CHAPTER 7: Together
December 3, 1991
(present time)
"Love, it's me. I'm here, I'm here...You're not alone."
Hermione didn't mind if she was almost being suffocated by Draco's hug. She didn't care if she was dreaming – or worse, hallucinating.
Draco called her 'love'.
Draco told her he was here.
Draco told her she was not alone.
And she felt so relieved, so she returned his hug and pulled him even closer if that was possible. She closed her eyes, face still buried in the crook of his neck. She let the tears drop from her eyes to his flesh. He didn't mind.
"I love you, Draco," she sobbed. "I thought I lost you."
She felt Draco shake his head. "No. It took me months, but I'm here, I'm here. We'll do this together."
Hermione didn't move. She remained there, arms around Draco's torso, face buried in his neck, and eyes closed. "I love you. Forever."
And Draco just held her, whispering loving and soothing words to her, and he repeatedly kissed her head.
After a while, the two of them finally broke apart. Hermione was greeted, once again, by a familiar pair of beautiful and warm grey eyes, looking at her fondly.
Her Draco.
Her husband.
"When did you get here?" he asked.
"This year, 17th of March," she replied. "You?"
"Just this morning. That's almost nine months apart."
Hermione frowned a bit. Her birthday was 19 September, and Draco's was 5 June. And she arrived back in time on 17 March, and Draco on 3 December. "Maybe because of our birthdays. I'm almost nine months older than you."
Draco stared at her for a moment, and then he nodded. "Maybe. I'm sorry, you had to deal with it alone for nine months."
Hermione cupped his cheeks, eyes on his grey ones. "Oh, Draco, it's not your fault. I am so, so, sorry for not calling you as soon as..." she trailed off. " Auror Potter raided our home. He discovered Theo's time-turner, and we yelled at each other. We argued until we pointed our wands at each other."
Draco briefly closed his eyes, leaned into her touch, and tried to calm himself, Hermione noticed. "I know. I was there." The memory was still painful for him, she knew. Then, when he opened his eyes again, he looked calm, and he looked at her softly. "Was that why you didn't choose Gryffindor this time?"
She nodded. "But I have to tell you something. I didn't know you were coming here with me. I thought I was alone, and I felt like I would go crazy, thinking of so many memories in the past – our past. So, I told Professor Snape about some things that could happen in the future. I kind of showed him during the Sorting how he died the other time, and he thought I'm a Seer. Sorry."
Draco shook his head and looked at her with love in his eyes. "I don't blame you for anything. What else did you tell him?"
"I kind of showed him when the two of us visited his grave. He thinks we are going to get married in the future."
" We are going to get married in the future," he corrected.
Hermione rolled her eyes and slapped him playfully, but deep in her heart, she was happy and relieved to know that they would still be together in the future. Draco wasn't going anywhere. He would be there for her. He still wanted her, despite the time, year, age, and physical body.
"Or maybe you don't want me anymore?" he teased.
Hermione, despite Draco's teasing, looked at Draco solemnly. "My priority, aside from helping defeat Voldemort, is you. I wanted to be close to you. I wanted us to be friends, and I remembered what you said before. If I hadn't been Harry Potter's insufferable friend, you might have befriended me."
Draco chuckled and shook his head, and ran his hand on her ponytail. "That explains the scrunchie," he smirked. "But I didn't say anything about being insufferable."
Hermione snorted and raised an eyebrow. "Really? I think we were in bed; it was after a mind-blowing –"
Draco covered her mouth with his hand. "Merlin, Hermione Granger-Malfoy, don't talk about that, or else I might not control myself!"
Hermione giggled and removed Draco's hand from her mouth. "I'm Miss Granger, you know."
"Yeah, for everyone, you're Miss Granger. But not for me. Merlin, if I had my way… if your parents weren't Muggles and we weren't trying to make your name famous, you'd just be Hermione Malfoy."
She laughed at that. It was true. She was proud to be a Muggle-born. She was proud of her parents, and she wanted the whole wizarding world to know that behind her, a successful woman, were two great people who loved her unconditionally.
And Draco respected that. Hermione really missed him; this Draco, her husband; the one who made effort to get to know her and her parents; the one she spent five years with. She couldn't help it anymore. She threw herself to him for another hug and kissed his cheek. "Oh, I'm so glad you're here."
Draco ran his hands on her back. "Yes. We're in this together. You and me."
.
January 16, 1999
(Hermione's past)
"Do you believe we spend a lot of time at the Three Broomsticks?" Hermione asked Theo while they were walking in the Hogsmeade village.
Theo glanced at her and smirked. "Don't tell me you want to go to Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop?"
She scowled. "Never!"
Theo laughed. "Then, where do you want to go?"
Hermione thought of Draco. Ever since she learned about his feelings for her (and they still had no idea she heard everything), she constantly thought of him. Well, he frequently crossed her mind since the day she and Theo met him at the Three Broomsticks the first time, but after last week, she often daydreamed about him. She wondered what he was doing, where he was, or if he was planning to ask her out, ever. She wondered if he had a girlfriend before. Since the third year, Hermione thought Draco and Pansy were an item until Theo told her about them.
She was harbouring feelings for him, she was sure. But could there be a chance for the two of them?
"Earth to Hermione?"
Hermione looked up to Theo. "What would Draco be doing now? I wonder," she said gently.
Then Theo had that goofy grin on his face. "I believe someone fancies Draco Malfoy. He's at home, come on!"
Before Hermione could answer, Theo grabbed her arm and Apparated the two of them.
They landed in the middle of a hedge maze, facing a beautiful Elizabethan country house. The view surrounding them reminded Hermione of Longleat in Wiltshire.
"And you have to live alone there?" she gaped.
"That's why I have Draco," he grinned and led her to the stairs. "And on weekdays, Teddy."
Malfoy Manor, Hermione remembered, looked bigger than Nott Manor, and taller, and Theo didn't have any albino peacocks. Just a beautiful garden and the ambience wasn't dark. Again, unlike Malfoy Manor.
"This looks nicer than Malfoy Manor," she commented.
"Yeah, because I'm nicer than Draco," he smirked. "Draco, Pansy, and Daphne used to come here when we were children. My father just minded his own business and didn't care much."
He led her to the house and entered what looked like a drawing-room. Theo took their winter coats. Hermione walked around the room. There were several windows, and the curtains were wide open, giving enough light to the room. There was a spacious fireplace, two bookshelves, and some framed photos.
She didn't get a chance to look at them closely because a house-elf appeared in front of them. "Master is home!" exclaimed a house-elf, dressed in a pink tutu. "Pinky is pleased! And Master has a visitor! Pinky will get tea and biscuits!"
"Thank you, Pinky," Theo said kindly. "This is Miss Hermione Granger, my friend."
"Hello, Pinky," she greeted in a friendly manner.
"Pinky, is Draco home?" asked Theo, sitting on a sofa. Hermione sat in an armchair near the window.
"Yes, Master Theo! Master Draco is in the library, studying. Shall Pinky get Master Draco?"
"Yes, Pinky. But don't tell him I am with Hermione. We want to surprise him."
The house-elf gave them a toothless grin. "Master Draco will be pleased, I am sure! Missy Hermy smells like the hanky Master Draco –"
Theo jumped forward to cover Pinky's mouth. "Go, go, just get Draco!"
Pinky's eyes widened, and she disappeared with a faint pop. Hermione wondered if Pinky was talking about her hanky – the hanky Pansy mentioned last week.
"Damn house-elves. When you free and pay them, they get nosy, talk too much, and sometimes boss you around," muttered Theo, slumping on the sofa again.
Tea and biscuits appeared on the coffee table, and Theo prepared his own tea.
"How many house-elves do you have?" she asked, moving to prepare herself tea.
"Eight," he replied.
"What?!" she exclaimed.
Theo rolled his eyes before sipping tea. "I can't let go of all of them, Hermione. They've been with our family even before my parents got married. All of them promised on my mother's grave they'd take care of me. But two of them are at Daphne and Pansy's. But still, there are ten here because Draco brought his two personal elves from the Manor. They didn't want to stay with Narcissa." He turned to face her with a teasing look. "Do you want one?"
"What?! No!" she exclaimed.
Theo laughed.
And they heard footsteps. They turned to the door and saw Draco. He froze and looked utterly surprised when he saw her. Hermione couldn't help but ogle him. He was wearing a green jumper with a Slytherin scarf, and a pair of grey trousers.
He looks so handsome, yet gentle. Far, far from the same boy I knew in school, she thought.
"Hermione," he managed to say her name softly, then his eyes bore to Theo. "Theo. What brings you home?" He suddenly sounded casual.
Theo grinned and rested his back on the arm of the sofa, and dragged his feet off the floor. "You'd be surprised to know that a certain Hermione Granger wonders what you were doing on a Saturday."
Draco snorted and sat in an armchair beside Hermione. "Using her as an excuse? Are you here to check on me and my study progress, Father ?"
Hermione chuckled, and Theo laughed. "I brought you a witch, son ," he played along.
"I'm just tired of the Three Broomsticks, is all," she told Draco rather timidly. Of course, it was partly true. Although, she could not tell him that Theo was right; she was really thinking about him. "And of course, I was wondering if Teddy's here."
"Teddy's only here on weekdays. My aunt wants him around on weekends, during her days off," he told her kindly.
"Pinky said you were in the library. Did we disturb your time hitting the books?" she asked tentatively.
Draco looked at her and gave her a sincere smile. "No, you didn't. And I could use a little break." Then, he turned back to Theo. "Are you staying here tonight?"
Theo shrugged. "I can. Only if you escort Hermione back to Hogwarts tonight."
Draco nodded promptly. "Yeah, all right, no worries," he assured him. "Stay here for dinner?" Draco asked her, sounding hesitant.
"Of course!" she nodded happily; her belly full of butterflies.
"Brilliant!" Theo clapped. "Draco, why don't you give our little bookworm a tour while I Floo call Daph and Pans?" Theo got up from the sofa and went to the fireplace on the left side of the room.
Hermione placed her teacup on the table and looked at Draco expectantly. He rose to his feet and offered a hand to her.
She took it with a smile. And the moment their hands touched, Hermione's heart leapt. She had to press her lips tightly to stop herself from grinning like crazy. Draco didn't release her hand even when they started walking. Draco talked briefly about the rooms and portraits they passed by.
The library was on the second floor of the manor. Draco released her hand when they entered and allowed her to step first into the room. It was huge, as Hermione expected, full of ceiling-to-floor bookshelves. But the library wasn't dark. The windows were also widely opened. Just like in the drawing-room, there were comfortable-looking sofas and armchairs.
She turned around to Draco, who was just observing behind her. "This is so beautiful!" she grinned.
Draco stood there, a few steps away from her, and beamed. "Feel free to read anything you want." He moved to a desk on the right side of the library. Hermione noticed there were several books open on the table, and parchment, a quill, and an inkpot. Draco must have been in the middle of studying when they arrived.
Hermione went to the bookshelves and started looking for something interesting. She found several books on Potions, Charms, Herbology, Dark Arts, and other subjects. She even found a book on Alchemy that she had never seen in the Hogwarts library. On one shelf, Hermione also found Muggle novels. She smiled upon seeing some familiar titles: "Pride and Prejudice", "Wuthering Heights", "Sense and Sensibility", and "The Great Gatsby." Some biographies of royal family members also caught her eyes.
"So, Theo's into Muggle novels and the royal family?" she asked loudly for Draco to hear.
"They're not Theo's."
Hermione was startled when she heard Draco's voice so close to her. She whipped her head and found Draco standing three feet away from her, leaning his left side on a bookshelf. He looked amused by her reaction.
"Not Theo's?" she asked, trying to sound normal as if she wasn't startled by his sudden closeness in proximity.
"They're mine," he responded, moving towards her only to reach for 'The Great Gatsby'. "This is rather interesting. The plot was not unusual; mainly about deception, but it was written so perfectly. His description of the 1920s made me want to go back in time and cross over the pond."
"Yeah. He's a superhuman; a really prolific writer," she agreed. "And hey, Long Island is probably on my bucket list because of this novel."
Draco inhaled sharply, and when Hermione looked up, warm grey eyes greeted her. "What else is on your bucket list?" he asked in a whisper.
Remembering one American novel she had read recently, she answered, "To fall in love."
Draco closed his eyes and inhaled again, as if her scent calmed him, then he nodded before opening his eyes again.
Hermione thought they were already having a moment when another house-elf (this time in a purple tutu) appeared in front of them.
"Nimbly apologizes, but Master Theo requests the presence of Master Draco and his missy in the drawing-room." And the elf disappeared again.
"Pansy and Daph must be here already. Let's go?" she asked, trying to sound cordial, and ignoring the giddy feeling when she heard the words 'Master Draco and his missy.'
Draco nodded again and gave way to her. "After you," he smiled.
.
December 4, 1991
(present time)
Because Hermione was not allowed to go to classes, it was easy for Draco to find her after his classes. He found her in her favourite spot in the library: beneath the windows in the Ancient Runes section. She was wearing a white turtleneck jumper and denim trousers. Her black day robe was folded neatly beside her, on top of her bag.
The sight of her made him feel in seventh heaven. She was all he wanted, the only one he ever dreamed of. Thanks to Theo, he and Hermione became friends. And thanks to his sharp tongue, Hermione began to develop feelings for him. Now, in this alternate universe, Theo was still the reason why they became friends. He still had to thank his geeky childhood friend.
"Are you going to stand there the whole day, or join me?" Hermione was looking up at him with a smirk.
Draco removed his outer robes and folded them, and cleaned the floor using his wand before sitting beside her on the floor. As soon as his butt and back touched the floor and wall, Hermione rested her head on his shoulder, and he took her hand. "Comfortable?" he chuckled.
"Very comfortable," she replied, snuggling into his side. "I looked at the Honeydukes catalogue you lent me. I think I'll just buy them Toothflossing Stringmints and Tooth-Splintering Strongmints. They were their favourites."
"All right. Maybe the grand presents will just have to wait."
She nodded. "Do those grand gestures after Hogwarts and when you secure a job. We can't use Theo's wealth for those," she chuckled.
"He acted like my father in our past," Draco chuckled again. "Oh, I miss that man. He took care of all of us – me, Daphne, and Pansy – just to help us follow our dreams. Provided us homes and supported us financially. Now, I feel like it's my turn to take care of him. Too bad we couldn't prevent his mother's death." He said the last part rather seriously.
She looked up at him. "D'you think you can keep your mother and father with you this time? Let them know the truth about us and what happened the other time? Save your father from making wrong decisions, and all?"
Draco's eyes studied her for a moment, and then he sighed, tightening his hold on her. "Mother always said that family is everything. Maybe, if they think that I am a Seer, just like what Professor Snape thinks of you..." Then he trailed off and shook his head. "I can't tell them the truth. My father might turn his back on Voldemort, but it doesn't mean he would change his views about Muggle-borns."
She sighed heavily. "I wish you could keep your family this time."
Draco cupped her cheeks. "You are my family."
She smiled at that. "I feel like whatever happens this time, you will stay by my side, and I'm really glad for that."
Draco leaned forward to plant a kiss on her forehead. "We might be eleven and twelve in everyone's eyes, but we're more capable and skilful than they think. And my love for you is probably stronger than other people dating in this castle."
She just felt so glad, and her heart fluttered, so she leaned forward to hug him. "I think we have to do something… like find other sources of income, just in case your family disowns you."
Draco drew his hand from her only to wrap an arm around her shoulders. "All right. We'll figure it out."
.
Hermione found herself again in Professor Snape's office after the afternoon classes and an hour before dinnertime, having tea and biscuits.
But it wasn't a social call, they both knew. This was business.
"Miss Granger, I had Professor Quirrell followed by a house-elf," he began. "I'm already suspicious, I admit. He acts very strangely…"
"Does he cry and talk to himself sometimes, Professor?" she asked quietly.
Professor Snape stared at her, in deep thought, but later on, he shook his head. "I haven't caught him doing such things, Miss Granger. But that might help in the future. He's staying at Hogwarts for the holidays. I hope to gather more information by then."
She nodded. "Thank you, Professor, for doing this. I'm sorry for the burden."
He shook his head. "Don't apologize, Miss Granger. We have the same goal here. Come anytime you need help, or anytime you need to say something."
She smiled sincerely. "I will, Professor. Thank you again."
.
January 23, 1999
(Hermione and Draco's past)
When Hermione and Theo landed in the middle of the hedge maze, Daphne, Pansy, and Blaise were already waiting for them on the patio. Daphne was quick to her feet and ran towards Theo, kissing him soundly, before greeting her.
"Hey, Mione." She kissed her cheek, and she returned the gesture.
"Daph. All is well?" she asked.
"In my life, yes. At the Ministry? Don't ask," she laughed.
"She hates talking about work these days," came Pansy's voice and approached her to give her a quick hug. "So glad you're here, and what are you wearing underneath your winter cloak?"
"Clothes?" she laughed.
"I don't think it sounds good when you ask her that, Pans," chuckled Daphne. "You sound like a lesbian."
Pansy rolled her eyes and hooked an arm around Hermione's. They started walking to the patio where Blaise was still waiting. "Whatever, Daph." She turned to her. "You're my friend now, and I have every right to dress you up."
She groaned. "No."
Pansy quirked up an eyebrow. "I get to listen to your theories and book reviews, and you get to follow my advice in fashion, all right?"
"All right, Mum . But let's not waste Theo's wealth in your pleasures."
"Oh, but it's work, not recreation," Pansy winked.
"Hey, Blaise," she greeted the Italian wizard.
He was smoking on the patio and gave her a lop-sided grin. "Granger. Draco's waiting for you in the library."
"Still busy studying?" she asked, sitting at the table, but Pansy pulled her up.
"He said, Draco's waiting for you in the library."
She frowned. "Aren't we hanging out here?"
"Nope," Daphne replied, popping the 'p'.
Theo and Daphne were snogging again and couldn't keep their hands off each other.
"Oi, for Salazar's sake! Just Apparate to your bedroom, Nott!" Pansy yelled. And the couple disappeared.
"We're playing poker," said Blaise.
"Okay, let's play poker," she replied.
Pansy pulled her again. " Blaise and I are playing poker, and we're smoking and drinking. Health-conscious witches like you are not allowed here. You belong to the library with Draco. Go!"
Hermione sneered at her friends and left but felt a bit excited to see Draco. Truth be told, she was very, very eager to see him. She just didn't want her friends to notice that, that was why she showed interest in poker.
.
December 7, 1991
(present time)
Alone in a compartment on Hogwarts Express, Hermione was reading a book on Advanced Transfiguration. One thing she hadn't learned in her past when she was an adult was being an Animagus. She never had the opportunity to focus on the subject because she focused more on Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms, and Potions during the Second Wizarding War. After Hogwarts, she focused on her job, and then Draco and their friends got interested in time-turners. More Charms.
But seeing Professor McGonagall as an Animagus in one of their classes brought back her interest in Transfiguration.
The door slid open. She looked up and smiled, seeing Draco.
"Hey, sorry, it took me a while to escape from Flint," he said, sitting beside her and wrapping an arm around her shoulders to pull her closer. "I told him weeks ago that I want to be on the team next year. He suddenly became so interested and asked me to start training this year."
She laughed. "Was it like that the last time?"
"No. Unfortunately, Little Miss Granger was right, Draco Malfoy bought his way into the team with new brooms," he smirked. Then, he met her eyes and wore a sombre look. "I'm sorry for calling you that nasty name."
She smiled at him and patted his thigh. "I've forgiven you a long time ago."
"I will never stop thanking you for that. Merlin, you're the most important person in my life now." He said it with love in his eyes, just like before.
"Too bad we can't spend the holidays together, eh?" she teased.
"Says who?" he asked, quirking up an eyebrow.
She frowned. "You're not bringing me to your parents' house."
"No. But I can show up on your doorstep. Better start knowing the parents so your dad wouldn't say anything about your letters about me bullying you in the future."
She chuckled. "So, you want them to know that you're my best friend? Better bring Theo on your first visit. I don't want him to be left out."
Draco nodded. "Mother always allows me to go to Theo's during the day. She doesn't mind, as long as I show up at dinnertime."
"That's good, then. You wouldn't miss me so much," she smirked, and Draco pinched her lightly on the side.
.
January 23, 1999
(Hermione's past)
Hermione pushed the library doors open and stepped inside as quietly as possible, not wanting to disturb Draco.
He was there, behind the wooden study table, a hand propped on his face while the other was on the pages of the book he was reading. It seemed he didn't notice her.
"Draco?" she called him softly.
No response.
Hermione stepped closer to the table. "Draco," she called a bit louder.
Draco looked up and was surprised but pleased. He was on his feet and walked around the table to greet her. "Hermione," he grinned, placing a hand on her shoulder.
She looked up at him. "Pansy said you were waiting for me?" she asked.
Draco frowned slightly. "Not really. But I don't mind you being here. How's your week?" He took her hand and led her to the sofa.
Hermione was secretly glad for the gesture. It looked like Draco was more comfortable around her now. They sat almost facing each other, both resting their backs on the arms of the sofa.
"Good. Except that I heard some gossip in the girls' lavatory the other day…" She chuckled.
Draco turned to her, waggling his eyebrows. "Who are you, Rita Skeeter?"
"No, silly! It's about a certain handsome and smart wizard, Draco Malfoy, who happens to be Astoria Greengrass's, ideal man."
Draco winced. "Pansy told you?"
"No," she replied casually. "I really heard Daphne's little sister. She hopes to marry a certain Draco Malfoy, wealthy or not. Shall we invite her here next Saturday?" she teased.
"Don't you dare, Granger," he warned.
She smiled, knowing that Draco had only fancied her and no one else. She didn't have anything negative towards Daphne's sister, and what she heard was just a normal schoolgirl crush, that was why she thought of teasing Draco. "Why? Isn't she your type?"
"No," he responded promptly.
She couldn't contain her smile. "That's good, then."
Draco froze and looked stunned. "Why?"
"Uhm, nothing," she stood up and went for the bookshelves.
.
January 30, 1999
(Hermione's past)
"This is really so nice of you, Draco," she said as they sat down at their table in a Muggle restaurant in London. Theo was with Daphne (doing only Merlin knows what), and Blaise and Pansy were in Italy for the weekend because their fashion designer-in-the-making friend needed more inspiration for her designs. Blaise was happy to help.
That left her and Draco, which she didn't really mind. It was her mother's birthday, and she was going home for the weekend. Last night, she received an owl from Draco, asking if they could meet before she went home. To her surprise, he handed her a beautifully wrapped birthday present for her mum.
"My mum would love for you to come," she told him. "You don't have to spend the day alone at the Manor… today."
"It's all right, Hermione," he assured her. "I don't mind being alone. And I suppose it's just you and your parents, so I don't want to intrude on the family celebration."
"All right, if you say so." She felt a bit disappointed. She really wanted to go home, to be with her parents, but at the same time, she also wanted to spend more time with Draco.
"But can I drop by tomorrow? I'll escort you to the Hogwarts gates," he offered, giving her a sheepish smile and dropping his gaze to his mushroom soup.
"I would love that."
.
"You're back early," Theo said in a manner of greeting when he entered the dining room. Daphne and Theo were having late lunch.
"Draco, I thought you'd be at the Grangers."
"No, I just gave her the present for her mother," he answered, still standing by the door.
"She must've been disappointed," Theo noted.
Draco frowned, looking at his best friend. "Why?"
Theo rolled his eyes. "Do you really think she still has no idea about your feelings for her? And you, giving her mother a present have already confirmed that."
"It's just a gift," he shrugged.
Theo snorted. " Just a gift. You didn't go to Carl Philip's Finest Dental Instruments in Switzerland just to find Blaise's mum a present."
"First of all, Blaise's mum has no use for dental instruments. Second, Hermione has no feelings for me. She even teased me about Astoria. Apparently, she heard of Tori's silly crush on me."
Daphne laughed. "So, you're still her dream wizard."
"She wouldn't bring it up if she has feelings for me," he told them but didn't sound convinced with his own words.
Theo shook his head. "You're daft. Just ask her out and you'll see."
.
December 7, 1991
(present time)
Later that night, Hermione was tucked between her parents while watching a family show on the telly. There were popcorn and sugar-free refreshments. She felt happy and safe with them even though they didn't know anything about magical defences. She thought, no matter how old she was, she would always yearn for her parents, and Draco understood that.
"So, tell me again about your new friends, Princess," her father said when they turned off the telly. It was almost 10:00.
She helped her parents clear up the coffee table and brought the empty bowl and glasses to the kitchen. "Draco and Theo, Dad. They both came from old and traditional pure-blood families."
"And they're not Hufflepuffs," her father stated.
"Nope. Not Hufflepuffs. Slytherins. But Theo is so much like me – studious and loves books! The only reason he ended up in Slytherin was that he asked for it. But he reads almost all the time."
"And Draco?"
"Draco's also smart, but more carefree. Took him more than a month before he befriended me. He never met a Muggle-born before Hogwarts. He grew up surrounded by pure-blood families, but he's nice," she assured them.
"And Theo's accustomed to people like us?" asked her mother.
"Yeah. As far as I know, Theo's step-grandmother is a Muggle-born, and he loves her."
"Well, I hope it's all right for Draco's parents for him to come here. He's welcome, but if his parents are rude…"
"Their parents are usually busy."
They talked a bit longer while her mother was doing the dishes. Later on, they all made it upstairs for bedtime. Her mum and dad kissed her cheek as they wished each other good night. When Hermione entered her room, she felt something similar to a vibration. Magic. Her room was enveloped by magic, and she saw Draco sitting on her bed, wearing a pair of green pyjamas with a book on his lap.
Just like how I'd always find him whenever I entered the room… in our past.
"Hey! What are you doing here?" She ran towards the bed and crawled beside him, giving him a side hug.
Draco smiled warmly and returned her hug, then kissed her forehead. "Can't miss the chance of sleeping beside you."
She frowned and met his gaze. "But what about your parents? They'd notice your absence at the manor."
"Tenny and Gus are my personal house-elves. They're bound to me. Tenny placed the privacy charms in your room and Apparated me here. Gus is in my room. He will make sure to get me when Mother or Father comes in my room."
She smiled. "So, you'll stay here every night?"
He shrugged. "If you want me to."
Hermione moved closer to snuggle into his side. He smelt so nice. It was probably his citrus body soap, and the bourbon vanilla fabric conditioner used on his clothes. "Of course, I want you to." Then, she pulled away. "Give me a few minutes to brush my teeth and change into pyjamas."
"Take your time, love," he smiled fondly.
After a few minutes, Hermione returned from the bathroom, wearing a long-sleeved pyjama top and trousers, plus socks. Her hair was free from a ponytail, and it was everywhere again.
When she finally lay on the bed beside him, they faced each other. Draco wrapped an arm around her waist. His other arm was underneath his head. "Finally," he whispered, his grey eyes looking at her with intensity.
"I missed you so much," she whispered rather emotionally. "It had only been a few days for you, but it was nine months for me, and I didn't know you were coming," she sniffed.
Draco moved his arm to wipe her tears. "Shh… Don't cry, love. I'm here now, and I will never leave you. We won't be apart again."
She smiled and nodded, really glad that he was here with her.
Then, Draco's gaze became more intense. He swallowed, and Hermione knew that look. She closed her eyes. To her disappointment, she only felt Draco's thumb caressing her lips, then he planted a kiss on her forehead.
"Good night, love."
.
January 31, 1999
(Hermione's past)
Hermione could tell something was odd, but not really in a negative manner. Draco looked nervous, the moment he arrived at her parents' house. He greeted her parents politely and her mum thanked him for the birthday present. Ten minutes after he arrived, he left the Granger residence with Hermione. And just like her parents' rules, they did not Disapparate nearby. They went to the Apparition point, twenty minutes away on foot.
While they were walking, Draco's hands were in his trousers' pockets. He was wearing a black casual shirt, a pair of grey trousers, a blue winter coat, and brown boots. He was also sporting a five o'clock shadow which suited him, in Hermione's opinion. His blond hair was brushed neatly to the side. He looked very handsome. When they were both at Hogwarts, Hermione never really paid mind to Draco's looks. Maybe because he was always sneering and insulting people, especially her, Harry, and Ron. But now, he was here, walking with her. He was escorting her to Hogwarts. His eyes were on the pavement they were walking on.
"Is everything all right?" she asked softly.
Draco looked at her sideways and forced a smile. "Sure."
Hermione stopped walking, and he did, too. They stood there on the pavement, just looking at each other. "Something's bothering you," she said gently.
"I guess it shows," he finally admitted.
"What's the matter?" she asked, placing a hand on his arm.
Draco held her arm back and then slid his hand to her palm, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I know you've already forgiven me for treating you horribly in the past. I regret the things I did before, I really do. I wish I could turn back time to make things right… so I wouldn't feel the way I feel right now. Bad. Undeserving."
"Draco, everyone deserves to be forgiven," she cut him off gently.
He smiled rather sadly. "I know. But maybe I don't deserve you…"
Hermione's heart leapt and skipped a beat. "W-what?" she stammered. Is he finally going to tell me?
"I know it's hard to believe, but… I have always fancied you since we were in our third year. Or maybe the first year, I'm not really sure. But I realized that in our third year."
Hermione was speechless for a moment. Should she tell Draco she knew? He might feel uncomfortable, but on the other hand, she didn't want to keep secrets. If they were going to have a relationship, it should be honest from the start.
"You know, just forget about it," he murmured and moved to walk and draw his hand from her, but she stopped him by holding him firmly. Then, he gave him a questioning look.
"I feel the same," she confessed, gathering her Gryffindor bravery to meet his grey orbs.
Draco smiled, and it reached his eyes. He smiled beautifully.
"Though… I have to tell you something," she began, and Draco's smile was replaced with anxiety. "You know, before this year, I've never really paid attention to you. But thanks to Theo, we got to know each other; I got to see who you really are and how loyal you are to your friends, to the people who matter to you. I haven't fancied you that long, but I really, really like you. I guess it started when Theo planted images of you in my mind," she laughed nervously. "I mean, he would always talk about you and the others… and in my mind, I always saw you as a kind and loyal friend. Gentle, even. So, when I saw you again at the Three Broomsticks, I guess it started there, officially.
"I thought it was just a schoolgirl crush, and I didn't want our newfound friendship to suffer, so I tried to brush it off… Until… I heard about your feelings for me the day we visited Professor Snape's grave… Sorry, I'm rambling, but I will understand if you're mad. Sorry, I eavesdropped, and I kept something like that from you…"
She heard Draco sigh in relief, and his smile was back. He pulled her to him and hugged her. "Oh, Hermione. I cannot be mad at you! I was so happy when you joined our little group and became our friend. I was happy and contented, seeing you every week. But… this is so wonderful. I don't know what I did to deserve you," he murmured against her hair.
Hermione, of course, returned the hug and chuckled. "I'm glad we're on the same boat, then."
Draco pulled away but didn't remove his hold on her. His grey eyes met her brown ones with intensity, and it overwhelmed Hermione, but not in a negative way. "I really, really like you, Hermione. I would like to date you, if you'll allow me, please."
She grinned and nodded. "I would like to date you too, Draco."
Draco hugged her once more and kissed the top of her head. "Thank you, Hermione," he whispered like a prayer.
They walked hand in hand, both smiling and glancing at each other from time to time. When they reached the Apparition point, they hugged each other as Draco Apparated the two of them. Upon arriving at Hogsmeade, they didn't mind being seen holding hands by the villagers, students, and Patrons. Outside the Hogwarts gates, Draco gave her one last kiss on the forehead and said he would write to her tonight. They parted ways happily.