Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter & co. - just write what could have been. Reviews - thoughts, comments, etc., are always welcomed! Please review - they really do bring a smile to my face :) Sorry for the late update - life has been hectic, but hopefully you like!

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Chapter Twenty

The summer solstice had come and gone, a memorable event that included a drunk Ron, a father-in-training Harry watching with Teddy, and an unexpected experience from Ginny. The weeks progressed on while with less drama than previous weeks for Hermione – no drunken Slytherins at her door, no ex-fiancée's crashing lunches, and no awkward ex-family dinners. Despite all of this, Hermione's ministry job kept her busy; she had to cancel on Harry for the past three weeks because of the paperwork that had piled on her desk regarding a new legislation on the protection of dragons. While she was pleased that the scaly creatures were getting the protection they deserved, Hermione was still perturbed at the treatment of the Ukrainian Ironbelly at Gringotts, she wasn't pleased at the large quantities of paperwork she had to go through. Hermione understood she was good at her job, but she felt that she was giving more than what she was entitled to handle. She had also cancelled on both Theo and Blaise when they requested lunch with her because of the review over the previous protective laws for the golden snidgets. Some wizards and witches were lobbying to reduce the laws around the golden birds, but Hermione knew once those laws slacked off, the magical creatures would be endangered once more. More than once, Hermione had called Harry, apologizing profusely, and owled both Theo and Blaise written apologies. She wouldn't have minded a break, but magical creatures demanded her time more often. When Draco Malfoy appeared in her office while she was out to speak with Meroy about one of the proposed protection plans for dragons, she almost turned back around. He was observing her pothos plant, dressed in a dark gray, three-piece suit. Hermione could see the accents of silver on his cufflinks that probably caused more than her flat and the lighter gray oxford underneath. As of late, Hermione noticed Malfoy let his straight hair do what it wanted, but today it seemed he had gotten a haircut. Most of his hair on the side of his head and behind had been buzzed cut short and the top of his head left his straight, blond locks styled to dangle to his right as if he was constantly messing with them. It suits him. Hermione couldn't help the thought and then shooed it away. She hadn't seen him since the day at Nott Manor. While Hermione didn't regret asking Malfoy if he wanted to be friends, she was still embarrassed by her reaction to his apology and how Theo took over to care for her. She looked away as she made her way to her desk.

"Granger."

He said, eyes on her as she walked in and closing it gently. She placed her portfolios and random parchments down on the wooden desk before her, eyes back the tall blond.

"Malfoy, did I miss an appointment? Sorry I can't – "

She started apologizing, knowing she probably did miss some arrangement between them as she had with her other friends but he quickly interceded.

"Theo and Blaise are waiting for us to lunch. They sent me to retrieve you and advised me to not take no for an answer."

He said, his voice soft and silky, like running water. Did they all take a speech class when younger? Hermione couldn't help but to ask herself. She quirked an eyebrow up and decidedly sat down, organizing her paperwork.

"Tell them I am sorry again, but I don't have time to leave."

She replied. While Hermione was relieved she didn't by accident miss anything pertaining to Malfoy, she knew he had a temper to match Ron's when he showed it, it was short lived when she thought of neglecting Theo and Blaise. She did miss her friends, even her new ones. It was longer than a few moments when she noticed Malfoy hadn't moved from his standing position, merely watching her. She couldn't help but to sigh out loud.

"You're not leaving until I say yes, I take?"

She asked him. She watched his bottom lip move up ever so slightly, smirking slightly before nodding. Hermione sighed again, softer this time, knowing a losing battle when she saw one; she stood up to straighten her attire. She wore black, long trousers that made her appear taller than she was, matching black heels, and baby blue, long sleeved oxford. She had her curls tied back in a high ponytail, small curls escaping it to frame her face; Hermione grabbed her sapphire blazer, pulling it over, as she motioned to the door.

"Lead the way."

She grumbled. Hermione didn't like wasting time, but she knew she'd waste more if she sat and argued with Malfoy on why she couldn't go. This is where Malfoy hesitated; he didn't move, his smirk falling, and his gray eyes fell to the sudden very interesting shoes he wore.

"Perhaps you should go ahead and I'll follow later. Less chance of reporters capturing your picture with me."

Malfoy said. His thoughtful gesture surprised Hermione, warmth blossoming in her chest and manifesting on her cheeks. She couldn't help but to mimic his smirk at him, playfully.

"That'll waste time. Let's go, Draco."

She responded. Hermione started walking out, once more, from her office despite not planning to. Draco didn't hesitate to follow her lead, closing the door behind him, and slowed his pace to walk besides her. The clash of monotone colors from Draco and vibrant colors from Hermione were only the first attention sparkers; soon most eyes were on the chatting pair once realizing who was walking with whom.

"Where did Blaise pick this time?"

Hermione asked him, looking up at him. Draco looked even more serious than before, a stark contrast to a smirking Blaise when she walked with him, as he replied,

"He said you liked Zortifino's."

Hermione chuckled at his answer, shaking head slightly, and letting her eyes fall back to ahead of her. She had to restrain herself from glaring at gawking onlookers, focusing on the lift ahead.

"The pasta was delicious."

She answered back, thinking back to the sweet but tangy squash pasta she had weeks ago and then also remembered the frosty encounter. She peered up at Draco before looking ahead of her, avoiding any eye contact.

"I also met your ex-fiancée there."

She said as they stepped onto the lift; it was packed but allowed room for just the two to slip in. Hermione almost waited until another lift came, but she knew they were going to be packed regardless, being lunchtime. Hermione did her best to ignore the open stares they received – more than she had with Blaise. She knew it was because he was Malfoy and she was Granger, but that didn't mean it didn't irritate her to no end.

"You met Astoria?"

He asked quietly, his lips close to her left ear. She shivered at his words but forced herself to not react as violently as she felt.

"Yes, she was… something else."

She whispered back, looking up at him in close proximity. Up close, Hermione could see the sharp angles of his cheekbones and the ever-present circles around his eyes but also noticed the stubble that was already peaking around his jaw. She realized she was staring when she caught Draco's eyes staring back and she let her head fall back. Finally, they stepped out into the atrium and for once, Hermione was not the center of attention, and to her surprise, neither was Draco. A handful of reporters were surrounding Wizengamot members – Shacklebolt himself standing beside his peers. There was flashes all around as they were all standing near the giant brethren statue; Shacklebolt stood out from the rest, not because he was minister, but because the air around him demanded it. He wore a dark purple cloak and a matching kufi. Hermione eyed them, curious as to what could be causing such a commotion. Draco took this time to continue making his way to an open fireplace, knowing time was of the essence if they wanted to escape the reporters.

"Minister! Is it true that the Death Eaters are scheduled for the Kiss in the coming weeks?"

One reporter yelled. Malfoy halted besides her and Hermione quickly turned back to the group – her eyes widening at the realization.

"Yes, we have three scheduled for the coming weeks."

Shacklebolt answered, his voice loud, commanding attention as always. Time moved slowly, the realization slowly morphing into apprehension as both witch and wizard didn't move from the places, still listening in as another Wizengamot member spoke up.

"We have scheduled the Dementor's Kiss for Fenrir Greyback, Corbin Yaxley, and Antonin Dolohov."

His shrill voice said. Hermione couldn't help the small relief she felt when both Greyback and Dolohov's named were mentioned. Greyback was a monster and Dolohov didn't fall far behind. The lack of Malfoy Sr. being mentioned also offered relief to Hermione, allowing her to let out a breath she had been holding. She couldn't help but to peek up at Malfoy who also seemed to untense at the names being said.

"Come."

Hermione whispered and began walking once more, making sure she stepped as softly as she could against the tiles. The pair started making their way to the nearest fireplace before the same shrill voiced Wizengamot member yelled,

"And then we'll discussed the futures of Thorfinn Rowle, the Lestrange brothers, and Lucius Malfoy!"

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Harry Potter walked in a seemingly empty corridor on level six of the ministry when a hand shot out from around a corner and jerked him inside a small alcove. He was contemplating when a good day was to see Teddy this week and if Hermione was ever going to disengage from work mode when two arms looped around his neck, pulling him close to the smaller body now in front of him; small, soft lips met his with a satisfied sigh. Harry smiled knowingly against the lips kissing him fiercely, closing his eyes, and wasted no time in one hand firmly placed on the small of their back and the other tangling in their soft, silky locks. While he hadn't known if he was going to be able to see his witch walking in her level of work at the ministry, he still tried. Harry was nothing but persistent – and lucky. After a few moments of snogging, temperatures rising and not knowing if his witch's Muffliato charm would hold after a certain time, Harry placed one more delicate kiss on the now flushed skin. He opened his green eyes to the witch before him. Her dark brown eyes opened hazily, a warm blush appearing on her pale skin, and a soft smile on her previously used lips.

"I missed you."

She whispered, her arms still around Harry's neck, his hands shifted to rest on her hips, still on her body. Harry drank her in, appreciating the wore attire she chose for today – dark trousers with a fancy, crème colored blouse that hugged her petite stature. The soft texture was nice to behold. Harry didn't have to lean down much, almost being at the same height, as he nuzzled into the crook of her neck, her soft skin a haven to him he hadn't known he needed. She stifled a giggle, but held him close as he whispered against her skin.

"I missed you too. I'm sorry I haven't had time to see you this week."

Harry pulled back to see her as she whispered back,

"It's okay, I know the famous Harry Potter has a busy schedule."

She winked at him, loosening her hold to allow her hands to rest on his chest. She started straightening his shirt, moved by their previous actions. Harry chuckled softly as rested his forehead on hers, gathering her attention to stop as green eyes peered into brown ones.

"Whenever you're ready to publicize our relationship, I can never be too busy for you."

Cho Chang's blush deepened as she smiled beautifully at him, Harry's breath catching in his throat at the sight of her.

"Are you sure?"

She asked him, uncertainty flickering around her. Harry's grip on her tightened, holding her closer.

"I've never been more sure."

He answered. When Harry and Ginny had broken up, Harry decided he wasn't looking for a relationship anytime soon. He wanted to work out his hectic schedule and he needed time to process no longer being with Ginny. It has been almost seven months when he noticed Cho working late nights as he did and almost eight months when she noticed him, asking him to join her for a late dinner with the clever smile of hers. It surprised him how easily they could talk despite the years they hadn't and their awkward non-breakup, but Harry was glad he didn't turn her down when she offered. Both Harry and Cho had agreed they wanted to take things slow, not only because of their disastrous first time trying but because of his recent break with Ginny and the trail of reporters that seemed to follow him. Now, almost three months into their private relationship, Harry was certain he wanted to at least try with the Ravenclaw. The two reactions he was worried about was a certain red head Chaser and her mother but seeing the bright smile on the bright witch in front of him doused those fears.

"Set a date then, Harry."

She said, leaning into him to give him a long, languid kiss before winking, disentangling herself, and leaving him the now public alcove – taking her Notice-Me-Not charm and his breath with him.