Because of all the people who have favorite and followed this story after only having one chapter posted so I'm posted the next two chapters ahead of my schedule. Thank you and keep the reviews coming.

AN: So I know in the first chapter I wrote that Draco and Astoria weren't married yet but that was error so from here on end, the story line will follow as they are married.

Songs: Tower (Don't Look Down) by Skylar Grey /Colorblind by The Counting Crows [sex scene]

Chapter Two – Hermione's New Life

*Hermione*

As I graded the last of the NEWT'S for Defense Against The Dark Arts, I thought back on the journey I took to get here.

It was hard to believe that I've been teaching for two years. After I left Hogwarts in January, I spent the next six months exploring the school and learning about the rules and the government. Much like the Ministry in London, the Ministry here had a hand in what the students were to learn.

When I taught Muggle Studies, I was able to explain even the most basic of muggle items in a way that ensured everyone understood.

Defense Against the Dark Arts was another story. Most of the students knew who I was and had questions about everything they heard while the others wanted to know everything that I knew.

When I explained how I spent most of my evenings reading and memorizing books, some of the enthusiasm dissipated but most did as I said and routinely came to me with questions about different spells and enchantments.

"Professor Granger, do you have a minute?" I heard Headmistress Graves ask.

"For you ma'am, I have two. Is this about the Summit Meeting next month?"

The Summit Meeting was something I first learned about during my interview. Since the American Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry was a fairly new school, they held summit meeting during the summer for a week to discuss their school with the Headmasters and Headmistresses of the five other magical schools.

It began as a way to bridge the gap between the diverse communities but quickly turned in a meeting of the minds. I was excited when I was asked to attend before the inaugural school year and attended every once since then.

"In a manner of speaking," she began before clearing her throat. "As you know, we offered you the teaching positions on a temporary basis, until we were able to find another."

"Yes, Headmaster Graves mentioned he was interviewing persons for the Muggle Studies position earlier this year. I hadn't realized he made his decision."

Headmistress Graves nodded and smiled politely. There was something else, something hidden in her smile.

"I understand you have grown accustomed to being a professor but how would you feel about being a governor for the school?"

My mouth dropped and I quickly closed it. I was shocked and confused. I had only been here for a couple of years and many of the other professors had more experience and more years as an educator than I.

"Ms. Granger, you have a passion for this school that could rival my own. I see it in your eyes and at the summit meetings. My husband and I agree that you would better serve the school as a governor for the school, acting on our behalf during the various ministry meetings and such."

"Wow, I … don't know what to say. I've enjoying teaching and sharing my experiences with the students-"

"And you still will be able to. As one of the head governors, you'll have a say in what classes will be assigned to the curriculum as well as the books for them and the library. Please say yes. There is no one else I could trust to act on my behalf that would do so without self-serving reasons. I know you would present yourself in a most pleasant light and fight for what's best for the school."

"You said I would be one of the head governors. If you don't mind me asking, how will the board of governors be appointed and who would be the other head governor?"

"Well, the board will consist of 10 members, 12 including the head governors. Each member will be required to vote and decide on any issues concerning the school, its students and the benefactors and conduct disciplinary hearings as needed. They will personally be appointed by the Headmaster and myself and remain in power until such a time they no longer need be.

Headmistress Graves went on to state the other members of the board; a couple of generous benefactors, three ministry officials from the Department of Education, three professors, the librarian, Madam Clancy and the Historian , Professor Varney. The position of head governor would be filled by myself and another temporary professor.

"Sorry I'm late; I had the most difficult time finding your classroom Professor Granger. Lovely to see you Mother." The guest smiled as he walked with an air of confidence.

"Professor Granger, I'm sure you remember my son Erik Graves?"

"How could she forget her own boyfriend, Mother? That would not bode well for our relationship." Erik chuckled as he leaned down to kiss his mother on the check before doing the same to me, taking the vacant seat across from my desk.

Erik was the Graves eldest and only son. He had studied at Hogwarts, having graduated 3 years before I would have. Erik was classically handsome with dark blonde hair, slicked and parted on the side; blue-grey eyes and a slightly rugged five o'clock shadow.

As always, he was dressed to impress in a dark teal suit, a green and white striped shirt, no tie and brown shoes to match his belt.

"I was just informing Professor Granger of the job offer. But she has yet to accept it. I was hoping you could convince her." Headmistress Graves joked.

I blushed and replied, "Your mother was answering all of my questions. I was thrilled and ready to say yes before she even told me you were the other Head Governor."

Erik shook his head and commented in his mother's meddling manner. "Mother believes by forcing us to work together, we'll become something more."

"It's not often that I approve of the women in your life. But when you brought Hermione home, I knew she was the one for you. So yes I do want you to set the date, before you scare her off and someone else snatches her up."

I smiled and for the first time in a while, my thoughts went to Draco.

When I left Hogwarts, I swore I would put him behind me and move forward with my life. Not long after I moved in with Viktor did the daily prophet release their article announcing the engagement of Draco and Astoria.

Viktor promptly threw it in the trash in an effort to cheer me up. "Forget about him Mione. He lost you and I know he will regret that decision for the rest of his life."

"I know but I did love him once. I can't just pretend that that part of my life doesn't exist. That would be like pretending the war didn't happen; that Dumbledore and Fred are still alive. No I just have to deal with it."

And I did by throwing myself into everything so I didn't have time for a personal life. After living at Viktor's for a week, I began looking for a place of my own.

I found a two bedroom house to rent and began living the life I once knew. As I was a muggle-born, I could live among them and never have them be none the wiser.

"I assure you Mother, I won't let that happen. I love her too much to let her go. And anyone who has, well, they're a fool and I thank them for their stupidity."

"Did you know you're mother was going to ask me to be on the board?" I asked Erik as I set the table.

"I did but I was surprised she asked me. I was fine just teaching Transfiguration."

"You do excel at that. But I have to ask, why now?"

As Erik placed the plates of shrimp linguini on the table he explained his parents dream for the school.

"They, as well as us, have generated a lot of buzz about the school. At the last summit meeting, we brought up a lot of plans, mainly the expansion plan. My parents' are hoping to absorb the secondary into our school, taking in the students the year they turn 7 and educating them from the beginning.

"The school is finally prospering and generating a lot of good press. Since we're hosting the Summit this year, we're going to invite the governors of the other schools to discuss business with us after the opening night gala. Each school will be sending 2 governors each, so we'll each be responsible for one; showing them around and swap ideas about the school.

As he discussed the plan in more detail, I nodded my understanding; loving how passionate Erik was becoming about his new role. From the night we met, I knew he would never be comfortable being in the background.

"I loved your discussion earlier about the Wizarding Exchange Program. It's was the only thing I enjoyed at this insufferable conference." I heard someone call out behind me.

I turned and was met with a brilliant smile and a dazzling pair of blue-grey eyes.

"Well I'm glad you enjoyed it. Most of the wizards here don't seem to think we can benefit from international friendships."

He chuckled and said, "A wise wizard once said, 'We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided."

"My sentiments exactly. You went to Hogwarts?"

He stuck out his hand and introduced himself as Erik Graves, Hogwarts alum.

"I knew who you were before you even got up to speak. I remember you from my days at Hogwarts. You would always watch your house's Quidditch practices with a gingered hair loud mouth boy."

"Did you play for Gryffindor?"

He shook his head no, explaining he was in Ravenclaw. "But my best mate was Captain of the Gryffindor team, Oliver Wood."

"So that would put you about three years ahead of me in school."

"Yes, I graduated in '94."

From there, we discussed our favorite classes and books and old classmates. After the war, Oliver fell in love with the nurse who treated his minor injuries. I told him about Harry and Ron, leaving out his descent into darkness.

The band struck up a lively tune and Erik pulled me out of my seat, not taking no for an answer.

He was a graceful dancer who could be silly at times, making me laugh with his renditions of a tango when the band was playing a waltz.

"So how are we going to decide who will handle which ambassador?" I asked, putting the plates in the sink.

Erik sat on the floor, sorting through his notes on the coffee table, reading off the names of the school's representatives.

"I was going to assign them based on the persons coming to the school. I was hoping you wouldn't mind handling one of the Beauxbatons ambassadors. After all, you have History with the school and know how to handle the Veelas."

"That's true but why wouldn't I handle the Hogwarts ambassadors? I'm an alum, just like you."

He smiled and explained Hogwarts was sending one governor that he wanted to handle personally. Erik grabbed a magazine from the stack and flipped through it before folding it open to the page he was looking for.

It was an article in Witch Weekly from a couple years ago. The article was a profile on Draco.

"At first glance, I thought he was some young hot shot but when I read this, I realized the potential he had. He built this…this foundation from the ground up, hiring students he went to school with. Not only has he sponsored several orphans of the war, he is working on recreating muggle inventions for wizards.

"Can you imagine how many doors would open for the school if I can convince him to become a benefactor for the school?"

"I do; I also personally know Draco Malfoy and know all about his foundation." Erik knew that Draco and I dated and that it was his actions that lead me to my current life.

"Then you also know that he named the company after you?"

The surprise was written all over my face at hearing that. After the Daily Prophet reported on his engagement, I cancelled my subscription and avoided all news concerning him.

Erik nodded and read aloud the bit about Draco's company.

"'I returned to Hogwarts at the urging of my father. He wanted me to use it as a good will mission of sorts to restore honor to the Malfoy name. But when the one person who I tormented for years gave me her forgiveness, I realized I needed to do something honorable to be worthy of her.

"So I created the Granger Foundation. It's my way of honoring the woman who forgave me with no other motives. She made me realize so much about myself, much of which I have poured into my company. It is founded with my inheritance and everything that I did is to uphold the idea of the man she wanted me to be.'"

"I've read this article at least three times and I come to the same conclusion every time. He still isn't over you. So when I received word that he would be one of the people representing Hogwarts, I knew I would need to keep an eye on him,"

Erik reached out for my hands, pulling me onto the floor with him. "I was serious about what I said earlier. I love you and I know you love me. Draco was an idiot to let you go.

"Now I know you say the simple things in life are all that matter to you but I have never seen you as simple. When I look at you, I see someone who is amazing, loving and so strong. When we met, I could tell you were carrying the weight of your world on your shoulders. But now, you've let go of that burden and I don't want you to ever feel like that again.

"My mother approves which is seriously saying something and my father; he knew you were the one for me after I told him I considered cataloging the new books our first date. Now I know I haven't gotten your parents' permission yet but," Erik opened the red box.

There sitting on the white pillow was a gorgeous heart-shaped red diamond engagement ring, two square diamonds flanking the larger on either side.

"Will you marry me?"

*Draco*

I took my seat at the small dining table, watching Astoria out the corner of my eye. She was wearing lingerie, clearly meant to tempt me into sex.

Although she was meant to be my wife, I couldn't bring myself to desire her. the last time was a mistake, one I was thankful hadn't happened again.

I began cutting up my chicken. From first bite, I knew she hadn't cooked it. Astoria's cooking was either too bland or overly seasoned. But tonight's dinner was perfect. I scarfed it down and polished off my wine quickly.

As I passed the dishes to Astoria, I felt a bit lightheaded and woozy. I clutched my head for a bit, trying to gather my wits.

"Draco, are you feeling okay?" I heard someone ask.

I rubbed my eyes a couple of times, trying to determine if the sight before me was real.

My Mina had returned.

I pushed my chair back from the table and walked over towards her. she stood her ground as I caressed her skin, running my fingers through her brown hair.

Tears left my eyes as I crushed my lips on hers.

"I can't believe you're here." I whispered into her ear.

"I've missed you too Draco. You have no idea how sorry I am…" she began but I kissed her again.

There would be time to talk about the past in the morning, now I needed her like never before.

I laid brief kisses on her lips before gather her into my arms, carrying her out the dining room and towards my bedroom. After carrying her up several, I laid her down, pulling her robe and gown. My Mina lay in front of me, bare and unashamed. We moved further up the steps, the passion between us steadily growing. I placed sweet kisses on her abdomen, desperately wishing our child was growing within it.

"Mina, I want us to be together, to keep all the promises we once made each other. Please tell me you want the same."

She slid out from under me, walking right into my bedroom. She crooked her finger at me, beckoning me to follow her. I ran after her eager to have her in my embrace again.

Hermione pulled the covers of my bed back and lay in the center, watching me as I stripped off my pajamas.

Fully naked, I joined her in bed, just committing her to memory. I didn't want to lose this moment. She smirked and kissed me with such fervor, I was briefly caught off guard, only briefly though. A few seconds later I became aware and pushed myself into her.

She let out a sharp gasp but wrapped her legs around mine, merging her body with mine. As I rocked into her, my paced picked up and my breathing hitched.

The tears I'd been holding back fell, streaming down my face in soft streams. My Mina was here with me, in my bed, in my embrace. It wasn't a dream or a fantasy caused by a drunken stupor.

I pulled her up and into my arms, quickening my motions as I felt myself getting closer to exploding.

"I love you Mina."

"I love you too, Draco."

The next morning, I awoke with a sense of renewal, excited to move forward with life. I knew that Mina and I would have a lot to discuss and I wanted things to go smoothly. I crept out of bed and dressed in my pajama bottoms, grabbing a shirt from my drawer.

Dressed completely, I walked into the kitchen and instructed Dara to bring me some fruit and make some French toast, her favorite breakfast.

"This for the Miss Greengrass?" she asked in her squeaky voice.

I placed all the food on the breakfast tray before replying. "No, this is for the future lady of the house."

Carefully climbing the stairs and backing into the room, I called out for Mina.

"Draco?" I heard a voice answer. A voice that didn't belong to Mina. The tray fell from my hands and crashed to the floor as she covered herself with the blankets.

"Last night, she wasn't here, was she? I dreamt it or something right?"

"Draco, let me explain. I just wanted to be with you and I thought this was the only way to do it. You're always calling out for her, and -"

"So you played with my emotions and made me feel vulnerable in the hopes of what? That I would move on after having one last night of pleasure with her? Run to your arms and we live happily ever after?"

I couldn't believe that Astoria drugged me and lulled me into a false sense of security for a night of passion and… a child. It was the only reason that made sense. After she lost the first child, she's been desperate to carry another, as a stipulation of her marriage contract. If after 5 years, she had failed to produce a child, the marriage would be dissolved and she would receive a prefixed sum of money.

As we were approaching the 3.5 year mark and she had yet to carry a child to full term and give birth, she tried to conceive a child using magic to ensure her future status as Malfoy.

"Astoria, I need some time to deal with all this and time away from you. But I will say don't expect me home anytime soon."

AN: Astoria took a fertility potion and the potion she sprinkled on Draco's food was a powerful lust/polyjuice potion. When ingested, it made the person see the one they lusted after the most but didn't change who the person was.