CHAPTER NINETEEN: Emeralds in the Emerald City

The play had lasted two hours and it was now almost twelve thirty England time. Hermione and Draco exited the Silver Cloak and walked back through the dark alleyways to the deserted street they had seen not so long ago. The couple walked a little slower this time; no longer on a time budget. As they reached the street, they continued walking; no taxis could be found rounding this secluded section of the city.

"Are you having fun yet?" Draco asked, smiling.

"Yes," she stated and smiled, looking up at him. Then Hermione turned her gaze back ahead of her. "You're amazing, I can't believe you did all of this."

"Only for you, Juliet," he said and Hermione's head automatically snapped up to look at him again.

"What did you just call me?" she asked, trying to sound outraged, but succeeding in only disbelief. Draco looked at her, smiling crookedly.

"Juliet, as in Romeo and Juliet; my current conquest. While reading it, I couldn't help but notice similarities between it and our situation. I'm sorry, it just... slipped I guess," he explained, hoping she wouldn't be mad. Hermione smiled and rested her head on his arm for a moment.

"You scared me for a second there, Romeo," Hermione said, squeezing his hand.

"Hermione, I can't believe you! How could you think that?" Draco asked, sounding more hurt than angry.

"I didn't, not really. I couldn't believe my accusation myself. I'm sorry," she paused, "Yet, this is a question coming from the man who once asked me if I thought he was annoying, then later if I was sick of him," she said, showing him up and smirking.

"Good point, now can we stop fighting? Nothing has gone wrong so far and I don't want to tarnish the record," he pleaded, sounding like it was very important. Hermione smiled.

"I didn't really think we were fighting, but yes; I'll stop," she said as they broke into a crowded street. Draco smiled and hailed another taxi. **Oh great, more of the 'I'm not telling until we get there' act. Oh, who am I kidding? I know I love it,** Hermione thought as she followed Draco into the cab.

"Last stop in Seattle," he informed her as the cab to move. Hermione smiled.

"It better be good then," she said sarcastically. Draco smirked happily.

"Oh it is, love. Trust me."

* * * * * * * * * *

Twenty minutes later, the couple found themselves on the observation deck of the Space Needle. Hermione's eyes had been glued on the beautiful cityscape that was show through the window since their arrival and although Draco had to admit that the night made the city very pleasant to the eye, he had grown tired of it after a while.

Instead, he had taking to staring at Hermione as she blissfully looked through the large portal. He sighed and walked from his place beside her to his familiar position behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and gently placing his chin on her head. Hermione sighed as he enclosed her and placed her hands on top of his.

"Why are you so perfect?" she asked quietly. Draco was taken a little aback, but the moment was too heavy to be surprised.

"Hermione, I am far from perfect, but I could ask the same of you," he replied smoothly.

"Yeah well...I'll believe that when I see it." Draco said nothing, but kissed her head softly. "Hey Draco, how did you plan all this over night? We didn't decide to go anywhere until yesterday."

"Yes and no. I've been meaning to tell you about that. I've been planning this trip for a week; Dumbledore knows all about it, he gave me permission to take you; said he thought you needed a vacation. I used one of those travel brochures in the library that update themselves magically to book the reservations and everything. It was just a coincidence that you mentioned wanting to leave yesterday; I was planning on just dragging you out of bed this morning and surprising you," he said calmly. Hermione was almost shocked, but instead was overcome with love for him. **That is so incredibly sweet, it hurts,** she thought to herself.

"What? When did you have time to do all of that?" Hermione asked, honestly not knowing when it was possible.

"Well, I haven't been doing as much studying as you think I have. I did leave a note on the library door in case you came looking for me, though," he told her, knowing she would appreciate it.

"Thanks for that, then; if I came looking and couldn't find you I would have thought the worst..." she paused before continuing and almost changed the subject. "Why did you set this up? If you didn't do it for me, what was your motive?" she asked, curious.

"I did do it for you, love. Well, for us. I just didn't do it because you told me you wanted out. I have something that I want to give you and I didn't want to do it in the little cell we call our quarters." Hermione looked confused, but did not speak. **Give me something? What could he possibly want to give me that is important enough to take me a world away from home to do so?** she wondered.

Draco only waited a moment before he stepped around next to her. Hermione turned to him and couldn't help but smile at the stupid-happy look on his face. Draco extracted something from his robe pocket with his hand and held it lovingly. Hermione looked down and his hands and felt her pupils grow wide and her heart leap into her throat. Tucked inside his loving fingers was a small black velvet box.

Draco opened it to reveal the most beautiful ring Hermione had ever seen. She placed a hand on her chest, just below her neck, speechless. The ring was a platinum silver, it's simplistic beauty accented by the tiny round rubies and emeralds which alternated around the circumference of the band. Draco let the shock subside a little before speaking. He waited, and as Hermione looked from the ring to his smiling face and back to the ring, he broke the silence.

"It's a promise ring. I promise myself to you, Hermione Granger. I am yours; do with me what you will," he said, smirking. When Hermione didn't move, merely remained silent, gawking at the box in his hands, he began to get a little nervous. "It's lame, I know, but I wanted to prove to you how much you mean to me. I love you, Hermione." Hermione swallowed, her mouth feeling very dry. She shook her head slowly and looked up at him.

"No, it's the sweetest thing I've ever seen. I'm speechless," she said, unable to say anything more. Draco was beaming.

"Will you do me the honor of wearing it, my dear?" he asked, sincere and professionally. Hermione nodded, a tear running down her face. She paused a moment before being able to speak.

"I would love to," she said as another tear feel. Draco smiled widely and made quick to extract the ring from it's holster and slip the box back into his pocket. He held out a hand to Hermione and she placed hers in his. Draco managed to slip the ring on her finger, despite the shaking she was doing. Hermione started at her hand in awe; it fit perfectly and looked beautiful.

She looked back up at the amazing blonde boy who had become so good at leaving her speechless. He was smiling at her as she tried to wipe away her tears. She flung her arms around him and squeezed Draco close to her as the happiness secreted from her like heat.

"I love you, Draco Malfoy," she whispered into his ear.

"And I you, Hermione Granger," he whispered back and squeezed her tight before pulling back to look at her. He kissed her, long and passionate. Behind the kiss was all the emotion they felt at that moment, making it seem like more than a simple display of affection. To the two experiencing it, it was like a transformation; as if the world was now their own and only they mattered.

"So, are we officially a couple now?" Draco asked when they broke apart. Hermione smiled and gave him the answer he was looking for.

"I wouldn't have it another way," she said. Draco smiled and made as if to kiss her again, but then he stopped. His eyes grew a little wide and he looked at her.

"Hermione, what time is it in England?" he asked, looking toward her wrist. She moved her watch into her field of vision and stated simply;

"Quarter after one."

"I told Mrs. Weasley we'd be there around two. We should go, as much as I hate to stop this; I don't want them thinking we aren't coming," he said and smiled crookedly. Hermione nodded and kissed him, wanting one more taste before they had to go.

* * * * * * * * * *

The two made their way to the street below, hand in hand. Hermione kept her thumb on the ring, liking the feeling of it on her finger as well as the meaning behind it. Hermione was too love-struck to realize what was going on around her, save the spinning ring and the tall blonde Slytherin.

Draco hailed a cab and proceeded in his ritual of whispering to the driver before settling into the seat next to Hermione.

"You know, this is the first time today that I actually know where we're going, save the trip to Hogsmeade. You really didn't have to whisper," she said, running her thumb along her ring.

"Oh I didn't, did I?" he said mysteriously and turned to look out the window. It had been raining all day, somewhere between a drizzle and an umbrella-worthy shower, but neither had minded. Both had to admit to themselves that it was one of their reasons to love the city, but neither told the other.

The cab stopped in front of the gate they had used to enter the city. Draco paid the man and led Hermione out of the car. They stood on the sidewalk as it drove away, taking one last glimpse of the city. Hermione took a deep breath and let it all out in a blissful sigh.

"Draco, this has been the best day I've ever had," she said, face pointed toward the sky, eyes closed.

"Don't say that; it's not over yet," he whispered into her ear. There was a long pause before he took her hand. I'm sorry, we really have to go." Draco said, sounding reluctant to leave as well. Hermione nodded and followed Draco away from the city she loved.

They passed through the door and walked briskly down the abandoned highway. Hermione looked thoughtful and turned to Draco, smiling to match the look on his face.

"Draco, can we move to Seattle after we graduate?" she asked and Draco turned to look at her, not sure if serious or not, but not really caring. He brightened his smile and brought her hand to his lips, kissing it softly and squeezing for a moment.

"Sure, love," he said and turned back to the road ahead. Hermione sighed heavily, thinking how wonderful it would be if that dream were to come true. She couldn't help but smile as her mind played the image of Draco in a black bathrobe, sitting at a small kitchen table reading the paper and she coming around beside him with a plate of pancakes and a pot of coffee, seeing them share a small kiss as the rain poured down the windows, blurring the beautiful cityscape.

* * * * * * * * * *

Finally, the two made it back to their original spot in the woods. Hermione stood in front of him, hands in his, and Draco smiled.

"Close your eyes," he said and Hermione looked at him quizzically.

"Why?" she asked, almost suspiciously.

"Well, it's going to be a lot brighter back home than it is here; I found out the hard way that keeping your eyes open is not the best way to make that transition," he informed her and Hermione smiled.

"Do you ever find anything out the easy way?" she asked with a semi-smirk. Draco shrugged.

"Nope," he said simply and Hermione giggled a little. She was expecting a little more than that in reply. Hermione took a step toward him and let her arms curl around Draco's shoulders. She closed her eyes and waited. "Ready?" he asked and Hermione nodded. Before Draco could speak again, two other voices rang out.

"Hermione!" they called in unison. Hermione recognized those voices to be those of Harry and Ron and opened her eyes immediately. The blinding light caused her to blink a few times before she could make out famous blonde Slytherin staring back at her with a smirk.

"I told you," he said then paused. "We're here. Go on now, greet your friends," he said and Hermione smiled. She sighed happily and kissed his cheek.

"I love you," she whispered, inaudible to anyone but Draco. Then, she let her arms slide away from him. Hermione spun her head in the direction of the voices and was excited to see both Harry and Ron standing a few feet away; wide eyed but smiling crookedly. She giggled as she realized how this must look to them; Ron who had never seen them together and happy at the same time and Harry who had never seen them do more than sit in the same room as each other. Hermione made quick to come closer and hug them.

"Harry, Ron! I've missed you guys so much!" Then she pulled back and looked at them, "I thought you didn't know I was coming?" she said and both boys blushed.

"I had to tell them, dear. If I hadn't they'd still be out playing Quidditch with Ginny." The familiar voice of one Molly Weasley said as she walked from the front door closer to the four teens. It was then that Hermione realized where they were; the burrow, as promised. She smiled.

"I can't say I'd be surprised. It's good to see you again, Mrs. Weasley." Hermione said as she approached the older woman and embraced her.

"The same to you, dear. Come now, let's all go inside, it's freezing out here. These two have been out here for an hour waiting for you; I told them you might not even come, but be damned if they listen to me," she said, smiling. Hermione laughed. "Ginny's inside; she was smart enough to wait for you where it's warm." Hermione, Ron, Harry, and, although a bit uneasy, Draco, followed the woman into her home.

It was surprising to Harry and Ron that he didn't make a comment about the house, but Hermione didn't even think of it. She would have been more surprised if Draco did say something.

Mrs. Weasley led them into the living room where an anxiously awaiting Ginny sat on one of the couches, tapping her feet in anticipation.

"Hermione!" she yelled and jumped up, embracing Hermione as if she hadn't seen her in years. Hermione laughed wheezily.

"Hello Ginny; I'm glad you're happy to see me, but could you maybe let go? I can't breathe..." she said and Ginny let go.

"Sorry Hermione," she said, almost blushing. Hermione laughed and placed a hand on her stomach.

"It's alright, Ginny," she said as Draco walked up behind her. Ginny looked to the Slytherin and was surprised to see him smiling. In reality, of the whole clan, Hermione was the only one to ever see him genuinely smile like that, and the red-headed girl was taken aback.

"Sit children, I'll bring you some tea," Mrs. Weasley said as she receded to the kitchen. Draco flinched automatically and Hermione was close enough to feel it. She looked over her shoulder at him sympathetically; sad she couldn't comfort him. He smiled at her and she felt a little better.

The five teenagers did as the woman asked, sitting on the two couches that faced each other. Hermione smiled to Draco as Harry and Ron pulled her to sit between them and Draco shrugged his shoulders, sitting on the opposite couch with Ginny. The younger girl seemed to be trying to sit as far away from him as possible without looking suspicious. Mrs. Weasley was true to her word and brought in a tin pot of tea and some cups. She sat herself in the empty seat between Draco and Ginny and didn't seem to mind at all.

Mrs. Weasley distributed the tea, first to Hermione, then Harry and Ron, and next to Draco. He accepted the cup with a smile, but as the cheery woman tuned away, he looked uncertainly at Hermione. She nodded small-ly, smiling. He looked very nervous and reluctant, but Draco forced himself to bring the tea to his lips and drink it, heart beating rapidly. Hermione watched him for a moment, smiling reassuringly, then fell into the simple conversation that had been started.

"Everything's been so quiet since Fred and George moved out," Mrs. Weasley said as if she were angry with them for doing so.

"Can you imagine what school will be like without them, Hermione?" Ron asked, noticing her silence. She looked at him and smiled.

"Yes, I can Ron. In case you've forgotten, I've been spending the last few months there with practically no one; it's eerie for the school to be that quiet," she said and Ron smiled. **There's our Hermione,** he thought.

The conversation carried on for a few hours, talking about nothing of much importance. All present made sure to avoid anything that might lead to talk of Percy or his actions the week before. Mrs. Weasley left at sometime only to return with a plate of sandwiches. She placed the food and self refilling tea pot with the children and left them to their own devices, busing herself in the kitchen.

Draco remained quiet most of the time, only speaking when spoken to. He was not sure how to act around her friends and didn't want to say something wrong. He looked out the window and almost gasped. Draco then waited for a conversation break before speaking out.

"Um, Hermione? I hate to interrupt, but what time is it? My watch is still in Seattle time." He asked almost timidly. Harry and Ron looked at him suspiciously, but Hermione just looked at her watch.

"Oh, we should go...it's almost five thirty," she said and turned her head first to Harry, then to Ron.

"Seattle time?" Harry asked and Hermione looked back to him.

"I really don't have time to explain now," she said and stood. Harry, Ron, and Draco all stood just after her, at the same time. Hermione giggled at the fact then turned to the sleeping Ginny on the sofa. "Bye Gin," she said, smiling. "I'll see you guys in a few weeks," she told Harry and Ron, kissing them each lightly on the cheek. Both boys smiled and nodded. Then, Hermione turned to her boyfriend, smiling at the word she could finally use to describe him. "Coming?" she asked politely. Draco nodded and followed her to the door, as did Harry and Ron.

Hermione walked out onto the lawn and stopped, waiting for Draco. He came up to her and she took his hands in hers. Harry and Ron stayed a few feet away and Draco wasn't sure if it were out of courtesy or if they were afraid to get too close. Hermione looked at him for a moment then turned to Harry and Ron and smiled reassuringly.

"We'll write you, Hermione!" Harry said and she nodded with a smile. Draco waited a moment before speaking.

"Ready?" he asked, and she looked at him. Hermione closed her eyes and nodded. Draco said nothing more and Hermione waited for something to happen. Something did; he kissed her. Hermione's first instinct was to pull away, thinking Harry and Ron would be gawking. She did the opposite, however. The thought of their faces like that gave her an evilly good feeling and she kissed back.

They broke apart and Hermione fluttered open her eyes. She smiled at the blonde boy above her and then turned to where she expected to see her friends. To her surprise, Hermione saw no one and realized that they were no longer in front of the burrow. She turned back to Draco, smiling evilly.

"Did they see?" she asked, almost hoping. Draco shook his head and her smile dropped. She smiled again, but this one was sweet, not evil. Draco looked confused.

"Did you want them to?" he asked, looking unsure. She looked as if she were thinking for a moment, then turned back to her boyfriend.

"I don't see why not," she said and Draco smiled.

"I'm glad you think that." He paused before continuing. "I'm hoping it's needless to say, but we can't in front of my mother. I'm not exactly sure how she would react; I've never brought anyone home before," he said, smiling crookedly.

"Should I be flattered?" she asked sarcastically. Draco shrugged and smiled a little.

"If you want to, Hermione." She didn't answer, just kissed him. He smiled when they broke apart and whispered in her ear. "I love you too." Hermione breathed deeply, inhaling the scent that was of Draco Malfoy. They stood there for a moment, then Draco pulled away. "Come on," he said, taking her hand in his own, "She's expecting us."

Hermione took another deep breath and nodded. Draco started walking through what Hermione assumed was a garden, and she followed. They broke out of the dimly lit foliage and into an open back yard. Hermione looked up from the ground and gapped at the vast manor before her. She felt a shiver slide up her spine and shuddered as she rethought what she was about to do.

"Nervous?" Draco asked, sliding an arm around her waist. Hermione didn't move except to answer and swallow hard.

"A little," she said, high-pitched. He kissed her cheek lightly and smiled.

"Don't be," he reassured her. Draco moved forward, breaking Hermione's stiff stance. She had paled and was now looking terrified. "Calm down, you'll be fine, I promise." Hermione nodded and tried to smile.

Hermione managed to compose herself a little more as Draco stepped up to the door and slammed the big brass knocker. Hermione flinched, a little jumpy. He stepped back next to her and waited for something to happen. In less than a minute, the door was opened and a small female house elf appeared. Hermione was surprised to see her wearing muggle children's clothes.

"Fristy? Is that you!?" Draco said in excitement. The little house elf's eyes grew wide.

"Draco!" she said and jumped into Draco's waiting arms. Hermione watched the scene in amazement and compassion; it was adorable. "Draco, you've been gone forever!" the little elf said as he put her down.

"I know; I've missed you." He stood and looked over to Hermione. "Fristy, I want you to meet a friend of mine; this is Hermione. Hermione, meet Fristy." Hermione smiled down at the little elf and raised her hand in a pathetic wave. Fristy looked up at her with surprised eyes. The elf then turned her gaze back to Draco with a sarcastic smile.

"A girl? You've never brought home a girl before. Is she your girrrrl- friend?" she asked mockingly. Both Draco and Hermione smiled.

"Something like that," he said and looked lovingly at Hermione. She thought she saw a flash of jealousy in the little elf's eyes and Hermione was reassured when Fristy sneered at her. Draco turned his eyes back to the elf and she smiled. "Fristy, do you know where mother is; she's expecting us," he asked, still smiling.

"Um, I think she's in the parlor, Draco," Fristy said and stepped to the side. Draco took Hermione's hand and led her into the large entry hall.

"Thanks; say hello to your mother for me. We'll try and come up before we leave, but that depends on Mother," Draco said to the elf before walking toward a long hallway. Fristy waved as Hermione followed Draco; not that she had much choice, as he was dragging her behind him.

"Draco," she said, catching up to him. He looked to her and she continued. "Draco, I think Fristy has a crush on you," she said, smiling deviously. Draco almost blushed, but turned his eye forward again.

"Hmm," he said, "Clara said the same thing, but I didn't believe her. Is it that obvious?" he asked, curious. Hermione smiled.

"Only when you're not looking. You should have seen the look she gave me when you told her I was your girlfriend." Draco smiled at that; **Hermione Granger is MY girlfriend.** "Who's Clara?" she asked after a moment. Draco stopped walking and Hermione followed suit.

"Her sister. Their mother and father have worked for us for years. When my father died, we didn't want to keep them as house-elves anymore, but they had no where else to go. Now they just live here; like a part of the family. This house is much too big for me and Mother anyway, and almost the entire second floor is all theirs now.

"It's just Fristy, Clara, Penny, their mother, Blandon, their father, and the newest member, Lucifer. I think he's about five months old now; that's it, we have to go up there...I must see him. Ah, but first, I believe we have an appointment in the parlor?" he finished and moved his hand to knock on a simple wooden door. Hermione, who had been smiling while listening to his speech, now frowned a bit and paled, knowing what must lie behind that petty door.

"Eep..." she peeped, unable to control herself. Draco smiled warmly and kissed her on the cheek.

"Don't worry, she's not that scary when she's not around Lucius." Hermione smiled and gulped a little. Draco knocked and she flinched. "Mother? It is I; Fristy said to find you here..." If Draco was planning on saying more, he wouldn't have been able to, as the door swung open to reveal a very attractive blonde woman.

A/N I wouldn't have stopped here, but if not I would have had a like 30page chapter. So I broke it into the next three. Don't worry, it's all good.

PRF

*karly* E-mail me! I love my Draco. He's MY Draco. I MADE him that way, those were all MY ideas....lol. I was surprised at myself for this Seattle thing; it turned out really well. The students won't be back for a while; a lot happens in the next few days, I'm already on approx. chapter 35 and it's not even Christmas. I went a little overboard. I apologize to everyone, lol. Its all good though, I think everyone will like it.

SnapeGirl- Thank you, thank you, thank you! Wow, so enthusiastic! I think you're praising me more than I deserve, however, but thanx anyway!

JoeBob1379- I know; Beauty and the Beast is MY favorite story too. I watched the Disney version three times the other day; I just love it so much! I wish *I* had a boyfriend, much less one like Draco. I could only hope for that in my wildest dreams... ::swoon::

Drama queen- Oh come on! I've READ I Won't Walk Away! There's no way in hell my story is better, lol. As for that other one, I haven't read it, but I'll look it up and do so. If you think it's tied with I won't walk away, it must be awesome!

Kat19- I love Seattle too...The Emerald City of Legend, hehe

Lily Rainwater - Thanx and I like your penname!

Coco- I'm just lucky I guess; they just come to me! And Draco is MY imaginary boyfriend. You can't have him!!! Lol

Dark Vampire - Sorry, jut never got that vibe from them :o) I mean; they aren't incredibly unfortunate looking, but duh, Tom wins by a hella lot, lol. Thanx, and your story is good! I read the first chapter or so... I liked it!