Chapter 13

"Granger. You have got to be fucking kidding me."

Hermione turned her head to raise an eyebrow at him, a smile rising on her pink lips whilst the sales woman next to her coughed discreetly at Malfoy's words. "Of course I'm not kidding you, darling. I think it's perfect!"

He held back a sigh, raising his eyebrows as he looked around the empty, brightly lit room. It was a decent size, he supposed. All the walls were painted simple colours such as white or cream, which was his preference, with the wooden floors nicely polished. Yet he wasn't warming to it. He didn't exactly know why, but he needed to really come up with a reason. He narrowed his eyes as he pretended to analyse it carefully, trying desperately to find something wrong with it. Finally, he spoke up.

"The French doors aren't large enough." He informed her seriously.

Hermione stared at him, before the three heads turned towards the French doors, which took up the whole of one wall. When the women looked back towards Malfoy, he only blinked at them innocently before shuffling his feet and coughing awkwardly. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Malfoy, there's nothing wrong with the bloody French doors."

"Seriously," He insisted, walking over to the doors and pretending to inspect them. "What if you and I get obese? How do you expect to fit through them?"

Hermione gaped at him. "Are you fucking kidding me?"

"Of course I'm not, darling." He repeated mockingly with a smirk whilst she glared at him. "I'm talking realistically and weighing up the chances."

"Malfoy, I like it."

"Well, I don't."

"Why the fuck not?"

"I told you, I'm not satisfied with the French doors."

"Oh please-"

"-It'll be my home too, I'm not living somewhere with adequate French doors, I deserve to have perfect French doors if I'm going to fork out so much."

The sales lady coughed again before speaking up. "Excuse me, Mr Malfoy, but I think you're being highly unfair. The views are spectacular and you will not find finer ones anywhere else, the French doors could not be any larger unless you intend to take up another wall, and the rooms are large, clean and beautiful. What are you really not liking about it?"

"Yeah." Hermione crossed her arms, her eyes narrowed now as she looked bluntly at Malfoy. "What is it that you aren't liking? Along with the other five bloody apartments we've been looking at?"

"Look, I'm sorry," Malfoy sighed before moving to Hermione and wrapping his long arms around her waist, gently pulling her to him. "I just don't… click with it. I don't know why."

Hermione rolled her eyes again but pecked his nose as she circled her own arms around his neck. "Fine, but I want to see another before we leave it for the day."

"Deal." He told her before kissing her swiftly. Both heads then turned towards the sales woman, who gritted her teeth and forced another smile.

"Very well. Let's go."

"I like it."

"…Really?" Hermione wrinkled her nose as she eyed the apartment, her delicate eyebrows raised. "Don't you think it's a little… big?"

Malfoy only looked at her, disbelief etched into his features. "Granger, why are you objecting to its largeness?"

"Because we don't need all of this space. It's just you and me."

"Yes, but…" He stepped closer to her with a saucy wink, causing her insides to flutter. "I have a feeling we will need all the space…For when we get enthusiastic."

"Draco," Hermione muttered, blushing with embarrassment as she nervously glanced to see that the sales woman was thankfully out of earshot. He only grinned widely at her before licking his bottom lip slowly and winking again, then turning to circle the room and whistle casually as if he had not said anything.

"So, did you find a place?"

Hermione raised her head from her book, shrugging her shoulders. "Well, Draco likes this apartment and I like another one. I think we'll just carry on looking."

"Is it really that hard?"

Hermione sighed, turning a page of her book. "Yes, I'm afraid so."

"Well, never mind." Ginny walked over, putting her hands on her hips as she stood in front of Hermione. "How about this one?"

She looked up and peered over the very yellow dress. "Erm… It's very…Bright."

Ginny snorted, undoing the zipper. "So that's a no."

"Well, I just don't think you suit yellow."

"Yeah, you're right. Sorry. Last minute panic."

Hermione gave her a small smile, her eyes warm with sympathy. "Look, Gin, I still don't see what's wrong with the original dress. It looked great on you."

"I look fat in it."

"Ginny. I'm not even going to comment." Hermione started to read again, trying not to scream. If this is what happens when people get engaged, she would never make all this fuss for a big wedding. A small, personal service was much more preferable. But then again, she didn't see how the wedding between the wizard who defeated Voldemort and his long time girlfriend could ever be small.

At that, there was a knock at the door. Ginny and Hermione looked at each other in confusion, before Hermione decided to call out first. "Who's there?"

"It's me," Malfoy's voice answered. Hermione couldn't help but smile, getting up immediately to walk over to open the door, whilst Ginny rolled her eyes at her best friend's behaviour and zipped up her dress again. When the door opened, Malfoy did a double take at Ginny. "Whoa… Er. You look… bright."

Ginny only glared at him. Malfoy coughed before looking down at Hermione, who rose on her tiptoes to kiss him quickly. "Draco, is everything alright? Shouldn't you be getting ready for the bachelor's party with Harry and that?"

"Yeah, I just wanted to say bye first-

"-You said goodbye twenty minutes ago," Ginny pointed out irritably, rummaging in her bag. "Do you really need to say it again?"

Malfoy raised an eyebrow at Hermione, who managed to stifle a giggle before mouthing: "She's stressed." He bent down and kissed her before murmuring a goodbye and leaving, closing the door behind him. Loud cheers could be heard in the hallway from the group of men and Hermione chuckled to herself before sitting back down and picking up her book.

"Hermione?"

"Hmm?"

"How about this one?"

"… It's… very… dark."

"Well, yeah. It's navy blue, for Merlin's sake."

"I know, just… well. It does suit you. It's just not really a wedding colour-

"-Okay, okay, fine. Forget it."

"Why did my bachelor's party have to be so early?" Harry murmured as he and Malfoy watched the rest of the men get some drinks. "I'm going to be shattered."

Malfoy chuckled. "Well, you're not alone."

"I suppose." Harry took a moment to look at Malfoy before deciding to address him properly. "Malfoy?"

"What, Potter?"

"Are you moving in with Hermione?"

Malfoy paused, before answering him calmly. "Yes I am Potter."

"Found a place?"

Malfoy was surprised that Harry hadn't shown any disapproval, and hid a smile. "Well, we found a few. But nothing is decided yet."

"Why don't you just move into hers? Or she move into yours?"

"She never really warmed to the Manor. To be honest, I don't really blame her, and I want a fresh start. My father will still be living there anyway. And as for hers, it's not really big enough for both of us. I have a lot of stuff."

"Like what?"

"Just stuff, Potter."

Now it was Harry's turn to chuckle. "Ooh. Touchy."

Malfoy only smirked in return.

"Hermione?"

"Hmm?"

"How about this one?"

"Oh… wow."

"I know it's short, but-

"-Ginny, you wear thongs?"

"Okay… never mind." Ginny sighed, throwing herself into the sofa in exhaustion. "I'm just going to wear what I originally planned."

Hermione resisted the urge to give her the 'I told you so' look and only nodded briefly. "You do that. Now, want to get ready?"

"For what?"

Hermione lifted her head and grinned at her. "You didn't think I forgot your hen night, did you?"

Ginny squealed, before running over to hug Hermione happily and swiftly pull her by her hand so they could go upstairs. "Come on! We have a million things to do! I need to find an outfit! Who's coming? Where are we going? Why-

"-Ginny," Hermione laughed as she was dragged into Ginny's room. "Calm down. Just wear something casual. We're going to a muggle club."

Ginny stopped, turning to her with a quizzical expression on her face. "A club?"

"Yes. It's where muggles dance and get drunk."

Ginny's eyes lit up.

"My mother fucking head."

Hermione sipped at her coffee before smirking at Malfoy, who was groaning, his head on the table. "Someone can't handle their butterbeer."

"I don't know why you're so smug. You have a headache too."

"More of a hip ache, Draco Malfoy. I've never been… pounced on like that."

"I couldn't help it," He lifted his head to grin wolfishly at her. "You looked delicious."

She coloured a deep pink at his words, clearing her throat as she finished her coffee. "Yes, well, we should go. Ginny will be panicking and I doubt Harry will be any different."

He nodded at her, yawning as he stretched. She couldn't help but watch him, admiring the way his hair flicked lazily over his eyes and his muscles rippled through his clean white shirt. When his eyes connected with hers, she only blushed again, embarrassed at being caught for staring at him. His grin widened and he pulled her by her wrist towards him, forcing her to straddle him on his chair so she was bending over him. His hands lost their way in her thick locks as he gently tugged her down to kiss her fully, before pulling away to kiss her nose and lift her off of him as he stood. She only smiled at him, which he returned, before her hands reached out to grasp his shirt and start to button it for him as he silently watched her.

"Must I do everything for you?" Hermione murmured before straightening his collar and planting a small kiss on his jaw. "There. You have a tie right?"

"Er... yes." He lied with a brief nod. She chuckled at him before reaching into her bag and pulling out her tie before her eyebrow rose at him. He blushed a little- a rare moment which Hermione could only revel in. He took her hand and pulled her to him to hug her tightly. "I love you being a smart ass." He informed her, causing her to giggle.

"Oh fuck."

"It's no big deal Potter. Just say your bloody vows, she's your wife and bam we can all be merry. What's the issue?"

Harry bit his lip, undoubtedly nervous, causing Malfoy to only look at him in amusement. He had been this way the whole morning, and nothing Malfoy could say or do would calm him. Ron was now moving towards them, causing Malfoy to swear under his breath: they had not been getting on, although that was no huge surprise. Ron had insisted on throwing dirty looks Malfoy's way and Malfoy couldn't help but use his fingers in reply to tell Ron what he really thought.

For today, however, there was the unwritten rule that they would try to remain civil- or at least keep away from each other, to ensure nothing ruined the wedding day. Malfoy nodded coldly at Ron as he reached them, looking away immediately as Ron opened his mouth.

"You alright mate?" Ron clapped Harry on the back. "Not long now."

Harry was beginning to look too pale for Malfoy's liking. He swiftly summoned him a drink and forced it into Harry's hand. "Drink this, Potter, for fucks' sake, before I start to get nervous for you."

"Ginny, my hand is going to break."

"Sorry."

Ginny moved away from Hermione, her white dress trailing behind her as she did so, rubbing her arms nervously. Mrs Weasley and Hermione looked at each other, before back at Ginny.

"I know just how you feel, dear." Mrs Weasley spoke up confidently, putting an arm around Ginny when she approached her. "My, I couldn't sit for a full half an hour! I was so fussy, and I just knew your father would mess up his vows. He didn't, of course, thankfully, as we had-

"-Are we ready in there?" Just at the right time, Arthur Weasley's head popped around the door, his expression warming when he saw his daughter. "Oh Ginny. You look absolutely stunning."

She beamed at him before walking over to kiss his cheek and take his offered arm. "Thanks, Dad. Ready?"

"When you are, my love."

Ginny nodded and Arthur smiled at her, before the two waited for Hermione to walk past. Suddenly, Ginny grabbed Hermione's wrist and when Hermione turned to look at her, only gave her a small smile before pulling her in for a tight hug.

Hermione hugged her back just as tightly, holding back tears. "You're perfect for him Gin. There's nothing to worry for."

Ginny nodded and Hermione gave her one last smile before making to leave, heading out to signal for the music to play. Almost immediately it did so and Hermione slowly started to walk up the aisle towards Harry, Ron and Malfoy. An unlikely trio, she thought to herself as they all smiled warmly at her, causing her to blush a little.

She'd never have thought that when she walked down the aisle, it would not be towards the tall, freckled red headed man, but the bright blonde one. She had not been lying to Malfoy when she said she'd been annoyed at everyone's expectations of her and Ron to marry. When he had proposed, she had quickly blurted out a 'yes', not able to think of any reason otherwise. How could she? They had been dating for years- and when you date for that amount of time you enter into some form of expectation. She had no reason to refuse Ron.

Except how she wasn't crazy for him as she thought she was.

It wasn't that there wasn't anything wrong with him… It was more of the fact that he was too right. Too sweet, too bashful, too careful. Whereas Malfoy actually excited her, and never failed to do so, whether it was his smouldering looks in bed or his beautifully expressed words during their many enjoyable intelligent conversations. Ron had never expressed any interest in what Hermione liked, only throwing her a baffled look when she tried to pursue a conversation. But Malfoy knew her, and made sure to note anything he read in books or the papers so when they met he was full of enthusiasm to discuss any rising topics with her. She'd even liked how they sometimes sat quietly together in the library whilst he did business and she would curl next to him and read a book.

She had reached them now and couldn't help but smile at Malfoy as he gazed at her with unreadable expression in his glowing silver eyes. She passed by him and kissed Harry on the cheek, who hugged her tightly before whispering into her ear.

"I love you, 'Mione. And… you look beautiful."

She hugged him tighter before mumbling a 'I love you too Harry' and taking her place. Right on cue, Ginny and Mr Weasley made their way down the aisle, Ginny's bright eyes only focused on Harry, who grinned as she made her way towards him. Her white dress was stunning; a corset with a slightly "poofy" state with her long red hair piled on top of her head, showing her smooth glowing neck and shoulders. Mr Weasley smiled assuringly at Harry before Ginny took his hand and they stepped up together as the wizard leading the ceremony opened his mouth and begun.

They made simple, beautiful vows. Nothing too overly sweet but enough to make the whole room listen intently. A tear slowly rolled down Ginny's face as Harry finished his vows and when they were finally told to, he bent down and kissed her gently. There was instant applause and Hermione beamed at Malfoy as the pair pulled apart with bright red faces, moving swiftly down the aisle as they were cheered on. Ron shot Malfoy a glare before following them but Malfoy only rolled his eyes and offered Hermione his arm, smiling at the newly wed couple before them.

"Would you like to dance, madam?"

Malfoy mockingly bowed to Hermione but smiled, holding his hand out to her. She looked up at him from her sitting position before giggling and nodding her head, easily slipping her hand into his as he pulled her up gently and wound his arms around her slim waist. They shuffled over to the dance floor and moved together slowly, their lips grazing each other's necks as their hands roamed each other pleasurably. Hermione's eyes lifted and she felt uneasy as she saw Ron's eyes on them. When Malfoy felt Hermione stiffen, he kissed her neck gently before his hot breath wafted in her ear.

"You alright?"

"Fine."

"Liar." He kissed her bare shoulder again, his hands running up and down her back before squeezing her ass gently and smirking when she squealed. "Couldn't help it, Granger."

A comfortable silence fell upon them again as they rocked together to the slow music, Hermione's eyes almost drooping to a close; She felt so peaceful and safe. His fingers absent- mindedly played with the hem of her short dress, the silky material slipping between them so when he closed his fingers, it was trapped. She raised her eyebrow in amusement before bending back to peck at his lips. "Malfoy, why are you so fascinated with my dress?"

"It suits you," He admitted with admiration, raising his fingers to stroke along the thin, blue spaghetti strap. "It's the same colour that you wore to the Yule Ball."

She looked at him in surprise before a smile broke out into her face. "Well, yes, it is. How did you remember?"

He shrugged. "I don't know."

"Don't you?" She teased, causing the tip of his ears to redden; she couldn't resist kissing him again. "Want to go home?"

It was his turn to be surprised. "Do you want to?"

"Well, yes. Harry and Ginny are ready to leave now. I don't really feel like staying for the party, they won't even be here anyway. It'll just be a drunk crowd."

"I don't see why not," He agreed with a murmur as he kissed her temple. "I'm tired and if Weasel doesn't stop eyeing you up like that, I'll break his neck."

"Draco, look."

Malfoy held back a yawn as he turned his head to look towards Hermione's pointing finger. She was indicating towards a small cottage, discreetly hidden by the mass of dark bushes. Her arm slid out of the crook of his elbow as she walked closer, peering through the darkness.

"It's beautiful!"

Malfoy had moved over to join her, inspecting the little cottage. It was something he could definitely understand that Hermione was attracted to. It was of a decent size, with wild flowers growing up the building, twisting and curling here or there and around the small, tainted windows. His eyes discreetly glanced to analyse her face; it was positively glowing, her eyes bright and sparkling as she continued to inspect the house. He only raised an eyebrow.

"Love, it's a muggle home. What's the excitement over?"

She brushed aside his rare pet name for her that she so adored whenever he used it, choosing instead to shake at his upper arm. "Draco, it might be for sale!"

He snorted, but was softened by how thrilled she was. He carefully made his way closer to the creaking gate, narrowing his eyes to try and look around. Finally, he turned his head back to her, giving her a crooked smile.

"Sorry, Granger. No muggle sign saying it is. Can we leave now?"

She sniffed and leaned into his warm body as he wrapped his arm around her, both walking slowly down the street again. "It could've been on sale you know."

"Well, it wasn't." He told her simply. "But if you like those pokey little things so much, I'll keep an eye out."

"It's called a cottage. They're awfully sweet."

"If you say so," He chuckled a little, his nose buried in her mass of bronze hair, inhaling her spicy vanilla scent as they reached the end. "Ready?"

She nodded as she wrapped herself around him, before he turned on his feet and they apparated, vanishing in the darkness.

Malfoy had been slipping out of his trousers when he heard Hermione's scream from his bathroom. Immediately, he grabbed his wand and threw the door open, hurrying in. "Hermione? What is it? What's wrong?"

She was standing on top of the closed toilet seat in only her underwear, her face pale as her shaky finger pointed to the floor below her. Baffled, Malfoy followed her gaze: his eyes finally resting on a fat, overly large black-

"-Spider?" He said aloud, rolling his eyes before lifting his wand and swiftly making it hover and make its way to the slightly open window and out of the way. "Granger, what the fuck? I thought you were in danger!"

"It was huge! Shut up Malfoy." She snapped at him as she nervously climbed down, shuddering as her tiny feet touched the cold ground. "I'm fine with them usually, it's Ron that hates them, it's just-

"Alright, Granger, I get it. Honestly," He shook his head as he flicked his wand again so the window shut with a click. "Come on. Bed."

She nodded and made to grab her night dress, baffled when it flew out of her hand swiftly. She looked up to see his wand pointing towards her, his eyes darkening, causing her to swallow a little.

"You won't need that." He informed her, before laying down his wand and making his way to her, easily undoing her bra and hooking his fingers into the waistband of her knickers. "In fact, you won't be needing anything at all."

She felt herself shudder again as he slowly pulled them down, his eyes staring up at hers as he knelt before her, before his lips moved towards the small birth mark at her hip, brushing them against it gently. His silky hair kissed the insides of her fingers as she pushed them through his soft mop before clutching the strands of it tightly as he bit at her hipbone, whimpering a little as she bent over him. He raised himself up again, his hands cupping her small ass as he lifted her up, kissing her neck when she wound her legs around his waist.

Malfoy climbed over her as he laid her down on his plump bed- and she, ready for him, leant back to close her eyes, before they flew open in surprise as he kissed her forehead and buried his head into her neck and simply saying: "Night, Hermione."

"G-Goodnight, Draco." She had tried to keep the surprise out of her voice, but clearly failed, as he lifted his head to smirk at her.

"I'm fine with just sleeping like this for tonight."

She paused before a smile broke out into her face. "Alright."

"So, how are you today Ethan?"

No answer.

A sigh. She tried again. "Have you had all of your breakfast?"

"Yes."

"And your lunch?"

A short nod.

"Ethan, please sit up and look at me properly when I talk to you."

He did so reluctantly, lifting his big eyes to look up at Hermione. She smiled apologetically to him.

"Look, I promise you'll like this home Ethan. You'll meet other children and-

"-But you won't be there."

"Well. No. But I'll visit-

"-Not every day."

"Ethan," Hermione sighed, sitting down onto the chair next to his bed. "It's just temporary. Then a new family will come along and have you, I promise. But I will visit and see how you're doing."

He gave a small shrug.

"Healer Granger? Draco Malfoy is here to pick you up for your lunch date."

Hermione sighed before nodding her head at Sister Brown and standing up. "Ethan, I'll see you later, alright? Be good."

"Yes, Miss Hermine."

She left the room, closing the door quietly behind her as she did and spotting Malfoy, who was smiling at her. She shuffled towards him, causing his smile to slip as she gladly nuzzled into his arms.

"Oh Draco. I've had the worst day."

His hands rubbed at her back soothingly in silent reply as his chin rested on the top of her head, holding her tightly. He hated seeing her like this. He knew she would take it badly when it finally hit her that Ethan would be taken away and now he had no idea how to handle it. Nothing he could say or do would make her feel better. Hermione had tried to allow them to let Ethan stay with her until he found a family, but they argued it was unethical for a patient to be that close with their Healer, and so found him a magical care home for young orphaned wizards and witches. Ethan had not taken the news well either. Declaring that he would simply run away again and be ill so 'Miss Hermine' would take care of him only broke Hermione's heart.

Malfoy opened his mouth to tell her that she should be positive: that Ethan's parents had been arrested and were awaiting trial and she had done her job as a Healer, but he couldn't bring himself to. Instead, he kissed her forehead before choosing something else to say. "I'm sorry I couldn't do more to help you, Hermione."

She squeezed him tighter. "There was nothing you could have done."

He felt uncomfortable- that was not entirely true. They could adopt Ethan. But they were not at that stage in their relationship and Malfoy was not ready to be a father, not with his workload. And it was not as if Hermione's was any different. He knew that she knew deep down, that where Ethan was going was for the best.

But it didn't stop it hurting.

"Come on," He told her gently. "Let's go."

"Would you ever want to have children one day?"

Malfoy chewed on his food thoughtfully before he sipped at his drink, considering his answer.

"Perhaps."

"Well, you either do or you don't."

He noticed her biting reply and ignored it, choosing instead to reply slowly and carefully again. "I suppose when Pansy told me the baby was mine, I felt I could take on the responsibility of being a father."

"But?" Hermione pressed at him, leaning forwards as if she couldn't bear to miss what he would say next.

"But… I wouldn't want to rush into anything." At this, he looked directly at her, not allowing his gaze to wander away. She stared right back at him as she caught his meaning, immediately putting down her fork and getting straight to it.

"Draco, it could work."

"No, Hermione. You know it couldn't. Not with everything going on right now."

"But-

"-No buts Hermione. You know you have to let go."

"No I don't. I don't know anything except that I'm being forced to lose him when I don't want to." And with that, she burst into tears, pushing her chair back violently as she hurried out of the restaurant, sobbing into her hand. Malfoy immediately followed her, ignoring the calls from the waiters as he ran after her before easily pulling her back and swinging her around, blocking her shoves and hysterical hits to his body.

"Hermione- hey. Hermione." He called firmly before she gave in and he seized the chance to pull her into his chest, holding her tightly. She sobbed harder and he could feel her wet tears causing his shirt to stick slightly to his chest, but only stroked her hair and murmured comforting words into her ear before spinning on his feet.

Before she knew it, her feet had left the ground as they apparated and landed quickly with a small thump. Hermione raised her head and looked up, tear stained cheeks glistening at him and causing him to bend down and lick at one, before planting a small kiss on it. She let him as they both said nothing, before finally, he pulled away, and she plucked up the courage to ask what was suddenly on her mind.

"Draco… why are we at Harry and Ginny's house?"

A/N: Sorry for my late post. I have exams and have been (unsuccessfully) trying to study. I shall fail at this rate...

Also thank you to people who have added me or this story to their favorites list, or on alerts. If you could review to, that'd be even better, as I really do like to hear feedback. So please do!

I have the most faithful group of reviewers who I feel very lucky to have. Thank you, as ever, to blueidpanda, anotherwatson, nature love 95, Sarah Liz B, BeneHime1124, HotWolfGirl, Happy Face21, Orange-Coyote, Epixie, CheshireCat23, love-them-all10 and flower123 for reviewing the last chapter.

Also, I currently am a beta for a new piece of work that looks extremely promising by anotherwatson. The link is here: .net/s/6965379/1/Clear_as_Crystal

I'm not being biased- it is a wonderful fic and it's her first fanfiction, so please be supportive and check it out! Especially if you are a Fred fan- its centralised around Fred and an OC, and the plot is very unique and promises to be a great read.

Watch out for chapter 14! And review for this one, pretty please with lots of cherries on top. (I don't actually like cherries, but oh well)