Forgive me my dears, I'm so sorry that I've taken so long in writing this. I've been a bit under the weather (meaning ill) lately. Also, I'm not going to lie. I was really unsure what to do with these two next. I think I have enough material in my head for another couple of chapters, and I have ideas for the future. Once again, I don't mind (*hint hint*) you guys throwing random ideas at me. What's the worst that happens? I say no and you write it yourselves?

Anyway, I hope you like this chapter. I've edited a few of the first few chapters. And I was thinking that I might put another chapter in the beginning somewhere. I'll keep you all posted on it okay?

Disclaimer: I own nothing that bears minimal to exact resemblance to other characters or books or songs, etc.


It was 8am on the 31st of December, Draco busily repacked his truck with everything he wanted to bring for his 'mini-vacation' with Hermione. At the top of trunk were pairs of Italian leather shoes, a few bottles of the Malfoy's finest liquor, and a medium-small square felt box with Hermione's second present in there. Draco picked up the box, opening and shutting it. It wasn't an immense declaration of his love or anything, but he knew it would be a big deal to Hermione.

Maybe he could feel out their relationship while they got to be alone together? Which reminded him of the other night, even though Draco was good at pleasing a woman, it took all he had not to come in his pants by just seeing her topless. How would he fare if she were to have sex with him? Shit, he was hard again. He better 'polish his wand' before he saw her.


Hermione walked out of the shower and tucked a towel around her moist body. She made sure she was perfectly groomed and perfumed so that Draco would have trouble keeping his hands off her. She packed several type of 'just in case' items in her trunk, not knowing what to prepare for.

He really was a different man. She never allowed herself to see him as attractive, because his actions repulsed her. With who he was now, one look at him and her knickers became suddenly wet. And, he gave her the most beautiful present she had ever received. She wondered what that meant to him, how he felt about her, based on what he gave her. The Malfoy family wasn't exactly generous with ancient family heirlooms.

She chanced a glace at the clock, 'Damn. I better get to Hogwarts, Draco said he had a lot planned.'


They were to meet at the Hogwarts/Hogsmeade gates, Hermione arrived first. She felt silly being out in the open. It wasn't the fact that it was Draco that she was waiting for, she figured that some people would notice that they had been dating or spending more time than was typical of their station at Hogwarts. Turns out, Hogsmeade wasn't very busy at 11am on New Years Eve. After 10 minutes of her feeling stupid about looking around as she stood alone (having the undetectable extension charm on her bag was handy), Draco appeared with a pop.

"Hello Gorgeous," he said as he walked up to her and placed a small kiss on her lips.

"Hello Handsome," she said as she pulled back and smiled. "Where are we headed?"

"Well, I don't know. That depends on you." He looked at her questioningly. "Could you put my trunk in your bag?"

"Yeah, sure thing. How does this depend on me?" Hermione looked rather puzzled as she put Draco's things in her beaded bag.

"First, of course, there is lunch. But if you so choose we could go on a real vacation."

"What do you mean?" She smiled excitedly at him.

"Well, we could just go up to the school and have your average Hogwarts New Years... or we could go somewhere fun."

"What do you have in mind?" She asked curiously.

"Let's go out of town." Draco held his arm out to Hermione. She hesitated for a moment, but Draco didn't flinch. Finally, she grabbed his arm and they disapparated with a pop.


The appeared in an empty alley. Instantly, Hermione could smell the delicious scents of a nearby bakery, as they walked down the alley arm in arm, she spotted it. The sign looked like it was in...

"Draco, are we in France?" She smiled from ear to ear up at him.

"Spot on Granger. You don't miss a thing." He beamed at her. "Any clue where?"

"Well, it's warmer than Hogwarts or near our homes, near the sea," she noticed the gulls and the sea-breeze around her. "So the south? Somewhere in Provence?"

"Excellent love!" He happily replied. "We are in Nice, France. And we better check into a hotel, we'll be lucky to get anything on New Years Eve, but thankfully I've got my lovely family money." He patted his pocket.

The walked a few blocks, closer to the beach. There was a fine white building with flags near the roof, and a dome at the top, along the line of the dome was the name, 'Hôtel Negresco.'

"We'll go have some lunch, and then check into the hotel. We'll get to do so many fun things here before school starts again."

"Brilliant! I'm so excited." She grinned widely at him.

They had lunch at 'La Rotonde' in the hotel, and Draco got the finest suite they had left. 'The Junior suite with a sea view' as it was called. Unfortunately, that was all they had on such short notice. Although, that wasn't far from the best, and Hermione definitely wasn't bothered. The room was decorated in gold, and was furnished to the nines. The sofas and chairs were purple, but the bed was a crème color, and it looked rather large. Oh Merlin, they would be sleeping in the same bed. The bathroom had a tub that could easily accommodate two people, maybe more, but that was disturbing to think about. It also had a shower, toilet, sink, and bidet.

As Hermione settled and and selected what she would wear for the evening, Draco excused himself to run some errands, to make things ready for them to have an amazing New Years Eve. Draco returned a few hours later, looking rather excited for what lie ahead. He walked in quickly, and was next to Hermione in seconds, offering her an assorted bouquet of flowers.

"Hello dear," he put his arms around her and kissed her, "We, are going to have a lovely evening."

"Oh, I can't wait love." She kissed him hard and he grabbed her bum, squeezing it and pressing her against him. Hermione was shocked when he quickly pulled away.

"As much as I'd LOVE to continue, we have to get ready." Draco panted still, after the kiss. "I'll get ready in here and you can have the loo."


When Hermione came out of the bathroom, Draco was waiting patiently on the bed. He was wearing a gorgeous tuxedo, and running a hand through his soft hair. Hermione cleared her throat to get his attention, pulling him out of his reverie. As Draco looked up, his eyes widened. Her gown was champagne in color, with an empire waist. It hung gently along her neck and had spanish style shoulder straps. It looked a lot like a wedding dress, and Draco knew perfectly well, that he would do anything to get her to marry him one day. Draco swallowed loudly and Hermione laughed adorably.

"'Mione, you are the most beautiful woman I've EVER seen." She could tell he meant that with all his heart.

"Thank you Draco. Any compliment I give you will pale in comparison now, but all the same. You look absolutely dashing."

"Thank you." He kissed her softly so he wouldn't smudge her lips. "Alright, let's go to the feast!"


Alright folks, there it is. There will be more of New Years in the next chapter. Possibly Draco will give Hermione her 2nd present, and there may be a rather delectible lemon in there as well.

Review if you want it!

Love Always,

The Pants.