Chapter 24:

When Draco returned an hour or so later, Hermione was irritated beyond belief. She had written a letter to her mother about what the children had done.

Hello Mum,

How are you? I miss you!

Remember how I told you that for one of my classes this year I have to look after children as if they were my own? I don't really remember how much I told you about it.

Hermione frowned. She quickly realised how little she had written to her mother this year. She knew nothing of her engagement.

Gosh… I just realised how much I've neglected you. I'm so sorry. So for the project, I've been paired with the head boy Draco Malfoy. We've become very close – he's nothing like the way he was before the war. I think I might love him.

Hermione thought that sounded easier to handle than "WE'RE ENGAGED!" She thought she'd work her way up to that, perhaps over a couple of weeks.

Well the children grow up quickly so that we can look after them at different stages of development. At the moment they are ten and are driving me completely mental. I've had to ground them! You never grounded me. They didn't come home on time. I was worried. Did I cause you this much stress? If I did, I'm so sorry.

Anyway, I love you. Maybe we will come and visit over Easter break. I'm sure Aurora and Curtis would love to meet their grandma. Although by that point they will be twelve! How scary is that!

Love Hermione xx

Hermione looked up to see her fiancé smiling at her from across the table, "What's wrong love?"

Hermione sighed, "Our children…"

"What have they done?" Draco frowned.

"Aurora wanted to go out with her friends tonight to the room of requirements so I allowed her on the condition that she returned at 7:30."

"Sounds fair," Draco nodded his head.

"And Curtis decided to go visit Enzo," Hermione continued. "So I gave him the same condition. They still hadn't returned by 7:50 so I went to get them. I was really worried Draco. They were fine of course but…"

"They should have obeyed you," Draco nodded his head again in understanding. "Do you want me to speak to them?"

"I don't know if it's necessary. I gave them a rather strict punishment."

"Oh?" Draco raised his eyebrow.

"I've grounded them both for a week."

Draco grinned, "logical… although you do realise that means they'll be under our feet all week?"

Hermione giggled, "I didn't think of that."

Draco smiled, "Come on love – let's go to bed. I'm exhausted."

Hermione stood up, leaving her letter lying on the table. She would send it tomorrow. She followed Draco up the stairs and into their bedroom. They both quickly changed and crawled into bed together. Hermione leant her head on Draco's chest and ran her fingers across his stomach as he encircled her within his strong arms. "Sleep love…"

"I don't think I can," Hermione whispered.

"Why?" Draco questioned, rubbing her back gently.

"I don't think I want to…" He felt her blush hotly on his skin.

He chuckled gently, "what do you want to do then love?"

She leant up and kissed him gently. He pushed her over so that he was hovering over her, deepening the kiss. His hands were under her pyjamas whilst hers were in his hair. Their bodies moulded together perfectly. Her legs were wrapped tightly around him. Draco broke the kiss and began kissing her gently on her collarbone, "are you sure love?"

"Yes… I'm sure," Hermione replied.

I'll be leaving the rest to your imagination... :P