Author: WinterQueen82 aka Kathea

Title: Changed

Pairing: D/H

Rating: PG

Setting: Post-Hogwarts, post-war, lightside won

Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own any of this either. I'll add it to the list of things I want once I'm rich.

She came back, every now and then, just to stare at the ruins. Even though she knew they'd won, the scars on her body bore testament to that, looking at the crumbled stones of Hogwart's always made Hermione feel that they'd lost. If only a little. Looking up, she was surprised to see another figure maneuvering through the stones and mist. Strange, she was usually alone here and old habits had her reaching for her wand, even as the face of the interloper became clear.

He'd disappeared after the final battle. Even though he fought for the light, no one was surprised that Draco Malfoy had vanished after he and Harry simultaneously killed Lucius and Voldemort. Somehow though, Hermione knew he would be back. There was something inescapable about this place.

"Hello, Draco." Hermione said softly.

"Hello." He replied in the same soft tone. Neither wanting to disturb the quiet.

"How long have you been back?"

"Long enough to remember why I left."

"You were able to forget?" Hermione asked in a halfway hopeful voice.

"With the proper amount of alcohol, yes." he replied with a slow smirk. Hermione nodded in reply knowing that the proper amount was as much as you could drink before passing out.

Hermione stepped closer to have a better look at his face in the dim light. He'd changed, as they all had. The sharp angles of his face were softened. His eyes were clear but not hard the way she was use to. His forehead was no longer perpetually wrinkled with a scowl. And his lips were no longer frozen in his trademark smirk. She moved closer placing a hand on his chest.

"Are you back for good?" Hermione asked, looking up into his eyes.

"I've paid my penance."

"Then let me be the first to welcome you home." Hermoine whispered and then rose up on her toes to press her lips to his.

"It's good to be home." Draco said gruffly before pulling her close and melding his mouth to hers.