CHAPTER 8: Firsts
December 8, 1991
(present time)
Hermione wanted to see Draco again. He just left around 5 am but not before kissing her cheek and giving her one last hug in bed. She knew she'd see him again any minute now. He'd be knocking on their door with Theo and politely greet her parents.
Hermione and her mum prepared some food both common in the Muggle and Wizarding worlds just like pot roast, kidney and steak pie, and roasted chicken sandwiches. Those were the dishes Draco and Theo favoured in their past. Her dad also left to buy a takeaway pizza because she mentioned that most witches and wizards who hadn't been to the muggle world were not familiar with Italian food. Hermione wanted to protest and tell her parents that they prepared too much, but then, it was the first time (at this time) that friends were visiting her at home. She never really had friends before Hogwarts, and during her birthday celebrations, it was just the three of them, or sometimes with the staff at her parents' dental practice (and their children who were friendly but not really friends with her). She remembered, in the other timeline, in 1994, when the Weasleys came to pick her up to spend the remainder of the summer vacation at the Burrow, her parents also invited the Weasleys for lunch and they prepared a lot of Muggle food unfamiliar to Mr Weasley.
When they were finished cooking, Hermione went back to her room to change. She pulled her hair into a neat ponytail and wore a casual green jumper (because Draco liked green on her), and a pair of denim trousers.
Then, there was a knock. Hermione and her parents went to the door to welcome their guests. There, Draco and Theo were standing at their doorstep, both wearing hooded winter cloaks, and carrying some things in their hands.
"Good morning, Dr and Mrs Granger," they both greeted politely.
"I am Draco Malfoy."
"And I'm Theodore Nott."
"We're Hermione's friends at Hogwarts."
"Good morning, young lads," her mother beamed. "Come on in." They all stepped aside to let them in.
"Hey," she said in a manner of greeting.
"We bought Wizarding refreshments from home for you, Dr Granger," Draco told her dad politely.
Hermione's dad happily accepted the box of refreshments from Draco. "Thanks, but you didn't have to."
Meanwhile, Theo handed her mother a box of pastries. "Here are sugar-free pastries for everyone, Mrs Granger. They're from my… nanny. A house-elf."
"Thanks, dear. Hermione told us already about house-elves. It must be nice to have someone look after you."
Hermione also mentioned that Theo lost his mother and his father was always busy, so his only companions were house-elves.
"Yes, they're my family," Theo nodded politely.
"Hermione, show them the TV room while waiting for lunch," her father said.
Hermione grinned and took Draco's and Theo's hands, showing them to the room where they watch telly. "Come on, I'll show you our telly," she said gently.
.
February 1, 1999
(Hermione's past)
Theo was grinning from ear to ear when he sat beside her at the Gryffindor table that morning for breakfast but didn't say anything.
Hermione blushed, knowing why Theo was looking happy. "Stop it, Theo," she tried to focus on her crumpets.
"I left Draco last night in a good mood," he said in a low voice so that only the two of them could hear, and he elbowed her slightly. "Haven't seen him so happy in years."
She smiled bashfully without looking up at him. "I'm glad. I like seeing him happy and carefree, far from the boy I had known in the past."
"So, d'you think we're ready to show up as a group in Diagon Alley?"
She gave him a confused look. "That's not a problem for me. We can go everywhere you want. I just thought you liked the Three Broomsticks and manor better."
"Of course, we liked the Three Broomsticks better, because Rosmerta banned reporters. She wanted her patrons to feel relaxed, not worrying about gossip the following day."
She frowned. "Really? I didn't know that."
Theo raised an eyebrow but smirked. "I know something that the know-it-all doesn't?"
"Oh, shut it, Theo! I'm no longer that girl."
"So, is Diagon Alley all right for Sunday? There's a restaurant near Weasley's joke shop that we really like. The five of us."
"Sure! I'd love to try it there," she replied casually.
But Theo eyed her intently. "Aren't you concerned that your friends might see you with us?"
Hermione's heart clenched as she felt a pang of hurt and anger, thinking about Harry, Ron, and Ginny. She sent them Christmas presents, and she got books from Harry and Ginny. There was no letter, no card. The only indication that the presents were from Harry and Ginny was that it was delivered by Kreacher at Hogwarts when the classes resumed. And she didn't hear anything from the other Weasleys.
"They haven't been around. No letters, no visits," she replied nonchalantly, eyes on her plate. "If ever they would see me with you and learn that I'm dating Draco, they wouldn't be pleased, but given my relationship with them since the Final Battle, I don't think they have the right to stop me. They can be as angry as they want, but they cannot make me change my mind about you and the others."
Theo smiled and ran a comforting hand on her back. "We'll all be here for you, Hermione. Whatever happens. But it would be nice if Potter and the others will just accept it."
She looked up at him and smiled. "Yeah. It would be nice." Then, she remembered something. "Hang on, you said Sunday. Why not Saturday? Do you have any plans with Daph?"
Theo rolled his eyes. "Granger, you don't want your first date with Draco to be special, like somewhere private, away from best friends?"
"Oh."
"I'm sure Draco would like to take you somewhere special on Saturday. So, let's hang out on Sunday, yeah?"
She smiled nervously. "Yeah."
.
December 8, 1991
(present time)
"You're here!"
She was pleased when she saw Draco on her bed again that night. She had just finished washing up and changing into her pyjamas. Draco was reading a book on the right side of her narrow bed, and he looked up and gave her a crooked smile when their eyes met.
"' Course, I'm here. Unless you want to go to Manor every night," he smirked, placing the book on the bedside table.
"No, thanks." Hermione crawled onto the bed under the sheets and lay on her side to face him. Draco did the same and wrapped an arm around her waist.
"So, expect me to be here every night until it's time to go back to school," he declared, pulling her closer, then lifting her head to place his left arm under her so they could cuddle.
She buried her face into his chest and wrapped an arm around him, too. "Hmmm… Good to know that."
"What did your mum and dad say after Theo and I left?" he asked above her head.
"They said you are well-mannered kids, despite your parents being really busy. Dad said, he hopes your parents wouldn't mind you being friends with me because you know, we're different." She sighed. "If they only know…"
"But we can't let them know. Not yet," he murmured.
She looked up at him. "When do you think we could tell my parents the truth? How about your parents? Can we convince them to change sides this time?"
Draco shook his head. "My father is the most bigoted wizard I've ever met. As for my mother… Maybe, it would be easier to sway her this time. She loves me the most. She wanted to keep me away from Voldemort before, but it was too late… We'll figure it out, Hermione. Just promise, we'll always stay together."
"Always," she replied solemnly, burying her face again into his chest.
.
February 6, 1999
(Hermione's past)
Hermione knew that Draco and Daphne were at Hogsmeade to meet them, but she wasn't expecting to see them waiting outside the gates. Theo walked ahead to meet a grinning Daphne (who waved at her happily) halfway and the two shared a chaste kiss before wrapping an arm around each other. Theo greeted Draco casually. Draco returned the greeting with a friendly nod, but his eyes were locked on hers, and he was wearing a beautiful smile – the smile that reached his eyes. They walked towards each other, meeting halfway. He silently waved his wand and conjured three white roses.
"Hi," he greeted in a whisper; his face so close to her. He raised his glove-covered hand to give her the roses.
"Thank you," she whispered back, accepting the flowers.
Draco leaned to kiss her cheek and eventually, pulled her to a quick hug. "I'm glad to see you," he whispered against her hair.
She chuckled and patted his back. "Me, too. Glad you're here."
He pulled away. "This is our first date," he said fondly. "Where would you like to go?"
Funny, they hadn't even talked about where they should go, despite a couple of exchanged letters. She was thinking Draco had planned their date already. Taking Pansy's advice through a letter, she favoured a grey poncho jumper, white trousers, and black knee suede leather boots. She also abandoned her beaded bag for today, taking a black mini crossbody bag Pansy gave her last Christmas. Draco, on the other hand, wore a navy-blue polka dot button-up, brown trousers, and a navy-blue double-breasted coat. She thought they were going somewhere 'casual'.
"Uh… It's up to you."
Draco smirked. "Up to me. Are you quite sure?"
She raised an eyebrow and gave him a teasing smile. "Why, Mr Malfoy, you don't think I trust you?"
Draco grinned and held her hand while his other hand patted her head. "I know you trust me, and I am really thankful for that. Every day, I am thankful that the person I lo - care for, fiercely, trusts me now."
Was he about to say 'love'? Hermione thought. "But?" she pressed.
"But I think you're not the one who fancies lavish things and overly romantic gestures. Pansy and Theo agree. But... yes, another but..."
She laughed. "Butts are for cigarettes, Draco."
He rolled his eyes good-naturedly. " However, I still want to give them to you not because I want to brag, to be that arrogant boy who pranced around the school as if I owned it. I want to give them to you because you deserve the best. Simply because for me, you are the best."
She let out a happy breath. "That's very romantic." She couldn't help herself from beaming. "So, I take it, you have plans for our first date?"
Draco smirked and offered his arm. "May I?"
Hermione hooked her arm around his and they walked to the Apparition point. Once there, Draco stood in front of her and pulled her to him, before Apparating them away.
.
Hermione gaped at the property in front of her. It was an old Victorian-style house in the middle of the woods, near a river.
"Is this the famous river in..." she trailed off, looking at Draco.
Draco nodded with a crooked smile. "Cambridge. That place Muggle couples visit. Welcome home?"
Hermione sighed happily at the beautiful, yet familiar view. The river was breath-taking, as always; the woods were picturesque, the beautiful yellow flowers blooming in the garden. She turned at the signage by the fence.
Welcome to Beedle the Bard's Museum
"Oh, Merlin," she whispered in awe, then turned to Draco who looked quite pleased with her reaction. "This is unexpected."
He raised an eyebrow and gave her a teasing smile. "Why, Granger, were you expecting the Louvre Museum? I can do that, too, you know."
She laughed and slapped his arm. "Don't ruin the moment! It's just that, I never knew this magical part of Cambridge… So close to home, yet something new."
The two of them entered Beedle Bard's childhood home, now a museum. Unsurprisingly, it was just the two of them there.
"Did you reserve the place for us or are we just the only people interested in Beedle these days?" she asked Draco as they entered the drawing-room. There were moving portraits, but no one spoke with them. They were either sleeping or just staring.
Draco gave her a knowing smile. "Don't worry, I didn't ask my guardian for money. I have some money from my coming-of-age inheritance. But of course, Theo wouldn't mind if I spent his galleons on things like this."
She met his eyes and reached for his hand. "Thank you for this." She looked around the room. "I spent eight out of ten months on the run, reading and translating the book Dumbledore bequeathed to me. I should say, they're better than Muggle stories. My parents and I have read this children's novel about an evil dentist. Out of curiosity and just for awareness, of course. I was already twelve when I read it, but if I were five and my parents weren't dentists, I would not probably set foot in a dental clinic. Ever," she laughed. "That was gruesome. Just like The Warlock's Hairy Heart ."
"Which one is your favourite among Beedle's tales?" he asked with interest.
" The Fountain of Fair Fortune , mainly because of Altheda, Amata, and Asha; and their determination. Or maybe because at that time, I could relate their adventure to what Harry, Ron, and I were experiencing. Harry was Asha. Sick. Cursed. Linked to Voldemort. No one could cure him. Only Voldemort's death. Ron was Altheda. Robbed, humiliated. A blood traitor. I was Amata, deserted by her beloved – my parents. She hoped the Fountain would help cure her grief and longing. I was hoping that by ending Voldemort, I would have my parents back…"
Draco moved closer and tucked a curl behind her ear. "And at the end of their journey, Sir Luckless proposed to Amata. She found a new beloved."
Hermione grinned; her eyes bore into Draco's. "She did."
Draco ran a hand on her long hair. "What a coincidence. In the book's illustrations, Amata had long, curly hair."
"Too bad, Sir Luckless wasn't blond, eh?" she teased back.
"Sir Luckless proposed to Amata," he whispered, eyes locked on hers; his breath fanning her face and she suddenly wondered what toothpaste Draco used. "Hermione, I know it's just been months for you. But for me, it's been almost six years. Probably more. Thanks to my stubborn and meddling best friends, I realized who you really are in my life. Now that you're here with me, I can't let the day pass without letting you know that I love you. You don't have to say it back now or soon. But I will prove to you every day how much I love you, how much you mean to me. I don't want to date you casually. I'm hoping for a relationship. I want to be your boyfriend, Hermione if you will have me."
Hermione's heart swelled with happiness. Draco Malfoy loved her. He wanted to be in a relationship with her; to be her boyfriend. No one had ever treated her as special as this one before. When Viktor asked her to the ball rather politely, Hermione thought it was already the most romantic gesture she would ever experience. A Quidditch star, not minding his fan club and instead chose the girl who didn't show any interest in him. He was well-mannered. He made sure to take care of her during the ball, and the Second Task. He asked her if he could kiss her after they danced, and she nodded sheepishly. But the kiss was not what she was expecting. It was chaste, yes, very nice of him, but it didn't feel right. There was no spark. There were no butterflies in her stomach.
With Ron, it was a spur-of-the-moment act. She was overwhelmed. She was very happy that someone cared for the house-elves. But after the battle, she realized it was like kissing Harry, her brother.
And now, Draco. Their first meeting was not extraordinary, not memorable. When they first spoke to each other, there were no pleasant words. There were insults. But secretly, he was falling for her. Now, he was finally free to express himself, his feelings for her. He was finally allowed to ask her out, to take her on dates, and to tell her those words.
"Yes, Draco," she whispered rather emotionally, placing her hands on his shoulders.
Draco briefly closed his eyes and sighed in relief. When he opened his eyes again, he pulled her into a tight embrace. "I love you, Hermione," he whispered against her hair.
Her cheek was pressed to the crook of his neck, and she smiled against it. Thank Merlin for the heeled boots she wore, she became a bit taller.
It turned out that Draco's surprise didn't end there. After exploring the different corners of Beedle Bard's former home and finding old photographs, diaries, and books, Hermione confessed that she was famished. Draco teased her for ignoring Beedle's vast library, but he took her hand and brought her to the back of the house. There was a beautiful magical plants garden, and in the middle was a gazebo, with a table, set for two.
She suddenly felt conscious of her chosen outfit. She felt like she should've worn a dress, but maybe, Pansy already knew where Draco was taking her.
"May I escort the lovely lady to dinner?" he asked, standing beside her and offering his arm.
She beamed and took his offered arm. They walked together to the gazebo, and of course, Draco pulled the chair for her gracefully.
"How did you do this?" she asked once they were settled at the table. There were mouth-watering dishes and a bottle of wine.
Draco gave her a sheepish smile. "I got help from Tenny," he admitted.
Tenny was one of Draco's personal elves he took with him to Nott Manor. Hermione seldom saw her.
"Then please extend my thanks to Tenny. Everything looks delicious."
They talked about the property while enjoying their dinner and wine. They also identified some magical plants around them, and the books and photographs they found inside the house.
"Would you like to drop by the manor before you go back to Hogwarts?" Draco asked after dinner. They were walking around the magical garden.
Hermione checked her wristwatch. She still had two hours before the Hogwarts gates close. But Daphne and Pansy had asked her to stay the weekend at the manor, to which Theo agreed when she told him. She wasn't sure if it was a good idea to spend the night with Draco, even in separate bedrooms, on their first official date.
But she wanted to spend more time with him. She just didn't want to go back to Hogwarts.
"It's all right if you have to go back. You must be tired," Draco said gently, probably seeing her hesitation.
"I… Actually, the girls and Theo invited me to stay at the manor for the night. Maybe I can Transfigure my clothes into pyjamas later…"
Draco smiled, looking very happy. "I'm sure Pansy and Daphne wouldn't mind giving you their unused pyjamas in their room. Pansy has new ones, as far as I know."
"And maybe my parents wouldn't mind if I just cast a spell instead of brushing my teeth tonight," she chuckled.
"Oh, toothbrush? We have lots of them at the manor," Draco grinned. "Unused and new ones, of course."
"All right then. Take me to your home," she said, laughing, but then she noticed the intensity in Draco's eyes the moment the words left her mouth.
"Would love to," he whispered, eyes on her lips. Then, he licked his lower lip subconsciously. "But before that, there's something I wish to do if you don't mind."
She froze for a moment but nodded slowly.
Draco's face inched closer and he tilted his head, his hands cupped her face gently, as if he was afraid to break her. Hermione gathered her Gryffindor courage to wrap her arms around his waist and moved closer.
Draco kissed her slowly, gently. Draco's kiss was like a conversation – he was conveying his gratefulness and happiness for he smiled in between their kisses. Hermione tightened her hold on him, and Draco's hands travelled from her face to her neck and the back of her head. Draco's kiss deepened, his tongue licking her lower lip. Hermione felt like she was electrified and groaned as she opened her mouth, licking his lower lip, too. Draco moaned and moved his body closer to her until their chests were touching. His hand that was on the back of her head travelled to her back, giving her gentle caresses there. Meanwhile, Hermione felt a different kind of sensation between her legs, causing her to pull away.
"I'm sorry," she gasped.
"Don't apologize, please," he whispered, hands still on her back and neck.
Hermione's hands roamed to his chest and shoulder. "Draco, this is the loveliest and most romantic day in my life, ever," she confessed. "I want to thank you for giving it to me."
Draco smiled sincerely and leaned forward to kiss her lips again, but it was a chaste kiss. "You deserve everything."
.
December 15, 1991
(present time)
"Move forward, jump! Jump, jump!"
"Wait, wait, don't confuse me!"
"Get that mushroom! Get that mushroom!"
"I don't care about the damn mushroom."
"But Hermione said – "
"Game over! It's your fault, Draco."
"My turn," Draco grinned and took the gadget from Theo's hands.
Hermione rolled her eyes, upon entering the TV room, finding Draco and Theo on the sofa, playing Nintendo. She placed the tray of lemonade and biscuits on the coffee table. "Kids, screen time's over. Have some biscuits and lemonade," she said in a motherly tone.
"Wait, I haven't had my turn," Draco said, not looking up. He continued playing with the Nintendo.
Theo reached for a glass of lemonade and biscuits. "How did Muggles create that game? I want to know! I'll create my own: 'Super Theo', fighting Dementors and basilisks, riding hippogriffs, answering riddles from a Sphinx, and collecting galleons."
"Slytherin saving the world, eh?" She and Draco chuckled. "Go to Japan if you want to be a game developer."
"Oh, shoot! Game over!"
"That was fast," she commented.
Theo grinned. "My turn!" He reached for a napkin and wiped his hands. "You're not as passionate as I am," he said to Draco, snatching the Nintendo.
Hermione was seated on an armchair, too big for her, and turned on the telly. Draco moved and motioned for her to scoot so he could sit beside her. Once seated, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. They watched the telly together while Theo was still enjoying 'Super Mario'.
It was just another day at the Granger residence. Draco and Theo had taken into liking their visits. Hermione's parents were pleased, too, now that she had friends. They were hesitant at first to let the boys visit while they were at work, but Hermione promised that they would behave. They'd just play Nintendo and watch the telly or read. She also told them that one of Theo's elves would always look after them, which was true. Pinky, the house-elf who was in charge of taking care of Theo, was just somewhere there, waiting to serve the master, and call the boys if their parents were looking for them.
"When are we going to bring Pansy and Daphne into the fold? And Blaise?" she asked in a whisper.
"Pansy and Daphne are getting there. They tolerate Hufflepuffs. I guess we just have to stop the opening of the Chamber of Secrets. The hatred towards Muggle-borns ignited when the Chamber of Secrets was opened," he whispered back, his breath fanning her ear.
She shuddered but smiled. "You're tickling me."
"I'll show you what real tickles are tonight," he promised.
Hermione felt her cheeks blush and something between her legs throbbed, so she got up and went to the kitchen to find something to do.
.
February 6, 1999
(Hermione's past)
"Hermione, you're here!" Daphne was on her feet the moment she spotted her by the door of another parlour in the manor. The gang – Theo, Daph, Pans, and Blaise – were all there, drinking Firewhisky and playing poker.
Daphne pulled her into a hug and kissed her cheek. Pansy followed and studied how she looked.
"All right, not bad," Pansy said before pulling her to a quick hug. "Nice to see you, hun."
Hermione chuckled. "If I dressed horribly, you won't lay a hand on me?"
"You know me," she winked when they pulled away. She looked behind her shoulder. "Draco, fancy a glass of Firewhisky?"
Draco stepped closer to her and wrapped an arm around her waist. "We just had wine. I don't plan to be sloshed tonight. Not when my girlfriend's here."
Pansy blinked. Daphne, in the middle of taking a sip of her alcohol, froze. Theo and Blaise held their cards and looked at them in shock.
And then Pansy broke the silence by squealing. "Finally!" She jumped uncharacteristically and pulled Hermione to another hug. "It's official, you're part of the family! You're really going to be our sister!"
"What?" she teased. "You don't really treat me like one of you?" she faked a pout.
"Oh, Granger, don't be silly. You may be our friend, but if you broke Draco's heart, I would hunt you down, you hear me?" she said seriously.
"Yes, Mother ," she rolled her eyes and wrapped an arm around Draco's torso, then pressed her head on his shoulder.
Blaise groaned. "Great. Now, we'll be forced to watch two couples who can't control their hands and tongues. It's already bad watching Daphne and Theodore."
"Hey, you're in my house," warned Theo, but it wasn't threatening at all.
Draco walked the two of them to the wingback chair across from Blaise and pulled her to his lap.
Oh, that was very bold of him, she mused.
Blaise glared at them, but she and Draco chuckled and exchanged knowing looks.
"Pans, let's get out of here unless you enjoy being the third wheel," Blaise groaned dramatically.
"How did you become friends with him, anyway? I don't think you told me, Theo," she said.
"He became tolerable in the third year," Theo chuckled. "Blaise, Daph, and I were the only Slytherins in our year who took Ancient Runes if you remember. The others favoured Divination and Care of Magical Creatures."
"Had I known a hippogriff would break my arm, I would've just joined you in Ancient Runes," Draco quipped.
"You took that with me because you heard Potter and Weasley saying Granger is taking Care of Magical Creatures," replied Pansy. "Third year. That's when I started to notice you were in love with her."
Then, Daphne and Theo exchanged knowing looks. "Hang on…"
And Blaise realized something, too. Theo, Daphne, and Blaise all looked at her.
"What's going on?" asked Draco.
"She was with us in Ancient Runes, third year!" Daphne said.
"No, we were in Hagrid's class together," Draco said, stroking her arm. "You remember, love?"
Hermione's heart fluttered at the endearment, but unfortunately, it wasn't the perfect moment to appreciate it and look into his eyes to tell him that she liked it.
"How can Hermione be in two classes at once?" asked Theo.
"Three," she confessed in a whisper. "Three classes at once."
"What?" several voices asked, including Draco's.
"Study of Ancient Runes, Care of Magical Creatures, and Muggle Studies," she replied to the people in the room.
"I know you're the Great Hermione Granger," said Theo, "but how could you be in three places at once?"
"Time-turner," she replied plainly then reached for nuts on the table, but Draco tightened his hold on her and pulled her back to his chest.
"Who gives a thirteen-year-old a time-turner?!" he asked, looking almost outraged.
Hermione frowned at him, and his facial expression softened.
"I'm sorry, I'm not mad at you, but… was it Dumbledore?"
"Dumbledore and the ministry," she replied. "They wrote to the Head of the Department of Mysteries to let me attend three classes at once. Fudge didn't know."
"How come? He was the Minister for Magic," asked Blaise.
"The head of the Department of Mysteries doesn't answer to the Minister," replied Pansy. "It's a secret, really."
"How did you know that?" she asked. That was a piece of very new and surprising information for her.
"My grandfather was an Unspeakable," the dark-haired girl replied.
Hermione frowned. "So, that was why Fudge didn't suspect anything…" she said to herself.
"What's that love?" asked Draco gently.
She shook her head, and images of her, Ron, and Harry confronting Sirius and Remus came into her mind.
"It's okay if you won't tell us, Hermione," Daphne assured her.
She turned to her new friends and new boyfriend. "In our third year, that time-turner was the reason why Sirius Black was able to escape from Hogwarts… and why Buckbeak, the hippogriff, disappeared."
The others raised their eyebrows as if asking her to tell more, but Draco held her by her upper arms, making her face him. "Please tell me Dumbledore – or even Hagrid borrowed your time-turner." His eyes were pleading.
She shook her head. "It was me and Harry."
"Fucking Dumbledore! I should've killed him," he cursed.
"And they said, Hogwarts was the safest place," Pansy rolled her eyes. "Look at what happened to Hermione. Harry Potter would've died if Hermione wasn't there."
Hermione snorted and leaned into Draco's arms, resting her head on his chest, and facing the others sideways. "No. Not really. Ever wondered why Voldemort couldn't kill him? He was an accidental Horcrux."
"A what?" Several voices asked loudly, in shock.
Hermione closed her eyes and pretended to sleep in Draco's arms. "I didn't say anything."
Draco chuckled and his chest vibrated, slapping Hermione's arm lightly. "You have to tell us now, love."
"Yes, Hermione," said Pansy eagerly. "We're now your family."
She opened her eyes and raised an eyebrow at Pansy. "Sure. Anyway, I don't plan on hurting Draco."
Draco kissed the crown of her head and wrapped his arms around her waist. But Hermione got off his lap, feeling something hard against her butt. She sat on the floor, by Draco's feet, instead.
Hermione made them all swear they wouldn't tell anyone what she was about to reveal. When she was convinced her boyfriend and new friends would not betray her, she told them about Voldemort's Horcruxes.
.
December 15, 1991
(present time)
When Hermione entered her room that night, already in her usual pyjamas, she loosely tied her hair with a scrunchie – Draco's favourite scrunchie, Draco wasn't there. She felt a pang of disappointment.
Every night since she returned from Hogwarts, Draco always stayed the night with her. Every time she would enter her room at night, she would always find him sitting on her narrow bed, reading a book. Then, they would talk and cuddle. As much as she wanted the two of them to snog and do the things they used to do before, Draco was hesitant. He didn't tell her directly, but he always kept his hands to himself these days. He would only hug her and kiss her cheek, forehead, and nose. He would make sure his hands were on the top of her clothes, not underneath.
And Hermione told herself, that was fine, as long as Draco was with her.
But now, he wasn't. She missed him already. He didn't mention anything about not being there tonight. In fact, he said he would show her what tickles meant.
Hermione lay on her bed, on her side of the bed, still hoping that Draco would join her soon. She hoped he was safe and was just cornered by his parents or other friends.
She felt incomplete without him.
.
February 7, 1999
(Hermione's past)
Hermione could not remember leaving the parlour and getting up to one of the rooms in the manor. But she woke up a little after midnight – according to her wristwatch. She was in a large four-poster bed with green and silver curtains and a canopy. The sheets were green, too. The bed was more comfortable than her bed back home and at Hogwarts.
She sat up and there were a few lighted candles on the left side of the room. Near the door, facing the bed, was a green leather tufted sofa. There, she could see someone lying with blond hair. Feeling the need to pee, she carefully and silently tiptoed to the door to the right – the bathroom – and then got on with the business.
Once done, she washed her hands at the sink. She noticed some personal and masculine items like a blue toothbrush, a Muggle toothpaste brand – the one with triple colours, a bottle of minty mouthwash, and shaving cream. She reached out to smell the shaving cream. It smelt of Draco – sandalwood.
"Hermione?"
She placed the shaving cream back on the sink and left the bathroom. "Yeah?"
Draco was standing outside the bathroom, dressed in a pair of grey silk pyjamas. His hair was ruffled, giving him a fringe. When fully exited the bathroom, Draco pulled her into his arms. "I thought you left me."
Hermione's heart clenched for Draco, so she returned his hug. Not out of pity, but out of admiration for the wizard who confessed his love for her, who was afraid to lose her. Hermione saw her parents in love. Her father was very affectionate towards her mother and Hermione. When she was very young, Hermione would catch her parents dancing in the kitchen while cooking, or they would snog when they didn't know she was around. Hermione remembered that one time, her father said something that made her mother angry. Mrs Granger did not speak to Hermione's dad, but Dr Granger tried to woo her by giving her flowers, apologising, and cooking their favourite food. Hermione's father even asked her to take his card to her mother. When her mother finally forgave her father, Hermione caught her dad teary-eyed, whispering to her mum the words: "Don't leave me."
"I'm here. There's no reason to leave you, Draco," she whispered against his chest.
Draco leaned back to kiss her forehead, before claiming her mouth. His hands were on the back of her head and waist, pulling her closer to him. His kiss conveyed it all – he was glad that she was there, and he was afraid to lose her.
Hermione pulled away from the kiss and cupped his face. "I mean it, Draco. I'm not going anywhere. I'm not leaving you."
"Theo said we're going to Diagon Alley tomorrow. The six of us," he said.
She nodded. "Yeah. I want to see your favourite restaurant."
"What if we saw Potter and Weasley there? What if they told you to stay away from me? To go back to them and leave me?"
She shook her head. "They can't do that. Even if they do, I won't leave you. I'm happy with you, Draco. You're one of the best things that happened to me after the war."
Draco pulled her closer again. "Thank you, Hermione."
She patted his back. "Let's go back to bed."
Draco nodded and finally let go of her. He returned to the sofa.
"Draco, your bed is big enough for the two of us…" she said tentatively.
Draco smiled. "I'm fine here. I don't want you to feel like I'm rushing things with you. I was supposed to bring you to another room, but they said you might look for me when you wake up, so I just brought you here..."
She looked at her attire. She was no longer wearing her jumper, trousers, and boots. She was dressed in a blue lace satin chemise that barely covered her chest. As if her hands had their own minds, they travelled to her chest to cover her cleavage.
Draco gave her a small smile. "It was Pansy who changed your clothes – with magic, of course."
She nodded and thought it wouldn't be the best decision to invite Draco to sleep beside her. She would kill Pansy in the morning. "Good night."
"Good night," he nodded, looking really glad before going back to the sofa.
.
December 16, 1991
(present time)
It was already after midnight, but she couldn't sleep yet. Her mind was busy, thinking of Draco. She didn't dare to call Tenny or Gus, just to ask about Draco. She felt like, if something bad happened to him, they would tell her immediately.
She lay on the right side of the bed, facing Draco's side. Her arm rested on the space that was Draco's. She closed her eyes and tried to sleep. But she really couldn't.
Then, there was a faint sound of Apparition. Hermione's eyes snapped open, and she sat up on the bed. She caught sight of a disappearing elf in a fancy tea towel. Then, her eyes turned to Draco. He stood at the foot of her bed, hair was ruffled, and his handsome silk pyjamas were creased.
"Have you been thrashing in your sleep?" she asked.
"Couldn't sleep," he admitted, looking down and raking his fingers in his fringe.
"If there's something wrong, tell me," she said casually, leaning her back against the headboard. "We are physically young, but let's not act like teenagers. Technically, we've been together for five years – or six years now, Draco."
"Technically…" he repeated in a whisper.
Hermione left the bed and rose to her feet. She stood in front of Draco, then she held his upper arms to make him face her. "What's the matter?"
Draco finally turned to her, looking pained.
"Draco, you're scaring me," she muttered. She was really starting to feel scared. Why was Draco acting so odd? Perhaps, he didn't want to be with her anymore. "Please, if you don't want to be with me anymore, just tell me and I'll accept it. Just don't leave me hanging, please…"
"Hermione, I would never…" He trailed off, looking into her eyes, but he seemed hesitating. "I will always want to be with you. I will always want you and that's the problem because… I can't help myself."
"Draco, what are you – "
He cut her off by cupping her face and claiming her mouth.
.
February 7, 1999
(Hermione's past)
Hermione's head was spinning. Gods, she wanted Draco so badly. She wanted him; all of him. His kisses were wet, yet pleasant. She could feel something throbbing below her abdomen, and her legs felt like jelly. His kisses were intoxicating – his mouth gracefully swiped against her lips, against her tongue, and the roof of her mouth. One of his hands caressed the side of her neck, while the other caressed the flesh exposed on her back. She was still wearing the flimsy clothing Pansy put on her. Her hands moved to Draco's waist, pulling him closer to her. She felt his hardness against her belly, and he tried to pull away, but she pulled him closer.
"Don't deny me, please," she whispered in between their kisses.
"Hermione, I don't want to do something we might regret. I don't want to rush you," he whispered against her head, sounding pained.
She shook her head and met his eyes. "You're not rushing me, Draco. I just want…" she paused, thinking of the right thing to say. She wanted all of him. She wanted to experience sex, but at the same time, she was scared. She was a virgin, after all. The closest thing to sex she experienced was this – Draco's hardness pressed against her.
"What?" asked Draco gently.
She looked at him again and smiled. "I just want to feel you more, please. We don't have to do it… yet, but I want to feel you more."
Draco nodded and kissed her some more. His mouth travelled from her lips to her neck, pressing wet kisses on her flesh and his hands went to her arse.
"Hermione, love, you're so beautiful," he whispered against her neck.
She smiled and one of her hands went to his blond hair. "You're not so bad yourself," she chuckled as she unbuttoned Draco's pyjama top to feel his flesh, his broad and muscular chest he owed to Quidditch. But his skin there wasn't smooth. Her fingers caught his scars.
Hermione breathed sharply. Sixth year; Harry's Sectumsempra.
"I'm sorry, Draco," she whispered sincerely, looking into his eyes.
"They're ugly, I know."
Hermione sensed a pang of disappointment in his tone, so she pulled the straps of her chemise – thank Merlin she was still wearing a bra – and pulled the dress down to her belly, showing the scar Dolohov gave her in the fifth year. The scar started below her right collarbone, to the valley between her breasts, and ended on the left side of her navel.
"I'm sorry, Hermione. My father was there that day. The summer after our fifth year, I heard Dolohov bragging about the scar he gave you."
She wore her chemise again properly and cupped Draco's cheeks. "Not your fault, Draco. But the day Harry confronted you in the lavatory, I… I was there, under the Disillusionment Charm. I wanted to scream. I did. I yelled at Harry afterwards, in the common room…"
"It's all in the past now, love." He moved closer and kissed her forehead, then her nose, and finally, her lips.
She wrapped her arms around his torso. "Oh, Draco. I wish I had seen earlier the goodness in you."
He chuckled and kissed her one last time. "We can't erase the past, but we can make the future better by living the present well… We should go down to breakfast before one of them sends an elf to get us."
Hermione smiled but nodded. "I'll go wash up. Do you mind if I go first?"
"Not at all, love."