Just outside of London

Tuesday, March 30th, 1999

5:00PM

Hermione opened her eyes to the British countryside whizzing past the train in darkness. In the distance, she could see the first few lights of London coming into view. She rubbed her eyes, surprised she had managed to sleep for so long, and turned to see Draco reading on the other side of the seat.

"Hi," she said, stretching herself out on the bench, her feet in his lap.

"Welcome back," Draco said, folding down the corner of the page he was on and tossing the book to the opposite bench. "Sleep well?"

"It was nice."

"We should be there soon."

Hermione nodded, retracting her legs and tucking them beneath her. "Draco-,"

"Granger, you have nothing to worry about."

"That doesn't reassure me," she said.

"Look, Daphne's Slytherin status comes primarily from her being pure blood. She can be conniving at times but I'd class it as Ravenclaw wiles more than anything. Her parents are much the same. They have better things to worry about than your lineage."

"It's not just that," she said, feeling her cheeks tinge. She kept her gaze away from Draco's face, certain his reaction would be amusement.

"What else?"

Again, she flushed. "It's having to spend a week with Pansy."

Hermione could almost hear Draco's eye roll. "Merlin, Granger, you battled the Darkest wizard there's ever been, almost went after a great big bloody snake, freed the most wanted prisoner from Azkaban, broke into the Ministry, faced down Umbridge, fought Death Eaters, and ran around Britain doing anything you could to piss off Voldemort," he said, "and you're scared of Pansy."

"I was just doing what was necessary," Hermione said, indignant. "And I'm not scared of Pansy. Just apprehensive about spending so long with her."

"Come here," Draco beckoned, repositioning himself on the bench so she could rest in his arms. "Just don't buy anything she has her eye on and you'll be fine. Daph's parents will love you. The week will go off without a hitch."

"But what if-,"

"Salazar, I'm surprised you haven't gone grey already. Do you ever stop worrying?"

"Sometimes. Normally when I'm asleep."

Draco snorted and kissed her temple. "You know, you don't have to stay at Daphne's if you don't want to. My parents are in Italy for until the summer whilst the manor gets redone. It'd just be you and me."

Pulling from his grasp, she turned to look at him. "I wish I could, Draco, you know that. But I already promised Daphne and we'll be spending plenty of time together as it is."

"And if you can't sleep?"

Hermione smiled. "Leave the Floo Line open for me."

The train began to slow, closing in on Kings Cross, the pair preparing their luggage for the exit. Hermione ducked out of the compartment first, waving to Daphne in the one next door as she headed down towards the front of the train to instruct students. After wrangling two first year boys off, she hopped onto Platform 9 ¾, somewhat relieved to be back in London.

Though Ginny was remaining at Hogwarts for the Easter Break, Harry and Ron had assured her they would be at Kings Cross to greet her and they didn't disappoint. With her cheeks aching so much from a grin she thought would split her face in two, she launched herself into Harry's arms first, laughing.

"It's good to see you, too, Hermione," her best friend said, squeezing tight, neither wanting to let go. "Merlin, I forgot what it's like not seeing you every day."

Breaking apart their hug, Hermione turned to Ron and held him just as tightly. "I missed you two far too much," she said, shaking her head when Ron had released her. She turned, finding Draco with Blaise, Daphne, and Pansy. Theo and Astoria were off to the side, seeming reluctant to detach their lips from one another.

"Not sure Malfoy missed us at all," Ron said, earning a glare from Hermione and a nudge in the ribs from Harry.

Hermione turned to her boyfriend again, seeing him approach with his hands deep in his pockets. "Potter," he said upon arrival, nodding at Harry. "Weasley, I need a word with you."

A group of people were beginning to listen in, no doubt anticipating some sort of fight, and Hermione swelled with pride when Ron placidly and courteously agreed to Draco's request. The two stepped away from the rest of the crowd, leaving Hermione with an anxious looking Harry.

"Ron can't afford to get in a public fight with anyone, much less Malfoy," he said. "What do you think they're talking about?"

Hermione placed a reassuring hand on Harry's arm. "I think Draco is thanking him," she said, and as she spoke, she watched her boyfriend hold his hand out to Ron, the latter hesitating for only a moment before shaking it. The exchange was over quickly, both looking somewhat anxious to be out of the other's company.

"Granger, you ready?" Draco asked upon his return. "Pans is getting restless. Best not let her get too bored."

"Sure," Hermione said. "I'll be over in a second."

"I still don't know how you can stand to be around all those snakes," Ron said, shaking his head. "Want to meet for lunch sometime this week?"

"Thursday?" Hermione suggested. "We can just go to the Leaky Cauldron if that's alright. I think I'll be needing some pub food after a few days at Daphne's."

Harry grinned. "It'll be hors d'oeuvres as far as the eye can see. We'll see you at noon on Thursday."

With another brief embrace, Hermione's best friends vanished in identical pops. She turned and joined her boyfriend and their friends, grasping Draco's hand and disappearing into a sickening tube of darkness. They reappeared, trunks in tow, inside a grand entrance room.

"Wow," Hermione said, forgetting who she was with for a moment as she took the room in.

The room was bright, with high ceilings and two sweeping staircases that lead to a balcony. Walls painted white and dark polished floorboards, it was immaculate, from the carefully chosen pieces of artwork from artists both muggle and magical, to the intricate little details around the room of vases filled with fresh flowers and statement furniture pieces.

"Daphne, darling!" came a voice from the balcony, and Hermione turned her head up to see a glamorous woman, one hand resting on the white railing.

"Eva," said Draco's voice in Hermione's ear. She stiffened as Daphne's mother descended the stairs gracefully. Sensing her discomfort, Draco held her hand tightly.

Seeing Eva Greengrass, it was clear to Hermione where Daphne and Astoria got their looks. With the same blonde hair as Daphne, the Greengrass matriarch stood tall and slender, not a hair out of place and clothed in a neat pantsuit. She embraced her daughters first, then kissed both Blaise and Pansy on the cheek.

"Draco," Eva said, turning to him. "It's been too long."

"Hello, Eva," he said, Hermione taken aback at his casual address of her. As with the others, Eva kissed Draco's cheek. "How are you?"

"In a tizzy about this engagement party, but I'll suppose I'll manage," Eva smiled. "And you must be Hermione."

Gathering her Gryffindor bravery and putting a wide smile on her face, Hermione held out her free hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs Greengrass," she said.

"No need for such formalities here, my darling," the older woman said, grasping her hand warmly. "Mrs Greengrass is my mother-in-law. Just call me Eva. I want you to feel as comfortable as possible whilst you're staying with us."

Relaxing her shoulders, Hermione's smile became more genuine. "Thank you for letting me stay, Eva."

"Not at all, dear," Eva said. "My pleasure. Now, you should all go get cleaned up and we can eat. I trust you boys are staying for dinner?"

"I could never pass up free food, Mrs Greengrass," Blaise said, charming grin and all. "Drake?"

"Of course," Draco said.

"Wonderful. Girls, go and change into something more comfortable. Boys, you can wait in the parlour," Eva said, leading Draco and Blaise out of the room. Draco gave Hermione's hand one last reassuring squeeze before leaving.

"Come on," Daphne said, beaming. "I'll show you your room." Astoria and Pansy were already halfway up the stairs, gossiping about Theo. "Mum's only real rule is no boys allowed upstairs. Other than that, we're very relaxed about things, particularly for a pureblood family."

"Does Draco know your mother well?" Hermione blurted out, the question niggling at her since his casual conversation with Eva.

Daphne paused before she spoke, looking Hermione with careful eyes. "You know about Lucius' temper by now, I'm sure," she said, continuing when Hermione nodded. "When things got particularly bad, when we were kids, and again from fourth year onwards at Hogwarts, Draco would hide out here. He didn't really have any friends, just minions, and I think their houses reminded him too much of his own. He spent a great deal of time here. My parents treat him like a son and even though he loves Narcissa dearly, I'm certain Draco sees my parents as his own."

"Draco's lucky to have you," Hermione said sincerely.

"And now he has you, too," Daphne smiled at her, coming to a halt outside a large oak door. She pushed it open, revealing a vast bedroom. "Here's your room. I…Draco told me that you have nightmares, so I've left a bowl of Floo Powder by the fireplace in case you need to go see him during the night. You have a loo through there and if you need anything else, my room is right next-door. I'll be back in a couple of minutes to show you to the dining room."

"Thank you, Daphne. For telling me about Draco and for letting me stay."

"You are so very, very welcome, Hermione. I feel privileged to call you my friend."

As the door closed, Hermione began to explore her room for the next ten days, smiling when she saw the delicate china bowl full of Floo Powder by the elegant fireplace. She scrubbed her face in the bathroom sink, considered doing something to her hair and promptly gave up, changed into a dark pair of jeans and a blouse just as Daphne knocked on the door. Having been entirely unsure of what Eva had meant when she told them to change into something more 'comfortable', Hermione was pleased to see she had chosen correctly, Daphne's outfit mirroring her own except in different hues.

It turned out the dining room was just as bright and lovely as the rest of the home, with a small table set for seven in the centre, though Hermione was certain it would be expanded for larger gatherings. In the middle of the table were pitchers of water and two bottles of wine, the labels of which were in French and screamed taste to Hermione. She took a seat next to Draco and, remembering her conversation with Daphne on the way to their rooms, leaned in for a quick kiss.

"What was that for?" he asked when she pulled back, his hand reaching for hers.

Hermione just smiled, not wanting to get Daphne in trouble for her reveal. Eva reappeared in time to save her from having to answer, taking her seat at the head of the table. "Henry is still on business in Paris, but he should have finished up by tomorrow," Eva said. She flicked her wand, the food appearing on their plates. "Garlic prawns," she said. "My specialty. I picked up the recipe when I was in Paris almost twenty years ago. Have you ever been to France, Hermione?"

"Yes, once," Hermione said. "Just before third year. I spent a few weeks in Paris and then we spent the rest of the time in the south. It was wonderful. I'd love to go again."

"Maybe Drake could take you," Blaise said with a smirk.

"City of Love, they call it," Pansy chimed in.

Eva, ignoring the Slytherins, continued her questioning. "That was with your parents?" When Hermione nodded, she kept on. "And what is it they do?"

Forcing herself to chew, swallow, not let herself be overcome with emotion, Hermione cleared her throat. Beneath the table, Draco squeezed her knee. "They're dentists." At the bewildered look on Eva's face, she continued. "Like Healers for your teeth. They're in Australia now."

"Blaise, pass the water," Draco said loudly, earning a cluck of the tongue from Eva.

"Really, Draco, you shouldn't interrupt."

"Won't happen again, Eva."

Conversation turned to discussions of Daphne and Blaise's impending engagement party, due for one week away. Below the table, Draco sought out Hermione's hand, running his thumb across the back of it, keeping conversation away from her for the rest of the evening.

…

Hermione woke to bright light through her window and a small clock on the table beside her bed telling her it was eight o'clock. Shocked she had slept through the night, she gave her well-rested body a long stretch before tossing the sheets away and climbing out of bed. Following dinner the night before, she had farewelled Draco with plenty of thanks and retired to her room, starting work on the pile of homework assigned for the Easter break. She had fallen asleep close to midnight, sleeping a full eight hours.

Pulling the elastic from her ponytail, she shook her hair on the way to the shower, unknotting it with her fingers whilst the water heated up. She, Daphne, Pansy and Astoria were going to be making a visit to Diagon Alley, the others determined to find dresses for the party. Hermione had a vague idea of what she was going to wear, a dress she had packed neatly into her suitcase, though she was certain Pansy would not let her off the hook for wearing something twice.

Following a thorough scrubbing, which left her smelling of roses and strawberry, Hermione changed into black jeans and a pale grey sweater. As she finished plaiting her hair, Daphne was knocking at her door to take her down to breakfast. The Slytherin, as always, had outdone herself in a pale cream dress, a black ribbon around the collar and black tights on underneath. Whilst Hermione had returned to a pair of trusty almost-flat boots for footwear, Daphne was in heeled ankle booties, seeming completely at ease with the teetering heels as they walked to the kitchen for breakfast.

"I'm sorry if dinner was uncomfortable for you last night," Daphne said. "I understand that it must be difficult talking to Slytherins about your family when so many of us are pureblood elitists. My family have never been bothered with blood status, but my parents still ask a lot of questions."

Hermione shook her head. "It wasn't that," she said. "I would consider myself an orphan, now. My parents live in Australia with no knowledge that I exist. A precaution for the war."

"Hermione, I'm so sorry," Daphne said, putting a hand on Hermione's arm and bringing them to a halt. "I had no idea."

"I haven't told many people. Ron, Harry, Ginny, Draco. Now you." Feeling the familiar ache in her throat, Hermione swallowed heavily. "I'd prefer not to talk about it if that's alright."

"Of course," Daphne said, nodding. Her ponytail bobbed enthusiastically. "Shall we continue? Pansy is no doubt anxious to get to the shops soon."

The kitchen was warm, filled with sunlight, the smell of freshly baked pastries. A plate of still warm croissants rested on the countertop, Pansy already seated at the breakfast bar with one on her plate beside a bowl of fruit salad. Taking in Pansy's short dress, skintight and dark green, Hermione wondered if the girls knew how to dress casually at all.

"Morning, Granger," the Slytherin girl said.

"Pansy." Hermione nodded. "Sleep well?"

"Peachy."

"It's going to be a very long week if I'm the one doing all the talking," Daphne said. "Where's Tori?"

"I'm here, Daphne," Astoria said, clicking her way into the room in shoes Hermione was certain she would break her neck in.

"What do you think you're wearing, Astoria?" Daphne said, staring at her sister, croissant halfway to her plate.

"What? What's wrong with it?" Astoria asked, looking down at her dress. Short, barely mid-thigh, it flared out at the waist and was covered in a geometric black, white, and pink print. "Teddy likes it."

"I don't care what Theodore likes," Daphne said. "First of all, we're going shopping, not to some party. And even if we were going to a party, it's far too short for you. You're only sixteen. And besides, that dress is mine anyway. Plus, you'll freeze outside."

"I'll cast a heating charm," Astoria insisted.

"We're going to muggle London, Tori, and you're only sixteen. You can't do magic outside of school for another four months."

"What about Pansy? Her dress is as short as mine."

Hermione hid a smile as Daphne rolled her eyes. "Pansy is older than you, and she could wear a potato sack for all I care. Go and get out of my dress and put something decent on. And don't take anything more from my wardrobe."

Hermione joined Pansy at the breakfast bar, picking at her croissant as Daphne poured coffee for them all. "Does Astoria know that he hates being called Teddy?" she asked, looking up from her pastry.

Beside her, Pansy snorted. "Probably not. She's too pleased with herself to notice anything he says."

"It's pathetic," Daphne said. "Blaise and I were never like that."

Remembering the Christmas break, Hermione frowned. "I wouldn't have thought Astoria would be Theo's type."

"That's his type when the smart, brunette Gryffindors are unattainable," Pansy said. She reached for her coffee, drinking it black, sugarless, with a smack of her lips.

Hermione flushed. "Are you seeing anyone, Pansy?"

Pansy just passed her a look from the corner of her eye, the smallest smile on her lips. "A few people."

Before Hermione could inquire further, Astoria reappeared. "Is this better, mother?" she asked Daphne, this time in a longer, dark red dress layered over black tights.

"It'll pass," Daphne said. "Have some breakfast."

They finished eating in relative silence before grabbing their coats, Hermione feeling distinctly underdressed beside the other girls. For her, it was times like this she was pleased with her selection of predominantly male friends, even finding the slightly itchy sweater and low-heeled boots more uncomfortable than her usual attire.

"I'm not sure I really need anything new," Hermione said, buttoning up her coat.

"What, have you already bought something?" Pansy asked.

"No, but I'm just going to wear a dress I already have. I don't see the point in buying anything new."

Astoria scoffed, Pansy rolled her eyes. "So, at the biggest event on the social scene so far this year, you're going to recycle outfits?" the latter said.

"Pansy," Daphne chided.

"I don't understand why I should spend thousands of pounds on clothes that I'll only wear once. Where's the practicality or sense in that?" Hermione said, growing exasperated.

Before Pansy could argue back, Daphne interrupted: "What about, Pansy, you and Tori go shopping for everything you need. I only need shoes, so I'll take Hermione with me and if we happen to find a dress she likes, we'll get that."

Pansy pursed her lips. "Fine," she said, staring at Hermione. The Gryffindor saw a flicker of animosity in her eyes before Pansy turned on her heel, Astoria right behind her as they crossed the room to the fireplace. Taking turns, they tossed a handful of Floo Powder in, vanishing in green flames.

"Thanks, Daph," Hermione said.

"Just out of curiosity, what dress are you wearing?"

"The blue one I wore to a charity event last year and then wore to the party after the Halloween Ball."

"It's a lovely dress," Daphne said. "Come. We'll apparate to a safe point in muggle London. Muggles make the best shoes."

Hermione smiled as Daphne linked arms with her, sucking them into darkness.

…

Quite certain her feet were going to fall off, Hermione fell into an armchair at yet another boutique. Daphne had already bought three pairs of shoes, though by the looks of it, she was gunning for a fourth. They had met Pansy and Astoria for lunch at the Leaky Cauldron, both of them overloaded with parcels from both muggle and magical London and had apparated to Daphne's briefly to deposit their packages. The other girls had all bought new dresses as well, even Daphne though she had informed Hermione that her mother was designing the dress she was to wear at her engagement party.

Having picked up a new pair of shoes, Hermione was satisfied with the day's shopping, not too enthused about spending any more money than that. No matter how much Daphne had prodded and promoted all the lovely gowns they passed, Hermione had remained unconvinced. Now, close to four o'clock, Daphne assured they only had one shop left to visit before returning home.

"Come on, Hermione," Daphne said. "Chin up. We're almost done and you might even find a dress in the next shop."

"I'm fine, Daph," Hermione said, wincing as her feet ached when she pulled herself from the chair. "I don't need a dress."

"Of course not, but that dress is so dark! Are you sure you want to wear it to a daytime engagement party?"

Hermione smiled at her friend's attempts. "I'm happy to do so, but if I happen across something that I like even more, I suppose I may buy it."

The next shop was only three doors down, the shop assistant greeting them at the door with a shocking pink shade of lipstick.

"Hi, my friend here was looking for a dress to wear to an engagement party," Daphne said before Hermione could insist they were just browsing. Passing her Slytherin friend a dirty look as she was dragged to brightly coloured racks by the assistant, she let the woman look her up and down.

"I can see that you have great legs and a good bum, so you'll want something short, but you're not hefty up top at all so that works out great," the woman said. "We can get you something with a higher neck but shorter skirt. Now, in terms of colour, with your complexion, I think greens would work well. The right shade can bring out your eyes. Reds, too."

Hermione looked around to see Daphne filtering through the racks on the other side of the store. "What about this one?" Daphne suggested, holding out a dark red dress, short in the leg but with slight sleeves and sporting a high neckline. "Short, but the neckline is high. You could put your hair back and just wear a nice necklace and some pretty earrings."

"Daph," Hermione said, frown lines forming.

"Just try it on," Daphne said, passing her the dress.

"I think that would look just lovely on you," the shop assistant agreed. "I'll get you some heels to try it on with and find a few other dresses for you. This way, please."

Hermione left her bag with Daphne and shut the curtain of the changing room behind her with a sigh. The shop assistant opened it briefly to pass through some plain black pumps as Hermione slid her coat from her shoulders. Changing quickly, Hermione had to admit that the dress Daphne picked out for her was impeccable. Comfortable without being casual, with the help of the high heels, she was very pleased with the look.

"Fine," she said, pulling back the curtain at Daphne's instruction, "you win. I'll get this dress."

"Hermione, you look beautiful," Daphne said. Behind her, shop assistant nodded enthusiastically. "Do you have shoes to wear with it?"

"I'm sure I can find some," she said, not wanting to spend any more money than the already over-priced dress.

After changing back into her daywear and paying for the garment (the total cost making her blanch), she and Daphne returned to the safe point to apparate home, Hermione grateful for the chance to sit down.

They beat Pansy and Astoria home and decided to make a pot of tea and sit in the conservatory to work on respective projects, Daphne chewing down on her lip as she worked over party plans, Hermione nibbling the end of her quill as she took notes for a Transfiguration essay, her textbooks spread about the place.

It was close to six when Pansy and Astoria returned, both looking overloaded with their purchases. They took turns showing off their new items, though they kept their party outfits secret. Pansy seemed please when Hermione told her she had in fact bought something new, Astoria rolling her eyes.

"I'm going to go talk to Teddy," she said, leaving her packages in a heap and flouncing out of the room. Pansy sniggered, picking up her packages with a swish and flick of her wand.

At seven, Eva announced her arrival, calling out to Daphne who uncurled from her spot on the floor, primped quickly, and vanished into the entrance hall. A few minutes later, Daphne returned, announcing herself with a cough. Hermione looked up from her freshly completed Transfiguration essay.

"Any preferences for dinner?" Daphne asked from the doorway. "My mother has to stay in Paris overnight so it'll just be us."

"I'm not all that hungry," Hermione said, skimming over her essay. "You go ahead and get what you like. I'm going to do a bit more work."

Daphne shrugged elegantly, calling out to Pansy and Astoria as she left Hermione for the kitchen.

'A bit more work' turned into the completion of almost all of Hermione's holiday work as midnight approached. Daphne had poked her head in every now and then to check on her progress, heading to bed at eleven.

When the clocked tolled heavily at twelve, Hermione looked up from her books, confused. Realising the time, she gathered her things and wandered through the silent house, tiptoeing past the other bedrooms to reach her own room where she promptly fell into bed, barely pausing to change into her pajamas.

…

Hoarse, covered in a cold sweat, Hermione bolted upright. In the dark, she fumbled on her bedside table for her wand, casting a lumos charm and breathing in gulps of chilly air. Despite the perspiration, her face was hot and she could feel tears on her cheeks. From the dim light, Hermione saw the fireplace against the wall, remembered Daphne's generosity with Floo Powder, Draco's offer, the promise of an empty house.

"Nox," she said, picking up her wand and reaching the fireplace in record time. With a handful of dust in her hand, she stepped into the fireplace. "Malfoy Manor," she said clearly, dropping the powder and holding her breath as the spinning started.

She fell onto the floor of an unfamiliar room, but was greeted by a very familiar, albeit sleepy, tone.

"Who's there?" Draco said, the room pitch black. "Lumos." He was sitting up in his bed, hair a mess, pointing his wand at her. "Granger?"

"Hi," she said. She turned and flicked her wand at the fireplace, feeling herself calm as the flames sprung to life. Facing Draco again, who was looking far more awake as he approached her, she felt the tears return, throat thick. "I missed you."

Draco gave a genuine smile, pulling her against his chest for a long hug. "Want to talk about it?"

"No," Hermione said, listening to his heartbeat. The rhythmic thumping calmed her, and when they did pull apart, Draco wiped her tears away with his thumb. "Sorry I woke you up."

He grinned. "It's fine, Granger. I'm always happy to be woken up by you, though I can think of more fun ways than you appearing in my fireplace crying."

"Such a romantic," she said, leaning back in and kissing his chest, right above his heart. Again, Draco's arms tightened around her, keeping her close, and she felt his lips press into her hair. "Thank you."

"For what?" he asked. He let her go and sat on a couch in front of the fire, tugging gently on her hand until she joined him on the loveseat.

"For letting me come over. For not asking questions. Just for being here for me." She nestled into his side, one of Draco's arms draped over her shoulder.

"Anytime, Granger."

This time, when he leaned to kiss her hairline, Hermione tilted her face upwards to meet his lips, smiling into the kiss. As it deepened, she let Draco move her beneath him. Bodies flush, Hermione let sensations, emotions overcome her, weaving her fingers through his hair, arching against him when Draco's hand snuck beneath the hem of her shirt and his palm found her lower back.

Holding her tightly, he hoisted them upright until his back was against the couch, she straddling his lap. In another fluid movement, Draco lifted them both off the sofa and was carrying her to the bed, continuing the kiss, his fingers stroking tiny patterns on her thighs. Laying her down, head on the pillow, with more finesse than Hermione thought he would have, Draco pulled back slightly.

"Positive?" he asked.

At his gentleness and tact, she felt herself overcome with a wave of emotion for him. "Positive," she said. Moving her hands down his torso, Hermione grasped the bottom of his shirt and tugged at it. Getting her message, Draco pulled back and rested on his haunches, lifting the t-shirt over his head and leaving it abandoned on the floor. Hermione followed suit with her own shirt, blushing when Draco licked his lips.

To her surprise, when he lowered himself back down, he leant forward and kissed the scar along her neck, pressed his cheek to her heart, before kissing her lips again with as much passion as they both could muster.

…

The light was bright, Hermione squinted against it, face still half-buried in her pillow. She was looking at Draco who seemed far more alert than she, grinning across at her.

"Hi," she said, stretching her limbs out leisurely.

"Morning, Granger," he said, pushing the hair out of her face. "How are we this morning?"

Hermione assessed how pleasantly relaxed she felt, the gentle tenderness of her limbs when she sat up slightly, dragging the sheet with her for modesty's sake. "Adequate," she said, smiling at him when he rolled his eyes, leaned over to give her a thorough kiss.

"What time is it?" she asked when they were both disheveled and now far more awake.

"Half past ten," he said. "You have a better offer?"

Hermione sighed, reaching over the side of the bed for her shirt as Draco tried to pull her back down into the bed. "I promised Harry and Ron I'd have lunch with them in Diagon Alley today. We're meeting at noon and I could do with a shower and some clothes that aren't my pajamas." She pulled the shirt over her head, wriggled into her pajama shorts beneath the sheets.

"I happen to have to go to Diagon Alley today anyway," Draco said. "So if you go back to Daphne's and get ready and I'll come and meet you at half past eleven then we can apparate in together."

"You just can't get enough of me, can you, Malfoy?" Hermione said, kissing him chastely and tossing away the sheets, grabbing her wand on the way to the fireplace.

"I love it when you call me that," he smirked.

Laughing, Hermione shook her head as she grabbed a handful of Floo Powder, vanishing in a flash of green. She reappeared in her bedroom at Daphne's house, shucking her clothes on the way to the bathroom and letting the mirror fog up before stepping into the shower and cleaning herself quickly. She found Daphne and Pansy in the kitchen, nibbling on fruit salads.

"Morning," she said, trying not to appear too chirpy as she poured herself a cup of coffee, a vain attempt to disguise the bags under her eyes.

"You look thoroughly shagged," Pansy said in greeting.

"Pansy!" Daphne looked up from her breakfast.

"It's fine, Daph," Hermione assured her, sipping deeply from her mug. "Really. It's fine."

"Did you-," Daphne began, Hermione nodding before she could finish. Pansy smirked, Daphne's eyes widened. "How was it? Oh, sorry, is that too personal?"

Hermione flushed. "It was good. Really, really good." She helped herself to more coffee. "He's going to be here in about half an hour and then we're going to Diagon Alley. I'm meeting up with Harry and Ron so I'll probably be gone for most of the day."

"That was a good segue, Granger."

"Thanks, Pansy. What are you doing today?"

Pansy made a face. "Daphne's insisting we do all of our homework today. Thought you'd be well in on that," she said.

"I finished almost all of it last night," Hermione said. "I just have to work with Draco on something for Potions."

"I'm not sure they call what you've been doing 'work', Hermione," Daphne chimed in, smiling softly.

Again, Hermione felt her cheeks colour. She reached for an apple, chewing slowly to avoid any extra embarrassing conversation.

"Where's Tori?" Pansy asked, Hermione relieved conversation had turned away from her.

Daphne rolled her eyes before answering. "She got up at the crack of dawn to go and see Theodore. She said she couldn't bear to be apart for another day."

"Theo will love that," Pansy said with a grin. "I give them a month, at most."

"Pansy," Daphne frowned.

"What? I get that she's your sister and she likes him but his interests lie elsewhere, in a place which is thoroughly unattainable at this point, by the looks of it," Pansy said. "She's young. She'll recover."

"She's sixteen and infatuated with a boy who is only going to break her heart and I don't need you betting on it to prompt him to do so sooner," Daphne said. "For all your friendship with her, I'll be the one picking her up when Theodore leaves her for some moronic reason."

Hermione finished her coffee, feeling sufficiently awkward with the conversation. "I'm, uh, going to go and brush my teeth before Draco gets here. I'll come say goodbye before we leave."

Leaving the empty cup by the sink, she scuttled up to her room quickly, hearing Daphne and Pansy continue to bicker over the welfare of Astoria. She thought that Astoria was far too smitten considering the length of her relationship with Theo, and Pansy's comments of Theo's true interests made her flush, discomfort settling in her gut. After brushing her teeth thoroughly to ensure there was no trace of coffee left on her breath, Hermione stared at herself in the mirror.

Despite the bags under her eyes and the knots in her perpetually untamable hair, she was pleased with the girl who looked back. Though she had never been one to be preoccupied with her appearance, she had noticed that her looks had deteriorated in the past year, losing excessive amounts of weight whilst on the hunt for the horcruxes and getting very little sleep leaving her skin looking greyed, face gaunt. Now, she had regained the weight she had lost and her skin looked fresh, eyes bright. She smiled at her reflection and returned to her bedroom to grab a cardigan and her beaded bag as she heard Daphne calling her name from downstairs.

Trying not to appear too eager, she took the stairs slowly, though she couldn't help but smile again upon hearing Draco's voice from the kitchen

"Hi, Granger," he said when she arrived, grinning at her with his hand outstretched towards her.

"Hi," she replied, taking the offered hand and greeting him with a short kiss.

Pansy offered a long whistle. Hermione's cheeks grew hot as Draco looked at her with his brows raised.

"Shall we get going?" she suggested, ignoring Pansy's laughter.

"Suits me just fine," Draco said. "Floo or apparate?"

"Apparate," she said after a pause. "I'll see you two later."

"Have a good day," Daphne said. Pansy simply smirked, causing Draco to roll his eyes and another rush of colour to hit Hermione's cheeks.

"Come on, Granger," he said, tugging on her hand. "It's a nice day out."

"Are we really talking about the weather?" Hermione queried. She pushed the front door open and was indeed greeted by a glorious day, the sun bright and warm for early April.

"Only until we're out of earshot," Draco said, pulling her in close and kissing her with demanding authority. She wove her fingers through his hair and let him have full control of the kiss, one hand holding the back of her head, the other arm wrapped tight around her waist. When they separated, it seemed as though the sky had brightened even further. "Hi."

"Miss me much?" Hermione asked, taking his hand again and trying to quell her breathlessness.

"Not really," Draco shrugged. "Ready?"

"Ready."

Hermione grimaced, shutting her eyes tightly, opening them again in an alleyway around the corner from The Leaky Cauldron. Noticing it was five to twelve, they walked leisurely to the establishment, hand in hand, soaking up the good weather.

"By the way, what colour is the dress you're wearing to the party?" Draco asked as he held the door open for her. They both ignored the heads that turned to stare as they entered.

"Red."

Draco scoffed. "You're such a Gryffindor," he said. "But I suppose I'll keep you around. Dark or light?"

"Dark. And some of us just happen to suit red," Hermione retorted.

"I prefer you in nothing at all," Draco smirked, kissing her quickly before she could reply. Again, heads turned. "See you around, Granger."

He vanished into the alleyway that led to Diagon Alley before she had a chance to react. A rush of green flames from the fireplace distracted her, revealing Harry and Ron, both looking quite disheveled.

"You were meant to clean the fireplace out last week, Ron," Harry said.

"Well, you shrunk one of my sweaters in your muggle drying thing! I was emotionally distraught."

"It was one of your mum's sweaters! I'm sure you'll get an identical one come Christmas."

"Well, that's just beside the point!"

"Hermione!" Harry said, finally noticing her. She just laughed at her best friends, their hair a mess, clothes covered in soot.

"Don't you boys dare hug me until you scourgify your clothes."

Embarrassed, they both muttered the charm with their wands pointed at the most dirtied parts of their clothing, Harry finishing first and embracing her firmly.

"You look good, Hermione," Harry commented as Ron followed suit with the hug, lingering a moment longer than Harry had.

"Hermione," the redhead asked, "what's that mark on your neck?"

"What mark?" she asked, checking her reflection in the mirror above the mantelpiece. On her neck, in a place she could hardly see even if she craned her neck almost painfully in the mirror, was a purpling love bite. She flushed. "It's nothing. Nothing at all."

"Is that a hickey, Hermione?" Harry asked, pushing her hair out of the way to look at it again. When she didn't reply, his eyebrows lifted. "It is, isn't it?"

Rather than respond, Hermione took a seat at a vacated booth. Harry and Ron slid into the seat across from her.

"Did you shag him?" Ron asked.

"I don't see how that is any of your business, Ronald."

"She did," Harry said.

"Harry!" Hermione said.

"I can't believe it," Ron said.

"Have you slept with Fay yet, Ronald? Actually, wait, don't answer that because it doesn't impact on me and is therefore irrelevant to the progression of my life."

"I'm going to go and order," Harry said, ducking out of the booth.

"My life with Draco is none of your concern as long as I am happy and healthy, and as it turns out, I haven't been happier nor healthier in a very long time, Ron."

Much to her surprise, Ron held his hands up in surrender. "You're right. I have no room to judge."

"Really?"

"Really. Malfoy…well, he's a better man than he used to be."

"Are you feeling okay, Ron?"

"Hilarious, Hermione. He's making you happy. Very happy, apparently."

"Ron!" Hermione slapped his hand which rested on the table.

"Everything okay?" Harry asked, returning to the table warily.

"Great," Ron said. "I'm starved."

…

Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire

Saturday, April 3rd, 1999

8:00AM

"I should get going," Hermione said. Beneath her ear, Draco's heartbeat thrummed against his chest.

"It's barely eight o'clock."

"And Daphne will have been up for two hours getting ready by now. She's probably wondering where I am."

"I think they all know where you are."

Draco kissed the top of her head, shifting so she looked up at him, allowing him to kiss her more thoroughly. Moving Hermione so he was hovering over her, weight supported on one forearm, Draco kissed her to definite distraction for a few minutes until she was squirming beneath him.

"I don't have time," she managed to get out as he kissed her neck. "Daph is going to kill me as is."

"I'd like to see her try," Draco murmured against her skin. He shifted in a way that elicited a gasp from Hermione, leading him to grin into her neck. "Sure you want to go?"

"Trust me, Draco," she said. "It's not a matter of want."

…

By the time Hermione made it back to her room at Daphne's house, it was past nine o'clock. Following the fastest shower of her life, she found the bride-to-be in her own room, pacing in front of her wardrobe. On the wall hung a light blue dress, short but still tasteful, in a shade Hermione was certain would suit Daphne perfectly.

"Sorry I'm late, Daph," Hermione said, sitting on the stool at the end of her friend's bed. "I spent the night at Draco's."

"My dress is all wrong," the Slytherin complained, reaching up and touching the fabric. It seemed to shimmer with the contact. "And my hair isn't doing what it's supposed to do. I just don't feel right, today of all days."

With a great sigh, Daphne sat on the bed and promptly fell back, her hair fanning around her head like a crown. Hermione, having never seen her friend feeling this down on herself, wandered over to the garment. Brushing her fingers against it, the dress felt like a waterfall between her fingers.

"It's a beautiful dress, Daphne. The material is amazing. I can't see what's wrong with it. The colour is lovely and it's going to look lovely on," she said. "And as for your hair, I don't see how you can complain when I'm standing right next to you. You do know what my hair looks like, right?"

Daphne sat up, turned to face her. Her face was pale, mouth open in a wide 'O'. "You haven't even started on your hair!"

With no other reaction available to her, Hermione simply laughed in her friend's face, letting Daphne jump up from the bed and start bustling around the room, calling to the extensive staff on hand to offer their assistance.

…

Hermione pinned a final lock of hair back, approving of the image that stared back from the mirror. She felt smart and sophisticated, the dress flattering and pulled together with accessories borrowed from the other girls. She stifled a yawn, ignored the tiredness that pricked at her eyes from spending too many hours up at night with Draco and her homework and nodded at her reflection. Feeling confident in her outfit, she stepped out into the hallway from her bedroom, looking up and down to see if the other girls were ready, too.

"You clean up well, Granger," she heard Pansy say. Turning to face her, it took all of Hermione's effort not to let her jaw drop. The Slytherin was wearing a dress that reminded her of dragons and fire and Chinese New Year, bright and short and lacking material in all of the right places.

"Not so bad yourself, Pansy," Hermione offered. "Is Astoria ready?"

Pansy sniggered before answering. "She might think she's ready but I have the feeling Daphne won't let her out of the house dressed the way she is, even if it's just to the backyard."

Right on cue, Astoria's door open. The younger girl teetered out in high heels she could barely stand in, let alone walk, but Hermione had to admit she looked incredible.

"Astoria Greengrass, what on earth do you think you're wearing?" Daphne appeared from her room, putting her earring on. The bride-to-be took Hermione's breath away, a complete vision in her dress. "This is my engagement party and I will not have you embarrass me by walking around dressed like some cheap trollop."

"Girls, are you ready?" Eva called from downstairs. "The guests will be arriving shortly and the boys are already here!"

At the mention of the boys, Astoria let out a shrill giggle and turned on her heel before Daphne could say another word, marching down the stairs. Daphne just let out an exasperated sigh, muttered something under her breath, and followed suit, Pansy on her heels. Hermione trailed behind, feeling self-conscious as ever beside her glamorous friends. On the way to the staircase, she caught sight of herself in a mirror and used the brief moment to tighten her ponytail and take a deep breath to collect her thoughts.

She was greeted by the boys at the foot of the stairs. Blaise, too distracted with wooing his fiancé, barely glanced in her direction, but colour rose to Hermione's cheeks at the looks both Draco and Theodore gave her. Her boyfriend, in one of his rare moments, gave a genuine smile that warmed her heart. Her friend, on the other hand, stared at her in a manner which made her feel uncomfortable, guilt crawling into her chest and settling in her ribcage. Theo's arm was around Astoria but Hermione noticed how his eyes never left her as Draco greeted her with a kiss to the cheek.

"You look beautiful, Granger. I got something for you," her boyfriend said, pulling her to reality as the others filed out. From the inside pocket of his suit jacket, Draco withdrew a flat rectangular box, propping the lid open. Against the black velvet interior lay a pair of platinum earrings, simple and understated, but delicately crafted.

"They're beautiful," she said, reaching forward and touching them. "Are they-?"

"Diamonds," he said.

Hermione had noticed that the top of the earring was a diamond surrounded by platinum, shimmering in the light of the entrance hall.

"Draco, they're beautiful," she repeated. Having forgone earrings earlier, she removed them carefully from the box and put them on with the aid of a mirror, Draco hovering behind her in the reflection.

Before she could move away and join the others in the kitchen, his arms were wrapped around her waist, lips by her ear. Part of her resented the way he made her feel, how her legs went weak as he kissed her earlobe, down her neck.

"I like your hair like this," he murmured. "Makes things much more accessible."

"Don't get used to it," she said defiantly, shifting in his arms. "It's too much effort to do everyday." Having used more charms than she could count to tame her hair for the occasion, she did appreciate the compliment.

"I'm sure there's a way it could be made permanent."

Hermione stiffened. "I like my hair the way it is naturally. I have better things to do with my time than waste it on cosmetic procedures." She wormed her way out of his grasp.

"Image is important, whether you choose to believe it or not, Granger."

"I've done perfectly well so far in life without worrying for a second about how I look, thank you very much. In fact, until I started seeing you and being friends with your friends, I never second-guessed myself for a minute. But I suppose that looking good is all that matters to you, so I suppose I best be changing my attitude around that."

Before Draco could say a word, Hermione was on her way to joining the others. They had moved from the kitchen and into the garden, which although beautiful on any other day, had been transformed into a place of magnificence. With roses in full bloom and round tables covered in white cloths scattered about, the party reminded Hermione of something she had read in a book as a child, all pink and white and soft.

"Hermione!" Daphne called, waving her over. "What do you think?"

"It looks incredible," Hermione smiled. "The weather worked out well, too."

England's usually brisk April had come through for them, with blazing sunshine and warmth, allowing only a few mild heating charms to be implemented. The weather only amplified how lovely everything was, enhancing Hermione's soured mood, though something in the back of her mind still niggled at Draco's comments. Daphne vanished to attend with an apparent issue the caterers were having, leaving Hermione alone, if only for a moment.

"You look lovely today." Theo's voice was low and warm, comfortable.

"Hi," Hermione said. "Thank you."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Drake?"

"I'm fine, Theo."

Unconvinced, the Slytherin planted himself directly in front of her, arms crossed. "You can tell me, you know."

"Theodore, I'm fine. It's nothing. Where's Astoria?" Hermione asked, pretending not to notice the grimace on his face at his girlfriend's name.

"I suppose she's with her sister," he said.

"She really likes you, you know."

"Good for her." His voice was stiff and his eyes never left her face as they spoke. The intensity of his gaze made her feel uncomfortable and she shifted her weight from foot to foot.

"Theo, I'm seeing Draco."

"You've made that abundantly clear."

"Pardon me, but have I done something to offend you? Last I recall, we were on at least reasonably good terms, despite my love life which happens to be none of your concern, by the way." Theodore's stare didn't waver, so she continued: "Besides, you're with Astoria. You made a commitment to her and I feel it would be prudent if you paid her more attention."

"Tell me, Hermione, what do you see in Drake?" Theo asked. Hermione longed for the days of annoying, playful Theo.

"Theo-,"

"No, tell me. I want to know."

Hermione sighed. She could hear other guests beginning to arrive, Eva's bubbly tone of greeting, Daphne's smooth and soft conversation. She hoped there would be an escape route soon. "He's smart. He can be sensitive. He's witty, committed, and he stands up for what he believes in. He's sharp and soft at the same time. I feel safe when I'm with him. He makes me happy. Is that what you wanted to hear, Theodore? Does that make you feel any better?"

He opened his mouth, ready to respond, but was interrupted by the arrival of his girlfriend. "Astoria," he said, forcing his lips upwards into what was more of a grimace when she kissed his cheek.

"I'll leave you two alone," Hermione offered, giving Theodore a simpering smile as she turned away. The rest of the party had certainly begun to arrive and there was soft music in the early spring air. Walking until she was far enough from Theo that he would no longer be able to catch sight of her, Hermione searched through the people for any familiar face. It was when she saw a flash of platinum blonde hair that her breath caught in her throat.

Draco, back straight and hands in his pockets, was laughing at something a pretty witch in a short white dress had said, inching closer and resting her hand on his arm as she laughed at her own joke. The witch, pale with sleek black hair and an upper lip slightly too big for her lower, left her hand on Draco's arm until he took his hand from his pocket to check his watch, disturbing her.

Hermione was mortified when she realised a tear was rolling down her cheek, clapping her hand to her face to hide it before anyone noticed. The jealousy that fought inside her was a vivid ache. Was this the sort of girl Draco wanted? One who looked as though she had just stepped off the set of some glamorous movie? But she thought of all the times when she had been wearing just a jumper and a pair of jeans, fresh from the shower with her skin still pink, and he had still wanted her. But then why would he mention her image?

Summoning her Gryffindor courage that had been in such demand since her relationship's beginning, Hermione took the remaining steps that were between and her beau. "Sorry to interrupt, but Draco, may I borrow you for a moment?"

Draco looked at her intensely for a few seconds before answering. "Of course. Excuse me." The other witch frowned, clearly angling to spend the rest of the party with him, but nodded and gave the couple their privacy.

"I don't want to fight," Hermione said. When Draco looked as though he were about to reply, she held up a finger. "When I was with Ron, we fought all the time. We were either in bed or fighting, and that's not how I want this relationship to be. I want to be happy. I think we both deserve that. But I want to be able to leave the house in jeans and a comfortable shirt and not wear makeup and not feel as though I'm embarrassing you with my appearance. I like you. I really, really like you. And I don't want us to fight anymore and I want to be happy and I want that happiness to be with you."

Draco stared at her for a moment and she thought he might perpetuate the fight, but he kissed her, pulling her body against his, ignoring the soiree that continued around them. As usual, Hermione melted at his touch, winding her arms around his neck and kissing him back with everything she had. It wasn't until an elderly guest cleared her throat in passing that they broke apart.

"I think you're right, Granger," Draco said, still holding her. "We shouldn't fight anymore, unless we always make up that way."

"You're ridiculous."

Draco winked. "But seriously, you're right. Besides, I don't want to be anything like Weasley."

"Who was that witch you were talking to?" Hermione asked, trying to act innocent.

"Jealous, are we?" Draco asked. He smirked when Hermione flushed. "One of Blaise's cousins. What can I say, witches just can't resist the Malfoy charm."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Shall we get a glass of champagne?"

"As you wish, Granger." He released her for all but one hand and followed her through the throngs of people. They paused once or twice, Draco greeted by witches and wizards in expensive dress robes who gawked at Hermione as though she had a second head.

"I don't know how to relax at these parties," she complained when they reached the beverages, accepting a glass from Draco. "Everyone is so…Slytherin."

Draco lifted his shoulders in an elegant shrug. "Just smile and get through it. We could always leave early, if you wished."

"I would, but I spent a small fortune on this dress."

"And you look ravishing in it, but I think it would look even better as a crumpled mess at the foot of my bed."

Hermione shook her head. "You're ridiculous. Besides, Daphne would more than likely kill us both if we skipped out. And as a bridesmaid and a best man to this wedding, we should probably be present for the entirety of the party."

Draco kissed her temple. "You've just always got to be right, don't you?"

"I don't have to be, that's just how it ends up most of the time."

…

After sitting through hours of countless speeches and introductions to people who always seemed to sneer when Draco said her name, Hermione was exhausted. Draco spied his girlfriend looking dead on her feet as guests began to file out, the sun low on the horizon. Excusing himself from an old family friend, he ducked through to wrap an arm around Hermione's waist.

"Alright there, Granger?"

She yawned. "Fine. Just…" She paused to yawn again. "…tired."

He smirked. "Do you want me to put you to bed?"

"Please."

Draco smothered his own laughter at his girlfriend's feeble response, leading her through the back doors of the house and into the kitchen where Eva was on her way to rejoin the party. "I'm just going to take Hermione upstairs and put her to bed. I think she needs a good nap," he said to the Greengrass matriarch.

Eva frowned. "You know I don't like the girls having boys upstairs, Draco."

"Of course not. I'm simply making sure she makes it up there. In this state, I wouldn't be surprised if she gave up halfway and fell asleep on the stairs," he said. To punctuate his point, Hermione yawned loudly.

"Don't worry, Eva, I'll kick him out as soon as I get to my room," his Gryffindor commented, seeming to appease the elder witch.

"If I don't see you back down here in five minutes, Draco, then I'll be up to check on the both of you."

Agreeing to her terms, Draco led Hermione up the stairs with his hand on her lower back, frowning when she seemed close to stumbling in her shoes. They took the walk slowly, Hermione leading him to the spare bedroom where he had once spent a week hiding out from his father in the summer of his childhood. The room, though coloured differently now, brought back memories that made the faded scars on his back ache for a moment.

Hermione took no time in lying on the bed, still fully clothed, shoes and all. Draco smiled at his witch as she curled on her side and walked over to sit at the foot of the bed, taking her feet in his lap.

"Considering how opposed you were to damaging that dress earlier, Granger, you mightn't want to sleep in it," he suggested, taking her shoes off carefully and depositing them on the floor.

"D'you think I'm pretty?" she asked.

"What?"

"You said that I need to work on my image."

Draco inwardly cringed. "Granger, you're pretty. You've also had too many glasses of champagne and too little sleep."

"That wasn't particularly convincing," she said. "Do you wish I looked more like Blaise's cousin? Or Daphne? Or Astoria?"

Draco stared at his witch. "Are you listening to yourself, Granger?" He had never heard her speak like this, never thought it something she would ever be preoccupied with.

"You're the one who said it."

He sighed. "I grew up around witches who spend as much time on their hair as you do reading. I was raised believing that the better your presentation was to the world, the better your life would be. Complete bullshit, I know, but that's how I was taught. And people do respect you more if you look good." He moved to lie behind her, kicking his shoes off on the way, an arm around her waist. "But you're Hermione sodding Granger, so it really doesn't matter. And, by the way, if you ever try to look like Astoria, I'll pawn you off onto Ted so fast that it'll make your head spin."

Hermione relaxed against his body and he pulled her closer against him.

"You really do look fantastic in this dress though, Granger," he said, lips close to her ear. He kissed the spot just behind her ear, smirked at her contented sigh. "Now, go to sleep."