Don't own any part of HP or its franchise, all rights to J.K. and co., and I make no money here.

AN: I recommend Bryan Adams' "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" as listening material for this chapter. ;) Oh, and for that one pesky reviewer who's already requested a sequel…absolutely not. Write your own. I think that 150k PLUS words over the course of a month will have to do for this puppy. Thanks much.

Warning Lemon? As you can see, I'm not entirely sure there is one here- you'll just have to read and find out.

A week passed, and as promised and arranged, Draco stepped off the train and onto the platform, only to come face to face with Harry Potter. Harry didn't miss a beat.

"Got your bag? Excellent. We can apparate directly to the farm, if you're not too tired."

Draco gave him a wary look. "Apparate?"

"You are free to use your magic now, Malfoy," Harry responded. "That is rather the purpose of this entire business."

"You know, Potter, those letters were very vague and I really have no idea what you're talking about. You seriously want to blow my cover this soon? You want me to just waltz on in like I was never gone? What if this doesn't go well? What if she doesn't want me there?"

Harry leveled a look at him and grabbed his arm. "Now is not the time to start panicking, Malfoy. There's no backing out. You're here and you'll bloody see Hermione whether you want to or not."

Without further warning, Harry turned on the spot, hand still firmly upon Draco's arm.

When they landed, Draco lost his footing and rolled into the grass and Harry helped him peremptorily, grabbing his bag for him and yanking him back to his feet.

"Merlin, Potter, what the hell is your problem?"

"Nothing, Malfoy. Look, she's up at the house, waiting for you. So go on," Harry replied, pointing up the drive.

Draco looked up the long drive and then back to Harry. "You're not taking me? You're just leaving me here?"

"What's your problem, Malfoy?"

"What's the- Potter, you're the one who told me I'd better leave and never come back. And now-"

Harry threw his hands up. "Fine. I was going to let her explain everything, but I guess you need answers before you run into her arms and have your bleeding happy ending, don't you?"

Draco backed up some and hoisted his bag over his shoulder. "What are you on about? This is just a visit, isn't it? I don't even know why you're insisting on it, except that she wants to see me and you know I'm not going to turn down the chance."

"Then what's stopping you now?" Harry replied slowly, as if he was having to explain things to a very slow child.

"You're making me bloody nervous, is what's stopping me!" Draco exclaimed. "None of us parted on good terms, did we?"

Harry looked like he wanted to rip off Draco's head, or perhaps even his own. Death would spare him from having to deal with this paranoid, psychotic- he gave a growl of frustration.

"Ok, Draco. Here's what's going on. We got your pardon. And since Zabini was passed off as you…do you follow?"

Draco suddenly wished a hundred different things, but most of all he wished Potter had managed to convey all this in one of those damned mystifying letters; and that he'd thought to find all this out before they'd left the train station. Then he'd at least be able to run up the drive properly, now, since the shock would have worn off already.

Instead, he found himself clinging to the fence the same as Hermione had, nearly two months ago when she'd contemplated his leaving. Except now he was contemplating his returning.

"But won't they think I was a fugitive this whole time, then?" Draco managed to ask.

"I've smoothed everything over already," Harry said. "Amnesia. Now look, she's waiting for you and you have some pretty big issues to discuss. Get going or I'll drag you feet first myself."

Draco swallowed hard, willed himself to straighten up, keep breathing.

"Right. Waiting for me. Thanks, Potter. I'll…take it from here, then."

"You better," Harry replied, looking worried and relieved at the same time. Then he was gone.

Draco looked up the drive again and took a deep breath before starting up it, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other. He could do this. He wanted to do this. No matter what happened to the details, he could actually come back to her, as himself. As a free man.

He could be the man she deserved now, and it changed everything. It gave him a sense of purpose, of belonging. It gave him back his old confidence.

He suddenly felt he could have flown up the drive, if he'd wanted to- simply sprouted wings. But he forced himself to stay calm, to take it slowly. After all, they had the time now. There was no need to rush.

Besides, he needed to think some- to try and control his emotions, to consider hers, and consider the future. The long walk up to the house would supply him with at least a little time, there. He hoisted his bag up again and continued to put one foot before the other as he made his way down the dirt lane; but there was finally the glimmer of a smile upon his face; and it only grew larger the nearer he drew to the house.

Hermione felt it the minute he crossed the wards, of course. She'd been working on the new barn- which was finished enough to house the horses now. The tingle raced up her spine and she nearly dropped her wand in the middle of a rather complex fire protection spell. Fortunately, all the horses were in the fields, so the only creature she spooked besides herself was the one ornery tomcat who'd survived the fire.

He hissed at her and then stalked off with as much dignity as possible, considering that the fire had left him with a permanently crooked tail.

"Well good afternoon to you, too," Hermione grumbled at him. Finishing the spell, she left the barn and started for the house. She was suddenly struck with the urge to check her hair, her face. Maybe slap on some makeup- just a little mascara, perhaps? And she shouldn't have worn her hair down today, men loved running their hands through-

What the hell was wrong with her? She was pregnant, not insane. Well, maybe pregnant and insane. And also very worried that all her hoping the last week would only land her back in heartbreak town. And about to see Draco for the first time in two months- the man she loved, when she'd though she would never love anyone ever again-

Hell no. Now she sounded like a bad romance novel. She pressed her lips together and stalked up the back porch and into the house, the door banging shut behind her.

She made a beeline for her bathroom, anyway.

After a minute or two spent in front of the mirror, fluffing her hair and feeling incredibly stupid, vulnerable and girly, she decided that was enough of that and forced herself out and into the kitchen. She busied herself pulling some things together for tea; and when that only took an extra three minutes, she went upstairs to double check his old bath and bedroom…since she wasn't sure he'd want to stay with her.

She wasn't quite sure what she wanted yet, after all.

Hermione came down the stairs slowly and then walked out onto the front steps and sat down. A second later she stood up again. She didn't want it to seem like she'd been waiting very long, did she? A nervous laugh at her own silliness escaped her lips and she pressed her palms down against her jeans in an effort to chase the shakes away. She'd be trembling like a scared baby in a minute if she wasn't careful. This was Draco. The man she'd taken in, cared for, controlled, argued with, comforted, and loved, and…oh, god.

And he was walking up the drive now, headed for her. Had he seen her yet? Did he know she'd seen him? Her heart pounded and she knew she'd be sick in a minute if she didn't calm herself. He looked different, somehow. Taller, prouder, perhaps? His hair was even blonder, if that was possible…and his skin- he'd been getting sun. Oh, she'd warned him about using sunscreen, the stupid, idiotic- she shook her head and took a deep breath before looking out at him again.

He'd stopped short and she knew he'd seen her, then. She didn't wave, didn't move at all and for a long moment, neither did he. Then he started walking again, then running, and she was suddenly flying off the steps and into his outstretched arms; and they were wrapping around her, holding her tight, squeezing the air from her; and he was spinning her about and she wanted to laugh and cry at once.

"Hermione," he breathed in her ear. "Hermione, Hermione, my god-"

"I know," she whispered. "I know- oh, Draco-"

Then they were kissing and she knew absolutely that there was no need for her to ready the upstairs bedroom. Not if he was kissing her like this, now, plundering her mouth as if he was a dying soldier at a desert oasis. Speaking of oases…she managed to pull away long enough to suggest they go inside.

"It's terribly hot out here, and you've already gotten so much sun- I have tea all ready-"

"Fuck tea," Draco mumbled into her hair as he attacked her mouth again. She felt a little thrill race through her, but a second later it was dampened.

"Draco…" She pulled away again. "I-" she stopped short and he held himself off, though he was obviously trying very hard to control himself.

"No, you're right," he responded finally as his eyes roamed over her face. "We should go inside."

She smiled at him almost shyly and he felt his heart start racing all over again.

"Please, come in," she said and he preceded her into the house.

"Where…" he started and she waved a hand at the arm chairs in the living room.

"I'll bring the tea out," she said. "You…know where everything is, of course."

He nodded and gave a wry smile. "And my bag?"

She hesitated at the door of the kitchen and a blush spread over her cheeks. "Oh, er…I thought, with that-" she waved a hand, "-perhaps my bedroom is alright? That is, only if you want -"

"Hermione," he murmured, interrupting her embarrassed speech, "I want. Trust me."

The blush spread from her cheeks to her entire face and she pushed into the kitchen. He gave a soft snort at himself and wandered over to her bedroom, where he set his bag down just inside the door. His eyes took in the room- nothing had changed- and he made his way back to the living room. He took the chair opposite the sofa, which looked as though it had been occupied most recently. There was a blanket spread along part of it and several cushions had clearly been lain upon rather heavily. And of course, there was an open book lying face down on the blanket…he leaned over to see the cover.

Draco wasn't sure if the tight feeling in his chest was disbelief, joy, or a heart attack.

Hermione bustled back out of the kitchen into the living room holding the tray before her. She walked over to the side table and set it down, hardly noticing what Draco was doing. She turned the tea cups over.

"Do you want cream, Draco?" she asked. He gave a noncommittal response and she turned around.

"That wasn't a yes…" she said, but her voice trailed off quickly when she saw where he was.

Perched on the edge of the sofa, her book in his hands. She nearly dropped the tea pot, but some small strength stopped her. This was her news to tell him and it would have to be done sooner or later, anyway. Better be sooner, right? Especially before the visit got to far, before she slept with him again, before a multitude of things. She forced herself to keep pouring tea and only when she'd set a cup down beside him and taken hers over to the chair he'd vacated in favor of the sofa, did she allow her hands to shake a little.

"Well?" she asked. He closed the book slowly, finger marking the page she'd been on, and stared at the cover for a few seconds. Then he looked up at her. There was a question in his eyes. She put on a brave smile. Not a happy grin, or an overjoyed look of anticipation, but bravery.

"Yes," she replied to his silent query. His eyes remained glued to hers, as if he could read everything he needed to know in them. Then a small smile appeared on his own lips. He continued to hold the book as he watched her and she finally looked away to sip her tea.

"Well," he said. "That answers the question of whether I'll stay, or not. I suppose you've sold Malfoy Manor already?"

She sputtered into her tea and was so shocked that she didn't even consider her response.

"Of course not! It's yours, whether you signed things over or not. If you want it sold you'll have to do it yourself."

A sly look came over his face. "So you do want me to sell it, then. So that I can live here with you and the baby, right?"

She pressed her lips together and stared at him. "Is that what you want?"

"Yes," he replied. "But on one condition."

"What's that?" she asked.

"You have to marry me."

"Oh I have to, do I?"

He shrugged and set the book aside.

"What's the point in coming back, in making some grand return, if I can't give you everything you deserve? And since you don't want to move," he went on, barreling over her protests, "then the logical thing is for me to sell the manor- especially since Dad doesn't want to come back- and move in here with you. But I won't do that unless you promise to make an honest man of me."

She tried to glare at him after that last remark, she really did, but ended up smirking instead.

"Is that so? When I'm the one you need to be making honest? I don't see you having a baby, Draco Malfoy."

He quirked a brow at her. "That's a very good point. In that case…"

Hermione watched, disbelieving, as he got to one knee in front of her and took one of her hands. She was forced to set her cup down because her other hand began shaking so badly.

"Draco…" she began, but he shook his head and she hushed quickly.

"Hermione Granger, will you please, for the love of Merlin, do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

She never said yes, exactly, but Draco took her lips on his and her arms about his neck as the same thing. She slid from her seat as his arms went about her waist and they toppled to the floor together; where his hands were suddenly in her hair, on her cheeks, under her blouse, running gently over her stomach; and she could only murmur contentedly against his lips and pull him closer as he lay over her.

"So," he mumbled as he looked down at her, "a baby, hmm?"

She nodded and blushed, pursed her lips. "Are you…pleased?" she asked quietly. A slow smiled spread across his face.

"Hermione, I've just found out that not only can I return, be with you permanently, as myself, but that you're also- that we can have a family. That you can have children. I know you wanted that desperately."

"I did," she admitted and he kissed her again languidly She pulled back some and his smile slipped away.

"But something's bothering you?"

She bit her lip. "It's just…" She took a deep breath, tried again. "You aren't asking me, you aren't deciding to stay because of the baby, are you? Because we…well, it's early yet, and anyway, I could make it on my own, if I needed to. I'm strong enough, now."

Draco looked at her sadly. "You've always been strong enough, Hermione," he said. "And believe me, a child is merely…icing on the proverbial cake. I'm most happy because of what it must mean to you. Not that I don't want children," he amended, "but we would have worked something out. Adopted, maybe."

"We could still do that," she said tentatively. He smiled again.

"We could," he agreed. "We will, if you like, since I'm fairly certain I'll do whatever you want me to, if it makes you happy. So, is all this a yes, then? I'm sorry I don't have a ring right now, but as soon as you sign those accounts back over to me we'll go buy you one."

She grinned in return. "It's a yes," she breathed. "And I don't care about a ring."

"Too bad," he replied, "because I do, and you'll have the biggest, gaudiest ring money can buy."

"Oh, Draco," she mumbled, hiding her face against his chest. He smiled indulgently and pressed a kiss to the top of her head, then to her temple, then her cheek…her lips…

She met his mouth eagerly despite her tears and he knew that for once, they weren't tears of sorrow. He kissed them away anyway; and was about to pull back, to suggest they at least try the sofa instead of the floor; when he suddenly found himself being rolled onto his back with her on top of him, tugging at his shirt, pushing it from his shoulders.

He got as far as saying her name before she'd pushed him back down and was straddling his lap, just as she had that first time they'd been together. He opened his eyes, stared at her.

"Hermione, are you-"

"I'm sure," she said breathlessly before taking his face in her hands and kissing him again. Her lips were soft as he remembered, but more demanding, and he wondered how he ever could have left in the first place. She tugged at his shirt again and he propped himself up on his elbows and helped her finish pulling it off, then kicked off his shoes behind her as she lifted her arms and removed her blouse. Then her hands started in on his slacks, fumbling at the buttons, and he laughingly moved her hands away, delighted at her eagerness and more than a little eager, himself.

"Let me," he murmured and she gave a sigh of frustration before she suddenly stood up and started to shimmy out of her own pants. His hands slowed at their work as he stared up the line of her body, one leg on either side of him. He watched as she lifted first one leg, then they other, until she stood over him in only her under things.

They were fuchsia, today. His breath caught in his throat and that shy look came over her face again as she returned his stare. Then she put on hand to her hip and cocked her head at him.

"Well?" she asked. "Are you going to lie there and look dumbfounded, or are you going to take your pants off?"

"You bloody she-devil," he murmured, though his hands worked twice as fast to divest himself of his trousers. She continued to look down at him, an amused glint in her eyes, and he sat up, reaching his hands up and grasping her waist, pulling her back down to him. She sat down hard on his lap and he groaned before she covered his mouth with hers again.

After that, all thought was lost to the feel of her legs drawn up to his sides, her warmth and wetness as she took him in, the sensation of her lips and tongue upon his neck and ear. He held her tightly in the shade of the living room, light diffusing over the ceiling and a breeze bristling along their necks every so often. It was paradise. It was everything he'd missed and more.

Squeezing a hand between them, his fingers lingered over her smooth, soft belly for a second and he looked to her as a thought came to him.

"Hermione- the baby-"

She rocked forward again, making him close his eyes in pleasure, and pressed a kiss to his cheek, his lips as she gripped his shoulders.

"That," she whispered, "is not your concern. It's fine. Please, Draco…"

He growled against her lips and she abruptly found herself on her back on the rug, him hovering over her, pressing in and out of her so slowly, kissing her so tenderly. She moaned and tried to draw him closer and his hand trailed down between them again, making her breath catch.

"It's my concern now, witch," he murmured. "But I'll trust you this once, how's that?"

His finger stroked her in time with their motion and she shuddered. He allowed her to draw him close again and she came around him suddenly, sweetly, his name rolling off her tongue. He finished a second later, still holding her gently, and then he sat up slowly, cradling her to him.

From outside came the distant whinnies and neighs of horses, the pleasant bussing of insects around trees and flowers, while all around them floated the scents of orange and juniper. Draco sighed and held her closer, burying his face in her neck as she peppered tired kisses along his skin, smoothed her hands over his hair.

And all was right with the world again.

An hour later found them both in the kitchen, after lengthy showers and more cuddling, ready to discuss things more seriously. Although it was hard for Hermione to think when Draco kept looking at her that way…she put a hand to her face.

"They won't ever be completely gone," she murmured. "That's why I was so shocked over the pregnancy. I didn't think that things…"

"Would ever be the same," he supplied. "I suppose they won't, really. But I hope you don't think I mind, Hermione. I don't. I think-"

"If you try to tell me I'm beautiful," she began, but he interrupted her.

"They're just scars," he said. "And no, I'm sure no one will ever ask you to model for Witch Weekly. But you're beautiful to me, and to everyone who knows you. You always have been."

"Draco." She gave him a withering glance and he smiled back serenely.

"Alright, I won't say another word. For now."

"Good," she replied, though her heart was fluttering at his words. She knew she wasn't cover model material, that she'd win no awards. But he thought she was beautiful anyway, just the way she was- had fallen in love with her before they'd begun fading, even. It was quite moving.

"Are you crying?" he asked suspiciously and she sniffled and quickly wiped her cheeks before turning and placing the plate of sandwiches on the table, along with some lemonade. She sat down opposite him and smiled.

"Of course not. Now, what about Lucius. Please, Draco, I want to hear all about it. How is he? How are you? What have you been doing?"

Draco narrowed his eyes, but didn't pursue the subject and instead began answering her questions.

"Dad is well. Really well," he said. "And the kitten is good, too. A right little bugger. Sometimes I think Dad loves him more than me."

"I'm so glad they're alright," she said and he smiled.

"Yeah, they are. I've been working as a gardener for one of the manors near our village; and the lady of the house- she's not married by the way, she's the sister of the owner- has taken a fancy to Dad. You know him."

"Oh?" Hermione sounded surprised and Draco gave her a sharp look. "And he was so determined to be true to…"

"Mum? Yeah," Draco said, a wry smile on his lips. "I don't think there's really anything there, but he does seem to enjoy the conversation. The woman's been trying to get him to come work as a second gardener, but Dad is actually better in the kitchen than outdoors." His face suddenly changed. "I hope she won't mind that I'm quitting."

"And what about him?" Hermione pressed. "Will you two be alright with this? I wish he could come back, too. It's not fair to either of you-"

"Don't worry over it, Hermione," Draco said, taking her hand. "He understands more than we think he does. He'll be alright. He told me already that he's…well, he's content with things as they are. He wants to put his old life behind him entirely. Besides, we both knew when we left that the point of Potter's network is to protect the escapees at all costs; and that even though he was able to push through a pardon for me, to smooth it all out; that even to have just me come back is pressing his luck, putting the entire program at risk. The ministry is changing, but not that quickly."

"You'll want to see him, occasionally," Hermione said. "It's only right."

"And he'll want to see us," Draco confirmed. "But we'll figure out some other way. I promise." He kissed her hand and she flushed again.

"I want to believe you," she began and he looked at her fiercely.

"Then do believe me. Don't start to panic now. This is a strange life we're entering into, and I'd be lying if I said it doesn't frighten me a little, too. But we'll be together at least. That has to be enough."

Hermione was silent for a minute and she stared at him, evaluating him, looking for the courage she knew they would both need in the coming months. She found it and squeezed his hand in reply.

"Alright, Draco. I believe you."

He smiled, relieved, and kissed her hand again. "Good. Then let's make our plans. I don't want to waste any more time."

She gave him an arch look and straightened up. "So that's what you call what we were doing out in the living room?"

He paled. "I didn't," he began, but a second later her face fell to a grin and he rolled his eyes. "Ha, ha. Think that's clever?" He stood up and advanced around the table. She scooted her chair away warily.

"Draco…we were going to discuss things- Draco!"

Her protests and their mutual laughter were lost to more kisses soon after his assault. The sandwiches didn't get eaten for another forty-five minutes, except for one, which was dragged off by one of the crusading brothers of Lucius' kitten.

AN: In Hermione's case, Draco and sex make her extremely pliable and mild-mannered. In case you were expecting more of an argument, or screaming and crying, or something. I'm just trying to explain character actions here.

Also, they can't just glamour Lucius and have him come back that way. Would you want to live undercover amidst your own people the rest of your life? Also, what would be the point of this witness protection- like program, otherwise? What would be the point of the escapes? I'm just sayin'.

ALSO, where are these requests for music for a Dramione "Who Wants To Live Forever" and/or "She's Always A Woman" vid? Make it happen, people. It's time we give fans a better kind of Dramione vid, isn't it? Enough with the Within Temptation and Evanescence. Draco and Hermione deserve better.