It's lonely between missions. With his cover blown and his mother gone all he has are safe houses. But never for very long. On a rainy night, wet and weary, he needs something — or someone — to heal him. Inside and out. So he goes to the only place he wants to be.

Secret doors, hidden halls, and moving staircases are commonplace at Hogwarts. So why does it feel like the castle is forcing him into locked rooms with Hermione Granger? 8th year AU

First Year Hermione Granger couldn't wait to send her beloved fairytale collection to her anonymous book exchange partner, complete with a lovingly written note. In return she's given a very rare potions journal and a note written on expensive stationery: I like this book because potions are interesting. Don't feel too bad if I'm top of our class.

Draco Lucius Malfoy. Death Eater. Disposable. Life on probation at the Ministry meant keeping his head down and his mouth shut. On his first field assignment he's tasked with investigating an abandoned Death Eater manor hiding more than a few secrets in its walls. Stuck with the only witch who agreed to work with him. / posted weekly on AO3 darkofthemoon and then cross-posted here

A year ago he woke up alone in the Forbidden Forest. Now he charms his hair dark to hold onto some anonymity and plays guitar to keep his mind off the witch who left him. It works just fine. Until he sees her face in the crowd.

After six months in Azkaban, six months living without magic, and six months probation, Draco Malfoy reveled in the quiet. For five years working in a small bookshop in the Scottish isles gave him purpose and the silence he craved. Until the bell above the door chimed, and Hermione Granger started to make noise. And maybe he liked the sounds she made.

In third year Professor Trelawney predicted that Hermione Granger would fall in love with a foe. Specifically, a Gemini. That theirs would be a passionate and intellectual union. What rubbish. TAGS: Divination, Tessomancy/Reading Tea Leaves, Valentine's Day, Ministry of Magic Employees, canon divergent, not epilogue compliant