Chapter 15

Hermione sat in the study of her apartment. She had gotten word from Harry that less than a few hours ago, there was another break in at a store in Diagon Alley. It wasn't part of her jurisdiction of work, so she didn't have the details, nor was she required to be part of the case, as there was nothing to look into as of yet. There had been so many robberies lately, and it peeved her. The world was supposed to be a better place now that the war, however there was still so much violence and distrust.

The entire community was on edge because of the murders. No matter how hard they had tried to keep it contained, the news still leaked, and rumours circulated. Most people knew the gist of the case, however didn't exactly know all the details behind it. Any progress that had been made since the war had finished was quickly being set back. Now, those on the prosecuting side of the war were being targeted.

Granted, it wasn't a full blown persecution, but it had raised the tension between the two sides. Hermione couldn't help but wonder if this was what the murderer wanted. Did they wish for the world to turn into a state where those who were once on the safe side were worrying about their lives?

Hermione had personally witnessed a few arguments in Diagon Alley on the matter. One person usually loudly voiced their opinions on the case, either in support, or against, and it lead to another person feeling offended by their remark. Aurors had been called in on several occasions to end wizarding duels between people who were obviously very upset about the current matters.

She glanced at the clock and saw that it was already five. Draco had told her to come by for around 6 for their dinner date, so that gave her an hour to get ready. She wasn't sure why, but she wanted to dress up slightly for the occasion. Nothing as formal as what she would be forced to do for a ministry gala, but still something more than looking like she just rolled out of bed.

She used a few charms that she had picked up over the years to put her hair, which had turned into ringlets over the years, into a ponytail, and then she applied a light amount of makeup on her face to add to the beauty Ginny claimed she had.

She slipped into a red dinner dress and wore the same black heels she had the last time she had gone out with him. Hermione made a mental note to remember to ask Ginny to get her a few more pairs of heels that she could wear for such occasions. It was due to her friend that she even had half the clothes she did, as Ginny tried to help her keep updated on the latest fashions. Hermione never had the patience for shopping, as it bored her to have to try on several outfits to find something she liked.

Hermione was just placing her wand in her purse when she heard a knock at the door. She hadn't been expecting anyone so she warily walked to the door.

To say she was surprised to see Ron Weasley standing there would be the understatement of the year. She had known that she would have to face him eventually, especially after the news of her date with Draco had broken out to the wizarding community. However, she had not been expecting it to happen so soon.

"Hermione, wow," Ron said as he took a look at her. "You look amazing."

She felt uncomfortable by his presence, but tried not to let it show. She didn't want him to think he had the upper hand in this situation when it was her who did.

"What do you want, Ronald?" she said, sounding slightly irritated. It was nearly six, and here was the last place she wanted to be at the minute.

"I wanted to see you," he said softly. "I haven't talked to you since, well you know, and I wanted to have a chance to do so."

"I'm busy," she said. "I have somewhere to be, so can it wait for another time?"

'Or never', she added silently in her head. She hoped he would take the hint and leave her alone, however as usual, he was as dense as a log, and her intent didn't seem to sink into his mind.

"Just give me a few moments, please," he pleaded, however he did not seem to be asking really. In fact, he seemed to be nearly telling her that he needed to talk to her so he would. She had always hated that about him; he never seemed to care about what she wanted or needed.

"Ron…" she said, her voice trailing off. "I have prior engagements, and I cannot just break them because you're insistent on seeing me. You broke up with me, what else was there left to say that you didn't already? You told me how you hated me, and how you thought I was ugly, and you told me how I would be lucky if another wizard ever wanted me. So why are you back now? What more could you possibly have to talk about?" her voice was relatively calm. She had let him have the upper hand in their break up, but she would not allow him to trample over her any longer. She no longer had any feelings for him, nor had she any reservations about giving him a piece of her mind.

"Well clearly you seemed to have picked up and moved on from me quickly," Ron shot back in defense. As usually, when he was slightly criticised, Ron would attack back full force. "Look at you getting all dolled up for him. It's far more than you ever tried with me. Did you even mourn our relationship before jumping into Malfoy's bed? Or were you seeing him before, you little whore? How dare you lash out against me for cheating?"

She held her cool, "I never once cheated on you, Ronald, so do not accuse me of such. I was faithful to you, which is more than you could ever say. And it's been months since we broke up. I'm allowed to move on and be happy, and it has nothing to do with you anymore. Now, unless you have anything left to say, I suggest you leave," she said icily.

When he said nothing more, she slammed the door in his face and sat down in her arm chair for a few moments. She didn't feel like shedding any tears over what just happened; she had done more than enough of that in the past. And while it bothered her that he would say such things, it was nothing in comparison to what he said to her in the past.

With Ron she constantly had to little herself for him. It threatened him to see her rise up to be so successful based on her merits and not on her friendship to Harry or using her war status, as Ron had. And it threatened him that she was intelligent. If Ron had his way, then she would remain a housewife like his mother and constantly cook and clean for him.

Draco was different though. He let her prosper, and he never held her back, even encouraging her to move forward to greater things. Even though they weren't together officially, she knew that he wouldn't change in that aspect. He let her care for Scorpius, but didn't try to show her to 'her place', as Ron would say, and be a good little housewife, as pureblood society would dictate.

'Merlin!' As her thoughts drifted to Draco, her eyes widened. She was late for their date! Granted, it was only by fifteen minutes, she hated to keep him waiting for her. Grabbing her purse, she went over to the floo network and threw the powder into the fireplace, before flooing over to his home.

She had been nervous about visiting the place, as she had not done so since the war. Draco had promised her that he had redone the entire home so that it no longer seemed unpleasant, and that the entire wing of the house where it had occurred had been burnt to the ground, and rebuilt as a larger library than what the home had before then.

"Hermione," Draco greeted her as she came through. He was wearing a set of dress robes that were not extremely formal, yet had managed to look hot in.

She gave him a hug, and pulled him in tightly. It felt so good to have his arms around her, as it gave her a sense of safety that she had never felt with anyone else before.

"Are you okay?" he asked her gently, as he cupped her face. She supposed her behaviour gave her away, but it made her feel better that Draco knew exactly when something was wrong with her. Ron had never been able to pick up cues on that, or he just didn't care enough to try.

"Ron came by to see me," she explained softly.

She saw his face harden at the mention of her ex, and his grasp around her tightened protectively.

"Did he say anything?" he demanded. "He didn't try anything did he? I swear, if he hurt you…"

"I'm fine," she assured him. "He just spouted out the same out things. I think he wanted to try and get me back, but his anger got the better of him, and instead he kept ranting about things. Merlin, he even tried accusing me of cheating again. I swear, he's just a record on repeat."

"I'm glad you're okay," he said gently, as he kissed her forehead. "Do you still want to have our dinner? Or do you want to do something else?"

"I want to have our date," she responded. "I refuse to let him ruin a perfectly good evening. I've been looking forward to having dinner with you and Scorpius, and who is he to take that away from me?"

He smirked at her, "Good choice, Granger."

"Minnie?" she heard Scorpius' voice call out from the doorway. She pulled away from Draco to see Scorpius run towards her. "Daddy, you didn't tell me she was here!" he said with a pout. He wrapped his tiny arms around her.

Hermione lifted him up so she could properly hug the little boy. "Hello Scorpius, don't you look handsome today?" He was wearing a miniature set of muggle dress clothes, and Hermione had to admit, the boy looked absolutely adorable in them.

"I look 'ansome, right Daddy?" he asked, as he shot his father a look.

Draco smiled and ruffled Scorpius' hair, "You look very handsome, Scorp. We better watch out, otherwise all the ladies are going to want you."

He made a gross face, "Girls are yucky!" he said, before thinking about it for a minute, "Except you, Minnie. I like you."

She laughed at the boy's proclamation.

"It seems as if I have to fight for you attentions against my own son," Draco joked. "Merlin, never thought I would have to worry about that."

"How do you know I even want you?" Hermione retorted. "Maybe I'm just using you to get to your son. After all, he's a lot cuter than you."

Draco pretended to be hurt, "That's a shame then. Should I leave the two of you alone, or…?"

Hermione smiled at him, "Nahh, I think I'll keep you around for the time being."

Draco grinned, "Are you hungry?" he asked, changing the subject slightly. "Dinner's ready, so we can eat whenever you feel like it."

"Did you actually cook it, or did a house elf do it?" she asked, raising a brow. She knew he had them, as it was something they discussed previously. He had assured her however that he treated them very well, and that they were basically part of his family, so he would never mistreat them.

He looked sheepish. "I tried to do most of it, but I might have asked them for help a few times."

"I'm sure it will taste delicious. Can we eat now?" she asked, slightly hopeful. "I got caught up in work, and I kind of skipped lunch again."

Draco gave her an incredulous look. "I swear, Granger, if it weren't for me, you would never eat! Maybe I should assign one of my elves to making sure you do so at the proper times so I won't have to worry about you fainting randomly." He led her towards what she assumed to be the dining room, and she took in the house. It definitely looked livelier than the last time she had been here, that was for sure.

She chuckled, "I swear, I'll try to eat on time from here on out."

When they got to the dining room, she was astounded. The architecture was absolutely brilliant. The room was large, and in the centre was a dining table which she assumed could fit at least a hundred people, however, she could tell it had been shrunk down for the three of them. There was a large chandelier above them, and on the table, there was a set of fine china.

He pulled out a chair to help her into her seat, before settling his own son down. Then, Draco took the seat which was across from her. He had a glass of red wine placed in front of the two of them, and some juice in front of his son so he would have something nice to drink as well.

Draco waved his wand, and food appeared in front of them. She could tell that they were all appetizers, as there were an array of salads, breads, soups, and a few other wizard delicacies. Draco helped his son get food on his plate while she helped herself to the food.

The first things she noticed when she took a bite of the food was the perfection of the consistency. She complimented him on it, and she could almost swear that she saw him blush, however when she looked closer, she could no longer see any appearance of it.

She knew it was just the two of them alone in the house. Lucius had been sentenced to thirty years in Azkaban, only getting a bit of leeway as he in the end had tried to protect his family. Narcissa, however had gained far more lenience. Due to Harry's testimony, she had only gotten a two year sentence. When she was released, she had left for Italy, claiming she needed to get away from England for a little while. Draco had yet to speak about his own parents to her, and she knew that it was a hard topic for him to approach so she decided to wait for him to be ready to do so. She had no right pushing, and she cared enough about him to wait until he was ready to talk about how he felt on the matter.

"Daddy, the food's yummy!" Scorpius said with a smile. He had sauce spread all over his face, and food coating his hands, but Hermione could tell that Scorpius was learning how to eat properly still, and that it would be a while before he could use utensils. She would be lying if she said she wasn't impressed with how much more mature he was for his age than a lot of other children she knew.

The night progressed as such with lots of talking, laughter, and smiles. She had always felt at home with the Weasleys, but it was different than it was with the two of them. Somehow, together, they managed to feel like a family. Yes, it was too soon for her to claim to feel anything serious, however it was different with Draco than any of her other relationships. Somehow, the two of them felt right. They fit together, and it felt as if they were a real family.

After putting Scorpius to bed, Draco came down the stairs.

"Sorry that took so long," he said softly. "He was so excited from having you over tonight. I enjoyed your company too."

She smiled at him, "I loved being here with the two of you. Scorpius is such a great kid, and I would love to be able to keep doing things like this with the two of you."

"Good," Draco said, sounding nervous. "I know we never exactly specified our relationship, but I would like to. Hermione, will you be my girlfriend?" he asked her, as his eyes pierced through hers.

"I would love to," she answered him with a wide smile. "I know we agreed to take it slowly, but I like you a lot, Draco, and everything with you feels perfect."

He took her hand in his and drew her close. "I'm glad you agreed," he whispered. "Because now I can do this." Before she could question it, his lips were pressed against hers. They were gentle at first, only tugging at her own slowly. She wrapped her hands in his hair and drew him in closer, speeding up the urgency of their kiss. He placed his hands on her waist and pulled her closer against him, so she could feel her body pressed to his.

When they finally pulled away, she felt her pulse still racing. She felt dazed and saw that he had a similar expression on his face.

"If I knew kissing you would feel that good, I would have done so years ago." He said with a smirk.

"I wouldn't have let you," she countered, however she had a teasing tone in her voice so he could tell that she was only teasing him.

He simply laughed as he walked her over to the floo, "I had a great time tonight, Hermione. Hopefully we can do something again soon."

"I'd like that," she said as she placed on last, brief, kiss on his lips.

"Goodnight, Granger."

"Night, Malfoy."

Miles away, Lucius Malfoy looked at the paper he had bribed the guards with. His eyes widened at the headline article, before his lips curled into a smile.

Perhaps there was hope for his son after all.