Lucius finally returned on Thursday, and it seemed like a weight had lifted from Narcissa's shoulders. Hermione took it as an encouraging sign. Unfortunately, Lucius' presence also meant that Draco stopped finding excuses to touch her in the library or kiss her goodnight. By the time she was getting ready for Edinburgh on Friday, Hermione was talking herself out of taking a bath to… unwind.

Pansy had sent her a champagne-colored slip dress with matching heels that morning. The dress had thin straps and a short hem, and sliding into the silky fabric didn't help her current state one bit. The dress was cool on her overheated body, and her breasts stood out plainly against the draping silk. She carefully applied her makeup, snapped on her collar, and met Draco downstairs.

As usual, his drifting eyes liquefied her, his gaze curving over her hips and breasts, sliding down her legs, and trailing up to her collarbones and neck.

She sent him a smirk and said, "Shall we?"

He seemed to snap out of his trance, stepping forward to take her elbow and guide her out the front doors. They got down the front steps, onto the drive, and out the gate before he tugged her to the side and descended upon her lips. She squeaked as he pushed her against the stone wall, his tongue in her mouth and his hands roving her back, her waist, her hips. Her laughter died in her throat, and she kissed him back fiercely, throwing her arms around his neck. He groaned and squeezed her arse, the silk riding up her cheeks. His fingers slid beneath to palm her backside, and she gasped as his hard length ground against her.

"Been thinking about your arse all week, Granger."

She shivered, not from the October wind dancing over them, but from his words, spinning delicious melodies in her ear.

His hands glided over her hips, fingers running along her spine beneath the silk of her dress.

"Do you know what I love about this dress?"

She panted into his ear as his hands skated around her ribs, coming forward to cup her breasts. "What?"

He brushed his thumbs over her nipples, filling his palms with her.

"That I get to take it off you later."

She moaned, a high-pitched whine. He kissed her deeply, rubbing his thumbs in soft circles.

And just as quick as it started, he was pulling back, his hands sliding down her stomach. She caught her breath as he took her hand, threaded their fingers together, and dragged her to the top of the hill, Disapparating them.

The shock of Apparition cooled her off a bit, but there was something curling deep inside of her as they walked beneath the howling werewolves and passed the leering guards. It was a silly thought: inconsequential, if not irresponsible, given the circumstances. But it sent a thrill through her veins just the same.

Draco Malfoy wanted something from her that only she could give him.