A/N: So I know things seem like they're moving pretty slowly in the story right now but I promise once we reach a certain point it will start progressing much quicker. And it's getting closer! But not this chapter. :oP

I would also like to point out that since this story is called 'The Deadline' it will end on the day of their deadline, meaning the wedding (minus an epilogue). I'm not saying the wedding is or isn't going to happen, I'm just saying there's going to be one planned. Maybe that's the day shit hits the fan, maybe it hits the fan sooner, I don't know! ;o)

And as for length-wise … I really don't know. I thought 30 chapters but I still have a lot planned so I'm probably wrong.

Also, I got a message today saying my story CaBW has been nominated for best Dramione in the Beechwood Academy Fan Fiction Awards. My expectations are pretty low whenever I'm in competition with Bex-chan's 'Isolation', considering it has a good 8 or 9,000 more followers than CaBW, but what kind of writer would I be if I didn't demand you go vote for me? But only if you've read it! Let's be fair. ;o) Go to fanfictionawards. weebly. com to vote. Obviously, remove the spaces. And thanks to whoever nominated me!

So yeah … That's it. I feel like I wanted to mention something else but I don't remember. Happy Saturday! Or Sunday, depending on where you are.

Draco let out a hoarse moan, one hand clutching the edge of his desk while the other was tangled in Hermione's hair. He had to come in early that Monday to prepare for a meeting at nine. He had meant to do it the day before but, with Hermione in such distress, he had put it off to take care of her. So she was making it up to him by arriving early with a coffee, as well as a little something else.

"Oh, fuck, Hermione," Draco muttered, his head falling back as he grew that much closer to his release while Hermione sucked expertly on his cock. "Deeper, baby."

While Draco continued to clutch her hair, he let her make the pace, knowing she did not like it when he forced her to do it his way. But, in all of these months, she had learned exactly what it was he liked, and, as she took him deeper, she brought up a hand to caress his ball sack.

Draco moaned louder, biting his lip and looking down at her as he grew closer still. Hermione met his silver eyes with her own amber ones and winked before removing her mouth and licking him from base to tip, circling the latter with her tongue in an attempt to drive him mad. And bloody hell, it was working.

When Draco let out a frustrated groan, she laughed and took him deep again, moving her mouth faster while continuing to gaze up at him. Draco began to buck his hips, giving into his urges and controlling her head a little, but she did not push him off like she normally would, letting him fuck her mouth wildly as his breathing became erratic.

And then he was coming, his entire body convulsing as she sucked him through it, swallowing every last drop and continuing to lick him clean, even after his entire body had fallen limp in his chair.

Hermione put his cock back into his trousers and did them up. As soon as she was finished, Draco offered her his hand and she took it, letting him pull her up and into his lap.

"I must admit, that is an excellent way to start my workday," he said, picking up his wand and using a quick cleaning spell on her mouth before kissing her. "Important clients, doll. You understand."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "I'll let it slide since the only reason you're here is because you had to take care of my pathetic arse yesterday."

"Not pathetic," said Draco, lifting his hand and stroking her cheek. "And it was worth it to see that smile of yours."

Hermione blushed, unable to hide the smile he seemed so fond of as she continued to gaze into his eyes. "Draco, I -"

She did not know what she was about to say and it was probably for the best because, right then, there was a loud bang as someone pulled the door handle aggressively from the other side, causing the entire door to rattle.

"Bloody hell," said Draco, putting Hermione on her feet before standing up.

"Uncle Harry, what are you doing?" they heard Victoire screech from the other side.

Hermione went white. "Harry."

The air shifted as someone attempted to remove the weak Locking Charm Draco had placed on the door.

"Draco, I can't see him right now!" Hermione said in a panic. "Not yet."

Draco grunted as Harry attempted to open the door again. He failed.

"Then get under the bloody desk," he said. "I won't let him see you."

Hermione nodded. She ducked under the desk while Draco sat back in his chair, just able to pull off nonchalant before the door burst open and Harry stormed in with poor, pregnant Victoire waddling behind him.

"Mr. Malfoy, I'm so sorry! I just got here and -"

"It's all right, Mrs. Lupin. I told you not to stress yourself too much over the next couple of weeks," said Draco, motioning to her stomach. "Besides," he leaned back in his chair, "I believe Mr. Potter and I are long overdue for a talk."

"Oh." Victoire looked at her uncle skeptically. "All right."

"Make sure to shut the door on your way out."

She kept her eye on Harry as she walked out and very slowly shut the door.

The entire time, Harry had not taken his eyes off of Draco, which were narrowed into thin slits behind his glasses.

"So what can I do for you, Mr. Potter?" Draco said coolly.

Harry breathed in heavily through his nose and said, "You know why I'm here."

"I have an inkling."

"Where is she?"

Hermione tensed under the desk, but Draco just casually looked at his clock and said, "Looking at the time, my guess is that she is at work, or at least on her way."

"Not now!" Harry spat. "I went to her house three bloody times yesterday and again before I came here. She wasn't there. The refrigerator is empty, half of her closet is bare, the place looks bloody untouched! Where is she?"

"I suspect all of her missing closet items are at the manor, which is also where she was all of yesterday and this morning. Might even be there now if she's running a bit behind. I really don't know, I had to come in early."

"So you could meet some witch to screw around on her with?"

Hermione sighed quietly and shook her head.

Draco's brow furrowed as his cool demeanor finally heated up a few notches. "That's quite an accusation."

"Why else would you be here this bloody early?" Harry spat.

Draco lifted the proposal he had been working on. Labeled and put in a lovely green folder, all courtesy of the pretty witch who was hiding under his desk. "Working. As I often do in my office. I meant to do it yesterday but, you see, this girl I'm sort of involved with came to me in tears because some prick she thought was her friend said some very cruel things to her. Needless to say, she was a bit upset about it, so I spent my time with her instead."

"Admit it," said Harry through clenched teeth.

"Admit what?" asked Draco.

"Admit that she's not the only when you're with. Tell her that there are others because we both bloody know there are."

Draco put his folder back down and sighed. "There are no others, Potter. Only Hermione."

Harry cringed as he said her name.

Draco smirked. "Aw, what's wrong, Potter? Thought if we avoided addressing the person in question it'd be easier? So tell me, what is it that upsets you so? That she's seeing someone who isn't your precious Weasel or that she's seeing me?"

"I wouldn't care if Hermione moved on as long as it was someone who treated her right!" shouted Harry.

"And who says I'm -?"

"Admit it!"

Draco kept his silence.

"Admit she's not the only one and that you're playing her just like you play everyone else in your life!"

Draco's face went white, his entire body frozen as he listened to the malicious words coming from a wizard whose opinion he thought didn't matter to him. "I don't do that anymore," he said weakly.

"Stop lying and just admit it!"

Draco went from white to red. "No."

"Admit it!"

"There's no one else."

"Admit -"

"I said there's no one else!" shouted Draco, shooting up from his chair and slamming his fist into the desk. "Hermione is the only one I'm seeing, Potter! There isn't going to be anyone else! You can ask me as many fucking times as you want, that isn't going to change my answer!"

Still staring intensely at him, Harry said, "I saw you all over some witch at the Leaky Cauldron when we were celebrating Ron's promotion there. According to Hermione, you've been involved since June. That was long after."

Draco looked down towards his desk, knowing Hermione was underneath there, and sighed. "I was just trying to get a rise out of her. For going to that bloody thing and for staying longer than she said she was going to." He paused. "I'm not fucking perfect, all right, Potter? But I'm not cheating on her."

Harry was still standing very still, his fists clenched at his sides as he harshly spat out, "You don't deserve her."

Draco bit his cheek and sank back into his chair. Hermione grabbed his leg and began stroking it. He lowered one of his hands and she took it, entwining it with hers and touching her lips to each finger. "You're right," he said. "I don't deserve her. But I have her, and I'll be damned if I give her up before I need to. Hermione and I are together. Grow up and deal with it."

"You're only going to hurt her in the end."

"Says who?" asked Draco, his hand clenching around Hermione's. She knew he was getting angry but there was little she could do from her current location.

"Your track record," said Harry. "I've heard enough stories about your marriage to know that all you ever do is disappoint and hurt people."

"One person, Potter. I admit, I was a terrible husband but -"

"End it. Before you hurt her like you did your wife," spat Harry.

"I'm not going to hurt -"

"You are."

"Let me bloody speak!" snapped Draco, shooting up from his chair again and releasing Hermione's hand in the process. She tried to grab his leg again but he moved out of reach. "You're judging me off of a childish feud we had thirty years ago. If Hermione forgives me -"

"You're going to hurt her," Harry repeated.

"Stop fucking saying that!" Draco shouted. "If you're so bloody worried about her getting hurt then maybe you should take a look at the way you're fucking treating her!" He turned bright-red while pointing at Harry accusingly. "Hermione came to me bloody hysterical the other night because of something you did, not me! You want to know what's hurting her? Her best friend not supporting her, making her feel like she can't be happy because it's not by means you deem acceptable. I hate to break it to you, Potter, but she's happy with me, and if you don't suck it up and accept that then I won't hesitate to kick your fucking arse!"

Harry took several deep breaths, his cheeks flushed and his eyes still narrowed as he said, "You're not fooling anyone. You don't care about her. You will never change."

And with those final words, Draco lunged forward and swung his fist into Harry's jaw. "Fuck you, Potter!"

He grabbed Harry's collar but Harry pushed back, swinging his own arms at him and smacking him a few times in the head. "Stay away from her, you bloody ferret!"

"Draco! Harry! Stop!"

Hermione climbed out from under the desk and ran into the center of their scuffle. But they did not stop, still trying to get at each other by going around her.

"Victoire! Victoire, get in here!"

The door burst open and Victoire ran in, looking horrified as the two men went at each other. Hermione moved out of the way and waved her wand, sending each wizard sliding away from the other. Before they could start brawling again, Hermione grabbed Victoire's hand and placed her in the center of the two men.

"There is a very pregnant girl separating you now so I suggest you back off before you risk hurting her!" Hermione screamed.

Victoire stood firmly, keeping an eye on both Draco and Harry, making sure to move as they did so the other was never accessible.

"Hermione, where did you come from?" asked Harry, keeping his eyes planted on Draco's.

"I've been here the whole time," she answered. "And no, he didn't come in early to bloody cheat on me! He works sixty hours a week on a good week, and any free time he doesn't spend with me he uses to catch up on sleep. He wouldn't have time to cheat on me even if he wanted to!"

"Which I don't," Draco said firmly.

"I don't believe -"

"I don't care what you fucking believe, Potter!" shouted Draco. "That bloody truce we had? It's off! You will suffer for -"

"Draco, no!" Hermione snapped. "' You will suffer' ? Way to prove him right!"

Draco blushed.

"Take it back!" she ordered.

He said nothing.

"Say 'truce back on', Draco Malfoy!"

Draco looked into her eyes, noticing they were filled with tears. He softened and said, "Fine. Truce back on."

An alarm sounded. Victoire took out her mobile and turned it off. "Quarter till," she said, looking at Draco. "We should go and prepare the conference room."

Draco nodded, going to his desk and grabbing his folder while Victoire grabbed some charts that were propped against his wall. He hurried over and took them from her, letting her carry the folder. She used her wand to fix his hair, which had been messed up in the scuffle.

"Sorry to cut this short," he said, "but I have work to do. You can use my office to have it out." He looked at Hermione. "But don't leave him alone in here, doll. I wouldn't want him going through my things too." Draco sneered at Harry and walked over to Hermione, giving her a kiss on the cheek before heading for the door.

"Good luck," she called after him.

Victoire moved to follow him, but stopped beside Harry. "I was listening at the door," she admitted. "You're wrong here, Uncle Harry. He does care about her. And what you're doing is hurtful."

Without another word, she headed out the door and shut it behind her.

As soon as they were alone, Hermione crossed her arms and stared off to the side, purposely avoiding Harry's gaze. "Harry, what are you doing here?" she asked.

"You wouldn't answer my calls, and then you never came home," he said.

"Then come to my office. Why here , Harry? Do you really trust my judgment so little?" Hermione finally looked at him, unable to hold back her tears as they locked eyes.

Harry sighed. "It's not you I don't trust. I've just heard so many horrible things about -"

"Gossip," she insisted. "That's it. After the war, the Malfoys were given a bad reputation, which was well deserved. But they're not those people anymore, and Draco is not the same person he once was. I don't understand why you won't just give him a chance?"

"I was going to," he said.

"And why does that have to change now?" she asked. "I like him, Harry. I really, really like him."

Harry cringed.

"Stop doing that!" she snapped. "If this is about Ron you need to understand that it's over between us. I have already decided that I am pushing for this divorce."

"I know that," said Harry. "It's just …" He took a deep breath. "Many years ago, my two best friends in the entire world fell in love. They got married, had two children, but something changed and now they can barely be in a room together without fighting. Dating Malfoy … that's only going to make that worse and I already feel like I have to pick sides. I do trust your judgment, Hermione, I swear I do! But I just … I guess maybe I was hoping I could expose him as an arse, because it would be easier."

Hermione cast her eyes sadly towards the floor.

"But he didn't break. You heard him. The more sincere he sounded the angrier I became." Harry took off his glasses and rubbed at his eyes. "Merlin, Hermione, I don't know how I'm supposed to act to a confession like this. It's Malfoy. You can have your pick of men. Why him?" He put his glasses back in place.

"It was a fluke," said Hermione, fidgeting with her foot. "In the beginning, I thought I could avoid getting attached because of our circumstances. We decided in the very beginning that this won't continue past the wedding. But …" She gulped. "Harry, when that day comes I'm going to be a mess. Somehow, I've gotten in too deep and, even when I tell myself to just walk away and never look back I can't do it. I can't do it because I care about him so much and the thought of not being with him kills me inside. Harry, I … I think I'm in love with him."

Harry stared at her, his eyes unblinking through his glasses as his mouth fell open.

"And I'm positive he feels the same way about me." Hermione took a deep breath. "But when that day comes and I have to leave him, I'm going to need you, Harry. I'm going to need my best friend to help me get through this because I already know my heart is going to be broken."

Harry sighed heavily. "You know I will be."

Hermione finally looked up at him, only now noticing the bruise forming on his jaw. "Harry, your face."

Harry touched it, flinching as he felt the wound for the first time.

"Come here." Hermione grabbed his arm and dragged him over to Draco's chair, sitting him down before going into the bottom drawer of the desk. She came out with a First Aid kit she had made for Draco, opened it and took out a potion. "Take this," she ordered.

Once Harry obeyed, she used her wand to try and heal the bruise. When she had done all she could, she used a Concealing Charm to cover it.

"Merlin, this chair is so bloody comfortable," said Harry, leaning his elbows on the desk as soon as she was finished and holding his head in his hands. "Hermione, I'm sorry for acting that way the other night."

"And …?"

"And today," he added. "He only signed the card I found 'DM' so part of me sort of hoped I was wrong. But when you confessed I just … I was shocked, all right? I mean, it's Malfoy. It wasn't just me who hated him, it was all of us."

"Yeah, I know," she said. "But we didn't fight in the war to become the ones who are prejudiced. Draco's trying. He's not perfect but he's work hard to clear his name. It's just a shame that the media still feels the need to try and bring the Malfoys down."

"You're right," said Harry. "And if it's important to you then I want to get to know him."

"Really?" she said, her eyes brightening.

"Yeah. I promised you I would. A drink. Next week sometime."

Hermione grabbed Draco's appointment book off of his desk. When she saw the following Tuesday was free, she wrote 'Drink with Harry' down.

"You're coming too, right?" Harry asked, looking at the book in a panic.

"Of course I am. And I can drag Theo along to ease the tension a bit. After all, Draco did just punch you in the face." She smirked.

Harry touched his face again and flinched when he realized it still hurt. "Theo knows about you two?"

"He does. It's a long story, but it happened to also end with Draco punching him in the face. Come to think of it, he does seem to do that a lot …" She stared off pensively.

"He really is quite loveable," Harry mocked.

Hermione looked at him and frowned. "Harry, are you really all right with this? I don't want to push you into anything -"

"No! You're not, and I am," he said quickly. "I'm sorry, I … I guess I'm just going to need time to adjust." And then he sighed. "It really is quite the predicament, your two married best friends wanting different things and expecting your help. I can't talk to Ron for you, Hermione, because he wants me to talk to you about getting back together. I won't choose sides, I'm not doing either."

"That's fair," she said. "I know this isn't easy for you."

"Divorce isn't easy for anyone," said Harry. He looked at the clock on Draco's desk. "It's almost eight. We should go."

Hermione nodded, putting the First Aid kit away and grabbing her own coffee off of Draco's desk. When she noticed he had left his behind, she frowned. Then she cast a spell to keep it warm until he got back.

Hermione and Harry Flooed to the Ministry, not saying much as they walked to the lift and headed to their separate offices.

"Hermione, there you are."

Hermione stopped just outside of her office and looked to see Kingsley walking towards her. He had just come out of Cormac's office, who happened to be walking just behind him.

"I would like to discuss the Charity Auction and Ball with you."

"Of course," she said, leading them into her office. "Is there a problem with Kendall Sheehy? Do we need to find an emergency replacement speaker?"

"No, no, everything is arranged and Mr. Sheehy will be meeting us all in my office before the auction begins. I would actually like to speak to you about Mr. McLaggen here."

Cormac grunted.

"As you might recall, his behavior during previous Ministry functions has been less han satisfactory, and that's if I'm being generous."

"I haven't been that bad," said Cormac.

"Didn't you bring an escort five years back who turned out to be very well acquainted with the French Minister? Much to his wife's dismay - Oh, excuse me! I mean ex-wife after that night." Hermione smirked.

" That was not my fault!" Cormac retorted. "I didn't know she was a bloody escort. She offered me her services for free."

With a chuckle, Hermione said, "You're a pig."

"Needless to say," continued Kingsley, "Cormac needs a bit of watching at these things."

Hermione looked at him and blinked. Then her eyes widened. "You want me to babysit ?"

"I want you to attend this function with your colleague and just … keep an eye on things."

"Babysit," she repeated with disdain.

"Excellent, we can play out a fantasy of mine!" Cormac said delightedly. "Me, just a young, naïve boy, you, the older, more experienced woman …"

Hermione made a face of disgust and looked at the Minister pleadingly.

"There will be none of that, Cormac," Kingsley said sternly. "This is strictly business. You will stay in line this year."

"Of course I will," Cormac said with a mischievous smile.

Hermione glared at him.

"Please excuse us, Cormac, I would like to speak to Hermione alone."

Still smiling, Cormac walked smugly out of her office.

"Hermione, I know this is hardly ideal," Kingsley said as soon as they were alone.

Hermione huffed. "You think? You know Cormac has been trying to get a date out of me from the moment Ron and I separated."

"Yes, but, regardless, over the years the two of you have created a powerful camaraderie. Whether you like it or not, you and Cormac work well together and I know you want him to succeed. He has expressed an interest in advancing in the Ministry and the Elders think his … sketchy reputation makes him unqualified. Arriving with you will look good for him."

Hermione blinked. "They really said that?" she asked.

"They did."

She frowned. "I really wish his personal life was more in tune with his work one," she said with a small sigh. "All right, I relent. I'll go with him. But if he makes one false move -"

"Then I'll hex him myself," said Kingsley with a smile.

Hermione smiled back. "Good."

"I will see you later."

Kingsley left and Hermione immediately took out her mobile, messaging Draco and telling him to call her the moment he was finished with his meeting.

It was already lunchtime when she finally got the call.

"Draco."

"Afternoon, doll. You know, I couldn't help but notice that I have new plans listed in my appointment book for next Tuesday evening. Considering the lovely Mr. Potter and I got into a brawl just a few short hours ago, don't you think you should have asked me first?"

"No, you were both being childish and you're going," Hermione ordered. "I have already contacted Theo and he has agreed to accompany us to ease the tension. But that's not why I wanted you to call me."

"More good news?"

"I do not appreciate your tone," she said. "But, actually, you're not going to like this. The Minister has asked me to attend the charity event on Thursday with Cormac."

" What ?" She could literally hear him turning red. "Tell him fucking no -"

"I already said yes," she interrupted. "While Cormac and I don't always see eye to eye, he has been a faithful business partner to me for the past fifteen years and, right now, he needs my support. He has a Draco Malfoy reputation when it comes to these things. It's not a date, it's a business arrangement."

"Yeah, try telling him that," he said with a grunt. "Since you're bringing a date maybe I should bring one too."

"Stop being childish," she spat. "It's not like you could take me, anyway. Besides, I thought you didn't even want to come."

"Well, I'm definitely coming now."

Knock. Knock. Knock .

"Come in!" Hermione called mindlessly. "I really wish you wouldn't act this way."

The door opened.

"How am I supposed to act when the wizard who has been trying to bed you for months finally succeeds in getting you on his arm?"

Hermione looked up to see a younger and slightly softer version of the wizard she was arguing with standing in her doorway. "Scorpius."

"What?"

"Sorry," she said to Draco. "Someone has just come into my office. I'll have to call you back."

"Scorpius is there? Why?"

"We'll discuss it later," she said. "Good day." Hermione hung up the phone. "Sorry about that. How can I help you? Is everything all right with Rose?"

"Yes, fine," he said a bit quietly. "I just wanted to talk to you about the other night and apologize for my overreaction."

"You didn't overreact. It was not my business, I shouldn't have meddled."

"No. I like that you meddle. From what I understand, it's what moms are supposed to do," he said, his voice a little sad-sounding. "I know Rose appreciates it, even when she says she doesn't. You're one of those 'born to be a mother' types. I've watched you and you kinda do it to everyone."

Hermione blushed. "Do I?"

"Yes, but it's not bad. Like I said, I like it. But I was rude to you when you were looking out for me, and you're the only one who's consistently nice to me, so I'm sorry."

"There's really no need to apologize," said Hermione. Then she noticed he was carrying a paper bag that seemed to be greasing through. She caught a whiff of the familiar scent emitting from it. "What's that?"

Scorpius looked down at the bag, only then seeming to remember that he had it. "Oh!" He held it up. "Tacos. For you."

"As part of your apology?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Yes," he answered, walking forward and handing her the bag. "And Rose says you never eat since you're always working so hard. I mean it is lunchtime and here you are." He smirked, that familiar, Malfoy trademark.

"To be fair, I always have extra work the week of the Charity Auction and Ball. Somehow, all of the preparation was put on Cormac and me after we volunteered to help out ten years ago during some flu epidemic going around the Ministry. It shouldn't be our responsibility but what can you do?" She looked into the bag and saw there were at least ten tacos there.

"Well … sorry again," said Scorpius, heading for the door.

"Wait," called Hermione. He turned. "You're not going to eat with me?"

Scorpius blinked. "I thought you were busy?"

"Yes, but when am I not?" she said. "Sit down. I actually have wanted to talk to you." She dug through her drawers and pulled out two paper plates and napkins, taking out the tacos and dividing them evenly. "We haven't spent any time getting to know each other, just the two of us."

Scorpius reluctantly walked over to a chair and sat in it, scooting a little closer so he could reach his plate.

"So dragons are your passion," she said. "Is that why you took the job at Gringotts? Since they use dragons to guard some of the vaults?"

"Yeah, but Bill said our interaction with them is very minimal. They bring in dragonologists for that." He frowned.

"Well, maybe when you're ready you can tell Rose and reapply," Hermione said encouragingly.

"I was the youngest wizard or witch to have ever been accepted," he said, staring mindlessly at the tacos on his plate. "They didn't even accept Charlie Weasley until he was nearly twenty."

Now Hermione frowned. "I'm sorry," she said. "I wish I knew more about your relationship with my daughter so I could understand your decision better, but she has shared very little about your time together before the Christmas holiday."

"I did -"

" Bad , yes, I know," she finished.

Scorpius nodded solemnly. "I'm sure you assume the worst and you're probably right, but the fact is that Rose and I have only been officially together since late January. We were only dating before. Not exclusively."

Scorpius cast his sad eyes towards the floor and Hermione's frown deepened. "You know, you don't have to tell me this," she said.

"No, I want to," insisted Scorpius. "I don't know why but I just … I want you to get it."

Hermione smiled softly. "All right." She lifted a taco and took a bite. "Go on then."

Scorpius nodded and gulped. "As you know, the summer before my seventh year, my parents got divorced. I don't know why but, for some reason, I was really upset about it. It's not like I think my parents were good together, they were bloody awful, but …" He paused and thought. "Every now and then there were these rare, happy moments between them where it really felt like we were a family, and I lived for those moments. Because they felt normal, like I had one of those family's I had always read about. And then I went back to school and none of my friends got it. I tried to talk to my friend Deacon but his parents have been divorced forever and he didn't see the problem. So I held it in, until one day I couldn't anymore. I flipped out in Rose's and my dorm, thinking I was alone. We didn't get along very well so she spent most of her nights studying in the library but, for some reason, she didn't go that day. If the situation had been reversed I would have ignored her, but she's not like that. She calmed me, she held me and she comforted me. Something started between us that night, and I paid her back for that act of kindness by treating her like all the other girls I dated. Because I was a prick who didn't know any better until I didn't have her holding me anymore. I was stupid and I don't want to be stupid again."

"You're right, you were stupid," said Hermione, putting down her taco. "Rose definitely didn't deserve to be treated like that." She paused. "But you're young and bound to make mistakes. She forgave you and you seem to love her pretty wholeheartedly now."

"You're doing it again. Being nice," he said, his hands tensing on the arms of the chair. "I told you so you wouldn't find out later and hate me. It'd be easier if you just hate me now like everyone else."

Hermione pursed her brow and said, "No one hates you. I admit, some members of our family are having a harder time adjusting than others, but you have to understand that the Weasleys and the Malfoys have a lot of history. It goes back generations, further than Arthur and Lucius even."

Scorpius nodded, still staring sadly down at the floor.

Hermione sighed. "Have you told your father all of this?"

"No," he said, shaking his head. "Even if I did, he wouldn't get it. He's never been in love with anyone so he doesn't understand that whole sacrificing your own happiness thing."

Hermione tried not to blush as the confession she made to Harry earlier reentered her mind. She had said she loved Draco, and she really hoped he felt the same.

"What about your mother? I admit, I know very little of her but, from what I've seen, it definitely feels like she understands love and sacrifice."

"Yeah, she does," said Scorpius, "but she's not like you. She doesn't discuss feelings . Ever." He paused and laughed a little. Then he stopped, suddenly looking very serious. "Did you know she wasn't even supposed to marry my dad?"

Hermione's mouth fell open. "No, I didn't."

"I probably shouldn't tell you this, but my parents actually had an arranged marriage."

" Really ?" said Hermione, playing dumb.

"Yeah, but he was actually supposed to marry my aunt Daphne. But she wasn't really into it and my mom had had a crush on him for years. She thought she was in love so she begged her parents to let her marry him instead."

"How do you know all of this?" she asked curiously.

"My grandfather told me," he answered. "Not my dad's dad, my mom's dad. The prick who thought it was funny my aunt Daphne ended up happy and my mom ended up miserable."

"When really she was just a young, naïve girl who thought she was following her heart," Hermione said sadly.

"Yeah, and now she's divorced and bitter. Neither of my parents could ever understand why I'm picking Rose over this job. Because they don't know what it's like to love someone unconditionally. They never got the chance."

Hermione sighed. "Yeah … Maybe."

"And my greatest fear is that I'll end up like them. Sad. Miserable. Angry." Scorpius finally looked up and met Hermione's gaze, his piercing silver eyes turned to liquid by droplets that were in danger of escaping. "And alone. More than anything, I'm terrified of ending up alone."