Disclaimer: I wish I owned Draco Malfoy. Get in my bed…damn.

Ch. 36

Meeting Hermione's parents hadn't been as difficult as I had thought it would be.

After a quick, yet wholesome and friendly greeting from both of her parents, Hermione and I had proceeded to put our luggage into their "car", and after a quick explanation from Hermione, we parted ways and found a small alleyway to Apparate discreetly.

We were now standing on a long, straight road, filled with large, pretty, sunlight houses. Recovering quickly from the sensation of having my lungs squeezed together, I looked around. The street was quiet, and behind us, a church bell ringed softly. Almost all of the houses were either painted white, made of brick, or were a combination of both, with dark green shrubs surrounding their entrances and crawling up their mailboxes.

Hermione sighed deeply beside me. "It feels so good to be back here." She said quietly, and I could tell that she was nothing except undeniably happy. The street was simple, but just looking at it made me feel cheerful and almost…

At home.

"Where are we?" I wondered aloud, and I watch Hermione's lips rise up in a small smile.

"Hampstead Garden Suburb, Heathgate." She exclaimed, still obviously moved by the feeling of returning to her hometown. I almost felt a twinge of jealous at her happiness. Countless times I had wished to feel this way for returning to the Manor, which was far grander than all of these houses, although they were all quite nice. Hermione began to walk, and I followed her.

"Well I supposed I would give you a tour – but I didn't want you getting freaked out in the car –", Hermione explained kindly, "So I figured I would give you one on foot." She smiled.

As much as I hadn't wanted to admit it, I had been a little intimidated by the "car".

Hermione turned on her heel, nearly business like in demeanor, and gestured towards the church that was not far off behind us. "That there, is St. Jude's Church", she explained, and I could still hear the excitement in her voice. "My parents were married there." Hermione sighed.

I turned too, and looked to where her finger met a large, rectangular building made purely out of brick. It was beautiful, surrounded by green with long pathways, very similar to the houses ahead of it. In the middle of the roof stood a tall pointy tower and I realized that the chiming bell hung there, large and bronze.

As we turned away from the church and made our way down the street, Hermione began expertly explaining nearly each house, including who lived in them. I had even managed to crack a few jokes, saying that she would make a good realtor.

Halfway down the street, Hermione hesitated then stopped completely. Her finger dropped, and I, who had been in mid-laugh, suddenly became quiet. It wasn't somber…just appreciative.

To the left, stood one of the most charming houses on the street, tall and proud in appearance yet completely homey and humble at the same time. High shrubbery lined the footpath, and an old, white mailbox stood a few feet away from me. Looking closely, I saw that a small purple handprint stained the white surface, flashing out expansively against the general tone and hue of the house and the houses surrounding it. Large, paned windows framed with ledges stood out against the brick of the house, largely in contrast with the black roof, and green vines crawled up the front side of the house.

Wordlessly, I knew that this was Hermione's house. All of the other houses seemed almost dim in comparison. Hermione turned to me and delicately touched my arm through my suit. "Welcome, Draco."

It was nearly as satisfying as hearing the words 'welcome home' tumble out of her soft, pink lips. Suddenly, everything seemed almost intimate, and I felt myself bond with Hermione more than I had before. Looking at her now – she seemed different than how she had been on the train just a few hours prior, seemingly less uptight and serious. There was no other explanation other than it was because she was home. Hermione grabbed my hand and led me past the hand printed mailbox. I didn't even need to ask – I knew it was hers. Climbing up the three, low brick steps, we stood at the door, and Hermione let go of my hand as she fumbled –something I had never seen her do before – for the keys in her pockets. I wondered if she was nervous. I was, but I didn't think that I would ever admit that to her.

The door swung open, and curiosity overtook me almost immediately, along with surprise.

The entrance to the house was larger than I had thought. There was a long hallway, with shiny wood parquet and a small table where a vase with pretty flowers rested, along with a picture frame of Hermione, her mum, and her dad. Although it was dark, and we still hadn't stepped into the house, the warmth that emitted was soothing. Out of all of the warm colors inside and surrounding the house, a sharp, bright color caught my eye and I looked to left, where there was a little garden with small, potted plants. Among these, were the brightest, pinkest flowers I had ever seen. They almost seemed to glow.

Taking this to account made me realize the chilly air surrounding us even more. I looked at Hermione, and she grinned.

"Hydrangeas and foxgloves", Hermione smiled with pride. "I've been charming them for years with a permanent sustaining charm. The neighbors always ask about them."

"Wonder why?" I drawled softly, and she shook her head. Hermione's fingers brushed lightly against mine, and I ignored the weird flip that my stomach did…

"Want to come inside?" Hermione asked me, and had it been any other moment, I would've called it out as foolish, since we were going to be going in anyway. I nodded discreetly, and she smiled, taking my hand and leading me through the doorway.

Hermione hit the light switch with her free hand, and I looked around, the new surrounding seeming even more elegant in light, if that was possible. The hall led into large room with equally large windows, a bright yet warm light shining in. As we delved even deeper into the house, a theme occurred to me. The house had a main theme of warm tones, like dark reds, browns, blacks, and whites. Everything about the house was warm, the feel, the look, even the smell of it.

Hermione clutched at my hand, and sighed once more. I had never seen her look so relaxed.

"It just feels so good to be home, you know?" She exclaimed. I wish I could've told her I knew the feeling. Hermione seemed too into her surroundings to notice the tiny bitter look that tinged my eyes, but instead, smiled and said, "I think a tour is in order."

First, Hermione gave me a tour of the first floor, which included two bathrooms, a large, flawless, sparkling kitchen, a sitting room, a library (no doubt the first of many, it was Hermione's house after all), and a back entrance to the high fenced yard, which was filled with copious amounts of Hermione's colorfully charmed flowers, and a wide pool.

Next, was the second floor. There were also two bathrooms up here, and a small balcony at the back of one. She also showed me the guest room, where I would be staying. It was a classy room, cream walls, tall, curtained windows and a large, plush bed with pure white sheets. There was a polished wooden desk, and a strange, wide black square perched on a creamy white drawer set. At my befuddled expression, Hermione only laughed and shook her head. I nearly felt dumb.

"That's a television", she said expertly. "People watch other people on them…but we'll get to that later", Hermione assured me at the strange look on my face, before showing me the rest of the room. There was a fairly large closet, and a creamy colored rug rested on top on the wood floor. I also wasn't surprised to see that a small bookshelf rested beside the bed. All in all, it was a very comfortable, elegant room.

Hermione showed me around the rest of the second floor, which was just as endearing as the rest of the home, explaining here and there about certain appliances. Not long after showing me my room, she halted again, this time at a simple white door with a golden doorknob. The room was closed, and as she turned the doorknob, I wondered what would be behind it. The door swung open with a muffled creak, and I knew exactly whose room it was.

Hermione's room was lavender and cream, with hints of light blue accessories. There was a queen size bed with a chestnut bedpost, comfy looking periwinkle comforters, and fluffy pillows. On the wall there was a large map, and a painting of purple flowers that I knew Hermione had painted herself, along with the only magical thing in the room – pictures of her, Ron, Harry, and Ginny laughing. A massive bookshelf nearly took up the right side of the room, chock full of books. There was also a white desk with a light blue armchair facing a large window with lavender curtains.

"This is my room." Hermione stated, her voice sounding oddly vacant. It was obvious that she too was slightly shocked at being back. Perhaps she was reminiscing. Everything looked so untouched.

"It's nice!" I piped up, trying to get her to talk. Hermione gave me a small smile.

"You're welcome whenever you want. Sorry if I'm acting weird, I just –"

"Don't apologize. It's been awhile since you've been back, hasn't it? Plus, it's a lot different from the Wizarding world, and –"

But I didn't get to finish my sentence however, because Hermione had halted me with a hug. Her arms hung against my hips, and I halted for a moment before wrapping my arms halfway around her. I wasn't sure if I should embrace her fully or not, and the strong urge to do so mixed with the strange plummeting feeling in my stomach wasn't helping.

"Thank you." Hermione murmured against my shoulder, and although I didn't know her reason for doing so, I decided to let the moment linger without any questions.

Exhaling, I brought her closer to me, the shifting of our clothing against each other's strangely comforting.

"You're welcome."

VVVVV

Waking up the next day felt like a culture shock.

Looking around at my surroundings felt strange, and I almost wondered if I was dreaming. What had been that horrendous ringing in my ears? And why was there so much purple? The rooms in Hogwarts tapestry covered walls…

Oh right. I was home.

Home.

A smile erupted on my face, and as I struggled sleepily out of the sheets, introducing my body to combination of chilly air and warm morning glow, I realized that Draco was only down the hall.

He had seemed so charming last night, especially with my parents at dinner, where they had finally gotten to get to know him a lot more. Mum absolutely adored him – she'd told me so when he had gone to set up his things, while dad just smiled and agreed. They seemed to like him well enough, but I could definitely tell that Mum had been more engaging with him. Perhaps Dad would just take a little longer to adjust to him…

Stretching, I walked into my bathroom, washed my face and brushed my teeth. My hair was still damp from the shower I had had last night, I noted sleepily, as the smell of vanilla and almond floated into my nostrils. I picked up the brush on my sink and ran it through my hair twice before exiting the bathroom. I checked the time.

Nine o'clock.

Would Draco be awake? I wondered. Perhaps he would be. I wouldn't want him getting lost in the house once he had woken up.

As I made my way to Draco's room down the hall, I wondered how he was adjusting. I wondered if he felt at home. Should I have asked him? I didn't know.

I reached for the doorknob as quietly as I could, but my hand faltered for a moment. Where were my manners? I should knock first.

Not wanting to startle him, I rapped at the door as softly as I could. When I didn't hear anything, even when I had softly called his name, I reached for the doorknob. There was a small creak as I stepped into the room, closing the door quietly behind me until it clicked shut. Turning to face his bed, my breath caught in my throat.

Draco was still in bed. Asleep.

Shirtless.

'Get a grip, Hermione!' I mentally scolded myself. Eyes still glued to his sleeping form, I nearly turned away. When had he gotten so…so…attractive?

No, that wasn't the word. Draco had always been attractive; every girl in Hogwarts could tell you that. But even sleeping, he was breathtaking. Creamy, ivory skin stood out against beige sheets, nearly swallowed by sunlight. His arms and torso were exposed, all toned, lean muscle, and as he exhaled, I saw his abs contract. And to think he had hid all of this under robes and the occasional black suit. Not that he didn't look great in those either.

Quidditch had done him well, I thought.

Shamefully, I shifted my eyes upwards, to his face. I was blushing hard, and I prayed that I would be able to face him without having the same hue as a ripe tomato. Draco's expression was peaceful and innocent looking, just as it had been that day in the Hospital Wing. I wondered if he was simply feigning sleep as he had that day. Swallowing my embarrassment among other things, and approached him. Up close, I could see that his hair had caught light from the sun flooding in the window, making small strands shine like spun gold. The sun had the same effect on his eyelashes as well.

Draco was breathing evenly, I noted, his chest rising with each steady breath. It seemed that he was asleep for real this time…but I still couldn't be sure…

"Draco?" I murmured softly, ignoring my urge to reach out and brush his tousled hair away from his forehead. "Draco."

Draco's eyes fluttered open on the second try, and I paused in my position. Grey hinted eyes stared up at me, still clouded with sleep. It was then that I realized that I was crouched halfway over him, clad in nothing but a light camisole and sleeping shorts. I nearly blushed again, and as he gazed up at me with a small smirk, an exhilarating feeling invaded my chest.

"Bloody Hell", Draco murmured, and I felt myself immediately become self-conscious.

"What?" I asked curiously, but he only grinned sleepily, pulled back his comforters, and crawled out of bed. I thanked Merlin then that I was resting against the bed, for my knees went weak as I watched him stretch.

When had he gotten so…gorgeous? I hated to admit it.

"Nothing." Draco replied cheekily after stretching. He was only wearing low slung, silk, black pajama pants. I sat on the edge of his bed as he entered his bathroom as I had done to freshen up. He emerged a few minutes later. I scoffed cockily, hoping to cover my blatant staring. I also hoped he wouldn't mention it, but judging by the mischievous, smug grin that traced his face, I could tell he was considering it.

"Took a few extra minutes to stare at yourself in the mirror?"

Draco smirked once more. "You should try it sometime." He shot back, and I couldn't help but laugh. It was obvious that he had no issues of being half naked in front of me. Had it been Harry or Ron, they would have cringed and darted for the nearest shirt. I got off the bed and decided that if Draco didn't have a problem with his outfit, then I shouldn't have a problem with mine.

"Come along then", I stated, uncrossing my arms. "I expect my parents are wanting to see us both before they set off for work."

I didn't miss the long glance that Draco shot at my chest. I turned away so that he wouldn't see me flush.

"Well I think we should both put on a bit more clothing in the mean time. Wouldn't want your parents getting the wrong idea, would we?" Draco teased. I didn't answer, but instead I only laughed and left, shutting the door behind me.

My heart fluttered in my chest at a million beats per second. I paused for a moment, my bottom lip caught in between my teeth as I questioned what had just happened.

Had it meant something? I didn't know, and I almost didn't want to.

All I could tell was that this was going to be a very interesting holiday.

VVVVV

So the holiday has begun! Finally, right? I'm really excited to write the next upcoming chapters, this should be fun! If there's anything you'd like Draco and Hermione to do (activities) during the holidays, let me know! This chapter was a bit of a tease, yay for shirtless, sleepy, attractive Draco! Don't mind if I do ;D! Feel free to leave reviews, ideas, or constructive criticism! Love to all! X