A/N: Here we are at the final chapter.

As always, I have to shout my love for BiscuitsForPotter and NuclearNik from the rooftops. They have helped me so so much with this story. Even when I sent them chapters with a very brief window before posting, they always got their edits done in time. I can't thank you both enough for being so amazing. I truly have the best team!

I hope you all enjoy the end of this story. It was so much fun to write something so light and steamy (as opposed to my usual angsty angst with a side of angst).

Without further ado, here it is!

Hermione looked through the arched opening from the kitchen to the living room. The typically peaceful flat was filled with people talking and laughing loudly. She stood on tiptoe to search for Draco, barely able to catch a glimpse of his white-blond hair by the windows with Pansy. She poured herself a drink and prepared to make her way over to him.

On Monday, September seventeenth, the Ministry made an official announcement about Billings' retirement and Hermione's appointment as the next Head of the Department. On the nineteenth, Hermione turned twenty-two years old.

Now Friday, as the culmination of a wonderful but overwhelming week, Pansy's celebration party for Hermione was in full swing. It was a combined event to celebrate both her promotion and her birthday, and many of Hermione's friends had come out to show their love and support. She had already started making rounds at the party, beginning with Harry and Ginny. Next was Alan and a couple others from work. Many familiar faces from Hogwarts had shown up as well. Seamus and Dean came to wish her well, as well as George and Percy, and the Patil twins. Pansy had also invited Blaise and Theo, claiming that it would be the perfect opportunity to get to know some of Draco's friends.

She spoke with them early in the evening, making polite conversation until she retreated into the kitchen to get a drink. That's where she still was, cornered by classmates and coworkers who hadn't given her the chance to return to Draco's side.

"Congratulations, Hermione. And happy birthday." Neville smiled broadly at her as he approached her. He held out a potted plant, tied neatly with a red and gold bow around the rim.

"Thank you, Neville. You didn't have to get me anything."

Neville waved his hand dismissively. "It's no trouble. It's a Frutex Tempestas. They're actually quite useful. They're very sensitive to barometric pressure. The flower blooms on days that are expected to be sunny, and the leaves curl up on stormy days. They're quite easy to care for, but I've written some instructions on the card."

"That's brilliant. Thank you so much." She stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek and set the plant on the kitchen island.

Neville smiled and walked to the kitchen table to sit by Dean and Hannah.

Hermione felt like she had been greeting people for over an hour. She longed to sit down and relax for a few moments, but before she could move into the living room, Ginny rushed to her, a wide grin blazing across her face.

"We have to do shots."

Hermione laughed. "Shots? Why?"

Ginny grabbed hold of her arm and pulled her toward the bar top where the alcohol was all gathered together. "We're celebrating! Two each. One for your promotion and one for your birthday!"

"Two?" Hermione eyed the bar with distrust.

"No excuses, Granger. It's Friday, and it's your special day. Plus," she said, leaning in conspiratorially, "I'm sure you'd love a repeat of the last time you got drunk with Draco."

Hermione blushed crimson, and she immediately regretted telling Ginny about that particular night. "I can get that whether I'm sober or drunk, Gin."

Ginny laughed loudly and poured four shots of firewhisky. "Fair enough, but I still think you should get pissed tonight."

Hermione sighed. At least she hadn't had time to drink much yet during the party. She hoped that two shots wouldn't incapacitate her too much. She clinked her shot glass against Ginny's and threw it back, wincing as the liquid burned her throat.

She stalled between shots to give herself a brief moment to breathe by telling Ginny about how Draco had woken her up that morning before work. She'd been barely conscious as he'd kissed down her neck and ducked under the covers. His tongue had flicked against her as his fingers fucked her until she'd cried out for him, clutching at his hair as she trembled. Then, he'd left to get ready for work without a care for his own denied pleasure.

Ginny listened with rapt attention for three minutes before remembering that she'd vowed that they'd take two shots. Then she thrust the second tiny glass into Hermione's hand and demanded that they drink up.

Several minutes later, Hermione's head was feeling much lighter. The flat was filled with loud, joyous conversation as she sought out Draco. She ventured out of the kitchen and spotted him across the living room still talking to Pansy, but before she could make her way over to him, she saw a flash of ginger hair exiting the Floo.

Her stomach dropped like a stone.

Ron was here. In her flat. Carrying a card in a pale blue envelope. Harry stepped forward and greeted him with a clap on the shoulder.

Her heart raced as her eyes flickered back to Draco, who seemed not to have noticed Ron's presence yet.

"I told him about the party," Ginny confessed from behind her. "I hope you don't mind."

"No, of course not." Hermione's voice was a bit higher than normal. She quickly took a sip from her drink.

"He said he just wanted to swing by and wish you well."

Hermione nodded, forcing a smile as Ron's eyes found her and he began heading over. Anxiety bloomed in her stomach as he approached her. Ginny offered her an encouraging nod before slipping past her brother and into the living room.

Hermione recalled Ginny saying that he had been angry when he saw Skeeter's article. Was he still upset?

"Hi, Hermione," Ron greeted as he joined her in the kitchen.

"Ron, it's good to see you."

He shuffled his feet for a moment before bending down to kiss her cheek. He straightened up with a blush across the bridge of his nose and held out the envelope for her to take. "Happy birthday and congratulations."

"Thank you." She took the card and smiled up at him.

"I can't stay long," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just wanted to stop by and wish you the best."

"I appreciate it. Would you like a drink?" Hermione gestured towards the bar.

"Nah, I—"

Suddenly, Draco appeared next to Ron with a grin. He swooped down and gave her a searing kiss, his hands cupping her face.

Hermione blushed as he pulled away, noticing that Ron's face had gone a bit purple.

Draco didn't let go of her face. "A few people have mentioned giving toasts," he said, not taking his eyes off her.

Nodding, Hermione cleared her throat. "Okay, just give me a few minutes." She smiled at him as he straightened up.

Her heart seized in her chest as Draco turned to Ron.

"Weasley," he sniffed, lifting one eyebrow haughtily.

Ron's jaw clenched as his eyes narrowed. "Malfoy," he said through gritted teeth.

With a smirk, Draco stepped back into the living room.

"You know, maybe I will have a drink," Ron droned.

Hermione laughed and nodded, leading Ron to the alcohol while drinking deeply from her own glass.

"How have you been?" he asked, pouring firewhisky into a glass. "You know, besides the obvious." He jerked his head towards the living room, and Hermione felt her cheeks flame.

"I've been well. I start the new job on Monday. I'm a bit nervous to run the whole department."

"You'll be great," Ron assured her with a smile, lifting his glass to his lips and taking a sip. "I know you've worked so hard to get there."

"Thanks. And you? How have you been?"

Ron leaned against the counter, his eyes dropping into his glass of swirling amber liquid. "Things are good. I've had a few lucky breaks in cases at work, and…" He pursed his lips for a moment before looking up into her eyes. "And I've actually started seeing someone too."

"That's wonderful, Ron!" Hermione grinned. "Anyone I know?"

"She's an Auror. Her name is Thalia Poole. She's great. Smart and funny. Amazing Auror. I think you'd like her."

"I'm sure I would." The pit of anxiety in her stomach began to dissolve. He was happy. She could tell by the glassy look in his eyes and the twitch of his lips when he talked about Thalia. "Maybe I'll meet her some time."

"Yeah, maybe." He smiled.

Hermione thought back to the last time she'd spoken with Ron and how awkward it had been. Certainly some seeds of discomfort still lingered, but it felt different now. They were moving on. For the first time since they'd split up, she felt an inkling of hope that they might one day be friends again.

"And you're happy?" he asked, eyes wide.

Hermione nodded. "I am. I never—Draco isn't—I didn't expect to fall for him… not after everything." She took a sip of her drink, her eyes flickering through the arched opening to the living room where Draco was chatting with Harry and Ginny. "But he's wonderful, and he treats me well. I'm very happy."

Ron followed her gaze and stared at the unlikely trio. "That's all that matters, 'Mione."

He left with a smile, accepting a hug from Hermione before he walked back into the living room.

Hermione's heart stopped as she saw him approach Draco. She half expected them to come to blows, but after a few exchanged words, something happened that she would have never expected.

They shook hands.

Neither smiled, but Draco's other hand lifted to pat Ron's shoulder as they separated. Then Ron's head jerked in a brief nod before he disappeared into the Floo.

Feeling stunned and a bit lightheaded from the alcohol, Hermione made her way over. "What did he say to you?"

Draco snaked an arm around her waist with a smile. "Oh, you know. The usual. He told me I was a superior man in every way."

Hermione poked him in the ribs with a laugh.

Draco chuckled. "No. He said that if I ever hurt you, they'd never find my body. I said that that was probably true, but it's you who'd do the murdering, not him."

Hermione grinned and leaned into him, her heart fluttering. She bit her lip, stopping herself once again from blurting out the words that had been on the tip of her tongue for the past two weeks.

Red sparks made her jump, and she turned to see Ginny holding her wand high. The flat quieted as everyone turned their attention to the ginger witch who was climbing up onto the coffee table.

Pansy scowled at Ginny's shoes on her fine furniture but said nothing.

Ginny swayed slightly as she lifted her arms high, and Harry reached out to place a steadying hand on her waist. Ginny smiled down at him. "I'm fine, darling. Thank you," she slurred.

Hermione laughed as she sank down onto the couch with Draco and watched Ginny address the crowd.

"We're all here today to celebrate Hermione." Ginny lifted her glass towards where Hermione sat. "Not only is she the birthday girl, but she's also the youngest person ever to be promoted to head a Ministry department."

"Is that true?" Hermione heard Luna ask Pansy to her right.

"No clue," Pansy replied. "Probably."

"Probably!" Ginny shouted with an emphatic lifting of her glass.

Draco laughed next to her and pulled Hermione closer to his side as everyone raised their glasses with Ginny.

"To Hermione!" Ginny cried. Everyone repeated after her and drank.

Ginny climbed off the coffee table with Harry's help, descending into giggles when he touched her waist. Hermione watched her friends: Harry smiled adoringly at Ginny as she laughed and leaned into him, her freckled arms encircling his neck as she laughed freely.

They had something that Hermione had never had with Ron—a deep and lasting love. A partner with whom life was never dull. Someone to laugh with through all of life's triumphs and downfalls. Love that never faded.

With a pang in her heart, Hermione found herself picturing a future like that with Draco. She wanted it all. And she wanted it with him.

Pansy came forward with two shot glasses and thrust them into Hermione and Draco's hands. The three drank together as Pansy offered Hermione her congratulations before disappearing into the crowd again.

She and Draco sat quietly together while the party raged around them. Everyone seemed to be having a lovely time. Laughter and animated conversations filled the air in the flat. Hermione basked in it, letting her head swim with the alcohol and happiness coursing through her body.

She turned to Draco, finding him already watching her. A smile broke out on her face. "What?"

He shook his head and leaned forward to kiss her. "Nothing." His eyes glinted, and Hermione's stomach swooped.

She looked at him for a moment, her heart hammering in her chest far harder than necessary for their relaxed posture.

Her mind had realised days ago the thing that she hadn't been ready to say yet. But something was urging her forward—perhaps it was the alcohol, or perhaps it was the way he was looking at her.

"I want to say something," she began, her heart nearly bursting out of her chest. Could he feel how hard it was pounding beneath her ribs?

Draco's brow furrowed, his smile faltering. "Okay."

Hermione sat up straight, summoning all her courage. "I'm not just saying this because I'm drunk… though I am drunk. I've been wanting to say it for a while, but I kept not knowing how. And you don't have to say it back. I don't want you to feel… pressured. It's still so early. I mean, we've only been dating for two months… not even two months. And I hope this doesn't freak you out. I don't want—I'm rambling. The point is that I just want to say it, and you don't have to say it back…"

She took a deep breath. "But I think I fucking love you."

Draco blinked, his lips twitching as he sat up straighter.

Hermione's stomach twisted with nerves. She'd said it. She'd said it, and there was no taking it back. "You don't have to say it back," she repeated, looking down at her hands and gripping her glass until her knuckles turned white. "I just really wanted to—"

She was cut off by his lips on hers. He kissed her slow and deep, his hands cradling her face tenderly. At last he pulled back, beaming down at her. "I fucking love you too, Granger."

Her throat felt tight. Tears pricked at the backs of her eyes as she smiled at him. "Really?"

He nodded, his thumbs brushing her tears away. "Definitely." He kissed her once. "I told you, love. Entirely besotted."

A watery laugh escaped Hermione's throat as she threw her arms around his neck. Draco chuckled and held her close, his hands gripping her waist as he buried his face in her curls.

She pulled back to kiss him again and then nestled into his side, resting her head on his shoulder and looking out over the sea of party-goers. She locked eyes with Ginny, who was beaming at her knowingly.

Ginny winked, and Hermione couldn't help but grin in return.

She recalled sitting on Ginny's couch all those months ago, drinking heavily and lamenting her lost relationship with Ron. It seemed impossible now to think that she had once believed that she had thrown away her one chance at happiness. That no one would ever love her as Ron had.

Ginny had been right, of course. Draco didn't love her as Ron had. And she didn't love him as she'd loved Ron. Their love was their own. But it was new and beautiful.

And she was happy.

"Can we get dinner on Monday?" Ginny was barely standing on her own as she and Harry made their way towards the Floo. Everyone else had gone. Pansy and Luna were asleep on the couch, Pansy's head resting in Luna's lap.

"Ginny, I'm sure Hermione wants to have dinner with Malfoy after her first day," Harry said gently.

Ginny swayed on her heels, bumping against Harry as she turned to Hermione with a frown. "But I want to hear all about your first day on the job."

"Why don't you two come over for dinner?" Draco offered, wrapping his arm around Hermione's waist. "That way Granger can tell us all about it."

Hermione smiled up at him, scarcely believing that he had just invited Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley over for dinner on his own accord.

"Is that alright?" Draco asked her.

She grinned and nodded. "I think that sounds wonderful."

Ginny stumbled forward and threw her arms around Hermione's neck. "Congratulations again."

Hermione chuckled as she returned the hug. She and Harry exchanged glances. He rolled his eyes with a smile.

"Alright, Gin. Let's make a graceful exit, shall we?" Harry reached forward and gently pulled his girlfriend towards the Floo.

Ginny extracted herself from Hermione's arms and stumbled behind Harry. "Great party! I'll see you on Monday."

Hermione laughed and waved as Harry and Ginny disappeared in a burst of flames.

On the couch, Pansy stirred, her brow furrowing as she roused. "Is the party over?"

"Harry and Ginny just left," Hermione replied as Pansy pushed to sit upright. "They were the last."

Pansy ran a hand over her face and yawned. Turning to Luna, she gently brushed a golden wave away from her face. "Time for bed, love."

Luna woke with a dreamier expression than normal. Her eyes fell upon Pansy, and she smiled.

Hermione looked on at the intimate moment with a smile. She turned to Draco and found him extinguishing the fire and closing the Floo. With a wave of her wand, she sent the scattered glasses soaring into the kitchen where they began washing themselves in the sink.

Quickly checking the kitchen and living room for forgotten belongings, she began turning off the lights and tidying up what she could.

"Leave the rest for the morning, Granger." Draco smiled at her from the archway to the kitchen as she corked a bottle of wine.

She smirked and walked around the counter to stand before him. "Why? Do you have important plans?"

Lips twitching, he arched one eyebrow suggestively.

Behind him, Hermione saw Pansy and Luna retreat to their bedroom hand in hand.

"I suppose I can accommodate your plans," she teased, letting her fingers trail over his chest. She grabbed his hand and stepped past him to drag him to her bedroom.

As they crossed through the dark living room, Hermione could feel his eyes hot on her back with every step. Her skin prickled with anticipation as she opened the door and watched Crookshanks dart between their legs, grateful to have found his freedom after several hours locked away for the party.

Draco wrapped his arm around her waist as they stepped inside. As soon as the door was closed, her back was pressed against it. He stepped into her, his mouth hot and needy against hers.

"You look beautiful tonight," he murmured against her lips as his hands gripped her hips and waist.

Hermione's skin heated from his praise and the fiery kisses he was now trailing along her jaw to her pulse point.

She reached up and began to flick his buttons open one by one. When it was open, she pushed it over his shoulders and let it drop to the floor.

Draco made short work of her zipper, dragging it down and letting the silky dress pool at her feet. He pulled back to take in the sight of her in her knickers—something he always took a moment to do, she'd noticed. With a hum of appreciation, he dipped his head, his mouth connecting with the mound of her breast as his hands wrapped around her to grip her backside.

Her hands found purchase on his neck, fingers delving into his soft locks as he set her body aflame.

Abruptly, he pulled away, thrusting a hand into his trousers pocket and drawing his wand. He cast a silencing spell and the contraceptive charm before setting it on the nightstand. Then he rid himself of his trousers, his eyes never leaving her tits.

Hermione's chest was heaving as she watched him undress, knowing she would never grow tired of the sight of his cock springing free from his pants. She stepped away from the door and kicked her shoes off. Reaching around her back, she unclasped her bra and discarded it.

Draco groaned and reached forward, picking her up by the waist and setting her on the centre of the bed. He climbed over her, peppering kisses over her face and down her neck.

"How did I get so lucky?" he asked, his hands wandering over her body. "To love a witch who is so intelligent." He kissed her left breast. "And beautiful." He kissed her right breast. "And kind." He hooked his fingers under her knickers and dragged them down her legs. "And sexy." He brushed his fingers through her wet folds, making her shiver. "And driven." He sank two fingers into her, brushing his thumb over her clit as he did. "And… incredible."

"Draco…" Hermione whimpered, rolling her hips.

With a smirk, Draco kissed her again, his tongue sweeping through her mouth as she moaned into him.

She reached down, her hand closing around his hard cock. He groaned against her lips as she stroked him and ran her thumb over the weeping tip.

She didn't want to wait. She wanted him. Spreading her legs, she stroked his cock and offered him a blazing look.

It seemed that Draco was just as impatient as she was. He looped one arm under her waist and lifted her hips before slowly sinking into her.

His fingers tightened around her hip bone as he bottomed out within her, and she gasped. She let her arms fall above her, fingers twisting into the sheets as he set a languid pace. His strokes were slow and deep, his hands gripping her hard as he breathed hot puffs of air against her neck.

Hermione saw stars with each thrust, and she opened her mouth wide to let her gasps and moans dance around the room freely.

Draco was like a man possessed, and his grunts combined with fragmented words whispered harshly against her ear. She was nearly lost herself, but managed to hear a word here and there.

"Incredible."

"Fuck."

"Mine."

"Love."

That word was repeated over and over. And at last, Hermione heard what was said surrounding it. "Love you… "

"So much."

Hermione cried out, her arms circling him as she turned her head to the side and captured his mouth with hers, hoping to pour as much love into him as she could. Her words were failing her, but her heart was filled to bursting as he groaned against her lips.

He changed his angle, brushing against her in a way that made her gasp. His body was pressed so tightly against hers, his hands gripping flesh as he thrust into her with abandon. Hermione could feel her body soaring higher, the coil of desire within her tightening.

Like a tidal wave, her orgasm swept through her body, leaving nothing in its wake but pleasure and love for him. A strangled cry left her as her back arched. Draco's pace never faltered even as she quivered around him, clutching at his shoulders.

Her eyes opened again as she slowly came down from her high. Draco's face was bent low over hers, his pupils blown, his brow furrowed as he thrust into her fast and hard.

"Oh, fuck…" His mouth fell open as he came, his hips jerking erratically before stilling.

She could feel his cock twitching within her with his release, and she gently threaded her fingers through his hair.

He shuddered, a smile taking over his face as he leaned in to kiss her. Pulling out of her with a sigh, he flopped onto his back beside her and turned his head to smile at her. "I fucking love you."

Hermione laughed, her cheeks heating as she curled into his side and rested her head on his chest. "I fucking love you, too."

Eight months later

Draco stepped through the Floo and set a heavy box on the floor next to a daunting stack of others. "That's the last," he grunted, wiping his hands on his trousers. "Luna's fine to watch Crookshanks tonight so we can get settled. And Pansy said that she'd hex us both if we didn't come over for dinner with them on Friday."

Hermione smiled at him as she pulled books from one of the boxes and added them to the shelf. "I'll owl her later and tell her we'll be there." She looked skeptically at the boxes in the room, noting that most of them were filled with her belongings. Only a few bore Draco's name. "Are you sure that's everything you wanted to bring over from the Manor?"

Draco nodded. "Well, almost. I had some books I wanted to bring, but it looks like we won't have room."

Rolling her eyes, Hermione pushed a box toward him with her foot. "Make yourself useful and unpack something."

Draco grinned and ripped open the box at his feet. A laugh escaped his lips, and when he straightened up, he had an armful of steamy romance novels. He turned to place them on the shelf with the others.

With a gasp, Hermione threw her hand out to stop him. "We can't put those here!"

"Why not?"

"This is the living room! People will see them when they come over." She felt her cheeks flush.

Draco just laughed. "Who cares?"

"I care!" She placed a few potions books on the shelf. "Besides," she began, her voice becoming quieter with suggestion, "don't you think they'll get more use in the bedroom?"

Draco arched an eyebrow. "And don't you think I'm going to want to take you in every room now that we have a place all to ourselves?"

Before Hermione could reply, there was a knock at the door.

She put the rest of the books in her hands hastily on the shelf and then made her way towards the entryway, stepping over and around boxes as she went.

Opening the door, she saw a young couple, no older than thirty. They smiled at her. "Hi!" the woman said brightly.

"Hello," replied Hermione as Draco came to stand next to her.

"We just wanted to swing by and welcome you to the building," the man said as the woman extended her hands towards Hermione, producing a bottle of wine.

"Oh, that's very kind. Thank you." Hermione took the bottle with a smile. "I'm Hermione, and this is Draco."

The woman beamed. "So nice to meet you. I'm Liv, and this is Dane. It's nice to have some more young blood in the building."

"It's nice to meet you both," Draco greeted, extending his hand.

Dane shook Draco's hand. "Well, we won't keep you. I'm sure you have tons of unpacking to do. But if you need anything at all, just come and knock. We're both Healers at St Mungo's so if you ever need any help, we're next door in 3c."

"We'll keep that in mind, thank you. And if you ever need… books, I'm sure Granger here can accommodate any request." Draco smirked as Hermione scowled at him.

Liv smiled. "Sounds great. Nice meeting you." She and Dane offered polite waves before turning and returning to 3c.

Hermione shut the door with a smile. "They seem nice."

"Do you think they're a couple?" Draco asked with a teasing smirk.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "They're married. Didn't you notice their rings?"

With a hum, Draco nodded. "Do you think they think we're just roommates? We all know how confusing these relationships can be to figure out."

Hermione tilted her head thoughtfully. "I don't think they'll think we're roommates."

"Why not?"

She picked up the stack of romance novels and made her way towards the bedroom. "Well for one thing, this is a one-bedroom flat."

Draco scoffed as he followed her. "As if they could know that without coming inside."

"For another thing," Hermione continued with a smirk as she set the books on the nightstand, "that wall there—" She pointed to the bedroom wall. "—is the wall shared with their flat. And you're far too loud in bed for them to have any doubts about us."

Eyes twinkling with mischief, Draco stalked forward to stand before her. "Is that so?"

Hermione nodded, unable to keep from grinning.

"Well, in that case, I think we should just make it abundantly clear. For their sake."

With a grin, he swooped forward, picking Hermione up and carrying her back to the bed. He dropped her onto it, and she landed with a laugh. Turning, he went back to shut the bedroom door and then returned, picking up one of the books from the nightstand on his way.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed it! Thank you all for reading! Please let me know what you thought in the comments if you feel so inclined.

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