The Plan

AN: Hey there! I'm so sorry for such the long wait lovlies. I had to send my computer in to get fixed and all I had was my old desktop, which won't allow me to log onto this site. But, to make up for it, I'm doing a double update :)

And thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for all the amazing reviews. Enjoy this. =D

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Chapter 3: The Scheme

The plan was simple. Investigate the Ministry and a few top officials and try to find something, anything, to use to gain the upper hand. Hermione referred to it as blackmail but Draco liked to call it adept persuasion. He liked to say that there was corruption everywhere, no matter what. It all depended on the degree of it. She wasn’t sure if that was true but, either way, it was the only thing they could come up with that seemed severe enough get the Ministry to give them what they wanted.

Hermione wasn’t a stranger to breaking rules. Most of her Hogwarts years were spent lying, scheming, and researching more ways to do the previous two, but, she’d always had the best intentions and rarely did she do any of that for her own personal gain. She was a Gryffindor and a war hero, not some slimy Slytherin. But this time things had gone too far and, for once, she was going to think of herself.

They wanted a divorce, eventually. That was the entire point to getting married in the first place. To do that, they had to find a way to keep the Ministry in line so that one, they would actually be allowed the divorce, and two, the Ministry wouldn’t come after them later for not abiding by the legislation. There would be no repercussions and it would all work out. In theory, anyway.

In practice, it was much more difficult than that. When they weren’t working or fighting, Hermione and Draco spent most of their time digging to find the dirt, ironic as it was. Their constant research practically went to waste, though. The most they’d come up with was an older council member’s obsession with lathering Bundimun secretion (an ingredient in cleaning solution) all over his skin because he liked the ‘tingly’ feeling. It was definitely abnormal behavior but not condemning in any way.

Hours, days, weeks went by and still they came up empty handed. They soon realized that if they were going to find out anything, they’d have to go straight for the heart: The Ministry itself. That was where they would find the truth, or so they hoped.

It was late afternoon and very few people were still running around. They figured it was safest to sneak around earlier in the day while there were still people about because the Ministry was too protected late at night and too difficult to maneuver. And they couldn’t do it in the morning because there were hundreds of people and the chances of them being caught were extremely high. But in the late afternoon, it was still early enough that the Ministry was relatively busy and slow enough that, if they were careful, they could slip and slide through the halls without being seen.

Hermione’s feet fell silent against the stone floors as she walked. Malfoy moved along beside her, close enough that she could feel his body heat. What made her angry was the fact that it was all she could seem to focus on. For whatever reason, it was always in the back of her mind.

They peered around the corner and, seeing no one, they moved on ahead. They were in the Department of Mysteries and even Hermione thought they were insane. If there was one place in the Ministry that was protected far beyond the rest, it was this department. But Draco said that if they wanted anything good enough to manipulate the Minister with, they’d have to search the most protected places. He was quite a fan of the saying ‘big risks, big rewards’.

She was certain they were going to get caught. And what would they say? We were just wandering around looking for our lost cat…

It would go over so well.

The halls darkened the deeper they went, the mist creeping in around their ankles. Hermione wasn’t sure what they were looking for exactly but she figured they’d find it in the offices of the people who worked there. They didn’t want to necessarily bribe the officials of the Department of Mysteries but they knew it was too difficult to search the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. That would have been suicide. Everyone on that floor was either an Auror or one in training. It was just impossible.

Then again, wasn’t this, too?

Step after step they took, not talking, just searching.

Suddenly, Hermione was shoved to the side and her back hit the hard, stone wall, the rough rock scratching against her through her robes. That sensation was immediately overridden by a new one, though. Draco’s lips against hers felt butter soft and velvet smooth. Her eyes were wide with shock. She could feel the fight to resist build up in her veins but before she could protest even the tiniest bit he broke the kiss and whispered so softly against her lips, she felt herself shiver.

“Play along.”

It didn’t take a genius to figure out what he meant and since she was a genius she didn’t need even a second to respond. He was kissing her for a reason and she only assumed it meant that someone was nearby.

There weren’t any fireworks but there weren’t any revolting feelings of nausea swooping through her stomach, either. The kiss was good. Slow, intense, thoughtful. And it was all of those things because they were making it all of those things. She couldn’t put herself fully into the kiss, though, because her mind was going a mile a minute. If someone was there, they would get in trouble, so perhaps that wasn’t the reason he was kissing her then. Maybe it was something else entirely. But what reason could Malfoy possibly have?

His tongue slipping between her lips sufficiently distracted her for all of three seconds before her mind started going again, but for completely different reasons. She wasn’t a prude; she had hormones, just like everyone else. And being kissed up against a wall with the fear of being caught simmering in the back of her mind… she wasn’t as unaffected as she thought.

It was over like that, his lips no longer mashed to hers, his body no longer a blanket over her own. She stared up at him, eyes curious, brows furrowed.

“What was that for?” She whispered.

“Someone was there, right around the corner. I barely saw them in time. I had to make it seem like we were just a newly married couple sneaking off for a few minutes of alone time. It’s convincing, I think.” He smirked at his own ingenuity. That, and the fact that he wasn’t telling her the whole story. What he left out was the person he’d seen around the corner was Harry Bleeding Potter. In his head, he was laughing harder than he ever had before. He sure as hell gave Potter a show.

And it was a show. Granger wasn’t the most gorgeous bird in the sky but she certainly knew how to use what she had. He would never admit it, but he was almost impressed. His body certainly responded enthusiastically. The kiss itself hadn’t been the best ever but there was something about her mouth and the moment and the timing that really set him off.

Or maybe he was just a horny bastard who’d been deprived far too long. Yes, he liked that theory much better.

Silently, they left the Department, knowing it was not the right time to continue their little investigation. They’d try again later, and perhaps, with an invisibility cloak or something.

---

No one knew about the plan except the two of them. Not even Narcissa Malfoy, who was living with them at the manor. When they came home through the front doors, she blinked up at them from the pristine couch, and then returned her attention to her book.

Hermione didn’t mind the dismissal. It actually hadn’t even felt like that. The three had a silent understanding. They all realized the marriage was for show and as long as it benefited them, then they would respect one another and stay out of each other’s way. Few words were spoken inside the manor walls, minus the arguments that transpired between Draco and Hermione. And that was okay with them.

Bidding them goodnight, Hermione crept through the quiet house and went into her room. It wasn’t late but she felt exhausted nevertheless. The kiss hadn’t left her thoughts and she wasn’t completely sure why. What really nagged at her was the fact that Malfoy said someone had seen. Who? It didn’t matter, really. Actually, it was probably even better because she knew rumors swirled around the Ministry as fast as they had at Hogwarts, so having someone see them kiss would only help to convince people they were married for the right reasons. But why did it still feel wrong? Frightening, even?

Probably because she didn’t want people to think she loved Malfoy.

The whole situation was so screwed up. Sighing, Hermione rolled over and went to sleep.

---

It was a week later when he confronted her. She hadn’t really had a chance to speak much to her friends at all because of her new assignment at work. With that and investigating with Malfoy, she’d barely had time to sleep at night.

Harry had sent her an owl and asked her to meet him on her lunch break. She accepted of course, not realizing what was coming. If she had, she would have said no.

“I saw you with him.”

They were sitting in the café across from the Ministry. Hermione hadn’t wanted to go too far from work incase she got paged back. When Harry said the words, she almost choked on her butterbeer.

“Saw me with whom, Harry?”

“Malfoy.” Hermione didn’t say anything so he went on, leaning over the table towards her. “I was in the Department of Mysteries and I saw you kissing him.”

She swallowed the giant lump in her throat and it felt like it was covered in sandpaper going down. She prepared herself mentally to act the part and sat up straighter, keeping her expression casual.

“He is my husband.”

“Don’t, Hermione. I… you were kissing him! I mean, I’m not mad, just confused. You didn’t tell me you were ‘friendly’ with Malfoy. I know how to read between the lines. I know you aren’t married for all the reasons someone usually gets married. So, I just don’t understand.”

Silence settled between them as she tried to think of how to respond. Part of her knew that Harry and some of the others realized the truth but she never figured they’d admit it out loud. Now that he did, she didn’t know how to go about things. She trusted Harry with everything she had but having him know wasn’t as nice as she would have wanted it to be. That was just one more person she had to worry about if things blew up; if the lie caught up to her and everything came out into the open.

“Harry, I’m not ‘friendly’ with him, as you so decently put it.” She waved her hand to stop his interruption. “I know what you saw and I can honestly say it wasn’t what it seemed. I can’t explain anymore but please, just trust me.”

She hoped he caught her meaning. She couldn’t outright deny her marriage to Malfoy but she couldn’t admit to having a sexual relationship with him, either. Not to Harry. She wanted him to think better of her.

Harry sighed and nodded, though she could still see the small amount of doubt in his eyes.

“Alright, Hermione, I believe you. We better get back.” They paid and headed out.

---

Hermione was pissed.

How could Malfoy do that? He had seen Harry in the Department of Mysteries and he kissed her! Knowing exactly who was watching. That Bastard! She was going to have his head. Or his balls. She’d almost ruined her friendship with Harry because of that little stunt. Oh and she knew it was a stunt. The jerk had probably laughed about it later, thinking he really threw Harry for a loop.

She’d throw him for one, now.

“Malfoy!” She yelled as she stalked into his room. He stared at her incredulously, not so much because she was yelling at him but because she’d entered his bedroom.

“Get out, Granger.”

“No. I will not. Not until I get some answers, you rat bastard.” He raised an eyebrow at her and groaned inwardly, not having the energy for another fight. It was coming whether he was ready for it or not, though.

“What on earth are you howling about you banshee?”

“Why didn’t you tell me that it was Harry who had seen us?!” Draco instantly knew what she was talking and his first instinct was to lie.

“What? I had no idea it was Potter. I just saw someone and kissed you.”

“You lying sack of beetle dung. You knew.”

“Okay, I knew.” He admitted, smirking smugly at her. He still had a good laugh at the memory every now and again. Potter was probably flying off the handle. Good times.

“I can’t believe you. You knew he was suspicious about our marriage and you knew that if he saw us kissing, he’d be upset.” Hermione said, getting angrier by the moment.

“Exactly, Granger. Potter being upset was only one good thing about the entire ordeal. And why are you complaining. Isn’t this what we wanted? You said it yourself, he was suspicious. We are trying to convince the entire Wizarding World we are in love. Having him see us snogging in the hallway can only help us.”

Hermione balled her fists up and clenched her jaw. Her entire body was shaking with rage and all of it was directed at the man in front of her.

“I hate you! You did it on purpose. I didn’t want Harry to believe we were in love. I wanted someone to know I was better than that.”

“Better than that?” He actually looked offended and it made Hermione blink. “So, what, you don’t think I’m good enough to marry? Is that it? Who is the Mudblood, here?!”

“Oh, that is just great, name calling again, I see. I hadn’t actually meant it like that, Malfoy, but thanks for pointing that out. I meant that I wanted a friend to believe that I was reasonable enough not to get swept off my feet by my enemy but yes, now that you mention it, I am better than you.”

“Only in your dreams, Granger. You’ll never been better than me. You’ll never even be equal to me! And don’t you dare get pissy about Potter seeing that kiss. It wasn’t like we were fucking. It was just one fucking horrible kiss!” Hermione glared at him icily as she crossed her arms over her chest. Malfoy calling the kiss horrible hurt her more than she would ever admit. But, hell, he insulted her all the time, what did she care?

“I’m fairly certain you enjoyed it, Malfoy. It sure as hell wasn’t your wand I felt poking my thigh.”

“Oh, that is rich! It was the thrill of it that got me going, not you. And you can’t deny that you weren’t just as affected, if not more. You were probably wishing to the gods that I’d finish what I started.”

“You are sick. I’d never want to sleep with you, you disgusting ferret!” She screamed.

“Oh really?”

“Really.”

She should have seen it coming. She’d set it up perfectly for him. He came at her, grabbed her shoulders, and kissed her harder than she imagined possible. His teeth clanked against hers as he forced her mouth open and shoved his tongue inside. Hermione tried to struggle, tried to fight, but he gripped her upper arms and held her body flush against his own.

“Fuck you, Malfoy. Get off me!” She managed to yell into his mouth. He only growled at her and turned her to the bed.

“Don’t be such a fucking prude, Granger.” He said as he attacked her neck.

That pushed Hermione over the edge. She wasn’t a prude, she wasn’t! And she sure as hell didn’t enjoy the kiss as much as he did, just like she wouldn’t enjoy sleeping with him as much as he would with her. And she’d prove it.

Her hands found the hem of his shirt and slipped underneath it. Goosebumps formed on his flesh as she scraped her nails over his abdomen. His sharp intake of breath told her she’d gone too low. He wasn’t getting satisfaction that quickly. There would be a lot more teasing first.

Dipping her fingers in his waistband, she quickly skimmed them over the hair she found and then immediately pulled them back out and smoothed them up his chest. He snarled at her and pushed her down onto the mattress. The fucking tease was toying with him and she wasn’t getting away with it! Swiping off his shirt, he dove back onto her before the bed had even stopped bouncing.

The cool air hit his hot back and only made the sensations sharper. Draco let his lips travel back to hers, delving into her delicious mouth for more. More, more, more. Those were the only words creeping into his mind. More pain, more pleasure, more of her.

Hermione shuddered when he unexpectedly grabbed both of her breasts, one in each hand, and started kneading them roughly. She loved it. The tightness of her nipples turned into a dull ache as he bruised the tender flesh in such a good way. The sounds coming from her were quiet and breathy until he closed his mouth over one of her nipples and bit down hard over her shirt. She screamed and arched into his hold, begging for more.

Draco laved at her cotton-covered breast for only a moment before moving on to the other. Sitting back on his heels he grinned at the sharp points poking out through the wet fabric. Grabbing the wand off his bedside table, he waved his hand and her top and bra were both off and on the floor in an instant.

He went down for more. Feasting off her breasts, he let his hands wander up and down her sides, enjoying the curvy flesh he found there. Hermione let her head thrash from side to side, sending waves of brown curly hair sprawling all over the pillow. The sudden jolts of pleasure went straight from her breasts to her abdomen and she had to rub her legs together to ease the wonderful tension.

Draco wasn’t having that. With a howl, he released her breast and moved down her stomach, forcing her legs apart with his shoulders. Hermione didn’t deny him. She needed to be touched there, needed to feel the release.

At least for a little bit.

His hands gripped her arse cheeks and he lifted her up to swipe off her pants. She hadn’t even realized he’d undone them. He stared at her in her knickers and she couldn’t help but look back at him, his pale chest shinning in the firelight, his erection protruding evidently through his slacks.

Smiling deviously, Hermione sat up and before he could push her back down she grabbed his head, kissed him, and wrapped her legs around his waist. Grinding her center onto his member, she forced him to sit properly.

He was enjoying it, she sure as hell could tell that. And he was going to like it even more if she had any say in the matter.

Her tongue danced erotically, circling in his mouth as her hips circled onto his. Draco groaned and the sound vibrated through her, shaking her shoulders. He reached up and wrapped his arms around her, holding her as close to his body as he could get her. In his mind, it wasn’t close enough and he had a brief thought that it wouldn’t ever be. The pleasure surging through him made him tingle, literally, and he was starting to wonder if she’d slipped him a love potion. He had never wanted a woman this badly. The mixture of the sex and the competition and the fighting and the passion… it all equaled explosive desire in his mind.

His hand slipped between their bodies, down, down, until it skimmed her thigh. He stroked the soft skin twice before squeezing tightly, making her arch again. His fingers dipped beneath the fabric of her knickers and were soaked instantly. The fact that she was so wet for him sent his mind reeling. The pressure in his body built and he couldn’t get enough air. They were good feelings, though, and he wanted her to drag him farther into the black pit he was slipping into. Her fluids drenched him as he rubbed the outside of her entrance. She jerked over his hand, urging him to give her want she wanted.

It was what he wanted, too.

Giving in, he dipped his fingers into her tight heat. She gripped them like a vice, screamed his name, and it made him feel like a god. He had to bite down on her shoulder to stop himself from yelling out and coming in his pants.

He didn’t do much. She simply rode his hand, harder, faster, and right before she reached the peak, he slipped his fingers out and lay onto his back. She punished him with a bite to his bicep. He thrust into the air instinctively, needing her body like he needed the oxygen.

Hermione hurriedly unbuttoned his pants and shoved them down just enough to release his erection. Without taking off her panties, she slipped them to the side and lowered herself onto him. They moaned simultaneously at the snug fit and without pause, she started pumping herself up and down.

She needed the friction, the heat, and the feel of his length sliding inside of her.

Draco gripped her hips as she rode him. He pulled her down so that she lay on his chest and he met her thrust for thrust. The build up was quick for them both, the fire fueling their cravings. With a flex of his muscles, Draco sat them up and held Hermione tightly to him as he pushed into her as hard as he could, making swift, complete strokes. She cried out and whether it was because of pleasure or pain, neither of them cared.

The thrusts got harder, faster, and deeper and they were both out of breath. Hermione wrapped her arms around his head and held him against her neck, like she was cradling a child. She never wanted to let go and as the pressure built inside of her, she wasn’t sure she ever would.

The tightening of her walls, the heaviness in her stomach, and the rush in her veins told her she was there. With a half more thrust, Hermione was pushed over the edge and into oblivion as she climaxed.

The clenching of her muscles around him begged Draco to go with her but he kept on. One, two, three, four… his balls were taut and his dick was throbbing and when he opened his eyes, his breath caught in his throat. Hermione was leaning back, gripping his shoulders to support her weight. Her eyes were dazed, her hair was wild, and she looked pleasantly flushed. The sight of her did him in, and in that moment he came, pulsing and hot, squirting into her wanting body.

Completely drained, he fell backward again, taking her with him.