I clearly have no self-control. This chapter is stupidly long but I think they deserve it, don't you? Tasteful bedroom scenes ahead. You've been warned.
12 November, 2007: 9:30pm
Hermione didn't care for portkeys. She found the journey to be a bit jarring and the landing difficult to do without practice. However, Draco's landing in the lobby of the wizarding hotel was as smooth as butter.
"Of course, you'd be good at that," she muttered.
His lips still held his smirk as he leaned down and kissed her. Her heart beat a little faster as he cupped her face. Her hands fisted in the lapels of the suit he'd not bothered to change out of yet.
She knew what was next. She didn't have the nerve to admit that while she knew the mechanics of it, had experienced it before of course, there was a tiny fear in the back of her skull that had lodged itself there a few weeks ago as the day moved ever closer.
What if she was terrible at this? Perhaps their number of partners was evenly matched but he had more experience. Ironic since she was the one who had the child. As nervous as she knew he was about disappointing her, she shared the fear. She could easily recall the way the boys used to talk when they were in school, comparing notes. However, oddly, she couldn't recall him ever joining in.
He took her hand and it was sort of nice to be in public with fewer people turning to look. She wasn't an unknown outside of Britain but certainly the French seemed to take less notice of her. And him.
Draco stowed the portkey in his pocket as they entered an empty lift. He pressed a button that had no label for the different floors and it began its smooth ascent.
"I've only ever stayed here alone," he said. "Granted, I've never had reason to request this suite before."
She swallowed and nodded. She didn't often think of Astoria anymore but it was sort of nice to know that this would be their's. She wasn't at all offended when he'd suggested Paris but it was only human to wonder if he'd taken her here.
The lift doors opened to a short hall. The only light were the sconces lining the path. He lifted his wand at the door and pressed the tip to the handle. It eased open but he stopped her from stepping inside.
"I've watched enough of your muggle films by now to know how I'm supposed to do this."
She wasn't sure what he meant until he bent and lifted her with an arm around her back and the other under knees. She felt weightless in his hold.
"You're absolutely ridiculous," she said, leaning in to kiss him quickly.
Draco set her on her feet once they were inside and nudged the door shut. "I think you enjoy it," he said, his lips near her ear.
Nerves skittered along her spine like ants and she shivered under his hands where they rested on her shoulders. With her back to him, he couldn't see the way she bit her lip and closed her eyes in an effort to control her breathing.
"I wouldn't have married you if I didn't."
She took a moment to take in the suite. It was larger than the entire downstairs of her house back in London. There was a kitchenette which she didn't imagine would get much use this week and a small living area. Her eyes found the bed next. It was huge. The two of them could get lost in it and never meet in the middle. More than anything, the room felt warm and lacked the normal corporate feel of most hotel rooms she'd ever stayed in.
He ducked his head and his lips pressed against her pulse. They made a trail down to the collar of her coat all the while his fingertips grazed her sides. He paused when his hands found her hips.
"If you're not ready…"
Hermione drew a calming breath and turned. His grey eyes had turned dark like storm clouds as he gazed at her. He looked like he wanted to devour her. And she was going to let him.
"Just give me a minute in the loo."
She tugged at his jacket. "Take this off while I'm gone."
He nodded and she was all too aware of his eyes following her until she closed the bathroom door.
She blinked against the bright white lights after she flicked on the switch. If the room itself was large, the bathroom was in competition. To her left was a large round tub that she imagined she might soak in later. Perhaps with him if he felt so inclined. On the opposite side was a glass standing shower and the vanity was twice the size of her old one back home.
She sucked in a breath. That wasn't her home anymore. While they were exchanging vows, moving wizards had been hired to transfer the last of her and Rose's things. If she were to go back, she'd find nothing but a clean, empty shell. Just like the day she first walked into it with her toddler.
So many things had changed and there was one catalyst as of late—Draco. As she stepped up to the vanity she found her things had already been laid out for her. Her toiletry bag lay next to his alongside the fresh towels. He'd thought of everything. Like he always did.
She glanced behind her at the closed door. She imagined that care extended to other things as well.
With a few calming breaths, she reemerged. She slid her coat from her shoulders and laid it over an armchair as she approached him. He'd rid himself of both his jacket and waistcoat and laid back on the bed to wait for her, his legs hanging over the edge. He sat up when she approached and held his hands out to her.
Like a moth to a flame. His hands cradled her waist before sliding along her ribs to press his fingertips gently against her spine, urging her closer.
Kissing Draco was like coming home. He assuaged her nerves with careful passes of his tongue against hers and cradled her against him as if she was one of the most precious jewels in his vaults. She felt cherished in his hands.
His lips left hers and seared a path along her jaw. "Are you ready?" He asked.
Hermione nodded silently and he pushed himself away from the bed long enough to switch their positions. He deposited her on the end while he stood. He pressed a quick kiss to her lips before he crouched before her. He had no idea how hard her heart thumped against her ribs when he reached for her shoes.
"As lovely as you look in these, they've got to go, love." He flashed her a teasing grin all the while his fingers worked the buckles to release the straps around her ankles. The satin red heels fell to the floor without ceremony and his hands smoothed along her calves. He rose a little higher so he could kiss her and whisper in her ear. "I have a confession."
She swallowed and lifted a hand to the back of his head. He'd had a haircut before the wedding but the short hair was still feather soft. "Yes?"
"I actually really love you in red. I prefer it."
A shuttered breath escaped her and her throat was dry when she tried to swallow again. She nudged his head back so she could meet his eyes. They were even darker now and it seemed impossible. "That's good then. It's one of my favorite colors."
His smirk was sinful as he eased her back against the bed. His feet remained on the floor but he braced himself over her as his lips began their dance. Her lips, jaw, along her neck before reaching her heaving chest and the tops of her breasts.
He lifted his head long enough to catch her eyes. "You're not wearing a bloody bra, are you?"
She shook her head. "It's difficult with this dress. And I'm small enough to get away with it."
He snorted before pressing his lips against her skin again, unaware of the burst of heat that spread through her when one of his hands dipped below the dress and cupped one of her breasts.
"They're a perfect size," he said and while she appreciated the reassurance, she was a bit too preoccupied with the searing heat spreading south with each brush of his thumb. It was so different being touched by someone other than herself.
Her fingers gravitated to his shirt while he continued his assault. Her efforts were shaky but she made it halfway down the buttons before frustration took over and she yanked the hem from his trousers.
Draco chuckled as he lifted his head to meet her eyes. The sound was dark with the promise of everything he planned to do to her and she shivered again.
"Eager?"
Hermione managed a halfhearted glare. "Don't tease me, Draco. Just take the bloody thing off."
As requested, he actually didn't tease her and nodded. He stood and finished the remainder of the buttons before shucking the shirt somewhere on the floor. She propped herself up to watch because he continued and his hands reached for his trousers.
"Is this alright?" He asked, his thumbs in the edge of his trousers, ready to lose them as well.
She nodded. "Everything."
Draco arched a brow but didn't make any jests. He merely nodded and stepped out of his shoes first. He kicked the expensive dress shoes aside and she dug her teeth into the edge of her lip when he reached for his trousers again. They went first and he pushed them aside. He seemed to be aware as her eyes trailed over his scarred but toned torso and to the only bit of clothing left on him.
"I think I should be the one asking if you're eager," she breathed. He was wearing Calvin Klein briefs for Merlin's sake and it was rather obvious given the way he was straining the fabric.
He didn't laugh at her light quip though and shrugged. "I should think that's obvious."
She watched his pants finally go and inhaled a deep breath. Everything about him was perfect, even his scars. Her eyes didn't linger too long before she met his again.
"Alright?" He asked, already coming back to her again.
Hermione nodded. "Not going to lie and say I'm not nervous for…that to be inside me but yes."
He laughed but it was a little self-conscious. "I would say I'm only slightly above average. Most blokes wouldn't admit it but there is such a thing as being too big."
She sighed as his lips met her neck. "I would agree. Especially given our size difference. It's just been—" He dragged a moan from her throat when he found the particular spot on her neck that was always sure to send waves of heat to her gut. "—a long time for me."
"I know," he whispered, lifting his head to find her eyes. "I promise this will have been worth the wait, Hermione."
She nodded because she believed him.
He resumed his path down her body and her dress was next to go. Despite that he'd already touched them, he groaned at the sight of her breasts. She heard him mutter, "fucking perfect," right before he exchanged his hands for his mouth.
The change in sensation wasn't familiar and she arched into him on a gasp. Merlin but didn't he have a talented mouth? His hands, too as his fingers nudged under the hem of her knickers. They were red also and he seemed to take great pleasure in that fact. She already knew how talented his hands were and her mind drifted back to that night on her sofa and the way he'd taken care of her.
How had there ever been a time in their lives when she thought he was the most selfish little prat, she didn't know. The past was now so far away.
Draco shifted her further up the bed until she was resting against a nest of soft pillows. While his hands did their exploring, eliciting sighs and moans she couldn't stop, her own found a home exploring him as well. She smiled into his mouth when he groaned as she hooked her hands around his shoulders and memorized the dips in his muscles with each flex. Her fingertips traced the patterns of scars along his chest, fixating on the cluster over his heart.
He met her eyes and she could see the fear he was trying to put away. "I know it sounds strange but…I sort of like touching them."
He nodded, his relief obvious. "I can live with that."
At some point she was vaguely aware of him reaching for his wand and casting a contraceptive charm. While she very much wanted to have another child with him, tonight wasn't really the night she wanted them to conceive said child.
One of his wicked hands trailed down her side and between her legs. He used one finger and then two to test her. Hermione gasped at the intrusion and he lifted his head to catch her eyes.
"Okay?"
"Y-yes." She slammed her eyes shut when he hit a rather sensitive spot. "But I'm r-ready."
She sincerely hoped he wasn't one that wanted to talk during sex. She didn't think she could manage it, let alone coherent thought.
Draco nodded and removed his hand. She welcomed him when he shifted to settle himself between her legs. A short moment of nerves shot through her heart when she felt him line himself up. His shifted to cradle her body closer, his forearms under her shoulders, fingers curling into the sheets beneath them. He dipped his head for a short kiss.
"Tell me if I do something you don't like." Another kiss and a small grin. "Or slap me across the head if you can't manage words."
Hermione groaned. "Stop teasing me, you sodding bast—" She gasped but the sound ended on a moan.
No, he wasn't too big or too small. He was the perfect size as he filled her.
"Fuck," she breathed.
She didn't curse a lot, mostly out of concern for her daughter, but sometimes it was just appropriate.
Draco didn't react to her slip except to grind his hips against hers before pulling back and pushing into her again. He found his rhythm easily and it was all she could do to hold on. She was a mess of searching hands and breathy moans.
Hermione had never known was it was like to be touched like this. She'd had sex before, obviously. Rose certainly didn't come about by the Christian concept of immaculate conception but she'd never been made love to.
Draco's lips at her temple, his breath at her ear, and his hands worshipping the swaths of her skin was unlike anything she'd ever felt. This was more than physical. This was emotion. It was release. It was commitment to something greater than just words. It was as if they were tying their two souls together.
He made this all clear as he gathered her tighter, shifted his hips closer at each whimper and moan he earned from her. He managed to arch his body so as to keep the friction she begged for and worship her breasts with his mouth which were apparently more sensitive than she ever realized.
The room felt heady, the air thick. There was nothing but the two of them, their breath mingling as he lifted his head to find her mouth. Nothing but his hands as he cradled her near, grinding now to gain more sound from her. He was a man possessed, starved of affection. He was unloading everything into her and it was everything she could do just to match him and not fall behind.
She was vaguely aware of the sound of the bed creaking beneath their weight and the effort. However, the sound fuzzed away when a familiar streak of fire started in her stomach and began heading south.
Draco lowered on his elbows and from the crease between his brows and the way his teeth dug into his lip, it was clear he was close, too.
"Are you…?"
The question hung between them and she nodded before she realized he might not notice. "Y-yes."
This might be the only time in her life when she wasn't good with words. What a struggle it was just to get the word out. Well, then neither of them would be talkers during sex, that was for certain. Fine by her.
He pressed his hips somehow closer and that was all it took. Fire rushed through her and she saw stars. She managed catch the smallest glimpse of the way his shoulders tensed and his mouth fell open as he, too, found his orgasm.
In the moments after when her brain began to restart itself, she ran her fingertips through the sweat collecting between his wide shoulders. He shivered under the faint touch and she lifted her head enough to kiss his jaw. It was the best she could do as she felt herself melt into the bed below him.
"I've never…" he panted and shook his head, "Not like that."
She was equally breathless. "Me either."
Much later she would smugly think to herself that Ginny didn't know everything. It was perfectly fine that they waited. And after their third round sometime around one in the morning, she'd be very confident in that fact.
13 November, 2007: 9:30am
For the second time in two days, Draco awoke to the sounds of rain against windows. It was a light pattering noise, gentle and lazy. As he reentered the land of the living, he became aware of the warm heat tucked against his chest.
Her hair tickled against his chin and his chest where her back was pressed against him. They both could probably use a bath but he could still smell hints of her perfume on her skin. He curled his arm tighter around her, sinking into her warm body.
There was something beautiful and beyond words about the way she let him touch her. As if they'd been made specifically for one another and no one else. He'd been on the edge of his nerves last night, unsure if he could really give her the experience she deserved. His stubbornness won out and she'd been a dream.
She sighed suddenly and he could feel her breathing signal a return to consciousness.
"What time is it?" She asked, her voice gravelly but soft.
He'd taken his watch off while waiting for her in the bathroom last night and he lifted his head to see it on the nightstand.
"Half nine." He glanced at the balcony doors which were covered by thin white curtains. "We could get an early lunch if you want. I had somewhere I was going to take you today but it was outdoors. Might have to do something else."
Hermione turned in his arms and lifted her mouth to press against his in a soft kiss. "What did you have in mind?"
"When was the last time you got to visit the Louvre?"
She released a choked laugh. "God, I was probably thirteen. I haven't been to Paris since I was with both of my parents then."
Draco nodded and leaned in for another kiss. She didn't even bother evading his tongue when he pressed for entrance. That was just how far they'd come—morning breath be damned.
"Would you like a bath first?"
She nodded and he laid back against the pillows and watched as she slid out of the bed. He wanted to tease her about how she tried to shield body, obviously a little more shy in the daylight than last night, but bit his tongue. He didn't want to ruin her building confidence with him.
The door clicked shut behind her and he sighed. He lifted his left hand and looked at the new ring there. He allowed himself to feel a bit smug as he remembered last night. He'd not been lying when he'd said he'd never experienced sex like that before. It was another level, almost like a religious experience. And the second and third time had been no different. Waiting had been worth it. She had been worth it all.
"Theo and Blaise are right—I'm a lucky bastard."
It was a while before she emerged from the bathroom in one of the fluffy hotel robes, curls still damp as they hung over her shoulders. Moist air escaped into the room at her back.
"Feel better?" He asked, hand tucked comfortably behind his head as he still lay beneath their covers.
She huffed at him even though she sent him a shy smile. "Quite. I was a little sore but a soak in that enormous tub before my shower took care of that." She was about to climb onto the bed when a buzzing sound erupted in the room. "Oh, Merlin, where did I pack the bloody thing?" she muttered, looking around.
He dropped his hands and sat forward. "What is it?" He asked, clearly confused.
She bit her lip before meeting his eyes. "My phone. I told Ginny and my mum not to stop Rose from calling. She's the only one that would be."
Without a second thought, he reached for his wand on the nightstand and swished it. "Accio Hermione's phone."
A little black box burst out of her luggage and she grabbed it from the air. She flashed him an appreciative smile before lifting it to her ear.
"Good morning, sweetheart. Were you good for gran last night?" She sank down in the armchair where she'd dropped her coat the night before and pulled her legs under her. The robe was so big, it basically swallowed her.
Draco didn't stick around to listen in, not feeling it would be appropriate. He needed a shower, preferably a cold one given his current state. He was vaguely aware of her eyes following him before he shut the door behind him.
He went straight for the shower without a thought. It was a poor plan because he forgot his own toiletries. He briefly thought about using the tiny ones provided by the hotel but he wasn't fond of the brand and instead reached for hers. Surely, she wouldn't mind too much.
He emerged from the water smelling of something soft and floral. It perfumed the air around him as he toweled himself off. He tucked the towel around his waist and nearly laughed when he looked at the bathroom vanity. She'd obviously started her routine. There were all sorts of things now scattered around one of the sinks.
He poked at the face wash and moisturizer. Her preferred perfume sat nearby and inside the case was a small number of lip gloss—possibly his favorite muggle invention. This was a whole new level of intimacy, beyond anything physical, that he would get to adapt to.
He turned when she knocked on the door and opened it. For a moment, her eyes froze on his chest before she caught herself and lifted them to meet his. It was a damn miracle he didn't smirk. The blush painting her cheeks was nearly too much. Did she have any idea what she did to him?
"She wants to say good morning to you." She wrinkled her nose as she leaned in to hand him the phone. "Why do you smell like my soap?"
He shrugged. "I forgot to grab mine before the shower." He lifted the phone to his ear, watching as she ducked around him to continue whatever it was she needed to do in front of the mirror. He'd never really gotten the chance to watch before.
He smiled to himself at the sound of Rose's excited voice and listened while she recounted her morning thus far and where her grandmother was taking her for lunch. After promising her a surprise, he passed the phone back to Hermione.
"She really loves you," she said, her eyes somewhere on the floor. "I honestly don't know if I can ever explain what it means to her to have you. Not after—"
She shook her head and he didn't need her to finish the thought. Neither really wanted to utter his name. Not now.
Draco reached out for her and she pressed herself against his chest without question. She was soft against him. It was a reminder that under the tough exterior she showed everyone else, she was tenderhearted just like her daughter.
"I love her very much," he whispered against her damp hair. "And I love you. "
She took a step back, wiping at her eyes. "I love you, too." She sent him a smile. "I think after lunch and the Lourve, maybe I'd just like to have dinner here tonight. I just want to be alone with you."
He ducked his head and kissed her. "Wish granted."
6:00pm
Draco had never enjoyed himself so much on a holiday. Despite the continued rain, he couldn't find anything to complain about. As promised, he took her for a light lunch where she spent more time chattering about seeing the Louvre than she did eating her food—typical Hermione. It meant that after he followed her through the museum, exhibit after exhibit, stealing kisses from her all the way, they had to then stop to buy an afternoon snack because she was hungry again. And now, they were on their trek back to their hotel, enjoying the walk as they popped into a few shops along the way.
She was relaxed and entirely at peace as she huddled close to him under their single umbrella, sending him little smiles as he pointed out places he liked on their way to the next stop.
"Ah, here it is. I've been in here before but never had any reason to shop."
Draco lifted the umbrella over her head as he held the door open. She hurried inside and he shook off the light rain from his coat.
"Oh my God," she said, looking around. "Look at those," she said, pointing to a display of children's toys in the far window. "We have to get one for James."
He followed dutifully as she darted off for the display, dipping his head in a nod of acknowledgement to the muggle shop keeper as they passed.
Hermione turned to him with the electric train set. "His birthday is coming up soon."
He nodded. "Then we'll get it." How bizarre—Potter's son was in a way now his nephew. He smiled to himself when he spotted something on an adjacent shelf and stalked past her. "Would Rose like this? It sort of reminds me of that little Paddington bloke."
She smiled at the bear in his hands. It was dressed in a similar coat but wore a beret. "She'll honestly love anything. She's still attached to that dinosaur you bought her on my birthday."
He snorted. "Ridiculous thing. I still can't believe they were selling things wearing Christmas jumpers out of season."
She rolled her eyes at him as she passed to look at something else. "You'll learn eventually to stop questioning these things."
As they exited the shop with their purchases, she wound her free arm through his again as he lifted their umbrella, her other held their shopping bag.
"Perhaps we should save some shopping for tomorrow."
Draco shook his head. "Tomorrow evening is already planned. You packed a cocktail dress as I asked, didn't you?"
"I did. Will this be the wining and dining part of the honeymoon?"
His mouth pulled into a smirk. "One of many. We'll be going a bit outside the city tomorrow. But there will still be plenty of time to take you shopping."
She tugged on his arm. "What's outside of the city?"
Draco narrowed his eyes at her. "Don't think you're going to try and ruin my surprises, love. I planned this trip just for you."
Hermione tugged him to a stop at the side of the pavement and leaned up on her toes to kiss him. "Thank you."
He squinted at her. "For what?"
Her eyes were on the front of his coat as she brushed her fingertips over the expensive wool and shrugged. "For loving me."
He deflated a little. It had been an eventful year for them but that didn't mean that old pain went away overnight. He ducked his head and kissed her.
"That goes both ways. Though I'd argue you're far easier to love than I am."
She gave him a shy smile that reminded him so much of how she reacted to his doting on their first dates. She wound her arm through his again and he took her signal to continue walking.
14 November, 2007: 7:00pm
"Seriously?"
Draco snorted. "Yes, just trust me."
Hermione grumbled something under her breath but closed her eyes as he requested. The idea of disapparating with her eyes closed sounded terrible. However, he insisted.
She gripped his arm tighter as the feeling of magic consumed her, pulling her through space. They landed smoothly but she still wobbled on her feet, thrown off by the experience.
"Alright?" He asked.
She swallowed, eyes still shut tightly. His breath was warm at her ear. They were outside. She could hear the sound of nature at twilight. The chill touched her exposed calves and she was thankful she'd donned her thicker coat.
"Where are we?"
He chuckled. "You'll see. Just be patient. And keep your eyes closed."
He guided by the shoulders forward and she tried not to trip.
She heard him speak with someone in perfect French and heard a tinkling little laugh that definitely wasn't his.
"Welcome, Ms. Granger." A woman said in accented English. "Please keep your eyes closed a few more moments. We have your table prepared."
Draco guided her forward and they turned to the right. The air changed suddenly and it was no longer so cold but warm. However, it felt like they were still outside. Wherever this was, there was magic involved, that she was certain of. She could almost feel the edges of it against her skin.
"Alright, love. Open your eyes."
Hermione blinked at first, her vision resettling. "Oh my…"
His hands migrated to her waist as he stood at her back, his chest firm against her. "What do you think?"
She opened her mouth and promptly shut it. They were on a terrace, she wasn't sure where, and below them was the most magnificent garden and lights display she'd ever seen. The colors were vibrant and suddenly she could recognize the smell of flowers, so many different kinds.
"It's beautiful. Where are we?"
He reached for her coat and she allowed him to slip it from her shoulders before the woman, she finally realized was still there, took it from him as well as his own and disappeared. He pulled out a chair at a single table set for two.
"This is our chateau. I wanted you to see it."
Hermione sank onto the chair slowly and her eyes followed him as he sat across from her. "Ours?"
Draco nodded and reached to sip from the water glass on the table. "Ours."
She tilted her head. "I don't recall discussing buying property in France with you."
He rolled his eyes and reached for her left hand on the table. "Fine. It's been in the family for quite some time and as a result of our marriage...it's now ours. You did understand when I let you read the inheritance documents, didn't you? Hermione, everything I have is yours." He kissed her palm before he released her. "And I know you don't care about the money or anything else, before you remind me for the millionth time."
Hermione pressed her lips together, her cheeks flushing even as he smiled. She looked around to get a better view. She couldn't see beyond the curtained windows but as she looked around the property it seemed huge. Even bigger than the townhouse in London.
"Do you use it often?"
He shrugged and leaned back in his chair, obviously somewhat mollified that she wasn't arguing. "My mother and I have spent a few Christmases here after the war. My father never cared for it actually but I always liked it. You're the only person outside of my immediate family that I've taken here."
She found his eyes again and had to take a breath from the heat in them. That meant that not even Blaise or Theo had visited here. And definitely not Astoria.
"And we're just outside of the city?"
He bobbed his head a little from side to side. "Technically, it's a bit further honestly. Far enough to be on the outskirts of the countryside. But it's just one little apparition trip away."
"It's lovely," she said earnestly.
His mouth pulled into a wider grin. "I'm glad you like it." He snapped his fingers suddenly and two plates appeared on the table. A second later they were filled with the most aromatic coq au vin she'd ever smelled. "And it looks like dinner is on time."
She shook herself of her stupor and reached for her fork. "Was that—is she the chef?"
"Simone? No, she oversees the property in my absence. When I owled her to set this up, she was all too eager to help." His lips stretched in a smirk. "She wanted to meet the witch who finally tamed me."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "If only. Sometimes I think you're still quite the nuisance."
He chewed his first bite slowly, his eyes grazing over her. "I think you like a little mischief in your life." His expression sobered a little. "And I love you for it. I get to be myself with you."
Her eyes flickered briefly to her plate before she looked at him again. "So what you mean to say is that beneath the surface of the irritating little git you were growing up, you've always been this sweet?"
He narrowed his eyes at her playfully. "The only person who's ever called me sweet before is my mother."
She shrugged and sent him an innocent smile. "Well, now you can add your wife to the list."
He chewed silently but she saw the look in his eyes. It was a look she was slowly becoming accustomed to. One that ignited fire in her blood.
Suddenly the table between them seemed rather large and he felt so far away. Instead she got lost in her dinner and in him as he told her all about the property and recounted some his happier memories.
10:00pm
Hermione found herself smiling a little as she brushed through her damp hair. Their excursion outside of the city had been lovely. After the delicious dinner, he plied her with some of the most divine pastries she'd ever had and broke every single rule she had about sweets. Afterward, he took her through the garden and showed her some of the more unique flora his mother had planted there over the years while they discussed what their own first Christmas together would look like next month.
While the event had been lovely and she enjoyed every second, it wasn't the food that had her feeling so warm and content. It was him. Everywhere they went since they arrived, he seemed to find some excuse to be able to refer to her as his wife. He wasn't possessive but it was the note of pride in his voice when answered the questions. Was it just a holiday? Were they visiting on business?
The moment he got to say wife in his annoyingly perfect French, it wasn't smugness, but he was just so…happy. In all honesty, she'd never seen him this happy before, and they'd had quite a lot of good moments up to this point.
And if that wasn't enough, tonight her phone rang and while she tried to apologize he waved her off. She saw his grin when she told the property manager who'd come to check on them that it was their daughter.
Merlin help her, she nearly melted as she fumbled to answer the call. Their.
She left the bathroom, the air still thick with moisture and the scent of the bath oils he'd insisted she soak in once they returned to their hotel. She didn't quite know what to do with all of this pampering but it was easier to oblige him than to argue.
Draco was awake, having taken his shower earlier, and leaning against the headboard. He was skimming one of the books they'd bought at the little bookshop not far from the hotel where she'd used her rusty French. He'd teased her a little and she nearly backhanded him for it. He'd kissed away her frustration.
He still hadn't noticed her standing in the open doorway and she took the moment just to look. She'd never been terribly shallow but one look of him there, bare from the waist up, and she felt familiar heat flood her veins.
She padded softly across the plush carpet and waited for him to notice her. She didn't have any experience with this really. Until tonight, he'd done most of the work. However, as the heat inside her coiled more tightly, burning in her veins, she pushed herself forward. Perhaps confidence was not her thing but bravery certainly was—and a fair amount of stubbornness.
Draco finally lifted his head and his eyes traced her. He set the book aside. "Are you ready for bed?"
She sucked a shallow breath in and bit her lip as she approached him. One side of his mouth pulled in a crooked grin.
"You know as cute as your normal pajamas are, I think I quite like this version of you fresh from the bath in a bathrobe."
Hermione swallowed. "And I think I prefer you without your shirt."
It was just an honest statement really, but she saw the interest spark in his eyes. She climbed onto the bed carefully and straddled him. His hands came to her waist automatically and gave her a gentle squeeze.
He arched a brow. "Are you trying to seduce me, love?"
"Shut up, Draco."
It was a good thing he was so smart. He didn't say another word as she leaned in to kiss him. He groaned and one of his hands migrated to the back of her head, guiding her along. The other strayed to her hip and pressed her forward.
Hermione traced her lips down his jaw and towards his ear. He pressed her hips more firmly against him and mumbled something under his breath.
"What's that?" She said, smiling now against his skin. "Can't hear you."
"Fucking…fuck…"
He thrust his hips up against hers and made to turn her but she pushed back.
"Not tonight," she said, hands trailing streaks of fire over his shoulders to his chest. "Stay where you are. I'd like to try something."
He nodded without argument and leaned forward to press a kiss to her neck. She ground her hips against his when he parted the folds of her robe and groaned again. He seemed quite pleased to find nothing but her bare shoulders and pushed the robe further down her arms as he made a trail towards her breasts.
"You're so fucking beautiful," he breathed, pressing kisses up her sternum.
She lost her hands in his hair, guiding him where she wanted his attention next. He seemed to enjoy the direction and went wherever she wanted. It sent an odd thrill through her. He would do anything if she only asked.
She trailed her hands down his chest until she found the waistband of his underwear. She gave it a small tug and he shifted his hips so she could free him. They groaned together when she finally sank down on him, rolling her hips with his.
Draco pressed his forehead against hers and anchored both hands on her hips. He said nothing as he helped her move. It was like fire in her blood, boiling under her skin, dying to be set free. The new angle drew a moan from her throat and he found her mouth in a kiss, swallowing the little sounds she made.
She didn't understand how it was possible that each time they did this, it only got better.
She jerked against him when one of his hands trailed between them and pressed against her. She gasped at the added sensation.
"I'm—" he breathed deep, "fuck, Hermione. I'm not going to last," he said in a rush.
Her fingers dug into his shoulders as he worked her over the edge. The moan he ripped from her throat was so loud it surprised even herself. She melted against him just as she felt him climax inside her.
Hermione was thankful he'd been braced by the headboard as she rested against him, her body like liquid. As her brain worked on restarting itself, she felt him trail small kisses along her shoulders, her robe hanging uselessly at her elbows. The cool air in the room chilled her exposed back and she shivered.
"Congratulations," Draco chuckled at her ear, his voice deep. "Your first seduction was a resounding success."
She whimpered as he helped her lift herself off him before he cast a quick cleaning charm. "You're a git sometimes," she muttered halfheartedly.
He smiled as he gathered her close against him and sunk down against their pillows, heedless of the robe doing very little to cover half of her.
"I am but I'm yours. What does that say about you?"
"That I have very peculiar taste in men," she said cheekily, resting her cheek against his shoulder as her breathing started to level out. She was warm and sated. She could feel sleep creeping over her.
"Peculiar or just excellent? I think excellent."
She pinched his side, difficult as it was. The man had very little fat on him.
"All of this sex is not doing me any favors with your ego."
He shook with silent laughter. "I beg to differ. I think it's doing wonders."
"Ugh."
He pressed a kiss against her forehead and reached for his wand to turn out the lights. "One hundred points to Gryffindor," he said, laughing.
"Draco!" She smacked him then, though there was laughter in her voice, too. She sighed happily, content as she closed her eyes. "You're ridiculous but I love you," she whispered.
She didn't see his smile as she began her new ritual of tracing the scars over his chest, the patterns oddly relaxing them both.
"I love you, too. Go to sleep."
16 November, 2007: 10:00pm
"Draco, are you ever going to tell me where we're going?"
He shot her a grin and pulled her closer under his arm. "Patience, love."
Hermione sighed and nodded. She was silent for about a block when she spoke again.
"You know…you've been using pet names for me a lot more recently. Less Granger." She arched a brow, expecting some sort of response.
He snorted. "You're still Granger up here." He tapped his temple. "Does it bother you?"
She shook her head and glanced up at him when they stopped at a street corner. "No. I just found it curious is all." She wrinkled her nose. "Just please don't ever call me 'babe'. Harry and Ginny do that when they don't think others can hear and it's…" She rolled her shoulders in a mock shiver. "…just no."
His shoulders shook he laughed so hard. "Noted. I'd hate to ever be lumped into a category like that with Harry bleeding Potter. Frankly, I think I'm far more romantic than that git anyway. At least I knew better than to pick out your engagement ring alone. Did you know that topic came up again at the pub when they tortured me for that stag thing."
The sound of her laughter brought a smile to his face. Since they'd arrived in Paris, she'd been quite relaxed and it was a relief. She was happy and he was the cause. He'd made so few people in his life happy. Making his wife happy was possibly the best feeling.
"Somehow, I'm not shocked. I saw Hannah's ring at our reception. Neville has good taste." They paused once more for traffic and she looked at him again. "You're still not going to tell me where we're going, are you?"
Draco nudged her shoulder playfully. "Have faith, Granger."
She huffed and all he could do was smirk. She'd not argued when he dug through her luggage and chose an outfit for her—a cozy jumper in a lovely creme color and a pair of dark jeans to go with her boots. November in Paris could be quite chilly at night after all.
A few minutes later, he adjusted the bag on his shoulder and pointed. "There. That's where we're going."
"The Eiffel Tower?"
"Well, technically the Champs de Mars. We can see the lights better that way."
She followed him onto the grass. He had to slow his gait so she could keep up. He found them a quiet spot away from all of the muggles and reached into the bag.
"We're having a late night picnic then?" She asked as she helped him spread out a blanket.
He slipped his wand from his pocket carefully and cast a couple of discreet sticking charms to keep the blanket in place.
"You could say that."
Hermione shook her head, smiling all the while as she joined him. She sat on her heels and peered inside the bag. "Tell me there's cheese and bread. I'll snog your brains out if there's brie."
He grinned wide. "There is. And wine. I'm not a fool." He withdrew a bottle and handed it to her. "And I'm holding you to the snogging."
Her eyes strayed to the Eiffel Tower while he continued to unload the bag. He could see the lights reflected in her eyes.
"It's so beautiful here."
Draco swallowed. "It is."
He poured the wine and for a while they ate and drank in companionable silence. It was enough just to be in the moment together. Eventually he stretched out on the blanket and lay on his side. She followed his example and turned to face him.
Draco braced his head in one hand and reached out to tuck a loose curl behind her ear with the other. "Tell me honestly—are you happy?"
She met his eyes and for a moment just stared at him. It felt a bit like she was seeing him for the first time. Sort of like how she looked at him that day in February in the book shop. And then she smiled.
"Deliriously so. Are you?"
He nodded. "Very." She sipped her wine and closed her eyes briefly as a crisp breeze blew over them. The words came out before he could form them into something more eloquent. "Do you have any idea how fucking gorgeous you are?"
She opened her eyes. They darted between his, as if reading him from sight alone. She looked away then. "No one told me that a lot growing up." Her lips quirked in a sad sort of smile. "Then after the war, and even though they knew I had Rose, it was—strange. The male attention that is. I never trusted it really."
He reached for her hand and ran his thumb over her rings. A promise made in metal and gems. "You weren't sure if they wanted you because of your status after the war?"
She lifted a shoulder, her eyes on her hand in his. "Partly. I felt a bit like I was on display. If no one had been interested when we were in school, why then?"
Draco sighed. "I hate to say it but it often takes such impactful events to make people see things more clearly." His mouth then pulled into a little smirk. "Obviously, I'm proof of that." He drew her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss on her knuckles. "But you are beautiful. You were in school, too."
She tilted her head curiously. "Draco, we're married. You don't have to try and flatter me. We didn't get along as children. I thought you were a pointy-faced little git, if you remember."
The tepid insult earned a chuckle from him. "Oh, I know. And I was. However, when I look back on the memories, you really were. I remember seeing you at the Yule Ball fourth year and honestly, I couldn't even think of an insult. I was stunned. Not enough to cross enemy lines, obviously, but I think we all saw something different that night."
A tiny smile quirked her lips and she looked down at their hands. "I felt beautiful that night."
He smiled. "And when I saw you in February, you floored me. I'm glad Blaise nudged me."
She met his eyes. "You never told me that."
"He saw the way I looked at you that day in his office. He knew. Even before I admitted it out loud."
Hermione shook her head. "Full of surprises, Draco."
"Only good ones…love."
She was so beautiful when she smiled.
19 November, 2007: 9:00am
It was time to go home.
Hermione sighed as she packed the last of things. Her bag was bulging even with the extension charm. She'd gone a bit overboard buying Rose a few surprises but she tried to reason with herself. She'd never been away from her daughter for so long and they'd both handled it better than she expected. Rose only called a few times and on the last call Friday evening, Ginny assured her she was fine. The way her mum also assured her she was fine.
It was just something she couldn't escape. She was a mother. A new ring on her finger and a husband didn't change that. And thankfully, Draco understood. When her phone rang, he told her afterwards not to apologize. He would wink at her and say, "She and I are sharing you, remember?"
Her rings caught the lights and she paused her packing.
"I'm asking you, a single woman, on a date."
His words flitted through her mind. If only she had any clue back then how things would turn out. That he would turn her entire life upside down but in the best way.
She zipped her luggage and set it on the floor. She tapped it with her wand and both hers and his disappeared. Magic was quite convenient sometimes.
She shouldered her purse and did one last scan of the room. Her eyes lingered on the made bed and memories flashed like film in her mind. So this was what love was. It was in the way he planned the whole week. How when they went shopping, he was quick to point out things for Rose. Or when he lingered at an exhibit in one of the many museums they visited just because she wasn't done taking it in. How he made love to her each night…and a few times during the day as well.
Draco was…perfect. Not a perfect person but he was a perfect fit. For her.
That distinction was very important. She knew well enough that there would be people who would always question them together and she knew there would come a time when the shine wore off and they would disagree occasionally as they did even before they were married. But the important thing was that he was devoted to this commitment as much as she was. Even when he didn't want to, he would listen to her and they would talk things through.
It was all she'd ever wanted in a partner. Someone to make the effort. To see the flaws but reinforce the good.
And she could admit to herself that she had the qualities he needed and wanted. He needed someone to see the good in him. To tell him when he couldn't see it for himself. He wanted a family and she conveniently came with a child attached but willing to have another. He wanted to be more than his father had been, possibly even needed it.
They were complimentary shapes. Just as in the beginning, he pushed where she pulled. That's what made her sure they would work. That's why she didn't doubt such a quick and subsequently short engagement.
"What are you thinking about?"
Draco appeared in the doorway, hands in his jeans. She allowed herself a moment to look at him. Last night they'd made a silly game of shopping and picking out clothes for one another. He'd conceded to the black jeans she chose and the grey jumper. He even allowed the black boots and all of it paired with the black coat he already had. He made quite the picture. She watched as he lifted a hand to his hair to push back a lock that escaped the pomade she watched him put in each morning.
Never in her life would she have chosen someone as posh as him for herself but there was no doubt that she very much liked what she saw. Judging by the way his mouth edged into a smirk when he caught her staring, he also knew it.
Hermione sucked in a breath and lifted her purse from the foot of the bed. "You."
His smirk grew and she knew that this week together may have given him the confidence boost in himself that he'd been searching for all along. He'd given her one as well. She'd never felt as beautiful as when she was with him.
"Far be it from me to distract you then but it's time to go."
She nodded and took one more look around the suite to make sure they'd not left anything. "I know. And I'm ready. I sent our bags back already."
He reached into his coat pocket and produced the little crystal dove again. The same one that brought them here. "Let's go home."
Home. Even as he said it she knew it was going to feel different. A different door, a different bed…different everything. But at least now he would be there.
She covered the dove with her hand, holding onto his. And then they were off, twisting and turning through time and distance.
Hermione didn't take any time to investigate anything beyond the sitting room when they arrived. It was quiet and neat. She looked to the fireplace and he nodded.
"You go first."
She left her bag behind and stepped into the floo. A drop of green powder, a call for Grimmauld place, and then she was spinning. Harry saw her first when she emerged from the fireplace in the main sitting room.
He smiled. "Merlin, if you aren't a sight for sore eyes."
She accepted his hug but she was admittedly distracted. And of course, he noticed.
"She's been great before you start worrying. Ginny took her on a girl's night just the two of them Friday night and we took her and James to the park yesterday."
"Where is she?"
He chuckled. "In the garden out back. Ginny was showing her some flying tricks." He lifted his hands quickly. "Don't let Malfoy freak out. She's not teaching her to fly. We know the rules."
Hermione laughed. "Of course."
Her legs carried her from muscle memory more than actual conscious effort as she navigated the maze of halls to reach the doors leading to the back garden. She slipped outside before Harry could catch up.
Rose turned away from watching Ginny do a barrel roll. It was only a short moment before she ran for her.
"Mum!"
Hermione crouched down and met her as she fell into her open arms. She wrapped her tight, pressing her nose against her hair. Every lingering bit of anxiety washed away when she had her daughter in her arms again.
She swallowed against the tears constricting her throat and turned her head to press a kiss to her temple. "I missed you, sweetheart."
Rose squeezed her neck tighter and shook her head against her shoulder. "Not as much as I missed you, mum."
There was no one inside when Draco arrived not long after her. He followed the sound of voices though and stepped into the garden. Harry spotted him first and surprisingly, flashed him a smile.
"Nice to have you back, Malfoy."
He arched a curious brow. "Is it now?
Harry rolled his eyes. "Don't read too much into it, you git." He waved a hand. "She looks happy. Even happier than when she first told us she was in love with you. She deserves that."
He nodded as he watched Hermione rest back on her heels, a wide smile curving her lips as she listened to Rose recount her week. She'd not spotted him yet and that was just fine. He was content to let them have their reunion and just take it in.
"She does." He shot him a sideways glance. "I promise—I'm going to do everything I can to give them the best life."
Harry nodded. "If there's one thing I feel certain about in this world, Malfoy, it's that." He nudged his chin towards them. "You deserve this, too."
Both of Draco's brows rose but Harry didn't acknowledge his surprise. He marched across the garden to meet his wife as she dismounted her broom.
"Draco?"
He blinked and refocused his attention. Hermione was looking over her shoulder at him. He nodded when she beckoned for him and he caught the girl as she then ran towards him next.
Rose hugged his neck first before she cupped a hand and whispered in his ear. "I missed you as well, daddy."
Merlin. It was like being punched in the gut hearing that for the first time, but in an oddly good way. It nearly knocked the wind out of him as he met her eyes when she pulled back and bit her lip.
He swallowed the rush of tears and nodded. "I missed you, too, sweetheart."
Hermione joined his side, wiping grass from her knees. She rested a hand on Rose's back and looked back to Harry and Ginny.
"Thank you," she said, her voice tight. At least he wasn't the only one being affected by this.
Ginny curled her free arm around Harry's. "Anytime. We'll see you all for dinner later this week."
She nodded and for once didn't chastise him for carrying Rose around.
Draco blinked back tears and sneered at Harry who was biting back a grin. "Shut it, Potter."
"Ah, come off it, Malfoy. Welcome to fatherhood. You get used to the tears."
He snorted but didn't argue. He took Hermione's hand and adjusted Rose in the other arm. "Let's go home."
Reviews are most welcome.
P.S. I could have put a bow on this and called it the end but...as I said above, I have no self-control. It's not quite the end yet. ;)