A/N: I wrote a one shot a while back called The Birthday Blues Turn Red Hot. I was asked, at the time, to write a longer fic to show the buildup to Draco and Hermione's eventual union. This is their journey from acquaintances to friends to lovers. No physical cheating; only emotional.

August 26, 2017-Diagon Alley

"Minister Granger-Weasley! A moment of your time please!" Hermione fought the rolling of her eyes as the paparazzi followed her and her two children through Diagon Alley. A simple trip to gather Rose's school supplies turned into a circus. She silently cursed her husband for backing out on it at the last minute.

"George needs me at the shop. I know you're the bloody Minister of Magic and all but I still work, 'Miione! Besides, we can just go next weekend. It doesn't need to be today!" Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Actually, YES! It has to be today, Ronald. She boards the train September 1st at 11am." He looked at her like she had two heads. "Honestly, It's this coming Thursday! Never mind, I'll just do it myself!" She had stormed off to Floo call Harry to see if he or Ginny could watch Hugo, but they were not home. Sighing, she had to tell her nine year old son, Hugo, that he'd have to come along for the trip.

Which led her to now. Luckily, her bodyguard Trent was there for her and the children's safety. "Step back, sirs! The Minister will not be talking to anyone today." The press backed away but followed from a distance.

"Mummy! Can we go to Scribbulus Writing Supplies first?There's a beautiful quill and ink pot set there that Victoire was telling me about." Rose's face was lit up and full of excitement. She reminded Hermione of herself at that age.

"Okay, but we cannot be too long. We have an appointment at Madam Malkin's in 15 minutes." They made their way into the shop and Rose found what she was looking for. "Thank you so much." Hermione thanked the young man behind the counter as she handed the bag to Rose.

"No, please. Thank you, Minister. You're even lovelier in person." The young man blushed as he smiled brightly at Hermione. Hugo and Rose giggled as they left Scribbulus.

"I think he fancies you, Mummy!" Rose said as her and her brother broke into laughter. Hermione rolled her eyes at their antics. They arrived at Madam Malkin's Robes For All Occasions with minutes to spare.

"Be with you in a moment dears." They heard her call out as she was finishing with another young man. The second Hermione saw him, she knew who's child he was. Bright platinum hair was always the giveaway. She turned and saw his father dozing in a chair in the corner.

Smiling to herself, she had Trent watch the children as she snuck over. Hermione knelt down and whispered, "Excuse me sir, but your snoring is scaring away all me customers." in her best impression of Madam Malkin herself.

Draco Malfoy lifted his head and yawned in a way most unbecoming of a Malfoy. "Apologies, Madam Malk-oh! Granger. Damn good impression. That was pretty spot on." He smirked at her. They were acquaintances now. No longer "enemies" if you could even call them that back in the day.

"I'm surprised to see you here. How's Astoria doing?" The news of Astoria Malfoy's deteriorating health was broken last year. She'd gone missing from society functions since her son was born, but it was just thought of as her not having the time with caring for her child. Without Lucius in the picture, the Malfoy's were now known as a charitable family.

They'd renounced their old ways of thinking after Harry Potter and Hermione Granger made statements on Draco and Narcissa's behalf at their trials. Harry told the Wizarding world that if not for Narcissa Malfoy's bravery in lying to the Dark Lord about him being dead, he would have never made it out of The Forbidden Forest alive.

Hermione's impassioned plea at Draco's trial was the most shocking, especially to her boyfriend now husband, Ron Weasley. She told the Wizengamot that Draco refused to identify herself, Harry, and Ron at the manor. That she could see the struggle he went through during their sixth year. That he'd written her after the battle apologising for the way he treated her in the past. He denounced the teachings of his father and Lord Voldemort and had stopped that way of thinking during their fourth year, but kept up for appearances sake.

Narcissa Malfoy was released and put under house arrest for one year. Draco had gotten time served in Azkaban, community service in the rebuilding efforts of Diagon Alley and Hogwarts, plus a 50,000 galleon fine. After her house arrest, Narcissa Malfoy turned her home into an orphanage that she ran with her sister Andromeda and Draco's help. The Malfoy's, without Lucius's influence, turned their life into that of philanthropy and creating a safe place for the children of the Wizarding world.

"She's been better. The blood curse is really taking its toll. Astoria wants to be there for our son's first day of Hogwarts, so she has been resting to make sure of it." Hermione gave him a small smile. "Your daughter is starting her first year, correct?"

Hermione nodded then looked where Rose stood. "Yes, Rose does and Harry's son Albus as well. His older brother James is starting his second year. He's a Gryffindor of course." Draco playfully rolled his eyes causing her to giggle which made him smile sincerely. He'd always had a thing for her, started when he was 14 and he stopped hating on her blood status.

"Mummy, I'm so bored. Can I go across to daddy's work?" Hugo was tugging on her robes.

"Excuse me young man, but that is no way to talk when you see me talking to my friend." Draco's eyes widen slightly at hearing Hermione call him her friend. He felt the blush of his cheeks at being described as such.

"Sorry Mummy." Hugo looked down at his shoes as he felt quite embarrassed.

Hermione touched Draco's arm, "I'll be right back, Malfoy." He watched her walk to the door and talk to a man guarding it, presumably her security. Her daughter sat reading in the waiting area. She reminded him of Hermione, except that she had red hair like the Weasel. Madam Malkin was almost finished measuring Scorpius for his robes, so he sat next to Rose. "Hello, Rose. I'm a friend of your mum's, Draco Malfoy."

Rose looked up from her book and around the shop. "Where is she?" He chuckled. Of course she was so immersed in her reading that she hadn't noticed her mother step out.

"Your brother wanted to go to your Uncle George's shop, so she took him. My son is right there. He's starting this year as well. Maybe you'll be friends." He shrugged. He hoped Scorpius made friends. He was tutored his whole life so he had no friends except for his cousin Greyson, his Aunt Daphne's eight year old son.

"Maybe." She smiled politely, "Excuse me, but this story is getting really good." She began reading again. She could definitely be friends with Scorpius, he thought, since they both had a love of reading. Hermione came in looking flustered.

"Son of a bitch." He heard her mutter as she came back in, Hugo still with her. "You'll just need to sit. I don't know what else to tell you." Hugo looked annoyed but did as she said. Draco stood up from his seat allowing Hugo to have his spot then walked over to where Hermione stood. "Sorry about that. Ronald wasn't there. Funny because the whole reason I am here alone was because he said he had to work." She huffed in exasperation. "Sorry. I don't know why I'm telling you this."

Draco shook his head, "Sometimes it's nice having someone to vent your frustrations to, Granger. I know I wish I had a friend like that from time to time. Theo lives in America and Blaise is always traveling with Lovegood. I never see them anymore. Don't get me started on Pansy. She married Marcus after the war and refused to talk to me after I married Astoria. They never got on."

"Mister Malfoy, Scorpius is all set. I'll have his robes ready Tuesday. I made them a bit longer since he will probably have another growth spurt." Scorpius looked at Hermione with his mouth agape.

"You...you're the Minister of Magic! Wow! Dad! It's her!" They both chuckled.

"Yes, I told you I knew her, son. Scorp here is a huge fan of yours Granger. Her daughter is over there." He pointed to the seating area. Scorpius blushed. "Rose will be at Hogwarts this year too." Hermione introduced the kids to Draco and Scorpius properly before the Malfoy's said their goodbyes.

Later that night, the children had gone to bed and Ron still hadn't come home. Hermione relaxed with a glass of wine and a book as she waited. Just about 10pm, she heard him come through the door. "Long day at work?" She asked as he hung up his robes.

"Uh, yeah. I stayed later to do some inventory." He responded.

"And does this inventory have a name?" She asked noting his nervous looking face.

"What? What the hell is that supposed to mean? I was working all day. How dare you question me?" He had been drinking. She could smell it on him.

"Hugo was bored. Wanted to hang with his dad so we walked over. But colour us surprised when Lee said you weren't in today and that he was covering the store for George." He looked like he was going to be sick. "So why in the world are you lying to me?"

"Okay, I was going to work but then realised that Lee was there so I hung out at Seamus and Alicia's for a bit then Neville asked me to go to dinner with him since Hannah was visiting her aunt with the kids." Hermione just shook her head.

"You didn't think to maybe look for you wife and kids instead? You are the most selfish person I've ever met, Ronald Weasley." She turned to head up to their bedroom, but he caught her arm. He pulled her away from the stairs and into him. "Let go! You're hurting me!" He hugged her to him and buried his face in her hair.

He tugged himself out of his trousers, slid his hand up her skirt and ripped her panties off. "Come on baby. Don't be mad. I love you, 'Mione." Hermione silently cried as her husband forced himself on her while he grunted his orgasm then passed out immediately after. Using her wand, she cleaned him up then righted his pants, covering him up in the couch.

That night, she took a hot shower then cried herself to sleep wondering how her life had become this sham marriage of unhappiness and regret. It was the first time she'd ever dreamt of a life without Ronald Weasley in it.

September 1, 2017

Today was the day. Rose was going to be leaving on the Hogwarts Express. Hermione had expected Ron to lie his way out of the trip to Platform 9 & 3/4's but he actually seemed excited for their daughter. "Oh Rosie! You're going to love it! The food is the best! And Uncle Neville will be your Herbology Professor, so you know him at least. The Headmistress loves your mum as if she were her own flesh and blood, so you have no worries there either. Just don't mind her resting bitch face. She's alright." He made his daughter laugh.

Hermione, of course, was running around making sure everything was packed and ready. "Ron, come get Rosie's trunk please. I've got to make sure Hugo is dressed and ready to go." She ran upstairs where their son was pouting.

"It's not fair! Why can't I go too? I want to go with my sister!" She'd explained to him already, but did it again. "Sweetheart, I told you. You'll start when you're eleven. Rose will be back at Christmas and Easter. You will still go to St. Mary's until then. Now let's go or she'll miss her train." Hugo sighed then after a quick hug leftwent downto wait.

With one more quick look around, Hermione grabbed Rose's jumper from her bed and met her family downstairs. She wanted to scream when she saw Rose's trunk in the same spot she'd left it. "Of course! Why do I even bother asking?" She placed a lightweight charm on it and carried it out.

Ron was playing with Hugo and Rose while she got everything packed in the car. "In the car guys! We can't be late!" The drive to King's Cross was filled with the children's laughter as Ron spun tales much to Hermione's annoyance. He was becoming more and more tiresome with each passing day, but she couldn't bring herself to leave him because she did love him and their children adored their father.

They got through the platform with no issues and waited for Harry, Ginny and their kids. Hermione saw Draco arrive basically holding his wife up with Scorpius walking beside them looking worried. "Oh Hell. So that's little Scorpius, eh? Make sure you beat him in every test, Rosie. Thank Merlin you inherited your mum's brains." Hermione shook her head.

"Ron, don't say such nasty things. His wife is very ill so please leave them be." Rose squeezed her mum's hand. Hermione looked down and saw her smiling softly at her. Hermione smiled back, returning her hand squeeze.

Ron scoffed then rolled his eyes at his wife. "Oh yes, I forgot that you've got a soft spot for Malfoy." Hermione sighed then looked away. Luckily Harry, Ginny, James, Albus and Lily arrived. "Oh, good. Here they are." The train whistle went off and they said their goodbyes. Draco made eye contact with Hermione and smiled before disappearing with his wife.

"Malfoy's wife looked so unwell. Why would he bring her?" Hermione overheard someone comment. She wanted to find the person and throttle them, but Ron was already in a foul mood. God forbid she stick up for him or his family.

"Mummy? I miss Rose already." Hugo whined.

"She'll write soon, sweetheart. Plus, just think of how exciting it will be to get Owls from her. She promised to write you, remember?" That had him smiling again. She noticed Ron wasn't with them. Trent was standing close by though. "Trent, have you seen my husband?"

Trent looked over and pointed to a group of people. Of course, the press. Ronald never passed up some free press. She rolled her eyes in annoyance and tugged her son along. "Come on. We'll wait for daddy in the car." Trent walked with them and stood close by until Ron finally arrived.

"Thank you, Trent. I'll see you Monday morning. Enjoy the rest of your weekend." Hermione smiled wanly then drove off.

"Why'd you leave? You made me look like an idiot. I was giving an interview then they wanted a statement from you but nothing. I turn to call for you and you're gone." He huffed like a child. He turned to see Hugo watching them then cast a muffliato real quick. "Are you fucking him?"

"What? What the hell did you just ask me?" Hermione saw red. She wanted to hex his balls off.

"The bodyguard, 'Mione! That fucking guy who sees you more than your own husband." He could not be serious, she thought.

"Are you mad? Trent? And me? No! Not only is he gay, but I am married to you or did you forget?" She sent him a scathing look and he shut up for the rest of the ride. Ron spent two weeks on the couch for the comments he made. She felt their relationship deteriorate even more after his hurtful accusations.

December 23, 2017

Trent stood with Hermione on the train platform waiting for the Hogwarts Express to arrive. Rose was coming home for Christmas break. She was early so she stood off to the side then walked where a bench was close by. She stopped when she saw Draco sitting on the bench looking quite tired. She waved Trent off and sat next to him.

"Rough night?" He startled when he heard her voice.

"Oi, Granger. You scared me." He nudged her shoulder with his own then trailed his. Hand down his face and sighed, "Astoria is getting worse. I sat up with her all night. She was hallucinating. It was awful." Hermione took his hand and squeezed. "Thanks." He smirked. She was amazing and such a comfort over the past few months. They'd exchanged Owls and had tea a few times. The commiserated together. Him over the stress of taking care of his dying wife, her over her emotionally stunted husband that she suspected of being unfaithful.

"The new potions not helping?" He shook his head. "So sorry, Draco. But at least with Scorpius home, her spirits will be raised." She said hopefully. He nodded then stared out toward the tracks. "We should get the kids together during the break. Maybe meet up at Flourish and Blotts?" She smiled knowing that their kids were both avid readers. "Although Rose is a bit annoyed at Scorpius for beating her in Transfiguration." They laughed and it made him forget for a while.

"What the fuck is this!" Ron slaps the Prophet down on the table in front of Hermione. "Did you enjoy yourself? Making a mockery out of us by being seen and photographed laughing with that bastard!" Of course they'd been followed. Of course they wouldn't add that Rose, Hugo, Albus, and Scorpius were all there as well. And of course, they'd snapped the picture just as Draco told a cheesy joke to get her in a better mood after she'd gone off about Ron being out all night the night before. She didn't tell him that he'd had a lipstick stain on his collar. Draco would have probably killed him.

"The kids were all hanging out, Ronald! It isn't like I was out by myself with him. We're friends, get over it!" She got up from the table and marched back upstairs but before she could slam the door he caught it with his foot. He pushed himself into the room then silenced it so the kids couldn't hear. "Stay away from me, Ron, I mean it!"

He pushed her onto the bed and held her down by her wrists. "Do you picture his face when I fuck you?" She felt sick. This was not happening again. "Yeah, you wanna call out his name. You dirty slut." Hermione knees him in his groin to get away. "You fucking bitch!" He rolled over as she ripped the door open. She grabbed the kids and went to Harry's. They spent the rest of the holiday at Grimmauld Place. The kids already suspected that their parents were not going to last much longer. Little did anyone know, it would last almost two more years.

June 25, 2018

"I can't just give up on 15 years of marriage." Draco had been trying to get her to understand that her self worth was more important than trying to stay in a marriage she was so unhappy in.

"You'd rather be miserable? You're way too good for him. He doesn't support you like he should. You deserve someone that will be there for you no matter what." Draco felt horrible for the thoughts he had. His wife was suffering from the blood curse. He had no idea how much longer she had, but at night was he thinking of her? No. As soon as he made sure she was comfortable, he'd go to his room and shut the world out. He'd think of Hermione, his dearest friend in the world. His dear friend that he was falling in love with.

"No, but it's complicated. I'm in my first year of my term as Minister of Magic. My PR team wants me to try to get through the next year. He's agreed to couples therapy, so there's that." She shrugged. Even she didn't believe it would change anything. Draco took her hand in his.

"Listen, if you really feel like things could change, I'll support you. Friends, remember?" Hermione felt her eyes tear up.

"Friends, and thanks again. I can always count on you." She squeezed his hand back. "Gotta go. I'll see you on the platform in a few days."

June 29, 2018

When Hermione was a no show at the platform, Draco got a sick feeling in his stomach. His mother had accompanied him since Daphne was visiting with Astoria for a couple weeks. He hadn't had a break in so long. Astoria was getting weaker but the Healers said she still had a lot of fight in her. Her new regimen of potions seemed to finally be working where she could sit up and read for a whole hour. Before she couldn't sit up longer than 15 minutes or so before she got a terrible migraine. He looked again for his friend but instead was caught in the sights of her husband.

Ron Weasley sneered at him and started heading towards Draco and his mother. "Malfoy, we need to talk." He said as he got closer.

"Excuse us, mother." Draco walked over to the bench him and Hermione usually met on. It didn't feel right having him there. He stood tall though. There was no way he'd let the Weasel sit in their spot. "Can I help you, Weasley?"

Ron looked at him with such hate, "Stay away from my fucking wife. You're messing with her fucking head; turning her against me." Draco scoffed. The nerve of this man.

"Me? Maybe start treating Hermione with a modicum of respect you asshole. I am only being her friend. Remember what that is? You used to be her friend, correct? Best friends if I remember correctly. You never did treat her how she should have been treated. Hermione is this amazing, kind, honest witch and you treat her like your own personal house elf!" He knew he was overstepping, but he didn't care.

"Oh and you treated her just lovely did you? Don't fucking come at me like that. You know exactly how you treated her!" Ron shoved at Draco and he fought the urge to punch the wizard in his face.

"Yeah, and I was a dumb kid. What's your excuse, Weasel." Ron took his wand out and pointed it at Draco's face causing him to back away. Luckily Harry came over to break it up.

"Ron! Put the wand away now!" The wizard quickly did as he was told. "Get away from Malfoy and go wait with Ginny." Ron had the sense to look guilty and walked away. Harry turned to Draco, "You okay? I don't know what that just was but maybe stay away from him. He's not being the most reasonable at the moment."

"Where's Granger? Is she alright? He didn't do anything to her did he?" Harry was surprised at the worry in Draco's face and his anxious voice.

"Of course she's fine. She was called away on urgent business at the MACUSA and will be away for a week or so. Why would you think Ron did something to her?" Harry seemed a bit annoyed at his accusations, but Draco knew Harry was aware of the way he's been treating Hermione.

"Listen Potter, he doesn't treat her well, don't act like you don't know this. Please. You may not believe it but she's my best friend. We've," he looked off to the side, swallowing thickly, "we've become close. She tells me things. Helps me with my emotions dealing with Astoria's illness." Hermione told Harry in confidence this, so he was aware but it still sounded odd coming from Malfoy himself.

"She told me. Hermione's also very stressed out. Maybe back off a bit though. They're supposed to be working on their marriage, but she can't do that if she is developing feelings for you." Draco looked confused. That was news to him. Had Hermione started catching feelings for him? She hadn't said anything to him.

"I had no idea. I'll back off. Just let her know I'm still here if she needs me though." When Harry look at him unsure, he pleaded, "Please, Potter. She's my best friend! Don't make me beg!" The desperation in his voice was what had Harry nodding in agreement. "Thank you." Draco watched as Harry walked back to his family. The train had pulled up and kids were disembarking.

Scorpius hugged Albus and Rose then ran over to hug his father and grandmother. "Best year ever! Missed you guys loads though." His smile made Draco's worry over Hermione be forgotten for a while. "Madam Malkin was right though. Look!" Scorpius laughed as he showed his father his robes were too small again. "Madam Pomfrey told me you went through the same growth spurt as me during your second year at Hogwarts. You think I'll be taller than you, Dad?"

"Maybe buddy. Come on. Your mum can't wait to see you. Aunt Daphne, Uncle Seb, and Grayson are visiting for a couple weeks so they are excited to see you as well." They disapparated back to the manor and celebrated Scorpius coming home.

July 8, 2018

Hermione sat in her office in the Ministry after a long day of meetings. She hadn't heard from Draco since they'd met for tea almost two weeks ago. She had Owl'd him three days ago when she got back from the States, but never got a response. She hoped everything was okay. Harry had told her about Ron confronting him on the platform the day the children came home.

They had a therapy session yesterday, and it went less than stellar when she brought up the incident. He'd gotten extremely angry and accused her of cheating on him again. The therapist pointed out that even though she had not physically cheated on her husband, she was emotionally cheating on him. Hermione had to listen to him all night after that revelation.

A knock on her door shook her from her thoughts, "Come in." The door opened and it was her receptionist.

"Minister, there is a Draco Malfoy here to see you." Hermione felt her heart jump.

"Thank you, Mrs. Plumbtree. Send him in please." Hermione stood to greet him as he entered looking somber. "Hello stranger." Draco shut the door and hugged her close to him.

"You're okay." He sounded worried. "When you didn't answer my Owl, I got scared."

Hermione pulled away and looked at him confused. "I never got an Owl from you. I sent you one when I got back but never heard back from." Draco huffed a laugh.

"Guess your beloved husband intercepted it." Of course he did. Hermione sighed then hugged him again. "Merlin I've missed you." He stroked her hair lovingly. It felt nice being held like this. Hermione wanted to cry. She wished her life was different; fantasised about being married to Draco instead. Then the guilt would set in and the fantasy broken.

"Missed you too. I cannot stand this therapist. Ron has her eating out the palm of his hand. I'm painted as this shrew that is emotionally cheating on him with you. Pfft." Draco chuckled. Hermione stuck her tongue out at him. They drank tea and talked about the kids and summer plans.

"The Healer said Astoria could travel, so Mother wants to spend it at our Villa in Villefranche-sur-Mer. That's why I'm here. We leave tomorrow morning and will not return until late August." He saw her smile fade a bit then return. "We can still Owl, Granger."

"No, no. You have this time with your family. Enjoy yourself. I will miss you terribly though." She hugged him once more. He rested his forehead against hers.

"Not as much as I'll miss you, I assure you."

A/N: Thanks to reader BADFoggg for their enthusiasm for my Dramione one shot "The Birthday Blues Turn Red Hot"