Last time:

"See you tomorrow, in our Café?"

"Definitely, you won´t get rid of me now."

"So I hoped," Draco smiled. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

"I love you."

"I love you more."

"I´m not sure that´s possible."

"Don´t start an argument with me. Otherwise you won´t see your apartment tonight." I laughed and so did he. He kissed me and walked away. I entered my apartment, closed the door and sat on the floor.

Whoa.

I woke up the next morning in my bed without any idea how I got there. I was staring at the ceiling with the feeling that something really special happened the previous day. As I was trying to recall, I watched snowflakes making their dance outside the window. The way they moved and their stunning white suddenly reminded me of last night.

Hermione...I love you very much.

And I love you.

I walked towards the window. Snowflakes were beautiful and they were covering the whole city of Paris. Everything looked peaceful and sound. It was incredible image and at normal days, I would have spend hours just absorbing the view. But there was nothing normal about this situation.

Did it really happen last night? Can somebody so amazing really love me? Am I finally allowed to enjoy a bit of happiness?

I turned my head to the mirror on opposite wall and immediately knew that everything was real. My image has definitely changed. I remembered the dead look and circles under my eyes. But this...this person was completely different. My usually boring chocolate eyes were wide-opened and sparkling with hope. My hair shined even though it was messy again. I slowly raised my hand and touched my lips. Only few hours ago, they were kissed by Draco Malfoy. I dared to smile, almost as this simple gesture could destroy everything.

I slowly got dressed and left my apartment to meet Draco in our Café. Even though I was convinced that everything was real, I couldn´t ignore nervous butterflies in my stomach. Will he deny it? Will he forget all the good he showed me and play the old ferret I hated?

I entered the cozy house and searched for one certain platinum haired head. Yes, there he was, sitting at our usual place, already slurping from his black tea. His eyes met mine and he brightened with smile. The second his gray orbs captured mine, I realized how silly my fear was. Of course he wouldn´t deny it. He desired this to happen as much as I did.

I took those last few steps. Draco stood up and kissed me lustfully. I had to remind myself really hard that we were at public with many people watching; otherwise I might lose my self-control and show those people what word passion really means. The yearning was even stronger than the last night. The whole world could burn and I wouldn´t care. As long as he would hold me.

"Good morning, Draco."

"Good morning, Hermione."

We both smiled nervously and sat down. I noticed my favourite black coffee was already ordered and was there, waiting for me.

"So...it wasn´t a dream," I noted with satisfaction.

"Of course it wasn´t. And I´m not saying it only because I didn´t sleep the whole night."

"What kept you from sleeping?" I wanted to know.

"I had to organize my thoughts. The last night has changed everything and I had to prepare for those changes."

"I´m sorry I made everything so complicated."

He looked at me, panic evident in his eyes. "You didn´t complicate anything. I didn´t mean it like you did something wrong..."

I had to laugh and end his nonsense worries. He looked really scared he might insult me. Like he could ever get rid of me now. "Calm down, I didn´t take it as an insult or whatever. I´m so happy for everything that happened, I don´t regret a thing. I don´t know about you, but last night was...really incredible."

He took my hand and looked at me. "I hope you don´t think I didn´t enjoy it. Hermione, last night was the best night of my utter existence. I never dared to hope you might love me back."

"Are you sure you are not using Occlumency? Because you´re describing my feelings and thoughts once again and you´re doing it perfectly," I eyed him with suspicion.

He smirked. "I can honestly promise you I´m not using it."

"And I propose it shall stay that way. If there´s some rank of Magic that I don´t like, it´s Occlumency."

"I couldn´t agree more," Draco grinned and raised his cup of tea. I followed his example with my cup of coffee. Our eyes met.

"To new beginnings," he proposed a toast.

I chuckled. "To reciprocated love," I said and our cups met for a short moment.

Then, we have worked for a little while. Draco held my hand and I let him. At a normal situation, I would have waited couple of days until I would allow this to my boyfriend. But Draco and I were far beyond normal. Besides, his touch was indescribable. Ron and I used to hold hands, but my hand lost in Draco´s was...better. It was strangely common and comfortable.

With satisfaction, I have noticed that his behaviour has barely changed. He was more open and romantic, but we teased each other like we usually do. We also could agree only on few things and had to make many compromises. I was glad, because this behaviour was the part of the reason why I fell in love with him. I didn´t want him to ever change. He had mistakes, but who doesn´t? I know I have, too. We were equal.

"So that´s it for today," I took my papers and stood up.

"Yes, I don´t know what else to do. If Minister doesn´t accept this offer, I don´t know what we´re going to do," Draco stood up as well and scowled.

"Don´t worry, everything is going to work out. He is still terribly sorry for letting you go towards that insane murderer. He will say yes to any offer," I comforted him and kissed his nose.

He smirked and lifted his face, so his lips could capture mine in another breathtaking kiss that ended too soon for my liking.

"Shall we meet at the Ministry around four p.m.?" Draco asked.

"Four o´clock sounds good," I nodded and turned to leave.

"Wait!" I heard Draco and turned back to him. He closed the gap I made with few steps.

"What is it?" I smiled.

"I was wondering...that after the meeting with Minister...you...I...," I don´t think I have ever seen him so shy.

"Yes, Draco?"

"Will you go out with me? I mean, on dinner or somewhere," he blurted.

"You mean like on the date?" I teased.

"Uhm, yeah, I suppose."

I laughed heartily. "Of course, Draco, I would love to," I agreed.

He sighed in relieve and pretended to wipe sweat drops off his forehead. I punched his shoulder and tried to leave, but he stopped me again.

"Wait!"

I sighed, even though I had a smug smirk on my face. "What is it this time?" I tried to play annoyed voice.

He smiled and looked at me. "I love you."

A proper smile set on my lips as I almost whispered back. "I love you, too."

And then, smiling like an idiot, I finally left.

xxx

Five to seven

I have been checking the time every five minutes the whole evening. After we met at the Ministry and gave Monsieur de Vitte our offer, Draco said he´ll pick me up at seven o´clock. I wasn´t afraid he´ll back off or be late, but I was more nervous than in a long time. More nervous than I was before I was supposed to meet Mr. Collins. More nervous than I was before the first meeting with French Minister of Magic. I believed in my abilities, so I knew I´ll do well. But here...this date was something I could easily destroy. And I didn´t want that. Not when I finally started to look like a human again.

Ding dong

I jumped on my feet and rushed towards the door. Just as I was about to touch the door handle, I took a quick look in the mirror. Draco didn´t want to tell me where he is taking me, but he asked me to wear something more formal. I was wearing a long-sleeved black dress with white collar. It was one of my favourites and I hoped Draco will like it as well. Merlin, it seemed like I couldn´t get my thoughts right without using his name.

"You know, it is considered polite to open the door...," I heard his voice from behind the door.

I let out a small laugh, before I pulled the handle. The next thing I knew, I landed in his arms and gave him a kiss I have been waiting for the whole day. The one full of passion and love.

"When somebody rings," he finished with a laugh and started to respond to my kiss. He pulled away again too soon. But he didn´t release me from his arms, he just pulled away so he could have a good look at me.

"What?" I asked nervously. "Do I look okay?"

"Hm, not really," he said and my heart skipped a beat. My smile started to fade until I saw him smirking. "You most definitely do not look okay. You look absolutely beautiful."

A hot blush ran over my face. He laughed a bit and made me do a spin. But the spin lead to another breathtaking kiss. This time I had to pull away, because I ran out of oxygen and started to gasp for air. He smirked smugly and I slapped his shoulder.

"Ready to go, sweetheart?" he asked.

I nodded. "Just let me grab my coat."

When I had it on, Draco raised his hand and offered it to me formally. "Shall we?"

I smiled and let my happiness to fill me. "Yes. Yes, we shall."

xxx

"Oh my God, Draco, this place is amazing."

That was the first thing that came into my mind several minutes later. Draco made me have my eyes closed the whole time, until I felt we have disapparated. Then he hugged my from behind and whispered: "Happy one day anniversary, darling" He kissed my cheek and then finally took his hands off my eyes.

Firstly, I thought we are just somewhere on the street. There was snow everywhere and the night was dark as always. I really couldn´t see the difference at first. Then, I noticed all those lights underneath this mysterious place. They looked like lights of street lamps and buildings, so we must have been high above the ground. And I couldn´t get very close to the view, because after few steps, I walked into the glass.

Then it occurred to me. This must have been a purely magical place. The snow was a magic trick. That explained why the temperature was higher than outside. But where were we?

"I thought that since you liked the White Ball so much, I should make something similar," I heard his voice. He was studying me in quiet, giving me time to absorb this.

"Did you...," my voice failed me and I had to clear my throat. "Did you make this by yourself?"

He shrugged. "Don´t be so surprise. I know I´m a Malfoy but I´m not incapable of work."

I turned around and rushed to hug him. I was so touched. I doubted anybody else on the earth would create a mini White Ball just for me.

"Thank you," I whispered simply.

"You´re welcome," he whispered against my hair and I could tell he was smiling. My reaction obviously made him happy.

He helped me out of the coat and when I wanted to sit, he held my chair. It wasn´t some rehearsed gentleman behaviour. No, he did it, because it was polite, because he was (my guess is by his mother) taught to do it.

The dinner consisted of simple, but delicious food and a bottle of red wine. The last time I had a dinner with somebody was with Ron. I remembered the stomach ache and the panic fear of proposal. Now I just felt...happy. Complete. Like nothing could hurt me. I know it´s kind of rude to constantly compare everything to Ron, but I didn´t have any other boyfriend than him before Draco, so I couldn´t compare it to anybody else.

I sighed and smiled.

"What is it, pumpkin?" Draco asked.

This time, I couldn´t resist the urge to laugh. "Why are you giving me those silly pet names the whole evening? Darling, sweetheart, pumpkin."

He grinned. "I thought you women liked them."

"But they sound so cheap," I protested with a giggle.

"Then we must find the one that suits you the most," he bit his lip and tried his best not to laugh. "Cutie Pie."

"You must be kidding," I started to laugh really hard.

"Honey?"

"No."

"Sweetie?"

"Still no."

"Muffin?"

"This is getting ridiculous."

"I know. I have to try a little harder," he chuckled.

"And I´m guessing you won´t stop until you find the right pet name, right?"

"You know me so well," he laughed and reached forward to touch my hand.

I rolled my eyes but let him to hold my hand. We stayed quiet for a while, studying each other.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked suddenly.

About how lucky I am. About the fake snowflakes that landed in his hair. About how the white of snow strongly conquered the pale colour of his hair. I was thinking about everything at the same time.

"Right now I´m wondering where we actually are," I finally said out loud.

His lips twisted into a smug smirk. "Well...let´s just say that Eiffel Tower has also a small fourth floor only for wizards."

My eyes wide opened in surprise. This was definitely the best first date in the history of dating. Not only that he made a small White Ball for me, but he also placed it on the secret wizard floor on the Eiffel Tower.

His smirk just widened at my surprise and he stood up and walked towards me.

"Would you like to dance with me?"

I blinked in confusion. "But, Draco, there is no music."

"Use your imagination," he suggested.

I shook my head with a smile, before I took his hand and stood up. The slow dance song from previous evening started to play in my head and to my surprise, Draco started to dance in the same rhythm. He pulled me closer and I rested my head on his shoulder.

"Thank you. This was the best date I have ever had," I mumbled.

"I´m glad you liked it, love."

I pulled away and stared at him. "How...how did you just call me?"

"Love?"

A smile started to form on my lips.

"What? Was it too cliché?"

"That´s the thing, it wasn´t a bit cliché. I liked the way it sounded from your lips."

"Did we just find your pet name?"

I laughed. "I think so."

He slowly took my chin and lifted my face. His eyes captured mine and my heart started to race. He gently brushed his lips against mine. I know it was supposed to be a little sweet kiss, but I wasn´t in a mood for softness. Greedily, I connected our lips in a searing kiss. He slowly made a trail of kisses down to my neck. I moaned in pleasure, experiencing something I never had in my life. It´s not like Ron didn´t like to kiss, but it was mostly hard snogging. Draco, on the other hand, somehow knew exactly what I desired. I felt how my knees weakened, but it was impossible to fall. He held me so closely. And what is even weirder – it still wasn´t close enough.

Our minutes or days long kiss ended. Who knows, how long it actually lasted. Time became unimportant. Any time spend in his arms won´t be long enough. Only eternity could satisfy me now.

I don´t have a very clear image of anything that happened afterwards. I just suddenly appeared in front of my apartment, still hanging on Draco´s arm.

"Will you collapse if I let you go now?" he asked, nervously watching my weak knees.

"Of course not, I will be okay," I smiled and opened the door.

Draco eyed me, before a mischievous spark flashed in his eyes. Before I knew, he was bridal-style carrying me towards my bed. I gently landed on pillows, giggling.

"Thank you again," I said.

"You´re welcome," he replied and leaned forward.

I slowly stopped giggling and realized how close he was. I loved him like nobody before, but I wasn´t ready for this step. But Draco already could read me perfectly. He slightly nodded and then pulled away.

"I love you," I whispered.

"I love you more," he whispered back.

I wanted to argue, but I actually liked the way he said it.

"Good night, love," he said and kissed my forehead.

I made myself comfortable and enjoyed my new pet name. "Good night, Draco."

"See you tomorrow. Sleep tight."

The last thing I saw before my eyes closed was a loving smile playing on his lips.

One of my reviewers asked, if Hermione´s dreams are really only dreams and why she takes them so seriously. Well, it´s based on my own reaction on dreams. I take dreams very seriously since I had a terrible nightmare. I woke up crying and my arms were bleeding (I have a tendency to hurt myself when I have nightmares). So it´s impossible for me to write about ignoring bad dreams, since they affect me so much. I hope that explains at least something. For now, sit back, enjoy and then hit the review button. You know you want to.
Betty xxx