A/N: I have not taken the time to thank everyone for reading this story. We are only on chapter eight and I already have 350 followers. That is AWESOME. I am really glad everyone likes it. Let's hope that continues! ;o)

"You drive a hard bargain, Mr. Malfoy, but I believe we have a deal," Kingsley Shacklebolt said across the long conference table to a smiling Draco.

"Thank you, Minister. I promise you will not regret this decision."

"You are just lucky Mrs. Weasley and Mr. McLaggen speak so highly of you, otherwise I would not be so willing to spend so much of the Ministry's funds on one company when we could easily find someone else for half the price."

"Malfoy Enterprises is the best, Minister," said one of Draco's associates, a pretty blonde witch named Alexandra Eld. "We will all work hard to make the Ministry's Department of Magical Law Enforcement work as efficiently as possible."

"I believe you will," said Kingsley. "My only concern is your lack of proficiency in Muggle technology, since we use it quite a bit in these offices."

"We have scheduled time to go and get Muggle mob-ile phones tomorrow," said Draco. "My secretary, Victoire Lupin -" He pointed to Victoire, who looked up and smiled before returning to her typing on her small laptop. "- has agreed to teach us all +how to use them, as well as computers, and I am sure Mrs. Weasley will be happy to help us with any spare time she might have." Draco looked at Hermione, who was sitting to Kingsley's right, and winked. She rolled her eyes. "We did not get where we are by being slow and inefficient. We will have both forms of Muggle technology mastered by the time we begin this project next month."

"See that you do," said Kingsley. "You are all dismissed."

Everyone stood from their seats. Hermione and Cormac whispered with Kingsley for a few moments before he finally exited. Alexandra and Draco's other associate, Colby Rees, walked over to where Victoire was fiddling with her laptop and began watching her closely. She gave them a play-by-play of everything she had been doing. It took her a moment to realize Teddy was waiting off to the side for her. When she finally did, she smiled and beckoned him over.

"Hi, honey." She gave him a kiss and took his hand. "Ms. Eld, Mr. Rees, this is my husband Ted Lupin."

"Very nice to meet you," said Alexandra in an almost robotic tone as she shook his hand firmly, her grip so tight that he had to shake it out after. "Your wife is a wonderful asset to the Malfoy Enterprises team."

"Yes, it's been great to finally have someone competent working for Draco again," said Colby, who shook hands with a bit less pizzazz. Obviously a much more relaxed person than Alexandra.

"What happened to the last competent secretary?" asked Teddy.

Alexandra and Colby looked at each other. He laughed but she looked anything but amused.

"I'll tell you at home," Victoire whispered to him. "Would you guys like to see Teddy's desktop computer?" she asked. "It's very similar to what you'll be working with."

"Yes, please do," said Alexandra, already ushering them towards the door. Teddy looked afraid as he hurried out of it.

"Coming, Draco?" asked Colby, walking casually behind her.

"Just one second," he answered. He organized a few pieces of parchment and placed them carefully in his opened briefcase, then he glanced up at Hermione.

"I'll meet you over there, Malfoy," she said, noticing him looking at her. She was still in conversation with Cormac.

Draco nodded and followed the others out the door.

"What is he sticking around for?" asked Cormac.

"He and his team are taking Teddy and me to lunch," she answered. "Victoire's idea."

He furrowed his brow. "So everyone who is working on this project is going but me?"

"It's not a business lunch, Cormac, it's personal."

"We're friends," he said. "Ask if I can come."

Hermione laughed. "Actually, we're not friends, Cormac, we're colleagues. And I am not about to invite you when it's on someone else's Galleon."

His eyes widened a bit. "He's paying , too?"

"Yes," she said. "Victoire has been dropping hints to him that she has really been craving the food at this restaurant she and Teddy went to once, but with a baby on the way it's a bit out of their price range. Well, a lot out of their price range. And mine."

Cormac pursed his lips. "You two have been getting awfully chummy lately."

"I'm only going because Victoire asked me to," she said. "I know this is your project, Cormac, I'm not trying to take it."

"Obviously, I know that, Hermione. You're hardly the deceiving type. It's just … have you ever noticed the way he eyes you? Especially your arse?"

Hermione could not help but laugh. "Now you just sound like Ron."

"If even your prick of a husband noticed then it must be right. I thought maybe I was making it up in my mind." Cormac paused. "Don't let a man like that fool you, Hermi -"

"Cormac, stop," she said, holding a hand out in front of her. "I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Besides, his son is marrying my daughter. It would hardly be appropriate." She felt awful even saying that. In fact, she almost always felt awful until Draco was naked on top of her. Then she felt great.

"I hardly think Draco Malfoy cares what's appropriate and what isn't," said Cormac. "You heard them talking, right? You want to know what happened to his last competent secretary? He slept with her, just after his divorce, then he fired her when he was finished with her, she went to the press, and the rest is bloody history. Don't let yourself become a notch on that man's ridiculously long belt."

Hermione frowned. "Bold words. I thought you respected him."

"I wanted his business, which I have now. Now what I want is to make sure he keeps his claws out of the future Minister's future wife." He smirked.

She rolled her eyes again.

Cormac stepped closer. "Have dinner with me."

Hermione sighed and started gathering up her things. "No, Cormac."

"Why not?"

"Because I refuse to be some pawn in your silly little game. It's not my fault you never married," she said. "There are plenty of suitable women out there for you to date who will look just as good on your arm, if not better. Go and find one of them."

And with those final words, Hermione left the conference room and walked off towards her office. Just outside of it, Alexandra was sitting at Teddy's desk and typing from a memo Victoire was holding in front of her. She was doing pretty well for someone who had never used more than a quill before.

"Time," called Colby.

Alexandra stopped and counted. "Thirty-two."

"Wow! Thirty-two words per minute on your first try! That is amazing, Ms. Eld!" Victoire said brightly.

"How fast do you 'typ'?" asked Alexandra.

"Type," corrected Victoire. "And I would say about ninety words per minute. Teddy's much faster." She grabbed her husband's arm and smiled dotingly at him.

Alexandra grunted. "Again," she demanded.

Draco looked over as Hermione approached. Then he looked behind her to where Cormac was watching him closely. He walked right past his assistant and slammed his office door behind him.

"Just one second," said Hermione, going into her office to put her stuff down. When she turned back around, Draco was standing behind her. She nearly screamed, but caught herself.

"Everything all right?" he asked.

"Yes, fine. Why do you ask?"

"You and that McLaggen both came out of there looking a bit miffed. What did he say?"

"Nothing he doesn't always say, Malfoy. Not that it's any of your business."

"If he's upsetting you then it is my -"

"No, it's not!" she snapped. "Just drop it."

Draco raised his eyebrows.

"Let's go." Hermione marched towards the door.

While the others all tried to tear Alexandra away from the computer, it took Draco ordering her before she finally listened.

The restaurant was close to the Ministry so they all just walked there. Hermione was fairly quiet throughout the meal, especially when the conversation became about Quidditch.

"England is going to crush Scotland in the World Cup next weekend," said Colby as he cut very perfectly into his steak.

"It should make for an interesting game," said Victoire. "The majority of people I know are still contemplating who to cheer for."

"If the two of you are sitting in our box then it better be England," said Alexandra, almost frighteningly.

"We are," Teddy said quickly. He looked at Victoire and gulped.

Colby laughed. "Sorry, kid. Alex doesn't mean to be so intense, but my wife plays for England and it would be pretty awkward if we had anyone in our box cheering for the other team."

Teddy's eyes suddenly lit up. "Your wife is Annette Rees?"

"The one and only!" Colby said proudly. "Still not sure how I got her. No one is, actually."

"You were older, smooth and rich," said Draco. "What more did she need?"

"I'm not that much older."

"Not now, but when you married her she was nineteen and you were two months shy of thirty."

"That's not that bad," said Colby.

"Well, it's not bloody good," retorted Draco.

Suddenly, Alexandra turned her attention to Hermione. "Are you coming to the game?"

"I don't think so," Hermione answered. "But when I do I normally sit in the Aurors' box and, for obvious reasons, I think that might be a bit awkward this year."

"Draco, did you not extend an invite to her?" asked Alexandra.

"I asked Scorpius to," answered Draco. "Did he forget?"

"No, he did," said Hermione. "But you're already accommodating both of my children and three of their cousins, not to mention whoever else you invite. I wouldn't want to be a burden."

"Nonsense!" said Colby. "You must come."

Hermione frowned. "I actually don't care that much for Quidditch."

Everyone at the table gasped.

"You cannot miss a game like this," Alexandra ordered. "It comes once a century. Not to mention the only other woman around my age in that box will be Daphne Goyle." She glanced at Draco and sneered.

He chuckled. "Alex doesn't like Daphne."

"She is phony. Her and her sister. I have never liked either of them."

"Daphne is nowhere near as bad as Astoria," said Draco. "You shouldn't be so quick to judge."

"I judge on first impressions," said Alexandra, "and she gave a bad one." She looked back at Hermione. "Come."

"But I haven't reserved a campsite or -"

"We have space."

Hermione bit her lip and looked at Draco. He just smiled in return. "I'll think about it," she said, for no other reason than to put an end to the conversation.

As soon as the others moved on, Hermione went back to moving food around her plate. For some reason, something Cormac had said was really bothering her, yet she could not pinpoint what it was or why. Then she felt a hand on her knee. She was positive that Draco was going to try and finger her right here and now, and was just about to shove him away when she realized his hand was not going any higher. He was just rubbing it, being comforting.

Soon lunch ended and they all went their separate ways, Victoire thanking Draco over and over again for satisfying her craving. It was obvious she loved working for him, but Hermione got the feeling by the look on Teddy's face as he watched his wife walk away with her boss that he was not exactly thrilled.

When they arrived back at the Ministry, Hermione stopped near the fireplaces in the atrium. She looked at Teddy.

"I actually have a quick errand to run. I'll meet you back at the office."

"All right," said Teddy, not even questioning what this errand might be before heading into the Ministry.

Hermione searched her purse until she came out with Draco's card. She used it to Floo to his office. Of course, he was not back yet, so she went to the window and stared out of it while she waited. It was not long before his door opened. She turned at the sound. When Draco saw her, he shut his door quickly and put up Locking and Silencing Charms.

"I can't stay long," said Hermione.

Draco sauntered over to her. "I figured. You come to tell me what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong."

When he reached her, he grabbed her face, looked right into her eyes and said, "Liar." Then he kissed her.

When he pulled away, Hermione sighed. "I know this isn't any of my business -"

Draco cocked an eyebrow.

"- but you told me you've dated three people since your divorce, and, when I heard your colleagues mention your last competent secretary, it suddenly dawned on me that the number of women you've dated might not coincide the number of women you've slept with."

"Honestly," said Draco, "it doesn't. I went a bit overboard right after my divorce, which I openly admit, but I was not lying about the six months."

"How many?"

Draco glanced away from her. "Counting those three women …I would say seven."

"Are you lying?"

"I might be."

Hermione huffed. "Well, what about your secretary? Is it true you shagged her then fired her?"

Draco whipped his head back in her direction and narrowed his eyes. "Who the bloody hell told you that?"

"Cormac," she answered. "Which brings me to the actual reason why I'm here. He's seen you looking at me, Malfoy. So has Ron. He told me before. You cannot be doing that. Not if we want to keep this a secret."

Draco moved his arms so they were wrapped around her waist and pulled her close. "I only look at you when Weasley's watching to fuck with him, Granger." He leaned in and kissed her neck. "And as far as McLaggen's concerned, why should he give a shit?"

"Because he's convinced you plan on making me another notch on your belt."

"Well, it's too late for that, isn't it?"

Hermione shoved him away.

"Relax, Granger! I'm only joking," he said. "You're not a fucking notch, all right? Other than my wife of over twenty years, you're the only woman I've been with more than a handful of times. That makes you more like a shoe or something, doesn't it?"

Hermione bit her lip and tried not to smile.

Draco smirked and pulled her close again. "He likes you. McLaggen."

"No," she said. "He wants to use me to become Minister."

"A front, I assure you. If he caught me doing anything it is only because he was doing the exact same thing."

"You're wrong. And I don't want to be a shoe."

"Then what do you want to be?"

"Your tie." She smirked, grabbed his tie and pulled him in to meet her for a kiss.

When they pulled away, he looked down into her eyes. "I did sleep with my secretary," he said honestly, his lips still lingering above hers. "But that's not why I fired her. It happened once, it was a mistake and I told her that. She said it was fine. Then she started stalking me. Showing up on actual dates and telling the women what a horrible person I was. That's why I fired her. She went to the press and, now, every time I fire a secretary they are right there to report it."

"I believe you," she said, kissing him again.

Draco moved his hands from her hips to her arse, rubbing both cheeks before gripping them. "Are you actually considering going to the World Cup?"

"No."

"I think you should," he said, kissing from her lips, to her chin, to her neck. "I could lend you a private tent, then you can Apparate into mine, stay with me until morning."

Hermione smiled as he moved up to her ear. "Sounds nice."

Draco released his hot breath on her neck, giving her goose pimples. "Come," he whispered huskily.

"All right," she agreed before her brain even fully comprehended what he was demanding. Normally, when he said 'come' to her he was not talking about a location.

Draco smiled and kissed her lips again. "I'm holding you to that."

Hermione stopped to catch her breath, looking up the never-ending staircase that would lead to her destination.

"Come on, Mom!" shouted Hugo, poking his head over the railing two floors up to look down at her.

"I'm coming," she said, trying but failing to not sound winded.

The crowd had already thinned out and the few people who passed her branched off into their own private boxes. The people sitting in the stands, or the cheap seats, were already long gone.

Hermione turned the corner of the next staircase, only to find Rose and Lily standing there and laughing.

"I don't know how I let myself get talked into this," she said, walking right past them and continuing up the stairs.

"You're the one who said you were coming," said Rose, taking her mom's arm and dragging her a little faster. "Victoire said she thought you got frightened into it by that Alexandra woman."

"I can't wait to meet her!" said Lily.

When they finally reached the top, Hugo was the only one waiting outside the door for them. James and Albus had already run inside to see the view.

"You made it!" he exclaimed.

Hermione sneered and flicked his forehead.

"Ow!"

"You're lucky I don't spank you."

"Oh, please do!" Lily said giddily.

The door opened and Scorpius stepped out. "There you are."

Rose smiled and ran into his arms, seeming to forget that her mother was standing right there as she snogged him senseless.

"Get a bloody room," said Lily, pushing them aside and walking into the private box. Hugo stayed close to her, taking his mother's suggestion very seriously that she might be the only one able to protect him from Parker. In the end, he had decided such an epic game was more important than his face.

Hermione followed them in, watching as Lily jumped over the backs of chairs until she was beside Parker in the front row.

"Over here, Hugo!" she called, waving at him with a big, mocking smile on her face.

Parker only slightly glanced over his shoulder before Lily was demanding all of his attention. Of course Hugo went and sat next to her. He wanted to be in the front. Paulina left her seat on Parker's other side and joined him. He suddenly looked a lot more comfortable.

"Welcome, Granger."

Hermione's heart skipped a beat as she was greeted with the same words that she had heard when she stumbled into a bedroom seven weeks earlier. One that she had since become quite familiar with. She looked over to see Draco standing beside her. He leaned in.

"You're looking quite shag-able today," he said quietly.

Hermione pursed her eyebrows and looked down at her simple gray shirt, jeans and flat black boots. "Do I?"

Draco smirked. "You always do."

Suddenly, the door opened again and Scorpius walked in with Rose on his arm. "Dad, have you really not offered Rose's mom a drink yet?"

"Hermione," she corrected.

"Right this way, Hermione ," said Draco, putting a hand on her back and guiding her away.

Hermione looked at him curiously. "Coming from your mouth, that just sounds weird."

She was led into a small back room where two tables were set up. One with drinks and one with food. Quite a few people were already gathered around both.

Blaise immediately caught sight of her. "Hello again, Granger," he said as she and Draco approached.

Someone behind him turned. "Oh, no shit," said the surprised voice of Theo Nott. He looked at Draco. "And here I thought you were lying about her coming. What brings you to our box, Granger?"

"I wanted to see the game," she said.

All three men laughed.

"All right, fine. My arm was twisted by quite a few people and I caved." She looked at the table and noticed a familiar bottle of firewhiskey in the center of all of the alcohol. "And your box has the good booze. Pour me some of that, will you, Zabini?" She pointed.

Blaise followed her finger and picked up the bottle. "Excellent choice, Granger. Should I mix it with something and girl it up for you?"

"No, I like it neat," she said.

Blaise and Theo looked at each other and raised their eyebrows.

"As the lady wishes." Blaise grabbed a glass and poured for her. He handed it over.

Hermione took a good, long sip, feeling a bit awkward as all three men watched her. "What?" she asked after she swallowed.

"Nothing," said Theo, shrugging before taking the bottle from Blaise, reading the label and pouring some into his empty glass.

"I was actually waiting to see if you pulled a face," said Blaise with a smile.

"And did I?"

"Smooth all the way down." He winked.

Hermione grunted and looked away. "Is your girlfriend here?"

"Who?" asked Blaise, looking at her curiously.

"Your girlfriend. The one from the engagement party."

He moved his curious look from her to Draco.

"I think she was blonde," said Draco.

"She was brunette," snapped Hermione. "Young, pretty, I think her eyes were green."

Blaise thought about it. "I want to say … Serena …"

"I think she's talking about Kendra, Blaise," said Daphne, walking up to them with her husband, Gregory Goyle, just behind her.

" Oh !" he exclaimed. "Kendra!" Then he laughed. "Long gone, Granger. If you are going to stick around then you will have to start keeping up."

"That interests me very little," she said. "Are you married, Theo?"

"Divorced," he answered. "I heard you might be joining our club soon."

Daphne smacked his arm.

"Ow!"

Hermione looked over his shoulder and saw Victoire and Teddy talking with Colby. She was urging her husband to do something and, when he finally caved, his hair turned bright-red with a white streak down the middle. The English National Quidditch Team's colors. Victoire squealed with glee and Colby looked just as impressed.

"Excuse me," said Hermione, happily walking away from this conversation.

"Aunt Hermione, you came!" shouted Victoire, pulling her into a hug.

"Hermione, Theo would like to say something."

Hermione turned to see Daphne holding Theo by the ear.

"Ow! Shit, Daph!"

"Say it!"

"Sorry! Bloody hell, woman, she knows I was joking! Right?" He looked at Hermione hopefully.

Hermione shrugged. "I wouldn't really call what you said joking but I know it wasn't your intention to be hurtful." She looked at Daphne. "You may let him go."

Daphne released his ear.

Theo rubbed at it. "If it's any consolation, my divorce from my wife wasn't quite as easy as Blaise's and Draco's."

Daphne frowned and walked away.

"I actually loved my wife. It just didn't work out."

Hermione stepped away from Victoire in order to separate her from this conversation. "I appreciate the honesty," she said. "Mind if I ask what happened?"

Theo cocked an eyebrow. "Why do you ask?"

Taking a deep breath, Hermione said, "No one I know really … well, they don't really understand, I guess. All of my friends are still happily married."

" All of them?" he asked, his eyes wide.

Hermione sighed. "Yes."

"Hmm … and all of my friends are divorced. With the exception of Goyle and Daphne," he said. "All right, Granger. I'll tell you." He smiled. "But not today. I came here to get pissed and have fun." He reached into his pocket and took out a business card. He handed it to her. "Owl me sometime. Until then," He raised his empty glass, "have another drink with me."

Hermione smiled. She drank the last of her firewhiskey and followed him back over to the beverage table. After they poured their drinks, Hermione asked Theo about his job. She knew he worked at the Ministry because she saw him there from time to time, but she did not know in which department.

"I work in the Department of Magical Games and Sports, in the Quidditch office."

Hermione gulped down her sip. "This?" she said, pointing out to the stadium. "That's -"

"Me?" he finished. "Yes, I headed it this year. Not a bad job, if I do say so myself."

"I haven't really looked yet," Hermione admitted.

"You haven't?" he said, raising his eyebrows. "Then let's remedy this."

Theo led her back out to the main room and walked over to the edge.

"You see that wall over there." He pointed at a tall gold wall that was molded to look like giant broomsticks. "That wall alone took ten thousand volunteers over a year to build. And you see those stands there."

Hermione did. They were shaped like giant Golden Snitches and people were climbing up the silver wings like a staircase to get to their seats.

"Those will take flight during the game, giving those people some of the best seats in the stadium."

"Dad, are you bragging again?"

Hermione and Theo turned to see a pretty brunette witch with hazel eyes smiling at them.

"Obviously. Look what I've created," said Theo motioning out towards the stadium.

"And who is it that has been saying how cool floating stands in the shape of a Golden Snitch would be since she was seven?" She pointed at herself.

"Yes, my inspiration." Theo smiled. "Granger, this is my daughter, Edie."

"Hermione," she corrected as she and Edie shook hands.

"Yes, Rose's mother," said Edie. "You know, this is terribly embarrassing but, actually, Scorpius and I got married once when we were kids and we never got around to signing the divorce papers."

Hermione chuckled. "Did you?"

"They did," said Theo. "I remember she sat us all down in chairs with her dolls and teddy bears and dragged poor Scorp down the aisle."

"I was older so he had no choice but to obey."

"What was that you wore on your head again?" he asked.

"Toilet paper," she said proudly. "And a four-hundred year old tablecloth was my dress. I stepped all over it and tore it up a bit. Scorpius' granddad yelled at me." Edie pouted and looked over to where Lucius Malfoy was sitting in the back row next to Narcissa. "I bet he's happy our union never worked out." She glanced sideways at Hermione. "So, your nephew James … Is he single?"

Theo furrowed his brow and was just about to say something when a booming voice began echoing through the stadium.

" Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the final of the four-hundred and twenty-ninth Quidditch World Cup! "

The crowd below them burst into an uproar. Hermione watched closely as the Golden Snitch stands began to take flight. Everyone inside of them laughed and clapped with glee. It was a sea of red and green out there, which, with the gold and silver stands, reminded Hermione of Christmas.

Out of the corner of her eye, Hermione saw Edie eye an empty chair beside James, who was currently chatting excitedly with Albus. She bolted for it.

"Granger."

Hermione turned and Draco motioned to a seat next to his smiling mother. She walked over and took it, slightly surprised when he sat down next to her.

"Do you abhor these things as much as I do?" asked Narcissa.

"I'm not a huge Quidditch fan," said Hermione, "but I like to see my family enjoying themselves."

"Then we are here for the same reason."

"Hey, Mom! I can see Dad's box from here!" shouted Rose, looking through a pair of Omnioculars. "Hey, I think he can see us, too!" She waved.

A few seconds later, Hermione felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She took it out and saw she had a message from Ron. If he was watching then she had no choice but to read it.

How's the view from up there ?

Pretty spectacular , she wrote back.

"How do you do that messaging thing?" Draco asked, taking out his own new phone.

Hermione showed him. Once he had it, he wrote something. A few seconds later, her phone vibrated again. This time, it was a message from Draco.

You are wearing far too much clothing .

Hermione laughed, rolled her eyes and deleted the message.

" And now, without further ado, allow me to introduce … the Scottish National Team Mascots! "

Everyone in the stands dressed in green roared their approval. Of course, everyone in their box 'booed' rather loudly.

Suddenly, the velvety grass at the bottom of the oval stadium became a rippling azure. A head emerged, followed by a long neck.

"They actually brought Nessie," Colby said scornfully. "How cliché."

As the Loch Ness Monster rose, the pool vanished and, soon, a hundred men in kilts were dancing fiercely on the velvety grass around him. Her? Hermione really was not sure.

Once they were finished, Nessie shrunk down to the size of a large dog and lined up with the others on one side of the field.

" And now, kindly put your wands in the air for the English National Team Mascots !"

Suddenly, the whole stadium got dark as night, and a thousand twinkling lights descended upon the crowd. As they passed by their box, Lily stuck her hand out and tried to touch one. It vanished almost immediately.

"Will-o'-the-whisp," said Rose, watching in awe. "Right, Mom?" She turned around and waited for approval.

Hermione smiled. "Yes, they are. And the Latin name?"

Rose pursed her lips in thought.

"Ignis fatuus," answered Draco.

Hermione looked at him curiously and he smirked.

"There was a bog near our summer home when I was growing up. They fooled me once or twice so I studied up on them."

Narcissa derided. "Once or twice? I would say your father had to rescue you from out there half a dozen times."

Lucius, who always seemed so somber, actually smiled beside her. "I believe it was eight times, dear."

Lily tried to snatch at one of the falling flickers of light. It went out and, not even a moment later, a small, goblin-like fairy flew into their box and flicked her nose. It laughed before flying off and lighting up again.

"It hurt my nose," said Lily, giving it a rub.

Parker leaned in close and checked it for her. She suddenly seemed much better.

On the center of the field, the wisps began flying in a circle, their little wings moving faster and faster until a bright, spiral of light was all anyone could see. It shot at Nessie and the men in kilts, completely blinding them. They waved their arms around in a panic, trying to whack at the small creatures. As far as Hermione could tell, not one was damaged.

" And now, ladies and gentlemen, kindly welcome - the Scottish National Quidditch Team! "

The booing began again as the announcer started calling out names. One by one, the Scottish team flew out onto the field clad in green plaid robes.

" And now, please greet - the English National Quidditch Team !"

Everyone in their box stood up and cheered. Hermione did the same, even though she really did not care very much who won or lost. She supposed she wanted Colby's wife to win, or at least score a few points. She was a Chaser, she thought, though she was not sure.

When the announcer shouted the name, " Rees !" everyone went wild. Hermione could just make out the small figure dressed in red and white robes.

Once everyone was out, the players began flying around the stadium. Annette Rees headed right to their box.

"Did you need a pair of these?"

Hermione looked to see Draco handing her a pair of Omnioculars. She took them and looked back just in time to see Annette get a good luck kiss from Colby, who was standing right in front of her. Then Annette's eyes shot open and she looked right at Draco, who was leaning towards Hermione and making sure she knew how to use the gadget he had given her. Hermione looked around but no one else seemed to notice, not even Draco. Or he chose not to.

Annette finally pulled away from her husband, smiled at him and flew off.

Pushing the odd moment to the back of her mind, Hermione brought the Omnioculars to her eyes and began playing around with them. A whistle blew and she watched as the four balls flew into the air. She tried to keep her eye on the Golden Snitch but it moved too fast for her.

As the game got going, she suddenly found herself getting very into it. Annette was the first to score and everyone jumped for joy. Lily used this excuse to hug Parker and James was finally starting to notice the way Edie was leaning towards him, pretending that she just wanted a better look at the field. Theo was sitting just behind her, keeping a close eye on things.

The flying stands cleverly stayed out of the way of any approaching players and continued to roam around stadium. All of the patrons inside of them looked especially excited. It was like they were part of the action.

Hermione's phone vibrated. She ignored it, too focused on the game to worry about messages right now. One of Scotland's Beaters whacked a Bludger at Annette and, with some careful broom maneuvering, it just missed her. Colby's breath caught in the back of his throat and then released. One of the England Chasers used this moment to score a goal. 20-0.

Her phone vibrated again.

Hermione gave in and took it out. Ron was asking when she was going to come visit their box. She had promised she would, but she really did not feel like walking all the way over there right now.

She was just about to answer when Narcissa tapped her shoulder. "How do you use the replay?" she asked, holding up her own pair of Omnioculars. Hermione showed her, barely registering her phone being taken out of her hand.

"How do these things work?" she heard someone ask.

She turned a little to see Theo had joined Draco and Blaise on this side of the box. Draco started showing him something and she went back to helping Narcissa. When she looked again they were taking a photo. All three of them crowded in and gave cocky smiles. Seemed harmless enough.

Once Narcissa had the Omnioculars down, Hermione turned back around.

"Oh, whoops!" said Theo, looking at the phone. "Did I just send that to someone?" He showed it to Draco, who burst out laughing.

Hermione snatched her phone back and looked. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open. They had sent their stupid photo to Ron.

"Shit, what did you do?" she shouted.

"Language, Granger! Really!" said Blaise, pretending to be offended.

"Idiots!" She quickly messaged Ron that her phone had been hijacked and sat down with a huff, picking up her drink from where she had put it down and taking a good, long sip. And then another. Soon, she needed more.

Hermione moved to stand but Blaise grabbed her glass and said, "I got it. How many of these do you think it will take before you agree to snog me?"

"I don't know, how many do you think would kill me? Because the only way we're snogging is if I'm dead."

"Ouch, Granger. That hurts," said Blaise, walking off.

Draco and Theo laughed.

Once Hermione was well into her next drink, she began to relax again. When the game was 140-110 England, she suddenly felt a hand wrap around her waist. Everyone was so focused on the field that she did not even bother to push Draco away, even as his hand began rubbing down her arse. What she did not realize was that not everyone was as focused on the game as she thought they were.

The Golden Snitch had not been spotted once and both Seekers looked very focused. She lifted her Omnioculars and tried to find it herself. Then she felt something shift beside her. She glanced to see Narcissa was now sitting down, looking very pale.

"Are you all right?" she asked.

Narcissa nodded. "Yes, fine."

Lucius noticed and sunk down beside her, taking her hand.

"Do you need me to get you some water?" offered Hermione.

Narcissa started to say no, so Lucius said, "Yes," for her.

Hermione left her row and headed for the back room. She went over to the pitcher of water and began pouring some into an empty glass. A pair of warm arms wrapped around her from behind. Then someone began kissing her neck.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"I hate having you this close and not being able to touch you," said the drawling voice of Draco. "I was hoping it would be a quick game so we could head back to my tent, but luck is not on our side today."

"Which is precisely why you should not be doing this right now," she said, removing his hands from her waist and turning. "Not here."

"Why not?" he said. "Everyone is focused on the game. No one is coming back here."

Draco maneuvered Hermione towards the wall and pinned her there, clutching her hair in one hand while the other gripped her arse. He kissed her hard and she could not stop herself from kissing back.

"No fucking way."

Draco and Hermione's heads both whipped towards the voice. Blaise was standing there, arms crossed and one shoulder pressed casually against the entryway.

"You're joking, right?" He was looking at Hermione. "You won't snog me unless you are dead but this …" He motioned to the two of them. "This is happening."

Horrible knots began twisting in Hermione's stomach. She wiped at her mouth and looked away.

"Granger, step out for a moment, will you?" asked Draco.

Hermione looked up at him with worried eyes.

"Trust me, all right?"

She slowly nodded before walking back over to the table and grabbing the glass of water. She left the room without so much as a glance at Blaise, even as he moved out of the way for her to exit.

When Hermione got back out to the box, she gave Narcissa her water and took her seat. She stared down at the front row where Rose and Hugo were having the time of their lives and gulped. She and Draco had just been caught red-handed. By Blaise Zabini. Of course, Draco had dirt on him. His son - who was actually sitting right behind Scorpius and chatting with him like nothing was odd - was sleeping with Draco's ex-wife. But it was hard to say who information like that was worse for. Blaise or Draco. Either way, it was certainly something neither of them would want getting out.

Feeling her phone vibrate again, Hermione took it out in a huff. Ron was asking when she was coming again. She messaged him back ' Now ' and went to say goodbye to her children. Then she was out of there as quick as her feet would carry her.

"I must say I'm a little surprised," said Blaise. "Not that you would shag your son's future mother-in-law, that's to be expected, but that she would shag you. How the fuck did this happen, Draco?"

Draco smirked and shrugged. "What can I say? I'm charming."

"Or she was pissed off her arse."

Draco sneered. "Only the first time. And I was too so we'll call it even."

Blaise scoffed. "When aren't you pissed?"

Strutting over to the beverage table, Draco poured himself some firewhiskey and took a sip. "Just confirm that you are not going to say anything and let's get on with it."

"You know I won't," said Blaise. "But you need to end it."

"We are," said Draco. "On Scorpius' wedding day."

"Are you fucking thick? End it now."

"Why?"

Blaise put a hand on his forehead and shook it. "Because you can't just shag a girl like Granger, Draco. She's not one of your whores. Other aspects are always involved."

"Such as?"

"Her husband, for one. You know, the man she's been with since she was a teenager and will probably take back, eventually."

Draco went white. "She won't. Besides, aren't you the one who said how fit she's looking and how you would like to shag her senseless?"

"Well, I wouldn't bloody initiate it," said Blaise. "I don't need that drama and neither do you. End it."

Draco stood up straight, took another sip of his drink and slowly said, "No."

"If you keep this going then you are no better than that bitch of an ex-wife of yours."

"Now, I don't think that's true," he said with a smirk. "I would think you would be happy that I am only sleeping with one person. It's not forever, Granger understands that."

"You mean she's not attached?" asked Blaise, cocking an eyebrow.

"She's not unattached," answered Draco. "I believe she enjoys my company. That's why she's here."

"And what about you?"

"What about me?" He took another sip.

"Spare me, Draco; I saw how closely you were watching her while she was talking to Theo. That, my friend, was jealousy."

"I don't know what you're talking abou -"

"I said spare me!" spat Blaise. "You like her. I can see it, and so could anyone else who bothered to pay you two any attention."

"Fine," said Draco. "I enjoy her company, as well. Is that so terrible?"

"It is when there is a scandal in the making. But …" Blaise walked over and poured his own drink. "We both know you're going to do what you want, despite what you know is right, and who am I to judge? My moral compass is hardly better than yours, and if Granger was suddenly naked in front of me you can be certain that I would shag her raw. Do you think she would be up for a tag team? You know, like in the good ol' days."

Draco grabbed his collar and pulled him close. "Don't even bloody think about it," he hissed in his face.

Blaise smirked. "You never did play nicely." He removed Draco's hand finger by finger. "I'll keep your secret, Draco, but a thousand Galleons says she's back with her husband long before the wedding day arrives."

Draco went stiff. "You're wrong. She's done with him."

"If you say so."

Blaise headed back out to the box with Draco sneering behind him. Right when they arrived at their seats, everyone cheered.

"What's the score?" Blaise asked Theo.

"220-180 England," he answered. "What took you gits so long?"

"Nothing," said Draco, trying to appear casual as he looked around. "Where's Granger?"

"I dunno," said Theo with a shrug. "She left."

"Left," repeated Draco. "Where?"

"She went to see my dad," said Rose, turning around when she heard them. "If the game is still going on then she'll be back later."

Draco went white, glancing sideways to see Blaise smirking smugly beside him. Picking up his Omnioculars, Draco he down towards the Aurors box. Harry was up front with his wife, and Ron was just beside him. Alone. But he had a seat saved. And then Hermione entered, sitting down beside him while he smiled widely. Draco's hand tensed around the Omnioculars.

Across the way, Hermione had walked very quickly to get to Ron's box. As she sat down, he smiled and said, "You made it."

"Looks like it," she said, barely giving him a second glance.

"Nice photo you sent over," said Ginny with a smirk.

"Yes, Nott took my phone from me and wanted to see how it worked. I should have known better than to let Malfoy be his teacher."

"Speaking of which, I could not help but notice your seat over there," said Harry. "Between two Malfoys. How'd you luck into that one?"

"Malfoy told me to sit there," she answered. "By the way Narcissa was smiling, I think she asked him to."

"Why?" asked Ron.

"I don't know," said Hermione with a shrug, "but she's been very nice. It seems like she's really excited about this wedding."

"Weird," he said.

Hermione looked at him and pursed her eyebrows. "Why? Why is that weird?"

"You know … because she's a Malfoy."

Just then, Scotland scored and half of the box cheered loudly while the other half booed. The teams were keeping up pretty evenly and it seemed like the capture of the Golden Snitch was probably going to be the deciding factor in this game.

"I can't believe all of our children are missing watching this with us just for some better seats," said Ginny, lifting her Omnioculars. "Who is that with James? She's leaning in pretty close."

"It's probably Edie Nott," answered Hermione. "She asked me if he was single. Don't worry, her father's been keeping a pretty close eye on them."

"Theo Nott?" said Harry.

"Yes."

"You were actually talking to him up there?"

"Yes," she said again. "He was in charge of building the stadium this year and he was telling me about it. I guess the flying stands were actually a childhood fantasy of his daughter's." Hermione looked over to see Harry staring at her peculiarly. "What?"

"Hermione, you do realize his cousin is the member of the Wizengamot who always rallies to get your laws denied?"

"Of course I do," she said, even though she had briefly forgotten. "But just because they're from the same family doesn't mean they're the same people."

Hermione's phone vibrated. She took it out and saw she had a message from Draco. Leaning away from Ron so he could not see it, she read: Why are you down there? Come back up.

Hermione huffed and wrote back: I promised I would stop by. STOP ordering me around. I will be back shortly.

She put her phone away, ignoring it as it vibrated again. Draco was always so bloody demanding. If they were going to continue with what they were doing then he needed to stop.

Taking Ron's Omnioculars, she lifted them and looked over at Draco's box. Of course, he was watching her. Blaise was sitting next to him, completely aware of what his friend was doing and smiling smugly. He leaned in and whispered something. Draco looked just about ready to slug him.

Moving over to check on her children, Hermione could not hold in her laugh when she saw Daphne talking animatedly to Alexandra, who looked like she wanted to Avada Kedavra herself. She did not want to be talking, she was here for the game.

"What's so funny?" asked Ron.

"Nothing." Hermione laughed again and moved her gaze over to Rose. "Just -"

At that moment, the Golden Snitch zoomed right past her daughter's line of sight. Everyone in the box leaned forward as the Seeker for England flew after it. Soon, the Scotland Seeker was right on his tail.

The entire stadium watched on edge, their shouts and claps echoing through the air. The wisps flew in front of the dancing men in kilts' eyes, who began whacking at them.

For a good five minutes, both teams wrestled for the Snitch. But while both Seekers were in the midst of trying to throw the other off, the Snitch vanished again and no one could find where it had gone.

It was then that Hermione truly realized she did not want to be here in this box with Ron. If the game had ended just now then she would have liked to be with Draco, even though they could not touch with so many watching eyes. But she liked his company, more than she wanted to admit, and he was the one she constantly caught herself thinking about. Ron had tried hard to get her to come to the last two World Cups but she had always said no. He could never convince her. But with a simple palm sweating, heart racing kiss Draco had successfully gotten her here.

Her phone vibrated. This time, she took it out and read.

I'm sorry , said the first one. Please come back.

Hermione sighed and wrote, Soon . Then she put her phone away.

"Why do you think it's weird Narcissa's excited about the wedding, Ron?" she suddenly asked.

He turned towards her and blinked. "I already told you."

"Because she's a Malfoy isn't really an answer," said Hermione. "Don't you think it's time you gave them all a chance?"

"No," he said. "Why should I?"

"Because they're going to be your family," she spat. "Stop being a child and talk to Malfoy sometime, Ron. You too, Harry."

Harry looked over and blushed. "Why am I being dragged into -?"

"Because you're family, too."

"It's not like Malfoy talks to us either," said Ron.

"Yes, I know," said Hermione. "But I don't know him well enough to demand that of him. I'm not saying be friends. Just … stop bloody judging them." She stood up. "I'm going to head back."

Ron went stiff. "But you just got here."

"You wanted me to stop by and I did."

"Are you at least coming out with us for a drink later?" asked Ginny.

"Probably not," Hermione answered honestly. "I'm tired and I'm seriously thinking about just heading back to my tent now."

Harry stood. "I'll walk you back to -"

"No, Harry, I'm fine," she said. "I don't want you missing the game for me. What if the Snitch shows up again?"

Harry did not answer.

"I'll see you all later."

Hermione hurried out of there and began the somewhat long walk back to Draco's box. It did not take her too long with her quick feet, and she was not entirely surprised to see Draco standing outside of the door when she got there.

"Did you get everything straightened out with Blaise?" she asked.

"Yes," he answered. "He'll keep quiet."

Draco reached out to grab her but she pulled away. "Malfoy, no. We were just bloody caught. We can't do that here. What if it had been Rose who walked in and not Blaise? Or Scorpius?"

"I am pretty sure Blaise followed me."

"It doesn't matter!" she snapped.

Draco sighed and nodded slowly. He took out his wand and cast a Jamming Charm on the door so no one could get through without a fight, then put a Disillusionment Charm around them. Once that was done, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, kissing her softly before saying, "I'll be more careful."

"Good," she said, kissing him back.

It was not long before their soft, gentle brushing of the lips became more heated. Draco nibbled at her and gripped her arse, moving her against the wall and grinding against her.

When they separated for a brief moment to catch their breath, he whispered, "Do you want to get out of here?"

Hermione nodded, but still found herself asking, "What about the game?"

"I already told everyone if it went long I might be leaving early to get some work done, and we can just say you never came back."

She nodded again.

"You go down first. Go into your tent then Apparate to mine. I'll meet you there."

"All right." Hermione kissed him again. "Don't make me wait too long."

She smirked and nipped at his bottom lip before laughing and hurrying off. Draco watched her disappear down the steps with a huge grin on his face, more than ready to play a few rounds in an even better game than the one he came here for. One that he was slowly starting to realize was going to be very difficult to end.

Extra A/N: For those of you doing the math, the year is 2024. Since the World Cup is every four years it should have technically been in 2022, but I think it's safe to say that they probably skipped it in 1998, so I figured being two years off was not entirely unreasonable. Hopefully you agree!