June 1999.

Just like that the school year was at an end. Only two days remained before the end and graduation for the 7th years. I would be leaving Hogwarts for good. It was an alien thought to me. From the first moment I found out a bout the magical world—Hogwarts had been a constant. Now to be leaving it forever—after everything that had happened to me here—good and bad—was something that I couldn't quite process. In two days it would all be over. Life would start anew.

To say I was scared would be an understatement. I would be a real adult. Have a job. Even without my NEWT results (they hadn't come out yet) the Ministry of Magic offered me a position in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and I accepted. I would also be moving out of my parents house and into a small flat in a newly developed housing area in Wizarding London. Harry and Ron had found it for me at my request and with Professor Mcgonagall's permission I was able to go and see it last weekend. I loved it and decide on it instantly. Even though living alone might prove to be difficult at times I was sure that I had made the correct decision. I valued my independence and this was one way of enforcing it. It would also allow me to live freely away from muggles—I could do and live off magic without having to worry about muggles seeing me. One more reason that influenced my decision was the fact that Draco could now visit me in private— (when my friends weren't there of course.) he was staying at the Manor for now and we couldn't risk meeting openly in public for fear of detection and sneaking around would only get harder in the outside world. Not that we would stop doing it all together—it was too much fun—we would just do it with less frequency. My flat would be our main meeting place it for the time being though.

Speaking of Draco... What could I say? Our relationship had changed drastically over this past year. In such a short time we became: confidants, friends and lovers. Being with him was so easy—we brought out the best in each other and the sex... From the first time it had been magical and it had only gotten better and more inventive with time. We did it in countless place around the castle and grounds—every time it was the same and yet completely different. I would never grow tired of making love to Draco. It was one of life's greatest pleasures for sure.

My feelings for him had only grown stronger. I loved him more and more with each passing day. He felt the same—he was sure to repeat it multiple times a day. Simply speaking—we were in our own little heaven together.

I had my worries about how our relationship would fare away from Hogwarts though—the outside world would be a different place. There would be work, family, friends and even lack of time to spend with each other to contend with. I supposed we would see in the end.

It was the night before we were to leave Hogwarts. The 7th years had already had a small party to celebrate the end of our school days and both Draco and I had attended. Steering clear of each other of course.

It was around one in the morning and we were up at the Astronomy tower for one last night together at Hogwarts. We had already made love right up here—not for the first time and were now relaxing. I was sitting in the floor, back against the wall and he was lying down with his head in my lap. I was playing with his silky blond hair—enjoying the feel of it on my fingers.

"What are you thinking my love?" I asked him—he was being awfully quiet.

"I was thinking that I've never took you flying." He replied thoughtfully.

"Flying?" I asked in surprise.

"Yes. I know that you don't like it but I would like you to try it with me."

"I don't know, Draco..."

"Come on, don't you trust me?"

"You know I do. That's not it at all. I just really hate flying." I whined.

"Just this once—for me. Pretty please." He said giving me his best puppy dog look.

"That wasn't fair, you know I can't say no to that face." I pouted.

"That's why I did it. So I take it you'll come with me then?"

"Yeah. Only for a short while though and you have to stop if I tell you to." I warned.

"Of course. Wait here while I go get my Firebolt. I won't be long." He said and left.

True to his word h came back in no time at all, Firebolt in hand.

He got on the broomstick and called me over to join him. I was rooted to the spot—overcome by a sudden bout of nerves.

"Hermione, come on." He said exasperatedly.

I still didn't move.

He sighed and got of the broom and came toward me.

He took my face in his hands and kissed me soothingly.

"Better now?" He asked quietly.

I nodded. The kiss had calmed me down somewhat.

"I won't let anything happen to you, love.I Promise." He said kindly, while stroking my face.

"I know. I'm sorry for being silly." I told him softly.

"Come on." He took my hand and put me on the broom himself before getting on.

I wrapped my arms tightly around his middle and then we were off.

We flew all around the grounds and Hogsmeade before going back to Hogwarts. We were now on the quidditch pitch—sitting in the stands.

"That wasn't so bad now was it?" Draco asked me, a smile playing oh his lips.

"No. It was really nice actually—the night is so beautiful and flying around the sky during it was really special. Thank you for taking me." I beamed at him.

"I'm happy you enjoyed it. Told you nothing would happen to you."

"Yes. I felt very safe with you." I told him honestly.

"Good. I want you to know that you can always feel safe with me. I'll always protect my baby." He told me and pulled me in for a kiss.

We flew back to the Astronomy tower and went back to our respective dorms for the last time.

"I know it will only be a few days but I'll miss you to bits." I said as I hugged Draco goodbye.

The train was leavings in a short while and the two of us were in an abandoned classroom saying our goodbyes. I would be spending a few days with my parents before moving into my new flat and we wouldn't be able to see each other till then.

"I know and I'll miss you too but think about what we can do all alone in an empty flat when we do see each other again." He said and gave me a ridiculous wink.

"Oh shut up." I told him jokingly.

"Lets go." I told him.

We walked to the train together ( a good distance apart) and left Hogwarts behind for the final time as students.

New and exciting times lay ahead and Draco and I would experience them together.

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