Chapter 6

Diclaimer: Harry Potter and characters belong to JK Rowling. I own nothing.

Hermione Pov:

I sit at my desk and sigh while rubbing the sides of my forehead. I did not sign up for this. I've been working here for a little over a month, and that stupid bet the men have placed on who can get me in the sack first is still going strong. Do I look easy to them? Merlin, you'd think they were a bunch of sex crazed hormonal teenagers. It's been a very, very long time since I was intimate with a man, but I'm not about to degrade myself by jumping into bed with any of these pigs. I'm one of the few women here that don't spread their legs for any man in the ministry, seeing as all these pretty young secretaries will do absolutely anything for a raise. I overheard two of them talking about all the different positions they tried out on some elderly wizarding judges, and was absolutely mortified! Had they no shame? I had to get more classy women out of the home and working here or else I was going to lose my mind.

Harry and Blaise have taken to escorting me to and from my office at the beginning and end of each day to ward off any suitors who try to drop sleazy pick up lines on me or insinuate crude innuendos. Blaise must have realized he and I will just be friends, or Harry said something to him because he's calmed down with the charms around me. Now we just talk like I would to Harry or George, and our friendship is going really well. I see him a lot outside of work as we often have dinner at the Potters. I've also been seeing a lot of another former Slytherin lately.

It's been about a month since Scorpious' birthday party, and our almost kiss. I have no idea what came over me. One minute he's telling me why his son doesn't have a mother, and the next thing I knew his mouth was inches from descending on mine. When he told me how Astoria just walked out of their lives, I felt the need to reassure him that he was doing a great job with Scorpious, but an even more overwhelming urge to reach out and touch him. The minute our skin came in contact, I felt sparks shoot all over my body, then noticed his faded dark mark. I felt him tense beneath my fingers and moved to trace it to show him that it was okay and he wasn't that person anymore. I didn't expect him to do the same as he brushed over my own dark mark, nor did I think about how yes, we both indeed had battle scars. He didn't want to be marked anymore than I did. When he moved in to kiss me, I lost all coherent thought and for a moment, I wanted nothing more than to feel his lips against mine.

Blaise shouting from down the hallway brought my focus back and I quickly moved away from him. What was I doing? I couldn't kiss Draco Malfoy! Yes, we'd been on friendly terms ever since I came back and I loved being around him, his mother, and his son but I couldn't ruin our friendship just because I was beginning to have a slight crush on him. Okay, so it was more than a slight crush. I loved the way he could challenge me in an argument when most just agreed with me, I loved what he did for the ministry and his determination to make the world a better place, and I loved the way he was around his son and my friends. But I can't risk making things between us awkward because I've come to crave the time spent around both him and his son. And he definitely doesn't feel anything more than friendship for me. Why would he when he's one of the most gorgeous men in all of Britain and can have any girl he wants with a snap of his fingers? Even with makeup and stylish clothing, I'm severely lacking in the looks department. Anytime I see myself in the mirror, all I can hear are Ron's words echoing in my head. 'Why would anyone want you? You're unattractive and nothing special. I'm the only person who'll look past that and put up with you.'

Ginny actually seems to think Draco's interested in me. I don't see him a lot at work because our jobs have very little to do with each other, but nearly every weekend when I go over to Harry's house, he and Scorpious are there. Neither of us have mentioned that moment in the study, but we often sit by each other at meals or when we all sit in the living room to just chat. He and I talk about everything and nothing at the same time. It astounds me how much we have in common. We enjoy the same novels and wizarding authors, love Italian food, and strive to work our absolute hardest at anything we do. Anytime I talk to him and happen to look up and catch Ginny's eye, she gives me mysterious smiles and knowing looks.

Two weeks ago at my birthday dinner, we had a conversation about him. Scorpious had been thrilled we shared the same birthday month and presented me with a long velvet case. Inside was the most beautiful diamond necklace and matching earrings. I was absolutely speechless. Never in my entire life had I been given such a stunning and expensive gift. When I found my voice, I turned to Draco and Scorpious and thanked them profusely. Scorpious beamed proudly and hugged me tightly, and Draco flashed me a dazzling smile and said Scorp helped him pick it out. Later that night, I was in the kitchen with Ginny when she brought it up.

"So that was quite a gift from Draco, huh?"

"Yes, it was" I agreed. "I can't believe they got me something so exquisite. It was too much."

She waved her hand at my statement. "Nonsense, it's not like he couldn't afford it. Besides it was a perfect present for a man trying to win a woman's affection" she said with a smirk.

I gaped at her. "Affection? No Gin, he's not interested in me that way. We're just friends."

She gave me an are-you-serious look. "Mione, I see the way you two are around each other. You're always joking and laughing, and you look genuinely happy. You have the same interests, are both incredibly clever, hard working at your jobs, and not to mention the fact Scorpious adored you! When you two get wrapped up in a conversation, it's like you're in your own world with just the two of you and the rest of us don't exist. How can you not see that Draco's into you?"

"W-why would he be?" I stammered.

"Why wouldn't he be?" She asked with a confused look. Our conversation was cut short when James came in with a scraped knee due to him falling down when chasing Scorpious. While she tended to him, I thought about what she said. Did Draco really have feelings for me? I didn't have much experience with guys, but I knew I greatly enjoyed the time we spent together and hoped he did too. Then there was Scorp. I'd fallen in love with that little boy. He was so kind and smart, and whenever I was around him I couldn't help but be in a good mood. If I stupidly said something and Draco didn't feel the same, I'd probably not see either of them much anymore, and I was not about to risk that.

I shake myself from my thoughts and focus on the document in front of me. Kingsley is hoping to establish a better trade relationship with the German ministry, but those bunch of old fools are proving to be rather difficult. I've tried to set up many meetings and interactions with them, but it doesn't help that they're all sexist and turn their nose up at my efforts. I'm really starting to get sick of this job. It was fun at first, but it's never really been my cup of tea. I'd like to do something with education and I've had an idea for a while now, but I wonder how Kingsley will take it.

As I'm rereading the document for the third time, I hear a knock on my door. I'm not in the mood to deal with anymore outrageous flirting or sly suggestions, but I have to maintain a professional demeanor. I clear my throat and call out "Enter" and to my surprise, Draco walks in.

"Hello Hermione, I hope I'm not interrupting you?" he asks politely.

"Not at all, I wasn't doing anything important. What can I do for you?" I ask shuffling my papers into a neat pile on the corner of my desk and giving him my attention.

He smiles. "Actually, I'm here as a request from Potter. He and Blaise are out on a mission, and he asked if I could escort you to the floo. If you're still working, I could come back later?"

Glancing at the clock on my wall, I notice that my work day technically ended five minutes ago. "No, no I'm finished for the day. You really didn't have to trouble yourself with waiting for me."

"It's not a problem" he tells me as I stand to collect my bag. "I'm just astounded at the fact many men here don't know how to act in the presence of a lady. It would be nice if we had more women of class working here" he says falling in step beside me as we leave my office and make our way down the hall.

"Really, you support having more women work outside of the home?" I asked looking into his face.

He nods. "Of course, the world has changed and I believe in equality. Women are just as capable as men to perform a job. You're a living testimony to that Ms. Brightest Witch of Her Age" he says and nudges me with his shoulder. I feel the same jolts of electricity shoot through me that I did that time in the study of the Manor. I wonder if he feels the same effects every time we touch.

I ask about his job and he informs me of his cases that day all the way down to the floo network. When we finally reach it he stops and turns to me. "There's something I've wanted to ask you for a while now Hermione" he says looking me in the eye. His eyes are so beautiful. I could stare into them all day.

"Would you by chance be interested in going out to dinner with me tomorrow night? If you don't have any plans?" My heart rate speeds up and my mouth goes dry. Oh My God. He just asked me on a date. Me, Hermione Granger, bookworm extraordinaire. Was Ginny right? Did he really have feelings for me as well? None of the men here have asked me out, choosing instead to try and sweet talk me. I went on a few blind dates in France, but never anyone that I felt so strongly about. And Ron and I only went out a handful of times the entire time we dated. He hated taking me out or doing anything even remotely romantic, saying I would only embarrass him with my average appearance…

He clears his throat uncomfortably and it brings me out of my thoughts. I realize he's still waiting for an answer. Being with him just feels so right and I can be myself. I really would like to go out with him where it's just the two of us. Smiling I say, "Sure Draco, I'd like that."

The next evening, I'm putting the finishing touches on my hair. He'll be here any minute and I'm a jittery mess. I want tonight to go well, but I'm so nervous. My heart is pounding, my palms are sweaty, and I'm seriously debating taking a calming draught.

I've picked a forest green one shoulder cocktail dress that ends just above my knee, and black strapped heels. My makeup is a little more bold with bronze eye shadow and black eyeliner to make the gold come out in my eyes, and red lipstick. I've charmed my hair into soft curls and decided to leave it down. Making my way towards the living room in the flat I bought three weeks ago in wizarding London, I decide to wait for Draco there. I look at myself in the hallway mirror as I pass, and for a minute think maybe I'm not so unattractive.

The doorbell rings signaling his arrival. I take a deep breath, grab a black clutch, and open the door. Draco stands in front of me in a dark three piece suit that contrasts beautifully with his pale skin and brings out the silver in his eyes. He's holding a bouquet of different colored carnations, my favorite flowers. His eyes widen when he catches sight of me and he doesn't say anything for several seconds. Was I wrong about my appearance? Did he not like what he was seeing? Oh no, I thought I looked alright just a few minutes ago.

"Hermione, you look so beautiful" he says looking me from head to toe as a smile slowly breaks out on his face. His compliment immediately stops all the negative thoughts in my head. I can't remember the last time someone called me beautiful. And it feels so good to hear it, especially coming from someone like Draco. "These are for you" he says handing me the bouquet.

"Thank you. You look quite dashing yourself. I'll just go put these in some water" I say taking the flowers from him and walking over to the kitchen. He comes in and closes the door behind him. Finding a vase and situating the flowers in it, I take another deep calming breath. I probably should have taken that draught, but it's too late now. I go over to him and he offers his arm like he did when he took me on a tour at the Manor. "Ready to go?" he asks. I nod, take his arm, and he apparates us to the front of an Italian restaurant. We enter and he tells the host that we have a reservation under the name Malfoy. The host smiles, and leads us to a private booth in the back. Looking around I can tell that this is a very fancy restaurant. Once we're seated and given menus, I notice the prices aren't even listed. Draco doesn't seem to mind as he calls for the most expensive bottle of wine to be brought over. A waiter brings it almost immediately and takes our order, and then it's just the two of us.

"So where is Scorpious this evening?" I ask trying to get a conversation started.

"Staying the night with mother at the manor. He begged me to bring him along so he could see you. Threw a fit when I told him tonight was for grownups only" he laughs and I join him. After that, conversation flows easily between the two of us. He asks about my time spent in Paris and praises my accomplishments while working there. I ask how he enjoys his work and how it feels to be so young but so accomplished. He says he's glad he can make up for his past and thankful for the opportunity to do right and set an example for his son. I really admire that about him. Everything he does is for Scorpious. We talk about our childhoods, favorite subjects in school, and even our friends. It seems I've misjudged a lot of former Slytherins as he tells me about what it was like growing up in a pureblooded household. If I had parents like some of them did, I would have been mean and nasty in school as well.

Once we finish our meal, he stands up and offers me his hand, then leads me out onto the dance floor. He's a wonderful dancer and leads so effortlessly. There are lots of couples around us, but I'm only focused on him. He holds me close to his body and stares into my eyes as though he can see into my very soul. The entire setting is so romantic and even better than that time at the Yule ball.

"I'm glad you agreed to come out with me Hermione. And I'm very happy you decided to come back to England" he says softly.

"Me too" I whisper. And I really am. I didn't know what to expect when I came back, and I never thought that I would become a part of Draco and his son's life, but I'm thankful for it all the same. Because when I'm with them, I don't feel unappreciated or ugly. I feel like I really matter.

We dance for a long time until the restaurant is getting ready to close up. We've been here for nearly six hours, but the time seemed to fly. He apparates me back to my apartment and tells me he had a really great time. I say the same and then he leans forward and kisses my forehead. It's the perfect ending to a perfect first date. He asks if he can see me again and we agree to a second date.

The next day I floo over to Harry and Ginny's and tell them all about my evening with Draco. Harry seems really happy for me and Ginny says "See, I told you Mione! He really likes you!" I really liked him too. I never thought I would actually be saying that about my childhood bully, but life has a funny way of turning out.

Our next date is at the park on a Saturday, and this time he brings Scorpious along. We have a picnic lunch under a tree and then spend the rest of the day chasing after and playing with Scorp. To onlookers, we must have appeared as a family on a day out. It certainly felt that way and I try to picture a permanent life with Draco and his son. The thought brings me a lot of happiness and I find that I'm seriously falling in deep with these Malfoy men.

At the end of the day Draco is walking me back to my apartment with Scorpious asleep on his shoulder. He tried so hard to fight his sleep in the last hour, but he just couldn't fight it anymore. We come to my front door, and I turn to face him. "Today was really fun. I enjoyed spending it with the both of you" I say.

"I had fun too" he says. He shifts Scorpious for into a more comfortable position, then turns his attention back to me. "So have you heard about the Halloween ball?"

I nod. "Isn't it at the manor?"

"Yes" he confirms. "I was wondering if you would like to accompany me there?"

Inside, I'm jumping for joy. I'd been wanting to go to it, and a few men from work tried to ask me, but I turned them down in the hopes of him asking me. I was beginning to think he wouldn't. "I'd love to Draco" I say with a huge grin.

He grins back, then leans down and plants a kiss on my cheek. "Wonderful. It's a date then."

A few days later I'm walking down the streets of Diagon Alley. I need to pick up a few groceries, but also I want to look for a dress. I haven't been to a formal event in years and this one is really important. I want to look my absolute best. I step into a dress shop and browse around. There are some really pretty gowns here, but not exactly what I'm looking for. Some are too frilly, others too low cut, and some just downright too provocative. I leave the shop empty-handed and decide to ask Ginny to come shopping with me this weekend if she's feeling up to it. Her morning sickness has been really affecting her lately and I don't want to push her.

"Hello Herms."

I come to an abrupt stop right there in the middle of the street. That voice. That stupid nickname. That derisive tone. All things that I hoped to never hear again. My heart is pounding so loud I think he might be able to hear it. Oh no! Oh please no! Not now! Not when everything is going so well for me! All this is playing over and over again in my head as I slowly turn around and face one of my biggest fears about returning to England. There he is in the flesh.

Ronald Weasley.

"I've been seeing quite a bit of you in the papers lately. That's all anyone has been able to talk about. The famous Hermione Granger is back in Britain and working at the Ministry!" he mocks in his sickly sweet tone. He's put on a bit of weight since the last time I saw him. Not fat, but definitely on the chunky side. With an appetite like his and no daily exercise, it was bound to catch up with him. His once bright blue eyes are dull and bloodshot. Still heavily drinking I see. His face is unshaven and rugged, and his hair flat and grimy. His clothes are wrinkled and stained, and his skin sullen. He's still every bit the slob I remember.

"Nothing to say? You used to never shut up" he continues taking a step closer to me. I instinctively take a step back and remind myself we're in a public place and he can't hurt me. There are witnesses all around. Though to all of them it looks like we're just talking.

He raises his eyebrows at me and then an ugly smile forms on his face. "I kept waiting for you to come by and see me. I still live in our apartment. Been keeping it ready for when you finally decided to come crawling back to me."

I seem to find my voice then. "I'm not coming back to you Ron. I'll never go anywhere with you again." I've managed to keep the fear out of my tone and my voice sounds strong even to my own ears.

The horrible excuse of a smile is still in place. "Where else are you going to go? I'm the only one that's ever loved you. The only one that can look past your appearance and give you a purpose in life. I took you in, gave you a home, taught you your place, and was going to allow you the priveledge of being my wife before you decided to run off and completely neglect your duties."

His words make my blood boil and I shoot a glare at him. "Being with you was anything but a priveledge! It caused nothing but pain and I regret not getting away from you sooner. You won't dictate what 'my place' is, and I certainly won't take on the horrible role of your wife!"

The smile falls from his face and it turns up into a scowl. "Enough of this Herms. I allowed you to go off and get this rebellious nature out of your system. It's time for you to take care of your responsibilities."

He allowed me to go off? No, more like drove me off! Has he forgotten the hell he put me through? "You will never allow me to do anything again" I spit at him. "I'm not going back to you so you can continue to abuse me and accuse me of cheating, when you run off and do that very thing. You're the one who has no purpose! You're nothing but a drunken slob trying to reach for glory that isn't even yours and get off on pushing around those weaker than you. You're a sorry excuse of a man and I'll never allow you to hurt me again!"

His scowl turns into a horrible sneer and he begins to advance menacingly towards me. I step to the left and am right in the path of a group of oncoming citizens. Others around us look up and I hear them start to whisper.

"….is that Hermione Granger?"

"….she's back and working…"

"…looks like Ron Weasley…"

"…not sure if they're still friends…"

"…look like they might be having a disagreement…"

"…saw her backing away from him…"

Ron seems to realize where we are and stops. The group pass by me, but by now several people on and around the street are watching the exchange between the two of us. For right now I'm safe, but I don't need to be out and alone for the time being.

Giving me a dark look he says lowly, "You always did have to do things the hard way you little bitch. Clearly you still haven't learned to watch that smart mouth of yours. It always did get you in trouble. Guess I'll just have to reteach you. Make no mistake, you will come back to me. And when you do, you won't be leaving again." With that he turned around and walked away.

I found the nearest apparition spot and landed back in my apartment. His hateful words, dark threat, and all the memories of life with him came flooding back to me and I sat on the couch and cried. Why was he still after me? Why couldn't he leave me alone? And why now, when things are just starting to look right for me?

I cried for about thirty minutes, and was then able to calm and collect myself. I took my wand out and erected powerful wards around my apartment. No one will be getting near me without me knowing well before they reach the door. Ronald Weasley hurt me once before, but I took back control of my life. I left him and promised myself that I would never again allow someone to hurt me the way he did. I will keep that promise. And now that I'm leading a fulfilling life and have a real chance of happiness with my friends and Scorpious and Draco, I am not going to allow him to take it away.

AN: I'll be honest, I've spent days and hours on this chapter and have re-written and re-edited it many times, but I'm still not happy with the way it turned out. Definitely not one of my better ones. Please tell me what you'd like to happen next and I'll see what I can do!