A/N: For all you lovely people, who took out the time to read and review my story, I published this new chapter as soon as I could. Hope you all like it. Keep reading and reviewing.

P.S: Thank you to a dear friend, without whom this story would not have been possible. I hope I did justice to you, Mr King...XOXO

Thursday

It was an ordinary day in the life of Hermione Granger. However, Hermione Granger was no ordinary witch. Currently, she was the Healer-in-Charge of the "Dangerous" Dai Llewellyn Ward for Serious Bites at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Today, she could be seen particularly busy in healing a severe snakebite case; firing off instructions to trainee healers and other junior residents.

7 hours later; 12:00 A.M. (Friday)

"Okay Leah, I'm off for the day. I'll floo to my place and ask Aidan to come and cover the rest of the cases", said a tired Hermione.

"No worries Herms, you go and rest. Merlin knows when you had your last sleep. I'll take it from here. Sweet dreams."

Hermione stepped into the fire and flooed to her place. Finishing all her nighttime rituals, she set her alarm for 7:00 A.M. Every night, Hermione would lay awake for hours, remembering those who had sacrificed their lives in the Battle of Hogwarts 4 years back. The nightmares still haunted her dreams sometimes, so she was afraid to sleep. However, today she fell asleep at once.

7:00 A.M.

Hermione woke up to the noise of her alarm screeching, "Wake up you lazy witch. You are a Healer; you've got lives to save. Wake up." She tossed the poor thing onto the floor and gradually woke up. Finding her alarm broken on the floor, she did a quick 'Reparo' and proceeded to get her newspaper. She charmed the newspaper to read itself in her own voice and went about doing all her chores.

Harry Potter and Ginevra Weasley to get hitched this August in the decade's most talked about wedding ceremony. Find out the guest list to their reception.

Ginny is sure going to murder them for calling her Ginevra, thought Hermione cheerfully.

Ronald Weasley finds love in ex-classmate Padma Patil. They were spotted outside 'The Owl Barista' late last night. Read more on Pg. 4.

Ron is not going to like it too. She pictured his red face and laughed, shaking her head.

Draco Malfoy, the heir to Malfoy Industries, returns to London after 4 years. Read on for an exclusive interview with the Most Eligible Bachelor of the year.

Hermione stood rooted to her spot. Oh, so the ferret had returned to London. Well, she would just have to avoid him then. Hermione, don't let it affect you; it's all in the past now. It shouldn't bother you anymore and it doesn't, right? Thinking so, she set the newspaper on fire with a quick "Incendio." Happy with herself, she proceeded to her study to complete her research work on 'Magical microbes.'

12:00 Noon

Hermione yawned and stretched. She got up, looked at the clock and went into her room to get ready. All dressed up, she flooed to her office in St. Mungos. Her competent attendant, Sarah, had her favourite coffee on her desk which she gratefully sipped. As she was about to leave her office, she heard familiar voices. Her best friends, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter were headed her way.

"Good Morning, guys. To what do I owe the pleasure of your pleasant visit?"

"Morning, Mione. It's good to see you too", said Ron.

"Hey, Mione. Actually, it was umm-, we needed to ask you something. It's about Drrrr-", stammered Harry.

"It's about Draco Malfoy," fired Ron.

Hermione, who had been sipping her coffee, started spluttering violently.

"Anapneo," said Harry clearing Hermione's air passage at once.

"Umm, thanks, Harry. Sorry about that. Now what were you saying about Malfoy?" asked Hermione in what she supposed was a calm voice.

"We met Malfoy yesterday in the Ministry. He was surprisingly polite with us. We exchanged small talk. However, in that brief discussion, he happened to mention you. He said and I quote "Where's the Gryffindor Princess? Shouldn't she be here with you, saving your lives?"

"What we found odd was the bit of anxiety and dare I say, longing for some information on you. So we came to you. Do you have any clue regarding his behaviour?" asked Ron.

"Why in the world should I know what goes on in that ferret's head?" said Hermione.

"Because a certain sister of mine just supplied us with an interesting bit of news, about-"

"About you and Malfoy kissing each other in the final year at Hogwarts, 4 years back. We told her it was preposterous. Our Hermione wouldn't hide it from us, right?" said Harry.

"Heck, she would never come within 5 feet of that slimy git", supplemented Ron.

Hermione was going through an inner turmoil. She had hidden that truth long enough from her friends and it certainly wasn't worth it. However, she didn't want to lose her friend's trust in her. Finally, she decided that she would divulge the truth to them and bear the consequences.

"Sit down guys. It's a long story", said Hermione.

As she completed her story, Ron's mouth was agape and Harry looked baffled, petrified and a little hurt.

"How could you do that to us? We thought we were best friends but you certainly didn't consider us that. I'm sorry but I'm a little disappointed in you right now", said a red-faced Ron.

"Mione, I hate to say this but I agree with Ron on this. How could you?" asked Harry.

Hermione had tears pouring down her cheeks. "I'm really sorry that I fell in love with the enemy Harry and Ron; I betrayed you two. Please forgive me."

"Hermione, you've got it all wrong. We are not that upset with you because you fell in love with Malfoy. That's okay and can be understood too. What we don't though is why you hid it from us all those years?" said Harry kindly.

"Yes, please don't cry. We forgive you now, though I wish you had more confidence in us then. However, if only you would have told us back then. How I would have loved beating the crap out of Malfoy for breaking your heart!" exclaimed Ron.

"Oh thank you so much, guys. I love you both and I'm really sorry," said Hermione feeling relieved.

"Hermione, remember one thing- Hermione Granger is a bold, confident witch, rather than a miserable and helpless little girl, despite her being heartbroken if you know what I mean. So be that woman we all love; be your actual self, our bossy little know-it-all," said Harry.

"I will Harry and I love you both, no matter what. Now, I really need to go and check up on my patients. See you two soon at The Burrow. Ginny has been nagging me to come and help her with the wedding plans for ages."

"Alright Mione, bye," waved Harry and Ron.

The next day (Friday)

"Hermione Granger, you so need to go out and date. My team-mate Liam has been pestering me forever to set up a date with you. Roger Davies, that ex-Ravenclaw Fleur went to the Yule Ball with, even asked her to introduce you to him. Please let me set you up with someone", said Ginny Weasley.

"Fine, Ginny. You're giving me a headache. Just one date and that's it. If it fails or the guy turns out to be a jerk, I will never ever date again till I get married. And then that marriage would be arranged-"

"But Herms," interrupted Ginny.

"-by my PARENTS. Do you get it?" asked Hermione.

"Umm, okay. Done. That guy is a total hottie and is filthy rich, and you know, he loves reading, and he is totally single too. Isn't that amazing Herms. Also, he happens to like you too."

"Wait, what? He likes me. Do I know him?" asked a confused Hermione.

"No, but that doesn't mean he doesn't know you. You can call him Mr Mysterious or whatever the hell you want to call him. He'll pick you up tomorrow at 7 P.M. sharp. You both will apparate to somewhere he didn't tell me. So, basically, that leaves the shopping for your date."

"Ginevra Weasley, you didn't just tell me that you had it all planned", said an angry Hermione. She didn't like it when Ginny made plans for her but didn't include her in them.

"All's fair in love and war, baby. Come on let's go shopping for your date and we can also talk to my wedding planner on the way back", grinned Ginny mischievously. If only Hermione knew what was in store for her, Ginny you are a genius.

5 hours later

Ginny and Hermione flooed to Hermione's flat with 8 shopping bags all tucked into Hermione's small bead bag.

"Well, that was fun. I loved that golden dress so much on you, though. You looked so ravishing in it. However, this green one is charming too and it brings out your brown curls. Just pair it up with those stilettos and you'll charm your way into his heart," winked Ginny.

"Haha, Ginny. Your wedding dress is so beautiful. I'm sure Harry won't be able to keep his hands off you," said Hermione grinning.

"Oh, that he never can, especially that one time at the Ministry Ball-," said Ginny somewhat proudly.

"Ginny, yuck, keep the details to yourself. That's my best friend you are talking about", groaned Hermione.

"Such a prude you are Granger", Ginny said while sticking her tongue out at Hermione.

"Real mature, Gin. Although, you will have to help me get ready tomorrow. Can't make it on my own."

"I know Herms, I have everything planned out." More than you know, hahaha.

Saturday

5:00 P.M.

"Hermione, you come out, this instant. I have to paint your toes. The rate at which you are going, I swear you won't be ready by tomorrow. Out of the room, Hermione Granger", shrieked Ginny.

"Keep your bloody pants on Ginny. I'm here. We have two whole hours. It's not as if the man will refuse to see me if I have less make-up on. I hope he's not that shallow", asked Hermione seriously.

"Hermione, I'm sorry to say this to you, but you can be quite dumb at times", said Ginny shaking her head quite dramatically.

"Huh. Whatever."

"Come on now. Get into your bloody dress already. Then I'll do your hair and make-up. He would be here at 7 sharp", said Ginny.

6:55 P.M.

"Hermione, you look drop-dead gorgeous!" exclaimed Ginny.

The dress was absolutely breath-taking. Strapless, short, forest-green, unadorned and showing all the curves of her body. Paired with black stilettos and a black clutch, it made Hermione's look complete. The make-up was brilliantly done, with black glittery eye-shadow and nude gloss, Hermione was in short 'dressed to kill'.

"I should be off now. He'll be here at any moment. Have a fun night and do try to fall in love, again."

7:00 P.M.

The sound of a pop alerted Hermione as to her date's arrival. Soon enough, the door-bell rang. Hermione was all jittery but she managed to reach the door. As she opened it, she tried not to faint.

Draco Malfoy was standing on her door, with a bouquet of red roses in one hand, looking just as nervous as Hermione.

Recovering from her initial shock, Hermione all but screamed, "You. Ginny wanted to set me up with you. I cannot believe it."

"Hi, Hermione. Would you mind if I came in?" asked Draco politely. "And these are for you", he said giving the bouquet to Hermione.

Hermione just moved aside to let him in, without uttering a single word. She was actually fuming. She couldn't, wouldn't believe that Ginny, her friend, had set her up on a date with Draco Malfoy. Ginny, who knew everything about the bad blood between her and Malfoy. Correction, she was seething. Who needs enemies, when you have friends like Ginny?

Draco, on the other hand just couldn't believe that he was standing in front of Hermione again after 4 years. She looks so beautiful, even more so than before. He was falling in love with her all over again. If only, she would listen to him now and take him back.

"Hermione, you look beautiful. It's good to see you again", said Draco with his usual confident demeanour.

"Can't say the same for me, Malfoy. Just what are you playing at? And you decided to include Ginny in all your mind games with me. Way to go Malfoy and I thought you could sink no lower. The world may have forgiven you now and you may be "the most eligible bachelor". But I will always see you for what you really are, a spoilt, arrogant, deatheater", said Hermione in one breath.

"I am sorry that you feel that way, Hermione. I know I deserve the hostility but please just calm down and listen to me. For Ginny, Harry and Ron at least", reasoned Malfoy.

"What have Ron and Harry got to do with this, Malfoy? Please, don't tell me you included them too in this with your devious Slytherin ways", said an irate Hermione.

"Hermione, please. I promise I will tell you everything but not here", said Draco almost pitifully.

"If you think Malfoy that after everything that has happened between us, I will go anywhere ever with you, much less on a date, you are in a delusion. And stop calling me Hermione, its either Granger or Healer Granger for you", said Hermione in a harsh whisper.

"Okay, Her-Granger. I will tell you everything now. Please just listen to me."

"Why, Malfoy, I'm all ears", said Hermione sarcastically and glared at Draco.

Draco sighed and tried to ignore all the hostile vibes coming from Hermione. I probably deserve that. She will never trust me again.

"I returned to London just a week back. The only driving force in me making this decision was you; believe it or not Her-Granger."

Hermione rolled her eyes, quite exasperatedly at this.

"Just a few days back, I ran into Ginny at Diagon Alley while she was at Quality Quidditch Supplies. I never saw someone more unsympathetic towards me, and that's saying something. However, I convinced her to have lunch with me so that I could talk to her about you. She agreed reluctantly. After I explained to her my point-of-view, she decided to help me only on the condition that I give you all the love and respect you deserve."

Draco took a breath and continued, "Then, I flooed to the Ministry where I ran into Harry and Ron. And yes, they have given me the right to call them that. I didn't tell them what exactly happened back then because that wasn't my place to tell. I just apologized to them and left. Ginny must have told them, because they came to meet me the next day, in my office. They had already met you before that and I gathered you had told them everything. Ron wanted nothing more than to beat me up but Harry restrained him and I reasoned with them about how immature I had acted back then-"

"So, Harry and Ron too conceded with your perfect little plan to make a fool out of Hermione Granger, yet again. Wow, that was low, even for you Malfoy" said Hermione nearly on the verge of tears.

"No, Hermione. It wasn't like that at all. I know the amount of damage I did can't be fixed with just a bunch of apologies but please know that I just don't say I'm sorry, I feel it too. You have been my first true love and you will be the last too."

"Malfoy, now that you've got it all out, please, leave my home. I never want to see you again, much less talk to you. I forgive you; that is what you wanted, right? I won't be standing in the way of your next conquests. Remember I don't harbour any ill feelings towards you anymore and I don't hate you. Because that would mean I care, which I don't, not anymore. Good luck with your life."

Draco was devastated. "As you wish" were the last words he uttered before he walked out. Hermione fell onto the floor crying after he left. She cried and cried till no more tears were left. However, being the strong girl that she was, she picked herself up and decided to forget about it. Why shouldn't I move on, when he will most certainly be doing so?

1 hour later

Oh, it has started raining. However, I'm going to get some ice-cream and pies from Mandy's. A little rain doesn't hurt.

Hermione locked her house and took out her umbrella to shield her from the rain. Just as she rounded the corner, she saw a man sitting on a bench, drenched. Curious, she went over to him and held her umbrella over both their heads. "Excuse me; are you hoping to catch a cold? Why are you sitting here by yourself, soaking up in rain?" asked Hermione shivering herself.

"Leave. As if you care," Said the man hoarsely.

"Of course I do. But who-"Hermione was cut off by the man turning to face her.

"Draco? Draco, what are you doing here in the rain? Why are you- are you crying?" Hermione was astounded. She had never, once in her life seen Draco Malfoy cry.

"Hermione, please leave. You might fall ill. I'm fine, just thinking over things" said Draco.

The pain was evident in Draco's eyes, as was the sadness, the longing and a hint of betrayal. The emotions his grey eyes conveyed to Hermione at the moment, his words were never able to justify.

"Draco, come on."

"Please, Granger don't make this more difficult for me than it is. Just go before I do something I will forever regret."

"Draco Malfoy, get up this instant or I swear to Merlin I will hex you."

Saying this, Hermione held onto Draco's fore-arm and apparated them both to her house.

"What the hell Hermione, you cannot just apparate anyone out of your own will. You could have splinched me; I could have been-mmph"

Hermione kissed Draco like there was no tomorrow. Draco let go of all the inhibitions and picked Hermione up from the floor. Then he twirled her around like a doll.

"Hermione, just so you know, I'm never letting you go after this."

"I don't intend you to. You are mine now. I forgive you for everything but remember that second chances don't always turn into third."

"I love you, so much. You have no idea. What made you change your mind, though?" asked Draco a bit curiously.

"A man doesn't cry very often and if he does so for you, it means you are special", said Hermione happily.

"Love like rain, can nourish from above, drenching couples with a soaking joy. But sometimes under the angry heat of life, love dries on the surface and must nourish from below, tending to its roots keeping itself alive."
― Paulo Coelho

A/N: Do review. Tell me what you liked and hated about this chapter. Cheers.