A/U: This is the sequel to 'Dramione - A Moment of Splendor'. This story is dedicated to J.D. Bell - Thank you for the inspiration my fanfic friend. I ask that you check out J.D. Bell's work because we all need some good Dramione stories in our lives. Also, I dedicate this to my sister 'Shake-n-Bake' I'm so happy you liked the first part of this story and I hope you enjoy the sequel. Reviews are always welcomed! My initials are DAS not JKR!

Seven years, three months and two weeks later

A young platinum blonde haired boy with dark brown eyes stared at the marble headstone sadly. The rain had started to fall, the cold water dripping down as he knelt down to place a single white rose by the grave. His small fingers caressed the name engraved on the marble once his fingers reached the end of the etching he quietly said.

"I love you Mom, I miss you very much."

As he spoke he felt a firm hand on his shoulder, looking up to his Father he felt a slight squeeze as if giving him a shot of extra strength. In two days he would be leaving to board the Hogwarts Express. He would be on his way to learn more about magic and wizardry. It had only been a year since young Scorpius lost his Mother, she was a beautiful petite woman with chestnut colored curly hair and dark brown eyes. She had an uncanny sense of humor, creative, smart, loving and most of all she adored her son. Scorpius missed her dearly, and now with his impending journey he knew it would be sometime before he could "visit" with her again.

Draco stood by his son quietly. Twirling a red rose in his hand, he knelt down and placed the red rose next to the white one. Draco missed his wife. His love for her grew slowly, she helped him through a rough patch in his life. Her patients towards him made him admire her. His admiration turned in to understanding which turned in to love. Draco loved his wife, she would always have a piece of his heart, yet there was one before her whom also held a special place there. His first love... Hermione.

Draco coaxed his son after a few moments to head home for a cup of hot chocolate with extra marshmallows , 'like Mom would make', he said. Rather reluctantly Scorpius stood and walked with his Father away from his Mother's grave. Draco lovingly put his arm around his son and they apparated home. Sullenly the man and his mini carbon copy went about drying off and making hot chocolate. The two sat in silence sipping their drink, their minds fill with memories of the beloved woman.

Hermione trotted into her home, tossing her coat to the side of the room as she entered. She had just beating the downpour. She loved her quaint little apartment. The wall of books in the living room, the reading nook in the corner. Her small window garden in the kitchen that was framed by yellow and white gingham patterned curtains. She loved her bedroom, so light and bright from the two east facing windows that let in the sun when it would shine. She loved the fact that she no longer had to fight for the covers since they solely belonged to her, in her bed, in her home.

It'd been about two years since her divorce from Ron. To say it was unpleasant was putting it lightly. While she had hopes that once their children were away at Hogwarts, Ron and herself would be able to connect again as a couple and regain some of the passion they had lost over the years. It never came to pass. Night after night she would find herself alone, eating dinner alone, going off to sleep alone some nights. On the nights where Ron was home, he seemed distant and unwilling to engage in simple conversations. Their all but nonexistent sex life would be initiated by a couple of vulgar pokes in the middle of Hermione's slumber and was over before she knew what was going on. Hermione did try to bring the spark back, she tried to engage in role play or some fantasy fulfillment, however she received nothing but laughter or a disgruntled grunt for her efforts. 'The worst thing you can make a person you love feel is alone' she thought.

Finally fed up of this lack luster life she filed for a divorce. Ron was besides himself, he could not understand her point of view. Why after so many years was she just 'throwing away' their marriage? Why did she feel the need to punish him for providing their family with a comfortable lifestyle? Was he such a horrible husband that she would break up their family? If only Ron would have listened to her... really took time to listen to her, he would understand this was more than just a selfish act.

She never thought him to be a horrible husband, but he was absent. She never thought to put him down or berate him for wanting to live comfortably, but what kind of life is working days, weeks, months on end to provide for a family you never spend quality time with. She'd had to work herself into hysterics for him to take time off for a family vacation and even then it seemed their family time would be sabotaged. She didn't feel as though she were 'throwing away' their marriage.

There were some great years, there were loving years, there were happy years. However, the sad years, the lonely years seemed to out weight the good ones to where all she could think of was 'when was the last time she was happy'? When was the last time her husband reached for her? She had become tired of fighting a one sided battle for happiness.

"Is there someone else?" Ron had posed that question to her more than once. Hermione would always respond with a resounding "No", yet unbeknownst to her there was someone else. Someone whom she never meant to love... that someone was Draco.

Two days later

Scorpius was surrounded by his family, his Father Draco, Grandmother Narcissa, Great Aunt Andromeda and cousin Teddy. As he gave everyone their last hugs, Teddy's blue hair turning opalescent blonde for the duration of their embrace. The last worry his Father quelled was what house he would be sorted in to.

"I know our family had always been in Slytherin but what if I am not sorted in?" Scorpius asked Draco in a shaky voice.

"I wouldn't love you any less if you are not chosen into Slytherin... I may disinherit you if you are sorted into Hufflepuff though." Draco gave him a smirk.

The child's face paled a bit but then Draco tussled his hair and gave him a few pokes in his ribs to make him laugh. "Whatever house you are sorted into they would have the privilege of having a smart, caring, charming boy like you in their house. You are my pride and joy son. I'm proud of you no matter what." Draco said in a loving tone he had giving his son one last hug before sending him on the train.

As the train to Hogwarts pulled away, the platform slowly became deserted. Narcissa, Andromeda and Teddy left to continue their day once saying a final goodbye to Draco. Draco felt a hollowness in his chest. His baby boy was on his way to Hogwarts, his wife was gone, he was left alone for the first time in a long time. As he made his way to the Muggle area of Kings Cross, walking in to the coffee shop. Procrastinating the inevitable return to his now somewhat empty house he spotted a familiar person. Grabbing his coffee he stood next to the seated person that was so engrossed in their book that they were lazily chewing on their bottom lip.

"May I sit with you Granger?" He asked.

Hermione slightly jumped as she heard the male voice that hauled her mind back to reality. "Oi, you startled me." She huffed as she offered the chair across from her.

"What brings you here?" she asked a warm smile on her face.

"I've just seen Scorpius off to Hogwarts." He replied with a sadness in his voice.

Hermione softened her features and smiled, she understood what is was like to send her children away from the warmth of home. To let them spread their wings and discovery who they are meant to be. She remembered the feeling of sadness she felt watching the train as it journeyed away from the platform.

"He will be fine, you know Hogwarts is home away from home." She told him as she reached for his hand to give him a reassuring squeeze. "I'm sure this is harder for you than most, I... I was sorry to hear about your wife." She continued giving his hand one final pat before moving it away.

Draco looked in her eyes then darted them away. He nodded his head at the reminder that his empty house awaits for him. He gave Hermione a small smile before taking a sip of his coffee. Noticing his somber demeanor Hermione cleared her throat and began to speak.

"So, what position do you think Scorpius will go out for during Quidditch tryouts?" she asked trying to get Draco out of him melancholy.

"Well he's an ace on a broom like his old man so I think seeker." He looked up at her with a smirk.

Hermione chuckled at that, she recalled the death defying matches between Draco and Harry during their time in school. "Hugo was a keeper when he played for Gryffindor." she said proudly.

"I thought you hated Quidditch?" He asked.

Puzzled that he knew this she simply replied with. "I've learned to appreciate it... sort of." Ending with a smile. They chatted for awhile, Hermione sensed that Draco needed some company to help him cope with his new found loneliness. Once she could feel that he was in a better mood Hermione made her way to leave.

"I better be heading home-" She started to speak as Draco cut her off.

"Off to make dinner for your husband?" He questioned simply.

Hermione stood there looking at Draco with her head cocked to the side and a smirk on her face. "I'm no longer married, Ron is a big boy he can fix his own dinner." She replied.

It was Draco's turn to be puzzled. As he went to call out to Hermione she turned back to him and said, "I'm usually here around this time for lunch, maybe we can meet again for coffee. Take care Draco." She smile then walked away.

A new set of memories flooded Draco's mind. Ones that he had mentally boxed up and stored in the back of his mind. Only at certain times would he venture back to them but with Hermione's recent open invitation for coffee he felt the urge to revisit them.

Flashback

Once the children were all boarded and the train slowly pulled out of the station the adults started to clear the platform. Ron and Harry hurried off to work, Ginny took her youngest child home leaving Hermione lingering on the train platform as she watch the train grow smaller in the distance.

"They will be fine. If your children are anything like their Mother, you have very little to worry about." His velvet voice said behind her. She turned to see Draco standing before her. His eye had a gentle expression but Merlin's sake that smirk...

"I do believe I owe you a healing cup of coffee. Are you free now?" She asked. Initially, the coffee offer, she thought was a rhetorical thing, however sending both her babies off to school made her feel lonely and heart sick. 'Coffee would be a good distraction even with Malfoy'. She thought. Offering his arm to her they headed back to the Muggle area of the train station for a cup...

"Oh thank you for this, I needed the distraction. My babies are off to Hogwarts, my house is going to feel so empty." She said her smile faltering a bit at the thought.

"You are welcome, I'm glad I could be of service." Draco said with a nod.

"Who knew you are no longer an insufferable prat." She said to Draco with a wink.

"Yes well, who knew you could tame that impossible mane of yours." Draco said with an amused smirk.

"Ugh, spoke too soon... I knew it." Hermione replied with mock distain. Noting the time she spoke again. "I should head home, Ron said he'd be home for dinner tonight. Our first dinner alone together in ... years."

A flash of sadness flickered in Draco's eyes he quickly blinked it away but Hermione caught it. "I'm usually in the area around two o'clock most days, maybe we can meet for coffee again?" She asked.

Draco's smile beamed bright. "I would like that, here's my card, it has my Muggle number on it." He said.

"Who would have thought you would embrace Muggle technology?" She said with a smile.

"People change." He said plainly.

"So very true." She confirmed.

Draco finally made his way home. Poppy the house elf appeared before him, the little elf was wearing a colorful Hawaiian shirt that he had purchased on one of the vacations that he had attended with the young Malfoy family.

Giving a nod to Draco he spoke "Mister has a message, it just arrived by owl." he said handing Draco the small envelope. Taking note of the scorpion embedded on the wax seal, Draco grinned, the note was from Scorpius.

Father,

I had to write to you straight away. You will never guess what house the sorting hat put me.

I'm in Gryffindor... I'm a Lion! I hope you are not too disappointed, I promise to make you proud.

I miss you, will write soon.

Love, your son,

Scorpius

Draco reread the letter twice before he was hit with a fit of the giggles. They started off softly, then as the realization came to him, Draco was doubled over with a fit of laughter. All Poppy could do was look as Draco's peculiar reaction.

Once Draco had calmed from his amusement he turned to Poppy and spoke. "Thank you Poppy... Oh... Our lad has been sorted into Gryffindor... The first Malfoy ever." Draco said with amusement.

The next day

The next day Draco took a chance that Hermione would in fact be at the cafe. He arrived hoping he was early enough to be there before her, luck would have it that he indeed was there before her arrival. Hermione walked into the cafe and after a quick survey of the room she saw the unmistakable platinum blonde sitting in the same seat as the day before. She gave a nod to the waitress as she made her way to join Draco.

"Fancy meeting you here again." She said to him with a smile.

Draco looked up to meet her beautiful smile. She seemed so much lighter than he remembered. It's like the weight of the world was no longer on her shoulders. She looked happy.

"I had a bit of news to share with you, since we never exchanged contact information I was hoping on the off chance that I would meet you here." He replied trying to contain his amusement.

As Hermione sat across from Draco she looked at him bewildered. What could he possibly want to 'share' with me, She thought. The waitress came over to take their order as well as top off Draco's coffee cup. Extending their appreciation for her service, the waitress smiled and walked away. In an instant Draco and Hermione turned to face each other simultaneously.

"What do you have to share with me?" She said quizzically.

Draco just handed her Scorpius' note. Perplexed Hermione took the parchment and read the contents. A smirk grew across her lips, then she let out a few quiet chuckles which slowly grew into giggles that quickly escalated into a laughing fit that caused her to slam her hand a couple of times on the table. Jostling the plates and cutlery on the table. The other patrons had turned to see where the noise was coming from, they were met with the spectacle of a woman in full on hysterics and her amused companion.

Hermione tried to take some deep breaths. Once she had herself centered again, she looked at Draco. "Somewhere in the great beyond generations of Malfoy's have done summersaults in the graves because of this you know." She said not attempting to hide her amusement.

"I have no idea how I will tell my Mother, blood prejudice is one thing but House honor... is another story." Draco said jokingly.

"This takes the cake Draco, you have a son in Gryffindor and Harry's son was in Slytherin... like, who writes this stuff." She mused. "You don't seem unhappy about this news."

"I'm not upset by any means, Scorpius is the polar opposite of me at that age. I was a rite little shit, Scorp, he's such a great kid. His Mother made sure to instill the proper values, love, decency, acceptance, respect. She was amazing... truly amazing." He choked out the last part as Hermione saw the sadness appear in his eyes again.

She held out her hand to him and as he took it he ran him thumb across the pulse point on her wrist. Giving his hand a reaffirming squeeze, she gave him a wink just as the waitress brought over their order. Releasing each other's hands they commenced to enjoying their meal and friendly banter.

One month later

Draco and Hermione would meet pretty often for lunch at the coffee shop. She could not quite place the feelings she had when they were together. He seemed familiar and not because they had known each other for quite some time now. It was more than that, it was a comforting feeling to be near him. Draco enjoyed spending time with Hermione too, though he had to be careful not to revel too much about their past together. She didn't remember the affair they had while she was married to Ron, so some of the stories she told him, he'd already heard but had to pretend it was new information.

While they shared their lunch together she suddenly fell silent. Draco noticed her lack of participation in the conversation, he putting down his sandwich and squared himself to look at her straight on. "What's going on in that pretty head of yours." He asked her with concern in his voice.

She flushed slightly at his compliment. She too, put her fork down and squared her shoulders to face him head on. Taking a deep breath she spoke. "Remember I mentioned that Rose is getting married? Well... she huffed... I.. That is... Will you be my escort to her wedding?" Hermione asked trying to mask her terror. Why was she afraid? Draco and herself are friends. It's no big deal that her good looking friend escort her to her daughter's wedding. After all her ex-husband was sure to have some buxom blonde twit on his arm. She could very well have a handsome blonde on hers.

Draco cocked his eyebrow giving her that signature Malfoy smirk he replied. "You want me to be your date to your daughter's wedding?" There was a twinkle in his eye.

The redness reappeared in her cheeks again. "Well... I mean we could just go it doesn't have to be a 'date' date. It can be just two people, one of which is the Mother of the bride, that would like to show up with someone whom she knows she can have a good time with. It doesn't have to be considered a date per-say-" Hermione rambled on as Draco cut her off.

He reached out for her hand and spoke. "Hermione, I would like to go with you, as your date, to your daughter's wedding." He said calmly quelling her nerves as well.

Hermione gazed into his eyes and gave him a bright smile. "Whew... well that is settled. One less detail to check off the list. Draco, I love my daughter but she is driving me nuts. I'm so glad Ginny is helping with the planning process because I'm slowly losing my mind over which shade of sky blue table cloths matches the bridesmaid dresses. I'm beyond elated she's taking this step in her life but at this point I'd pay her to elope." She said exasperated with her head in her hands.

Draco could only chuckle, he took her hand away from her face and held it in his. "Don't worry, everything will be fine. I'm sure Red has everything under control and I know for a fact that your date will keep you thoroughly distracted spinning you on the dance floor the entre night." He said with a smirk and a wink.

With that Hermione's smile returned and they continued enjoying lunch together.

Three weeks later

Behind the Burrow stood an enormous white tent, the entry was adjacent to the door of the kitchen. You could feel the hum of magic and emotions as the entire family prepared for Rose Weasley's wedding. Rose was upstairs getting ready with her bridesmaids as Molly fussed over the details of each of the four girls.

"Rose love, don't forget to eat. You have a long day ahead. Wouldn't want you to pass out in the wedding cake." Molly mused with her Granddaughter.

"Oh Mums, I'm so nervous I don't think I can." Rose said with a twinge of panic in her voice.

"Aww... little dove, you have nothing to worry about. Today is a happy day, today you're getting married to a wonderful man. Today is not a day for worry." The loving Weasley matriarch assured as she place both her hands on either side of Rose's face and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Come on then let's get you dressed, your parents will be here soon."

A short time later Ron walked in with none other than Lavender Brown. Apparently, Hermione was not far off when she described her ex-husbands date to Draco. Lavender's appearance could mimic that of a famous blonde haired doll. Her bright pink dress would most certainly match the package said doll came in. Ron walked into the Burrow and hollered to his Mother of his arrival. A few moments later Molly came down the stairs to greet her son and his date.

"Ronald my boy." She said as she squeezed him tightly. "Our Rose is a vision, when Hermione gets here you can go see for yourself."

"Hello Molly, it's a gorgeous day for a wedding, yes." Lavender said trying to be pleasant to the older woman.

Molly looked at her and gave her a curt nod. Ron felt the tension begin to mound, quickly he spoke. "I can't wait to see her Mum, it surely is a wonderful day."

With that Molly excused herself to tend to anything other than being in the presence of Lavender "how much silicon can one person carry on their chest" Brown. Ron turned to pat her hand to ease her apprehension. Just then Hermione walked in calling for Molly. As she strode in to the parlor she came upon Ron and Lavender waiting there. Ron noticed her and the odd accessory she was holding on to. The couple stopped together, Ron and Lavender, Hermione and Draco. Ron saw red.

"Have you lost your bloody mind that you bring the fucking ferret to our daughter's wedding?" Ron growled before any phony pleasantries could be exchanged.

Letting go of Draco's hand, Hermione grabbed Ron by the sleeve of his jacket dragging him in to the next room. She cast a strong Muffliato spell around them, then proceeded to wail into Ron.

"How dare you question me about my date when you brought that harlot to the family's Christmas celebration this year. The two of you snogging in front of everyone like two hormonal teenagers. Draco and I have developed a friendship over the past few months, I asked him to be date to this event and he graciously agreed. You have no right to bring your personal feelings into this and ruin our daughter's wedding day with your asinine school boy rivalry. We're all grown up and past this nonsense so you can either act like a an adult and join the rest of us or you can leave but so help me if you only step a toe out of line by ruining this day for our Rose I'll hex you in next week." Hermione unleashed her fury her hair was becoming frizzy as she tried to keep her magic and emotions in check as she chided Ron.

Ron stood there red faced. He had no words to express his rage. The audacity that his ex-wife bring a 'snake' into his family home. Molly and Ginny walked into the room, taking an assessment of the scene before them they both walked over to the irate couple. Molly took a hold of Ron leading him and Lavender to the kitchen. Ginny took a hold of Hermione and the two walked over to Draco.

"Draco, I apologize for my brother he was extremely rude and I really have no excuse for his behavior. I want to you to feel welcomed here especially on what will be a happy occasion." Ginny spoke in a soft caring tone.

"Thank you Ginny I appreciate that. I'm sure my presence was unexpected to Ron. Some feelings just don't go away with time." Draco said with a small smile.

"He has some nerve." Hermione huffed. She then turned to Draco and said. "I'm so sorry he insulted you like that, I didn't think he would be so impolite considering he's the Father of the bride."

Draco put his arm around Hermione's shoulder and gave her a side hug. She unconsciously nuzzled into his embrace.

"We'd better go check on Rose the guests will be here any minute." Ginny said.

"Will you be ok if I leave you here?" Hermione asked Draco.

"Of course love, go check on your girl." He said with a smile.

Ron had finally settled himself as Lavender was in his ear cooing soothing words. Meanwhile upstairs, Hermione had calmed down as well and did a double check of her hair in the mirror before turning again to Rose.

"My baby, you look gorgeous, Gregory won't be able to take his eyes off of you." Hermione beamed at her daughter standing there in her wedding gown an veil.

She smiled a half smile, Hermione took note and asked. "Is everything alright, are you having cold feet?"

"No, no Mother nothing like that it's just... I heard what Daddy said and I'm just..." She trailed off.

"Look at me now, this is your day, nothing and no one will ruin it especially your Father. He has been thoroughly warned, I'll hex his bullocks off if he does. No my love, this day is for you and Gregory." She pulled her daughter in for a tight hug.

'We're ready for you' Ginny's voice carried up to the rafters of the house. "You are the best thing that ever happened to me, I wish you all the happiness in the world my love. Now let go get you married." Hermione said giving her daughter one last dose of encouragement.

The wedding ceremony went off without a hitch. There were some laughs, there were some happy tears, there were stares that could kill. All in all a beautiful ceremony. During the reception, Draco stayed true to his word and kept Hermione dancing most of the night. The only couple who had a better time than herself and Draco was Rose and her husband Gregory.

The evening started to wind down and the upbeat music from earlier was replaced by soft songs of love and devotion. Hermione was bidding some of the guests farewell as she turned to head back to look for Draco she found him staring out of the window of the tent to the dark night sky. As she approached him she reached out to touch his shoulder. He turned his face towards her and that was when she noticed his eyes were glossy. Her face changed to one of concern as she took his hand and leading him away from the window.

"Come with me." She said softly. They walked out of the tent to another entrance to the Burrow. In the seclusion of the solarium, she'd for the second time of the day cast a Muffliato spell. Seating Draco in one of the chairs she spoke to him softly. "It's ok to miss your wife."

He looked up at her, then suddenly he pulled her close wrapping his arms around her waist as he rested his head on her stomach. Softly the sobs came his body shook as he let out his emotions. She gently ran her fingers through his hair.

"I can't truly understand what it's like to lose a spouse but I'm here if you need a hand to hold." She spoke softly to him as he clung to her. Once he caught himself he apologized for ruining her evening.

"You are allowed to miss your wife. You loved her there is no need to apologize for loving and missing her." She said as he stood up. "There is a small powder room through that door." She said pointing to the door behind her.

Draco splashed some water on his face and cast a spell to clear up any traces of his tears from his face. Walking back out to Hermione he said. "Thank you Hermione, it's been... tough to say the least."

"I'm sorry you are in so much pain Draco." She replied as she wrapped her arms around his waist. They held there embrace for a moment. She noticed that their bodies seemed to fit together like perfect puzzle pieces.

"I just need time." Draco said.

"Take all the time you need." She said with a small smile.