2 years later

Hermione had done wonders at the research lab in British Columbia. She had become even more world renowned and pioneered new cures for magical maladies and dissected curses and created counter spells. She was unstoppable and could do it all. She loved her new home and explored the turquoise lakes the country boasted. She learnt to enjoy the diverse cuisine and even found comfort in poutine, a Canadian delicacy of chips, gravy, and cheese.

She had built friendships with her coworkers, specifically the older witch that greeted her the first day. She was a receptionist by the name of Betty, she became Hermione's closest friend and they would have tea often. Recently, Betty has been trying to set Hermione up with her grandson. They have yet to meet but Betty gushed about him. She boasted of his intelligence, his dashing good looks and kindness. Hermione laughed and indulged her. She had only seen one photo of him and it was taken from a side view. She could tell that he was quite tall and towered over his grandmother. He had wavy blonde hair, the kind you would find on a surfer, but not quite as long. Sure, he looked handsome in that photo, but Hermione was not quite sure she was ready. 2 years didn't seem enough for her heart to heal, and every so often things would remind her of a Slytherin she left in her past. The wounds she thought she had sutured shut would peek open again and bring back a wave of sadness.

She hadn't heard much about him as she avoided asking her friends. They knew not to tell her. A few months ago, at Christmas at the Potters' she caught a glimpse of the paper. It was tucked away but she had been ruffling through the drawers looking for a quill when she read the headline

Malfoy Heir to Unite with Greengrass Heiress

A photo of Draco wearing sleek black robes, champagne glass in one hand the other around a blonde witch was printed.

She slammed the drawer shut and cried in the bathroom before coming out to see her friends once more. Hermione said her goodbyes to her friends and left the day after, her heart as broken as it was in the Malfoy garden two years ago.

He's forgotten her and moved on. Not that it wasn't to be expected, he was a wealthy handsome eligible man and she was surprised it honestly took two years. Yet here she pined, her heart standing still in time right where he left her.


Hermione was sitting on her desk as she fiddled gently with the necklace Draco had given her, as if for comfort. She hadn't taken it off ever since he placed it around her neck. She made a silent promise that she would only take it off the day she felt clean. Clean of the man she loved- still loves.

Knock knock

"Come in!"

Betty's warm smile peeked from the door. "Hi, Hermione. I have someone I'd like to introduce to you if you don't mind." She gave her a cheeky wink and Hermione immediately knew who it was.

She offered an exasperated smile and motioned for her to come in.

Behind Betty was a tall specimen of a man. He was indeed blonde with bright blue eyes and a sculpted face. He looked like a Greek god. Hermione tried to contain the blush she felt creeping up her face and managed to stand up elegantly to shake his hand.

"Hi, Hermione. I'm Nicholas, it's great to finally meet you." He offered up his hand and a smile as warm as his grandmothers.

"Hi, it's nice to meet you as well." She smiled back, still flabbergasted that a man this beautiful was apparently single.

He had an arm hidden which he revealed to be holding a bouquet of red roses. She flinched slightly, the sight of red roses bringing up bad memories.

Nicholas seemed to notice and asked, "are they not to your liking?"

"No no they're wonderful, just uh- just reminds me of something."

He nodded and didn't pry any longer. "Well, how about you tell me which flowers are your favourite Wednesday morning over coffee?"

She smiled and accepted. Nicholas took his leave and Betty giggled excitedly before she left Hermione to her work.

Hermione pondered over her upcoming date. You'll be fine. It'll be ok. It's only your first date since Draco. No your tongue hasn't atrophied, you'll know what to do if he kisses you. Wait why are you getting so ahead of yourself. It's the first date at a coffee shop he might not even kiss you. Stop picturing his lips.


Wednesday

The date with Nicholas had gone well. He picked her up from her apartment and took her to a small coffee shop downtown. It was bright with lots of plants. She got a cappuccino and he got a matcha latte. Despite asking her for coffee, she found out he only drinks tea. He also brought her sunflowers and hoped that no bad memories were attached to the blooms. She giggled and reassured him there were none.

They talked for a couple hours before they drove back to her place where Nicholas lingered and prolonged their goodbye. Hermione did not invite him in but he gave her hand a kiss. Hermione felt nice. The date was nice. Nicholas was nice. It was all too nice.

She missed Draco.

Nicholas sent an owl a couple days later asking her for dinner. She didn't respond until the next day as she debated her answer. She finally agreed and forced herself to get out of her shell.


The night of the second date

Hermione was taken to an upscale place downtown that served sushi. Nicholas acted like a perfect gentleman and brought Hermione a bouquet of pale blue peonies. He opened her doors and pulled her chair for her and paid for the dinner in secret. He took her back to the apartment and lingered once more. He didn't push but the kiss had moved up to her cheek. He said goodnight and expressed his wish to see her again.

And so Hermione did. Third, fourth, fifth, twelfth dates were attended. Her heart was feeling lighter, and she was slowly opening it up to him. And yet a part of her whispered, I've still got you all over me

And so her necklace remained.