A/N: I am incredibly elated by the support everyone has shown this story of mine! Words can't express how excited I get when I get an e-mail about a review. More fluff ahead!

….

Pansy watched the scene before her unfold with a smile as Draco and Theo finally confessed Hermione exactly how deeply they cared for her. Judging by the smile on Hermione's face, it was clear she reciprocated their feelings and Pansy was grateful that the muggleborn witch hadn't broken their hearts. Theo and Draco were her best friends, with Theo practically being her brother and Merlin knew they all deserved some happiness after everything they had been through over the last several years.

She glanced over at Neville who was staring at them with a touch of confusion in his honey-brown eyes. He'd been around the trio enough to know that something was going on between them, but had never seen the depths of their affection run quite this far. Pansy grasped his hand and tugged Neville out of the eighth year Slytherin dormitory, grabbing their cloaks on the way out with a whispered promise to explain.

Neville and Pansy made their way down the stairs, across the grounds, and eventually ended up tucked away in Greenhouse 4 which was Pansy's favorite of the seven greenhouses. The fifth years were currently engaged in a project where different flowers were crossbred to see what effects were produced and those projects were currently being house in Greenhouse 4. There were Middlemist Reds crossed with Jade Songvine trailing along one of the walls. Poison-Heart Pansies crossed with Ghost Orchids released a subtle, sweet scent that reminded Pansy of a summer day while the Gibraltar Campion – Luminescent Arrowbloom hybrids let off of a lovely pink glow. Though it hadn't been intentional, it was a rather romantic atmosphere.

The unlikely pair settled into a corner of the greenhouse and Pansy cast warming charms on both of their cloaks given the cool December air that was attempting to seep into the humid greenhouse through a few cracks in the windowpanes. Pansy tucked herself under Neville's arm and breathed in his warm earthy scent.

"Do you really want to know the whole story?" She asked.

"I'm a bit curious as to how that happened, yeah." Neville said with a light chuckle as he ran his fingertips up and down her arm.

"I think it really started back in fourth year when Granger came down those stairs in that blue dress and rendered Draco speechless. He was my date to the ball that year and I remember being particularly irritated because he wasn't paying enough attention to me." Pansy laughed, thinking back on her mild infatuation with Draco when they were younger. The thought of being with him now gave her a shudder.

"He kept stealing looks at her all night, but would complain about her in the next breath call her all sorts of vile names." Pansy paused for a moment. "I'm not entirely sure when it started for Theo. I know they did a project together back in fifth year, so it could've started at that point, but I do know that by the end of fifth year, they had both started to feel something, even if they were loathe to admit it."

"Draco's views on life began to shift after Granger was cursed when your lot went to the Department of Mysteries in fifth year. Theo had never held with the vitriol that was shoved down our throats as kids, but Draco was a firm believer, up until that point. He lived to emulate his father and I know it took him a long time to come to terms with how vile Lucius really was back then."

"Are you saying Lucis Malfoy has changed?" Neville interrupted.

"Oh yes. He's quite lovely these days, but he's been quite ill for the past several months. I saw him just before term started when I went to visit him in the hospital with Draco and Theo."

"Anyways," Pansy continued, "Theo held back and simply admired Granger from afar, making it a point not to engage her, lest he be considered a blood traitor. His father has a penchant for violence and Theo didn't want anything to happen to his mother or sister because of his actions."

Pansy gazed off into one of the flower hybrids thoughtfully. "She's the one who changed him, Draco, but by the time he realized he was in too deep with the Dark Lord. He took the mark and well, you know what happened up until the end of the war."

"But how did they get to this point?" Neville asked, rubbing gentle circles along Pansy's arm.

"I'm getting there." Pansy said, knowing this story was already running long. "After Granger was brought to Malfoy Manor and Draco was forced to watch her being tortured, something inside of Draco snapped. He was barely a shell of a person at that point and barely made it through the final battle, eventually turning against Voldemort and taking down a Death Eater or two himself."

"I thought he ran off with his parents?"

Pansy shook her head. "No, once he made sure they were both safe, he came back."

That act of bravery thoroughly impressed Neville, even if it took until the very end for him to turn.

"The trials happened early in the summer and Draco, Theo, and I were able to spend some time together at Theo's after we were all exonerated and Nott Sr. ended up in Azkaban. Theo is the one who managed to breathe some semblance of life back into Draco before we came back to school. Those two became thick as thieves and ended up intimately intertwined, though I don't think they've ever actually labeled their relationship. They just seem to do what is natural which really makes quite a bit of sense."

"Draco has some really awful nightmares and Theo was usually the one to go him whenever he woke up screaming. I have no problem handling Theo when he's upset over something, but Draco is beyond my capabilities when he gets upset. I know at some point that as they talked through Draco's nightmares and the topic of Granger came up. Both of them realized that they were infatuated with her, but didn't want to separate from one another."

"Now, I'm not certain that they ever came up with an actual plan to pursue her, but it was really the craziest thing how she fell into our laps."

Pansy smiled fondly, thinking of the night Granger ended up in their dorm room and none of them knew just what to do with her. Now she couldn't imagine them not being friends; she honestly liked the girl. "Granger ended up on our doorstep after Theo accidentally injured her. I patched her up and she left the next morning, only to come back with fresh injuries from that bastard ex of hers. Draco simply told her she was staying and she did."

"I don't know what compelled her to stay," Pansy said with a shake of her head. "But she did, and I'm glad. I like Granger and she's good for them."

"Injuries? What happened between Hermione and Ron?" Neville asked, confused. "Last I heard from Ron they were still together."

"Oh no. No." Pansy said with a shake of her head, her voice growing low, quiet, and seething with anger. "If the Weasel comes near her again, I'll Crucio him myself. He bit her neck so hard, it looked like she'd been attacked by a vampire and she had bruises in the shape of his fingers on her arms. Had she not been such a swot with her knowledge of wandless magic, I'm nearly certain he would've raped her."

"Shit."

"Yeah."

Neville pulled her into his chest, dropping a kiss on the top of her dark, silky hair thinking it best to change the subject. "What are your plans for Christmas?"

"Home for the holidays at the estate with Mother and Father. Theo's mum and mine are still planning on throwing their annual Christmas Eve Party which I'm certain I'll be forced to attend." Pansy said with a groan, remembering the last party where she had been forced to dance with her third cousin Daulton who stepped on her toes and tried (and failed) to seduce her into signing a marriage contract. Theo and Draco teased her relentlessly for the rest of the holidays that year.

"Do you think you might be able to find some time to have lunch with me one day?" Neville asked with a warm smile.

"Only if you promise to be my date to the party."

"Deal." Said Neville, closing the space between them to capture her lips in a soft, sweet kiss.

….

Rather than taking the train to London, Draco and Hermione opted to walk the short distance to Hogsmeade and floo into the Leaky Cauldron, after bidding goodbye to Theo and Pansy. They quickly stepped out of the pub and into Muggle London opting to walk the fairly short distance to Draco's family home in a posh section of the great city. The winter air was crisp as they walked hand in hand, stopping here and there to peek into a shop or grab a warm glass of cider form a vendor.

As soon as they crossed the threshold of the traditional, white terraced home, laughing with pinked cheeks from the cold winter air, Draco pulled Hermione into an embrace, the satchel he'd been carrying dropping to the ground with a thud. She nuzzled her cold nose against the side of his neck before he dropped a simple, sweet peck on her lips. It was perfect. Hermione was looking forward to spending the next few weeks away from the prying eyes and sordid whispers of the rest of the students and even a few professors who gave them a few sidelong glances. The only thing that could make it more perfect at this moment would be Theo's presence.

The moment of perfection was short-lived when a musical voice could be heard from down the hall.

"Draco, darling. Is that you?"

The distinctive click of a pair of heels making their way across hand-scraped wood floors grew louder by the second and Hermione found herself scanning her immediate surroundings looking for somewhere to hide.

Sensing her apprehension, Draco simply grasped her hand and whispered against the curve of her ear. "No time."

The elegant form of Narcissa Malfoy strode into the grand foyer with her perfect posture and not a hair out of place. It was coiffed in a delicate twist at the nape of her neck and parted at the side. Her robes were dark, silk and stopped just below the knee leaving her silk-stockinged legs on display. Upon her feet were a pair of delicate black heels that probably carried several layers of balancing and cushioning charms. Draped over her arm was one of the finest winter cloaks Hermione had ever seen. It was a rich, black wool and was lined with a fine, soft fur.

Draco took a tentative step towards his mother, placing himself slightly in front of Hermione. "Hello, Mother." He said in a polite though somewhat stilted greeting, unsure of how his mother would react to Hermione's presence.

If the Malfoy matriarch took note of his uncharacteristic greeting, she made no mention of it. She simply crossed the foyer to embrace him and smiled politely at the brunette with riotous curls accompanying her son.

"Hello, darling. I was just coming back from visiting your father and took it upon myself to ensure the house was ready for you." Narcissa said as she embraced her only child.

"Thank you, mother," Draco replied politely as he wrapped his free arm around the woman who raised him, giving Hermione's hand a squeeze as he did so.

Peering over her son's shoulder as she embraced him, Narcissa took a closer look at the girl who had accompanied him. As she stepped back from her son, she greeted the young woman with a warm smile and an incline of her head. "How lovely to see you, Ms. Granger."

Whatever Hermione had expected from Narcissa Malfoy, it wasn't the warm, vibrant creature before her. The butterflies in her stomach, which had initially settled in due to uncertainty, now fluttered about in a nervous need to impress Draco's mum.

"It's a pleasure, Mrs. Malfoy." Draco squeezed Hermione's hand again in reassurance.

She took a close look at the girl, peering over Draco's shoulder for a moment as she hugged her son and stepped back to greet her as well. "Ms. Granger, how lovely to see you." She said kindly with a polite nod of her head.

"It's a pleasure, Mrs. Malfoy." Hermione replied nervously as she felt Draco squeeze her hand reassuringly.

"Call me Cissa, please, my dear." Narcissa turned her attention back to her son realizing that the young man typically attached with a permanent-sticking charm to his side was nowhere in the immediate vicinity. She idly wondered if Ms. Granger had perhaps replaced her son's lover but she was certain Draco or Theo would have written. Theo was like a son to her, after all.

"Where is Theodore?"

Draco slipped his arm around Hermione's shoulder, pulling her into his side as he addressed his mother. "He's in Paris visiting his mother and Imogene. He should be by in a few days."

Narcissa clapped her hands together with glee. Her son clearly held Ms. Granger's affections given the way he was so tenderly stroking her arm as he held her against him. It was also abundantly clear from the blush creeping up Ms. Granger's cheeks that Theodore meant something to her as well. That sneaky son of hers. He was courting two people at once– one witch and one wizard. While it wasn't unheard of, it certainly wasn't common but Narcissa didn't care as long as it made her son happy.

"Splendid. I expect he will return when Ophelia does so she and Violet can finalize the party preparations."

Narcissa assumed he planned to go with Theodore if he attended at all, but now there was this lovely creature at his side who just needed a bit of refashioning to be truly stunning. "Do you intend to take Ms. Granger?"

Draco shot a wary glance towards the witch at his side whose color was slowly draining from her face. He hadn't even planned to mention the annual party to Hermione, much less attend the event. This was certainly not the way Draco had envisioned their holiday beginning.

"We've not discussed it", he said evasively, hoping his mother would take the hint and drop the subject.

She didn't.

Narcissa took just a moment to attempt to analyze Hermione's curves through her navy-blue muggle pea coat which seemed to be just a bit too large. "I would be quite happy to take you shopping for a gown, my dear."

"Mother." Draco warned.

Narcissa waved a hand dismissively. "Oh shush, darling. You already know Pansy will be there – Violet will make certain of that and it is almost certain Ophelia will drag Theodore along despite the protests he'll make. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that you and Ms. Granger should show your faces as well.

Hermione had wrapped her arm around Draco's waist and was gripping the material of his coat in her hand tightly. Though his mother appeared perfectly charming, she had an air about her that somehow made Hermione feel as though she were speaking to royalty.

"Hermione, please," she managed to squeak out. "Please call me Hermione."

"It's settled, then." Narcissa said with a curt nod of her head and another charming smile taking Hermione's offer to use her given name as an acquiescence to her offer of taking the witch shopping. "Hermione, it was lovely to see you but I must be off."

Turning her attentions to her son, Narcissa gave him a pointed look. "Draco, darling, make sure you see your father sometime before you return to school. As if to emphasize her potion of authority as his mother, she patted his cheek before leaving the pair standing in the middle of the foyer, dumbstruck.

As she heard the floo roar to life in the other room, Hermione released a breath she didn't know she was holding. She pressed herself firmly into Draco's side and lead her head against him, hoping her fluttering heart would slow down soon.

"What just happened?"

Wrapping his arms fully around the petite witch, Draco took a moment to process everything his mother said and didn't say. He knew she was shrewd woman and that she likely gained a vast amount of insight in that brief interaction.

"Not only does my mother approve of you, she likely also understands that you, Theo, and I are together. Ensuring that we attend the party and taking you shopping is her way of figuring out exactly what your intentions are and confirming everything else she thinks she's figured out about you."

"She got all of that from three minutes of conversation?" Hermione asked incredulously.

"Don't let her smiles fool you. She is the most shrewd and cunning woman I know and very nearly the most intelligent."

Hermione took a moment to consider Narcissa Malfoy and Draco's appraisal of his own mother. Through many late-night conversations, she knew that Draco adored his mother. The need to secure her safety was one of the reasons he was marked, otherwise who knew what the Dark Lord might have done? The woman was intriguing and Hermione looked forward to getting to know her more, even if she had to suffer through shopping for some form of gown.

"Were you intending on telling me about the party? Hermione asked, giving him nearly the same look his mother gave him just before she left.

Releasing a laugh and shaking his head, Draco cupped her cheek with his hand. "I was sincerely hoping we could avoid it all together."

"But now we're both being forced to go."

"Yes, sweetheart." He crooned. "And to top it off, you essentially agreed to go shopping with my mother." Draco laughed and buried his face in Hermione's curls, inhaling the scent of her in an attempt to stave off the giggles. As much as he loathed shopping with his mother, he imagined Hermione would dislike it even more. Even if he begged to accompany them on bended knee, he knew his mother would never capitulate and allow him to accompany them. She was bound and determined to corner Hermione and get the answers she sought without his interference.

Sneaky witch.

"Did you just call me sweetheart?" Hermione nearly wrinkled her nose.

"Yes?"

A smile played on her lisp as she nuzzled her cheek against his chest. "You're spending too much time with Theo." She chided.

Draco playfully tapped her on the nose with his index finger and kissed her forehead. "Never, princess." He teased, leading the witch towards the stairs with a suggestive grin on his face as she giggled.

"Now let's go unpack before my mother decides to pop back by unexpectedly and ruin my plans again."

….

When Narcissa Malfoy invited Hermione along to shop for a gown for whatever type of party the matriarchs of the Nott and Parkinson families were throwing, she had expected a trip to a posh boutique in Diagon Alley or perhaps a muggle shop in London. What she hadn't expected was that the trip would entail several international portkeys, a trip to a salon so exclusive it was under a Fidelius charm, and being poked, prodded, and wrapped with pins, cold fingers, tape measures, and wands. The entire ordeal ended with several sets of what Cissa called suitable outfits in addition to one rather extravagant ball gown shrunk and neatly packed in several boxes and bags.

Hermione wasn't even entirely sure what the world suitable meant to Narcissa Malfoy but the witch had worn a distinctly pleased smile the first time Hermione had donned a pair of silk stockings and sensible, black leather pumps. It was Hermione's opinion that she looked nearly nothing like herself, though the clothing Narcissa had chosen was luxurious and exceedingly comfortable much to Hermione's surprise.

Hermione was even wearing one of said suitable outfits as darling Narcissa had covertly discarded her practical clothing while Hermione was being measured and fit for the ball gown that she was certain cost more than the average Ministry employee made in a year. It consisted of a modest black wool skirt with fell just to her knees, a golden hued silk blouse with cuffed sleeves at her wrists, sheer silk stockings, and a pair of black dragon-leather French heels. To top off the ensemble she was draped in a set of exquisite black short-robes which stopped just at the edge of her skirt and cinched in at her waist.

Despite the fact that it was the middle of December, the witch felt quite warm thanks to several layers of warming and temperature regulation charms woven into the garments.

Hermione's hair was drawn back away from her face by a set of bronze combs, with soft ringlets cascading down her back, stopping just below her shoulder blades. Hermione expressed to the older witch that she was certain she would never be able to replicate what the stylist had created, but Narcissa had waved a hand dismissively and said she would teach Hermione the appropriate charms.

While shopping with Narcissa hadn't been quite the experience Hermione expected, she found that she enjoyed the witch's company. Her humor was similar to her son's and she was kind and generous. Hermione couldn't detect a shred of anything disingenuous in the witch's actions. Despite her enjoyment, Hermione still couldn't entirely understand Narcissa's motivations. They had set out to purchase one gown and came home with an entire closet full of clothing ensembles, cloaks, coats, shoes, stockings, and even a few lacy underthings that Hermione felt were just a bit on the scandalous side.

As they wandered the wide aveunes of Wizarding Paris searching for Christmas gifts, Hermione decided now was an opportune time to ask the Malfoy matriarch about her motivations.

"I greatly appreciate everything you've done for me today, Cissa." Hermione said sincerely, "but I'm struggling to understand why you are going to such trouble over me."

The older witch drew her eyes over the younger as though examining her every asset and flaw. "We live in a world where appearances are more important than ever. It is not simply enough to be fiercely intelligent, but you must be able to command a room with your mere presence or you'll never have opportunity to use your intelligence."

Hermione nibbled on her bottom lip as she considered Narcissa's words. "I didn't realize…"

"Indeed." Narcissa said with a kind smile. "You look quite capable now, my dear, whereas before you looked rather young and naive."

The smile on Narcissa's face turned to one that was just a bit too smug for Hermione's tastes. "It is also not inconsequential that you are courting my son and that gives me the right to spoil you a bit."

Much as her husband, Narcissa enjoyed the intrigue of politics but above all she valued her family. Draco was happier than she had seen him in several years, moreso than he had been after reuiniting with Theodore and Narcissa had a suspicion that the witch at her side had something monumental to do with her son's happiness. Should the relationship between Draco and Hermione, it would do wonders for the Malfoy name for their heir to be seen in public with the war heroine, especially looking as she did now. Narcissa was rather proud of herself, though it didn't take much to bring out Hermione's natural beauty.

"I'm not certain your son will recognize me." Hermione muttered, trailing her fingers across the spines of several books on alchemy.

Narcissa settled a hand on Hermione's shoulder and leaned forward to speak quietly in her ear. "I am also quite certain Theodore will approve." Narcissa's comment stopped Hermione in her tracks. She stopped moving, stopped breathing, and it was very likely a few synapses in her brain misfired as she considered those eight words.

Once her brain decided to start functioning once more, she turned to face Narcissa trying to quickly think of a way to explain the dynamic between the three of them but before a single sound crossed her lips, Narcissa held up a hand to silence her.

"I have known Theodore since he was born; his mother Ophelia being one of my oldest and dearest friends, and I love him as one of my own. Let me assure you I am very aware of the relationship he shares with my son, Hermione."

Hermione attempted to swallow the lump which had risen in her throat but found herself unsuccessful. "Cissa, I…"

"My dear girl, it is inconsequential to me upon whom my son bestows his affection. I have not seen him quite this happy in many, many years." Narcissa rested a calm, mothering hand on Hermione's shoulder in an attempt to soothe the girl's rapidly fraying nerves.

"Am I correct in my assumption that Theodore shares similar affections as my son with regards to you?"

Hermione nodded, squeaking out a quiet "yes", while Narcissa simply smiled warmly upon the younger witch, a glint in her eye letting Hermione know she was indeed pleased with the arrangement the three of them had yet to label.

Narcissa plucked a volume from the shelf with her long, thin fingers. It was a beautifully bound treatise on the alchemical reactions of herbs and metals native to South America. "Draco doesn't have this one." Narcissa said as she placed it into Hermione's hands. "It would make a lovely addition to his library."

Lovingly tracing her fingers over the gold script imprinted on the binding, Hermione cradled the book in her hands and thanked Narcissa. Draco's mother continued to surprise her with her intuition and gentle nature. Hermione felt silly having been intimidated by the woman at all. It seemed that everything Hermione thought she knew about Narcissa Malfoy was entirely false.

"What do you suggest for Theo?" Hermione asked as they stepped out onto the wide, sunny avenue after purchasing the book on alchemy and another on wizarding law for Draco as well as a few other titles Hermione had been coveting. The books would pair nicely with the effortlessly soft slate-gray scarf she had purchased a few weeks earlier.

Narcissa wore a mischievous smile on her lips as she thought of the young wizard and his artistic talents. "I rather think he might enjoy some muggle art supplies. He is quite the artist, after all."

Of course, Hermione would purchase some more decadent pigments and pencils, but she was now bound and determined to give Theo a muggle coloring book and a set of crayons.

"Perfect."

….

Following a few more stops in Paris and one quick trip to a muggle supermarket to secure her silly gift for Theo, Hermione and Narcissa caught their final international portkey back to London. Flooing in from their arrival point at the Ministry, Hermione and Narcissa arrived back into the terraced home. While Hermione slipped up to her room to deposit her packages, Narcissa found Theo and Draco engaged in a quiet conversation in the drawing room.

As soon as the witch entered the room, Draco and Theo rose from their seated positions in an impressive display of chivalry to greet her. "Welcome back, mother." Draco said with a relaxed smile.

Narcissa dropped her bags near the entrance of the room and vanished the remaining soot from her robes. "Hello, darling." She said with a nod to her son before turning her attention to the other wizard in the room. "Theodore, how lovely to see you."

Crossing the room with a wide smile, Theo embraced Narcissa and planted a kiss on her cheek. "Cissa, you're looking radiant as always." He said with a grin.

Narcissa fondly patted his cheek. "Such flattery will get you into trouble, young man."

Releasing a low chuckle, Theo flashed Narcissa a particularly charming smile. "I only speak the truth."

Narcissa was about to reply when she suddenly noticed that any attention which had been on her was suddenly redirected to the witch she knew was standing in the doorframe. She heard Theo's breath catch as Hermione entered the room and Narcissa silently slipped into the shadows, watching the wizards' reactions to the witch in question. Draco wore a look of adoration Narcissa was certain she had never seen on his face before. His hands were tucked into his pockets as he admired the witch from across the room. Theo, on the other hand, had crossed the room nearly as soon as Hermione had stepped across the threshold.

Watching the scene unfold, Narcissa was nearly certain the pair would present the witch with formal engagement jewelry before the end of the school year if not much sooner. Her heart was drumming with happiness at seeing the young trio so obviously in love. She allowed herself a smug smile before slipping out of the room, leaving the three of them to reunite in privacy.

Theo lifted Hermione's hand to his lips, fluttering a kiss across the soft skin in a formal greeting. Having been several days since he had seen the witch who had captured his heart, his lust was thinly veiled behind his normally cheeky smiles and impeccable manners. "How stunning you look, pretty witch. If I had known what I was coming home to, I would not have stayed gone for so long." He said, even though it had only been a few days since they had been apart. His devilish grin the deep baritone of his voice sent a pretty blush to her cheeks and a flood of heat to her abdomen.

"I must admit that I was equally unaware I would be coming home much changed from when I left." Hermione replied honestly, though she was smiling. A slight change in her appearance was a small concession for the possibilities it could bring her - the ability to command a room despite her small stature, not to mention the ability to bring the two wizards before her to their knees.

Draco watched the exchange from across the room, his eyes trailing over the witch who had left him earlier that day with frizzy, unruly curls while wearing a baggy jumper and muggle jeans. While his mother hadn't drastically changed her appearance, she had certainly enhanced Hermione's natural assets. Her curls were tamed into pretty ringlets and her clothing fit her like it was tailored specifically for her body, which if Draco knew his mother well, it was.

Theo crooked a finger beneath Hermione's chin and lifted her lips to meet his own, his hand resting against her neck and jaw, lightly stroking the flesh beneath his thumb as he kissed her. His lips moved sensuously against her own as though conveying every possible emotion he had felt from the moment they parted to this moment. Longing. Love. Lust. It made Hermione's head swim.

As if the intensity with which he kissed her weren't enough, Theo pressed his lips against the curve of her ear and whispered in that low, sensual voice she craved causing her to shudder delightfully. "As beautiful as you look in them, there is nothing more I would like to do right now than rip those robes to shreds and have my way with you."

She released an involuntary moan as she felt Draco slip his arms around her waist from behind. There was nothing she loved more than being ensconced in both of their arms.

"I don't know what my mother did to convince you, but I am eternally grateful to the witch." Draco whispered with a press of his lips to the crook of her neck. "You look beautiful, Hermione."

"I'll be back to jumpers and jeans before you know it." She teased.

"I'll burn every last jumper you own." Theo threatened with a playful nip to her neck, one of his hands lightly stroking Draco's arm.

Knowing she would have to be the voice of reason or else her new clothes might truly end up in shreds on the floor of the dining room, Hermione released a sigh and pressed her thighs together in an effort to quell the ache between them.

"As much as I want to escape upstairs with the two of you for the remainder of the evening, Cissa made a reservation at some new restaurant and is expecting us to join her there shortly." Hermione said, putting an abrupt end to their dreams of intimacy.

Draco released a groan of frustration while Theo leaned over Hermione's shoulder to place a kiss against the wizard's temple. "You know how vicious your mother can be when she's kept waiting." Theo said.

"Don't remind me."

….

Hermione couldn't sleep. She stumbled out of the bed she had been sharing with Theo and Draco leaving the pair firmly wrapped around one another and wandered down into the kitchen with the intention of making some coffee. An owl bearing the day's copy of the Daily Prophet sat atop a large perch and hooted at her imperiously. Giving him a bit of a scratch and a few treats, she took the publication and tucked it up under her arm. With a wave of her wand, she set a pot of coffee to boil finding that these days she preferred it to tea in the mornings.

She quickly prepared her coffee with cream and sugar and settled down at the small table in the kitchen giving it a moment to cool as she opened the Prophet for the first time in months.

Had she been holding a mug of coffee, it was highly likely it would have ended up shattered on the floor when she spotted the series of photographs. The first photograph was a lovely picture of she and Narcissa laughing over something they had seen in a shop window while in Italy. The second was one of the pair having lunch at a small café in Milan while the third showed the pair exiting the International Portkey Office at the Ministry and walking toward the apparition point. Hermione skimmed the article following the moving photographs with a scowl on her face.

WAR HEROINE SPOTTED WITH MALFOY MATRIARCH

You heard it here first, loyal readers! Hermione Granger, Brightest Witch of the Age and War Heroine has been spotted wandering the streets of Paris and Milan with none other than Narcissa Malfoy, mother to the one and only heir of the Malfoy estate. Rumor has it that Ms. Granger has secured a coveted invitation to one of the most exclusive events of the season hosted by the Parkinson and Nott families and will be attending on the arm of former Death Eater, Draco Malfoy himself.

One classmate of the pair indicated they have shared a few moments of public intimacy within the confines of the closely guarded school including one rather steamy kiss following a game of Quidditch in which Draco Malfoy caught the snitch leading to a victory for Slytherin. Another classmate has also reported Ms. Granger has been seen in the company of one Mr. Theodore Nott, son of Thoros Nott., a known Death Eater who is currently imprisoned in Azkaban, though it is unclear if her interactions with Mr. Nott are of a romantic nature. Is it possible Ms. Granger is playing the field?

Time will tell what may come of these developments, but we can all be certain of one thing: Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley are over and done with. It appears that Ms. Granger's tastes are a bit greener (and perhaps a bit more dangerous!), shall we say?

For more information on the annual Nott-Parkinson Holiday Benefit see pages 4-5. For further information on the recent exploits of Ronald Weasley, see page 6. Page 7 details recent charitable donations made by the Malfoy family.

Hermione released a groan as she slumped down into one of the chairs around the small table in the kitchen and settled her head in her hands. She had been purposefully avoiding the Prophet in order to avoid any of her ex's exploits as they were calling them, yet here they were, laid out so nicely on page 6. They had practically published a timeline of his exploits and there were entirely too many leggy blondes and buxom brunettes contained within that list. She knew that had things been different, it was entirely likely she would be amongst that list. It was clear he had no intention of changing his womanizing ways. After all, it had all started when they were still together.

"Disgusting." Theo said as he nudged Hermione's discarded coffee towards her and slipped into the chair next to her with his own cup of coffee, though he took his black.

Hermione tugged at the roots of her hair and set her forehead down onto the table. "Yes." She muttered. "You have no idea how glad I am to be rid of… that."

Theo settled a hand in the space between her shoulder blades and began to rub in smooth, soothing circles. "I think we have some idea, princess." He said quietly, taking a sip of his coffee. "After all, we've seen the aftermath of… that."

Theo was right, of course. They had seen the aftermath of exactly how destructive Ron Weasley could be where she was concerned, fueled by alcohol or not. Hermione picked herself up off of the table and leaned against Theo's shoulder, seeking the comfort of his embrace. "Things are going to change." She muttered with a vague motion to the Prophet in the front of them.

Theo pulled his fingers gently through her curls as he dropped a kiss on the top of his head. "Things been changing for a few months, Hermione."

"You know what I mean, Theo." She sighed. "Going public changes things. It will be worse than it was before. More whispers. More staring. Only this time it will be more blatant."

Theo crooked a finger beneath her chin and tilted her face to look at him and he gazed down into her amber colored eyes. He nuzzled his nose against hers and felt triumphant when she smiled at the contact. "You're happy with us, right Hermione?"

"Of course, Theo." She said, without hesitation as she considered the honesty housed within his sapphire blue gaze with adoration. "I never expected either of you, but I can't imagine my life without the two of you in it."

Leaning his forehead to rest against Hermione's, Theo's hand crossed the soft planes of her jaw to rest against the side of her neck, his thumb stroking the soft skin beneath. "That is the only thing that matters, princess. The rest of the world can go to Hades in a handbasket as long as you love us and we love you."

She pulled her arms around the wizard in a tender embrace as she slid off of her own chair and into his lap with a distinct need to be as close to him as possible. "I do, Theo. I love you."

While her logical brain attempted to convince her that it was entirely too soon to fall in love, the sheer intensity of what she felt for the pair of them quickly squashed that notion as her heart fluttered against the walls of her chest.

With a tender nuzzle, Theo pressed his lips against Hermione's in a short, sweet and altogether quite perfect kiss. "And I love you, Hermione." He said as he squeezed her tightly around her middle, burying his face in her slightly-less-riotous curls.

After several minutes of basking in each other's presence, coffee long forgotten on the table, Theo smiled against her neck. "Come running with me."

Hermione started to protest, but Theo simply pressed a finger against her lips to stem the flow as he attempted to persuade her. "Draco won't be awake for at least another hour and it will help clear your mind."

With a petulant huff, Hermione acquiesced. "Fine."

"There's my good girl." Theo chuckled as he captured her lips in another kiss.

….

Draco awoke to find both of his lovers curiously absent from the large bed they had been sharing over the holiday. He had gotten so used to waking up to an arm full of his witch over the past several days that he felt somewhat disconcerted that she was nowhere near his bed and the sheets were cold. Basking in Hermione's presence for the past several days had been wonderful, but there was a nagging sensation at the back of his mind that said something was missing. That feeling had completely dissipated upon Theo's arrival. The moment the wizard had passed through the wards and Draco felt his calming presence, the tightness in his shoulders released and he once again felt whole.

With a groan, Draco eased himself out of the bed and stumbled towards the ensuite, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He relieved himself in the loo and turned the water on at the tap to draw himself a bath adding salts and oils with complimentary fragrances. He stepped down into the large marble tub that was big enough for several people and basked in the encompassing heat. Closing his eyes, Draco allowed himself to relax in the warmth as he breathed in the soothing scents of herbs and oils willing every muscle in his body to relax.

He was so far gone in the sensations, he didn't notice the cool blast of air as the door open and quickly shut. The presence of another person in the room was only registered when he heard her release a breathy sigh following the distinct thud of clothing hitting the floor.

Willing his eyelids to open, he caught sight of Hermione stepping out of a pair of very tight athletic pants and very nearly tripping over her own two feet. Her curls were twice their normal size and her cheeks were red with exertion. Once the witched removed and discarded every article of clothing on the floor she released a moan of pleasure as stepped down into the steaming waters of the tub.

She settled into the steaming abyss so she was facing Draco and placed herself so she was completely submerged up to her chin. "Good morning," she muttered, the water lapping just at the curve of her bottom lip as she spoke.

Draco captured one of her feet under the water in his hand and pressed his thumb into the arch of her foot, eliciting a moan from the witch. "Good morning, love. Where have you been?"

"Theo made me go running with him."

"You could have told him no." Draco said, as he trailed his thumb along the curve of her arch towards the ball of her foot.

"He's rather convincing. Besides, it helped."

Draco felt concerned that she needed assistance with something. His lover had a penchant for running for a variety of reasons, the most common of which was to clear out his head and avoid his troubles. "Helped with…?"

"We've been found out." Draco paused in his ministrations at that revelation.

"Oh Gods, Draco, don't stop." She moaned, wiggling her toes at him from under the water.

He released a low chuckle and continued massaging her foot eliciting another sweet sigh of relief from his witch. "I'll need a bit more information, Hermione."

"There's an article in the Prophet which is full of speculation as well as several photographs of your mother and I from yesterday."

"Let them speculate." He scoffed, switching to her other foot, his fingers kneading into the flesh.

Hermione sunk beneath the surface and quickly rose again, the water cascading in rivulets over the curves of her face as her curls relaxed under the weight of the water, her hair turning darker as it fanned out across her shoulders. Draco marveled in quiet adoration at the beauty of the witch, but the words which left her mouth left him stunned speechless.

"Theo and I were thinking that perhaps we should go public." Hermione had captured her bottom lip between her teeth and was currently worrying it with such intensity that Draco was afraid it might bruise. The disturbance in the water around her told him she was also likely wringing her hands together.

Sliding through the water, Draco pulled the witch into his arms until she was safely perched on his lap with one hand resting between her shoulder blades while the other caressed her cheek. "Is that what you want, love?"

Resting her hands at the curve of his neck, Hermione nodded before touching her forehead to his. "I love you, Draco, and I want everyone to know you're mine."

Draco nearly crushed her against his chest eliciting a yelp from the witch as he buried his face in the curve of her neck, unable to stop a few errant tears from rolling down his face under the weight of her confession. He was certain his heart had stopped beating for just a moment before it synchronized with the gentle rhythm of her own.

She wrapped herself around the wizard, hands rubbing small circles along his spine, soaking in his presence. Her Draco was kind and genuine, much like his mother but he was closed off emotionally the majority of the time as though he were desperately afraid of being hurt again. Between Theo and herself, they had slowly been breaking down his walls over the past several months and she knew they still had work to do to build him back up in the man they knew he could be. He had suffered more than the rest of them in the war, though they had all been subject to their own tragedies and trials.

"Hermione, I have waited years to hear you say those words." He muttered quietly against the skin of her neck, the flutter of his lips bringing a smile to her own. Her mind drifted to the one who made them whole, thankful for this moment alone with Draco even as her own heart called out to their missing partner.

"Theo told me that all that matters is that we love you and you love us."

"I love you, Hermione." He said, lifting his head to gaze into her shining eyes. Hermione could just make out the faint redness around his eyes from when he had been overcome to the point of tears.

Hermione pulled back slightly and pressed her hand against his heart, seeking out the steady beat below. "Always, Draco."