A/N: And I'm back! Sorry for the delay. I have a busy week next week but I'm going to try my very hardest to get a weekly update in. I'd like to finish this story by the end of the summer but I'm probably being unrealistic. :o(

It was not long before Theo and Hermione were back at his house and she was Flooing to her own. She had just taken out her phone and was about to message Draco that she was home when a quiet voice said, "Mom."

Hermione looked up to find Rose sitting on the sofa.

"Rosie, why aren't you -" She was going to say 'at dinner with the Malfoys' but, as far as Rose knew, she hadn't heard about that. "- wedding planning?"

"I needed a break," said Rose. "I was actually supposed to have dinner with Scorpius' family but I got out of it by saying I needed to come talk to you about some stuff." She paused and looked closely at her mother. "Why are you home so late? I thought you were done at the dress shop hours ago."

"I stayed behind to spend a little time with your brother and cousin," she answered without missing a beat. "If you needed me you should've called."

"I know," said Rose.

It was only then that Hermione noticed how sad her daughter looked. She went over and sat down next to her.

"How are Hugo and Lily?"

"Hugo's great, new girlfriend and all," answered Hermione.

Rose smirked. "Oh. Right. Her . They've actually been dating since September. I think he really likes her."

"Seems like it," said Hermione. "And Lily's a little upset. It seems your fiancé spilled the beans to someone about a little crush."

Rose's cheeks flushed. "Parker ratted him out?"

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "You knew?"

"I tried to stop him," Rose said defensively. "I thought about telling Lily but I kinda just hoped Parker would keep his mouth shut."

Hermione smiled. "I guess we'll see what happens." She reached over and began stroking her fingers through Rose's hair. "So are you going to tell me what's wrong?"

Rose crinkled her nose. "Scorpius is keeping something from me. I can tell," she said. "And it just … it kinda made me think about …" She stopped and bit her lip.

"What is it?" asked Hermione.

Rose blushed and stared down at her hands, which were clasped on her lap. "I haven't told you very much about how Scorpius and I got together."

"You've told me nothing."

"Right. And it's because I … well, it's kind of embarrassing and I don't want you to think less of me."

"Rose, honey, the day I found out I was pregnant I promised to love you unconditionally and that will never change. No matter what you do I could never think less of you."

"You say that now …"

Hermione gave her a look.

Rose smiled softly. Then it faded and she sighed. "Look, Scorpius and I weren't … actually together the first time we were together . You know?" Her ears turned red like her father's as she kept her eyes cast downwards, glancing sideways at her mother.

"Yes, I'd gathered that," said Hermione.

"Really?" Rose bit her lip.

"I'm your mother. It's my job to know these things."

Rose nodded. "Well, I …" She sighed again. "I don't really know how to go about saying this but, I mean … what it comes down to is I just know he's keeping something from me, and then that got me thinking about last year during our Hogsmeade visit just before the holidays. The one you went to today, and so it's kinda the anniversary of when, well … when shit hit the fan." She stopped and blushed. "Sorry."

"You're eighteen, Rose, you are allowed to use colorful language," said Hermione. "Just keep it minimal," she added with a smile.

Rose nodded. "We were dating, and we were … together …"

"Yes, honey, you don't have to beat around the bush for my benefit. I know you and Scorpius are … intimate ."

Rose chuckled.

"Just spare me the details."

She nodded. "So when we first got together Scorpius wasn't too keen on the whole monogamy thing," Rose continued, "and I told him I was fine with that, even though I wasn't. It was stupid but I liked him - Merlin knows why - and I thought if I protested he'd end it.

"But then I realized I was the only one he ever showed his vulnerable side to and I thought that meant he liked me too. I mean, I guess he did. We wouldn't be engaged now if he didn't, but Hogsmeade … it was supposed to be our first real date." She paused, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "He had finally told his friends about me, which was a big deal. He never told his friends about any girl, he just kinda jumped out of broom closets with different ones from time to time." She crinkled her nose. "Come to think of it, when I say it out loud he was kind of a pig. But he's changed!" she reassured her mother.

Hermione smiled. "You don't have to defend him, I understand people often do … things they regret in their youth."

Rose nodded.

"So your first date …"

"Yeah." Rose leaned back on the sofa. "He, umm …" She gulped. "He had to cancel. Because of Edie." She glanced sideways at her mother.

Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh?"

"She was having some issues with her mom and wanted to get away, and I understood that. I understood that they had been friends their whole lives and were always there for each other, and even though they had dated for three weeks the year previous it didn't actually mean anything. It was just something they were trying out that didn't end up working." The bitterness in her voice grew with each word. She sneered into the empty space in front of her for a moment, before eventually softening, her eyes growing wet as she hiccupped. "I was too understanding," she finally said, unable to look at her mother.

"Oh," said Hermione, suddenly hit with a horrible realization. "Something happened between them."

Rose gave one solemn nod. "They ended up meeting at the Hog's Head because it was more private. And then they ended up upstairs for a while." She closed her eyes, letting the tears fall. "He told me he was only going to see her for an hour and he'd meet me after. And, like an idiot, I waited. When he didn't show I went looking for him. Got there just in time to see them walk downstairs."

Hermione was not sure what to say in that moment. She assumed when Scorpius told her he 'did bad' that it was something like this and, while it may not technically have been cheating, it certainly felt like it when viewed through her daughter's eyes.

"I hate that she's making my dress."

Hermione completely understood that. "We can always find another -"

"No," said Rose. "I've searched and I can't find the dress I wanted anywhere. I promised Narcissa and I plan to stay true to my word."

Hermione nodded. They were both silent for a moment.

"I do know it's not her fault," said Rose. "She didn't even know about us until Scorpius went running after me, but I can't …" She huffed. "Edie was the last person he was with before he swore he was one-hundred percent committed to me. I ended it that day, whatever it was we were doing, and I successfully avoided him until after the break. That's when he told me he hadn't been with anyone else, he wasn't going to be with anyone else and he would wait for me no matter how long it took. Turns out my resolve to stay away from him lasted less than a month. I could literally hear my inner feminist judging me."

"I'm glad you told me this," said Hermione. "But considering it's a year later it doesn't really seem like you're looking for advice."

"I'm not," said Rose. "I made the choice to be with him. But she's still around. James says he thinks she's the one." She rolled her eyes.

Hermione raised her eyebrows.

Rose glanced at her. "I know, I know! She wasn't the one at fault, but every time I see her I think of our first meeting, and they're still so bloody close, and …" She closed her eyes again and gulped. "… and Scorpius is keeping something from me, one year after this all happened, and I can't help but think …" She stopped and threw her hands over her face. "He would never cheat on me, would he?" she asked, bursting into tears.

"Rose. Honey." Hermione reached out and grabbed her daughter's hands, pulling them down before cupping Rose's wet cheeks. "You cannot ask me this question. You are marrying this man in four weeks but you can't do that if you're having these feelings. You have to trust him. That's a big part of what marriage is. Now, tell me, do you think he's cheating on you? Honest answer."

Rose looked into her mother's eyes and thought. It was only a moment before she said, "No. Scorpius loves me. He wouldn't do that."

"All right then." Hermione pulled her daughter's head into her shoulder and hugged her tightly, letting her cry it out.

It was not long before Rose was calming, her hands clinging to her mother's back as her breathing became steady. But then she began to ask the dreaded question Hermione was not sure she should answer.

"But then what is he keeping -"

Just then, there was a peck at Hermione's window. They both looked to see an owl hovering. She released Rose and went to let it in. It dropped an envelope into her hands then swooped around before making itself comfortable on the mantle.

"What's that?" asked Rose.

Hermione didn't even have to open the envelope. She already knew the answer. "Bentley Tasher," she said. "I promised him a while back that I would come to a game one day so he sends me tickets every time he has one coming up."

"When is it?"

Hermione opened the envelope and looked. "Tomorrow."

"Could we go?" asked Rose, looking desperate. "I need a break from wedding planning before I snap and kill someone. And since Scorpius is closest to the line of fire …"

"Ah!" Hermione held up her hands. "Enough said."

Rose smiled. "How many tickets are there?"

"Four," answered Hermione. "They're in the team's box."

"Can Scorpius come, too, then? And his dad?"

Hermione's stomach did a flip. "Why his dad?"

"Would you rather it was his mom?" asked Rose with a laugh.

"Definitely not," said Hermione. She smiled. "Sure. I'll just let Bentley know."

Hermione went into the kitchen and wrote out a quick note while Rose danced around.

"He'll be so happy," said Rose as Hermione sent the owl off, already seeming to have forgotten that she was upset over him just a few moments earlier.

It wasn't much longer before Rose decided she needed to get home. She gave her mom a kiss and a hug, and got ready to Disapparate. But then she stopped.

"I haven't told anyone else about any of this," she said. "Not even Lily. She knows I was mad at him and assumed it had something to do with his lack of commitment, but I never got into the why or who."

"If you're asking me to keep my silence -"

Rose smirked. " Please . I already know you're not going to tell anyone. But just … thanks. For not dismissing him or us so easily. He really has changed," she said, smiling softly. "I know I can always count on you to be on my side."

Rose leaned in and hugged her mother once more.

"I love you," she said, pulling away slowly. "I'll see you tomorrow for the game."

"Love you, too," said Hermione as her daughter Disapparted.

As soon as she was alone her phone dinged. She looked and saw it was Draco, telling her he was heading home and to come over. And, suddenly, she felt like the worst person in the world. Rose trusted her enough to confide in her, but she wasn't giving her daughter the same courtesy. If only she actually deserved her daughter's admiration.

Hermione and Draco walked into the box at the Quidditch game, Rose and Scorpius running ahead to take a look at the pitch.

"Wow. These are even better than our World Cup seats," said Scorpius. He looked back at Hermione. "How'd you get them again?"

"Bentley Tasher is a fan of mine," she said, trying to ignore the look she knew Draco was giving beside her.

But Scorpius saw it. He blushed and turned away quickly.

"There's no food up here like at the World Cup though," said Rose, looking around the box. They were the first ones there but more would surely arrive considering the size. "Should we go grab some sustenance before the game starts, Mom?"

"Sure," said Hermione, turning towards the door while Rose followed her.

"Anything in particular you guys want?" asked Rose.

"Nachos!" exclaimed Scorpius. "I love that fake cheese they have at these things."

Everyone else wrinkled their noses in disgust.

"How about you, Mr. Malfoy?" asked Rose, looking at Draco. "Nachos?" She smiled.

"Gods no," he answered. "Surprise me. But do get butterbeers all around." He reached into his inside coat pocket and showed them his flask. He then put it back in, this time coming out with a pouch of Galleons and trying to hand it to them.

Hermione pushed it away. "It's on me," she said. "After all, you are down a good two million of those."

Draco smirked. "Fair point."

Hermione smirked back and guided Rose out of the box.

"I still can't believe we're getting married somewhere that cost so much," said Rose as they descended the stairs. "I mean, it's beautiful. No snow yet but they assure us it always starts falling mid-December. But … two million Galleons ? And Mr. Malfoy just acts like it's pocket money."

"He's from a different world, sweetie," said Hermione. "His family money combined with the money he made on his own makes him a billionaire, so two million is pocket money to him."

Rose's eyes widened. " Billionaire . I guess that would be why he's considered the wizarding world's most eligible bachelor. Good looking, intelligent and a billionaire. That's the trifecta right there."

"Money's nice but it's not everything," said Hermione.

"Yeah, tell that to the millions of women who are just dying to be the next Mrs. Malfoy."

Hermione frowned. "I'm sure Draco has enough good sense to see right through those women. After all, he didn't get to where he is by being a fool."

Rose looked at her funny. "It's weird that you call him by his name now. In fact, it's kinda weird that you've become friends."

Hermione smiled and put her arm around her daughter. "Is it?"

"A little," said Rose. "But, from what Scorpius says, he needs a friend who's grounded. If Deacon's father is anything like him I completely understand what he means."

"What do you think of Deacon?" asked Hermione out of idle curiosity.

"Hate him," Rose said simply.

"Why?"

"Because he's never liked Scorpius and me together. He thinks he needs a more mature woman, whatever that means. I think he means older but maybe he just means more experienced. Which is weird, since I think his father only dates women who are significantly younger than him."

"That is weird," said Hermione, thinking about how Blaise ran around with women barely older than his son while his son had a love affair with a woman only two years younger than his father. She wasn't sure of Alexandra's exact age but she guessed she was somewhere in her mid-thirties. That was definitely a step up for him.

There was already a long line to get food and it was a good twenty minutes before Hermione and Rose got to the front of it. They were lucky they had arrived early.

After ordering four butterbeers, popcorn, some candy and, of course, nachos they began to head back.

"Hold on," said Rose before they reached the stairs. "I need to use the loo first."

She struggled to get everything into Hermione's hands before running towards the washroom.

Hermione stood, waiting, glancing around at all of the happy faces and wondering why she just couldn't seem to get into sports. When Harry and Ron had played in school it had been easier since she was cheering for her best friends, but even though she liked Bentley she really did not care very much to be here. And she knew Draco didn't like it. When she told him about it the night before he had actually gotten angry, saying she was leading Bentley on by accepting his invitation. But she had made it very clear at the Ministry Auction and Ball that she wasn't interested and was pretty angry herself that Draco just couldn't seem to trust her. She was still sort of angry. After everything she had really hoped they were past this.

"Hermione."

Hermione looked up and blinked. She was quick to recognize the smiling face. "Oh, Colby. Hi. What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Annette plays for the Harpies," he answered. "Is that who you're here cheering for?"

Hermione smiled. "Afraid not. Bentley invited me so I'm a Cannons fan today."

"Bummer." He looked at all the food she was carrying. "Hungry?" he asked.

"A little but not this hungry," she said with a laugh. "Rose just went to the washroom. We're here with Draco and Scorpius."

"Oh," said Colby, his eyes widening a little. He leaned in and whispered, "Double date?"

Now Hermione's eyes widened. "Wha … What are you -?"

Colby laughed. "No need to pretend with me. Alex told me forever ago. We had a bet going, she said you two were a thing and I said you weren't. You told her once that you two were just friends and I collected. When she found out the truth she demanded her Galleons back."

Hermione gulped. "Colby, you … you can't tell -"

"Oh, relax ," he said. "I'd have to be daft to dare spread my boss's business around, and I've already kept it quiet for this long."

"But you can't tell anyone ," she explained clearly, unable to just flat out say 'don't tell your wife'. "And I mean anyone . We're keeping it quiet until after the wedding. And it's not a double date, if you know what I mean," she added under her breath.

"Got it," he said, giving her the A-ok symbol.

"Sorry I took so long," said Rose, running up beside her mother. She looked at Colby, who was smiling. "Hi."

"Rose, have you met Mr. Rees?" asked Hermione. "He works for Malfoy Enterprises."

"Yes, you were at the World Cup, weren't you?" asked Rose, reaching out and shaking his hand.

"I was," he answered. "My wife plays and it looks like we're all rivals tonight. I should be getting to my seat. Tell Draco to message me after and maybe we can all get a drink. If the Harpies win, at least. Annie gets a bit pouty when she loses."

"Sure," said Hermione, giving him a smile as he walked off.

Rose took a few items out of her mother's full hands and the two of them walked the many flights of stairs back to their box. Good seats always seemed to come with consequences at Quidditch games.

When they got back, the box was filled with half a dozen other people. Scorpius was sitting in the front row with a seat saved just beside him, while Draco was behind him, only the seat next to him was occupied. By a woman. And she was leaning in awfully close.

As Hermione approached she watched as the woman giggled when Draco said something. He looked up and smirked when he saw her scowl.

"As interesting as this has been, the person I'm saving that seat for has arrived back," said Draco, pointing. "So, if you don't mind."

The woman turned and looked, her face dropping when she saw Hermione. "Oh. Sorry," she said, unable to mask her disappointment. She stood and walked over to where two other women were standing near the back of the box.

"Who was that?" asked Hermione as she sat.

"Didn't catch her name," said Draco, "but her friend back there is the wife of one of the players."

Hermione handed him a butterbeer and, as she did, Draco leaned in and whispered, "Never leave my side again."

She smiled as he placed a hand on the small of her back, rubbing it before taking his flask out of his coat.

"Scorpius, would you and the missus like some of this in your drinks?"

"I would," said Scorpius with a mouth full of nachos. He looked at Rose expectantly.

"Just a little," she said. "I'm not very good with alcohol."

"No pressure," said Draco with a smirk.

Rose smiled and thought. "I do want a little," she said. "Thanks."

Draco literally just put a dab of firewhiskey in the first cup before handing it to her, but he was much more generous with the other three. "Cheers," he said, all of them clanking plastic cups only seconds before the lights in the stadium began to fade. The crowd went wild.

Soon, the announcer came on, giving his little spiel before revealing the players on each team. The Harpies came out first, Draco seeming completely unaffected when he heard Annette's name and even watching on a giant projection they had floating above the center of the field as she flew to the box Colby was in and they shared their traditional good luck kiss.

Then the Cannons came out, everyone cheering extra loud when Bentley's name was called. He did a lap, winking at Hermione as he passed. When he came back around he flew into the box, stopping beside her and requesting a kiss while the crowd hooted. Blushing profusely, Hermione grabbed Bentley's face and modestly kissed his cheek before sending him on his way. He shrugged it off and flashed his dazzling smile. It shined in the projector and Hermione could actually hear women swooning.

Rose caught her mother's eye and rolled hers before turning back to face the front. When Hermione sat back down, Draco did not look pleased. She smiled softly at him, then reached under the tray they had between them and took his hand. He squeezed and they stayed like that, both of them realizing that this secrecy just wasn't fun anymore.

The game went on and Hermione could have sworn she saw Annette stare into their box a couple of times. She definitely was distracted by something and playing terribly. The Harpies lost three hours in, 70-390. It was bad, and when Hermione had Draco message Colby, the other wizard made it clear that he would not be coming out. Hermione was fine with that.

When it was all over they were supposed to meet Bentley at a local pub. As they walked there, it became very clear that many of the stadiums attenders were headed in the same direction. Rose and Scorpius, being young and vibrant, ran ahead to try and save them a table.

Once they were alone, Hermione finally told Draco about her encounter with Colby.

"Bloody fantastic," he said.

"Do you think he would tell his wife something like that?" Hermione leaned in and asked.

"Not just for the sake of telling her," answered Draco. "But if it somehow came up I'm sure he would." He let out an aggravated breath. "Let's hope they don't talk about us. Ever."

Hermione nodded in agreement. "One month, right?"

He nodded back.

When they arrived at the pub it was already jam packed with people spilling out the door. Rose was standing outside, looking for them. They headed towards her, Draco putting his hand on the small of Hermione's back.

Then there was a flash. They both flinched. When their eyes focused a familiar man was standing in front of them.

" You ," said Draco as he stared into the eyes of his least favorite photographer. "I thought we were rid of you."

"Yeah, I know you did," said the photographer, not even trying to hide his contempt. "But, seeing as my wife left me for the man whose baby she's having, I have nothing left to hide. Go on. I dare you to find something else to blackmail me with."

Draco and Hermione each gave him a disgusted look before attempting to walk on. He blocked their path.

"So what are you doing here together? A casual date of Quidditch and fish and chips?"

"They're meeting me , you arse," said Rose, walking up behind the photographer and grabbing her mother's hand. "Get a life," she added before dragging them inside.

"Ms. Weasley, how do you feel about your mother's budding relationship with your future father-in-law?" the man called after them.

"I feel fine ! Arse!" Rose shouted over her shoulder. "I thought that guy was gone," she said to her mother. "Scorpius and I haven't seen him since October."

"He's been bothering you too?" asked Hermione.

"Yeah. Trying to crack some stupid story that doesn't exist."

Rose looked back at her mother and rolled her eyes. She led the way through the pub and towards a door in the back, where a large and burly wizard was standing guard. He stepped aside, letting them in without question.

"Rosie, where are we going?" asked Hermione.

"Oh yeah. Turns out we have permission to sit in the back, which is where all the players are hiding from the chaos," Rose answered with a laugh.

As they approached their table, Hermione could see that Scorpius was already accompanied by Bentley, looking awestruck and laughing at just about everything the man said. Bentley spotted them first, smiling and standing to greet them. When he caught the look on Hermione's face, his smile faded.

"Uh oh. I'm in trouble for that whole kiss thing, aren't I?"

She said nothing.

Bentley smiled again and laughed. "You can be mad all you want, but the audience ate it up. I wasn't actually expecting anything," he said, sitting back down. "It was all in good fun."

"I know," said Hermione. "Just don't do it again."

"Got it! Still, I think you were my good luck charm. It's probably vain of me to say this but we kinda kicked Harpy arse tonight."

"That's not vainness, that's fact," said Scorpius, still looking absolutely giddy as he stared at Bentley. Rose sat down next to him, chuckling before looking over at her mother and rolling her eyes. Hermione winked at her and took the other seat next to Bentley while Draco took the one between the two women.

"So what made you finally accept my invitation?" asked Bentley as soon as everyone was situated. There was already a bottle of firewhiskey on the table and he began pouring glasses for everyone.

"Rose wanted to come," answered Hermione. "She and Scorpius are getting married the day after Christmas and they've been a little stressed."

"A little?" repeated Rose with a laugh. "I suspect I will implode before the day comes, in the literal sense." She picked up the drink Bentley handed her and gave it a peculiar look.

Draco chuckled beside her. "Butterbeer?" he asked.

"No," she answered, putting on a brave face. "I think I'll be alright." She took one sip and nearly hacked it up while coughing. "My gods, that burns!"

Everyone laughed.

"I'll be right back with that butterbeer," said Draco, standing up and heading for the bar.

"Thank you!" she called after him.

Quite some time and several drinks later, they were all laughing over something Bentley had said that probably wouldn't have been very funny had five sober people been sitting at that table. Hermione was quite impressed by Draco's good behavior. He actually got on with Bentley quite well. Even though Bentley was a flirt by nature, it was obvious he had taken Hermione's words to heart the last time they had seen each other and he had no plans to pursue her any further.

The energy in the backroom of the pub was definitely getting wilder. A band was playing some lively Celtic music on a small stage and several young girls who had been brought from the front room by some of the players were dancing on the tables. It was actually getting pretty crowded back here and Hermione got the feeling the guard out front was being a lot more lenient, but no one seemed to care.

As they all talked, Rose slowly drifted from the conversation, watching the band closely with her head cocked to the side. It was a moment before her eyes went wide. She gasped and shouted, "Dear gods, Scorpius! We don't have a song! And we haven't taken one dance lesson! When will we have time to take a dance lesson?"

"It's all good, baby," said Scorpius, sounding a little tipsy. "We don't need no stinking lessons! I have dancing in my blood."

Scorpius stood and grabbed Rose's hand. He pulled her towards the stage, spinning her with unsteady hands before dancing around her in a fairly ungraceful manner. At first Rose looked mortified, but then she slowly began to crack, laughing before joining him. It wasn't long before they were choreographing a ridiculous routine together.

"Dancing is in his blood," Draco assured Hermione. " This is the alcohol dancing."

"Oh, I believe it," said Hermione with a laugh.

Noticing the bottle of firewhiskey was empty, Draco excused himself to order them more.

"Ladies and gents, the Harpies are here!" announced one of Bentley's teammates.

Hermione looked over her shoulder to see the all-female team enter, only a couple of them looking bitter. One of them even greeted the Cannon who made the introduction with a kiss. Then Annette walked in, her eyes falling on their table almost immediately.

Hearing Bentley groan, Hermione turned back around. "Not a fan of the Harpies?" she asked.

"No, just not a fan of the one bad apple," he answered.

Hermione raised her eyebrows. "Annette?"

He nodded.

"I thought the two of you were friends."

"No, we were friend-ly when we were on the same team, we had to be, but that woman has some serious issues."

"Really?" said Hermione. "How so?"

Bentley looked closely at her. "You're friends with her husband, aren't you?"

"He works with Draco," she answered. "Why?"

Bentley bit his cheek.

"Bentley, if there's something you think you should tell me …"

He groaned a little, looking over at where Annette must have been before leaning in towards Hermione. "Look, you didn't hear this from me, alright?"

She nodded.

"Annie … she doesn't come from a good family. After she graduated Hogwarts she was pretty much on her own. Then she meets this rich, older, decent looking bloke, and he wants to marry her, so she does. She becomes a housewife but has nothing to do, so she uses this time to work on her Quidditch skills and eventually becomes good enough to play professionally. And this makes her happy for a while, but the more famous she becomes the more she thinks she can do better. Suddenly, her husband isn't good enough, he doesn't make enough, and - the kicker - not enough bloody women are jealous of her."

Hermione pursed her brow. "Seriously?"

"Heard this all straight from the drunk horse's mouth," said Bentley. "That girl has a plan and it isn't to live happily ever after with her husband, who's a pretty nice bloke. She's been cheating on him for years, even had offers from men promising to take her away from her humdrum life, but Annie wants something specific. She doesn't just want to trade in her husband, she wants to trade up."

Hermione felt a bit angry as she tapped her fingers on her empty glass. She took a breath like she was going to say something, then stopped. She looked at Bentley. "You haven't … been one of these men to -"

Bentley let out a loud laugh. "Gods, no!" he said. "I mean, she tried once. The night I met you, actually. Sent her husband off to bed then scared off my lady friends. As it turns out, I fit the bill. But I can have any bloody woman I want, why would I ever go for a married one?"

Hermione pursed her lips and glanced over at Draco. It would have been nice if he had that logic last New Year's. And then, just as Draco was handed their new bottle, Annette walked up behind him, putting a hand on his back and whispering something into his ear. She wasn't even trying to hide it. Hermione could feel her temperature rising.

"Oh, look. Her husband's boss," said Bentley. "I swear, that woman has no bloody shame."

Draco pushed Annette off, spitting some venomous-looking words at her before storming back over to their table.

As he sat down, Bentley said, "Looks like you've been tagged, mate."

Draco turned white. "What?"

"By Annie," Bentley continued. "S'alright. I was too. Just keep doing what you're doing. She'll learn and move on."

Draco looked at him with pursed eyebrows, but Bentley had already moved onto something else. A pretty brunette witch who was watching him from the bar.

"You know, you don't have to keep us company, Bentley," said Hermione. "If you want to talk to that girl then, by all means, go ahead."

"Really?" he said.

Hermione smiled. "Of course. You've done your hosting duties. And I'm pretty sure we'll be leaving here in a minute."

"Yeah," said Draco, handing Bentley the bottle he had purchased. "For you and the lady."

"Thanks, mate," said Bentley taking it. "You'll come to another game though, right?" he asked Hermione.

"I suppose I could," she said.

Bentley smiled. He stood, gave her a kiss on the cheek and Draco a handshake. "Tell the kiddies good luck for me," he said before wandering off towards the brunette.

"What was he talking about before?" Draco asked as soon as he was gone.

"I guess Annette has a reputation for trying to cheat on her husband with more successful men," answered Hermione.

"Oh … Did he …?"

"No, he didn't."

Draco frowned. "Guess that means I'm the only arse." He sighed and took the last sip of firewhiskey that was in his cup. He looked over to where Scorpius and Rose were still dancing. "You realize we still have never had that dance you promised me?"

"I do." She glanced sideways at him and smirked. "But we will soon."

He smiled back. "Do you want to get out of here?" he asked.

Hermione nodded. They both stood and walked over to the dance floor, hugging their children before Disapparating. As uncomfortable as the day was, they were both glad they did it. Rose and Scorpius seemed more at ease than they had in a long time. If only that could last.

Draco slammed Hermione into the wall of his office, her legs already wrapped tightly around his waist as he thrust into her so aggressively that she lost one shoe. They had meant for it just to be a quick shag, to make up for the lunches and nights they had to spend helping their children plan everything for the wedding, which left very little time for this luxury.

Hermione's hands ran up Draco's neck and into his hair, hot breath pouring out of her panting mouth and into his. The reason this was meant to be quick was because she had only planned to take thirty minutes for lunch since she had so much work to get done, but it was seeming like work would have to wait. She had already come once and Draco wanted to get at least two more out of her before he crossed any finish lines.

Their lips became entangled as his thrusts became more brutal, her back banging against the wall so hard she was half expecting to crash through it.

Then Draco carried Hermione over to the window, putting her down as she kicked off her other shoe and turning her around so she was forced to put her hands on the glass. As soon as she did, he pulled her arse back and thrust in again, giving her a spank before reaching around her with one hand and ripping her blouse open. He tore it off, along with her bra and pressed her back until she was up against the glass, still thrusting into her but at a much deeper angle.

Hermione's nipples hardened as they pressed against the cold window, her breath fogging up the spot in front of her mouth as she clenched her eyes shut, adjusting to this new angle that made her feel that pleasurable pain.

"Am I hurting you, love?" Draco whispered into her ear, sounding much more concerned than his brutality let on.

"Yes," she said. "But you know I like it."

Draco chuckled and kissed her cheek before sucking on her ear.

Hermione opened her eyes and looked down at the sea of what might as well have been ants below her. She knew all of the windows at Malfoy Enterprises were bewitched so people could only see out, not in, but that didn't take away from the rush of feeling exposed, like someone could spot them at any time.

Moving his lips to her neck, Draco kept one hand on her hip while the other maneuvered its way between Hermione and the window, rubbing her clit aggressively. He knew she was close. He always did.

Hermione's fingers began to shake against the glass, her toes curling under as the incredible heat burst from her core once more, spreading from head to foot.

Draco groaned as she contracted around his cock but, still, he thrust on, not wanting to come until they were both completely satisfied. With just one shag a day, on a lucky day, he planned to take advantage of every spontaneous moment they found.

As soon as Hermione came back down, her feet going flat on the floor again, Draco pulled out and turned her around, having a really strong urge to kiss her. They locked lips, the faint moans remaining from her orgasm falling into his mouth. But then she pulled away, staring at him like a lioness in heat. She even growled a little as she put a hand on his chest and pushed him back, not stopping until he hit his desk.

Hermione pushed Draco onto it, hiking her skirt back up and climbing on top of him. Just as she grabbed his cock and was about to shove it back inside of her, the orb on Draco's desk buzzed.

" Mr. Malfoy, that blonde lady is here ."

" My name is Alex, you halfwit! I only told you ten seconds ago ."

Draco laughed and pressed the orb. "Tell the blonde lady I need five minutes."

"Five's all I get?" said Hermione with a pout.

"Yes, so you better get to it. I know I can come anytime but we have to get you there."

"So thoughtful," she said, smirking at him before guiding his cock back inside of her, putting her hands on his chest and her feet on either side of him so she could bounce on him even more fervently. While she normally liked to finish in a more romantic position, with only five minutes she knew a quick fucking would have to do.

Draco's fingernails dug into Hermione's sides as he struggled to hold back, his teeth clenched and aching as she moved so skillfully on top of him. But it wasn't long before her moans were growing louder, her movements becoming sloppy as she reached her limit. Draco used his grip to move her faster, waiting for that fateful scream before letting go and releasing inside of her.

Hermione collapsed, breathing heavily on top of him for just a moment before the orb buzzed again.

" It's been five minutes, Draco ."

Draco grunted and pressed it. "One more bloody minute, Alex. Geez."

" 60 … 59 … 58 … "

"I guess this means no cuddling," said Hermione, giving him a quick kiss before hurrying off of the desk, scanning the room for her clothes. She grabbed her knickers first, slipped them back on and straightened out her skirt before running to her bra and blouse.

Draco located his boxers and trousers and slipped them on, quickly tucking in his shirt before straightening his hair in his wall mirror.

" 10 … 9 … 8 … "

Hermione clasped her bra as fast as she could, probably missing at least one hook before pulling on her blouse, but then she noticed a few of the buttons had ripped off. "Damn."

" 1 … I'm coming in, Draco! "

A moment later, their charms were down and the door burst open. Hermione turned towards the wall, trying to repair her buttons as best she could as Alexandra stepped in, shutting the door behind her.

"I should have known," she said, her voice administering her obvious smirk.

"And just what is so bloody important you couldn't wait a minute longer?" asked Draco, walking over to his desk and sitting down.

Alex took the seat across from him and said, "I need to ask you something."

"Something that couldn't wait?" he asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"I don't like to wait," she answered simply. "Owen Sharrow has asked me to dinner. A non -business dinner. He has already spoken to his father and permission has been granted."

Draco's eyes widened.

"I thought you were dating Zabini?" asked Hermione, buttoning the last button on her repaired blouse. She turned and walked over to the desk, stopping beside Draco.

"You know as well as I do that any relationship with Blaise could never be considered serious. Besides, we have never discussed exclusivity. It is what it is."

"Whether you've discussed it or not, I really feel I should not be the person you're asking about this," said Draco, leaning forward in his chair.

"Why? This isn't about Blaise," said Alexandra. "I will handle that as I see fit. What this is about right now is me asking my boss if I may accept a dinner invitation from a man who is a client of ours. A client whose business we nearly lost because of a date ."

Draco sighed and shrugged. "You're a big girl, Alex. If you want to go then go."

"Alright," she said, standing up from her seat. "Then I am." She turned to leave.

"I still think you should tell Blaise."

Alexandra turned back around, her serious expression suddenly becoming a little sad. "I know you know about the Auror, Draco."

Draco tensed. "How do you -"

"It doesn't matter. What matters is I gave Blaise a chance to confess and he didn't take it. He lied to my face. I owe him nothing."

Hermione looked between the two, making an educated guess as to what they were talking about. She had a pretty good idea which Auror it was too.

"It was a one time -"

"Do not defend him!" Alexandra said harshly. "I will show no loyalty to someone who does not show it to me in return."

"Alright," said Draco with a small nod. "It is your decision."

"I know it is," she said, heading for the door once more.

Hermione gave Draco a sharp look. He shrugged but looked pretty damn guilty while doing it.

Alexandra opened the doors and only took a couple of steps before stopping. "Who are you?"

"Uh … Is Mr. Malfoy here?"

Draco pursed his brow and stood up, walking towards the door. He held out a hand, motioning for Hermione to stay back. As he stepped out of his office, a vaguely familiar-looking young man glanced over at him. His guest smiled nervously.

"How'd you get up here?" asked Draco.

"I took the lift," he answered simply.

Draco waited for more of an explanation.

"The girl downstairs sent some over-sized Snitch thing up here and I was given permission. Your secretary told me you were busy but to wait."

"And where is she?"

"Lunch, I reckon."

Alexandra huffed. "Leaving a guest unattended? Honestly, where does HR find these people?"

Draco continued staring at the man. "I know you," he said. "Who are you? A reporter?"

The man shook his head. "N-no, just a barista. You actually come into the coffee shop I work at often but I don't think you'd know me from there. We met in Switzerland."

Draco's eyes suddenly widened in recognition. "You're the one who couldn't get his reservation right."

The man smiled sheepishly. "Yeah."

"Engaged?"

His smile brightened. "Yeah. Thanks to you."

"I doubt that," said Draco. "But I definitely don't recall giving you a name."

"My girlfriend - fiancée saw you as you were leaving. She recognized you."

"I see." Draco pursed his lips. "And why are you here?"

"I …" The man blushed. "The room you gave us, it was really nice and I don't feel right just having taken it from you. I want to pay you back."

Alexandra moved so she was sitting on the secretary's desk, scratching Paul's round belly as she watched with interest.

Draco cocked an eyebrow. "Pay me back? I don't think you realize how much -"

"I looked it up," said the man. "I mean, I can't pay you back in one shebang but if we could agree on some sort of payment plan I think I could -"

"No," said Draco. "You have a wedding to plan. Save your Galleons. The room was a gift. Now, if you don't mind I have a lot of work to get done."

Draco stepped forward and attempted to shuffle the man towards the lift, but he wouldn't budge. "But, Mr. Malfoy, I -"

"You really don't owe me -"

"But I want to! I cannot accept such a generous gift!" said the man, turning a bit red in the face. "And I …" He gulped. "I know who you were with at that resort and if you don't let me pay you back then I … I will go to the press and tell them all about your holiday with the future Minister of Magic. Not to mention your son's future mother-in-law."

Draco raised his eyebrows.

The man was shaking from nerves but kept his gaze. He gulped again.

"So let me get this straight," said Draco. "You're blackmailing me, but what you want is to pay me money?"

"That's right."

Draco stared at him for a long moment, then burst out laughing. Alexandra started laughing too. Hermione appeared in the doorway to Draco's office with her own smile on her face. "For Merlin's sake, Draco, let the kid pay you back," she said.

Once his chuckles subsided, Draco asked, "What's your name?"

"Eddie," he answered. "Eddie Parish."

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Parish," said Draco, holding out his hand. Eddie shook. "Do you make much as a barista?"

Eddie blushed. "No, sir."

"Do you have any secretarial experience?"

Eddie shook his head. "I've only ever had the one job. Still trying to find my niche, I guess."

"I imagine you had to work quite a few extra hours to pay for that weekend away, not to mention the ring," said Draco. "So you work hard and you're honest, two qualities I look for in a secretary, and it just so happens I'm out one. Any interest in the job?"

Alexandra chuckled a little. When Draco looked at her, she said, "Really?"

"I hired Victoire on a whim. And anyone's better than these bloody temps I keep getting. It's not like I'd be losing anything if he's terrible."

"I wouldn't be terrible!" Eddie said quickly.

"So does that mean you want the job?" asked Draco.

"I … How would that work?"

"I could take a small percentage of your salary until I'm paid back in full. We can figure out the numbers later."

Eddie bit his lip.

"Why don't you just test it for a week?" suggested Hermione. "Get someone to cover your shifts at the coffee house and see if you even like it. Business isn't for everyone."

"Yeah … Alright," said Eddie, looking at Draco. "It's a Monday through Friday job?"

"Nine to six," said Draco with a nod. "With the possibility of overtime."

"There will be overtime," corrected Alexandra. "Just be happy you won't be on salary."

Suddenly, Eddie began to grin. "Monday through Friday … Robin will be so thrilled! This means I can help with the wedding planning on the weekends!"

Draco could not help but smile. "Alex, take him down to HR and get him situated, will you?"

"Of course," said Alexandra, giving Paul's head one last rub before guiding Eddie towards the lift. As they entered, she turned back around. "And, Draco, please keep the conversation we had to yourself, much like you did with that information about the Auror."

Draco's smile faded as the lift shut, Eddie waving enthusiastically at him.

"Forgot she was mad at you?"

He glance sideways to see Hermione was standing right next to him. "Yes."

She nodded. There was a moment of silence. "Do you really think that boy will make a good secretary?"

"Not a clue," he said honestly.

"Let me guess. You're going to lie to him about how much it pays and really take nothing out of his paycheck?"

Draco smirked. "You know me too well."

"Maybe you should consider really letting him pay you. It's not about the money, it's a pride thing. Something you know all about." She glanced down at her watch. "I have to get back. There's no way I'm getting out before eight tonight."

"Then I guess that means I'm making dinner," said Draco, following her back into his office and shutting the door behind them.

Hermione stopped at the fireplace and turned, wrapping her arms around Draco's neck. She kissed him softly then pressed her forehead against his. She sighed. "I'm ready for this to all be over. Rose and Scorpius married. Us out in the open. Even backwards blackmail is still blackmail." She pulled back and gazed into his eyes.

Draco kissed her again, then reached up to stroke her hair. "Soon, love," he said.

Hermione smiled. "Soon."

They kissed again, reluctantly parting ways and never taking their eyes off of each other until Hermione was gone, sucked back to the Ministry where several messages from her daughter were already waiting for her. Her wonderful daughter who did not deserve to be lied to by the people she trusted most. She, Ron, Scorpius, Hugo and even Lily were all lying to Rose, whether they wanted to admit it or not, and Hermione was having a much harder time convincing herself that this was for the best, especially as the day of the wedding grew closer.

Extra A/N: So when I gave this new guy a name in the previous chapter he was in I just kinda wrote the first thing that came to my head. Now I realize I have an Eddie and an Edie. Luckily there are no plans for them to be in a scene together. Sorry about that.

Also, I'm going to be honest, and this point in the story my smut is forced. In the beginning it was a good way to show their relationship progressing but now I'm just being dirty for the sake of being dirty. Umm … you're welcome. ;o)