BACKGROUND! DON'T HAVE TO KNOW BUT WILL HELP WITH THE STORY!

Hermione lived on the L'Università di Wizarding Italiana campus for two in a half long years. They welcomed her with open arms after her scores from her NEWT's, and of course they knew who she was even if she was famous for what she did in a different country. She finished well before anyone should have, but she wore herself ragged to do it. She took many more classes then recommended, and was now graduating in almost half the time. She only invited a handful of people to come: her parents, the Potters, Molly and Arthur. She and Ron were on the outs again because he drunkenly admitted that he would cheat on his now ex girlfriend, Hannah Abbot, for Hermione any day. He turned it around on her saying that had she not been there then he would have never said anything in the first place. Ever since Ron had stopped seeing his psychiatrist he was become downright hateful to some and pushing everyone away.

She started working at an out-of-country branch of the Ministry in Italy as soon as she graduated, but would soon be returning to London as one of the new bosses at the Magical Law Enforcement Department for All Magical Creatures. Her 21st birthday was also fast approaching, and she knew that nobody was going to let her come back after being away for over two years, and not give her a welcome back/birthday bash.

She had also sworn off men. She was in pain every night, for she missed Draco with her very core, and would not let someone else hurt her like he had. She loved Draco with every day that passed and wanted him so, but refused to let herself get hurt again. However, someone from her past decided to make his presents known at her new work place: Theodor Nott Jr. and he was a sweet and easy to be around as ever.

STORY!

Hermione was packing the last of her things for her big move. She decided to rent a small flat on the outskirts of Wizarding London. It was nice, quiet, and perfect for her. She was close enough to see the city lights or for her to see the stars at night. She looked around her current home; this would be the last night she spent in Italy. She started to go through all the drawers' one more time to make sure that she had gotten everything when she came across a wadded up piece of parchment. It was a letter that she received shortly after coming to Italy; it was from Draco. After she didn't respond to his letters he sent he came to find her. She didn't want to see him, but knew that if she didn't get this over with then, so she wouldn't have to deal with it while trying to deal with her class load.

"Draco I can't do this right now. I've made my choice, and if you truly loved me then you would let me live my life and stop hurting me." Hermione knew that she was going to cry; nevertheless, she felt ashamed of the tears that filled her eyes.

Draco stepped toward, "Don't do this to us. When Nott was trying to come on to you I knew that you weren't lying! Why is it so hard for you to believe me; to know that I wouldn't do this to you?" After a few silent moments passed he leaned in, and kissed her only to receive a hand across the face. The she felt suddenly enraged. She told him why she couldn't trust him. How he and his "ex" had shag against every wall in the castle AND if he truly cared about her then he would have shut the bloody door to the room where he planned on shagging said ex in the first place!

He knew deep down there was nothing that he could do to stop her. Draco was devastated as he watched her apparated away out of his life for good.

Hermione landed in her room, and collapsed on the floor. It was one of the hardest things she had to do: walk away from someone that you are whole-heartedly in love with. She didn't know if she would be able to trust him, but if he really did love her he would wait for her. Not that she expected him too.

Hermione pulled back into the present, and burned the parchment without a second look. She didn't need to think about the past when she knew that it was nothing more than that: the past. She had to look to her future. He had moved on (with every moving female that walked past him) and so would she.

She had to get up early, so she decided to turn in. That night she dreamt of her once before lover that she missed every day. It was not unusual for her to have these dreams, but when she had them it would be of what they had, however, this time they had no limits, and no fear of getting caught like they did when they were younger. It was pure, raw, lust. They were weightless. She slid up and down his length feeling him harder than ever before -craving all of her. Just before her release Hermione shot out of bed, and it was still pitch black outside. She looked at the timekeeper reading 5:14am. She didn't need to be up for another two hours! She knew that she couldn't go back to sleep if she wanted to, so she got up showered, had a big breakfast, and relaxed with some tea until Harry got there to help her move.

Hermione, Harry, George, and oddly enough Teddy all moved her into her new flat in record time. Teddy swore that her new employer sent him to help saying "We are going to take care of our new top boss and war hero around here." or something to that. Hermione had her suspicions that he was still faintly attracted to her though. However, she still liked being around him. He was like fresh air to her that she desperately needed besides they were starting to become friends. When they finished and Hermione had spelled all over her things up she found Molly already in her kitchen making a feast for them all.

"Wow Molly this smells wonderful you didn't have to do this. Thank you." Hermione hugged her, and started setting the table. She was happy that she would not be spending her first dinner alone.

"Hermione this is my gift to you dear. Besides I want you to eat properly. You look like skin and bones. What did you eat in Italy certainly not the pasta young lady?" Molly waved her wand, and everything that she cooked moved to the table.

Hermione place Engorgio charm on her table, and whipped up some more chairs and enjoyed. They talked about what they had all been up to, and soon thereafter broke up to let Hermione unwind in her new home. They reminded her of the party would start at eight the next night. Ginny warned her not to even fuss about it because it was useless. She hugged everyone good bye as they climbed into the fireplace to go home. Hermione curled up with a big book and began to read. She hadn't had a chance to read something that she wanted to in quite a while. She had been so busy with school and then straight into work that she forgot what it was like to have a day off every now and then. She fell asleep just like that.

She woke to tapping on her window. She let the brown and white owl in and grabbed the treats from her kitchen. When she opened the letter she groaned. It was for her party that night. The guest list had well over two hundred people, and she knew that if she hadn't reined in her friends (that she now wanted to murder) there would have been twice the size of what it already was. She got dressed and Floo'd to Diagon Alley to get a dress. She hoped that it was early enough that not many people would be there. She went to the first dress shop that she saw, and was determined to find what she wanted there or not at all.

She tried on many dress, but found the gem she was looking for in the far back of the store. It was a long fish tail deep red strapless dress with a flower on the top left side and bushed out around her legs. She bought some match heels with black lace around the trim and a black bow in the front. She was going to wear her white gold dangling diamond earrings, and thought that the necklace she got from Draco, something she didn't get rid of, would go wonderfully with it. She made five steps out of the dress shop items in hand before she was rushed with "well wishers" and reporters. She got to the apparition point and turn on the spot. It was still early in the day, and she was already worn out from being back in London. After laying everything out she soaked in the bath determined not to stress whatsoever. She read a bit more afterwards. Before she knew it it was well into the afternoon. She couldn't believe how consumed she was finding herself in her new collection of books.

"Teddy is that you?" Hermione was in the middle of making herself a late lunch when she heard the noise in the Floo Network and someone call her name.

"Do you mind if I come through I wanted to talk to you about something?" When he heard her say 'sure' he stepped in with folders in hand. "I want to apologize. These files are from the higher ups that want your expertise on them. I was also wondering if you were going with anyone tonight. I was on the invite list, but I haven't a date."

Teddy was always one to come right out and say what he wanted. "I don't have a date. Before I say yes I want you to know that I am not looking to start dating, and least of all with someone I work with."

"I wouldn't have it any other way. You should think of it as a business date; we can get a feel of each other since we will be working so closely than." Teddy smiled a heart stopping smile. "Well what do you say?"

Hermione really didn't want to go by herself, and if it was a business date then she didn't see anything wrong with that. "Sure you can come by around seven thirty."

"Great! So what color dress are you wearing? Oh wait let me guess Red." He laughed when she nodded. "Always a Gryffindor. I better get going if you want me back in two and a half hours." He left to go get ready.

Hermione finished her lunch, and trudged to her bedroom. She used her wand to curl her hair pulling half of it out of her face leaving her long bangs swept to the left. She applied light neutral toned makeup, and by the time she was done it was already seven and she needed to rush to get dressed and get her shoes. When she heard the Floo she was fighting with her necklace.

"Need some help with that?" Teddy stepped behind her and clasped it. "You look beautiful. For you." He handed her a beautiful bouquet of red roses. "Welcome back to London." He kissed her on the check and held out his arm. With a hand full of Floo powder thrown down and green flame enflamed them.

They arrived to the loud boom of the music filling one of the most beautiful ballrooms Hermione had ever seen.

DPOV

He was going to get Hermione, and make her understand that nothing happened! When she wouldn't listen to reason he pulsed his sexual energies around her pulling her in. When he was sure he saw lust in her eyes he went to kiss her. That is when she smacked him across the face and bloody hard. This is why she was his mate. He couldn't demand anything out of her and she sure knew how to put up a fight. They were evenly matched in almost everything, and though he had half claimed her it was enough to drive him sparse! A growl erupted from his chest. "You dare hit me?" and that is when he pumped raw anger into her. If she wanted to play that game then she would feel what he was feeling. That was the biggest mistake he had ever made, however, because he had sworn that he would never hurt her. She on the other hand didn't take it lightly and she flew into a play by play of how he and his ex use to fuck against every wall in the castle, about how she was nothing more than a Mudblood and was in her rightful place (crying because of him), and how they wouldn't have been kissing at all if he wasn't still interested in her at the very least wouldn't have left the damn door open while they snogged! (He didn't even know how she knew about his past escapades with his former.) After that he felt his head aching in pain a softer version of what he had previously had. He felt her pain and he crumpled. After she left him he left the likes of Hogwarts getting no less then and E on all of his N.E.W.T.'s. He took off to see the world, and every other bint in spite of her. He would have a string of lovers in a night, but they made no difference to him.

Draco still pined after her, his Hermione, and he knew that she had moved far from him; she still haunted his mind. He woke slowly sitting up from the vivid dream he just left.

Presently he was with a hot little bint, Astoria Greengrass, that was a true bunny in the bed. Even with all of his time that he occupied with her he still had to wank to the thought of Hermione. His mother had warned him about this; he was not the one that left, though, it was her. Just thinking about her made him crave her again, not that the dreams he always had helped much.

"Drakie mmm are you ready for me again so soon?" Astoria was rubbing him up and down again.

Draco had turned cold to every woman that was not what he wanted; what he craved. "Get off me you bint I thought I told you we had to get ready for the damn to-do tonight. I want you looking better then the whole damn place, and I want everyone to know who you belong to, now go get ready." He didn't wait for her to respond he had to get himself ready after all his ex-lover would be there, and as much as he still loved her she did need to see that he could move on; even if it was nothing more than a façade. He turned on the water, and remembered the steamy showers that he and Hermione shared so many years ago. He held her against the walls and ramming into her again and again until she was withering under him for her release as he filled her with his hot seed. He could almost feel the scratches on his back right then. He tightened his grip his shaft and entered his memory.

As much as he wanted to see Hermione he didn't know what her reaction would be. It was his philosophy that he would never react to something, but counteract to it. He dressed and was anxious about tonight. He couldn't remember the last time that he felt like this. After drying and dressing he left his mind wonder- back to her. How much they loved each other, and how he knew that he should have told her that she was his true mate. Before he knew it the Floo went off, and Astoria stepped in to his drawing room in her simmering white thigh high dress. The 'halter top dress' was held together with a jeweled circled clasp connecting the two barely there strap of the dress and the two pieces of fabric that vee'd down to her belly button.

"What do you think Drakie? Anyone would want me on their arm tonight, but I'm only yours!" She hugged and he knew that it was soon time to ditch her. Gads she was a nuisance!

"You will do for tonight. Lets' go you know I hate to late." Draco didn't pay any mind to the brood on his arm. They stepped into the fireplace with a quick whoosh they were stepping out into an elegant ballroom- red and perfect just for her.

HPOV

Teddy slightly tugged her forward. "I can't believe that I let them do this." She groaned. Though she thought everything was beautiful it was a bit overwhelming for her.

"Where is all that courage of yours sweet?" Teddy had a smile from ear to ear. The blush that covered her cheeks was delectable. "This is for you; not something to put you on display, but in honor of you. Now let us have a wonderful night of dancing, drink, and good company can we?" Pulling her closer to him they walked in and his eyes went searching for the platinum blonde hair that he knew would be there… never late.

Hermione was spun around the room with almost everyone in the place. She had family, friends, and soon to be collogues to support her. To her surprise Teddy was very light on his feet much as he once had been, and he even honed his skills. She found herself floating on cloud nine.

Soon enough it was time to eat. After they sang and cut her over-the-top cake with a beautiful dancing otter on the top. (The spell was similar to the chocolate frogs.) They ate and the plates cleared themselves by the time Harry took the podium.

Placing his wand to his throat to call order to the excited room he began. "Hermione my dear this is our way to say 'Welcome back and Happy Birthday'. We've missed you! Tonight we celebrate the joy of having you back in all of our lives whether just coming in or back. You have an amazing heart and you are going to be the perfect asset to the Law Office here in London. Welcome Home and Happy 21st 'Mione- my sister!" As he stepped off the stand he walked over to a tearful Hermione and gave her the biggest hug and kiss on the cheek.

"Oh Harry that was a wonderful speech. Thank you!" She was greeted with many more hugs before her business date swept her onto the dance floor again.

"Hermione I hope this is not to bold a thing to say, but speaking as a soon to be partner you look absolutely stunning tonight." Teddy and she were dancing to a slow muggle song by Michael Bublé.

"Thank you Teddy and no I don't believe that it was to bold. You know I haven't felt this happy in a long time. Thank you." With that she laid her head on his shoulder.

"Do you think that we can go somewhere and talk? I haven't seen you in a while and we should catch up. Get reacquainted if you will." When she nodded he maneuvered them through the crowds, and out the softly lit terrace.

"Tell me how was school? I knew that you were smart, but you finished in half the time. Were you really in that much of a hurry to get out of Italy?' Teddy had led them to a secluded settee.

"Well, I knew what I wanted to do, and get to it. If I am honest with myself I was also trying to preoccupy my time as to not think about the past. I also needed time to find myself. I thought I could handle thing that were at my breaking point when I was younger, but I needed to find out if I could to be Hermione Granger alone. I did enjoy myself from time to time. Between semesters I went out and seen Italy and its beauty. I love going to the beaches when it was warm, and going to every museum that they held! I was in my room more often than not though. What about you what has Theodore Nott Jr. been up to since or last parting at Hogwarts?"

Teddy leaned back, "Well after I graduated then I accepted an apprenticeship at the firm. I got in under my name and money sources. I have been there ever since. I did go and see a few places before I started though. I saw parts of France, Ireland and Italy as well. Tell you the truth I stay in most nights. I don't get out many nights because I do truly care about the firm. I know I may have gotten in for my money and name, however, but that is not enough for me. I do greet everyone when they come in though not everyone gets to have a party I can accompany them too. Thank you again coming stag is not all that it is cracked up to be." He let out a genuine laugh. "Wow now that I said it I feel like a bore…"

Hermione joined him. "Well then, I guess we do have a lot more in common now don't we?"

"Well you know I don't think that we were all so different in school." You stared into her eyes.

Clearing her throat, "Well I guess you are right. You have always been easy to get along with. Maybe we should go back to the party." She stood righting her dress. He was good looking, but she still didn't want into any form of relationship, let alone with a co-worker.

"Right you are. Now are you ready to dance some more because I know some people will be ready to pounce when you walk in." He could fell the hatred rolling of Draco already, and it put him in an even better mood. He held out his arm and walked into the party with her once more.

Hermione stopped dead in her tracks. Draco Malfoy was not only here, but with some bint in almost nothing at all to cover her. "Hermione are you alright?" Teddy pulled her back into the present. "Yes I…" Was all she got out. Teddy looked down her line of sights and seen just how he thought. "I see" Was all he said before pulling her to the floor. They danced three songs before she felt at ease.

"Do you think I can have this dance?" Draco asked that sounded as formal as his masked face looked.

Hermione didn't even know that he was going to be there. "I… eh I mean I am a little…" Trying to take in air she was torn between two things: walking away and pulling him to her and kissing with all her might.

"Hermione would you like to go get something to drink with me. I don't want your night spoiled from the ghosts of your past." Teddy leaned in whispering softly up looking straight into Draco's eyes.

Draco cut in. "I think it would be appropriate enough to dance with a contributor of Ministry don't you Ms. Granger."

Teddy stepped up then. "Malfoy you are can't throw your money around here and think anyone is going to be impressed. Besides, we, Hermione and I, hardly do this for the money, but to help our world to be put back together." Teddy's look was challenging; he waited for the Draco to respond.

"And you think that I am not helping Nott? I help fund the Ministry to help. I don't have to I could live comfortably if I chose too. I am not my father looking for hand outs, but looking to repair. I would have thought that someone like you would understand that. Though you work, I don't see you handing out your gold as freely now are you?" He didn't so much as peak at Hermione, for he was worried that he would anger her on her special day. This was not going as planned, but on the other hand he knew that Nott wouldn't let her go easily.

"Teddy it's okay as soon as I have this dance I will make my rounds and we can leave." Hermione wanted that clear they would leave together, but as she said it she knew it was a mistake. She had told him not to get his hopes up for this to go any further, and reaffirmed it when they were outside talking. This was her now co-worker and she didn't want to make things awkward. She looked into the eyes of her date and gave him a reassuring smile.

Hermione turned to her new dance partner. "One dance is all your going to get." and with that she wrapped her arms around his neck and let him spin her onto the floor.

"You look well Hermione. It has been a long time, too long." Draco started whirling them around the dance floor.

"Yes it has been a long time." Hermione kept her eyes behind him at all times. "I didn't know that you had come tonight. Why did you come I thought you would be busy with your life?"

"I wouldn't miss your big party Princess. Beside I am a big contributor and I needed to show." Draco forgot how good she felt oppose to the dank memories her held onto so tight.

"And you date?" Hermione didn't want to know, but didn't want some crazy money grubber coming up to her tonight.

"Her name is Astoria. She was a year behind us in school; she is there." He pointed her out.

Hermione felt embarrassed just looking at her. What on earth was she wearing, or lack thereof? "Well she looks like a nice girl." She then turned her attention to back to the spinning walls behind him.

"Look at me Hermione. I've missed you. We need talk." He started to pull her to the very door that she left with Teddy with.

"Mr. Malfoy, thank you for the dance, but I must be getting back. I hope to see you around work sometime." With that she left his arms. He was not only trying to get her alone, but he brought a drop dead gorgeous date. She searched Teddy out so she could get the hell out of there.

Teddy was at her side in an instant. "Are ready to go home?" When she nodded they apparated from that very spot without a single goodbye. "Well I think that it was a success tonight other then the ghost of one's past." They stood in her drawing room.

"Thank you for a wonderful night Teddy, and thank you for saving me from my ghost." She smiled at him, "Well I guess this is good night I will see you on Monday morning. Oh and you are a great dance partner, always have been."

He leaned in and turned his head slightly kissing her cheek with a soft brush of his lips. "Good night Hermione sweet dreams." He whispered and took his leave.

DPOV

Draco sat in him is bedroom recapping the night. He had to watch them dance, laugh, and touch. Draco was on the verge of taking her in the middle of dance floor in front of everyone. What was worse was having Astoria on his arm. She hung on him like a limp noodle trying to drag him onto the floor to dance. Then when he managed to slip away he heard them outside. They were getting to intimate for him. He knew Teddy all too well; Teddy had been lying low so that he could get into Hermione's good graces all these years. He swore to Draco that if he messed up then he would be there for her, and here he was. Then there was the blasted dance. Nothing went as planned, and for fucks sakes she didn't even want to be alone with him. Draco needed to think, so that he could get her back. He would do it at all cost! First things first he needed to rid himself of Astoria, and then claim his princess rightfully.

TPOV

Everything had gone as he had hoped. He wasn't going to move on Hermione to fast because he might scare her off. She didn't trust Draco to be alone with him or at least he had hoped that was the cause of her not granting his wish. She couldn't possibly still have feelings for the fink could she? No she had seen Astoria in her tart little outfit, not that she didn't look half bad for a breeder. But his eyes were set on Hermione, always have been. The almost kiss that he left her with was just enough to intrigue her. Yes things were going just as planned Theodor Nott would have his lady love soon, and once and for all shove it to that platinum haired prat Malfoy.

A/N Well another chapter done I know it is shorter than the others, but between balancing work, school, and my family I haven't found the time needed for my story! Well any who I have added more pictures on my photobucket. I am also working on the next chapter AND another story, so we will see how it pans out… As always let me know what you think or what you think is going to happen next.