DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter.

A/N: I'm still hoping for reviews.

The reason why I didn't upload soon? I was a bit sad woth the fact that there were hundreds of views for each chapter, but only an average of 4 reviews.

CHAPTER 10

"It's been quite a while
You've really kept me wanting you;
You've got some style, so unique
You're beautiful, so warm, so deep
Stay with me tonight
Let me know the kind o' love
That will remain forever be
A dream that had become reality

Ohh, lovin' you, woh
Is such an easy thing to do;
No, you never know
It's drivin' me crazy
'cause it grows and grows;
But I won't let it stop
No I'm ot givin' up
Lovin' you, Lovin You
Just a bit too much."

-"Loving You" by Ric Segreto

June 6, 1998

(the present)

Draco felt really, really nervous around the Grangers. It was very evident in their eyes and actions that they truly love Hermione and that they already have forgiven her. He hadn't ask about it because Hermione had no idea what she did to her parents. Now, he wanted to have a word with Hermione's father and tell him about the potion incident, without making them feel guilty. They might think that Hermione took the potion to forget the anger her parents felt.

"Uh, Mr. Granger," Draco began when they were left at the lounge and the two women were preparing lunch in the kitchen.

"You can call me Will, Draco. Or dad," he told him kindly. "Did Hermione tell you how angry we were when she restored our memories and confessed everything?"

Draco nodded. "Yes, sir." Deep inside, he wondered what "everything" meant. Did it include him being Marked as a Death Eater? Did it include their break up in sixth year?

The older man adjusted his rectangular eyeglasses and sat on one of the couches. He motioned for him to do the same, so Draco obliged and took the opposite couch. "I was upset, that I didn't get the chance to do the "If You Hurt My Daughter" speech I had been practicing since the first time I held Hermione. I was upset that I didn't get the chance to scare off suitors, to get to choose the best man for her. Well, that sounds ridiculous," he chuckled. "And most of all, it broke my heart to know that I missed the chance to give away my daughter."

Draco met his father-in-law's eyes. Hermione was damn right, he thought. They love her truly, more than anyone else in the world. Now, I truly understand why the Grangers mattered so much to her. She couldn't help but compare Adele and Severus to Jean and William Granger.

Adele gave her up for adoption in order to protect Harry; to make sure she will be able to guide him to defeat Voldemort.

Severus did the same. He became a spy to protect Harry. He made an Unbreakable Vow to save my soul.

But who sacrificed to protect Hermione? Who put her as their priority? While everyone was too concerned with Harry's safety and how important his role in the war is, who truly loved and cared for Hermione? I couldn't tell her that I did; that she was my priority, because I chose to keep everything from her. She would've volunteered to help me and figure things out, but it was more like protecting me, instead of me protecting her.

Only the Grangers cared for her so much.

"I'm sorry," he told his father-in-law sincerely.

William Granger shook his head with a smile. "My daughter loves you, you know. She told us the reason why you had to get married sooner and unplanned."

Draco's eyes widened in shock and he met the man's chocolate brown eyes. "She did?"

William gave him a small smile. "Yes. She had to explain why she couldn't fulfill her dream of working on her career before getting married. My wife and I met in the College of Dentistry, you know. We were college sweethearts, but got married at the age of thirty, then had Hermione two years after. Hermione wanted the same. But she said that because of the war, she had to prove that you, her boyfriend, never betrayed her; that you secretly helped them by being a spy. That was very brave, Draco. Thank you for keeping my daughter safe. She also mentioned that she was... tortured, and if it weren't for you, she might have ended up in a mental hospital, or something similar."

Draco was surprised even more. Hermione was angry and blamed him for everything, but when she went to Australia, she told her parents good things about him!

Why? Because she didn't want her parents to pity her, or worry? Or worse, blame her and give her the I told you so speech?

Or maybe, she still cares for him, even if she was cold and distant...

Draco ran his fingers in his hair and looked down on the rug. "I'm sorry for depriving you of the chance to give her away."

"Thank you for being there for her when we weren't," was all he said in a very kindly manner and Draco felt he doesn't deserve that kindness.

"She... She has a temporary amnesia," he confessed and once again, met his father-in-law's eyes.

William's soft expression was suddenly replaced by worry. "What?"

"She accidentally drank a potion she'd been studying. That potion causes temporary forgetfulness. She has no memories of the past two years. Her last memory was from fifth year," he explained calmly. "But after thirteen days, she will remember everything again."

"Oh, my princess. No wonder, she was too happy, acting like a fifteen year old when we arrived," muttered William and face-palmed.

"But we don't have to worry, right? Your relationship started in 1995, after all," William asked him.

He smiled and shook his head. "No. No major problem. I just have to tell her again about the war, if she asked."

William nodded and gave him a relieved look. "That's good, then. That's good. Now, I believe that you built your own home, but please stay for a while with us. At least until Hermione's memories come back. We... I just got my daughter back."

Draco wanted to protest. The Grangers were delaying his, Severus' and Adeles's confessions to Hermione. But who were they to keep Hermione away from the people who never hurt her? Sure, they got mad and upset and she was hurt... But their anger was the result of something she did.

Draco nodded and gave him a reassuring look. "Of course. That won't be a problem."

Oh, I have to warn Adele. She was itching to explain herself to Hermione without my wife yelling.

.

While Hermione was busy catching up with her parents, Draco took the opportunity to leave to 'visit' his mother. Hermione looked like she wanted to protest, but he promised he would come back before dinnertime. Hermione reluctantly let him go, but not before kissing him fully on the lips with her parents watching.

He smiled before walking away to the Apparition point. He Apparated to the Lupins' residence.

He knocked on the wooden door and it was opened by Adele's loyal house-elf, Blinky. He was greeted and asked to wait in the lounge.

"Draco!" came Adele's surprised voice from the doorway.

He stood up from the couch to greet her other mother-in-law. "Hey," he said with a small smile.

"Where is Hermione?" she asked, not making eye contact.

He sighed. "At home. Her parents' home," he replied.

"Is she busy?" she asked with certainty.

He nodded. "The Grangers... they're back," he muttered.

Adele looked crestfallen. She sat on the couch opposite him. "They still didn't tell her the truth, right?"

He sat as well and shook his head. "No. Hermione said when we argued that... that it seemed the Grangers had no plan on telling her that she's adopted. Despite their anger and disappointment, they never mentioned, not even a hint..." He trailed off, not knowing how to continue.

Adele bit her lip and nodded. Her eyes were glassy. Draco always saw her as a strong woman. She helped fight Voldemort. She was the one who killed the woman that tortured her only daughter. But Hermione's her weakness. She could easily cry when it came to Hermione.

"I reckon they forgave her?"

He nodded. "They did. And they accepted me."

Adele smiled despite the tears in her eyes. "That's good."

"I'm sorry, I can't do anything to..."

"No, Draco," she cut him off with a smile. "You have nothing to apologize for. It's all my fault. I gave her up, then came back in her life and forced her to marry... If I can only go back in time and keep her. Probably moved to America..."

"But we can't change that," he muttered, feeling sorry for the woman who sacrificed so much for her family's safety.

"We cannot," she replied. "Just focus on your relationship with her, Draco. Don't mind me," she said, her eyes watery and Draco knew it was his cue to leave. Adele doesn't cry in front of others. She didn't, except during the war, when she almost lose Hermione and Remus. Adele was and still is a very private person, at least when it comes to her feelings.

"I... think I should get going," he said quietly.

Adele forced a smile and nodded. "Yes. She must be waiting for you. Take care, Draco. And thanks."

Draco nodded with a small smile before leaving.

.

June 6, 1996

(two years ago)

Draco was pretending to be reading his Potions book at his usual spot in the library. From there, behind the shelves, he could watch his secret girlfriend.

Girlfriend.

They weren't going out. They couldn't. Otherwise, his fellow Slytherins would kill him in his sleep, before the Dark Lord would even know. They were secretly dating - if you call meet ups at Professor Burbage's office, the library and other places, date.

Messing around?

They snog and touch each other. She gets jealous and upset whenever he would allow Pansy or other girls near him. He wanted to curse Weasley for touching her.

They weren't officially dating; they didn't have label for each other, but in Draco Malfoy's mind (and heart), Hermione Granger is his.

His feelings for her was becoming more intense and the other night, just minutes before his birthday, they were close to making love.

Making love. Hell, yes! He has had experiences with a couple of pureblood girls, but never had sex. He didn't want to get engaged just yet, or have a pureblood father coming to Malfoy Manor, forcing him to marry his daughter. No, he didn't want that.

But with Hermione, he wanted to. Not because her father wouldn't know and no one would force him to marry her, but because he wanted to know the feeling of having her in his arms while sleeping. He wanted to know what it feels like to love her. He also wanted her to be the last person he would see before sleeping, and the first person to lay his eyes on when he wakes up.

Before fifth year ends, we'll be official. Still secretly dating, but official. With label, he promised.

For now, he's contented seeing her from afar. She was seriously copying notes from her book and Draco finds it amusing when she chews the feather of her Sugar Quill. Her eyebrows would narrow, he lips would pout. She would crunch her nose and ran her fingers to her wild hair in frustration, but she was perfect. The most perfect and beautiful human being. No, Draco Malfoy wasn't obsessed. He just loved her so much.

Everything was fine... and fun, until Weaslette arrived.

"Hey, Mione!" The younger witch sat beside his girl.

"Hey, Gin," Hermione replied without looking up.

"You weren't at the pitch. Harry and Ron were playing... for fun."

"When they should be studying," she quipped.

The Weaslette shrugged her shoulders. "What are you doing?"

"Making a reviewer for Harry. To help him become an Auror," she said seriously.

Draco groaned.

"You care so much for Harry. What about Ron?" The Weaslette sounded different.

Hermione met the redhead's gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Why? Does he also want to be an Auror?" she asked innocently.

"If you'll jusr encourage him like what you do to Harry... He likes you, you know."

"Harry says too, but Ron has a way of telling a girl - "

"Hermione, he's Ron. What do you expect?"

"And I'm Hermione Granger," she countered and Draco smirked proudly.

"Yeah, and you're sixteen but haven't been kissed," teased the Weaslette.

Again, Hermione met her gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Who says I haven't been kissed?"

Weaslette's eyes widened like saucers and at the same time, Draco adjusted himself on his seat

"Who is it?" asked Weaslette eagerly.

Wheb Hermione didn't say anything, Weaslette grabbed her arm and pleaded. "Tell me. I thought I'm your best girl friend?"

"It's Viktor," was her only reply.

Draco felt jealous. Really jealous. He could feel the monster in his chest getting angry.

"During the Yule Ball? I can't believe you didn't tell me!" said Weaslette with a giggle.

"You didn't ask. And don't go telling anyone about it!" she warned when Weaslette stood up.

"I won't. It's dinnertime. Let's go?" she said.

"You go ahead. I'll finish this," replied Hermione.

Weaslette left. The other students were also leaving already, so Draco stood up as well and left the library. He waited on the corridor for Hermione.

He waited for ten minutes. Luckily, she was the last to leave the library. He leaned on the wall, hands in his pockets, looking unhappy.

When Hermione spotted him, she looked around, making sure they were alone. "Hey. What are you doing here?" she asked quietly.

"Is it true? You kissed Krum?" he asked, not meeting her eyes.

"What?" she asked.

"Don't make me repeat the question, Hermione," he said dryly.

"No. I told you, you were my first!" she said with a hint of annoyance. "I can't believe you wouldn't trust my words!" she spat and continued walking past him.

But Draco stopped her by reaching for her hand. "I'm sorry," he mumbled, but loud enough for Hermione to hear.

Hermione met his eyes but didn't smile. "Were you eavesdropping?"

"I couldn't help it. I was on my usual spot and I heard," he admitted.

"But you could've thought that I made it up for Ginny to stop. I can't tell anyone about you. About us," she explained calmly.

"I know. I apologize," he said with sincerity.

She sighed.

"Let me make it up to you," he finally decided. Yes, he decided to tell her.

"When?" she smiled.

"After the O.W.L.S., so we won't be distracted when we take the exams," he promised.

Hermione smirked. "You sure that I won't be able to concentrate during the exams because I'll be thinking of you?"

Draco brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Yes."

Hermione laughed and Draco couldn't help but drag her to the nearest alcove and snog her senseless.

.

June 6, 1998

(the present)

Yes, Draco Malfoy was planning to tell Hermione about his feelings and allegiance. He was planning on telling her after the O.W.L.S. because he wanted their last day at Hogwarts to be special and he was planning on buying her a ring. Not an engagement ring, but sort of a promise ring. She may choose to not wear it, but just keep it, until everything was fine and they're free to go out.

He planned on giving her a fancy ring, until he saw the ring during a Hogsmeade visit. The perfect ring for her; a white gold band with princess cut of Hermione's birth stone: sapphire.

He couldn't stop thinking about it. He couldn't stop imagining about it, either. He imagined it on Hermione's ring finger. Then, he imagined living in a decent cottage with her. The place was peaceful, and there were no Death Eaters. He imagined the two of them brewing in their own Potions laboratory and she was still wearing the ring.

He thought Hermione might reject the ring... and his feelings. But he was ready to take a risk. He was willing to try; to let her know what ahe means to him, because she deserved to know.

But she could only remember the day they went to the Ministey of Magic, during one of their O.W.L.S. exams.

She couldn't remember the day he gave her the ring and she accepted both the ring and his feelings.

She couldn't remember that day at the hospital wing, when they officially became a couple.

.

"Why don't you tell her, then?" asked Harry.

Draco never expected to end up at Grimmauld Place after leaving the Lupins' residence. Most of all, he didn't expect to be sitting in the drawing room with Harry Potter (and Daphne), and talk about the ring and how he gave it to Hermione before the end of sixth year.

"Because she will ask again what happened after, and I wasn't ready to talk about sixth year, not until last night. I was going to tell her everything this morning, but her parents arrived," he told them.

Harry and Daphne exchanged glances, then looked at him, both feeling sorry.

"We were a couple for a week. Technically. Because after Hogwarts, as soon as I arrived home, the psychopath made me choose: he will kill my mother or I will kill Dumbledore for him," he said bitterly.

"You didn't have second thoughts, I know. Pansy said," quipped Daphne.

"Hermione will understand," said Harry, but with uncertainty.

Draco shook his head. "She's a natural Occlumens. And even if she wasn't, she would insist that she help me. She would find a way to help both you and me, Potter."

Harry sighed. "I think so, too. She'll do everything for the people she loves."

"So, when are you going to tell her? Will you ever tell her, or just wait until she remembers everything?" asked Daphne.

He was silent for a moment. If he waited until Hermione remembered everything, he would not be able to explain himself. She might just kick him out of her parents' house... and her life for good.

If he told her as soon as possible, she would listen and there's a fat chance she would forgive him. "But how could I tell her without her parents around? She might yell at me and for sure his father will throw me out of the house."

"Here," said Harry.

He looked up and frowned to Harry.

"I'll invite you two for a night. Then, we'll leave and you tell her everything."

Draco smirked. "You know, Potter, if it weren't for a fact that you're a bloody Gryffindor, I might actually choose you as my new best friend."

Daphne laughed and Harry's color from his face drained. But he recovered very fast. "Don't be hopeful, Malfoy. My loyalty will always be with Hermione."

"In that case, my loyalty will always be with Draco," Daphne chuckled and she turned to him. "So, when are you bringing Hermione over?"

He gave Daphne a small smile. "Give me a week, if she doesn't ask again. I want her to spend more time with her parents. But if she asks, we'll just show up here. Fine with you, Potter?"

"Yeah. Anything for Hermione," he replied promptly. "Are we going to be needing bags of popcorn?"

"What?" asked Daphne.

"Muggle thing," said Harry.

"No, you won't be needing it because I won't let you hear us," he replied with a smirk.

.

As soon as Draco arrived at his temporary home, he searched for Hermione. The Grangers couldn't be seen anywhere, but he found his wife in their room, wearing a robe and looking fresh from the shower. When she saw him, Hermione dropped the hair brush on the vanity and walked towards him.

"Hey," she said and wrapped her arms around him.

"Hello," he replied and returned the hug and kissed her temple. "You smell good."

"Uhm," she replied against his chest.

"Missed me?" he asked when she didn't loosen her embrace.

"Yes."

Draco couldn't stop himself anymore. She smelt so good and she wouldn't let go of him, so he picked her up, carried her bridal style and laid her on the bed. He grabbed his wand and muttered privacy charms, before hovering Hermione. He claimed her lips, to which she responded eargerly and her fingers traced his nape and toyed with his locks.

"Mum and Dad will be calling us soon," she whispered between the kisses.

"Where are they?" he asked in a husky voice.

"Their room. Doing only Merlin knows what," she giggled.

Draco chuckled as well and lay beside her, but his one arm was tucked under Hermione's head.

"How's Cissy?"

"She's fine," he replied promptly.

"Honestly, Draco, where did you go?" she asked after a while.

"To Adele's," he replied honestly. He didn't want to lie anymore. "Then to Harry's."

"Okay. What did you do at Adele's?" she said it as if he just went to the park. Very calm. Very normal.

"Just told her that... We won't be visiting sooner than expected because your parents are here."

"Oh yeah. I promised to visit her. Thank you," she said and wrapped an arm around his waist. "And what did you do at Harry's?"

"Just... dropped by and..."

"And?" she was waiting.

"Asked if we could hang out at his place sometime..." he lied again.

Hermione sat up and smiled. "Really? What did he say?"

"He said, we're welcome anytime." He smiled and touched her cheek.

"Well, when are we going?" she asked.

"Depends on you," he answered. "When is it okay to leave your parents for a night?"

Hermione thought for a while. "Maybe next week. Is that all right?"

He nodded. "Next week. It's settled then."

Hermione lay her head on his chest and Draco embraced his witch. "Thank you for agreeing to stay here for a while with Mum and Dad."

"No, love. Thank you. I don't know what kind of man would I be without you," he whispered and kissed the crown of her head.