Finally! She thought to herself. Hermione was finally able to capture the illusive full toothed smile of Draco Malfoy. She had seen him grin, chuckle and of course that damned smirk but a full beautiful smile….
The first time Hermione saw that brilliant smile it was at one of the Ministry's Galas. Just walking into the ballroom after her presence was announced by the MC, she made a b-line to the bar. Moving closer her eye caught the flash of blonde hair, then it was as everything was moving in slow motion.
Draco was doubled over laughing at something George Weasley said. The light caught his face and a gleam ricocheted off his perfectly straight teeth. Hermione thought her parents would be impressed. At that moment Draco composed himself, he recognized Hermione staring at him. Schooling his features Draco gave her a smirk then winked an eye.
Stunned by the reaction she swiveled left then right to see if Draco's reaction was indeed directed at her. When Hermione looked over at him again he tipped his glass of firewiskey towards her making Hermione's cheeks color. She quickly ordered a champagne, taking a sip to soothe her dry throat.
Draco approached her, leaning against the bar he drawled. "Easy Granger the bubbles can hit hard." A smirk on his lips. "Saw something you liked back there. I thought you would be a bit more subtle." She cocked an eyebrow at his arrogance. "If I am completely honest, in all the years I have know you I don't think I have ever seen you smile or laugh without such inhibitions."
Draco pondered over her candour. He was not kind to her in their past, after the war he just kept his head down, worked hard, eventually made amends then secured a job at the Ministry. "You're correct, however George is a humorous bloke it's hard not to laugh in his company. Besides things change." Hermione nodded at that taking another sip of champagne.
Draco drained the last of his drink. "Gran … Hermione will you dance with me?" He held out his hand to her. Looking between his face and the offered hand, she took one last sip of the champagne then let him escort her to the dancefloor.
That was the dance that started a whirlwind romance, bringing them to this photo that has been a year in the making. Draco did laugh and smile, letting his inhibitions go when he was with Hermione. She could just never capture till now. The perfect tropical island setting, after a perfect romantic dinner, with her perfect boyfriend and his perfect smile.