Chapter 13
Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Harry Potter nor do I profit from this. Thank you Ms. J.K. Rowling for providing us with these wonderful characters! I only wanted to see Draco and Hermione together. Enjoy, thank you again for the reviews and alerts, appreciate it!
The rest of Hermione's days in London went by quickly. She and Draco spent as much time together as possible, but she also wanted to spend time with Ginny and their friends. It was a good balance. She felt that Draco was more relaxed and not thinking every man she spoke to wanted to jump her bones. She was afraid that she would have trust issues with Draco; he was just so damn hot! She had nothing to worry about. On more than one occasion while they were out, women shamelessly flirted with him, but he paid them no mine. He only focused on her. It was hilarious to see a beautiful woman throw her a look as if to say, "What have you got that I don't?" She only smiled and laughed inside. Sometimes it was still a little surreal to realize she and Draco were actually together.
Hermione left London on a Sunday morning, after a tearful goodbye with Ginny and the other ladies. She promised she would be back in February to be fitted for her bridesmaid dress. Ginny and the others told her they were counting the days to when she would return. Draco drove her to the airport. He was actually quite adept at "muggle driving." They held hands during the drive there and sometimes he would reach over and kiss her. They arrived at the airport and she checked in.
"Well, this is it until February." she said.
"Hmm, maybe I might pop in a few Friday nights if the Auror's office isn't too hectic," he answered.
She put her arms around his neck and said, "That would be fantastic."
He pulled her closer and they kissed for a long time. The other travelers passed by and were touched by the sight of the two young lovers. She looked at the timetables and gave a little shriek. "I better go, my plane will soon be leaving!"
He laughed and said, "Okay, but call me as soon as you get there. I want to make sure my love arrived safely."
"I will, darling. I love you and I promise I will have an answer as to what I plan to do about Dallas."
"I know you will make the right decision. I love you more and Merlin willing it probably won't be that long before I see you again."
Draco watched her run down the terminal to her gate. As he headed back to his vehicle, he could still smell her sweet scent on his clothing. He thought about the engagement ring he had for her. He wants so much to propose to her; but she is so conflicted with what her future plans will be. He does not want to pressure her.
Hermione settled into her seat and watched as London disappeared as the plane sped off for the United States. She sighed and wiped a few tears away. She could still smell Draco and imagined her hands running through his soft hair. February was going to seem like an eternity. She grabbed her bag and took out a novel she had been trying to finish, but it was to no avail. All she could do was think about Draco and what she was going to do about her career and life.
She was exhausted when she finally made it back to Dallas, but she still managed to unpack and get everything in order. Work started bright and early, but she enjoyed the quick pace. Staying busy kept her mind off of deciding what she wanted to do. A huge part of her wanted to hop a plane and fly straight back to Draco, but she still felt loyalty to her Aunt Bunny and Uncle Jake. They were there for her at a crucial time in her life and helped her get through it. These thoughts were running through her head when there was a knock on her office door.
"Come in." she said. It was her Uncle Jake. He probably wanted to know how her trip was.
"Hey darling, good to have you back. Did you have a good time? Bunny was happy that you gals decided on dresses for the wedding. She also said that you and your young man patched things up. That was good to hear. We don't like to see you unhappy, kiddo."
She loved that Jake spoke to her as if she was his little girl. It was endearing to know that he and Bunny cared for and loved her so much.
"Yes, it was wonderful that we were able to find our dresses at one store! And, yes it was quite something to make up with Draco. We were able to see quite a bit of each other."
"You know I am one not to beat around the bush. Lex Simmons told he spoke to you in London. He also mentioned that he offered you a position with his firm."
"He did and I told him it was definitely something I would jump on if I was moving back to London permanently, but I said I was unsure of my future plans."
"Well, that is what I wanted to discuss with you. Bunny and I want you to know that we will support any decision that you make. We love having you here and your work is fantastic, but we know that your parents and friends are in London. I can tell that you are feeling guilty if you would leave Dallas, please don't! Your happiness comes first and darling, I saw the way you and Draco were looking at each other. Love like that does not come around often, you two reminded Bunny and me when we first met. I still can't keep my hands off of her!" he chuckled.
"Oh, Uncle Jake, I have been agonizing over this. You have made my life so much easier. I am so relieved. Are you sure my leaving will not leave you in a bind?"
"No, sweetheart it will not. I just have to call up Texas Tech and they will send me a list of their brightest engineers and I will go from there. Bunny and I are going to miss you, but we are okay knowing that you are happy."
Within the next two weeks, Hermione started making arrangements to move back to London permanently. Lex Simmons was in Dallas for a business conference and he met with her to finalize everything for her position. She was starting at his firm in February. The Dallas Cowboys did not make it to the playoffs, so her cheerleading stint had ended. It was fun while it lasted and she made good friends. She could not get over how everything just seemed to fall into place. She was even able to book a late flight to London a few days before Christmas. She was going to surprise her parents and Draco.
Draco wondered if it was the holidays or a full moon that was driving up the criminal activity. He, Harry, and the other Aurors were putting in so much overtime. He spoke to Hermione at least once a day when he had a free minute, but was never able to apparate to Dallas. He missed and needed her so much. He was actually looking forward to a few days off for the holidays. Maybe he would be able to get to Dallas at that time. He was a little worried because she seemed vague on how her decision was going to move back home or not. He decided to put it out of his mind and let the chips fall where they may.
Hermione was so excited to be on the plane heading back home again. She had almost everything packed in her condo. She planned on being back in London permanently by the beginning of January. She knew her parents would be thrilled to have her move back until she found a place of her own. It was all so exhilarating. She enjoyed her life in Dallas, but this time she felt like she was really where she was supposed to be. Back home and in Draco's arms.
She could never keep anything from Ginny, so Ginny was the only one who knew she was coming back for a visit. Ginny met her at the airport and drove them back to her home with Harry. When they walked in, Harry was in the kitchen. Hermione snuck up behind him and covered his eyes with her hands. He said, "Ginny, quit messing with me before I give you a good shag!"
Hermione giggled and said, "Ooh, you get straight to the point!"
He whipped around and grabbed her in a bear hug. "When did you get back, I thought you were not going to come back until February?"
She looked at Ginny and Harry, "Well, you are the first to know. I am moving back to London, permanently."
Ginny and Harry hugged her and said, "That is the best news ever! We are so glad you are going to come back. It wasn't the same without you."
"Have you told Draco yet?" asked Ginny.
"No, I was planning on surprising him." Hermione answered.
"You will surprise him alright. He is going to be ecstatic!" said Ginny.
Hermione beamed and said, "Is it okay I bunk with you two lovebirds tonight? I called my parents, but then I remembered my mother telling me they were having dinner with friends tonight. I will drop in on them tomorrow and let them know I am coming back."
"Like you even have to ask, you are welcome anytime 'Mione!" exclaimed Ginny and Harry.
"Thank you so much, I am so grateful to have such good friends. I guess I will prepare to surprise Draco. I hope he doesn't go into shock," she laughed.
"He said something about having dinner with his mother tonight. They were going to celebrate Christmas early. Narcissa has joined a widowed witches group and the ladies are going to the Bahamas for the holidays," said Harry.
"I should not disturb them!" said Hermione.
"'Mione, I don't think he will mind. You are all he talks about. He has been bending my ear asking what I thought you were going to do," replied Harry.
Hermione decided she would go to him that evening. The weather was bitterly cold and snow was predicted. She dressed warmly in a thick pink mohair sweater, skinny jeans, and Uggs boots. She apparated to his front door and rang the doorbell.
Draco and Narcissa were having a quiet and pleasant dinner. They exchanged gifts. Narcissa was touched by the delicate moonstone pendant Draco gave her. She had given him season tickets for his favorite Quidditch team. They were discussing Narcissa's upcoming trip, when the doorbell chimed. Draco wondered who could be at his door at this time. He excused himself and went to answer the door. He was in for a pleasant surprise.
Hermione stomped her feet and jogged in place in an attempt to stay warm. She had forgotten how brutal winter could be in this part of the world. She heard footsteps approaching the door and her heart was beating fast. The door opened and Draco stared at her as if he could not believe she was really there.
She smiled and said, "Surprise! Once you are over your shock, could I please come in? I feel like an icicle!"
Surprise indeed! How is Draco going to react? Hopefully I will wrap this Dramione up over the weekend. I like this story, but I think it has gone as far as it can go. Thank you all for your patience.