A/N: Bah! I'm so sorry – I've been really struggling to write. I feel like I've hit a major writer's block! I don't know what it is but I've just really been struggling to write to what I feel is a decent standard. I hope you all forgive me!

Thank you to those who reviewed! Despite my apparent inability to write well, your reviews are what drives me and so I will make sure to keep it up as best as I can. They are so very much appreciated!

Chapter 7

Sunday, May 2nd 2004 – 6:34pm

Ministry of Magic Ballroom

The vast room was abuzz with excitement, nearly overflowing with Ministry officials and guests. Ostentatious peacock-themed decorations adorned the room; blue and green bouquets standing on each table with gold and purple embellishments hanging on the walls and from the ceilings. It was an interesting combination of the four Hogwarts houses and yet, was somehow tasteful and rather stunning.

Hermione took in a deep breath as people bustled around them, unconsciously shifting closer to Draco's steady frame. He glanced down at her, flashing her a smile.

His nervousness was nearly palpable, his eyes a stormy grey. She was strangely comforted by this, reassured by the fact that she wasn't the only one that was apprehensive about this whole thing.

Everything around them seemed to morph into slow motion. Familiar faces flashed past as light chatter and soft music filled the air. One by one, pairs of eyes widened in recognition as they fell on the unexpected couple. Whispers filled the air as heads whipped towards them and jaws dropped open.

"Kill me now." Draco muttered under his breath, glaring at the people who were quite openly ogling at them.

"As much as I'd love to, maybe later."

He chuckled at her response, raising the eyebrows of those closest to them. Was Draco Malfoy, jackass extraordinaire, laughing at something Hermione Granger, heroine of the Wizarding World, said?

"Mione?!"

She winced at the unmistakable voice that called out from behind them. Steeling herself for what was to come, she spun around on the spot, letting her hand fall from the nook of Draco's arm.

"Hey Gin." She greeted, plastering a wide smile on her face. "How are you?"

Harry was blankly gaping at her with a widely open jaw, confusion and shock flooding his eyes. Whilst Ginny was also slack-jawed, her eyes were gleaming with a strange sparkle and her cheeks lightly flushing with thrill.

"How am I? How are you?!" She hissed with excitement, a large grin spreading across her face.

"I'm good."

Ginny threw her hands up in exasperation. "Stop being so evasive! You're going out with Draco Malfoy?!"

Hermione gave her an innocent look, impassively smiling at her. "What are you on about?"

The pregnant woman huffed in frustration, lightly slapping Hermione on the arm. "Hermione!"

The woman in question laughed lightly, eyes sparkling with amusement as they fell on the still-gaping Harry. She sent him a light smile before turning back to his wife. "Fine. Yes, Gin. I am going out with Draco Malfoy."

That was apparently all it took to shake Harry out of his stupor. "What?!" He choked, his words overshadowed by Ginny's excited squeal.

"Hermione is my girlfriend and I am her boyfriend, Potter." Draco drawled, his voice devoid of its characteristic sneer. "Why so surprised?"

Harry spluttered ungracefully as Ginny gaily clapped her hands together. "Oh my goodness! This is unbelievable!" She threw her arm around Hermione, giving her an awkward embrace around her rounded belly.

Almost as quickly as it happened, she released her before enveloping Draco in an affectionate hug. She pulled back, her eyes glistening with tears. "This is just wonderful! After everything you two have been through together – to be able to find love – it's just amazing!"

It was Hermione's turn to become flustered, as Harry began gasping through his shock. "L-love?" Draco nudged her. "Yes! Yes." She bumbled, finishing with a large smile.

"What?!" Harry's mouth was moving soundlessly as his eyes flashed from Hermione to Draco and back.

With a deep sigh, Hermione placed a gentle hand on his shoulder as Ginny comfortingly rubbed at his back. "Harry. Breathe." She cajoled. "Yes, Draco and I are a couple – we have been for a year. And yes, we are in love. I didn't say anything before because at first we wanted to make sure that this-" she pointed between Draco and herself. "-was something real. And then, we just wanted to wait until the right time. We felt that tonight would just make everything easier. I'm sorry that I kept this a secret and sprung it on you both. I really am – please just try to understand."

Ginny smiled encouragingly as Harry's spluttering receded and he began to slowly nod. "Okay." He murmured, the thoughts in his head running a mile a minute. "I…I get it. I do. But just…let me get my head around it, yeah?"

Hermione wrapped him in a firm embrace, whispering her thanks into his ear. She pulled away from him, noting with amusement as Ginny excitedly babbled something or rather about double dates, much to Draco's horror.

"Slow down, Gin." She chuckled. "Give Draco a few minutes before you go nuts."

Ginny had the decency to blush as she mumbled a rather insincere apology. Draco scoffed at her laughable attempt, earning a sharp elbow from his 'significant other'. The trio fell into a comfortable chatter as Harry was slowly pulled into the conversation.

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Sunday, May 2nd 2004 – 7:02pm

Ministry of Magic Ballroom

After what had been a surprisingly pleasant conversation, Draco steered Hermione to where Blaise Zabini and Daphne Greengrass were watching them with interest. His face broke into a genuinely friendly smile as they approached the couple, greeting Blaise with a firm handshake and Daphne with a one-armed hug.

"Hello Draco." She greeted stiffly, curiously eyeing Hermione's hand that was once again nestled on his left arm.

"Blaise, Daphne. You remember Hermione, yes?"

Blaise let out a derisive scoff. "You think we'd forget the Hermione Granger?" He mocked before turning to Hermione and greeting her with a surprisingly warm smile. "Hey Granger. How'd Draco manage to catch you?"

She choked on the swig of wine she had just sipped. "What?" She hissed as she tried to clear her throat. She nearly jumped as Draco lightly rubbed the middle of her back. The oddly comforting action had taken her by complete surprise.

Blaise flashed her a charming grin. "Well, let's face it. Draco is…well, he's Draco. Nothing special really. But you are Hermione Granger, bachelorette of the Wizarding World. You're incredibly intelligent and hardworking as the whole of Hogwarts knew. You're pretty damn witty, dedicated and feisty. And let's face it – you're downright bloody gorgeous."

He finished his spiel with a teasing drawl as he placed a hand on Hermione's arm. Her eyes widened at his touch as Daphne merely rolled her eyes – she was more than used to this side of him and she knew that he would never truly act on it.

Draco, on the other hand, was most definitely not pleased. He let out an involuntary growl at the action, wrapping a protective arm around her waist. "Blaise." He snarled, eyes flashing with displeasure. "Watch it."

She felt a wave of excitement run through her body at his protective tone and stance. It wasn't that same distrustful jealousy that had consumed Ron and destroyed the remnants of their friendship that had been left after their breakup. He had become suspicious of every man she ever spoke to, filled with rage at what he saw as disrespectful and promiscuous behaviour.

But the way Draco grasped her and stared warningly at his friend was ever so enticing.

Something about the way he was holding her as if she were the most precious gem he had ever seen was incomprehensibly sensual – the way he held her flush against his body, the way his fingers dug ever so lightly into the flesh over her hipbone, the way his eyes flashed with greed as if all he wanted to do was to completely consume her.

She shuddered as she felt a lustful heat pool at the bottom of her abdomen, the room becoming warmer than before. Hermione lent her body against his for support as her legs became increasingly weak under her.

Blaise let out an amused chuckle. "Relax, Drake. I was just testing you. Apparently you really are head over heels about this woman." He observed, a wide grin spreading across her face.

Draco felt his face rouge at his words. "Wh-Shut up Blaise."

Daphne tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder with a laugh, flicking her eyes between the pair. "Oh we've suspected it for a long, long time Draco. Probably since she slugged you in third year."

His jaw dropped wide open as Hermione yet again spluttered, this time after inhaling her own saliva. "What?!" She gasped between coughs.

The stunning woman laughed gaily, sharing a warm smile with her. "Oh he didn't tell you?" Her smile widened at Hermione's flabbergasted expression. "It was always Granger this, Granger that – Granger's got bushy hair, Granger's so annoying, Granger beat me in everything again. He never shut up about you. Though he wasn't quite aware of it, we knew he was infatuated with you."

Draco was blankly gaping at her, his mouth aimlessly opening and closing as his cheeks steadily flushed. He turned silently to Hermione, his stomach flipping at the gleeful sparkle that rose in her eyes. She fidgeted on the spot as little contented butterflies erupted inside of her.

A thousand thoughts ran through her head in the split second before he flashed her a brilliant smile that took her breath away. "I can't help that she's bloody perfect, can I?" He asked, turning to face his friends. Hermione tried to suppress the elation those words sent through her.

'He is just acting to keep up appearances', she reminded herself. 'He doesn't really believe that'.

Daphne met his smile with a large grin before rushing forward and embracing the pair together. "Oh I'm so happy for you!" He caught Blaise's eye over her shoulder, stifling a smile as he rolled his eyes at his fiancée.

"Well isn't this an interesting reunion." The snarling voice was accompanied by a face twisted by a dreadful smirk. Standing before them was the familiar dark hair and piercing blue eyes that had goaded and provoked Hermione for years.

The group quickly turned in the direction of the snarling voice and were met by a face twisted by a dreadful smirk.

"Pansy." Draco greeted stiffly as Hermione shifted uncomfortably beside him.

She was just as pompous and extravagant as she had been at Hogwarts, if not more so. Hermione wasn't ignorant – Pansy wasn't horrible to look at, she did have an attractive body and she was fairly fashionable…not that she could talk. But her overall aura – Merlin, she sounded like Luna – was unbearable.

"I see you've been sullying yourself with filth." Her perfectly-shaped eyebrow rose, eyeing Hermione with a mixture of surprise and disdain. "I must say, you don't look quite as horrible as I would expect…for a Mudblood."

Draco snarled angrily, his eyes darkening with anger. He took a threatening step forward, stopped only by Hermione's firm hold on his arm. His eyes softened momentarily as he gazed down at her dainty hand.

"Draco – don't. She's not worth it."

Pansy scowled at her words. "Please." She sneered. "You're sadly mistaken Granger - the only thing here that isn't worthy of anything is you…you don't belong in our world."

"Shut it, Pansy." Blaise warned, his face carefully devoid of any emotion. "We don't need you spouting that bullshit…especially not tonight."

She carefully observed the group, her eyes narrowing indignantly.

"Fine. You are lucky you have your lackeys here, Granger." She hissed, spinning on her heel and storming away from the group, her head arrogantly held high. Hermione let out a breath she hadn't realised she had been holding, smiling gratefully at the two men beside her before taking a hefty sip from her glass.

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Sunday, May 2nd 2004 – 7:19pm

Ministry of Magic Ballroom

Ginny groaned under her breath as an all-too-familiar head of red hair made a beeline towards them. "Oh bloody hell." She whispered, sparing a meaningful glance at her husband who was happily chatting with Seamus.

"Hey guys!" Ron greeted, his face splitting into a wide smile.

Her eyebrows immediately shot up behind her bangs. He was far too happy. "Hey…" She replied cautiously. "What's gotten you all excited?"

He let out a little chuckle, his blue eyes shining with amusement. "I'm pretty certain that Neville's already smashed. You should have heard the crap he was spouting! He's somehow convinced that Hermione is here with Malfoy!" He spat the last word with disgust, as if it were venom on his tongue. "I mean – come on!"

He erupted into a laughter, as if he had just said something hilarious. His mirth slowly petered out as he took in the anxiety on the three faces in front of him, eyes narrowing suspiciously.

"What?"

Ginny rolled her eyes as Harry and Seamus both shuffled awkwardly on the spot. She huffed with a twinge of frustration. "She is."

His eyes twisted in confusion. "She is what?"

"She is here with Malfoy."

A few moments of peace elapsed before a deep rouge coloured his cheeks. "WHAT?!"

His surprised yell drew the attention of the attendees around the group. "This is a bloody joke, right? Tell me you're joking." His voice had dropped to a dangerously low hiss.

He threateningly stepped forward, looming over his sister. Harry angrily narrowed his eyes, stepping between the two. "Ron…"

"What, Harry?" His voice was laced with rage.

"Calm down."

"I said…tell me you are joking." His eyes had darkened with fury.

"We're not. They are a couple. Do not overreact."

A heavy silence fell between the four ex-Gryffindors, silence ringing in their ears momentarily before it was broken.

"Where the fuck is she?!"

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Sunday, May 2nd 2004 – 7:31pm

Ministry of Magic Ballroom

"Ladies and Gentlemen. I trust you are all enjoying yourself today."

Kingsley had stepped behind a podium on the stage, his pearly whites displayed by a wide smile. He stood regally, commanding the attention of every person in the room.

"Tonight is a bittersweet evening – not only are we celebrating the end of a vicious war, but we grieve for those that we lost. Every single person in this room lost someone; whether it be a parent, a sibling, a child or a friend. But what we must consider is that those we lost, they gave their lives for our freedom and wellbeing. I wish you all to have an enjoyable evening as we remember what we have lost and celebrate what we have gained."

The Minister paused momentarily, a minute of silence filling the room.

"As we mark the fifth anniversary of a night that changed the outcome of our world forever, I have the pleasure of introducing a new accolade to our community. The Good Will Award will be presented every five years to a witch or wizard in recognition of the hard work and effort they have dedicated to the British Wizarding World."

A pregnant pause hung around the room as Justin shuffled forward, handing Kingsley a rather flashy gold award. He took his place back behind the podium, recasting a charm on himself to amplify his voice.

"Despite past transgressions, this member of our community has shown the utmost dedication and passion in re-establishing our name in the international eye. This person has shown incredible determination in changing the public opinion of our Wizarding world and has tirelessly worked in breakdown ancient barriers that persisted within us until only a few years ago."

Kingsley took a deep breath before a hesitant, awkward smile rose to his face.

"In addition to this, the recipient of this award has demonstrated the eradication of primeval values in the private aspects of his life. Without further ado, the recipient of this prestigious award is Draco Lucius Malfoy."

Draco's stomach churned nervously at his closing words. He had been warned that he would be receiving this award and would be expected to present his speech – his declaration of love for Hermione.

Steady applause mixed with a few cries of support flooded the room. Pasting a wide smile on his face, he made his way up the stage to where the Minister was expecting him. Handing him the small golden statuette, Kingsley stepped back with an encouraging nod.

"Thank you, Minister Shacklebolt, for this incredible honour." He began, glancing nervously into the crowd. Hermione's face seemed to stand out amongst the other revellers, like a beautifully perfect beacon of light. A reassuring smile spread across her face, her eyes the only evidence of her uneasiness.

Steeling himself for the disbelief that was sure to come, he opened his mouth to speak. Hermione felt her heart pounding as her eyes met Draco's.

He cleared his throat, a nervous smile flashing over his lips. She couldn't help but think of how attractive that look was on him.

"I really don't think that I am deserving of this privilege." He chuckled anxiously. "I'm sure many of you think the exact same. Even though I have made many mistakes in the past, I will be eternally grateful for Minister Shacklebolt for giving me the past five years to try to atone for my sins."

He turned slightly to face the dark-skinned man. "Kingsley, over the past five years, you have showed me more grace and compassion that I could have ever expected in a lifetime; you have been my mentor. Thank you for believing in me and for helping me become the person I never thought I could be."

Hermione felt her eyes prickle at his words as Kingsley nodded proudly at the man.

"Despite all my faults, I can safely say that I would not change a thing – because it has all led me to this point in my life. It had given me the chance to prove myself and to show both myself and all of you that I am more than my family's reputation. But most of all, everything thing I have ever done and experienced has brought a remarkable woman in my life."

She shuffled nervously on her feet as Draco's eyes flickered to her. He took a deep breath as his eyes lingered on hers.

"This woman is unlike anyone I could have ever imagined. She has filled my life with so much warmth and passion…and I can honestly say that she has changed my life, changed me, for the better. She is stunningly beautiful, graceful and demure. She is overwhelmingly intelligent and witty. She honestly gives me a run for my money."

A light chuckle ran through the crowd as they hung onto his every word.

"I have been unbelievably blessed to have her in my life. I'm not quite sure what I've done to deserve her – sometimes I think that I really don't – but she has truly made my world so much better by just being in it."

A few women in the crowd were clutching their hands over their chest adoringly whilst others whispered jealously to each other. Who was this woman who had Draco Malfoy so enthralled?

"Without further ado, I would like to invite her to join me." His stormy grey eyes locked with hers. "Hermione?"

An almost synchronous gasp rang out before ripples of whispers raced around them. Hermione blushed anxiously as she made her way to where Draco was standing. He wrapped his free arm around her waist, pulling her close to his side. She almost fanned herself as she felt her body heat up at the intimate gesture, timidly nibbling on her lower lip.

He turned ever so slightly so that his body was facing hers, his eyes darkening as they gazed over her flushed cheeks and bitten lip.

"Hermione." He spoke again, his voice almost noticeably huskier with her at his side. "You are more than I could have ever imagined. Every moment I am with you, I have feelings that I have never felt before in my entire life, feelings that I never thought existed." He swallowed heavily, shaken by the honesty behind his last sentence.

"You have made me feel more fulfilled than I ever thought possible. You are the answer to my every hope and prayer." She felt her cheeks rouge under his intense gaze as the crowd around them listened with bated breath. "Hermione Jean Granger, I love you."

A gasp ran out through the audience as Hermione felt her legs buckle at his words. She had known this was coming – so why were her body and mind swooning at his words?

Draco looked at her expectedly, a nervous smile wavering on his lips. "I love you too, Draco."

His face broke out into a handsomely dazzling smile, his eyes fluttered to her lips and back. And in an instance, he captured her lips in his own.

Her body flared as though it had been lit on fire. His lips moved gently against hers – it was unlike their previous caresses. Whereas they had previously been desperate and hungry, he was kissing her so tenderly that she wasn't sure she would be able to hold her body up any longer.

His arm pulled her closer against his body so that they were flush against each other as he ran his tongue over her bottom lip. She let him deepen the kiss as her arms involuntarily ran up his torso to link around his neck.

Oh sweet Circe, she could do this forever. To her internal horror, a greedy moan erupted from her throat.

"SEGMENTUM DIUTURNUS!"

"PROTEGO!"

"EXPELLIARMUS!"

"INCARCEROUS!"

A/N: I was struggling to find a good place to end this chapter. Hope you enjoyed reading this and please review – they drive me to keep going!