A/N- Sorry for the overdue chapter! 20 pages of academic writing and finals don't do themselves! Well without further ado ENJOY!

Hermione was due for a two week vacation when she was done with her case, and though she loved her work she needed some time for herself. She worked 6 days a week, and aside from moving had zero time off! She was a twenty-one year old who lived by herself and her cat Nonia; her long time companion Crookshanks had passed old, fat, and happy as can be. It had been three months since her party, and she and Teddy, as promised, saw each other almost every day due to work. Though, he had told her that he worked a lot she had no idea that he would rival herself. They even made to have dinner with each other once a week either at her flat or one of his family homes.

Hermione was up before the sun, and already going over the stack of papers for her upcoming trial. She was working on a case for a Werewolf Awareness against her one time roommate: Lavender Brown. People were trying to throw her out of teaching the Divination's post, because of her every month problem, though it was more so like Bill Weasley than Greyback. Hermione thought after the war people would slack up on who had what blood status, but unfortunately it was short lived.

Hermione had long ago forgiven the act of Lavender and Ron. Lavender had moved on with her life, and wanted to aid the children who had a love of Divinations like she did. She was under scrutiny for what potentially helped during the war. Lavender had only been at her post for a whole of three months, and the purebloods and others of "sophisticated circles" started sending owls in. Though Hermione and Lavender would never be best of friends she could not stand how people were being unjust to her. They had fought a war to show unity, and here they were showing the inequality in their world again. Hermione finished her ending arguments, and got up to stretch; it was nearly 11:30 by the time she got done. She looked at the other files that Teddy had brought to her. Some of the files were going to be easy enough, and she thought that her boss gave them to see how she would handle them.

She was going to take a small break with some warm tea before she started in on another. Hermione was on her way and she heard a familiar tapping on the window. She let in the barred owl and untied the letter. As soon as she had it the owl took off without so much as a second look at her. She looked down and nearly dropped the envelope: it was from Draco. She sat looking at the letter for more than an hour. She didn't want to open it, but what she felt for him, despite herself, was overwhelming. She didn't want to read the words of rejoice for missing her or the rejection that might come, though she didn't know how he could reject her. He was a funder for the Ministry hints his presents in attendance at her party. He brought that tart of his to the party, and showcased her to the world. The dumb twit wouldn't know class if it bit her on the ass. She knew that she was acting pisser, but why should she not? She should just throw it in the fire, and to hell with it. Something in her needed to read the words that he wrote to her though. She grabbed the letter with shaky hands and slowly broke the wax seal.

Hermione~

It has been too long. I have missed you truly. I know that I should have tried harder to get you back, but I was a fool. I tried to fill the void in my life, and I see how wrong I was in doing so. Please meet me somewhere. Even if it is for some closure; I think that we both can benefit from it. We can go somewhere abroad if you are worried about any reporters seeing us together even if we have to go to the muggle world. Please get back to me at your earliest convenience.

D.L.M. Your lost love.

PS You looked beyond stunning at your party. I am sorry if I offended you in any way. Happy belated Birthday Princess

Hermione looked at the letter thinking about what he had said. Offended her why on earth would he think that he offended her bringing Astoria to her party of all places, and the ghastly outfit that she painted on herself. How he interrupted her dance with Teddy. How he wanted her to fully trust him to be alone with him again. Yes he had offended her. How lustful she felt being around him! (okay that was 100% his fault) He had said that it could help with closure which she seemed to need. She had spent years with him haunting her dreams and thoughts. Maybe this was going to be the best chance she had to get her life back, and maybe move on as he did so well. She needed this for her sanity. Before she lost her nerve she sent him a reply.

Draco-

I think closure is for the best, for both of us. I will meet you tomorrow at six for dinner at a bistro I found: Prima in Diagon Alley. Very small and they know me well. We can get a privet booth in the back.

Until then Hermione G.

After the day slipped away from her, Hermione knew that her mind wouldn't be on work for the rest of the night, so she called it a night and tried to sleep. Again that night she dreamed of Draco and her, but unlike the lust filled dreams she normally had this was more loving.

Draco came up from behind her hold her in his arms. "I love you, you know. I'm glad you came back to me Princess." He kissed her neck before turning her around to capture her lips. He picked her up, and carried her to a large bed gently setting her down, and began to rid her of her clothing, as she did the same for him. He caressed her body with his hand, face, and lips before sliding his tongue down to her dripping lips. He ran his tongue up and down multiple times before entering her with two fingers. He worked at a slow pace bringing her to the brink before pulling back: he repeated this three times before she made clear of what she wanted.

"Draco please I need you. I can't wait any longer." Hermione thought she was going to burst! Just as she asked he granted her what she wanted loving her begging him to please her. "Yes Draco yes like that I… I'm going too…" she screamed out, but before she finished she felt Draco enter her with a hard thrust.

He worked at leisure rhythm at first pulling all the way out and slowly easing back in just to repeat the process until he needed something from her. "Say I can have you Princess. Say that your mine and always will be." Draco started pumping a little faster and harder. "For Slytherin sake be mine." He was holding back until she said that he could keep her, and with one word from her he fell over the edge coating her insides with his pearly white seed. She said "Always.", just before her body took over, and she had her own orgasm.

Hermione woke from such an intense dream finding herself wet between her thighs. She had never had such a powerful or loving dream about Draco. Mostly they were fast, steamy, hot, lustful, dreams, but this showed the love that they had. There seemed to be something more than love though. She felt a need to be with him not just for one life time, but eternity. The thought frightened her to the point of shaking. Maybe she should just cancel their dinner meeting tonight; she refused to look at it as a date, and try to continue on with her life.

She would never deny that she was strong, but nobody could be strong all the time. There was something else too; Teddy. Being so close to him all the time and knowing that he still harbored at the least some form of attraction toward her was making things harder. She found herself wanting to be around him for more than just work. He made her laugh, and understood her views on the world, and he even had the same sort of privet life- sitting at home working. No she was going to end the last chapter of her life, so the next would go on without a hitch. She got up to shower and pick out what she was going to wear for tonight.

DPOV

He received her owl the same day that he sent his. He was unsure of when she would reply. This could work in his favor though, but he still wanted to tip the scales to him more so. He sent her a dream of his most desire. He wanted her to see and feel what they had missed out for so many years. He too would be in the dream, but unlike her he would be aware of the reality of it. When he laid down that night he stripped off all his clothes, and closed his eyes with her on his mind.

He woke with his heart pounding! She said that she would stay with him. "always." He needed a shower first before starting his day. He washed and dressed with a little pep in his step, so to speak. He wore her favorite cologne and the bracelet that she got him. Something that she never knew was that they bracelet she had given him all those years ago was made from those like him and her. She would feel the pull as soon as they locked eyes. Just thinking about it he felt the need for her. He could scene that she hadn't been with anyone but him, and that helped him feel a little at ease. He hadn't seen her since the party, though, because he wanted to cut all ties with Astoria as to not have anything come back to bite him. He also needed to give it some time or the press would think that it was some kind of fling that happened between him and Hermione, which he would not bring down on her. Now that everything was settled, however, he wanted to be with her, and move on with their life; they had missed so much time with her already.

HPOV

Hermione looked through everything that she had, yet still couldn't find anything for her non-date with Draco. She wanted something to show she didn't need him, and something that said she had more class than his… girl friend… had. She finally settled on a light purple dress with a classy, but plunging neck line that went down to her knees and hugged her body snug; she wore a pair of black pumps to complete her outfit. She left her hair down with a slight wave to it. By 6:30 she was ready and apparated just outside the bistro.

DPOV

Draco waited until 6:31 to apparate to the restaurant; he was on cloud nine, and wasn't ashamed in the least. He knew that he told her that this would give her closure, but if he didn't then he knew that she wouldn't come. She arrived before him, as he knew she would, and was leaning her slim frame against the pillar with her back to him. Her dress hugged ever curve, and he could have stared at her for hours. He walked over to his princess to claim her, for the night at least.

Though he wanted to hug her from behind, as he had just last night in their dream he decided that would not help any. "Hello Hermione. Thank you for coming to see me tonight. You look lovely as always." He left the night up to the fates, and offered his arm to her feeling pride when she took it.

HPOV

Hermione was so nervous; to say she was fidgeting would be an understatement. They sat in a privet booth waiting for the waitress to bring their drinks back, and take their order before starting into the nitty gritty. And she had still not met his eyes.

After their food arrived she figured it would be now or never. "So, what made you owl me? I thought you had moved on with your life quite well." She couldn't keep the bitterness out of her voice.

"Well you have it wrong this time Princess. Through the years I have been nothing but hollow inside. I cannot make up for it, but I was lonely and sought the warmth of another human. I shouldn't have it was fair to no one." He took a long drink of his mead and continued. "You know there is not a day that has gone by without you in my thoughts. You haunt my dreams."

"Draco this dinner was made to mend that past, so we can move on with our lives. I don't mean to sound harsh, but this is not something we are trying to fix. We broke along our journey." She stated firmly.

"I think you have many things wrong tonight. One I want the truth out there. Two I think you have a right to know. Three I think that you are judging me when I tell you about this, so perhaps this was a mistake." He placed his napkin down and started to shimmy out of the booth.

"Wait Draco, your right I'm sorry I had no right. I guess I am on edge right now. This was a little… unexpected. To say that I was or have been over you would be a lie. What we had was something real even if we were but teenagers. When I was with you the world stopped, but now I have started a new life, be in a new world. You are my past and though a part of me still loves you we could never be. Maybe we could stay friends." Hermione was only slightly hopeful that he would take her up on the offer. If she was honest with herself she missed Draco with her whole heart. She remembered how intense their relationship was, and still felt the draw to him, even now.

"I think that would be a little hard. I am still in love with you Hermione. If we were friends I think that my feelings would get in the way. I know I will never win you back, but I had to see that for myself tonight. I want you to know that I am always an option for you." His gaze bore into her, but she kept hers averted from his eyes all night.

She felt her heart shutter. She was on the edge of a sword at his words. Did she keep him in her life, knowing what she knew, or did she set them both free of the half life they were in, and attempt to what move on with their lives for good, aside from work that is? Choosing the lesser of the two evils she made to leave. "Are you ready Draco? It's getting late, and I still have many cases I have to look over before my vacation starts." Before she could pull out her money Draco had placed a small bag of gallons on the table. She stared at him like he had grown an extra head.

"What I enjoyed this place, and besides I may never get to come back here, so for the meals that I'm going to miss." He held his arm out for her again before she could protest.

The fresh cool air hit Hermione pleasantly. "I think this is good-bye Draco. I cannot be with you, nor will I string you along. I love you, but it is just not enough." She finally looked into his beautiful eyes that she used to get lost in for hours just to be recaptured. She felt pressure in her heart not to leave him. She hadn't been with this man in years, yet she craved him as if they were meant for one another.

Draco saw sadness in her eyes, but also found hope there. "Can we have a proper good-bye kiss this time? I want to know you one last time before you walk away from me forever." he knew that she would agree, but still felt thrilled when she gave a shy nod.

He didn't hesitate, but did work slowly. His hand came up to cup her jaw while the other wrapped around her waist. He brought his lips to her with a gentle hunger. When their lips touched it was like they were never apart. Pushing her against the very pillar she stood against waiting for him, he kissed her like he was never going to stop. Their tongues started a passionate dance, and Hermione let a moan escape her lips.

Hermione didn't know what came over her the moment she looked into his eyes she knew he was what was right for her. She apparated them to her flat. The intenseness of Draco's lips on hers after so long was heaven. "Draco… mmm Draco… I'm sorry we need to stop. Please." What was she thinking? She was moving on with her life not tearing open old wounds. By the time she said this she had already unbuttoned his shirt for Godric sake! "I shouldn't have brought you here. We are trying to leave the past where it belongs. You should leave."

She went to turn away from him. "Hermione wait. This just feels right like it was. I don't want to stop maybe…" the space between them was unbearable, and he reached for her hips pulling her in. His lips traveled down her jaw line to her throat. He begged that she just trust in her feelings for him, but he knew her to well to know this would be short lived; however, he knew that he planted the seed in her mind of the closeness they shared, something that didn't dim over the years. He yearned for her just then, yet checked his emotion because he knew that he would not get her tonight, but soon would. He would never stop pursuing his Princess.

Godric she wanted him! Just one more time, but she knew that it would be earth shattering to her world. His lips sent a tingling sensation down her spine and straight to her soul. Something in her snapped and she knew she wouldn't be able to let him go now. She felt whole for the first time in years!

The floo went off, unheard by either, and Teddy walked in. "Well I guess Chinese is out for tonight then." With that he turned to walk back to the fireplace.

"Teddy Wait!" Hermione tried to hurry after him, but all she heard was the roar of the fire and he was gone. "I can't do this again Draco I'm sorry…" then she rushed to explain to him.

"Don't Hermione… this is our second chance. Please don't do this again; can you feel it, we need each other." Draco needed her more than he needed to breathe.

"Teddy and I well I'm not 100% sure what we are, but we are something. I can leave him like that I owe him at least an explanation Draco. Me and you we… I need time to think." She rushed out to find Teddy.

She floo'd to Teddy's hoping he would be there. "Teddy are you here? Teddy please?" She walked in a little further before he saw him in the shadows looking out the window. "Please let me explain what you say back there"

"Hermione I think I know exactly what I saw. You're getting back with you ex and it's going to be all rainbows and sunshine again. I knew that you didn't date co workers, but I have to admit that I thought that we two were getting to be something more. I know I shouldn't have put any hope into it, yet here I am anyways." He refused to look at her. How long had he pinned after this girl, and still he was never good enough for her. Well he was going to change that.

"No Teddy that's not it at all. Firstly no I don't get emotionally involved with co-workers, but we seem to be flirting with that line. I would be lying if I said I didn't harbor so form of feelings for you. Secondly Draco and I are not getting back together 'to be all rainbows and sunshine again' as you put it. He expressed that he wanted to venture that way again, yes, however I don't know what I want right now. I really didn't think that I would be in such a predicament honestly. I think I just need some time to think; do you think you can give me that?" Hermione looked on, yet couldn't read his face.

What she didn't know is that this is just what Teddy had hoped for. He wanted her to second think Malfoy. She had been with him for a while now and he knew that he could pry on her compassion, not to mention he needed to claim her before Malfoy did and it would all be done. "Yes I think that would be ideal. Now that I have gotten how I feel out there I can only leave it up to the fates." With that he walked to Hermione and kissed her. It wasn't as gentle as he wanted it to be, nor as passionate but after all the pent up energy that he had he couldn't help but be a little forceful. He felt deep down that it was not 100% right, but after wanting her for so long it was like he was quenching a thirst he craved for years!

Hermione didn't know what to think. Sure she felt something for Teddy, but when their lips connected it felt wrong. She knew that she needed to get out of there, truthful she felt awkward for even attempting this kiss! Trying not to hurt his feelings she pulled back slowly. "Well I better be going I just didn't want you to get the wrong impression. Look I have a lot to think about good night." Hermione turned and hurried away.

DPOV

Draco knew that he and Hermione would come together again, but he didn't think that things would be ruined by Nott. He knew that Hermione and he had become close, but was there more to it than that? This was the first time he had doubt about where his princess' heart lay. What was worse was that he could feel her uneasiness with him. He also felt his own anger for what he found himself in. He loved her and knowing that he might lose her to someone like Teddy that didn't love her but had an infatuation with her.

When he heard her arrive he didn't go to her because he didn't want to face being turned away for good. When she came into view she looked at him evenly. "Well?" was all he ask. He knew it sounded harsh, but he lost all emotion trying to guard himself.

HPOV

Hermione walked back to where she left Draco. "I need time to think Draco. I won't lie to you I do still love you, but Draco like I said I don't know if it is enough. Tonight started as closing our past, and now it moved to getting back together. This is a lot to take in. Not to mention Teddy…. Draco just please I need time to think okay." She didn't know what to think, but being close to Draco again she felt safe. Without thought she kissed him softly on the lips. "Good night Draco." And with that she left for bed, but not before seeing a smile on his lips. She did have a slight twinge in her heart knowing that she and Teddy just kissed, but she didn't dwell on it because she was sure of who she wanted, she just didn't know if it was worth a second try.

A/N- Well tell me what you think? Review and let me know! I am going to be on break starting Friday soo I am hoping to get at least two chapters up by then… Wish me luck! Until next time- Sal