Disclaimer: I don't own it, I can't take credit for the characters.

Ginny stepped out of Harry's fireplace, her arms loaded with bags of groceries on Friday night. She had high hopes for a romantic dinner with him and really wanted to push the idea of getting engaged. She wanted a ring on her finger, and she didn't want to wait any longer. She quickly noticed that his robe was hanging over the sofa and there was noise coming from upstairs.

"Harry? Are you home?" Ginny called out.

"I'm in the bedroom."

Ginny put the groceries in the kitchen and headed upstairs to Harry's room. "What are you doing home so early?" She asked as she moved to kiss him. He was distracted and went back towards his closet, barely noticing her attempt at affection.

"I had to come and pack. I'm leaving for New York in a couple of hours." Harry said, gathering his clothes and throwing them in his bag.

"New York? What do you mean you are going to New York?" Ginny shrieked, knowing her plans for the night were ruined.

"I am going to be working with the Auror department at the American Ministry for the next couple of weeks."

"When did this happen? Why didn't you tell me?" Ginny was almost hysterical now. "Are you leaving for good?"

"Gin, calm down. Please, you are overreacting. Kingsley asked me to go today, I would have told you but I haven't had a chance and I'm only going to be gone for a little over two weeks." Harry had finally stopped and looked at his crying girlfriend. "Why are you so upset? It's not a big deal. I probably should have told you right away but I was going to head to your place next. I promise, I would have said goodbye. I apologize." He walked over towards her and wiped her tears away.

"I planned a big dinner for us tonight and now you are leaving and I thought that you would. . . Never mind." She sniffled back her tears. "I don't want you to go. Tell Kingsley that you can't go and have him send Ron. I need you!"

"What has come over you? We've been apart before Ginny and I always come back." Every single bloody time, thought Harry.

"You're right. I'm being silly. Maybe while you are gone, I could move my things over and then when you get back, we could make this more permanent. Maybe you could visit some jewelry stores while you are in New York." Ginny was trying to make the best of the situation and was not very subtle in her hints.

"What? No. We've talked about this Gin. I don't think it's a good idea for us to live together just yet, and if I decide to get you a ring, I'll do it in my own time."

"We've been together for nearly eight years! I don't understand your hesitation."

"It's not hesitation, I just don't want to live with you right now or make that kind of commitment."

"Eight years Harry! Eight years! Do I have to wait eight more?"

"If you recall, we've been apart more than half of those eight years Ginevra. We've been off and on so much that half the time I forget what our current status is."

"Harry, don't you do this. Don't you get all moody and distant again. I hate it when you pull away."

"Well, then these two weeks apart will be good for us won't they? We'll both have time to think."

"I don't need to think Harry, I've loved you my entire life. I want to marry you, have your babies and be a family with you."

"Do you really? It's no secret that you've been with other men while we were apart. Not that I'm faulting you for that but really Gin, I sometimes wonder if you just want the security of a commitment, not necessarily me."

"I love you Harry. Only you."

"I love you too but something is not right between us and you know it. Like I said, let's take these two weeks and think about things." Harry sighed. He was tired of having the same conversation over and over again. It wasn't her fault, he knew that. He didn't know why he couldn't commit to her. All he ever wanted was a family of his own. He wanted to be a father and raise his children in the way he should have been, with two loving parents. He just wasn't sure if Ginny was the one to do that with. He'd only dated a few other girls and kept coming back to what was comfortable. He sometimes felt like he wanted to crawl out of his own skin into a different life. He looked over at Ginny and saw tears streaming down her face again. He didn't want to hurt her. That was one thing about Ginny, she always seemed to affect him with her emotions. He couldn't stand to see her upset.

"Merlin, I'm sorry Ginny. You know I've been feeling restless lately. I think this time in New York will be good for me, help me re-focus. I'll be back a few days before the ball. I'll come over as soon as I get home and I'll let you pick out my dress robes to match your dress. Now, I've got to get back to the ministry for my portkey. Is there anything you want from New York?" He didn't wait for an answer but picked up his bag, kissed Ginny on the cheek and headed for the fireplace. He regretted leaving her like that but he just couldn't face it anymore. Every day with her was putting more pressure on him. He knew deep down that he either needed to propose and commit or break up for good. His wavering wasn't healthy for either of them.

()()()()()()()()()()

Hermione had just returned from a busy day away from the Ministry. At least once a month the Ministry held open forums at different wizarding communities. It was an opportunity for her to sit down with people outside of London and give them legal advice. She loved that part of her job as it made her feel like she was helping people. She had been to four different magical communities in the last eight hours and was ready to settle in for another quiet Friday night. The one good thing about being away from the Ministry and meeting with strangers, was that she didn't have to kiss anyone. She had just opened the refrigerator to find some dinner when an owl hooted from her open window. After giving the owl a treat and taking the letter she sat down to read. She recognized Harry's handwriting at once.

Hermione,

I feel like it's been so long since I've talked to you and I'm worried that I may have upset you in some way. I certainly hope not and that we've both just been too busy to get together. I wanted you to know that I am leaving tonight and will be in New York for the next two weeks. I will be working with the Auror department in America to strategize and share information. I'm looking forward to it. I've taken care of all of my duties for the ball and I gave all of the information I had to Neville. I know it's a bad time for me to leave. Especially since we haven't been able to have a meeting. I'll see you after I return, probably at the ball. Save me a dance.

Love,

Harry

Hermione sighed in relief. She wouldn't have to worry about running into Harry for the next two weeks and would be able to relax at work. She would miss her friend dearly but knew it was perfect timing.

()()()()()()()()()

At work that Monday, Hermione felt like a weight was lifted knowing that Harry wasn't in the building. Her fear of changing their friendship was so great that she couldn't think straight. Now that he wasn't around, she could look people in the eye and if she had to kiss someone, she was fine with it. She wasn't one to fall into a crush very easily anymore so there were only a few more men to kiss that she could run into on a daily basis. Sure she recognized a good looking man but it took more these days to actually be attracted to someone. Back in her Hogwarts days it didn't take much. A smile, a look, even just a kind word in passing would make her think of the possibilities. That was why she was quite thankful that this had happened to her now and not when she was a student, she rarely saw most of her old schoolmates these days. Back then she would have had to kiss nearly every Gryffindor and several of the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. Slytherin was a different matter. She didn't remember being attracted to any of them when she was in school. It wasn't until after the war that she began to take notice of a few of them like Draco and Blaise. Obviously her disdain of that house had blocked any attraction. Surely Draco was handsome when he was in school too, she just didn't remember him like that.

Work kept her busy for most of the morning but her new-found confidence led her to the dining room for lunch. This time she wouldn't be running out with her hand over her mouth. She ate quickly, fear only occasionally setting in. She dreaded a scene in such a public place. She was just about to leave the table when Draco sat down next to her.

"Granger."

"Malfoy." She smiled at him despite the greeting. "You really could call me Hermione. You did say you wanted to be friends."

"Right, I should call the mother of my children by her given name." He smiled back.

"Don't say that too loudly, I don't need those rumors starting up again."

"I just wanted to warn you that Pansy let the whole thing slip to Blaise and a few others last night. She was drunk."

"What? Oh no. Tell me this is a joke!" Hermione reached out and clutched Draco's arm.

"I wish it were. Unfortunately she and Lavender were talking about you -quite loudly I might add- and a bunch of people overheard. I tried to shush her but you know Pansy when she's drunk. She's either talking very loudly or taking off her clothes."

"So maybe the others were also drunk and won't remember?"

"Unfortunately I just talked to Blaise and he remembered everything pretty clearly. He is feeling pretty sure that he'll be kissed. I don't suppose you can contain yourself just to knock him down a peg or two?"

"Why are you assuming that I'll have to kiss him? Just because I allowed one Slytherin a kiss, doesn't mean there will be another." She said with a very Slytherin smirk.

"Allowed? You didn't allow anything. You threw yourself on me!"

"True, but you liked it."

"Hell yes, I liked it. Who doesn't like a good kiss? Can we change the subject please." Draco muttered.

"Are you blushing? Did I make the great Draco Malfoy blush?" Hermione stared at Draco, humor in her eyes as she teased her new friend.

"I do not blush. It's warm in here." Draco cleared his throat. "As I was saying, I would love to see Blaise have his ego punched so can you please try not to kiss him?"

"Well, if and when I see him face to face, I won't be able to control it. I think that when I do fight it, that's when I get sick."

"Well if you must kiss him, then can you at least make it a good one? I mean really good, curl his toes."

"Did I curl your toes Draco?" Hermione was shocked at her brazen words but she found it easy to flirt with Draco and he was at least responding with humor.

"No! Will you stop changing the subject?" He was starting to blush again and damn it, he was getting frustrated. He couldn't believe that she would flirt with him, and unnerve him so much. If he didn't know he wasn't her true love, he might be flattered but now he was feeling a bit uneasy. "I figure if you can't knock Blaise down a peg, at least knock Pansy down. Wouldn't you love to see Pansy's face when Blaise tells her about the amazing kiss he had with you? Especially since it's all her fault in the first place."

"You are a devious man Draco Malfoy. I like it. A lot. All right, when I see Blaise, I'll give him all I've got -within reason of course. I just wish we could do this in front of Pansy. That way he wouldn't have to tell her, she'd be a witness."

"Now who's being devious? I like that idea too. All right, stay away from Blaise and I'll try to figure something out. Catch you later Granger."

"Later Malfoy." Hermione sat back and smiled. She was finally going to have a little fun with this. Now if she could just figure out a way to get back at Ginny.

()()()()()()

Towards the end of the work day she received a memo from Draco inviting her over for dinner that evening.

Hermione,

If you aren't busy, I'd love it if you would come over for dinner tonight. I've invited Blaise and Pansy and thought you might like to "visit" with your friends. Bring your lips and be at my house around seven. Wear something sexy. I'll open my wards to you, just floo over. My house is called Little Malfoy Manor. Don't laugh, my mother named it. If I don't hear from you, I'll see you tonight.

Draco

She smiled to herself as she gathered her things and headed for home. After feeding Crookshanks, she looked for something to wear. She wanted to save her new dress for the ball so that was out. She did have a little red cocktail dress that might be appropriate. She hadn't worn it in a couple of years but it was classic in style. The top was a halter that accented her breasts and left her back bare. It came to just above her knees and with a pair of strappy red heals, she had to admit that she looked good in it. It hugged her curves which she had finally started to appreciate. Staring at herself in the mirror she had a moment of sadness that she was getting all dressed up to go to Malfoy's house and not the house of the man she loved. She missed him so much. She took a couple more minutes to feel sorry for herself and then headed for the floo.

Draco was waiting for her, knowing that she was always precisely on time. She stumbled out of the fireplace and cast a cleansing charm on herself before she looked up and saw Draco staring at her.

"Damn Granger! I had no idea you hid that body under your robes."

Hermione blushed at his words. "Thank you Draco. I suppose that was a compliment?"

"Most definitely. You look beautiful. Blaise and Pansy are in the sitting room. Are you ready?"

"I think I can handle it. Let's go." Draco led her into the sitting room where Blaise was pouring himself a drink while Pansy flipped through a magazine.

"Hermione! I didn't know you'd be here, it's so good to see you, you look amazing. . . " Her voice trailed off as she noticed that Blaise was staring open jawed at Hermione. She only hoped he wouldn't drool. Hermione was looking at Blaise just as intently, with actual desire in her eyes. Pansy was just about to start accusing the two of having an affair when Draco stepped up and muttered "Look what your little potion is doing Pans." She watched as Hermione walked purposely up to her boyfriend and wrapped her arms around him. Her idiot boyfriend actually leaned down to let her kiss him! Pansy felt the room get smaller and the air get thicker as she watched her friend, one of her best friends in fact, kiss her boyfriend with an intensity that made her feel very uncomfortable. While the kiss only lasted a few seconds, it left her shaken and quite frustrated. Not to mention a little bit turned on, which only led to more frustration.

Hermione stepped away from Blaise giving him a smile that could only be described as saucy. She looked over at a grinning Draco and a confused Pansy, giving them a wink.

"Gee, sorry for kissing your boyfriend Pansy but I have this little problem thanks to some of my nearest and dearest friends."

Pansy recovered and looked from Hermione to Draco to Blaise. Blaise was still staring like an idiot and yes, he most definitely was drooling. Draco and Hermione however looked like they were about to burst out in laughter and she quickly realized that this was all planned. "Fine, so you got your revenge by snogging my boyfriend. Very nice Hermione. I'm leaving." Pansy started to head out of the room when Hermione stopped her.

"I'm sorry Pansy, I really am, but I had to get back at you some way. Blaise is not my true love, I wouldn't have kissed him if I didn't already know that. I'd never do that to a friend." Hermione didn't want Pansy to leave angry with her. "Blaise, I'm sorry about bringing you into this but you were probably going to get kissed anyway, so I thought I'd do it right."

"Hey, no problem Hermione. Anytime." He gave her a goofy grin. "Pansy, you deserved that, you know it."

"Fine, I did. I'll stay, just keep your lips to yourself." Pansy finally started laughing and Hermione knew that their relationship would be fine. The foursome enjoyed their dinner and except for the admiring looks she continued to get from the men, which made her slightly uncomfortable, she had a very nice evening. Her social life was starting to improve all because she was the victim of stupidity. She may someday have to thank Ginny.

She was just climbing into bed after the long evening when her cell phone rang. She jumped out of bed and ran to her purse, convinced that something had happened to one or both of her parents. Nobody ever called this late unless something was wrong.

"Hello?"

"Hey beautiful."

"Harry?" She sighed in relief. "Is everything all right?"

"Everything is fine. I'm just lonely and I thought I'd call my favorite person. Sorry it's so late."

"It's fine, I just got home a little while ago so I was still up."

"You just got home? That's not like you on a work night."

"No, not normally but I went over to Draco's for dinner."

Harry felt his stomach constrict at the mention of Draco's name. "You had dinner with Malfoy? At his house?"

"Yes, can you believe it's called Little Malfoy Manor? It's not that little but I suppose it's smaller than his parents' monstrosity." She laughed.

"Why were you at Malfoy's?" He snapped. "You hate him."

"I don't hate him. Not anymore at least. He's been very nice to me and he was really good about the whole rumor thing. He's actually a very witty, charming guy."

Harry started pacing his hotel room, trying to figure out what to punch. This was not good. He couldn't let her enjoy spending time with Malfoy. He didn't want her to go to his house and he certainly didn't want her to think he was charming.

"Harry are you there?" Hermione asked, worry clear in her voice.

"Yes. I'm here."

"Well, Draco invited me over along with Pansy and Blaise so that I would kiss Blaise in front of Pansy. It was so funny Harry, Pansy was so mad because, well trust me I gave him a good kiss. Draco said I should try to curl his toes, I don't know if I did that but I certainly had an effect on him. We all ended up having a good laugh and a good dinner. You should try spending more time with Draco, he's really very sweet."

"Can we please stop talking about Malfoy?" Harry begged, wanting to gag over the idea of Draco being sweet.

"Sure. Tell me about New York?"

"It's really great. I love it here. There is so much to do. I've been out to see the Statue of Liberty, I've been up to the top of the Empire State Building, and I've walked Central Park. I've done all the typical muggle tourist things. I wish you were here to see it with me," he added softly.

Hermione felt her chest clench at his words. "I wish I were too. When are you coming home?"

"Not for another two weeks. I actually didn't need to be here until today but I left on Friday so that I could have some time to myself. Have you talked to Ginny?"

"No. I'm trying to avoid her. What happened?"

"Nothing much, just another argument."

"What about this time?"

"The same as always. She wants to move in and get engaged, I don't want to, she lays on the guilt and I end up feeling bad. I actually walked into Tiffany yesterday."

Oh no. Please not that, Hermione thought. "Did you get her a ring?"

"I couldn't. It just didn't feel right. I have my mum's ring and I always thought that the woman I married would just wear that."

"I'm sure Ginny will be thrilled with your mum's ring." Hermione said sadly. She knew the pain was evident in her voice but she couldn't hide it.

"That's just the thing, she wasn't. When I told her about it, she made some comment about it being morbid to wear a dead person's ring and how she was hoping for something more modern. She hasn't even seen the ring."

"Well, that's a pretty harsh thing for her to say. I'm sure she just wants something new and shiny to show off." She laughed at her words and then realized they sounded cold. "I'm sorry Harry. I shouldn't have said that."

"Would you wear it Hermione?"

"What?" She couldn't possibly have heard right.

"The ring. If the man you were going to marry presented you with a ring that belonged to his mother or grandmother, would you wear it?"

"I'd be honored to wear a ring that meant so much to the man I love." Hermione sighed. She would give anything to wear a ring that special.

"That's what I thought. Well, I should let you go. Try to stay away from Malfoy all right?"

"He's not that bad. We'll talk about it later. Will you call me again?"

"Of course. Sleep well."

"Good night Harry."

"Good night Hermione."

Author's Note: I apologize for the delay but in an extreme act of clumsiness I fell up the stairs and broke my arm. This really makes typing slow at the moment. The next chapter is half done but it isn't coming quickly. I won't abandon my story though. Just be patient. Oh and thanks for all the reviews!