed at him.

He gave her a small smirk before nudging her towards the door. "Don't want to keep them waiting." An unasked question shined in her eyes. He rose up and placed a soft, gentle kiss upon her lips before pulling back. "I'll see you in two weeks."

She shyly nodded her head before exiting into the corridor. She made her way down the stairs to the entrance hall where Narcissa and Lucius stood waiting by the door. Her suitcases had already been loaded into the carriage by the house-elfs.

She silently followed the elder Malfoys out to the carriage. Lucius was very distressed, but Narcissa looked like she would break down into tears at any moment. Hermione tried to comfort her on the way to the train station to no avail.

The three of them made their way into the train station by a barrier cloaked by the woods. They were the only ones present besides the conductor. Lucius handed him the luggage before turning back to his wife and Hermione.

The two women hugged and cried before pulling themselves back together. Hermione thanked them both for being so hospitable in their short time together, and she hoped that she would be back to see them soon.

After a final goodbye, she started for the train before stopping suddenly. She turned back around with her attention focused on Lucius. "How will I know my aunt?"

A smile escaped him before he could cover it up. "You'll know." He waved as she climbed on the train and left their sight.

Hermione found a seat in one of the compartments and propped her feet up on the seat opposite as she watched the countryside go by. It was well after dusk now and the scenery was cloaked in darkness illuminated only by the glow of the moon. For some reason it made her think of Draco while he was asleep.

She thought of all that had happened between them in such a short time. From the prefects' bathroom up until the moment earlier in his bedroom, much had changed in their relationship. Sometimes, she wished back to when times were simpler and they would simply hurl insults at each other.

Not only did she have Draco to think about, but also the destiny she supposedly had and also the talk with Blaise. Mulling over it all made her head hurt, and she let her mind go blank. She would ponder later when things were less confusing.

She was shaken from the stupor she had fallen in by the feel of the train halting. She rose from her seat and went to get off the train when she recognized her surroundings. She was standing at King's Cross Station in Platform Nine and Three Quarters where she boarded the train for Hogwarts every year.

A very familiar person was approaching her, but she didn't notice until she was addressed by the new presence.

"Hello, Hermione. I'm your aunt. I trust you had a pleasant trip?"

Hermione whipped her attention around to the person now standing in front of her and she stared flabbergasted.

"Professor McGonagall?!"

A/N: Alas, that is all for now. I nearly met my own record with this chapter just topping over 15 pages. That wasn't the most suspenseful cliffhanger of all time, but hopefully it'll make you want to return to find out how McGonagall ties into Hermione's newfound family. Draco's violent tendencies in this chapter were only proof that this story will contain angst and not fluffy goodness all the time. It wasn't aimed to scare off any of my readers, and I can assure you that it's there for a reason. I hope you enjoyed the explanation for Draco's nickname and I credit the idea of having Hermione resorted in Lucius' letter to PhoenixGuardian on Fic Alley. Hopefully, I'll get another chapter soon. Feel free to email with any questions or comments you might have, and as always PLEASE R/R!!!!!!!!!

Coming up in the next chapter: Hermione learns how McGonagall ties into the Rosier clan; Harry and Ron take a trip to see Professor Dumbledore; Lucius receives Dumbledore's letter and an unexpected visitor; Draco deals with Hermione's absence; and someone eavesdrops on Lucius and finds out about Hermione's true identity. Who is it and will they go public with their discovery?