Hi everybody! Now that I'm fully recovered and theres no more hospital visits, I'll get cracking on with the next chapter. This is the longest chapter I've written and I'm desperate to know what you all think, please please please leave a review! It would just make my day xoxo

CHAPTER 7

"What the FUCK are you two doing here?!" Draco yelled at his parents, hurriedly zipping Hermione's dress back up as to protect her modesty.

"Language Draco." Narcissa scolded. "We just thought we'd floo by and see how you were doing."

"At eleven thirty at night?"

The elder Malfoys looked at each other, silently daring the other to say the real reason for their unannounced visit. "Well, you see son –" Lucius began.

"Don't call me that!" Draco snarled at his Father. "You lost the right to call me that when I was eighteen."

"Well, you see Draco" Lucius continued, slightly drawling his sons name, "your Mother and I had some rather unsettling news. News that you were seen cavorting around with a Mudblood."

Hermione visibly stiffened at Lucius' words, Mudblood was not a name she had been called since the War. She wasn't surprised by Lucius Malfoy referring to her as one, however it was Draco's reaction that surprised her the most.

"Get the fuck out of my house!" Draco yelled at his parents, his face turning a Weasley shade of red and his hands balled into fists. "I don't want to hear it. Get out!"

"But Draco! Mr Weasley was only looking out for your reputation!" Narcissa cried as Draco started to push them back towards the fireplace.

It was at Narcissa Malfoy's comment that Hermione finally found her voice. "Mr Weasley? As in Ron? Was it Ron Weasley who told you that I was with Draco?"

"Yes of course he did, you stupid girl." Lucius said with a hint of disgust in his voice, not looking at her. "Draco. Come."

"No."

Hermione watched, slightly stunned, as Draco moved away from his parents and came and stood next to her again, placing an arm around her shoulder protectively.

"Draco this is enough. Stop being foolish and think of the Malfoy name!" Lucius hissed at him.

"I am not being foolish and I am thinking of the Malfoy name." Draco said calmly, a little too calmly for Hermione's liking. "Listening to you and following your twisted views is what got us into that mess in the first place. A mess I have fought to crawl my way out of. A mess that's left you two hiding like cowards in France. The name Malfoy now means something. I now mean something and I won't let you ruin it again. Now, kindly get the fuck out of my house."

Draco watched as his Fathers face contort with anger that he wasn't controlling the situation, but Draco could have sworn he saw a brief flicker of a smile on his Mothers face. With a dramatic swish of his cloak, Lucius Malfoy spun around and strode into the fireplace with his wife dutifully following behind him and with one last look of contempt, the elder Malfoy's were gone.

"Well." Hermione said after a few moments of tense silence and moving away from Draco. "That's not how I pictured this evening ending."

"Hermione, I –" Draco began, taking a step towards her.

Hermione took a step back and held up one hand. "It's fine. I'll sleep in my room tonight. Goodnight Draco."

As Draco watched Hermione walk up the stairs, he could feel this deep bubbling anger in the pit of his stomach. He marched over to the kitchen, grabbed a glass and a bottle of Firewhiskey and poured himself a large glass. Just as he thought he had left his God awful past behind him, when he had done so much to help those responsible for heinous crimes stay behind bars, up pop his parents. They were nothing but a harsh reminder of the darkness where he came from and how his past will always be one step behind him, waiting to rear its ugly head.

Draco downed the Firewhiskey in one mouthful, his throat used to the harsh burn that always followed. He looked at the empty glass, thinking how aptly he was feeling right now. Empty. Then suddenly, with all lf his strength, Draco hurled the glass across the room where it shattered into thousands of pieces.

Hermione lay in bed, unable to sleep and listening to Draco stomp around downstairs. She was angry that Ron had told Draco's parents about her, but she was proud of Draco for standing up for himself and being his own man. Hermione didn't know why she chose to sleep alone, perhaps she was distancing herself from Draco in case he chose to leave her and reunite with his parents. A stupid thought, especially after his actions earlier tonight. She heard the sound of a glass shattering and jumped a little, she then heard him thunder upstairs and slam his bedroom door shut.

After what felt like an eternity, Hermione checked her clock, three AM. With no chance of sleep, Hermione mustered her courage and got out of bed. She quietly left her room and made her way upstairs to Draco's room. She crept over to his side of the bed, he was asleep and smelled like whiskey, his face was scrunched up with anger and his body appeared tense. Hermione moved over to the empty side of the bed and climbed in, hoping not to disturb him.

"You know, you're not as quiet as you think you are."

Hermione laughed a little as Draco rolled over to face her. "At least I tried."

"Hermione I'm –" Draco began, but he was cut off by Hermione pressing her fingers to his lips.

"No, let me speak." Hermione said softly. "Standing up for your beliefs is hard enough without having to defend them to your parents. You could have easily stayed the same boy you were seventeen but you have become a man with strong morals and you help those who need it the most. I can only imagine how difficult tonight was for you, your Father is one of the most intimidating men I know. I am so very proud of you Draco Malfoy."

Draco hadn't realised a couple of tears had escaped until Hermione's thumb brushed them away. This was the first time somebody he truly cared about told him they were proud of him. Draco knew he had done everything humanly possible in order for the wizarding world to see him as more than a follower of Lord Voldemort. Ron Weasleys actions had shown Draco the change in himself and just how far he had come. As Hermione pulled Draco closer so his head was resting on her chest, Draco could feel his heart swell and it was a this moment, he knew that he was in love with Hermione Granger.

Hermione woke to the sound of Draco climbing back into bed. Not quite ready to get out of bed herself, she pulled the blankets right over her head, enveloping herself in darkness once more. After the events of last night, Hermione felt like she would be quite content to spend all day in bed, preferably with Draco. Last night's fiasco proved to Hermione that she did the right thing by not marrying Ronald and that she was very lucky to find Draco that same night.

"Its eleven thirty Granger." Draco laughed, poking the lump that was Hermione. "Get up, the Potters will be here in an hour."

Hermione groaned and stubbornly pulled the blankets tighter around herself. She heard Draco laugh softly and get off the bed, then suddenly the light was blinding and she was suddenly cold. Draco had pulled the blankets off her with one mighty pull.

"Was that completely necessary?!" she screeched at him, as she sat up and watched him hurry out of the room. He only laughed at her, which was the only response she was expecting.

Hermione begrudgingly got out of bed and made her way over to her drawers. She had found that because she was practically spending every night in Draco's bed, it made little sense to keep walking downstairs to get her clothes. As she started to get dressed, she couldn't he but think of the first night Draco made her spend the entire night with him.

Hermione, once again, woke up in Draco's bed, this has become a nightly occurrence, but neither of them were complaining. She often woke up before Draco and crept back into her bedroom and then meet him downstairs later and they'd go to work together. Hermione didn't particularly enjoy going back to her room but she didn't want to disturb him and all of her clothes were downstairs. As she gently swung her legs out of bed, she felt Draco's hand reach out and grab her wrist.

"And just where do you think you're going?"

"Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you. I'm going back to my room."

"First, you didn't wake me, and second, no you're not going back to your room."

Draco gently pulled her back into bed and under the warm blankets. Hermione settled herself with Draco's hand on her wrist still, rubbing it gently. She exhaled and rolled back over onto her side. After all, they did have sex nearly every night, so it made sense for them to spend the whole night together. When Hermione was at that point when she was just on the verge of sleep, when she felt Draco move over to her side of the bed. As he wrapped his arms around her, she turned over and buried her face in his chest. Draco kissed the top of her head and she smiled into his chest, listening to the calming sound of his heartbeat. Never before had someone held her like this, mover had she felt more treasured by someone that what she did right now. Hermione thought to herself that if Draco continued to make her feel this way, she would well be on her way to falling in love with him.

Hermione smiled at her memory as she walked down the stairs and into the living room. Draco had his feet resting on the coffee table as he was watching the news. Hermione smiled at the back of his head, he really was shaping up to be the perfect man for her. If somebody had told her in school that she would be romantically involved with Draco Malfoy, she would have marched them to the doors of St Mungos herself. She was just about to say something to him when the familiar whoosh of the floo announced the arrival of the Potters.

"Uncle Draco!" James screamed excitedly, "Aunt Hermione!"

"James!" Draco yelled back, matching his level of excitement.

Hermione sighed a little and swallowed what she was going to say to Draco. It would keep till later, after all, he didn't seem to be going anywhere.


As their afternoon went on, Hermione somehow managed to find herself alone with Harry, a rarity as he always seemed to have a little shadow. They sat at the kitchen table watching Draco and Ginny playing with the kids outside. Harry watched Draco with his eldest son and how natural be was with him.

"So how are you?" Hermione asked Harry, passing him a beer she had just got out of the fridge.

"Honestly, exhausted." Harry laughed. "Nah its alright, now that Al is sleeping through the night things are getting back to normal."

Hermione smiled at her oldest friend. They had come such a long way since they were eleven years old, although the dynamic of their group had changed, their relationship hadn't. They had been through too much for it to be any different.

"So…" Harry said, trying and failing to sound casual. "How's life with Draco?"

Hermione laughed at him, subtly was never his strong point. "Life with Draco is wonderful Mister Potter."

Harry laughed and reached across the table and grabbed her hand, Hermione smiled at him and squeezed his fingers. "I'm proud of you Hermione." Hermione looked at Harry curiously, wondering what made him say that. "I honestly can't remember the last time I've seen you like this."

"Like what?"

"Like you're not carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Draco is good for you."

Hermione smiled at Harry again, knowing he was right. Ever since that night she burnt her wedding dress she had felt this sense of relief, relief that she no longer had to be the strong one or the provider for someone else. She was able to do things and take care of herself. Although as their relationship progressed, Draco provided security and strength for her but he did not rely on her to do absolutely everything for him.

"He loves you, you know." Harry told her, taking a swig of his beer.

Hermione blushed at Harrys words. "I'm sure he cares about me a lot."

"No." Harry said, shaking his head. "Its more than that. Earlier he told me about last night and what happened with his parents. All I can say is that talking to him about it, its clear that the bloke loves you. He'll love you the way you need to be loved."

Hermione wiped away the tears that had dared to escape her eyes. "And since when did you know so much about love!"

"I wouldn't be here without it." Harry said, motioning to the scar on his forehead. "And I can speak for your parents in saying that they would approve of him."

Hermione just looked at Harry, her tears freely falling. Deep down she knew Harry was right, her parents would approve of this Draco. The Draco that helped her when she needed it the most. The Draco that stood up to his Father and defied his wishes. The same Draco who held her in his arms every night and took away all of her insecurities and hurt.

"This is it Hermione." Harry told her firmly, looking her straight in the eyes. "This is your chance. Take it."

Hermione stood up and hugged Harry. "When did you become so wise."

"Must have been all those years listening to you."

They both laughed as Draco, Ginny and the kids came back inside. James was fighting a losing battle against sleep, so the Potters decided to go, not before Ginny practically forced Hermione to celebrate her birthday next week at the Burrow with everybody.


Draco and Hermione were snuggled up on the sofa watching Singing in the Rain. Draco was absentmindedly playing with a strand of Hermione's hair and she was drawing circles on his stomach. "So are you going to tell me what Potter said that made you upset today?"

Hermione manoeuvred herself so that she was sitting on Draco's lap, straddling him so that she could look at his face. She wrapped her hands around his neck, playing with the hair on the back of his head as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "They were happy tears."

"You sure?"

"Yes." She told him. "We were just talking about my parents."

Draco felt his guilt hit him like a stone in his stomach. It was because of the people he was involved with that her parents died. This was the part of his old life that he hated the most, that he had some part in destroying not only her family but countless others.

"Harry was telling me," Hermione continued, "that right now is my chance to be happy and how my parents would want me to be. That they would want me to be happy with you."

Draco just looked at the woman sitting in his arms, thinking that she was the most singularly beautiful person inside and out. Draco was sure that he had done absolutely nothing in his life to deserve somebody like her. Hearing her say that her parents would want her to be happy with him, Draco silently promised himself that he would show her everyday that he deserved such praise from her.

"I love you Draco Malfoy."

Draco blinked at Hermione a few times, not quite believing what he just heard. "Really?"

Hermione laughed at him. "Yes, you fool. I love you."

Draco's face broke out into the biggest smile he had ever done. He pressed his forehead against hers, he was in utter shock that she could ever feel this way about him. "I love you Hermione."

Hermione moved her hands to cup Draco's face. Harry was right. He did love her and he was going to love her how she needed to be. Hermione leaned forward and kissed him softly. Their kiss was full of unspoken promises to one another, promises of a life filled with love. Draco stood up holding Hermione so that their kiss remained unbroken as he carried her upstairs to their bedroom. As he approached the door, he somehow managed to pull out his wand, and with a wave he conjured up tiny balls of light throughout the bedroom that gave off light as if the room was filled with candles.

Draco gently laid her down on the bed, finally breaking their kiss. He carefully removed her sweater and bra while she removed his shirt and belt. Each movement was gentle and careful, neither of them speaking. Draco leaned back down and lightly kissed her exposed collarbone, lightly trailing across one side to the other. He slowly kissed his way down to her breasts, each kiss increasing her heartbeat. Before Hermione had realised, Draco had removed the rest of her clothing and was softly kissing his way further and further down her body. She let out a soft gasp when she felt Draco's tongue against her wet centre, her hand reached down and laced her fingers in his hair.

Draco would hear Hermione moan as he licked up and down her clit. His erection grew harder as he continued to taste her sweet centre. He glanced up and saw her head thrown back and one hand lightly pinching her nipples. Hermione lightly pulled his head away and back up towards her, as she kissed him his erection grew painful as she kissed her juices off him. As he climbed on top of her, she used her feet to remove his trousers and boxers. Draco held himself over Hermione, his rock hard cock aching to be inside her.

Draco slid his erection in between her wet folds slowly. If he wasn't careful, this would all be over very quickly and he didn't want that. As Draco found himself completely inside of her, he couldn't help but let out a moan and how silky and warm her walls felt around him. "Merlin Hermione." He sighed as he slowly thrust inside of her.

"Oh Draco." Hermione whispered, lifting her hips to meet his thrusts. "I want you."

Without leaving her, Draco changed position so that they were both sitting upright. Gently rocking against each other they quickly found their rhythm. "You have me."

It was at Draco's words that Hermione crushed her mouth to his, her lips and tongue devouring his. Hermione began to feel a deep burning sensation inside her and she knew she wouldn't last much longer riding Draco.

"Draco I'm going to cum." Hermione panted, "Harder. Please God, harder."

At her request Draco leaned forward so she was once again underneath him. He felt himself let go and give into her request. He slid his cock all the way out of her and them rammed himself back in, eliciting a scream of ecstasy from her.

"Yes! Draco!" Hermione screamed, thrusting her hips to meet him half way.

"Hermione." He panted over and over again as he felt her clench around his cock.

Draco could see Hermione arch her back as her orgasm took hold. At the sight of her he felt himself cum inside her. As their orgasms subsided, Draco slowed his thrusts until they stopped. He gingerly supported himself on his elbows, still inside her warm entrance, both of them panting slightly. Draco smiled at Hermione and kissed her before sliding out of her and collapsing next to her. Still slightly breathless Hermione reached down and pulled a blanket over.

Hermione let out a content sigh as she started to drift off to sleep in Draco's arms. She felt Draco tighten his hold on her as he too fell asleep. Hermione thought to herself that Harry was right, Draco was her chance to be happy.