Blood Debt

Chapter 3 – Debt Invoked

Hermione was drunk, but she hid it well. Despite popular belief she was not wearing red, but had picked out a forest green silk dress with a corset like top, with gold lacing and layers of jagged green and gold filmy material. Her jewelery was all gold, as well as her modest high heel shoes. Her hair fell in large soft curls, tied back in a few places with gold ribbon; her makeup was simple and elegant. Everyone who looked at her was blown away by her beauty, but, taking another gulp of champagne, she had no idea what she truly looked like.

She hated having to attend the Memorial Ball every year, the reminders every where of all the friends lost and innocents killed. Not to mention the end of her friendship with Ron. Like every other year he was there with his most recent slut soaking up the attention like a sponge. This months model was called Debbie. He took every opportunity to show off in front of Hermione she was starting to get a head ache. He was currently listing all the characteristics Debbie has that makes her so much better than Hermione to a group of confused Quiddich fanatics that had cornered him not far from where Hermione had been drinking in peace.


Harry and Ginny stood by looking awkward and shooting apologetic looks towards their long time friend. No one had been able to talk any sense into Ron in the last 5 years and it seemed her indifference only spurred him on to greater heights every year. That his sister and brother in law were being so sympathetic to Hermione did not improve the hot headed Weasley's temper.

Harry and Ginny had married shortly after the war, the two of them were so in love they were nearly inseparable, they even worked on the same team within the Auror department. Harry had become a sturdy and steadfast man, slow to anger. He was still a natural leader and his fine tuned reflexes made him one of the most accomplished Aurors the Ministry had ever known. His affable nature and good humor made him a winner with co workers and the public alike, though he avoided the media circus the best he could.

Even without Harry, Ginny had always dreamed of being an Auror, and when she was accepted into the training program with her fiance she felt like the luckiest girl alive. She positively flourished since Hogwarts, her vibrant blue eyes, shining red hair and lithe figure on the arm of the Wizarding World's savior made even more Wizards wish they could be him. The red and ebony haired duo were now expecting their first child, and Ginny was positively glowing. She regretted that they had to take her out of the field as her pregnancy progressed but as soon as her baby was born and weaned nothing was going to stop her from rejoining her team.

Finally, Hermione could take no more and responded loudly to his last statement comparing their ability to saying simply “Keep telling your self that Ronald, maybe one day it will be true.” She smirked at the smattering of laughter that met the comment..

Ron stood, his mouth hanging open, flabbergasted that she had dared to speak up against him. He recovered quickly, “Why would I want to be with an Ice Queen prude. You're probably still a virgin, a plain pathetic virgin that no man wants to fuck.”

His statement was met with gasps of shock from the gathering of people who had surrounded them as Ron's voice crescendoed. Hermione eyed him levelly, finding a semblance of peace despite her intoxication, or perhaps because of it.

“Just because I don't flaunt my conquests to the whole wizarding world does not mean that I have or have not made love, which is a lot more honest and sincere than fucking! Oh, but I'm sorry, you aren't capable of those two things. Now why don't you take your 'beloved' and flaunt her elsewhere.” Her quiet firm tone was more eerie and compelling than any yelling could have been.

The crowd watched anxiously for Ron's response. He looked about ready to attack her when the petite blond at his side pulled his arm and imploring him to get her another drink.. Ron hesitated before grabbing his dates arm and dragging her away, almost too fast for her to manage in the ridiculous heels he made her wear. The crowd breathed a sight of relief and then turned to Hermione, who quickly excused herself and made her way to the other side of the room to the other drink table. She grabbed a new glass and took a deep sip.

A voice from behind her caught her unawares and she almost choked on her champagne. “Well well Granger, I see the Lioness is still waiting inside you, ready to pounce. Weasel didn't know what hit him.” Draco chuckled, his grey eyes dark with an unknown emotion. He was wearing tailored black silk robes, with some simple platinum embellishments, including and embroidered dragon that flew around the robe to watch the dancers. Right now the dragon was on his arm, staring intently at Hermione.

Hermione finished downing the glass before responding, refusing to let herself look at him and the flood of memories that it would unleash, “I wanted to punch him instead.”

Draco laughed outright, “I would have paid to see that.”

“Maybe you will one day.”

“I await the day anxiously,” Draco smirked, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it, his
eyes searing into hers. Hermione was captivated by the stare but retracted her hand quickly, grabbing another glass.

“Shouldn't you slow down a bit?” Draco asked, reaching out to pause her hand as she tried to drink again.

“Why do you care?” she snapped.

“Because you still owe me a debt and I don't you dying of alcohol poisoning.” The reminder of her debt sent a chill down her spine. The way he caressed the back of her hand while removing the glass from her grasp just intensified the sensation.

“It's only champagne, Malfoy, it won't kill me,” Hermione drawled, subtly trying to reach for the glass.

“Regardless, no more,” he commanded firmly, causing Hermione to throw him a confused look, “And, by the way Hermione, you will address me as Draco unless otherwise instructed.”

Hermione snorted, and giving up on the glass that Draco was holding out of her reach went to grab another glass off the table only to find she couldn't. She whipped around to face Draco, saying mocking, “Silly way to have me repay my debt M...Ma... Draco.” Hermione scowled.

Draco smiled and reached over to lightly caress her cheek, Hermione stared up at him in total shock as he spoke, “That wasn't so hard, now was it? And actually I think stopping you from drinking counts as another act of saving your life, considering the state you are already in.” Draco chuckled before continuing, “Besides, you owe me more than one little favor.”

“What are you on about?” Hermione demanded.

“It means that you owe a Life Debt to me, Hermione,” he purred her name, and watched as the silk from his voice made her catch her breathe and shiver, “And you sealed it in blood when our cuts touched. You belong to me.”

Draco watched as comprehension dawned across her face. He thought it cute how her eyes widened, a look of innocence tinged with uncertainty bordering on fear. One didn't see the Gryffindor Princess so vulnerable every day. Well, not yet at least, and he was the only one who would be allowed the privileged. Her plump lips were moving soundlessly now like a fish gasping for water and he decided to take pity on her for the evening. It took all his effort not to crash his lips into hers right there in front of the entire British Wizarding Community.

“It's getting late, pet, you should be getting home. You will Floo to Malfoy Manor no later that 10 tomorrow morning to discuss the terms of the contract” Draco moved in closer, leaning down to whisper in her ear, his hot breathe bathing the shell of her ear, “Don't worry pet, I'm sure you'll find much pleasure in what I have in store for you.” .

Hermione froze, trying to get her body under control. Maybe she really had too much to drink. Draco Malfoy couldn't be affecting her like this, making her body quiver and heat pool between her legs by ordering her around and making . Draco smirked as she shifted uneasily, trying to ease the tension building.

“Now run along, Hermione. Unless you're took drunk to floo home alone. In which case you will be accompanying me back to the Manor tonight where I can personally ensure your safety” Draco challenged. He didn't want to go down this road yet, he had carefully planned their transition to a couple for the public and media's eyes and didn't want to compromise that by taking her home in such an intoxicated state when everyone was watching them closely. He was pleased to see the sparks jump in her eyes as her gaze turned to a glare.

“I can take care of myself, Draco, thank you very much.” she said, snootily, trying to regain composure. Draco smirked down at her and reached to caress her cheek again, she instinctively leaned into his touch.

“I know you can, pet, but after tomorrow you won't have to anymore.” His husky voice and lust clouded eyes showed the storm about to break. “Now run along, you'll need to be sober to step into your new life.”

Hermione eyed Draco critically for a moment, her alcohol dulled mind trying to put the pieces of everything he said together before sighing and turning to leave. “Fine, I'm leaving Draco, but only because I hate all this,” she said, clearly still confused as to what had just happened.

“Good choice, mon cher,” Draco whispered, catching her hand one last time and moving to press an kiss to the back of her palm, but at the last minute flipping her hand and placing a soft kiss to her sensitive wrist.. Her eyes narrowed as a shudder ran through her body and she watched him without a word until he dropped her hand, his eyes locked oh hers

Hermione nodded and pulled away before he could catch her off guard again, “Good night Draco.”

“Sleep well pet,” Draco smiled, “And don't forget, 10 tomorrow morning.”

Hermione nodded and swerved towards the Floo Atrium, dodging well wishers and contemporaries as effectively as possible.

Draco watched her until she disappeared from sight, smirking to himself, extremely pleased with the turn of events from that evening. She was even more receptive to him that he'd expected. Idly he wondered now if she had ever fantasized about him over the years.

As the blond wizard turned back to the throngs of people scattered throughout the hall he caught a glimpse of enraged blue eyes of one Ronald Weasley darting between giving him and Hermione his most potent death stare. To Draco it just made the buffoon soon even more vapid. Draco's smirk only widened and he lifted his glass in a mock toast towards Hermione's hot headed ex friend.

Ron's fury spiked at the gesture, especially when Draco turned away and began to ignore him as if he'd done nothing wrong. The glass he held in his fist shattered with the force of his grip, but he didn't seem to notice that or the blood dripping from the cuts in his hand.

Debbie quickly vanished the mess and healed his hand, knowing he would take it out on her if she left it too long. Ron started to move after Draco but Debbie pressed herself up against him, undulating her body slightly, whispering in his ear.

“Come on lover, lets get out of here. You know how much I love fucking you when you're angry. Come on, be my Great War Hero and fuck me into tomorrow.” When Ron didn't take the bait right away, she pressed on, “I'll let you glamour me if you like, I'll play whatever role you want.” She implored almost desperately.

Ron turned his attention to her, his eyes full of lust and anger. Not bothering to answer he grabbed her fore arm and began to drag her towards the Atrium.

Everyone who had witnessed their not so subtle show heaved a sigh of relief that he was gone. Ron's temper has become legendary in the last few years, but none would stand up to the Boy Who Lived Twice's Best Friend and brother in law.

The remaining revelers stayed at the ball well into the night. About a hour and a half later Draco excused himself and return to the Manor to await Hermione's arrival the next morning.

A/N So all of your reviews are making me giddy (some I feel unworthy of, but that you anyway {this is my ego getting bigger))! YAY. Please continue! Updates won't be as fast in the next few days cause I have some solid work for about a week (I actually had someone call just now to try and book me behind the scenes on a shoot tomorrow, but I already have a job for then.)
The next chapter is going to be more Ron centric and very violent. I paint him in a terrible light, I hope it doesn't turn anyone too far off the story. I have an idea for a one or two shot as well I might try to write but that is still tenative. Thanks again REVIEW!