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A Match Made In Convenience	By : ErisNight Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 47188 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 9
Disclaimer: The entire universe of Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling. I make no profit from writing these stories. I am only borrowing her inventions for my fiction.

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A/N:

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We're finally breaking out of the foundational portion of the story, I've pretty much laid the basis for everything I want to incorporate later so the writing has been more exciting as of late on my end. I can't wait until we make it to the later chapters but for now here is Chapter Seven: You Don't Fool Me.

Eris

It had only been two days since she agreed to stay at Grimmauld place and the first thing Hermione noticed was that Malfoy avoided her like the plague. She hadn’t seen any sign of him aside from the left over breakfast food that had been in the warmer yesterday and today. Must be a guilty conscience, she thought to herself as she got out of the shower.

She had settled into her new home seamlessly, the room was still as beautiful and perfect as it had been when she spent the night and it felt good to finally have a place to put her things away. Yesterday Harry had went with her shopping for new clothes and books for her room. They had invited Ron go with them but he had ignored her owl; as she expected he was sore with her for leaving Friday night. Since it was a Sunday and he didn’t have to go into the office, Harry had agreed to give her a tour of the new Grimmauld Place. She had been stunned at first by the complete transformation the home seemed to have taken since she last lived there but it was a pleasant surprise. Harry showed her the full expanse of his quarters; behind the blue door he had a beautiful wing. There was not only a large bed room and a full bathroom but a study, a vault and much to her surprise a library. He had claimed the library proved useful whenever he had to do research for a case and so it had been easier to build one rather than visit one. They had arrived at the foot of the stairs, just when Harry offered to add a library and study to her room if she wanted. “You could do that?” Harry leaned against the wall next to Malfoy’s door. “Yeah, that would be easy; we could just alter the space of your room and turn it into a wing like Malfoy and I have.”

“I thought old magical houses were protected from structural changes to protect the integrity and history of the house. The Great House of Black definitely falls into that category.”

“Apparently not, Malfoy told me that if the head of the family wished it, the house could be changed.” She thought on it for a moment “what was the first change you made? How did the house react?” Harry pointed up to the green door that she stood in front of. “First duel we ever had here, Malfoy transfigured the floor under my feet into a pit, he caught me with a Wingardium directly after but I would have been a goner, so the duel went to him. A part of our agreement is that the winner gets to make a reasonable request of the other; so his request was to modify his bedroom into a wing. He basically has his own house inside Grimmauld for the most part. Interestingly enough Malfoy apparently didn’t add a kitchen or anything else like I thought he would. He doesn’t seem to mind sharing meals with me and if he makes something for his guests he leaves me some. It put me off at first but after a long day at work it beats eating anything I would cook” Hermione laughed at this but looked to the green door lost in thought. “What rooms did he add?” Harry noticed but chose not to mention the faraway look in her eyes and just shrugged at her question. Hermione frowned “In 4 years you’ve never seen his room?”

“No and he’s never seen mine, what would be the point?” Hermione conceded “Fair enough, anyway I was thinking, since every guest that travels by floo arrives in the living room, maybe you should have increased security there, like anti-intruder spells that have a pre-approved list of guests that are ok to visit and for everyone else it will send out a warning to us.”

“That would actually be really wise and effective; do you have a particular spell in mind?” They began down the stairs as Hermione explained her idea in full. They stopped once they reached the landing and sat at the foot of the stairs. “How to do give the spell the prescribed list of approved visitors?” Hermione smiled “it’s simple really; I can make it so that the spell refers back to a well-kept piece of parchment in the house. We just write down the names and they are approved, cross them out and they become intruders. We can even keep the list safe in your vault.”

“That’s a brilliant idea, I’m going to get some parchment and a quill wait right here.” Harry went back up the stairs to his room and Hermione sat on the stairs waiting for him, going through the incantation her head for the spell.

The sudden sound of the floo activating brought Hermione back to her feet, a moment later Ron came storming into the hallway. She saw he had a copy of the Daily Prophet in his hands and could only guess at what had set him off now. “Is it true?” he demanded towering over her. She crossed her arms “Is what true Ronald?” He shoved the newspaper into her hands and she sighed at the new headline “Hermione Granger to live with London’s Most Eligible Bachelors, Harry Potter and the Malfoy Heir!” She stared at the paper frustrated beyond measure. She had wanted to tell Ron about her living arrangement in her own way. She knew he wasn’t upset with her living with Harry so much as Malfoy. She sighed and handed him back the newspaper “yes it’s true Ronald.” His face flushed red, and she could tell that she was in for it now. “How could you possibly CHOOSE TO LIVE WITH A DEATH EATER OVER ME!” She held out her hands in front of her to ward him off just in case he got closer. “Calm down Ronald, you are over reacting. Malfoy had nothing to do with my decision…”

“Oh yeah? So it’s Harry then? Of all the places to live, it must be here, with him. IT’S ALWAYS HIM RIGHT?!”

“No! Calm down and listen to me! This was a good choice for me; it fit all of my requirements…” Ron let out a sarcastic laugh at this “You’re only requirement should have been to be WITH ME!” Hermione took a step back, Ronald was truly upset about this and she had no clue how to make him see sense. She was looking up into his narrowed eyes when she heard the floo in the sitting room activate. She prayed beyond all hope that Malfoy hadn’t just arrived, although she knew it couldn’t be anyone else coming from that direction. It just wasn’t going to go well if Ron saw him now of all times.

Draco had heard Weasley as soon as he had arrived and frowned. There was only one person that he would be yelling at and Draco found himself taking exception to that fact. He ran his fingers through his hair and expelled a breath, he wasn’t her hero though. He just needed to mind his own business and avoid her as planned. Draco brushed the soot from his jacket and left the sitting room. He saw the arguing couple at the foot of the stairs and tried to step past them to get to his room. But before he could take a single step, Weasley drew his wand and pressed it to his throat.

Hermione gasped “What are you doing Ronald! I told you Malfoy had nothing to do with this!” Ron sneered “Oh, yes that’s right, protect your little Death Eater” Draco felt his jaw twitch but elected to count to ten despite the fact that there was a wand at his throat. He heard steps from above him and met the eyes of his roommate. Potter frowned in response; Draco tilted his head to indicate to the wizard that had become his friend that he was losing his patience with the situation. “Move your wand” he instructed calmly. Weasley turned to him fully and shoved him against the wall, digging his wand deeper into the hollow of his throat. “Oh yeah? What are you going to do to make me Death Eater scum? You may have Harry fooled but you don’t fool me. You are still the same pathetic little….” Draco simply sighed and with a wave of his hand, sent Ron flying back away from him. The red haired man rashed into the opposite wall swiftly before he landed painfully on his back, striking his head upon impact. Draco turned to him but only smirked “I did ask politely, but seeing as you’re unable to comprehend simple English, I’ll break it down for you. Do not pull your wand on me Weaslebee unless you intend to eat it.” Then without looking to either of his roommates he went up the stairs and disappeared behind the green door.

Harry came down the stairs and instantly went to help his friend get up “your row with Hermione is not his fault Ron; you can’t attack another wizard unprovoked you can land in Azkaban for that!” Clearly upset that Harry had chosen to defend Malfoy, Ron smacked his extended hand away and stood. It took him a moment to steady himself but once he did, he glowered at his two best friends “traitors, the both of you and for Malfoy no less, disgusting.” He brushed past Harry who had quickly become annoyed and then stormed out. The living room floo could be heard taking the irate wizard away. Harry sighed but Hermione hadn’t said a word, she just sat back down on the steps and held her head between her knees. “I hate feeling this weak Harry; ever since I’ve come back I’ve been walking on eggshells around him. I cannot even grasp what’s wrong with me but I want to make it work! I can’t give in though to his bloody proposal, not yet. I am not his property!”

“Let’s go sit in the living room, Ron will realize what an arse he just made of himself and be back to apologize to us both. Don’t worry about it.” He led her to the large living room and pulled her down on the couch beside him. He spent the next hour distracted her by discussing his life for the past 3 years and she was smiling in no time. “How is work so far?” Harry asked suddenly. Hermione sat up straight and pulled her legs up onto the couch before turning to him. “It’s wonderful really, a lot more interesting than I would have thought. We do some really important work and I’ve already learned so much. Granted there are certain policies that need amending but once I get going…”

The floo network lit up and out came Ginny Weasley. She immediately went to Harry for a long kiss “Harry Hello!” Hermione smiled and greeted the witch with a hug “Hey Ginny, Ron was here not too long ago.”

“Oh?” They proceeded to tell her the story and by the time they finished Ginny just sighed. “Ron always has a temper but I gotta admit, it is crazy that you chose to live with Malfoy, and the git shouldn’t have attacked Ron. No worries though Hermione, if you apologize I’m sure Ron will get over it. He never stays mad at you for long” Hermione had a look of disbelief on her face but she bit her tongue. Harry stopped himself from laughing at her expression. They shared a look but just let her comment pass. The Weasleys stuck together no matter what the situation. It was truly unbelievable sometimes. Ginny however seemed bored with Hermione’s lack of response and immediately turned her attention to Harry. “So when are we going out next? I’ve missed you lately; you’ve been locked up here or at work.” Harry thought about for a moment but drew a blank, “you could spend the night if you wanted but I am booked with work this week.” Ginny frowned “you cannot be this busy all the time Harry, we haven’t had a proper date in months, you are the savior of the entire wizarding world. Act like it! You should be living the life, and you should definitely have time for me!” She looked to Hermione for confirmation but Hermione just waved her hand as if to say “I’m not even touching this one.” Harry knew Hermione thought Ginny was being ridiculous but she pretended most of the time for his sake. Ginny’s frowned deepened at Hermione’s action but then broke into an uncanny smile “I know! I’ll move in here with you!”

Harry’s breath caught in his throat at the prospect, but he couldn’t think of a single reason to deny Ginny aside from the fact that he outright didn’t want to live with her. Hermione had moved in and he knew that Ginny would use that as her main point and then throw a tantrum if he declined. His hands were tied. Harry held back a sigh and opened his mouth the accept but before he could say a single word a familiar voice came ringing out from the hallway. “Absolutely not” Hermione turned her head at the sound of the voice and felt her eyes widen of their own accord. Draco was leaning against the door frame leading into the living room and Harry noticed Hermione’s face flush. It took all that Hermione had to keep her mouth from dropping to the floor. What was with her luck lately? She hadn’t seen him properly in years and yet these new common occurrences were almost too much to believe was real. He had been handsome in school no doubt but pale and young looking boy. The Malfoy in front of her was awe inspiring and unmistakably a man.

He apparently had just finished with a shower and only elected to put on a pair of muggle jeans. She had thought he looked good in a suit but this was just way beyond what she could handle. It wasn’t even fair! Here she was trying her best to remember Ronald whenever Malfoy was around but now when she was most vulnerable the blonde had the nerve to show up half dressed! His hair and shoulders were wet, and even though he wasn’t looking at her, she could feel the raw energy emanating from him. She followed his body with her eyes and had to bite her lip to keep from groaning. She felt herself going damp and had to admit to herself that she did in fact want to kiss him. She could feel her entire body reacting to him and was glad she had elected to wear a bra today less her nipples give her away.

He had a tall muscular frame, with wide shoulders and a perfectly sculpted chest. There were silver scars lining his incredible pectoral muscles and she had the odd desire to plant kisses each and every one of them. Hermione wondered briefly what they had come from before remembering Harry’s Sectumsempra in 6th year. She bowed her head at the memory but was distracted when Draco came farther into the room. She saw the dark mark that adorned his left arm and wondered briefly why it didn’t bother her anymore. Hermione dropped that thought and noted a thin trail of hair that began directly under his belly button that traveled south toward his… Hermione tore her eyes away from where she had been looking and brought her gaze up to his face. When she saw that he turned his attention to her directly as she looked up, she blushed further and turned to look into the fire instead.

Draco refrained from acknowledging Granger for the most part, but he could feel her eyes on him. He had caught how she had bit her lip and saw how her eyes trailed down his body. Her face had blossomed under her blush and he felt the burn of desire when she turned her head to hide her eyes from him. Draco wanted to push her further and see how genuine her reaction to him was but he had a mission to accomplish first. Stopping at the foot of the couch directly where Granger sat, Draco took a seat on the arm rest and crossed his arms. “We had a deal Potter; I would live here and pay rent as long as I could live in peace. It’s been 5 minutes and Weasley has been harping so loud that I could hear in my room. Our contract states that for the duration of the term we both agree on who lives here. It’s bad enough Granger is going to stay but she is at least a reader.” Ginny took exception to this and rounded on Malfoy “Oi! Look here Malfoy this is Harry’s house and he can kick YOU out if he has to. I’m his girlfriend and more welcome here than you are! How dare you insinuate that I’m bothering you when your entire existence has been a bother on humanity for years!” Hermione noticed that Malfoy’s jaw twitched and was ready for the tirade of hate that he was surely going begin; but was surprised when he only sneered at the angry red head and pointedly turned his gaze to Harry. He was so close to her that she could look up and study his face; she tried her best not to be obvious, but was soon discouraged when her senses returned to her in full swing. What was she doing checking him out when her boyfriend’s sister was in the room? Hermione scooted away from Malfoy on the couch.

It took Harry a full moment to realize that Malfoy was saving him. He didn’t know how Malfoy understood that he hadn’t wanted Ginny to live there but here he was taking the heat and the decision out of his hands with a fake contract. Harry almost let out a sigh of relief but controlled his emotions, the last thing he needed was Hermione catching on to the ruse and accidentally tipping off Ginny. Stepping in between his girlfriend and his roommate, Harry placed his hands on her shoulders and kissed her forehead “Malfoy don’t be rude to Ginny, she is always welcome here.” She smiled up at Harry “Exactly ferret.”

“But Malfoy is also right Gin, I can’t break our contract and it’s been renewed for the next two years. It’s a magical contract and if I welsh on it Malfoy would be in his right to demand my magic. We both have to agree on new roommates for the sake of peace” Ginny sputtered for a moment clearly disbelieving “But Hermione… there’s no way Malfoy agreed” Malfoy crossed his arms but looked down his nose at her. Ginny glared at him but turned the brunt of her rage on Harry. “Harry James Potter how dare you enter a magical contract with that git! Especially one that bars me from living with you! We are trying to build a future together! 4 years I’ve put up with all this shite but no more! Either I’m moving in with you or we’re through! You know where to find me when you come to your senses!” She gave a nasty look to Draco and Hermione before storming off toward the chimney. A second later the fireplace roared to life and she was gone. Hermione stood from the couch and placed a reassuring hand on Harry’s shoulder. He gave her a grateful smile but turned to Draco “So care to show me the contract? I’m a bit foggy on the rest of the details.” Hermione was charmed and yet confused by the grin that came to Malfoy’s face. “Yes of course Potter, it also says that you now pay ME rent to live here considering that I grace you with MY presence every day.” Hermione was beyond bewildered at that comment and looked between the two smiling men incredulously. Then they both broke out into laughter. She was forced to stand there unable to believe her eyes, and when they finally stopped Malfoy pat Harry on the back “You owe me one Potter” before retreating back up to his room. Hermione watched him as he walked away and sighed to herself absentmindedly.

It was the sound of the door closing that brought back Hermione from her daze “Harry?” she began “what was that?” Harry looked at the expression on her face and allowed himself to laugh at her expense this time. “It’s been tough with Ginny lately; she’s turning into some sort of socialite and wants me to propel her up to the top of the pedestal. I’m not into that kind of life and I’ve told Malfoy about it a time or two when she throws a similar kind of fit. He must’ve heard her and decided to come up with a contract idea to save me. There is no way I would have been able to tell her no.” Hermione sat down on the couch and pulled Harry down next to her “It’s an unusual thing to see Malfoy act so noble.” Harry shrugged “that’s only because you don’t know him. Malfoy isn’t anything like we expected. I’d like to think he’s more Gryffindor than any of us.” He grinned at the horrified look on his best friends face “on second thought you’re right, he’s definitely a Slytherin. But my point was that had he not been raised the way he was, we probably would have been great friends long before the war. 4 years ago I would have never been able to say this but Malfoy is the kind of bloke that I am proud to call a friend. He’s more a brother than a roommate, we’ve more in common than anyone could ever imagine. I mean it’s been 4 years Hermione do you really think I could have put up with him that long if he was still the same asshole?” Hermione nodded thoughtfully at this “Well I’m glad for you Harry, I know I’ve pretty much been gone for the most part of the past few years, it’s great that you’ve had someone to confide in.”

“It is” he agreed “and now that I’ve got you back, I’m all set.” Hermione laughed at this and swatted his shoulder playfully. They joked around for a while longer before Harry stood “I’ll see you later; I need to get some work done for work tomorrow.” She nodded and watched as he walked away.

On his way to his wing, Harry smiled to himself, suddenly remembering the patronus Malfoy had cast. It had said a lot more about his character than he even knew. Only good wizards were able to cast a patronus, and to cast one so powerful said all that he needed to know about the quiet wizard.

Hermione sat in the empty living room reflecting on the conversation she had just had with her best friend. He had a point; living with someone for 4 years did show that something must’ve been working between the two of them. But for Harry to have never seen Malfoy’s wing? That seemed ludicrous to her, the Slytherin wizard could be up to all sorts of things that Harry wouldn’t know about until it was too late. Hermione was determined to check out Malfoy’s living area once she had a chance. She would get down to the bottom of it and suss out Malfoy’s true intent. But for now she was completely knackered, between Ronald’s yelling and Harry and Malfoy’s bizarre but seemingly genuine friendship, her mind was a whirl of unreliable thoughts. She headed up to her room and fell into her overly large comfortable bed for a nap.

Her last thoughts were of Ronald and all his yelling. But despite how wrong he had been she remembered something he had said that she could agree with. She sighed into her pillow and right before she closed her eyes, heard herself whisper “Draco Malfoy, you don’t fool me.”

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A Match Made In Convenience