"Something is not right here," Draco muttered, holding his arms out to his- side. It was only a few weeks ago that his tux jacket fit perfectly and now he was swimming in it. The sleeves were at least an arm's length too long and it reached practically to his knees.

"I think we might've gotten switched up, mate."

Draco looked up and saw Charlie Weasley with a tux jacket hanging off one arm, not having been able to get it past his bicep.

"That would explain it," Draco said, shrugging out of the tent he was wearing as Charlie tugged his own arm from what may as well have been child's clothing on him. Draco usually refrained from comparing himself to other men, never having been unsatisfied with his physique, but it was almost impossible not to feel runty standing next to Charlie Weasley. "Guess it's a good thing I chose a Ministry job instead of dragon taming, huh?"

"Never thought dragons were one of your career options," Charlie said, pulling on the proper jacket and smoothing down the sides.

"It wasn't really, but I've always been fascinated by them."

"Send me an owl sometime and I'll arrange for you to come to the sanctuary and take a tour."

"Really?" Draco stared up at Charlie. He couldn't help but be taken aback by the offer and it was hard to keep the skepticism out of his voice.

"Yeah. We'll set something up once all this wedding chaos dies down." Charlie gave Draco's shoulder a pat and went back to getting ready.

Draco slipped his jacket on and shook his head. Weasleys were being nice to him. He was getting along with Hermione Granger and actually enjoyed being in her company. What was this fucking wedding doing to him?

A knock and a voice calling, "You boys decent?" made everyone pause and look at the door.

"Come on in," Harry answered.

The door opened and Hermione slipped in, shutting the door quickly. She was wrapped up in a white, silk robe, with slippers on her feet and her curls pulled back and adorned with purple flowers.

"Hermione? Is Ginny okay?" Harry asked, rushing over to her.

"No. Your bride-to-be is freaking out a bit," Hermione stated, with a heavy sigh. "She has herself convinced that everything is falling apart and she sent me over here to make sure things were going as planned."

Harry let out a relieved chuckle and ran a hand over his face. "Okay, what is she worried about?"

"Top three- tuxes, rings, and flowers."

"Well, as you can see, all of our tuxes arrived in perfect condition," Harry said, gesturing to his groomsmen. "I watched the florists deliver and set up all the flowers. Your bouquets are waiting in the walk-in. Someone was supposed to tell her that but I guess they dropped the ball, though not that big of a deal. As for rings, Draco?"

Hermione and Harry glanced over at Draco as he pulled a velvet satchel from his trouser pocket. "Safe and sound," he said and tucked them into his inside jacket pocket.

"Are there any other fears I can assuage?" Harry asked.

"I think I calmed her down on everything else," Hermione said, reaching up to try and smooth down Harry's hair.

"Granger, you know Potter's hair is a losing battle, right?" Draco goaded.

"Maybe if I dab a little super glue on it," Hermione mused, pushing the strands against his head.

Draco smirked and strung his bow tie through his collar. Pointing his wand at his neck, he used the spell he had learned for just this occasion to tie it. It worked, but a bit too well. The bow tie continued to tighten around his neck, strangling Draco and rendering him unable to utter the counterspell.

His choking noises quickly garnered Hermione and Harry's attention. In a flash, Hermione was at his side. She grabbed his wand and shouted "Finite!". The tie went limp and Draco, coughing and sputtering, wrenched it from around his throat.

"Are you okay?" Hermione asked, pulling his collar aside and inspecting his neck.

"Think so," Draco wheezed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Bloody bow ties." He looked down and met her eyes, gulping as her fingers brushed over his neck.

"You know, some of the most accomplished wizards don't even attempt that spell," Hermione said, gently prying the tie from Draco's hand. "Thank Merlin you didn't try that on your own. Many men have met an early end because they didn't get the counterspell out in time."

"I must have missed that chapter in Hogwarts, A History," Draco mumbled. Hermione hummed in amusement as she threaded the tie back through his shirt collar and effortlessly tied it. "Thank you," he said.

"Hey, Min! You mind helping another poor bloke out?"

Draco and Hermione looked back to see George standing there, holding up his bowtie.

Hermione shook her head and walked over to her former brother-in-law as Draco busied himself with giving his shoes a quick shine.

"Do any of you know how to tie your own ties?" she asked.

"If we learned to tie them ourselves, what would we need wives for?" George snickered,

"I don't need a spell to strangle you, George Weasley," Hermione threatened, straightening the bow. "Who's next?" Draco caught her eye roll when Ron stepped up and handed her his tie. "Really?"

"Do you know when the last time I wore a bow tie was?" Ron asked.

"Our wedding?"

"Bingo. And mum tied that for me."

"Wait, you two actually had a wedding?" Draco asked.

Hermione and Ron both paused and looked at Draco. Ron nodded as Hermione answered, "Yes, of course. What did you think we did?"

"You mentioned how everyone was against you two getting married-"

"Oh, we were," Bill interjected. "None of us really kept our objections quiet."

"I just figured you would have eloped or done a quick Ministry ceremony," Draco finished.

"No, we went all out," Ron said as Hermione patted his bow. "Thank you."

"Don't you regret it all now?" George said, jabbing Ron with his elbow.

"Of course not," Ron replied, throwing on his jacket.

Draco silently stared at Ron, along with the rest of the room. It seemed as if his brothers were all stuck between amusement and disbelief, unsure of how to react.

"Wait, you don't?" Hermione asked

"You two were horrible together!" George exclaimed.

"Shut up, George," Hermione said, though still gaping at Ron. "We were horrible together!"

"Not all of it was horrible," Ron said, sitting down to slip on his shoes. "We had our good moments." He glanced up and caught Hermione's surprised look. "Plus, you're supposed to marry your best friend and since Harry was already spoken for…" He shrugged and bent down to tie his shoes. "Do you regret it?"

"I...I guess I don't as much as I thought I did. You're right, we did have quite a few good moments," Hermione softly admitted. She gave Ron a sad smile and turned back to Harry. "If everyone is good on ties, I'm going to head back and reassure the bride that all is well."

With a quick wave, she slipped out the door. Before he could talk himself out of it, Draco followed her.

"Granger, wait!" he called, catching up with her and grabbing her hand. She stopped and turned with a startled look on her face. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." She gave Draco's hand a gentle squeeze before pulling out of his grip. "I have to go get ready. See you in a few."

She turned back around and continued down the hallway, leaving Draco with a sad, empty feeling that confused the fuck out of him.

o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Harry and Ginny's wedding ceremony and reception were being held in the ballroom of a grand, old wizarding hotel called The Brocéliande. Between the extended Weasley family, Ginny's Quidditch friends, and Harry's co-workers at the Ministry, the hotel was the best place to gather them all together. It was spacious, beautifully decorated, and the hotel staff took care of all the setup and cleanup.

The ceremony started with Victoire stopping halfway down the aisle and declaring that she couldn't continue because she had run out of flower petals to toss. Hermione had to scurry back to the little girl, pull a petal from one of her own roses, and perform a quick multiplying spell to refill the basket.

Everything else went off without a hitch. Ginny's dress was a gorgeous, simple, floor-length A-line. She paired it with a long veil and her Aunt Muriel's Goblin-made tiara. By the time Arthur had walked her down the aisle, both he and Harry were in tears, which made Hermione have to dig out the tissue she had stashed in her bouquet.

The big moment finally came and the minister declared the couple husband and wife. Before he could finish saying, "You may now kiss the bride," Ginny had already jumped onto Harry, locking him into a kiss that made Aunt Muriel gasp and the tiny minister blush. Then, as Ginny untangled herself from her new husband, the bridesmaids and groomsmen held up their wands and showered them in bubbles, causing Victoire and Freddy to shriek in glee and run around in circles, trying to pop as many as they could reach.

As she watched her best friends smile and embrace various family members, Hermione sent up a silent thank-you to Liz for not letting her back out of the trip. She had never seen Harry and Ginny happier than they were at that moment. She and Ron had reconciled and were back on civilized, bordering on friendly, terms. She had even managed to end a decade's long feud with Draco Malfoy, gaining an unexpected new friend. They were friends, right?

Hermione snuck a glance across the room and saw Draco chatting up one of Ginny's teammates. The woman was none too subtle in her too tight, fire red dress, leaning so close her breasts were about to spill out, into Draco's hands.

Hermione quickly turned around, finding it hard to breathe and cursing the gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach. She snagged a glass of champagne, from a passing tray, and downed the drink in one gulp.

'Fine, yes! That gnawing feeling is jealousy,' she finally admitted to herself. The one thing she had sworn wouldn't happen had happened and Hermione felt like kicking herself. She also felt like kicking Draco, but she knew that wasn't fair. It wasn't his fault she couldn't stop her heart from melting every time she thought about him. Ugh! When had her life turned into one of Liz's silly romantic comedies?

"You look like you could use a refill."

Hermione turned and found a tall, dark-haired man handing her a new glass of champagne. She set down her empty glass and accepted the fresh one, saying, "Thank you…" and trailing off because she realized she had no clue what the handsome stranger's name was.

"Dudley," he said. "And you're Hermione, right?" He smiled when Hermione nodded. "Harry's told me a lot about you. It's nice to finally put a face with the name."

"You're Harry's cousin, aren't you?" His face reddened, confirming her assumption. "He's told me a bit about you too."

"Is there any chance you might have forgotten any of that?" Dudley asked, biting his lip.

Hermione gave him a reassuring smile and shook her head. "We all have parts of our past we aren't proud of. It's nice to finally meet you, Dudley." She held out her hand and he reached out and shook it. "I didn't realize any of Harry's family would be here."

She happily chatted with Dudley for a few minutes before a tap on her shoulder made her turn around. Draco was right behind her, an annoyed look marring his face.

"It's time for the wedding party dance," Draco said curtly, side-eyeing Dudley.

"Oh, okay. I'm sure I'll talk to you later," she told Dudley.

"I'll save a dance for you," Dudley replied, waving as Hermione followed Draco to the dance floor.

Draco assumed the lead position and Hermione suppressed the urge to argue. It was her last day with him and she wanted to enjoy it. Even though she knew nothing was going to happen between them, it was nice just to be close to him.

Unfortunately, the ease that had grown between them in the past month had seemed to disappear. Draco was tense and silent as he led her in a waltz.

"It's going to be weird going back to normal tomorrow," Hermione said, attempting to spark conversation.

"And what does your normal look like?" Draco asked.

"Well," Hermione let out a quiet laugh, "I guess I'll have a new normal waiting for me in New York. I start a new job that will let me move into a new apartment. Thanks to this trip, I get to go back in a healthier state of mind." She looked up at Draco, but he was staring over her shoulder. "Thank you."

"For what?" he asked, still not looking at her.

"For helping me," she said, laying her head on his shoulder as the waltz transitioned to a slow pop song.

"You're welcome," he said simply. And, if she wasn't mistaken, his arm wrapped a bit tighter around her waist.

"How does it feel to finally be married?"

Harry smiled and answered, "It's a big relief," as he spun Hermione around. "I'm ready to move on to the next big adventure."

"When will you let the rest of the family in on the secret?" Hermione whispered.

"Probably after the honeymoon. It's kind of nice having something only the two of us know about."

"Well, you two and me, and Draco, and now Ron," Hermione added with a smirk.

"If it was up to me, I wouldn't tell anyone else until just before the arrival. You remember how Molly was with Fleur?"

"Yes, I do," Hermione said with a laugh. "She can be a bit overbearing at times but-"

"She means well," Harry finished with a sigh. "I know, I know. I've been mentally preparing myself for the next few months. It'll be an interesting time, to say the least. You sure you don't want to move back here so you can catch the show?"

Hermione smiled but shook her head. "I've got lots of interesting things waiting for me back in the Big Apple." She wrapped her arms around her best friend's neck and hugged him tightly. "I'll miss you though."

She felt him smile when he kissed the side of her head. "Anyone else, in particular, you're going to miss?"

"Yes," Hermione answered. "I'll miss your crazy wife too."

"Of course," Harry chuckled. He left the unspoken name hang in the air as they continued their dance.

Hermione wished time would just slow down so she could savor the rest of the evening with her friends. Time, unfortunately, never works in the way one wants it to. Before she knew it, dinner was over, the cake had been cut (and smashed into Harry's face), the bouquet tossed, and some of the older guests had started to say their goodbyes to the newlyweds.

"Excuse me."

A magically magnified voice drew the attention of the remaining guests to the front of the reception hall. There, on a raised platform, stood Draco, just lowering his wand from performing the Sonorus charm.

"I know Harry and Ginevra had decided to forgo toasts this evening. I believe they said something about after a few glasses of champagne, once one Weasley takes the stage the rest are quick to follow. I understand that statement a lot more now." He paused as laughter rippled through the hall.

"I feel it would be very remiss of me, as best man, not to say something, though." Draco quickly cleared his throat before continuing. "I know many were surprised to see my pale face standing in the best man spot and, honestly, I was pretty shocked when Potter asked me. I'm not used to people thinking of me as the best of anything."

"I think what shocked me the most was how quickly I said yes. I accepted the honor with no hesitation. Not because I think I'm the best, but because I know Harry is the best. After everything I put him through over the years, he still was able to see some good in me. I'm still trying to find it, but he insists it's there." As the crowd rumbled with laughter again, Hermione noticed Draco take a deep, steadying breath.

"In spite of my stubbornness, or maybe because of it, Harry and Ginny have insisted on making me a part of their lives and I don't know if I'll ever be able to properly show them how much that means to me. This moment might just be the closest I get. So, please, raise your glasses and join me in toasting the couple that not only brings out the best in each other but the best in everyone they meet. To Harry and Ginny!"

"Cheers!" were shouted over the clinking of champagne glasses. Hermione dabbed away tears that had collected at the corners of her eyes as Harry jumped up onto the platform and wrapped Draco is a hug.

"Ugh, geroff me, Potter," Draco groaned, patting Harry on the back. "Your appreciation has been noted." Harry leaned down and whispered something to Draco, making him smile, smack Harry's shoulder, and mutter, "Sod off, you sap." He started to step down from the platform, but then backed up and added, "The DJ would like me to inform everyone that the next song will be the last of the evening."

"May I have the last dance?"

Hermione glanced over her shoulder to see Ron holding out his hand.

"That would a nice way to end the night," Hermione said, taking Ron's hand and following him to the dance floor.

She went to assume a proper dance position, but Ron wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, giving her no choice but to drape hers around his neck. He leaned in close, resting his cheek against hers as they swayed to the music.

"You know, I stand by what I told you weeks ago. I don't want to get back together with you," Hermione said, trying to be gentle yet firm with her tone.

"I know," Ron said, his voice light and honest. "You're right. We work better as friends."

"Oh, good." Hermione chewed on the inside of her cheek, thinking about her next question before finally asking, "Then what exactly are you doing?"

"Trying to see what shade of red I can make Malfoy's pasty face turn."

"What?!" Hermione pulled back and glared at Ron's smug, smirking face.

"Oh, please, 'Mione," Ron laughed, pulling her close once more. "You can't tell me you haven't noticed him watching you the entire night."

"He hasn't been watching me the entire night. He's been too preoccupied chatting up every single one of Ginny's teammates," Hermione protested.

"And you know this because…"

"Because I-because G-Ginny told me," Hermione mumbled."

"Right, not because you've been watching him the entire night, right?"

Hermione sighed and let her forehead fall onto her ex's shoulder. "What are you getting at, Ronald?"

"I think he likes you. You should give him a chance."

"You hate Draco Malfoy."

"Hate may not be the right word anymore," Ron admitted. "And anyway, I love you and want to see you happy."
"I am happy," Hermione insisted.

"Do you like the ferret?"

"That is neither here nor there. I already told you, Draco Malfoy has no interest in a relationship. Not just with me, but with anyone. That Astoria woman really messed him up."

"So then he's not glaring at me like he's trying to wandlessly strangle me?"

"Ron-"

"Hold on, let me experiment," Ron interrupted. "I'm just going to hold you a little closer and bend down like I'm whispering something in your ear. Now, you smile and just sneak a look to your right."

Hermione let out a grumble but followed his instructions. From her peripheral vision, she spotted Draco. He was indeed watching them, with his mouth set in a firm line. With furrowed brows, Hermione looked up at Ron's grinning face.

"Ron, let it go. Nothing is going to happen.."

"Why are you fighting this? Your face says it all. You're smitten with him. Only Merlin know whys, but you look at him the same way you looked at Lockhart, and Lupin, and bloody Viktor Krum."

"I was not smitten with Remus!" Hermione cried, her face blushing at the mention of her old, and what she had thought was a secret, crush.

"Sure, and I've been chosen as Witch Weekly's next fashion model." Ron sighed and shook his head. "I'll drop the subject, but promise me something."

Hermione hesitated before asking, "What?"

"Don't close yourself off from the world. Give yourself another chance with someone. You deserve to have somebody in your life that appreciates and adores you." The music faded away, but Ron still held her close. "You're strong and intelligent and just all around amazing. Try to remember that when you go back to New York."

"I-I'll try," Hermione said in a choked voice, as tears streamed down her cheeks. "You too, you know. You can be quite a catch when you haven't got your head up your arse." She let out a laugh at the huge grin that lit up his face.

"Exactly what do you think I've been doing for the last three years?" Ron asked, with a tone of faux exasperation.

"Well, I guess not every girl is going to find the milk-stained vests as charming as I did on Saturday mornings," Hermione sighed. She looked around and found they were now alone on the silent dance floor and only a few guests were left milling about the tables. "I should go say goodbye to Harry and Ginny before they run off and officially start their honeymoon."

"Come on, I'll walk you to your room afterward. Never know what sort of dodgy wizards you'll run into."

Harry and Ginny were standing by the reception hall door, bidding their guests farewell. Ginny had unpinned her hair and was standing barefoot, wrapped up in Harry's tux jacket. Harry's bowtie was undone, hanging around his neck, and he was shaking his cousin's hand.

"Thanks for coming," Harry said, patting Dudley's shoulder. "Give your mum our best."

"And Dad?" Dudley asked, smirking at Harry's grimace.

"I guess you can tell him hello," Harry grumbled. "But give him the finger when his back is turned."

Dudley guffawed as Ginny gave Harry's chest a playful slap.

"Congrats again," Dudley said, giving Ginny a quick hug. He gave a wave to Hermione and Ron before he left.

"He really took a fancy to you, Min," Harry commented, once Dudley was out of earshot.

"Yes, I noticed."

"That she notices," Ron muttered.

Hermione shot him a glare before turning back to Harry and saying, "He is very nice, but I know too much of the history. I'm glad he's not a jerk anymore, but I think I'll keep any relationship with him cordial."

"I think that would be for the best," Harry laughed. He pulled her in for a hug and squeezed her tight. "I can't believe you're leaving tomorrow. Are you sure you can't stay a little longer?"

"I've already been here for a month! Besides, you two won't even be around."

"I'm sure there will be other's here to occupy your time," Harry said, raising an eyebrow in insinuation.

"Jeez, between you and Ron, I'm really feeling ganged up on here! Ginevra, tell your husband to let it go."

"Why would I do that when I completely agree with him?" Ginny said, innocently.

Hermione let out a frustrated whine. "Right, you've all gone crazy then. On that note, I am off to bed so I don't sleep through my portkey tomorrow. As soon as I get back home, though, I'll start planning my trip back for the new year. You just tell me how long you want me to stay and I'll make sure I have the time off."

"How does forever sound?" Ginny said, wrapping Hermione in a tight hug.

"I was thinking more along the line of two or three weeks."

"I'll take what I can get," Ginny said, stepping back and dabbing at her glassy eyes. "Owl us as soon as you get back, okay?"

"I will," Hermione promised.

"Love you," Harry said, hugging her one last time.

"Love you, too," Hermione whispered, kissing his cheek.

It was the hardest thing in the world to let go of her best friend and force herself to follow Ron to the lifts. She kept reminding herself that it wouldn't be long before she would be back to see them and the new baby. The thought of a new little one was enough to make her smile and keep the tears at bay.

When they reached her room, Hermione turned to Ron and gave him one last hug.

"Thank you for being so understanding and patient with me," she said.

"Thank you for giving me a second chance to be a part of your life."

Hermione smiled and kissed his cheek. "I'll see you soon," she said, before unlocking the door and slipping into the empty room.

O0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Draco paced back and forth, outside the entrance to the hotel. His mind was buzzing with a million thoughts and feelings and he had no clue what to do about any of it. He flicked the ash off the cigarette in his hand before taking another deep drag, trying to calm his nerves.

It really was a mark of how high strung he was at that moment. He hadn't smoked in years; partaking in the youthful habit more to fit in than for actual enjoyment. But when he saw Hermione leave the hall with Weasley, all he could think about was how much he needed a fag. And Firewhiskey.

After a detour to the bar, where he had several shots before the bartender cut him off for closing, he was able to get a cigarette off of Potter's cousin.

"She should be with him," Draco muttered to himself, exhaling a stream of smoke from his nose. "They have a history. And why do I even care? I don't care. I-"

"Didn't take you for a smoker."

Draco's head whipped around to find Ron had just come out the door. He finished the cigarette and stubbed it out in a nearby ashtray.

"I'm not, usually," Draco answered, blowing the last of the smoke to the side. "Extenuating circumstance. What are you doing here?"

Ron looked at him, his eyes narrowing in confusion. "Um, we just had a wedding here, remember?"

"I know that you twat," Draco said, a bit harsher than he had intended. "I mean, what are you doing here, outside."

"Wedding's over. I'm leaving," Ron said slowly.

"Leaving," Draco repeated, his mind stalling for a moment as he took in what that meant. "You're not staying?"

"Are you fucking with me, ferret, or just drunk?"

"Bit of both it would seem."

"I'm leaving, as in exiting the premises. I was here for a special event and now that that special event is over, I have no reason to remain and shall be heading home. To my flat. Where I live."

"That's enough, Weasel. I'm not a child. I just thought...nevermind, it's not important. Have a good night," Draco said, sidestepping Ron and heading back into the hotel.

"Yeah, thanks. You too," Ron called after him.

Draco approached the middle-aged witch at the check-in desk. She looked up from the parchment she was reading and greeted him with a small wave, saying "Good evening, sir. Checking in?"

"No, I need to get the number of the room my friend is staying in," Draco answered, drumming his fingers anxiously on the counter.

"Sure, what's your friend's name?" the receptionist said, opening up her login book.

"Granger."

"Granger," she repeated, running her finger down the list of guests' names. "Hermione Granger?" Draco nodded and the receptionist frowned and shook her head. "Sorry, sir. I can't give out her room number. Miss Granger hasn't given us permission to give that information out."

Draco stopped his drumming and said, "What? You've got to be fucking kidding me. She knows me. She's expecting me!" The last part may have been embellished, but he was pretty certain she wouldn't be surprised if he showed up outside her hotel room.

"Again, terribly sorry, sir, but it's hotel policy. We make our guests' safety and privacy our priority."

"Look, I understand that. But I'm her friend. She knows me," Draco repeated. He reached over the counter in an attempt to grab the log book, but the receptionist slammed it shut and put it away. "Dammit, just tell me her room number!"

"Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to leave or else I'll be forced to call in the DMLE." Her smile was long gone and her hand was tightly gripping a wand.

"That's fine. I know everyone in the department anyway." With his drunken mind telling he had nothing to lose, Draco pushed himself onto the counter. A shout across the lobby made him stop before he had fully climbed behind the desk.

"Draco! The hell are you doing, man?" Potter cried, pulling Draco back by the shoulder. "Sorry about that, Norah. It would appear my best man has been over-served." Draco allowed Harry to push him across the lobby to where Ginny was standing, tapping her foot and giving Draco a disapproving glare.

"What the hell are you doing, going after that poor woman like that?" Ginny insisted, smacking him upside the head.

"Ow!" Draco yelped, catching her hand before she could land another blow. "I wasn't going after the woman. I was trying to get the guest book."

"Oh, is that all? So I should arrest you for burglary instead of assault?"

"If you want to get technical about it, it'd be attempted burglary since I never got the damn book," Draco mumbled petulantly. "I didn't even really want the book. I just wanted Granger's room number."

"There are other ways of obtaining that information without risking arrest," Harry said.

"Yeah, but I've found that my Legilimency doesn't work as well when I've been drinking."

"For Merlin's sake," Harry groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. "I mean try asking someone else that has that information."

"You know what room she's in?"

"Yes, though I'm tempted to leave you hanging for being such an idiot."

Ginny shook her head and motioned for Draco to step closer. He took a hesitant step forward and Ginny wrinkled her nose as she ran her wand over him, from head to toe.

"That's better. I'm not about to send you up to my best friend smelling like a pub toilet." Ginny cup his cheeks in her hands and leaned in close before adding, "And if I ever find out you smoked again, I will shove a cigarette in every orifice of your body."

"I hardly think-"

"Every. Orifice." Ginny repeated sternly, slapping Draco's cheek a bit harder than he felt was warranted.

"Message received," Draco said, stepping back and looking towards Harry for help.

"Fourth floor, room four twenty-five," Harry said, nodding his head toward the lifts.

"Thanks."

Draco gave one last fearful look at Ginny before he quickly strode to the lifts. When they opened on the fourth floor, Draco thanked the Gods for the unattended housekeeping cart he was met with. He swiped a bottle of mouthwash and attempted to get rid his mouth of any lingering ashiness. After discreetly spitting the remnants into a potted plant, he approached the door marked 425 and quickly knocked.

The door opened a crack, then closed again, and Draco could hear the chain lock being undone. When it opened once more, Hermione stood in the doorway, wearing a cotton bathrobe and a puzzled look. Her once tamed curls had been unpinned and were now framing her face in a wild array.

"Draco? What are you doing here?" Hermione asked, hastily running her hands over her hair.

"I didn't get to say goodbye."

"Oh, that's okay. Y-"

"No, it's not," Draco interrupted. He threaded his fingers through her wild curls and leaned in to meet her lips with a soft kiss.

Without pause or protest, Hermione wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him into the room, never letting her lips leave his. Draco was vaguely aware of the sound of the lock sliding back into place as Hermione pushed him back against the door, deepening the kiss.

Desperate to not break the connection, Draco lifted Hermione up and carried her to the bed. He sat on the edge with Hermione's legs wrapped around his middle and her fingers twirling the soft locks of hair at the nape of his neck.

Unlike their previous encounters, there was no urgency in their actions that evening. It wasn't a race to the finish, with both eager for release. Draco took his time exploring the lines and peaks of her lips, memorizing the pattern of freckles on her shoulder as he kissed each one, and letting himself get lost in the haze of vanilla and jasmine that enveloped him.

Much like the night of the hen party, Draco slowly worked his way from the top of Hermione's body to the bottom, kissing and caressing every bit of skin he could stake claim to. This time though, she was more than welcome to touch anything she pleased and he relished every one; her fingers raking through his hair and down his back, gripping his length and slowly stroking him over and over as he purred his appreciation into the crook of her neck.

Draco felt like he was drunk and it wasn't just the Firewhiskey coursing through his system. It was almost like an out of body experience that he didn't want to end. When he finally eased into her, his mind started etching every gasp, sigh, and moan to memory as he sank deeper and deeper with each thrust. If this was going to be his last night with Hermione, he was going to savor every moment.

After they had come down from their climaxes, Hermione kissed his cheek, bade him goodnight, and was softly snoring moments after lying her head on the pillow. Draco aimlessly twisted one of her curls around his finger, trying to figure out what the hell was going on with himself.

Draco had never had a night like that before. Sex had rarely been about having a connection with women. It had always been something to satisfy a primal need. His very first time had been quick, clumsy, and ended with a very pissed off Pansy storming out of a Hogwarts broom closet. Even in his relationship with Astoria, it had been more fire than romance in the bedroom. And all those one night stands...he couldn't remember any names or faces, but he knew none of them came close to what he had experienced that evening.

Letting the honey curl drop from his finger, Draco rolled over and mentally doused his mind with icy water. A month ago he had told her he wasn't relationship material and that he didn't want to hurt her. He had meant it. She deserved better than what he would ever be able to give her. Not that he was arrogant enough to think that Hermione wanted anything of the sort from him. Strangely enough, he was having trouble convincing himself that he didn't want anything like that with her.

When he woke the following morning, he was not surprised to find himself in an empty bed and all of Hermione's things gone. He was however perplexed to wake up clutching a piece of parchment. He carefully unfolded it and read-

Thanks for saying goodbye. -HG

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

"You're home!" Lizzie yelled the moment Hermione opened her apartment door.

"Hi! I didn't expect you to be here," Hermione said, reaching down and attempting to pet Crookshanks as he weaved between her legs.

"I have good news for you and couldn't wait to tell you." Lizzie was bouncing excitedly on her tiptoes. "You know the old lady, that lives in the apartment across from mine?"

"Yes. Mrs. Jankowski, right?" Hermione closed the door and swished her wand, sending her suitcases gliding to her bedroom.

"Her apartment became available and I convinced her grandson to sublet it you!"

"Did she die?"

"No, she's fine. She couldn't manage the steps anymore so she's gone into a nursing home. That's not the important part, though. Did you hear me say, the place is yours! And, because I'm such a good negotiator, the grandson is letting you have it for half the rental price all the other units are going for."

"Exactly how did you negotiate this deal?"

"Again, that's not important. I hung his number on your fridge. He said to call him when you got back into town so you could look over the lease and sign it."

"Wow, that's great, Liz. Thank you!" Hermione hung up her purse and flopped down on the couch. "I don't have to do any more 'negotiating', do I?"

"Nope, I took care of all the dirty work," Liz answered with a wink. "So, tell me everything! Starting off with what is clearly written all over your face, who was the No-Maj you fucked?"

Hermione chuckled and leaned her head back. She had missed her friend's blunt, no-nonsense ways.

"If it was clearly written in my face then you'd know it wasn't a No-Maj. It was a wizard,"

"Spill it, girl!" Lizzie demanded, flinging herself onto the couch, beside Hermione. "Who was it? Was he good? Who seduced who? Tell me!"

"How long do you have?" Hermione asked, looking at her watch for dramatic effect.

"As long as it takes," Lizzie said, sitting criss-cross and looking expectantly at Hermione.

"Well, back in my first year at Hogwarts-"

"Hold up. If this is where the story starts, I'm gonna need some provisions," Lizzie interrupted, and Accioed a bottle of wine. "Okay, go on."

Hermione gave a longing look at the wine bottle, secretly wishing it was Firewhiskey.