'I'm going to Diagon Alley this afternoon. Do you want anything?' Hermione asked Ron. She had joined him and Harry in their office for lunch.

'Why are you going there?' Ron asked without much interest.

Hermione shrugged. 'I just fancied an afternoon shopping. Why, do you want to come with me?'

Ron looked as if he would rather slit his own wrists than spend the afternoon trawling the shops with Hermione. She didn't miss the look and tried not to feel too disappointed.

'No, I can't. We've got loads to do,' he told her. 'In fact, I might have to work late tonight.'

'Oh, right. What are you working on?' Hermione asked.

Ron ignored her, apparently now buried deep in his newspaper. She turned to look at Harry, who quickly followed suit, although she didn't miss his look of embarrassment.

'Fine. Well, I'll see you later, then,' Hermione said, trying not to sound upset. She stood and leaned over the desk, kissing Ron on the cheek. 'Don't work too hard, love.'

With a final look at Harry she made her way out of the office and went back to her own to pack away her things. She could feel the tears forming and was determined to stop them. By the time she had cleared everything away she was feeling slightly calmer. Refusing to think unhappy and disconcerting thoughts any longer, she set off into the bustling streets of London, crowded with Muggles doing their Christmas shopping. It wasn't long before she arrived at the Leaky Cauldron, the pub that housed the entrance to Diagon Alley. She stopped for a pumpkin juice and a chat with Hannah Longbottom, an old school friend and landlady of the pub, before heading out into the back yard and tapping on the second brick from the left above the dustbin to reveal the entrance to the wizarding street.

Stepping through the gateway, she admired the winding street with its array of shops and stalls before heading off down one side of the road. Although she had said she was shopping, she really meant window shopping. Even though she and Ron both had good jobs and were fairly well paid they weren't wealthy, and with two children to clothe and feed money was quite tight, especially with Christmas coming up. She bought a few small items that were either needed or would make inexpensive Christmas gifts, stopping here and there to peer into shop windows.

Currently she was looking in the window of a rather fine lingerie shop, imagining what it would be like to own such beautiful underwear. Hers were very definitely more functional than sexy these days.

'Personally, I've always fantasised about you wearing Slytherin colours,' a lush voice said quietly in her ear. 'Preferably lying on my bed.'

She turned and saw Draco Malfoy smirking at her.

'What are you doing here?' she asked, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

'The same as you, I imagine,' Draco answered with a shrug. 'Thinking about you in all that wonderful underwear.' Hermione automatically slapped his arm. 'No, seriously, I had some business at Gringotts and I thought I'd do a little shopping while I was here. I just spotted you as I was walking up the road. And you?'

'I'm having an afternoon off. Doing a bit of shopping,' Hermione said. She indicated the few bags she was carrying.

'So are you going to get some?' Draco asked, indicating the lingerie in the window. 'I'd be more than happy to help you choose.' He gave her an ostentatious wink.

Hermione shook her head. 'No, I've no need for new underwear.' She turned away from the shop.

'Who said anything about needing?' Draco asked. 'You should buy because you want it. Be passionate, Hermione.'

'But I don't want it, either,' Hermione protested. She wasn't sure she sounded that convincing. If she was honest she would love some of the wonderful lingerie, but it was well out of her price range.

'Hmmm. Well, I think you should try it on anyway,' Draco said lecherously.

Hermione gave a laugh and shook her head. 'You're just a pervert, Malfoy.'

He grinned and confided, 'That's probably true, but I really do want to see you in your underwear . . . well, actually without your underwear would be even better.'

Hermione shook her head again. 'I think we need to leave here,' she said. 'This shop is giving you ideas, bad ideas. Do you fancy a cup of tea?'

She led Draco away from the shop and into a café, where they ordered a pot of tea.

'You haven't done much shopping, have you?' Draco said, looking at the small pile of bags at the side of her chair.

'I don't really have that much to buy. I was just looking really,' Hermione said. She wasn't telling Draco that she had no money.

'Are you as badly off as the rest of the Weasleys?' Draco asked bluntly. He looked at her intently. Hermione said nothing but flushed with embarrassment at the question. 'Sorry,' Draco said, sounding contrite. He held up his hands placatingly. 'It's none of my business and it was rude of me to ask.'

'We're not badly off,' Hermione said, suddenly feeling the need to justify herself. 'It's just that with Christmas coming up . . . .' She let the sentence drop.

'Ah yes, Christmas,' Draco said with a smile. 'I believe we'll be having a party. Scorpius has been trying to convince me to allow his friends over. Of course that means Albus, Rosie and James, so I might just as well invite you all round, make a great big party of it.' He took a sip of his tea. 'And I'll have a special Christmas present for you!' He winked at her salaciously.

'Stop it,' Hermione replied tartly, and she drained the last of her tea.

'Stop what?' Draco asked, his face a mask of innocence.

'You know what,' Hermione muttered. She reached for her bags.

'Where else do you want to go?' Draco asked.

Hermione looked surprised. 'You don't have to come with me,' she said.

'No, I know I don't, but I want to,' Draco replied. 'I don't have anything better to do this afternoon. I might as well carry your bags for you.'

'I'm just wandering really,' Hermione admitted. 'Just seeing if anything catches my eye.'

'Like sexy underwear?' Draco asked.

'Forget about the underwear,' Hermione replied exasperatedly.

'Spoilsport,' Draco retorted, although he smiled as he said it. 'So can I come with you?'

Hermione looked at him appraisingly for a couple of seconds before nodding her head in agreement, then gave the bags she had picked up to Draco to carry. The two of them spent the next couple of hours slowly wandering Diagon Alley, talking and joking as they window-shopped, both thoroughly enjoying each other's company.

When Hermione arrived home from the shopping trip she was surprised to find a large box waiting for her. It was white with a large black velvet ribbon beautifully tied around it. She took the box through to the bedroom along with her other bags and set it on the bed whilst she hid the Christmas gifts she had bought. Once everything had been put away she turned back to the box. There was no label on it to give a clue as to sender or vendor, but it was obviously expensive. The box was very thick and of good quality, as was the heavy ribbon. Almost holding her breath, she untied the bow and opened the box to reveal layers of crisp white tissue paper. Peeling that back, she found herself staring at two sets of underwear, one in the green and silver of Slytherin, the other in the red and gold of Gryffindor.

She pulled out the sets, looking with astonishment at the beautiful garments. She knew they had to be from Draco. The material was soft — silk, she guessed — and the colours shimmered as she held them to the light. They were so delicate and extremely beautiful and there was no way she could keep them. If Ron found them, how on earth would she explain why she had them? He knew she would never spend so much money on underwear, and she certainly wouldn't have bought underwear in Slytherin colours.

She definitely wasn't going to keep them, but the urge to try them on was too much. For once in her life she would wear something expensive, even if only for a couple of minutes. She quickly removed her clothes and put on the exquisite underwear, wondering for a moment how Draco had known what size she was. She was sure Ron wouldn't have a clue, even after all these years together. They fitted perfectly and she had to admit they did make her feel very sexy. A few minutes later the items were packed away in the box again and had been reduced and hidden at the back of her wardrobe until she could find time to return them to the shop.

. . .

It was late when Ron had finally arrived home. Hugo had been in bed for hours and the dinner Hermione had made for her husband lay forgotten in the oven. Hermione had fallen asleep on the sofa reading a book and was awakened by the sound of a rather drunk Ron trying not to make a noise as he entered the house.

'Where have you been?' she asked unhappily. It was obvious he hadn't been at work all this time.

'Stopped for a little drink after work,' Ron said, slurring.

'It's almost one o'clock in the morning,' Hermione said looking at the clock. 'You finish work at five.'

'I had to work late,' Ron said, the alcohol making him somewhat belligerent. 'I told you that. And I felt like a drink when I'd finished. Is that a problem?'

'I think you should go to bed and sleep it off,' Hermione told him coldly.

'I need to eat.'

'Well, your dinner's in the oven. It will need reheating. I'm going to bed. I'll see you in the morning.'

Hermione lay in bed listening to Ron downstairs in the kitchen. She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep until he came to bed, until he was safe beside her as he had been for so many years. She didn't want to think about where he had been tonight. She had a feeling that if she analysed too hard she wouldn't like the answer.

It was the last day of term and Ron and Hermione, along with their friends and relatives, were on platform nine and three-quarters with the other parents awaiting the arrival of the Hogwarts Express. Looking around, Hermione spotted Draco and Astoria and waved to them before turning back to her conversation with Ginny and Fleur. A few minutes later Fleur moved away and Draco made his way over to them, smiling widely as he greeted the women.

'Do we think our boys will make the trip unscathed?' he asked Ginny seriously. 'I think I shall need to be having a quiet word with Scorpius over the holidays.' He gave a deep chuckle.

'Yes, Harry and I will be talking to Albus, too,' Ginny said. 'And George — he's really got to stop supplying those two with his jokes, especially the untested stuff. I thought I was going to die of shame when the Headmistress wrote to us about the last incident.'

Draco laughed. 'I was just glad no one else was injured,' he said seriously. 'I told Scorpius it served him right for taking the ruddy things in the first place.'

Albus and Scorpius had been given a box of untested Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes sweets by George and had spent a wet afternoon when they were stuck in the common room trying them out. The resulting illness had left them both in the Hospital Wing for several days.

'Astoria and I are going to hold a party for Christmas. Of course you will all be invited. The invitations should be with you in a few days.' He smiled pleasantly again. 'Ah, the train's coming.' He craned his neck to look over the crowds on the platform, his height an advantage, then he turned back to look at Hermione. 'How are you, Hermione?' he asked, looking intently at her.

'I'm good, thank you, Draco,' Hermione lied. 'And you?'

'Oh, you know.' He shrugged.

Ginny wandered off to find Harry, leaving Hermione and Draco alone.

'Are you wearing the underwear?' Draco asked quietly. He smirked at her.

'No, and I won't be wearing it. I can't keep it, Draco.'

'Of course you can,' Draco said smoothly. 'It's only a few small items, after all.'

'A few small items I could never afford,' Hermione hissed quietly, points of red rising in her cheeks. 'What do you think Ron would say if he saw them?'

'Well, if he had any sense he would be ecstatic at how sexy you looked,' Draco drawled. 'Surely you must have some decent underwear already?'

'What for?' Hermione asked sounding confused. 'Ron and I aren't exactly Romeo and Juliet, you know. I don't think he has even seen my underwear for years.'

Draco smirked again. 'You and I could be, though . . . and I'll happily look at your underwear any time you want me to,' he whispered.

Hermione blushed again. 'That is not what I meant,' she said quickly. 'I'm sorry, Draco. Lovely as it is, I can't keep the underwear. I have to return it.'

Draco took her hand and looked deep into her eyes. 'Please don't send it back, Hermione,' he requested quietly. 'I'm sure you can find somewhere to keep it that Weasley won't look.'

'But I won't wear it.'

'Yes, you will,' Draco promised with a smile. 'I know that one day you will. So keep it . . . please?' He dropped her hand as the train began to pull into the station with a whistle and a puff of steam. 'I have to go. Astoria will be wondering where I am,' he said a touch morosely. 'I'll see you over Christmas.'

He walked back to his wife, leaving Hermione to find Ron and her children.

The Malfoys' party took place on Christmas Day. It was a riotous affair as they had invited all the Weasleys plus a great many other friends and family, and the huge dining room was full when they all sat down for Christmas dinner — the adults at one table, the children at another. Albus and Scorpius had already been split up, with a warning not to cause any trouble, and for once it appeared they were actually listening to their parents.

Draco had been watching Hermione and Ron ever since they arrived at the manor. It was obvious their relationship hadn't got any better over the last few months. He couldn't help feeling glad. The last thing he wanted was for Hermione to be happy with her husband. For a moment he felt a touch of guilt at that thought, but it soon passed. He was also glad that in the end she hadn't returned the underwear he had bought for her. In fact, he was hoping she had chosen to wear some of it today. He certainly intended to find out later, just as soon as he could get her alone.

The meal lasted for hours, as big gatherings do. By the time they finally left the table everyone was feeling stuffed from the huge quantity of good food they had consumed.

'I think I could do with a sleep now,' Ginny said, rubbing her tummy ruefully. 'I should never have eaten so much, but it was all so tempting.'

Arthur and Molly were talking to Astoria, thanking her for inviting them, as Hermione went to sit with Ron.

'Do you want to go for a walk?' she asked her husband hopefully as she watched Albus and Scorpius talking avidly to George, obviously planning something.

'What, now?' Ron looked dumbfounded.

'Yes, I thought we could walk off the lunch. Draco says the gardens are still impressive, even in the winter. They have a knot garden I would really like to see.'

'Can't you just sit down for a bit?' Ron asked grumpily.

'I thought it would be nice,' Hermione told him. 'I thought it would give us a bit of time alone for a change. We have so little time together these days, Ron.'

Ron sighed. 'I don't want to go for a walk, 'Mione,' he said sulkily. 'I just want to relax after my meal. Is that too much to ask?'

'I'm sorry,' Hermione said quietly, sounding upset. 'I just thought it would be nice to be alone with you for a while. Don't worry about it. I'll go on my own.'

She stood and waited for a second, but Ron didn't change his mind as she had hoped he would. The guilt trip she had attempted to lay on him either went straight over his head or didn't bother him at all, so she headed toward the hall to collect her boots and cloak.

'Not leaving already, are you?' asked a smooth voice that sounded disappointed. It was Draco.

'No, I'm going for a walk. I ate far too much at lunch and need to walk it off,' she said with a smile.

'Ron not going with you?' Draco asked, glancing through the open door to where Ron and Harry were now both lounging in chairs.

'No, he wants to sleep off his meal. But I can't just sit around doing nothing,' Hermione replied, trying to keep her frustration with her husband in check.

'I could show you around the house instead,' Draco suggested. 'It's a bit cold for a walk outside, and walking up and down the stairs in here will definitely work off the meal.'

Hermione thought for a moment then nodded, putting her cloak back onto the peg and removing the boots.

'How many rooms do you have?' she asked as Draco took her arm and led her towards a grand staircase in the entrance hall.

'Well, we have fifteen bedrooms,' Draco said, trying to work it out. 'I am going to show you the west wing today,' he continued conversationally as they walked up the stairs. 'The east wing is where Astoria lives and I wouldn't want to go in there without telling her first.'

'You live in separate wings?' Hermione said, frowning a little.

Draco gave an easy grin. 'I did tell you our marriage was as successful as my parents' is. Astoria and I find it much easier to get on when we don't actually have to spend any time with each other.'

'Then again, living apart like that doesn't actually increase the chance of a more intimate relationship growing between the two of you, does it?' Hermione pointed out fairly. 'You would have to work things out with Astoria if the two of you were sharing a bed. Perhaps it's living apart from each other that's ruining your marriage.'

'What's your excuse, then?' Draco bit back a little sharply. He didn't want Hermione giving him tips on making his marriage better. 'I assume you and Ron sleep in the same room, and it's not given you a happy relationship, has it?'

Hermione looked a little upset. 'There's nothing wrong with my relationship with Ron,' she said tersely.

Draco raised his hands placatingly, forcing himself to calm down. 'Okay, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. Forgive me, Hermione.'

At the top of the stairs they turned left and headed down a long gallery, the walls of which were covered with portraits. Malfoy ancestors, Hermione assumed; they all had that same haughty look about them, as if there was a nasty smell just under their noses. All the men had the white-blond hair and pale features Draco sported, as did many of the women, a sure sign of the in-breeding that had so rampantly infected many of the pure-blood lines.

'Family,' Draco said dismissively as they walked slowly down the corridor. 'Of course, most of them won't talk to me now. They think I'm some sort of blood traitor.'

One of the paintings turned its back on them purposefully as they walked past. Hermione peered at the nameplate — Abraxas Malfoy.

Draco shrugged. 'That was my grandfather. He was the one who drummed all that pure-blood rubbish into my father.'

The next painting showed his father. Lucius Malfoy stared from the frame; he looked just as Hermione remembered him although he was looking a little older, especially around the eyes. The portrait stared interestedly as the couple walked past.

'You finally got her here, then.' Lucius' voice was an amused drawl. 'And you haven't had to drug or abduct her, either. However did you manage that?'

Draco looked at the picture with annoyance. 'Hermione is one of many guests here today, Father. We are taking a walk around the house to work off our lunch.'

'Are you going to show her your bedroom?' the portrait asked knowingly. 'I am sure you can think of a way to work off your meal in there.' He winked lewdly.

'There is nothing going on between Draco and me,' Hermione told the portrait angrily.

Lucius smirked. 'Maybe not, but he would sure as hell like there to be. He has always had a bit of a soft spot for you, Miss Granger.'

Hermione felt herself blushing.

Draco took her hand. 'Come on, Hermione. Don't worry about him.' He gave a sharp look at the portrait as if willing it to shut up.

'Don't forget to let me know what you think of Draco's bedroom.' Lucius' voice drifted to them as they walked away. 'It used to be mine. I don't think he has changed the décor considerably.'

'I'm sorry about that,' Draco said as they continued down the hall. 'I guess my father really did know about my feelings.' He laughed deprecatingly.

'Perhaps we should go back. I'm sure we'll be missed by now,' Hermione said, feeling uncomfortable again at the sudden mention of Draco's infatuation with her.

'No, we won't. Most of the adults will be asleep by now and the kids will be cooking up all sorts of mischief — with George's help, no doubt. I saw him conspiring with Scorpius and Albus earlier.' He grinned. 'Anyway, my father's right. I do want to show you my bedroom.'

'Oh, Draco, I really don't think that's a good idea,' Hermione protested.

Draco laughed again. 'Well, we're almost there now.' He indicated a door just ahead on the left. 'Anyway, your present is in there so we need to stop off and get it.'

'My present,' Hermione said in surprise. 'Why did you get me a present?'

'I told you I had a special present for you,' he said smugly.

'I know, but I didn't think—' Hermione broke off, looking embarrassed. She stepped away from him, dropping his hand.

Draco looked at her, smiling wickedly. 'Oh, I see. You thought when I said special present, I meant something sexual,' he said laughingly.

Hermione didn't reply but looked away. Draco's hand reached out to gently grab her chin, turning her to face him.

'Hermione, I'd be more than happy to perform any sexual favour you want,' he told her honestly. 'However, that isn't the reason for getting you into my bedroom, I promise.'

He took her hand again and led her to the door, opening it to reveal a beautifully decorated room. A moment later they were inside and he closed the door behind them. Hermione looked around in amazement. It was decorated in Slytherin colours, unsurprisingly, but it was astonishingly beautiful.

'Wow!' she said as she spun around, taking it all in.

'My father was correct. It was his room for many years,' Draco said. 'I haven't changed it because I always thought it perfect.'

'It is,' Hermione agreed quietly.

Like every other room in the house the décor screamed money, but in this private sanctuary it had been lavished beyond all imagining. The walls were watered silk in pale silver-grey, a few shades lighter than the thick and luxurious carpet that covered the floor. At the large windows were long, thick velvet curtains of forest green. The furniture that dotted the room was old and expensive, the material striped silk in forest green and silver. One wall seemed to contain a great many mirrors and Hermione smiled to herself thinking about both Lucius and Draco's vanity over their good looks. Closer examination revealed that the mirrors were actually wardrobes. The focus of the room was the extremely large four-poster bed, yet again decorated in forest green but this time with black, a jacquard print which took in the bed curtains, the comforter, and the mound of pillows upon it. It looked opulent and comfortable, warm and inviting.

Draco smiled. 'I'm glad you like it,' he said smoothly. He moved closer, pulling Hermione into his arms, and his lips found hers in a gently questing kiss. 'Are you wearing my underwear?' he asked cheekily as she pulled away from him when the kiss finished.

'No, I told you I won't wear it. You should have let me return it.' Hermione's voice was a little tense.

Draco looked upset for a moment before giving a large and expressive sigh. 'I was sure you would wear it today,' he said, feigning misery. 'I am sure you look wonderful in it.'

'That would be your Christmas present, would it?' Hermione asked, trying to lighten what was threatening to become a rather heavy moment, 'Me, wearing your underwear.'

'Getting to see you in your underwear would be my present,' Draco said honestly. 'But I can wait. You are going to wear it, and when you do I will get to see it.' He winked at her. 'Anyway, time for your present. Go and wait on the bed.'

He dashed across the room and opened one of the wardrobes and rummaged around inside for a few moments. Pulling out a small package, he laid it on the bed and sat down next to it. Hermione hadn't moved. She was still standing in the middle of the room.

'Come on. I am not going to attack you or anything,' Draco said with a smile, patting the bed next to him. 'At least not unless you want me to.'

Hermione shook her head, sighing, and walked towards the bed.

'How many times do I have to tell you I am not interested?' she said.

'Until you stop lying,' Draco replied. 'I know you want me, Hermione. You're just too scared to act on it.'

'How big is your ego, Draco?' Hermione asked, shaking her head in amazement again.

Draco laughed. 'Come and sit down and open your present.'

Hermione sat gingerly on the edge of the bed. It was even more comfortable than it looked and she settled more firmly on it before looking at the parcel Draco pushed her way.

'Happy Christmas, Hermione,' he said quietly.

'You shouldn't have got me a present,' Hermione said, frowning slightly.

'But I wanted to,' Draco replied, his hand reaching out to stroke hers. 'Now open it.'

Hermione took the gift and looked at it for a moment. A long, thin package, it was exquisitely wrapped in heavy gold paper with a green and gold lamé ribbon tied in an elaborate bow. A string of green crystals had been interwoven with it.

'It's almost too beautiful to open,' Hermione said softly.

Draco squeezed her hand. 'It's only paper and ribbon. Just open it, Hermione.'

Slowly she unravelled the ribbon, laying it and the crystals on the bed before moving to carefully open the paper, making sure not to rip it. Under the paper was a black box. She looked at it quietly for at least a minute.

'You have to open the box, too,' Draco told her.

Taking a deep breath, she opened it and looked at the contents. Nestled on the black velvet was a necklace; a wide, choker-like necklace of fine golden mesh with clusters of rubies.

'Oh, Draco, you shouldn't have,' Hermione whispered.

She pushed the box back across the bed towards him, trying to give it back. Draco pushed it back to her.

'I want you to have it,' he said. 'Please?'

'I can't accept that. It must have cost a fortune,' Hermione said unhappily.

Draco gave a brief shake of his head. 'Don't think of the cost. It's just a gift.'

'But I can't wear it, not when Ron's around. He'll want to know where I got it.'

Draco smiled again. 'Then wear it when you are with me.'

Hermione shook her head. 'I am not going to be spending time alone with you, Draco. Please stop this. We're both married.'

Draco grabbed her hands tightly. 'I just want to spend time with you, Hermione,' he said quietly.

'I love Ron,' Hermione stated, but she sounded miserable.

'And I love you,' Draco said without a trace of humour.

He pulled Hermione into his arms. His lips found hers, crushing her soft mouth with his hard one. His tongue slid slowly between her lips, not forceful but sensual as he licked the inside of her mouth. As they kissed he pushed her beneath him on the bed so his body was pressed against hers, holding her tightly.

'I'll do anything you ask of me,' he whispered before kissing her again, 'absolutely anything. Just name it and I'll do it for you, my love.'

'Then let me go,' Hermione begged. 'Please, Draco, I can't do this. You have to let me go.' She wriggled frantically in his arms.

'Merlin's beard, Hermione, we've been through this. We are both unhappy in our marriages, whether you want to admit it or not. Let's not keep pretending we are not attracted to each other, because we are. I know it scares you, but you can't deny it.'

But Hermione was getting distressed now, trying urgently to pull away from Draco even as he tried to hold her tighter. Knowing he had no choice, he released her.

'Please, Draco, I need to go back to the party,' Hermione said, sounding on the verge of tears. She stood up and headed for the door.

Draco sighed and followed her, leaving the necklace and the wrapping on the bed.

'I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you,' he told her as he followed her out of the room. 'Please calm down, Hermione, at least before we join the others.'

Hermione slowed to wait for him, rubbing her eyes, trying to stop the tears that had formed in them.

'Upset her again, have you, boy?' Lucius' portrait asked sneeringly. They had stopped just in front of his picture.

Hermione glared at the painting. 'Why don't you just shut up for a change?' she told it.

'I'm so sorry, Hermione,' Draco said again, ignoring the portrait's comment. He reached out to gently touch her face. 'I never meant to hurt you, love. I promise I won't mention it again.'

He leant forward giving her a chaste kiss on the lips, then checked that she had stopped crying before releasing her. In the background Lucius' portrait made a sound of disgust as they walked back towards the stairs.