It had been over a week since Hermione had returned to Grimmauld place, but still the little witch had not woken up, a fact that left all three wizards currently sitting in her room a bit on edge. Theo had gone to his family Manor and had spoken with his Grandfather's portrait. The man was of little help, telling young Theodore that he couldn't abide helping a blood traitor for a grandchild, even if it hadn't been Hermione's fault she'd been given away. Theo had spent the better part of the week scouring the family portraits for any information, to no avail. The lack of information made him feel useless and in a fit of anger he had burned his Grandfather's portrait to the ground, relishing in the screams of old Thaddeus Nott. Bloody, bigoted bastard.

When Theo had told Drake and Potter what he'd done, both wizards laughed uproariously, much to Theo's amusement. It was the only source of mirth that the three had enjoyed since Hermione's return. Now they were all sitting vigil, waiting for Hermione to awaken. Harry had just gotten home from work and didn't have to return until after Beltane which was in a few days. Malfoy wasn't looking forward to the party at all. He had hoped that Hermione would be awake in time to go, but as time passed the likelihood of that happening seemed to grow dimmer by the day.

Kreacher had come into the room, reminding the wizards that dinner was ready and they needed to eat. He also reminded them that Missy Hermione would be most displeased if she thought Master Harry and his friends weren't taking care of themselves. Reluctantly all three headed down to the kitchens, not realizing that the witch on the bed was fighting a silent battle to return to the land of the living.

Hermione watched all three wizards leave her room in a huff. She was amused at how Kreacher could guilt them all into eating when none of them seemed inclined to leave. Sighing to herself, she concentrated on her magic and tried to focus on settling her magical core. The colors were vibrant and she could see them swirling chaotically so she tried to pull her magic inward. This kept happening for a while until she could feel herself more aware of her surroundings. Soon her nurse entered to take her vitals, and do a few scans. When she noticed the changes, she immediately sent for Healer Jenkins.

Healer Jenkins wasted no time flooing over to Grimmauld Place. When Harry heard the floo go off in the library upstairs, he rushed out of the kitchen followed by Theo and Draco. When they reached Hermione's room, the three stumbled in and Harry let out a gasp of shocked surprise at seeing wide amber eyes looking back at him with affection. Yelling Hermione's name, he rushed over towards her bed, knocking a disgruntled Healer out of the way to get to his best friend. Hermione giggled softly as Harry hugged her to him, looking at the shocked faces of both her brother and Malfoy who were standing in the doorway rooted to the spot. When Harry released Hermione and looked over at Theo, the bookish wizard moved forward quickly enveloping his sister in a fierce hug, careful not to hurt her but overjoyed she was awake. Tears slid down Hermione's cheeks at the affection Theo was showing. She moved away slightly and cupped his cheek, smiling beatifically at her brother. "I'm alright Theo. The healer was just looking me over before you three barreled your way into the room." Theo nodded apologetically and moved away so Healer Jenkins could finish his scans.

Hermione gazed over at Malfoy who was watching her closely, giving nothing of what he was feeling away. She quirked an eyebrow at him, which got a smirk in return. Rolling her eyes at the blonde, his smirk just got wider as the healer finished up his diagnostics.

Healer Jenkins smiled at the little witch. "It would seem your magic has settled for the time being Miss Granger. I would like to see you tomorrow morning at St. Mungo's for some additional tests and a follow up. But for now, I will leave you in the capable hands of these three wizards. If you start to feel any relapse, please call for me immediately." This last request was directed towards Draco, who nodded in response. Healer Jenkins then took his leave with his nurse in tow, leaving Hermione with her brother, best friend and the gorgeous wizard she was afraid to define at present.

"What happened Mione?" Harry asked immediately once the Healer had left. "Do you know why you've been out for almost a week?"

Hermione's eyes widened comically. "A week! The Healer didn't give me any indication how long I'd been asleep. Godric! I didn't have any idea it had been that long. I could sense I was unconscious...but I had no sense of time."

Theo looked at his sister questioningly. "You knew you were unconscious?" Hermione nodded. "How?"

"I can't explain it Theo. But I could sense what was going on around me, and I could feel my magic too. It's hard to explain, I'm not sure I really understand it myself. But one unusual thing happened while I was unconscious. Theo, do you know if we have an ancestor by the name of Amariel Siobhan Nott?"

Theo looked at his sister stunned, but he slowly nodded his head. "Yes, I know that name, she is one of our ancestors. Why?"

Hermione sighed. "I can't explain it exactly, but I spoke with her while I was unconscious. She explained to me how the Nott female line became cursed all those years ago. She also told me who cursed our family Theo."

"Who was it Hermione?" Theo asked shakily.

Hermione sighed in resignation. "Milo Rambaldi."

Theo looked shocked, as did Harry. Draco however looked livid. "What the bloody hell Granger?"

Hermione snickered. "Language Malfoy. But yes, Amariel told me that Milo Rambaldi cursed our family. She said it was because she'd refused his hand in marriage. She also shared that she cursed his line as well, that the Rambaldi magical line would end with him. There was more she spoke of, but perhaps we should meet with Kingsley and I can tell everyone at the same time. I'd rather not have to share the story more than once."

Theo nodded. "I will floo Kingsley. He will be glad you're awake."

Hermione smiled. "Can you and Harry give Malfoy and I, a minute alone please?"

Draco looked shocked at Hermione's request, while Theo just scowled and Harry smirked knowingly. "Sure Mione, Theo and I will go and let Kingsley know your awake." Looking over at Nott, Harry grabbed the other wizards arm and dragged him out of the room leaving a stunned Malfoy behind.

When the door closed behind her friend and brother, Hermione stared openly at the blonde who had the decency to look uncomfortable. "Please sit down Malfoy." Hermione ordered softly.

Draco nodded and sat in the chair closest to the bed. He looked at the little witch expectantly. "What is this about Granger?"

Hermione raised her wrist, showing Malfoy the bracelet and watched his reaction closely. True to form the wizard didn't give anything away, which caused Hermione to sigh in frustration. "Please explain this to me Draco. During my talk with Amariel she explained a few things to me. I didn't think it would be appropriate having this conversation with my brother present, but I need you to help me understand this."

Draco sighed in resignation. "I know you are aware of some Pureblood customs, Granger. You teased me about it when I gave that bracelet to you. I told you I wouldn't hold you to it's intent, so I'm not sure what it is your asking from me?"

"I know that Malfoy. But you put protective charms on it, and I didn't realize what that meant until Amariel explained it to me. I also understand better now why you wrote what you did in that letter weeks ago."

"Yes, I was open with you Granger. What do you want me to say? You've made your choice, I'm not going to hold you to anything. So if you'll excuse me, I'll leave you to get cleaned up and rest." And before Hermione could protest, Draco was out of the room leaving her shocked and angry at his refusal to openly discuss what the damn bracelet meant!

Hermione sat there with tears streaming down her face. Blasted ferret! Did he have to be so difficult all the time? Hermione slowly got up, her legs shaky and headed towards her ensuite to take a bath. When she entered, she was surprised to see the tub filled and her things neatly arranged for her. Smiling at Kreacher's thoughtfulness, Hermione undressed and slipped into the bath, thinking long and hard about how she was going to handle this situation with Malfoy. Why was he being so difficult?

A little while later she got out of the bath and dressed in some soft leggings and a baggy purple off the shoulder shirt. Heading back into her room, she saw Harry sitting there with a contemplative look on his face. "So I saw Malfoy leave in a huff a little while ago. What happened Mione?"

Sighing quietly Hermione tried to smile at her friend. "I asked him about the bracelet and he wouldn't give me a straight answer. I'm tired of getting the run around Harry. First with Julian, now with Draco. Makes me wonder if anyone in my life is capable of complete honesty?"

Harry considered his friend before him. "You need to give Malfoy a break Mione. He's been worried sick about you. He was the one who sensed you needed help, and then we found you half naked in bed with Julian Sark." At this Hermione's eyes widened. "Sark said you two had a falling out and you left angry. Sark found you unconscious in your shower, and tried to revive you but wasn't able to. I confronted him after Theo left with you. Told him to back off if he couldn't be completely honest with you about his intentions where Rambaldi is concerned."

Hermione looked at her friend with confusion. "What aren't you telling me Harry?"

Grimacing, Harry silently "accio'd" a folder from his room, gesturing to Hermione for her to sit and read it herself. Looking through the contents, Hermione was surprised with the information and pictures Harry had accumulated. The woman in the pictures was beautiful and there were several of her and Julian. One on the side of the road talking. Another of them outside some kind of Japanese garden, with the woman dressed as a Geisha and Julian looking at her in open admiration. Much the same way he looked when he was with her. There were other pictures, each showed the woman and Julian talking, arguing and in one of the more recent ones, kissing. Hermione surprisingly didn't feel as jealous as she thought she would. When she looked to Harry, he just shrugged. "Sark mentioned he was protecting Sydney Bristow, the woman in the pictures. He seemed to indicate it was more of an assignment."

Hermione nodded. "These pictures don't look like an assignment though, do they?" Harry shook his head knowingly. Hermione sighed unhappily. "Harry, in my dream...vision...whatever it was I came to a realization about what it is I really want. Unfortunately that pompous prat left before I could discuss it with him!"

Harry snickered. "Give the guy a break Mione. He's in love with you. Has been for a while as far as I can tell."

Hermione smiled shyly. "And if I'm honest with myself, I've been in love with him for far longer than I care to admit to."

Harry looked up in shock, staring at his friend who was watching him guardedly. "I never could admit it in school Harry, but I've always fancied Malfoy even when he was being a hateful prat. It hurt my heart because he was everything I'd wanted in an intellectual equal. He was always as smart, always as cunning, powerful...but he hated me. Over something that turned out to be a lie...a scar that I'll never get rid of Harry. I'd often thought I was crazy for feeling the way I did, so I latched onto Ron as a viable substitute and look where that got me?" At this Hermione laughed without humor and Harry cringed at the hardness in her eyes. "I used Julian in a way, because I was so angry when Malfoy didn't come that morning to say goodbye. I'd thought it would be easier, and I do care for Julian...but I'm not in love with Julian."

Harry nodded. "You're in love with Malfoy?"

"Yes, I am. It took talking with Amariel to make me see what I truly want, what I really feel."

"Then you need to let him know Mione. Thoros Nott knows about the bracelet, and has demanded that Theo speak with Malfoy's father about a betrothal contract. If you really want to be with Malfoy, then you need to let him know what you want while the choice is still yours to make."

Nodding at her friends advice Hermione wondered how she would be able to do that. "How can I get his attention Harry?"

Harry smirked wickedly, making Hermione shudder in a bit of apprehension and fear. "Lady Malfoy is having a party Wednesday for Beltane. Theo and I are invited. I was planning on taking Pansy, but I'm sure Theo would love to take you as his date, especially if you are ready to acknowledge your birthright to the rest of the Wizarding World, which I think you should do by the way. Malfoy will be there and by showing him your intention to accept your heritage..."

"He will see it as a gesture that I am willing to accept his suit as well." Hermione finished determinedly. Harry smiled and nodded at his best friend. "Is Theo still here Harry?" Harry nodded once, so Hermione decided that there was no time like the present to discuss her plans with her brother. Walking out the door and towards the library, Hermione was determined to prove to one Draco Malfoy exactly who and what she wanted.

The night of Beltane fast approached and the Malfoy gala to benefit the Wizarding War Orphan Fund was being hailed as the social event of the season. Everyone who was anyone in Pureblood society would be there. Theo had been thrilled when Hermione told him of her feelings and what she wanted from him. He had made some discreet inquiries from his family solicitor and Hermione had even gone to Azkaban to see their father. She had told Thoros of her intentions, what had transpired recently and he seemed willing to allow his daughter the freedom to handle her love life as she saw fit. She thanked him graciously and Thoros told Hermione that he was proud of her intellect and fortitude. He'd also expressed a request for her to visit often, as he wished to try and get to know her. Hermione and Theo were both surprised by the request, but Hermione softly agreed that she would try and make time to get to know her father.

Hermione had taken great care of her appearance for the ball, knowing that this would be the first time in over three years that she had shown her face in The Wizarding World. Harry had grabbed her beaded bag and wand the night they found her in Seattle, so Hermione returned to the same boutique where she had purchased her lovely Balmain gown and was pleased to find another gown of impeccable design. It was a Ralph Lauren sheath dress that flowed over her curves like a second skin. The top of the dress was a halter sleeveless style and the dress had a seductive slit that went up her left thigh. It was a subtle white, and the 4-inch stiletto pumps matched perfectly. The silver clutch and tiered delicate diamond earrings completed the look, and she made sure the bracelet was on prominent display. When she went downstairs to greet her brother and Harry, the shocked appreciative looks both men wore signaled that she appeared every bit as sexy as she hoped for the evening.

"Wow!" Whistled Theo appreciatively. "Drake isn't going to know what to do with himself when he sees you Sis. You look beautiful."

Smiling at her brother, Hermione blushed prettily. "I hope you're right Theo, or else I might have to hex the git. Are you sure he's not bringing a date tonight?"

Theo shook his head. "No, he was emphatic about that. Narcissa kept trying to fix him up and he finally told his mother to leave it alone. Apparently she was shocked, and she hasn't spoken to him in the last couple days."

Harry and Hermione giggled and the thought of Narcissa Malfoy berating her son. "Are you leaving to get Pansy, Harry?" Asked Theo.

"Yeah, I'm leaving now. I'll see you both in a bit."

Hermione looked at her brother in amusement. "I'm still not sure I believe that Harry is actually dating Parkinson."

Theo chuckled. "They are actually pretty good together. Pansy doesn't let Potter wallow in self-loathing and Harry adores Pansy. They are pretty well-suited."

After waiting for another 20 minutes, so that they could make a dramatic entrance, Theo and Hermione apparated to the Malfoy front gates. Hermione took a deep breath upon seeing the Manor for the first time since she'd been there during the war. The Manor seemed less dark and forbidding, there were many lights and bonfires surrounding the property and it looked almost warm and inviting. Theo squeezed Hermione's hand, and she nodded once. Talking his sisters arm, Theo walked regally towards the main doors. When they entered, there were several people waiting in a receiving line, and Hermione could feel herself starting to get nervous.

At the other end of the main hallway and just outside the large ballroom, Draco Malfoy was bored out of his mind. He was standing with his parents, whom were eager to be having such a prestigious event at the Manor. It had been a while, but his mother was a force of nature and managed to insinuate herself back into society with flourish and aplomb. No one else could pull off a ball quite like Narcissa Malfoy, and Draco nearly groaned at the thought of having to entertain all the single Pureblood witches his mother would surely be sending in his direction tonight.

"Stop fidgeting Draco," his father Lucius admonished. "This night is important to your mother, so you're going to have to grin and bear it, son."

Draco sighed resentfully at his father, but when he looked over at his mother she was watching him with one of her elegant eyebrows lifted mockingly. "I am sorry Mother. I will try to behave for your sake."

Narcissa preened and walked over to her son gently fixing his cravat. "You look very handsome this evening my dragon. Perhaps we might find a suitable young lady for you to dance with?"

Draco rolled his eyes and was about to retort something smart, when his breath halted on the exquisite vision in white walking towards him. His mother, noticing his distracted gaze turned to face whomever it was who'd gotten her son's attention, when her breath hitched in surprise. Lucius was staring at the little witch, who was being escorted by her brother and ignoring the interested stares of the guests behind them.

When Theo and Hermione had gotten to the head of the line, Theo bowed regally. "Lord and Lady Malfoy, it is a pleasure to be here this evening." Theo spoke eloquently.

Lucius nodded, tearing his eyes away from the vision in white to his son's oldest friend. "Theodore, it is good to see you."

Theo nodded and gestured to his sister. "I would like to formally introduce my sister, Hermione Granger Nott. Hermione, this is Lord and Lady Malfoy."

Hermione smiled demurely and curtsied elegantly. "Lord and Lady Malfoy, it is a pleasure to formally make your acquaintance."

Narcissa looked stunned, but not nearly as stunned as her husband and son, who both looked like they could be knocked over any minute by a feather. Narcissa smirked and inclined her head. "It is lovely to meet you formally, Miss Nott. Welcome to our home. You know our son, Draco?"

Amber eyes fixed on grey with a challenging smirk. "Yes Lady Malfoy, Draco and I are familiar with one another." Draco's eyes widened a bit, but it wasn't until his father cleared his throat that Draco managed to snap out of his trance. Determined with purpose, Draco moved over in front of Hermione and took her hand formally, bowing over it and placing the gentlest of kisses on the back of her knuckles, causing a pretty blush to flow over Hermione's cheeks, as she bit her lip enticingly, which caused Malfoy's grey eyes to darken in response. Narcissa and Lucius, not one's to miss the subtle byplay between the two young adults, smirked knowingly to each other.

"It is good to see you looking so enchanting this evening, Hermione." Draco drawled lowly causing Hermione's belly to clench in need.

"Thank you for the lovely compliment, Draco." Hermione stated quietly, while Draco just held her hand in fascination.

Theo cleared his throat and smirked at his best friend. "We will see you inside mate." Draco nodded absently and watched Theo and Hermione glide into the ballroom together, not realizing he was openly staring until his mother tapped on his arm to gain his attention. Draco blushed in response which caused his mother to smile at him knowingly.

"So, this is why you have refused every witch I've put before you, my dragon?"

Draco blushed harder and looked to his father who was watching him with a contemplative look in his eye. "I must say Draco, the little chit has grown up to become quite a beautiful witch. You'd be hard pressed to find a better match." Draco's eyes widened at his father's words, realizing that it was as close to a blessing as old Lucius was going to give under the circumstances.

Looking back at his mother with pleading eyes, Narcissa just smiled and placed her hand on her son's cheek. "She is your equal in every way, my dragon. If Miss Nott holds your heart, you need to make your intentions known."

Draco just sighed and nodded at his mother. "I love her mum." Draco whispered so only his mother could hear.

Narcissa's eyes widened at her son's confession. "Then you know what you need to do, my dragon." Draco kissed his mother's cheek and entered the ballroom in search of the witch he wanted and vowed by nights end would be his in every way.

Hermione and Theo were making the rounds in the ballroom. When they entered the room it had gotten uncomfortably quiet until Harry and Pansy walked over and said hello. Then it seemed as if everyone needed to make a point to come and talk with Theo and his sister. People seemed genuinely glad to see Hermione back in the Wizarding World. When the Minister of Magic came over and gave the little witch a hug, and Theo a firm handshake and pat on the back, it confirmed that the Brightest Witch of the Age was firmly ensconced back into the magical world where she belonged. Pansy was amazed by the transformation of Hermione Granger Nott. Gone was the insecure, bushy-haired witch and in her place was an elegant witch who oozed confidence and grace. When Astoria Greengrass came over, and tried to ingratiate herself by usurping Theo's attention, Hermione just raised an elegant eyebrow in response. She was gracious however when she told Theo to go and spend some time with his "girlfriend?" She may of phrased it as a harmless question, but the glint in her eyes belied that fact. Pansy smirked knowingly. Astoria wouldn't be with Theo much longer if Hermione had anything to say about it.

Blaise had asked Hermione to dance, followed by Dean and then Neville. Hermione hadn't seen Malfoy at all and she was starting to get frustrated when the hairs on the back of her neck rose to attention and she smirked inwardly to herself. A minute later, a pale gentle hand guided her onto the dance floor and seductive grey eyes held her gaze while the two of them danced effortlessly around the room. Once dance became two, and then five and before Hermione knew it, she had spent the better part of the evening in the arms of Draco Malfoy. They didn't say much, letting their eyes do the speaking for them. When Hermione excused herself to freshen up, Draco kissed her hand and watched her as she walked out of the ballroom, much to the amusement of all their friends.

Wandering over to get a glass of firewhiskey, Draco couldn't help but notice the interested stares from everyone in the ballroom. He'd wanted to make a statement, and it seemed that the message had been received loud and clear by those in attendance. He had no doubt that speculation would be rampant tomorrow and the press would be having kittens over the fact that Hermione Granger Nott, Golden girl, had returned to Wizarding Britain and had spent the better part of the evening dancing with him. He couldn't help but smirk in self-satisfaction.

Theo, not missing the look on his best friend's face, walked over and clapped Draco on the back. "Enjoying yourself, mate?"

Draco rolled his eyes, but couldn't wipe the smirk from his face. "Yes Theo, I'm enjoying myself immensely. Tell me, how ever did you convince Granger to come tonight? I'd of thought she'd never set foot in my family home again."

Theo gave his friend a knowing look. "It was her idea Drake. I guess she thought it would be better to announce her intentions to the rest of the Wizarding World on her own terms. You know how stringent Pureblood tradition can be. I guess Hermione felt there would be less misunderstanding this way."

Theo watched his friend closely, mulling over his words until the exact meaning of what Theo had said registered on Draco's face. He looked over at his best mate in shock. "Did she really say as much Theo? Or are you taking the piss?"

Laughing at his oldest friend, Theo shook his head. "We went to Azkaban yesterday Drake. Our father knows, and has given his blessing. All she is waiting for is you, you great pillock. I don't think you deserve her...Salazar knows I don't deserve a sister like her either...but I'm grateful every moment of every day that I have her back in my life. Don't fuck it up Drake, because Merlin help you if you do."

Draco smiled a rare genuine smile and clapped his friend on the back. "I have no intention of screwing this up Theo." Looking around the room, Draco's gaze searched for the goddess in white, but he was having no luck spotting her.

Theo smiled sadly. "I think you might find her in the past, mate."

Draco's eyes widened momentarily in realization of what Theo was saying, before he hurried out of the ballroom to find his witch.

Moving swiftly to the main drawing room, Draco was unsurprised to find his witch standing in the middle of the room gazing off into space. Slowly moving into the hated room, Draco was surprised at the look on Hermione's face. She didn't look upset or even agitated, if anything she seemed calm and controlled. When her gaze lifted and amber eyes locked with worried grey, Hermione smiled sheepishly and held her hand out for Draco. Walking determinedly to her side, Draco grabbed Hermione's hand and kissed her knuckles reverently.

"What are you doing in here, Granger?" Draco inquired softly.

Hermione smiled shakily and took a deep breath. If she was ever going to move forward, she needed to make peace with the past, and what better place to do that, than in the place of her worst nightmare. "There was a time I thought I'd never be able to look at you and not see that night." Draco's face fell momentarily, but Hermione smiled reassuringly at her wizard. "I remember your face from that night, more than I remember anything else. Your eyes were filled with fear and revulsion. It took me a while to realize that you really had no choices growing up. There was no where for you to hide, no safety net." Looking into grey eyes, Hermione could see genuine surprise there. "I'd often wondered if your hatred of me was just because of my blood...supposed blood, or if it was something else entirely. I desperately wanted to hate you because you made me question everything about myself. Made me work harder than I'd ever thought I could to prove that I belonged here in the Wizarding World. I used to wish that my life had been different, deep down. I'd never told anyone, because it was difficult to admit even to myself. How can you fancy someone who looks at you with nothing but hatred and disgust?" At this confession, a tear escaped down Hermione's cheek, and she batted it away in frustration.

Draco was absolutely floored at what he was hearing. Had Hermione always fancied him, even when he was being a hateful prat? He felt his eyes watering and tried valiantly to keep his emotions under control.

"I'd realized that night, here in this room, that there was no possible way you could of grown up any different than you did. All your life you'd been taught to believe certain ideals, and I'm sure they seemed good and right to you. I'd wondered if there was ever a time you'd questioned those things you were taught, and I'd realized that night, here in this room, that you had no choice but to follow, because the alternative would of meant losing everything you loved, and everything you'd been raised to believe in. It didn't make it right, but in that moment I'd understood it, and you better than I'd ever had before."

Draco gulped deeply and gently wiped away the tears falling from Hermione's face as she looked at him with unconditional love shining from her amber eyes. His breath hitched in realization, that this woman whom he'd tormented and teased, knew him better than anyone had ever bothered to. He was both overwhelmed and frightened at how much she had seen.

"When I returned to Hogwarts that final year, everything I'd ever known was turned upside down. I technically, wasn't a mudblood anymore." Draco flinched at the hated word and shook his head in silent rebuke which caused Hermione to smile wanly. "I wasn't any of the things I'd thought I was. My whole existence had been built upon a lie and I'd realized I couldn't lie to myself any longer, so I left. I ran away because I couldn't face the possibility that even as a Pureblood, I still wouldn't be good enough. It was easier to leave, to run. There are moments when I feel that urge very strongly...right now for instance. It's taking every ounce of Gryffindor bravery I have to stand here and admit things that I'd promised myself I'd never admit to you."

Letting go of Draco's hand, Hermione moved over to the window staring out into the night, and continued quietly. "How is it possible to love someone who hates you?" Shaking her head in exasperation, Hermione didn't miss the sharp, quick intake of breath from Draco as he walked slowly over to where she was standing. "I'd asked myself that question daily, and the answer was always the same."

After a few moments of silence Draco couldn't help but ask, but afraid to know the answer. "And what answer did you come up with, love?"

Sighing quietly Hermione spoke haltingly. "That I was unloveable. That there must of been something wrong with me. And that feeling persisted, especially that last year and after I left England."

Draco couldn't hold it in any longer, tears fell from his eyes as he watched Hermione fold in on herself. He gently enveloped her into his arms, wrapping himself around her from behind and whispering softly into her ear. "I am so, so sorry my love. I don't how I'll ever make it up to you. Everything you've said has merit, but I'd realized too late after you left, sitting alone in our dorm, that I'd never truly hated you. I was jealous of you. Deep down you were everything I'd ever wanted. You had love, friendship and family, that seemed to support you unconditionally. I lived in a guilded cage surrounded by pretty things, and I knew my parents loved me, but there was always a price that came with being a Malfoy. When you were captured, I was truly at a loss and I'd wished more than anything Eighth year that I could have gone back and changed what happened that night. But more than that I'd wished I had reached out that last year at Hogwarts. It took me three years to understand what you meant to me. You'd challenged me, infuriated me, angered me, pushed me, made me feel Granger. You'd made me feel everything. No one has ever made me feel as completely as you have and do. I would always complain about you, talk incessantly about you, obsess about you and in the end I fell completely in love with you. You are everything, and I don't want to be with anyone else but you for the rest of my life. If it takes me everyday to prove to you how much I love you, how much I want only you...I'll take an unbreakable vow if needed...but please Granger. Please know my heart is yours, and I'll never be able to forgive myself for what I've put you through."

Turning in Draco's arms, Hermione placed a gentle hand and cradled Draco's cheek which caused the blonde to lean into the caress. "I don't want your guilt Draco. I've had enough of that to last a lifetime. Life is full of choices, some for good or bad, but we don't always get to choose. It would be nice to think otherwise, but I'm not a naive sixteen year old trying to free house elves or start up clandestine defense clubs in my spare time. I'm just me, and apparently that alone comes with a myriad of complications I've never asked for. But if nothing else, I realized I'd have to be honest with myself about what I want and need."

"And what is it you want and need, Hermione?" Draco asked softly, seductively.

"Just you Malfoy. You're all I've ever truly wanted, and I really need you to kiss me right now." Hermione bit her lip shyly.

Draco growled and cupped Hermione's face in his hands. "If I kiss you Granger, this is it...I told you...I'm not ever letting you go, Sark be damned."

Hermione giggled. "Draco Malfoy, I've never took you for a wizard who hesitated in taking what you've wanted."

Smirking in triumph, Draco lowered his head and fiercely captured Hermione's mouth with his own.