Draco's suggestion ignited an intense heat inside Hermione. She had a sneaking suspicion that subject might have come up again. She hoped Draco would respect her boundaries if things got too heated. But a different outcome may occur if someone played their cards right. "Of course," she said as she unlocked her front door, "but I do have a little confession to make."

They entered and Hermione flicked her wand, turning on enough lights to see. "So, today was a bit of a test for you. To see if you could handle experiencing muggle things. The play, dinner and dancing afterwards, all an elaborate set of trials and I am happy to save that you passed with flying colors." Her expression turned playfully sorrowful. "Not that I didn't think you would. I hope knowing this now doesn't upset you."

. . . . . . .

Draco chuckled obviously not upset, "Only Hermione Granger could plan a
romantic date and make it some sort of a test. That school girl must still be in you somewhere. I passed with flying colors you say? Do I get a reward for handle muggle experiences up to your 'flying colors' standards?" He asked as he removed his jacket and hung it up on the coat rack.

. . . . . . .

"As a matter of fact, you do!" She led him into the den, a wide room filled with shelves upon shelves of books. There were two chairs and a love seat arranged around a table covered in various pieces of paperwork and a record player. A record sleeve was leaning against the table.

"You stay right there, I'll be right back." And with that, she scampered off to her room. The rustling sound like that of clothes being taken off and put on could be heard from the den.
"So if you had to say," called Hermione, "what was your favorite thing about Hogwarts?"

. . . . . . .

Draco sat down on the loveseat and glanced about the study room. It was no surprise there was shelves with books on nearly every wall. A few pieces of furniture and a record player. He recalled her playing a muggle artist on one of the occasions he had visited. Though the name of the artist escaped him in that moment, but he did recall the music and vocalist hadn't been terrible to the ears.

His eyes furrowed in confusion as he heard the rustling of surely clothing being removed. Followed by her question that seemed odd given the occasion. He had to think on very
that for a moment. Most of his Hogwarts school years were now tainted with regret. Draco was bested by her in academics. Bested by Potter in Quidditch. He supposed he did find solace in the early years when Professor Snape favored him over Potter and her. While Draco hadn't appreciated Snape being nosy during his "mission" it was in later years he was eternally grateful for the potions master. "My favorite thing about Hogwarts...reconciliation
with you."

. . . . . . .

Draco's answer gave her pause. Out of all the things that happened, their interaction together was his favorite experience? It was such a sweet sentiment, she wasn't sure how to respond. She thought about her own question as well. Despite all the adventures and good times, she would have to agree with him. "Me too," she called out, "Especially when we worked together on the advanced polyjuice potion. At first I thought it might have been awful, but we
worked quite well together." She finished dressing and poked her head out of her bedroom. "But are you sure that's not the only thing you miss about school?"

. . . . . . .

In truth working with her on the Potion he certainly had his doubts. But he soon discovered how refreshing it was to work with someone who was competent. Draco began to wonder if this was a trick question. Another test that perhaps didn't have a correct answer. He couldn't really think of anything else that was remotely applicable to his school days that he would miss. Except... "Quidditch and flying, I suppose. Perhaps a hint of what answer you are desiring to hear? Unless you plan to speak to me like this the rest of our evening until I get it correct?" He teased wondering what in Merlin's Beard was she up to.

. . . . . . .

A giggle escaped Hermione as she emerged from her room and headed down the hall, "I just heard from someone that you might miss how girls look in their school uniforms."
She appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame, hiding something behind her back. She wore a slightly modified Hogwarts uniform, modified because nary a single professor would have allowed that much skin to be showing. The skirt was red plaid and short enough to be considered scandalous. Her white dress shirt was only half buttoned in the middle,
leaving a wonderful view of her cleavage and midriff. She wore a loose Gryffindor necktie under the collar. "Or have you already forgotten how good they look?"

. . . . . . .

Draco's eyes instantly fell upon Hermione when she came into view. His eyes widened in surprise at her newfound attire. He had a momentary lapse of thought that caused him to become speechless. Quite possibly due to blood circulation no longer focusing in his brain, but rather going elsewhere.

The skirt was long enough to cover the essentials, but short enough to keep the view enticing. The way the white collared shirt was buttoned only once in the middle revealed her stomach and the top of her cleavage. Bloody hell the way that tie hung loose around her neck. There was something hot about a woman wearing a tie. The tie trailed down over bare skin of her upper cleavage and some midriff. The visible skin beckoned to be touched or tasted.

He swallowed hard and he licked his lips, somehow finding his voice. "My memory is quite sound in how they looked. If the girl uniforms had looked anything close to that, then that would certainly be something worth missing. It is a good thing they were not designed this way.
Otherwise, I would not have a very hot and ravishing girlfriend named Hermione Granger to admire in this 'alternative' school girl uniform."

. . . . . . .

At first, Hermione was a little nervous, and Draco's silence didn't help. Was this overdoing it? His gaze was always so intense, it was difficult to tell if he liked what he saw, or disapproved. Embarrassment swept over her, but she stayed where she was. Then she saw something in his pocket move. No, not his pocket. She then realized what it was, and took it as a sign of his... approval. She smiled and blushed when he complimented her. "Oh, I'm sure. Mostly because I wouldn't be caught dead wearing something this scandalous."

She strutted over to him and produced a small box of chocolates. She sat next to him, but swung her legs over his so she was facing him. "Happy Valentine's day, Draco darling."

. . . . . . .

"So, by opposing default that must mean you would rather be caught alive wearing something that sexy. I won't mind doing the catching." He teased as she sauntered over to him. Damn, she was arousing to look at. He shifted in his seat, attempting to...what exactly? Was he trying to hide the fact he was aroused? Or was he simply trying to find a position that was more comfortable because of his arousal? Such notions he didn't think on very long. Because as soon
as she sat down and draped her legs over his lap, both became irrelevant. There was no hiding or making anything in THAT particular erogenous zone comfortable.

He had enough focus to grab the box of chocolates and reply in a huskier tone of voice then he had been speaking earlier with, "Happy Valentine's Day, Hermione." He opened the chocolates and put one in his hand as he cast his glance over her body. He couldn't help but take a single finger and glide tip of it over the flesh. Starting from the tip of her uncovered toes, up one of her smooth legs, and lifting slightly to trail over the skirt fabric, cross over her stomach, follow the path of the loose tie, cutting across her collarbone, up her neck, down her jawline and stop at her lips. He opened his hand completely and offered a piece of chocolate to her lips.

. . . . . . .

It brought Hermione a sense of mildly sadistic satisfaction to see Draco squirm and adjust himself. She thought about prodding him with her foot for a moment, but she didn't want to be too much of a tease just yet. She watched as he opened the chocolates, anticipation building to see him take a bite. But instead of eating one, he teased a finger up her leg. Possibly a combination of the alcohol, erotic overtones of what she was wearing and thoughts of all the naughty things that could happen, but just the friction of his finger on her skin started a wild fire inside her. The more he touched, the hotter she felt.

She felt like she might explode by the time Draco brought the chocolate to her lips. She took his hand in hers, ate the little morsel and licked his fingers where the chocolate had melted slightly. Suddenly she remembered what she was going to do originally. She got up, gave Draco a quick kiss, and headed to the record player. "So, this little outfit is just part of your reward for being such a good boy today. I thought I might do a dance for you." She picked up the record
leaning against the player, being sure to give Draco a nice view. She wondered if he could see her black lace knickers at all and blushed at the thought. Never before in her life had she such thoughts, dressed in such clothes and acted in such a lewd manner. Something about Draco Malfoy was bringing out a naughty girl in Hermione, and she was enjoying every second of it.

. . . . . . .

When her lips met his in a tantalizing quick kiss, a fiery hunger filled his very being. Draco's hand raised to pull her closer but as quick as she placed the kiss she was away
from him. Teasing little minx. He resisted the urge to stand up and rush her, the idea of placing her against a wall so she couldn't get away ever so appealing. Her words reached his ears. Draco's jaw dropped. He wouldn't have expected this from Hermione. Not that she wasn't capable. She was very capable and beautiful in so many ways. It was simply easy to see of the modest, intelligent, bookworm persona that displayed naturally. A persona he had grown attracted to on a emotional level.

This sexy, playful, teasing, Hermione was also very appealing and he felt deeply attracted to in a very physically level. He has stared as she readied the record player. His eyes beheld the backside of her, the way the skirt fanned around her buttocks and showed a lovely view of her exposed legs, thighs, and...the teasing sight of the edge of black lace knickers! He swallowed hard. Sitting up more so to regain some dignity as the apex in his trousers rapidly proved nigh impossible to control. "A dance you say? Well let's see it then, before that Gryffindor courage falters. Or I lose my self control, surely keeping me on this couch. Instead of me 'dancing' with you."

. . . . . . .

Hermione picked up her wand that she set on the table earlier and pointed at Draco.
"If you know what's good for be a good boy and keep your hands to yourself. I've
gotten quite good with my aim you, with Incarcerous." After her playful threat, she
decided to do with a bit of furniture rearranging. With a few wand swishes, the chairs
and tables were scooted out of the way, leaving a large space in the middle. The final
touch was a shiny metal pole she transfigured in the middle of the room. It started from
the floor and reached up to the ceiling, locking into place.

The needle found the beginning of the desired song: Dance For You by Beyonce, and Hermione approached the pole. "I hope you're ready for this," she said, more to herself that her audience. She swung herself around, her hair whipping through the air. She remembered what her instructor had said many times, to go slow until the very end, give them a grand finale.

She twirled around, wiggling her hips and maintaining control of her momentum and where she was with respect to Draco. The one time she showed up to the dance studio at the
wrong time, she was tempted to leave. She was forced to stay late after work and missed her usual class. However, the pole dancing class intrigued her. She'd known about strip clubs and pole dancing from one or two romance novels she'd read and thought it lowbrow. However, once she saw the instructor do a demonstration routine, she was rather captivated. How the woman was able to spin around and dance the way she did was beautifully done and Hermione decided to at least try it once.

The lesson was intense, but fun. She didn't go back, but did purchase one of the instructor's self published books on the subject of her experiences in "working the pole", as she put it. Hermione learned a few moves and put them to use for Draco's viewing pleasure: the fireman, a few pirouettes, the simple hang, the angel and the chopper for good measure. She'd practiced a few times prior and got good enough for that night's show, she felt. Then came time to turn up the heat.

Slowly, while gently spinning, she understands buttoned her top and tossed it across to Draco. Underneath, she wore a beautiful red with black lace brassiere. Along with the school outfit, she got it and the matching knickers especially for the occasion. She left the tie on, too difficult to take off quickly. A few more more moves and spins and she unzipped the skirt and kicked it off. Her aim was a little off being in mid spin and all.

She did her best to transition from one technique to the next, as elegantly as she could, but she was so nervous and excited she wasn't sure just how well she did. She slowed to a stop just before song came to an end and looked at Draco for his the reaction. Slightly out of breath, she asked, "So, what did you think?" She simply stood there in her delicate attire hoping for a positive response.

. . . . . . .

Her aim was good with almost any spell, be it Incarcerous or otherwise. "You and I both know that being a good boy is not something I do often. But since you asked nicely, I will comply." Draco replied keeping his demeanor suave and mischievous as he placed his hands behind his head and leaned back into the sofa, appearing very relax.

When she said dance he hadn't expected a dance prop to be used. The wizarding world had its fair share of gentleman's clubs. Most of which had humanoid magical creatures who performed such entertainment on poles. A few had witches who would do so. Draco attended one once, to celebrate when he perfected the Universal Solvent potion. It had been
a new experience, but not something he found worthy of doing again.

This however captivated him beyond understanding. It was sensual yet elegant in its own right. He found himself sitting up with his hands on his knees, and he scooted to sit on the
edge of the couch cushion. He could watch this all night long and never tire of the sight. Their was skill difference between the performance Hermione was doing and that of the few he saw while at gentleman's club in Egypt. While someone who did this regularly had more confidence and certainty in the movements, Draco had found it very impersonal. He watched
Hermione with hungry eyes, taking in everything. Despite her subtle nervousness while she performed her routine, for him this was all personal and perfect.

He had to take in a steady breath when she began to undo the few buttons that remained of her collared shirt. A smirk spread over his lips as he caught the discarded shirt. It came as no surprise to him that the red brassiere had black lace. He had caught a glimpse of black lace earlier on the knickers beneath her skirt. It was of great surprise to him when the skirt came off too, mid spin even! He had to force his eyes to move off Hermione and follow the discarded material. Even though he could tell it would fall out of his reach, he needed to gain some composure before taking in the sight of all that skin. As he looked at her once more, his tongue licked his lower lip. All that skin was beckoning to be teased, touched, and tasted.

A small resentment toward the pole she had her legs around emerged. Draco was jealous of an inanimate object that could be in contact with her. While he had to be a good boy
and not touch. Her performance came to a end, she wasn't the only one slightly out of breath. She asked what he thought and he couldn't be good anymore. With a swiftness that was
almost inhuman he got up from the couch and stopped just before making physical contact with her. His grey eyes found hers. They had a aroused, predatory look to them. "That was marvelous, Hermione." He said his voice rough but sincere. Then he added, "However, I am done being a good boy." His body met with hers, lips crashing against her own. Her back squarely against the pole and their hips aligned. His trousers had become uncomfortable to say the
least. One hand snaked its way behind her neck while the other caressed over her thigh and up her side.

. . . . . . .

A rush of surprise washed over Hermione as Draco lunged over to her. He was like a ravenous dragon ready to take a bite of her. And she would likely let him. The shock of his sudden movement and the hungry look in his eyes only added to the tempest of hot emotions swirling inside her. His body met with hers and his arms enveloped her, his hands in all the right places, and she didn't want anything else in the world at that moment.

Her mind went blank as she kissed him. She knew she was having an effect on him, but she hadn't anticipated such a response. She felt his member through his trousers twitch. She knew what was going to happen next. It wasn't exactly what she had planned. She originally
wanted to hold off for a little longer. But when? Such plans are rarely followed in novels, and it seems like reality was no different. Hermione wanted him to take her. Here in the den, back in her room, she didn't care.

She pulled away from the kiss and looked into Draco's eyes with a desperate expression. "Draco?" She bit her lip. She wasn't sure how to ask. The burning question on her mind. On his mind likely as well. She hoped he knew what she wanted.

. . . . . . .

As the heat of their kiss intensified a moment of hesitation caused a pause in her actions. Worry flooded him instantly. Did he caress somewhere she wasn't comfortable? He was
certain his hadn't ventured on the delicate fabric. Was the push too rough? No, she would have hesitated then not minutes later. They had reached ball two out of four when it came to levels of physical intimacy. Quaffle was stage one associated with kissing, including open-mouth. Bludger one was associated with grinding while petting over clothes or under but avoiding true intimate areas. Bludger two was associated fondling and grinding intimate areas and petting with or without clothing. The golden snitch was associated with sexual intercourse. While she still had very little clothing on and certainly had him at attention to follow through to Golden Snitch level, when she said his name and looked into her eyes their was conflict of emotions: lust, desire, and hesitation. In that moment he decided the Snitch was worth waiting for. When she was his and he was hers, wed and bound for life and they were both ready with no emotion of hesitation or other conflicted emotions.

"Hermione..." He answered, catching his breath a moment and clearing his mind some before answering. "I want to, there is no denying that." As of affirming this statement the bulge in his pants twitched while he took her hand and leading her to the couch to sit down. His body ached to lay her down and proceed with removing his clothing. He needed to keep sitting up for now if he was going to keep his resolve. He raised his hand to caress her cheek while his lips kissed along her jaw until he reaches her ear and whispered, "When we become one, then we will for now if he was going to keep his resolve. He raised his hand to caress her cheek while his lips kissed along her jaw until he reaches her ear and whispered, "When we become one, then we will catch the Snitch. Until then let's play the game and have some fun. Rule one keep the remaining clothes we have on." He bit on her ear gently, while his hands caressed over her body. Starting with the top of her head, playing with her hair, dancing over her neck, shoulders, arms, back, stomach, and legs. Testing to see what areas make her gasp, moan, or squirm.

. . . . . . .

Relieved, although a bit disappointed, Hermione sat with Draco. She nodded at his suggestion to wait. The temptation may be great, but the reward will be greater. "Sounds good to me, darling." She couldn't believe his quidditch analogy, though. What was it about boys and relating sports terminology to sex? She didn't have time to ponder on it much longer before Draco started nibbling and caressing her skin again. His initial bite made her catch her breath, and his hand rubbing over her belly and thighs made her shiver with delight. Hermione wrapped her arms around Draco's neck and hugged him closely. "Does this mean that you foresee us
being together? In marriage?"

. . . . . . .

The heat between them started to rise once more. He could hear when her breath hitched and feel when her body shivered in delight under his touch. She straddled his lap and
wrapped her hands around his neck, hugging him close. A pleased groan escaped his lips at the welcomed pressure the position. Particularly the their pelvic regions easily contacted.
They didn't have to 'Catch the Snitch' to feel satisfied. There was so much more of the game to be played in so many fun ways. He was eager to get her just as excited as he was and find that satisfaction together. He expected to hear teasing words come from her lips. Maybe even a command, as she seemed to like to be in charge. But when she spoke again it was about marriage.

He couldn't believe his ears, 'What is it with women jumping to saying marriage out loud the moment the guy says wait for sex?' He thought to himself. It was scary enough to say
even the phrases like 'wait' and 'becoming one'. She just had to bring up the real deal, right now It was a bit of a damper on the situation. How is he supposed to maintain the romance and surprise of future events like asking 'the question' if she brings it up the main event first? Did
he see foresee himself asking for her hand in marriage? Without hesitation of thought his answer in mind was yes. He was certain that meant he loved her. It wasn't just physical attraction but emotional too.

He paused his actions, placing his hands on her waist holding still, so he could look into her eyes. There was that Malfoy smirk on his on his lips as he spoke, "Eager, are you? To know when my clothes will be removed in the foreseeable future. Divination was a rubbish subject that I did not care for in school. I never put merit in foreseeing the future." He paused and his expression went from playful to sincere, "I see you and me, here and now. I feel you and me, here and now. I have love for you, here and now. I can only hope that feeling will transfigure into something deeper beyond here and now."

. . . . . . .

Draco's poetic sentiment almost brought tears to Hermione's eyes. Yes, it was a bit early to think about marriage, but she couldn't help herself. She was a girl after all, that's what they do sometimes. She leaned in for a kiss. It wasn't like the teasing or lusty kisses they shared previously, but a gentle, sensual kiss. "I have love for you too, Draco." she said with a smile. "And I can definitely feel you here and now." She giggled as she ground her pelvic region against the bulge in his lap.

. . . . . . .

Well, that was a relief. His little speech with the 'L' word was received rather positively. The kiss that followed was sentimental. It had a deeper meaning then the lust filled ones of previous interactions. It was a type of kiss that he felt he would never tire of, even when they were old and grey in their early one hundreds.

He had to give that thought a momentary pause. Now he was jumping to events WAY too far into the future. He really needed to get more blood flow back to his brain, instead of elsewhere. Which did not have a chance of happening when Hermione deliberately rocked her hips against his own. "Mhhhmmm..." he groaned in a tone of mixed teased torture and pleasure. He felt his hips rock in response as she did so. The pressure and friction was pleasant, but he was going to need more if he wanted to feel relief in a timely manner from his current predicament. "You are the cause of that, witch. Your attire, the music, the pole, the dance. It is not fair that you are not as...excited as I am. What can I do to change that? Let's see..." He said as he began to loosen his own tie and unbutton his collared shirt. "The rule of 'the game' is have fun while keeping our remaining clothes on. They can be non-magically adjusted while remaining on the wearer." He clarified as he finished unbuttoning his shirt, revealing some of his bare chest while his tie remained hanging loosely.

. . . . . . .

While not visibly evident, Hermione could have argued against Draco's statement. She was very aroused by her performance for him, but she thought better than to give light to that fact. "Yes, what are you going to do? Oh!" He unbuttoned his shirt for her, exposing his toned chest. She immediately descended her lips upon his bare skin. He didn't have much hair, something she wasn't fond of on a chest, so it made it pleasant to kiss. She could smell his intoxicating cologne. It nearly drove her wild. Hermione raised her head again and put her mouth to his ear. "Your skin so delicious darling, I'm sure I could just...Eat. You. Up." She punctuated the last three words of her statement followed with a nibble on his ear.

. . . . . . .

Every place her lips contacted his skin ignited with pleasure. His head fell back in ecstasy, as her mouth made its way up his chest. He attempted to take a deep breath through his nose and out his mouth, hoping to stead the sparks of pleasure she was igniting. If anything breaths came in as gasps and came out as quiet groans of delight. The natural control he had in his every day life expressions and reactions was faltering.

His hands had a mind all their own. Wondering over any bare skin she had exposed within his reach to caress or squeeze. His hands at times playing with her hair. By the time she whispered some very sensual words and her mouth took hold of his ear once more, he began to quake. His head tilted to the side to give her better access. Her mouth on his ear was a feeling he had been craving to happen again since they were interrupted at the club.

In the name of Merlin, was she trying to send him flying? He was at lift off, that much was apparent to them both. "Eat me up all you want, but how about fly with me too?" He asked, although it was more of a rhetorical question. While her mouth sent some amazing sensations through him, his hips arched into hers and increased pace to a steady rhythm. He adjusted his position so he contacted her in feminine pleasurable places. His recently manicured mails scratched her back lightly.

Working daily with substances as an Alchemist, there was no hope of keeping his nails anything except the basic trim, file, and scrub under the nail thoroughly to remove work related debris. In his youth he had observed his father shake hands with many wizards. He had thought it odd to see a well dressed business man from head to toe and yet their finger nails would be neglected to the same level of standard. That had sparked enough to maintain a bit higher level care he did then most his school mates. So, when the special occasion permitted he had it done professionally.

Draco was almost ashamed of the sounds that escaped his mouth. The carnal breaths or soft moans that he would direct into her ear. His hands found her hips, pulling them as close as the clothing would allow while keeping their movements going. Draco was so very close to that glorious apex of pleasure. In the heat of the moment he released her hips and grabbed her arse to pull her closer. The fabric that covered her arse, did not mask the softness and volume of her flesh beneath it.

. . . . . . .

Every reactive twitch, gasp, and touch from Draco let Hermione know that her sensual teasing was doing exactly what she wanted to; blowing his mind. She wanted to transcend him to climax. As the evening drew on, she found that she was enjoying herself more in bringing pleasure to him, rather than seeking pleasure from him.

As Draco began losing himself in 'the game', raking his nails across the skin of her back, bucking into her, she found herself equally lost in pleasurable ecstasy. She barely registered the words he said to her and couldn't articulate a response outside of a hum of affirmation.

Draco's hands found Hermione's backside, his fingers squeezed her soft flesh sending her brain reeling with electric sensation. One of hands developed a mind of their own. It made way to the zipper of his trousers, slowly pulling it down.

. . . . . . .

Draco was so close to euphoria, their bodies friction, the sounds, the musk of her excitement now apparent and her perfume was all nearly too much. If he hadn't had some heated interaction experience in high school he would have reached apex much sooner in this evening, surely.

What he hadn't noticed right away was her hands leaving their usual course of dancing across his torso or playing with his hair. It was when their stomachs were no longer touching that he paused to focus his sight downward. Her hand had found its way to the top of his trouser zipper and had began a gentle descent downward.

As quick as he once used his reflexes to catch a snitch, he caught her hand in his and smirked, "Eager to see more already? Impatient witch. Just you wait." He stated as he directed her hand back to his trousers so she stroked and palmed over the impressive cloth covered bulge.

Even before her hand had reached for his zipper, he wasn't going to last much longer. His hands manipulated her arse in carnal rhythm movements as their bodies became in sync. A build up of distinct thrusts of his hips and her seemingly expert contact from her palming the bulge of his pants was what it took for him to reach a low but pleasant none the less dose of an apex of euphoria.

"Blimey, Hermione..." He managed to say when he caught his breath, as his body slowed down reveling in the euphoria. Surely she could feel what she managed to do to him. "...whatever am I going to do with you?" He said thinking about her moment of impatience desiring to handle him directly. Or perhaps it wasn't impatience, but rather something else? Something he hadn't come across before in a woman. A dominate side that gained pleasure from bringing pleasure to a lover, rather than receiving pleasure. His hands moved so that one could grasp the tie about her neck and bring their faces close, eye to eye, while the other traced whimsical circles on her stomach, just above her navel line. "I think the better question is whatever are you going to do with me? Keep it up if that is your desired form of pleasure. You could make me beg...eventually."

. . . . . . .

When Draco's hand stopped her, Hermione almost wanted to smack it away like a child reaching for a cookie before dinner. Or perhaps it was the other way around? She would hate to spoil her dinner after all. As Draco guided her hand across the bulge in his trousers, she bit her lip and groaned with need. But she knew he was right. This would be the first situation in ever so long that she'd have to deny herself, rather than taking what she wanted. Although, if foreplay was this intense, she couldn't imagine what the full monty would be like. "Oh, you will be begging all right. How does 'Please Madam Granger, allow me to release tonight' sound?'" Hermione's mocking impression of Draco made her laugh just hard enough she had to catch herself from stumbling as she climbed off her new favorite seat.

She found her wand and cast accio for her dressing gown to come to her from her bedroom and put it on. She noticed a slightly disappointed look from Draco. "What?! Did you think I was going to walk around in these delicate knickers all night? It is a bit chilly for that still."

. . . . . . .

Draco felt a deep satisfaction within him when he heard Hermione groan with need as he placed her hand back upon the bulge of his trousers. The idea of her in 'need' of him was emotionally satisfying. Both of them were used to getting what they wanted and when they wanted; abstaining from immediate desires would make this adventure of exploring the stages of intimacy together all that more interesting.

Hermione's impression of Draco was less than accurate, but her words were so sensual. His mind jumped to the potential scenarios that would beckon such a phrase from his lips. Luckily, she got off his lap and that cleared his head to not dwell on the thoughts for long.

He was a bit disappointed when she covered up, but if he wanted her to escort him to her front door in farewell, proper attire was necessary. None of her neighbors needed to see her in her intimate apparel. He rebuttoned his shirt and fixed his tie into proper place before standing.

Upon standing the grandfather clock chimed, reminding them of the late hour. Even Crookshanks gave them a audible meow that was less than amused. "Sounds like your feline is requesting your undivided attention." He voiced as the two with reluctant steps made their way to her front door. When they reached her door he took his time putting on his overcoat before looking at her once more, "Thank you, Hermione for a truly remarkable Valentine's Day." He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it softly, "Perhaps one of these days I will thank you with the title of Madam Granger or Madam Malfoy." He teased, however in truth both names had their own appeal. Oh, how the fun was just beginning. And he secretly was going to enjoy every second.

He released her hand with a smirk spread wide over his lips. "But I may require you to address me with a title of my own. How does the title Director Malfoy sound? Quite fitting since I am not the director of the Alchemy Centre of England."

. . . . . . .

"You poor thing, Crookshanks. I'll deal with you soon." Hermione promised, as she walked with Draco to the door. Then came the feeling she'd been dreading all day: separation. She'd been relishing in sort of content feeling of wholeness with Draco that evening, but now that the day was nearing its end, she wanted him to stay. However, she knew she'd see him again, though not as soon as she'd like.

How far away Draco lived never seemed to bother her until this moment. Now it felt like he was leaving for the other side of the world, like she might not be able to reach him. She kept her head, however, not wanting to spoil the evening with irrational thoughts. He thanked her and teased at what may come in the future. "You are most welcome Draco. I look forward to either of those." when he released her hand from his, she caressed his cheek and kissed him softly.

Hermione's heart nearly stopped when Draco dropped the news of his new position in the new location. A location there in London! That meant no more long distances, for letters or travel. It was as if he had read her mind. With an elated squeal, she leapt into his arms and hugged him tightly. "That's amazing, I'm so happy for you!" She was also happy for herself, but she didn't want to say that out loud and sound selfish.

. . . . . . .

"As am I, for several reasons." Draco agreed, subtle with the fact that not only was this a promotion, but a move to be closer to home and her. He reciprocated the hug, keeping her close for a long moment before they released from each others grasp. "Farewell, Hermione. Until we meet again. Very soon." He said in final formality with a head nod. He forced his feet to carry him away from her and down the driveway. Once he reached passed the driveway, stepping onto the sidewalk just outside the properties apparate enchantment barrier he disappeared from view.

He apparated to Malfoy Manor and was glad to not be greeted by the house elf or his mother. He made his way to his bedroom suite and proceeded to shower and dress for sleep in black silk pajamas as he collapsed onto his four poster bed. He was home and best of all very hopeful. For not only did he have hope for his future, but the future he began to envision that included Hermione Jean Granger as he fell asleep.

. . . . . . .

The smile never left Hermione's face as she bid Draco goodbye, watched him walk away and disapparate. It felt like she was in a dream, floating on a cloud. She stood in her doorway for a couple of moments, forgetting she was still in her dressing gown, until she felt the familiar sensation of Crookshanks rubbing against her leg. "Oh alright, you attention starved rascal," she said, bending over to pick up the ginger feline. "I suppose you feel like you deserve a reward for not disturbing us, don't you?"

Crookshanks purred in response. "Well, I do very much appreciate your cooperation. I'll see what I can do." The two headed into the kitchen for a well deserved treat.