November
She stood on the terrace, hands braced on the balustrade, looking out over the gardens and across the lagoon. The sun was slowly rising and the grass was damp with early morning dew. Hermione had been awake for the best part of 48 hours, helping the woman who had once been a childhood foe bring her son into the world. She was utterly exhausted. A peaceful contentment washed over her as she contemplated the view in solitude while the rest of the household slept.
Unbeknownst to her, Draco stood casually leaning against the stone pillar where the open plan lounge opened up onto the terrace. He watched on enraptured by the beautiful witch who was so lost in her own ruminations. She had bewitched him, the moment she had walked back into his life, body and soul, and now he was totally in awe of her. He had known for a while the depth of feeling he had for her, but it wasn't until he had watched her, moist washcloth in hand, on her knees, whispering words of encouragement and comfort to a woman who had scorned her most of her adolescence as she laboured, that he realised that her empathy knew no bounds and this knowledge had a profound impact on him. He loved her at her very worst and he loved her at her very best. He loved Hermione Granger unconditionally.
A gentle cool breeze blew across from the lagoon and he watched her shiver involuntarily, her arms crossing in front of her for warmth. He quietly mused how she forgot she was a witch sometimes and didn't use her wand for simple things like warming charms. Pushing himself off from the wall, he moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her neck. Rather than startle at the action she smiled and melted into him as if she were part of him. He supposed she was really.
He nuzzled at her neck as she brought her hand up to the back of his head, her fingers weaving their way through his hair. His hands came up to cup her breasts and she moaned softly. As he sucked on her earlobe, she moaned again. Breaking away, he turned her around and kissed her deeply, gathering up her hair in his hands. Whimpering under his touch, she leaned into him. He broke away again, breathless, taking her hands in his and leading her into the lounge. Stopping for a moment, he used his wand to light the fire and then lay her down on the rug in front of it. Kissing her slowly, he memorised every touch and taste, the way she felt under him and the way she would moan and gasp at his caresses. He pulled her ratty Gryffindor top over her head before bringing his tongue down to wear her braless nipples had hardened at the slight draught. She gasped as he nibbled at her, pulling at his hair gently.
With lingering looks, soft smiles and gentle languid caresses, he brought her to the edge of a slow sweet release. He discarded his clothes before settling himself between her legs, opening her up with a gentleness she had not before experience. Wanting more, she opened her mouth to speak but he silenced her with his mouth, grazing her tongue with his own.
Taking her hands in his, he lifted her left hand, turning it before pressing a soft kiss to the inside of her wrist. Pressed to her opening, he looked deeply into her hazel pools, his gaze clouding over as he watched her breath hitch in her throat as he slowly, teasingly, filled her up. She moaned and it sent shivers down his spine. With a languorous pace, he thrust, building her slowly to a sensual climax. Holding her gaze, he brought himself to his own peak, before the waves crashed over him, washing him anew as he whispered her name.
Cupping his face, she stroked a thumb over his cheek before he brought his lips down to hers. Still inside her, they were connected in this moment and he felt complete, another wall coming down as he stared into her eyes. She smiled at him and he brought his forehead to hers, brushing her nose with his. He placed a chaste kiss on her cherry lips, his eyes growing serious. Uncertainty touched the edge of her psyche as he opened his mouth to speak.
" I love you, Hermione"