Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter & co. - just write what could have been.

AN: Reviews keep me going - please leave your comments, thoughts, etc.! :) hearing your thoughts! Me encanta escuchar sus opiniones! Happy hols!

As always, shout out to my beta, A.

Chapter Forty-Three

Hermione felt light touches on her cheek then hair before a soft set of lips pressed on her forehead. She heard a whisper of her nickname before a soft sigh and then the world went away.

Hermione awoke the following morning in a plush bed and colorful room that was most definitely not hers. Her throat was parched and there was a dull aching in the back of her head from the lack of water she consumed last night. However, despite waking up in Pansy's guest room with a slight hangover, the Gryffindor couldn't help but to smile at the sky-blue ceiling above her. Despite the difficulties Pansy was experiencing and the snags that took her to get where she was, Hermione felt content. Slowly, she began shifting around and finally sitting up to see a pair of fresh clothes laid out before her. Curiosity caught the better of her, knowing Pansy would force her to go back into the room and change before letting her come out. And so, Hermione peeled away her old clothing. Slipping on the dark gray, bodysuit that covered everything but her back, and cushiony, royal blue jumper that ended right below her breasts. Hermione felt sporty but comfortable, the materials soft against her skin. She wondered if they were going for a jog as she slipped on her trainers. She adjusted her curls into a high ponytail, not bothering to adjust the small baby curls that framed her face. Finally stepping out, she called out,

"Pansy?"

There were soft murmurs before Ginny appeared out of the kitchen. Hermione tried to peer over her, seeing a flash of white but Ginny stood in her line of sight. Ginny had changed from what she wore last night as well. The redhead was now wearing a lilac pleated skirt that ended a little higher above her knees showing off her ridiculously toned, creamy legs. Ginny wore a soft yellow, cable knit vest that Hermione didn't think she owned. Her slim, toned arms were something the redhead would show off, but Ginny hated yellow; she said it clashed with her hair. She also wore chunky, white trainers and her long hair was in loose curls. Hermione quirked her eyebrow up at the outfit which, even more shockingly, made her blush.

"Good morning, 'Mione!"

Her fellow Gryffindor chipperly said, crushing her into a quick hug before releasing her and hurriedly whispering into her ear,

"I didn't know, but don't freak out."

Hermione couldn't stop the perplexed look that crossed over her face while Ginny led them to Pansy's kitchen.

"I hate to admit, but Parkinson has great taste, and your natural beauty is really glowing after a good night's sleep."

Ginny said to her. Before Hermione could reply, she was met with two Slytherin males in the mutli-coloured room. Don't freak out, Ginny's words came back to her as she pressed her lips together.

"Buongiorno, Mia."

Blaise's deep voice greeted her with a warm smile and a steaming mug. The Italian wizard was dressed in the most casual Hermione had ever seen him – brown joggers, black trainers, and a crème colored, long sleeve sport shirt. He was grinning and his eyes flashed over to the witch beside him. Hermione couldn't help but to wonder if Blaise was in a great mood because of Ginny besides her or the situation she found herself in barely half an hour out of bed.

"Buongiorno, Blaise."

She replied. Her eyes roamed over to the blond beside him. The intensity of his stare was unnerving, but Hermione didn't budge. She was becoming accustomed to his intensity. Draco was the opposite of Blaise but even then, he was more casual than how he usually dressed; he wore dark gray trousers, matching, shiny dress shoes, and a white polo. He had glamoured his arm to hide the Dark Mark, but Hermione wasn't interested in that. Hermione could see silver on his neck, making her captivated in what his necklace was. It reminded her of the night on top of Harry's house, remembering distinctly a ring on his nice hands.

"Good morning, Draco."

Hermione said, softer than she had spoken to Blaise. She ignored the pointed stares she received from both her Slytherin and Gryffindor friend and solely focused on the blond wizard in front of him. He had both hands in his trousers pockets so Hermione couldn't for certain say he was just as nervous as she was.

"Good morning, Granger."

He said to her, his voice clearer than Blaise. After a few more seconds of staring at him, Hermione cleared her throat, ignored Blaise's shit-eating grin, and looked at Ginny.

"Where's Pansy?"

Hermione asked.

"She went to get us breakfast."

Ginny answered. Hermione should have known that Pansy would have left her alone with Draco, but seeing Ginny and Blaise was a surprise. However, she had her own theory as to why that was.

"Which reminds me, we should be getting the caffeine."

Blaise said, placing his cup down as he motioned towards the front door. Hermione expected Draco to follow but the bounce in Ginny's steps forewarned her.

"Latte with almond milk and peppermint?"

Ginny asked over her shoulder as Blaise offered his arm. Hermione's agreement was lost in the wind as soon as the pair left the kitchen, the entrance door closing quickly behind them.

"You look lovely."

Draco said, his words coming out like a melody as he approached her. Hermione blushed.

"Thank you. Pansy's gifted with clothing and appearances."

Hermione replied. Draco stopped less than half a yard or so away from her before reaching to play with her loose curls. Hermione was becoming aware of how he always reached for her first – either her hand or her hair. She grew warm at the thought of his hands on her somehow.

"She is, but you'd look lovely in anything."

Draco agreed with her softly. Hermione watched as his fingers dropped from her hair to her cheek and then swept smoothly over her lips. She thought he was going to kiss her, but he didn't move, and a slight smirk played on his pink lips. The thought of Draco Malfoy being too handsome for his own good whispered in Hermione's mind.

"We need to talk."

He said. Hermione almost groaned, her anxiety reaching a high so early in the day.

"That's never good."

Hermione whispered. Draco chuckled before dropping his hand altogether and reaching for her left one.

"It's not about us, per say."

He responded before leading them to Pansy's living room. They sat next to each other on the loveseat and while nerves were about to make Hermione implode, she restrained herself to allow Draco to say what he needed to. The topic had to be important for him to see her so early and in their friend's home. Hermione could be patient. She let his thumb stroking the top of her hand soothe her.

"My father's sentenced to the kiss two days from now."

Draco finally said. Hermione gripped onto his hand with both hands as her eyes widened. She had expected something else, not that his father was getting condemned to a soul death verdict.

"Are – What do you need from me?"

She rephrased her question. His molten eyes changed before her; instead of worry or fright, his eyes mirrored hers from earlier. He was leaning into her before she knew it.

"Just you."

He whispered. His gaze dropped down to her lips and back to her eyes. Hermione took the plunge.

.

.

.

Pansy was leaving the French bakery with her and her friends' breakfast in hand. The violet-eyed witch was dressed as laid-back as her pride could allow her, despite the protests of Ginny Weasely. Pansy was wearing straight legged, high waisted jeans and a large black, knitted jumper that she styled to show off her shoulders. She wasn't wearing heels, but platform, pastel-coloured trainers that made her at least two inches taller. She didn't have time to straighten her hair, so she opted to wear a dark green beanie on her head. In both hands, she was carrying brown bags with their breakfast food. Pansy was right on track with her own schedule, but she halted in her tracks. Pansy could not decide if she was extremely lucky or extremely cursed. Either way, she was going to get answers.

"Tori."

Pansy almost yelled, sweetness filling her tone despite how she felt. Astoria's brown eyes widened as Pansy looped her arm, pulling the witch close to her. She had already switched so she could hold both bags in her right hand.

"P-Pansy."

Astoria stammered out, her head whipping around as if frantically searching for someone amongst the crowd of muggles. The younger Greengrass was nicely dressed, Pansy couldn't complain. The younger witch was wearing a long, dark red flowy skirt that ended right above her ankles showing off black, heeled booties. Her waist was cinched with a large, gold belt showing off her small figure. She finished off the sophisticated look with black, skintighthalter with an accompanying backless, crème-coloured shrug. Astoria accented her neutral-coloured outfit with dainty, gold necklaces and matching earrings and bracelets. Pansy was glad to see the Greengrass"G" was nowhere to be seen today.

"Hecate has blessed me today, I needed to speak with you."

Pansy said. A saccharine feeling washed over the violet eyed witch seeing the younger Greengrass squirm. Yet, before she could drag her into an alley to side-apparte her into a more private area, she heard a familiar voice.

"Astoria!"

Both witches stopped and turned to see Theodore Nott running towards her. Pansy squinted at his outfit; Theo was wearing tan trousers, a fitted black turtleneck, and his mother's necklace with his family's ring. His hair was made, and his shoes shined. Considering what Blaise and Draco had told her about last night, she hadn't expected to see Theo out and about and posh. Theo's face paled upon seeing Pansy.

"What the fuck."

Pansy hissed. Astoria made the wise choice to stay still and keep her mouth shut. Once Theo was close enough, he began messing with the back of his head, undoing his nice hairdo. If Pansy didn't know better, she would assume they were on a date. It didn't stop the feeling of wanting to hex them both.

"Pans, what are you doing?"

He asked. Pansy leaned into the blue-eyed wizard, her grip loosening to allow Astoria to slip out. Pansy didn't bother retrieving her arm once again. Now seeing Theo, her thoughts of interrogating the younger Greengrass were gone at the sight of a nervous Theo.

"I should be asking you that, Nott."

Pansy sneered his last name. Theo didn't answer and Pansy's breakfast was getting cold. She hadn't thought about putting a stasis charm over her to-go order, but she wished she had. Giving Astoria one last glare, she placed her best disgusted look on her face and sniffed the air turning towards Theo.

"Fine. I have places to be with my actual friends."

Pansy said and turned on her heel. She heard Theo whisper something to Astoria before she was more than a yard away and then he was walking beside her. She hated his long legs.

"Pansy, wait."

He said. Pansy turned to glare at him before turning into her usual alley to confront the brunet. She had to eventually get back home before the others worried about her timing. Pansy assumed the others were waiting for her.

"Why the fuck were you with Astoria bloody Greengrass?"

Pansy asked as politely as she could muster, smiling through her teeth.

"We're friendly."

Theo answered, calmer than she knew he appeared. Pansy squinted in disbelief of him.

"Why?"

She questioned. Theo seemed on the verge of answering her, but he seemed to remember who he was and who she was.

"You don't get to question my friendly acquaintances when you know how I felt about you."

Theo said, coldly. Felt? Pansy couldn't help but to question internally.

"Fine. Tell that bloody bint she'll be getting an owl from me soon and don't you dare get in my way, Nott."

Pansy snapped before apparating away.

.

.

.

.

Draco was in Elysium. Hermione's soft lips pressed against his was the way he wanted to start off each morning if he was blessed enough. While he didn't anticipate snogging Hermione Granger after telling her the news of his father, he wasn't going to deal with his spontaneous actions now. He needed this; he needed her. Her perfume was stronger the closer he was to her. Lavender and eucalyptus swarmed his olfactory senses as his free hand went to cup her cheek. She sighed against his lips and Draco took his chance to be bold – just like her. His tongue swiped against her bottom lip, exploring what he could, and she indulged him. Hermione let go of his hand to place one hand on his neck and the other rested on his chest, warmth radiating off her body. Draco groaned softly at the taste of coconut, his finally freed hand reaching for her waist to pull her even closer. Hermione obliged to his whims and soon, she was straddling him. Draco was in paradise. He craned his neck up, reaching out for her; his tongue and lips desperate for her own while both hands now gripped on her waist. She moaned gently against him, and his body reacted on his own. Flushed, and frantic to stop what might conspire in Pansy's living room, Draco placed a firm, chaste kiss on her lips before leaning back, and away, from the glowing witch above him. Catching his breath, he watched as her half-lidded eyes looked for his face and he smiled up at her when she found his eyes. He could hear the question before she asked, and he reached for her cheek with his left hand. She leaned into his touch.

"Pansy and company will be back soon."

He whispered; the words coming out rougher than he wanted. She nodded once, turning her head to place a kiss on his palm before leaning to place her forehead on his. Draco's heart skipped a beat.

"I know it might not be apparent, but I really like you, Draco."

She whispered to him. His breath caught in his throat as she said his first name. Her honeyed eyes stared into his and Draco could feel himself falling further into the abyss that was Hermione Jean Granger. He didn't want to stop. He never wanted to leave. If this was the beginning of her affection for him, Draco was eager for her love. His left hand returned to cup her cheek.

"The feeling is mutual, Hermione."

He whispered back. If possible, her cheeks darkened more, and a wide smile broke out. Draco couldn't help but to smile back. Draco was in blissful peace for just a few moments – he wanted to stay there forever. A few dizzying seconds passed before she sat back besides him and supported her head on his shoulder while their hands were intertwined between them. With their free hands, they played with each other's fingers. Draco couldn't remember a more recent time where he felt more content. Despite everything, he was finally getting the witch of his dreams. Draco could hear the door opening and while Hermione motioned to stand up, Draco stayed firm, keeping them seated. Hermione looked over to him and he stroked her hand with his thumb, hoping he conveyed to relax. She looked away as soon as Pansy stormed in.

"Bloody Salazar's left – oh!"

She stopped in her tracks, her sour expression turning into one of delight at the sight of him and Gryffindor's golden girl. She nodded, a bright smile on her pretty face before humming and turning back around. Draco heard her walk into her kitchen, presumably arranging breakfast. He chuckled at Hermione's dark cheeks and leaned to kiss one of them.

"Come on, Granger, don't get shy on me now."

He said softly, a playful tone in his words. She rolled her eyes but smiled back and he led them to the kitchen.

"What took you so long?"

He asked, not letting her hand go. He would never tire of her presence – he selfishly wanted more; he wanted it all. Hermione nudged against him but decided to lean into him in the end.

"Your bloody friend was with Astoria fucking Greengrass and before I could interrogate her, he came chivalrously saving her arse."

Pansy said through grit teeth as she was unpacking their English and French breakfast.

"Which friend?"

Draco asked, smirking slightly at the ever-blushing witch besides him. She was uncharacteristically quiet, but Draco didn't see any discomfort because of their minimal personal space.

"Theodore."

Pansy said. Draco saw toast, muffins, crepes, eggs benedict, croissants, an assortment of fruit, and sausages. He briefly wondered what the witch besides him preferred.

"Theo and Astoria were together?"

Hemione finally chipped in. Draco wanted to ignore the conversation altogether. He didn't want to know if his best mate and his ex-fiancée were seeing each other, much less if Theo hadn't of mentioned it. However, he sensibly kept his mouth shut. Pansy nodded, grabbing the paper plates that were packed alongside the food.

"When the fuck that happened, I don't bloody know nor care. I just care that he interrupted me."

Pansy said. She turned to begin placing the utensils besides the food.

"Speaking of friends, where are Blaise and Weasley?"

Pansy inquired.

"They went for coffee."

Hermione answered. Draco nodded in agreement. Pansy snorted.

"How I became the fifth wheel is a bloody wonder to me."

Pansy sarcastically said before taking out her wand from her pocket to cast a warming spell over the food sans fruits.

"What did he interrupt?"

Hermione asked. She also reached for a blueberry and popped in her mouth. Draco wanted to taste it.

"I was going to ask Astoria why the fuck she had been blabbing about me and Daphne to her bloody classmates."

Pansy said, turning away to pull out glasses then moving towards her refrigerator to pull out orange juice and chilled champagne. Draco quirked an eyebrow as the jet black-haired witch began making mimosas. He hadn't known about Astoria nattering about her sister and her sister's secret girlfriend at Hogwarts. Granted, Draco had other things to worry about back then. He was surprised to know – he didn't take Astoria for a gossiping idiot unlike her sibling. He assumed that grating gene had passed down from Mrs. Greengrass to only Daphne.

"Astoria was gossiping about you both?"

Hermione asked. Pansy hummed in agreement and then they heard the front door opening. He and Hermione turned to watch Blaise and Ginny Weasley come in; the former holding the latter's shoulders while the latter grinned up at him. Draco smirked at the pair as he tightened his hold on Hermione's hand. Pansy turned to face the couples and she gave them her own smirk.

"I should start a pair-matching business."

She said, toasting to herself with her freshly made mimosa. Draco secretly agreed.