Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

A/N: I am sorry for the late update. It is even too late to call it 'late update'.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the new chapter. Please review!

Chapter 16

Days were passing very rapidly. At least that was what seemed like to Hermione. It was the first day of December. Her wedding was less than a month away. It felt like yesterday they were notified of the marriage law and paired with their partners.

She was amazed at how maturely she and Draco had coped up with the situation. They were quite in sync with each other in studies, in wedding tasks, in planning; so, it could be said that almost everything. She still remembered how she was sure that they would end up murdering each other. Well, it was not illogical back then.

It took them a lot of effort to reach the comfortable position they were in right then. She could not say that they agreed all the time or all of their beliefs align now, but they were growing on each other.

Hermione was doing all these thinking sitting at a table in Three Broomsticks pub. She and Draco were visiting Hogsmeade on the weekend. The other residents of their living quarter were busy elsewhere. Harry and Pansy had gone to work in their wedding venue. Ron and Daphne had offered to accompany them as they had nothing else to do. Their wedding was mostly handled by their parents. On the other hand, Blaise and Ginny were meeting his mother much to her dismay. Ginny could not get out of the meeting as their wedding was just 19 days away.

"Sickle for your thoughts, Granger?" Draco snapped her out of her thoughts with a smirk on his face. He had come back to the table with their drinks. Then he sat across her and handed over her butterbeer.

She took it and smiled at him, "Thank you, Malfoy. No need for investing in my thoughts though."

"Very well," He replied and took a sip of his drink.

"The pub is weirdly less crowded today," She looked around.

He nodded, "Most 6th and 7th years are busy with their and their friends' weddings. It could be the reason."

"Yeah, odd weekend," She said.

Draco silently laughed a little. Then he took a sip of his drink.

"What's funny?" She asked raising an eyebrow. Hermione was surprised seeing him laugh alone in public like that. He usually kept a pretty cold and stoic image.

"I met Theo while I was getting our drinks. Then I remembered the weird dance of Lovegood's father on their wedding day. The look on Theo and his parents' faces was priceless," He said and laughed again.

The incident came into her mind as well and she started laughing. Luna's father had totally stolen the show with his odd snake like dance on the wedding. The guests had a tough time keeping a straight face. Blaise had failed miserably in that and laughed out loud as the dance was going on. Well, that earned him quite a smack on his arms from his fiancé.

"I almost had stomach ache from that heavily suppressed laughter," Hermione said.

"Yeah, me too," He said. "By the way, there are a few more things we need to finalize before the wedding"

"Okay. What is it?"

"Well, my mother wants to seal the deal on your career contract," He informed.

Hermione was expecting that. She and Draco had a lot of talk regarding her career. She had discussed it with her friends and Kingsley as well. She had looked into several options that interested her. After a lot of thinking, she had a winner and that was what Draco had suggested her in the very first place. She was determined to become a solicitor and make a career in Magical Law. She had decided to pursue an internship and then start her career in the Wizengamot, hopefully with an expertise in law legislation for magical creatures.

"Well, I already told you what I was thinking. I have finally made my mind completely. I am going to pursue a career in Magical Law and work in Wizengamot"

He smiled a bit which was obviously out of his nature, "I wish you all the success. I am sure you will make an excellent solicitor, Granger."

"I have not even started to look for an internship yet. How can you be so sure now?"

"Have you never heard yourself arguing with people, Granger? Specially, with me? I can totally see you setting the Wizengamot on fire," He smirked at her.

She rolled her eyes and laughed, "I am glad you have so much confidence in me, Malfoy"

"My pleasure," He said in a dramatic tone. "So, it's settled. I will have Martin make the final draft of the contract"

She nodded, "Anything else?"

"Yeah," He shifted a bit uncomfortably. "Where would you like to go for the honeymoon?"

She felt a bit taken aback at this question. No one else was at all bothered by the honeymoon planning except Ron and Daphne. The Greengrass family was sending them to Paris for a 4 days honeymoon. Blaise-Ginny and Harry-Pansy had not planned anything yet. So, she thought Draco was also not going to waste time on that. He might just prefer remaining in the Scotland mansion or coming back to Hogwarts after the wedding. But apparently, she was wrong.

"I have not really thought about it. Do you have anything in mind?" She said.

"Yes," He paused. "My family owns a beach cottage in Ireland. We can go there if you feel like it. Otherwise I am okay with whatever you choose"

"No, let's go there. I would love to visit Ireland. I have never been there"

"Alright, I will make arrangements then"

"So, this beach cottage sounds really posh. I always knew you were filthy rich but this is way beyond my imagination," She said. "Every day you open your mouth, a new Malfoy property name pops up"

He smirked, "Way to exaggerate things, Granger"

She laughed, "But seriously, how many properties do your family own?"

"I don't remember the precise number," He replied. "Let's see, Malfoy Manor in Wiltshire, Castamere House in Surrey, Armand Hall in Norfolk, Pebbleton Park in London, Rosby Mansion in Scotland, Castle Runestone in Italy, and Villa de Luciole in France. There are 2 or 3 properties in Germany and Belgium. So, I think it's just around 10"

She was gaping at him, "Just ten, Malfoy! That's bloody huge. I thought it would not be higher than four! And you have not even counted the beach cottage"

He smiled, "The Gemini Cottage is actually my mother's inheritance from the Black family"

"Wow! For the first, I am definitely impressed with materialistic possessions. Just the names alone give such grandiose vibe," She said and grinned.

"It's nothing impressive, quite common in ancient pureblood families," He tried to make it sound simple and modest. He did not feel comfortable talking about his wealth unlike his younger self who loved boasting about it.

"So, when will we leave for Ireland?" She asked.

"After our wedding reception is over. We can stay there till the end of the vacation that is January 5. We can easily use the connected fireplace to attend Pansy and Daphne's weddings"

"Yeah, I would like that"

"My mother has already invited you to stay in the mansion in Scotland. We will go there after Blaise's wedding, is that okay with you?"

She nodded, "Sure. I have already received my training schedule from Martin. 10 am to 12 pm for 4 days"

"I apologize for this. If I could, I would not let you go through this hassle" He said.

"I actually do not mind. 8 hours is not a big deal. Also, I get to learn new things. I am looking forward to it," She assured him with a smile.

He smirked, "Good to hear that"

"Is there any other matter you would like to discuss?" She asked.

He shook his head, "No, I am done"

She tilted her head, "I have a question for you then" She paused. "I know your career and future is pretty much pre-determined but I would like to know what exactly you are going to do after graduation"

He was surprised with her question, "Well, I will join Malfoy Apothecary as the new CEO. I have already been working with the COO for more than 7 months to get prepared. Even after the war, the business is still flourishing like before. Our most popular products are a red wine named 'Superior Red' and some healing potions"

He paused.

"I have been studying Alchemy as a hobby for a while now. With the help of Alchemy, I will try to produce some new different type of potions and ailments. That's my goal for now"

"That sounds really interesting. You will do great," She smiled.

"I hope so" He said.

…...

Hermione and Draco were on their way back to the living quarter. When they reached the door, they met Daphne and Ron there. The girls smiled at each other and the boys silently nodded at each other.

To outsiders, this interaction would seem rather cold. On the contrary, it was a huge deal for them. They had a history of too much bad blood, so the nod and smile seemed like achieving a milestone for them. Then they started talking to their housemates while entering into the living room of their shared quarter.

As they moved across the living room, they saw Blaise and Ginny arguing with each other. Ginny seemed royally pissed at him. "You did not even try to convince her or take some time to think!" Ginny suddenly shouted.

Blaise rolled his eyes, "She put me on the spot. I promise, I will talk to her later"

"Of course, you will! You will talk your ass off, Zabini" She paused. "I am not living with her, ever, period"

Blaise put his hand on her arm, "Okay, whatever you want. Now, calm down"

"Don't you patronize me! And next time, think of talking to me before blurting out decisions for me," She snapped and pushed his hand off her arm.

He sighed and looked around. Then he and Ginny noticed them standing there awkwardly. Ginny looked at Hermione, "Hey! Come to my room now, please"

Hermione nodded at her. Ginny glared at Blaise and then went to her room. Hermione slowly followed her suit.

Blaise glanced at them briefly and stormed out of the room to go out.

Hermione was sitting beside Ginny on her bed listening to her venting about Blaise and his mother. When Ginny and Blaise were having lunch with Mrs. Zabini, she told them that she was going to live with them in the Zabini Manor. Without consulting Ginny, Blaise immediately agreed. This was the main reason Ginny was so angry with him.

"I cannot tolerate that woman living in the same house, Hermione!" She said. "Blaise knew my feelings but still agreed with her"

"Didn't he say that she spends most of her time in Spain with her current husband?" Hermione tried to reason with her.

"Yes! Still that does not mean that she will not drive me nuts staying one third time of the year with me," Ginny spat.

"Okay, Ginny! Calm down," Hermione paused. "Zabini said he will handle it. So, let's give him some time"

Ginny nodded, "Okay"

Hermione sighed with relief and smiled at her.

"How was your date with Malfoy?" Ginny asked.

Hermione raised her eyebrow, "What! It was not a date! You guys were all away. So, we just hung out in Hogsmeade, it was platonic"

Ginny smirked, "So, you have not kissed yet?"

"What!" Her cheeks had turned red and her voice creaked in defense, "No! Why would you ask that?"

"Because you are going to marry him and have his children," Ginny rolled her eyes. "You have got to do more than just kissing with him, Hermione. Did you forget?"

Hermione looked rather nervous, "No, I remember but we have not reached that point yet. We are taking it slow"

Ginny said, "That's alright. I just wonder how you resist kissing him. Yeah, he is still kind of arrogant but even I have to admit he is goddamn hot"

"Oh! Ginny! Shut up!" Hermione placed her hands on both of her ears to block any further talk on this topic. Ginny started laughing.

…...

Harry and Pansy were sitting on the grass by the Great Lake. They had returned from Yorkshire with Daphne and Ron. Then they decided to stay back and enjoy the sunset together.

"My turn now! Who is your most favourite teacher in Hogwarts?" Pansy asked.

They were playing 'Twenty questions'. This game had become one of their favourite past-time activities. Harry thought it was a unique way to get to know each other. Pansy said that she only liked it because it gave her chance to ask him awkward questions.

"That's easy. It was Lupin. I loved his teaching style" He paused. "I miss him"

She nodded, "Teddy reminds me of him"

"Me too," He sighed, "Okay, it's my turn! Who is your best friend?"

Pansy rolled her eyes at him. He grinned, "Come on! You got to pick one"

"Fine, it is Draco," she said.

He guessed that it would be him. If Blaise was her best friend, he was definitely cast aside.

"Now, I have an interesting question," She smirked at him.

"Oh, no! I do not like this look on you" He groaned. "Fine, get on with it"

"Who was your first? As in having sex," She asked.

He gave her a knowing look, "I knew I was right to be afraid of that look"

She laughed. Her laugh still gave him butterflies in the stomach.

"It was Cho Chang in fifth year," He answered.

"I thought it would be Ginny Weasley," She said.

He smiled, 'She came in later. Sorry to disappoint you"

"Okay, this is the twentieth question. Use it well, Potter," She smirked.

"Then I just have to follow your suit. Who was your first?" He said.

She shook her head, "I feel like you have a guess. Why don't you tell me first? Then I will answer"

He laughed a bit. She was always unpredictable and interesting like this. This was one of her traits that attracted him. "I am gonna go with the popular choice, Malfoy"

She grinned, "Wrong! It was Adrian Pucey. I was in fourth year and he was in sixth"

He was slightly surprised. He thought Malfoy was the obvious answer or it could be Zabini or even Nott. But he never thought of Adrian Pucey.

"I could have never guessed that. Did you date him?"

She nodded, "Yeah, a few months. Nothing serious"

He smiled, "I see, you are full of surprises, Parkinson" She smirked at him.

Then he cleared his throat. "By the way, we have some things to deal with, I believe," He said in a serious tone.

"What are those?" she sounded a bit surprised.

"Pansy, I want to live in my parents' house after we graduate. It is Potter Cottage in Godric's Hollow. The house is being renovated right now," He paused. "I am not imposing anything on you. I just wanted to let you know of my wish"

"Fine, I have no problem. We will live there," She answered quite nonchalantly.

"Really!" Harry was surprised. "I thought you might want to live in your ancestral home"

"No, I do not want that. Parkinson Manor just reminds me of my mother's demise" She said.

He understood her sentiments. He knew it was a very sensitive subject. So, he was in a fix in how to proceed. Saving him further trouble, she spoke, "When will the house be ready?"

"It will probably be ready in April"

"That's months away. So, where are we going to stay in Christmas vacation?" She asked.

"Well, we have an invitation. A certain kind person has invited us to live in her house," He informed with a smile.

Pansy raised her eyebrow, "If you are suggesting we stay with the Weasleys, I decline. I would rather stay behind in Hogwarts or rot in hell"

He laughed out loud, "Lucky for you, I already declined Mrs. Weasley's offer. I was talking about Andromeda's invitation to stay with her and Teddy"

Hearing this, her face softened. She even smiled a bit thinking of her remark about staying with the Weasleys.

"So, I take that as a yes?" He smirked.

"Yes, Potter! You may do so" She smiled.

"But we have to visit the Burrow. Molly has invited us to a post-Christmas party on the day after Christmas. That family loves me like their own son. Please, you have to go with me," He softly pleaded. He knew that he was not bound to do that. But he was neither going to force her into doing anything nor leave her out of anything he was a part in.

"Fine, I can handle a family party," She said in a low tone.

"They have invited Malfoy and Greengrass as well. So, you will have enough company there," He tried to cheer her up.

"It's alright. I better get used to it. We have all sort of become inter-connected with the Weasleys," She paused and grinned. "Daphne and Blaise are marrying two Weasleys. Draco and I are with two semi-Weasleys"

He grinned, "Semi-Weasleys? Only you could think of a term like this, Pansy"

"I know, right!" She giggled.

He looked at her, "Another matter that I wanted to discuss was my future career. I got offer from the Ministry of Magic to join the Department of Law Enforcement as an auror. I start after graduation"

"That was bound to happen. Congratulations Potter!" She said.

"Thank you. I hope you do not have problem with me working in ministry like the Greengrass or Malfoys have" He spoke skeptically.

She shook her head, "I do not. You can do whatever you please. I do not intend to abide by all the crazy rules of the dukedom. I want to feel free for once in my life"

"What about you? Have you thought of any possible career?" He asked.

"I have not come to a decision yet. I will decide around graduation, I guess" She paused. "It's getting dark. Let's go back"

He nodded and stood up. He held out his hand and she grabbed it while standing up. Then they walked towards the castle.

…...

It was almost evening.

The door creaked open. Ginny looked up towards the door and saw Blaise standing there. He was carrying a food tray with his hands. He carefully put the tray on a table. Then he went to the bed and sat beside her.

"What is that?" Ginny asked.

He smiled, "That is our dinner, my lady"

"Dinner?" She was dumbfounded looking at the tray.

"I requested a house elf to prepare this tray of food especially for you" He explained.

"You did not need to do that," She said.

"I know but I wanted to," He paused. "I floo-called my mother. She will not live with us in the manor. She might stay for a few days on occasions. Is that okay with you?"

She nodded, "Thank you for doing it so quickly. I know it is tough for you. She is your mother and your family. She has every right to live in the manor. I just need some space and I hope you understand it"

"You know, my mother always said that she never liked to live in the manor. She considered it a monstrosity. But she just decided to stay thinking of you, I guess. I am sorry that she is a bit cold to you"

"It's alright. It's between her and me. You have done everything you can"

He nodded, "And I do understand your feelings. Given the circumstances, we will need some time and space" He looked at her, "You are my family now. So, anything for my family"

Her heart sank at hearing this. She cupped his face and kissed him softly. He immediately kissed her back. Without breaking the kiss, she pulled him towards her. He took control pinning her on the bed and deepening the kiss.

The dinner was long forgotten.

A/N: Please review! Let me know what you think and if you have any suggestion.