Chapter 13

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Emotional Chapter and light smut! :)

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Several weeks later, Hermione adjusted her glasses and stared at the ceiling of the small office.

It was a slow day. The weather wasn't helping much, the sun beat down relentlessly and despite the comfort of her office, Hermione felt the beads of sweat on her forehead.

Kingsley was away with Harry on official business, they were finally making some much-needed headway towards capturing the surfaced Death Eaters.

Draco's visit to Knockturn Alley proved useful.

The main thing Hermione had to look into was the invitee list for the Anniversary celebration and final proof of the invitation card.

She brought in Brenda and asked the young girls opinion on the glossy, embossed card.

Pleasantly surprised by the girl's obvious good taste, they had settled on a design with the necessary adjustments.

Hermione missed Draco.

She pushed her quill around her desk when a sudden thought came to mind.

Hermione grabbed her bag and hurriedly left her office.

"Brenda, I'll be back," she called out to her assistant.

She quickly walked towards the rusty old elevator.

Brenda stared after Hermione, her boss was acting weird. She hoped everything was okay.

"Hermione," a timid blonde, spoke to her.

She was in her own world, but snapped to attention at the voice, "Oh didn't see you there Justin, how are you?"

Justin smiled, "I'm well, thanks," the elevator came to a halt and he stepped out, "It was good to see you."

Hermione tapped her foot anxiously, the sound echoed in the small space.

Reaching the hustle and bustle of the busy street, she apparated with one place in mind.

At Draco's office...

"Doris, is he in?" Hermione asked the older woman courteously.

She fixed her blouse and skirt while waiting for Doris to answer.

The kindly old lady smiled warmly at Hermione, "Yes Miss Granger, shall I announce you?"

Hermione stopped Doris from pressing the button.

Her eyes sparkled with mischief, "That's okay, I want to surprise him."

A fond smile lit up the gentle old lady's face, ah to be young and in love.

It made her long for her later husband Hector.

Draco had his nose buried in reports but looked up, at the sound of the door opening.

"Grang...," He was clearly surprised to see her.

Hermione interrupted him sternly, "Shut up, Malfoy."

Taking her wand out, she expertly waved it, the glass cabinet moved across the door.

She waved it again gracefully and a silencing charm fell over his office.

Draco stared at Hermione.

What the fuck was going on?

He racked his brains trying to figure it out.

What in Merlin's name had he done to upset her?

"What's goin...?" He asked, alarmed by her behaviour.

Again, she interrupted, "Shut up."

She went around the table and pulled him up by his tie, perplexed though he went willingly.

Hermione pushed Draco onto his brown leather couch roughly and straddled him.

It dawned on him and he smirked, his little Gryffindor was horny.

It was unlike her to ambush him at his workplace, but what was life without a little spice?

Good girl, Hermione Granger could be a naughty girl if she wished, and with Draco, she wished all the time.

He placed his firm hands on her arse and squeezed it, Hermione leaned into his smell and nibbled on his ear.

They savoured every moment slowly.

Pulling his face to hers, she kissed him deeply and he returned her need by moving his fingers into her hair and holding her face in place.

Breaking away from the heated kiss, Hermione got down on her knees between his legs.

Hurriedly undoing his buttons, she pulled his trousers and boxers down to his ankles.

Draco leaned back anticipating what was coming next.

Hermione bent her head to his growing cock, licked the head and took him fully in her mouth.

The sensation sent shock waves through his manhood and before Draco could control himself, he held her onto her head and pushed himself into her warm mouth.

Smiling at him and satisfied by his reaction, she continued to lick and suck until he was good and hard.

He groaned softly, as her tongue licked his pre-cum and lips tightened around his head.

Hermione gagged and withdrew.

Oh, he was ready!

She got up and Draco protested, he tried to reach out but she stepped away from his grasp and took off her skirt and thong.

He worked his dick as his eyes roved over her lustfully as she undressed.

Beautiful mind, Gorgeous body and such tantalizingly fuckable lips.

Closing the distance between them, she slapped his hand away and gave his hard and throbbing shaft one last lick before sitting across him.

Draco felt himself drown.

"Granger," he whispered, against the softness of her breasts.

The material felt soft against his skin but it was also in the way.

He quickly undid the buttons and took an erected nipple in his mouth, the lacy material felt rough on his tongue.

Raising herself lightly, Hermione placed his pre-cum soaked head at her opening and lowered herself onto him.

It wasn't Draco that cried out but her.

He filled her up completely and felt so fucking good stretching her walls.

Steadying herself, she began to ride him slowly and purposely, building up a beautiful rhythm.

Draco tightened his hold and growled against her neck while thrusting into her as she moved.

It felt dangerously sexy to fuck him in his office.

Hermione sped up her movements and felt that familiar heat rise through her core and into her clit.

The swollen bud pulsated, wanting its release.

Oh, Merlin, she was so close!

Pressing into him, his arms went around her to steady her.

She came hard and fast, screaming his name.

That glorious release was an addiction.

A low satisfying moan escaped from deep within and Draco claimed her mouth and bit down hard on her lip.

Her slick juices dripped down his shaft and onto his balls but Hermione didn't stop, she continued riding the man under her, pushing her tongue into his mouth when he stiffened and stilled.

Grabbing her around her waist tightly and groaning against the supple skin of her breasts, he exploded within her and spilt into her repeatedly.

She continued to ride him, until he leaned back completely spent, looking at her through his beautiful grey eyes.

Gathering her in his arms, they rested on his large couch.

He retrieved his wand and conjured a blanket for them to cuddle into.

Draco moved strands of hair out of Hermione's face and whispered between kisses, "Mmm...you should visit more."

She snuggled against his chest and closed her eyes.

"Shall we go home?" He asked huskily.

"I'm not coming over today, darling," she told him timidly.

Draco frowned, she hadn't mentioned that bit to him.

He pushed himself off the couch and pulled up his tailored trousers, "Oh...you didn't tell me."

Hermione followed suit and adjusted her skirt, she turned for Draco to zip her up, "I'm sorry love, but Ginny's coming over with Luna, it's been ages since we hung out."

He nodded knowingly; women needed their bonding time.

After a moments thought, he retorted, "It's Friday, I'll get the boys and hit the Club."

A night out with Theo and Blaise sounded appealing.

Hermione looked pleased, "That should be fun."

He gathered her in his arms kissed her gently, "I'll miss you." and

She turned to leave and he smacked her arse.

"I'll see you tomorrow, babe," she replied enthusiastically.

Draco grinned and Hermione left.

She studiously avoided Doris's knowing gaze.

Hermione apparated back to the office, just in time to catch Ginny.

"Shall we get going?" She asked eagerly.

They got to the flat and started on dinner until Luna arrived.

Hermione put on some music and they giggled and swayed to the music.

By the time Luna arrived the pasta and chicken salad was done.

The women hugged each other and plopped down on the couch. It had been a while since they spent time together like this.

"Guess who I ran into?" Ginny asked excitedly.

"Neville," Luna answered without skipping a beat.

Ginny's jaw dropped, "How did you know? Honestly, sometimes I think you're a seer."

Luna smiled in her sweet way, "How is he?"

Ginny took a mouthful of pasta, "He's good, he wanted us to visit him at Hogwarts."

They all sighed, thinking about Hogwarts brought back such fond memories.

"Things sure have changed since we were in school," Hermione said thoughtfully.

Ginny laughed, "I think the weirdest thing is that you're in love with Malfoy."

"GINNY," Hermione protested.

"It's not that weird, they cared for each other our final year at Hogwarts," Luna chimed in.

Hermione froze as Ginny's eyes narrowed, "I fucking knew it!"

Luna shot Hermione an apologetic glance and mouthed, "I'm so sorry."

Ginny hit Hermione with a cushion and yelled, "You absolute, rotten friend."

"Stop Gin," Hermione laughed trying to shield herself.

"Moving on," She distanced herself from the irked redhead.

Hermione winked, "Theo has the biggest crush on you, Luna."

Luna blushed brightly, "I like him very much, he said he was going to Draco's club tonight."

"Ya boy's night out," Hermione snorted and nodded in acknowledgement.

Ginny frowned, "and we're at home eating sodding pasta?"

"HEY!" Hermione protested insulted by what Ginny was insinuating.

Ginny turned on Luna, "Do you want to see Theo?"

Luna blushed bright red, "Yes."

She turned her attention to Hermione, "I know you want to see Malfoy."

Harry was away on official Ministry business, he wouldn't be joining them tonight.

Hermione's brow creased with worry, she was concerned about her best friend.

Thirty minutes later they were in front of Club Wizard and walking inside.

The Manager smiled brightly at Hermione and escorted them inside.

Being the owner's girlfriend had its perks.

Hermione watched Draco from afar, he seemed to be having a conversation with a lovely looking woman.

It was Theo that spotted them first, Luna's hair shone against the light, it was so unique it was hard to miss.

Theo nudged Draco and he glared at Theo impatiently, "Granger is here, Drake."

Draco found her staring at him, she did not look happy.

Hermione decided against going to Draco's VIP table and instead, the women sat at the spacious bar and ordered their drinks.

Theo nudged Draco and asked confused, "Why the fuck are they sitting at the bar?"

Draco grinned, "Silent treatment mate, Granger saw me talking to Annalise."

He was highly amused by her reaction.

Theo frowned, "Who the fuck is Annalise?"

He pointed to the woman standing by the bar near the security officer and laughed, "She's the hostess Blaise hired, Granger probably thinks I was chatting her up."

Draco nudged Theo, "Come on, let's go."

They made their way over to the women.

Ginny rose to give them each a quick peck and Hermione said sternly, "Ginny please tell Mr Malfoy that his presence is not welcome."

Ginny laughed, "You heard her, Malfoy."

"Oh, I heard her," Draco replied fondly.

He waved his hand and the woman he was talking to before came towards them.

Draco grinned, "Annalise, this is Ginny, Luna and my very serious girlfriend Hermione."

Annalise smiled politely, "It is so nice to meet you all."

Draco snorted and tried his best to keep a straight face, "She's the new hostess."

"It's nice to meet you too," Hermione mumbled grudgingly.

Luna and Theo were in a world of their own, the two were so cute together and Hermione leaned against the bar to watch them.

"What happened to girl's night?" Draco whispered in her ear.

"I was overruled by these two and Ginny insulted my pasta dish," Hermione complained putting her arms around him.

Hermione smiled at Theo and Luna, they looked blissfully happy.

She sighed, "It was worth it."

She whispered in his ear, "See how happy they are."

Draco glanced at his friend; he had never seen Theo looking so smitten and taken by a woman before.

Hermione and Draco spent most of their time together and since Ginny and Harry had gone on vacation to Spain, she found herself at Draco's place increasingly.

It had been nearly four months since he casually brought up living together and thankfully, they hadn't discussed it further.

As much as Hermione liked spending all her time with Draco, it was comforting to have her own space to unwind and do her own thing.

Even though she was completely in love with him, the feeling of moving in together felt too soon and he probably felt the same way, hence his silence on the matter.

His mother had finally spoken to him about his relationship with Hermione.

Draco expected a confrontation much earlier.

Adjusting his shirt, he thought back to the conversation they had over lunch.

"Must I find out that my son is in an important relationship through the Daily Prophet?" Narcissa asked her son, a slight bitterness to her voice.

She had not been pleased with the constant stream of photographs that appeared in the paper.

Draco shrugged his shoulders and smiled sheepishly.

He had meant to tell his mother but one thing or the other got in the way.

He apologized, "I intended to tell you mother, but I was biding my time but I'm sorry, I should have told you sooner."

Narcissa smiled at her cheeky son, "You seem quite taken by Miss Granger."

It was a statement, not a question.

Draco sighed, "I love her very much mother."

He leaned forward and his whole demeanour changed.

He studied his mother's face and asked seriously, "What do you really feel about her?"

Narcissa stirred her cup of tea and asked firmly, "Whatever do you mean?"

Wondering what her only son was getting to?

He bluntly pointed out, "Her blood status."

A poised laugh escaped her lips, "Your father's ideologies not mine. Miss Granger is an intelligent and strong woman."

She took a sip of tea and declared firmly, "I admire her and she makes my son happy, what more could I possibly ask for?"

Draco was pleasantly surprised, not to mention relieved, "I'm glad you see it that way mother."

He loved his mother, his father ruined her life too.

Narcissa reached for the napkin and delicately dabbed the corners of her mouth, "You will bring her to dinner on Saturday, it's my most important fundraiser and I except my son and his girlfriend by my side."

Draco frowned slightly and wondered how Hermione would react to this bit of news.

Something far more unpleasant dawned on him and he asked his mother, "Will Astoria be there?"

Narcissa raised an eyebrow, "Of course, the Greengrass's are major investors in the fundraiser."

She shook her head perplexed by why he asked and then it dawned on her.

Laughing softly, she said, "I'm sure Astoria would have given up her childish notions of marrying you by now."

He wished!

The woman hounded him weekly with invites and contracts.

Poor Doris was put in charge of fielding calls and visits from Astoria.

She did not discourage easily.

Draco told his mother flatly, "She has not."

Narcissa moved her hand gracefully and replied sternly, "That matters not, you are my son and I want you there along with Miss Granger."

He got up and fixed his tie, "As you wish mother."

Relieved that lunch went far better than expected, he disapparated to his office.

His mother was the strongest woman he knew, she had endured a lot of suffering.

Her acceptance of Hermione made things much easier.

A week later, they stood in their rooms getting ready for the festivities that lay ahead.

Hermione had her reservations about the night ahead.

She took in a shaky deep breath nervously.

She had been sceptical when he had asked her to accompany him.

Draco kindly requested her presence, leaving the decision completely up to her.

He did not push her into it and since it seemed important to him, Hermione agreed wholeheartedly.

He had graciously met her parents, it was only fair that she return the sentiment.

She settled on a classic, flowing, long, black dress made of raw silk and did her hair up into a neat chignon bun.

Hermione did a spin and grinned, she was pleased with her appearance.

Taking out the bracelet and earrings Draco gave her, she fastened them to her ears and wrist, completing her look.

Draco watched her getting ready, his hands in his pockets, he admired the timeless beauty.

She saw him watching her through the reflection in the mirror.

She looked at him and sighed.

He was wearing a full tuxedo and black bowtie, so handsome and dashing.

He came from behind, put his arms around her and whispered in her ear, "Gorgeous."

She smiled fondly at her boyfriend, it was getting easier to call him that.

He lightly touched her neck, "Are you wearing a necklace?"

Honestly, Hermione didn't own anything glamorous to match the occasion and Draco guessed as much.

His lips on his neck, he complained, "Why didn't you tell me? We could've bought one today."

Hermione lightly touched his cheek and replied tenderly, "I'm wearing diamond earrings and a diamond bracelet, all from you, that's more than enough."

Draco leaned into her touch.

He took her small hand in his, "Shall we? We have to apparate to the Manor."

Malfoy Manor...

Seconds later they stood outside the impressive grounds of Malfoy Manor.

Hermione flinched and unconsciously touched her scar, her face paled.

The last time she was here, she had been tortured and branded.

The Manor was vastly different from what Hermione remembered, it was flooded with light and colour.

Gone was the darkness that plagued its walls and surrounding gardens.

Draco sensed her hesitation, "Granger, are you okay?"

She looked like she had seen a ghost.

His eyes moved to her clutching her arm, and it dawned on him.

Fuck! The last time she was here, his psycho bitch of an aunt had tortured her.

He rounded on his love, "Granger, we can leave if you want."

Hermione stared intently at him, for him to say that meant the world, that he would consider her feelings.

She regained her composure, "No, I'm fine, Draco, let's go in."

He offered her his arm and she took it with a bright smile.

They walked into the impressive hall, it was packed with wizards including the Minister of Magic.

Heads turned at their entrance, immediate chatter broke out among the groups.

Hermione smiled warmly at Kingsley, and he excused himself from his group to come over.

His deep voice echoed through the hall, "Good to see you, Hermione."

He turned to Draco and nodded curtly, "Malfoy."

Hermione returned the greeting, while Draco scanned the room for his mother.

Narcissa was on the other side of the room talking to Blaise and his mother.

Relieved, that his best friend had indeed turned up, they made eye contact over the crowd and Blaise smirked.

Draco had spoken to him earlier and insisted he fucking come.

Politely excusing himself from Kingsley, Draco steered Hermione through the crowd and towards his mother.

Her face broke out in a happy smile at the sight of her approaching son and girlfriend.

Draco bent to kiss Narcissa's cheek, "Mother."

Narcissa turned her attention to Hermione, "So good to see you, Miss Granger, you look stunning."

Hermione blushed, "Thank you, Mrs Malfoy."

Blaise greeted them next, "How's it going Drake, Hermione?" he added with a curt nod.

The affair was nothing sort of elegant.

The hall was decorated in flowers that shimmered magically, and the imposing grounds were lit up with thousands of tiny fairy lights.

Narcissa Malfoy had impeccable taste and class.

The regal lady held the respect of the wizarding community, despite her husbands colourful and less than favourable past.

Hermione enjoyed herself, most of the wizards greeted her pleasantly and with respect.

She was well known, both for her friendship with Harry and for the job title she held.

Draco disappeared from her side to greet his mother's many acquaintances and Blaise replaced him to keep her company.

Hermione was sure they had planned it, to make sure she would be okay.

The Slytherin was intelligent and she found their conversation flowed easily.

Blaise gave her the low down on everyone present, which had Hermione giggling and trying to control her laugher.

The wizarding world had its own juicy scandals.

Astoria watched from afar at a laughing Hermione Granger.

How dare she come? How dare she come with him?

Lucius would turn in his grave if he could see what was happening before her.

Mrs Greengrass could sense her daughter's discomfort.

She reached out and squeezed Astoria's hand reassuringly.

She would have a word with Narcissa tomorrow.

Astoria could no longer hold her anger in, she walked confidently towards Narcissa and tapped her on the arm, "May I have a word?"

"Of course, dear," Narcissa politely excused herself from the group and went with the brunette.

When they were out of earshot, Astoria rounded on the aristocratic lady.

She glared and demanded flatly, "Why is Hermione Granger here?"

Narcissa smiled sweetly at the flustered girl before her and replied sternly, "Miss Granger is Draco's girlfriend and she is welcome here at any time, Astoria, I will not stand here and explain my decisions to you."

Astoria narrowed her eyes, "I see and Lucius's promise to wed Draco to me, means nothing to you?"

Narcissa straightened and regarded the young woman, "It means nothing to me, my dear, my son will decide who his bride will be."

She smoothed her gown, "Now if you excuse me, I do have urgent things to attend to."

Narcissa excused herself before she truly lost her temper.

Draco had been right, the girl was clearly obsessed with him.

Draco was deep in conversation with Blaise and Hermione when Astoria boldly walked up to them.

Blaise nudged Draco, "Greengrass on the horizon, Drake."

Draco frowned, "Fucking great."

Hermione studied their ex-schoolmate with growing interest.

Astoria smiled sweetly and placed her perfectly polished fingers on Draco's arm, "Good evening."

He glanced at her touch, purposely moved his arm away and asked bluntly, "What can we do for you Astoria?"

She lowered her eyelashes seductively, "You know very well what you can do for me, love."

Blaise snorted involuntarily and masked it expertly with a cough.

Hermione watched, as Astoria completely ignored her and continued to flirt mercilessly with her boyfriend.

Subtle, she was not!

Astoria bit her lip and asked Draco curiously, "Did you get the proposal on the new building?"

He rolled his eyes and retorted harshly, "Yes. I'm not interested in it, feel free to give it to someone else."

He ignored her, grabbed Hermione by the wrist and led her to the dancefloor.

Hermione placed her hand on his shoulder and said, "She really likes you, doesn't she?"

Astoria's little display greatly upset her.

Draco frowned, "She's infatuated Granger, nothing more."

Hermione averted her gaze and pointed out, "To be fair, she is a rather good match for you, pureblood, aristocratic, wealth.".

Draco cupped her face affectionately and stared into her eyes before kissing her deeply.

He whispered between kisses, "I love you, Granger."

Hermione pressed herself flush against him.

Guests stopped dancing to stare at the couple locking tongues in the middle of the dancefloor.

Astoria fumed, tears stung her eyes.

She had loved Draco for years and for him to embarrass her in this way was cruel and unacceptable.

Blaise went to stand behind her and said sternly, "You need to forget about him."

"I love him," Astoria confessed while continuing to stare at the couple on the floor.

Blaise scoffed, "You think you do, Astoria, but you don't. We were friends once so I'm giving you advice, Draco will never love you."

It was harsh but she needed a wake-up call.

Blaise truly felt bad for Astoria.

The woman had been brainwashed by her family since their school days that Draco was the only one for her, even Draco had believed it for a while, but it just was not meant to be.

Draco had suffered enough and deserved some real happiness for once.

Blaise would not stand by and watch his best friend get hurt again.

Looking out onto the dancefloor, he smiled at the couple fondly.

He leaned against the wall as Draco and Hermione came towards him.

"I've just about had enough of this snob fest, you going to stick around Blaise?" Draco lazily asked his best friend.

Blaise let out a throaty laugh, "I'm only here because you held our friendship at ransom and told me to come, this isn't my scene."

Draco turned to Hermione, "Shall we leave love?"

She nodded timidly.

Narcissa watched Draco with Hermione throughout the night and she marvelled at the difference in her son.

Her heart swelled with pride and happiness, it was all she hoped for him.

Draco hugged his mother tightly and Narcissa returned his enthusiasm, "We had a wonderful time mother."

Hermione smiled, "Thank you, Mrs Malfoy, it was a beautiful evening."

Narcissa held onto Hermione's hands, "We must meet for lunch."

Hermione smiled, feeling overwhelmed all of a sudden, "I'd like that very much."

She meant it.

Blaise gave Narcissa a quick hug and said his goodbyes, while his mother chattered away with Kingsley.

His mother had a reputation, but he loved her fiercely.

Bernard stood near the entrance as Draco and Hermione exited through the main door.

"Fancy going home the Muggle way?" Draco asked Hermione and Bernard smiled.

"I fancy a Muggle ice cream cone," she replied excitedly.

The old man extended his arm to Hermione, "I know just the place, Miss Granger."

Hermione took his arm eagerly and Draco followed them shaking his head.