Chapter 48 – Ready for those Flashing Lights?

23 April 2010

DG Potions and Holdings

The Welland Valley, Northhamptonshire, England

Draco's Office

Draco Malfoy

"You need to calm down Drake. Your outburst is entirely uncalled for. I'm sure Granger is fine. Potter is acting the bloody hero and investigating. I'm sure with the boy-who-doesn't-die she will be found in no time. Sasha has people looking for her in the States. There isn't much you can do right now. Why don't you go home and try to relax?"

I look at Theo and want more than anything to silence him. I did have a bit of a rant, but I bloody well was entitled after not hearing from Mia for so long. I've sent texts and her phone is going straight to Voicemail. Mia has been texting me daily since I left New York, and I haven't received word from her since yesterday morning. I became concerned when she missed our appointment with the Singhs to hire them as C.E.Os of DG Potions. I apologized to them and said we would need to reschedule. I can't help worrying that she is missing over something to do with me. She promised me she would never assume the worst of me. Did I already fuck up? FUUUUUUCK!

I pull at my hair, and look at Theo, "No I'm not going home yet. I still need to run this fucking company. Fuck! Why aren't you working?"

He leans back in his chair, and smirks, "I'm giving the new Editor-in-Chief a go this weekend. Sash and I are going to Paris with her friends to their favorite night club tomorrow night. I assumed you and Mia would go too, unless she's truly been kidnapped."

I throw my quill at him, "Oi! You're not fucking helping! She's been gone since yesterday. Colton says her location is turned off on her phone, whatever that means. This isn't like her. Something is terribly wrong. I should probably go interrogate my mother." My mother is the only threat I could think of. The woman ruined my chances with her before.

He winces, "Fuck! Aunt Cissa wouldn't hurt her, and you know it. What did you do to scare Granger off? She was fine Wednesday."

I shake my head, "Fuck you, wanker! As I have told you all bloody day, I didn't say or do anything to scare her off. She said she wants a go with me again. She wanted to go slow. I didn't think by slow she meant completely disappearing."

Theo stands up, "Come on, mate it's almost five, let's go to Dagworth-Granger Manor. Granger's friends are all there. We can see if we can help find her."

Just then I receive a text.

Mia: Guys. I'm sorry! I got caught up in research and hadn't checked my phone. I'm fine. Everything is ok. I love you!

I take a deep breath. It's just like her to get caught up in research and block out the world. We spent several hours in her library at Dagworth Castle. I hope she didn't spend the last two days reading the Grimoires. They are dangerous magic. I decide to text her back.

Draco: Are we still on for tonight?

Mia: Absolutely. See you at 7! 3 3 3

Draco: What is less than 3?

Mia: It's a heart, Draco. I'll explain later!

"You're smiling. Does this means my duties as Drake's babysitter are concluded?"

I look at Theo, "Fuck you! What do you mean my bloody babysitter?"

He shrugs, "Sasha wanted to make sure you were alright, while Granger was missing."

That surprises me, "She was concerned for me? I thought she hated me."

Theo laughs, "Oh that. She definitely does, but she loves Granger, and will protect her interests. Apparently, that interest is you. I'm pretty sure this lovely day with your grumpy arse has earned me a nice look at her jubblies or if I'm lucky a gobble on my knobble."

I stare at him.

He looks apologetic, and says, "Of course I was here all day for you. Your my best mate, I can't have you drown yourself in firewhiskey. Granger's fine. Let's call it a day."

I shake my head, "Thanks, mate for spending the day distracting me with your constant nonsense."

He smirks, "Anytime. It just proves you can't live with me. Where are you taking Granger tonight?"

I smirk, "Brussels."

Theo smiles, "That's perfect."

6 September 1998

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Great Hall

Hogsmeade, Scotland

Draco Malfoy

"Theo can you please shut the bloody hell up for five fucking minutes?"

Fuck he doesn't know when to shut the fuck up! At this unholy hour of 9 in the morning on a Sunday, Theo, Blaise, Parks, Daphne, and I are on our way to the Great Hall for breakfast after drinking firewhiskey all night. We stayed up until 4am this morning and finally passed out in my room in a pile of bodies on my bed, fully clothed, of course. Theo woke us up, quite obnoxiously, to go to breakfast. Sunday mornings are traditionally waffle day at Hogwarts. They serve waffles and every topping possible only on Sundays. It's always been our tradition to get up on Sundays because waffles are amazing. Even last year during the worst parts of the war, we still made it to Waffle Sundays.

My head is pounding. I haven't imbibed so recklessly since Sixth Year. I wonder if Granger will give me a sober-up potion. I really should have brewed some before I came to Hogwarts. I knew Blaise and Theo would bring a few cases worth of firewhiskey to Hogwarts. Theo has become quite adept lately with the undetectable extension charm.

When we arrive in the Great Hall, Granger and Luna Lovegood are sitting together in the middle of the Eighth Year table. Granger who drank with us last night until about 1 in the common room, is, of course, reading a book. I take a seat across from her. Theo sits next to her and everyone else takes a seat around us.

Luna looks at me and says, "Good morning, Draco Malfoy."

Granger looks up, and giggles, "You lot look rough, how long did you stay up last night?"

Theo puts his head on Granger's shoulder, "At least until 4. We passed out in Malfoy's room."

She raises an eye brow and looks at me. Surely she wouldn't think… She smirks and grabs her bag and starts rummaging through it. She pulls out five vials, and says, "Sober up?"

Theo grabs one and kisses her cheek, "I love you! Will you marry me?"

She giggles and pushes him off of her, "You wanker, get off me!"

Theo kisses her cheek again, and says, "You didn't say no."

She sighs, "Theo, I'm merely eighteen years old, I couldn't possibly entertain the idea of marriage at this early stage in my life. I regretfully must decline your generous offer of marriage over a sober-up potion."

Theo swallows his sober up and pouts.

Daphne takes her vial, "Thank you, Hermione. You know most of our mothers were married before the age of twenty. Eighteen isn't too early to consider your matrimonial options."

Granger shakes her head, "I know traditions are different in wizarding society. I didn't mean to offend you. I have a great deal left to learn and grow before I could entertain the possibility of ever getting married."

Daphne laughs, "You didn't offend me. Most of our parents marriages were arranged. If we had normal experiences, I'm sure all of us would have been forced into a betrothal before we started our Seventh Year. I'm thankful tradition was not forced on us. I want to spend time in Paris after graduation and maybe study fashion."

Granger smiles, "I'm not sure what I want to do after we leave Hogwarts." She hesitates and mumbles, "I never thought I would survive long enough to be given a choice."

Blaise take his vial and takes a second to hand to Pansy, "Who brewed these?"

Granger looks at Blaise and raises her chin, "I did. I brewed quite a lot of them the week before school started."

He smiles and winks at her, "Why would a nice witch like you need so many sober-up potions?"

She smirks, "Because over the summer, I discovered I had acquired the taste for copious amounts of vodka." She whispers the last part.

Blaise laughs, "You're full of surprises, Granger."

I take my vial, but purposely caress her hand as I take it. Her eyes meet mine, and I see her breath hitch. Interesting. We have spent four nights together in the common room talking. Talking to Granger has never been something I imagined I would enjoy doing. She's insightful, brilliant, and respectful of the opinions that differ from her own. Though she does like to argue over why my opinions are wrong, she's still quite respectful about it. The first week back at school has been surreal. Even Pansy has taken a liking to Granger.

I take my potion and immediately feel the effects. Thank fuck! I look at Granger, and say, "Thank you."

She smiles and says, "You're welcome."

I watch her as she makes her plate of waffles. She takes one waffle, and smears butter on it. She then grabs a spoonful beans and places them on the waffles. Disgusting! "Granger, what in the fuck are you doing to that waffle? What did that waffle ever do to you for you to disrespect it by placing beans on it? That is atrocious treatment of such a fine delicacy."

She shrugs, "I've always eaten beans on waffles. Growing up I wasn't allowed many sweets."

I smirk and take her plate and vanish it. "Now let's see if we can teach you the proper way to eat waffles."

She huffs, "Beans and waffles are a perfectly reasonable English breakfast, Malfoy!"

Theo adds, "There is nothing reasonable about beans and waffles. Waffles are a delicacy and should be savored with all the delights of the world."

Daphne giggles, "I like mine with orange marmalade."

I look at Daphne and say, "That's almost as bad as beans. No Granger, I will make you a proper waffle. It's the least I could do for the sober-up potion."

She raises an eye brow and smirks, "Fine, but if I don't like it, you have to eat a waffle with beans."

I smirk, "Easy. You'll love this Granger."

She folds her arms, and lifts her chin and watches me as I call my house elf. I whisper in her ear and she leaves and returns within second and hands me a gravy boat of melted Belguim Chocolate. I take several strawberries and place them on the waffle and take my wand and use the spell to slice them. I arrange the strawberries evenly and place a second waffle on top. I pour the melted chocolate on the waffles and hand her the plate.

She raises an eyebrow, "Isn't using slave labor cheating a bit?"

I point to myself and say, "Slytherin."

She huffs and picks up her fork and knife and delicately cuts a bite of the waffles. (I have noticed Granger has impeccable manners. Her manners are more proper than Pansy's and Daphne's.) She takes a small bite, ensuring there was a bit of waffle, strawberry, and chocolate in the bite. She closes her eyes and let's out an almost inaudible moan that goes to straight to my cock. I watch her mesmerized. She takes another bite and her eyes roll back. She is truly enjoying it.

Once she swallows she places her knife and fork down gently, and looks me straight in the eyes, and says, "Meh. I've tasted better."

I smirk, and lean in, "If you swear an oath on your magic that wasn't the best waffle you ever tasted, I will take that tall stack of waffles and that bowl of beans and eat every single bite."

She folds her arms, she knows I have her. "Fine it was the best damn waffle I have ever had. Satisfied?"

I smirk, "It makes me supremely content you agree with me and have conceded to my superior knowledge. It was my pleasure teaching the Brightest Witch of our Age the proper way to prepare a waffle. However, I'm not nearly as satisfied as I could be."

Theo destroys the moment, by placing a fork to her lips and says, "Here try mine, it's blueberry compote with fresh blueberries."

She took a bite and smiled. "Alright, I concede, you have proven your superior knowledge of waffles. I bow to your excellence in taste."

We laugh and for another hour she samples everyone's waffles. Luna's waffles were peanut butter, caramel, and bananas. Blaise's waffles were simple with melted butter and honey. Pansy's waffles had cooked apples and vanilla ice cream. She makes several combinations to try. After that first Sunday of waffle bonding we all became better friends and Granger never missed an opportunity to experience Waffle Sunday again.

23 April, 2010

Dagworth-Granger Manor

Sussex, England

Draco Malfoy

I arrive at Mia's door at exactly 7PM. She opens the door and looks amazing. She is in a short black lace dress with patches of fabric to hide her bits for privacy. I want more than anything to remove her dress and rediscover every inch of her. I smile, "You're beautiful." I lean down and kiss her cheek.

She smiles, and walks out and quickly shuts the door behind her. "Where to Mr. Malfoy?"

I pull out a muggle lighter and say, "I have a portkey for us."

She smiles and grabs an end of the lighter and says, "Let's go."

She seems to be in a hurry to leave, I don't question it and simply take out my wand and say, "Portus."

When we land she takes a moment to look at her surroundings. She takes my hand and smiles, "I haven't spent time in Wizarding Brussels for a couple of years. Where are we going?"

She's so confident now. I smile at her and say, "Jannsen's."

She smiles, and takes my arm as I lead her to the restaurant, "Famke Jannsen, who is the daughter of the owner, runs DG's apothecary here in Brussels. It's a fairly new store, it's only been open about six months."

"How many apothecaries does DG potions have now?" She inquires.

"There have twelve stores total. We have added, Copenhagen, Rome, Brussels, and Vienna in the last year. We haven't expanded outside of Europe, but we do sell a great deal of products across the world. Our cosmetic line debuted last year and has really taken off extremely well. "

She laughs, "Ah yes, Lady Mystique. I discovered tonight the new lotion I purchased in The District was a DG Potions' product. It's quite luxurious. Did you develop the formula?"

I laugh, "Funny story, the recipe came from my mother. It's likely a pureblood secret she's tweaked. She received an Outstanding N.E.W.T in Potions. She married my father and completed a Mastery despite societal expectations. Once she completed her Mastery she was able to take on Severus Snape as her apprentice. That's how they became close enough to make him my godfather."

She looks at me and asks, "How much older was your mother than Professor Snape?"

"She was in her fourth year when he started Hogwarts in 1971. She had only finished her Mastery when she took on Severus as an apprentice, which is quite unorthodox. Severus was already quite advanced in Potions, but needed the endorsement to receive his Mastery. Mother did it as a favour to my father."

She thinks about that for a moment, "How was he so advanced?"

I smirk, "I believe he spent a great deal of time with your grandfather as a child."

She gasps, "What?"

I smile because I remember Ophelia telling me this story the summer after the war. "Eileen Prince was Snape's mother. The Prince family I believe is a relation to Hector. His grandmother, was a Prince. When Eileen married a muggle, it was quite the scandal. The Prince family which was only Eileen's father and brother disinherited her. Ophelia being the champion of lost causes, assisted Eileen to the best of her abilities. Hector took quite a liking to Severus and spent most of Snape's formative years teaching him all he could about Potions. When Hector died in 1972, Ophelia allowed Snape to spend summers and holidays at DG Potions to allow him to learn from her various Potion Masters. When he turned sixteen, Ophelia began paying him to brew simple Potions for a wage. Severus worked at DG Potions during his time off at Hogwarts up until 1996 when the war started to escalate."

She smiles, "Really? Huh. I wonder why he didn't get an apprenticeship at DG Potions, then?" I shrug knowing at the time my father was protecting Ophelia during the First Wizarding War. She continues, "You said Ophelia was a champion of lost causes, what did you mean?"

I look at her, "She assisted Molly Weasley when the Prewetts cut her off. She gave Andromeda her Cottage when the Blacks disowned her. I'm sure there are more examples, but those are the two Ophelia had mentioned."

We arrive at Jannsen's. I give my name to the hostess, but when she looks at us she excuses herself. She comes back with Andrei Jannsen the owner of the restaurant. He's in his 60's with salt and pepper hair. He walks up to Mia, shakes her hand, and says, "Miss Granger, I had no idea you would be joining us tonight. I am changing your original reservation to a private room, it will be ready in less than five minutes. I apologize for the delay."

Mia smiles, "Andrei, thank you. I didn't know I was coming here. Waiting is no issue, I appreciate your discretion."

I look at Mia very confused. How is she so recognizable? How does she know this man? I look at her and she is biting her lip. She's nervous like she is hiding something. We take a seat and she is overthinking something. Curious.

After three minutes we are lead to a private room with a small table and a buffet table on one wall. Andrei asks, "Would you like your usual order, Miss Granger?"

She smiles and looks at me and says, "I need to few minutes to discuss it over with Mr. Malfoy."

Andrei studies me a moment, and says, "Of course."

Once Andrei leaves she smiles, "About three to four times a year we call Jannsen's for a large order of waffles. With the teleportkey system, we can travel to any part of the world. Since I am owner of Enchantex, I can travel to any part of the world with a touch of my finger at no charge. I may take advantage of that and order takeout all over the world."

Interesting. "The first night I met Colton he called you a takeout superhero. He doesn't know when you want something, you just travel all over the world to get it?"

She smirks, "Not always. New York is truly a melting pot of the world. Any type of cuisine you desire, you can usually find. There is even a British Pub that serves amazing Fish-n-Chips, Sheppard's Pie, and on special occasions Banoffee Pie. With all of the traveling I have done setting up my company, I have discovered some true worldwide treasures. It's nothing to look up a number and order something. Because we own our own satellite and set up servers in every country, our company doesn't have additional roaming charges that many other companies have. Of course we only offer cellular and internet services to Magicals. I discovered how to break through most wards so our devices can be used anywhere without the interference magic typically has with no-mag electrical devices. We also have a no-mag line of our devices. The technology behind the devices are superior to anything else on the market. There are several directions we could take. I've been weighing my options for a long time. Now that I own a controlling share of Majikktekku I'll have to figure out what to do with their company."

She blushes, and looks down, "I'm sorry for rambling. Am I ridiculous for being so nervous?"

I smirk, "I have missed the way your mind works. Why did Andrei offer us a private room?"

She rolls her eyes and sighs, "Remember when I said you might decide you don't want to be with me?" I nod and she continues, "Aside from the celebrity status I gained around the world for the Second Wizarding War, I have gained quite a bit of celebrity status worldwide for Enchantex. I'm consistently featured in articles in every type of publications from academic articles to horrid gossip rags. I gained an Order of Merlin for the changes in the wizarding society my company has made worldwide from the I.C.W. I have given billions of galleons to charities. In New York No-Mag society, I'm considered a socialite. I have an issue with being followed by the no-mag and magical paparazzi. There were several articles printed about us while we were in California a couple weeks ago. I've been in the papers since I was 15 years old. I have learned to ignore it, but it can be a bit much for anyone who dates me. If you decide you want to date me, your life will no longer be your own. Your anonymity will be gone. They will investigate your past. Interview your former lovers, and scrutinize every decision you have ever made. It's not a good idea to publically date me. I'm quite hard to date. I work a lot, I am followed everywhere and a simple outing is usually a major event in the papers and gossip magazines. I was hoping to have a least one date without discussing the big issues, but I want you to be aware of what it will mean to date me."

I smirk, "Are you trying to talk me out of dating you in the first ten minutes of our first date?"

She sighs, "I'm trying to be honest with you about the inconveniences of dating the most famous witch in the world, (not my words). It's also becoming an increasing issue in the no-mag world, as well, since I launched the No-Mag line of our devices. Did you know there were several articles about our dinner with Sash and Theo the other night in the muggle London gossip rags? I can't go anywhere without gaining attention. If you link yourself with me, it's going to an extreme annoyance to you as well."

I laugh, "Mia, I don't give a fuck. You are not going to scare me off that easily."

The waiter comes by and Mia and I order a full waffle service and they set it up on the buffet table they moved next to our table.

Once we are settled, Mia asks, "How are we even going to manage a long distant relationship? My life is 3,400 miles away from you."

I smile, "Currently, it's only about 36 miles away until 15th of May, correct? I have made some decisions in the last couple of days. Colton offered to allow me to sub-let his flat. I am going to start studying so I can take my M.A.S.Ts after his aunt Edie Remington sent me all information on how to go about it. I would really like to complete my Potions Mastery."

She's staring at me like I grew another head. I received the information from Colton's aunt today so I can study for and take my M.A.S.Ts as we discussed Wednesday night. I was quite serious about wanting to give Mia and I a chance. I can't live without her again. I don't care about the costs.

She clears her throat, "I wasn't aware you wanted to move to New York."

I smirk, "The conversation I had with Colton and Chris on Blokes' Night was quite enlightening. I don't want to stay in a city you are not living. I want to give us a real chance."

She is thinking. She has scrunched up her whole face and drew her eyebrows in for concentration. I always loved how expressive she was. The way her mind processes information is truly remarkable.

After a few seconds of silence she smiles. "This changes things. I knew you wanted to give up being C.E.O. of DG Potions, but it never occurred to me you would be willing to relocate. I have been trying to figure out how any relationship between us would effect my company. I will still need to make changes."

I take a sip of my wine, "Mia, I have made my intentions quite clear, but just in case you missed something while you were overthinking, I'll say it again...I don't want to live this life without being by your side. I don't care about what the press says about me, I have made peace with my past. I have managed to keep myself out of the press since 2006 when I dated that insipid model. I have kept clean. I have dated some, as we have discussed, but there is nothing about any of those relationships that will bring scandal."

She laughs, "This definitely isn't a first date conversation."

I smile, "No, but as I recall we never did anything together by halves. I was drawn to you that first night in 1998 when you shared part of yourself with me through something as simple as a song. I wanted to bring you here on our first date to have waffles. I wanted to remind you of the first time you showed me trust. Letting me make you a waffle and trusting me enough that you took a bite, was significant to building our friendship. After all the horrific things I put you through in our past years at Hogwarts, you showed me that day you were really offering me the forgiveness you said you would. I'm here again asking you to truly forgive me again. I am so incredibly sorry for ever letting you go. I am sorry for ever letting you believe I wanted a life without you. I thought for a long time I could do it, live without you, I mean. I don't have the courage in me to face this life without you anymore."

She has unshed tears in her eyes. She smiles, "It truly was an excellent waffle. Draco, I do forgive you. I have learned so much over the last couple of days. Someday, I will tell you everything." She pauses and thinks for a moment. "We agreed to meet Teddy tomorrow, would you meet me at 10:30 in the morning tomorrow? I would like you to fulfill a…curiosity."

I smirk at her, "Love, I am available to fulfill all your curiosities."

She tilts her head slightly and runs her tongue across her top lip, "I'll keep that in mind."

23 April, 2010

Dagworth-Granger Manor

Sussex, England

Draco Malfoy

We had a lovely time while in Brussels. She and I talked for the rest of the evening and took a stroll through the wizarding section of the city. We shared stories, and she allowed me to hold her close to me as we walked. We took the portkey back to England and are now standing outside Dagworth-Granger Manor.

She looks up at me and smiles, "Thank you, Draco, for a lovely evening."

I take her hand and bring it to my lips, "It was my pleasure. I'll meet you here…."

Just then the door opens, and Theo says, "Drakie! Come in and join us for a drink!"

I look at Mia and she shrugs, "Would you like to come in and join us?"

I smile, "I'd love to."

We walk through the door and in a flash Kelly and Mychaelia run up to Mia and hug her. She says, "What are you guys doing here?"

Mychaelia says, "It's the weekend, baby girl. We portkeyed here a couple hours ago. Besides we are all going to Paris tomorrow."

Mia looks at me and then looks at Mychaelia, "Mac, I can't go to Paris tomorrow."

Mychaelia looks at me, "Draco can join us Mi."

She huffs, "You know that's not the issue. Come on. Let's join everyone else, and get this over with."

We walk downstairs to the kitchens. The kitchen is quite large and has a massive island in the middle. All of her friends are sitting around the island on bar stools. When we get close, Colton transfigures two barstools for us to join them.

Josh is across from us smirking at Mia. What a fucking tosser this bloke is. "What's this about you not wanting to go to Paris with us tomorrow night, Mia?"

She crosses her arms across her chest and says, "You know damn well why I can't go to Paris with Draco tomorrow."

He smirks and looks at me. He studies Mia for a moment too long and finally says, "You're the one that said the paparazzi can write whatever the fuck they want."

Mia sighs, "Well, certain things have changed, haven't they?"

He shakes his head, "Fine. Do as you wish. I'll just think of all the pussy I'm going to get when the world finds out how horribly I've been duped by the Brightest Witch in the World."

Mia laughs, "You're such an asshole. You're just pissed you'll need to vet a new proxy."

I look at Mia and ask, "What's this?"

Mia sighs, "The papers have been pairing Josh and I together for years. We have never confirmed it denied allegations about our rumored relationship. Because of Rita Skeeter, I pretty much let the papers write anything about me as long as it didn't effect my company. When we moved to New York, Josh accompanied me to a few events and it turned into a thing. We never corrected assumptions because I didn't care, and Josh had a scapegoat not to commit to the morons he dated. We let the stories continue because it served a purpose to keep people away." She looks over to Theo. "Theo, I'm going to need you to release a written statement to your circular publications over the weekend." She looks to Kelly, "Kel as VP of Public Relations I need you to contact the head of the department and have a statement released to correct 6 years of misconceptions." She then looks over at me, "Draco say the word and we not go public. We will need to contact Blaise and Astoria because as soon as it is released we are a couple, she will get bombarded. It won't take long for them to dig up the articles from '99."

Sasha laughs, "So the date went well, then?"

I look at Mia, she is still reeling trying to think of everything. "Mia can we talk in private, please?"

She stands up and looks at her friends and says, "Excuse us."

She apparates us to a bedroom. I smirk, it's the bedroom I always used while I was at the Manor. "This was my room."

She looks at me and says, "I'm aware. Hester told me." She walks over to the bedside table and pulls out a framed photo of Ophelia and I when I was about 5 years old. I smile. I hardly remember that picture.

I ask, "Was this taken at Shell Cottage?

She looks at the photo again and affirms.

I inform her, "Hector built Shell Cottage the first year of their marriage and gifted it to Ophelia for their first anniversary in 1900. I was surprised to see she gifted it to Bill Weasley."

She frowns, and says, "I really should read her journals. I haven't found the time."

I guide her to the seats in front of the fireplace. "Mia, if you are not ready to announce we are dating, there is no rush. I don't rely on what is printed about you or I for that matter. If staying with Josh in the media is something that works for you now, I don't see why we should change it when you have so many reserves about you and I."

She looks at me and bites her lip. "I don't have any reservations. I still would like us to take things slow. I have been bombarded by so much information since I have arrived in England. I would like to tell you, but I want you to be sure about me first. You need to understand my life is complicated. I work all the time. My friends are intrusive and I love them all dearly. It will take me time to learn to communicate with you, because I have always kept a part of myself hidden from everyone. I don't know how long it will take me to share everything with you."

I take her hand, "Love, I know your old secrets which you revealed to me in your own time. I know you. There may be changes and small things I don't know, but I know you. I know you hide everything you are thinking until you have processed it and over think everything to exhaustion. I know when you scrunch up your face you are thinking about five things at once. I know when you bite your lip, you're nervous. I know when you feel cornered you lash out. I know you are beyond brilliant. I know when you love, you love with your whole being. Everything else is inconsequential. Do you want to make us work again?"

She doesn't hesitate and confidently says, "Yes."

I smile, "Then we will. I won't ever make the same mistake twice. I'll do anything and be anything you want and need me to be."

She smiles, "I'm still scared, Draco, but not about how I feel about you. I'm scared I'll lose you again, and I won't be able to blame anyone, but myself. It may take me time to trust myself. I love you, Draco. I always have, and I always will. The last couple of days have given me so much clarity. I will tell you about them soon. For now, let's go end my fake relationship with Josh."