Chapter Twenty-Four

Birthday Party

Hermione blinked again, trying to keep her eyes open.

She had been up most of the night, preparing for a rather complicated trial about a werewolf that morning. It had gone well in the end and the poor man hadn't had his wand taken away.

Apart from the new law she was planning to present for the first time in a couple of weeks, Hermione was working on a decree to make it easier for people suffering from lycanthropy to access the wolfsbane potion.

It was going to be very difficult to get them to buy the ingredients for free, but at least she could get the Ministry to subsidise a portion of the cost so they would have a discount. Hermione wasn't going to stop until that was a reality.

She glanced at the clock hanging on the wall and sighed as she saw that she still had an hour left before she could go home.

Once there, she had to shower and get dressed for the big birthday party that awaited her at the Leaky Cauldron.

Hermione sighed again, resting her forehead on her desk and closing her eyes.

'I'm going to rest my eyes, just for a second...'

Someone knocked on her office door three times and she jerked her head up, gasping.

"Just a moment!" she called out in a shrill voice, checking that all her papers were in order and rubbing her eyes to wake herself up.

Hermione let out a long sigh, looking up at the door.

"Come in."

Her jaw dropped open when Draco enter with a paper cup in his hand.

"Hello."

"Hi," she replied with a smile.

Hermione hadn't seen him for two days, and the strangest thing of all was that he wasn't wearing one of his suits. This time he had chosen a dark green jumper and dark, almost black trousers.

Draco walked over to her, rounding the desk and giving her a shy smile that made her heart flutter.

He cupped her chin with his right hand, lifting it as he leaned in. Hermione closed her eyes as he kissed her, sighing against his lips.

Draco pulled away a few inches, looking into her eyes.

"How's your day going?"

Hermione smiled, knowing she was blushing. He always kissed her in a very sweet way, as if he was afraid of hurting her.

She waved her wand and one of the chairs levitated to her side.

"Well, I'm a little exhausted. I didn't expect to see you here."

Draco stared down at her for a moment, sighing and resting his ankle on his knee after sitting down.

"I don't want you to be angry."

"Why would I be angry? You can come here whenever you want," she asked, confused.

He'd popped into her office, bringing a hot tea for her and making her feel much better just spending some time together. What could be wrong with that?

"Today... rather, last night I sensed your distress and anxiety. Potter came by the manor to bring something for my mother and I asked him to let me come here to check on you. He said you were tired, so I bought that for you at the snack bar," Draco murmured, pointing to the cup with his gaze.

Hermione nodded, removing the lid that covered the cup and lifting it to her nose. This time the tea had a hint of orange in it.

"I thought you could only feel what I feel if it was something really strong," she commented, blowing on it to cool it down.

Draco ran a hand through his blond hair.

"I thought so, but I seem to be feeling more and more things. I think it's from... spending so much time together," he added in a whisper.

He reached out and traced her right forearm with his fingers absently. Hermione held her breath as her hair stood on end.

"Do you think it could also be because we kiss often now?" she asked softly, seeking his gaze.

He smirked, rubbing his chin with the hand that wasn't stroking her skin.

"Hmm yes, it's possible."

Hermione snorted, shaking her head as she smiled.

"You and your secrets, Draco Malfoy."

He furrowed his brow, his lips twisting to the side.

"Secrets? But you know almost everything, Granger. You do what you want with me."

Her cheeks reddened and a crooked smile spread across his face.

"And you can keep doing it. I don't mind at all," he commented in a deep voice, catching a curl in his fingers and tucking it behind her ear.

Hermione swallowed, unable to answer. Draco ran his tongue over his teeth and looked away from her.

"I also... I also brought this," he added, pulling a small vial from his trouser pocket.

Hermione looked down at the clear liquid curiously.

"What is it?"

"It's one of my potions, it helps with accumulated fatigue. I used it at Hogwarts when I was studying at night."

"I used to study at night, too. I always was the last person left in the common room," she said, looking up again.

Draco pursed his lips, trying not to smile.

"I fell asleep in an armchair more than one night and had to be woken up by the elves."

"It happened to me a couple of times," Hermione added, laughing softly.

She reached out and took the vial, uncapping it.

"Do I have to pour it all in?"

Draco shook his head.

"A couple of drops should be enough."

Hermione poured two drops on her tea and replaced the lid on the vial, handing it back to him.

"Thank you."

He nodded with a small smile, putting it back in his pocket. She took two long sips of tea, closing her eyes and sighing as she set the cup down on the table.

"My God, Draco, I can feel it already! It's like I've slept for eight hours."

He chuckled and Hermione took one of his hands, giving it a squeeze.

"I've been thinking for a while now that you should sell your potions. I'm sure a lot of people would buy them."

His face darkened instantly and he released her hand, crossing his arms.

"No one would want to buy something made by a Malfoy, Granger. Besides, I can't make potions as fast as I used to since I don't have my wand. Minsy helps me, but I don't like to be bothering her all the time."

Hermione twisted her lips, holding out her hand again.

"We'll get your wand back."

"I know," he said, sighing and interlacing their fingers.

Draco turned their joined hands over, watching them curiously, and she smiled.

"Really? You finally believe me?"

"If anyone can do it, it's you, Granger."

That made her blush again. Hermione nodded, sipping some more tea.

"Thank you for believing in me."

He arched an eyebrow but didn't answer.

Once the cup was empty, Hermione set it down on the table and vanished it with her wand.

"Half an hour and I can go home," she commented, glancing at the clock again and letting out a long sigh.

Draco shifted in his chair.

"Do you want me to leave, Granger?"

"No, you're not bothering me," she replied, shaking her head. "You could help me by reading this and giving me your opinion," she added, pushing a small folder towards him.

Draco opened it on the desk, furrowing his brow as he began to read.

"Have you finished the draft of your new law yet?"

Hermione grimaced.

"Yes, but I know they're going to find some problem and I'll have to resubmit it. They always do that."

"As far as I know, this will be the first time Hermione Granger has presented a bill to the Wizengamot," Draco commented, turning the page.

She grinned, glancing sideways at the ring on his left hand. It was silver, with a large dark green M in the centre.

The Malfoy signet ring. Hermione remembered seeing Lucius wearing one just like it when they had passed him in Diagon Alley. Draco had been there that day as well, and he'd taunted Ginny and Harry before Mr Weasley had lunged for Lucius and they'd both ended up being thrown out of the bookshop.

Hermione held out her forefinger, tracing the M. She looked up at Draco and saw his grey eyes fixed on her.

"And Draco Malfoy will be there, giving his testimony and getting his wand back."

One corner of his lips twisted upwards.

"Of course."

She smiled. The Malfoy name no longer had the same meaning as before.

Hermione took a quick shower and picked out a summer white dress, along with heeled sandals and a red jacket.

It wasn't too cold that afternoon and she wanted to make the most of it. Besides, it was always quite warm in the Leaky Cauldron.

Before leaving, Hermione grabbed some thin white gloves that Narcissa had lent her and put them on.

When she went downstairs she found Draco in the living room. He had taken off his jumper and was wearing a polo shirt of the same colour underneath.

Draco frowned at the sight of her and jumped up.

"Give me a minute. I'll be right back."

He moved towards the fireplace but Hermione stopped him with a gesture.

"Draco! Where are you going?"

"I need a suit," he said, pointing at her dress.

"What? No, you're fine like this. You don't need to change."

His brow furrowed.

"Are you sure?" he asked, doubtful.

Hermione nodded, hiding a smile. He was too fond of always looking neat and formal.

"No one's going to be that dressed up, but if you're more comfortable in one of your suits I'll wait here," she murmured, pointing to an armchair.

He clenched and unclenched his fists, sighing.

"Okay, then. I'll go like this."

"Did you tell Parkinson and the boys to come?" she asked, taking a few steps until she was beside him.

Having his friends around would help him feel more comfortable so Hermione had decided to invite them.

Draco snorted.

"They'll probably be there by now. And Potter?"

"He should be there as well."

"So... Are we going to arrive together?" he asked, swallowing hard.

Hermione smiled at him.

"It looks like it."

"And everyone will know that we're... that we're dating."

"Yeah," she said, holding one of his hands and looking up into his eyes.

A small smile spread across his face as he looked down at her gloves, and he threw a handful of Floo powder into the fireplace.

"Hermione! Happy birthday!"

Ron and Harry shouted as they saw her appear in the Leaky Cauldron fireplace, running towards her. They stopped a few inches away and each took one of her hands, squeezing it affectionately.

Narcissa had definitely had a very good idea in giving her the gloves. Being able to touch her friends without worrying about Draco was such a relief.

"Thank you," she replied with a big smile.

The main room was filled with floating candles that reminded her of the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Gold balloons floated near the ceiling and there were several tables with trays full of food and a small cake in the middle.

Hermione swallowed at the sight of the nineteen candles and Draco leaned over her.

"You're older than me now," he whispered in her ear.

She looked sideways at him, trying not to blush.

"Respect your elders, then."

She heard him chuckle as he placed his hand on her lower back.

"Not a chance, Granger."

"Your presents are over there, Hermione. Do you want to open them now?" Ron asked, excited.

Hermione rolled her eyes with a smile.

"It's all right. You can open them for me, Ron."

"Great!" he shouted, running over to the corner where there were several packages wrapped in garish colours.

Harry and Hermione laughed.

"Hermyome."

She turned around and her smile widened.

"Viktor! When did you get to England?"

Draco felt something press against his chest.

There he was, the only person who had ever kissed Granger besides him, and he hadn't changed. His eyebrows were still bushy and his face was still as serious, though he seemed to be trying to smile.

"Tvo days ago. You're as lovely as ever," he said, taking one of her hands and kissing her knuckles.

Draco looked away, pressing his lips together. He wasn't in pain, but it was uncomfortable to see another man being so affectionate with her.

"And you must be her boyfriend, right? I remember you. I sat at your table during the tournament."

He turned around, surprised to hear Krum addressing him. He looked back at him and found his dark eyes fixed on his face.

Draco smiled as he noticed that he was quite a bit taller than him.

"Draco Malfoy," he murmured, offering him his hand.

Krum shook it tightly.

"Yes, I remember your name. You talked a lot about blood purity and you stopped approaching me vhen you sav that I took her to the ball," he commented, glancing sideways at Hermione.

Draco blanched but she gave him a small, reassuring smile.

"Things have changed a lot around here, Viktor."

"I see. A pleasure to see you again, Malfoy. I hope you take good care of my Hermyon."

Draco felt a pang of jealousy. His Hermione?

He was about to reply when he smelled a strange scent in the air.

He scanned the main room with his gaze, watching all the guests carefully.

His three friends were in the corner, talking to a blonde girl who appeared to be Lovegood. Potter had moved away and was surrounded by redheads, and his mother was sitting at a table with Mrs Weasley beside her.

He found her at once. Her silver blonde hair seemed to glow under the candles and she was staring at him too.

Draco made his way through the crowd without taking his eyes off the woman.

He hadn't thought about Fleur Delacour since the Triwizard Tournament, but he remembered all his Slytherin mates drooling over her.

He had heard the rumours about her having Veela blood that year, though he hadn't been the least bit interested. He knew for a fact that his mate would be someone completely human, so Draco wasted no time in watching her every move like the rest of his friends.

He averted his gaze to the left for a second, finding Theo and Blaise with their eyes fixed on Delacour and their mouths half open. He couldn't help but smirk when Pansy smacked them both.

With five more steps, he reached the source of the unfamiliar smell. She was a little taller than Granger and her straight hair fell down her back, reaching her hips.

Draco saw her eyes drift for a second to one of the redheads who was talking to Potter.

"I see you've found me," she said with a smile.

Draco narrowed his eyes.

"I smelled you from across the room."

"Draco Malfoy, am I right? ermione talks about you a lot," Delacour replied, offering him her hand.

Draco hesitated, glancing sideways to where Granger stood with Longbottom and Krum.

He took her hand and shook it, releasing it immediately. She raised an eyebrow.

"ermione is a uman, she's not going to feel anything eef you touch me," she added.

"I'd rather not risk it. I've never been around anyone like me."

"My grandmozer is a Veela and I'm part Veela too, zough not as much as you. I didn't ave any problems back ome."

He nodded, folding his arms as he looked around the room.

"Yes, Veela blood works differently in women."

Delacour giggled, taking a sip from her wine glass.

"I am a quarter Veela, but I am officially a simple uman. The only difference is zat men tend to feel attracted to me, just like it appens to zem when zey see Veelas."

"I didn't feel anything when you were at Hogwarts, though," Draco muttered, glancing sideways at her.

She shrugged.

"Because you're not a regular uman, Malfoy. Even eef your Veela blood wasn't activated, you had ze genes inside of you."

Draco ran his tongue over his teeth, picking up a glass of butterbeer from a nearby table.

"You can't transform?"

Delacour shook her head and he sighed.

"My Veela side activated a few months ago when I first saw Granger after the battle."

She tapped the rim of her glass gently with her fingernails, cocking her head to the side.

"It's razer strange zat ermione is your soulmate, don't you think?"

Draco took a sharp step towards her and covered her mouth with his hand.

"Don't talk about it out loud. She doesn't know yet," he hissed angrily.

Her blue eyes widened and she nodded.

"I didn't know. I thought you couldn't ave secrets with er."

"And I can't lie to her, but I haven't told her everything yet. I don't want to scare her."

"My grandmozer as told me all about Veelas, naturally, but I won't say anything. Your secret is safe with me."

A red-haired man with several scars on his face suddenly appeared at her side, giving Draco a dark look and pushing him a few feet away from her.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"Relax, Bill. It was just a misunderstanding."

Draco held his breath. Bill Weasley, the brother who had been injured when the Death Eaters had entered Hogwarts. He glanced again at the two scars across his face as he felt a lump in his throat.

That had been Greyback's doing. And it had happened because of him.

The man's face relaxed at her words and he nodded, giving Draco one last warning glance.

"I'll be close by if you need me."

She kissed his cheek and he turned away again, glancing over his shoulder a couple of times.

"e's my usband, we got married last year. I suppose ermione told you."

"She mentioned something, yes, though I didn't know you'd be here today."

"We've come ere to give er a surprise. ermione as been wanting to talk to me for a while, and we're going to be staying in London for a few weeks."

Draco wrinkled his nose, looking around again as he took another sip of beer.

Fucking Krum was still talking to Granger.

"You shouldn't wait much longer, Malfoy. You don't ave much time left to complete ze bond."

Draco coughed, choking on his drink.

"How do you know that?" he asked, looking at her again.

She pointed to her nose.

"You're getting weaker. I can smell it."

Draco made a face.

"I still have some time left. Don't tell Granger."

"I won't," she replied, smiling in his direction.

Someone called her name and Delacour shook out her long silver hair.

"I ope to see you again soon, Malfoy."

Draco nodded and she walked gracefully over to where the Weasley family stood.

"What did you talk to her about?"

He rolled his eyes and turned his head. His two friends were glued to him, watching Delacour again.

"Stop staring at her or Pansy will slap you again."

A crooked grin spread across Blaise's face.

"I'll take my chances. Have you seen that arse, Draco?"

He clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"You've been in a disgusting mood ever since Pansy talked to us about it. Keep the drool in check, Blaise."

His friend narrowed his eyes, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I will when you stop drooling every time you look at Granger."

Draco found her in only a second beside Potter and blushed, working his jaw.

"Touché," Theo mumbled with a laugh.

An hour later Hermione had already cut the cake and opened all the presents.

The Weasley family said goodbye to her and Molly gave her a big hug before leaving. Narcissa followed, holding her hand for a moment and smiling. When the woman disappeared into the green flames, Hermione turned away.

"Aren't you going to your mother's?"

Draco stood beside her, his hands in his pockets.

"I want to give you your present first."

Her gaze dropped to his pockets and he smirked, shaking his head.

"I don't have it here. Potter?"

Harry waved goodbye to Luna and walked over to them.

"Now?"

"Yes," Draco nodded, pulling a black handkerchief out of his pocket. "I need you to put this on, Granger. I don't want you to spoil my surprise this time."

She raised an eyebrow but took it and wrapped it around her head, tying it in a knot.

Draco made sure it covered her eyes and nodded. Potter grabbed them both and the three of them apparated with a crack.

"I'm leaving, Malfoy. Let me know if she likes it."

"Okay, Potter."

Hermione heard another crack, which meant that her friend had disapparated. Draco took one of her hands and pulled her to walk beside him.

"Where are we?"

"We're in the Muggle part of London, but it's dark and Potter has made sure no one saw us. We just have to walk a little further."

She let him lead the way until Draco stopped, holding her shoulders.

"Ready?"

Her heart was racing. Hermione swallowed.

"Yes."

"What do you think it is?" he asked in her ear.

She shrugged.

"I have no idea. Are you taking me to the cinema?"

"I don't know what that is, Granger."

They both laughed and Draco reached behind her, untying the handkerchief and kissing her cheek.

"Welcome to your new home."

The cloth fell and Hermione gasped at the sight right in front of her, bringing both hands to her face as tears welled up in her eyes.

Her parents' old house stood back where it had always been as if they had gone back in time.

It was a little nightmare to write Krum and Fleur's dialogues lmao. Hope you enjoyed it!