For the rest of the week, Hermione enjoyed every single moment she could spend together with Draco and their daughters. They strolled through both wizarding and Muggle London, made a day trip to the coast in the South, and spent several days at the pool, entertaining friends.

Just like a family.

The weight on Hermione's heart was lifted more and more each day that she spent with them, slowly mending from the pain of their divorce all those years ago. A divorce that had left them all hurt and lonely for too long.

Those days were over.

She had to return to Paris when her vacation was over, although it was a thought that Hermione preferred to push to the back of her mind. She didn't want the bubble of their happy little family to burst just yet, even though there were still many questions that she and Draco needed to discuss— including where the girls would live now until they started at Hogwarts, and how to define their rekindled relationship.

Were they back together? Or was it just a temporary thing until she had to return to Paris?

And if they were back together, how would they make it work?

And what about his father?

..

On Saturday, the Potters invited their friends and everyone they knew to a garden grill party. Hermione and her little family were amongst the last to arrive; she had noted down the wrong time, so she was understandably flustered when they finally entered the garden and everyone else was already enjoying a relaxed conversation over a drink.

"Wow," Draco said, looking around with his eyebrows raised in astonishment as he and Hermione stepped outside; Iris and Eleanor were behind them, chatting animatedly about the foods they wanted to try. "It's like half the Ministry is here..."

"The Potters are quite well connected and they run a few charities." With a warm smile, she beckoned him to follow her. "Come on, let's say hello to everyone."

They took a few steps outside as all the other guests turned to see who had arrived; moments later, they were practically swarmed by old friends with big smiles and waves to greet them.

"Hermione! It's been such a long time," Neville said as he offered his hand for a shake in a slightly awkward move that looked a lot like he originally wanted to hug her. "Last I heard was that you're climbing the ladder in the French Ministry..."

Hermione didn't care about Draco's sceptical look when she pulled her former office partner into a brief, cordial hug. "Still working at the Ministry? Or did you finally apply for the position of Herbology professor at Hogwarts?"

"He's the favourite with the students," Pansy added with a teasing smile as she joined Neville, taking a hold of his arm, only to let go again when she discovered her old housemate. "Draco, my dear! I didn't expect you to come..."

"And you still bring them to tears in Potions?" Draco replied dryly.

"Oh no, my fiancé here makes sure to keep me satisfied." With a now smug smile, Pansy lifted her left hand to display her engagement ring; Hermione had a closer look at the green stone, letting out a small squeal.

"Congratulations!" Hermione couldn't resist hugging Neville again in shared happiness before shrugging at Draco, who was still inspecting the stone in appreciation.

"Maman, who's that?" Iris asked, as she and her sister finally finished their little twin chat. She giggled when she saw the confusion on everyone's faces upon seeing Eleanor step next to her father, waving at them all.

"Twins!" Neville let out in surprise, but then he chuckled, brushing through his short hair to cover his embarrassment. "I vaguely remember now..."

"And you get to teach them starting next term, Professor Longbottom."

Eleanor made a step forward with a polite smile. "I can't wait to learn everything about plants, Professor."

"No, Potions is going to be much more interesting!" Iris protested to everyone's amusement.

..

Greeting and exchanging pleasantries with everyone, Hermione and Draco slowly made their way through the people and towards the small outdoor bar for drinks. Hermione kept Draco's hand in hers, mostly to keep people from pulling him away out of curiosity, and partly because his presence had a relaxing effect on her.

"Harry!" the girls shouted excitedly when they saw their favourite adoptive uncle standing close by, almost throwing him off balance as they tackled him in a greeting hug.

"A-As I was saying, Sirius, it's going to be a hard fight for the Harpies to reach the qualifications this year." Harry tried to keep his drink from spilling on the girls. "Well, hello ladies!"

"And who are these charming young girls?" Sirius asked, barely keeping his laugh in as he offered to hold Harry's drink.

"May I introduce?" Draco said as he and Hermione finally reached the group. "Our daughters, Iris and Eleanor."

While James and Lily already knew the girls, their closest friends Sirius, Remus, and Peter all took a second or two to look at the girls in confusion.

Eventually, James leaned in to nudge Sirius. "You have to see them fly, Padfoot... They are fantastic."

"You mean to say that my little cousin here managed to produce such charmers, and we are still waiting for our own grandchildren?" Sirius said, mocking his indignation as he threw a glare at Harry.

"Hermione, help!" Harry exclaimed, taking a step back.

"Padfoot's right, you know?" Lily added, joining Sirius in his mocked indignation, although she could barely keep her smile in check. "When are we going to get our own grandchildren?"

In his exasperation, Harry turned to Remus, who had watched the scene from the bar, albeit looking rather amused about it all. "Uncle Moony? Please? They can't be...?"

"I'm afraid, they are." Shaking his head, Remus hid his grin behind his glass as he had some of his drink.

Hermione could no longer hold back and laughed out loud, leaning into Draco who was already chuckling as well. "I-I'm sorry, Harry."

"No, no. That's all Malfoy's fault," Harry replied, joining her laughter as he pointed at the blond. "He loves bragging."

"Well, it's not my problem if you can't shoot properly, Potter–"

"Boys, behave!" Hermione swatted them both on the arm, nodding towards the girls who were chatting with Lily a few steps away.

"But I'd let you borrow them from time to time, maybe a day or two, so that Hermione and I have some time to ourselves—"

"Not going to play your babysitter, Malfoy."

"Never said that."

"Drinks anyone?" Remus offered, stepping behind the bar. He held up a bottle of Firewhisky as a distraction and Draco agreed with a nod, joining in conversation with the men.

Hermione joined him at the bar; she was watching Remus pour her a glass of beautifully dark burgundy wine when Lily came up to her, the girls in tow. "I'm really glad you could make it."

"No, I have to thank you for the invitation— and for including Draco as well." Hermione climbed on the bar stool, quickly checking on her daughters behind Lily before returning her attention to the elder witch with a smile. "It looks like it's going to be a great evening."

Lily nodded and sat down opposite her, so that she had an eye on the men who were already discussing the next round in the Quidditch League and the chances of the Harpies or the Wasps winning the title this year.

"Mum, Auntie Lily said that we can run around as we want–"

"And that Tilly will take care of us! Maman, please!"

"Yes. I thought you'd be glad not to have to keep an eye on your girls all evening. Tilly helped us raise Harry, so she knows all the tricks to keep them safe..."

"Mum, please. You've seen that Dad has a house-elf too to help him with the cleaning!"

Tasting her wine, Hermione nodded. She remembered the long and deep discussions with Draco about his family's house-elves when they decided to move in together. Times had changed and Hermione was glad to have seen much needed law reforms pass, giving elves more rights. The house-elf that Draco still employed was treated with respect; she especially seemed to dote on Eleanor, and now Iris too.

Hermione trusted the Potters and she was very much into the idea of simply enjoying the evening, knowing that her daughters were being taken care of. Oh, the opportunities this offered...

"I know that smile," Remus said with a wink as he put the wine bottle back into the cooling rack to keep it away from the summer temperatures, just as Lily called for her house-elf to instruct her before the girls were allowed to have fun around the house. "If you do want to sneak off for a moment, guest rooms are on the first floor..."

"Bye, Mum!" And the girls ran off with the elf, towards the food table; Hermione didn't even have a chance to respond, only to wave as they were leaving.

"Great girls," Lily said, nodding towards Hermione's wine glass as an indication for Remus to pour her another one. "But now I'm curious... Tell us a bit about Paris, and your job."

"Aren't the French currently discussing amends to their lycanthropy laws?"

Eager to discuss her job, Hermione nodded. "Yes, indeed. There are quite a few charities to help people with the condition, and it has changed the general view of them in society. You should visit us one day..."

"Sirius hates Paris, sadly enough," Remus replied, refilling his own Firewhisky before leaning down again. "But we'll see."

..

"And you are really okay with my mother entertaining the girls this afternoon?" Draco asked the next day, as he slowly climbed into the pool where Hermione was already half floating, her eyes closed and soaking up the sun with a content smile. "Eleanor does love helping her in the greenhouse..."

Hermione nodded. She had debated with herself after Narcissa had sent the invitation for Iris and Eleanor to spend the afternoon with her, not wanting her daughters to have contact with him. It had taken Draco a Floo call to his mother's wing at the Manor to calm her doubts, but it was Eleanor's enthusiastic description of the greenhouse and what she usually helped her grandmother with that made her agree in the end.

"How's your head doing?" His voice was now much closer, and there were fingers tracing the skin on her back.

"Much better," she whispered, her eyes still closed, about to purr from the soft, expert touch of his fingers. "I've never had so much fun at a party, though."

"It was a great evening, yes," he replied as he peppered her face with kisses, leaving a slightly wet trail before he reached her lips. "Now, we have a whole afternoon to ourselves..."

"I find your implied thought intriguing." Her eyes now open, she shifted back into a standing position, pulling him in for another ardent kiss and delighting in the way he pressed her against the pool wall.

It was great not having to be careful for once in fear of their daughters discovering them in an inappropriate position. The girls could never resist to squeal in glee and do a short song and dance whenever they discovered their parents kissing, even when it was just a short peck.

However, even today Hermione and Draco were interrupted— this time by a modest, embarrassed cough coming from the roofed terrace. "Madame?"

Panicking at the surprise, Hermione pulled away and turned around; to her relief, it was Ernestine, unable to stop a smile at what she had seen. "Y-Yes?"

"How come we forgot about her?" Draco whispered, still holding Hermione in his arms. "She would have loved the greenhouse too–"

"Madame, it seems that I'm no longer needed here. I came with you for support, but now that everything 'as been solved and les filles are entertained regularly by other people..."

Hermione shared a quick look with Draco and then nodded slowly. "You want to return to Paris..."

"Oui, Madame. And maybe visit my sister for a day or two. But the 'ouse will be ready for your return, I promise."

Hermione pushed Draco away an inch, as he was starting to pepper her with kisses again. "Of course. Thank you for coming along in the first place. I'll let you know about the details when we plan to come back, but don't worry too much about it. Enjoy your stay with your sister, Ernestine."

"Merci!" Unlike her usually rather composed demeanour, Ernestine did a little happy jump before she threw Hermione a small kiss. She was gone a moment later, hurrying upstairs to pack her things.

"She is a pearl, honestly. I'd employ her on the spot, but it would insult Tibby," Draco said with an amused smirk when Hermione finally turned back to him, her arms once more around his neck.

"Yeah, no chance, my dear. She is my pearl..." Before he could reply, she claimed his lips in another kiss; she wanted to savour every feeling and every little thing right now—from the smallest touch of his hands wandering over her sides to his slow, utterly addictive way of kissing.

..

An hour later, Hermione and Draco had made it to their bedroom, their bathing clothes littering the corridor and several pictures hanging crookedly due to their intense kissing and fumbling against the walls on their way.

This time, she ended up on top, riding him with slow, deliberate moves of her hips. The angle was perfect. Gods, she loved how she could feel him deep inside her, sending waves of pleasure through her body with every single move. And his hands were everywhere on her body—massaging and caressing her breasts until whimpered at the slightest touch, then running his thumb over her clit, making her moan in needy delight.

"You're beautiful," he husked, putting more pressure on her clit. "So beautiful..."

Unable to hold herself up any longer with her orgasm fast approaching, Hermione leaned down to catch his lips in another kiss. Then it overtook her, sending her over the edge.

"Oh my God, Oh my God, oh my God," she murmured into his neck as her orgasm rolled through her in an intensity she hadn't expected. In her momentary blissful high, she barely noticed Draco following her, finding his own release.

She sighed contently as she came back down, turning her head to the side; she could hear his still racing heartbeat. It was a beautiful sound.

"Better than I remember," Draco finally said, still out of breath, but sounding as content as she was. His fingers were drawing patterns on her back, lulling her mind further. "No one does it like you."

She chuckled, poking him gently in his side. "Idiot."

"Your idiot right now." He placed a soft kiss on her head, pushing some of her hair out of her face. "You know, I'm glad you gave me another chance–"

"I couldn't risk missing this," she replied with a teasing smirk, moving her hips briefly; she earned herself the lowest of moans from Draco. With another sigh, she propped herself up on her elbows to look at him, her smile broadening when she saw his tousled mess of hair and that utterly relaxed look in his grey eyes. "But I think we need to figure out what happens next... I'm going back home on Thursday with Iris and Eleanor, and what then? Is this going to be a temporary thing between us–?"

"Shh... We'll find a way, even if I have to bribe some people at the Ministry to establish a Floo connection between our places." He placed his hands on the side of her head, his fingers digging into the hair. "I don't want this to be temporary, and I'll do anything to make it happen. Maybe I'll even follow you to Paris."

"You would?" She couldn't help but grin happily, though she still sat up, letting out a surprised moan at the sensation of him still being inside her.

Smirking at her moan, he nodded. "It's time I change a few things–"

"But what about your life here? Your job, your friends, your family?"

"You and the girls are my family... And you've been my best friend ever since Hogwarts, remember? Everyone else just moves in the same circles, to be honest..." His hands were now on her thighs, gently moving up and down in caressing strokes. "All I want to say is that I lost you once, and I don't want to let that hap–"

Right at that moment, they heard the Floo go on in the living room, announcing an unexpected visitor.

"Draco? Hermione?"

"Oh my God!" Shocked and now alarmed, Hermione climbed off Draco to hurriedly find something to cover herself, as it was Narcissa who had just arrived. "Pants, pants! Damn, where are my pants?!"

Even Draco was hurrying to make himself presentable, grabbing a shirt and a pair of dark linen trousers from his wardrobe. He was about to leave the room to meet his mother when he turned around again. "Hermione?"

She was still frantically going through the clothes she had brought along, on the brink of panic because all she fished out were tops and shirts. She yelped when she felt the tickling sensation of a Cleaning Spell hitting her, slowly wandering up her thighs before it reached her intimate parts. "What?!"

"Just making sure..." With a smile and shrug in response to her questioning stare, he left the room to intercept his mother, who had begun searching for them throughout his place and had been making her way towards Draco's bedroom.

Finally, Hermione found a pair of briefs and after hastily putting on the top and the shorts from the day before, she followed Draco out of the room. Her heart was racing nervously now, so she took the stairs at a run where she found Draco and Narcissa talking animatedly. Narcissa seemed upset and unusually frantic while he tried to calm her.

"Oh God, Hermione! I'm-I'm sorry! I promised to take care of the girls–"

Never since she had become a mother had Hermione expected to hear those words, and the shock of them hit her with full force. "No... no! NO! You promised me they'd be safe in the greenhouse! I trusted you–!"

"Hermione!" Draco intervened, looking just as shocked as he grabbed her by the shoulders to gain her attention. "Right now, it's more important to find them again, okay?"

Glaring at Narcissa, who was trying and failing to keep her elegant posture, Hermione took several deep breaths. Her hands were trembling now, and her head raced with thoughts and questions that she wanted to hurl at the other woman, but Draco's hold on her shoulders kept her from venting her panic.

She needed to keep calm if she wanted to find her girls. She could have a breakdown later.

"What happened?" she asked quietly after one more deep breath, her voice cold and sharp.

"We..." Narcissa sighed in defeat. "Look, we took a break and had something small to eat on the balcony overlooking the greenhouse and gardens. It was getting too hot and I didn't want to risk them overheating... But then my husband came home—I thought he'd be gone for the day, like he usually does when one of his contacts has something new for a collection. I'm really sorry, Hermione. He saw us, and-and we started a fight. One moment they were there, and the next they were gone. I don't know whether they are still on the grounds of the Manor or whether they have gone somewhere else. I was really hoping they had come back here..."

For a moment, Hermione was tempted to follow her urge to go over to the Manor and bloody hex her former father-in-law into the next dimension for being such a bigoted and self-centred old man, who would do anything to make her life hard. Instead, she just concentrated on her wand, summoning it wordlessly, as she had no time to search for it.

"You and your mother search the Manor grounds; I'll go check with Harry." Throwing the two Malfoys a stern warning glare, Hermione stepped towards the fireplace. It was the fastest way to reach Harry's place.

Before she threw the Floo powder, she turned once more to Narcissa, who seemed to have found her posture once more. "We'll talk later."