Chapter 4
For the next few days, Hermione and Draco spent every moment together. They skied together during the day, and they would spend the evenings talking and getting to know each other better. It was absolutely perfect. Hermione didn't want it to end.
Every day that passed, she was becoming increasingly aware that their time to return to London was rapidly approaching. She wanted to ask him about what it would mean for their… relationship when they went back home. But she was afraid. What if, for him, this was simply a little vacation romance, something that only existed when reality seemed far away. What if this was only possible because of the romantic setting they were enjoying here: the mountains, the snow, the cozy sofas by the fire. Maybe he didn't see this as a relationship, maybe she was just, there, and he wanted someone to help him pass the time.
All those thoughts were eating her inside. She didn't want to think about it, but she couldn't help it. She knew she should be enjoying those last few hours together, but she was too worried. She knew what she wanted. To go back to London and keep seeing each other. To explore whether this could turn into something long term. To find out if he was the one for her. She just hoped it was also something he wanted.
It was their last night at the resort. They were sitting in the restaurant and the wine had just been served. Hermione was unusually quiet. Draco frowned, having noticed this. He finally asked, "Hermione, are you okay? You haven't seemed like yourself these last couple of days."
She looked up at him and gave him a little smile that didn't reach her eyes, "Yes, I'm fine. I'm sorry I haven't been myself lately, it's just that…"
"It's just…" he encouraged her.
She took a deep breath and said, "It's just that, tonight's our last night here and I'm sad it's ending. And I'm nervous about what it means for… us."
Draco was looking at her intently, understanding what she was saying, but she was looking at the table. He took her hand and held it lightly as he said, "I know how you feel Hermione, I feel the same way."
She looked up at him quickly, surprised and hopeful, and said, "Really?"
He smiled and squeezed her hand to reassure her and replied, "Really. These last few days have been amazing Hermione. We've been having so much fun and we've learned a lot about each other. I was hoping that this is something we can continue back home, but I wasn't sure that you felt the same way."
"I was hoping for the same thing. But then I was worried that maybe this, she gestured between them, has only been possible because we were here, skiing, at a resort, with the snow and the mountains. What if what we have here is not real enough and can't survive the ups and downs of everyday life?"
"Then we will figure it out, together. We won't know if we don't try. Although I must say, I don't think we'll have a problem adjusting to real life. We've proved here that we communicate very well, so I think we'll be okay. What do you think?"
"I agree that communication is a strength of ours. But are you sure you're not too tired of me? Or would you be okay with not seeing each other this often? You know how important my job is to me."
He smirked, "Hermione, we've known each other since Hogwarts. I know how much of a perfectionist you are, and I know that you take your work seriously. It's something that I happen to find attractive about you. As for being tired of you, it is simply not possible. You seem to forget that I've extended my vacation by a couple of days to spend more time with you. I think we'll be okay on that front."
She smiled, "Well, that's true… So, it's official then, we're really going to do this? Go back to London and be a real couple? You're sure?"
"I am one hundred percent sure Hermione, softly kissing her knuckles. It's you and me unless you tell me otherwise. But I'm not worried. I'm a Malfoy, I know I'm a catch!"
She laughed, finally relieved that they were on the same page and were going to keep this relationship going.
The rest of the meal passed without a hitch, much like the evenings they had spent together the entire trip.
The next morning, they checked out of the hotel together and walked out holding hands, confident in what they had. They hadn't started their vacations looking for love, but they ended with a strong foundation for years to come.
As they had hoped, their adventure in the French Alps continued even stronger in London. Sure, they had their ups and downs, but they always talked it through.
Every year from then on, during the same week, the regular staff at the resort enjoyed the business of that wonderful couple from England. For a couple of years, it was just the two of them. Some of them even got to witness the gentleman's proposal of marriage on the mountains, which they thought was a bold move considering the possibility of the ring getting lost in the snow. Then, despite the resort not being popular with families, the staff got to enjoy the expansion of the couple's family, going from one little boy to a total of two boys and one girl. The couple seemed to have a strong connection, and became, unknowingly, a role model for young staff members looking for true and lasting love.
It definitely seemed like there was something about the snow…
