Yes an update. Shorter than most of my other chapters(but I hope its sweet!). My orginal plan was to have Hermione and Draco meet their parents relatives and best friends and span across three chappies but I realized it will look kind of repetitive. So howda! I condensed it into one.

Therefore this is the last chapter, followed by an epilogue.

Thanks for supporting this story throughout the horribly long time I took to write it!

Enjoy.


Two months passed rather too quickly, at a pace mysteriously matching that of a Firebolt. Hermione informed Draco of her suspicions that he had engaged some form of time charm, but her boyfriend only laughed at her.

"Maybe time just flies when you are with me," he teased her one afternoon on their dates (which, unsurprisingly, took place at a library), pulling one of her curls.

She snorted and swatted his hands away from her bushy hair. He ignored the gesture and continued tugging on her hair.

"Or," he continued, "Perhaps it's because you know that the whole meet-the-parents session is getting imminent."

She looked up from an abused-looking copy of The Canterbury Tales. "We only dated for two months… Don't you think that is a little too fast?" She asked him.

"Nope." He popped the 'p'. "We have known each other since we were ten. That's more than a decade of knowing each other."

This time Hermione laughed, earning herself a look of disapproval from the senior librarian. "The vocabulary you used on me at that period wasn't exactly flattering."

Draco conceded that, but grinned. "It's okay. Even without Hogwarts we have been flirting with each other shamelessly for months. That negates our short period of dating."

She shrugged. "If you say so."

"Scared Granger? Of the whole parents thing?"

Hermione closed her book and look at Draco, her expression a bit too smug. "I don't think that's it. After all, I already met your mother. We will get along like a house on fire."

He chuckled. "Not officially."

"Well I look forward to meeting her again," Hermione told him earnestly before smirking. "Although honestly, I think you really should be the one worrying."

"What do I have to worry about?" Draco asked, amused. "I'm perfectly charming when I need to be. They will love me."

"Oh, I'm not sure about that. They think that I'm dating a fifty year old married man," she smiled, remembering her last gathering with her relatives.

Draco let out an expletive.

"Exactly," Hermione winked. "And you haven't even met Ron and Harry yet."

Although she had met Narcissa Malfoy before, Hermione Granger was nevertheless relieved when Draco informed her that Blaise and Prudence will be joining them as well. She hoped their presence would mean lesser probing and provide the necessary lightheartedness required for this social visit.

She wasn't exactly lying to Draco when she told him she wasn't nervous as all, but still, Hermione Granger couldn't help but be intimidated by the size of the Malfoy mansion when Draco happily (and obliviously) brought her to home.

And it made her nervous.

"You never told me your house is so big," she hissed at Draco, taking it the numerous paintings (she was sure one of them was a true Renoir) and huge great hall.

His eyes glittered.

"Scared now?"

"Obviously, I am overwhelmed by the sheer size of what you call 'home sweet home'. Thank you for preparing me for this experience," She said sarcastically. When she had asked Draco what his childhood home was like, he had simply told her that 'comfortable enough'.

Comfortable enough indeed. It was a mansion for goodness sake.

"I will protect you," He whispered into her ear before kissing her forehead, taking her hand and pulling her into a sitting room where his mother was daintily drinking a cup of tea.

Narcissa Malfoy stood up and greeted the couple affectionately, not missing her son's entwined hand with Hermione's. She was pleased, though she wisely chose not to comment( not yet anyway) and instead motioned them to the couch.

As the couple took time to settle down, Narcissa took the opportunity to observe her son. The last two months certainly did wonders to him. Relationships suited Draco well, if the way his eyes sparkled was any testament to that. He was ebullient, and she certainly did not miss the loving manner which he placed his arm around his girlfriend's shoulder.

She was on the verge of bursting with joy.

"Hermione," Narcissa beamed. "It is a pleasure to meet you. A cup of tea?" A corner of her mouth twitched. "Or perhaps you prefer coffee."

"Coffee thanks," Hermione told her politely, her initial fear now gone. She was calm as long as she didn't stare at the Monet painting behind Draco's mother. "I suppose Draco told you about my preference."

"He did," Narcissa affirmed, smiling. "And he reminded me quite thoroughly, to tell you the truth."

"Mother," Draco interrupted laughingly. "Don't embarrass me. I have an image to uphold. "

"Not a chance," his mother said smugly, waving to a bunch of books on the table. "I took out all your baby photos."

"Mother!" Real panic now.

"Don't worry," Hermione laughed. "I don't think it could be as bad as that terrible hairstyle you had in fifth year."

"The gelled look was in then!"

"Well it gave you the look of a receding hairline."

A loud voice floated into the room. "Are you talking about Draco in fifth year? I remembered that!"

Hermione shot Draco a smug look.

"Blaise," he scowled. "You are supposed to be my best friend. Support me a little."

"We only tell the complete truth," Prudence said deadpanned as she floated into the room.

Blaise and Prudence took a longer time to established their relationship than Draco and Hermione had. But once Prue conveniently forgot her previous hatred fort the devilishly handsome wizard, there was no denying that they fitted well together. True, the redhead often lost her temper and they certainly disagreed a great deal, but Blaise's good nature eventually often prevailed. They made a great couple.

On the other hand, Hermione and Draco seldom disagreed. They didn't argue much and certainly weren't as showy as their friends. Their quarrels never ended in stormy tears and there were certainly no grand gestures like publishing a front page apology on the Daily Prophet like Blaise had done.

In short, Blaise and Prudence had the volatile, whirlwind dramatic relationship one often fantasized for. Hermione and Draco's on the other hand did not have the epic Titanic love story.

Once upon a time Hermione Granger would be jealous. But right now she would most certainly rather have her 'vanilla' relationship than anything else in the world, if it was with her steady, loving Draco.

Their relationship may be subtle, but it was strong and steady and Hermione didn't need the drama to show her that she was in love with Draco.

They simply knew.

"What are you thinking?" Draco asked her quietly, nudging Hermione back to the present. Prue and Blaise were having some animated conversation with Narcissa.

"About how much I love you," she whispered, placing a quick kiss on his cheek.

When they visited Narcissa both Hermione and Draco had been collected and calm. When it came to the visit to Hermione's relatives though, it was another story.

"So Emily is your cousin and a lawyer," Draco recited as they walked towards 2 Pinewood Lane. "And Aunt Clementine…" He looked over a scribbled paper. "has a daughter named Allison who is engaged to the most boring man in the world."

"Draco," Hermione sighed. She placed a hand over his. "Relax a little. They are probably not going to like you anyway."

"That is comforting."

"Just act naturally," Hermione told him, unable to hide a smile. "In fact it probably would be more entertaining if it were a disaster."

"Natural huh?" He murmured as they rang the doorbell. "I can do that." He said with a cheeky grin. "So no good luck kiss?"

Hermione rolled her eyes but pressed her lips to his. She gasped as Draco deepened it, but made no move to stop.

When it was over, they found a middle-aged woman staring at them open-mouthed at the doorframe.

"Couldn't resist it for another moment madam," He said solemnly and bowed. "You must be Polly."

Five minutes later, Hermione found herself sitting in the same setting as she did one morning a few months ago, her nosy relatives around her. Only this time, she had a boyfriend next to her.

She tried not to smirk as she heard her cousins hissed 'he's not fifty!' to each other. Draco must have heard it, because his smirk was even more pronounced than hers.

"So tell me," Aunt Clementine finally asked, her curiosity so evident in her widening eyes. "How did you meet Hermione?"

"Well," Draco said innocently. "She was sitting on the train acting like a bossy know-it-all and before that I was fighting with her two best friends. We spend most of our acquaintanceship hurling verbal and physical abuse at each other."

Aunt Clementine looked lost for words. Draco smiled and offered Hermione's parents butter biscuits. Gloria, Hermione's favourite aunt, winked at her.

"Draco isn't a very common name is it?" Aunt Polly enquired.

"It isn't. Our family tree has all its descendents named after a star or constellation."

"Old family then," Aunt Polly said nodding approvingly. Means old money. "And your occupation?"

"A trader of sorts," Draco shrugged, buttering his toast. "You know us old money, we usually just fritter our money away."

From the corner of her eye, Hermione could see her dad trying not to laugh. Of course he would. They already knew Draco from all the exploits she described these few months.

She tried to muster a frown apropos, but failed.

"How about education then?" Aunt Polly started again, determined to find something good in this mischievous boyfriend of her niece.

"Well," he pondered. "I didn't exactly finish my education. Sort of drop out. But no worries," he whispered conspiratorially. "It took me only one year to convince them and buy my way back in."

A teacup dropped, clanging loudly against the table.

Later, as Hermione helped clear the dishes in the kitchen, Aunt Gloria winked at her again.

"This one is a keeper."

Hermione beamed, beatific. "I think so too."

Barely a week following the success of their visits, Draco Malfoy was sure that his luck had ran out.

"You were the one who convinced me to let you meet Harry and Ron," Hermione reminded him, absently using her wand to tidy up her house.

"I know," He gritted his teeth, pacing across the room. "Well it's only fair isn't it? You met Prue and Blaise. I think it is only appropriate I meet your two closest friends."

"I'm glad you care enough to meet them," she said simply.

"If they don't murder me first," Draco shuddered. "You don't suppose that they remember the Norbert incident in Year One?"

"This is Ron we are talking about," Hermione stated, arranging the daisies in her vase. "Of course he remembers."

"Darn."

At that exact same moment the doorbell rang. Draco jumped. His face was as pale as a sheet.

Hermione tried to reassure him. "I'm sure it will be—"

"Hermione if you don't open the door now I'm gonna burn it down!" A voice from outside, suspiciously like Harry's, called out.

She rolled her eyes and swung the door open.

Three people stood outside. Ginny looked fantastic in her cream-coloured dress. Harry grimaced. Ron had an expression on his face Hermione had no patience to decipher.

"Harry! Ron! Ginny!" She cried, hugging Ginny fiercely. "Come on in!"

Ginny smiled brightly as she stepped inside. "I brought some of my mum's cookies!"

"Perfect!"

Harry cleared his throat. "It's good to see you."

The five of them stood awkwardly at the living room. Hermione decided to break the silence.

"Guys, this is Draco Malfoy, as you all know."

Draco seemed to snapped out of his stupor then.

"It is nice to see you," he greeted, smiling as wide as he could.

Ginny grinned back. Harry nodded and mumbled a "me too". Ron was still busy staring at the vase.

"So he bought you daisies," Ron snorted, folding his arms. "How cliché."

"Well," Draco said nervously. Hermione interrupted.

"I bought them myself. Why don't we all take a seat and make ourselves comfortable? Ginny, would you help me make tea?"

"Sure!" She chirped, hooking Hermione's arms. "Let the boys hash it out first. What do you guys want?"

"Coffee please," Draco stammered.

"Anything."

"Dragon's Blood," Ron spat out, glaring at Malfoy. He jumped.

And with that both girl disappeared into the kitchen. Harry and Ron move mechanically to the couch. Draco took a seat opposite them, feeling very much like he was in the Spanish Inquisition.

"Harry, Ron," he started. "I suppose you know that I am currently dating Hermione."

"Yes," Harry said stiffly, pushing up his glasses. Ron looked at him coldly.

This was not going very well, Draco thought to himself. Not well at all.

"I hope you guys won't mind that."

Harry shrugged. Ron looked furious.

"Is that your tie on the coffee table?" He demanded.

It was. Hermione laughed at him when he turned up with a bad Windsor knot and told him not to be such a nerd.

"So you are moving in with our best friend now huh??" He yelled. "What's the point of seeking our approval then?"

"I am sorry," Draco mumbled.

"You should be, you sick bastard," Ron continued angrily while Harry nodded frantically. "What if we don't give you our permission?"

He was silent.

"Answer me!"

Draco looked up, determined. "Of course it would be preferable if you like me. And I apologise for the tricks and stunts I pulled in Hogwarts. But I like Hermione, and I want to make her happy. So if she is willing to date me, nothing will stop me from giving her that."

Harry spoke. "And what if we still do not approve?"

"I would spend the rest of my life trying to bribe, wheedle, plead and beg you."

Harry grinned. "Good answer."

Draco looked at Ron hopefully.

"Ron?" He asked hesitantly. The red head took a moment to answer.

"You mentioned bribing," Ron finally said. "Does this mean you can get me prime tickets to the Chudley Cannons match next month?"

Draco's eyes popped. Ron and Harry burst into laughter.

"Sorry mate," Harry chortled. "Couldn't resist making you sweat a little. But your expression when Ron yelled at you was priceless."

"The scary look was just an act?" Draco asked disbelievingly.

"A small price to pay for the years of torment. Besides, we always have the upperhand."

The blond man was speechless.

"Oh look," Ron chuckled. "We startled Malfoy into silence. Come on, we are not such petty people. As long as Hermione is happy we are cool about it."

"I won't hurt her," Draco solemnly vowed, relieved.

"You sure won't 'cause then you will have us to answer to," Harry said cheerfully, but Draco noted the seriousness in the voice.

"I will make her happy."

"Good," Ron grinned (a three hundred and sixty degrees change from his demeanor earlier). "So are the Chudley Cannon tickets still up for a greater cause?"

They spent the rest of the afternoon chatting and reminiscing about old times. Draco was oddly comfortable with them. As he bade them goodbye, Ginny even invited him to the next Weasley Sunday brunch.

Hermione sighed and sank into Draco arms as they watched their friends trot out of her apartment. "Now it is all over."

"What a relief."

She laughed and hugged him. "It is," she agreed.

"But it is not all over, you know," Draco said, fiddling with her hair.

"Oh?"

"Nope, it is only just the beginning," He grinned, earning him a punch on the shoulder from Hermione. She quirked her eyebrow.

"That's for the cheesy line."

"Ouch." He mock winced. "But Hermione?"

"Yes?"

"I love you."

She smiled. "I know. And I love you too."

Draco chuckled and bent down to kiss his little girlfriend. She sighed.

"What now?" She said blissfully.

"Oh you know how the poem goes," He smiled. "First comes love, then comes marriage…"

I can't believe I'm winding this story down. It was a pleasure to write it, and I thank all my faithful readers who supported me the whole time. This chapter is especially dedicated to you.

I did say that I would write an epilogue, but I'm not sure if it would spoil the rest of the story. But I do say that reviews are a very very good incentive if you do want an epilogue…