A/N: Sorry for the wait in getting this chapter up. I've been really busy but I will try to update as fast as I can.

August 1999

It had been two months since I graduated from Hogwarts and my life had changed in many ways and yet it still retained everything that made it uniquely mine. Work was amazing even though all three of my boys thought it was dreadfully dull. I liked it anyhow— trying to get better rights and treatment for magical creatures had always been a passion of mine—SPEW for example, was my earliest venture into that area— and now I would have the authority to influence the making and changing of laws in regard to magical creatures. My position though not a the very top level—was still a respectable one—especially for one so young and just out of school. I had received outstanding in all my NEWTS and I did help save the wizarding world so I felt my position was quite justified if I do say so my self. Living by myself was also quite change. I had always lived with my parents and at Hogwarts so being alone for the first time took some getting used to. I did like it though—it gave me a certain amount of freedom that I valued very much. I had very strict wards protecting my flat. Only those with direct permission were able to breach them and enter ( Harry,Draco,my parents and the Weasleys). While they could apparate or come directly to my door, there was a one minute waiting time outside of the door when was alerted of their presence so I could get myself together if needed before they entered directly into my flat. That little detail came in handy when Draco needed to make a get away—it was really the main reason I added it actually.

I still had the same friends, same boyfriend ( still not used to calling Draco that!) and same values and ideals but things were slightly different where all of them were concerned now. Harry, Ron and Ginny all had jobs—the boys were full fledged aurors now and Ginny played Chaser for the professional quidditch team, the Holyhead Harpies. We were all older and more mature now. Even Ron! Harry had finally moved into Grimmauld Place and Ron had gone with him so we were all living independently for the first time. All three of us went to the Burrow for dinner two times a week without fail—usually Tuesdays and Fridays.

Draco had no need for a job—being the rich bastard that he was but he wanted to work. Surprising most people (not me) he decided to become an auror and had already started training—he got in easily, having done really well on his NEWTS— a fact that I was very proud of. My man was was brilliant. His reasons for that career path were simple: dark magic and wizards had caused immeasurable damage to his life and he wanted to help eradicate them once and for all. He also wanted to restore the Malfoy family name to it's former glory and an honorable occupation was the first step to ensuring that. The decision by the Ministry to accept a former death eater into their training program had certainly ruffled some abut Kingsley was a fair man and Minister so he had allowed it and upheld his decision. After all—Draco was underage and had not been formerly convicted of anything. Those were a rough couple of days for Draco but I was there for him every step of the way— supporting and comforting him in the face of adversary. Harry and Kingsley had both had words with the instructors and fellow trainees in Draco's year so he was treated fairly and was holding up well. He excelled at everything so far enjoyed it too.

We were all well on our way to successful careers and I couldn't be more proud. Everyone of us worked incredibly hard, staying focused and determined to be the best we could be. The world was moving on at a fast pace after the war and us with it. Times were electric—people were reveling in their new calm and mostly safe world. It was a grand time to be young and alive.

The only downside was that we were all incredibly busy and didn't have much time to hang out with each other. I was busiest of all. Obviously. Work was very demanding—mounds and mounds of paperwork needed to be read and processed with everyday. Then I had to eat dinner at my parents house once a week and spend time with the boys and Ginny—sometimes all together or separately, depending on our schedules. Then there was Draco. Oh how I longed to be with him every second of every day. I couldn't of course but yet I still wished for it to be so. Still, I managed to dedicate the most of my free time to him. Nothing could keep me from my man for too long. It also helped that we had nights together—what fun nights they were too! Some days I could barely keep my eyes open because he had his wicked way with me for hours on end the night (and morning) before. Not that I ever complained of course. I quite simply couldn't get enough of him. Both in and out of bed. Just the thought of him brightens my very soul. To be young and crazy in love. There is noting better.

Only if... only if we could come out as a couple in public this very moment without having to worry about the repercussions it would cause within our circle of friends and family—even society at large. There was too much history between our different sides for us to be accepted as a couple just yet and neither of us wanted to alienate our loved ones. Maybe with time all would be well...For now we had to be content with seeing each other in secret.


"Hello, Harry." I said and kissed him on the cheek.

It was Monday and he had just arrived—we were having lunch together. Rom and Gin couldn't make it so it was just us.

"Hi Hermione. Sorry I'm a bit late." He said and kissed me in return.

"It's ok." I brushed him off.

The waiter came over right away to get our order. One of the perks of being Harry Potter I suppose.

"So how is your day going so far? I asked him.

"Ugh. I have this new case that I'm not even sure is really a 'case' at all. Apparently some anonymous persons have reported seeing people wearing death eater garb all over the country and some of the other aurors and I have been looking into it all morning. We still haven't found anything useful yet so I'll have to continue looking. The thing is it could simply be a case of mistaken identity or even a hoax by some sick person. We have to take every threat or report seriously though. Don't want another Voldemort showing up just cause we didn't do our job properly." He explained.

"Sorry. I hope it all gets cleared up soon." I told him.

"You and me both." He muttered.

"Had a good weekend?" I asked to lighten the mood.

"Yeah. Had lunch at the Burrow yesterday and then Gin and I went out for dinner." He answered with a grin.

"That's nice. I know it's hard for you and Ginny to find time for each other—much less any alone time. Must have been good to finally get some yesterday."

"You're right, it is hard but we manage. Yesterday was really nice, yeah."

"Great. I'm happy for both of you. You have something good with each other—I hope you keep it that way." I told him sincerely.

"Thank you." He replied.

"Enough about me. What about your day and weekend?" Harry inquired.

"Oh you know. Work is the same as always. Endless paperwork and such. As for my weekend, I had dinner at my parents house on Saturday and spent Sunday doing some chores and lazing around at home mostly." I told him.

"Well that's sounds perfectly boring. You need to live a little." Harry chided.

If only he knew what I was actually doing yesterday. I don't think Harry would appreciate hearing how many times Draco and I had sex over the weekend though so best to keep that to myself.

"Oh, Harry. I like my life just the way it is thank you." I answered and rolled my eyes at him.

"If you say so." He said in a sing song voice.

"Well I do." I replied in the same manner.

He laughed and then I joined in.

"It's been ages since Ron and you broke up, don't you think it's time to start looking for another boyfriend? Or do you already have one you're not telling us about?" Harry asked and winked at me.

I blushed at his last comment—it was true after all.

"Nonsense Harry. I'm not looking for a relationship right now anyway. Maybe you should try giving our dear Ronald some dating advice instead." I said to deflect him from discussing my love life.

"Ron doesn't need my advice, he's doing well on his own—too well really. Since we moved into Grimmauld Place he must have brought home half a dozen girls already." Harry informed me with a laugh.

"Oh my. Ron the playboy—who would have thought." I replied and burst out laughing.

We passed the rest of our time eating and joking around before the lunch hour was up and we returned to our respective jobs. It was really good to spend time with Harry. I was lucky to have such a wonderful friend.


Sunday,19th September, 1999.

"Happy 20th birthday my love." Draco whispered in my ear and kissed my cheek.

It was early Sunday morning, the sun was shinning brightly on us and we were snuggled up in bed. What a glorious feeling. I sighed in pure contentment and turned around to kiss him on the lips.

"Thank you my darling. I love you." I said softly.

"You're most welcome. I love you too." He answered.

I pulled off the covers and threw them of my naked body. I picked up Draco's shirt and donned it.

"What do you want for breakfast this morning?" I asked Draco.

"You." He shot out.

He then grabbed my hand and tried to pull me back on the bed but I slithered out of his grip and ran towards the kitchen, laughing all the way. He was crazy.

I was standing in front of the counter getting some eggs and toast and coffee ready when I heard Draco's lumbering footsteps coming into the kitchen. I turned around and was greeted by the sight of him naked and erect walking towards me. My mouth watered. Happy birthday indeed.

He came up behind me and pressed his body into mine—wrapping his arms around me. He started to kiss my neck and I let out a gasp as he slid his hand under my ( his) shirt and rubbed my exposed clit with the pad of his thumb.

"What are you doing?" I moaned.

"I told you I wanted to have you for breakfast didn't I ? I'm doing just that." He told me in a seductive voice. He then inserted two fingers into to me and started to pump them in and out.

"So wet."He said and took his fingers out and licked them.

I lost my head at the sheer erotic nature of his action and pushed my bum out against his erection.

At that, he lifted me up and carried me over to the kitchen table— he laid me on it face down—lifted my shirt up and thrust into me from behind.

He fucked me hard and fast and we both came quickly—making a wet and sticky mess on my kitchen table.

"How was that for your first present of the day?" He asked cheekily after we were finished and all cleaned up— (the table too) eating breakfast.

"It was fantastic. Certainly never received a present like that before." I complimented him.

We spent a few more hours together before he left to go home. Apparently he had some big surprise planned for me tonight and I would see him again then.

I had a birthday lunch with my parents and dinner with Harry,Nevile,Luna and the Weasleys at the Burrow.

All in all it was a lovely day and it wasn't even over yet. Draco and his surprise was still left.

Draco came over at 11—clutching a large box.

"What's in the box?" I asked excitedly.

"Open it and see." He offered it to me.

I opened it and saw that it contained a dress and a pair of shoes. The dress was light blue, strapless, knee length, cut low at the neck and sparkly. The shoes were sliver and high heeled. They were both very beautiful and I loved them.

"They're both wonderful,Draco. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now put them on quickly, I'm taking you somewhere." He informed me.

"Really? Where? I asked surprised. We never went out together in public for obvious reasons.

"If I told you it wouldn't be a surprise. I will tell you that we are going by portkey and it leaves soon so you better hurry your butt up!" He told me.

"Alright!"

I got dressed in record time and he pulled out the portkey—an old hand mirror—and we were off.

We landed rather smoothly ( for portkey standards) a moment later.

I gasped. We were in Paris—in front of the lighted Eiffel Tower to be more precise. It was breathtaking.

I told him so.

"Not as breathtaking as you look tonight." He replied.

I smiled at him and he grinned back.

I noticed for the first time, a small table and two chairs off to the side. On it was a bottle of champagne and a small tired cake.

"Come on." He took my hand and led me to the table.

We drank the champagne, it was the best of course and had some of the scrumptious cake.

"Thank you so much sweetheart, this is the most amazing and romantic thing any one has ever done for me." I told him with tears in my eyes.

He made me feel so special and loved. I was a lucky girl.

"Anything for you, love." He told me, his voice ringing with sincerity.

We kissed over the table and then he got up and beckoned me to follow.

He took me back in front of the Tower and conjured a large blanket directly beneath it.

He led me to it and we lay down— for the first time I noticed the slight shimmer of a protective shield surrounding us. So that's why no one looked our way—they couldn't see us. I wondered how much Draco had to pay to arrange this aspect of things. I doubted that it was a regular thing or even allowed for that matter. No matter, I would ask him later, Now was not the time for talking.

Under the lights and stars—Draco made slow, passionate love to me. What a night.

After we were finished, he whispered happy birthday in my ear and kissed my cheek—mirroring his actions from this morning.

He then pulled me close and nuzzled my neck. Laying there—enclosed safely in his big arms—I never felt more at peace.

Oh, how I loved him.

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