Blood Debt

Same Disclaimer as usual, I own nothing but the plot.

Chapter 1: 5 Years Later - Hermione

Hermione jolted from her bed, sweaty and out of breathe, the last shreds of her nightmares fading back into the memories of the battle. It had been five years since the Battle of Hogwarts and she still relived it every night in her dreams. Even dreamless sleep potions had little effect on the brunette heroine. The Healers had many assumptions as to why nothing seemed to help but no progress had been made in fixing it.

It had taken two years after the Battle of Hogwarts to round up the last of the renegade Death Eaters that remained free and in hiding. More than three quarters of the dark forces had been eliminated during the battle but some had enough sense or cowardice to leave before Voldemort met his demise.

Harry was flourishing after the war, the weight of darkness had been lifted off his shoulder and he stepped immediately into a Top Auror position, with Ginny at his side. Harry took the press and fame in stride, remaining the humble and caring boy he had always been, but now strengthened with the knowledge and power he now held.
Ron, on the other hand, had not matured much from the war, but had seemed to digress to a new level of immaturity. He preened with the attention he received after the war, accepting a lucrative Keeper deal with the Chudley Cannons and surrounding himself with adoring groupies whom he used as he saw fit. After Hermione had spoke in Draco's defense at his trial Ron had gone berserk, accusing her of whoring herself out to the enemy and renouncing their friendship in front of his entire family and the remaining order members. Hermione had been in shock, confused as to what provoked the red head's anger so much. It was true he never had been friendly with Malfoy, even after he switched sides, but it seemed Hermione's support of the blond Slytherin only added fuel to his fire. Everyone was shocked at Ron's turn in temperament and stood firmly by Hermione, though his anger and rejection still cut her soul. She had expected him to realize his love for her after the war and for them to fall madly in love, living happily ever after. Too bad life isn't a fairy tale.

Hermione spent the last five years focusing on her career. After the war she had joined the Auror training program and worked to bring in the remaining Death Eaters while undergoing other aspects of training. Her practical knowledge from the war and her usual studious demeanor kept her ahead of her classmates and sometime even her teachers.

She didn't remain with the Auror department long after the last identified Death Eater was arrested, retiring to continue studies in Potions and Spells. The Ministry had awarded her many honors after the war, as well as a substantial trust fund that made it unnecessary for her to work. Regardless Hermione kept herself busy with personal projects and commissions through private and government contracts. She now had 7 essays published in various prestigious publications, as well as 2 books of practical spells, 3 books on defensive spells and 1 potions book that mixed theory and process with her unique recipes. She tried to leave no time to think about the war or its repercussions it had on her life, only to be forced to relive it nightly in the solitude of her bed.

Hermione pulled herself out of bed, knowing it was useless to try and sleep again after her nightmares. The Ministry had also deeded the now abandoned Nott Manor, as any members of the blood line who could have claimed it had perished in the war. Hermione only inhabited a small wing of the Manor, allowing the Nott's house elves to maintain the rest of the property while giving her freedom in her own space. Of course they were always ready to serve if she called, they liked her much more than their past family, though none would admit it out loud without administering some form of punishment. Of course they lamented Hermione's dislike of asking for their help so they did their tasks discreetly, taking pride in her pleasure at the constant cleanliness and orderliness.
Hermione wandered into her small kitchen and put a kettle on to boil, while pulling out a tea pot and her favorite ginger tea. The sun was just started to peak over the horizon and the forest surrounding her home looked to still be asleep. Only a few of the earliest birds were singing. The tea quickly made Hermione sat at her small table, facing the large picture windows that presented the most picturesque view of the Manors lush gardens and took a moment to inhale the spicy aroma, letting it soothe her frayed nerves. She sighed as she felt her body relaxing and the last of the dreams fading with the sunlight. Hermione had definitely grown up and filled out over the years. No longer a mere slip of a girl, though still slender, Hermione had the curves any woman would be jealous of, her silky skin almost unmarred, except for the few scars that remained as physical reminders of the war. Her hair was still long but had tamed into soft manageable curls that framed her still innocent looking face. She had no lack of suitors over the year, but still couldn't find any one that seemed right, even though she was never able to pin point what was wrong exactly.

She stared blankly at the vista in front of her before turning to the few papers and one magazine piled neatly at the corner of the table. The face of her savior, Draco Malfoy, was smirking up at her, winking as the petite brunette got caught in his visage. The headline above him read “Europe's Most Eligible Bachelor.” Draco had, if possible, become even more attractive since the war. He was constantly posing for photo shoots topless, showing off his perfect Adonis like body and bragging about his workout routine in magazines. Witch Weekly had announced him the 'Sexiest Wizard of the 20th Century' six month previous. His skin was flawless ivory, with a few choice scars not magicked away to add to his bad boy aura; his steely eyes containing a world of secrets and promise that enraptured almost any witch he set his gaze on. He kept his hair stylishly long and usually tied it back with braided green and black leather cords, and wore only the finest quality, tailored clothes, silk and leather being his favorite materials. The wink brought Hermione out of her reverie and she looked contemplatively at the blond's visage. One thing that had really perplexed her the last few years is that Malfoy had yet to claim his dept off her. After the war she had feared he might try to use that leverage to help his public image, but other than his trial and a few Ministry balls she hadn't seen or heard from him since, though each time they did meet he would always remind her in a husky whisper that she still owed him. Never one to be caught ignorant Hermione had researched Life Debts soon after the war. Luckily, based on her recollection of events he didn't hold too much power over her and the debt would be easily satisfied with a business favor or the like.
Since the war Draco had been busy rebuilding and expanding Malfoy Industries. Lucius had died in the final battle, and although he had inherited more than enough money for 7 generations to survive in decadence he was working hard to earn the respect of the Wizarding World.

Even with the proceedings of his trail being made public most of the Wizarding Community still mistrusted him and his name. Draco had closed down and eliminated all illegal sectors of his father's business, while expanding and merging with a muggle company and becoming a beacon of progress and collaboration by designing an entire new line of wizarding appliances and recreational products. With the success of his business ventures and the surplus of fund accumulated Malfoy Industries began a series of substantial philanthropic projects, including additions to St Mungo's research and experimental healing divisions. His company built an orphanage for War Orphans He helped rebuild and expand Hogwarts, as well as replenishing it's decimated library. He even commissioned a Public Wizarding library, with free access for the entire Wizarding Community. Though this entire time he had yet to claim a favor, though there were many opportunities she expected it. Draco also worked with the Ministry as a Dark Magic expert and was integral in the capturing of many rogue Death Eaters in the post war transition period.
The Malfoy name was once again at the height of Wizarding society. In contrast to Hermione's celibate existence the tabloids were always reporting on Draco's flavour of the week and the possible identity of the next hopeful Mrs. Malfoy. Since the war the Ministry had introduced new laws to prevent inbreeding, which was being linking to a decline in magical potency, so many of the young generations of Pureblooded witches and wizards knew they would be the last of their kind for many years to come. Studies had shown the increase of muggle borns with each passing year and some theorists were predicting a critical mass overload to occur within the next 100 years which would make it impossible to keep the two worlds separate. Rumours were going around about how the subsequent governments were going to handle the transition.

Despite the super model like qualities of the women Draco dated, and the oddly remarked upon instant deference they all showed the aristocratic blond none managed to last more than a month in his company much to their disappointment. There were times Hermione idly wondered what it was he was looking for, but usually caught herself before she spent too much time fantasizing about him picking her. She usually laughed it off, why would one of the Sexiest Wizards in the world want a plain little bookworm like her. She wasn't glamorous or alluring, despite her secret desire to be at least some of the time. She had no idea what it meant to be sexy or feel that intense passion that drove you undeniably towards another person, and was beginning to wonder if she ever would. Hermione sighed and poured herself another cup of tea. The sun was well above the horizon now, there was no use in wasting precious time when she had a new spell nearly perfected.

A/N I'm not sure who reads this part, but if you do, thank you very much. Please Review, reviews make me want to write more, I once read an a/n that said reviews are like crack and I agree. Also, for those who are comparing this to my last fic, sorry the chapters are shorter, I'm posting as I type and this makes updates a bit faster. So I still think they are a decent length, just not as time consuming as the last. I;m not sure how many chapters I will make this. All opinions are welcome, I like writing for an audience and I love feedback. Please. Peace all.