Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Beyond the Pale	By : goldhorse Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 81362 -:- Recommendations : 11 -:- Currently Reading : 17
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, JK Rowling does, lucky woman. I make no money from this, which is probably why I'm poor as a church mouse.

Chapter List
- 14
- 15
- 16
“Dumbledore came to visit me last night,” Harry said softly, startling Hermione out of her racing thoughts.

“He did?” Ron asked.

“Yeah, said he’ll be giving me private lessons this year.”

“Blimey,” Ron said in awe. “Private lessons with Dumbledore. Wonder why he’s…”

Hermione pursed her lips at the knowing look Ron shot her. Harry had already told her about the prophesy the night she’d revealed her new status to him. Ron, even as thick as he was, still wasn’t stupid. She returned his knowing look sadly and brought her eyes to Harry.

“It’s true,” Harry said softly. “I have to be the one.”

Ron went off again but Hermione got lost in her thoughts. It was a week before school started again and her nerves were starting to wear thin. To add to her every day trials and tribulations, Fleur Delacour had descended on the Weasleys. Not only did her accent and overly condescending tone grate on Hermione’s nerves, but her scent was gag inducing. She actually found herself begging Remus to see if he could adjust her collar to block just Fleur. The smell of overly ripe bananas and vanilla extract made her nauseous at times.

She was in good company at least. No one save Ron and Harry seemed to like her. Remus even confided and said her scent made his nose burn as well. It was nice to have another creature to talk to, even if he smelled like wet dog. Between Remus and Harry, she almost felt normal at the Burrow. She’d even warmed up to Ron and Ginny again, their scents becoming familiar and not so appetizing.

Of course, that normalcy was broken at night. When everyone else was off for a kip, she’d sneak down and meet Severus at the edge of the Burrow’s grounds. They’d portkey to Hogwarts and train on wandless magic. Severus insisted she was coming along quite nicely but it felt like wading through molasses. She’d only just managed not to explode a feather when levitating it the previous night.

Draco was another distraction…a very pleasant one. She still couldn’t keep her hands off him. His delicious body called to her and she found she lacked the willpower to resist. Then again, why should she? Draco was her mate. There was no use in denying herself pleasure because of the past. They fought on the same team now.

Her new schedule left little time for reflecting while with him, though. Most times, they barely had time to eat and practice before dawn. She found herself locking Ginny’s door and conversing via the green dildo, or the Slytherin special, as she’d taken to calling it. If someone were to see her speaking animatedly to a phallic object as if it were her friend, she’d be admitted to the Janice Thickey ward. Still, it was an excellent way to speak with Draco during the day…and tease him mercilessly. Then again, she never had the heart to tease for long and she was never disappointed when she gave in.

Her relationship with Draco was coming along quite nicely when she’d thought about it. They’d delved into their early years, Draco’s confusion about blood status and Hermione’s frustration with being looked down upon. Draco had apologized numerous times for various behaviors over the years and Hermione felt herself apologizing as well for some of the things she’d said and done in return. They were more comfortable with each other now beyond the bedroom and she hoped they’d continue to get closer. Life would be miserable with a mate that you had to walk around on eggshells with.

“HERMIONE!” Ron bellowed and she jumped horribly.

“What Ronald?”

“Where did you go then? I’ve been trying to get your attention for the past five minutes.”

“Sorry,” Hermione said, a tad embarrassed that she’d let her mind wander off…especially to thoughts of Draco. “What was it you wanted?”

“To tell you to be careful with that,” Ron said, pointing to an object in her hand.

She looked down to see a telescope, a seemingly innocuous one at that. She must have picked it up absentmindedly and started fiddling with it. That happened a lot now. Perhaps it was a vampire thing but she felt the need to always have something in her hands. If she didn’t, they found their way into Harry’s unruly hair or were braiding Ginny’s.

“It came from Fred and George’s stuff,” Ron continued. “I’d be careful with it if I were you.”

Hermione frowned. Yes, the twins did have some very nasty pranks. She went to put it up and accidentally squeezed it a bit too hard. Black smoke poured out and it gave off a loud bang. It felt like a soft pressure collided with her eye before the smoke cleared. She quickly charmed a mirror to view her reflection and shrieked. She had a huge purpling black eye.

“Told you,” Ron huffed, looking dismayed at her face. “Best have mum look at it. She’s good with minor injuries.”

Hermione waved her hand. “Oh well, never mind that now. I wonder what Dumbledore will teach you Harry, advanced defensive magic, powerful countercurses, antijinxes, maybe evasive enhancements. At least you know one lesson you’ll have this year and that’s one more than Ron and me. I wonder when our O.W.L. results will come.”

“Can’t be long now,” Ron said quietly.

“Hang on,” Harry said with a frown. “I think Dumbledore said our O.W.L. results would be arriving today.”

“Today?” Hermione shrieked and ran out of the room.

It wasn’t her overwhelming need to see them, as she was leading Ron to believe that made her run. Rather, it was to get to the loo and see if the bruise would heal in a few moments. She slammed the door shut and looked in the mirror, wincing at her reflection. She looked like half a raccoon. She waved her wand a few times, trying every minor healing spell Melody had taught her to remove it but it wouldn’t budge. Well, at least she knew they wouldn’t be surprised when it healed on its own in moments.

She flew down stairs and ran straight into Molly. After apologizing profusely, she asked if there had been any owls that morning. Even if she was a vampire now, that was no excuse to let her studies slip.

“Gracious child!” Molly gasped. “What happened?”

“Oh, urm,” Hermione stuttered. She didn’t want to get the twins in trouble. “I suppose I ran into the door in my haste to get down here.”

Molly tutted in disapproval and pulled out her copy of The Healer’s Helpmate before trying to remove the bruise herself. That was how Harry and Ron found her, grumpily looking on while Molly worked herself into a lather over her stubborn bruise. The irony of the situation was lost on everyone except Harry, who was biting back laughter.

“It’s alright Mrs. Weasley,” Hermione said softly. “It’s not my first black eye. It won’t be my last. I’ll just suffer through it.”

Just as Molly was about to say something, she caught the scent of owls and turned to look out the window. She was unable to hold back her squeal of nervous delight at seeing them, which effectively shut the overbearing woman down. The owls glided in gracefully, dropping their respective parchments in their intended recipient’s hands. She held her breath as she opened the letter:

Ordinary Wizarding Level Results

Pass Grades                                                                                                   Fail Grades

Outstanding (O)                                                                                               Poor (P)

Exceeds Expectations (E)                                                                              Dreadful (D)

Acceptable (A)                                                                                                  Troll (T)

Hermione Jane Granger has achieved:

Astronomy:                                             O

Care of Magical Creatures                 O

Charms                                                   O

Defense Against the Dark Arts          E

Ancient Runes                                       O

Herbology                                               O

History of Magic                                   O

Potions                                                    O

Transfiguration                                      O

Muggle Studies                                    O

She was both elated and a bit disappointed in herself. The O’s were wonderful but the E bothered her for more than one reason. Even though the scar from Dolohov had disappeared during her turning, it was still on her mind. Maybe if she’d studied just a bit harder, she could have gotten both an O and the best of Dolohov that night at the Ministry. Then, maybe she wouldn’t have needed to go out after curfew and would have never met that vampire.

“Hermione!”

She jumped when Harry hissed in her ear. “What?”

“Where were you again?”

“Sorry,” she said as she bit her lip in embarrassment. “My mind’s not all there lately.”

“I’ll say,” Harry said in amusement. “You just missed the announcement.”

“What announcement?”

“We’re going to Diagon Alley this afternoon!” Ron chirped happily. “I’ll finally get to see what Fred and George’s shop looks like.”

“How does it look?” Harry whispered as they went upstairs to get ready.

“It’s amazing,” Hermione gushed. “Oh Harry, you’ll just love it.”

The rest of the morning was spent bustling about getting ready for their trip. Harry had been given top Ministry clearance, and therefore, got his own car to drive to the alley with. While the others were busy scooting about, Hermione sat down at Ginny’s desk and stared at her school list. There was no way she would be able to afford all of her school books and supplies this year, especially if her limited funds had to last her longer. Food and shelter weren’t a problem, but clothing was…and none of her school attire fit her correctly. A lone pink tear fell from her eyes as she thought about her parents again, both clueless and hopefully safe in Australia.

“What’s wrong Hermione?”

She quickly dashed her tear and turned around to face Harry. She hadn’t told anyone what she’d done to her parents and it was eating at her. Harry’s concern was etched across his face and she broke. “Close the door, Harry.”

He did as he was told and pulled her out of the chair, only to sit down and pull her into his lap. It was amazing how quickly Harry had adapted to such a position. Then again, he was always starved for affection as a boy and he relished contact of any kind, especially that of his friend.

“Tell me.”

Hermione sighed and let the words fall out of her mouth. She explained everything, her cousin, Severus helping her wipe her parents’ memories, their trip to Australia. She finally ended on a sob as she explained her cash flow problem.

“Why didn’t you say something?” Harry asked in horror.

She sniffed. “It’s my problem Harry. You have enough to worry about.”

“Yes, well, I still care about you Hermione. You’re one of the most important people in my life. Tell you what, I’ll help you buy your supplies this year.”

“Oh Harry, no! I couldn’t!”

“You can,” Harry said firmly. “Besides Hermione, why did you get me such an expensive gift for my birthday if you were broke?”

Hermione blushed beet red. “I…um… I didn’t pay for it.”

“Who did?” Harry asked in bewilderment.

“If I told you, I’d have my tongue cut out,” Hermione said in all seriousness. She had no doubt Severus would punish her within an inch of her life if she let it slip that he had footed the bill.

“You didn’t do anything bad-“

“Merlin no! Gosh Harry, what do you take me for?”

Harry grinned. “Just checking. Anyway, let me do this Hermione. You’ve given up your parents for me. It’s the least I can do.”

“Oh Harry,” Hermione sighed and snuggled into his chest.

That was how Molly found them an hour later. They had been quietly chatting about their theories as to why the Dark Lord was suddenly interested in vampires. After all, they weren’t exactly a new species. For that matter, if he was so afraid of death, why not become one. That theory was shot down rather quickly though. Vampires were rather fragile when it came down to it, useless in the face of the sun or when presented with silver. Immortality wasn’t all it was cracked up to be if it could be ripped away so easily.

“Oh, there you are dears,” Molly said and stopped cold when she realized how closely they were wrapped up in each other. “Is there um… something I should know about?”

Hermione quickly got off of a flushing Harry’s lap. She had to admit, it did look rather damning. If there was one thing she had learned about Molly Weasley, it was that you were guilty until proven innocent in her eyes. That she was snuggling in a boy’s lap was bad enough. The fact that the boy was Harry was worse.

“No ma’am,” Hermione said and frowned when her voice came out as a squeak. “I was just…having a um, a hard time…you know…what with going out….”

“Er yeah!” Harry chimed. “She’s kind of anxious about being in such large crowds so I was trying to calm her down.”

“I see,” Molly said, her face softening into one of understanding sympathy. “Not to worry Hermione. You’ll be well guarded. We won’t let anything happen to you. We’ll see you downstairs…when you’re ready.”

Harry waited until Molly was gone before snickering. “She has no idea that you’re the most dangerous thing in the alley.”

“Just imagine Harry, your own personal bodyguard.”

They chuckled over their private joke all the way to the alley. It made the cramped car ride seem almost bearable. Hermione had made it a point to get a window seat and to place Harry between her and the others. That way, at least, she could control herself. She was quite used to Harry’s smell and his dominance kept her somewhat calm. The other smells in such close proximity made her collar go off and she desperately wanted to be able to smell again.

“Here you are then,” the driver said as he stopped outside the Leaky Cauldron.

They all piled out of the car and waited while the Arthur informed the driver they’d be a few hours at the most. Secretly, Hermione made plans to return to the twin’s flat above the joke shop as soon as her shopping was done. Spending every night at Hogwarts had somewhat desensitized her to magic, but that didn’t mean it didn’t burn.

As soon as they entered the pub, Harry was swept into a huge hug by an over exuberant Hagrid. Hermione couldn’t help but cringe away and shrink back against the wall. Hagrid smelled horrible, like hippogriff dung and musk and moss. The others with them noticed her immediate aversion and shot her sympathetic looks. It made her sad that she had to lie to them. However, it worked in her favor.

As soon as Harry was sat down, Arthur intercepted her hug from Hagrid. He was trying to be quiet but she could hear every word of the explanation. She peered closely at the half-giant as his eyes first widened and then a look of horror crossed his bushy face. Sympathy was close after followed by large tears swimming in his eyes. She felt horrid.

Harry’s comforting hand on her shoulder made her feel a bit better. “Steady Hermione.”

She gave a weak nod and meekly followed the motley crew through the deserted pub and into the alley. She’d visited not long ago and the alley looked even worse than it did then. Most shoppers looked worried, sticking together in tight packs. She watched in apathy as Arthur and Molly fought over whether or not to stay in a group or split up into two in order to make shopping quicker. She didn’t care either way. If her lessons with her father had taught her one thing, it was that she was much more able bodied now than she ever was.

It was decided that they would split up. Arthur, Molly, and Ginny would go to Flourish and Blotts to purchase their books while she, Harry, Ron, and Hagrid went to Madam Malkin’s to get new robes. She was pleased with this as she didn’t want to have to explain to Molly why she had to rebuy all of her robes. She still felt a bit ill that Harry was footing the bill for this trip and vowed to pay him back…somehow.

She hadn’t been paying attention as they entered the shop while Hagrid stood guard outside. However, she almost turned and ran out the door when she heard the familiar tone of her mate. He sounded aggravated and she could immediately feel it hit her like a wave.

“…not a child, in case you haven’t noticed, Mother. I am perfectly capable of doing my shopping alone.”

Hermione swallowed hard. Draco had taken to wearing a glamour that made him look smaller since he’d had grown such a large amount. Surely Madam Malkin would realize his growth spurt wasn’t normal. Then she realized that he was still wearing the glamour as he berated the woman for sticking him with a pin. If he didn’t have Narcissa with him, he could have avoided it.

“Alright Hermione?” Harry asked softly.

She spun around, nearly colliding with him. How on earth were they going to pull this off? They had discussed what their actions would be when they returned to school but neither had prepared themselves for meeting face to face outside of Hogwarts. Harry was far too intuitive, his narrowed eyes revealing his enlightenment.

“He’s a dominant,” Harry hissed.

Hermione couldn’t help but nod her heard jerkily at the statement. It wasn’t a lie after all. Draco was without question the most dominant man she’d met save her father. There was no way to tell if that was just his nature or her sensitivity because he was her mate but she never questioned it.

“Just stay close,” Harry said softly and pulled her into his side.

Draco peered over the racks to see this, his eyes narrowing in aggravation. When his glance settled on hers, she felt white hot rage pour through her so strongly her knees buckled. The only thing holding her up was her best friend, who obviously thought she was just reacting to his dominance. Thank Merlin for assumptions.

“If you’re wondering what the smell is, Mother, a mudblood just walked in,” Draco said with a sneer and a surprising amount of control at seeing his mate wounded. Only Hermione could have seen the sadness and concern underneath his mask.

“I don’t think there’s any need for language like that!” Madam Malkin snapped. “And I don’t want wands drawn in my shop either!”

Hermione looked beside her and realized that both Harry and Ron had their wands out. She whispered frantically. “No, don’t, honestly, it’s not worth it…”

“Yeah, like you’d dare to do magic out of school,” Malfoy said menacingly before looking Hermione dead in the eye. “Who blacked your eye, Granger? I want to send them flowers.”

Hermione shivered as he uttered the last word. It was loaded with promise…promise to rip whoever had done this to her to shreds. Harry stepped forward and started a verbal fight which Narcissa seemed all too eager to get into. Draco took that moment to utter under his breath.

“Who did it Hermione? I’ll kill them.”

Herimone sighed and answered back below a whisper so no one would be the wiser. “It was a silly joke the twins left behind, honest. It was a telescope that punched the user when they squeezed it. No one can seem to heal it…well, obviously. I’ll ask the twins if they have something in a moment.”

“Meet me after that.”

“Where?”

“Knockturn alley, let’s say an hour?”

“Done,” Hermione breathed just as Harry hurled an insult at Narcissa, saying she’d join her husband in Azkaban.

Draco frowned and moved forward to menace Harry but tripped on his robes, causing Ron to laugh. “Don’t you dare talk to my mother like that, Potter.”

“It’s alright Draco,” Narcissa said, curling her fingers on his shoulder to keep him in place. “I expect Potter will be reunited with dear Sirius before I am reunited with Lucius.”

Harry threw his head back and laughed, all the while raising his wand higher. He wasn’t phased by the reference to Sirius, since he was alive. However, he was still a bit touchy about that night.

“Harry no!” Hermione said, grabbing his arm. She was trying so very hard to be careful but saw him wince anyway. She quickly lightened her grip and pushed his arm down as gently as she could. “Think…you mustn’t…you’ll be in such trouble…”

Seizing the opportunity to defuse the situation, Madam Malkin bent down and started to pin Draco’s sleeves again, inadvertently pricking him. He bellowed indignantly and made a large scene of leaving for another store. On their way out, he managed to graze his hand against hers, a small token of affection but a welcome one.

The rest of their shopping went fine, quick trips to the owl emporium and apothecary before heading to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes. It was nearing an hour since their little altercation in the dress shop and she was getting antsy. Still, the looks on the others’ faces when they saw the garish signs in the joke shop were enough to make her smile. Inside, she was hit with another rush of magic but managed to walk through without so much as a blink. She even complimented the twins on their Patented Daydream Charms.

“For that, Hermione, you can have one for free.”

She spun around to see Fred grinning at her like a loon wearing a set of magenta robes that made her eyes water. She grinned as Fred shook Harry’s hand and then turned to her with a look of concern.

“And what’s happened to your eye, Hermione?”

“You’re punching telescope,” she said ruefully.

“Oh blimey, I forgot about those,” he muttered and handed her a tub of thick yellow paste. “Here, just dab it on, that bruise will be gone within the hour. We had to find a decent bruise remover. We’re testing most of our products on ourselves.” That last bit he said with a wink before swooping down close to her. “Didn’t have a clue it would do that kind of damage to a vampire though. Might have to charge double!”

Hermione barked out a laugh and took the tub. “Um…can I…er, that is to say, I need…”

“Say no more,” George said from behind her, startling her. “I’ll take you up to the flat so you can apply it at your leisure.”

She told Harry she’d be back and left him to wander the shop while she snuck up the stairs with George. Both were careful to avoid Molly at all costs. When she was safely in the flat, George put up a privacy charm.

“Blimey, that’s quite the shiner. I wonder why you didn’t heal.”

“I’m wondering that myself,” Hermione said softly as she charmed the loo mirror so she could see herself. Her eye certainly looked horrid, puffy and bloodshot…not to mention bright purple. “I suppose it’s because I’ve…um…well…I’ve mated and between him and my lessons with Snape, I’m drained.”

“So he’s switched teams then?” George asked casually but she could smell the tension radiating off the twin.

“He has,” she said softly as she dabbed some more cream on her eye. It was already starting to fade. “No need to worry George. He treats me very well…and now I don’t have to worry about You-Know-Who trying to command me.”

“There’s that I suppose,” George said softly. “But…are you sure he’s alright?”

Hermione capped the tub and handed it back to George. “I am. He feels it when he hurts me and avoids it at all costs. He’s agreed to spy, you know.”

“So he took the Mark then?”

Hermione nodded sadly. “He had no choice in taking it…but he does in what he’ll do with it.”

“Care to tell me who this elusive mate is?” George asked with a cheeky grin.

She smirked and flashed her fangs. “I could…but then I’d have to kill you.”

“What a way to go,” George sighed before shaking his head. “Oh, I have something for you by the way. New flavor and enough pellets to get you and your mate through to Christmas…and a treat.”

Hermione grinned when the held the non-descript paper bag out. She could smell the blood pops from where she was standing and couldn’t contain herself. She hugged the life out of the twin before finding the bag marked new and sampling it. Lime cordial.

“It’s delicious, George. Thanks. I, um…I was wondering if you could help me with something.”

“Anything for you Mione.”

She smiled softly at the boisterous twin. “Oh George. Someday you are going to make one lucky woman very happy. My mate and I happened to bump into each other and I sort of promised to meet him in an hours’ time…which is in a minute or so. Could you…cover for me?”

“Sure thing,” George said.

She gave him a grateful peck on the cheek and turned to mist before gliding down the building and directing herself down a deserted Knockturn alley. She transformed back and stood in a little alcove that had to be pitch black. She smelled him the second he turned down the alley, parchment and grass and home. She was wrapped in his embrace in seconds.

“Gods Hermione, you’re face.”

“The twins gave me a cream. It’ll be gone in an hour,” she said, her voice muffled by his robes.

Draco sighed and started stroking her hair. “It was everything I could do not to rip those two apart…especially Potter. Why was he holding you so closely?”

“Because he felt me trembling and realized you were a dominant. He was just trying to protect me from you.”

Draco gave her a devilish grin. “Bit late for that, isn’t it love?”

She couldn’t stop the giggle that burst from her mouth. It really was late. She had been thoroughly debauched but they’d kept it pretty straight forward so far. Lately, she’d been itching to try something new, though she was too shy to ask. What if he thought she was ungrateful?

“What is it love?” Draco asked softly. He must have picked up on her sudden somberness.

“It’s nothing,” she said quickly.

“It’s not nothing,” he growled. “I can smell your lies. Don’t make me punish you pet.”

She shivered at the dark promise in his words. She had been strictly adverse to spanking but lately, she found herself going over the incident in her head. It might not be so bad if it was Draco doing the spanking and not her father. Then, at least, the arousal wouldn’t be unwelcomed.

“Something tells me you’d like that,” Draco purred and chuckled when she shivered again. “Well pet, I’ll keep that in mind for later. For now, tell me why you are here today.”

She sighed, a bit disappointed but realizing that they were short on time. “We got our O.W.L.s and our schedules so they decided to come and buy supplies today.”

“And…results?”

“Nine Os and an E…in Defense.” She frowned at the last part.

Draco laughed at her. “I’d like to see them retest you now. Then again…there might not be anything of them left. I’m proud of you though.”

She beamed at his praise and melted further into him. “What did you get?”

“Nine Os and a P….Divination.”

“Why do you take that stupid class?”

He chuckled. “It’s brilliant for a nap. But you still seem sad. You should be celebrating.”

She sighed, knowing she couldn’t keep it a secret from him. “Harry is footing my bill today.”

“What?” Draco shouted and cringed when his voice carried.

She sniffled, his outrage making her feel horrible. “I… well, with my parents gone, I didn’t have enough for class supplies…so he offered to pay.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he bit out.

“There wasn’t time. Besides, it isn’t like you could have done anything.”

Draco tightened his grip on her, his annoyance leaking through. “Money isn’t a problem for me, you know.”

“Yes but it isn’t MY money,” she spat back.

“It’s as close as it gets,” Draco said darkly. “You’re my mate Hermione. If you need something, you tell me and whatever you need, no matter how expensive, rare, or frivolous, I’ll get it for you. It’s my job to protect and provide for you. I don’t take that lightly.”

“Glad I’m just a job,” she snapped and tried to jerk out of his arms.

“I didn’t mean it like that!” He said in a panic and slammed her against the wall to keep her from moving. “Hermione, for all points and purposes, you are my wife damn it and I’m not about to let you go without. It is my job…but it isn’t just an obligation. I WANT to take care of you.”

“Really?” She asked, giving up her fruitless struggle. She might be stronger than mortals, but she was still no match for her mate.

“Yes really. For a brilliant woman, you really are daft sometimes Hermione,” Draco said in exasperation. “Now, we don’t have much time but…”

She was about to ask him to elaborate but her thoughts were cut off when his lips slammed down over hers. Her moan was swallowed by his mouth as he ran his hands up her sides and lifted her up so she could wrap her legs around his waist. This was going to be fast but she didn’t mind. She’d already soaked her knickers. He pulled them aside and entered her in one sure thrust.

“I think we should get Hermione,” a voice carried from down the alley making them both freeze.

“Ron,” Hermione breathed.

“I know, but she said she needed a minute.”

“Harry,” Hermione whispered.

“Fuck!” Draco hissed and kissed her again, pouring his frustration into it. He swiveled his hips and swallowed her groan.

“We can’t do this,” Hermione muttered. She heard footsteps coming closer, smelled the chocolate and biscuits that followed her friends everywhere.

“No, we’re going to do this,” Draco said softly and pulled out slowly only to give her a sharp thrust. He smirked when she slammed her hand over her mouth to keep in her sounds. He punctuated his sentences with sharp thrusts. “Besides, it’s kind of hot. You… me… your friends inches away… completely oblivious.”

She had to admit, it did paint a very hot picture. She lost herself to his powerful body as sounds of her friends trying to be quiet drifted in. Honestly, did they think they were being sneaky? She was sure normal humans could hear the racket they were making.

“…but I just don’t understand why she needs a minute,” Ron continued.

“Look Ron, Hermione isn’t like she used to be. She’s never going to be the same again and now she just needs some time.”

“Why you Harry? Why is it your lap that she sits in? She’s all over you.”

“It isn’t like that,” Harry growled in annoyance. “Look, she’s just more comfortable with me, okay? She feels safe with me and I’m not about to tell her different…not if it makes her feel better.”

“Did she tell you exactly what happened?” Ron asked softly, his voice wavering.

They were silent for a long time and Hermione’s mind was once again on Draco. He was steadily pounding away, angling his hips to hit a new delicious area with every thrust. His lips trailed down her neck, sucking at her pulse point and making her shiver and moan through her fingers.

“Did you hear that?” Ron asked.

“What?”

Hermione moaned again as Draco snapped his hips and gently scraped his fang against her neck. She had thought being bitten would be painful every time but it only seemed to enhance her pleasure.

“That!”

“I heard it that time,” Harry breathed.

“Sounds like shagging,” Ron said candidly. “Better check it out.”

Harry snorted. “No time for that. I know I saw Malfoy coming this way. He’s up to something. I just know it. Let’s duck into that next alley.”

Both Hermione and Draco’s head snapped sideways, afraid they were about to be encroached upon. Draco waved his hand and put a charm up to keep Hermione from being recognized. They could see his face for all he cared. He dove back in; the thought of fucking the Gryffindor Princess right in front of the Chosen One was too much to take in. Although he couldn’t see him, he could sense his presence.

“Are you sure he went this way?” Ron asked.

“Positive, but I lost sight of him here.”

“Wonder what the little ferret is up to.”

Draco grinned down at Hermione and tore into her. She scarcely noticed the foot shadows that entered the alley. Nor did she register the twin gasps of shock that her friends let out. All that mattered in that moment was Draco. She could feel the ball of pleasure in her stomach expand further and further, her nerves on a bowstring.

“Blimey Harry. Is that…is that Malfoy?”

Draco smirked smugly and reached down to give her clit a flick at the same time he twisted his hips up. His cock brushed up against just the right spot and she exploded, screaming his name over and over. Shortly after, he shouted his release, not caring one whit about their voyeurs but careful not to say her name.

“You alright love?” Draco muttered after a few moments.

Hermione nodded, still not sure if she could speak. She was torn between being completely sated and overwhelmingly horrified. She’d actually gotten off while her friends watched. Granted, they had no idea it was her but still. Should she be disgusted with herself?

“Stop,” Draco commanded and gave her a soft kiss. “Exhibitionism is nothing to be ashamed of. Besides, they don’t know it’s you. Let’s get you cleaned up and you can get out of here.”

A wave of his hand later, she was cleaned and straightened. She buried her head in Draco’s chest, still not entirely comfortable with herself. After all, she had crossed an invisible line in her head and enjoyed herself immensely. Her human emotions and her brain were warring against her vampire instincts. This hadn’t happened to her in weeks and it was unsettling.

“You know,” Draco said just softly enough to be heard by Harry and Ron. “As much as I like holding you, I do still have errands to run. I can only slip away from Mother so long before she starts getting worried.”

“How is she?” Hermione whispered.

“Good,” Draco said confidently but she could tell he was anything but. His mother had been devastated by his father’s imprisonment and went round the bend when he disappeared for a week. She was still quite clingy and paranoid. “When this is over, I think she’ll be better.

Hermione nodded. “I’d say hello to her… but we both know she’d faint dead away.”

Draco chuckled. It was a running joke they’d had since they’d mated. He was long past caring about her blood status but they still joked about his mother’s reactions. She wasn’t a crazy fanatic about blood purity, but she was still quite prejudiced. Knowing her son was consorting with a muggleborn would probably send her to an early grave at this point in time.

“Off you go pet. Don’t you have somewhere to be?”

Hermione nodded, frowning. “I don’t want to be seen, though. If word got back to father that I was here, I’d be skinned alive.”

“No one’s going to say one fucking thing about it,” Draco said darkly. “Now scoot.”

Hermione tried to argue back but the order left a sharp sting in her heart. He was dead serious this time. She took his unspoken warning to heart and skittered out of the alley behind him, holding her breath when she felt her friends under the cloak. She looked both ways as they reached the entrance and made a dash for the next alley where she promptly turned back into mist and drifted to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezers as fast as she could.

She was looking at pygmy muffs with Ginny sometime later when Ron and Harry came skidding through the door. They were both out of breath and muttering about how Malfoy was up to something. Apparently, they’d seen him go into Borgin and Burkes and order the shopkeeper to hold something for him, threatening him with Fenrir Greyback should he refuse.

She shivered when she heard that name. Fenrir was the werewolf that turned Remus because of a fight with his dad. Since Remus knew the truth about her now, he’d confided in her several times. She knew how he was turned, how lonely he was as a creature…and how much he wanted to be with Tonks but was terrified because he wasn’t human. She knew that dilemma all too well but at least werewolves wouldn’t kill their humans just because they got hungry.

“Did you hear what I said?” Harry asked, his eyebrows furrowed.

“Hmm?” Hermione asked. “Sorry, mind drifted off. What did you say?”

“I said,” Harry growled, “Malfoy’s also got himself a girlfriend. We saw him…um…in an alley with her. I think she’s not a pureblood.”

“How do you know that?” Hermione asked innocently and picked up a purple puffball to cuddle. She missed Crookshanks, who had been sent to Julie’s. He wasn’t fond of her new lifestyle and she figured he’d be happier there.

“She said something about his mom fainting if she ever found out.”

Hermione smiled. “Then take it as a good sign, regardless of what it looks like.”

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Hermione drifted down the stairs as mist, not wanting to risk alerting anyone. It was just past dark, everyone having retired to bed early. They would return to school the next day and she doubted anyone was actually asleep. She knew Ginny wasn’t. That’s why she’d fluffed her pillows to look like her and then turned to mist in her bed. Ginny was none the wiser.

“You know I can still sense you right?”

Hermione turned back into herself and smiled at Remus, who was having a cup of tea in the kitchen. The werewolf had been offering to take the late patrol since he’d discovered what she was. That way, he could help cover for her. She was so pleased that she and Remus were friends again, even stronger than before. It was unheard of for a werewolf and a vampire to be so close but she liked to think they were better than their creature selves.

“I just didn’t want to wake anyone else,” she said softly and sat beside him. She still had a few minutes before she had to meet Severus.

Remus shook his head as amusement. “They’re all worried about you, you know.”

“Why?”

“Because you’ve been spacing out much more often. That’s not like you at all.”

“I know,” she sighed and laid her head on the table. “I just… I guess my mind is on my lessons.”

“Your lessons?”

Hermione nodded. “Severus is teaching me how to control my wandless magic. Since I’ve mated, my magic is much stronger. He says it’s because our magic combined or something. Besides, I need to get used to being at Hogwarts again. I can almost enter without choking to death now.”

“So your mate is a wizard then,” Remus said softly. “Is he like you?”

Hermione nodded. “He is. I think he’s more powerful than me though.”

“You haven’t managed to tell me who he is yet.”

Hermione cleared her throat uncomfortably. “I don’t think it would go over very well.”

“Hermione, he isn’t…well, is he-“ Remus groaned at his inability to articulate his thoughts.

Hermione sighed, knowing Remus wouldn’t give it a rest until he knew. “He is a Death Eater Remus, but he’s on our side.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because he’s my mate…and hurting me hurts him. You have no idea how hard it is to trust him Remus, but I do.”

“Who is he?”

Hermione swallowed hard. “Draco Malfoy.”

Remus’s eyes went wide. “No.”

Hermione nodded miserably. “I’ve known since shortly after I was turned. He was still human at the time. He saw me in a glamour and was attracted to me anyway. He…he was… we were in a diner run by my grandfather’s mate. She was human then too. He figured out who I was and we had a row; well of course we did. Anyway I begged him to leave. Before he could, grandfather’s coven came bursting in, fit to be tied because his mate was still human. The second in command, Zander, he wanted me as his mate and…”

“What happened?” Remus asked in concern when she trailed off.

Hermione took a steadying breath. Even now, it was still the most terrifying night of her life save for her own turning. “Zander was angry because I resisted and threw me across the room. Draco yelled at him, stepped in to, I don’t know, protect me or something. Grandfather ripped Zander to shreds but Draco…he was caught by the leader and bitten. The leader, Lysander, thought the bite would kill him because he was so far away from adulthood but he survived. He resisted the darkness and survived the turning.”

Remus laid a comforting hand on her trembling one. “What then?”

“We, well we didn’t get on, as to be expected. That’s why I came here. I couldn’t stand being around him anymore. I thought-I, well, I thought that he hated me. Turns out he hated himself, was ashamed at how he treated me. It was rough but we finally talked and I agreed to mate with him. Lysander found out and came for me before we mated. He, Severus, and Grandfather killed him. That’s why Melody was injured when she came to get me. The rest is history. He’s very good to me Remus.”

“And you are sure he’s sincere?”

She nodded. “I can smell it. He’s agreed to spy with Severus.”

“How come we weren’t informed of it?”

“I imagine Dumbledore wants his role kept a secret. Severus’s position is rather murky as it is. Draco doesn’t need that kind of heat on him, especially since he is so new…and joined under duress. Just…Remus you must promise, no matter what happens, that you’ll keep his status, both as my mate and as a spy, a secret.”

“What do you think is going to happen Hermione?”

“Something horrible,” she whispered. “Promise Remus, you must.”

“Alright Hermione,” he said, noticing her urgency. “I don’t like it but I promise.”

“Thank you,” she said sincerely and gave him a small peck on the cheek before getting up. “You know, if we can be together without bloodshed, things look pretty good for you and Tonks. I’ve got to go now. Be well.”

“You too,” Remus said softly, a pensive look on his face.

Hermione flashed over to the edge of the Burrow’s wards and met Severus. “Father. Are we hunting tonight before we train?”

“Change of plans,” Severus said softly before taking her hand and apparating away.

They appeared near a night club, the booming beats making her heart palpate. Four cloaked figures came sauntering over. They threw their hoods back and Hermione couldn’t contain her shriek of delight to realize that Alex and Nancy were with them. She hadn’t seen very much of them since her training began, especially since Nancy was training hard to be able to return to her diner.

Nancy made a wonderful vampire. She hadn’t grown an inch, having been an adult when turned, but she was somehow even more beautiful. Her skin flawless, the tired look gone. Her eyes had sparkle again and she was deliriously happy with Alex.

“Let’s eat,” Alex said after they’d bestowed hugs and kisses all around.

They spent the rest of the night drinking, dancing, and taking turns occupying various stalls, walls, and dark niches while they slaked their lust. It was by far the most fun she’d had so far. All thoughts of what was to come fled her mind as she lost herself to the beat and Draco’s delicious ministrations.

AN: Hey everyone. The horrible thing about being sick is that you get WAY behind with everything. So... *falls down on knees and begs for mercy* The story will pick up from here because we all know anything can happen at Hogwarts!

As always, thank you to everyone who reviewed. I read them on my sickbed and they made me feel so much better. Keep them coming and let me know how I'm doing and if you find any errors. Until next time... Love you guys.
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Beyond the Pale