Disclaimer: Many thanks to JK Rowling for her wonderful works. They are hers and hers alone. I have only borrowed her characters for a while and built my own little fantasy around them. There is no pay involved for me in doing it.

Author's Note 1 –This chapter is a bit longer for you. I know the last one was short, but sweet. So, I hope you enjoy a bit more.

Chapter 17

"Aunt Mione!"

Hermione had barely stepped out of the fireplace before the boys tackled her and almost brought her to her knees. At the last second, Draco stepped forward and caught her. She balanced the cake and a couple of boxes and he carried their luggage.

She laughed and leaned down to hug the boys with one arm, "Hey guys! I missed you."

Teddy kissed her on the cheek and said, "I missed you, too. Whad'ya bring us?"

Draco laughed at the precocious question and brought the boy's attention to him.

"Oh boy," Teddy sighed. "Not you again."

Hermione gasped and straightened, "Theodore Lupin Potter! Apologize, this instant!"

"But, Aunt Mione, he made everybody mad last time and Uncle Ron was yelling bad words. And, he…he made you sad!" Teddy said defensively.

"Teddy," Hermione began only to be interrupted by Draco.

She watched as Draco lowered himself to one knee to be on the same level as the indignant five-year old.

"Theodore, I would like to apologize for that. I didn't mean for everyone to get so upset the last time you saw me. I surprised everyone and I shouldn't have." He felt Hermione's hand on his shoulder, but kept going.

"Your mommy and daddy have forgiven me and given me another chance. Would you forgive me, too?"

The little boy looked at him shrewdly and tilted his head, "But, you made Aunt Mione sad."

Draco looked from the little boy's earnest face to Hermione's. Then he looked back at Teddy, "Theodore, you have my promise from here on out that I will never intentionally make her sad again. Okay?"

Teddy sighed heavily and put his hands on his little hips, "Okay, but you have to promise to be good today. Mommy made Uncle Ron promise and you have to, too! No yelling."

Draco wanted to smile at the very adult expression on the child's face, but he knew that was not the right action. Instead, he held out his hand to shake Teddy's and kept his face as straight as possible, "I promise. Can we be friends?"

Teddy looked at his hand and then shook it with a huge smile, "Yes. Friends. You can even call me Teddy, Mr. Malfoy!"

The two adults laughed when Albie shouted, "Fwends!" and patted Draco's cheek.

Draco ruffled the younger boy's hair and said to Teddy, "Thank you. And, you can call me Mr. D, if you want."

They jumped a little when Harry said from the doorway with a smile on his face, "Well, seems you are better at making friends these days, Mal..ahem, Draco."

Draco straightened and turned to face Harry with a small shrug, "Small children are more forgiving, I guess."

Hermione moved away to put her things on the sofa before hurrying to greet Harry. Draco followed suit and came over to shake his hand. With the adults distracted and the crisis past them, the boys ran over to the sofa and proceeded to try to get the top off the cake before anyone noticed. Hermione had sealed it magically, so their trials were futile, but they had a good time trying.

Ginny came in wiping her hands on a towel, "Mione!"

"Gin!"

The women hugged and began talking like they hadn't seen each other in months, rather than weeks, and soon moved out of the room, leaving both men standing awkwardly together. When they realized they couldn't open the cake, the boys gave up and went back to their game of Exploding Snaps.

Harry put his hands in his pockets and cleared his throat, "Uh, why don't you have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?"

Draco nodded, "Sure. Thanks. Uh, whatever you have," and sat on the sofa behind him.

Harry poured them both a drink and then sat opposite him on a chair. As they had no idea what to say to one another, they turned to watch the boys play for a while. A cry rent the air next to Draco's elbow and he jumped to his feet.

Harry laughed, not unkindly, and gestured as he got to his feet, "Baby monitor."

At Draco's blank look, he added, "Muggle device, so we can hear when Jamie wakes up from anywhere in the house. Gin fixed it so it doesn't even need batteries. Easier than a baby charm or something she said."

Draco stared at the box and nodded. He wasn't sure about all that Harry had said, and while he was fascinated by the ingenious little object, he was a little concerned by the cries. Harry didn't seem panicked, but the sounds were freaking him out.

"Pott…Harry, should you, uh?" he indicated the monitor, "I mean it sounds like he's in pain."

Harry noticed the loss of color to the other man's already pale face and laughed a little, "Nah, that's his I'm-wet-and-I-want-to-get-up scream. But, I guess I should go get him. Can you keep an eye on these two?"

Draco's eyes flew to the boys, but they seemed content in their play corner and he nodded as he sat back down.

When Harry returned fifteen minutes later he had to hold back a laugh at the scene in front of him. Albie stood beside Draco on the couch and was trying to get Draco's hair to stand up on end, while Teddy sat on his lap and told him a story.

The part of him that still didn't fully trust Malfoy and wasn't sure he was really right for Hermione wanted to pull his children away quickly. But, the fact that Draco hadn't tried to stop either boy from what they were doing, and appeared to be listening intently to the story stopped him.

Maybe he really has grown up.

"…but it wasn't really fair because all I did was call him a troll face, but then he tried to hit me, so I punched him in his face and when he tried to hit me again I ducked and then Miss Bones came out and yelled at us because we aren't supposed to fight on the playground and then he threw a rock at me, but it hit Theresa and she started crying and that's why we both got in trouble."

Harry's eyebrow shot up when Draco replied, "Well, it's really not nice to fight, Teddy. Did you apologize to Theresa?"

Teddy nodded and answered, "Yeah, that's what Daddy said, too."

Harry thought he would fall over when Draco said, "Well, your daddy is a very smart man."

Instead, Harry stepped into the room and said, "Okay boys, leave Mr. Malfoy alone."

Albie only squealed and yanked Draco's hair up again, and Teddy looked over Draco's shoulder and said, "Dad, he said we could call him Mr. D."

Harry watched the blush crawl up Draco's neck at being caught playing and talking to the boys and laughed, "Okay, well leave Mr. D alone then. He and Daddy need to talk."

The boys hopped off the couch and went to play and Draco attempted to straighten his hair. Before he could speak Teddy turned back, "Are you gonna tell Daddy your secret?"

Draco actually flushed as he felt Harry's stare and mumbled, "Um, no, not yet, Teddy. Maybe later."

"Okay," the boy answered and ran after his brother into the other room.

Draco stood and stuffed his hands in his pockets and stared at the fireplace, wishing he could just step back through and wait for Hermione to come back home.

"Keeping secrets, Malfoy?" Harry asked, his tone as light as he could make it.

"No, not really," Draco shrugged. "He asked me a question and I answered him. That's all."

"But, he said it was a secret," Harry continued as he sat Jamie in his playpen and set the magical balls to bounce around him. He then stood and folded his arms across his chest, "Why would you have a secret with my son?"

Draco glanced at him and then reached for his glass, "It's nothing really. Just leave it, okay?"

It was the almost pleading note to his voice that stopped Harry from pushing, even though Draco's face remained passive.

"Okay. So, can I refill your drink?" Harry asked instead.

Draco nodded and looked around the living room. "So, uh, nice place you guys have here."

"Thanks," Harry replied and sat back down opposite him again.

When neither spoke and the silence threatened to engulf them, Harry leaned forward for the remote and said, "How about some football?"

Draco nodded gratefully.

' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

"I just can't believe YOU did that?!" Ginny giggled. "Our innocent Hermione? In her own kitchen?!"

Hermione blushed, but answered with a laugh, "I honestly don't know what came over me."

Ginny snorted, "Sounds like Draco did!"

"Gin!" Hermione laughed, only a little outraged. Ginny had always been more comfortable than she when discussing sex. And, it was a sign of their tight friendship that she felt she could confide in her friend. "Well, at least I know I don't turn him off."

"What on earth would make you think that?" Ginny shook her head.

She had never understood Hermione's distrust in her own looks. She had always seen Hermione as striking with her soulful brown eyes and richly hued dark hair. And, her slender, yet shapely figure sure as heck didn't hurt. Hermione carried herself with such confidence, that it made her appear even prettier. It was something Ginny had always admired, but something Hermione could never quite see.

She turned away to continue setting up the party platters, "Mione, all you have to do is look at the way that man looks at you to know he's sure as hell not turned off," Ginny laughed. "He wants you bad!"

Hermione smiled a little and shrugged, "I guess so. But, I was in a towel. I mean, what normal man wouldn't go for it then?"

Hermione missed the exasperated look on Ginny's face as she continued to stack plates and bowls to take out to the yard. But she heard the sigh as Ginny took some of the platters out to the tables that were set up outside.

She wasn't completely unaware of her assets. She was smart, sometime too smart, but whatever. She was loyal, dependable, a solid friend. And, she knew she wasn't ugly. But, when she compared herself to her vibrant friend, she knew she was lacking. Where Ginny was tiny, but voluptuous, she was average. Ginny's bright hair and sparkling blue eyes compelled men to look at her, often more than once, while Hermione rarely got a second look with her average brown hair, average brown eyes and average height.

I honestly don't know what he sees in me.

Ginny came back in just as the kitchen door swung open.

Draco held the cake in front of him and looked across the room to see Ginny first, "Uh, hi. Ginny. I just thought you guys might want this."

Ginny smiled and nodded, "Oh, thanks, Draco. Just put it over there on the counter for now."

He stepped fully into the room and his eyes landed on Hermione. The sheepish look he had worn into the room vanished, as his face softened and a smile lit it.

"Hey," he said as he moved to stand next to her and put down the cake.

She smiled up at him, "Hey."

The stood looking at one another for a moment before Ginny, who tried to hold back her laughter at how Hermione could even try to think this man didn't want her, said, "So, you and Harry behaving out there?"

Draco pulled his eyes away from Hermione, but his hand reached for hers before he answered, "Yes, we are, actually. We're just fighting over football," he laughed. "And, just so you know, I was informed by Teddy that I have to be good today; no yelling. I promised."

Ginny and Hermione laughed with him. Then Ginny picked up the last of the platters to head back out, "Well, that's good to know. Let's just pray everyone else can do the same. Be back in a minute." Then just because she could, she leaned back in the door and looked at them, "And, you two, be good while I'm gone. No, playing in the kitchen."

Hermione blushed to her roots as Draco laughed at Ginny's comment. But, then his hands slid around her waist to pull her against him, "No playing, huh? What were you two talking about in here?"

"Nothing much," she giggled. "And, what were you two doing? You're hair's a bit mussed?"

Draco laughed and lifted his chin proudly, "What? You don't like hairdos by Albie? He'll be crushed."

Hermione lifted her hands to his head to lay it back in place, "I think he'll get over it."

"Kiss me," he whispered. When she looked at him and then glanced around the kitchen nervously, he moved closer and cajoled, "Just one. I've been a good boy all day and haven't fought with Pot..Harry even once."

"Well that does deserve a prize," she whispered and smiled.

He lowered his head and their lips met in an unhurried, lazy embrace. Neither took it too far, as they didn't want to get carried away, but both got a little lost in the moment.

Ron's booming voice snapped them back to reality.

"Gin? Harry?" he called as he entered the kitchen. "We're here."

He stopped short when he saw Hermione and Draco standing wrapped around each other.

"Hey!" Snoop said from behind him. "I'm carrying gifts here. Why'd you stop?"

They saw him be pushed forward, a look of pure disgust on his face, as Snoop stepped around him.

"HG!" she squealed. The girls rushed forward to hug and her eyes fell on Draco. "Hey, Draco. How are you?"

"Uh, fine, thank you. Georgina, right?"

She ignored the light growl from her husband as she stepped forward to shake Draco's hand, "Yep, but everyone calls me Snoop."

"Her friends, that is," Ron stepped forward.

"Ron," Hermione stepped between them. "Hello, Ron," she said and hugged him. Then she leaned back and looked up at him, a pleading look in her eye.

He looked from Draco, to his wife and then down at Hermione. Then he took a breath and hugged her back briefly, "Yeah, uh, hi, Mione. Where's Gin?"

He saw the appreciation on her face and half smiled when she answered, "Out back, but she should be back any min…"

"Ron. Snoop!" Gin said cheerily as she breezed back into the house. "I'm glad you guys are here. Why don't you guys go on out with Harry and watch some TV."

Both men looked at one another and then away. But, feeling dismissed, they made their way from the room.

The girls looked at one another and let out the breaths they had been holding.

Ginny was the first to speak with a laugh, "Mione, why don't you fill Snoop in on what you were doing this morning?"

' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

The tension in the living room was palpable, but none of the men wanted to ruin the tentative peace. They sat and watched the game, drank, and let the children play at their feet. The arrival of Molly Weasley broke the tension for a bit, but when she left them to join the women, she took the children with her. The three men shifted uncomfortably, but maintained their stoic silence.

Over the next half hour the house filled with the rest of the Weasley family, friends of Harry and Ginny's from the neighborhood, and other people Draco hadn't seen since his years at Hogwarts. Luckily, some of them, like Luna and Neville tried to at least make small talk. But, it was still easier for him to talk to the strangers who didn't know of his past. He did find himself partially enjoying a stilted conversation about Quidditch with Harry, Lee Jordan and Dean ThomasHe never noticed Seamus Finnegan, who came late and was immediately pulled away by Ron.

Thankfully, Ginny called everyone to the backyard and the party moved outside. There he was able to stick pretty close to Hermione and her natural ease with people had the others relaxing around him. He was surprised, but pleased when someone suggested a quick round of Quidditch, and he was invited by Harry to join them. He placed a quick kiss on Hermione's cheek and walked over to join the mix of men, women and children who were picking teams.

Ron held back from playing and talked to Seamus the minute Hermione was left alone. Then he nodded in her direction and went to stand with the others who were not playing and prayed for the best. He didn't want to betray his friendship with Hermione, but he had to at least try to make her see she had other options. Better options. Ones that didn't start with Draco and end with Malfoy.

That bastard!

"Hey, Hermione. Long time no see," Seamus said as he took the seat just vacated by Draco.

"Seamus!" Hermione exclaimed as she hugged him, "When did you get here?"

"About twenty minutes ago. I was catching up with everyone and didn't know you were here. How've you been?"

Hermione smiled, "Really good. I started assistant teaching. How about you?"

"Working at St. Mungos. I'm in administration," he answered with an easy smile. "Gosh, it's good to see you. I think about you a lot, you know."

"Really?"

"Yeah," he answered and put his hand on her knee. "A lot."

When she didn't answer and looked a bit flustered he backed off a little and asked, "Can I get you something more to drink?"

Hermione didn't quite know what to make of Seamus' actions and could only nod. She knew he had harbored feelings for her in school, and they had gone on one date the summer before she'd left for the University, but it hadn't gone well, and they hadn't tried for a repeat. Before she could think more on it, he was back.

"So, when are you going to invite an old pal over to see your new world?" he asked with a grin.

She laughed to cover her discomfort, "Oh, well, um, I guess, I should have a party or something soon. No one's really been over, but Harry, Ginny and Ron."

He scooted closer, took her hand and said softly, "I've missed you, Hermione. Really missed you."

"Seamus, I…"

"Look, I know things didn't go well the last time we got together, but I think we should give it another try. I've really missed you and I can't stop thinking about us. No other woman gets me quite like you do."

Hermione pulled her hand away and glanced over at the people enjoying the game, "Look, Seamus, I think we should…"

"Come on. One more try. Let's see if we can work," he whispered. "Give us a chance."

"I'm sorry, Seamus, but I'm uh, seeing someone now," she answered.

"Since when?" he countered. "It's only been a little over a month since you were here for your graduation party. It can't be so serious that you can't at least try one more time with me."

Has it really been that short a time? Wow! It seems like it's been forever. In a good way. I can't believe I feel this much so soon. How can I have fallen in love that fast?

"Hermione?" Seamus asked. He took her hand again, encouraged by her silence, "What do you say?"

Hermione focused on the man in front of her and shook her head in wonder, "I love him."

"Huh? How? What?" Seamus asked, shocked. "But, Ron implied…"

Ron had invited him to the party hinting that Hermione would be there and available. He had told Seamus how lonely she had been. How she had spoken of him often. Ron had made it sound like Hermione was still thinking about him and longing for what could have been.

Hermione turned her head to look for Ron and saw him not far away, pretending not to watch them.

"What exactly did Ron say, Seamus?"

The sadness and defeat in her voice made him feel bad for her, "Um, nothing much, really, he just kind of told me you might still be interested. That you missed me."

"Oh?" she said. Then she turned her eyes back to him, "I'm sorry. And, I do miss you as a friend, but…"

"It's okay." He looked away and then back at her with a grin, "So, who is this mystery man?"

"Draco," she answered while staring out at the field.

"Wait! Who did you say?"

She laughed and shrugged as she looked back out at the people playing Quidditch, "Draco Malfoy, Seamus."

"That git! How?!" he asked, outraged.

Hermione straightened her shoulders and looked at him with anger, "Don't call him that!"

"I'm, um, sorry, but seriously, how? Malfoy?"

She relaxed and laughed a little at the look of bewilderment on his face, "I don't know, it just did. He's changed so much, Seamus. And, I don't know, he's just…I…well, we…wow…I love him."

He saw the look on her face as she watched Draco in the air and knew he didn't have a shot, "Oh. Well, um, congratulations, I guess."

"Thank you," she beamed. "You know you're the first person to say that. Everyone else keeps…never mind. Thanks."

"No problem." He smiled shyly at her and leaned closer, "But, if you change your mind…"

She laughed and felt her heart soar at having said she loved Draco out loud, "Gotcha. But, I don't think I will."

' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

"…to you. Happy birthday, dear Jamie. Happy birthday to you!"

Everyone clapped and smiled at the baby who cooed and clapped his hands. He sat in a high chair surrounded by a small mountain of gifts, some of which let out strange noises whenever their boxes were bumped. Jamie ignored most of the items he had been given, but seemed to love the tiny broom and snitch mobile that Teddy had picked out. To the amusement of most of the adults, Teddy had walked around telling everyone, "He loves my gift best," for several minutes, before Harry finally told him to stop.

As the candles were blown out on the cake, George leaned in to ask, "Is this a Granger special?" At her happy nod, he added, "Then I want a huge piece!"

"Me, too," added Ron from is spot a little away from her. "I love your cakes, Mione!"

Ginny pulled out a knife and said, "My goodness, girl, it's almost too pretty to cut."

Hermione smiled at her and felt Draco's hand on the middle of her back rubbing small circles. Knowing there were still some people there that held a grudge from their past, she refrained from announcing Draco's role in the cake. But, Snoop caught her eye and she blushed at the wink sent her way.

Soon, all that was left of the cake were crumbles and Ginny sent the empty platter zooming into the kitchen to be cleaned with the mounds of other dishes.

Draco leaned in and laughed, "Bet she wishes for a house elf or two about now."

"Oh stop, you snob," Hermione laughed.

"Still on that spew kick, love?" he asked softly.

"S.P.E.W." she replied automatically. But, then a shiver ran through her as she felt his warm breath tickle her ear and she closed her eyes and leaned back into him, "Mmmm."

"Geez, I think I'm going to puke," Ron's voice drawled, drawing everyone's attention to him. "Can't you at least not do that in front of us?!"

Everyone's gazes flew from Ron's look of extreme annoyance and disgust to Draco and Hermione, who stood with his arms around her from the back and Hermione holding his hands. While Hermione appeared sad, angry and disappointed, all Draco did was stare back at the redhead with a look of mild annoyance.

No one spoke as they waited for the dam to break.

Snoop's fierce grip on his arm and her loud clearing of her throat finally got through to Ron who turned a little red in the silence.

"Okay, look. I have put up with him being here all damn day. And, I haven't said a word. But, I don't have to stand for her being pawed by that git in front of everyone!"

"Ronald!" several voices said at once.

"Maybe we should leave," Hermione said to Ginny and Harry. "We have to get to my parents anyway."

"Mione," many people said to try and stop her, but she shook her head and started saying goodbye to people.

Harry and Ginny walked them into the house to floo to her parents.

Harry actually held his hand out to Draco, "Sorry about that. But, uh thanks for coming."

Draco smiled at Harry and shook his hand, "No, thank you. I had a nice time, Pot…Harry. You weren't so bad to hang around with after all."

Harry joked, "Yeah, as long as there's a game on TV."

Both men laughed as the women said their goodbyes.

"You don't have to leave you know? Everything was going so well."

"I know," Hermione answered, "but, that sounded like just the beginning of one of Ron's rants and I just can't today. I had too much fun to let him ruin everyone's day. It's best we get going."

Teddy came running in with Albie trailing behind, "You didn't say goodbye!"

Hermione turned to address the boys, but found them standing next to Draco looking up at him.

He looked a bit shocked at first, but then kneeled down and tickled Teddy as he ruffled Albie's hair, "Sorry about that, guys. I can't forget my two new friends now can I?"

Albie fell into him and gave him a sloppy kiss and hug, and all three adult watching were mildly shocked to see him accept it with a laugh and a returned hug. Teddy rolled his eyes at his younger brother and tried to be more adult. He held out his hand for Draco to shake and said, "When will you come back, Mr. D? You promised to show me how to beat Daddy at Wizard's Chess."

Draco took Teddy's hand and shook it before he pulled him in for a brief hug, too. He glanced briefly at Harry and Ginny before he answered, "As soon as I can. Or, I can show you the next time you come over to visit your aunt, okay?"

Teddy nodded and then leaned in to Draco's ear, cupped his hand around his mouth and said in a child's loud whisper, "You were good today, just like Mommy asked; no yelling at all, even during the game. I like you, even though Uncle Ron doesn't. And, I didn't tell anybody your secret, so that you can tell Aunt Mione that you love her yourself later, okay?"

Draco's head fell forward in his embarrassment and Hermione let out a little, "Oh!" Ginny looked wide-eyed from one to the other, but Harry let out a loud guffaw. "Never trust a five-year old with a secret Draco!"

Teddy looked indignant, "What? I didn't tell anyone!"

Draco stood up and ruffled his hair again, "No, you didn't, buddy. Thanks."

Draco wouldn't meet her eyes as he said his goodbyes and thank yous to everyone one last time. And, Hermione couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she gave Ginny one last hug and stepped into the fireplace.

As they righted themselves after stepping out of the fireplace at her parents' house, she turned to look up at him with a bright smile, "Keeping secrets with Teddy, huh?"

Draco blushed a little, but looked her in the eye, "I had planned to tell you myself. Not quite that way though."

"Well?"

Neither noticed her parents enter the room as he put down the bags he was holding and turned her to face him, "I love you, Hermione Jane Granger. Very much."

She stepped closer and went up on her toes to kiss him lightly, "I love you, too, Draco Malfoy."

"Well, isn't that a nice entrance," her mother called out.

They jumped apart and turned in surprise to the older couple.

' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

After Hermione and Draco flooed away, Harry and Ginny shooed the boys back out to the party and returned to their guests. When they reached the back yard, they noticed that conversation was more quiet and stilted than before, and they saw Ron and Snoop off by themselves talking.

Harry squeezed Ginny's hand and said quietly, "We'll handle it later, okay?"

Ginny's stiff, angry stance relaxed and she nodded and pasted on a smile.

Soon, the party went back to normal, although much of the conversation centered on Draco and Hermione and their relationship, as well as Ron's reactions to it. Neither Harry nor Ginny would comment on the missing couple, except to say they had had to leave to get to her parents on time.

But, once the party ended, and the children had been put to bed, things finally came to a head.

Ron walked into the kitchen with the last of the items from the party and saw that only Ginny was in the room finishing up the dishes. Thinking it was Harry she turned with a smile, but it fell quickly when she saw her brother and she turned away with sniff.

Ron sighed heavily, "Okay, out with it."

"I'm sure I don't know what you are talking about," she answered stiffly.

"Yeah, right," he mumbled. Then he thrust his hands in his pockets and said, "Look, I'm sorry, okay?"

Ginny calmly turned off the water and dried her hands. Then she turned to look at him and asked, "About what exactly, Ronald?"

He looked away from her and sighed, "Making Mione leave early. I didn't mean to really. I just saw that ass put his hands on her and kind of flipped, I guess."

"Is that all?" she incredulously.

"What do you mean, is that all?" he asked back defensively. "What more do I have to be sorry for?!"

She shook her head at him and walked out of the room in disgust.

"Wait, a minute, dammit, Gin," he said as he followed her into the living room. "Seriously, what else do you think I need to apologize for? I was civil all damn day! I didn't say a word to that git!"

"Exactly!" she exploded. "You didn't even try to give him a chance, did you? Your BEST FRIEND asked you to give her boyfriend a shot and you couldn't even do that for one damn day!"

"I don't have to. I know who he is and what he's after!" he shouted into her face.

Harry stepped up and put his hand on Ron's arm, "Calm down, mate."

Ron had had enough and pulled away from them, "No! This is ridiculous. I will not have all of you making this my fault! First, Georgie, and now you, two!"

"Three," Percy interrupted from where he stood in the corner of the room.

"Oh, don't you start!" Ron spit out. "You don't know anything about it!"

George stood up from his seat next to Angelina on the sofa and said, "But, I do and you're being an ass Ron. Like it or not, she's with him. Get over it!"

"Get over it?!" he sputtered. "Have you forgotten who it is we're talking about?!"

Molly harrumphed, "WE'RE talking about a man that our Hermione seems to like and who makes her happy. YOU'RE still talking about a boy who didn't know his ass from his elbow!"

"Didn't know wha…Are you freakin' kidding me?! Malfoy, remember! Death Eater, only out for himself and his pureblood bloody family! Malfoy!" he shouted.

"I hate to say it, you know I love Hermione like my own daughter and I want her happiness above all else, but I agree with Ron on this," Arthur Weasley added as he stood by his youngest son. "That whole family is nothing but evil trouble!"

"Arthur, listen…" Molly began only to be cut off by her husband.

"No, Molly. You listen this time. I have known Lucius since we were boys. He was horrible then and he only grew uglier as he gained his family's power and money. And, that woman he married was just as bad. They can only have raised the devil's own spawn!" he spat.

"Yeah," muttered Ron. He was happy to finally have someone on his side.

Arthur continued, "I think it best we get Hermione away from that boy as quickly as possible. She'll get over it and move on, but at least she won't get hurt!"

"Arthur, you're being as ridiculous as Ron!" Molly sighed.

"Oh, thank you!" he said sarcastically. "Just because I agree with my son, I'm ridiculous."

"I didn't call you ridiculous, I said how your acting…"

"Mom, Dad, can we get back on topic?" Ginny interrupted them.

A heavy silence fell and finally Angelina rested her hand on her rounded stomach and said softly, "Ron, Fleur and I both talked to him today. And, yes, before you yell at me, too, I do remember what he was like in school. Too well. But, he's different now. That was not the same guy we used to know."

Ron looked around the room and actually shook in anger. Before he could explode again, Charlie said tiredly from the chair he shared with his wife Cynthia, "Look, I was in that war, too, Ron. We all were. But, that was five years ago. None of us are the same. Why can't you wrap your thick head around the fact that he might have changed, too?"

Ron sniffed and folded his arms across his chest and turned to Bill, the only one who hadn't commented. "Wanna take a shot at me, too?"

Bill shook his head and sighed, "Nope, you are doing a fine job of making an ass out of yourself without me helping."

"I can't believe we're actually fighting over this!" Ron said as he ran a hand through his hair. "Why can't any of you understand? I'm not the bad guy here! He is! He got people killed. And, he enjoyed it! If not for him, Fred might still…"

Snoop went over and took his hands, "Ron, stop. Listen to yourself. That war wasn't Draco's fault. And, neither was Fred's death."

"But, Georgie he…" he interrupted.

"I know. He was there and on the wrong side. But, you said yourself, he paid for it."

"Yeah, but that was to save his own butt after he was captured!" Ron spit.

"What else would you expect?" Ginny said. "He was alone and facing Azkaban! Of course, he was saving his butt. But, he didn't run. He didn't deny anything. He took his punishment and faced all that he'd done."

Harry decided it was time to tell Ron the truth of Draco's actions in hopes that Ron would start to see reason. This fighting was tearing everyone apart. "Ron, Draco was never actually captured."

Both Snoop and Ron turned to him in shock, and Harry looked around to see matching looks on everyone's face, save Ginny and Percy's.

"There wasn't enough evidence at the time to charge him with much of anything. The Aurors and I went there to get his parents, not him. We planned to confiscate everything we could and put those two away."

"But, he spent two months in Azkaban," Ron said in his confusion. "He was guilty!"

"Yes, he was," Harry nodded and sat on a chair. "But, Ron, he turned himself in. He came to me and confessed to things we didn't even know about. He gave up information about things we only had general ideas about and helped The Ministry get more people than we ever would have."

Ron fell back into a chair, "But, he WAS guilty. He did horrible things."

Snoop sat on the arm of his chair and patted his arm as Harry continued, "That he did. Not as bad as I wanted to think at the time, but enough to get him put in Azkaban for a while."

Percy took up the story, "But, if you'll remember it was only two months, Ronald. That's because Mr. Malfoy proved useful to the ministry. And, he did seem actually remorseful. He earned his forgiveness for his actions and paid for his crimes."

Ron shook his head at the new information, "Okay, so the git was sorry for all he did, and turned himself in, but that doesn't mean he's actually changed. Come on, Malfoy on the side of all that's good in the world? Please! He's using Mione, and I won't stand for it."

Ginny bristled at this, "What exactly could he be using her for, you idiot?! What? He can't just be attracted to her for who she is?"

Snoop joined in to defend her friend, "Yeah, honey. Don't you think Hermione can get a man just because of who she is? She's smart, pretty, self-sufficient. She has a lot to offer! Maybe you just can't believe any man would really want her!"

"Georgie," he sighed, "that's not what I meant."

"Or, maybe you just can't see her with anyone, but you," she added with an understanding look on her face.

Ginny realized what Snoop meant and added, "Yeah, Ron. You were in love with her for like half your life. Maybe it's not so much that you can't see her with Draco, maybe you just can't see her with anyone."

Ron shook his head at both women and grabbed his wife's hand, "No. I have considered that and that's not it. I know she deserves to be happy. To find love. And, I want that for her. But, you guys don't get it, it's not her, it's him! I know you lot want to think he's changed, oh so much, but he's a Malfoy! He's got to be using her to get something. And, when he's got it, he's going to crush her. I just can't stand by and let that happen. I can't believe all of you can!"

Molly leaned forward and asked, "Okay, Ron, Arthur, let's say you two are right and we're all wrong. What if he is using her for whatever nefarious purpose? What do you propose we do? Go over there, bring her back to England and strap her to a bed until she gets over him? Or, maybe you think we should all keep harping on her until she either breaks it off with him or with us?"

"She loves him, Ron," Harry added. The look of horror on Ron's face was almost funny, but no one laughed. Harry continued, "If you keep pushing this, we lose, not him. I, out of everyone here, get how you feel, but you have got to try and calm down about this."

Ginny nodded, "I honestly believe Draco loves her, too, Ron. You don't have to like it, but you need to accept it. For her. You're pushing her away, don't you see that?"

Angelina added, "Like I said, he's not the same guy we knew back then. Give him a chance."

Ron looked from one person to another and sighed heavily. He couldn't make himself accept Hermione with Malfoy. But, he didn't want to lose her, especially to HIM.

"Okay, okay. I'll leave it. But, when he finally shows his true colors, I'll be there. And, all of you will see that I'm right."

Snoop shook her head and patted his hand, "That's all we ask, honey.

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Author's Note 2 - Every read is a treasure, every review a gift. Thank you!

An additional thank you to the following for adding my story as a Favorite, or setting an alert for it: grumpy grizzly, Linthilde, and my-favorite-name. Also, yourlastregret, thank you for your last review. I am sorry I couldn't respond, but those quotes were perfect! And, no worries, I will not stop writing.

I am so glad you all enjoy this story.