Chapter 19

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At No. 12 Grimmauld Place...

Ron hung his head and asked, "Why won't it work Harry?"

He was back from his training exercise in Russia.

Harry drank his butterbeer and replied sternly, "Hermione is still hung up on Malfoy, you need to stop this."

Ron's face fell and he looked away miserably.

Harry took in Ron's pained face and said gently, "Look, mate, be her friend, right now that's all she needs and not you rushing her to give you another chance."

Not that she would, but Harry kept that to himself.

Ron looked away, "I still love her so much."

Harry rose and placed his hand on his best friends shoulder, "I know, but Hermione's not where you want her to be."

Ron glanced at Harry sadly and desperately.

Once he learnt of Hermione's attack, he had been devastated.

He called her from Russia and checked with Ginny every single day about her wellbeing.

He was angry at his friends for keeping something so important from him.

Harry dismissed his ridiculous notions and explained that it was a classified matter and that had been the end of the discussion.

Malfoy Manor...

The press was having a field day pairing him up with Astoria.

It had become so unbearable, that Draco marched down to The Prophet and threatened the Editor with closure.

The only relationship they shared was concerning the Swedish project and nothing else.

He was having dinner with his mother at the Manor.

It had been weeks since he had been to his ancestral home and he missed his mother dearly.

Narcissa dabbed the corners of her mouth and asked seriously, "Are you currently in a relationship with Miss Greengrass?"

Draco choked on his wine, "Not you too mother."

She raised an eyebrow, "So, it is not true?"

Draco laughed, "Of course, it's not true. I do not have feelings for Astoria. I never have, you know this."

He was getting sick of explaining this to everyone.

Narcissa waved her hand casually, "It is hard to keep track of your love life, Draco."

She added hopefully, "I thought you had settled down with Miss Granger."

Draco sighed; he had thought so too.

Bernard's words echoed in his mind, "Don't give up hope just yet."

Narcissa studied her son, "You still love her, don't you?"

"Am I that obvious?" he asked sheepishly.

She touched his face tenderly, "To your mother, always."

Her blue eyes sparkled, "Don't lose hope son, I have fate in your love for Miss Granger."

Draco gave his mother a look of surprise, it was comforting to know that his mother thought so highly of Hermione.

They continued dinner, discussing the Estate renovations, Malfoy Trust Funds, and his mother's latest charity project.

After dinner, Draco disapparated back to his flat.

The last kiss they shared was fresh in his mind, he missed his witch desperately.

The shuddering loneliness he felt lingered day after day without any escape or break.

The haze he had placed over his eyes was lifting and the aftermath left in its wake was unpleasant to see.

Ministry Of Magic - Late Night.

Draco found himself spending more time at the Ministry as they closed in around the Death Eaters.

He welcomed it, at least, he could be around her.

His sources confirmed that even without Dolohov, their numbers had grown past twenty including a few desperate werewolves.

It would come down to a bitter fight if they were to capture them and there was a good chance of causalities on both sides.

Before the Dementors kiss, Dolohov begged for mercy and in a moment of weakness, he revealed the location of their hideout.

The remaining Death Eaters and supporters were holed up in a sympathizer's abandoned shelter.

It was an underground shelter built during the air raids of World War Two.

Well-equipped and fortified, it was the perfect hiding place.

Hours later, they were all gathered in Kingsley's large office.

The tense situation mirrored the faces of the men gathered around the ages-old desk.

Their faces were drawn with determination, purpose, and concern to rid the world of darkness.

The group consisted of Harry and his team of Auror's, Draco and two shifty-eyed gentlemen, Kingsley and Hermione.

She felt out of place in her high heels and pleated pants but given the opportunity, she was experienced enough to hold her own.

Harry stood firmly by Kingsley's side and gave out vital instructions, "Three teams will be going in tonight."

The Ministers voice boomed, "I will be joining the raid myself."

There few a few murmurs and the men exchanged surprised and concerned looks.

Harry took a deep breath, "I do not think it is wise, Kingsley."

Shacklebolt ignored him and turned to face Hermione.

His face was void of any emotion.

He smiled at her, "If in the unlikely event I fall, you will assume duties of the Minister until a new Minister is sworn in."

Hermione looked at the serious face of the Minister in disbelief.

She gathered her strength, "By Merlin, it will not come to that."

Her eyes drifted to Draco, they locked eyes and stared at each other.

Harry spoke, his voice strained, "Angus will lead the primary team and I will lead the second."

Hermione listened intently to the next words that flew out of Harry's mouth.

Dread descended and took hold of her.

Harry nodded at Draco, "Malfoy will take the lead of the third team outside the shelter, the Ministers protection detail will be in your hands."

He emphasized the importance of the mission Draco was being trusted with.

Draco nodded confidently, his fingers tightened around his wand.

Today, he would repay the debt he owed to the Magical community.

The errors of his youth would be rectified.

An involuntary sound of dread escaped Hermione's lips.

Panic began to settle within her.

Fear filled her heart and she wanted to scream out, that he wasn't an Auror, that it wasn't his job to do this.

Please, not him...

She couldn't risk losing him, but not a single comment escaped her lips.

Losing her balance, Hermione held onto the table, lightheaded at the possibility of Draco dying.

The file in her hand cluttered to the ground, scattering papers everywhere.

Her vision blurred and darkness loomed behind fiery orbs.

The men in the room watched her curiously.

Harry studied her in concern, and Draco stared at her anxiously.

Tears shone in her eyes and Hermione clumsily tried to wipe them with her hand, but they all saw it.

Everyone knew about their tumultuous relationship, how close they had been.

She could have sworn, Draco almost took a step towards her but Harry made it to her first.

He hugged her and whispered in her ear, "He will be fine, you have my word."

Her fingers wound themselves around Harry's arm and she pleaded desperately, "Please Harry, don't let him die."

Harry smiled at her reassuringly and cupped her face, "You have my word."

Bursting with confidence the men followed Harry to the Auror department, where they suited up and took pistols along with their wands.

Wizards of late resorted to the using of Muggle firearms and Harry considered it necessary to be prepared for anything they might face.

Hermione watched Draco from the shadows, he equipped himself with a sturdy looking Desert Eagle.

The beautiful pair of pistols suited him.

Eager to get in a practice round, he excused himself and made his way to the small firing range at the back.

Hermione followed him at a safe distance.

Draco grinned, glanced over his shoulder and said, "Granger, heels are quite ineffective for spy work"

His eyes burned with purpose.

Without another word, Hermione closed the distance between them.

Draco stood his ground and stared at his fiery Gryffindor.

Her eyes searched his face,

Her voice broke and she choked back a sob, "Why are you doing this, Draco?"

She grabbed onto his shirt and let her fingers dig in.

He stroked her hair, stared into her petrified face and replied softly, "Because I have to, I need to do this."

She shook her head, "It's too dangerous."

Hermione took a breath and blurted out, "Send someone else, please."

Tears streamed down her face, it was an utterly selfish request but she didn't care.

He pulled her roughly towards him, held her tightly and kissed the top of her head.

She begged him, not caring what he thought."Please Draco, please don't go!"

Hot tears stained his shirt but she loved him and that was enough.

He fought the tears that filled his eyes.

Draco cupped her face and said, "I need to redeem myself, many died because of my actions and you were nearly one of them."

He choked back a sob, "You can't begin to understand, what I went through after you were attacked."

Her arms went around him and she pleaded in anguish, "I can, I'm feeling it now, please don't make me watch you go."

His resolve melted at the requests made, but this was bigger than the both of them.

There was so much he wanted to say, but he held onto her instead, not wanting anything to spoil their moment.

Taking in her smell and touch, drowning within her.

A small cough interrupted them, and they reluctantly broke apart.

Harry softened his tone, "I'm sorry, but we need to go, Malfoy."

Draco nodded over Hermione's head and gave her one last tortured look.

He pressed a quick kiss to her temple and then lips, "I'll be back soon."

Unable to find the right words, she returned the kiss fervently and muttered, "I love you."

He closed his eyes and whispered, "More than life itself, I love you."

They broke free and Draco stepped away.

Turning to Harry next, Hermione hugged him tightly, not only did she have to watch her love go into battle, but her best friend too.

The tears fell freely, "I will be with Ginny till you return."

Harry nodded and gave his usual smile of reassurance.

He dropped a quick kiss to her forehead, "I love you both."

Hermione followed them silently and watched as the group of men stood in a circle.

Wholeheartedly, she wished everyone good luck and wiped away the tears.

Their eyes met one last time.

Hermione tried to put everything she felt into the look they shared.

One by one, they disappeared into the night.

They were gone, he was gone.

Pain tore through her and she clutched her chest to steady her breathing.

No. 12 Grimmauld Place...

Leaving the Ministry behind, Hermione disapparated to Grimmauld Place and knocked on the door.

Ginny opened it at once, her eyes swollen and red, it was obvious that she had been crying.

Hermione reached out and hugged her tightly, both women cried against each other.

Seeking comfort, they held onto each other for as long as she needed.

Once Ginny let go, they went to the kitchen and sat at the small table looking at each other nervously.

Hermione reached over and closed Ginny's hand with her own, "Harry will be fine."

Ginny smiled weakly, the usually strong girl was a complete wreck.

She replied softly, "Malfoy will be fine too."

Hermione averted her gaze, withdrew her hand and played with the edge of a napkin.

She fought the tears that threatened to fall and nodded not trusting herself to speak.

Hours later, nearing dawn...

Hours went by and Ginny fell asleep at the table.

Hermione held her fifth cup of coffee and absentmindedly ran her fingers around the handle.

Harry's Patronus appeared, Hermione jumped knocking the mug off the table and Ginny stirred and shot up.

The beautiful stag reared its head, "We are victorious, come to St Mungo's."

The message was short, but it was enough.

Ginny cried in relief and the women hugged each other.

Firmly holding hands, they apparated to St Mungo's.

It was the early hours of the morning and the darkness was bleak against the whiteness of St Mungo's.

They hoped the sun would rise soon.

Harry was waiting for them as they entered.

Ginny flung herself at him, held him close to her and kissed him fervently.

Once she let go, Hermione hugged him next, her eyes scanned the area for Draco.

Sensing her restlessness, Harry spoke in concern, "He took a spell intended for the Minister, they are just patching him now."

Hermione clasped her mouth in surprise, a whimper escaped and she asked urgently, "Where is he?''

Harry smiled and led her to a room, where Draco was sitting on top of the bed shirtless, while Healers attended to his cut.

Even from where she was standing, it was clear the cut was deep,

Hermione saw the blood trickle down his stomach and Draco wince in pain.

His hands were balled into fists at his side to fight the wave upon wave of pain that shot through his body.

Hermione held onto the door frame to steady herself, her movements made him look her way and their eyes met.

Without a word, she hurriedly walked towards him, cupped his face lovingly and kissed him.

She gave little thought to the gathered Healers patching him up.

Merlin, help her!

Draco wanted nothing more than to respond but his body spasmed with pain and Hermione withdrew, the Healer frowned at her disapprovingly.

Smiling sheepishly at the Healer, she took a step back and blended into the background.

Once the Healer finished his work and left, Draco laid back on the bed and looked at her expectedly.

She walked up to him slowly and her fingers brushed the strands of hair off his face.

Her lips quivered, "How are you feeling?''

Draco took her hand, kissed it and smiled, "I've been better."

Hermione contacted Bernard and within seconds the old man appeared at St Mungo's, his face creased with worry.

She hugged him tightly and reassured him that Draco was alive and well.

They walked into the room to find Draco sitting up and reading a book on potions the Healerlent him.

He struggled to sit up and informed, "I should be ready to go home shortly."

He addressed them both but kept his eyes on Hermione.

She smiled weakly, "Bernard will take you home."

She glanced outside and said, "The Healer said, you need to return in two days to change the dressing."

Draco nodded solemnly and stared at her face intently.

His eyes said, please don't leave me.

Two weeks later...

Bernard and Hermione stayed in constant touch, without Draco's knowledge.

She would arrive at his flat early in the morning and make sure all was well before going to work.

They hardly crossed paths and Bernand updated her on Draco's progress and improvements until his injury mended.

It took longer than expected due to the nature of the curse.

It wasn't meant to kill but paralyze the victim, it was a stroke of luck that the wizard who cast it wasn't particularly strong.

Only once he had fully recovered, did she cut ties with Bernard.

It pained her to do so, but it was a necessary sacrifice.

The Ministry offered her a way out and Hermione accepted without a second thought.

At The Ministry Of Magic...

Kingsley beamed, "We caught the Death Eaters thanks to your information and help."

He added with profound gratitude, "I owe you my life, Malfoy."

Draco managed a smile, "Glad to be of help, if there is anything else, please let me know."

A middle-aged woman walked into the room carrying a thick file and handed it over to Kingsley

Kingsley signed the document and handed it back to the woman and introduced, "Malfoy, meet Sandra, she's my new assistant."

Sandra smiled politely, "Nice to meet you, Mr Malfoy.

Draco returned the smile but his thoughts were elsewhere.

As soon as she left, he rounded on Kingsley and asked urgently, "What happened to Hermione?"

Kingsley said proudly, "She's being sent to New York to help the Ministry there with Legal Legislation."

Draco shot to his feet, clutched his side and yelled indignantly, "WHAT?"

What the absolute fuck!?

Kingsley's eyes widened at Draco's outburst and then he nodded in understanding.

The Minister had momentarily forgotten about the relationship between Hermione and Malfoy but weren't they finished?

He shook his head, these young relationships baffled him.

Taking out the next profile, Kingsley turned to speak with Draco, but he was clearly in another world.

The Minister of Magic rolled his eyes, "Malfoy, are you still with me?"

Draco mumbled not paying any attention, "Hmm...what?"

Fuck!

He had to see and speak to Granger.

She couldn't leave!

When the hell had this happened?

His head was in turmoil.

Draco turned to see Kingsley studying him carefully.

The Minister let out an exasperated sigh and said impatiently, "Just go speak to Granger, you're of no use to me like this."

Draco was already out the door, he called out, "Sorry Minister, I'll be back shortly."

How dare she leave without telling him?

He made his way to her office.

Ignoring Brenda completely, he burst into her office unannounced.

Hermione's eyes shot up, as Draco walked over to her desk.

He held onto his side and struggled to breathe.

His side hurt but it was nothing compared to the pain of his heart being ripped apart.

Hermione stared at him and asked curiously, "Draco what are you doing here?"

She leaned back shaken by his abrupt appearance inside her office.

He demanded a slight edge to his voice, "When were you going to tell me, Hermione?"

Realization struck home, he had found out about her transfer.

She took a deep breath and explained calmly, "It was confirmed two days ago."

Draco banged his fist on her table, "NO! you can't leave, I won't let you."

His stormy grey orbs swirled with unrest.

She narrowed her eyes and replied harshly, "Excuse me? You have no say over my life choices anymore and what the hell do you care anyway?"

He shot back confidently, "Why do I care? Because you're mine!"

Hermione laughed sarcastically, "Are you listening to yourself? I am not yours or anyone's for that matter."

She pressed her lips together and hissed, "You made damn sure we were over, so please spare me this very questionable sentiment."

He shook his head and questioned painfully, "Are you running away from us, from me?"

Hermione averted her gaze.

The answer was plain to see.

Draco bared his teeth and spat, "Didn't peg you for a coward, Granger."

She bit back a nasty retort and hung her head because he was right.

She wanted to put as much distance between them as possible.

Her resolve crumbled and she looked at the man staring at her intently.

He seemed unhinged

She mumbled, "I'm leaving in two weeks and I'll be back in a year unless I decide to take up a permanent position there."

Permanent position? What?

Draco swallowed, digesting the news.

His palms felt sweaty and his head ached.

Hermione got to her feet and walked around the desk and said softly, "Maybe this is for the best, Draco."

He widened his eyes and looked at her like she was fucking crazy,

Draco sneered, "Like hell it is!"

He moved closer and pleaded, "Please Hermione, don't leave me."

He did not care if he sounded utterly pathetic and desperate, but he needed her to know.

Her temper flared because she did not appreciate the guilt trip.

Hermione stepped away and spat, "Why are you even here? Please just leave me the hell alone."

She was thoroughly fed up with his bloody mind games, she wasn't some fucking toy for him to play with and disregard when he wished.

He stepped closer, placed his hand on her waist and tried to get closer.

She tried to step back but her back hit the wall and she was trapped.

Hermione placed her palms on his chest and whispered, "Let me go Draco, I'm done with all this and you."

Draco opened his mouth to reply but Harry poked his head into her office, "Oh hey Malfoy, didn't see you there."

He took in the situation, Draco's hand on Hermione's waist and they were leaning against each other breathing heavy

Harry shifted uncomfortably and asked, "oh...err... shall I come back later?"

Hermione took the opportunity to break free from Draco's grasp.

She quickly grabbed her purse, pushed Harry out of the room and muttered, "No, let's go, Harry, I'm done with Draco."

Without so much as a second glace, she left the frothing blonde standing in her office.

Harry threw Malfoy a confused last departing look.

"What the heck was that about?" Harry asked Hermione.

"I'll explain later," she quickly told him as they left the Ministry.

Lunch at a Muggle Cafe...

They sat at a Muggle café and Hermione was quick to order another chocolate milkshake.

Harry reached for his sandwich, took a big bite and asked, "Hermione, do you think this is the best decision?"

Hermione slumped her shoulders in defeat, "I need to get away from him, Harry, I need to put some distance between us."

Harry rolled his eyes doubtfully, "Distance I can understand, but New York?"

She attempted a weak smile, "It's also a wonderful opportunity for me Harry, you know I've always been fascinated with magic Legislation in America."

He nodded but was not overly convinced, "Judging by what I witnessed, Malfoy isn't taking the news well?"

Hermione picked at her salad, "No he isn't, but it's my decision, Harry."

Harry gave Hermione a half-hearted smile.

It was painful to watch two people who loved each other as they did, play these fucking idiotic games.

A few days later...

Hermione kept herself busy with Sandra; she barely had a week left and the Tenth Anniversary Ball of the Great Battle was in three days.

She sighed, it was going to be an exhausting week.

Sandra took notes while she dictated.

She needed to make sure all her files and cases were handed over with a proper briefing.

Hermione was diligent and wanted no loose ends as she completed her transfer.

Brenda poked her head in, "You have a visitor, Hermione."

She looked at her assistant wearily and then at Sandra, "What now?"

Blaise sat across Hermione and they exchanged a few pleasantries.

She cut to the chase, "No offence Blaise, but if you're here to talk about Draco then I would rather not."

Blaise grinned, "Obviously I'm here to talk about him Granger, he's..umm...not doing so great after he found out you were leaving."

Hermione asked in concern, "What do you mean?"

Blaise shifted in his seat uncomfortably, "He's drinking a lot more than usual."

She closed her eyes as she digested the news.

She brought her fingers together and asked, "What do you want me to do? He won't listen."

The bloody arrogant git, she said thought.

Hermione choked back a sob, "I need to leave Blaise, at least for a bit, I need to be away from him."

Blaise reached over and squeezed her hand, he understood completely, "I know Granger, he's a right fucking moron at times."

He pleaded for the sake of his best friend, "But he will always listen to you, Granger, please for his sake, just give it a try."

She had already made up her mind to visit Draco and give her a piece of her mind.

Blaise leaned forward and confided, "Theo and I are going by the Club tonight, I'll tell him I invited you because Luna will also be there."

This was going to backfire in their faces, but she agreed.

Blaise smiled fondly, "Draco Is a proud man Granger and Weasley snogged you in HIS Club, in front of HIS staff and friends."

He concluded firmly, "Draco likes being in control and with you that control goes all to hell, it scares him!"

Damn their Slytherin ego!

Blaise was still talking his voice filled with concern, "He needs you more than he will care to admit, ever since our last year Hogwarts he's been hung up on you."

Hermione widened her eyes in surprise, "You knew?"

Blaise laughed softly, "You guys hid it well, just not good enough for me. I was really happy because he was becoming this good man."

His face turned dark, "But with his old man around there was no way you guys could've been together but it's different now, don't let him go."

He got to his feet, she rose with him and placed an affectionate peck on his cheek.

He was such a good friend.

Club Wizard...

Luna, Theo, Blaise, and Hermione walked into the club.

It was dark except for the usual rays of neon lights and packed with people dancing and having a good time in general.

Hermione spotted him at once, he was in his office, standing at the glass window observing the activities below.

Draco looked like a magnificent perched Eagle looking down on its prey.

Theo smiled at Hermione sympathetically, she was half expecting a witty remark but the lanky Slytherin touched her arm and squeezed it, "Good luck, Granger."

Hermione sighed not knowing what the hell to expect and Luna gave her a reassuring smile.

Blaise led her through the crowd and VIP sections and they stood side by side in silence, while the lift took them up.

Blaise pushed open the door to find a very startled Draco glaring at them.

He pointed to Hermione and hissed, "Why the fuck is she here?"

Obviously, he was still hung up on their last encounter and that she was leaving.

Blaise replied firmly, "Calm down mate, she's here to talk to you."

Draco rolled his eyes, "Fuck that, I've got nothing to say to her."

Hermione stepped forward defiantly and narrowed her eyes, "Blaise, please give us a minute alone if you don't mind."

Blaise nodded curtly, "As you wish Granger."

He turned on his heel, ignored the look of outrage Draco gave him and closed the door behind him.

Hermione eyed Draco, he looked pissed off his damn mind.

He poured himself another drink, "What the fuck do you want Granger?"

Hermione kept her cool and tried to make eye contact, "Your friends are worried about you."

In his presence, she was losing her composure fast.

Draco laughed sarcastically, "I'm fine, they can calm the fuck down."

He was about to take another sip from his tumbler when she reached out and grabbed the glass from his hand.

She slammed the glass down hard on the table and cried, "ENOUGH!"

The glass shattered spilling the contents everywhere, he watched as the liquid turned red.

Fuck, was that blood? Her blood?

Draco looked up in alarm, Hermione had cut herself, her fingers quivered and blood dripped steadily from the open cut.

He was at her side in an instant with his wand out.

He reached for the trembling hand and muttered, "What the hell have you done?''

Hermione took her hand out of his grasp roughly, the blood continued to drop and Draco watched transfixed as each drop fell onto his grey carpet.

Draco pleaded painfully, "Please darling, let me see your hand."

Hermione choked back a sob and curled her hand into a fist.

She faced him with fiery eyes and let the tears fell down her cheeks.

Her lips quivered, "I won't watch you destroy yourself.''

With those parting words, Hermione turned on her heel and left the small office.

He had destroyed them both.

Blaise noticed the cut on her hand and immediately took out his wand, she shook her head, "It's just a scratch don't worry about it."

She welcomed the pain; it was nothing compared to her current state of mind.

Hermione cupped Blaise's cheek and smiled weakly, "Take good care of him."

He hugged her tightly, a genuine hug between friends, "I'll see you when you get back, Granger."

She left the club and disapparated into her flat and completely broke down in the middle of her living room.

Sobs and desperate cries wracked through her body.

She held nothing back, she screamed aloud out of frustration choking back the wave of tears that kept coming.

Blaise went back into the office he shared with his oldest and closest friend.

His whole body shook, he rocked back and forth and stubbed the cigarette.

His face distraught, he whispered in anguish, "Her hand."

Blaise placed a comforting hand on his best friend's shoulder, "She loves you, Draco. It took a lot for her to come tonight."

Draco buried his head in his hands.

He wanted to hold her close to him and never let go.

What the fuck had he done?

Girls day out...

Ginny and Hermione were out dress shopping.

She had taken the day off, much to Kingsley and Sandra's dismay but she needed a fucking break.

It was an incredibly special occasion and they needed to have the perfect dress.

Ginny insisted since Harry was that Guest of Honor and as his fiancé, she had to look nothing short of spectacular.

They had gone into so many wizarding dresses stores that they had lost count and not a single place had anything they remotely liked so they ventured into Muggle London.

They took a break before continuing the search for the perfect dresses and shoes.

Ginny reached for her pint, "Are you all packed then?"

Hermione reached over and squeezed Ginny's hand, "Come on Gin, it's gutting me to leave you."

She choked back a sob, "It's for a year and I'll be back before you know it."

Ginny nodded miserably and asked, "Harry said Draco came to see you."

Hermione shifted in her seat nervously, "Yeah, Kingsley told him I was leaving and he cornered me in my office and told me he wouldn't let me go."

A tear slid down her face as she remembered his intensity.

Ginny widened her eyes and said, "Wow, he still loves you."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "He has a funny way of showing it, can we please not talk about Draco? He made his choice and I made mine."

Ginny tossed back her drink, wiped her mouth and got to her feet.

She grinned, "Of course, come on, let's go find these dresses, I'm this close to chucking it in."

Hermione laughed as they both got up and headed towards the shops.

Ginny found her dress, it was a pale blue off-shoulder dress made of silk that cascaded down to her ankles and with her hair loose she looked lovely.

She twirled in front of Hermione and asked, "Nice right?"

Hermione winked, "Oh definitely, it's very you Ginny."

After stopping by another three shops, Hermione found her perfect dress.

She settled on a flowing white dress with a daring back.

The embroidered halter fit snugly around her neck and the raw silk hugged her figure as it flowed down her waist and cascaded around her ankles.

The dress had a daring slit and required no bra.

When she walked out, Ginny squealed in delight, "Holy fuck, that's sexy."

Hermione turned around and glanced at the very low cut back, "Do you think it's too much though?"

Ginny rolled her eyes and got up, "Are you nuts? It's perfect!"

She winked mischievously, "Malfoy is going to lose his shit."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "I'm not trying to impress him."

Ginny laughed sarcastically, "Yeah, and I'm half Veela."

The day before the Ball...

Hermione watched Draco from afar as he instructed his team on what needed to be done.

He graciously lent his staff for the proceedings.

He was so handsome, and those jeans hugged him tightly.

She cocked her head to the side and shamelessly ogled his fine arse.

She was staring and daydreaming in the middle of the enormous hall.

So caught up in her vivid fantasy, she didn't realize he was standing right in front of her.

"Good morning," Draco greeted her amused.

She snapped back to attention and quickly replied, "Morning!"

He leaned forward and teased, "You were staring at me Granger, so I came over to give you a better look."

Fuck, he smelled good.

They had been cordial to each other after the episode at the Club.

The cut had proven to be deeper than Hermione thought, and she now had a healing gash across her palm.

They both knew they were unfinished business and it threatened to spill over and consume them whenever they were close.

Not to mention, the sexual tension bubbling between them.

Hermione felt her cheeks redden, "I wasn't staring at you."

Embarrassed, she quickly looked for an escape and pointed at Cormac.

She cocked her head to the side and mused, "Mclaggen is pretty as good looking."

She curled her lip and bit down, "He's better looking than you from certain angles and he is a rather good kisser."

Draco narrowed his eyes at her in distaste.

Such possessiveness and ego!

Hermione homed in for the kill, "He's coming with me to New York, did you know?"

With those parting words, she walked away leaving a completely stunned ex-boyfriend to stare after her.

Draco looked over at Cormac.

What the fuck? Since when did that moron do anything remotely important.

"Oi, Mclaggen," Draco called out loudly.

The tall man turned to the sound of his name.

"What do you want Malfoy?" Cormac asked annoyed and not bothering to hide his displeasure.

"Are you going to New York with Granger?" Draco asked impatiently, cutting right to the chase.

Cormac smirked, he knew Malfoy had a history with Hermione but so did he, not as serious but he had still kissed her and fondled her at Slughorns party.

He licked his lips and winked, "Yeah, I'm looking forward to it, I'd love to pick up where I left off with her."

Draco couldn't believe what he was hearing, what the fuck was this arsehole going on about?

Without thinking twice, he wiped out his wand and pointed it directly at Cormac's face.

His arm muscles twitched making his dark mark move menacingly, Cormac eyed it and paled.

Draco hissed darkly, "Make no mistake, Mclaggen, if you touch her I'll kill you myself."

Cormac kept his eyes on the wand pointed between his eyes and said, "What do you care Malfoy? You guys are over."

Draco dropped his wand hand reluctantly and walked away from a shaken-up former Gryffindor.

Why the fuck was everyone reminding him that it was over!

They were far from over.

Reluctantly, Draco accepted that he was obsessing over his ex-girlfriend.

This was insanity and he needed to get his head on straight and make a fucking decision!

Day of the Ball...

Ginny got ready at Hermione's and Harry was supposed to pick them up.

Books and boxes littered the hall, Hermione was nowhere near done with packing and she only had a few days left.

Hermione fastened on the earrings and bracelet Draco gifted her.

The diamonds added that extra touch to her exquisite dress.

She ironed out her hair and it fell straight down her back, like soft silk against her skin.

The dress was beautiful, it hung on her like a thin sheath of a second skin.

It was sexy, daring and elegant.

She did a confident twirl.

Damn, she looked good and felt amazing.

Ginny whistled as Hermione entered the living room.

She winked and said, "If I was ever batting for the other side, I'd be all over you."

Hermione pouted her lips seductively, "I would take you up on that red."

They were both laughing hard when a loud thud interrupted them.

Ginny went towards the door to open it for Harry.

He looked so dashing in a classic black and white tuxedo.

Harry smiled brightly as he saw Ginny and exclaimed, "Wow Gin, you look amazing."

There was a small cough and Ron came out from behind Harry.

He smiled his boyish smile at Hermione weakly.

He rubbed the back of his head, "Hermione you look..." he just couldn't find the words, that's how beautiful she looked.

She teased, "I hope the ends of these sentences are good."

Ron smiled, "I was wondering whether you'd let me escort you tonight?" he quickly added, "As friends, of course."

Hermione smiled, this was her friend!

She answered enthusiastically, "Of course Ron."

He let out a huge sigh of relief and offered his hand, she took it and they disapparated to the hotel.