Chapter 21

"Babe, you look stressed again," Hermione called out to Draco.

Draco was laying on her bed waiting for her to find something to wear for their first official date. At the sound of her voice, Draco looked up at her standing by her closet door. He groaned at the sight of her in only her underwear.

"We don't have to go out tonight," she smirked at him. "Especially with all the reporters that have been haunting us since your father's release and the beginning of our relationship."

Her offer sounded tempting, especially since she was so exposed. However, with everything that was happening, they had postponed their date too many times already.

"Don't tempt me, Granger," he quickly jumped off the bed to stand in front of her. "We may be doing things a bit backwards but I think you deserve this date more than anything. I doubt the reporters are going anywhere for a while. We're the newest It couple."

Hermione rolled her eyes. She loathed the pesky press. Walking back into her closet in a huff, she was trying to figure out what she could wear without being ridiculed in the papers. Not having to worry about her looks was one of benefit of her past avoidance of the press. She really wasn't that superficial but remembering the bad press during the Triwizard Tournament still made her feel like the bushy-haired, bucktoothed girl that was overlooked by her best friend and first crush.

"How about you wear this," Draco interrupted her thoughts.

Hermione laughed. Draco had found the one dress that would match the tie he was wearing tonight.

"Ok," she took the dress from Draco while he rummaged through her closet.

"Wear these with it," he handed her some shoes and a matching clutch.

Hermione snickered at him for choosing not only her outfit but also the appropriate accessories.

"What? Malfoy men have impeccable taste, you're living proof of that," he moved to stand in front of her.

Hermione bit her lip playfully and gave him a coy look. Dropping the dress along with the shoes and clutch, she slowly moved closer to him. Draco couldn't resist her, not when she was practically naked and throwing herself at him. He closed the distance between them and kissed her passionately while he slid his hand from the small of her back to her arse squeezing it lightly. His other hand was playfully stroking her curves as to memorize every part of them.

"Now hurry up, you're taking too long to get dressed," he smirked at her naughtily as he pulled away. "Our reservation is in half an hour and I know you're still going to do your hair and make-up - not that you need any of it. I'll wait for you downstairs otherwise we'll never make it to dinner."

Draco walked out of the room to wait downstairs. Hermione had been right, he was stressed. The fact that he couldn't tell the woman he loved she was in possible danger caused him a lot of distress. After his lunch with Harry, he had informed Royce Williamson, the Head of the Auror Department, that he would no longer be available to freelance for the Aurors. He had also contacted his solicitor to find a loophole in the agreement he had signed and to determine the exact consequences a breach could have. In the meantime, he was going to confess to Hermione the one thing he could. He was going to tell her that he knew her true identity.

20 minutes later, Hermione finally came downstairs. She was wearing the green cocktail dress Draco had chosen for her. It ended mid-thigh, had a beautiful a-line silhouette and a plunging V-neckline that gathered at the center. Her outfit was paired with gold satin high heels and a matching clutch. She had only put on light make-up and her hair was styled into tight curls.

"Utter perfection," Draco muttered as he admired his witch. "Wearing that color means everybody will see that you're with me. Ready for your first date with your amazing new boyfriend?"

"Ms. Granger, Mr. Malfoy care to comment on your relationship?"

"How do you feel about Lucius Malfoy's release from Azkaban?"

"Is it true you two are getting married in a few weeks?"

When she heard the last question, Hermione was definitely glaring at the reporters that had somehow gathered in front of the restaurant they were going to. Chiaro di Luna was a very popular, upscale Italian restaurant in Diagon Alley that usually didn't tolerate this kind of nonsense. The owners had warded it to be a private haven for the rich and famous. Even apparation, using the floo system and any advanced magic was impossible inside the place for anyone not employed by the fancy eatery. Hermione was glad they'd at least get some privacy inside.

"Ignore them," Draco muttered under his breath as he opened the door for her. "Maybe I'll buy whichever rubbish piece of paper they're working for. You know, just so I can fire them all."

"Can I watch," Hermione asked hopefully. Somehow she loved the idea of revenge on those pesky reporters. It was a sign of how much they bothered her that she would feel no remorse about their suffering and subsequent unemployment. At least that way they could get a job that was productive to the wizarding world.

"I'll give you something even better, love," Draco smirked. It made Hermione chuckled darkly and definitely appreciate his Slytherin side. "I'll let you fire a few yourself, maybe even all of them if you're a good girl."

"Good," she smiled happily.

Oh, how she hated reporters, photographers... and Rita Skeeter.

"What is she doing here," Hermione huffed as she saw the ghastly woman at one of the other tables inside the restaurant.

Draco followed Hermione's gaze. Skeeter was sitting by herself at one of the tables. This couldn't be a coincident. This was one of the most exclusive eateries in the entire wizarding world. Nobody would waste a reservation here to simply eat alone.

"Don't worry about her, Hermione. I'll take care of it," putting his hand on her back, he quickly guided them to the hostess. Handing her a few galleons, he ensured they were seated somewhere private, far away from that woman.

"Draco," he loved the way she said his name. It reminded of the nights they spend together and the way she would moan his name in pleasure. "This place is just magnificent."

They were sitting at a small round table with a crisp white tablecloth in a private section far, far away from the nosy reporters and Skeeter. The restaurant was one of the nicest places Hermione had ever been to. She looked around, the walls were covered by dark wood paneling, beautiful candlelit chandeliers were hanging from the ceiling and giving of a warm glow. It was all very intimate.

She looked back at the man she was with. They weren't seated across from each other. Instead Draco had chosen to sit as close to Hermione as possible. She giggled as she pictured the spaghetti eating scene from The Lady And The Tramp, a movie she had watched a million times as a child. She was tempted to order spaghetti with meatballs just to reenact the scene.

"Where are the menus." Hermione wanted to check if she could actually order spaghetti and meatballs here. She somehow didn't think so. This place was too fancy for such an ordinary dish.

"Well," Draco responded carefully. "When I made the reservation, I asked for a personalized three course meal. I know it's an old-fashioned thing but I wanted to completely pamper you on our first official date."

Hermione smiled at him. It was a sweet gesture to plan the entire evening down to every detail and she didn't mind having food ordered for her. She actually loved the idea which was odd because she had always prided herself as independent, modern woman. Now she suddenly didn't care about Draco picking out her clothes or ordering food for her. Was she turning it a conservative and proper pure-blood witch just after a few decent shags? Ok, the sex wasn't just decent but amazing and mind-blowing, yet it was no reason to turn into some sort of Stepford Wife.

"Don't worry, Granger," he must have read her mind. "I wouldn't want you to turn into a submissive, boring witch. I love your independence, your fire and the way your hair seems to just buzz with electricity when you're mad, especially at me. Just take it as the first date package it is."

"Alright," Hermione nodded. "But I am going to order for you on our second date."

"I wouldn't expected any less from my stubborn witch," Draco scoffed at her.

Soon, the first course arrived and Hermione was amazed. In front of them were several platters of antipasti, everything from Bruschetta to grilled vegetables, bread and fancy Italian cheese. She looked at Draco, who had been watching her closely as she took in the assortment on the table. He smirked at her amazement and picked up some cheese to feed her.

Hermione licked her lips. She stared into his grey eyes while he continued letting her sample the delicious treats. He made sure to graze her lips with his fingers as much as possible. The air sizzled with passion and Hermione was amazed by how all her senses were occupied with the entire experience.

"I may have to have you chose dinner for me more often," Hermione admitted after tasting the main course. The grilled rack of lamb with a crust of roasted garlic and fresh rosemary on a bed of asparagus looked, smelled and tasted absolutely divine. Draco had chosen a rich Italian Cabernet Sauvignon to accompany the meal.

The conversation between the two of them flew easily, they talked about everything from childhood to most embarrassing moments, about fears and dreams and everything in between. Hermione even admitted to him how much she had hated working at Gringotts and, despite her open-minded personality, she actually disliked the goblins of Gringotts for their greedy ways.

"You're kidding," Draco laughed. "I mean, Hermione Granger, advocate of house-elves, half-breeds and any other suppressed creature in the world, is a closet hypocrite. As I said before, you're a strange one, complex and utterly amazing. I think, that's why I like you so much. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

This is when it hit him. It was now or never.

"Hermione," he started carefully.

"Mhm," she hummed as she took a last bite of her meal.

"I have to tell you something," he hesitated and she glanced at him with anticipation. "Promise you won't be mad."

"Why would I be mad," she asked quietly but she agreed when he gave her an urgent and desperate look.

"I know who you are," Draco blurted out before his courage left him again. He felt stupid but he simply couldn't wait any longer. Hufflepuff seemed to be more fitting for him nowadays anyway.

"Alright," Hermione responded calmly but was interrupted when their waiter took their empty plates.

He was anxiously waiting for Hermione's reaction but she appeared cool, calm and collected in the presence of the waiter. Draco was used to her temper. He had been on its receiving end more than enough. When he had said those five words he was ready for anything. In all honesty, he had expected a scene no matter which setting they were in.

Her composed demeanor was what scared Draco the most. It was very Slytherin. His father would be proud of Hermione and consider her a proper pure-blood witch just for handling herself so well in public. But Draco didn't like it. It wasn't like his witch not to immediately lose her cool. She didn't have the Weasel's temper but was still a very proud and emotional person.

"What do you know about the deal your mother made with me," she asked once the waiter left.

"I only know that she went to your house," Draco responded. "Afterwards she told me you agreed to be nicer to me. That's all."

Hermione nodded as she assessed his answer.

"Your mother came to me and told me I had six months to get to know you, give you a chance. We are to at least be engaged by the end of the year. She also said you didn't know the truth," she looked at him accusingly, her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Obviously that was a lie."

Draco gulped. Surly, she was going to explode any minute now and no matter how far away from Skeeter they were sitting, she would surely hear everything. The Daily Prophet would be all over this. He looked up at her hoping to get some sort of sign. Hermione wasn't looking at him anymore. Her wineglass seemed to be much more fascinating.

"You know I am not stupid," Hermione continued after an excruciating long moment of silence. She was contemplating exactly what to say.

"I always knew there was a chance your mother lied to me," she finally looked at him. "My own mother is a Slytherin so I knew who I made a deal with. Oh, I was mad at first for being forced to do something I didn't want to. However, when I started to get to know you, I chose to not care whether you knew who I was or not. And I can't really blame you for keeping it from me either because I kept this secret as well. I told you before I wouldn't have let people push you into my life if I didn't want you in it, no matter what your mother had over me.

I ignored you for four years because I was afraid. Afraid because I didn't want to marry the boy you once were. I didn't want to be just another pure-blood babymaker and thought that carrying on the family line would be the only reason for our marriage. I don't care about blood, family lines and so on. My dad - not the one by blood but the one in my heart - is the most amazing person in the world. Yet my own blood did the most horrendous things imaginable.

Bellatrix, your aunt, my uncles wife, recognized who I was during my torture and continued anyway. A part of me was afraid the rest of you knew as well and let it happen. I know better now but it took me a while to realize that.

I gave you a chance because I promised my mother I would. In the meantime, I realized that the person you changed into is absolutely someone that I could see myself spend my life with. You know, I don't just randomly sleep around. By the time we did sleep with each other, I was sure you knew my secret. But it didn't matter anymore. You said you wanted me when you first saw me. That was before your mother found out who I was. Somehow, that makes a huge difference to me and I'd like to think that you aren't with me because I am Alexandra," she paused to study him before continuing. "All I wanted was for you to admit it to me, be honest about it because at the end of the day that is what a good relationship is all about."

Draco gaped at her. Hermione never ceased to amaze him. He had fretted with his conscience for weeks yet a simple bout of honesty was all she cared about. Maybe that was the difference between Gryffindors and Slytherins. His housemates would have been mad and sought revenge in the most imaginable ways possible. Yet Hermione was understanding, forgiving and compassionate. She wasn't mad at him at all.

"You're amazing," he brushed her cheek gently. "And while I am at it. There is something else, something I am not allowed to disclose due to some stupid paper I signed when I became a freelancer for the Aurors. But I am working on rectifying it and soon there won't be any more secrets between us, alright?"

"I trust you," Hermione nodded. "With my heart and my life."

"Good," Draco smirked. "Oh, and just so you know, I am head-over-heels in love with you."

Hermione's stomach was flipping over with happiness and she blushed deeply. Luckily, it went unnoticed as their waiter chose that exact moment to appear with dessert. Draco had chosen a classic - and Hermione's favorite - Tiramisù. Hermione moaned as the flavors assaulted her palate, she absolutely loved the mix of espresso, cocoa and liquor.

"Shit, Granger," Draco let out a heavy breath. "We may have to dine and dash if you keep making those noises. I don't think I can keep my desire for you in check much longer."

"Well," she shot him a mischievous smile. "Let me go to the lady's room while you take care of the bill. When I get back, I promise you can take me home and have your way with me, Mr. Malfoy."

"I am going to hold you to your promise, Ms. Granger," he grinned back at her happily. It seemed like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders.

Hermione was fixing her hair in one of the many bathroom mirrors. She was glad Draco had been honest with her and was even more surprised that she wasn't mad at him at all. Life seemed to have changed so much over the course of just a few weeks and she couldn't be happier. Best of all, Draco had said he was in love with her. She hadn't had a chance to respond but she was going to make sure to tell him she felt the same when they got back to her house.

When the bathroom door open, Hermione was in deep thought and wasn't paying much attention to the other person until she heard her speak from behind her.

"I finally tracked you down," a voice declared as a magazine was thrown on the marble counter.

Hermione instinctively looked at the magazine, panic overcoming her entire body as she spotted a younger version of her mother smiling up at her from the cover of an old copy of Witch Weekly. She stared at the headline 'Jeanette Lestrange -Murdered or Missing?' when she realized the person behind her was speaking again.

"You know how hard it is to get you alone? You are better protected than you would ever know."

Without turning around, Hermione's eyes moved along the mirror to fix on the person standing behind her. The moment she locked eyes with Rita Skeeter standing behind her, Hermione wanted to wipe the victorious grin off her face...

So, I listened to you guys and had Draco confess. I am sure some of you are going to be surprised Hermione isn't mad but I don't feel this is the secret she'd be mad at. If she hadn't at least considered Narcissa could have lied to her, she wouldn't be Hermione Granger.

How will she react to the Lestranges' return? Well, since I am leaving you with a cliffhanger here, I will try and update soon, the next chapter only needs a little more work...