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Chapter Text

Derived from Greek history:

It was known that Alcyone and Ceyx had a love that could endure all trials, except that of death. Ceyx, had been flung overboard into the stormy sea, and the young Alcyone, overcome with despair, followed. The Gods, taking pity on the lovers, turned them into halcyon birds. And with the power to calm seas and raging storms, the God’s bade them two weeks to nest and hatch their young amongst the gentle waves.

Halcyon Days, now represent peace and tranquility. The two weeks out of the year when the world is quiet and for those who choose to listen, can hear their future being whispered amongst the soft winds.

2^nd of May, 2000

Hermione could feel her heartbeat in her hands, a sharp throbbing that distracted from the pain in her thoughts. Her fists flew methodically at the punching bag in front of her. She rotated through the same two combinations, alternating in frequency and strength. Beads of sweat rolled down her back and her riotous curls were escaping the plait. The sharp sting of unshed tears burned her bloodshot eyes, but she kept at the exercise, her arms shaking.

Early last year, needing an outlet, Hermione had an abandoned building renovated into a gym which she had offered the DMLE free usage of. There was an enclosed area with tall glass windows to practice dueling. She added treadmills, weightlifting bars and her punching bags were quickly becoming favorites to the Aurors. On the opposite side of the building were locker rooms and showers but the thing that dominated the space, were the padded mats in the center of the room.

Harry had insisted the department learn hand to hand combat, stating that without their wands, what good were they? It was a harsh reality, but Hermione wholeheartedly agreed with him. It was her opinion that the Magical community was spoiled and too dependent on their wands.

Exhausted, she grabbed the swinging bag and steadied it. She was here every morning and today was no exception. Unable to sleep, Hermione had thrown on a pair of Muggle leggings, a loose shirt and trainers. She kept a few changes of uniform in her locker for the mornings when her nightmares drew her from sleep, fleeing the shadows of her flat.

Reaching the showers, she disrobed, entered the private stall and hung her head under the blazing stream of water. Letting herself feel, the tears fell, melting into the water. The sobs overcame her, the force of them shaking her whole body. She knelt and wrapped an arm across her chest, her forehead resting against the tile. This was the one day of the year she let herself feel. To feel the losses and the pain.

She lay like that for a time and gathering herself, she stood. When she was done, she dried off and opened her locker. She grabbed a pair of black fitted pants and a tight, long sleeved Spandex top. Tucking the shirt into the waistband of the pants, she grabbed a white, form fitted vest and she buttoned it on. The right shoulder of the fabric held the Ministries logo.

Re-braiding her hair, she ran moisturizer under her skin and used cosmetics to brighten her appearance. The sleepless night had left her a bit pale and there were dark circles under eyes.

Exiting the showers, Hermione was startled to see Harry waiting for her. He was sitting on one of benches outlining the practice mats and looked up when he heard her boots scuff the floor. He stood, handing her a to-go cup and a familiar brown bag. She accepted the gifts gratefully and they sat down.

“It’s peaceful here in the mornings. Perhaps I should start joining you.” She looked at Harry, his green eyes alight with humor and smiled at him.

“Yes, but that would require you to rise early, an act I know you find near impossible.” She dug into the bag and withdrew a warm croissant. She bit into the flaky pastry and closed her eyes in satisfaction.

“True, but then who would bring you breakfast?” Swallowing her bite, she laughed aloud. “I am capable of procuring my own meals Harry, but the gestures is appreciated.” Offering him half, he shook his head and took a drink from his own cup.

Harry had become a bastion in the stormy sea of her life. He was often the tether that kept her afloat and she apologized many times for relying on him NS Ginny. Harry had vehemently denied her objections, reminding her that they’d all probably be dead if it weren’t for her and that this was the least he could do.

Harry stared out a window and Hermione peered at him from over her cup. He had taken to growing a beard after the Battle. He said it made him look ruggedly handsome. He kept it trimmed, and it really did suit him. The space under his eyes were purple and she knew he had a hard time sleeping as well. She reached out and placed her hand on his shoulder and squeezed. Breaking from his revery, he smiled tightly at her.

“I had hoped it would get easier as the time went and they have, but the nightmares are always so vivid this day.” He sighed and sipped his drink.

“Hermione, you’re learning how to live in a broken world. You bore the weight of too much on your shoulders. You experienced things that no one should have, and you came out stronger on the other side. You’re healing Mione, and that’s all anyone can ask of you.”

She laid her head on his shoulder and sniffed again. “Thank you, Harry. For everything.” Dropping his head on hers, he patted her leg.

“I should probably get going. Kingsley asked to meet with me this morning. Something about a new Auror.”

“A new Auror? Do you know who?”

“I am not sure. I’ll let you know when I found out more.” Standing he offered her his arm. “Shall we milady?”

Laughing, she wrapped the rest of the croissant in the bag and saved it for later. She gathered their empty cups and took his arm. They walked to the door and out into the weak morning sunshine. They hugged, promising to meet up for lunch and Apparated away.

***

A large pile of possible leads greeted Hermione when she walked into her office. There were mounting cases of Muggles being injured and maimed and upon further investigation, she discovered they were by Magical means. Hermione was currently tasked with bridging the gap between the Magical and Non-Magical world, searching for anything that would help them capture the remaining Death Eaters. There hadn’t been a single sighting in months and needing something to do, Hermione offered to investigate the case.

They still hadn’t discovered who was causing the injuries. She had a few informants who kept to themselves, but they hadn’t been successful of late. She didn’t know who she was and she didn’t know them and that suited her fine. In a world where her privacy was nearly non-existent, she treasured her pockets of peace and was currently working on a spell that would temporarily alter her appearance.

Groaning, she sat at her desk and began sorting the parchment in piles of relevance. She was dedicated to the case and no information was bad information. Fully engrossed in her task, she looked up when a knock sounded on her open door. Ron stood in the doorway, dressed in his Auror’s uniform. It resembled hers but he favored loose trousers.

“Hi Mione, I’d thought to check if you needed any help with your leads. He smiled at her and moved deeper into the office, dropping down on the arm of the chair in front of her desk.

“Hi, Ron,” she straightened and stood. After the war, Ron was attentive and understanding with her. Nothing he did was the reason they ended up going their separate ways, she was simply not the girl he had fallen in love with anymore. He deserved someone who could give him the life he wanted, and Hermione wasn’t the one to give that to him.

“How’s Susan?” Ron had started dating Susan Bones a year after him and Hermione broke up. Susan worked at St. Mungo’s and they reconnected after Ron got injured in a raid. They had been together since and she was truly happy for them.

“She’s great. She’s been covering a lot of shifts and has been working late. But she’s happy to help, ya know? The Hufflepuff in her might cause her to collapse.” He smiled lovingly and stood up.

“I also came to ask if you were ready for lunch?” The clock on her bookshelf read eleven and she was shocked at the time.

“Goodness, I lost track again.” Distracted, she gathered a pile of leads and handed them to Ron.

“I actually have plans with Harry today, but I’d be-“ She was interrupted by Harry, who appeared in her doorway.

“Oh good you’re both here.” He looked between the pair of them. “I have some news and wanted to tell you both together.” He leaned back to beckoned at someone in the hallway. Harry moved to stand by Ron and announced, “We have a new Auror.”

Flicking her eyes to the hallway, she watched a tall figure in a black, well-tailored suit step inside her office. His long legs ate up the distance between her and the door, she looked up to his face and met the hard silver gaze of Draco Malfoy.

Chapter Text

2^nd of May, 2000

Hermione gasped aloud and all three men stared at her. Embarrassed, she ducked her head and continued tidying her desk. She hadn’t seen Draco Malfoy since the case against him and his mother was thrown out. Narcissa Malfoy was allowed to keep her wand and because of the actions she took in the war, Draco was sentenced to a year’s house arrest and all information he had on the remaining Death Eaters that fled after Voldemort’s demise. When he completed his year, he was to be awarded his wand back and the freedom to join the Wizarding world.

The Trio and a small, few including Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott and Pansy Parkinson, were the only ones to heavily defend the mother and son. Hermione spent many late nights researching and devising statements to free them. She was relieved when Narcissa was cleared. Harry’s record of her defiance with Voldemort and what that meant for him and the war seemed to sway the jury into freeing her. It helped that Narcissa hadn’t done anything untoward while under Voldemort’s reign.

Draco on the other hand, was the reason Bellatrix and the others had access to the Castle and he had taken the Mark. That alone threw into question his integrity. Harry had defended Draco’s actions the night Dumbledore was murdered. He claimed Draco was a scared, regretful youth seeking to protect his family, forced to take the Mark. She remembered Draco stiffening at the words and found his eyes trained in Harry’s back. He didn’t seem angry and only sorrow showed in his grey eyes.

Hermione explained the night at the Manor, their capture and subsequent escape. The Wizengamot questioned her endlessly on the torture she received under the Malfoy’s roof. It hadn’t been Draco who wielded that knife and it was Draco who didn’t reveal their identities.  When it was Ron’s turn to take the stand, she met Draco’s eyes, and she had no hope of deciphering the look in the depths.

After they were both released to the Manor, the story was published in the Daily Prophet. The article dubbed the three to be the Malfoy’s “Golden Knights. She was furious that someone would romanticize what they had accomplished. Draco was a child, just like they had been. They had been too late to save Lucius, he had already been charged with a life sentence in Azkaban.

That was under two years ago.

He stood so tall that a shadow fell over her desk and the piles of parchment she frantically gathered up. She was flustered and she couldn’t tell why. Was it because her childhood bully now stood quietly before her? Was it because, despite the year in lockdown, the man had grown quite handsome. She was irritated she even noticed.

Feeling a little settled, she looked up at him. He was looking at Harry who she realized with a panic was talking.

“..so Kingsley asked me if I make room for Malfoy here in my unit.”

She glanced back at Malfoy who had his hands in his pockets. He had shown no emotion on his face, but at least he didn’t look angry. Ron stepped forward a little, clearing his voice. She watched Malfoy’s shoulders stiffen and regard the redhead warily.

“Listen Malfoy, you’re a pompous git and I will always be of that opinion but if you’re meant to be a part of this department, I suppose we should let bygones be bygones.” In another shocking display of behavior, Ron took another step towards the blonde and held out his right hand.

Hermione, who thought perhaps hell had finally frozen over, almost fell into her chair in shock. She held still as Malfoy looked at Ron’s hand. Not one person said anything and as Ron started to pull his hand away, red tinging the tips of his ears, Malfoy slipped his hand out of his pocket and clasped his hand in Ron’s.

Ron who was quite tall, still stood an inch or so shorter than the other man. They shook twice before pulling their hands away. Ron looked around awkwardly and Malfoy put his hand back in his pocket. His quiet, refined voice ringing through the silence.

“I suppose I should thank you lot. For what you did for my mother and I.” He looked at her fully then. His blonde hair was styled with the sides shorter, and the longer hair pulled attractively to the side. His blond brows were furrowed and beneath them, his silver gaze held a tiredness she recognized. His face had filled out since the day in the Ministry and his porcelain skin was no longer sallow. He had grown into his aristocratic nose and his strong chin and jaw housed full lips.

“I would assume I have you to credit for putting the testimonies together so seamlessly?”

“Anyone would have-“

He interrupted her, “No Granger, not anyone would have done that. In fact, few did.”

Harry saved her from answering and said, “It was the right thing to do Malfoy.” His gaze never left hers and only said. “Indeed.”

Uncomfortable, she turned to her friends. “Shall we head off?” They nodded their consent.

“Malfoy will you join us?”

Malfoy declined, thanking them for their invitation and departed the office, promising to find Harry after the lunch hour was over.

Blowing out a breath she didn’t know was holding, she walked around her desk and gestured for the men to lead.

***

Harry had chosen a muggle café near the Ministry’s guest entrance. They frequented the spot often enough that the employees had all learned their names and orders. Sliding into a booth, their server placed three glasses of water and bustled off.

“Well that was bloody unexpected,” Ron exclaimed. “How do you suppose Malfoy caught the attention of Kingsley so quickly?”

Hermione felt irritated with herself for missing the whole story.

“It seems Malfoy had some tutors come to the Manor during his lockdown to help him prepare for the entrance exam.”

“But he had no wand, how did he practice?”

“Ronald you can practice the technique and preparation without a wand. One would assume he had the same tutors once his wand was returned. He must be frightfully competent if he has Kinglsey in his corner vouching for him.”

“He came close to beating a couple of your records actually Mione,” Harry said with a twinkle in his eye.

Hermione, who hadn’t been able to help herself, studied and practiced relentlessly in preparation for her entrance exam to the Auror Program. She had far exceeded the expected scores and set some records of her own.

Annoyed, she rolled her eyes and took a drink of her water. Ron continued to go on about Draco and his ability to please Kingsley and why he fast tracked the man. When their food arrived, they ate quickly. Harry needed to get back to Draco.  

When they entered the atrium, a commotion and a shouted “HARRY!” had them turning. They found Seamus Finnegan running towards them. He looked flustered and sweat was running down his face. He hadn’t even reached them before he was yelling again.

“Harry, I have been looking for you everywhere. Kingsley needs to speak to you. He said to ask Hermione if she’d mind bringing Malfoy around for you?”

Harry looked alarmed, “Seamus has something happened?”

“Er no,” he said sheepishly. “Kingsley just asked me to find you.”

Harry had grabbed the man’s shoulders and shook him. “Then why are you yelling?”

Harry turned to Ron and Hermione and gave them a look of incredulity. “Mione if you wouldn’t mind taking over with Malfoy, I would appreciate it. I was going to bring him around the department and run him through orientation, but I can do that tomorrow. You could show him his office and the gym.”

Hermione thought of all the tasks she hadn’t tackled yet, but nodded, accepting the responsibility. Nerves crawled along her skin and she hoped they would get along. Leaving Harry and Seamus behind, Ron and Hermione moved to the lifts and headed up to their offices.

“I have to grab the leads you gave me but then I have to head to the classrooms, are you going to be okay?” Ron looked down on her with concern in his eyes.

“I think so. We’re not children anymore and I suspect Malfoy has done some growing up in the last couple of years.” She gave him a reassuring smile. “I can take care of myself if anything does arise.” The lift doors opened into the annex of the Auror Offices, and they stepped out.

“I’ll see you later Ron.” She gave him another smile and turned to find Malfoy.

***

She found him reclined in one of the comfy chairs Harry kept for guests in his office. Entering the space, she cleared her throat and his head spun around. He stood as she walked farther in.

“Harry got called away to help Kingsley and they asked if I could fill in.”

He nodded and said, “No one else available?”

She scoffed and angrily, she ground out, “I have plenty I should be doing today, Malfoy. I don’t really have the time to spare traipsing you around, so if you’d like someone else, I would be glad to find them for you.”

“I only meant to inquire about the pile of notes on your desk. I assumed you had more important things to do. I meant no offense.” It was the most she’d heard him and his deep voice held traces of humor. Finding herself no longer angry, she felt ashamed.

“I apologize, I shouldn’t have spoken to you that way. If you’re ready let’s head to your office.” He gestured to her to lead and she walked out of the room to his office, which she found was right next to hers. Something gold flashed in her periphery, and she stopped in her tracks. It was his name plate.

Draco Malfoy, Auror: Level III

She whirled on the man behind her. “Three? You’re a Level Three! How is that possible?”

Looking around he took his hands out of his pockets and opened the door to his office. With his free hand he ushered Hermione inside, flicking the lights on with his wand.

“Granger,” he hissed. “If Shacklebolt hasn’t seen fit in informing you, it’s not my place to say. If you could stop shouting at me, I’d appreciate it.”

She eyed him warily, “That’s why Harry is meeting with Kinglsey?”

He heaved a sigh and put his wand inside his jacket. “If they’re in another meeting I would assume so. I spent my lunch hour with Shacklebolt.” He towered over her, and she took a step back from him, eyeing the bare office.

“I suppose it has something to do with his interest in you. No one gets fast tracked through the program. Not even Harry.” His hands were back in his pockets, and he shrugged.

“I can’t tell you anything so you can save your breath and continue on with the day.” Breathing through her nose, she practiced the exercise her mind healer gave her: five second inhale through her nose, five second exhale out her mouth.

“Well this is your office.” She held her arms wide and he smirked.

“Obviously.”

Rolling her eyes she moved on. 

***

She had Apparated them to the front door of the building and she was working on the wards to allow him entrance.

“If you could, please reach out with a hand and touch the wards. They won’t hurt you.” With a look she couldn’t decipher, he did as she asked, his left hand twitched slightly when the wards latched onto his hand. She flicked her wand elaborately a few more times and it was done. He withdrew his hand, his brows raised.

“That was a particularly advanced piece of magic, Granger.” Was it possible that was respect in his eyes? “What was it you asked it do with my hand?”

She said nothing and entered the building. The gym was empty and she breathed a sigh of relief.

“We don’t have to do this today. If you’d prefer to reschedule.”

“Why for? We’re already here.”

“I do know what today is,” he said quietly.

He looked down at her and neither said anything for a minute. She took note of the tightness in his face and the look of regret that passed over his eyes. Two Malfoy’s were at war in her head. The loud, outspoken gremlin of a boy that cursed her teeth had been winning against the quiet, contemplative man at her side. It seemed there was more to Draco Malfoy, a side of him he never let anyone see.

She couldn’t handle any more surprises, couldn’t take the idea that even her childhood bully could heal and move forward. Why couldn’t she? How is it this man who nearly lost as much as she had, this man who had felt the true extent of the war as much as she had, was fine? She didn’t understand and she could feel the walls closing around her.

“Granger? Granger!” Distantly she could hear a voice. All she could feel was the tightness in her chest. The panic was building, and she collapsed to her knees. She was clawing at her throat trying to force a way for the air to find her lungs. Her vision was failing her and suddenly cold hands were on her face and Malfoy was on his knees in front of her.

“Breathe Hermione, you need to breathe. In through your nose for five, out of your mouth for five.” The words he spoke snapped her out of her panic. They were so familiar to her, comforting and soothing to her frayed nerves.

“In through your nose Hermione, yes good. Now exhale. Excellent.” His hands still held hers and they stayed this way for two more rotations. She stared at his mouth, watching his lips form an “O” on the exhale and close when they breathed again through their noses. When the last of her air left her lungs she snapped her gaze to his gray eyes. They were scared, she realized. She recognized the terror for what it was; experience.

As if shocked, he dropped his hands, and she looked down at them. They had been soothing against her hot skin and her overwrought brain could appreciate their elegant beauty. His palms rest against his thighs and his fingers spread towards their joined knees. Snapping her eyes to his again she exclaimed, “Your trousers!”

Malfoy had the kindness to appear shocked before he threw his head back and laughed. He laughed and laughed at whatever he found so funny, and she couldn’t help but appreciate the sound. His laugh was deep and throaty. No sign of the coldness she was used to. She found she could listen to him laugh forever and despite herself, a smile began growing on her face.

“What is so funny?” she asked. This only made him laugh harder, a full-bodied experience that shook his whole body and she could feel the movement from their joined knees. She watched him wipe a tear from his eye and sober up.

“Granger, only you would recover from a panic attack and focus on the fact that I am soiling my best suits trousers.” He looked at her with mirth floating in his gray eyes. When they weren’t guarded, they were like warm pools of mercury. Color bloomed high on his cheeks from the laughter, and he looked quite beautiful.

Without thinking, she reached for his cheek. He leaned back alarmed and stood abruptly. Withdrawing her hand, she looked up at him, startled to find a hand extended to her. She took it and let him pull her up.

“How long have they been going on? The attacks?” She hadn’t talked with anyone about her attacks with anybody besides her mind healer. Not even Harry and Ginny knew. She wanted to be mortified that she had broken down in front of him, but she only felt relief. There was freedom in having someone knowing, even if that someone was Malfoy.

“A year ago.”

He nodded once and looked around the room.

“Are those treadmills?” he asked, his brows raised.

“Um, yes?” She was taken by surprise by his knowledge of the machine. “Would you like to see them?” He nodded again and she led him to them.

Chapter Text

3^rd of May, 2000

The morning was beautiful and there was the promise of a warm afternoon. Hermione found herself in a rare mood and had stopped at the coffee shop near the Ministry and grabbed two croissants and two coffees.  Malfoy had been kind and didn’t press any further after her panic attack and when she went home that night, she had felt intrigued. She was curious about how well he handled the situation and she wanted to ask him about it, but they weren’t friends, she didn't have that right. 

Now, standing in front of his closed door, she felt silly. Did he even like coffee? She started to move away when the door swung open. She took a step back expecting him to be on the other side, but he only stared at her from his desk, a look of amusement on his face.

“Come in Granger.”

She stepped over the threshold and looked at him suspiciously.

“How did you know I was on the other side of the door?”

“I could hear you overthinking from the hallway.”

“Ha ha,” she quipped and grabbed one of the cups and handed it to him. “How did you know?”

“I saw the shadow under the door, and I hedged my bets. Planning to poison me?” He looked surprised and thankful, and she smiled.

“The thought crossed my mind. But I’d probably wait until everyone left before I killed you. I didn’t know how you take it, so it’s black coffee.” He popped the lid off and inhaled the brew appreciatively. “But I have cream and sugar if you prefer.”

“Black is perfect, thank you. To what do I owe the gift?” He snapped the lid back on and sipped delicately. Everything the man did was effortless, and it was annoying.

“I wanted to thank you for yesterday. And all this,” she pulled the croissant out of the bag and placed it on his desk, “Was because I was hungry, and I hoped you’d forget about it.” She sat in the chair opposite him and sipped from her cup, letting the warmth seep into her hands.

“I won’t mention it if you bring me breakfast again.” He had a twinkle in his eye, and she laughed.

“You've got yourself a deal.”

He was in a white button-down, his wand strapped into a leather harness around his chest. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up and she could see part of his Dark Mark. She self-consciously covered her left arm and Malfoy marked the movement. Suddenly aware, he glanced down at his exposed skin, and when he met her eyes, they were dark and guarded.

“I usually try to keep it covered up.”

A small part of her had hoped with Voldemort’s death, it too would’ve disappeared. He hadn’t deserved the fate he was forced into, and the constant reminder had to be draining. He smirked at her, not unkindly and ran a finger over the tattoo.

“It gets lighter as time passes, but with the amount of dark magic that went into this I don’t know that I’ll ever be rid of it.” he gazed at her arm, her hand still covering the scarred words.

“I’m sorry for the part I played in that as well.”

“And what could you have done?” she asked curiously.

“More.” His eyes blazed and she looked down.

She had meant for the question to be rhetorical, but when he answered, she was shocked at the emotion in his voice. They all did the best they could that night and Draco took a greater risk in lying. Uncomfortable with the turn in conversation, she gazed around the room.

“You haven’t decorated yet?” His office had empty shelves with a few books scattered about, but otherwise, there were no personal touches.

He leveled a look at her. “It’s been one day.” He shrugged, “Besides, decorating is my mother’s area of expertise.”

“And how is your mother?” She didn’t know why she asked, she hadn’t thought about Narcissa Malfoy in months, but it felt like the respectful thing to do. He peered at her.

“She’s well.” She nodded, sipping from her cup when something caught her eye.

“What’s that?” He followed her gaze to his discarded bag and the Walkman on top of it.

“The Walkman? It’s a musical device.” He looked at her like she was crazy, and she huffed at him.

“Yes, I am aware of what it is. I’m wondering what you’re doing with it?”

“I had some time on my hands, and it gave me an opportunity to learn about the world outside my own.”

Her brows lifted, “You explored the Muggle world?”

He nodded, “I asked Tippy, our house elf, to bring me items she thought I might like. She brought me the Walkman among other things. I was fascinated. Here was this whole existence outside my own that evolved and continued to evolve despite their lack of magic.

“They discovered electricity and even flew men into space. There are aspects of the Wizarding world that are still living in a different time and the problem is most of the community is too stubborn to change.” He met her gaze self-consciously.

“I spent so much of my childhood hating you and what you represented. I resented you for being so brilliant and adept at a world I spent my whole life living in and here you were, mere months into it, already better than me. I was blind with fury and as the years went on and I was only barely in league with you, I hated you more.”

He looked down at his hands, fidgeting with them. “Sixth year arrived and with it, all the expectations and fear and I suddenly found I wished I were hunting you and Potter and that stupid club down again. It was all so juvenile and baseless, but I’d give anything to go back and try again.”

His eyes were full of emotion when they found hers again.

“I am sorry for the part I played in your narrative Granger. I truly am. I was a little shit, and I will always be grateful for the part you played in freeing my mother. I couldn’t care less about myself but somehow you secured my freedom too. So, thank you. Truly.”

Hermione was frozen and unable to form a single thought. She didn’t know what to say and she sat staring, her mind racing and unable to form a thought. She softened at the vulnerability he showed. She didn’t know him to be the first to wave a white flag and she admired the courage it had taken for him to admit those things to her.

Feeling lighter than she had in weeks she smiled at him. A true smile that she hoped would convey how grateful she was for his words. She didn’t hate him and blowing out a slow breath she stood and held her hand out to him. He eyed her hand warily like he had with Ron but stood placing his large hand in hers. A jolt of something electric traveled between them and his hand tightened on hers.

“It’s like Ron said, bygones,” and she moved their hands up and down, letting go. She fought the urge to wipe her hand, the tingle traveling up her arm and she was intrigued by the spark. Draco dropped his hand, and she watched his fingers flex and spread before he put them in his pants pockets.

“Bygones,” he repeated, and she nodded once before grabbing her coffee and breakfast and left for her office. Her feet were light, and she couldn’t help but smile at the new, tenuous thread appearing before her.

Chapter Text

29th of May, 2000

“I have reason to believe that this is a legitimate lead, and I’d like Granger to come with me.”

She sat in Kingsley‘s office next to Draco, staring at a spot on Kingsley‘s forehead that kept twitching.

“And what evidence do to have?”

“I have an informant that comes in high regard.” Draco leaned over the desk and pointed at a piece of parchment in front of Kingsley.

“He says there will be a meeting this day and I believe them. I’d like Granger to assist.” Her eyes flicked to Draco and her brows rose.

“You still haven’t given me proper motivation to allow this.”

“Sir, I won’t reveal my source, but this will help in the bigger picture. I’m sure it will shed some much-needed light.”

Draco had asked her here a few minutes ago and at first, she was curious, but now she was confused and the hidden meaning in his words irritated her.

Rankled, she asked, “What are you talking about?”

Both men looked at her like they forgot she was there, and she rolled her eyes.

“If I’m to agree to anything, shouldn’t I at least know what I’m agreeing to?”

“You’re agreeing to a stake out, Granger. With me.”

“I haven’t agreed to anything and stake out? Been watching police films lately?” He leaned back in his chair and gave her a flirty smirk.

“How do you think I got my job?” He winked and her stomach gave a flutter. Perturbed, she rolled her eyes again and started to speak, but Kingsley held a hand up.

“Enough. Hermione, you’ll go with him.” He leveled a look at Malfoy. “You had better be standing on solid ground and if anything happens, I’m holding you personally responsible.” He packed the papers and handed them to the younger man, a clear dismissal.

They stood and moved to the door, Draco stepping back to let her through first. The door shut behind them and they walked side by side.

“I suppose whatever that was had something to do with the mystery of your employment?”

He smirked again and glanced down at her.

“You don’t miss a thing, do you?”

“Have you ever known me to?” He chuckled and that same tiny flutter gave another tickle low in her belly. She should really pull herself together, but there was something so endearing about him laughing. The lines of his face relaxed and it made him look younger and more carefree. Shaking the feeling away, she asked, “so you won’t tell me?”

Draco nodded solemnly, a small piece of hair bobbing across his forehead.

“Need to know Granger. I don’t have the authority to choose what to tell you and I’m sorry for that.” He glanced down at her again and she refused to meet his eyes. She felt like she was on the outside looking in and everyone else was laughing at a joke she didn’t understand.

“I’ll find out eventually.”

He put his hands in his pockets and sighed. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from the brightest witch of her age.” She sniffed and a commotion as they turned the corner, caught her attention.

“What’s going on?”

There was a group of Auror’s gathered around a bulletin board next to Harry’s office and they were talking excitedly.

“Potter decided he was going to host some friendly competition. Something about protecting ourselves physically, no magic.”

“And you disagree?”

“On the contrary Granger, I think it’s a great idea. Too many of us rely on our magic. I think the War taught us that we’re all a little naive.” His eyes burned with cold flames, and she was mesmerized by the way the silver seemed to swirl.

“Well good,” she said. A little concerned by how much she was noticing him today. He had been nice and accommodating these past weeks, even bringing her coffee on occasion. He usually sat by her in their weekly meetings and anytime she brought something to Kingsley’s attention, he agreed or argued on her behalf. It was no reason to start noticing things like how strong his forearms were and his beautiful smile.

“Granger, snap out of it!” Fingers were waving in her face and a blush rose on her neck. She’d been staring at him, and he had noticed.

“I er- sorry you were saying?” She winced when the amusement shown on his face, and she wanted to crawl under a rock. Perhaps she needed to a good shag. It had been a long time since she’d had a man atop her and that was the only reason she could justify noticing Draco Malfoy.

“I was asking if you were going to sign up? The class is optional.” His brows were drawn, and he looked concerned. “Are you alright?”

“Yes!” She said too quickly. “I just- yes I’m signing up.” She marched to the board and pulled a pen from her bag and wrote her name neatly. He crowded her as his hand reached for the pen. Their fingers brushed and she felt that same tingle from before. Draco’s chest leaned into her back as he bent and wrote his name under hers. He had elegant, neat handwriting. All the loops and letters precise.

He straightened and held the pen out to her. She met his eyes and there was wicked amusement in them. Flustered, she grabbed the pen and threw it back in her bag. Mumbling an excuse about needing to get to her office, she hurried off, pulling her bag higher on her shoulder. Risking a glance back, she saw him standing where she left him, staring after her, that same wicked gleam in his eyes.

*** 

30^th of May, 2000

“What are you possibly hoping to accomplish with this?” She gestured to the dilapidated building to their right. Malfoy had Apparated them to an empty alley and guided her along to the empty district they were currently sitting in. He opened the door to an old rusty car and was surprised to find it was quite posh inside.

He must be very adept at concealment charms to have even fooled her into thinking it was an abandoned heap of metal. They had been sitting there for three hours and she was impatient and moody.

“Stop fidgeting.” He hadn’t glanced at her, in fact his eyes never strayed from the building. He was clearly waiting for something. The old factory had been left abandoned, ravaged by weather and time and half the wall was missing.

“I am not fidgeting.” She sat back in her chair and attempted to relax. “You haven’t even told me what it is we’re doing here!”

He turned to her then, irritation written across his face. “Granger, if you can find it in yourself to quiet down and assist me with this, I will take half of your disgustingly full inbox.” He glared at her for a moment more, daring her to speak.

Saying nothing, she sniffed and crossed her arms. She perused the alley and she spied a broken boombox.

“What were you listening to on your Walkman yesterday?” She noticed he wore it in to work every day and had wanted to ask. The opportunity hadn’t come up and now seemed like the time as any. He didn’t respond.

“I am quite bored and I am sure you have whatever this is under control.” Malfoy let out a long, suffering sigh and turned to her again.

“Fine go.” She cursed him silently for calling her on her bluff and she was irritated he knew her so well. When she didn’t move or say anything, he sighed again. “I didn’t think so. You get three questions Granger and you’ve used one. I was listening to Nirvana.”

“The American band?” She hadn’t wanted to ask another question, but she hadn’t expected his answer and was desperate to know more. This man was overturning his own stereotypes one conversation at a time.

“That’s your second question Granger.” But a small smile curved his lips.

“And because your brain might explode, I’ll take pity on you. Tippy had no idea where to start when I asked her to bring me things. She heard a group talking about the album and she swiped the device from them. She left Galleons in its place, but I suspect they were just as confused by that as they were by the missing Walkman. I asked her to return it and bring me my own, of course.” He winked at her and returned to scoping out the building.

She felt her heart race. She was getting quite used to how easy their interactions had become, and she appreciated how relaxed he looked. He had a very striking profile and it suited him. She followed the proud slope of his nose to his mouth. His top lip was a touch smaller than his bottom and he had grown into his pointy chin. He was very handsome, and she didn’t know how she hadn’t noticed before now.

Blushing, she looked away before he could catch her staring, again. “Do you listen to anything else?”

“Some, but I prefer to read more than anything. It helped to lose myself in a world that wasn’t my own.” He had revealed so much of himself to her these past weeks, and she felt a little jealous of the changing tides. She held too much to her chest and sharing had become something she rarely did.

With a sigh, she asked her last question, “What do you read?” She wondered if they shared any favorites. She was shocked to find a pink flush spreading up the column of his throat. She didn’t want to push, so she looked out across the space.

It was a beautiful day; the sun was shining through the windshield. She closed her eyes and leaned forward, letting the rays warm her skin. It was strange to have found a pocket of peace sitting next to her childhood bully in a grimy alley waiting for Merlin knew what. She opened her eyes and watched a flock of birds take off from the building.

“I asked Tippy to bring me the books.” His voice was low, and it shook slightly. “I had just turned 18 and I had nothing to distract me from my thoughts. I was aimless with my days, and I couldn’t sit still. I had this nagging feeling that I was missing something.

“Until one day it hit me. It was my childhood. A true childhood. I wanted for nothing, and my parents provided, but my whole existence revolved around how I could progress the Malfoy name. I went to Hogwarts believing I was special, and I truly felt I was. But then the Dark Lord returned, and you know the rest, but I felt robbed somehow. I just wanted to feel something. And Tippy returned with children’s books.”

He felt silent and she placed her hand over his. It had been sitting limply on the gear shift and she didn’t know what to say to help him. She had a wonderful childhood and couldn’t relate to the pressure he had on his shoulders from such a young age. With a flick of his wrist, he turned his palm over and captured her hand. The butterflies were back, and his eyes bore into hers. She had opened her mouth to say something, anything. She didn’t know and when a loud crash came from within the building their hands wrenched apart.

Draco was out of the car and he turned, speaking fiercely from the door, “Stay here.” He was gone before she could say anything, slamming the door and he cast a Silencing charm behind him to mask the noise.

From where she sat, she could see two figures standing inside the warehouse and Draco was headed straight towards them. She didn’t know who they were or what they were there for, but she wasn’t useless. She slipped from the car and ran to a stack of wooden crates and knelt behind them. A bead of sweat rolled down her back and she had to shade her eyes to see where Draco had gone.

She spotted him by a corner of the factory and watched him lean around the cracked wall to peer into the gray light. He would have been fine had the sun not shown off a buckle of the leather harness he wore, right into the eyes of the man facing him. Hermione watched him wince and he shouted, shoving the man before him father into the darkness.

Hermione was running before the words has left his mouth and she was shooting stunning spells towards him. Draco was angry and she could see the fury on his face. She pointed with her left hand to the retreating back of the man escaping.

“Get him he’s headed to the front; I’ll handle this one.” She didn’t wait for his response, and she jumped over the rubble casting spell after spell. She didn’t have the information she felt she truly needed and figured stunning or disarming the man was the safest bet. She didn’t recognize him, but he seemed to know who she was.

“Hermione Granger, oh he’s been looking for you.” The man was greasy and had rotten stumps for teeth and the smile he gave her was grotesque. They circled each other, wands pointed menacingly.

“I don’t know what he has planned for you little witch. But I bet it’s delicious.” She shot another disarming spell at him, and he deflected easily, sending it shooting back at her.

He shot a quick succession of spells at her and she cast a shield up. She walked backwards, hoping to reach the destroyed wall and disappear behind it, but she misjudged the distance and tripped, falling backwards onto the rubble. The man was upon her, his wand to her throat. His breath was hot and rancid, and she gagged. Kicking her feet, she was useless beneath his weight.

Fighting the panic, she assessed her options and as the man leaned forward, his weight shifted off her wand arm enough that she could shoot a hex into his face. She scrambled to her feet and ran for the car. She was nearly to the wooden crates she had vacated when she turned in time to see the stunner shooting for her. She couldn’t get a shield up fast enough and she was thrown forward. She saw the impact before she felt it and the world went black.

***

When Hermione opened her eyes, she hadn’t expected to see an angel. The angel looked angry and was shouting something she couldn’t hear. He wasn’t looking at her and she could feel the force of his anger rumbling through his chest into hers. He looked familiar and she didn’t like how his brows slanted over his beautiful silver eyes. She reached a hand out to smooth his forehead and the angel froze, whipping his head to her.

She watched his mouth move, but why couldn’t she hear him? Her hand changed its course, and she watched as a finger ghosted across his bottom lips. She felt his breath tickle across her finger, and she giggled. She ran a finger across his bottom lip once more. The angel was very beautiful, and she opened her mouth, but still heard no noise. The angel’s brows rose, and a great stabbing pain had her clutching her head. She watched his lips move again just before the darkness claimed her once more.

***

When Hermione woke again there was a bright light shining above her, casting red shadows behind her lids. There was a sharp, clinical smell to the air, and she knew she was at St. Mungo’s. Squinting, she ran her gaze across the room and spotted Ginny sitting in a chair by the window. She tried to speak but nothing came out of her mouth. She cleared her throat and tried again. Ginny’s head spun towards her and was at her bedside, grabbing her hand in seconds.

“Hermione, you’re awake! How do you feel?” Hermione’s head pounded and there was a dull throbbing on the left side of her face. The hand Ginny held was wrapped in gauze and Hermione couldn’t focus on what got her here.

“I don’t remember how I got here Ginny.” Hermione’s eyes were frightened when they met her friend’s brown gaze.

“Well, you were following up on a tip with Malfoy. You ran into some trouble, and you got stunned. You were thrown into a wall, Mione.” Ginny winced when she mentioned the wall and grasped her hand tighter. “You’ve sustained a pretty bad concussion.”

As Ginny spoke, bits and pieces started coming back to her. “What happened after I blacked out?”

“Oh uh, Malfoy had lost the man he was trailing when he heard you scream. He reached you in time and stunned the fucker before he hurt you anymore. Mione, I knew the man was intense, but I have never seen such quiet fury before. Are you together?”

Hermione barked out a laugh and pain shot through her temple. “Me and Malfoy? Merlin no. We’re just partners.”

Ginny didn’t look convinced, “Are you sure? Because you could tell me. From how Harry tells it, he wouldn’t let you go until he knew you were in capable hands.”

Hermione shook her head, “No Ginny. He told me to stay hidden and I didn’t. He probably just wanted to make sure I was okay.” She pierced Ginny with a look that promised violence if she didn’t give the point up.

“Fine, whatever you say. Are you sure you’re alright? You’ve been asleep for hours.”

A voice at the door had both women turning. “She got her head slammed into a wall, love. She probably needs the sleep.” Harry walked around her bed to his girlfriend and squeezed her shoulder. “I am really happy to see you awake Hermione

“What time is it?”

“It’s nearly midnight. Ginny’s right, you’ve been asleep for some time now. They sent me in here to grab Ginny and go. Apparently not even being the Boy Who Lived gives me free reign of visiting hours.”

“To be fair they’ve already allowed us to stay this long.”

“True. We’ll come to visit you tomorrow Mione. Rest up and Ron and Susan will be here when you wake up. They were here earlier but left a little while ago.” They both leaned over her, gifting her with hugs and gathered their things before moving towards the door. Her head throbbed painfully, but a question jumped from her mouth.

“Is Draco okay?” Neither had mentioned if he was okay. Her friends shared that same look before Harry answered her.

“He’s fine Hermione. Not a scratch on him.”

They left her and she fell asleep before the door had closed.

Chapter Text

5^th of June, 2000

She had been placed on leave and Harry had delivered her pile of paperwork to her flat as well as notes on the “stake out” she needed to review and sign. She was released the morning, sporting a nasty bruise on her eye that had faded quickly. Feeling restless, she had made surprising time on her back-office work and when she reviewed the notes left for her, she was shocked to find that the man hadn’t known anything of importance. She didn’t tell Harry and Ginny what the man had said to her about the mystery “he.”

She wasn’t sure if she wanted to tell Draco either given his reaction to her injury. The notes hadn’t mentioned Veritaserum and for all Hermione knew, the man was a bit touched in the head. Neither could identify the second man and she decided to keep the information to herself.

She hadn’t heard from Draco since Tuesday. She tried not to let that bother her so much, but Harry had said he was off in Romania collecting information on orders from Kingsley. Having very little else to do, Hermione picked up an old project she hadn’t found the energy to work on recently. She had hit a snag and duplicating her notes, she had Harry deliver them to Draco. He had appeared to be quite an adept wizard at charms and the truth was, she missed him. It was another two days before she received a response via a very handsome owl.

Try a half turn of your wrist when you bring your wand down and don’t flick at the end of the charm, just tilt up slowly.

D.M.

P.S. We don’t need Potter to communicate. Feel free to owl at your convenience.

She smiled at his letter, ignoring the butterflies in her belly and gave his advice a try. He was right of course, and she was both irritated and fascinated by his brilliance. By Sunday, she had mastered it.

She spent the afternoon temporarily altering her appearance. She changed her hair from curly, to straight to long from short. She could change her eye color and she pulled from memory. She tried Harry’s green eyes first to Ron’s blue ones next. She flicked her wand from memory all the eyes she could think of and when they changed from Ginny’s amber eyes to swirling silver, she froze.

She hadn’t meant to think of him, but she leaned forward to study the eyes in the mirror. She found they had small specks of blue and she marveled at how captivating they were. She had never dared to be this close to him and she was captivated by them. A nervous thought flitted through her mind and before she lost her nerve, she tapped her wand on the top of her head, the brown curls turning white-blond.

She watched the color bleach from the top of her head downwards. She admired her reflection, turning her head from side to side. She looked like herself and if she hadn’t kept the gray eyes, she could have convinced herself she was only looking at her future reflection.

Deeply disturbed, she banished the charm, immensely grateful when her features returned to her own. She flicked all the lights off and climbed into bed.

***

She had awoken early, nightmare free and got ready, eager to rush through her morning and get to the Ministry. When she arrived, the door to Draco’s office door was closed. Deflated, she ran through the motions of the day and she was relieved when the day had finally come close to an end. The last thing she had to do was meet with Kingsley and she’d be free to go home.  She walked the short distance to his office, knocked and shut the open door behind her.

“Hermione, please sit I wanted to talk to you about something.” She was wary of his tone and sat in a chair.

“This isn’t an easy choice, but I’ve decided that you’re not to do field work anymore.” He stayed silent for a time, seeming to expect a reaction from her. She was stunned and she felt like all the air had been sucked from the room.

“I understand I didn’t perform to standard, but surely this is a dramatic reaction. People can get hurt at any time.”

“Your actions called into question your ability to protect your partners.”

“Draco is more than qualified to protect himself.” It was naïve of her to approach the situation this way, but she was unable to find one reason to defend herself and her actions.

“You’re not reliable Hermione. You froze. What if you had been alone? Malfoy won’t always be there to protect you.” She was taken aback by the venom in Kingsley’s voice. She had never heard him speak to anyone this way and she wasn’t sure what to say.

“I will be better next time.”

Kingsley paced behind his desk, his hands massaging his temples. He stopped and blew out a breath, leaning over his desk.

“There won’t be a next time, Hermione. Not unless I deem you ready. You’re benched and you’ll handle paperwork, and you’ll continue to work on the cases you have on your desk, but only from your desk. You need something from outside, you request it through me.”

A bubble of fury rose in her throat, and she choked back the venomous words she wanted to say.

“You can’t be serious?”

“This is non-negotiable Hermione.”

“This is ridiculous, you can’t-”

He slammed his hands on the desk.

“Non-negotiable Granger. You will do as you’re asked, or I will be forced to take further action.”

No words could explain the betrayal she felt. He left no room for second chances. No room for interpretation. Every fiber of her being raged against the binds. This wasn’t logical and the silence of the room rang in her ears. She stood tall and gathered her herself.

“Is there anything else?” He looked like the whole exchange had aged him years and his shoulders dropped from exhaustion.

“No, Hermione.”

She said nothing and left the room.

***

When she got back to her desk, she cast a silencing charm and screamed into the room, swiping her hand across the desk, scattering the pens and papers. She stood in place, breathing hard and staring at the mess she had just made. Sighing, she waved her wand, the clutter righting itself. She canceled the charm and sat in her chair, her head in her hands.

She was determined to start research for the situation she found herself in when she heard movement in Draco’s office. Her mood improved slightly and she jumped up from the chair, walking to his office.

“Malfoy, you’ll-“ She stopped mid-sentence because what greeted her was not the tall blonde had expected, but rather it was three Slytherins she hadn’t seen since in two years.

Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott and Pansy Parkinson had stopped midway through throwing gaudy decorations around the room. A large balloon banner that read, “Happy Birthday Dickhead” dominated the wall behind Draco’s desk and there were other various sized balloons floating across the ceiling. Theo had been in the middle of popping green confetti across the desk before she barged in.

“Oh, I am sorry to interrupt. Is it Draco’s birthday?”

Blaise recovered before the others did and he dropped the silver streamer he was holding to approach her.

“Why yes, Granger, it is. Have you seen where our dear friend has slithered off to?” He grabbed her hand and pressed a kiss to the top of it and stepped away from her. He wasn’t as tall as Draco and he had rich, creamy skin that complimented his features. His dark brows curled over his brown, clever eyes and he had a full, sensual mouth.

Theo was a little shorter than the other two and his kind, blue eyes and curly dark hair lent him a childish look. She didn’t doubt for a second, he could be as vicious as the others, but she felt he wasn’t that person unless provoked.

She looked to Pansy last. She was dressed in a smart ensemble that accentuated her small waist and was tailored impeccably. Her dark bob was sleek and smooth, and her dark, blue eyes gazed at Hermione warily. Hermione hadn’t been very fond of the woman during school. She had been a nasty, jealous creature and Hermione decided she would give her the benefit of the doubt.

If Malfoy could change, she didn’t doubt the others could too.

“I haven’t seen him today.” Hermione didn’t say anything more and Theo and Pansy went back to throwing garish décor around the room. Blaise kept his eyes trained on her and she shifted uncomfortably on her feet.

“How did you even get in here?” she asked, needing something to fill the silence.

Blaise waived a hand dramatically, “Oh Potter let us in. It would appear he enjoys torturing dear Draco as much as we do.” He turned away from her, inflating more balloons with his wand.

“He doesn’t know you’re here?”

He chuckled, “Oh he knows we’re meant to meet downstairs, not that we’re here in his office.”

“I can assure you; he is well aware.” Hermione spun around. Draco was leaning against the door frame, with his arms crossed. It seemed the only items he owned were well tailored suits and it was fine with her. His jacket was open and the top buttons of the white shirt were left undone and she could see the strong column of his throat. It really was unfair how handsome he was. A small smile lifted her lips and when he returned it, she blushed.

“Ah Draco, good of you to join us. We were just livening the place up.” Blaise gestured towards their contribution to the space.

“There won’t be anything alive when I murder the three of you.” Malfoy moved off the frame and walked towards his friends, as he passed by, she noticed he looked exhausted, and he had dark circles under his eyes. A waft of something earthy and slightly minty, like eucalyptus, breezed past her. She tried not to appear like she was breathing it in too deeply, but the aroma was tantalizing, and it buried itself in her nose.

Feeling like an intruder, she cleared her throat and began to announce her departure, when she was interrupted.

“Say Granger, what are you up to this evening?” Blaise had a wicked gleam in his eyes, and she noticed Theo and Pansy share a look between them. They were speaking quietly to Draco, whose back stiffened at Blaise’s question, but said nothing.

“Oh er- It’s  Monday.”  She stated lamely.

“Precisely Granger! It’s a Monday and we are devoting it to our fabulously wealthy friend, and we are allowing him to spoil us and purchase all the fine alcohol we can drink!” Blaise threw his hands in the air and bent at the waist, bowing grandly to Draco who was now staring daggers at his friend. “At his Grace’s establishment of choosing, of course.”

“How generous you are, Zabini.” The three Slytherins chuckled, and Draco turned to her.

“You are under no obligation to join, but you are welcome.” His posture was relaxed, and the silver of his eyes moved like warm Mercury.

“I wouldn’t want to impose...”

“Nonsense, we’d be happy for you to join us.” Pansy stepped around Draco to see her. “We’re meeting at 6. There’s a Muggle pub Draco favors.” Hermione looked at him, a question in her eyes.

He shrugged slightly, “No one knows who I am there.” She felt a pang of sadness, but he didn’t seem like it was something he minded.

Pansy approached her cautiously, “Do you have anything to wear?” Hermione, who didn’t really care what her clothes looked like, peered around the room at the attractive Slytherins and their expensive well-dressed bodies and she felt a spear of self-consciousness.

“Don’t worry if you don’t, I am sure I have something! You’d look gorgeous in this red dress...” Pansy rattled on about a dress she had bought, hoping she would find an occasion to wear it and how fortuitous it was that they were both the same size. On and on she rambled, and Hermione had never heard so many words from the woman’s mouth. Her anxiety had begun mounting, she had seen some of the clothes Pansy favored. They were tight and usually had less length than Hermione was comfortable with.

As if sensing her spiral, Malfoy interrupted Pansy’s monologue. “Pans, I am sure Granger has her own clothes she can choose from.” Her eyes flitted to his gratefully and the woman in front of her clapped her hands. “Oh of course, she does I just- well how rude of me. I didn’t mean to imply anything.” Pansy looked truly remorseful, and she wasn’t sure she could handle any more Slytherins shedding their old skins for new ones.

“No harm no foul as the Muggles say,” Blaise said coming up to wrap an arm around Pansy. “But you will join us, right?” She looked at the clock and saw she had a half hour before they were to meet.

“I suppose I could come for a drink or two.”

“Brilliant, it’s settled! Draco, you will go with Granger and wait while she gets ready and bring her to the pub. We will go “pregame” at Theo’s.” Blaise had held his fingers up in quotations. They must frequent this pub often enough; he had picked up the dialogue.

Hermione and Draco both tried to protest, but the trio were talking excitedly about drinks and who would throw up first and they left the room. Alone, the two glanced at each other and she was nervous. The thought of Draco Malfoy in her small flat caused weird flips in her stomach. Uncomfortable, she took out her wand and vanished all the décor. She left the giant happy birthday sign and he snorted at her.

“You’re funny Granger.” She pocketed her wand and her arms hung lamely at her sides.

“Where have you been?”

“You look well.”

Their brows rose when they realized they had both spoken at the same time. Ever the gentleman, he gestured for her to speak.

“Harry said you were off on a mission. In Romania.”

“I was.” He said coolly.

“Why for?”

“You know I can’t tell you that.” She was fed up with being left in the dark and after today she didn’t feel like fighting anymore.

“I suppose we should get going if I am to change.”

His blank look turned into one of surprise.  “You don’t have to bring me a long. I can er- meet you back here and I’ll take you to the pub.”

“That’s ridiculous and time consuming, Draco.” And leaving him no room to argue she left his office, flicking her wand to extinguish the lights.

Chapter Text

5^th of June, 2000

She had left Draco in her living room with a glass of the Firewhisky Harry and Ron had left behind, promising to be ready in 20 minutes. The tall imposing figure perusing her bookshelves was a sight she’d never have believed in her wildest dreams. She watched his hand brush the spines of the classic Muggle books she had, the silver of his signet ring flashing under the bright light of her lamp. She fled the room, cheeks flushed and heart ponding.

Exiting the bathroom in her towel, she rushed to her bedroom. Before she closed the door, she saw him perched on the edge of her couch reading what appeared to be an Austen novel, his still full tumbler beside him. Frantic, she viewed her closet, already knowing nothing would be sufficient. She wanted to dress as sophisticated as they were, and she was regretting she hadn’t took Pansy up on her offer.

Annoyed at the fuss she was putting into her appearance, she grabbed a light green dress. It was a seasonably warm day and she didn’t know where they were headed. The dress fell to mid-calf and the skirt flowed out from the fitted waist. The top was off shoulder, and she felt quite pretty in it. Turning to her hair, Hermione blew out a sigh and didn’t bother trying to wrestle the tresses. She braided it back and dabbed a bit of makeup on her face.

Color bloomed high on her cheeks and she found she was quite excited. She hadn’t been out for quite some time and there was an appeal to spending it with Draco. She was wary of his friends, but she vowed to keep an open mind. Pleased with her appearance, she threw on a pair of white sandals, her wand and purple beaded bag. She gathered her courage and threw open her bedroom door.

She emerged into the living room and Malfoy’s eyes shot up to hers. She watched as he slowly shut the book, not marking his page, and placed it carefully on the table with his glass. He stood and straightened his jacket, eyes never leaving hers. That same thrill buzzed down her back when she watched his eyes drift down her frame and back up to her face. Unsteady under his intense gaze, she fidgeted with her wand.

“Are you ready? It’s nearly six.” Still silent, he nodded and walked to the door opening it for her. A flash of orange appeared, and she bent down to pet Crookshanks, promising to be back soon.

“He glared at me. Even hissed once.” She huffed a laugh.

“He’s got a thing about tall, brooding blondes.” It was his turn to laugh. Smiling, she moved out the front door.

She offered him her elbow and a shock ran through the contact. She started, searching his eyes. They were unguarded and, in the sunlight, the blue specks were sparkling against the silver.

Draco brushed a piece of hair that escaped behind her ear. Her breath caught in her throat as he dragged a knuckle across her cheek. Saying nothing, he flicked his wand, sending them off into the void of spinning colors, leaving Hermione’s stomach and the butterflies that had bloomed behind.

***

Draco had Apparated them to a small pub outside of Muggle London that seemed like it had seen better days. She supposed it was the perfect place seeing as no Pureblood member of Wizarding society would ever be caught here. Yet here were four members, sitting comfortably at a table in the corner, drinking cheap beer and playing poker.

Her four ex-classmates were the most fashionable people here and Hermione caught many men and women looking their way. She loathed cards and was content to watch the four lie and cheat their way through round after round.

Draco was the most accomplished of the group and never had to resort to trickery to win. This enraged Blaise to no end and Theo was an instigator, having no qualms about stirring the pot. 

After a couple of hours, Hermione had finished her second glass of wine and Pansy, who noticed, interrupted the game.

“Draco, would you be a dear and get us another glass.” She drained the contents of her own glass and held it out to him. Draco rolled his eyes and handed his cards to Hermione.

“Guard these and let no one touch them.” He grabbed their empty glasses and moved to the bar. She watched after him for a second and turned back to his friends. Pansy propped her chin on a hand and smiled conspiratorially.

“Granger, are you seeing anyone?” Theo and Pansy were dating, and Blaise was content to “roam the earth, sowing his oats” as he put it.

“Oh, I’m not.” Her face flushed and she welcomed the small buzz the wine brought. The group was relentless and never beat around the bush, always direct with their line of questioning.

“Draco isn’t either.” she stated. Hermione watched Theo wrap his arm around his girlfriend and pulled her towards him.

“Leave Granger be, Pans. We’re trying to not scare her away.”

“I don’t know Theo; Granger doesn’t seem the type to be scared away by a tipsy pack of Slytherins.” They all seemed so comfortable and she marveled at how much had changed over the years.

Suddenly, Blaise stood straight up and glanced over at Draco. Alarmed, Hermione turned as well, but nothing seemed out of sorts. His back was to them, and he was paying for their drinks.

“Granger, give me a look at his cards.” She whipped her head back to Blaise and raised a brow.

“He asked me not to let you lot see them.”

“Technically Granger, he asked you not to let us touch them. Sneak me a peek and I will make it worth your while.” Excitement burned in his eyes and he raised his groomed brow suggestively. Pansy groaned in disgust.

“Blaise, Hermione is a woman of substance and would never let a creature like you in her bed.”

He glared at the woman. “Pansy, I was not suggesting I bed her. I merely sought to ply her with pretty words.” He looked back at her and lowered his voice.

“So, beautiful Hermione, what do you say? Will you give me a peek?”

She muttered under her breath about Slytherins and their ability to bend the rules. Smiling slyly at the man, she threw him a suggestive look of her own.

“I’ll do it, under one condition. Only Theo can see the cards.” Her grin turned triumphant at the disappointment in his eyes, but he said,

“Yes, yes alright fine, but hurry he’s coming!” Theo leaned over Pansy to look at the cards and he smirked, turning to his own cards. Hermione looked at the hand she held and couldn’t determine whether what he had was a winning set.

Draco arrived and placed the tray of drinks down, handing them to their owners. When he held out her glass, their fingers brushed. She looked into his face, but he had turned to Blaise with his drink. Discarding the tray, he held his hand out for his cards and Hermione took care not to touch his skin.

Flustered, she drained half her glass.

“Easy there Granger, or Draco will be carrying you home.” Theo had the same smirk on his face, and she was regretting sharing the cards. A couple of rounds went by and when Theo threw down a winning hand, Draco’s head snapped to her, disbelief written over his face.

“What did they promise you?” He wasn’t angry and his eyes glimmered with mirth.

“Oh, don’t be a sorry loser! Granger here helped us break your streak finally.” Theo gathered the pot of beans they were playing with and deposited them into a cup. “It’s about time. Your ego was becoming unbearable.”

The trio laughed and Draco only shook his head with mock sadness. “I would have thought you had more respect for the rules, Granger.”

“You only asked for them not to touch the cards. You didn’t say they couldn’t see them.” She smiled coyly at him from over her glass, sipping delicately. She watched as he threw his head back and laughed. Her eyes were wide as she took him in. He looked so carefree. He looked younger when he laughed and the rich timbre of it had her toes curling. She drained her glass and dismissed herself to the restrooms.

She locked herself in the tiny loo and used her wand to cool herself. The wine had begun to affect her fully and she felt light and giggly. When had she felt like this last? She grimaced at the grimy surface of the toilet and left the room.

The group of four were still giggling and she watched as Theo hit Blaise against the head for something he had done. She had no doubts he said something crass, it was all the man could manage and the conversation always returned to sex. When she approached, they stood.

“Granger! We took shots while you were out, and I demand that you take yours!” Blaise was drunk and she giggled. Not one to turn a challenge down, she grabbed the small glass and threw the liquor back, spilling a little and it dribbled down her chin.

The whisky was truly awful and she grimaced as it burned its way down. She was aware of a gray gaze and she licked the droplets off her lips. She set the glass down and paused when she found everyone at the table staring at her. Blaise with his mouth gaped, Pansy and Theo’s faces held amusement and Draco’s eyes burned like silver flames.

“Mer. Lin, I think I’m in love.” Blaise leaned back with a hand on his chest and pretended to pass out. She giggled again and stumbled. Draco’s grip on her elbow was soft, but firm and she shivered when he pulled her slightly to him. His body was warm and hard against her soft curves, and she wanted to melt into him. 

Blushing from her reaction to him, she said; “I believe I’m a bit drunk.” Feeling warm all over, she looked to the door.

“Shall we go for a walk? It’s a warm night.” She knew she needed to work off some of the alcohol or she would be in for a rough morning. She hadn’t drunk like this in some time, and she was feeling the effects too quickly.

Pansy and Theo declined the invitation under the guise of getting Blaise home safely. The men thumped Draco on the back and wished him another happy birthday and invited Hermione to their next card night. Pansy smiled kindly at her and the three of them left.

“I’m afraid I can’t Apparate right now. How are you?” She felt a little silly now that it was the two of them.

“I am sober Granger, but we can walk if you’d like. Unless you’d prefer I bring you home?” She pondered her choices and started for the door.

A group of loud men had entered and she felt Draco’s hand on her back as he steered her through. The night was warm and a cool breeze floated around them cooling her heated skin. The area was remote and she moved towards the road. They fell into step together and the silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable.

They walked a little bit further before she asked,

“What were you reading earlier?”

“Jane Austen.”

She huffed a laugh. “Yes, but which one?”

“Pride and Prejudice.”

“Do you ever answer questions that require more than a few words?”

He paused, “Yes.” Exasperated, she slapped her bag against his shoulder, and he laughed again.

“You have a beautiful laugh.” She had stopped, and the thought slipped out of her drunken mouth. He stopped too and didn’t say anything. “You should laugh more.” She ducked her head and fiddled with her hands.

“Don’t hide from me.” She whipped her head to him. “Don’t hide your face away.” He had moved in front of her and she had to tip her head back to see his face. The smell of eucalyptus enveloped her, and she swayed a little before catching herself.

“I didn’t know today was your birthday, I would have gotten you a present.”

“I don’t like presents and I don’t like celebrating my birthday. My friends know that, but I indulge them.”

She pouted, “But you paid for everyone?”

“No, Blaise has a tab he settles each month, I put everything on that.” He winked at her again and she laughed.

“I’d love to see the look in his face when he finds out.” They began walking again and she remembered why she’d meant to find him earlier.

“Thank you for your help with the charm. You cracked the code.”

“You were able to perform it successfully then?” He looked impressed and she was eager to show him. She searched the street for anyone passing by and she drew out her wand, tapping the top of her head. She watched his eyes widen as her hair color changed to black. She tapped her wand again and her braid returned to its normal shade.

“Brilliant Granger, absolutely brilliant.” She spotted a tree with a bench and moved towards it. She sat down, suddenly feeling very tired.

“You’re the reason it’s working. I’d say you’re the brilliant one.” He sat down next to her, and she breathed in the cooling, night air. She could feel his warmth and she scooted closer and laid her head on his shoulder.

“Hermione, are you alright?”

“I’m a bit tired.” Her eyes were closing, and the warmth of him coupled with the alcohol had her feeling weightless. When she opened her eyes, the world was spinning and she closed them quickly, feeling a wave of nausea at the swirling colors.

***

She awoke in her own bed, fully clothed and under the blankets. Beside her, on the table, a glass of water and what looked to be a hangover potion sat waiting for her. Her head pounded as she sat up and whiff of eucalyptus rose around her with the movement. Next to the vile sat a note:

Take this Granger, it’s not poison.

D.M.

A smile followed her through the rest of the day.

Chapter Text

12^th of June, 2000

Hermione walked into the gym and was quite impressed with its transformation. The mat that usually dominated the floor had been Transfigured into a large, Muggle boxing ring. All the workout equipment was gone, leaving space for multiple sparring mats. 

Harry had convinced her to drop the wards for the day, claiming anyone would be out of their right minds to try and attack the gym with Aurors gathered from around the world. She didn’t bother mentioning a certain maniac. The room was already filling quickly with many faces she didn’t recognize and Hermione was so proud of him.

It was a warm, beautiful day and the windows were thrown open to let the breeze in. Sweat had already started beading down her neck and Hermione threw her hair up. She wore a tight t-shirt and light, fitted pants she could move freely in. She hadn’t asked Harry what he had in store for them today and she was excited. Moving deeper into the room she spotted Ginny standing by one of the large pillars, twirling her wand around her fingers.

Harry and Ginny had stopped by for dinner the night before and Ginny had explained that there was no way she was missing the opportunity to watch her brother get knocked on his ass by the five-foot three-inch witch Harry had found to teach.

Ginny’s eyes brightened when she saw Hermione and straightened.

“Have you met the crazy American yet?”

“I am sorry, who?”

Ginny pointed towards the other corner of the room where Harry, Ron and a short, dark-haired witch stood. The woman’s back was to Hermione, and she turned back to Ginny.

“She’s American? Harry didn’t mention that.”

“He didn’t know but she’s fabulous! She’s a bad arse. A bit intense, but she’s funny. If I weren’t shagging Harry every night, I would perhaps find myself a bit jealous.” Ginny sniffed a bit and laughed.

“I don’t know, I always thought Potter and your brother would run off into the sunset together?”

Both women jumped and turned slightly. Draco stood behind them leaning with his shoulder against the pillar. His arms were crossed in front of him and the long-sleeved, black spandex shirt he wore stretched across his chest and his biceps, his wand tucked into the damn holster he always wore. His shirt was tucked into a pair of black military pants and he wore black laced boots. Her mouth dried at the sight of him and she forced herself to stop ogling him.

“Malfoy, pleasure as always.”

He smirked at the redhead, “Oh Ginevra, the pleasure is all mine.” He bowed at the waist, waving a hand regally in front of him.

“Did you just crack a joke, Ferret? Hell has frozen over!” Hermione watched Ginny pinch her arm. “Nope, not dreaming.”

“I said the same thing a few weeks ago.” Draco had an elegant blond brow raised; Ginny just stared at her.

“About hell freezing over. Ron was nice to Draco and even shook his hand.”

“Oh yes, Harry told me about that. He said he had his hand on his wand in case anything happened. Susan has done a number on that boy. Not that I miss the temper.” Ginny had been looking fondly at her brother while she spoke and a soft laugh brushed the back of her neck, causing gooseflesh to rise on her arm. She stiffened, feeling Draco draw closer to them.

Leaning down he said conspiratorially, “I will let you in on a little secret, Ginevra. Those two will get their arses handed to them by that tiny woman and I will spend any amount of Galleons to purchase a Penseive just so I can relive the moment over and over again.”

“I’ll do you one better, I’ll split the cost Malfoy.” The two shared a laugh and Hermione was appalled.

“Ginny, that’s your brother and your boyfriend! You should be on their side.”

“Mione, there are no sides in this and Ron’s a little shite, always has been. As for Harry, I have a little outfit I can wear while I ‘nurse’ him back to health.” Ginny held a wicked gleam in her eye and Hermione faked a gag.

“Gross Ginny.”

An amused voice behind her said, “What Granger? Are your delicate sensibilities offended by some role play?”

She turned to him and leaned in close, whispering, “You shouldn’t worry about my sensibilities, they’re not delicate.” She smiled at the slack look on his face and turned back to Ginny.

Before he could answer, Harry’s amplified voice rose above the noise. Harry, Ron and the small American stood inside the ring facing her side of the room.

“Good morning, everyone. Thank you for coming! I am excited to introduce our instructor, Margot. She’s from America and she will be teaching us some ways to defend ourselves in the event our magic and wands fail us. I am aware it’s a gargantuan task to ask you all to stay involved, so I’ve decided to make it interesting.

“There will be a final competition on Friday afternoon against our two finalists. Margot will be the judge and she’s in charge of ranking you and picking your opponents. She will be taking today to teach you the basics and deciding the order.” Ron had lifted his wand and waved it towards the far wall, a large, empty bracket attaching itself to the wall.

“There will be a reward of an extra day off and the bragging rights. Now, if everyone could spread out and give yourself space, I will let Margot do what she came here to do!”

The room spread out and began stretching at the woman’s request and Hermione listened to her attentively. Margot had stayed in the ring and was showing them combinations and various defensive positions.

Ginny was to her left and she seemed to be doing just fine. Draco, on the other side seemed to have absorbed everything Margot had said and shown and regurgitated it perfectly. That annoyed her and she worked harder, focusing on her form and posture. By mid-afternoon, Hermione was covered in sweat, mildly sore and was grateful for their lunch hour.

When the hour was up, Margot had them pair up and spread out again. She and Ginny took up positions on the same mat from the morning and were taking turns with offensive and defensive maneuvers. Hermione was currently on the defensive and movement to her right had her moving her eyes and she saw Harry and Draco paired against each other.

Harry was defending himself against Draco who was approaching slowly. He was throwing punch for punch and Harry could hardly keep up. She saw Harry’s left foot lingering dangerously close to the blue ring they were told would disqualify them in the competition when Ginny’s fist flew from the side and caught Hermione in the face. She cried out and she missed Draco’s attention flick to her.

Clutching her tender cheek, she turned with wide eyes to Ginny who was cycling through laughter and guilt.

“Oh, Hermione I am so sorry! I thought you heard me, but it appears you’re a little distracted today.” Ginny’s eyes flicked to the two men and Hermione ignored her.

“I am not distracted.” She rubbed her cheek and cracked her knuckles. “It’s my turn for offense.” Ginny held her hands up in front of her and bent her knees down.

“Mione, you were caught off guard by Malfoy in the middle of a fake fight. That’s exactly what distracted means. You haven’t let me land a punch all day.”

She ignored her friend and advanced a step, throwing a one-two punch. Ginny deflected and Hermione swung again and again and each time, her fists didn’t connect. Ginny forced the offensive, which required Hermione to course correct. They went back and forth for a time and Hermione was getting angry. Not at her friend, but at herself. She wanted desperately to be good at this.

Letting her anger take over, she began improvising. She was picturing the greasy man in front of her and she was swinging with abandon. Ginny took each pass with patience, seeming to realize where her mind had gone. Hermione was panting and gulping down large breaths.

She spied a weakness in Ginny’s defense, and she spun around with her leg, knocking the witch to her back. Hermione sprung forward with her wand hand at Ginny’s neck. Clapping erupted around them and looking up from her friend, she noticed the whole room had stopped what they were doing to watch.

Harry, Ron, Margot and Draco all stood next to each other, all clapping with smiles on their faces. Exhausted and embarrassed, she stood, grabbing Ginny’s hand and pulled her up.

She hugged her friend. “I am so sorry Gin.” Ginny wrapped her arms around her and squeezed.

“It’s okay Hermione.” Saying nothing more, they resumed their exercises and the whole time she felt a gaze on her.

13^th of June, 2000

Margot had split the room into two groups and paired them off after that. Hermione practiced late into the night, she could see and feel the improvements the next day. She was far from perfect, but she was determined, and she hated losing.

In her first fight of the week, she was paired against a French witch that claimed she couldn’t speak very good English and she kept finding Draco to translate for her. She suspected the witch fancied him, but Draco acted like the perfect gentleman he was. The way he spoke the language should have been an immediate life sentence to Azkaban for all the things it did to her body.

He was dressed in the same kind of pants, but he had a white, short sleeve shirt on today and she was shocked to find he didn’t cover his mark. There were many that kept their distance, but they seemed to trust being around him more when Draco said something and Harry laughed aloud, slapping the wizard on the shoulder.

The man in question and the beautiful French witch were in the middle of a rapid conversation and Hermione was annoyed.

“Do you think we could get on with it?” She crossed her arms and glared at them challengingly. The witch gave her a disdainful look and flipped her hair over a shoulder. Draco said something and Hermione, who could identify small pieces of the language, thought she heard him tell the witch to go for Hermione’s left side.

Hermione was confused and infuriated until she caught the look in his eyes. The silver gaze was insistent, and she realized he was baiting the witch into attacking her left side and warning her. Annoyed, she took the defensive and Margot blew her whistle. They exchanged a few punches and Hermione found an opportunity to grab the witch’s arm when she struck at her left side.

In a quick turn, Hermione managed to twist and bring the arm around the witches back and pulling up. The French woman surrendered, and Hermione pushed her away roughly. Brushing past Draco, she glared at him and took up beside Ginny at the back of the room.

 15^th of June, 2000

By Thursday afternoon, there were only a handful of pairs left. Harry decided to make the day more interesting by giving the two finalists the rest of the day off. Naturally, this made the rest of the day drastically more exciting. Hermione, who had won every match, worked her way to the bracket and was rooted to the spot when the name next to hers read: Draco Malfoy.

She didn’t know why she was surprised, but when he sauntered up to her, a self-indulgent smile on his lips, she vowed she wouldn’t lose.

“What an interesting turn of events, Granger.”

“With you cheating, I find I am not surprised,” she spat.

“Need I remind you that you’re the one who took my friendly advice?”

She scoffed, “you cheated the other day!”

“I didn’t cheat Granger, you did. You chose to listen and take my hint. It’s not my fault.” Her eyes flashed and she was angry. She looked around the room and they were alone. Good, she thought.

“That is such a backwards Slytherin way of thinking Draco Malfoy! I didn’t need your help. I beat her all on my own!” He laughed harshly.

“You won because I told that witch to attack your ‘weak’ side.” He held his fingers in quotes and she was fuming. “Besides I wouldn’t have to enforce cheating if you could throw a decent punch.”

Her anger boiled over and she threw her fist wildly. Except, it never made contact with his smug, stupid face. He caught her hand in his and pulled her close to his body. They were both breathing hard and despite herself, she liked the contact. He was warm and hard and his chest kept brushing against her breasts. She watched his eyes drift to her lips and before she could think, she smashed her mouth against his.

Whatever tether he had on himself, snapped and he gathered her up in his arms and pressed her back against the glass behind her. His mouth was hard and demanding and a groan sounded in her throat. His tongue pressed on her lips, and she opened them, allowing him to sweep his tongue into her mouth. Her fingertips dug painfully into his biceps and his were still gripping her backside. She reached for the hem of his shirt and pulled, a groan falling from him as he ground his hips into hers.

A door slammed and they pulled apart quickly, Draco setting her carefully on her feet and taking several steps back. His lips were red and his shirt was pulled halfway out of the waistband of his pants.

“Don’t drop your elbow and for the love of Merlin, stop putting your thumb in your fist when you punch. You’ll break it.” He turned before she could say anything and dipped to grab his bag before heading to the door. He looked back once and she thought she saw indecision on his face, but he was gone before she could say anything.

She turned to the glass, her lips were red and swollen, color high on her cheeks. She touched her bruised mouth and wondered what might have happened if they hadn’t been interrupted. She went home, confused and wanting, and took a very cold shower.

16^th of June, 2000

Hermione knew she was a coward and only arrived right before the fight started. She was a mess of nerves and she felt silly for letting him affect her so much. She spied him across the room, unruffled and poised as ever and she shook her head, dispelling all thoughts of their kiss. Draco was an extremely competent opponent, but she had barely slept, and she was distracted.

Climbing into the ring, she stood next ti Harry and Margot.

“You ready for this, Mione?”

She nodded, not trusting her voice. Harry squeezed her shoulder and jumped out of the ring, joining Ginny in the corner. She felt like a circus animal and hated all the eyes on her.

She watched Draco enter the ring and his calm demeanor broke through her anxiety and turned it to anger. He was so well put together in his dark shirt and perfectly coiffed hair, and it was unfair that she was a trembling mess.

Hadn’t he been up all night replaying their kiss? Did he not feel the same way? He met her eyes and there was humor in them. She threw herself into her emotion and let it drive her.

Margot had stepped out and explained the rules to them again: no wands, no crossing the lines and they had five minutes. She had them shake hands and walk to opposite ends of the circle. Draco was to start on the defense, leaving Hermione on the offensive. Margot raised her arm, and blew on her whistle, slashing her arm down.

Draco didn’t move, but a dark smile grew on his face. She advanced slightly, a little afraid to get too close to him. The point of the exercise was to adapt and persevere, but she didn’t want to be near him. He unsettled her and that was dangerous. She moved to the side, forcing him to follow her. They circled each other and he indulged her for a moment before he lunged.

She had seen the toe of his left boot twitch slightly and was able to dance out of the way, slapping at the hand that reached for her with her left and she pushed with her right against his back. He stumbled a bit and she smiled with satisfaction. He pivoted and she could see the simmering heat in his gaze. She ignored him.

“Is that all you’ve got?”

And perhaps it was a bit premature, because he lunged for her again, striking out with fist after fist, forcing her back until the heels of her boots reached just inside the ring of the circle. He grabbed the wrist of the arm she held up and he spun her into his chest. 

Draco shoved her lightly towards the center of the ring. She stumbled, but he gave her time to regain her balance. She glanced at the clock, somehow they only had less than a minute left. Turning around she advanced again, kicking and punching. She felt triumphant as she noticed his boots nearing the circle this time. She swept a leg out, attempting to kick him behind the knee and time slowed as she watched him grab her ankle. She felt gravity shift and she fell gracelessly to her back.

He was upon her in seconds, and she felt him sit on top of her legs. Draco trapped her wrists with his hands next to her head, both of their chests heaving. She could feel every point of contact between them and distantly, she could hear cheering as Draco held her captive to the mat. She bucked and thrashed underneath him as she tried to free herself.

She braced her boots against the mat and thrust her hips up, trying to dislodge him and a moan fell from his lips. The sound was so soft, and his eyes were molten as they stared not at her eyes, but at her panting mouth. She felt his hips grind softly into hers and she froze, a moan sliding from her mouth as the pressure of his arousal pressed against her. It was like a wildfire had erupted in her veins and she was powerless as her own arousal coursed through her.

She bucked her hips once more, desperate to feel him against her and a whimper fell from her lips. His eyes flicked to hers and she watched the molten ore of them cool and harden. She could hear the countdown of the crowd reach one and then zero. Hermione felt cold as the heat from Draco’s body left hers and she watched his retreating back dissolve into the cheering crowd. She supposed she had her answer.

Chapter Text

24^th of June, 2000

“So, are you going to tell me what last Friday was all about?” Hermione sat with Ginny at a table in the Leaky Cauldron. The pair hadn’t seen each other since the tournament and Hermione had been grateful to see her friend, until now.

“Ginny, there is nothing to say.” Hermione’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment and a small bit of shame. She wasn’t naïve to think their kiss meant anything, but she hadn’t seen him all week to talk. Harry told her he was off somewhere for Kinglsey, and she was annoyed… and frustrated.

She was annoyed because his kiss had awoken some sleeping desire in her and she wanted more. Alone at night, she imagined pale, elegant hands rubbing her clit and pressing into her and she was always disappointed when her own fingers never quite itched the scratch. She rubbed her thighs together and tried to banish all thoughts of Draco Malfoy from her mind.

“How was training?”

“Oh, I don’t think so Hermione Granger. I am not blind, something is going on with you two, so tell me.” Ginny scooted Hermione’s glass of wine closer to her. “Please?”

Hermione rolled her eyes and took a large gulp. “We kissed,” she mumbled. Ginny’s gasp was loud enough several patrons shot looks their way and Hermione ducked her head.

“Shhh,” she hissed.

“Oh, what does it matter. It’s not like he’s here. Was it good? When did it happen? Tell me everything!” Hermione knew it might be a mistake to indulge her friend, but she was a bit relieved to be able to talk to someone.

“It was last Thursday. After everyone had left, I stayed behind to practice a bit more and he was still there. I accused him of cheating and things… progressed.” She took another gulp, her wine glass now empty and breathed out.

“I tried to hit him and then I kissed him.” Her face heated and she hid behind her hair. She wasn’t embarrassed or ashamed, she just felt angry and hurt. He ran from her after their kiss and then he ran after the tournament. It’s not her fault he got her all hot and bothered and then ground himself into her. The wine was starting to fuel her fire and she looked up at Ginny.

“He ran from me. Twice!” She held up two fingers and her friend dropped her jaw.

“What do you mean twice?”

Hermione leaned in like she had a secret.

“He pressed me against the glass, Ginny. At the gym and he held my bum, and he kissed me like a starved man!”

She gasped, “What did you do?”

“I tried to take his clothes off!” Ginny dissolved into laughter and Hermione joined her. Distantly, she knew they had crossed into drunk territory, and everything felt too funny.

“Then what?” Ginny asked.

“Then a door slammed, and he dropped me like a hot potato! And ran from me.” The thought was sobering, and she stared sadly into the wall behind Ginny. Her friend patted her hand and Hermione refocused.

“He humped me, you know? In the ring.”

She looked delighted, “He humped you?”

Hermione shrugged, “Well, maybe hump is not the right word. Maybe ground? I don’t know Ginny!” She threw her arms up and fanned her face. “I felt his, you know, and he pressed it into me.” Ginny giggled again.

“You mean his cock?”

“Ginny don’t say that!” And despite herself, she giggled too.

“Hermione Granger, what happened to your not so delicate sensibilities?”

“You heard me say that?”

“Of course, I did! I also saw Malfoy’s eyes bulge out of his head when you said it.” Ginny gave her a conspirator’s grin and Hermione flashed a wicked grin.

“I think I’d like to shag him Ginny, is that bad?” Ginny shook her head.

“He is a tall drink of Firewhisky, Mione. And he doesn’t seem to be half bad anymore. Tell him I said that, and I’ll tell him everything you just said.” Hermione smiled sadly again.

“It’s too bad I haven’t seen him. I feel like we should talk about it, given we work together.”

“Give him time Mione, he’ll come around. You’re a catch and I’d shag you if I were into that sort of thing.” Ginny winked at her, and Hermione laughed. She grabbed their empty glasses and stood.

“We may need Harry to take us home tonight.”

Ginny smiled, “Oh most definitely. You still haven’t told me how good that kiss was.”

Hermione laughed and walked to the bar.

31st  of July, 2000

The rest of June flew by with hardly a hitch, and she still hadn’t seen Draco. Not even once. At least, not for long enough they could talk. In the second week of July, he stopped showing all together and when Hermione grew alarmed, Harry told her he was busy and would spend the next three weeks abroad. He was gone for longer periods each time he disappeared, and she didn’t trust the feeling his absence brought.

The Monday after the full moon, she walked into her office and a bouquet of white Moonflowers sat on her desk. There was no note and no indication of who sent them. Unnerved, she threw them in her trash can and went about her day. The flowers had given her the same feeling Draco’s absence did.

***

The night of Harry’s birthday, Hermione walked into the warmth of the Burrow’s kitchen. Molly Weasley stood at the counter, stirring something in a bowl and hadn’t noticed her. She spotted a pile of presents on the table and she pulled Harry’s out and placed it with the rest. She cleared her throat and Molly spun around. She was immediately enveloped in a tight, flour covered hug and Hermione hugged the woman back fiercely.

Molly pulled back and gave her a once over and placed her hands on the younger woman’s face. “Oh, Hermione my dear, how good to see you!”

The kitchen was a mess and Hermione gazed around at the chaos when Molly released her and returned to the bowl. There was flour and sugar spilled everywhere and the sink was full of dishes. There was a delicious smell coming from the oven and Hermione took a deep, appreciative breath.

“Molly, is there anything I can help with?” The older woman clicked her tongue and waived her off.

“Thank you dear, why don’t you go join the others outside and I will be out shortly with dinner.” Molly hadn’t turned around and she was now wrestling the contents of the bowl into a cake pan. Smiling, she meandered through the house, out to the backyard.

Night had already fallen, and the air smelled sweet and cool. Hermione had changed out of her work uniform into another dress, and she was grateful she had the forethought to bring a shawl. She spotted the group out in the yard and there was a tent erected above a small table. Someone had strung fairy lights across the top of the covering, and they cast a soft light over the group.

Her footsteps were quiet as she approached and had a chance to look at the assembled faces. Harry and Ginny sat on one side. George, Ron and Susan sat on the longer end, and they all seemed to be in a heated debate over something she couldn’t hear. At the other sat Arthur and an empty chair for Molly. The last side of the table held an empty chair and... a blonde figure. Ron looked up as her foot scuffed against the gravel and his eyes lit up.

“Mione, you made it!” She watched as all faces turned towards her and Draco stood as she approached them. He looked completely out of place in a crisp suit and tie. She would have laughed had she not been so shocked to see him at the Weasley’s home.

She bypassed the chair next to him to lean over Arthur to give him a hug. She made her rounds, giving everyone hugs and she stopped at Harry. She laid a kiss on his cheek and gave him a hug.

“Happy birthday Harry!” She squeezed Ginny’s shoulder and turned to Draco. They didn’t touch or speak, but he had stayed standing the entire time, eyes tracking her movement. He pulled her chair out and she didn’t miss the look Susan and Ginny shared.

The conversation had resumed around them, and George and Ron went back to arguing, not surprisingly, about Quidditch. Draco hadn't spoken since she arrived, and she leaned in close to him.

“What are you doing here?” She hadn’t meant for the question to sound rude, but she didn’t apologize.

“Potter invited me last minute. I didn’t have anything to do tonight.” He shrugged and she felt her anger rise slightly.

“No friends tabs to rack up?” That question she had meant to be rude. It felt impossible that after a month and a half, he finally deigned to show his face to her, and it was at Harry Potter’s birthday of all places. She glared at him, and he looked taken aback.

“What are you two whispering about?” Ron’s loud voice shocked them, and they leaned back from each other. Hermione hadn’t realized they had moved so close to one another.

“We were speaking about how atrocious it is that you would bet against a team your sister is on. No loyalty, Weasley.” Draco’s eyes were guarded, but open and she breathed in the night air in an attempt to cool herself.

A dramatic gasp from Ginny drew the attention from them.

“Malfoy, are you a fan? I am afraid I am all out of action shots and you will have to wait for an autograph.” She had placed her right hand over heart while she spoke and fanned herself.  Everyone laughed and Hermione relaxed a little into her chair.

Molly burst from the kitchen with charmed plates floating behind her and put a halt to all conversation. The plates landed in front of them all and Draco was prim and proper as he placed a napkin onto his lap. He held his utensils delicately as he cut each bite into tiny pieces and chewed gracefully.

It was a comical vision as they were eating cheeseburgers and chips and Hermione was sure he’d never eaten a thing like it before. He didn’t notice how the entire table hadn’t touched their plates and were all staring at him.

“Good god man, have you eaten a cheeseburger before?” George asked. “It’s bloody disturbing watching you cut into it like that.”

Draco looked up and glanced around the table, his gaze landing on Hermione with confusion. Taking pity on him, she picked up her burger with both hands and took a bite. There was no elegant way to eat the meal and she nearly choked when the look of horror flashed across his features. She knew she had sauce on her cheeks, and she could care less. The food was fabulous, and she was starving.

“I’m meant to eat this with my hands?”

Harry laughed beside him and said, “Eat it how you want, mate."

Everyone dug in after that and she wasn’t surprised when he continued eating his food with a fork and knife. The conversation flowed easily and a bottle of Firewhisky was brought out. Hermione noticed that when the bottle was sent their way, Draco never took a swig, only smoothly handing it to her. She only took one sip herself, not needing a repeat of Draco’s birthday.

Harry and Ron talked excitedly with Molly and Arthur about the tournament and Ginny shared her input periodically. Bill and Fleur had stayed home with little Victoire who had a cold, and Percy and Charlie were abroad for work.

Harry checked his watch before he stood clearing his throat. The table silenced and Hermione sat up in her chair. Ginny and Harry had been oddly quiet all night and she felt the air change into something exciting and new. Arthur and Molly shared an intimate look and clasped hands, staring at the couple at the end of the table.

“I’m not great at speeches so I’ll just say it, I asked Gin to marry me this morning and she’s accepted!” Hermione watched as he grabbed her left hand and tapped his wand on her ring finger, a small delicate band with a diamond appearing.

George and Ron stood, rushing towards Harry clapping him on the back. Susan stood as well and wrapped Ginny in a hug. Hermione rounded the table, and she gave Ginny a brilliant smile and a hug. A deep voice behind her muttered a congratulations.

She had forgotten Draco in her haste and Arthur was summoning glasses of champagne before she could say anything further to her friend.

“There aren’t many men in this world that I would ever find good enough for my Ginny, but you Harry have had our blessing for many years now and Molly and I are delighted to have you join our family. Not that you weren’t already!” They all raised their glasses and cheered. She could see tears glistening in Harry’s green eyes and she felt some burn in hers. Turning to Molly, she mumbled something about needing the loo.

Hermione rushed from the bright lights and didn’t enter the house. Instead, turning to where the Weasley’s played backyard Quidditch, and the rope swing she often sat in. She didn’t know why she was suddenly so sad. She was acting selfishly, and she was angry with herself. This moment wasn’t about her.

She collapsed into the swing, and it was then she realized how terribly alone she felt. She wanted to experience the love and devotion her friends had. She didn’t need a man to feel fulfilled and often spoke out about the importance of independence, but the absence of connection struck her so deeply.

She heard someone approach and she turned slightly to see Draco. She wiped furiously at the tears and sniffed. She didn’t want him to see her crying.

“Your friends sent me to check on you.” He came up next to her and put his hands in his pockets. The moon shone brightly, and the moonlight gathered around them. He looked serene as he gazed up at the stars.

“Are you alright?”

“I don’t know how to answer that right now.” He looked down at her and glanced at the rope holding her up. He moved behind her and grabbed the wooden seat she sat on and pulled her back. He took two steps before gently letting go and she swung forward. She kicked her feet out so they wouldn’t drag, and she moved through the air before being pulled back again.

She felt his warm hands on her back through the thin fabric of her dress. He pushed gently and she swung forward again. He pushed her on the swing for a time before he spoke again.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Are you serious?”

When her body fell back towards him, she didn’t feel his hands on her, and she glanced over her shoulder. He wasn’t there. A crunch of leaves and she felt the swing stop. Whipping her head, he was there right in front of her holding the rope, his face mere inches from hers.

“Am I serious about what, Hermione?” Her breath caught in her throat at her name and her anger cooled slightly.

“It’s been six weeks since I last saw you. Six weeks that I have been left wondering what happened between us and you show up after all that time at my friend’s birthday party, claiming you had nothing better to do!” She was breathing hard, and he had the good sense to look ashamed.

“I didn’t intend to hurt you.”

She sighed, “You didn’t-“

“Do not, try and appease me. I acted abominably and I should have taken your thoughts and feelings into consideration.” She was shocked. He had never raised his voice at her before. Even when they were children, he simply sneered or hissed his venom at her.

But here they were years later, with him yelling at her, urging her to put herself first.

“You shouldn’t yell, someone might think you care.” She had meant for the words to come out with some heat, but they only sounded breathy and low.

“I don’t.” But he was looking at her mouth and she watched as he inched closer stopping a hairsbreadth away. His hooded gaze met hers and she bridged the gap, her lips meeting his. It was a soft kiss, tentative and sweet. Their lips moved gently, not one taking more than the other offered. Their lips brushed once, twice and a third time more before Draco broke the kiss.

He leaned his forehead against hers and whispered, “We should get back.”

She didn’t know what to think anymore, and Hemione knew it was best that he had stopped them, again. She nodded in agreement and together, they walked back to the party.

Chapter Text

7^th of August, 2000

“Ah Hermione, come in please.”

Kinglsey shut the door behind her and ushered her into the chair beside his desk. He had been waiting for her when she arrived this morning.

“How are you Hermione? I haven’t had a chance to meet with you lately.” She thought of the last couple interactions with Draco and thought she was better off not mentioning that...

After they had arrived back to the group, Hermione gathered her two closest friends in a fierce hug and held them close. She was truly happy for Ginny and Harry, and she apologized for running out.

They had said their goodbyes and Draco escorted Hermione home, kissing her on the cheek softly before wishing her a good night. He had left and despite herself, she had fallen asleep that night with a smile on her face. She didn’t know what it was between them, but she knew she liked the way he made her feel.

There hadn’t been any physical contact between them since Harry’s birthday and it seemed Draco was back to his broody self. He hadn’t been sent off on some mission of Kingsley’s and she found herself steering clear of the man. She, quite frankly, didn’t trust herself around him. Her attraction had reached a new level and seeing him walk around the department, his sleeves rolled up was simply too much for her.

Shaking her head internally, she said: “I am well Kingsley, and how are you?”

He waved her off, “Oh don’t you worry about that. I am just fine.” The man seemed hurried, and she peered at the pile of parchment he kept shuffling around on his desk.

“I am sure you’re aware Mr. Malfoy has been absent for periods of time?” She nodded, letting him continue.

“Well, he has been chasing a Death Eater sighting and we have been keeping it under wraps in the hopes we could catch him.”

“And this had to happen without me knowing?” Her anger had flared, and she shot a seething look at her superior.

Kingsley gave her his own look. “This is a delicate situation, Hermione. We had to navigate through this carefully and Mr. Malfoy and Potter both have higher clearance than you do.” Her blood boiled, but she stayed silent, trying to coax calm into her veins.

“Alright,” she said carefully. “What has changed?”

“It would appear that at the end of the week, there will be an opportunity to catch him and some known associates of his. We need you to devise a plan of action for the milder associate. He has been slippery as of late and we’ve been able to track his movements down to one place.” He withdrew a piece of parchment and handed it to her. There was a photo of an ugly, rat faced man and a list of crimes he had committed both in the Magical world and the Muggle.

“The Statue has been broken many times by this man and we’ve been busy with containment. It’s imperative we get this right the first time, Hermione.” She ran her eyes down the list of crimes, and one caught her eye.

Lifting a brow she asked, “Dragon breeding? And he’s been selling them to Muggles?” Kingsley rubbed his brow.

“He’s gone a step farther and he’s been breeding them with other types of lizards. They’ve been taking the shape of iguanas, but they’re deadly.” He looked exhausted and her anger dimmed.

“And what is it you’d like me to do?”

“This man, Antony Hammond, frequents a Muggle bar that caters to, the er- unclothed.” Hermione rolled her eyes.

“A strip club you mean.” It was ridiculous that they were having this conversation. “You decided to involve me for what purpose, Kingsley?”

“To be a distraction. The Death Eater is being protected by this man and we need to have him distracted enough that he doesn’t realize his wards are being breached. He usually steps out with a few armed men, and we haven’t had any success thus far.

“We have a unit comprised of me, Potter and Weasley and a handful of handpicked Aurors. I need you and Mr. Malfoy to apprehend the man and bring him in for questioning, but not before we breach the warehouse.”

"What Death Eater?" Kinglsey's eyes flashed.

"Clearance, Ms. Granger. I will ensure you only focus on the task I'm giving you." She had enough with the secrets and lies, but at least he was taking her off desk duty. She was far from happy, but she'd take it one step at a time.

“And what do you propose we do?”

***

Hermione slumped down into her chair and dropped her head in her hands. Kingsley had kept her in his office all day drawing up a course of action. They had debated the merit of the best escape routes and devised contingencies, but there was still a lot left up to chance.

At the end of the meeting, the mission was simple; Hermione was the bait and Draco was to be the distraction.

It was 4:30 and she was exhausted. She didn’t want to get started on a task then get stuck here for longer than she was willing. She stood and gathered her things and walked through her open office door, into a body.

“Granger, we really need to stop meeting like this.”

“Well if you stopped lurking in and around doorways, I think I would have a better chance of not smashing my nose.” He looked fresh-faced and resplendent in a dinner suit.

“Would you like to join me this evening?” She really wanted to go home, bathe and crawl into bed, but a shimmer of excitement shown in his gaze.

“What did you have in mind?”

***

They sat in an expensive Muggle restaurant Draco claimed had the best pasta in London. Hermione, who loved pasta, informed him she would be the judge of that. He had ordered them glasses of water and when the waiter proffered the wine menu, Draco refused. He looked to her, but she waved the man off kindly.

“Do you not drink?” she asked him tentatively.

He shrugged, “After sixth year, I turned to drinking and I realized, if not handled, I could have found myself with an addiction. I vowed after the Dark Lord fell, I no longer wanted to be controlled. I wanted my choices to be my own and under the influence, I found they weren’t.”

He said it so casually and her chest squeezed with tenderness for him. To be able to be so self-aware and honest were admirable qualities.

“That’s rather introspective of you, Draco.” She leaned forward on the table, her hands clasped together and rested on her cheek. Draco mirrored her. The restaurant was intimate and when he requested to be seated privately, she was glad he had. She wanted to get to know him outside of a professional capacity and when he mentioned not having a choice, her heart broke for the boy he had been and the choices he had been forced to make.

“After a year in exile, one learns much about themselves.” His mood was light, and she felt sucked into his orbit.

“I would hardly call the circumstances of your release, an exile. You were rather free in comparison. Do you really have a Quidditch pitch on the grounds?” He barked a laugh.

“Yes, Granger I do. Do I sense Potter is behind the question?”

She blushed, “He may have mentioned something.” She took a sip of water.

“Why did you become an Auror, Granger? I would have thought you had higher reaching goals in mind. I would have placed my Galleons on Minister.” She exhaled slowly and looked down at her lap. She had been asked the same question too many times and the answer was too raw, too deeply rooted.

“I have... my reasons for the path I chose. The simplest answer would be I wanted to help.” A tear escaped and Draco leaned over, wiping it away and capturing her chin, forcing her gently to look at him.

“You owe me nothing Hermione. You can choose to never tell me, and I wouldn’t push the issue. We all have scars and we’re not obligated to share any of it. Least of all, with me.” His eyes grew haunted, and she couldn’t stand the darkness that swirled around them.

Their waiter chose that time to appear and take their order and they moved on to lighter topics.

“So have you seen your friends lately?”

“I saw Blaise last Friday.”

“And did Blaise ask about me?” She flitted her eyelashes and gazed at him over her water cup. She watched a dark look cover his features and she smiled inwardly. She wasn’t a terribly vindictive person, but she felt turnabout was fair play and if he could leave her laying on that mat warm and wanting, she’d just leave him wanting.

“He is quite handsome. I don’t know much about cards, but do you think you’d be willing to see if he’d teach me? Privately.” A storm cloud hung over him now and she had to bite her lip from laughing. His attention zeroed in on her lips and she felt emboldened.

“It’s too bad Theo is with Pansy, two at the same time could be... fun.” Her insinuation hit its mark and she watched his hand curl into a fist, the knuckles turning impossibly white.

He seemed to find his voice and the words came out dark and gravely.

“If it’s cards, you’re aiming to play, Granger. I can assure you I am very qualified to teach you.” His pupils were dilated, and she clenched her thighs together under the table. The air in her lungs felt thin and she could hardly draw breath.

“Hmm I suppose I could be the judge of that. I do have a deck at my flat.” She let the sentence hang, open to invitation and a thrill ran through her as he pulled a billfold from his jacket pocket, throwing a gross amount of bills on the table and stood, offering her his hand.

“Shall we?”

***

She Apparated them directly into her flat and she let go of Draco to flick the lights on with her wand. She was again faced with how odd it was to have him here. She was overcome with how much space he truly took up and she grew warm, her skin heating and a flush rising up her neck.

Her earlier bravado faded now that they were alone, and she was unsure what to do with herself. She desperately wanted a glass of wine, but she didn’t want to be insensitive. She was sure he had read between the lines of her words, but Hermione always thought it best to be upfront, lest there be any confusion.

He was staring her down with such heat and she shifted on her feet, needing to feel some kind of friction. Clearing her throat, she choked out, “I can get the cards?”

He stalked towards her, waiving his wand and procuring a card stopped in front of her.

“First lesson Granger: poker face. You never want your opponents to know what you’re thinking. You need to stay calm and collected, even if you’re losing your hand. Don’t let them see your fear.”

He dragged the card lightly against her collar bone and came around her, the card trailing over her bare shoulder. His breath tickled her ear.

“Don’t let me know what you’re thinking, and I’ll reward you. One crack in your facade and I’ll stop.”

He pulled the card down her arm and back up. Her breaths were coming fast, and she could feel the moisture pooling in her core. She clenched her thighs, and she heard him click his tongue, appearing in front of her again.

“Granger, rule number two: body language. How you hold yourself is just as important. You need to be confident, but not cocky. You give small tells and someone is bound to notice.”

He leaned forward and blew air onto her chest, his breath cool against her heated skin. He met her eyes and she tried with every fiber of her being, not to moan aloud at the lust she saw written on his face. He smiled devilishly at her and she nearly broke. She was a good student, she always got high marks and she would not fail this.

“Good Granger, now the third lesson: gameplay. You must know every move, every combination, every rule and execute them flawlessly. Are you ready?”

She nodded once and he smirked, moving to stand behind her again.

“Spread your legs for me.” She did.

“Touch yourself. Are you wet?”

Hermione knew she was, but lifted the skirt of her dress and ran a finger across the soaked fabric of her knickers. Her hips nearly bucked, and she willed her body and voice to remain controlled.

“I am.”

“Show me.” His voice was low, and she was dangerously close to falling apart. Her head was fuzzy, and her muscles ached from the effort of remaining stoic. She would not fail this. She needed to know how he would play this out. She was at his mercy and they both knew it.

She slipped a finger into the lace and dragged a finger against herself. She closed her eyes briefly and pulled her hand away, holding the digit up for his inspection.

He leaned into her ear again. “Is that for me?” She nodded, unable to speak.

“Touch your clit and don’t stop until I say you can.”

She obeyed, applying pressure to the sensitive bud. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back slightly. It was all too much. The feeling, his voice, his presence and the heat she could feel radiating off his body. He was breathing hard behind her, his breath moving the curls at her back.

She could feel her orgasm approaching and she desperately wanted to push her fingers inside, but she was afraid of disobeying him. She stroked a finger downwards and gathered some of the moisture pooled there, desperate for the sensation. She felt him move to stand in front of her.

“Open your eyes.” Her eyes sprung open, meeting his molten gaze. His pupils were blown wide, and she marveled at how composed he looked. She imagined she looked like a mess, her cheeks flushed with her skirt around her hips.

“Come for me Granger, however you need.”

She stumbled for him, and he took a step back, holding his hand up.

“By yourself. But look at me while you do it.”

Needing to feel release, she pressed two fingers inside herself and pumped them a handful of times before her orgasm barreled through her, her eyes never leaving his. Her eyes closed and she removed her hands, her head and shoulders drooping. He hummed in appreciation, and she lifted her head to watch him reach down and grip her wrist.

He pulled the middle and ring finger of her hand into his mouth, sucking her off her fingers. She felt his moan vibrate onto her fingers and she watched in fascination as he withdrew her fingers from his mouth. He dropped her wrist gently and he licked his lips.

“I’d say you’re ready for the next card night, Granger. But I’ll remind you that none of my friends are as good at cards as I am.” Barely restrained lust burned in his eyes, and she could see how affected he was from the way his pants were tenting. Before she could reach for him, he leaned over and brushed a kiss against her cheek.

“Have a good night, Granger. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

 He turned to the door and winked at her before leaving. She heard a distant pop as he disappeared and she stood boneless in the middle of her small living room. She turned in wonder around the space, clasping her hands against her heated cheeks. She had never experienced anything like that before and as she walked down the hall to her bedroom, it dawned on her. Besides the card, he had made her come, and hadn’t touched her once.

Chapter Text

10^th of August, 2000

It was now Thursday and Hermione’s anxiety had reached new heights. She had finished with Kingsley, and they tied up loose ends and finalized every detail. Her mind was racing, and images of ear buds and lace were dancing along her synapses. She had already made a last-minute trip to Geroge’s shop, seeing Pansy was her final stop before tonight. She was late for that, and she needed to talk to Draco.

Knocking once, she burst through the door, not waiting for him to answer. He looked up from his desk and leaned back in his chair, steepling his hands and raising a brow. He said nothing as she collapsed into a chair and huffed out a breath. Before she lost her nerve, she dove in.

“As you know, Kingsley and I have been planning tonight’s mission.” He only nodded, amusement in his eyes.

“I’ll need you there at 8 o’clock.” She passed him the blueprints for the building, and she pointed to each of the exits they deemed the man would attempt to escape out of.

“We’re placing anti-Apparition wards up after Hammond enters the building to try and mitigate an escape. The main purpose of the night is to ensure Harry’s raid goes smoothly. We’re to distract this ghastly man and keep him occupied. Do you know what you’re meant to do?”

Draco lifted a hand, stopping her and she stiffened.

“Shacklebolt already approached me Granger and I am on board.” His eyes were steely, and relief coursed through her.

“He told you everything then?”

“Not everything.” Hermione deflated a bit.

 “Enough to know what I am walking into and the role I am to play. He said there were a few things I couldn’t know that my reaction needed to be genuine.” They really did need his reaction to be in real time and she hoped Kinglsey told him everything.

Hermione had disguised herself and spoken to the ladies at the club and gotten firsthand accounts of the threats he cast at other patrons if they even looked in the girls’ directions. If Hammond was known to be highly possessive, there wasn’t much left for them to do than prey on his whims. The girls told Hermione that he preferred brunettes and thus, Hermione was the natural bait.

She had received permission to Confund the owner into allowing her to “work” tonight and she had ensured Hammond would be there. She had been meeting with Pansy during the week for pointers on how to charm the man.

She let Pansy think it was all for Draco. It was easier than the truth. It was a relief Draco was on board, but their recent involvement made what they had to do tonight difficult.

After Monday, Hermione felt like she was on a train headed somewhere fast. She didn’t know what it was she felt for Draco, but she knew it was more than physical. He had changed in ways she hadn’t known he was capable of. He was open and honest with her about his past and his capacity to learn and grow intrigued her. S

he wanted to be around him more and the truth was he scared her. She tried not to analyze every interaction and overthink every shared word, but she had no experience. She had grown up with Ron and she knew how to read him, she didn’t have to worry or wonder how he felt. The things she felt for Ron when they were younger were different, somewhat childish in nature. This thing between her and Draco was different, mature and confusing.

She shook her thoughts away and tried to focus.

“Kingsley insisted.” Draco huffed a laugh.

“That man does love his secrets.”

“He does indeed.” She stood and turned to leave. “Are you going to tell me who Harry is after tonight?” Draco’s walls were thrown up immediately and she watched his eyes glaze over. A pit in her stomach opened.

“Never mind, Draco. I will see you later. Don’t be late to your pick-up, Harry will be waiting for you.”

“Potter is driving me? Doesn’t he have better things to be doing? Like leading his own raid?”

She rolled her eyes. “Yes, but can you drive a car? Regardless, you’re meant to be a person of substance and it wouldn’t do walking up on foot. We need people to notice you.”

He grunted in response and turned to the blueprints. She reached the door before turning the handle and throwing over a shoulder she said,

“Oh, and wear your best suit, something black and expensive.”

“Do I own anything else?”

She laughed and left for Pansy’s.

***

“Granger, he is not going to know what to do with you when he sees you in this.”

She stood in a floor length mirror in Pansy’s bedroom. When Hermione told her she needed help with lingerie, the woman actually clapped with glee. Pansy had immediately taken Hermione to her favorite tailor, and she could see why the woman was Pansy’s favorite. She admired the craftsmanship of the fine lace and silk and Hermione marveled at how desirable she felt.

“For the last time, Pansy. This is not for Draco.” She glanced fondly at the witch. They were becoming fast friends and she welcomed the breath of fresh air that was Pansy Parkinson. She was fearless and always spoke her mind and she admired the witch for it.

“Hermione Granger, I refuse to believe you and nothing you say will change my mind.” She sat on her bed, legs crossed gracefully, a martini in her hand.

“I would kill for a shapely ass like that. I hope you’re putting this to good use.” She gestured to the ensemble and took a sip. Hermione ran a hand over her lace covered hips and turned to admire her ass. Pansy wasn’t wrong, it was quite nice.

“Something like that,” she murmured to herself.

Hermione grabbed her own drink and downed its contents. She had less than an hour before she had to leave.

“Ok Pansy, I need to look unlike myself. Do your worst.”

Pansy grabbed her wand and performed a charm, tapping the top of Hermione’s head and her cheeks. She could feel the caress of the magic against her and when it washed away, she opened her eyes to look at Pansy. Satisfaction shown in her dark depths and Hermione jumped from the bed to the mirror.

A beautiful, confident woman stood in the mirror's reflection. Her eyes were smoky and hooded. Her freckles were muted and a light blush sat high on her cheeks. Her lips were red and full and Pansy had managed to wrangle her hair into submission. The dark tresses were sleek, and the ends curled slightly, stopping just above the curve of her spine.

Pansy came up behind her and moved her hair to the side, clasping an emerald necklace around her neck.  She moved to her closet and held up a pair of high heeled shoes.

“Put these on.” She did as she was asked and threw on a cloak, taking care of the necklace.

Pansy whistled low and the handed the rest of her drink to Hermione who threw the liquid back, relishing the burn.

“I think you’re ready.”

***

She peeked around the velvet curtain to view the crowd. The lights had dimmed, notifying everyone to the impending show. She could see shapes taking their seats and she watched as a man was escorted to the center booth: Hammond.

He was just as greasy in person as he was in the photos, and she grimaced. The bud in her ear crackled to life as Harry signaled their approach on the wards. She pressed her right ear.

“Hammond just arrived; Williams throw up the AA wards.” She heard the affirmative and she re-centered herself, waiting for her cue.

The lights above the crowd dimmed wholly and the stagehand sidled up to her and gestured for her to go on stage. Stepping out of the curtain, she posed seductively, waiting for the music to start. She looked to her right at the men seated there and ran her palms down her breasts and stomach, bending at the knees and the music sounded around her.

She spun around the stage in a graceful arc and bent low at the waist. She could hear the appreciation from the crowd and her mind only thought of Draco. She wondered if he had recognized her yet and she was spurred on by a wave of excitement.

She sauntered toward Hammond and dragged her hands up her sides to the ties around her neck, dropping it and moving on. She had the matching slip made to compliment the lingerie and she did a little spin for him when she reached center stage.

 He had grabbed a wad of cash and was trying to wave her down, but she wanted to drag this out as long as possible. The wards team hadn’t breached yet and she only had one job and she needed it to go seamlessly.

She watched the pricks ugly face screw up in lust and it was all she could do to keep the sultry look on her face. She had hoped ignoring him would snub his ego and he’d start his chase.

She had one more stop before she could turn to Draco. She had been told these men paid handsomely to be this close and she didn’t need the owner of the club to rip her off stage before her set was up.

Movement to her right had her looking at Draco under her lashes. She saw him take his own money out of his billfold and she smiled. Hermione turned to him fully and made her way to him. A myriad of emotion crossed his handsome features, stopping at recognition and morphed into desire.

Hermione felt powerful as she strolled down the three steps to him, swishing her hips and taking long, purposeful strides. Draco had perched on the edge of the cushion he sat on and was frozen, his eyes glued to hers. She flicked her gaze to his billfold and slapped a lazy, self-indulgent smile on her lips.

He took her cue, and he leaned back in the sofa. The music had changed, and she knew she only had precious minutes before her set was up. A glance at Hammond told her, she had him right where they needed.

Voices were shouting in her ear, and she tried desperately to be in both places at once. It was getting increasingly more chaotic on Harry’s end and tried to focus.

When she finally stood in front of him, her desire reared its lusty head. She hadn’t been this close to him since Monday night and she could smell his cologne, the scent tantalizing and intoxicating.

“Hi,” she mouthed at him, and he nodded, grabbing a small bill.

“What will this get me?”

Draco’s voice was husky, and his mercury eyes were taunting her. She knelt before him and slid her hands up his thighs and noticed the front of his slacks were slightly tented. Her mouth went dry, and she moved up his chest and grasped his hand, guiding them to her breasts. He tucked it into the silk and drug a knuckle across the tender exposed flesh.

She hissed in a breath between her teeth, and she felt warmth pool in her core as he grabbed another note.

“And this one?”

She was incredibly aroused, and the air was crackling between them. She rose and turned, flashing him her ass before she sat on his lap. He was hard beneath her, and she ground herself against him, a groan slipping out of them both. She leaned over, holding their hands together and dragged them up her thighs. He stiffened when they passed the garter that hid her wand.

She was quite proud of herself and Pansy’s clothier, they had devised a hidden space in the dark fabric of the black elastic, and it blended in seamlessly. She felt him lean forwards and whisper, “good girl,” into her ear and her skin erupted in gooseflesh. Hermione rocked her hips into him again and he hissed out a breath.

Static scratched her eardrum and Harry’s steady voice told her they had tripped the wards and were moving in. She had run out of time, and she needed to get to Hammond. She leapt off Draco’s lap and turned bracing herself on his shoulders and bracketed him between her thighs.

She felt him grab her backside and she grabbed his face in her hands, pressing an ear bud into his left ear. She had Disillusioned it to blend into her outfit and Draco shook his head not expecting the intrusion.

Movement from the front had her looking at Glen, the undercover Auror they had watching over Draco, try and bar a couple of scruffy looking men from entrance. Williams spoke into her ear, insisting they get a move on, or the proverbial shit was going to hit the fan. Her panic rose and she forced it down, she had no time for this.

“We have company. Glen is at the front taking care of a couple of Hammond’s men. Harry’s team missed a ward. Tap your earpiece twice to join the frequency for the bar. I need to stall Hammond.”

She was leaping off his lap and sent a longing look at him before flashing a warning, be careful.

He stood as she walked away, setting her eyes on Hammond. A scream sounded behind her and before she could do anything, all hell broke loose.

Hermione watched the large fist of one guard fly and connect with Glen’s temple. He didn’t stand a chance and was falling before she could move. All around her, patrons were swiveling in their seats as one of the waitresses screamed at the violence. Distracted, Hermione didn’t see Hammond lunge for her, and bright spots of pain erupted in her vision as he grabbed a handful of her hair and roughly pulled her to him.

She felt the cool bite of metal against her throat, and she froze. Chaos reigned all around her and her focus was on the terror-stricken eyes of Draco, who stood in a defensive position across the room. His hand was in his jacket pocket, and he looked like a caged animal. One wrong move and he’d pounce.

The music had stopped, and she could see McKay, another Auror disguised as the bartender, ushering everyone forward and out of the bar. She could see two heads fighting against the crowd and she shifted her attention back to Draco.

His eyes were locked on the man behind her. Calm had covered her like a cold bucket of water and she began to analyze. Throughout it all she had the commotion of Harry’s raid in her ear, and she could no longer handle the over stimulation. She tapped her earpiece and silenced the noise.

Warm, rancid breath blew across her neck and Hammond jerked her against him, spitting out, “Move again and I’ll spill your blood all over this floor.” For emphasis, he slid the blade across her skin, leaving a red line behind it. She whimpered and Hammond chuckled darkly.

Draco’s eyes were colder than she’d ever seen them, and he pressed his earbud. She could see his lips moving, but he couldn’t be heard.

Glancing around the room she noticed it was finally empty and Draco was pulling his wand was out. Hammond behind her had begun dragging her, his own wand pointed at Draco, and they were circling each other. Draco was speaking with Hammond, and she tracked the position of their bodies, a list of possible maneuvers running through her mind.

Loud banging sounded behind them, and she heard footsteps. Hammond took a step, their combined weight on his left foot, and she reached up to her necklace and plucked the large Emerald from the center. Dropping the stone, she took a large gulp of air as the world was plunged into darkness.

Hermione grabbed Hammond’s left wrist and twisted her body. He grunted in pain and swing his right fist towards her head. Anticipating the move, she ducked and finished twisting his arm more, forcing him to his knees. Relying solely on what she could feel in front of her, she kicked her leg out and she heard a crack. Hermione cried out in satisfaction as her foot connected with his face and Hammond roared. Dropping his hand, she grabbed her wand and shouted a stunning curse.

She heard the weight of him crash to the floor and she collapsed to her knees, exhausted. She was taking in large gulps of air, the adrenaline and fear still coursing through her.

She felt fingers on her chin and her eyes lifted to the cold, silver ones in front of her. He had banished the black smoke of the Peruvian powder and was kneeling in front of her.

“What the FUCK just happened!” he hissed at her. He was shaking with restrained fury, but his voice was calm. It scared her to see him like this and she withdrew from his grip. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and when he opened them again, the ice was fading, leaving behind thinly veiled emotion.

“What was that, Granger?” He gestured to the black soot that now smudged the white tile.

“It was a Peruvian Instant Dark Powder cube. I had George affix it to this piece of jewelry.”

The only reaction was his hand reaching for her throat. She stilled as he ran a thumb underneath the thin cut and her heart sang with the gentleness.

“Draco-“

He brought her face to his and kissed her. It was a sweet joining and she whimpered, craving his touch. She grasped his face and angled her head, deepening the kiss. He growled softly into her mouth and a cough behind them had them breaking apart.

He kept their gaze connected, but said, “yes Potter?”

She snapped her eyes to the figure behind them and she scrambled to her feet, crashing into her friend and hugging him fiercely. Harry wrapped his arms around her shoulders and held her head to him.

“I’m fine Mione, I’m okay, we’re all okay.” His patient reassurance gave her comfort and she pulled away to view him. He was a bit sweaty but otherwise unharmed.

“Granger.” Draco’s gruff voice had her spinning and he held out his jacket to her. He flung it around her, and she held the lapels to herself, suddenly freezing.

“What happened here Malfoy?” Harry asked.

“Let’s wait until we get back to the Ministry. the muggle police are on their way, and we need to get Glen to St. Mungo’s. Someone needs to take this fucker and his asshole friends back too.” Draco turned and cast an Incarcerous at the prostrate man, the fury radiating off him in waves.

She watched as Harry directed Williams and McKay to take the unconscious men back to the Ministry and Jones, who had been stationed outside, to take care of the muggles. He looked at Draco and conjured a couple of vials.

“Deposit your memories for Kingsley. I’ll take care of him, just take Hermione home.”

They both placed their wands against their temples and extracted the needed memories and Draco handed them to Harry. He turned to her and grabbed her hand.

“You’re staying with me.” And they were gone.

Chapter Text

11^th of August, 2000

He didn’t take her to the Manor like she thought he would. Instead, they Apparated into a dark, tastefully decorated flat. Devoid of any personal touches, the space was bathed in varying shades of creams, grays and black. She stepped farther into the room, taking in the quiet luxury of his home.

A light flicked on from a lamp by the couch and she heard his footsteps retreating deeper into the flat. She heard slamming and the clink of glass, and he was appearing around the corner. He held a glass decanter and an empty glass. He deposited the items on the low coffee table and without looking at her, he walked down the hall. A light flickered on and the soft click of a door was all she heard.

She sat on the couch, still wrapped in his jacket and she poured herself a finger of the liquid and tossed it back. It was Firewhisky and the burn down her throat was warm and welcome. She poured another and drank that down.

She didn’t like to drink when she felt this way, but she was rattled and exhausted. Her nerves were shot and needing something to do, she walked to the large set of windows. His flat was in an expensive part of town, and she supposed someone used to elegance and grandeur wouldn’t move to her side of town.

A glance at the clock told her it was just after midnight now and she let a slow breath out. Draco had insisted they also go to St. Mungo’s and they gave her a salve for her cut and promised it wouldn’t scar.

She heard the door open, but she didn’t move from where she stood. His footsteps were soft and there was clinking on the glass table before she watched him approach her in the reflection of the window. He stood behind her and she could feel his warmth. He looked at their faces, his drawn and intense, hers smudged and tired.

“It’s beautiful, the view.” She spoke softly and his silver eyes pierced hers through the glass.

“It is.” He said no more before walking to the coffee table and sitting on it. “Come here Granger.”

She moved to the couch and sat on the cushion, her legs between his. His long legs were bent and the table was low enough she knew he couldn’t have been comfortable. He picked up an anti-septic wipe and peeled the bandage off her throat.

“They cleaned it already, Draco.”

A stormy gaze and a muttered “humor me” had her closing her mouth and she left him to the task. Draco swiped the sharp smelling pad along the slice, and she hissed through the sting. He was gentle when he dabbed the area dry and added the salve. His fingers brushed against her skin like butterfly’s wings and her heartbeat sped up.

She felt like precious porcelain under his ministrations and intense emotion flooded through her. Tears sprung to her eyes, and he stopped.

“Have I hurt you?”

Hermione shook her head, unable to speak and she unbuttoned the jacket, throwing it to the floor. She grabbed his face and pressed a soft kiss to his temple. She moved to the other side and pressed another to the same spot. She moved down his face pressing kisses to his brow, the corner of his eye, his nose.

Draco’s eyes were closed, and his hands were clenched on the tops of his thighs. She saw he was barefoot, and it felt so intimate. And she felt her walls crumbling down.

She loved him. That was the feeling she couldn’t identify. The love she felt with Ron was born from years of friendship and it hadn’t been anywhere close to what she felt now.

She loved his intense nature and his willingness to change, to learn different ways of life and to accept them. To learn about those different from him and to not be afraid. She loved his intelligence and the intense way he operated. She loved that he treated her with respect and care.

With each kiss, she tried to convey each feeling, each thought and when she reached his lips, a soft sigh escaped, and she fell.

She gasped as he gathered her into his arms and wrapped her legs behind his hips. She locked her ankles and kissed him without care. He placed both hands under her backside and carried them to his room and with a hand he flicked the lights on.

There was an en suite bathroom and he placed her on the counter, breaking the kiss. He gave her a tender look and turned to the massive shower and turned it on. The walls were black marble and there was a built-in seat in the corner and large glass doors. He turned to her, unbuttoning the sleeves of his dress shirt and rolled them up.

He wasn’t just handsome, he was beautiful. And she was half naked in his bathroom, with him looking at her like she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

She had kicked those damned shoes off ages ago and Draco picked up her foot and unbuckled the garter, drawing the stocking down. He plucked her wand from its holder and placed it neatly on the counter, right beside his. He removed the fabric from her other leg and he spread her knees gently, stepping between them.

He grasped the ribbons that held the corset together and deftly untied them, pulling it away from her. He threw it to the ground and grabbed her backside again, picking her up and entering the shower. He was still fully clothed, and she only had her knickers on.

They didn’t talk and she was captivated. She had never been treated with such care and the level of intimacy was something she didn’t know existed.

Standing under the stream of water, he slid her down his front and to her feet. The water was the perfect temperature, and she leaned her head back, the water gliding down her back and shoulders. Draco stepped away and his belt buckle rustled and she heard it snap through the loops. She opened her eyes and watched him undo the buttons of his shirt and pull the soaked fabric from his body. The muscles of his arms were well defined and they stretched and pulled with his movement. He bent at the waist and deposited his pants and shorts on the tile, kicking them to the side.

The scars from Harry in sixth year and his Dark Mark stood out starkly in the muted lighting. He was well-groomed and a trail of hair fell from his belly and past the “v” in his hips.  He was well endowed, and he was hard. Her heart was racing and she felt a thrill run down her spine.

He took a step to her and pulled the lace down her legs. She stepped out of them and then tossed them with his discarded clothes. He towered over her, the steam surrounding them, and she stepped onto her toes and reached for him.

Draco met her halfway and he grabbed her face, kissing her under the stream of water. His lips moved tentatively against hers. She wound her hand around his neck and pulled him closer. Deepening the kiss, he ran the tip of his tongue across the seam of her lips and she opened for him.

She moaned and he pulled from her, kissing and sucking on a spot behind her ear. She whimpered and Draco ran his tongue over the spot. His fingers found a pebbled nipple and she dropped her head on his shoulder. He alternated between kisses and nips, blazing a trail of pleasure down her neck and shoulders to the soft skin of her breast. He bent and sucked a peak into his mouth, and she grabbed at his hair, pulling slightly.

Hermione felt him moan into her skin and she pulled again. She let out a small breathy laugh at the throaty moan she drew from him. He showed each breast equal care and when he continued his trail of kisses over her stomach and down the trim area of her womanhood, she was more than ready for him.

Bolts of pleasure shot down her back and to her core when Draco knelt before her on the tiled floor and spread her open with his tongue. She was boneless and she didn’t know how she would have stayed standing if he hadn’t been holding her up. His large hands bracketed her thighs and his mouth and tongue worshipped her body.

He took a hand and exposed the small bundle of nerves. He clasped his mouth around her clit and pressed his tongue against her. Hermione’s knees gave out and Draco caught her before her knees cracked on the tile.

“Sit.”

 He pushed her gently to the marble seat and she shivered on the cold stone. The possessive look in his eyes had her thighs clenching and he spread her, wrapping his arms around her thighs and held her sides.

She was spread before him and not an ounce of insecurity shown through the haze. She marveled at the way he was making her body feel. With each swipe of his tongue he had her riding a high to a wave she hoped she would crest.

He pulled his arms from her and without missing a beat he slipped a finger inside of her, placing the other hand on her abdomen. Draco kept her in place as she bucked her hips and with each swipe, he increased pressure.

“Gods Hermione you are soaked for me. I could sink into you right now and I would never leave.” He added a second finger, twisting his wrist so his fingers could press against the sensitive spot within her. She bucked again and a small moan left her lips.

“Don’t hold back love. Let me hear you.” She pushed herself up on her elbows and nearly came to the sight. Draco’s hair was mussed, and bright spots of pink were high on his cheeks. Their eyes met and he was the liquid silver to her molten chocolate. She had never felt like this before and she was so close. She could feel the pressure building and his fingers crooked against her and stroked and stroked.

“What do you need, Hermione.” The question had her eyes shooting down to his mouth.

“Put your mouth on me.”

And like a man starved, he obliged her. He kept his fingers inside her and brushed a kiss to her clit. She came for him then. Bright spots of light erupting in her vision and ecstasy like nothing she had felt, coursed through her, setting her nerves on fire. She shouted his name, and he lapped her up as wave after wave of her orgasm crashed into her.

When she opened her eyes, he was standing above her, cock in his hand and he stroked himself slowly. He was fully erect, and she wet her lips at the sight of him. She sat up and reached for him. He took a step back and waved a finger at her.

“Shower first.”

 “That seems a bit backwards, Draco. We’ll just need another.” He laughed fondly at her.

“Yes, Llittle Dove, it does. But I am afraid I must insist.” He held out a hand to help her and she wondered at the nickname. She quite liked it.

They walked together under the stream of water, and they washed each other touching and stroking. She gripped a soapy hand on his erection, and he grunted as she slid her hand slowly against him, her pressure light. Draco must have thought they were sufficiently clean because he shut the water off and picked her up again, walking to the vanity and grabbing their wands.

He walked into his bedroom and slid her wet body down his seductively. He flicked his wand, drying them and he walked her backwards onto the bed. Setting the wands down, he climbed over her and settled between her legs. He looked strained, and it dawned on her.

“I’m on a tonic. I’ve only been with Ron. Once.” He drew back.

“Only once?”

“Is that what’s important?” She giggled at his expression and was silenced by a rough kiss. He broke off and looked at her seriously.

“I’d like to fuck you now, Hermione.” Her stomach flipped and she nodded, unable to speak. She watched as he grabbed himself, positioning himself at her entrance and with one more look, he pushed into her.

He was gentle and he pressed into her slowly. He was much larger than Ron was, and she was a little uncomfortable but he was patient and let her adjust. He kissed down her throat and seated himself in her fully. He didn’t move, giving her time, and she had always been an impatient creature and she didn’t want him to be gentle anymore. She wanted to lose herself fully in him and let go.

“Fuck me, Draco.” He whipped his head to her face and with a wicked grin, he obliged her. He stood tall on his knees and picked her hips up slightly and drove into her. The angle had him hitting deep inside her and she had to grab the headboard to brace herself against his thrusts. He found a rhythm and she began meeting his for each.

He felt so divine inside her and needing more sensation she grabbed a nipple and rubbed the peak between her fingers. Draco tracked the movement and a moan fell from his lips. Sweat rolled down his temples and she knew he was getting close. He felt impossibly harder inside her and she could feel his thrusts getting more frantic.  

“Come for me Draco,” and that was his undoing.

He collapsed on top of her. His weight supported on his wrists, and she could feel his body shaking as he came. Finished, he rolled to the side and plucked his wand from the table, banishing himself from her.

He turned the lights off and placed his wand back on the table. He laid back on the pillow and opened his arms for her. She snuggled up to him and laid her head on his chest and stifled a yawn.

She felt a kiss on her temple and a whispered, “Sleep little dove,” before her eyes were closed and she was asleep.

Chapter Text

11^th of August, 2000

“Hermione where are you?”

Her mothers soft lilting voice sounded near her and she giggled quietly. Mother would never find her here. Her father pounded through the brush somewhere behind her and she could feel the beginnings of anxiety. She didn’t want to be found, she wanted to win.

Hermione crouched and ran as silently as she could. Her parents’ crashing grew quieter as she drew father away from them. When she could no longer hear them, she knelt in the dirt. Her favorite leggings were now muddy, but she didn’t care. She was going to win.

Seconds turned to a minute and a minute to ten before Hermione stood up. Even if her parents hadn’t found her, by now they would have accepted defeat and they would have walked home. She searched the brush and couldn’t see them anywhere.

She ran back to where she had last seen them. She was yelling and searching the horizon, her panic mounting. Her vision of the world tilted, and she was falling to the earth. She was so angry. The knees of her leggings weren’t just dirty now, they were ripped, and she was covered in even more dark mud.

No…. not mud. Hermione jumped up and stared at her hands, the bright red color stark against her palms. She spun, no longer ten and playing hide and go seek. She wasn’t in a field next to the house she grew up in, she was in her family home, her parents dead on the floor.

Her mother’s beautiful face screwed up in pain and a puddle of red blood spread all around her. Her father lay face down next to her mother, his eyes open and unseeing, hand outstretched towards his wife.

Someone was screaming.

Hermione sat straight up in the unfamiliar bed. There was movement to her left and she jumped from the bed, slamming against the wall. She couldn’t find her wand and visions of her mother’s open, screaming mouth was all she could see.

She had done this. This was her fault.

A muffled curse and a light flickering on sent shadows across the room and she was frozen.

She had done this. This was her fault.

Her eyes were trained on the dark rug and a gentle voice next to her spoke her name.

They were dead. And it was her fault.

A beautiful face entered her vision, and the silver eyes were pleading as they looked at her. She couldn’t hear what his mouth was saying.

“I killed them.”

“Killed who, Hermione?” Had she said that out loud? She straightened and looked around for the bodies. They weren’t there.

“I killed them.” Her eyes were frantic, she needed to find them, they needed her help. Warm hands were on her face and the man was back.

“Killed who, Little Dove?” The name rang through her. Draco. This was his room. She was safe and her parents weren’t there. She was safe.

Lucidity regained a foothold, and she threw her arms around his neck. He held her as she sobbed. He sat them on the bed and pulled her onto his lap. She fell asleep.

***

Hermione woke when the weak rays of daylight were trickling in through an open window. She opened her eyes and gazed around the room, the night before crashing into her. The bar, Draco, her nightmare.

She had a nightmare. And Draco held her. She felt the bed shift and she whipped her head to him. He was awake, placing a bookmark in his novel and turned to her.

His eyes had dark circles under them, and his hair was sticking up on end. There were crescent moons shapes on his left bicep.

“Hermione?” Her name on his mouth had her flicking her eyes back to his. He was Occluding and she was terrified. She couldn’t remember what happened after she woke up.

He flipped the covers and sat in front of her. He had a black pair of sleep pants on, and his face was blank. She looked down at herself expecting to see her nakedness, but she was dressed in a large shirt, Draco’s earthy, minty scent clinging to the cotton.

“What... What happened?” He searched her eyes for a moment before he replied.

“You woke up screaming. You said some things.”

“Like what?”

He didn’t respond.

“What did I say Draco?” Her voice was sharp, and she saw his façade crack, the emotion in his eyes bleeding through.

“You said you killed them.’” She dropped her head in her head in her hands. She was exhausted and her eyes burned from too little sleep. She looked up.

“What time is it?”

“It’s a little after 5am.” She breathed in slowly and let it out. Five seconds in, five seconds out. She looked at Draco and only saw concern. He had dropped his walls and before she lost her nerve, she spoke.

“Seventh year we weren’t sure where our paths would lead. We didn't think we’d survive. I made a choice, and I wiped my parents’ memories. I took every moment, every second of me from them and then I disappeared.

“My hope was that if I did survive, I would be able to restore their memories. And if I died,” she shrugged. “Well, they were protected.” Draco hadn’t said anything.

“After the Battle, I tried to have their memories restored, but I was told too much time had passed and there was nothing to be done. I was heartbroken and lost, so I left them to their new lives, and I went about mine. I couldn’t see them; it was too hard. But I was desperate to see my parents. I needed to hear their voices, to see their faces.”

Tears had started rolling down her cheeks and she was digging her nails into her palms. Draco grabbed her fingers and gently pulled them away, smoothing the red, angry marks and held her hands in his. She gathered herself and gulped down air.

“Both of their cars were in the driveway, and I hoped they were home. I knocked on the door and I heard the television on inside, but no one answered.

“The door was unlocked, and when I knocked again and didn’t hear anything, I went inside. I only meant to turn it off and leave.” A sob wretched from her and she had to take a calming breath.

“When I walked into the sitting room, I found them dead. My mother’s throat had been cut and my father’s neck had been broken. I stood there in shock for hours, just staring at my parents’ outstretched hands. Even as they were dying, they wanted to be together."

She threw herself into his arms and she cried Draco held her while she cried and pressed soft kisses to her temple. He said nothing and rubbed small circles onto her back. 

“They never caught who did it. I called the authorities, and I watched across the street as they wheeled half of my world away from me. They didn’t know who I was and no one else in my family did either. I was a stranger to them and on the day of the funeral, I stood at the back and cried for my parents.

“I didn’t tell anyone and I just… existed. I couldn’t tell Harry who had just lost anyone who closely resembled family. I couldn’t tell Ron who lost his brother and almost lost his best friend. They used to ask about my parents and after a while, they just stopped. I should have done more.” She looked up at him and his gaze was tender.

"Hermione, there was nothing you could have done. You didn't do this to them. What happened was truly awful and I am so sorry you carried that alone all this time, but nothing that happened was your fault. You have to know that?" He looked so earnest, and she nodded once. Logically, she did, but the guilt ate at her anyway. 

“You asked me once why I chose to become an Auror. And that’s why. After my parents, I wanted to do something. I wanted to be useful.”

Exhausted, Hermione snuggled into his chest and closed her eyes. He wrapped his arms tighter around her and kissed the top of her head.

“Sleep little dove, I’ll be here when you wake.”

19^th of August, 2000

The week after the raid saw Hermione through some of the happiest days she could remember since her first years of Hogwarts. She and Draco spent every moment they could learning more about each other. 

She felt lighter now that she had told him about her parents and although it didn’t lesson the pain, Draco shouldered the hurt with her. She returned the kindness as they both learned how to open up to each other. Learning when to push and when to relent.

He told her of his childhood and the expectations from his father and the impossibility of it all. He told her of his jealousy of her and her friends and the ease in which they relied on each other. He told her of after Voldemort returned and how the expectation shifted from Lucius to Voldemort himself.

She cried when he told her of the torture he experienced at the hand of the Dark Lord. She learned he was threatened to take the Mark or Narcissa would be murdered. She raged that his father hadn’t stood up for his family and allowed a child to be exploited and punished for his crimes. She had apologized for the Department of Mysteries, and he quietly shut her down.

“Hermione, I hold nothing that happened against you. Or your friends. My father is a fool, and he suffered a fool’s fate. He only saw a means to an end, and he chose the wrong side. Damning the consequences and the casualties. I am safe and well and that has everything to do with you. If you must feel responsible, then know the debt is paid.” He kissed her head and that was the end of it.

They spent their weekends exploring their favorite places. She felt giddy with excitement to be sharing this part of her life with him and he was a sponge, absorbing everything. At night, they would explore each other’s body’s, giving and taking and collapsing to sleep. Waking to do it all over again.

She loved him so deeply and she wanted to tell him. She wondered if he may feel the same way, but she didn’t want to pop the bubble they were in, and she was content to love him silently.

***

21^st of August, 2000

Hermione sat at her desk, looking over the interrogation report from Hammond’s arrest. Draco had been ordered to run a raid abroad and had left early that morning. 

It was much like the one from June. They asked questions, he refused, and they administered Veritaserum. The report claimed Hammond knew nothing of importance and Hermione was in disbelief. How could he have been involved with an unknown Death Eater and it not be mentioned? All his other crimes were catalogued, and it seemed he admitted to every last one and more.

She glanced at the clock; Harry should still be here. She gathered the papers and marched to his office. The door was open, and she breezed in.

“Harry, how is it this man was known to be corresponding with a Death Eater and somehow not know a thing?” She waved the papers noisily and Harry rubbed his temples. She knew Harry was under some pressure from Kingsley to finish this investigation, but she wanted answers.

“I can understand your need for information, Mione, but I can’t make the words we want to hear fall out someone’s mouth. Clearly our intel was wrong, but we did what we could and at least we got him off the streets.” He had taken his glasses off and leaned back in his chair, exhaustion written on his features.

“How could it have been wrong? Kingsley has Draco running all over, collecting this information and there is no way he was wrong about this!”

Harry sighed, “Sometimes we make mistakes Hermione. It’s possible we were led to Hammond on purpose.”

“Did he have signs of his memory being Obliviated? This just doesn’t make sense Harry! He must know something! Interrogate him again and see if his story changes. Maybe he was fighting the Serum.”

Harry stood, slamming his palms on his desk. He was furious and she took a step back, alarmed.

“Hermione Granger, I will say this once. I am your superior and I am telling you to drop this. You, of all people, know how incredibly difficult it is to fight the effects of Veritaserum. He was not Obliviated, and he was questioned by completely competent people. There was no way he could have omitted information. Now, if you wish to speak to me about anything other than Antony Hammond, I would be glad to talk to you, otherwise I am quite busy here.”

His anger had ebbed by the time he had finished talking and Hermione knew Harry had to be under considerable pressure to have pulled rank and shouted at her, but she was furious.

“No, Harry. That was all,” she said coolly. “I will leave you to your work then.” She turned away from him and walked out the door.

“Hermione!”

She ignored him.

***

25^th of August, 2000

“I can’t believe I am going to say this, but maybe you should hear him out.”

“Pansy Parkinson,” Hermione giggled. “Did you ever think you’d be sitting here with me, defending Harry Potter to me?”

Pansy cackled, “Merlin Granger! If my old self knew were she’d end up, I think she might have thrown herself off a cliff!”

The two women collapsed into a bout of laughter and Pansy refilled their wine glasses.

“Where is that yummy boyfriend of yours, Granger?” Hermione looked up from her glass and glared at her friend.

“Does Theo know what comes out of your mouth?” Pansy scoffed.

“No, he’s more worried about what is going in it.” The woman winked at her and Hermione blushed.

“Oh, please I know you’ve been shagging Draco for days now. Blaise got him to spill when they had lunch. Well maybe not spill, you know how crass Blaise can be.” Pansy’s eyes glittered. “Draco told him to lay off the innuendos and he more than confirmed our suspicions. It seemed that lingerie did come in handy.” Pansy winked again and Hermione rolled her eyes at her friends own lude insinuation.

“Did he say anything else?” she asked self-consciously.

“Oh no, I will stop you there. I am not in the business of getting in the middle of these things. He’s private and quite sensitive. He feels everything too deeply and he holds everything close to his chest. All I’ll say is he is quite taken with you Ms. Granger.”

Hermione’s heart squeezed with happiness, and she held her glass out for more wine. She had flooed in after work and she was warm and fuzzy.

“You’re a good friend Pansy.” The witch waved her off.

“Slytherin’s really are self-centered pricks, but I love Blaise and Draco like brothers, and I’d do anything for them.” Pansy gave her a pointed look and Hermione put her glass down.

“I love him, Pansy.” Her friend’s brows rose delicately, and she sat up straighter in the chaise lounge she was in.

“You do?” Hermione nodded.

“I know it’s probably way too soon to be feeling this way, but I do.”

Pansy gave her a tender look. “Have you told Draco?”

Hermione shook her head. “We’re in a good spot and I don’t want to ruin it by forcing expectation on him. If he feels the same way, I want him to say it because he wants to, not because he feels like he should.

“I know he wouldn’t do that, and I know he would wait until he was ready, but I am afraid I would ruin it with my anxiety, and I would find myself frustrated with him as the time that passed.” She grabbed her glass and emptied it.

“Hermione, the fact you are aware of yourself and know how you would react speaks volumes to how strong you are. I am relieved to hear that you have his best interests at heart. But perhaps if you were to talk to him, you’d find how understanding he is too.”

Hermione’s eyes shot up from her hands to the witch in front of her.

“Are you saying..?”

Pansy held a manicured finger up, “Hermione I am not saying anything except to talk to Draco. I will not get involved further.”

She filled their glasses again. “Now tell me, how good is the sex?”

Chapter Text

26^th of August, 2000

Hermione hadn’t gotten home until late, flooing into her flat and tripping over Crookshanks.

“Shit sorry Crooks!” The cat gave her a pinched glare and ran off into her space.

“Well, I apologized, didn’t I?” She stuck her tongue out at the cat and twisted onto her back. The wood was cool, and the room was spinning.

“Did you know talking to yourself can be seen as an indicator for a healthy mind?”

She sat up and was met with Draco’s amused face, inches from her own. She gave a yelp and held her spinning head.

He chuckled, “Granger, are you drunk?”

“No. Yes. No.”

He grabbed her hands and helped her up. “Well, which is it?”

She grumbled a bit before answering. “It was Pansy’s fault. She’s got quite the collection of wine.”

“That she does, love. Shall we get you to bed?”

She nodded and Draco led to her bedroom.

“When did you get back?”

 She held her arms up as Draco lifted the hem of her shirt and pulled it over her head. He held out the arms of his shirt she slept in, and she stood there as he dressed her.

“About twenty minutes ago. I stopped at mine to shower and came straight here. It seems you weren’t missing me in my absence.”  She started to protest but saw the amusement on his face and she slapped his arm slightly.

“I missed you terribly, Draco. I worry when you’re gone.” She thrust her bottom lip out and he rubbed a thumb over it. She shivered and stepped towards him, attempting to kiss him. She tripped and he chuckled.

“Granger, I think you should get to bed, you’re a danger to yourself in this state.”

“You’re awful. I am more than capable of taking care of myself.” Her lip was out again, and he pushed her gently to the bathroom.

“Then I’ll meet you in bed.” She nodded and moved to brush her teeth. She still preferred to do it the Muggle way and she squeezed too much toothpaste and it squirted into the sink and she frowned at it.

She finished brushing and she splashed some water over her face and flicked the light off. Draco was sitting on her bed and when she walked out, he held out a glass of water and a tonic.

“Drink both. You’ll feel better.” She did as he asked and set both empty glasses on the table, sliding under the covers and laying her head on his chest. He flicked the lights off and he settled his arms around her, stroking the hair on the top of her head.

“Pansy said I should talk to you.” He stiffened for a second and relaxed, resuming his fingers path through her hair.

“She said I should tell you how I feel.” Her cheeks were warm, and she traced circles on his bare chest.

“And how do you feel, Hermione?”

Distantly she wondered if the time for this conversation was best left for a better time, but she couldn’t be held responsible for her words. It was the wine, and her love and it was Pansy’s fault. She’d take responsibility later. That was future Hermione’s problem.

She opened her eyes and sat up to look at him. The moonlight speared in from the window and he looked so beautiful bathed in it. The words were on the tip of her tongue, and she no longer wanted to hold them back.

“I love you, Draco.” She watched him take the arm he had behind his head and push himself up. She held her breath while she watched him search her eyes, her face for any sign of deceit. Any sign that the words she spoke were the alcohol’s and not her own.

He didn’t say anything, and she almost said the words again when he finally spoke.

“Are- Hermione do you know what you’re saying?” She flung the blanket from her lap and knelt on her knees. She grabbed his face gingerly.

“Draco Malfoy, I may be slightly inebriated, and this is perhaps not the best time to tell you, but I am so hopelessly in love with you. I have wanted to tell-“

Draco kissed her with such care, and he trembled under her hands. He gathered her into his arms and pulled her flush against his chest. He kissed her lips once, twice more before he broke it off and placed his forehead on hers. His breathing was labored, but she waited silently for him to gather himself.

“Hermione, I’m not sure I’m the one for you. I’m afraid that I will let you down and I am afraid I will hurt you.” His voice wavered and her heart broke.

“Draco, I will love you for the man you are, the man you’ve been, and I will love you for the man you’ll become. And if you make mistakes and the man you become takes responsibility for those actions, I will love you then. You don’t scare me Draco, and nothing you say can change my mind. I love you.”

When she looked up, his eyes held unshed tears and she could feel her own dripping down her chin. She kissed him softly and hugged him, pulling his body close to hers. She felt his arms wrap around her and grip the shirt she wore.

“I love you Draco. For always.”

“You can’t promise that.”

She held him closer.

“Maybe not, but I can try.” She felt his shoulders tremble before he heard him speak.

“I love you, Hermione.”

A sob escaped her as he pulled away.

“I love you too and I know I won’t be perfect, but I promise I will try to be the man you deserve.” He kissed her again. A soft kiss full of all the words he wanted to say, and they fell asleep wrapped in each other’s arms.

***

Hermione woke from a slight pressure between her breasts, and she poked an eye open to see Draco’s blond head kissing a line down her chest, her shirt bundled around her neck. She moved her hips and his eyes flicked to hers.

“Hi.” Her head was clear, and she didn’t feel the presence of the alcohol and she thanked Draco silently for giving her the tonic.

“Hi,” he said and went back to kissing down her navel, hooking his fingers in her knickers and dragging them down her legs. She glanced at the clock and saw they had only been asleep for a couple of hours. She felt Draco slide his tongue across her center and her hips bucked in response.

His tongue parted her and sunk into her core. She groaned and grabbed his hair. He brought a hand up to her clit and he rubbed the bundle in time to the passes his tongue made. She grabbed her breast and she squeezed the pebbled peak.

His hand left her clit and moved to place two, slender fingers inside of her. His mouth and fingers worked in tandem, and she was soon shouting his name, her orgasm cresting and washing over her.

He crawled over her and brought his mouth to hers. Draco thrust his tongue in her mouth, and she met him stroke for stroke, drinking them up. He pulled her up and ripped the shirt off her and sucked a nipple into his mouth.

She reached between them and palmed him through his sleep pants. He groaned into her breast and she broke the kiss and pushed him back with a finger.

“Take these off.” She emphasized his pants as she stroked him over the fabric. He growled in his chest and backed off the bed, depositing the pants with one swift movement. He stood tall and proud and she scooted to the edge and gripped him. He hissed and she took the tip in her mouth.

He was warm in her hand, and she pressed her tongue against the underside of him. She felt his hands on her head, and she drew him deeper into her mouth. She took as much as she could, tears springing to her eyes. He pulled himself from her mouth quickly and hissed again as her teeth drug across the sensitive skin.

He forced her gaze up and he pointed with his eyes.

“Lay back on your side.”

She laid back and pulled her legs into her chest. Draco pressed his fingers into her and spread her moisture over the head of him and thrust his cock into her. She held a breath as she re-adjusted to him, and he withdrew and seated himself fully in her. He fucked her with a desperate sort of emotion, and she bucked her hips in time to meet him.

She could feel him hardening further and she knew he was getting close. He grabbed her leg and pulled it across their bodies so he could settle between her legs and fucked her into the bed. His breath was ragged in her ear, and she grasped his back, her nails digging into his shoulders.

“I love you Hermione. I love you with all I am.”

“And I love you Draco.” She felt him groan at the words and as he sucked on the spot behind her ear, her core tightened, and she felt the crest of her second orgasm appear. Hermione felt Draco stiffen as his own release found him.

“Come with me Hermione,” he growled into her neck. He reached between them and rubbed her clit. She came seconds later, and they held each other as the waves crashed over their bodies and their breathing calmed.

Draco pulled back first, placing a kiss on her nose and withdrawing from her. He grabbed his wand and cleaned them before crawling back into bed, pulling her to him before they both fell asleep again, a new day dawning and a future full of bright new possibilities.

Chapter Text

7^th of September, 2000

“My mother would like to meet you. Officially that is.”

 The fork Hermione had poised before her mouth paused and she dropped the utensil back into the takeout container of noodles. They were in her flat and they were watching her favorite sitcom. She had been trying to convince him the laughter was real people, that sometimes Muggles acted in front of a crowd when Draco spoke.

“Oh er- when?”

“Tomorrow.”

“And you’re telling me now because…?” she asked.

“She only asked today, love. If I had any further notice I would have given it to you.” Draco smiled encouragingly. “She only wants to meet you. Promise and if the conversation grows anywhere out of your comfort we will leave.”

She nodded once. “Are we expected at the Manor?” Hermione had her reservations about returning to the home and didn’t know if she was quite ready.

“She said it was fine if you picked the location.” Hermione let out a breathe of relief.

“I will think of a place, does that sound okay?”

He kissed the side of her head.

“Of course, Little Dove.”

***

8^th of September, 2000

A knock sounded on her door, and she looked up expecting Draco and she stilled when green eyes met hers.

“Oh, Harry. I am afraid I am meant to be leaving soon.” She stood gathering her papers. They hadn’t spoken since their time in his office and for the first time in a very long time, she didn’t know what to say to her best friend. She knew it was childish, but she wanted him to approach her first.

“I know, I saw Malfoy earlier and he mentioned it. I am happy to see you two getting along so well.”

“We’re dating Harry,” she said baldly, a bit of acid in her voice. He rubbed the back of his neck.

“Right yes I know. Er- this is not- Hermione I came to apologize!” He had shouted again, and she stopped her rustling.

“Harry James Potter, if you came to shout at me some more, I will be the first to tell you where the door is.” He moved deeper into the office, and he looked at her pleadingly.

“I have no excuse for my behavior, but- what are those?” She followed his hand and she glared at the flowers in the vase.

“They’re moonflowers.” She swiped them into her bin angrily. “The arrived today.”

“And who gave them to you?”

“I don’t know Harry.”

“You don’t know!”

“For Merlin’s sake Harry Potter stop yelling at me!” Hermione had reached her wits end. She watched as he rounded the desk and pulled the crushed flowers from her trash.

“Is this the first time you’ve received these?”

She stood still. “No,” she said slowly.

“How many times have you gotten these Hermione?” Harry looked frantic and panic rose high in her chest. She didn’t see why he was so focused on the flowers. She had honestly thought they had been coming from Draco and she had intentions of thanking him today.

“Harry, what is going on?”

“Answer me!”

“June!” she shouted back at him.

Terror flashed across his features, and she straightened.

“I have to go.” She looked after him as his robes fluttered behind him. She contemplated following him but a glance at the clock told her she was going to be late.

***

“I am really sorry; I know I am late.”

She approached the table Draco had reserved for them at the little Italian restaurant. Her meeting with Harry had delayed her. She was only a few minutes late, but her steps faltered when she realized the woman was alone.

“Oh, Mrs. Malfoy!”

She watched as Draco’s mother stood regally from the table and held her hand out for Hermione. She reached to shake her delicate hand and was shocked when the witch gripped her hand and clasped her other across the top and squeezed.

“It’s quite alright dear. It appears you’re not the only one who is late.” Blue and brown eyes gazed together at the empty seat and back to each other. “Please call me Narcissa. Mrs. Malfoy was Lucius’ mother.” She smiled kindly at Hermione and gestured to their seats.

“Draco said you like white wine, so I got you a glass of my favorite.” They sat and Hermione’s anxiety ebbed slightly at the kindness. She wondered where Draco was, he was never late. To anything.

“Do you know where my son is?”

“No Mrs. er Narcissa I am afraid I don’t. I sent him a Patronus telling him I was running behind and to let you know, but perhaps he got held up at work?”

She didn’t know what else to do so she took a gulp of her wine. Narcissa had great taste and the wine was crisp and tart, a perfect vintage and it was the exact type of wine she preferred.

“Ah yes, that job.” Narcissa’s face was pinched like she had stepped in something awful. Hermione nodded in acceptance.

“It does often require long hours.” She sipped her wine again and Narcissa straightened infinitesimally.

“Yes of course dear. Now tell me how your job is going?” Hermione told her and soon their waiter arrived to take their order. It had almost been an hour and Draco had still not arrived. They ordered their meals and Narcissa spoke.

“Draco asked me not to say anything, but I would be remiss if I didn’t thank you for what you and your friends did for me and my son. I won’t make you uncomfortable with long speeches and pretty words, but the war and the time spent after changed some things for Draco and I are we will forever be in your debt. And should you ever require anything I will not hesitate to make it happen, Hermione.” Narcissa had reached across the table and grasped her cold hands.

“I hope it isn’t too forward, but Draco has told me what he feels for you and that you return the sentiment and I need you to know there will be no interference from me.” Hermione was frozen.

She didn’t know what the earnest look in Narcissa’s face stemmed from, but the intensity scared her and she jumped when a voice behind her spoke.

“I am terribly sorry for being late. I got held up.” Her hands were still held in Narcissa’s and Draco’s blond head appeared as he kissed her cheek, then his mother’s. Narcissa released her and stood to embrace her son.

They both sat and Draco grasped her knee under the table and squeezed once, leaving his hand there. He was dressed in a remarkable suit and between him and Narcissa she felt grossly underdressed. Narcissa was in a magnificent set of pale blue robes, her blond hair swept into a neat chignon. Hermione in her hurry threw on a red sleeveless dress that fell to her knees and left her hair to its own devices.

“What kept you dear?” Narcissa’s eyes were like ice and Hermione stiffened at the venom in her voice.

“A development in a case. What did I miss?”

“We were just catching up my love. We just ordered, I will catch the waiter and we can get your meal ordered.” She waived the man down as she rambled.

Hermione turned to watch Draco as the waiter returned to take his orders and noticed the stiffness of his shoulders. Sipping from her wine, she asked, “Did the development have anything to do with the flowers I received? Were they not from you?” Something flashed in his eyes, and she watched the remainder of his walls go up.

Narcissa’s shrewd eyes were on them, and she dropped the issue, squeezing his hand hard under the table.

***

When dinner was finished the trio had said their goodbyes and departed. Narcissa had been a gracious host and Hermione quite liked her. She was no longer the blank-eyed desperate woman she remembered, and she had accepted tea at the Manor, much to the surprise of both Malfoy’s.

When they Apparated into her living room, she ripped her hand from Draco’s and threw her clutch on the couch, turning on him.

“Draco Malfoy, I demand to know what is going on. Both you and Harry are acting insane, and you won’t tell me anything! You disappear for days on end, only telling me moments before you leave, and you come back more quiet than ever.

“Now with the flowers and Harry who never shouts, is losing his temper with me and I am tired of the secrets. What is going on?”

His hands were in his pockets, and he was still Occluding. She hated that he was so brilliantly good at it. He was infuriatingly calm and she wanted to throw something and she wanted answers.

“We were told we couldn’t say.”

“Yes, I know that.” She spat. “And what a wonderful job you’re both doing at that.” She had stopped trying to meet with Kinglsey after the August raid. He was never in his office anymore and her owls had never been returned.

“Hermione-“

“No Draco, if I am to be kept in the dark then I suppose you should just leave.” She grabbed her wand and stormed from the room, slamming her door. She leaned against it and breathed in heavily. She was being atrocious and she knew it. She was so angry, and she didn’t know what to do.

The mission clearly had something to do with her.

Panic struck her and she regretted her actions. He couldn’t leave. What if something happened and their last interaction was her angry outburst. She flung her wand on the bed and ripped the door open, running down the hall.

He was in the spot where she left him, his eyes clear.

“I am sorry Hermione. I am sorry for the things I can’t tell you and I am sorry for the hurt it causes you. All I can promise is we’re getting close, and I hope that this is all over soon.”

She rushed to him and threw her arms around his neck.

“What if I can help?” He held her and he shook his head.

“Shacklebolt is firm, you’re to not be involved. You’re not in danger my love. Potter and I have it under control.”

“Do you promise?”

“I give you my word, Little Dove.” He leaned back and kissed her nose.

She dropped her hold and grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the bedroom.

“Good. Come to bed with me.”

His answering grin made her stomach flip.

Chapter Text

19^th of September, 2000

Hermione didn’t know what to expect when Draco told her to put on what Pansy sent her and be ready before 10 pm, but she was excited. She hadn’t seen him since this morning, She had asked for no presents, and he had seemed to oblige her, waking her up with his mouth and hands.

She had taken the day off and she was grateful she had. After Draco left, she was summoned by Pansy who took her to a lavish breakfast complete with mimosas and a decadent berry covered French toast. Pansy and Theo had gifted her a fabulous set of quills she had been eyeing in Diagon Alley and she smiled. She hadn’t known Draco was paying attention, but she should have known.

“Blaise couldn’t be here, not that I am sorry he’s missing out. He’d probably invite you to bed for a birthday romp and I’d be forced to beat him, Draco’s orders. Anyhow, he sent me with this.” She handed over an elegantly wrapped gift. She ripped open the paper covering it and revealed a small black journal with gold trim. The pages were made of heavy, expensive parchment and she traced the pages lovingly.

“Sexual innuendos aside, he sure does know how to pick gifts.” They clinked their glasses and laughed.

Ginny and Harry stopped by with Ron and Susan and they were all enjoying tea when a parcel arrived with Draco’s note. The women gushed over the fine make of the outfit. Pansy had said nothing to her earlier and she was overwhelmed with the generosity of her friends. Ginny and Harry gifted her two tickets to a Harpy’s game in November and a jersey with her last name on it. Ron and Susan gifted her a Muggle book about disguises and a box of her favorite chocolates.

“Hermione, I told him he didn’t need to purchase the book, but he insisted you’d love it.”

Susan’s anxiety at the gift was palpable and Hermione hugged the witch, thanking her for it and reassuring her, she did in fact find it funny. Ron laughed hysterically into his tea and everyone else rolled their eyes.

Now with less than ten minutes before Draco was to arrive, Hermione stood in her mirror, admiring the outfit she had put on. Pansy knew her measurements and the black silk skirt hung off her hips delicately. There was a high slit that came up to her mid-thigh and she decided she would embrace the small change. The blouse was emerald green and the hem landed just below her belly button, the lace overlay hanging just a bit lower than that. The arms were long sleeve lace and she felt rather beautiful.

She had applied light makeup and she managed to wrangle her hair into smooth curls down her back. There were high strappy shoes in the box and she had to hand it to Pansy, the witch knew what she was doing.

She heard a knock at her door and she left her room to open it. She was surprised to see Draco standing there with a bouquet of roses in his hand.

“Gods you’re beautiful,” he said with a smile as he admired her.

She blushed, “Thank you. What are you doing out there?”

He shrugged, “I wanted to do it like the movies.” He walked inside her home, thrusting the flowers into her hand. She walked to the kitchen, pulling a vase from under the sink, filling it with water. She put the flowers in and walked back to Draco.

He stood in a dark suit that complimented her outfit and a green tie that matched her top was around his neck.

“You look quite handsome yourself, Mr. Malfoy.” She kissed his lips.

“Thank you, Ms. Granger. I aim to please.”

“Are you ever going to tell me where we’re going?”

He crooked a finger and beckoned her forward. Whispering he said, “I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.”

She threw her head back and laughed. “Did you just quote ‘Top Gun’ to me?” He looked innocently at her, and she laughed even harder. He had seen a clip from a commercial and demanded that they watch it. He was mesmerized by the jets and he had watched it twice since.

“It was a great movie, Granger.” He looked put out and he offered her his arm. “Are you ready to go? We’re going to miss our reservation.”

She grabbed a cloak and her small, beaded bag and returned, looping their arms.

“Ready now.” She smiled brilliantly at him, and he pulled a small button from his jacket pocket. They touched it and their world swirled away.

They reappeared on a bridge she was unfamiliar with, surrounded by the burnt oranges and red of Autumn. Everywhere she looked the colored assaulted her senses, the noise and clamor of city life behind them. She walked to the edge of the bridge and peered over it. Water lazily moved past, and a pair of swans were wrapped up in one another as the current pulled them along.

“Draco, where are we?” She looked up at the sky and the waning sunlight was setting, the amber and amethyst tones painting a beautiful backdrop. They weren’t in London anymore and when she turned to him, a small table sat in the middle with a setting for two, candles burned and food already sat on the porcelain.

“We’re in New York. Central Park to be exact.” He looked confidently at her. “I remembered you saying you wanted to come here at Christmas, but I wanted to surprise you.”

Hermione threw herself into his arms and she heard him grunt with the force of her, but he chuckled into her hair. She was crying and he looked at her alarmed.

“Hermione, we can come back in December.”

“I’m crying because this is the most thoughtful gift and I am terribly happy right now.” He wiped her tears away and kissed her nose.

“Well, shall we eat?” He guided her to the table and pulled her chair out. He pushed it back in and took his own place. He had placed her favorite pasta dish, under stasis and she moaned at the creamy sauce when she took her first bite.

“How did you manage all of this? An international portkey and isn’t it a bit conspicuous us sitting here out in the open?” She turned in her seat and gazed around. “Not one person has approached us.”

He gave her a conspiratorial smile. “I may have gotten permission to lay some wards down. Privacy and Anit-Muggle wards. Anyone coming by will find themselves needing to be elsewhere. I wanted your night to be perfect. Can’t have any interruptions.”

She was aghast. “How?”

“Galleons, my love. Sizeable donations from the Malfoy vaults hold weight even here in the States.” He took a prim bite and chewed, watching her process the information. He had to have spent more than she had ever earned and all for her.

“I don’t know if I am comfortable with you spending that kind of money on me. Especially for a dinner.”

He sat forward in his seat. “Even if it was a donation to further Elf Rights?”

Her eyes blew wide and she nearly choked on her pasta.

“Draco, I don’t know what to say.” She was speechless. He had not only presented her with the most thoughtful evening, but it was only possible because he had donated to a cause that meant so much to her. She herself made monthly donations from her paycheck and knew what a “sizeable” sum could do for the cause.

“Say nothing, Little Dove. You’re worth every coin.” She smiled and they finished their meal.

“Did you have this brought from our restaurant?” She asked when she ate her last bite.

He nodded and waved his wand, their plates disappearing and a small set of wrapped gifts taking their place. She gaped.

“Draco Malfoy, I don’t think you understand the meaning of no gifts. You’ve already given too much. I can’t possibly accept anything else.”

“Well, you’ll be glad to know these were not things I had to purchase. Well one item needed adjustment, but Mother paid for that.” She smiled.

“You share vaults, Malfoy.”

“Be that as it may, open it.”  She accepted the velvet wrapped gift and when she opened it, she gasped. Inside was a gold delicate chain with a small sapphire and pearl placed in the middle. She was touched by the thought and fingered the jewel.

“It’s our birthstones.”

He held his hand out and she gave the gift back, leaving her wrist out for him. He pulled the bracelet out carefully and clasped it. He pulled the jewel to sit on top of her hand and he kissed her knuckles.

“I wanted you to carry us with you everywhere.”

She clicked her tongue, tears burning again. He beamed and her heart soared. Draco pushed the second gift towards her.

It was a book of poems and there was a marked page. She turned to it, reading:

How sweet life is for allowing.

You and I to live,

In the same lifetime.

Underneath the printed words was his elegant scrawl:

I will always find you, in this world and the next.

Love always,

Draco

“I love you Draco.”

“And I love you Hermione.”

“I really don’t know what to say. Thank you seems too insufficient.”

“Say nothing, but I was serious before. I do want to come back in December. I bet it’s beautiful.” He had a wistful look in his eyes and she giggled.

“Are you so confident I will be around come Christmas?” She smiled at him saucily, but all humor faded when he didn’t smile back.

“It was a joke Draco.” She leaned across the table and held his hand, rubbing her thumb across the top.

“Hermione, I’m not sure you realize I am not letting you go willingly.” He flipped their hands and hers was now trapped underneath his, as if he needed a physical representation of his words.

“If you choose to leave, I will do what it takes to convince you to stay, I won’t keep you, but you’re mine Hermione. For as long as you’ll have me.” His eyes were so earnest, so full of hope and she leapt out of her chair and settled in his lap. She held his face gingerly between her fingers and kissed his lips softly.

“Draco, you have nothing to fear. But if there comes a day when I find I can no longer stand the sight of you, I’ll probably have a good reason.” She smiled softly and he huffed a laugh, his breath a soft caress across her palm.

 She kissed the top of his nose and nuzzled into his lap more, looking across the bridge to the lazy water bow. He settled more beneath her and his thumb found the bare skin of her thigh from her bunched skirt. She shivered, but not from the cold and he pulled her tighter against his chest.

His hand lifted her chin to him, and he covered her mouth with his. His thumb traveled higher, and she spread her legs, giving him access to the delicate lace she slipped on earlier. He moaned into her mouth when he felt the soaked fabric and deepened the kiss.

She wrapped her arm around his neck, pulling him closer and ground her ass against his growing erection. He gripped her curls and pulled, breaking their kiss and descending onto her neck. He kissed and nipped along the sensitive skin until he reached the spot beneath her ear and bit down gently. Her hips bucked and he growled, lifting them up from the chair, and with one hand swiped everything off the table and laying her atop it.

“My book!” she shouted.

“I’ll buy you a new one. Lift your hips,” he ground out and she obliged, as he bunched the fabric around her waist and pulled the black lace down her legs. He grabbed her and pulled her to the edge of the table and knelt, placing her heeled feet on his shoulders. He turned and kissed her calf and ran a hand down the straps.

“I like these.” And his eyes were silver flames as he descended on her and dragged his tongue across her core. She dug her heels in as her hips bucked again and she felt him hiss at the pain, his fingertips pressing into her hips.

His tongue was hard and insistent, pulling pleasure from her and she groaned. She was grateful for his foresight of privacy, and she moaned his name loudly and grasped his fine hair. Her hips met his tongue with thrusts of her own and she heard his belt rustle, and she snapped her head down at him.

Hermione watched as Draco pulled his cock from his pants and began stroking himself. The sight nearly had her coming undone and she bit her lip. Pulling his head from between her legs, he smiled at her.

“Do you like to watch me stroke my cock?” She nodded slowly. He took her feet off his shoulder and laid them down. He stood towering over her, an arm braced on the table.

“Then tell me what you want to see.” Her stomach flipped at the command, and she looked from his eyes to the proud length of him and a wicked smile graced her mouth.

“Grab the base and squeeze” She watched as his free hand did as she asked, the tendons in his hands tensing and he groaned quietly. His eyes held a silent question, and she was riding high off the control. 

“Now stroke yourself twice. Slowly.” His breathing increased as he moved, and his thumb rubbed across the tip. She clicked her tongue.

“Mr. Malfoy, did I say you could do that?” His eyes blazed with challenge, a smile on his lips.

“You didn’t.” 

“Well, I suppose I’ll have to punish you then.” She braced a foot on his chest, forcing him back. She drew her fingers in her mouth and sucked on them gently before pulling them out with a pop.

“You must watch. Don’t touch. Either of us.”

He wasn’t breathing, and she smiled as she brought her hand down and pressed a finger inside herself. Draco made a choking sound as she withdrew and rub the moisture on to clit. She was beyond ready for him to sink himself inside her, but he had made this a game and she’d already told him she didn’t lose. He would have to break first.

She put a finger back inside her and added a second and Hermione watched as his hands, fisted and relaxed, the fingers extending. His cock twitched as she pumped inside herself, his nostrils flared, and he pounced.

He pulled her wrist to his mouth and sucked on the digits before lifting her off the table and spinning her around. He grabbed her hip and neck and pushed gently.

“Bend over and let me fuck you.” Her thighs clenched and she laid flat across the surface, both hands gripping the small table. He lifted her skirt higher, and with a foot kicked her feet out. She felt him press two fingers inside her and she trembled at the contact.

“Gods you’re soaked.” His fingers disappeared and she could feel his broad head against her core and a quick inhale was all the warning she got before he sunk himself in her. He held still and trembled above her, his hands digging bruises into the soft skin of her hips. Draco laid his head on her shoulder, his breath ragged.

“I will never get used to the feel of you gripping my cock.” He withdrew his hips and slammed into her again. Hermione held onto the table as a lifeline as he rammed into her in quick succession. He was delirious above her and she only caught snippets of his words.

“….so tight.”

“I fucking love you…”

“Cruel beautiful thing teasing me…”

Her release was barreling towards her. He hadn’t been this rough with her, this unhinged. The tight leash he held on his control effectively snapped and she was boneless beneath him.

“I’m close.” She could barely get the words out and his pace slowed as he leaned over her again.

“I’m going to make you come and when you do, who’s name will you scream?” His pace quickened again, and she squeezed her eyes shut, lost in the abyss of pleasure.

“Yours,” she whispered. He slowed again and she whimpered.

“I said who’s name? Tell me the name Granger.”

“Draco.” She was weightless and there were bright spots in her vision.

“Good girl.” Draco reached between her legs and swiped a finger between her folds, bringing it to her clit and his mouth to her ear. He pressed hard onto the sensitive bud and whispered, “Come.”

The tight pressure in her broke and she screamed his name. Her world was sensation and pleasure. She could only feel and listen and lay there as her release barreled through her. Draco came with a soft cry and she could feel him convulse inside of her, his frantic breaths loud in her ear.

Neither moved while they collected their thoughts and came back to themselves. Draco moved first, telling her to stay and she felt a tingle as his magic cleaned her. She leaned up gently, her head spinning and her legs weak. Turning, she watched him readjust his clothing.

He smiled lovingly at her and helped her rearrange her skirt and kissed her nose.

“I am not complaining about the turn of events, but I did have other plans for this evening. Would you care to do them?” Despite what they had just done, she wasn’t quite through with him yet and she had a few fantasies that involved his belt and a chair and she suddenly very much wanted to be home. She gripped his tie and brought his face to hers

“Take me home Draco, I have a better idea.” She grinned wickedly and he waved his wand, vanishing the table and the mess he made.

“As you wish Ms. Granger.”

Chapter Text

28^th of October, 2000

“Hermione, are you listening?”

She jumped at the question, embarrassed. Draco had been gone for longer than ever before and her anxiety had reached an all-time high. He usually sent her some sign that he was well. There hadn’t been anything when she woke this morning.

“I am sorry Gin. I was thinking of Draco.” She smiled sheepishly at her friend and Ginny’s gaze softened.

“No word from him yet?”

She shook her head and grabbed the closest catalogue. They were spread out on Hermione’s living room floor, looking through centerpieces and swatches of color for Ginny and Harry’s wedding.

“Nothing from today or yesterday.” Hermione swallowed the lump in her throat and frowned at the pages of dresses.

“Does Molly expect us to wear these?” She flashed a particularly fluffy number and Ginny grimaced.

“If my mother had her way, she’d plan the whole thing and I love that woman but she’s old school and we would look like stuffed chickens in lace and tulle. I strive to save you all from that fate.” The women laughed and Hermione looked at her friend fondly.

“Have you considered eloping?” She knew they would never rob Molly of this experience, but she saw the stress her friends were under and it made sense, didn’t it? A pang of yearning struck her chest as she thought of her own mother and the moments they’d no longer have.

Ginny scoffed again, “My mother would skin me alive and then march me down an aisle of her own making. We cannot elope. I don’t even dare bring up the possibility.” She nodded. Molly was a force of nature, and she would get her way not matter what.

Ginny held up another photo of a lemon-yellow dress that reminded her of Big Bird.

“What do you think of this one?”

They looked at each other and dissolved into a fit of laughter.

29^th of October, 2000

Hermione stiffened at the loud pop that echoed through the flat and rushed to the living room. Draco stood in the middle of the room sporting a large purple bruise and his clothes were ripped and dirty.

“Draco! What happened to you?” She rushed to him and took his face gingerly in her hands. The bruise was partially healed, and it was mostly color at this point, the swelling having all but disappeared. He waved her off.

“It was nothing. I ran into a little trouble, but I handled it.” Her anger was rising, but she stayed calm.

“And when did you get back?” She was walking to the bathroom and grabbed her first aid kit. She pointed to the couch, and he obeyed, siting on the edge.

“A little bit ago, I came here as soon, and I could get away, Hermione.” She nodded, pressing antiseptic on the cut above his brow. He winced and she felt a little guilty. She wasn’t being particularly gentle.

“I tried to get you an owl.” She didn’t say anything, her anger boiling. She was so tired of these missions. She was tired of the questions and his constant disappearing. And most Importantly, she was tired of worrying after him. She had been a mess after Ginny left, pacing the floor until she collapsed onto her bed.

She finished placing a salve on his brow and looked into his eyes. They were guarded but open.

“I don’t want to fight because I know you won’t tell me anything I want to hear so we will drop it, yeah?” Draco dropped his head onto her stomach and held her close.

She threaded her fingers through his mussed hair and gasped when his hands traveled to her backside and squeezed.

“Fancy a shower?”

His answering grin had her thighs clenching.

4th of November, 2000

“Ma’am, Master Malfoy and Ms. Granger are here.”

“Thank you Tippy.” Hermione watched the elf bow to the woman and then to them. Draco smiled fondly at the elf and thanked her. Narcissa gathered them into hugs and ushered them into the sitting room. Hermione was relieved Narcissa had the foresight to seat them anywhere than the drawing room.

Draco hadn’t let go of her hand since entering the Manor and he squeezed her palm reassuringly.  

The Manor held a different appeal in the daylight and she was overwhelmed from looking around, her eyes absorbing every detail. She couldn’t remember much from the time she was here, but there were decidedly feminine touches spread throughout the hall.

Paintings and tables with bright, sweet-smelling flowers dominated the majority of the space and the windows were thrown open to let the rare November sunshine in.

They were seated in low, comfortable chaises around a delicious spread of finger sandwiches and assorted fruits. Narcissa had invited them for tea earlier in the week and Hermione had been looking forward to it.

“Hermione, my dear, how have you been? I haven’t seen you since our dinner. Draco here has been hoarding you away, it seems.” The woman smiled at her kindly and took a sip of her tea.

“I have been well, busy helping Ginny with wedding details.” She sipped her own tea, Draco a silent presence next to her.

“Ah yes, I had heard Mr. Potter asked Ginevra to marry him. How lovely. And have they set a date yet?”

Hermione chuckled. “That is one of the only things they can’t decide on. Harry wants to get married in the spring and Ginny would prefer the summer so she doesn’t have to work around her work schedule.”

“She’s a Chaser for the Harpies, yes?” Hermione nodded, sipping her tea and wincing when she rattled the china.

“She is. Draco and I are attending a game of hers in three weeks.”

“Isn’t that wonderful. And how was your Halloween?”

The string of questions continued and every so often Draco would chime in, but he seemed content to let the women talk. They spoke of her studies before Hogwarts, the weather and books. When Hermione had lit up at the mention of the library, Narcissa had insisted they go and explore the tomes.

She gathered Hermione into another hug.

“I am glad Draco found you dear. You’ve breathed life back into him and as a mother, the only thing I wish is for him to be happy.” She beamed prettily at her, and Hermione smiled shyly.

“I think you have it wrong Narcissa.” They looked to the door where Draco stood and he smiled back at them and her heart was full.

Chapter Text

25^th of November, 2000

“Ginny Weasley scores! That’s another ten points for the Harpies!”

Hermione clapped her hands and grabbed the sleeve of Draco’s fine jacket, screaming with the rest of the crowd. The Harpies were ahead by twenty and the game had started over two hours ago. Harry and Ginny had secured VIP boxes for the night and they had one of the best views of the stadium. Hermione could see the players with crystal clarity and she hardly needed the Omnioculars Harry still had from the Quidditch World Cup.

Draco and Harry were alight with excitement and kept commenting on the Harpies Seeker and her ability to find the Snitch this season. She watched on with fascination at their camaraderie and smiled to herself. If only their younger selves could see them now. She noticed they both had frowns on their faces most of the night, but put it out of her mind, they were both had hard weeks.

“Hermione, what do you think?” Her ears tingled with embarrassment. She hadn’t realized they had been waiting for an answer. Draco clicked his tongue and wrapped her in his arms.

“Hermione here has left us for the moment and didn’t hear your question, Potter.” She felt him kiss the top of her head and she beamed at the public display of affection. She had hated it when Ron kissed her in front of their friends. It meant more when Draco did it and a small amount of shame warmed her cheeks.

“I asked if you wanted to bet with us which team loses?” She rolled her eyes at Harry and shot him a glare.

“It’s bad taste to bet against your fiancée, Harry.” He shrugged and looked at her expectantly.

“I would hope for your sake Harry you chose to bet against Ginny losing. Because I fully expect them to win.” Draco’s laugh rumbled into her back, and she snuggled against him further, drawing his warmth into her. She tucked her hands into the sleeves of his jacket and giggled at the hiss he gave when her frozen fingers touched his skin.

“Of course, I also think they’ll win Mione. Malfoy here wants to stir the pot.”

“Well Malfoy can sleep on the couch tonight.” Harry laughed and excused himself to the restroom. The game looked like it wasn’t headed towards anything exciting, and she spotted Ginny’s flaming hair shooting towards the hoops.

“Malfoy, will do no such thing, Little Dove and you will do well to remember that.” He nipped her ear and pleasure coursed down her spine. His lips found the sensitive spot below her ear, and she shuddered.

“You had better stop or we will also be finding the loo.” He chuckled darkly against her skin.

“Is that a threat or a promise, Granger?” She turned in his arms and laid a kiss on his cold nose.

“Both.” When she pulled back, his eyes were dark and guarded. The tension lines she noticed he held around his eyes were back and he was frowning.

“Draco, what’s the matter?” He pointed to the stadium and the players beyond, his eyes clearing some and a sad smile lifted his lips.

“I just lost my bet.” She turned again and beheld the Harpies Seeker holding the Snitch and their side erupted in deafening applause. She grinned and shouted with the rest of them.

“We have to find Harry!” She grabbed his hand and drug him down the steps.

~~~

After they had congratulated Ginny and said goodbye to her friends, Draco took her hand and led her away from the crowd and out of the stadium. There was a path leading to a cart that sold hot chocolate and he had promised it was the best she’d have.

They were nearly to it when Draco’s hand squeezed hers painfully and the swirling nausea of Apparition cramped her belly. She stumbled from where they reappeared, and she whirled on him.

“What the fuck, Draco? Where are we?”

“Be quiet,” he hissed. His eyes were wide, and he was staring into the forest line. She didn’t know where they were, and a lone lamp illuminated the small clearing. Her skin prickled with awareness, and she drew her wand.

“Draco, what the fuck are we doing here?” She was angry and afraid, and she could feel the anxiety rising in her chest.

A rustling and a crack of wood sounded to her left and she whirled to find a group of men exiting the forest. A deep growl sounded from the center of the group and the men parted to reveal Fenrir Greyback. His scarred, mangled face pulled into a maniacal grin as his eyes roamed her body and she held her wand up higher.

She tried stepping away from Draco, but his hand whipped out, trapping her wrist in his grip.

Under his breath he hissed, “do not move away from me.”

“And why should I trust you?” He stiffened and his eyes shot her. They were dark and guarded, but his face was earnest. “If you love me Hermione, please trust me.”

“What is going on?” Before he could respond a streak of green light shot between them, barely missing Draco’s body.

“Move away Malfoy, or I won’t miss next time.”

Hermione banished her mounting fear. Fear was stupid decisions, and fear got you killed. Draco moved an inch away from her, his wand out in front of him.

“I gave you what you wanted, and you send killing spells my way? I’d ask if you were an honorable man, but we both know you’re not a man.” Greyback chuckled darkly.

“If honor is what you speak of, then where is yours?” Hermione’s eyes flashed between the two men, and she felt her world upending. There was no logical explanation for what she was hearing. Nothing she wanted to admit anyway.

Draco adopted his old swagger and stood a little straighter. He lowered his wand slightly, but she saw it for what it was. A distraction. But for what?

“Greyback, surely, I do not know what you mean. I brought the girl. I delivered my end of the bargain, now where’s mine?”

“You are truly your father’s son, Draco. Arrogant and proud to a fault. Until the very end.” Hermione saw his hand twitch and she moved, shoving Draco to the grass as the killing curse flew over where he had been standing. She spun and shot a stunning spell at Greyback. Quicker than he should have, he dodged it, letting it fly into the man behind.

She was on her feet, anger running through her veins.

“What do you want?” Her voice was steady and strong. Greyback took a step towards her, and she held her wand up higher.

“Don’t not come closer.” She faked her bravado and the man laughed.

“Little Granger, there’s no alternative where you don’t leave here with me. You escaped me once; I won’t allow that to happen again.” The group of remaining five men behind the werewolf spread out and she felt Draco stand beside her.

“Granger, you need to run. I’ll hold them off.” She didn’t say anything. She didn’t take her eyes off the spreading men and began to assess.

She couldn’t fight them off on her own, she’d need Draco’s help.

“Potter is on his way, you need to run now, Hermione. I can take out as many as I can, but you need to run for the tree line.” Harry’s name registered and she hissed at him to be quiet. She needed time to think.

“How are your parents, little Granger?” The question rang through the silence of the clearing and any thoughts of escape drifted away. Greyback now stood feet in front of her and she could smell the rancid rot of him. The scars up close were more grotesque than when she’d last seen him and a fang was broken. His dark eyes were soulless, and his smile was not kind.

“What are you talking about?”

“I asked about your parents, are they well?” She didn’t understand his line of questioning. It didn’t make sense, how were the two related? Fear and understanding tightened in her chest. Her knees buckled and a strong arm caught her around the middle

“You killed them.” It wasn’t a question, and her throat was raw, the words fighting to leave her mouth. Nausea rolled through her stomach, and she choked back the bile that rose up. “I don’t understand.” She felt Draco tense and his reaction was secondary to the shredding of her soul. They truly had died because of her. Despite everything she had done, they still hadn’t been safe.

He laughed cruelly. “They didn’t need to die, but you weren’t there, and they didn’t know where you were. In fact, they had no idea they had a daughter. How rich it was to listen to their screams. I may have shed a tear.” The assembled men chuckled and Greyback laughed the loudest. “You fooled me once little witch, I wasn’t going to let it happen again. I had to hide my time, but I finally got to you, didn’t I?” He took a step towards her and froze, his head snapping to the side before turning to Draco, his eyes wide and furious.

“You motherfucker.” He snapped his fingers and the two men closest to them descended on them. Draco dropped her to knees, and she scrambled for her wand. She hadn’t realized she dropped it and sharp rough hands were pulling her to her feet.

She gagged at the rotten breath, and she kicked her feet into his chest. He didn’t budge and he brought his mouth to her neck. She screamed and jabbed a fist into his eye, and he dropped her. Scrambling away, she saw Draco dueling the two men and the remaining others running across the clearing towards him.

By the luck of the gods, she found her wand and shot a cutting curse at the man closest to her. He dropped to his knees with a cry. Before she could stand fully a booted foot kicked her in the back and she flung forward.

Her breath shot out of her lungs and by pure will she rolled and shot another cutting curse. It grazed Greybacks bare shoulder, but it hadn’t stopped him. He towered over her and kicked her hand, her wand flying away. Greyback grabbed her hair and pulled her to her feet again.

“You’re going to die, just like your parents.”  He brought his face in close. Not enough for her to reach and with a knife, he cut her cheek. The pain was minor, but she screamed in rage.

She screamed for her parents and the impossibility of the situation. She thought she had rid this world of this sick, sadistic bastard.  She screamed for the lives he’d taken and then she screamed for herself.

She wouldn’t die today, and she’d make sure of it.

His eyes were lost in bloodlust, and he leaned in to lick droplets and she reared her head back and smashed it into his nose, the crunch of breaking bone the sweetest sound. He hadn’t dropped her like she’d hoped, and she swung her leg in desperation into the softness of his legs. He released her and fell to a knee, grasping his crotch. Their eyes met and his promised death, hers did the same.

She pulled back her arm and shoved it into his broken nose, her hand screaming in pain. She hadn’t realized it was broken from the kick and her vision blackened at the edges. She didn’t see the fist fly and she was knocked to the ground, a vicious pounding in her temple.

She was on her knees, blood dripping on the grass and something shined to her left. She vaguely recognized it for the weapon it was, and she felt the shadow looming over her. Instinct had her lurching for it and climbing to her feet. She swiped out blindly, hoping for purchase and a gurgling nose sounded above her.

She turned, the pounding in her head giving a rough throb and her eyes widened when the cut throat swam in her vision. Greybacks brows were furrowed in confusion and his eyes held a question he would never have answered. Gripping the knife harder, she swung again, creating a second cut and the werewolf fell to both knees, blood and air spilling from his open mouth.

She gave into her own bloodlust, swinging and stabbing the small knife into the throat of the man that stole so much from her. Her vision was red, and the world came to a standstill beyond her. She watched with relish as the light left his eyes and he fell back onto grass, his putrid blood spilling out of him. She climbed over him, stabbing and stabbing into his chest. Hole after hole appeared and she could feel the blood covering her hands, spraying across the grass and her shirt.

“Hermione?” A soft voice sounded near her and she halted her frenzy and looked wildly at the man.

Silver, fear filled eyes met hers. She recognized them and, movement to his right procured another set of eyes. Green. Green like the grass beneath her. Green was like home. Harry. Draco. Harry and Draco were both there. Together.

She glanced around her to the assembled people. Kingsley and a handful of Auror’s were surrounding her and the fallen men. Harry had come. Draco said he would.

“Hermione, my love, look at me.” Her eyes snapped to his and he held his hand out to her.

“Can you give me the knife?” She looked down and she dropped the weapon, her broken hand spasming and she drew it into her chest with a whimper.

Greyback lay beneath her, his bare chest riddled with wounds, but it did not rise. She looked at Draco again, a tear escaping her wide eyes.

“It’s ok, Little Dove, it’s over. You’re safe.” His voice was calm, and she didn’t dare look away. She needed an anchor back to herself and the familiarity of him drew her in.

“Can I help you up?” He regarded her like a wild animal and she supposed she probably looked the part. He came up beside her, and she took his offered hand. The effort of standing pulled at the muscle and bone of her back and her knees buckled from the pain. Draco caught her and the last thing she saw before the world went black were the broken bodies of her parents.

Chapter Text

26^th of November, 2000

She could hear voices screaming and she was annoyed. She was having such a wonderful dream. She told them to shut it and snuggled deeper into her blankets.

A warm voice sounded above her.

“Hermione, are you awake?”

No, I am sleeping, leave me be.

28^th of November, 2000

The voices were screaming again, and she was rather put out. It was the same thing every morning. Bright lights would blast against her lids and then the yelling would start. This morning though, she wanted to listen. They seemed passionate and maybe this was more interesting than her dream.

“She should be awake by now!”

“Draco, you heard the healer. She suffered trauma to her head. Her brain is protecting itself.”

“Yes, I am well aware of what the healer said Potter!”

Harry! Harry was here, how nice. She might talk to him about this later. She didn’t know who they were talking about, but a brain trauma sounded awful.

She was tired and she was going back to sleep.

1^st of December, 2000

The bright light above her had dimmed some and she comfortable to open her eyes. They felt like sandpaper, and she needed to blink rapidly to try and coax some moisture to them. Her head throbbed and her throat was so dry, she was coughing and choking. Pale hands shot out to her, a cup of water with a straw poised at her lips. She drank greedily and met gray eyes.

“Hi. What time is it?” Surprise shot in his eyes, and he glanced at the clock.

“It’s just after midnight. How are you feeling?” She stretched her stiff muscles, and she sat up in the bed. This wasn’t her bedroom, and it certainly wasn’t Draco’s. She recognized the off-white walls and the pale green of the room. She froze and Draco took a step back.

Greyback. The clearing. Her parents.

Her terrified eyes shot to his and she scooted back in the bed.

“Did you know?”

His eyes were blown wide. “Did I know what?”

“My parents, Malfoy! Did. You. Know?” Her voice was rising in pitch and she could feel the panic threatening to consume her. She had carried such guilt over her parents for taking their memories. She had thought they would be safe and protected in their house. She hadn’t wanted them to have to start over. Then die alone.

“No, Hermione if I had, I wouldn’t have kept that from you.” He looked so scared and nothing, but pain registered in her chest. The slivers of deception and betrayal digging deeper into the shallow cuts.

“And how am I supposed to believe you?”

“Hermione I would never-“

“GET OUT!” Her voice cracked from the strength of her anger and looking at Draco, it was all too much. Her head fell into her hands and the sounds that came from her were animalistic and raw. “Just go, please.”

The door flew open, and she heard footsteps and small warms hands were touching her, holding her. The warm cinnamon scent of Ginny swirled around her, and she clung to the front of her robes.

“I think it’s best you go, Draco.”

“I’ll take him out.” She heard Harry’s voice and her heart broke. “Come on Draco.”

Harry’s use of Draco’s given name had her peeking out between her friend’s arms. He looked how she felt. The devastation written all over his handsome features. His eyes were clear and grieving, the silver swirling in tears. She wanted to run to him and hold him close. He asked her once not to promise to love him forever and her heart broke with uncertainty.

Their eyes met and she watched a tear roll down his cheek and splash against his white shirt, the spot clinging to his skin.

“Hermione please just-,“ he stopped and closed his eyes, more tears falling. He opened them and looked at her table, his eyes blank, and placed a letter there. He moved to the door and with one last look at her. Then he left.

She met Harry’s sad gaze and turned back into Ginny’s arms, the sobs renewing. She heard the door snick shut. Her parents were truly dead because of her and she didn’t have a cure for the guilt. Ginny let her cry and when her sobs began to subside, she felt her friend take a deep breath in.

“Hermione, what were you accusing Draco of? He won’t talk about the clearing, only telling Kingsley and Harry what they needed to know. He said everything else could be shared if you wanted to.”

Hermione wanted to care. She wanted to find him and tell him everything would be okay. She believed him when he said he hadn’t known. His reaction had been as honest as any.

“He set me up, Ginny.” Ginny’s eyes didn’t meet hers and Hermione sat up, disbelief shooting through her.

“You all knew?” Her hands shook with anger and amber eyes shot to hers.

“Hermione, you’ve been unconscious for almost an entire week. You have to understand that-“

“A week? It’s been a week?” She looked down at herself and noticed the bandage on her right hand and she flexed the hand. Her fingers were sore, but the bones were healed. She couldn’t quite remember what other injuries she had received, her adrenaline a driving force behind her actions.

“Mione, you had extensive injuries. You had a brain bleed, two broken bones along with your hand and multiple bruises. And a cut on your cheek. They put you in a magical coma so your brain could heal. Draco’s been here every day. He never left you.” She looked away, the red of her friend’s hair suddenly too much to handle. The blood on her hands had been cleaned off, but she could feel the weight of it on her, the stickiness and coppery smell.

“Ginny, I killed him. Greyback.” She felt her hand on her back and welcomed the warm circles she rubbed,

“I know Hermione.”

“And you know everything?” She looked at Ginny, her eyes stinging. Her eyes were raw, and she was tired.

“I don’t know everything Hermione. I only know what Harry has told me. The bulk is still a mystery to me and those two men,” she pointed to the door. “Are the ones you should probably talk to.”

Hermione looked at the door and the tears began anew.

“He killed them, Ginny. Greyback killed them and I killed him.” A sharp intake of breath was all she heard before Ginny wrapped her up again.

“You don’t have to talk now Mione, but I am here when you’re ready.”

Ginny held her until she cried herself to sleep.

Chapter Text

Hermione had finished getting dressed when Susan walked into her room.

“Hi Hermione, how are you feeling?”

She was finally being released and she wasn’t fully healed, but she could move and walk with no help. The cut had scarred on her cheek, but she didn’t care.

“I’m as well as can be Susan, thank you.”

“Great! I just came to check on you myself. Ginny is handling the discharge paperwork for you. I should warn you though, Draco is out there.”

Hermione stiffened and looked over at the untouched letter.

“I don’t want to see him, Susan.”

“I know I just thought to tell you. He looks pretty tore up out there.”

“I’m not really sure what part of ‘she doesn’t want to see him’ you didn’t understand Susan.” Ginny had appeared at the door and Hermione grabbed her things and the letter. She wasn’t ready to read it but leaving it behind felt wrong.

“Ginny,” she hissed. Susan looked alarmed at the witch’s behavior and Hermione felt bad. Ginny shrugged and grabbed Hermione’s things and Hermione grabbed Susan in a hug, thanking the witch. Susan smiled tentatively and the pair left the room, walking to the back exit.

She hadn’t talked to Ginny about what happened, and her friend hadn’t pushed. Once outside, Ginny Apparated them to Hermione’s flat and she looked around the space sadly. It was clean and she felt Crookshanks wind his way through her legs lovingly. She didn’t want to be here. She didn’t want to be reminded of Draco and the things they had shared here.

“Mione, do you want me to stay with you tonight?” She looked at her friend.

“I have a better idea.”

***

She had checked after her birthday if it still stood and was surprised to find it was still owned by her parents. She flicked her wand and dim lights turned on, illuminating the small living room and the kitchen beyond. There was a small hallway that led to the bathroom and stairs led to two tiny rooms.

The cabin was in a state of neglect and Hermione, needing something to do, turned to her friend.

“Do you want to help me clean it? I understand if you don’t want to help, you’re more than welcome to come back.”

The two tackled the dust and cobwebs that hung everywhere. Drapes were cleaned and old dishes were washed. They swept the floors and wiped down the counters.

It had taken them all day and into the night before the space was clean and they now sat on the couch in front of a fire. The flames were dancing, a mesmerizing minuet.

“I think I am ready to talk to Harry now.”

Ginny beamed, “I think that’s a great idea.”

***

4^th of December, 2000

They all sat around the kitchen table with a mug of hot tea in their hands. The warmth seeping into her frozen fingers as she stared at her best friend.

“I’m ready to listen Harry, if you’re ready to tell me.” He nodded solemnly at her, his anxiety creasing his eyes. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days. Harry blew out a long breath and stared into his steaming mug.

“Early this year Kingsley told me that he had gotten word that Greyback was back in the country. He told me that it was the first time in months and that Malfoy was to be involved somehow. Malfoy had truly been spending this last year training to become an Auror so that worked in his favor. Kingsley was able to fast track him through the program as you know.” He took a sip and Ginny rubbed his back encouragingly.

“We kept getting reports of his whereabouts and by the time we’d get there he’d be gone. It was maddening and our first big break was with the man we captured in June. He finally confirmed what we had already suspected: Greyback was hunting for you.

“At this point Malfoy and I had already asked Kingsley to tell you and he was hesitant but once it was truth, he forbid us to say anything.” Harry looked at her then and she gasped when she suddenly remembered. The mystery man, the one they captured warned her about. She felt stupid. She was an Auror, she should have told someone.

“When we arrived at the warehouse in August’s raid, there was no Greyback, there never was. Hammond was no one to Greyback. He must have sensed we were on to him and laid a trap or a clue, we’ll never know.” Harry took another sip of his tea and sighed.

“Then I learned of the flowers and Malfoy began spiraling. He was convinced you’d be hurt, and he started spending more time abroad. He was desperate to get Greyback to London so we could arrest him ourselves and end this madness. He laid the groundwork for the monster and then came home.

“We didn’t hear anything, so Draco went to Romania again and he was there for those two weeks only to come back bloody. He told us he ran into a group of Greyback’s ‘followers’ and he had tortured one of them for answers.

“Greyback wasn’t coming until after the full moon in November, so we had Draco lay more groundwork and somehow, he did it. The night of the Quidditch game, we had everything in place and Greyback showed up and well I suppose you know the rest.” Harry had finally looked up to her, unshed tears in all their eyes.

“I am so sorry Hermione. For it all. I never meant to hurt you and keeping those things from you is one of my deepest regrets. The fact that you were hurt because of it.” He dropped his head a heaved a great sigh, Ginny rubbing his back.

Hermione reached a hand out and gripped his larger one in hers. She rubbed her thumb over his skin until he looked up at her.

“Harry, at the end of the day, you were doing not only what you were told, but what you thought was best. I fault you for your methods, but I can’t be angry for you trying to protect me.” She hoped her small smile was encouraging and Harry stood, crossing the room to envelope her in a hug. He crushed her to him and she could feel his body shaking.

“It’s okay Harry, we’re all okay. I love you.” He gripped her tighter they separated. She wiped the tears from his face. Harry sniffed and they returned to their seats.

“Hermione, for what it’s worth I think you should talk to Draco. He had a lot more to lose in this.” She narrowed her eyes.

“What do you mean?” Harry shook his head and stood.

“Promise me you’ll talk to him?” He pulled his fiancé to her feet, and they walked to the hallway.

“You’re more than welcome to stay in the guest room if you want Mione but try and keep what I said in mind. Oh and read that letter.” They both wished her a good night and she sat at the table for a minute longer, before rushing to her beaded bag. She grabbed the crumpled envelope and ripped it open carefully. She settled into the couch and opened the parchment.  

My dearest Hermione,

I’ve made a lot of mistakes, and most of them were made in the name of protecting those that I love. I regret that my choices and actions hurt you and given the chance, I’d do it all differently.

I apologize for all the hurt and pain that you’ve endured. I don’t know if I will ever be able to atone for those wrongs, but I sincerely hope that one day you’ll give me the chance to try.

I love you with every ounce of my being and the time I’ve had with you has meant more to me than anything else. You’re bright and you’re warm and you’re a shining star in the world otherwise dark.

If you choose to walk away, I will understand, and I would respect your decision. But if I were to somehow be blessed by you giving me another chance I would spend the rest of our lives earning your love and your respect.

Please don’t give up on us.

Love always,

Draco

Chapter Text

6th of December, 2000

Hermione was sure Narcissa knew she had arrived, but she knocked on the large brass knob anyway. Tippy answered the door and Hermione waved, unsure of herself.

“Ms. Granger, please come in.” The door opened wider and she crossed the threshold.

“Hi Tippy.” Wide blue eyes met hers and the elf’s ears flopped as she nodded once.

They entered a familiar sitting room and she smiled at the Lady of the Manor. Narcissa gathered her into a big, the smell of lilacs brushing against her senses.

“Hermione, I am glad to see you. I had hoped you’d come.” The woman released her and sadness and hope raged war in her blue eyes. “Draco has been… well he hasn’t been himself.” She gestured for Hermione to sit, and Hermione’s nerves grew as she took a seat.

“He is here then. I went to his flat, but no one answered.” Narcissa handed her a cup of tea and she accepted gratefully.

“He’s asleep actually.” Narcissa had a pinched look on her face, her brows furrowed as she sipped delicately. “I don’t want to interfere as it’s not my place, but I would be remiss as a mother if I didn’t advocate on Draco’s behalf a bit.” She gave Hermione a kind look and set her cup and saucer down.

“My son is a survivor. Lucius and I made our choices, however bad, for so long and we make no excuses for what we did, but Draco suffered for them. That is a pain I will carry with me for the rest of my days.

“He had the traditional upbringing his breeding required, and I realized all too late, that those expectations ultimately mean nothing. My sister learned early on and was ostracized for it. I thought she was terribly brave. But I was scared and I continued to be a coward.”

Hermione sat quietly at the words.

“Draco learned hard lessons as a boy. As a man, he still carry’s those lessons with him and the guilt that came with them. But then you came along, my dear, and that all changed. He changed.” Narcissa came to sit next to her on the sofa and took her hands.

“He is better with you, because of you. I know that it a lot of expectation to place on you, but please, I beg you. If you are here to break the last bits of his heart, I may ask that you leave.” The Lady’s hands shook and tears pooled in her eyes. Hermione pulled her hands away and grabbed her into a hug.

“Narcissa, I’m here to hear his story. I don’t want to lie and say I’ll choose what you want me too, but I love him enough to at least try.” She pulled back and looked at her hopeful face. “That’s all anyone can ask of me.”

Narcissa placed a hand on Hermione’s cheek and nodded.

“Shall I go get him?”

Hermione laughed, “if you wouldn’t mind?”

Hermione watched as the witch left the room, gazing in wonder after the mother and the independence she showed. She hadn’t offered to have Tippy bring Draco down and her heart softened more for the family and the tolerance they now showed.

She got up from the sofa and traced the lilac scented footsteps into the hall. There were many places where portraits had once been, the dark shapes stark against the green of the walls. Hermione traveled to the staircase, staring into the new portraits and the flowers and breathed in a bouquet.

Quiet steps approached and she watched Narcissa descend, her cheeks flushed.

“He will be right down dear. Do you need me to clear a room for you two to talk?”

Hermione flicked her wand and a picnic basket appeared and she held it up slightly.

“That won’t be necessary, I have a place in mind.” Narcissa smiled again and new footsteps approached.

She flicked her gaze to the top of the stairs and her pulse gave out and restarted. Nothing in the world compared to the look Draco gave her and she had half a mind to run into his arms and damn it all to hell.

She truly did come here to hear his story, but she knew in her heart that he never intended harm to come to her. She knew he hadn’t withheld information from him willingly, but she needed to hear it from him.

“Hermione.” Her name was a breath on his lips and her throat closed with emotion. His hand twitched like he’d touch her, but he didn’t move. She smiled gently and his eyes closed briefly.

“Sleeping at this time of day, Mr. Malfoy? I’m appalled.” The gray flashed molten at her words, and she stifled a laugh. A throat cleared and Narcissa departed the pair, not that they noticed. Hermione couldn’t look away from him and he seemed just as mesmerized.

“I thought if you had time, you might join me?” She held the basket up and he eyed it warily.

“Not going to take me away to kill me, are you?”

“If I was, it’d be strange to have so many witnesses.”

“You’re clever, Hermione. I’d assume you’d find your way out of incarceration.” Her heart soared again at her name, and she held her hand out for him. He didn’t hesitate and he wrapped his fingers through hers and it felt like coming home. She glanced at their joined hands and pulled him towards the door.

“If you do kill me, please bring me home to my mother. She’d be distraught if she couldn’t bury me properly.”

“Bold of you to assume there would be enough of you to bury.”

Alarm flashed in his eyes, and she laughed gleefully.

“Come now, we’re going to be late.”

***

They appeared by Portkey into a copse of trees in the middle of Central Park. The park was empty, the day cold, and snow fell around them, the flakes melting delicately on Hermione’s lashes. She loved snow and the holidays, but it was illogical to have a picnic in the middle of December. She was brimming with nervous energy, fidgety and quiet now that they were here.

She grabbed a heavy wool blanket she had in the basket and handed it to Draco. He understood her silent request and spread it out on the snow. He touched his wand to the wool, and she lifted a brow in question.

“A warming charm. And it will stay dry. I wasn’t sure you had charmed it or not.” She hadn’t and Hermione nodded gratefully.

It had taken nearly her entire cache of favors to secure their Portkey and she only heard confirmation that afternoon. In her haste, she only threw the blanket and thermos into the basket and ran out the door.

She sat on the blanket and Draco joined her. She took the thermos and poured them each a cup of hot chocolate. The sweet drink calmed her nerves, and they sat in silence, sipping from their mug with the lazy half-frozen water floating by.

“I read your letter.” Hermione saw him tense beside her, his mug at his lips.

“There’s a lot I don’t understand, and I’d like to. I deserve that much.”  She looked at him fully, her face serious.

“I just want facts Draco. I don’t intend to decide from my feelings for you alone. I need you to understand that. I love you, that much hasn’t changed but love isn’t enough if there isn’t trust or communication.” Her heart was heavy it killed her to stay as clinical as she was, but she had no other choice. It was who she was.

Draco sat his cup down and he bent his knees, wrapping his hand around his wrist and stared across the bank. She crossed her legs and waited.

“There was a clause in my release that demanded I help catch all known rogue Death Eaters, or I go to Azkaban. I couldn’t leave my mother alone and quite frankly that wasn’t a decision I needed to think long on. I started in May and Shacklebolt had a stack of possible leads.

“I followed a few until one proved to be of use. Shacklebolt already suspected Greyback had a special interest in you and when it was confirmed, he ran with it. He forbade us to tell you, threatened me with prison and Potter thought he was protecting you.

“We forged a report so you wouldn’t know, and I began mapping out the locations we were given and one by one they proved to be nothing. He was always a step ahead. In August we found the clue to Hammond. We’re still not sure why Greyback wanted him captured, he had no ties to the man. A distraction maybe.”  He took a moment to gather himself and she sat up straighter. He turned his body towards her and took her left hand in hers. It was warm and sweaty, and she squeezed it encouragingly.

“Along the way Hermione I began to feel… things. I have never felt this way before and it scared me. You elicit such strong emotion in me; a fierce need to protect and provide. I’m so wrong for you and I knew I was only going to hurt you. I tried to stay away but I couldn’t. I’m selfish to a fault and I needed to be near you.” Her throat was tight with unshed tears and Draco was shaking.

“When you were hurt that first time, I was so angry but that second time Hermione; I was scared. So terribly frightened and my whole world was held in such fragile balance. I knew I loved you then. I knew I’d do whatever it took to keep you safe, to keep you alive.

“And then there were the flowers. It was a break, an opportunity we had to capitalize on. We tracked their origin to Romania, and we captured the man sending them. We gave him Veritaserum, and he told us Greyback planned to come back for you in November. We had no idea what drove that monster into wanting you. No clue had been left unturned and we couldn’t figure it out.

“We needed this meeting on our own terms, so I managed to get a message to Greyback. Told him I’d deliver you if he told me how to rescue my father. I never truly needed help, my father’s exactly where he needs to be, and it seems Greyback knew that. I don’t think he ever meant to help. He was blind with his obsession with you, and a delivery straight to him was too good to pass up.”

Hermione was motionless, staring into his swirling gray eyes. Her tears had fallen long before now, and she was in shock, stuck processing the months she had been clueless, and this man had been traipsing around trying to keep her safe.

Original motivation or no, she knew he truly loved her. She knew it in every word and touch they shared. Draco knelt right in front of her, taking her cold cup of cocoa and placing it to the side. His large hands covered her smaller, cold ones.

“I had no idea Hermione. None, that Greyback had been the one to orchestrate your parents. I looked into the case myself and however he did it, he was clever about it.

“I knew I didn’t deserve you. You didn’t deserve the deception and pain and I was willing to walk away if that was what you wanted. I thought I could handle it not being with you. But when I walked down those stairs this morning, I felt like I could breathe again. I felt like my life had a meaning. And I knew you needed to hear all of this and it was naive of me to-“

Hermione covered Draco’s mouth with her hand. She couldn’t bear it anymore. She couldn’t listen to him talk about what he didn’t deserve because the truth was, he deserved it all. He deserved love and compassion as much as she did. As poor the methods, he hadn’t intentionally hurt her. He had protected her, and he had chosen her above all else and when he thought she no longer wanted him, he left.

“When I came here, I was determined that you were in the wrong and I was the victim. I was scared of the things I didn’t understand, and I needed to decide if moving forward with you was worth it.” She caressed his cheek lightly with her fingertips and Draco closed his eyes, leaning into the touch.

“You were a victim too, Draco,” she whispered. He brought his head down to meet hers. She stayed silent and still, letting their breath mingle, letting him ground her.

“I love you Draco.” She leaned back and she heard his breath catch. Draco took her face in hands and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

“You’re the most precious thing in this world, Little Dove and I will spend the time we have left proving that to you. You have my devotion, my heart and my future. Whatever else you require from me, you will have. With you by my side, I’m already the happiest man on this Earth and all others.”

She leaned into the kiss he gave her, their tears and laughter mingling and filling the air with promise of new beginnings.

***

Draco

They walked along the bustling street hand in hand, people rushing around them. The lights and sounds were multifaceted, and Draco wanted to explore it all. Someday. They had every moment to come back, but when they reached the large, decorated tree, he felt Hermione’s hand tighten in his. She rushed ahead pulling him with her.

She stopped by the rail and gazed up at the twinkling lights, the music and snow swirling around them. He only had eyes for her, and she looked so beautiful in the glow of the tree. She looked at him, her eyes alight with wonder and amazement. He reached over and brushed the stray hair from her face. She leaned into his touch, and she placed her hand over his.

“Shall we skate? I’m sure to be awful at it, but it seems exciting!” He couldn’t deny her, and they took to the ice. She was truly awful and could barely keep her balance. He had to reach for her often and the last slip had them collapsing onto the rink. Laughing, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him until they were yelled at to get back to their feet.

Grabbing her hand, he guided her around the edge and as the snow continued to fall, Draco thought that so much had to have gone right for him to be in the moment. The many steps and choices for him to be sharing these moments, these experiences with her and he was truly grateful.

She took them to places she had mapped out. Bookstores and shops for souvenirs to bring home.

When it was time to leave, they walked back to the park and a rustling above them had Draco looking up. A white dove flew from the trees and a broad smile covered his face. He was finally exactly where he wanted to be.

Chapter Text

Hermione

“Draco, I told you the tree wasn’t going to fit.”

“And I told you, we’d shrink it down to fit.”

“That’s not the point now is it? We were supposed to chop the tree down and bring it back here.”

“It was bad enough you dragged me into the wilderness where I froze my arse off, but now you refuse to shrink the tree?” Draco threw his hands in the air and stomped out of the room.

Hermione stood with her hands on her hips, staring at the fallen tree sticking out of the stand. It was naturally too tall, like she had said, but Mr. Wealth and Tall Ceilings had felt otherwise. She could easily cut the tree with a spell, but she wanted him to stew in it more.

She heard footsteps and stifled a giggle when Draco returned with a handsaw and a blazing look of determination.

“Draco, love, no that’s not necessary!” She couldn’t hold back her laughter as he said nothing and knelt before the tree, sawing into the trunk. She watched as the muscles of his back and arms tensed and contracted with his movements. She didn’t seem the harm in letting him continue.

He made quick work of the thin base and he stood, breathing hard and turned to her. She would have been a bit terrified of a red-faced Draco Malfoy holding a saw in her parent’s old cabin, but she only started laughing again.

His face softened and he began to laugh too.

“That was a bit dramatic, even for you.” she said, wiping tears from her eyes.

“What the lady wants, the lady gets, Little Dove.” He pushed past her, brushing a kiss against her cheek and the smell of fresh pine permeated the room. She heard the sink turn on and she moved to the tree stand and removed the cut stump. She flicked her wand and the tree lifted, placing itself in the stand, the metal screws digging into the wood.

“Hermione Granger, you sly minx!” She hadn’t heard him return and she shrieked as he came up behind her and grabbed her around her middle, drawing her to him.

“You said no magic and I catch you in here after I was on my hands and knees for you, performing manual labor. On a tree.” He nuzzled her neck and bit playfully at an ear lobe.

“I’d say turnabouts fair play, my love.” Draco spun her and he latched onto her mouth, nipping at her bottom lip.

“And what do you propose?” a wicked gleam in her eye. She let a hand drop to the front of his trousers.

He said nothing and his hips ground into her hand. She licked her lips and gathered her hair atop her head and placed her wand through the curls. She knelt before him and worked the buckle of his belt loose. She pulled the leather from the loops and tossed it in the sofa.

He groaned above her when she reached inside his shorts and drew him out. Hermione looked up under her lashes, Draco’s eyes staring down at her, his lids heavy with lust.

“Thank you, Draco for cutting down a tree with me.” She brought the head of him to her lips and kissed the soft skin.  Dropping a little lower, she kissed the underside of his length.

“Thank you for carrying it to the cabin.” His hands were fisted by his sides, and she could feel his legs trembling. She kissed the base of him and looked at his face fully.

“And thank you for getting on your hands and knees for me.”

She drug her tongue across the length of his cock and when she reached the top, she drew him fully into her mouth. His hips bucked and she gagged when he hit the back of the throat. She heard a breathy apology, but she hadn’t minded. She was drunk from the control she had over him and the way his body responded to her.

Hermione wrapped a hand around the base of his cock and stroked him in time with her mouth. His hand fisted into her hair gently as he guided her head. She let him set the pace and, feeling bold, she reached her free hand out and squeezed his balls. A deep groan fell from his lips, and she took him deeper, gagging and pulled back. 

She teased and stroked and soon he was coming in her mouth. He let out soft, guttural moans and she knelt there patiently, taking everything, he gave her.

“Fuck Hermione,” he said pulling her to her feet. He stroked her cheek and she smiled at him broadly.

“I just wanted to show my appreciation.” She winked and he groaned again.

“Keep saying things like that and we won’t ever get this tree up.”

“Help me decorate and the tree won’t be the only thing getting up. Again.” She winked at him and swished her hips as she walked away, the sound of his tinkling belt and a muttered “thank fuck” carrying her to the attic.

20th of December, 2000

Draco and Hermione sat on the old couch, mugs of hot chocolate in their hands and a bowl of popcorn between them.

“I don’t understand how his nose glows at all. He’s a reindeer.”

She laughed out loud. “You mean to tell me you live in a world rife with magical creatures, most who defy all logic and a reindeer with a glowing red nose is where you draw the line?” He grinned down at her and pinched her thigh.

“It just doesn’t make sense!”

“It’s not supposed to, it’s a children’s story. Besides that’s not the point. The message of the story is acceptance and overcoming adversity. Rudolph is different than the other reindeer and Hermey wants to be a dentist. It’s their journey to prove that although they are different, they can go on to lead the lives they truly want, despite what others think.” She turned to him laughing and was stopped by the solemn look on his face.

“Draco what’s wrong?” Vulnerability showed in his eyes, but they were bright and honest.

“I.. I feel like the elf.” She took his hands in hers and squeezed gently.

“I spent so much time of my childhood hating those I didn’t understand. Anyone who was different than me got no ounce of effort or sympathy, and I believed I was better. I wanted to prove myself. To both my father and Voldemort.

“They’re with me always, Hermione. All the choices I’ve made and the consequences they had. I thought I was special. I was a naive, arrogant shite and when I realized the Dark Lord was only using me as a means to an end, I was already in too deep. He didn’t care about me, never had. I was a punishment for my father and his failures. I was a pawn, easily replaceable and I never want to feel like that again.” He took in a shuddering breath, staring out across the room before he pierced her with his gaze.

“I swore when I was released, I would change. I swore to myself that I would do things better and atone for what I’d. I never anticipated you. Not once, Hermione.”

He leaned down and kissed the tender skin of her cheek. She closed her eyes and a tear escaped. Draco wiped it away a thumb. Her tears were falling freely and he kissed all the way down her healing scar.

When she opened them again, tears were falling from his and he held so much love and hope on his face.

“Hermione, I would have gladly taken any part you gave me willingly, but the whole of you? That’s a reality I’ll never get used to. You’re my salvation, my hope and my future and I love you. For as long as this world gives us, I’m yours.”

She kissed his tears away, her heart breaking for the broken boy he had been and bursting for the man he’d become. Like a phoenix rising from the ash, he came out stronger on the other side and she was so proud of him.

“My love, you need to forgive yourself.” He started to protest, but she gave him a stern look that stopped him. “You’ve spiraled down into your grief for too long. You believe that what happened was your fault? You were as powerless as any of us. How could you have said no, Draco? You did what you thought was right at the time to protect your family.”

She kissed his hand once and Draco moved the bowl of popcorn and made love to her until all ugly thoughts were back in the past.

Chapter Text

25^th of December, 2000

Hermione woke the morning of Christmas warm and well-rested. She had planned to wake before Draco did and surprise him with breakfast in bed, but she was disappointed to find the bed empty and soft sounds came from down the stairs. She threw back the covers and put on a warm jumper and made her way to the kitchen. The cabin was freezing, and she was more than grateful she had magic.

The bottom half of the cabin was warm and welcoming. Crookshanks met her at the bottom of the stairs with a soft mewl. She scratched his head and righted the red bow on his neck. Draco and her cat had come to an understanding, and she laughed when she caught Crookshanks curled in Draco’s lap while they both napped yesterday.

The man in question stood at the little gas stove, a pan of something delicious frying. She noted a cup of coffee on the counter next to him. Draco turned when she entered the kitchen and the smile he gave her knocked her breath away. They had spent many late nights sharing their darkest fears and shame. Now that there was nothing hanging between them, Draco had come out of himself and she loved the transformation the freedom had on him.

Gone were the dark circles and pale skin. He was still fair, but his face held a bit of color, and his gray eyes were always bright with love and wonder. His hair was mussed, and he wore his favorite night pants and a green jumper from Molly, a large misshapen “D” in the middle. Her heart had swelled at the gesture and only she had caught the lone tear in Draco’s eye that threatened to spill over.

He wore it proudly every morning since he was gifted it earlier this week. She accepted the mug he offered her.

“Merry Christmas, Dove.” Draco bent and kissed her cheek before turning back to the stove.

“Merry Christmas to you. What time did you wake up?” She sipped the brew and groaned internally at its perfection. Coffee and breakfast were the first things she had taught him to cook when they decided to stay at the cabin for two weeks.

They had spent the night before with Narcissa who had asked them over for dinner. The Lady of the Manor had gifted Hermione with a stack of books she had mentioned to Draco a few weeks earlier. She had threatened to leave the two of them alone while she started, and they laughed good naturedly at her. His mother had gifted Draco the official Lordship over the Manor and he had looked overcome with emotion.

Narcissa had demanded the pair not get her anything, but Draco had gifted his mother a small sapphire and she started when she saw Narcissa had the same bracelet she had on. They shared a small smile and she turned to Draco, curiosity and love in her eyes. Hermione’s gift hadn’t been as elaborate. She crocheted three small stockings with their initials and gave them to her.

Narcissa had sniffed and hung them on the mantle. When she asked Tippy to come in and she presented the elf her own, the small creature sobbed uncontrollably into Hermione’s arms and rushed off to hang hers up.

As the night wound down, she had been perusing the stack of books when she noticed Narcissa and Draco deep in an intense conversation across the room. Naturally, they probably had practice at speaking privately and she didn’t hear anything of substance. Her interest had been piqued but when they got to the cabin, she wasn’t thinking of private conversations.

“I woke up thirty minutes ago.” Draco’s voice drew her from her thoughts, and she scowled at him.

“I had intended to surprise you this morning.” He laughed as he flipped some bacon and turned to her.

“I know. I saw you set your alarm and as I had the same idea, I set mine for earlier.” He had a self-satisfied smile, and she only shook her head.

“You’re awful you know that?” She walked to him, and he wrapped her in a hug, kissing the top of her head.

“Did you sleep well?” She nodded and breathed him in.

“What were you and your mother talking about last night?” He stiffened a little, almost like he had been caught.

“What did you hear?”

“Nothing… That’s why I am asking.” The bacon gave a pop and they separated. He tapped her nose lightly before turning to the pan.

“Well if you were meant to know you would have been part of the conversation.” His voice held humor and she scowled.

“Fine, keep your secrets, they can’t be as bad as last time.” She regretted the words the second they left her mouth and she cringed at his ridged posture,

“Draco, I am sorry. That was unfair of me, and it was out of line.” She watched him move the pan off the burner. He plated their breakfast and brought it to the small table. He sat down and she followed him. He hadn’t spoken and she grabbed his hand.

“Draco?”

He grabbed his wand and an envelope and a wrapped gift appeared before her and he smiled.

“Hermione, there is nothing to apologize for. You have a right to be suspicious, but I do ask that you trust me and know that this is not like last time.” He pushed the gifts towards her and she nodded.

“These had better not be as expensive as my birthday.” She raised a brow and Draco grinned devilishly at her before digging into his breakfast. She ate hers quickly before she pulled her wand out and two small gifts appeared in front of Draco.

He pushed his plate away and pulled them to him. Despite his words on his birthday, the truth was Draco Malfoy loved gifts and she laughed as he tore into the paper. The first gift was her copy of Pride and Prejudice. He lifted a groomed brow.

“I knew you were a Darcy man, so I wrapped it for you.” She sipped from her coffee, and he chuckled, flipping through the pages.

“I have to admit, I may leave you for him.”

“I wouldn’t blame you. He’s fabulously wealthy and broody, I believe you’d both get on grandly.” He eyed her.

“You have a type, Ms. Granger.” She shrugged and pushed the second gift to him. He opened it more delicately and his brows rose and he realized what it was.

“Season tickets, Granger, that is most expensive.” He looked to her and she shrugged again.

“I know someone on the inside.” He kissed her cheek with a thank you and passed her gifts over.

“Open the envelope last, if you would.” She directed her hand to the gift and opened the box. She giggled when she took the book from the box.

“It appears you are a Darcy man!” She held a First Edition Pride and Prejudice in her hands and the entire exchange was too funny to her. She couldn’t stop laughing and he pinched her side.

“How was I to know you were gifting me the same thing?” She wiped her eyes and reached for the envelope. She tore the wax seal and read the parchment. Silence blanketed the room, and her eyes widened as she read to the bottom.

“How… How did you get this information?” Tears were falling down her face and her hands shook.

“I hired a Muggle investigator and had him do what he could to track anything down. He discovered that this man,” he pointed at the photo in her hand, “was found in a park covered in blood and had no idea where he was and how he had gotten there.

“There was no evidence between him and your parents, but they charged him for their murders. They redacted everything and sentenced him privately. That was why nothing could be found. They destroyed everything to hide how backwards the whole ordeal had been.

“I hired a solicitor that knew of both our worlds, and we arranged a meeting with the man. He had all the signs of being under the Imperius and his memory had been altered. I believe Greyback lured him into the house to do his dirty work.” Draco was quiet for a moment.

“We freed him Hermione. I thought perhaps you’d want that.” He looked alarmed at whatever he saw on her face, and she leapt from the chair into his arms.

Draco caught her and she sobbed into his jumper. She was relieved and thankful for the discovery. They hadn’t been able to find how Greyback had managed the carnage and she felt a vice that had been around her chest release. She missed her parents terribly and nothing would bring them back, but this felt like closure.

“Thank you. Truly.” She kissed him messily and he pulled back to look in her face.

“You’re not mad?”

“Why would I be mad? That man had no choice in what he did. You saved him from a life of suffering. I bear that man no ill will and I am so proud of you for making that choice.”

“You are?” He sounded unsure and she brushed the hair off his forehead and pressed a skin to his furrowed brows.

“Aren’t you? You’ve grown so much. Wouldn’t the old you have kept him locked up?” He looked like he agreed, and she pressed on.

“You could probably justify your actions as a way to make me happy, but I believe you truly saw his innocence in all of this and knew it to be the right thing to do.”

“You amaze me Hermione. Your resilience is awe-inspiring and your capacity to love and understand is something I can only hope to achieve one day.”

She tapped his nose and moved to her chair, reaching for her coffee and the First Edition.

 “You’ll get there one day,” she said with a wink.

Chapter Text

31^st of December, 2000 11:50 p.m.

They were all gathered on the expansive grounds of the Manor, bundled up in warm winter jackets and mittens. It was New Years Eve and Narcissa had provided the Manor as a place for her and Draco to host a celebration going into the new year. She had invited Ginny, Harry, Ron and Susan and Draco had invited his trio.

Ron, Harry and Blaise stood singing loudly having drank almost two entire bottles of Firewhisky between them. Ginny, Susan and Pansy, who Hermione was glad to see, got on very well and were helping Theo get some fireworks together and set out.

She felt Draco stir next to her where they sat, and she watched him stand. He held a hand out to her and she swiped a hand across her bum, dislodging the dirt she knew was on her jacket.

“Come with me, Little Dove.” He pulled her towards the rose garden his mother took great care in maintaining and she followed curiously. They walked hand in hand through the flowers in silence and after a moment she spoke.

“Draco, our friends are expecting us for fireworks. You can’t possibly be taking me in here to shag, are you?” He chuckled and they rounded a corner, and she froze in surprise. Draco pulled her farther into the courtyard and to a small gazebo. Draco dropped her hand and came to stand in front of her. He looked handsome and nervous, and she didn’t know what to do with herself.

She looked up and across the ceiling were tiny, sparkling fairy lights. Hundreds of candles lit the varying surfaces and a small bench stood in the center, a small package on its surface.

“Draco, what is all of this?” He cleared his throat and turned to the bench, grabbing the small box.

“You asked me what my mother and I were talking about and I told you to trust me. There were a few things I had to get in order before I mentioned anything to you and now, I am ready to tell you.” His anxiety was palpable, and she could feel her hands start to sweat despite the cold air.

“It was no coincidence my mother gifted me the Lordship as a gift. I told my mother when we were granted our freedom that I didn’t want the responsibility. Not until I felt I could do the job and do it the right way. I hadn’t felt that way for years, until now. Until you.” He stepped closer to her, and her breath caught in her throat.

“Hermione, you challenge me in all the best ways. You constantly prove to me that I am capable of change and you’ve shown me such patience and consideration. You make me want to rise each day and embrace the day, instead of dreading what the long hours may bring. You’ve given me life and the hope for a future. All things I never dreamed I’d have.

“You push me to be my best self and each day I’ve had with you has been the greatest blessing. I love you with all that I am. I love you for the woman you are, and I love you for the woman you will become. I love you for all your strengths and I love you for your very small list of flaws.” She laughed through her tears, and he wiped them away before dropping to a knee and opening the small box.

She gasped at the ring he held out to her.

“I love you Hermione and I promise not a day will go by when you don’t doubt my love and devotion for you. You make my life complete. I want to be the first person you see every morning and the last before you fall asleep. I want to spend our days arguing over who makes breakfast and you yelling at me to stop eating all the sweets. I want to spend my nights worshipping you, but mostly I want to be your husband, Hermione.”

She was sure she looked a fright, and she couldn’t possibly get a word out through her laughter and tears, so she nodded to him. The easiest decision she’d had to make in years. She yelped when he grabbed her around the middle and spun her once. He kissed her deeply and fireworks erupted above them. They jumped apart to stare at the bright lights.

She felt Draco pull the mitten off her left hand and he slid the small ring onto her finger. She brought it up close to admire it and she was touched by the thought behind the jewelry.  It was a simple white gold band and a small diamond rested upon the middle, smaller diamonds spreading along the band. She looked up at his grinning face.

“It’s perfect Draco.” He bent to kiss the finger and spoke against her hand.

“I had it made for you. You deserved something strictly yours.” He kissed her lips once, twice and she jumped as the fireworks started again. He pulled her into his chest, and they admired the colors together.

“Cheers to the New Year, Draco.”

“Cheers to new beginnings, Hermione.”

Chapter Text

12^th of May, 2001

Draco

Draco stared at Hermione as she walked down the aisle. He was so beautiful in a gown the hugged every curve and complemented her skin. He watched her hair flutter in the breeze and she turned and looked at him, the most brilliant of smiles lighting her face. He stared long after she had finished her trek.

He stared at her when vows were exchanged and kisses were shared. He stared at her as party goers cried with happy tears from speeches and he stared at her now as they looked out over the garden and into the sea of stars.

“Ginny was quite beautiful tonight, wasn’t she?”

“She was, but you’re more beautiful.” Hermione had leaned into him, borrowing his warmth. And his jacket.

The Potters had chosen to get married in May. They felt it was a healthy compromise to their spring/summer debate, but it was still quite cold. 

She laughed at him, the soft sound bouncing off the quiet. “You’re biased though. You’re supposed to say that.”

“I am and I hope you reward me handsomely for it later.” He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck. He felt her shiver and licked the shell of her ear. A soft moan escaped her and she felt his cock harden in response.

“Let’s go up to our room.” He pressed his hips into her backside, and she ground herself into him.

“Love, we can’t just leave our friend’s wedding to fuck like teenagers!”

“And why not, it’s our property?”

“That you let them borrow!”

She had laughed again and turned, still in his arms.

“Ginny and I have a bet going that your childhood bed still has children’s sheets on them. I shall have to check the next time I’nm in there.” He rolled his eyes at the witches insufferable betting. They bet on everything. The weather, how late Potter was to work every week and now this.

“I could just tell you and be done with it.” He smiled devilishly and when she quirked an eyebrow at him, he relented. “Fine, I will wait.

“Oh, you poor man,” she said reaching up to grip his cheek. “You have to wait to bed me.” He swiped at her hand and she turned again, her head on her chest. They had agreed to move into the Manor last month and he was happy to have the space show signs of life. His mother had done a great job, but Hermione breathed life into every room she entered.

“It’s difficult to imagine how different life was only a year ago, no?” She sounded contemplative and he held her closer.

“It feels like a lifetime ago, Little Dove.”

“I’m glad I found you, Draco.”

“And I you, Hermione.” He kissed the top of her head and they gazed at the stars again.

After a moment, she sighed and pulled away.

“We should get back before someone thinks we’re practicing back here.” He grabbed her hand and walked along the gravel path.

“Practicing what?”

“Making babies. It’s something Muggles say sometimes.”

“I see, well I offered to practice with you earlier.” He glanced cheekily at her, and she looked lost in thought.

“Do you want children Draco?” He hadn’t thought of the possibility before she came along and now, he could see a future with one or two.

“A couple. If you’d like to?”

“I think that I would. When the time is right.” She beamed up and laid her head on his arm. A thought crossed his mind.

“Does Potter want any?” Hermione stiffened and looked at him suspiciously.

“What do you know Draco Malfoy?” He scoffed.

“Nothing, I was going to propose a bet.”

“A bet?” Her nose screwed up and looked at him like he’d lost his mind. “You don’t bet Draco; you hate to lose.”

“As do you and you still do it.”

“Yes, but for bragging rights only. I’d be insufferable when I won, and you’d despise me for it.”

“When you won? Are you so confident?” She smiled evilly.

“Depends on how long you guess.” He didn’t like the look on her face.

“Hmm okay, six months.”

“Until they announce?”

“Sure.”

She stopped and held out a hand.

“Fine you’re on.” He only gazed at her hand, the thin gold bracelet he bought her for her birthday swaying.

“You gave in too quickly.” He was suspicious.

She shrugged and feigned nonchalance. “Fine, have it your way.” She walked towards the party, and he pulled her back.

“Fine, I’ll shake.” He took her hand and shook it twice. Her answering grin was maniacal.

“I hope you enjoy the bitter taste of loss Mr. Malfoy. I shall think of my prize and tell you later.” She walked away and blew him a kiss over her shoulder.

He ran to catch up with her. “Granger, what do you mean?”

She hurried along the path, “Ginny is five months pregnant and we’re about to miss the announcement!”

“Good god woman, you set me up!”

He thought her answering smile was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen in this world, and he vowed to keep that smile on her face until the day he died.