What Do You Think You're Doing?

That Which Is Expected

"Ms. Granger, Mister Malfoy. I'm was expecting you much sooner." The tired Headmistress said without looking up from her parchment as the door shut with a gentle bang.

"Glad to know you have such faith in us." The Slytherin replied quickly.

Hermione glanced at him, curious about the shielded nervous edge to his voice. Shaking her head and turning to the witch, she dove in.

"Professor, with all due respect-" She began.

"Ms. Granger you are a very, very smart girl. You and I both know how this will end. If you'd like, you can save your breath for the issue at hand. Don't look so downcast, Ms. Granger. Surely you and Mr. Malfoy will find peace in the end. As your year's top students I'm certain you'll find something to discuss as you choose your wedding date. Whether you choose to believe or not, Ms. Granger, fate is a funny thing. Please, stop trying to interrupt." The Headmistress added before continuing. "Just because you don't understand, Hermione, doesn't mean it doesn't make sense.Now I suggest you and Mr. Malfoy should head back to your tower."

Malfoy, looking bored, nodded and turned to leave. But Hermione had other plans.

"You and I both know that there is one other way. Please, give me a Grant." 

The Headmistress's quill stopped in its tracks, creating a small blob of ink. With widdened eyes, the old witch looked up in astonishment.

"You know what, Granger? I really shouldn't be surprised. Only makes sense you would know about one of the most classified forms of magic the Wizarding World has ever known." The witch's voice was a drone, almost as if she was babbling to herself.

"Please, Professor. If you don't, I have only one other choice. To leave. Forever." The Gryffindor Brainiac mumbled the last word to herself. She wasn't sure if she was just saying it to convince the professor or if she really meant what she said. She chose not to dwell on it.

"If both you and Mr. Malfoy try your absolute best to make it work," she paused. "Then yes, I will give you a Grant. If you don't honestly try, it won't work. But of course you know that. You also know the requirements, don't you? Ah, well. When you've filled Mr. Malfoy in we can-" The Headmistress was cut off.

"He already knows everything." Hermione blurted out. She spun around, urging Malfoy to play along with her eyes as best she could. Turning back around, she awaited a response.

And with a suspicious look, the Professor took out her wand. She rose from her seat and cast the spell in a quiet whisper. On Hermione's wrist appeared a thin, silver chain. A single charm was attached. Hermione quickly pulled down her sleeve. Giving the Headmistress an earnest thank you, she rushed from the chamber. Her fiance followed, looking utterly confused. He wanted some answers, and he always got what he wanted.

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"What the hell was that, Granger?"

"I don't know what you're talking about, Malfoy." Hermione replied calmly. She was unpacking her things and settling into their new "home". Their was a small Muggle kitchen, living room, bedroom, (with one bed might I add!) and shared bathroom.

"You bloody well know what I'm talking about! I want to know what the hell is a Grant, why a magical charm bracelet appeared on your wrist, and how any of this solved our problem!" He spit out his questions, not bothering to pause for actual answers.

"I think I'll choose to ignore your terrible attitude and lack of manners since I know wittle Draco has had a big day," Hermione paused to snicker as she continued. "Basically with our Grant, which has come to me in the form of a bracelet, we don't have to spend the rest of our lives together. I know, terrible isn't it? Guess your fantasies of us waking up next to each other on Christmas Day to the noise of our numerous children is crushed. Oh well, not everyone can win."

"That would be amazing, Granger, if only it were possible. The Coupling Court has no loopholes. Weren't you listening? And don't you dare delude yourself that I'd ever be able to have a single moment of peace with you. As for children? I'm not too enthusiastic about creating a bunch of frizzy-headed bookworms and ruining my bloodline with someone like you!" With a heavy and hurt heart the Slytherin Prince slumped out of the chamber, knowing how he had hurt the girl and, for the oddest reason, wishing he could take it back.

<><><><><><><>

"Don't tell me, you let Granger kick you out?"

The drawling voice of his second-in-command lifted the Slytherin Prince out of his thoughts, a bit too deep for his liking. Although he couldn't seem him, he'd recognize that cocky tone anywhere.

"Please." Draco scoffed in mock horror at the thought of being ordered around by a Gryffindor. 

Blaise laughed at that, revealing his entire person. Still wearing his school robes Blaise Zabini strolled into the Slytherin Common Room like it was his home and, up until now, it had been just that. At this late hour it was only the two of them. For a moment he let himself wonder how different it would be living with someone other than Blaise, but that thought was quickly shut out as it had to do with her.

"Can't say I didn't expect you'd be here. Then again, knowing everything about everyone is how I tend to operate." Blaise told his best mate without humor.

"Well for someone who knows everything about me, you should've realized how long I can stand to be with her." Draco responded dryly. "But what I'd like to know is, why are you here?"

His half smirk completely gone, Blaise looked suddenly as uncomfortable as the Third Year that cursed his best mate into seeing a naked Hagrid everytime he closed his eyes. Shoulders tensing, Blaised shifted his weight to his other foot nervously but kept his ground. He was a Slytherin after all and if he'd learned one thing from all the years spent with the Prince, it was deception.

"How long did you think you could keep it from me? Pans, Blaise. Pans!" Draco began then caught himself, remebering his cool.

"Drake, you can't really be mad. I had nothing to do with it! Plus it'll be tough for me as well. I'll have to marry the woman after all!" Blaise told him.

"I know, I know. It's just...why did I have to get Granger? I'd be fine with Pans- no! Happy! Giddy with excitement. I'd rather date the Weaselette." Slumping into his old arm chair, Draco complained to his best mate.

"Oooh, that is low mate. Don't fall to that level! Imagine it, coming home every holiday to chat it up with the Wealsey King and his sweater-crazy mum...That's the life!" Blaise laughed at himself, taking a seat on the couch next to him.

Draco shuddered at this image and Blaise, even as he chuckled to himself, felt the need to shudder with him. No one deserved that fate! Especially him.

"Now why don't you run back to your Gryffindor before the Headmistress catches you?" Blaise teased as he got up to leave.

"Actually I'd prefer to sleep here, on the floor and wake up in the arms of a crazed centaur than to wake  up next to her!" Draco snarled, his sour mood back and full blown.

"Suit yourself, mate."

And without he left Draco to his thoughts, hatred, and then suddenly his plan.