A/N: So, I got to writing, and I really liked how this turned out, so I thought I would reward my awesome readers with another chapter. My favorite chapter to date! *fangirl squee!*

Chapter 17: Of Snow and Memories

Hermione Granger Apparated to a dark alley, away from any prying eyes. There was a cold chill to the wind tonight. She pulled her red scarf tighter around her neck. Her black pea coat ended mid-thigh, making her wish she had chosen the less stylish, but warmer coat. She quickly pulled on her thick black gloves. It was much colder in this part of London that she anticipated. Even her shoes were inadequate for the soft layer of snow that was present.

She had never been to the Malfoy Manor. Even when they were younger, Draco had hardly spoken to her about it.

Hermione rounded the corner of the street and unmistakably knew the house standing alone was indeed the Malfoy Manor. There were no other houses on the long, dark street. But it stood at the end, behind tall, iron gates. Across the gates, 'Malfoy' was scrawled delicately. The house was lit, the snow reflecting the lights glowed peacefully. She couldn't help but doubt that the manor was this beautiful when Malfoy Senior resided there. Or worse, when Voldemort himself took control of the home.

A lump formed in her throat, but she took a deep breath and continued forward. Draco raised a daughter in that house, she couldn't believe he would keep any sign of its dark past.

Hermione found the gate to be unlocked, and she allowed herself through. It creaked darkly, causing a stir from an Albino Peacock sitting on the trimmed hedge. It made a sound that mirrored the noise Crookshanks would make when he wanted to be fed. She smiled softly to herself, missing her old friend. He had passed away only a few years prior, from old age.

As she neared the manor, Hermione began to instinctively flatten her hair. It was unlike her to be so nervous. Especially when she saw no logical reason to be. She rang the doorbell quickly, and stepped back a little.

Promptly, the door was opened, revealing a short house elf. Figures. "May I take your coat, Miss?" he asked.

Hermione smiled sweetly to the small creature. "Of course, thank you. I am Hermione Granger. I am here to pick up my daughter, Shyla." She removed her coat, scarf, and gloves, handing them to the elf.

"Master Malfoy is in the kitchen. This way please." The elf said, levitating her belongings to a coat rack off to the side.

"Thank you, Brellin. I will take it from here." Draco announced, appearing in the foyer. He smiled at the woman in front of him. "Hi."

Hermione smiled and shook her head, "Where's Shyla?"

Draco shrugged, rocking back on his heals. "She's upstairs with Evangeline. Don't worry." He ran his hand through his hair awkwardly, "Would you like some tea?"

"Draco," Hermione sighed with annoyance. She glanced him over and raised an eyebrow, "When was the last time you had your hair cut?"

"Oh, I don't know. Why? Is it getting long?" Draco laughed.

"Have you looked in a mirror? It's so shaggy. Honestly, Draco." Hermione teased.

"You haven't answered my question." Draco informed.

"What question?" Hermione sighed.

"Fine. It's no longer a question. Tea. You. Me. Now." He turned, and started leading her to what she presumed would be the kitchen.

"Draco, I can't." She insisted.

He spun around and stared at her, "Can't what? Have a cup of tea with an old friend?" He waited briefly for her answer before he continued on his way.

It was large, but homey. Bar stools were pushed up against the heightened counter tops. Draco opened a cupboard made from dark wood, and retrieved two tea cups. "How do you take your tea?" He asked, placing a kettle of water on the stove.

"You can make tea?" Hermione snorted.

He looked at her, his blonde hair falling into his grey eyes. "Merlin, Granger. I'm not completely useless!" He prepared the tea leaves while shaking his head in portrayed offense.

Hermione watched him with amazement. It was difficult to see the young prat that he was so many years before. Breaking the silence, Hermione spoke, "Is Shyla doing better in classes?"

Draco nodded, "Quidditch has helped. She really only associates with Slytherins right now. But that is only natural. Hermione, she's a good kid, I wouldn't worry about it." He paused and smiled before continuing, "Shyla's a lot like you, ya know."

Hermione looked up at him, "Oh?" She wasn't sure how else to respond.

Draco smirked, "Yeah. She's stubborn, and a know-it-all."

She rolled her eyes, accepting the cup of tea. "I'm just glad her first year is going better than mine did."

Draco sat next to her, and took a sip of his tea. "I'm sorry if I made it worse."

Hermione let out a light laugh. "Honestly? You were the least of my concerns that year. I believe you took on that role during second year."

He sat silently, unsure of what to say. Finally, he smirked at her, "Merlin, I was a prat!"

Hermione laughed, "I know." The two locked eyes, as if they were trying to read the others' mind. After what could have been ages, Hermione smiled broadly. "It's snowing."

Draco looked over his shoulder, "So it is." He smiled and set down his cup. "Come with me!" He stood suddenly, and grabbed her by the hand. Draco led her out the side door in the kitchen. They walked onto a snow covered lawn, with tall hedges opening to them in the distance. It must have been a maze, as so many rich people have in stories.

Hermione let out a gasp, "It's so beautiful." The lights in the hedges twinkled like fairies in the night.

Suddenly she frowned, "Draco? Do you have happy memories of this place? Your home?" She knew it was intrusive, but their friendship had been so open before. She hoped that it would continue that way.

He shrugged, snowflakes hanging onto his blonde lashes. "Some. After the war, I took residence here, determined to clear out the bad memories. When Evangeline was born, it helped. She was always so happy, and innocent." He chuckled slightly, "I wish I knew why she is so moody now."

"Maybe it is because she's a Malfoy?" Hermione teased.

Draco turned to her and smirked. "Only so many years ago, you were quite smitten with a Malfoy. If I remember correctly."

Hermione felt her face flush despite the cold air. But she smirked back, "And I recall a Malfoy being taken by a Muggle-born."

"Past tense?" Draco asked quietly.

"What?" She replied in confusion.

"You used past tense." Draco pointed out. His eyes lingered on her face. Particularly her lips.

"Was I incorrect?" Hermione asked, catching her breath.

"Sort of." He replied, taking a step closer to her. "It's hard not to be taken by someone who is so incredible."

"Draco.. I-" Hermione tried. She had matured enough to know that Draco was admitting his feelings for her. "Do you have the maze memorized?" She suddenly asked, "It seems so large and vast!"

"Granger, you talk too much." Draco laughed, placing his hand on the small of her back. He stared at her longingly before smiling at her, "I'm going to count to three, and then I am going to kiss you. If you stop me, I will back off. But I can't continue ignoring how I feel about you."

Hermione swallowed the lump in her throat, and breathed deeply to calm the butterflies that were stirring. She began to recall their first kiss.

"One." Draco whispered.

They had already established a form of friendship. At first, Harry felt he was still protecting Hermione, and would keep them apart frequently. But eventually, Hermione insisted that Harry relax, and that if Draco tried anything, she would hex him into last year.

Hermione was on watch that night, and Draco volunteered to take her dinner. "I brought you food." He announced, handing her a plastic plate with a mass of potatoes, corn, and green beans.

"Harry cooked tonight, didn't he?" Hermione laughed nervously, taking the plate.

"It's edible, I had some." Draco shrugged, "Besides, Potter has a lot on his mind."

Hermione nodded in agreement, "I know." She turned and looked at the boy standing next to her. "Your information has been so helpful. Yet, terrifying." She shivered in the cool evening air, readjusting her position on her sitting rock.

"Oh, I brought you a blanket." Draco recalled, draping the dark green cloth over her shoulders. He sat next to her carefully, keeping a respectable distance between them.

"Thanks." She smiled at him, and began to eat, preferably before it got cold. She coughed a little, "He's made worse."

Draco laughed, "When all of this is over, let's say we'll go out and eat the nicest food we can."

Hermione smiled softly, "And drink the nicest wine that money can afford!" For some strange reason, she had always wanted to say that.

Draco agreed, "It's a date."

"Two..."

They sat in silence while Hermione finished eating her meal. Finally, she placed her plate on the ground, and pulled the blanket tighter. "Look, I'm not sure if this is loneliness speaking, or actual feelings," she spat out, catching Draco's attention. "but, I have grown fond of you." She felt her face blushing, and she allowed her hair to fall in her face, hiding his reaction from view.

"I watch you read by candlelight." Draco informed the girl.

Hermione's head shot up and she locked eyes, grey to honey.

"I can tell it's an exciting part of the book when you twirl your hair around your finger." He said softly, "I've noticed the way you watch the stars when you think no one is watching."

Hermione felt her heart beating rapidly. His response took her completely by surprise. Surprising even herself, she pressed her lips against his. They were soft and inviting.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. He returned the kiss with just as much fervor. No one had kissed her in such a way.

"Three." Draco breathed before wrapping his hand in her curls, gripping the small of her back. He kissed her with twelve years of pent up longing and emotions.

A/N: There it is! I hope everyone loved it as much as I do!

~PurplePygmypuff