**Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Harry Potter the amazingly talented JK Rowling does…I just enjoy playing with her characters.

**A little treat for labor day/my last day of vacation! Alas real life calls and I must return tomorrow...so that means updates won't be as frequent as they have been. Sorry about that! I'll still do my best to update 1-2 times a week! I truly appreciate all the feedback and reviews! I do my best to respond to everyone and answer questions that won't give much away!

**As always please leave reviews!

Chapter 9:

Hermione met Draco outside of the church Saturday afternoon, she was dressed in a traditional sky-blue robe with silver star dust that shimmered in the light. Her hair was pulled into a French twist and her makeup was soft as it enhanced her eyes. She smiled broadly as she approached Draco, he was dressed in traditional black robes with a silver tie and waistcoat. He was one of Theo's groomsmen while Blaise was the best man. Blaise was similarly dressed with a gold tie and waistcoat while Theo wore white to match his bride.

"Hey" Hermione said as she stood about a foot from Draco. She was nervous about attending the wedding and sitting by herself throughout the ceremony with so many pure-blooded families around. Draco stepped forward wrapped his arms around her, completely disregarding any looks they received.

"You look beautiful" he said before pressing a simple kiss to her lips. Turning back to the church he escorted her inside to the second row to sit with Pansy and her date. "Relax" he whispered in her ear "you're here with me and if anyone says anything they'll have me to contend with alright?"

"It just makes me nervous…after everything…" she bit her lip and diverted her gaze. "I'm sorry I didn't mean…"

"Hermione" she chanced a glance at him and saw understanding in his eyes "I know exactly what you mean, but this is a formal affair and it's considered extremely bad form to create a scene at such an event. Since reputation means everything to these people you have nothing to worry about" he kissed her temple. "Keep in mind after the ceremony I'm all yours, we even have special seating" he wiggled his eyebrows making her chuckle.

"Okay, okay Draco you win. I'll sit with Pansy while you go look handsome and witness your friend's marriage" she straightened his tie, completely missing the adoration in his eyes. Leaning up she kissed his cheek and went to sit in the empty spot next to Pansy. Draco smirked and made his way up to the front to chat with Theo and Blaise until the ceremony started.

Meanwhile Hermione gave Pansy a tentative smile and a small wave before sitting next to the girl who had once tormented her in school. Seeing Pansy was in the middle of a conversation she chose to glance around at the beautiful floral decorations as the pews filled with hundred's witches and wizards. Hermione became increasingly nervous as she sat there under the scrutinizing gazes from several older individuals. She bit her lip and began fidgeting in her seat when a perfectly manicured hand reached out and grasped her hands. She glanced up and found Pansy smiling at her, the tips of her nails matching the pale pink of her dress robes.

"Hermione" she said before leaning over to kiss her cheek in greeting. "Hold your head up, don't let them see your fear, they'll attempt to devour you with it" she whispered before sitting back. "I apologize for Draco's rudeness, he shouldn't have just left you here to fend for yourself" her dark eyes bored into Hermione's as she spoke.

"It's alright, he has other things to worry about" she said before glancing at the stage before them. Draco turned and smiled at her before turning back to Blaise and Theo.

"True, he's busy but he could remember his manners. No matter how happy he is, it's inexcusable. How are you?" she asked.

"I'm well thank you. How have you been Pansy?" she said politely.

"Fabulous as usual, I run my own interior decorating business for both wizards and muggles. Since the war, business is booming and I'm happily single" Hermione raised her brow and glanced at the man beside Pansy. "Oh him? He's just a date to keep the vultures off my back."

"The what?" Hermione asked.

"Vultures" she leaned over with a mischievous smile "the old crones who insist that women my age need to be married with at least one or two pure-blood spawns. If I were to show up alone they'd find the first single male they could find and start planning my wedding. Why do you think Draco always brings a different girl to these things?" she laughed until she saw Hermione's face freeze. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be callous…I'm not used to Draco having a girlfriend. Don't worry Hermione, he's never cared about any of them the way he cares about you."

"Pansy" she started with a blush staining her cheeks.

"Ohhh it's starting…shhh" they all turned to watch the ceremony. Astoria was dressed beautifully and when she met Theo at the alter the entire church fell quiet. Hermione's brown eyes misted as she watched the couple before her. Weddings always seemed to bring back the memories of her own which created a swirling mass of emotions she had yet to deal with. She thought back and realized she hadn't been to a wedding since Ginny married Harry, four years earlier.

Blinking back tears she shifted her focus to Draco and noticed him watching her, concern barely evident in his eyes, though his face showed nothing but happiness. Hermione concentrated on Draco for the rest of the ceremony as he watched his best friend, glancing back at her every few minutes. She pushed the images of her previous marriage from her mind and recalled the last two nights she'd spent at Draco's. She enjoyed their talks, but all she could think about now as the bride and groom kissed was how it felt having his lips against hers and the way it felt having them trail down her neck and over each shoulder.

She appreciated that he never pushed too far but she was afraid to take the initiative and move things up a level. It had been just over two years since she'd last been intimate, and that was with her ex-husband. By that time in their marriage sex felt obligatory and usually only left Ron satisfied. If the length of time wasn't nerve racking enough the fact that she'd only had two partners terrified her. Though looking back at the drunken teen fumble with Cormac over Christmas break in sixth year, she wasn't sure she could really consider him a partner.

It wasn't that she and Ron hadn't enjoyed exploring each other early on in their relationship, but they rarely did anything new or exciting. The months leading up to their last coupling were usually quick one off's in the shower or early in the morning before work. Hermione wasn't sure if the lack of passion was because of her or their failing relationship.

Catching sight of Draco walking one of the bridesmaids back down the aisle brought to mind that he had a reputation of bedding numerous women. The thought made her even more nervous, not because she thought he'd laugh at her inexperience but because she didn't want to disappoint him. Pansy's hand on her arm brought her back to the present.

"We're seated at the same table, care to travel with us?" she asked politely. Hermione bit her lip before nodding and allowing Pansy to link arms with her and her date. "I'll lead" she said, within moments the compressing darkness of apparition was pressing in around them as they twisted through the air and landed in the ballroom of Knott's estate.

"How'd we…" Hermione began, wondering how they were able to pass by the security wards Draco had warned her about.

"Hermione, I'm one of Theo's best friends. I've had access to his family home since we were kids" she laughed and let go of her date's arm. "Come with me, I need to use the loo before the rest of the guests arrive and I refuse to wait in line" with that Pansy steered Hermione out the side door and down to an ornate bathroom decorated in black and gold with floral arrangements upon the sinks.

"This is beautiful" Hermione commented as Pansy reappeared from the stall.

"Thanks, my friends were my first clients after I opened my business. I use photographs of their homes in my portfolio for the wealthier clients."

"You're very talented, between this and what I've seen of Draco's home I'm not surprised your business is doing so well" Hermione said sincerely. Pansy smiled in response but made no move to leave the bathroom. Instead she raised her wand and locked the door.

"Thank you, Hermione" she said as confusion flooded Hermione's eyes. "I just want to talk without Draco or Blaise hovering."

"Oh, okay. What did you want to talk about?" Hermione asked, certain that Pansy was about to tell her to leave Draco alone and find someone more suitable to date.

"I know I've been warned to keep my mouth shut but let's be honest that has never been my strong suit" she laughed. "Anyways, I wanted to start off with apologizing…"

"For what?" Hermione asked, thoroughly confused.

"For how I treated you in school, it was mainly prejudice I was taught by my family but that doesn't excuse my behavior. I was cruel and vindictive, especially to you not only because were you a muggle-born but because you were smarter than everyone else and had the respect of those around you. I was jealous and petty so I thought it best to bring you down a few pegs, and I'm sorry" she said seriously.

"Thank you" Hermione said softly.

"I'd like to start over…maybe even be friends. Not just because you're dating Draco but because I think we'd get along swimmingly" Hermione chuckled and nodded her head. "Good I'm glad for a fresh start…one last thing though before we join the reception. As a friend I'm obligated to be honest, so at the risk of ruining our new-found friendship I want you to know that if you hurt Draco you'll have me to deal with" she said with a smile.

"Pansy…" she paused when the raven-haired witch held up a hand.

"I know you guys are just starting out, but Draco is enamored by you. I've been friends with him for years and I honestly don't think I've ever seen him so taken with someone" Hermione blushed. "He rarely lets people in, please don't hurt him."

"I won't" Hermione said softly. She truly did not intend to hurt Draco and with how much she enjoyed spending time with him, she was fairly certain she'd be the one hurting in the end.

"Good, now that's done let's go find our dates" she said happily, linking her arm through Hermione's and steering them back into the ballroom. Draco and Blaise stood talking with Pansy's date by their table and turned as the two witches approached. Draco stepped forward and kissed Hermione's cheek.

"Johnathan here says you've been gone for quite a while, you missed the bride and groom's arrival, is everything alright?" his grey eyes flashed at Pansy, she smirked and moved to stand by her date.

"Draco you worry too much, Hermione and I were just having a girls talk. I apologized for being a vicious bitch in school and she accepted. So now you don't have an excuse not to bring her for brunch on Sunday's" she said with a superior smile.

"Oh, uhh Pansy, I don't think that's necessary I have a daughter…"

"That's not a problem, it's brunch we don't get wild. The only alcohol found is in the mimosas, and that's just champagne…" Pansy insisted.

"Pansy" Draco interrupted causing her to look at him instead of Hermione's conflicted face. "Hermione doesn't want to bring Rose, okay?" he said in a low authoritative voice indicating she drop the subject.

"Why not? Just because we don't have any kids doesn't mean we don't like them…" she argued.

"Pansy, drop it" Blaise interjected sensing Hermione's unease.

"Why? I don't understand if she's allowed around Draco then why can't she be allowed around us?" Pansy looked at Hermione and noticed her staring at the table biting her lip. Glancing at Draco she saw him giving her a sharp look. "Oh…" she said finally catching on "I just assumed she allowed you to meet…"

"We're concentrating on our relationship right now" Draco said simply as Pansy looked questioningly at Hermione. He wasn't hurt by Hermione being cautious with her daughter, if anything it made he happy knowing she didn't rush into relationships and introduce Rose to one man after another.

"It's like he said, we're concentrating on us…if it becomes serious then I'll introduce them" Hermione said. "She's four…I don't want her getting attached to Draco just to be hurt and confused if things don't work out." Draco gave a half smile of understanding before he pressed a kiss against her temple.

"I completely agree, I don't want to hurt her or you" he said as his grey eyes stared into her dark brown. She smiled and leaned into him, his arm wrapping around her waist.

"Okay…well on the weekends she's with her father you could come to brunch" Pansy said changing tactics.

"We'll see, I don't want to impose" Hermione replied.

"It's no imposition" Pansy countered.

"Pansy take a hint" Blaise said shooting the witch a pointed stare and causing her to purse her lips and roll her eyes.

"Fine, but I insist on spending time with her. You can't expect to keep her all to yourself Draco" she poked him in the chest "so if you won't bring her to brunch then I'll make time to take her to dinner without you." Draco's smirk fell at Pansy's threat causing Hermione to laugh.

"Pansy, I think you and I are going to be great friends" she said through laughter as Draco shot her an inquisitive look.

"Hermione?" Ginny's voice sounded behind her. Everyone in the group stiffened as Hermione turned around. Ginny stood in a set of midnight blue dress robes, her hair was curled and pulled back in a half updo showing off the sapphire necklace Harry had bought her for their one-year anniversary. Standing by her side in his tailored black dress robes, with his messy black hair, was her husband Harry Potter.

"Ginny…Harry…what are you doing here?" Hermione asked, swallowing hard her throat suddenly dry. She hadn't seen Harry since her mother's funeral and though she'd been seeing Draco for three weeks he had yet to reach out to her.

"We were invited" Ginny snapped "what are you doing here?"

"Ginny…don't" Harry said as Draco placed a reassuring hand on Hermione's lower back. Blaise had taken a stance behind them, while engaging Pansy and Johnathan in conversation, to keep close by in case they needed help.

"She's here with me" Draco answered for her "seeing as I'm one of the groomsmen I too was invited and by extension so was Hermione. I didn't know you were on the guest list Potter."

"Theo and I work together at the Ministry, we get on fairly well…he's a good man and I think Astoria is perfect for him" Harry replied kindly. Hermione stepped into Draco's touch as she nervously bit her lip. Harry's green eyes assessed her in an unreadable mask as Ginny scowled at Draco.

"How've you been 'Mione?" Harry asked after a few uncomfortable moments of silence.

"Good…you?" she asked politely unsure of when he'd start yelling.

"I've been busy…traveling for work throughout Europe searching for the few remaining Death Eaters" he said with a shrug. "I just got back a few days ago from a four-week investigation."

"Did you find whomever you were searching for?" Hermione asked understanding now why he hadn't contacted her, Ginny wouldn't tell him something that would distract him from a case and he refused a subscription to the Daily Prophet.

"Sort of, we caught two wizards impersonating Death Eaters, they'd left a trail of muggle and wizard bodies behind them before we finally caught them outside of Munich."

"That's terrible, why would anyone want to impersonate a Death Eater?" Hermione asked as Draco snorted. All eyes shifted to him "I'm sorry Draco…I didn't mean…"

"It's fine Hermione, I'm not offended."

"What'd you think was so funny Malfoy?" Ginny quipped. "The trail of bodies or the fact there were two more gits who wanted to be like you?"

"Ginevra" Harry growled as Draco's eyes turned cold "that was uncalled for."

"What it's the truth!" she snapped. "How can you defend him? How are you not angry about this?" she gestured to Draco and Hermione.

"Draco isn't a Death Eater Ginny" he began in a low voice refusing to call attention to their disagreement. "I advocated for him at his trial and I wouldn't have done so if I didn't think he was innocent. You and Ron need to let go of the past." Hermione stood in shock at Harry's words, she had expected his anger and disappointment not his defense of Draco.

"You can't be serious?" Ginny admonished.

"I am" Harry said flatly.

"You're okay with the two of them dating? With Hermione bringing him around Rose? After everything he did to both of you in school, you're just going to let it all go?" she said with a disgusted tone.

"Yes, I am, the choice to forgive him is up to Hermione and I seeing as his actions directly affected us. Draco didn't partake in much during his time as a Death Eater and he helped us when it mattered most. He's been nothing but a stand-up citizen since graduating Hogwarts and gives back more than what's necessary to those in need…especially those directly effected by the war. He's paid his debt to society many times over and doesn't need flack for something he was forced into.

"Unlike you and Ron, I trust Hermione's judgement. She's the smartest witch I know and I doubt Draco would be stupid enough to hurt her or Rose. So, instead of harping about his past why don't you try and look past your prejudice and get to know the man before passing judgement" Harry said as his green eyes flashed with obvious anger. It seemed as though this was something they'd argued about in private and he didn't appreciate his wife attempting to cause a scene. Ginny's mouth fell open, she wasn't used to Harry chastising her…especially in public.

"I-I…" she stammered.

"You owe them both an apology" Harry said with a steely voice causing Ginny to flush in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry" she mumbled as she stared at her feet.

"Ginny" he warned, she sighed and looked Hermione in the eyes.

"I'm sorry…it's just I'm worried about you."

"Thanks Gin…but I'm fine and Draco really is a great guy" she said in response and Ginny nodded in acceptance.

"Excuse me, I need to use the loo" Ginny said before turning and fleeing the group to collect herself.

"Sorry about that, I was hoping to avoid a confrontation but she's stubborn like her brother" Harry said with a sigh.

"Thanks Harry" Hermione said beaming at him.

"I see you've read my file" Draco smirked.

"Naturally, it's my job to keep tabs on ex-Death Eaters…and when I heard you were seeing 'Mione I brushed up on the changes you've made" Harry shrugged, clearly unabashed by his actions.

"Thank you" Draco said as he held out a hand. Harry smirked as he took it and buried the hatchet between them.

"Hermione" Harry said turning to her "how are you really? I know I've not been around much, every free moment I have I spend with James. I realize I've been a lousy friend. I'm sorry…but Gin and I are truly worried about you." His words brought tears to Hermione's eyes, she had to blink several times to will them away.

"I've been better…but I don't think this is the place for us to catch up. Maybe, if you have time, we could over dinner sometime this week?" she asked.

"That'd be great…the four of us?" he asked looking at Draco.

"I was thinking just the two of us…but if you'd rather…"

"No, I'd like that" he said cutting her off "your place alright?"

"No" she said quickly causing Draco to raise a brow "my place is a mess, we can go out maybe to the Three Broomsticks or the Leaky Cauldron?"

"Sure, that'd be great. Then another time we can get together as the four of us" he suggested to Draco.

"Sounds good to me" Draco said as Ginny walked back over to join them. She smiled wryly but didn't speak.

"Or if you rather we could make it six and bring the kids?" Harry said as an after thought "I know we haven't gotten them together much outside of Molly's, but we should rectify that."

"Maybe" Hermione said before a photographer approached them requesting a group photo. Harry and Draco nodded to the man and moved to stand together with Harry and Hermione in the middle and their dates on the ends. They all smiled for the camera and as the flash went off a bell rang for dinner. Harry promised to owl Hermione for a time to get together before departing for his table with Ginny. Draco pulled Hermione's chair out for her as they rejoined their group.

They spent the next hour eating, drinking, and laughing. Before long Theo and Astoria shared their first dance and went to cut the cake as a variety of couples took to the dance floor. Hermione sat listening to Blaise tell a story about a recent incident with an irate customer who was convinced the waiter miscalculated the bill. As it turned out the man's son had ordered several dishes to take home while he was in the loo. The table burst into laughter at description of the man's face upon seeing a five hundred galleon bill.

"Good evening, it seems you all are enjoying yourselves" a feminine voice sounded next to Draco. Hermione felt him instantly stiffen as he turned to find his mother standing next to him.

"Johnathan, care to dance?" Pansy asked in an obvious attempt to flee. He nodded before taking her hand and leading her to the dance floor. Narcissa smiled and turned her cold eyes upon Blaise.

"I think I need another drink" he said before standing and hurrying over to the bar. Hermione sat frozen as she stared at the regal blonde woman before her, dressed in the finest emerald green robes she'd ever seen. It had been six years since she'd last seen Mrs. Malfoy and she'd forgotten how terrifying she was.

"Draco darling, have you forgotten your manners? Did I not spend years training you on the proper way to conduct yourself in public…especially when greeting someone?" she said in a calm voice laced with disapproval.

"Apologies mother" he said standing and kissing each of her cheeks in greeting before helping her into her chair. "I'd like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Hermione" he said as he resumed his seat and placed a protective arm around the back of her chair.

"Good evening Mrs. Malfoy" Hermione said stiffly as she reached out a hand, Narcissa gave her a stiff smile and ignored the gesture as her eyes flickered back to her son. Draco's eyes hardened at the disrespect and his mouth set into a grim line.

"I didn't realize you'd be here tonight" he admitted as his thumb traced calming circles over Hermione's shoulder. The fear and tension coiled within her was palpable as she forced a smile upon her face.

"I hadn't planned on attending dear. After all I've been very busy in Paris and wasn't sure I'd be able to make it. But when I heard from Melinda Greengrass you were seriously involved with someone I decided to make the trip. You see I was shocked and a little hurt that you'd not mentioned it in the letter you sent last week…but now I understand why" she said acidly as her eyes flickered to Hermione.

"I didn't tell you because who I see is none of your business. I thought I made that clear before you left for France" his tone was kind but each word held an icy edge.

"Yes, well I understood you weren't ready to settle down and that you needed time to figure out who you were after the war. But dear if you'd told me you were ready for something serious I could have helped find you a suitable witch." Hermione bit her lip and stared down at the floral centerpiece before her as an embarrassed flush crept up her neck. Here was yet another person who thought she wasn't a proper witch.

"I neither wanted nor needed your help. As you can see I outdid myself in finding a suitable witch" his voice had become cold as he stared down his mother, daring her to insult Hermione again. Hermione's eyes misted at his words.

"Of course, dear" she said before turning to Hermione "please excuse me sometimes I forget how capable my son is." Hermione forced a smile as she looked into Narcissa black eyes and nodded. "Did you enjoy the ceremony?" she asked in a seemingly innocent voice.

"It was lovely" Hermione stated honestly.

"I think the Greengrass's outdid themselves, Theo and Astoria seem absolutely perfect for each other" she gushed. Hermione and Draco nodded in agreement "Those vows were simply beautiful; wouldn't you agree Hermione?" Draco moved closer to Hermione as she nodded once more, unsure of Narcissa's point. "Well, call me old fashioned but I can't help tearing up when I watch two people pledge their lives to one another…for richer or poorer…sickness and in health" she smiled serenely. "Thankfully this was a traditional wedding so the proper fidelity and eternal binding spells were performed. Unfortunately, you don't see that in too many modern ceremonies, at least this way they won't have to suffer an embarrassing divorce…"

"That's enough" Draco growled "you will not speak to Hermione like that. I won't tolerate it…"

"Draco, I was just…"

"Don't play coy mother, I know exactly what you're doing so stop while you're ahead" he said flatly. "I'm with Hermione and I don't care if you approve or not. You will treat her with the respect she deserves and stop making snide innuendos or you and I will not be on speaking terms. Is that clear?" Narcissa looked momentarily taken aback before her cold mask of indifference fell back into place.

"I see. So, you'd choose a filthy little…" she started to bite out in a whisper.

"Don't you dare. There's not a damn thing filthy about her" Draco growled before she could finish. "I meant what I said, I will not tolerate you verbally harassing Hermione. We're done here" Draco snapped before he stood, extending his hand to Hermione which she happily accepted. "Care to dance?" she smiled and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor, not bothering to acknowledge Narcissa as they left.

Thankfully the song was slow and he was able to pull her close as he wrapped one arm around her waist and clasped her hand in his before tucking it against his chest. Hermione wrapped her free arm around his shoulder and rested her head against it as they swayed back and forth. Her heart hammered in her chest as Narcissa's words replayed in her mind.

"I'm so sorry Hermione, I didn't know she'd be here" he whispered in her ear. "If I'd known I would have prepared you or met with her beforehand so she wouldn't cause a scene. I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault Draco, she hates me because I'm a mudblood not…"

"Don't ever call yourself that again" he said harshly as his eyes met hers "I mean it…there's not a damn thing dirty about you or your blood. It's a ridiculous prejudice that she needs to get over."

"Draco, I'm not ashamed to be a muggle-born" she said calmly. They'd never talked about this…after he'd apologized at school they'd never broached the subject again.

"I'm not saying you should be, but I don't want to hear you call yourself such a derogatory name. You're better than that…it's an insensitive word meant to make you seem inferior and you're anything but inferior. My mother and father are stuck in the past."

"Is that why you didn't tell her we were together?" she asked quietly.

"I wasn't hiding you Hermione, I knew she would never accept us and I wanted to protect you from it as long as possible. Hermione leaned up and kissed his cheek before looking into his eyes.

"I'm sorry for putting a strain on your relationship with her, at least she'll be happy once we break things off next year. Though you should be worried she may try and play match maker after that" she said with a tight smile as the thought of him with someone else twisted something in her gut. "She needs to ensure you find a proper witch after all" Draco stared down at her a mixture of emotions swirling in his eyes, they had stopped swaying, and Hermione tried her best to look away but couldn't.

"I'm only going to tell you this once, you are a proper witch Hermione and anyone who tells you otherwise isn't worth your time" he cupped her cheek. "You're a beautiful, intelligent, vibrant witch who deserves a man who will lay everything on the line for you. Someone who will take care of you and share in carrying the daily burdens life deals you" he swallowed, attempting to find the right words to say as he stared into her misted eyes. "Hermione, you deserve so much. I…"

"Excuse me, mind if I cut in?" Harry stood there with his hand extended, unaware of the conversation he'd just interrupted. Hermione jumped at his voice and glanced between him and Draco uncertain if Draco would mind. Draco exhaled and put on a smile before passing her to his school nemesis. "Thanks" Harry said "I promise to give her back after one dance." With that he turned and spun her across the dance floor.

Draco sighed before heading to the bar in search of Firewhisky. He'd been so close to telling her he wanted to be that man for her when Harry bloody Potter stepped in. Hell, he couldn't even be angry at the prat because it'd been a whispered conversation and he'd no idea what Draco was about to say. Flagging down the bar keep he ordered two fingers of Firewhisky as he chastised himself for being such a coward.

Maybe it was for the best Harry interrupted us he thought as he skolled his drink. What if she'd turned him down? Just because they were having a great time together didn't mean she reciprocated his feelings. Sure, he knew she felt at least friendship towards him…and she enjoyed snogging him nearly as much as he did. But what if that's all it was? What if she didn't want a serious relationship with him?

Questions plagued his mind as he warred with himself. He was worried she'd turn away from him if he told her how much he fancied her. As he sipped his drink he decided he needed more time with her. As long as she was around he could show her just how much he cared…show her the way she deserved to be treated by a man. Resolving to take his time to win her over he tossed back the rest of his drink before moving back to the dance floor to reclaim his date.

The night wore on as Draco twirled Hermione around the dance floor. They talked and laughed as Draco told her stories about the various people in attendance. Many of which only pretended to be pure-blood for the status and prestige associated with it. They'd been discrete all evening but with each song Draco would find an excuse to pull her in close, graze his lips over the shell of her ear, and trail his fingers lightly over her body. He watched as her eyes darkened a little more and heard her breath hitch each time his arm accidently brushed against her breasts.

"Draco" she sighed has he twirled her into him, his arm crossed over her chest as their hands were clasped and he swayed with her back against his chest.

"Yes?" he asked, his lips lightly caressing her ear as he spoke softly.

"Can we get out of here?" she whispered before he spun her out and brought her back into him, placing his hand on her waist like a proper gentleman.

"And gooooo?" he asked to make sure there wasn't any doubt or confusion. She bit her lip as she stared up at him with nervous eyes. "Hermione" he urged as he raised a questioning brow.

"Your place" she said in a barely audible whisper. His eyes lingered on hers or a few moments to ensure she really meant it before he nodded, taking her hand in his and leading them off the floor. They made their excuses and said their goodbyes before Draco steered her through a doorway and pulled her into his arms. He devoured her lips, allowing the simmering passion he'd been holding back all night to flow into her. She moaned into his lips as she pressed herself against him and he apparated them home…directly into his bedroom.