Teddy & his favourite Ferret

by Mikaela Michelle

Teddy has a favourite pet. It's a ferret. A very white ferret that he named Dwaky and it reminded them of one specific person. Completely random? Maybe. Maybe not. AU: Draco was not a death eater. DISCLAIMER: JKR owns the characters in this story excluding the OC that I inserted. I don't intend to profit from this story.

Teddy has a favourite pet. It's a ferret. A very white ferret that he named Dwaky, which reminded them of one specific person. It was funny if you think about it. They rarely saw Dwaky, but if they do, he'd play with Teddy. Remus told them it was a wild ferret that found its way to their house and, ever since that day, it would always come back to play with Teddy. However, he never wanted to be petted by anyone except Teddy. The last time Ron tried; the ferret bit him. He got so mad he almost hexed the ferret. Luckily, Hermione was there to stop him because Teddy already took the ferret with his arms wrapped around it protectively. Teddy ignored Ron for days because of that.

"What time are we going to see Teddy tomorrow?" Hermione asked before she took a bite of her sandwich. They had decided to meet up during their lunch since they've all been busy for the past week and could not talk about anything but work and even skipped one weekend that they were supposed to visit Teddy.

"Maybe around ten? Ginny cannot come with us. She has a practice with the Harpies," Harry answered, sipping his tea.

"I hope the ferret won't show up," Ron grumbled with a mouthful of his chicken.

Hermione grimaced while Harry chuckled, then asked, "You haven't moved on yet?"

"NO! He bit me, Harry!"

"Well, it clearly did not want to be touched, but you insisted. You provoked him. It's your fault," Hermione explained, but Ron looked at him in disbelief.

"Are you defending a ferret now?!"

"No. I am explaining basic animal instincts," Hermione said, rolling her eyes at her best friend.

"Just don't touch the ferret, Ron. That's the best thing I can say," Harry said with a shrug.

Ron slumped in his seat, grunting. "There's just something about it, you know."

"Oh, we can buy you a ferret for your birthday if you want one," Harry suggested, putting a hand on Ron's shoulder, struggling to hide his smile while Ron glared at him, then swatted his hand from his shoulder.

"It's not like that!" Ron defended, straightening on his seat.

Harry started laughing loudly while Hermione chuckled, but Ron just glowered at his friends with arms across his chest.

"It's good to see you lot happy," a melodic voice came, and they all turned to see Luna Lovegood in her bright yellow shirt, denim overalls and white sneakers that were given by Hermione as a birthday gift. She parted her long blonde hair in two and braided on each side. She was smiling brightly.

"Luna, when did you come back from Africa?" Harry asked, gesturing for her to sit down at the vacant chair at their table.

"Oh, I just came back this morning but could not go out until now," she said as she sat down while they looked at her quizzically. She stared at their faces, and she giggled. "Let me explain. I went to Africa alone for work. Theo was busy here and cannot come with me, so he called me every night and whenever he's free in the morning, yet it was not enough for him. So, when I came back, he kept me to himself until Blaise called him for an important meeting. Bless Blaise and their business, I could get out of the manor and walk around."

Harry's and Ron's mouth dropped open while Hermione just shrugged, knowing how Theodore Nott was besotted with Luna Lovegood. She had seen it firsthand so hearing that from Luna now; she was not surprised.

"H-how long have you been together again?" Ron asked, his brows furrowed.

"Just shy of four years."

"Huh. You know it baffles me that we never noticed that you've been together even before the war," Harry said, finishing his tea.

"You had a lot on your plate that time, Harry. Besides, you are always kind of oblivious," Luna said coolly, without batting an eye. Harry looked at her with mouth agape.

Hermione chuckled and Ron covered his mouth to keep his food in his mouth as he cackled. Harry looked daggers at his two best friends.

"What? It was true," Hermione said while Luna just waved for a waiter and ordered butterbeer.

"It is still true," Ron supported Hermione, and they both gave each other thumb-ups that made Harry roll his eyes at them.

"Anyway, how was Africa, Luna?" Hermione asked and Luna grinned.

"It was fun! I found three new species of magical creatures and we will feature it in the next edition of the Quibbler."

"That's great! Are you planning another trip?"

"Oh yes, I am visiting Japan next month. You should come with me, Hermione!" Luna exclaimed, and Hermione pursed her lips.

"Hmm, I am not sure, Luna, but I'll look into my schedule," Hermione said with a small smile. Luna smiled back at her and nodded. She knew how Hermione was working very hard to pass legislations for the benefit of the different Magical Creatures and in six months after graduating from Hogwarts then joining the Ministry, she was able to pass three legislations already.

The waiter came back to their table and gave Luna's butterbeer. They talked about work, their other friends and who they saw recently, what's new to them or what they were up to. They were talking about mostly people from the Gryffindor house until Ron mentioned about Neville.

"I heard he's in France right now working on breeding extinct plants… or something."

"Really? I thought he took the Herbology position in Hogwarts?" Harry asked, tilting his head to the side.

"I don't know, that's what I heard… I am not sure if it's true," Ron answered, shrugging his shoulders.

"That's actually true," Luna chimed in after sipping the last of her butterbeer. They turned their attention again to the witch.

"How can you say so?" Hermione asked, pushing her empty plate away from her.

"Oh, I saw him once in France. It was before I went to Africa. Draco and Neville are business partners. Neville will breed the plants and once they are ready, they will develop potions from it."

"D-Draco and Neville a-are business partners? W-what?" Ron spluttered, turning to fully face Luna. "How?"

"Well, I'd love to tell you the story about it, but isn't it time for the three of you to go back? You got ten minutes to go back to the Ministry," Luna said demurely, watching the three of them simultaneously look at their wristwatches and muttered curses as they stood up from their seats. They put their payments on the table, including Luna.

"I am sorry if I need to cut our conversation off, we'll talk soon again," Hermione said as she headed to the door followed by Ron and Harry. Luna stood up and nodded.

"I'll send you an owl for a lunch," Luna answered, and they waved back at her as they exited the café. Luna smiled to herself and walked out of the café and apparated to Diagon Alley.

—

The floo in the Lupin residence roared in green flames and Harry stepped out of the fireplace, then followed by Ron and then Hermione, who pushed Ron aside.

"Ow!" Ron exclaimed, rubbing his arm while Hermione ignored him and dusted her jeans and shirt.

"Tonks? Remus?" Harry called as he walked through the living room.

"Harry!" Tonks walked in from the kitchen with a bowl in hand. "Oh, hello too, Hermione, Ron!"

"Hello, Tonks. Where's Teddy?" Harry asked, looking around.

"I didn't expect you to come today, so I let Mum take him to Diagon Alley, but they'll be back for lunch," she said as she resumed mixing what seemed to be a salad.

Harry scratched his head and smiled sheepishly. "I forgot to tell you."

"It's fine. You should join us for lunch then," Tonks said, tilting her head to the side beckoning them to follow her. She walked back to the kitchen and Harry was the first one to follow, then Ron before Hermione did.

"Where's Remus?" Ron asked as he sat down on the stool.

"Oh, he's in the backyard working on the mini Quidditch pitch for Teddy."

"Really? That's nice. We should help him!" Ron exclaimed, standing up and walking to the back door.

"I'd help too," Harry said, putting down the glass of orange juice he poured as soon as they walked into the kitchen.

"No need because he already got he—" Before Tonks can even finish what she was saying, the backdoor opened and an unmistakable man walked in. He had wet platinum blond hair, soaked white shirt that clung to his body and dirty denim jeans. It was one thing to see him in the Lupin Residence, but it was a whole different story to see him wearing muggle clothing. Hermione's mouth went dry at the sight of him and cannot help but stare. He was looking back, talking to Remus when he opened the door, so when he turned, it stunned him to see Ron in front of him.

"Weasley," he said with a nod, and passed by Ron. He grabbed a glass and poured water for himself after acknowledging Hermione and Harry with curt nods. Hermione blinked as he passed by and nodded in return.

Remus walked in and found Ron still standing in the same spot. "Ron. Harry and Hermione. I did not know that you lot will be here today."

"Yeah, we had free time today. I forgot to let you know," Harry spoke, putting a hand on Ron's shoulder. He blinked and moved aside.

"That's alright, we can eat lunch together," Remus said and then he turned to Malfoy, "Will you join us for lunch?"

Malfoy shook his head and finished his water. "I promised to join Theo and Blaise for lunch today."

Remus nodded, and Malfoy cleaned his glass. Ron and Harry, who were still surprised by his presence, watched him quietly while Hermione tried to busy herself by asking Tonks what she can do to help her and she gladly let Hermione prepare the chicken to roast. Malfoy said his goodbyes and left via the floo. Once he was out of the house, Ron was the first one to break the stillness in the atmosphere.

"Was this the first time he visited here?"

"No, he's been visiting us since the end of the war," Remus said, drying his hands with a towel before he cut the potatoes.

"Why?"

"You know that we're cousins, right?" Tonks asked Ron, and he tilted his head on the side for a moment before he slapped a hand on his forehead.

"Right. I forgot that."

"Yes, you did," Remus said, chuckling.

"I thought he'd be staying in France. No one heard about him after the war. Even Rita Skeeter cannot find him," Harry said.

"He is staying in France, but he comes back occasionally for family and friends. Sometimes for business that is strictly private. I don't know what Maeva or Draco did to keep Rita out of their way, though. What I knew was that she was taken care of," Tonks said, tossing in the shredded chicken in the salad and Ron watched them go with a pout.

"I thought that after he helped in the war and now managing their family business, he'll be more in the public eye. You know, boasting the Malfoy name and all."

"The kid changed a lot since that summer," Tonks said. Melancholy was clear in her voice that piqued the interest of the three.

"What happened that summer?" Ron asked curiously, but Tonks sighed and shook her head.

"It's not my story to tell, but let's say it was a pivotal moment in his life."

"And we're just glad that Severus and Maeva were there to help him before it was too late," Remus said, squeezing Tonks' shoulder reassuringly and she gave him a tight lip smile.

Sensing the change of mood, Harry opted to change topic. See, he was not that oblivious at all. "Did you finish the Quidditch Pitch for Teddy?"

"Yes, we did. And guess what? We did it the muggle way, and Draco did it better than me," Remus answered smilingly, and Harry's mouth dropped because the thought of the muggle-born hating bully Draco Malfoy who saw himself superior to anyone else doing something the muggle way was mind-boggling. Sure, he apologized to them after the war before disappearing again to France, but it's just surreal.

"You're bluffing, Remus," Harry said, and Remus laughed. He shook his head.

"I don't think Remus is bluffing. I saw him wash his glass in a muggle way," Hermione interjected as she placed the tray with the chicken on the table. Harry and Ron looked at her like she said something unintelligent while Remus' smile did not falter and Tonks pursed her lips, struggling not to grin.

"Don't look at me like you did not see him do it," Hermione said, rolling her eyes before reaching for the prepared seasoning for the chicken.

"Fine, you're right. But how did he know these things?" Ron asked, putting his chin on his hand on the table.

"Remember Maeva?" Tonks asked, and they nodded. "She's a muggle-born, and he lived with her since the summer before sixth year. He learned a lot from her."

"She looked as intimidating as Severus, to be honest, so maybe she handled Malfoy well at those times," Ron commented with a shudder.

"Speaking of Severus, how was he? I have heard nothing about him," Harry said.

"Oh, he's doing fine. He's staying with Maeva," Remus answered.

Before Ron or Harry ask more, they heard the floo roared and Andromeda walked in with Teddy, smiling.

"You came back early, we haven't finished cooking," Tonks said, and Andromeda waved her hand dismissively.

"It's fine. Teddy wanted to go home already."

"Mummy, Mummy! Dwaky?" Teddy asked as he rushed to Tonks' side.

Tonks stopped tossing the salad and leaned down. "Oh, he went out. I don't know when he will be back." Teddy pouted. "But Uncle Harry, Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione are here. You can play with them."

Teddy looked over the table and found Harry, Ron and Hermione smiling at him. He glared at Ron for a moment before smiling at Hermione and Harry.

"Yes, we can play! Don't you miss me, Teddy?" Harry asked and Teddy nodded.

"See, he hasn't forgiven me," Ron whispered, but Hermione and Harry ignored him. Teddy ran to Harry and Hermione. He tugged them out of the kitchen, and Ron reluctantly followed them.

"Are you still ignoring me Teddy?" Ron asked as they walked out to the backyard that was magically warded to be perpetually summer, making the snow pile around the ward.

"Say sowy to Dwaky!" he answered, and Ron grunted.

"But he's not here."

"Kiditch, unkie Hawy!" Teddy exclaimed, ignoring Ron. They finally saw the mini Quidditch pitch that Remus and Malfoy built for Teddy. You can say it was perfect.

"No, I don't think they did this the muggle way," Harry mumbled, and Ron nodded in agreement, but Hermione saw their tools left on the ground and some of the wood shavings.

"Uh, before we play, let's clean up first," Hermione said, waving her hand to put away the tools and then vanishing the wood shavings.

"Wow!" Teddy clapped and ran to the pitch, leaving them behind.

"You're getting better with wandless magic," Ron complimented, and Hermione jutted her chin, smiling smugly.

"Of course. I am Hermione Granger."

"Show off."

Hermione slapped Ron's arm a bit forcefully, and he winced, rubbing his arm for the second time that day. Hermione left him and joined Harry, who was putting on Teddy's helmet.

—

Dwaky was playing with Teddy today, and the three of them cannot do anything but just watched them. Ron, much to his reluctance, apologized to the ferret, who tilted his head and looked at him a second too long and went back to playing with Teddy. They were running around the backyard and even Quidditch cannot get Teddy's attention away from playing with Dwaky.

"I am losing against a ferret?" Harry mumbled as he pulled the grass beside him.

"Seems like that," Hermione said, closing her book and put it down beside her. She looked up at Teddy, who was running around giggling while the Dwaky chase him.

"I cannot help but remember that time Malfoy became a ferret whenever I see Dwaky," Ron said, chuckling to himself.

"That was the first thing I remembered when I saw him, to be honest," Harry agreed, and Hermione smiled.

"I can say we thought the same. I mean, how could you forget that? You never let him live it down," Hermione said.

"He deserved it—that time," Harry said, his voice was soft at the end. "I am curious about what happened to him that summer and it made him flee to France."

"Many speculated that he got scared of joining the Death Eaters, which is an utter shite, if you ask me. Then they said, he fell in love with a woman and ran away with her. Again, a piece of shite. And many more speculations… I tried asking Luna, but she declined to say anything," Ron said with a shrug.

"Why did you think Luna knew anything about it?" Harry asked. Then Hermione rolled her eyes but let Ron answer Harry.

"Well, she's with Nott for like four years. Surely, she knew something, and did you know, Padma said she was close with Malfoy and Zabini too."

"But—" Harry was cut off when he noticed Teddy walking towards them alone. He smiled and Teddy returned it with a grin.

"Where's Dwaky?" Hermione asked, looking around for the ferret in case Teddy would look for him.

"Dwaky went bye-bye."

"Where did he go?" Hermione inquired again.

"Home."

"Oh, he went home," Harry said, and he looked at Hermione sideways, then at Ron, but they both shrugged.

"Yes. We pway now," Teddy declared, and Harry grinned.

"Let's go," Harry exclaimed, standing up, and Ron followed.

"I'll go get juice. Do you want anything?" Hermione asked, but the boys did not hear her. So, she stood up and turned to walk back to the house.

She walked in and took a glass before getting a pitcher of orange juice from the fridge. The moment she closed the fridge, there was a sniffle and then followed by ruffling of clothes. Hermione was about to go back outside and bring the juice with her when she heard a familiar voice.

"S-she's not well at all…" Andromeda said, sniffing. "It's been two years now… and yet there's no progress with her treatment."

"She'll get over this, Mum. She's a strong person. M-maybe she just needed more time… It was rough for her b-but she survived."

"I-I am worried about Draco… I know Maeva and Severus are there for him, but I don't think he's okay either, seeing his Mum in that state."

Hermione gasped. She immediately walked out to the backyard, her orange juice sloshing to the side. She was panting when she reached the spot where she was sitting in a while ago.

Malfoy's mum was in treatment—possibly in St. Mungo's? She recalled what Tonks told them. 'He is staying in France, but he comes back occasionally for family…' So, it was not just visiting Andromeda, Tonks, Remus and Teddy.

"Hey, Hermione. You, okay?" Ron asked, and Hermione jolted. She shook her head, and she cleaned the spilled orange juice with a nonverbal magic.

"Y-yes, I am fine," she answered with a small smile.

"You were staring eerily ahead. Are you planning a murder or something?" he joked, but immediately flinched when Hermione glared at him.

"If I am planning a murder, I won't tell you."

Ron raised both hands, mocking a surrender. "I was just joking."

"I know. Anyway, I must go. I agreed to meet Luna and the rest for lunch," Hermione said, walking towards Harry and Teddy while Ron shrugged and followed.

"Hello, there," Hermione greeted, and Harry and Teddy looked at her.

"Hi," Teddy was quick to answer, and Hermione smiled.

"I have to say goodbye for now. I'll be back next Saturday, okay?"

Teddy nodded. "We can pway with Dwaky."

"Sure, will do," Hemione said with an unsure smile. Teddy smiled, then turned back to his toys.

"See you on Monday, yeah?" Harry said, standing up to hug her. She squeezed him equally, making them both smile.

"Of course, see you two," she answered, pulling away from the hug. She turned to Ron and hugged him, too.

Hermione went back to the house and saw Tonks starting with lunch preparation. She looked up and smiled at her, which Hermione returned.

"Hello, Hermione."

"Hi. Uh, I must go. I promised Luna that I'll join her and our friends for lunch today."

"Harry and Ron not coming with you?"

"No. She said, girls only."

Tonks laughed and shook her head. "Of course, and I am sure Pansy is on that too."

"Pansy?" Hermione asked, her brows knitted together. She was not aware that Parkinson might be invited — however, it's not impossible since Luna had been friends with the Slytherins.

"Yes, Pansy and Luna are very close. And they both make sure that they get some free time away from their clingy beaus," Tonks said happily.

"Oh."

She did not know how to feel about seeing Parkinson today. She was not sure if she should still go. Hermione pulled her lower lip between her teeth.

"You should go now or else you'll be late," Tonks said, and Hermione blinked. Slowly, she nodded.

"Yes, uh, I'll see you next weekend."

"Sure, Hermione."

Hermione walked to the living room, expecting to see Andromeda, but she was nowhere in there. So, she left the house and out of the wards to apparate. She reappeared in a hidden alley. Luna told her she wanted to try the new restaurant in Diagon Alley. It was small and quaint, with plenty of plants and flowers around it. Hermione walked in and she felt the homy feeling of the place. A server approached her and was quick to lead her to the room that Luna had reserved for their lunch. He knocked twice before he opened the door, revealing a spacious room with a round table covered with white cloth, along with silver utensils. Luna smiled as soon as she walked in and Hermione smiled back, but it didn't go unnoticed how the room was silent. Then she noticed the people inside, aside from Luna. Hannah Abbott was there beside Parvati and Padma Patil, then Susan Bones, Ginny Weasley, Katie Bell, Tracy Davis, Millicent Bulstrode, Daphne, and Astoria Greengrass, and last, Pansy Parkinson. It was a strange group, to say the least.

"Here, Hermione. I reserved a seat for you," Ginny said, patting the chair next to her. Completely breaking the silence.

"Thanks," Hermione replied as she walked to Ginny.

"Yes, because she thinks you need protecting from me. As if I'd win against you in dueling…." Parkinson said with a teasing tone, and Ginny chuckled. Ginny chuckled at what Parkinson had said. What happened before I got here? What did I miss? Ginny nudged her, but Parkinson only rolled her eyes.

"Oh, there will be no dueling…" Luna said sternly.

Parkinson turned to her. "Oh, we won't, dear Lulu. I promise."

Luna smiled, then turned to Hermione. "We already ordered food and drinks for everybody. I hope that's fine."

"Sure, it's no problem."

"I decided for your drink," Ginny said proudly and winked at Hermione. And the obvious nervous face of Hermione made them laugh.

"Calm down, Hermione, you'll love it," Katie said.

"If you'll get drunk, Luna and I can take care of you," Parkinson said.

"I-I don't want to be drunk… I have work tomorrow," Hermione said, then Ginny put her arm around her shoulders.

"We got potions for you to drink so you can still go to work," Ginny said.

"Speaking of work, maybe you want to give me an interview for the Witch Weekly, Hermione." Padma cut in, and Hermione looked at her incredulously.

"Huh? Me?"

"Yes! Everyone wants to know more about the Golden Girl: the war heroine."

"I-I don't think so."

"Please! It's also an opportunity to gather support for your projects."

"I'll think about it."

"If you do accept Hermione, I will be your stylist," Parkinson chimed in.

Hemione sputtered. "I- I don't think there's a need…"

Parkinson cut her off. "I know I was not the nicest person to you in school, and I am sorry for that. You can forgive me or not, but I am offering free service to be your stylist. We don't want the interview to be a mess and it will surely sell my clothes."

Hermione's mind reeled with what she just heard Parkinson said and went speechless.

"Well, while we're speaking about work. Maybe you can talk to Draco for me, Pans, I want to interview him since he's part of the Most Eligible Bachelor again and the readers want something from him," the younger Greengrass interrupted, Astoria. Luna looked away. Daphne turned to Millicent and Parkinson just almost rolled her eyes.

"I won't ask Draco to do something he doesn't want to do. He's busy already with his business. I don't think he'd appreciate such nonsense."

"It's not nonsense…"

"He already said no, Astoria. I believe that's enough. He has too much on his plate right now to add that," Luna cut in calmly, but the tone left no room for argument. The room fell silent, but not too long since Parvati spoke.

"Hannah, I heard that you're moving to France next month. Does this mean that you're moving in with Neville?"

Hannah's neck and cheeks blushed as everyone's attention turned to her. "It's not really like that. I am just going to France for a holiday since Neville cannot come home next month."

"I heard he's in France because he has a business deal with Malfoy. Is that true?" Parvati asked.

"Yes, they are indeed business partners," Hannah answered.

"Oh, wow! H-how did that happen?" Susan asked, and Hannah shrugged.

"Neville just told me one day that he'll go to France, instead of taking the Herbology position in Hogwarts because he made a business deal with Draco."

"Oh my, are you close?"

"Not as close as Luna and Pansy, but we started calling him by his first name since we've been inviting him to have dinner with us whenever I visit France."

"How is he now?" Bones asked.

"I cannot really compare him now and the past. He didn't pay attention to me before and I don't want to compare," Hannah answered, and Parkinson chuckled.

"That is why you're my favourite, Hufflepuff," Pansy said.

"And who's your favourite Slytherin?" Daphne asked with an arched brow.

"Ooh, that's a tough one, but I won't say a thing, you know," Luna said teasingly, and Parkinson scoffed.

"I don't have a favourite Slytherin," Parkinson answered.

"Safe answer," Bulstrode said.

"You should try honesty this time, Pansy," Davis taunted.

Parkinson was about to answer when a knock echoed in the room. The servers came in with their food and drinks. Hermione looked at the cocktail glass and if she can guess it right, Ginny may had requested to have more alcohol than intended.

"It's not poison Hermione. Try it," Ginny urged, but Hermione was hesitant. She can drink a glass of wine, yes, but not this much alcohol.

"Go on, Hermione. Just today. We'll take care of you…" Katie said with a wide smile. Hermione squinted her eyes, eying them suspiciously.

"I'll call someone for you. I promise and it won't be Potter or Weasley — the other Weasley, not the one here."

"Thanks for clarifying that, Pansy," Ginny said, and Parkinson smiled at her.

"Why don't we eat first before we ask Hermione to drink her cocktail; that's clearly not a cocktail because—Ginny?" Luna intervened.

"Alright then," Ginny reluctantly conceded and even Pansy nodded.

—

Hermione woke with the gentle buzzing of her alarm. She stretched her arms and as she opened her eyes, letting the light in, she felt a sharp pain in her head. She grunted and turned over. The bed was strangely soft, and the sheets were as smooth as an expensive silk. She inhaled deeply—it smelled different. Her brows creased, and she turned to lie on her back again.

Her alarm was still buzzing, and she reached for it to stop it. She opened her eyes a little and saw a white ceiling with gold detailing. She slanted her head to the side. This is not my flat. Where am I? How much drink did I have yesterday? And h-how did — A knock interrupted her thoughts, and she turned her head to look at the elaborately decorated door. The door creaked open after the second knock and a house-elf wearing a frilly pink dress walked in carrying a tray with a bottle of potion.

"Good morning, Miss," she greeted with a smile. Hermione would smile back if it weren't for her pounding head.

"Good morning," Hermione answered groggily as she pushed herself up. She could feel the throbbing pain boring in her head.

"Here a potion for you, Miss. And a set of clothes for you in the walk-in wardrobe," she said, putting the tray beside her. She took the potion and downed it in one go, ignoring the bitter taste.

"Thank you… Uh, your name?" Hermione asked, feeling the potion working. The house-elf smiled.

"My name's Holly, Miss."

"Thank you, Holly."

"Welcome, Miss. Kindly call me after you change."

"Change?" Hermione asked and when she looked down, she was wearing a nightgown. She frowned.

"Don't worry, it was me, Miss, who changed your clothes."

"Oh, thanks…"

"The bathroom is on the left side of the room, Miss. Kindly summon me once you're done, Miss, to escort you for breakfast."

"Yes, thank you."

Holly exited the room with a crack and Hermione climbed off the bed. She fixed the bed before going to the bathroom. She noticed the newly bought female products in the bathroom. So, no woman lived here? Where am I?

Hermione took a quick shower and strode into the walk-in wardrobe wearing a bathrobe with her hair wrapped in a towel. She found the clothes Holly talked about. They were plain white long-sleeve button-down shirt, grey blazer, frame style buckle belt and black straight cut trousers. She found a note sticking out of the blazer pocket. She pulled it out of the pocket and unfolded it.

Granger,

Pansy wants you to try these clothes on. She said (even she was downright drunk) that they'll look good on you. If anyone asked, who are you wearing, she said (demanded) to say, you're wearing Parkinson line. And I'm sorry we could not bring you home with us. You lot were a handful, but I know you're in excellent hands.

-Blaise Zabini

Hermione sighed. So, Parkinson sent her somewhere with someone they deemed trustworthy—who on earth could it be? Because she's sure as hell that she won't be calling Harry or Ron. She had no choice but to wear these clothes for work. She put on the clothes, and they resized instantly. She found dragonhide boots she believed to be part of the set Parkinson sent here. She noticed a bottle of Sleekeazy's Hair Potion and a set of brushes—whoever owned this house knew her hair was a nightmare in the morning. She fixed her hair in a neat bun and once done, just how Holly instructed, she called for her. Holly showed up with a snap and lead Hermione to the dining hall. She halted in the entryway. The platinum blond hair was unmistakable.

"Draco, Miss is here," Holly said, taking a seat on the chair to his right. Draco? She did not call him master. Does it mean she's not his house-elf? Malfoy folded the newspaper half down and stared at her, up and down, then he nodded at her.

"Good morning, Granger."

"Good morning, Malfoy."

"Have a seat, Miss!" Holly exclaimed, pointing at the seat on Malfoy's left. Malfoy put the newspaper up. Hermione walked to the seat that Holly pointed. They prepared eggs, sausages and pancakes for her and Holly, but Malfoy only had coffee in front of him. Hermione watched Holly eating while she looked down at her food. Huh, I can just skip breakfast and go to the Ministry already.

"Eat, Granger. It's not poisoned," Malfoy drawled, and she stared at him. He still had the newspaper up. She rolled her eyes.

"I know it's not."

"Then, why don't you eat?"

"I am not used to heavy breakfast," she mumbled as she stared down at her plate. She usually skipped breakfast because she was gaining some weight that she did not have before.

"Then, eat what you can."

"I don't want to waste food."

"Holly will take care of that."

"Hm? What about me?" Holly chimed in.

"Please assure Miss Granger that you'll take care of the leftovers."

"Oh! No worries, Miss. I will take them to my pet hogs! They eat anything!" Holly exclaimed, like it can convince her. She did not have the heart to disappoint the elf.

"Now, will you eat?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "I will."

"Stop rolling your eyes."

She almost rolled her eyes again, but she had no time to play more games or else she would be late for work. She tried to eat what she can while watching Malfoy and Holly. Holly was eating twice or thrice more than what she was eating while Malfoy would drink his coffee once in a while without putting down his newspaper.

"Good morning!" A jolly deep voice echoed in the house, and Malfoy finally put his newspaper down, swearing quietly.

"Why does he have to be so early?" she heard Malfoy mumbled under his breath but acted like she did not hear him. Nott walked in with a wide smile on his face.

"Good morning, Granger. I never thought I'd see you drunk. You're actually fun."

Her pancake choked her, and she quickly grabbed her glass of water while Nott laughed. She could feel her neck and cheeks warmed. She had forgotten about that. What did I do? Shite. I cannot remember anything. I should remind myself not to let anyone buy her drinks, especially if she's with Ginny and their friends.

"Don't worry Granger, nothing to be embarrassed."

"Why are you here?" Malfoy cut in and Nott glanced at Malfoy.

"Oh, Luna asked me to check on Granger, but I can see that you two can stay in one house without killing each other. That's great!"

"Luna asked? Or you're just being nosy?" Malfoy asked with an arched brow, but it did not faze Nott. He just laughed.

Nott sat next to Holly, who had paid him no mind and just finished her food. Hermione finished eating before Holly did and was drinking water when she noticed Malfoy was wearing a muggle navy-blue suit with no tie, but three buttons undone. His signet ring on his left index finger glinting when the sunlight hit it right. He looked good in that suit.

"Ah, the rest of the girls who stayed in the manor were having breakfast and they are still moody despite the hangover potion they drunk. Luna was still sleeping too, so I came here instead."

Then he turned to Hermione. "Luna would like to apologize that we had to make you stay with Malfoy."

"She gets an apology, and I don't?" Malfoy asked incredulously.

"Oh, shush. Luna and Pansy thanked you enough for taking her in for the night. No one was sobber enough to remember her address."

"I was that drunk?" Hermione finally spoke and Nott smiled at her.

"Yes. You were talking about legislations, even drunk Granger. And we need to talk about those sometime. I think Draco would be interested."

"Don't you dare drag me into that."

"Shut up. You already funded the—" Nott's mouth zipped shut, and he scowled at Malfoy.

"I believe you're done with your breakfast," Malfoy said to Hermione, and she immediately turned her attention to him.

"Yes, I am."

"Good." He turned to Holly. "Are you done Holly?"

"Yes, Draco."

"Alright. Kindly escort Miss Granger to the travel parlour."

Holly nodded and slid off the seat as Hermione stood up. She stayed standing for a second or two before she cleared her throat. "Ma—"

"You don't have to force yourself to thank me, Granger."

Hermione glared at him. She jutted her chin and looked down at him. "I know how to be grateful, Malfoy. I—"

"You sure did not hesitate earlier," Malfoy retorted without looking at her. She huffed.

"You don't have to be such an arse. I intended to thank you, but it seemed that you don't want it."

He did not answer, instead he just sipped his coffee. She glared at him for a minute longer before she walked out of the dining room, Holly following her. She could hear Nott angrily groaning, but Malfoy did not speak a word.

Holly caught up with Hermione, who was still huffing. She led her to the travel parlour, and that's when she realized; she was not in the Malfoy manor that she knew, but she did not care. She just wanted to leave. They reached the floo and Holly summoned the bag of floo powder.

"Here, Miss."

Hermione reached down and took a handful. "Thank you, Holly."

The house-elf smiled, and Hermione straightened up. She approached the floo, but before she can step in, Holly spoke.

"Miss Granger?"

Hermione turned to her with a curious look. "Yes?"

"Draco is not like that always. He's not an arse—sometimes, he acts like that because he doesn't want people to have a memory that he can be helpful…" Holly paused, wringing her hands, and Hermione cannot find any words to fill the silence. "I am a free elf, Miss, but I wanted to stay here with Draco. I look after Draco because he's a friend like Doby."

At the mention of the familiar friend, her heart broke. "I just lost my temper, Holly…."

Holly shook her head. "You don't have to say sorry. I understand. I just want you to know."

Hermione nodded. "I hope to see you again Holly."

"You will, Miss. You will, but for now, you have to go, or you'll be late."

"Alright, goodbye."

Hermione arrived in the ministry five minutes early. She could feel people's eyes on her, and she knew why. She didn't dress up like this before, but because Parkinson made her wear something like this, people were getting curious. She tried to ignore them and reply with a thank you to those who verbally compliment her. Hermione hurried to her cubicle and sat with a sigh of relief in her chair. She started working on her paperwork, and she was already deep into it when she heard a loud gasp. Immediately, she rolled her eyes.

"What?" she asked without lifting her head.

"I thought they were bluffing. I had to see it with my own eyes!" Harry said as he walked into her cubicle.

"So, it's true then!" Ron exclaimed, and Hermione cannot help but turn around and glower at her friends.

"Don't you have work to do?

"Unlike you, we take our breaks, Hermione," Harry teased.

"You look nice in those, Hermione. You just had lunch with Luna yesterday and now, look at you!" Ron said, gesturing at her.

"Who made you wear that?"

"Parkinson."

"P-Parkinson?" Ron stuttered. "How?"

"It's a long story to tell for your brief breaks. Shouldn't you two be going back?"

"We still…"

A knock interrupted them, and they all looked stunned to see Draco Malfoy standing in the cubicle's entryway. He had one hand in his pocket while the other held a small bag. He acknowledged them, each with their surnames and a nod.

"Malfoy. What are you doing here?" Ron asked, standing at full height, but Malfoy did not react.

"If you really must know, I am here for Granger."

"For what?"

"Ron, stop. Aren't you two supposed to go?" Hermione interrupted.

"Yes, but I just want to know why he's here to see you."

Malfoy sighed. "Fine."

Hermione stood up abruptly. "No, you two should go."

"What? Why?"

"Let's go, Ron," Harry said, pulling Ron with him.

"B-but Harry…"

"Hermione's right, we're done with our break," Harry said, walking away, but he looked back and mouthed You owe me.

Malfoy watched them go and only turned back to Hermione when they rounded the corner.

"What do you need, Malfoy?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

He walked closer, entering her cubicle and held the bag to her. "Holly asked me to bring this to you."

"What is that?"

"Your yesterday's clothes."

Hermione's face reddened, and she quickly grabbed the bag from him. "Tell Holly, thanks."

"I will," he said with a nod, but he did not leave yet.

"Is there anything else?"

He sighed, licking his lips before speaking. "I am sorry about this morning. I have no excuse. I-I am just sorry."

"Are you saying sorry just because Holly told you so?"

"I heard an earful from her, yes, but I realized what an utter arse I acted towards you."

"That you are."

"I think that had been established."

"Yes, but thanks again, Malfoy," Hermione said, a small smile on her lips.

"Sure, I'll go now so you can go back to your work," he said and turned, but paused. He looked back at her. "Uh, you look good… but I think you look better with your own style."

Hermione can feel her blush returning. She chuckled. "You should tell Parkinson that."

He scoffed, and just a hint of a smirk was there. "And get me killed? No, thanks."

Hermione laughed. "I can imagine that."

And then there it was, a smile. A genuine smile from Draco Malfoy. "You know, I am taking too much of your time. I should really go. Bye, Granger."

"Bye, Malfoy."

—

Hermione did not expect this to happen again. Once was just purely coincidental, but now she did not know what to think of it.

She was halfway through her paperwork when a knock interrupted her. She immediately thought it was Harry and asked him to talk to him later when he did not speak; she thought it was Ron and said the same thing.

He cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, but I'm neither Potter nor Weasley."

Hermione's head jerked up, and she turned abruptly that she almost fell from her seat. "Malfoy?"

"Now, you're right."

She stood up. "W-what are you doing here?"

"I did not find Potter or Weasley, so I just went here instead. I just knew that you're here."

She felt like there was insult somewhere in that sentence but she cannot find it. It's just true. She always stayed in her cubicle and she would even forget her breaks and lunches.

"Why?"

"I have to give you these," he said as he pulled out three ivory-coloured envelopes from his robes' pocket and held them out to her. She tilted her head, hesitant to take them. "Maeva and Severus asked me to give these personally to you three, but I cannot find the two, so I'd like to ask a favour for you to give them their invitations."

Hermione took the envelopes, ignoring the brushing of their fingertips and the bolt of electricity she felt. "Invitations?"

Malfoy chuckled. "Yes, invitations Granger."

"To what?" she asked, dumbfounded because who wouldn't if the invitations came partially from their former professor. Severus Snape.

"I am sure you can read, Granger. Why don't you try now?" he retorted, gesturing to the envelope and Hermione glared at him but he just smirked at her. Hermione put the envelopes for Harry and Ron down and read hers. She gasped and her eyes widened. She looked up at Malfoy, who was clearly amused by her reaction.

"Merlin, I cannot believe it," she said, and Malfoy chuckled.

"I expected Potter or Weasley's reaction but yours surprised me."

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked with her brows knitted together.

"Nothing, I just thought you won't react that much," Malfoy said with a casual shrug. Hermione's brows softened, and she looked down at the envelope again.

"I think he deserved to be happy…"

"He does."

Silence fell between the two of them as Hermione remembered the conversation, she had with Harry about Professor Snape and learning about Maeva. Professor Snape had been so in love with Harry's mother before that he did not notice Maeva. Her lingering glances at him, her worries about him and how she stayed with him with whatever decision he made. However, that's all she knew about the witch and her relationship with Professor Snape that she got from Harry.

Malfoy cleared his throat, and Hermione looked up at him sheepishly. "Sorry, I got lost in my thoughts."

"You do that a lot. I don't think it's unusual anymore."

"No, I don't."

"I am not arguing with you now. I don't want to be hexed."

Hermione rolled her eyes, but a small smile was there on her face. "Anyway, I'll give Harry's and Ron's invitations later."

"Thank you," Malfoy said, and Hermione grinned.

"Did Draco Malfoy just thank me?"

It was Malfoy's turn to roll his eyes. "I still have manners, Granger."

"But not in the morning. You're grumpy."

"How can you judge me as a grumpy morning person when you only joined my company in the morning once?"

Hermione shrugged. "I just know."

"Well, I am not a grumpy company at lunch. I can show you today," Malfoy said, pushing his hands in his pockets.

"Are you suggesting that I accompany you for lunch?"

"What do you think, Granger?"

Hermione narrowed her eyes at him, and he tilted his head.

"I will not kidnap you, Granger. I don't need Potter and the entire Weasley clan to hunt me down and kill me. Not to mention, if Luna would kill me, then Theo would, too. I am on the losing side here, Granger."

Hermione scoffed. "Fine. There's no need to be dramatic."

"Alright. Let's go then. There's a new restaurant that I wanted to try in Muggle London… by the way, I was not being dramatic, I stated facts."

Hermione chuckled.

He waited for her until she finished arranging her things. She took the envelopes with her and when she turned around, Malfoy was already holding her coat for her. She bit the insides of her cheek to keep herself from smiling. Malfoy helped her to put on her coat, and she tried her best to not shudder whenever his fingers brush her skin. He gestured for her to exit her cubicle before him. He stepped beside her. She pocketed Harry's and Ron's invitations in case she would see them.

"So, you've been hiding in Muggle London. That's why you're able to avoid the press," Hermione said as they walked towards the lift, and Malfoy chuckled.

"You can say it like that," he answered, pushing his hands into his pockets.

"And I think it's an excellent strategy."

"I tell you, Maeva did all the work," Malfoy said just before they reached the lift.

They had left the Ministry, ignoring the looks and whispers they gathered from all the employees and even those people who saw them exit the Ministry together. When they reached a quite secluded alley, Malfoy apparated them in a hidden alley in Muggle London, holding Hermione's hand. Hermione can feel her heart beating wildly in her chest, but she did not know exactly why—or she knew yet refused to acknowledge it. Malfoy let go of her hand, and she quickly missed it. Malfoy tapped his right shoulder with his left hand and his robes became an all-black suit.

"That's amazing," Hermione blurted out and Malfoy smirked down at her.

"Did the Brightest Witch of Our Age just complimented me? Maybe I need to celebrate."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "I know when to acknowledge someone's ability, especially with magic."

"Maeva taught me that. Something for practicality like this situation."

"That's clever. Was it difficult to learn?"

Malfoy shook his head. "No. I can teach you next time."

Hermione nodded. Next time. When will this next time be? — Wait, am I expecting to meet Malfoy again? No, that's absurd. No.

Hermione then mentally shook her head. Malfoy led them to a small but sophisticated building that only had few diners, despite lunch time. As soon as they walked in, Malfoy extended his hand to her.

"May I?"

Hermione was taking in the restaurant's sight, so she just stared at it for a second too long, that Malfoy smirked. "May I take your coat?"

"Oh. Uh, yes," she answered, her cheeks slightly burned. Malfoy helped her take her coat off and he gave it to the coat check person, who smiled at them warmly. He put his hand on the middle of her back and she stiffened for a second before she let herself be guided by Malfoy further into the restaurant.

He asked for a table for two near the window and the maître d' instructed a waiter to lead them to the exact table Malfoy requested. Hermione had been to many restaurants, but this felt so private than the rest that they needed to rent a room and there was a welcoming feeling brought about by the plants surrounding the restaurant and the bright flowers as small centrepieces.

When they reached their table, Malfoy pulled the chair for her, and she quietly thanked him before he rounded the table to sit in his chair. Their waiter, whose name was Luis, gave them their menu and left them to decide for their order. As they peruse the menu, they exchanged opinions regarding each meal they read until they settled to what they wanted to order. Malfoy called the server and let Hermione give her orders first, before he did.

There was silence between them after the server walked away. Malfoy was looking outside the window while Hermione subtly looked around the restaurant.

"How did you know this place?" Hermione asked, breaking the silence, and Malfoy turned to her.

"Hmm?"

"How did you know about this place?"

"Oh, that. Well, I was looking around and visiting bookstores when I passed by this street. Unfortunately, I already ate when I saw this restaurant. I've been wanting to visit it since then but had been busy for a while."

"You've been visiting bookstores?" Hermione asked, and Malfoy chuckled.

"Of all the things I had said, that's the only thing you caught on?" he said and Hermione almost rolled her eyes.

"I heard the rest. I was just surprised to know that you've been visiting bookstores. I haven't seen you that interested in books, Malfoy."

"I grew up in a house with one of the largest libraries and had the oldest collections of books, Granger. My parents never let a day pass without me reading a single book. So, I've grown to love books. You just never noticed it in Hogwarts."

"Ah, yes, because you've been an annoying git back then…"

"And you were busy being a swot and guardian with Potter and Weasley."

Hermione scoffed. "I am not their guardian."

"Sure, and they'd surely survive those years in Hogwarts and the war without you. I highly doubt Granger."

"We shared responsibilities; you know."

"Again, I highly doubt Granger."

Hermione was about to speak again, but their server came with their orders. They both put their napkins on their laps and quietly ate their appetizers. Hermione savoured each taste of her Cawl Cennin. She was almost done with her soup when she noticed Malfoy looking. She put her spoon down and her brows knitted together.

"What? Do I have dirt in my face?" Hermione asked, slowly picking up the napkin from her lap.

He shook his head. "No. I just never saw someone so happy eating their soup. It's almost adorable."

Hermione can feel the blush creeping from her neck to her cheeks. Malfoy added. "Please go on. Don't mind me."

Hermione finished her soup but cannot help to be conscious about Malfoy watching her. The server took away their plates and served their main course meals.

"I heard that you're working with Hogwarts for a project," Malfoy said and she looked up.

"Yes, I am. But nothing's completed yet," she replied. Malfoy nodded, but said nothing.

She was slicing her steak when she paused. "Wait. How did you know?"

"Theo told me about it. He said he heard you talk about it while you were drunk."

The tinge in her face came back. "Oh. I don't exactly remember what happened."

"Of course, I think you fell in the Ginny-Pansy trap. I was right, they are dangerous together."

She sighed. "I should've known better than to drink whatever she ordered for me."

"You don't have to feel bad about it. You should loosen up a bit. I heard you work until ungodly hours in the Ministry."

"I don't always stay late in the office." A lie. That was a lie because Hermione stayed late in the Ministry to finish reviewing her presentations and even reviewing other's reports.

"If you say so, Granger. I'll believe you," Malfoy said with a smirk.

Hermione shook her head and continued eating. There was a long pause before Malfoy spoke again. "Have you talked to Professor McGonagall about this project?"

"Yes, I did. We're still polishing the details of it. How much did Theo say I talk about it, anyway?"

"Not much."

"Really?"

"Yes. He said you talked from one magical creature's right and defended each like you're talking with the Wizengamot to another."

"Oh my, that's embarrassing."

"There's nothing to be embarrassed, Granger. I believe it just showed that whatever happened, you still think of work. That's some passion you had there."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Well, aren't you also passionate about your work?"

Malfoy shrugged. "In some degree, but unlike yours. Nothing can beat you, Gryffindor Princess."

Hermione snorted. "Don't call me that. I am not the Gryffindor Princess."

"That's what the Daily Prophet calls you. And there's one more, Golden Girl. That was a bit catchy."

"No," Hermione said with disdain, and Malfoy chuckled.

They finished their main course and Hermione was adamant not to get dessert at first, but the server persuaded her to try their Prinsesstårta and Malfoy agreed. They settled on sharing a slice. She thought nothing of it until the slice came and Malfoy urged her to take a bite first. Hermione took a small piece and hummed happily with its sweetness.

"That good?" Malfoy asked with a smirk, and Hermione nodded. He took a small piece too, but unlike Hermione, Malfoy only nodded his agreement. They both took a piece at the same time and that's when Hermione realized how intimate this looked from other people's perspective. She fought the blush that came after that realization. Subtly, she looked around, but no one was paying them much attention. Malfoy was not also bothered about sharing his dessert.

"Is it really okay with you sharing a dessert with me?" Hermione asked and Malfoy inched up a brow.

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean, Malfoy. If it were back then, you won't be caught dead sharing this with me…"

Malfoy's relaxed demeanour faded, and his face hardened. Hermione bit her tongue, regretting what she had just said.

"I know it was difficult to forget what I had said and done. And yes, you were right, back then I wouldn't share this with you…"

"Malfoy, I…"

He shook his head. "You can finish the dessert if you can't just ask Luis to pack it. Excuse me, I need to go to the loo."

He stood up, putting down his fork and left Hermione with the dessert. She did not have the appetite to finish it already. The sweetness in her mouth was replaced with bitterness. She called for Luis and asked him to pack the cake for her. Malfoy came back after few minutes and found Hermione watching people walk by through the window with the boxed cake in front of her. He cleared his throat and as soon as she turned; she saw the change in his face. His eyes were distant and his face was stoic.

He asked if she was ready to return to the ministry, and she nodded. There was a heavy feeling in the pit of her stomach that had settled earlier and she cannot get rid of it. Malfoy still pulled the chair for her, helped her wear her coat again and guide her back to the hidden alley where they had been earlier. He still held her hand when they apparated back, but let go as soon as they appeared back in Wizarding London. He still walked with her back to the Ministry, but as soon as they reached her cubicle. He only thanked her and said goodbye without waiting for her response.

Malfoy left her in the cubicle with her cake. She sighed exhaustedly as she slumped down in her chair. She put the cake on the table and put a stasis charm around it to keep it from staling. Hermione set to work on the remaining paperwork she had on her desk.

She did not know how long had she'd been working, but when Harry and Ron piled in her cubicle; she was on her last paperwork.

"Hermione, let's go home," Harry said, sitting on the right of her desk.

"I am almost done. You can go home ahead of me," Hermione said without lifting her head from reading.

"Oh, cake!" Ron exclaimed, and that's when Hermione jerked her head up.

"Don't touch that," Hermione admonished, swatting Ron's hand. He grimaced and caressed his hand.

"What's that for? You care little about cakes before," Ron complained.

"Just don't touch it," Hermione said sternly, glaring at him. Then she remembered something. "I just remembered. I need to give you two something."

Ron looked confused, while it intrigued Harry. She accio'd the invitations from her coat pocket and she caught it flawlessly. Hermione gave them their invitations and waited for their reaction.

Ron's eyes widened. "Bloody hell. Is this true?"

Harry grinned. "Finally."

"Did you get an invitation too?" Ron asked and Hermione looked at him like he asked her a stupid question because he did. However, the message did not reach him because he still expected her to answer. She sighed.

"Yes, of course."

"Who gave you these, anyway?" Harry cut in and Hermione blinked at him. He was looking at her expectantly.

"Um…" she cleared her throat. "Malfoy came by earlier and gave those to me because he cannot find you two."

"Oh, is that so?" Harry asked, and he leaned forward with a mischievous grin. Hermione leaned back as her brows furrowed. "And you two had lunch together?"

"Y-yes, we did. What's wrong with that?"

Harry straightened up and shook his head. "Nothing's wrong about it. We just want to verify if the rumours were true."

"It's a Prinsesstårta!" Ron cried, and Hermione turned to him.

"Ronald!" Hermione called to him and grabbed the box from him before he can pick on the slice.

"It's just a cake from your date with Malfoy, Hermione. Aren't you being sentimental?"

"Shut it. It's not a date, and this cake is mine. I'll eat it later," Hermione said.

Ron looked up at Harry and pointed at him. "It's not a date. Hm. He accompanied her to the place where they ate and accompanied her back. It's not a date, Harry."

"Yes, it's not a date," Harry said as they smiled at each other, pointing back at Ron while Hermione glared at them.

"Can you two go home already? I have to finish my work." Hermione shooed them, putting the cake on the other side of the table (far from the curious hands of Ron), and restored the stasis charm.

"Alright, alright. We're going home," Harry said, putting his hands up in mock surrender. Harry put his arm on Ron's shoulder and pulled him out of the cubicle with him. "Let's go home, Ron. Bye, Hermione."

"Yeah, bye, Hermione and to your precious little slice of cake," Ron teased and Hermione rolled her eyes before she glared at them as they walked away.

Hermione sighed and went back to working on the last of her paperwork. Looking at the box once in a while.

What should she do? She felt bad with what she had said — However; she just stated the facts though he admitted she was right. Hermione pursed her lips and shook her head, trying to concentrate on her work.

—

"Alright, spill it, Hermione. I am tired of you sighing every minute," Ginny said, crossing her arms and facing her. Hermione jolted in her seat. She invited Ginny for a weekend hangout, but she kept spacing out.

She sighed. Again. Ginny groaned, throwing her arms up. "Hermione!"

Hermione held on her arms when she tried to grab her shoulders. "Okay, okay. I'm sorry… I-I am just thinking of something."

Ginny glowered at her. "Don't tell me it's about work. I swear, Hermione."

Hermione let go of her and looked away, fiddling with her fingers. "No. It's not about work."

"Then, what is it?" Hermione opened her mouth to speak, but Ginny held up a hand. "Wait. I remember something."

Hermione swallowed. She knew.

"Is this about your lunch date with Malfoy?"

Hermione frowned. "It's not a date."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Please. It's just you and him somewhere eating lunch. Sure. It's not a date."

Hermione grunted. "It's not."

"You're in denial. Okay, I understand that. It's your first date with him. What happened?"

"I said it's not a date!"

"We're done with that part," Ginny said, waving her hand dismissively. "So, what happened exactly?"

Hermione was about to speak but again, she was stopped by Ginny. "Hold your tongue. Let's start from the beginning."

Hermione huffed and crossed her arms. "Do I have to?"

"Yes."

Hermione stared at Ginny and she saw how serious she was. She cannot escape this now. Giving up, she pulled her legs up and crossed it before she relayed every detail of that lunch. From the time Malfoy came to her cubicle to give her the invitations, to him asking her to have lunch with him, the lunch itself and then the time, she messed it up until the time he still walked back to the Ministry with her — though he was already impassive with her.

"First, I commend his chivalry. I mean, if it was me, I would've left you alone—," Ginny said, and Hermione cringed. "I know the old Malfoy would, but I cannot say it's true because they said pureblood men were brought up to be gentlemen. Second, I liked that he admitted he was a prat before. Third and last, yes, you were being honest, but you surely ruined the moment."

Hermione physically recoiled. "I know."

"You know what?" Ginny asked, arching a brow.

"I know I ruined the moment—for the lack of a better word," she said, and Ginny mouthed an 'oh,' as she nodded.

"Is that the only thing you recognized? I said so many things and that's all you're going to say?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, how did you find your little interaction with Malfoy? Tell me," Ginny urged, and Hermione looked at her like she was dumb.

Ginny rolled her eyes and placed her fingers on her temples. "I need a drink. You're giving me a headache."

"What?! And, no, you're not drinking," Hermione said, putting her hands on her hips or tried to, and Ginny looked at her pointedly.

"Then, talk."

"I have nothing else to say," Hermione said with a shrug.

"You're a hopeless case," Ginny said, slumping forward and propping her elbow on her knees before resting her chin on her hand. Hermione scrunched up her nose. "I need wine. We need wine."

Ginny got up from the settee, and Hermione made no attempt to stop her. Her mind was reeling with what Ginny had said and asked to her. She knew she was delaying. Something she used to do when she cannot be certain or refused to acknowledge anything. Ginny came back holding two glasses, one almost full to the rim and one that was half full. She gave Hermione the latter, which she just accepted. Maybe she needed it.

"So, Professor Snape is getting married," Ginny said, changing the topic and sipping her wine. Relieved of this change, Hermione eagerly nodded.

"Who gave your invitation?"

"Pansy gave my invitation along with the invitations for Mum, Dad and Percy."

"How about the rest?" Hermione asked as she sipped her wine, warming her skin a tad bit.

"George and Fred got their invitations from Theo and Luna, who visited the shop. It almost turned chaotic when Theo agreed to test their new products…" Ginny chuckled. "Blaise was in Romania so he gave the invitation to Charlie while they owled Bill and Fleur's invitations."

"They scheduled a measurement day for the dress robes next Saturday, right?" Hermione asked, staring down at her wine.

"Yes, it's Pansy's idea because Maeva doesn't want us to buy anything for the wedding. Then, we'll be staying there until the wedding."

"That's costly."

"Malfoy sponsored it," Ginny said, and Hermione hated that they circled back to him. To Malfoy. She drank her wine. Ginny continued. "Pansy said it was his gift."

"You and Pansy talked a lot."

"Not much, just when we see each other. She just branched out to Diagon, actually."

Hermione nodded and silence between them as they savour their wine. Enjoying each other's company. She finished her wine and placed the glass on the centre table. She put her palms on either side of her face and felt the warmth of her skin. She could guess that she's beet red now. She then grabbed a pillow and hugged it, resting her chin on it.

"You ready to tell me how you find Malfoy's company?"

Hermione heaved a sigh, but this time Ginny did not complain. "I don't know what to say, Ginny. I-I am not even sure myself."

"Do you still hate him?"

Hermione snorted. "I would've not agreed to have lunch with him if I do but—"

She paused.

"But what?" Ginny asked, but when Hermione did not respond, she looked down at her. She had her arms out, twirling the glass on the table. She watched her do it thirty times.

"I don't understand him. The first time I saw him again after the war, which was a complete set-up, I don't know who to blame—Pansy, you or Luna…" Hermione narrowed her eyes at her, but she just shrugged. She continued. "… he was so distant and dismissive of my presence. I even felt unwanted… yet, a few hours later, he showed up in the Ministry and apologized…"

"You cannot say you're totally unwanted. He asked Holly to put a Sleekeazy's Hair Potion and a set of brushes for you… I think he cared enough." Ginny commented, and Hermione huffed.

"It could be just Holly's idea."

"Sure, she does know that your hair is unmanageable." Ginny rolled her eyes, and Hermione hated that she had a point. She added. "Go on. What else?"

Hermione pursed her lips and stopped fiddling the wine glass. "Did you know he thanked me for giving the invitations to Harry and Ron? It shouldn't be a surprise, but it's Malfoy, you know…" Ginny hummed her agreement. She continued. "Then he was such a gentleman during our lunch. He helped me put my coat on, he pulled the chair for me and even let me take the cake because I liked it… And, he even asked about my project with Hogwarts. Malfoy asked voluntarily about it, Gin. Imagine that." It felt good to hold his hand, too. I also wanted to see him again.

She paused again, staring on the table seriously. "I can say… I can tolerate his company."

Hermione buried her face in the pillow and groaned while Ginny laughed. "Oh, you find him attractive just a tad bit. I cannot blame you. He's fit."

"It's not about that," Hermione mumbled, but Ginny just downed the remaining wine she had.

"Sure, it's because he was a gentleman, he had the same interests as you—I think you two can compete in reading books…"

"How did you know he loves to read?" Hermione looked at her curiously.

"Unlike you, who was focused on keeping Harry and my brother away from danger, I noticed Malfoy staying late in the library. He's just on the opposite side of the library," Ginny said, putting her glass on the table—almost missing it.

"No, I'd notice him if he was there…"

"Nope." She popped the 'p' as she leaned on Hermione. "You're sometimes as oblivious as Harry can get."

Hermione cringed and was about to speak, but Ginny spoke first. "It's okay to like him, you know. Times changed. He apologized about what he had done to you and tried—or still trying—to make amends. I can say he's a changed man. At least that's what I picked up when we had a conversation when he visited our practice."

They did not speak again and fell in a comfortable silence for a long time. She almost thought Ginny already fell asleep.

"Should I apologize to him?" Hermione asked quietly.

"That's up to you," Ginny said groggily.

"That's not helpful."

"Hermione, if you apologize it should be sincere, something you want to do and not because you think you're obligated to do so."

"Maybe I needed one more glass of wine," Hermione declared.

"That's more like it!" Ginny exclaimed, jumping up into action to get them wine.

—

Maeva was an exquisite woman. She had long, slick and soft black hair, fair porcelain skin and her smile was welcoming. She greeted them warmly. Oh, she's an opposite of Professor Snape.

"Hello! Welcome to our humble abode."

Their house was magnificent and spacious. The antique pieces of furniture were well maintained and were in good conditions. The paintings that hung on the walls were exceptional.

"Oh, Maeva. Congratulations!" Molly said as she enveloped her in a warm hug. A chorus of congratulations and hugs followed.

When Maeva pulled away from her hug with Hermione, she cupped her face. "I am so glad that you had time to be here today until on the wedding day."

Hermione blushed. It seemed she was aware of how much time she worked in the Ministry. "I am glad to be here."

"Anyway, why don't we go to the drawing room?" Maeva announced, and they agreed.

She led the way to the drawing room with her Hermione by her side. As they reached the drawing room, they could clearly hear the laughter of Nott and Zabini then followed by Parkinson shouting.

"They are chaotic, I know," Maeva said fondly.

"I think I can relate," Ginny said, and they chuckled.

"We're not that chaotic," George cut in.

"We're manageable," Fred added with a snicker. Ginny smilingly shook her head.

When she opened the doors, they saw Nott and Zabini sitting on the settee, Luna on the floor, while Parkinson had her arms crossed over her chest, glaring at the two men. Professor Snape was sitting in the armchair talking to Luna while Xenophilius was chuckling.

"Hey, they are finally here!" Zabini said, and the rest turned to them.

"Fred and George, did you lot bring it?" Theo asked, standing up and walking around the table to meet the Weasley twins halfway.

Everyone already found someone to talk to. Blaise, Charlie, Bill, and Fleur were talking. Molly, Andromeda, Maeva, Professor Snape, Arthur, Tonks and Xenophilius were talking. Harry, who was carrying Teddy, Ron, Nott, and the Weasley twins, were together talking about the inventions brought by the twins. Hermione was with Luna, Ginny and Parkinson. She was half listening to their conversation about fashion, Quidditch and Luna's collection of new magical creatures. There was one person missing, that person she was anxious to see today.

"Hermione? Hermione!" Ginny nudged her shoulder and Hermione blinked out of her thoughts.

"Huh?"

"He's not yet here, Granger. He had an important meeting to attend today," Parkinson said, smiling.

"What?"

"Oh, we know you're looking for him. Don't worry, he'll be here," Parkinson answered, and Ginny chuckled.

"Don't tease, Pansy. She hasn't forgiven us yet."

Hermione narrowed her eyes. "Yes, thanks for reminding me. Who set me up?"

"No one set you up, Granger. The situation got out of hand and we needed Draco to help us."

"And you thought it was a good idea that I stayed with him?"

They did not answer, instead they shrugged, but Luna, she was just smiling at her.

"Theo told me that he cooked breakfast for you," Luna chimed in.

"No, it was Holly who cooked breakfast for me."

"Holly doesn't cook. She's not Draco's house-elf. She's his friend," Parkinson said, smirking.

"You're kidding…"

Luna shook her head. "Holly doesn't cook. Draco has house-elves, they're well compensated, mind you, but they only do laundry and cleaning. He let no one else cook for him anymore."

"Was it good?" Ginny asked with a cheeky grin. "I mean his cooking."

Hermione's face felt hot and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Oh, it's that good," Ginny teased.

Hermione was about to protest when the fireplace roared and Neville walked into the room with Hannah in tow. He held her hand as soon as she fully stepped out of the fireplace.

"Neville!" Harry, Ron, Nott, and the Weasley twins chorused. He smiled at them, but he and Hannah detoured to where Professor Snape was. The once scared to approach or be near Professor Snape was not only smilingly walking towards him. Everyone except the Slytherins and Luna watched the interaction. Neville said something that made Professor Snape shake his head. Then urged him to come closer, and they hugged. It was something rare. Many things happened from the day the war ended before this day happened. Who knew that they would witness such interaction one day?

Hannah hugged Severus too, and they had a brief conversation before Neville excused himself and Hannah. He went to Harry's group after giving Hannah a kiss on the temple while Hannah headed their way.

"Hello, dear," Parkinson greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. Luna hugged her, followed by Ginny and Hermione.

"I can sense favouritism here," Ginny said, and Luna chuckled.

"Do you want me to kiss you too, Ginevra?" she asked, and Parkinson grabbed her face. She gave her two sound kisses on each cheek, and they laughed.

"That's better!" Ginny exclaimed.

Hermione shook her head. Then something blew up. They all turned to where the twins were. Fortunately, Teddy was already with Andromeda when the 'prank toy' blew. The twins and Nott grinned while Harry, Ron, and Neville looked sheepish.

Then a crack resounded in the room. "Miss, the lunch is ready."

"Thanks, Dibsy," Maeva said with a smile, and the elf disappeared with a crack after a curt bow. "Alright, let's go to the dining room everybody."

Maeva and Professor Snape led the way to the dining room. There was something about the way he looked at her now. More attentive. Affectionate. Hermione felt happy to see them like that.

The dining room had a long table that can accommodate all of them and they placed the food in the centre for everyone to share. No seats on each end. Equal. They all took their own seats. Teddy's seat transformed into a highchair. Ron was about to sit beside Hermione when Ginny glared at him and Nott pulled him to sit next to him and Luna.

"Oops, sorry," she heard Ron mumble.

Neville purposely sat in the chair next to the vacant one beside Hermione. She eyed her former classmates suspiciously, but they just smiled at her and feigned innocence. They all had already settled and started putting food on their plates when the door of the dining room opened. Malfoy, in his elegant robes, walked in gracefully.

"I'm sorry. I'm late," he said.

"Dwaky!" Teddy exclaimed, waving his hand. Harry and Ron exchanged looks before they turned to Hermione, who just shrugged.

"You're fine, Draco, we were just starting," Maeva answered. Draco nodded.

"Hey there, little lad," he said, ruffling his hair.

"Pway?"

"Later, little lad."

Malfoy turned to look for a vacant seat when Parkinson spoke. "There's a vacant seat here, Draco."

He followed the direction where Parkinson pointed. His eyes cut back to her, squinting before he looked back at the vacant seat and started walking. "Thanks, Pansy."

"You're welcome," she replied with a cheeky smile.

Malfoy pulled his chair and took a seat. He nodded. "Granger."

"Malfoy."

He cleared his throat and turned to Neville and started talking to him. Hermione felt like she was left out.

"Get some food, Granger. Knowing Pansy, you'll need a lot of energy," Malfoy whispered to her, and she was startled with the hot breathed that fanned to her side.

She cleared her throat. "I am going to. You don't have to tell me."

He hummed his agreement. They both served themselves food and Malfoy slipped another chicken thigh on her plate. She glared at him sideways, but he just acted like he did nothing.

"Draco?" Maeva called and Draco looked up at her.

"Yes?"

"You're done with your measurements, right?"

"Yes, I am."

"That's lovely. Can you be a dear and be with the ladies?"

Draco tilted his head to the side. "I thought you needed my help with the gentlemen."

"It's fine Draco. I decided to go with them instead and help Maeva. I need some time away from my research anyway," Professor Snape said.

"It'd be great if you'll be with us, Malfoy. We need someone to carry our bags," Ginny said, and Malfoy turned to her with a 'don't-give-me-that-bullshit' look. Ginny just kept a smile.

She felt his thigh brush to hers, accidentally or not. Hermione felt the blood rush to her neck as her heart skipped a beat.

"Alright, I'll be with them."

She saw Parkinson smiled, and Ginny hummed happily. Hermione watched the two women and she could feel something was brewing between those stares. She looked at Luna, but she was happily chatting with Nott while eating. She started eating, but she could feel the exchanges of looks from Ginny to Parkinson, then Parkinson to Malfoy like she was challenging him to say something. He glowered at her. They stayed like that for a while until Zabini broke it when he pulled Malfoy into a conversation about their business.

"Whatever you two are planning. Stop it," Hermione whispered aggressively at Ginny.

"I have no idea what you are saying, Hermione. I am just enjoying my food here," she said, taking a bite of her steak and smiling at her. Hermione rolled her eyes.

The lunch lasted a little longer with conversations around the table until Maeva announced they needed to leave before they miss their appointments. The gentlemen except Malfoy gathered in a group while the ladies gathered with Malfoy. He distributed the portkeys to Andromeda, Pansy and Fleur as he gave instructions. Luna and Hannah held to Pansy, Ginny grabbed Fleur and then Andromeda was already with Tonks and Molly. Andromeda already activated the portkey, and they already transported. Hermione was walking towards Ginny and Fleur when they activated the portkey with Ginny grinning.

"I'm sorry we're full," Parkinson said with a grin and activated the portkey before Hermione can even reach them. Hermione mentally cursed.

"What on earth are they thinking?" Malfoy mumbled.

Hermione scoffed. "I knew they were planning something like this."

Malfoy sighed. He extended his hand. "Here. We'll apparate there."

Hermione looked at his hand and up to his face. He wasn't looking at her. She took his hand and focused. They reappeared in front of a dress shop in the middle of wizarding Paris. Malfoy let go of her hand to open the door for her. Inside, they were already looking into dress robes. Ginny looked back at her with a smile and Hermione glared at her. The shop attendant walked out with more attendants carrying dark blue dress robes. They each gave them their assigned dress robes and instructed to fit them. While Malfoy sat on the armchair in the lounge, waiting. After thirty minutes, they exited the fitting rooms and gushed at each other.

"Wait, where's Hermione?" Ginny asked, looking around.

"I'll get her," Andromeda said, and she walked back to the fitting rooms.

"Look at you wearing a dress. How does it feel, Nymphadora?" Malfoy teased and Tonks immediately glared at him.

"I can still hex you, Draco."

Malfoy chuckled, but halted when she saw her. The dress she was wearing hugged every curve of her body perfectly, though she tried to hide it as she hugged herself. He cannot take his eyes off her.

"Merlin, you look stunning!" Parkinson was the first one to speak. "But you need to stop whatever you're doing."

"This dress is so tight," Hermione complained, she grimaced. I could see the unflattering curves of my body—my rolls! I should've not come out like this.

"Shush, you are beautiful. Now show us how the dress looked on you," Molly encouraged. Hermione glanced at the encouraging stares of her friends. Then she saw Malfoy—looking at her expectantly. She could feel her face flushed. She had to look away.

"Darling, you are gorgeous," Andromeda said, rubbing her arms from her side. She sighed. Slowly, she loosened her arms around herself and fiddled on the side of her dress.

"Lovely. That dress fits well. It looks much better if only you'd stop scowling," Malfoy said, earning their attention. Surprised at how he looked at her, an elbow propped on the arm of the chair and his cheek resting on his knuckles. Smirking.

"Draco is right. Smile, Hermione," Luna said and Hermione turned to her instead, giving her a small smile. Andromeda glanced at Draco who was still watching them—or her.

After convincing Hermione that the dress perfectly fit her, they had their dresses bagged and just as Ginny had said earlier; she gave the bags to Malfoy, who shrunk and pocketed them.

He followed them around looking at jewelleries, perfumes, but stayed in a nearby coffee shop when they walked in a lingerie shop.

"Why didn't you join us inside, Malfoy?" Ginny asked when they met Malfoy outside and she gave her their bags.

"I don't think it is appropriate for me to be there," Malfoy answered, and Ginny smirked, tapping his chest a bit forcefully.

"Where else should we go next?" Ginny asked as she turned to the ladies behind her.

"Shoes. We have to buy new shoes," Parkinson said, and they agreed — except for Hermione, who kept quiet. She really wanted to check out the bookshop she saw earlier.

Once again, Malfoy followed them until they decided to go home and call it a day. And just like how they planned it, they left Hermione with Malfoy. She did not complain this time. Malfoy did not offer his hand to her, and he just looked down at his watch. She cannot wait. She's tired.

"So, aren't we going home?" she asked impatiently.

"Just wait."

After three breaths, there was a crack and Holly appeared with a house-elf.

"You called?" Holly asked.

"Yes, can I ask a favour?"

"Sure. What is it?"

Malfoy stooped down to Holly's level. "Can you and Nissy bring these back to Maeva's?"

He pulled out a small bag and handed it to Holly. She looked at it curiously, so Malfoy explained. "They were the ladies' shopping bags. Please send these to their rooms."

"Oh!" Holly noticed Hermione now standing beside Malfoy. She smiled.

"Hi, Holly," she greeted.

"Hello, Miss. I told you I'd see you again."

"Yes, you did."

"I'll take care of this, Draco. Enjoy," she said, and she disappeared with Nissy and the shopping bags.

"What are you doing, Malfoy?" Hermione asked, placing her hands on her hips.

He stood up and faced her with a hand extended to her. "I have to show you something."

She stared down at his hand, then back at his face. "What kind of ploy is this?"

"I am sure you don't want to miss this, Granger. Trust me. Just this once."

Hermione searched his face for anything that might hint her with what he was thinking, but all she could see was his eagerness and—hope, that she'll trust him.

"Remember, if this is a prank, I will hex you to the next oblivion," she said as she took his hand.

"I know. You can slap well, too," he said and her lips quirked into a small smile.

Malfoy led them down the other way, passing by other shops. He did not walk fast or slow, he just held her hand as they walked together. The same pace. He cradled her hand, not too tight and not too loose, just enough to let her know he was there enveloping her hand with his warmth.

They reached a tall and quaint building. Hermione looked at it interestedly. People paid no mind to it, almost ignoring its existence.

"Where are we?" she asked.

"You'll see."

That's all Malfoy had said before he opened the door and a grand collection of books welcomed Hermione. Malfoy had to stop by the reception however, he let go of Hermione's hand so she can take in the magnificent view of her favourite place. She inhaled the aroma of old books and, if possible, also the knowledge oozing from those tomes.

"Wow," Hermione whispered.

Malfoy stepped beside her. "Indeed. It's one of the largest libraries in the wizarding world."

"How long can we stay here?"

"Maybe until six in the evening. We need to attend dinner."

"Oh, so little time."

Hermione pouted, but Malfoy chuckled. "Well, we can get more things done if we stop standing here and start looking at books we can read."

"Right."

Hermione walked ahead and started looking through rows and rows of tomes, oblivious to the smiling Malfoy following her. She took the tomes that interested her, and Malfoy even gave her suggestions about what to get.

They found a table at the back by the window. Hermione admired each tome before she started reading them. Hermione brought five tomes, while Malfoy only brought one on the table.

They focused on reading their own choices, but there was a niggling thought in the back of her mind and she cannot ignore it anymore.

"You were supposed to be still mad at me," Hermione said softly.

"Hmm?" Malfoy did not lift his head and flipped a page.

She huffed. "Malfoy, you're supposed to be still mad at me."

"Why would I?" He still did not lift his head to look at her. She's frustrated.

"Draco," she called, and that caught his attention. He looked at her, stunned, but she did not let that distract her. "You're supposed to be still mad at me."

He sighed and closed his book, placing it on the table. "Was this about what you had said during our lunch?"

"Yes."

"Did you expect me to be still mad?"

"Yes. Well, I thought you still do because you kind of shut me down earlier and talked to Neville. Then, now y-you brought me here… I-I…"

"I am sorry if you felt that way earlier. I had to ask Neville to update me about the cultivating progress of the plants in the company greenhouse…" he said, scratching his jaw.

Hermione felt the blood rush to her face. She should've not assumed. She bit her lower lip.

"And, no. I am not mad about what you said, but I…" He cleared his throat. "I felt a little hurt. I mean, truth hurts, right?" He chuckled, then shifted in his seat. "I just had to occlude… to avoid lashing out at you." He cringed at the end. Then, he mumbled something like 'Maeva might kill me.'

"I'm sorry…" Hermione said, then Malfoy shook his head.

"You don't have to. You're just being honest."

"But…"

"It's all fine."

"No, it's not. Malfoy, I should have…"

"I like it better if you call me Draco," Malfoy said, with a smirk.

Hermione glared at him. "You're changing the topic."

He sighed. "You don't have to apologize, and I mean it. Now, stop wasting time and finish what you're reading because…" He looked down at his watch. "We only have an hour left."

She let the conversation end and went back to reading.

Hermione wanted to concentrate on what she was reading; she really did, but she cannot help sneaking glances at Malfoy who resumed reading. She was not able to read everything, so with a heavy heart; she returned those books unaware that those books vanished from the shelves after she returned them. Malfoy was already at the reception, waiting for her.

He held the door for her and she walked out, mumbling a thank you. Malfoy walked beside her and halted abruptly, making Hermione look bewilderedly back at him.

"What are you doing? We're going to be late."

He produced something from his pocket, and Hermione watched it return to its original size. It was a bag. She tilted her head inquisitively. He took her hand and put the handle on it.

"What's this?"

"You'll know…" he said, and he held her hand, "Let's go."

He apparated them in front of the gates and he let go of her hand. And she admittedly did not want to. As they walked to the front door, the curiosity in Hermione got the best of her, so she opened the bag.

She gasped. So loud that Malfoy stopped walking and turned to her. "What's the matter? Are you alright?"

Hermione closed the bag and walked towards Malfoy. He was about to step back, but Hermione tiptoed and threw her arm around his neck. She pulled him down to her. His hands found her waist, steadying her.

"Oh, I thought you'd slap me or hex me in close distance. I swear I did not steal those, Granger."

Hermione chuckled. "I know, silly. Thank you, Draco."

"You're welcome."

Hermione pulled away. She slid her arm off his neck but rest her hand on the crook of his shoulder. Malfoy did not step away at all. Their faces were so close, their breaths fanned each other's faces. Mint. And his cologne surrounded her. She found herself looking at his lips and he noticed his Adam's apple bobbed. She looked up, and he was already staring at her. His grey eyes were not distant anymore, they were more alive.

"Hey, there you are! We've been looking for you!" Harry shouted and Hermione almost jumped out of Malfoy's hold.

Malfoy turned and gave Harry a nod. "Potter."

"Dinner's starting. You two might want to join us."

"Of course. Thank you, Potter."

Instead of walking ahead, Malfoy spun back halfway to Hermione and gestured for her to walk ahead, so she did. She could feel him watching, and even Harry. Her blush was redder than the usual. She's getting tired of blushing. She blushed too much, and that was just today. Harry followed her while Malfoy disappeared somewhere.

"I think this is the time for us to talk because you owe me that. Remember?" Harry said. Hermione cursed mentally.

"Not now, Harry. Did you say that dinner's starting?"

"Oh, it's a half lie and half truth."

Hermione stopped walking and crossed her arms. She huffed. "What do you need to talk about?"

"Not here…" he said, then he looked around and pulled her to a door. He pushed the door open, and they walked into a tearoom. He closed the door and when he turned around, Hermione was already tapping her foot.

"What's with you and Malfoy? The girls already returned except you and him? And why did he show up in the ministry that day I pulled Ron out of your cubicle?"

"Can you ask one at a time?"

"Ok, first why did he show up in the ministry that day?"

Hermione sighed. There was no running away from this. "He gave me something I left."

"You left?" Harry looked genuinely confused.

"I had one too many drinks when I joined Luna for lunch two weekends ago so I uh, kind of needed to stay in his place for the night because no one can bring me home and they did not want to call you or Ron."

"Something happened with you two?!" Harry asked. Horrified.

"No!"

Hermione explained everything, answering his questions and explained what he saw earlier, all the pacing left to right, hand gesturing and glaring at him when he tried to interrupt. When she finished, Harry was gaping at her.

"Is everything clear now?"

He closed his mouth and cleared his throat. "Yes. Uh, let's go. They might be waiting for us."

Hermione agreed. When they arrived in the dining room, only Maeva and the house-elves were there, plus Holly.

"Oh, hi… They decided to have dinner in the conservatory," Maeva said as she helped the house-elves take the food from the table. One by one, they disappeared with a crack.

"We can help," Harry said, but Maeva shook her head. "I have enough helping hands with me. You two go to the conservatory."

"Oh, I'll lead them to the conservatory!" Holly said, raising her hand and Maeva chuckled.

"Sure, go ahead, darling."

Holly clapped, and she gladly skipped her way to them. "Come, Miss Granger and Mister Potter, I'll lead you to the conservatory."

"Thank you, Holly," Hermione said.

"You're welcome. Oh, let me get that bag, Miss. I will bring it to your room." Holly said.

"Um, I can just carry…."

"Please, I insist." Holly gave her big blue eyes and Hermione cannot say no.

"Alright, Holly. Thank you."

"You're welcome! Have you seen the conservatory when you arrived here earlier?"

"Oh no, not yet," Hermione replied.

"You'd love it! Neville did! Maeva perpetually charmed it to be of the same season to keep the plants in good shape."

"Why don't you call us Hermione and Harry?" Harry asked.

"Because you call Draco, Malfoy," Holly said with a smile like that was all the explanation they needed.

As soon as they entered the conservatory, Holly left. Teddy was already running around with a ferret. The twins and Nott were doing something. They can only assume was another prank. Parkinson, Ginny, Hannah and Luna were at the table drinking wine. Ron was walking furiously toward them.

"Malfoy was the ferret. Malfoy. Was. The. Ferret. And he bit me once!" he seethed.

"How can you be sure?" Harry asked.

George chimed in. "Draco transformed right in front of him!"

"You should've not touched him. He did not like being touched when in ferret form except Teddy, of course. You should've at least tried when he was in a dragon form," Theo said, snickering. Fred laughed loudly.

"Ah, I've tried to run away from you, Weasley, but you're so stubborn. I had to defend myself," Draco finally spoke with Teddy sitting on his shoulders, laughing.

"I will hex you, Malfoy!"

"Ronald Weasley, you will not do such a thing!" Molly admonished, and it stunned Ron in his place.

"But Mum! He bit me!"

"You stepped his boundaries. Your fault. Now, settle down and help me here instead."

"You really should have bitten him back, really," Zabini said. Draco hit the back of his head. He winced as he laughed, rubbing the back of his head.

Ron begrudgingly went to his mother while Harry and Hermione went to the table and sat on vacant seats.

"So, if Draco was the ferret all along, why did Remus tell us that he was a wild ferret that found its way to their house and kept coming back to play with Teddy?" Harry asked. Remus laughed heartily and Tonks had to slap him on the arm.

"Did I miss too much?" Maeva asked as she walked in to the conservatory.

"Not much, Maeva. Just typical things," Luna said, and Maeva chuckled.

"I see but Remus, why can't you stop laughing there?"

Remus held up a hand as he tried to tone down his laughter. "First, Severus pay up."

Severus sighed and pulled out a pouch of galleons, handing it to Remus. "Thank you, Sev."

"I'm certain I will win next time," Professor Snape said sternly.

"Sure, Sev. Sure."

Harry cleared his throat. "You haven't answered my question."

"Oh, yes uh. I always called Draco the wild ferret, so when you asked about him, that's the first thing I thought of back then. And before, he did find his way to our house and kept coming back to play with Teddy. No lies there. You just did not really believe yourself that he is Draco. I really thought you will all have figured it out when you came unannounced in the house and he was there."

"And here I thought, Miss Granger will figure it out sooner than later," Professor Snape said.

Hermione sputtered. "W-what? It reminded me of that time when he was transfigured into a ferret, but I did not think he would be the same ferret Teddy was playing with."

"I told you, she won't assume," Remus said.

"When did you learn to prank people, Remus?" Ron mumbled.

"I should have expected that since he's friends with my Dad," Harry said and a melancholic smile spread on his face and Remus smiled to him. Harry sighed. "Goodness, I don't want this to be about me."

"It's fine, Mister Potter," Professor Snape said.

Before anyone can speak, a loud explosion echoed, and colourful lights took their attention. The twins and Nott were whooping and having fun.

"We just wanted to change the mood," Fred shouted, and another of their indoor firework set off.

"Let's continue that later and eat for now," Maeva said, and she gave Nott a look that Hermione thought of as a mother's look. The twins and Nott obliged, and they made their way to the table. Nott made a beeline to sit beside Luna, kissing her on the top of her head.

Maeva walked by Harry and squeezed his shoulder with an assuring smile. Harry smiled back and Maeva walked around to sit next to Professor Snape. Malfoy put Teddy in a high chair and again he looked for a vacant chair.

"Same sh-," Parkinson paused when she noticed Maeva was looking at her and then at Teddy. She cleared her throat. "Same set up, Draco, come here. There's a vacant seat."

Malfoy did not complain or react anymore. He just went and sat beside Hermione again. As they put food on their plate, he slipped again an extra food on her plate. This time it's a slice of cordon bleu and she hit his thigh with her knee, but he did not even wince.

"So, Granger, where did Malfoy take you today? You two obviously opted not to return with us." Parkinson said. Hermione glared at her, but the woman just grinned.

"Pansy…" Malfoy said her name like a warning.

"What? I am just curious."

"He brought me to the library," Hermione answered as nonchalant as possible.

"Of course, he'd bring you there… Of course," Zabini said with a knowing smile. She heard Malfoy sigh, but said nothing and just ate.

"What did you love about it, Hermione?" Bless Luna for changing the topic.

"Oh, they have a grand collection of books and they date way back in time!" Hermione gushed.

Hermione went on talking about some titles she saw that she only read on books back in Britain.

"Were you able to borrow some books, Hermione? I am sure you did not finish all those books," Maeva said and Hermione nodded.

"I did… actually, Malfoy borrowed them for me," she said and Maeva smiled.

"That's good."

"Ah, yes, the Black family already has a long record with that library. They don't just let anyone borrow books as far as I know, but they are one of the exceptions," Zabini said.

"That's so generous of you, Draco. Why didn't you borrow one for me when I asked you once?" Nott asked and Draco snorted.

"Because I don't feel like it," Malfoy said.

"Do you remember when we first visited that library, we lost him?" Zabini asked, and Nott nodded.

"Yes, he was hiding at a table at the far back of the library by the window and busily reading," Nott said, chuckling.

Hermione glanced at him sideways, but Malfoy just ate, smirking proudly at himself. The conversation around the table varied from what to do tomorrow to stories of what happened before and after the war. She learned how Nott and Zabini fought their fathers and even Parkinson's. Nott shared how Malfoy communicated to them unbeknownst to the rest of the people in wizarding Britain. Malfoy would shift in his seat if the conversation seemed to make him uncomfortable with the topic.

The dinner ended with more of the indoor fireworks from the twins, with the help of Nott, and now, joined with Zabini. She watched Luna smile at Nott whenever he turned to her, and she could also see the adoring stares of Parkinson and Zabini. It was beautiful to watch them. Even Harry and Ginny were smiling at each other as they watched the fireworks. Then she noticed Teddy approached Malfoy, and he pulled him up, letting him sit on his lap. His hair was changing colours.

Slowly, they retired to their rooms; the Lupins were the first ones to go because Teddy already fell asleep. Maeva stayed with the house-elves cleaning up while Professor Snape helped them find their rooms. The couples were allowed to be in one room while the rest get their own rooms.

—

It was three in the morning when Hermione jolted awake from a nightmare. She wanted to sleep again, but the sleep did not return. She climbed off her bed, that was covered in the finest silk bed covers, just like what she had when she slept in Malfoy's house. She put on a robe over her pyjamas.

She quietly exited her room and tiptoed downstairs to the kitchen. She grabbed a glass and filled with water. The house was so quiet, but it did not feel empty. Hermione washed the glass and returned it. She was on her way to the stairs when she saw something move down the hall to her left. Against her better judgement, she turned in that direction and saw a door ajar.

The door creaked open as she stepped inside, and she grimaced at the noise. It was the ballroom. The moonlight lit the room in the most scenic view.

"Cannot sleep?" A whispered voice echoed in the room and it startled her. She gasped. She knew that voice.

She cleared her throat. "Um, you can say it like that. You?"

Malfoy walked closer to the window, the light reflecting on his hair. Instead of what a posh pair of pyjamas, he was wearing a plain white shirt and a simple grey pyjama bottoms. "Nightmares."

She nodded. "Me too."

"With Bella in the drawing room?"

"Yes," she whispered.

"I am sorry about that." His voice was quiet.

"You don't have to."

She walked closer to another window. The ballroom was facing the gardens that were still frozen in time with the winter spell.

"My nightmare was about the day my mother took the cruciatus because of my father's failure. The start of her mind failing. I watched it happen again and again. I was… helpless." Maybe it was the incomplete sleep, exhaustion, or just the overwhelming feeling to let out whatever was bottled up inside that made him say this. She saw the way his fist clenched. "Now, I know how Neville felt."

"W-was this on the summer before sixth year?" she asked.

He nodded. "I was about to take the dark mark…" He scoffed to himself. "I thought it was something I can be proud of or my father can be proud of me. Bullshit. When I saw how he tortured my mother because of my father's failure, I felt disgusted…"

He paused, and they just watched the breeze make the trees dance.

"My mother asked Severus to help me escape. I wanted to take her with me, but she… She did not want to. For me. For my father. She stayed."

"You had no choice…"

"I cannot use that excuse, Granger. It sounded foolish even in my own ears."

"It was not an excuse."

He did not answer for a minute, but when he spoke again; he changed the subject. "How are your parents?"

"They are currently at a dentist convention in Japan."

"They haven't decided to retire?"

She chuckled. "No. As long as they can still work, they would."

He nodded. A minute pass again and Hermione spoke. "I hadn't formally thanked you for helping me hide my parents during the war."

"I have nothing to do with it. Maeva…"

Hermione cut him off. "Maeva told me the truth. She said that when you learned about death eaters killing muggle-born families, you suggested helping me."

"Maeva sometimes cannot keep it to herself." He sighed.

"I am curious. Why did you help me, Malfoy?"

He did not answer and Hermione did not expect one immediately, but after a long minute; he spoke. "I already failed Aunt Dromeda when I did not come in time to get Uncle Ted… I could not find him before the death eaters did. So, I thought to myself, I know they will target you. You're a muggle-born, Potter's best friend… all the right reasons to target you, so I asked Maeva to help you. Maybe something brought about by a recent loss or… maybe, a way to right my wrongdoings against you—all the things I have done and said."

Hermione was quiet, flabbergasted by what she had heard. After a pregnant pause, she spoke, "Still, thank you."

Malfoy did not argue or dismissed her expression of gratefulness. They stood in front of the windows and stared at the outside world quietly. Moments passed again before either of them spoke.

"Have you finished your reading?"

"Almost. I finished two of them already."

He nodded. "Would you like to drink some tea? I think Maeva still has dried chamomile flowers in the kitchen. I used to drink it on nights like this."

"Sure."

They walked together to the kitchen. Hermione sat on one of the stools around the table and watched Malfoy brew the chamomile tea. Once done, he put a spoon of honey for her while he put three spoons of honey for him. The ever sweet tooth. Malfoy placed her cup in front of her and she enveloped the cup with her hands.

"How did you know how I take my tea?"

"Hmm. Sometimes, when I was bored, I looked around the great hall and observed people and it so happens that you're quite different…"

"So, you memorized how I do my tea?"

He chuckled. "Not intentionally. I just became familiar with it."

Hermione hummed as she nodded. She took a sip of the tea and they started to talk about the books she chose from the library, her upcoming projects in the ministry, and her project with Hogwarts, which in turn made Malfoy speak about the project that he was currently engaged with the Headmistress regarding muggle-born scholarships. There would be charity Quidditch games to raise funds, and they were looking into charity balls and auctions as viable options. She also learned that some of the faculty members who worked with Professor Snape would attend the wedding and finished their measurements a day earlier than them.

As the time passed by, Hermione got sleepier and a yawn stubbornly escaped her mouth while she was explaining about the centaur legislation she was planning to write.

She covered her mouth with a hand. "Oh my, excuse me…"

"I think you should go and sleep."

"How about the cups?"

"I'll take care of these," Malfoy said as he stacked the cups and saucers.

"I can help."

"It's fine. Go and sleep."

Hermione nodded as she stood. Draco stood up with the cups and saucers in hand.

"Thanks… Draco," she said, and he smiled at her.

"Anytime, Hermione."

She smiled, liking the way he said her name. Just as she was about to walk out of the kitchen, he called her name.

"Yes?"

"Can you save a dance for me?" he asked, and she noticed the pink spots on his cheeks that she found adorable.

"Of course."

"Thank you."

"Good night, Draco."

"Good night, Hermione."

—

The days following before the wedding, Hermione learned Blaise had an immeasurable knowledge of Baroque and Renaissance arts that she found interesting. He even explained the design of Maeva's house. Theodore—or Theo, as he preferred to be called—loved to invent. That was why he had investments in the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes and he usually joined them to test their new products. Pansy, aside from her fashion line, she also wrote articles in the Quibbler and Witch Weekly and fond of Mythologies. She also found out that Draco did cook. There was one day when Draco helped prepare the lunch for them with Molly and Maeva. His beef wellington was to die for quoted from Remus and Ron, but Ron would deny it.

Sometimes, Hermione and Draco would go back to the library and go home with another set of borrowed books, or they'd visit the bookshops. Now and then, she would find him playing with Teddy from time to time as a ferret or as his human form. She found out that the programme for the reception was partly muggle and Draco said it was to honour Maeva and Professor Snape's muggle heritage. Hermione was proud to hear that Professor Snape agreed to this, despite what happened between him and his father.

Then, they even had a mini Quidditch match. Unfortunately for Harry and Ron, Ginny was put into Draco's team. It was a close fight, but Draco's team won.

On the day of the wedding, everyone took on their roles. Andromeda overlooked the preparations made in the conservatory for the wedding ceremony and the ballroom for the reception. She also talked to the private photographers they hired for today. Molly oversaw the food preparation. Harry and Ron looked after Teddy, who occasionally would run away from them and looked for Draco. The twins and Theo prepare the indoor fireworks, but Molly kept them in check too for pranks. The rest of the men accompanied the groom while the ladies were with the bride.

"You're so beautiful, Maeva," Luna said as she braided her hair. Maeva was wearing the traditional wedding robe. It was white and detailed with pearls.

"Thank you, Luna. You're so kind. You all looked magnificent too."

"Except for one because she's been frowning since this morning…" Ginny said, giving Hermione a sly look.

"Is there a problem, Hermione?"

Hermione turned away from the mirror and looked at Maeva. She shook her head. "Uh, no…"

"Believe me, 'ermione ze dress looked great on you," Fleur said and Hermione gave her an appreciative smile.

"Even Draco thought you looked lovely in that dress and I can say he was being honest because the way he looked at you said everything," Tonks said.

"There's a little bias from Draco though…" Pansy said as she gave Luna a look.

"I won't say Pansy if that's what you're asking…" Luna said.

"Why would he be biased, Pansy?" Ginny asked, and Hermione can hear the feigned innocence in her voice. She did not like that Ginny knew something she didn't.

"Oh, I don't know probably the fact that Draco fancies Hermione for years now… I guess," Pansy said it with a casual shrug.

"No. You're making that up," Hermione said. She could sense the coming blush.

"He knows how you take your tea…" Luna countered.

"When he got the chance, he freed the house-elves of the Malfoy family and he compensated those who stayed…" Pansy continued.

"Let's not forget the muggle-born scholarship that he anonymously started," Hannah chimed in.

"I-I don't think that him doing those meant that he fancied me…"

"Fancies… Hermione, present tense, it's currently happening," Pansy said.

"He took you to lunch and brought you to the library and to bookshops… sounds like he does fancy you, darling…" Tonks said with a smile. "And I don't mind if you become my cousin-in-law."

Hermione sputtered. "W-wh…"

"Oh, ladies, let's not push her. Let the universe work their way…" Maeva said and Luna nodded as she stepped back, admiring her work.

"I agree," Hannah said, and she walked to Maeva, handing her bouquet. Hannah made a hand-tied the bouquet that included hydrangea, peonies, delphinium, nigella, astrantia and freesia.

"Thank you, Hannah. You did great."

"I now reconsider that flower shop idea…"

"You should go for it because I think I will hire you when I'll have my wedding…" Pansy said, admiring the bridesmaid's bouquet that Hannah arranged, too. Hydrangeas with a simple collar of gypsophila.

A knock took away their attention from the bouquets. Tonks opened the door, and she welcomed Headmistress McGonagall with a smile. She was wearing a robe with a darker shade of blue.

"Headmistress. Thank you for coming," Maeva said as she stood and walked closer to the Headmistress.

Headmistress McGonagall cupped her face and smiled at her. "It would be an honour to walk with you on your wedding day."

Maeva, a victim of the wizarding war, lost her parents in the first wizarding war and that left her to live with her aunt, who was unlike Harry's, took care of her and loved like she was hers. She died just after Maeva graduated from school. And during her stay in Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall had been like a mother to her despite being sorted to Ravenclaw.

They hugged, and then another knock interrupted them. They all looked back and found Andromeda smiling. "Everything's ready, and he's already there. Are you ready?"

Maeva nodded, and the bridesmaids walked out first. They led the way to the conservatory. Molly, Fleur and Andromeda walked in first, followed by the bridesmaids and then by Tonks, the Matron of Honour. Hermione noticed her Hogwarts professors and even Kingsley with his husband in attendance at the wedding. Professor Snape, dressed in impeccable dark blue robes, stood in front of the altar with Remus as his best man. Draco was playing the piano at their entrance and Hermione cannot help but notice how the blue robes suited him very well, like he owned the colour itself. When he caught her staring, he smiled and Hermione was so sure that her face turned red; she smiled back before looking away, only to find Ginny and Luna smiling at her.

Maeva walked in with Headmistress McGonagall and if you're not watching him closely, you might think Professor Snape was stoic, but Hermione saw how he'd clench his jaw, sniffing subtly, and blinking back the tears. He held his hands together to stop them from shaking. However, as Maeva got nearer, the tears flowed stubbornly, and he brushed them off as quickly as he could. Remus tapped his shoulder and when Professor Snape turned, he offered a handkerchief that he gladly took. He could not hide it anymore. He cried.

Headmistress McGonagall turned to Maeva and pecked her cheek, then turned back to Professor Snape. She smiled kindly at him and gave his arm a pat before taking his hand. She placed Maeva's hand on his and whispered something only for the two of them. They smiled at her. Headmistress McGonagall left for her seat and Professor Snape took Maeva's hand and led her in front of the Officiant from the French Ministry. They faced each other and held each other's hands. Maeva wiped a stray tear from his cheek and they chuckled.

The Officiant welcomed them all as he began the ceremony. The golden rope that went around their hands brightened as they exchanged their vows and when the Officiant announced their union, the golden bind was sealed and a gold band appeared on each of their ring fingers. Before they faced the crowd as Mr and Mrs Snape, Professor Snape cradled Maeva's cheeks with both hands and kissed her. The crowd applauded. Even Theo, Blaise and the Twins whooped. Draco played the piano for the exit of the newlywed couple and they raised their wands to let blue and white rose petals rain on them.

They headed to the ballroom that looked magnificent with all its colours and the way the sun flowed through the tall windows and filled with music played by enchanted instruments. Andromeda had the tables arranged in a semi-circle, giving space for the dancefloor, then there was a table in front for the newlyweds. There were hydrangeas with white roses as table centres that everyone admired. She watched Headmistress McGonagall and Draco engaged in a conversation that she did not notice Kingsley walking towards her.

"Miss Granger."

Hermione turned to him. "Hello, Minister. It's nice to see you here."

"You can call me Kingsley and I could say the same to you. You needed this holiday with all the hard work you did for the Ministry."

"I am just doing what I have always wanted…"

"Making change, doing the right thing and protecting the less fortunate… I can see you replacing me."

Hermione smiled. "I haven't thought about that. I think it's too soon…"

"Nothing's too soon," he said and before Hermione can answer, his husband approached them. He was as tall as Kingsley, but with more vivacious energy radiating from him.

"I found our table…" he said, then he looked at Hermione. "Oh, Miss Hermione Granger, isn't it?"

"Yes, I am."

He put his hand out, and Hermione took it. "Erland Henningsen-Shacklebolt. It's a pleasure to meet you, dear."

"The pleasure is mine, Mis…"

He cut her off, smiling, and then let her hand go. "Erland. Just call me Erland because I don't want to feel old."

Hermione smiled. "The pleasure is mine, Erland."

"I would love to chat more, but Andromeda had asked me to get King here to our table because the newlyweds will arrive soon. Have you found yours?"

"Yes, I knew which table I was assigned too."

"Perfect."

They walked together until they parted ways to go to their assigned tables. Erland giving her a kiss on both cheeks.

"Isn't he adorable?" Ginny asked as soon as Hermione reached their table.

"Yes, he is. They looked so lovely together…"

"The strict looking one and the bubbly one. Perfect," Harry chimed in.

Hermione sat with Ginny, Harry, Ron, and a vacant seat beside her, probably Pansy's idea. Nobody asked who or why the seat was kept vacant. They enjoyed eating the hors d'oeuvre mimosas and other less alcoholic drinks being served around, except for one.

"When will they serve actual food?" Ron asked after popping a canapé in his mouth. Ginny grimaced at him.

"They will serve it shortly, Ron. If you read the programme in the invitation, you'd know," Hermione said, Ron rolled his eyes.

"I don't have time for that."

"Shush," Ginny said with a glare that can rival Molly's. Ron took another canapé and popped them into their mouth in succession. Hermione and Ginny grimaced while Harry only enjoyed his drink and watching them.

The tables were being filled, and conversations echoed around the ballroom. Draco went to his friends' table, but they shooed him away from their table and, in perfectly planned timing, Ginny called for him.

"Thank you, Ginevra," he said as he sat on the vacant seat. "I believe this was not entirely just your idea."

Ginny just smiled.

"You should keep your girlfriend from hanging out too much with Parkinson, Potter. The two of them together is dangerous."

"Oh, I don't know if I can—" Harry was cut off when Ginny's hand flew to his arm. "Ow."

"Dwaky!" Teddy's voice took their attention.

"Hello there, little lad," Draco said as he picked him up, letting him sit on his lap.

"I bet you wish that was you, huh…" Ginny leaned in and whispered. Hermione turned to her, horrified.

"Don't say something like that!" Hermione whispered back, but Ginny only grinned.

She looked back at Draco and Teddy, but if he heard Ginny; he did not show.

"Hi, Aunt Erminie… Aunt Gin, Unky Hawy and Unky Wonald," Teddy said, waving at them and they greet him back with a wave.

"I haven't moved on yet that you're his favourite," Harry mumbled.

"He'll grow out of it," Draco said and if Harry wanted to say something, he was yet again interrupted when Andromeda announced the arrival of the newlyweds. The crowd applaud and watched them walk to their table.

As soon as they were settled, Andromeda called for Headmistress McGonagall for the welcome speech.

"I am not very familiar with this task, but I will do my best. I'd like to welcome you to this most important moment in the lives of this couple…" She looked back at them. "Maeva and Severus. I have always hoped that one day I would see you both happy and free… Oh, Merlin…" she took out a handkerchief and wiped the tear on her eyes. "I watched you two grow. And you don't know how happy I am to witness your marriage today." She looked back at the audience. "Please join me and let us celebrate their marriage, their love for each other, and their happiness."

They applauded and Professor Snape mouthed a thank you while Maeva smiled at her gratefully. Andromeda took over to announce that dinner would now be served. No one was happier than Ron at that time. Tonks came by their table to get Teddy, who was about to throw a tantrum until Draco promised they would play after the event.

After the dinner, Remus was the first one to speak for a toast, then followed by Arthur, who gave more advice about marriage and having family.

"Aren't you giving a speech?" Hermione asked Draco.

He shook his head. "No. We already told them what we wanted to say on the day of the engagement. It was kind of personal for us."

Hermione nodded, then Professor Snape stood up after Andromeda asked him for his speech. "Good day, everyone. As you all know, I am not fond of these speeches and celebrations. However, today is an exception." He looked at Maeva and smiled. "I thought, I don't deserve anymore chances and lost everyone with all my choices, but here I am, given another chance by someone who stood by me, forgave me and loved me for the longest time. And I am beyond happy to finally call her my wife." He turned back to the crowd. "Let's toast for Maeva. Maeva Rousselle-Snape. For us."

Everyone held their glass up and said, "For Maeva! Maeva Rousselle-Snape! For the two of you!"

And some downed what's remaining of their drink while other took a sip of theirs. They moved to the cutting of the cake. The cake that Molly promised them for the wedding that Professor Snape could not say no at all. Afterwards, they had the bouquet toss. Ginny had to pull her out of her chair. Everybody's cheering but Hermione was trying to go to the side. She caught Draco staring, and he smiled at her before Teddy ran to him again, so he took him on his lap again.

The cheering made her look back at the crowd. Hannah got the bouquet. She grinning and blushing hard.

"You know what they say? You'll get married next," Hermione said and Hannah blushed harder.

"Neville! You need to move fast! This is a sign!" Theo shouted, shaking Neville's shoulders, making him blush as hard as Hannah was.

"Draco, you should bring him ring shopping next weekend!" Blaise shouted.

"I will. So, stop shaking the man for Merlin's sake," Draco answered with an eye roll, but his lips were quirked amusedly.

After their little excitement over the bouquet toss, it was time for the first dance of the newlyweds. The Gryffindors had always wondered if it was truly Professor Snape who taught the Slytherins to dance for the Yule ball and when Ginny asked this a few days back, they all just said: Wait for the wedding day. You'll know. Even Neville and Hannah wouldn't spill a thing.

Professor Snape led Maeva to the dancefloor and as the music started, he held her hand and wrapped her waist with his arms while Maeva rested her hand on his and rested her other hand on his shoulder. They danced leisurely in rhythm with the music.

"Oh, shite. He did teach you to dance for the Yule ball," Ginny said, and Draco sniggered.

"Not really. Most of us already had dance lessons—"

"Pureblood elitist thingy," Ginny interrupted, and Draco just made a face.

"Yeah, sure, maybe we can call it that. Anyway, he did not actually teach us. He just guided us with our posture and all."

"I thought you lot had an experience like Ron's…" Harry said, shooting Ron a sly gaze while he glared at them warningly.

Hermione kept her gaze on the dancing couple as she pulled her lips in to keep herself from smiling or laughing at the memory.

"What happened?"

"Don't you dare…" Ron warned, but Harry only inched away from him and leaned towards Ginny.

"He danced with McGonagall during one of our practices and he looked so funny awkwardly placing his hand on McGonagall's waist."

Ron groaned, while Draco chuckled.

When they looked back at the dancefloor, Arthur was already dancing with Maeva and Professor Snape was already dancing with Molly. Tonks, Remus and Teddy dancing together in a circle. Blaise and Pansy. Theo and Luna. Bill and Fleur. Neville and Hannah.

Harry stood up and asked Ginny to dance, who gladly accepted it. They walked to the dancefloor leaving Draco, Hermione and Ron at the table. Hermione suddenly felt mindful of their presence on each of her side.

Ron cleared his throat and stood up. "May I have this dance?"

Hermione looked at the hand extended to her and up to him. "Um. Yes…"

Ron brought her to the dancefloor, she cannot stop the feeling of Draco's eyes watching her every move but when she looked back at their table, he was gone. Ron held her hand and put his other hand on her waist.

"Thanks for letting me take this dance," Ron said and Hermione smiled at him.

"Of course, Ron."

"And, thank you for keeping our friendship after what happened."

Hermione scoffed. "I did not expect you to be sentimental."

Ron chuckled. "I just want to tell you something."

"What is it?"

"I—" He cleared his throat. "I am dating Daphne Greengrass."

Hermione gasped. "No way! Does Pansy already know?"

"No. Not yet, so, please don't tell her or the other girls yet."

"Oh, okay, but you're not keeping her a secret, right?"

"No. We're just looking for a perfect timing to tell everyone."

"And why are you saying this to me now?"

He shrugged. "Aside from the fact that you're my best friend and a sister to me, maybe you also just need to know that I am already okay. I have moved on. I accepted that we will not work…"

"Ok…"

"So, if you want to date Malfoy, it's fine. I would hex his balls if he hurts you, though."

Hermione sputtered, the blush creeping from her neck. "I-I…"

"Oh, I see how he looked at you. He fancies you. Maybe more than I did."

"Shush. He doesn't fancy me."

Hermione looked away, and to her relief, Ron dropped the conversation. As they danced, Hermione cannot help but look for him though. The others have already changed partners. Maeva and Professor Snape with Teddy. The young man was giggling with them. Remus and Andromeda. Blaise with Hannah. Pansy dragged Xenophilius to dance. Luna and Neville were dancing. But the twins and Theo were nowhere to be found, and so was Draco.

"Can I take her for a dance?" Harry said, interrupting her thoughts and taking her attention.

"And dance with me, Ronald," Ginny chimed in, taking Ron's hand before he could even reply to them.

Ron yelped as Ginny pulled him away. Harry stepped in.

"Are you still looking for him?" Harry did not need to say his name. She just knew who he was asking about.

"No."

"He left the table and had a conversation with Kingsley, seemed about business."

Hermione nodded. Everyone's having fun with their holiday but there he was, still thinking about business. Was he serious when he asked her for a dance? Or was it something he had said in a state of mind with deprived sleep? Was he…

The music changed and a familiar voice came to her left. "May I have this dance?"

She froze while Harry smiled as he stepped away. "Sure, Malfoy."

"Thanks, Potter."

Harry walked away smiling at her before Luna pulled him to dance with her, Pansy and Xenophilius. Draco took Harry's place and offered his hand. She took it and he placed his other hand on her waist, sending electricity to her body. She almost shivered, and she rested her other hand on his shoulder. He smelled mint, sandalwood and a little firewhiskey. There was a sudden fluttering in her chest that was brought by their proximity. Then, she sensed a tickle of magic in her heels and she immediately felt relieved, comfortable. She mentally sighed.

Her brows knitted, and he smiled. "Cushioning charm. I bet the shoes are killing you."

Why didn't she think about that earlier? Her brows relaxed, and she smiled back. "Thanks."

"If no one has told you yet, you looked ravishing…" he trailed off and before Hermione can respond, Draco leaned down and whispered in her ears, warm breath fanning her face that left goosebumps on her skin. "As always."

Draco leaned back and smirk while Hermione's skin was red with blush. "What are you doing, Draco?"

"Dancing with you. Talking to you."

She rolled her eyes. "Seriously, what are you doing? Why are you—"

He did not let her finish what she was saying. "I have missed so many opportunities in the past… I am trying to catch a chance."

Hermione's mind had already begun racing, analyzing what he meant about what he said. His hand left her waist, and she immediately noticed it. She watched him smoothen the crease between her eyebrows that she was not aware she was doing.

"Can you please stop overthinking and analyzing things for a second? I can hear you thinking if that's even possible."

She scowled. He chuckled, and his hand went back to her waist. "Do you think it would be possible that in your hectic schedule, you can give me a day or an hour to take you out for dinner or a stroll in a park or a visit to a museum or library?"

"Would you really go all the way to Britain from France just for an hour with me?"

"I have my floo, legally, I may add, connected to my house in Britain from my house here. There are Portkeys. An hour with you is worth the effort. I don't mind at all."

She didn't want to smile because it would give away too much the giddiness she was feeling. She was like a teenager again, but unlike before; it felt different. Her smile came out.

"It's okay if you don't say yes now. I can wait—"

"No," she blurted out and there was a glint of hurt that passed his eyes, but slowly it was fading. He's occluding. "I-I mean, no… No, you don't have to wait. Please don't hide from me…"

She tentatively touched his cheek. His skin was so soft. He closed his eyes and inhaled deep and exhaled slow, when he opened his eyes, he's back with her again.

"Thank you…"

"I-I'm sorry. It was instinct."

She nodded. "I understand, but if we're going to see each other a day or an hour, try not to shut me out."

"I'll try my best. I promise."

Draco stepped back, his hand leaving her waist, and she reluctantly took her hand off his shoulder. However, she did not expect the next thing he did. He took her hand and brought it to his lips, planting a soft kiss on her knuckles. She felt a sudden spark, and she supressed herself to blatantly shudder. Draco leaned back, and she watched him bobbed his head once, then the clinking of cutlery on the champagne glass ensued.

It was a muggle tradition, asking the newlyweds to kiss. Hermione turned to see that a crowd had formed around Maeva and Professor Snape. Theo was the one that started the clinking of cutlery on the champagne glass. And when Maeva and Professor Snape did what was requested, the fireworks started. The twins and Theo looked proud of themselves.

—

In two years, Teddy did not outgrow his fondness with Draco, both human and Ferret form. However, what Draco did was he'd keep his human form whenever Harry and Ron around so Teddy would play with all of them and Hermione admired that because sometimes, he can be petty. He also spoiled Teddy so much. Hermione wanted to stop him, but she loved seeing him smiling at Teddy and how excited he was to buy gifts for him.

And within those years, Hermione dated Draco Malfoy, exclusively and privately as they preferred. She learned that he could be a very, very patient man and a keen observer. In the first months of them seeing each other, he only took what she gave. It frustrated her that she needed to confront him about that and what struck her was when he said, "I was just waiting for you to be ready to give more." That's when she decided to set more time for him, with him. Despite the previous short dates they had, he picked up the things that slipped from her mouth. He wore blue during their dates because she liked it. He bought kimchi for her when she told him that she wanted to try them. He brought a book about merpeople history when she was working on a bill about them. He knew when to push her limits, especially on conversations like politics and law, and when to just listen to her rant.

She also learned that she missed him whenever he's in France or travelling for business and floo call was not enough sometimes, something she found funny because Theo was like that with Luna. She loved the way his dimples make appearances when he smiled genuinely or laughed his heart out. The first time they kissed—on their sixtieth short date—she loved the pink tinge on his skin when he blushed.

Hermione learned about his mother. They visited St. Mungo's together. Even she felt nervous seeing her, Draco always reassured her. Sometimes she'd just stare at them as they talked with her. She could see how much he loved her and she admired it so.

One day, Draco excused himself and Hermione was left alone with Narcissa Malfoy when she reached out and touched her hand. She jolted in surprised.

"I am sorry."

Hermione softened and gently put her hand over hers. "It's fine."

She shook her head. "I'm sorry."

Before Hermione can even say more, Draco came back and Narcissa already took her hand and stood up, humming to herself.

She still did not know what Narcissa Malfoy was sorry for until now, but she felt more and more welcomed whenever she visited her with Draco.

It was not always sweet and cloud nine; they had arguments, especially when there's jealousy. They were not out in public, so the Daily Prophet took it into their hands to pair them off to other people who they saw they were with. It was always Hermione because she was exposed to them, but when it was Draco, it would be explosive and always abroad. One time, it was an Italian pureblood model. She was beautiful and sexy and pureblood—who everyone expected to be the match of the Malfoy heir. Mixed with her insecurities, Hermione pushed Draco until he, too, exploded. Just that week Hermione was photographed with one Brazilian Ambassador and he brought it up. She could remember the shouting match they had until Draco walked away—he looked like giving up.

They did not talk for a week. Her friends cannot convince her to seek him out because she wanted him to make the first move. Then, one day, she saw an oddly placed teacup and saucer on her desk and when she looked closely, something was written on the saucer: Pick it up when you're ready. DM.

Hermione let the teacup and saucer sit on her table until her curiosity ate her. She asked for a half day leave and was immediately approved. As soon as she returned to her cubicle, she gathered her things and picked up the teacup. She felt the familiar pull of portkey travel. She landed on the shore of a beach, and the teacup vanished from her grasp. Her curls escaping from the bun she did earlier.

"Vanishing portkeys. Isn't it neat?" the familiar sound of his voice made her turn. His hair was dishevelled and there were dark circles underneath his eyes. Good, it was not just her who was losing sleep. He was wearing a white cotton polo shirt and shorts.

"Why did you bring me here?"

He said nothing until he was standing right in front of her. "I want to apologize and I was hoping a change of scenery would help with your mood."

She pursed her lips. He continued, "You've always loved the beach."

She did. She only said it once, but he remembered.

"I know I was being immature… I was just…" He inhaled deep and looked at the vast sea, exhaling. He looked back at her, staring straight at her. "I was jealous."

For a Draco Malfoy to say that. To be open to her… She remembered.

"… if we're going to see each other a day or an hour, try not to shut me out."

"I'll try my best. I promise."

He did not make any move to hold her, not that he did not want to. He was waiting for her to let him hold her. Just like when they first kissed. He did not move until she let him.

Their noses were touching, their lips were so close, waiting. The warmth of their breaths mingled. Mint. "Can I kiss you?"

Hermione nodded. The tip of her nose grazed his skin. "Yes."

He leaned in and Hermione met him halfway. Their lips touched tentatively. His hands were gentle as he cupped her face. Her hands gripped the side of his shirt, pulling him closer.

"I miss you," she whispered, and he smiled. Relieved. "I am sorry, too."

He shook his head. "I should've told you more often that you're beautiful. You're an extraordinary witch… and I should've…"

He put his hand up but did not touch her. She reached for his hands, rubbing his knuckles with her thumbs. That made him move and held her face. She leaned in to his touch.

"I should've told you earlier, but I am afraid it was too early and might scare you away."

She scoffed, her lips quirking into a smile. "I am the brightest witch of our age and fought Voldemort…"

"And survived Bella's madness…"

"Yes, that too. So, what can I be afraid of?"

He leaned down and rested his forehead on hers. "I don't know. I don't know when was the perfect timing." He snorted. "I was never good at timing…"

"Maybe now could be the perfect timing."

He chuckled. "Maybe." He lifted his head and kissed her forehead. And he glanced down at her. "I love you, Hermione Jean Granger."

She could feel her heart swell, the warmth spreading through her body was warmer than the tropical sun. "I think and I strongly do so that I love you more, Draco Malfoy."

His lips captured hers and his hand moved to tangle his fingers into her hair while the other cradled her face. She reached up and ran her fingers through his hair. He nibbled at her lower lip and she let him in, tongues exploring each other.

They pulled away to catch their breath and Hermione could just admire how his eyes looked right now. Liquid silver. Only for her.

—

Hermione owled the head of her department that she'd be on leave for a week as soon as they reached the villa while Draco cooked for their lunch. Hermione decided by the shore that she wanted the Daily Prophet to know that they were together. Draco agreed. So, Hermione devised a plan. She sent the Daily Prophet their photos together from the secluded island like someone took those pictures secretly. Draco even called her a Slytherin, wearing Gryffindor clothing. She laughed at it.

They only knew that the Daily Prophet took their bait and published numerous stories about them when their friends started calling them using their muggle mobiles since they could not owl them, only Draco's owl knew the place and he would not take any letter unless told by Draco. Then, they locked the floo, so they had no choice but to turn their mobiles off.

However, when they came back from the island after travelling through muggle transportation, they found piled Daily Prophets on Draco's counter. The news about them only lasted a week because the revelation of Ron and Daphne's secret wedding took over. Draco and Hermione looked at each other and shrugged. They chuckled. Draco walked around the counter and wrapped an arm around her waist from behind. He placed a kiss on top of her head.

"Get ready, my next Minister of Magic."

"Yes, I love you too."