Note: I am so sorry this took so long to get out. I have finals and major projects and everything and it's all jamming my schedule. Sorry. But, here it is. At last. It's not long and I apologize for that. I just haven't had the time to really sit down and type up something longer. I hope this can suffice for now. I will try to get the next chapter out sooner.

 

                                                   Chapter Twenty-five

                                                      A Child's Game  

"Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up."

-James Baldwin

Hermione discovered quickly that real life was not happy, happy, joy, joy. It was hell, to put it plainly. She had gotten a temporary job at a book store, which was just like her. Yet, she continued to search for a better paying one.

She hadn't spoken to Draco or Liam or any of her friends for that matter. This lack of communication was beginning to get to her.

The news had calmed down slightly on the Voldemort being caught issue, but God knows it still came up. Everywhere.

Yet, what really hit the news was when he escaped! The Dementor's kiss had not killed him, only weakened him to the point he was nearly magic less and was fading with each passing day. But, he still managed to get out.

This caused Hermione to head into the stations. She wanted to talk to an Auror. She wanted to know what was going on. What was going to happen? And a million other questions that she didn't have an answer to.

She was lead into an office, where she sat down in front of the desk and was told to wait until someone could help her. It was five minutes later, when the door opened and a man walked in. He placed his hat down on the corner of the desk and turned to look at her. His eyes widened with shock. "Hermione, what are you doing here."

It was a sight for sore eyes. She scanned him over. He still had the same blonde hair and grey eyes. His figure was still lean, but muscular. He lowered himself into his chair and his face became emotionless and blank. "Ms. Granger," he pulled out a sheet of paper. "What is your business here?"

"I see you didn't follow him. I'm sorry… for jumping to conclusions… I was just worried…. I didn't want to loose you."

"That's in the past. I don't care anymore. I'm the job now. I have to focus on that. Why are you here?"

Hermione cleared her throat. "I'm here to find out about the Voldemort issue. I want to know when the public is going to be informed about what's going on."

"Ms. Granger, where do you work?"

"At Borkins," Hermione whispered.

"That's a bookstore. Why would you care when the public will be informed about what's going on?"

"Because I am the public."

"The public will be informed soon. I mean, we have to tell them what to do. Everyone already knows he's escaped. They just have to know what to do and what we plan to do. Don't worry about it, Hermione. You will know so enough."

Hermione stood, nodded, "Thank you for your time. I really appreciate it." She turned, placing her hand on the doorknob.

"Hermione, I'm sorry too." Draco told her.

Hermione turned around, a small smile forming. "I'll see you around."

~

After that, she went to the café and picked up some coffee. She, then, headed for the bookstore, where she would end up working till night fall. Like always, because the boss had to go out with his girl friend. She would be stuck here, cleaning up and closing up. Alone…

They rarely had any nightly visitors, but tonight was unusual. The door swung open and a hunched over man walked in. He was donned in a long brown trench coat and a hat, both dripped with water from the rain.

He walked towards the desk, slowly raising his head. He had an air of mystique around him. He carried the scent of the night and falling rain, with a hint of his cologne. He raised his hand and removed his hat, revealing strikingly pale blonde hair. I knew who it was in the instant, but I was still confused.

His grey eyes bore into mine, almost silver. "I didn't know you stayed in this town."

"I had no where else to go," Hermione shrugged. "I didn't know you had become an Auror."

"Childhood can have an effect on what one does as an adult."

"We weren't children," Hermione defended.

"Oh, we were. We were young and foolish. It was a child's crush. A child's game. A bet between boys," Draco told her. "Yet, it grew. So, as an adult I would like to ask you to come with me to get a cup of coffee."

Hermione had been near tears, despite her nature to never cry. When he said that she brightened and nodded, "Of course, let me get my coat."

She walked behind the curtain and was gone momentarily, but returned quickly. Draco lead her to the door, opened it and she locked it up.

She left the store half and hour early and half a cup of coffee cooling.

~

Draco led her down the street, but instead of stopping to get coffee, he led her past the café. "Where are we going?" Hermione inquired.

"You'll see," Draco whispered as they stepped onto the sidewalk.

It led them through the park, which was beautiful at this time of night, especially with the light drizzle of rain.

"So, Hermione, what are your plans for the future," Draco started up the small talk which was so unlike him.

Hermione looked up at the sky, the tiny drops hitting her in the face. "Well, I suppose, I want to get a better job. Maybe settle down." She locked her eyes with his. "What about you? What do you plan to do?"

"I don't know. I really don't have to do anything else, because of what my father left me. I suppose I am an Auror because of the adventure and suspense. I haven't really placed much thought into the future."

Hermione sighed, "No family? No dogs or white picket fences in a nice neighborhood where the kids can run around in the front yard with out worry?"

Draco laughed, "Is that how you imagine a family?"

"No," she smiled and said nothing more on the subject.

Draco glanced at Hermione. The rain soaked hair, the bright brown eyes. She looked just like the person he had fallen in love with so long ago.

He walked up to her, placed his hand gently on her cheek and kissed her lips.

The stars shone brightly in the night sky, like diamonds sprinkled on velvet.   

In the moonlight, when everything shadows you
You'll feel as if you've known her all your life
The world's oldest lesson in history 
~ Sting

Note: Well, here we are. Another end. So quickly. I told you it was short, but I've been busy. Sorry.

Um, well, not much to say. Reviews appreciate. Um, questions ask, I'll answer, just be sure to leave an e-mail address.

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Have a good Morning/evening/night/ day!