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Love and Forgiveness	By : HarryGinny4eva Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 16328 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 4
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- 6
CHAPTER
13

Hermione ran over and yanked the door open as Beth flounced in and threw
her bag on the floor with a loud, �ARGH!�

Hermione closed the door and took a tentative step towards her friend, �First,
are you really okay?�

�I�m fine, just pissed as all hell!� she screamed. �I want to hit something!�

Hermione stepped back with her hands raised in supplication. Beth caught her
move and her anger faded a little. Just enough to laugh before the hurt came
through. She then sank into a chair and started to cry.

Hermione ran to her friend and threw her arms around her, �Oh, Beth, what
happened?�

Beth sniffled and pulled back, �Well, Blaise was right.�

�About what, exactly?� Hermione asked as she reached
for her wand and transfigured the television guide into a box of tissues.

Beth reached for one, but then let out another wail, �About that!� Hermione
looked around to try and figure out what Beth had pointed to near them. Her
eyes landed on the box of tissues and she looked back at her sniffling friend.

�I�m sorry?� she asked, very confused. �Blaise was right about tissues?�

Beth had calmed down enough to laugh a little, but sobered quickly and shook
her head.

�Come on, Beth. You have to help me out here,� Hermione begged. �Please start
from the beginning.�

Beth took a deep breath and let it out slowly before she started to speak.

�He was right about me being just a muggle.�

�What on earth do you mean by that?� Hermione demanded, affronted on her friend�s
behalf.

�That I can�t do what you guys do. That I�m not special.
Not really good at anything,� she whispered sadly. �No wonder he doesn�t want
me.�

�Okay, we�ll deal with you being non-magical in a moment. And, we�ll take on
the Blaise topic next. But, first, what the hell happened with that Dave guy to
get you like this?�

Beth smiled at her friend�s defense of her, even against herself.

�Well, things went fine at dinner. We went to that nice little Thai place near
our old job. Remember?�

Hermione nodded and then Beth continued, �Well, we had a nice dinner and good
conversation. He told me about how much he�d loved spending time in Virginia Beach over the
summer. And, we talked about some of the places there we both knew. We both
loved this little seafood place on the boardwalk.�

Hermione smiled at the story and urged Beth to continue. She didn�t know what
the woman was talking about, but she figured it had to be going somewhere.

�So, anyway after dinner, he suggests we go for a walk. So we get up and leave
and we�re standing outside of the restaurant and I ask where we should go. And,
he said how about the beach. And, I smiled �cause I
was thinking he was kidding, but I guess he took it as consent �cause next
thing I know he�s gone in a pop! And, I�m standing there looking like an
idiot.�

�He just left you!� Hermione exclaimed, outraged at his behavior toward her
friend.

�Oh, wait, it gets better,� Beth sighed. �About thirty seconds go by and he
pops back beside me and goes, �Damn, forgot you were just a muggle.
Sorry about that.� JUST. Like I was, I don�t know, insignificant, I guess.
Then, he grabs me and says, �Let�s try that again, shall we?� Like I was going
to go anywhere with him after that! So, I pulled away and told him to get off
of me.�

�Good for you!� Hermione cut in.

�But, he didn�t want to let me walk away and tried to grab me again. So, I
punched him and pulled my arm back again for another hit. I thought for a
second he was going to hit me back. But, he didn�t. He just stepped back and
looked at me like I was dirt under his feet and said �Oh I give up. No piece of
ass is worth all this. It�s not like you�re anything special, just a stupid
muggle with gifted friends!� And then he was gone.�

�He just left you there alone! That bastard! I�ll kill him,� Hermione shouted.
�No, I�ll get Draco and Blaise go first, and then I�ll��

�Mione, stop!� Beth interrupted her rant. Then she
started to cry again, �Don�t you see? He�s right. I�m nobody. Not compared to
you guys. I don�t even know why you��

�Don�t you DARE!� Hermione said into her startled
face. �I will not stand here and let you insult my friend! And, I will not let
you doubt or belittle yourself that way! He�s an ass, Beth. You said so
yourself. Why would you let him get to you like this?�

Beth�s head dropped and she sniffled into her tissue, �Bembmsblamdmbmsameway.�

�I�m sorry, what?�

�Because Blaise feels the same way,� she said into a new tissue.

�Is that what this is all about?� Hermione asked softly. �Blaise?�

When she got the tiny nod, she sat back and sighed, �Okay, I guess it�s time to
get on to topics two and three then. Two being that you are a very special
woman. And, just because you can�t do magic does not make you any less special.
I don�t know what makes you think anything less, Beth. But, for future
reference, we are going to have to work on this little complex you seem to be
developing.�

�Good, a smile,� she said when Beth�s dimples appeared for a second. �Seriously
you have to stop thinking of everything as muggle versus magical. Measuring
your worth against witches is like saying you aren�t worth anything because you
don�t have brown hair. It�s not better, it�s just different. I believe it, why
can�t you?�

�I know,� Beth said sadly. �I do. And, I don�t think about it too much or too
often. I mean, you guys always include me, and you don�t show off or shove it
in my face. But, it�s there Mione. I won�t ever be able to do the things you
can do. I�m not saying I�m not okay the way I am, I am usually. But, meeting
Blai�more people like you guys, reminds me that I�m not special enough for
someone who can do those things to want me.�

�And, now we get to number three. Blaise Zabini.� Hermione smiled softly as
Beth�s eyes misted and then slid away from hers. �You�ve got it bad, huh?�

Beth didn�t answer, but shrugged instead.

Hermione got up and went to get them both a bottle of water from the fridge.
Normally, she would have wanded them over, but with Beth�s current state, she
didn�t want to risk it.

�You know, he�s not that great a wizard, actually. I mean, he barely scraped by
in school. If he hadn�t been friends with Draco, I figure he probably would
have flunked out. He was so busy chasing girls, he never studied. I don�t know
how he got any homework done, unless all those girls did it for him.� Hermione
realized what she was saying and who she was saying it to and quickly changed
gears. �Anyway, he�s never been that good at anything beyond third year magic.
He�s practically muggle himself, to tell you the truth.�

She heard Beth�s little giggle and came back around the counter to join Beth on
the couch. �And, since he can�t cook, clean properly, use a washing machine or
dryer, turn on a computer, much less use it, cross a street at the light, drive
a car, work a blow dryer, read a map��

�I get it,� Beth laughed at the long list Hermione was making. �Stop picking on
him.�

�Well, anyway,� she laughed, �what I�m saying is he�s really not worthy of you!
I mean, you know so much more about real life than he does. And,
so what? He can apparate, unlock doors and flick on a tv
without touching it, but that doesn�t make him better. Or,
smarter. Or, a better friend.�

Beth blew out a breath and looked up at her bangs as they fluttered back into
place, �I know. It�s just, sometimes I wish I could�you know. Then maybe we�d
be on more equal footing. Then maybe he�d see me as more than just a friend.�

�He will, Beth, I just know it. Give him time, okay? You two just met each
other. He doesn�t know you yet. And, he hasn�t had time to figure out how much
he needs to get to know you better. He still has a lot of growing up to do, you
know. He�s a great guy, don�t get me wrong, but he�s been playing all his life.
And, you�ve only known him a few weeks. And, don�t get mad at me for saying,
but you fell pretty fast and you can�t expect him to keep up with you.�

Beth looked at her a bit defensively, �You�ve only been with Draco the same
amount of time and you two are already up to marriage and kids!�

�We are not!� Hermione blushed as she shook her head in denial. �And, it�s
different for us.�

�How?�

Hermione looked down as she gathered her thoughts. She�d been thrown by the
image in her head of Draco and her in wedding clothes.

�Well, we�ve known each other a long time, not just a few weeks, Beth.�

�Yeah, but you hated him,� Beth pouted.

�I did. But, I still knew him. And, now, it�s different, we talk and we�re
getting to really know each other, but our history is still there. In some ways
we�ve been together, albeit as enemies before we were friends, but together
nonetheless, since we were eleven years old. We didn�t have to learn about each
other�s habits, quirks�everything. We already knew them.� Hermione shifted to a
more comfortable position and sighed, �In many ways we�re doing everything
backwards. We�re even dating all wrong. We�ve been out with you two, and there
was the party, but we�re having our first actual date tomorrow. See backwards.�

Beth laughed with her and took a sip from her drink. �So, you think this�Blaise
and me getting together, can happen? Maybe? In time?�

�I do. He just has to get there, Beth. And, trust me, he�s coming around
already,� Hermione assured her.

�Huh? What do you mean? Did he say something?�

Hermione shook her head and smiled, �Not directly. But, he was surely not happy
about you going out with Dave.�

Beth beamed at the news, �Really? You�re not just saying that to cheer me up?�

�Not at all, promise. He seemed to feel quite strongly that Dave was not your
type. I heard him tell Draco.�

�Oh,� Beth smiled. �Okay.�

�Are you sure you�re okay now?� Hermione asked as they rearranged themselves to
both fit on the sofa with their legs stretched out.

�I am much better, thanks to you, Mione. You�re the best, you know that,
right?�

�Well, since I am such a good friend, how about I help you get a little
leverage in this situation,� she smiled wickedly at her friend and then flicked
her wand at her.

Beth felt a tingle slide over her and looked down to see what Hermione had
done. Her eyes flew open in shock and her jaw dropped as she looked back up at
her friend.

Hermione giggled and smiled with a shrug, �You asked for it, remember? And,
hey, he�s male, a little more cleavage can�t hurt.�

Beth laughed with her and looked down again to stare at her newly enhanced bust
line.

-- -- -- -- --

The next evening Beth giggled into the phone, �They feel funny.�

Hermione laughed, �Well, I can always change them back.�

�No!� Beth was quick to answer. �It�s just weird. I mean, I guess I still don�thave
to wear a bra, I mean, you didn�t go crazy, but they still feel huge.�

�You went from nothing to a B, so it�s gonna take some getting used to,�
Hermione answered.

Beth giggled into the phone and changed the subject, �So, enough about me, my
non-existent love life, and my chest. Let�s talk about you. Are you ready for
your big first date? Excited?�

�Yes and yes! It�s our first time really alone. We�re having dinner here
and then he�s taking me one of his favorite hangouts.�

Beth asked, �And, where�s that?�

Hermione shrugged with a laugh, �No idea. I tried to pry it out of him this
morning, but he won�t tell me.�

�Well, how are you supposed to dress?� Beth asked.

�He said just comfortably,� Hermione answered as she adjusted the phone to the
other ear and tossed some dried cranberries and almond slices on top of her
mixed salad.

�Well that�s not helpful,� Beth sighed.

�Don�t I know it,� Hermione laughed in answer. �It took me forever to get him
to understand the difference between dressing comfy for dancing and comfy for a
movie.�

�So?�

�Comfy for a movie.�

�Think that�s where he�s taking you? A movie?�

�I don�t think so, but who knows.�

�Well, I better let you go, it�s almost six. Have a fabu time and don�t forget
one detail!�

Hermione laughed at Beth�s enthusiasm, �I�ll try not to. Talk
to you later.�

�Bye.�

Hermione hung up and looked around her kitchen to make sure everything was in
place. She had prepared the salad, had the steaks marinating, and already
finished the potatoes au gratin, so all she would have to do was heat it up.
She stopped herself from making dessert, because Draco had said they could have
dessert where they were going.

The park? A movie?
Walking along Broadway? Comedy Club? No, I would need
to dress better than jeans. ARGH! I hate surprises! What is it? Bowling? Oh,
I�d love to see that. I would kick his cute little butt. I wonder if he knows
how? Hmm I�ll have to ask. Okay, lipstick!

Hermione rushed to her bathroom and touched up her makeup. She slid some gloss
across her lips just as she heard a pop of apparition from the hallway outside
of her apartment, followed by his knock on the door.

�One minute,� she called as she stopped herself from running to the door. Breathe!
It�s just Draco. Relax. BREATHE!

Her feet moved to the door, even though her brain was still trying to make her
lungs function, and she opened the door to him.

Both stood staring at one another for a moment before they together breathed,
�Hi!�

Draco opened his mouth to say something, but quickly lost his train of thought.
Her little bare feet peeked up at him with each toe sporting bright red polish.
As he moved up her body he saw she was dressed in tight jeans that seemed to be
molded to her legs and hips, and a tight green shirt with little teeny straps.
The straps called for him to slide them down and kiss her shoulders, and then
continue pulling to reveal the rest of her. But, he felt the breath rush from
his body as his gaze found her lips, full, lush, open just slightly, glazed and
beckoning.

Hermione�s lips had parted in surprise and joy when she saw Draco in her
doorway. He was dressed casually in jeans and a polo shirt that brought out
more of the blue of his eyes. She let her eyes slide hungrily down and back up
with a tiny smile, as she took in the taught stomach and muscled chest
displayed so nicely by the well-fitted shirt. It wasn�t until her eyes reached
his, which were sparkling in laughter that she remembered that she was
blatantly staring and hadn�t yet let him into the apartment. She blushed a little and stepped back to allow him entrance.

Draco moved forward with a light chuckle and said, �I must remember to get a
bunch more of these shirts.�

�Oh stop!� she laughed embarrassed.

He raised a bottle of wine and smiled at her, �I hope whatever you�re serving
goes with a red.�

She nodded and fidgeted as if she didn�t quite know what to do or say.
Truthfully, she didn�t. The enormity of finally getting to her first date with
him dropped on her like an anvil. She was top of her class in every subject
ever put before her, but she had never really gotten the hang of dating. And,
she hadn�t had a lot of experience with men other than Harry, Ron and Ron�s
brothers. She liked Draco and didn�t want to blow things in one night, but her
nerves were revving on high and Ron�s words kept running through her head.

He knows you haven�t had a lot of experience in this arena and he�s using
that. He�s setting you up, hon.

She was as sure as she could be that he wasn�t using her or setting her up, but
she couldn�t get past the fact that he knew of her inexperience. What if I
turn him off? Or, he gets bored with me? What should I say? I need to be calm
and interesting. Crap, I should have made a list of small talk items. She
was so lost in her thoughts that she didn�t realize he had moved to stand in
front of her.

�Hermione?� he said softly to get her attention.

He saw her eyes fly up to focus on his and then blink rapidly as she struggled
with something.

She�s scared! Huh? Why would she be scared? What do I say? Okay, good, her
color�s coming back. Say something, idiot! Something that
won�t scare her more.

�Come here,� he whispered as he pulled her into a hug. She was stiff as a board
and her arms didn�t immediately rise to hug him back. He was really worried.

�Hon, whatever�s wrong, we�ll deal, okay? Just tell me what it is.�

She didn�t speak, but he heard her take a deep breath. Then her hands slid up
his sides to rest on his chest on either side of her head.

His heart clenched at the shakiness of her voice when she softly said,
�Nothing�s wrong. Not really. I�m sorry. This wasn�t supposed to�I mean� Some
hello, huh�I�m sor�Draco, I�m just really nervous all
of a sudden. I�I don�t know what to sa�� Then she
looked up at him, �I don�t want to blow this.�

He almost laughed in relief, but knew that wouldn�t help matters. He blew out a
breath he hadn�t realized he was holding and hugged her tighter for a few
seconds.

�Well, I�m glad it�s not just me,� he said into her hair. When her head lifted
and she looked at him in question, he continued with a little chuckle, �Yes,
Draco Malfoy gets nervous. I don�t want to mess up, either. I really like you,
more than I probably should at this stage, but there it is. And, it�s nice to
know I�m not the only one having a little panic tonight.�

Hermione stared up into his face and saw the sincerity in his eyes.

�Kiss me,� she whispered.

When he arched a brow at her, she smiled and shrugged as she pinkened, �It
might relax me.�

�My pleasure,� he answered and lowered his lips to hers.

What the feel of his arms around her had started, and
the smell of his unique scent had prodded along, while his words had slid over
her like a warm cascade, his lips touching hers finished the job. His tender
ministrations eased her tension, and as his tongue swept in to meet hers, she
felt the thrill of being with him glide over her like silk.

His light moan brought her back to the fact that they hadn�t left the doorway,
even though the door had somehow closed behind her.

She pulled back after one last peck and smiled up at him, �So, you still want
to have dinner with the crazy lady?�

�Well, Granger, I might as well,� he laughed with her. �No sense wasting good
food.�

-- -- -- -- --

CHAPTER 14

She playfully hit him on the arm and took the bottle of wine from him,
�Okay, now that my mini-freak out is out of the way, why don�t you go sit down
and I�ll open this. Be right back.�

He watched her walk quickly to the kitchen and shook his head.

Hermione Granger nervous? Nervous
about messing things up with me. Me? Who would ever have thought�wow. How far we have come. Why
would I make her nervous? It should be the other way around. I mean she�s near
perfect and I�m�well, me. I still don�t even see what she sees in me really.
I�m glad she does though. Really glad. Damn, that
woman feels good. And, she can kiss like there�s no tomorrow. I can�t wait to
see how she is in be�STOP! No going there yet. She�s
not ready. Okay, quick, think of something else. Anything else�.Not THOSE!
Above the neck, above the neck! Okay, she�s smart. Yeah, think about her
brains. Okay, no. ha ha ha Her face? Yeah, that�s
safe. Okay, I love her very expressive eyes. I love her pert, straight little
nose, I love love love her lips, I love the way she looks at me and makes me feel�worthy.
I love�her. Shit shit shit! Too soon! Stop! It�s only been a few weeks. Too
soon! Don�t even think it, you moron! Think of something else!

Before he could pull himself back together fully she was back and handing him a
glass of wine.

�So, what do we talk about?� she asked as she sat down on one end of the sofa.

Draco took a breath and a long sip of his wine before he sat opposite her and
answered, �Honestly, I don�t know.� Then he laughed, �This is ridiculous! We
talk on the phone all the time.�

She took another sip of her wine and laughed with him, �I know. I don�t know
why tonight�s any different, really.�

When the silence stretched a bit Hermione finally thought of something to say,
�So, I figured out where we going tonight.�

He arched a brow at her and turned more toward her, �Oh really? I highly doubt
that.�

�Bowling!� she said with a grin. When he started laughing she thought she had
it and continued, �Yep, ten pen bowling. And, I am going to kick butt!�

He grinned at her triumphant look and shook his head, �Sorry, but no. Although,
I would love to see you bowl sometime.�

�Darn, I thought I had it,� she laughed. She took another sip of her wine and
he watched her tongue peek out to lick a drop off her lip. He got lost in the
movement and when she asked, �Ready to tell me yet?� he had no idea what she
was talking about.

�What?� he asked distractedly.

He had lost focus on the conversation. She noticed him staring at her with an intensity, and it scared her as much as it thrilled her.

�Draco?� she asked. �You okay?�

His eyes popped back up to hers and she saw him take a slow breath. He then
nodded and tossed back the remainder of his glass.

�Sorry,� he answered. �Just thinking.�

�About?�

�You,� he answered without a trace of shame and full on dazzling smile.
�But, where were we? Oh yes, you were asking me about bowling.�

She laughed and shook her head, �No, I was asking you to tell me where we are
going?�

�Not yet,� he answered and stood up. He reached for her hand and pulled her up
next to him. �Let�s get some more wine. And, you can tell me what�s for
dinner.�

�Okay,� she sighed. �But just so you know, I don�t really like waiting.�

�I remember,� he laughed. When she slid past him into the kitchen he pulled her
back against his chest, �But, you should also remember, I like having people at
my mercy.�

�Oh, really,� she giggled. �Well, I am not at your mercy. I just don�t know
where we�re going. Yet.�

He turned her around and pushed her gently back against the counter as he rested
his hands on either side of her. Then he lowered his face to hers and said
softly, �That�s what keeps you at my mercy, love. If you don�t know where we�re
going, you will have to depend on me to get us there. And, that means I get to
hold you for a while later.�

He winked at her and then slowly nibbled at her lips for a few minutes. When he
pulled back she smiled up at him. She couldn�t think clearly enough for a good
comeback and merely nodded at him, as her body shook with the tiny shivers his
nearness and silky voice had caused.

He knew he had gotten to her and it made him smile a bit wider. For a time in
his teens he had reveled in his ability to get girls. Then for a long while his
�skill� had repulsed him, as it was part of the person he had grown to dislike
being. Later at USWU, he learned to accept it as a part of himself, but still
steered as clear as possible from the hordes of Quidditch groupies who tried to
snag him. Hermione was the first woman he had met that he actually wanted to
fluster, to make smile, to make quake. He wanted her to want him. He planned to
use everything in his relationship and sexual arsenal to make her happy enough
to stay with him for as long as possible.

But, he also knew he had to take it slow. So, he lowered his head to her
shoulder and kissed her neck softly before asking, �So, love, what�s for
dinner?�

�Oh, um, salad, steak and potatoes,� she answered as she squirmed out from
under him and went to the fridge.

Hermione knew it wasn�t her most attractive position, but she couldn�t stop
herself from bending low and sticking her face into the fridge. She needed to
cool down. If she didn�t, she was afraid she was going to jump on him and ask
him to take her on her kitchen table. What had been nerves was slowly building
to an inferno of a completely different sort. Every time he looked at her, her
toes scrunched. When he smiled her stomach dropped. And, when he called her
�love� a tingle of desire shot through her and her heart did a flip. She had to
get control of herself.

Draco watched her breathing in the cool air from the fridge with an amused and
knowing smile, but said nothing.

�So, how do you like your steak?� she finally asked as she turned to face him.

�Medium,� he answered. He rolled up his sleeves and went over to her, �What can
I do to help?�

�Nothing, really. I just have to put these on the
grill.�

�Well, I can at least help set the table,� he said and reached over her to
retrieve the plates.

�You don�t have to,� she said as she carried the marinated meat to the electric
grill on her counter.

He smiled at her, �I know. But, I want to. I like to cook and stuff. It�s
relaxing.�

Hermione glanced at him. This was yet another thing about him that surprised
her. He had changed so much in just a few years. Finally, she shook her head at
him and laughed, �Well, I�ll remember you said that when it�s time to clean
up.�

He smirked back, �That�s when magic comes back into play.�

They shared a laugh and it seemed to be what was needed to cut the final
tension. Together they got the dishes and salad on the table and simply enjoyed
being together. During dinner they talked about his newfound love of muggle
items, laughed at Blaise�s inability to master most of them, and shared touches
that warmed them both.

After they had dinner and cleaned up, using magic, they were ready to leave.

She put her money, muggle ID and lipstick in her jeans pocket and walked over
to him, �So, you really aren�t going to tell me where we�re going?�

He opened his arms and waited for her to wrap hers around him, �Nope.�

�Fine, but I better like it after all this suspense,� Hermione smiled up at him
and then laid her head on his chest.

When nothing happened she looked back up at him, �What�s wrong?�

He leaned down and gave her a lingering kiss before he answered, �Nothing. I
just didn�t want to give up holding you yet.�

�Oh,� she blushed and smiled. Then she opened her mouth to say more and nothing
came out. So, she repeated, �Oh.�

�Amazing vocabulary there Granger,� he teased. �Let�s go.�

Hermione felt the squeeze of apparition and then the release of standing on
solid ground once again. She felt safe and warm with him, but looked around
with a bit of unease. They stood in a dark alley somewhere near Times Square. She could see the lights and hear the
sounds of people and cars, but it was very dark and creepy where they stood.

�Uh, Draco? Where��

�Hold on,� he chuckled. �We aren�t there yet.�

�Oh, okay,� she breathed out with a nervous laugh.

�Come this way,� he said as he released her, but took her hand.

It took her a few moments to get her bearings, but she soon realized they were
near 42nd street.
It was then she realized he had apparated to safe location, where muggles
wouldn�t detect them. She was still unsure where they were headed as all of the
shows were well underway.

Hermione contented herself with people watching and enjoying the feel of his
hand in hers. She tensed a little when they reached a corner and had to wait
for the light to change while two bottle-blondes with terrific figures
blatantly looked Draco up and down in invitation. But, her tension turned to a
smile of happiness and a little triumph when he, in response, let go of her
hand to pull her into his embrace.

�Since we have a moment,� he said. And, then he kissed her. It wasn�t a long
one, but it told her everything she needed to hear.

Draco wanted to shout in triumph as he saw the emotions play across her face.
She wasn�t looking at him, so he was free to soak her in. She looked so happy
and comfortable with him that he couldn�t stop the smile that spread over his
face. This is why he didn�t miss the look on her face when the other two women
had openly flirted with him. He knew she didn�t have a lot of belief in her own
sexuality and no knowledge of how much control she actually had over him, so he
hoped his actions helped ease her worries.

Her brilliant smile was his answer.

When the light turned and they crossed the street, an older couple passed them
and they heard the woman say, �Ah young love. Remember when we were like that
Jeff?�

They didn�t hear his answer as they grinned at one another.

Hermione was so lost in her happiness that she was jerked to a stop when Draco
stopped moving.

�We�re here, Mi,� he laughed with her.

�Dave and Busters!� she laughed. �This is your favorite place?�

�Yeah,� he grinned down at her. �It�s fun.�

�I never thought I�d see the day. Draco Malfoy playing video games!� she
teased. �This I have to see!�

He tickled her side as they entered the bar/restaurant/arcade and answered,
�Just you wait! I�m a killer at Time Cop III!�

They played every game they could. Their matching competitive streaks led them
to have several competitive rounds of Skeeball and Pole Position,
but each proved to be great sports when they lost to the other. While Hermione
was no good at the basketball game, she encouraged him to play again, just so
she could watch him. He moved with an easy grace and underlying sexuality that
she wanted to bottle. He returned the favor as he watched her twist, turn, jump and gyrate on the dancing game. By the time she got off
the game, he was uncomfortably warm and suggested they get that dessert he�d
promised. They shared a decadent chocolate cake and ice cream that dripped with
nuts, more chocolate and whipped cream. Unfortunately for him, her moans of
appreciation did nothing to help cool him.

A lot of laughs, a few great wins and losses for both of them, and two stuffed
animals later, they left.

�Well, it�s official,� he announced when they
apparated back to her apartment.

�What?� she asked as she moved away to put the stuffed toys on her book shelf.
She planned to give them to Albie and Jamie when she saw them next.

He came up behind her and kissed her ear, �This has been by far the most fun
date of my life.�

�Yeah, right,� she laughed. Then she moved out of his arms to tease, �I seem to
remember a Yule Ball in fourth year when you and Pansy...eeeeeee.�

Her screech was caused by her body being tossed onto the sofa. It was followed
by her loud choked laughter as he tickled her mercilessly.

�No. Draco, stop. Stop,� she laughed and twisted as she tried to get away from
his hands.

�I warned you not to bring her up again,� he laughed. �Now, say you�re sorry,�
he demanded as he found a new spot to torture.

�Never!� she heaved as she tried to breathe.

�Say it,� he repeated.

When she could no longer breathe, she relented, �Okay, okay, I�m sorry. I�m
sorry.�

During their tussle he had crawled on top of her to hold her down and held her
hands above her head. As she tried to regain her breath, he felt her chest
heaving under him and realized their positioning.

She saw the darkening of his eyes and felt him tense slightly above her. When
his eyes left hers and slid down to her lips, she found herself short of breath
once again. It gave her a heady sense of power to know that she had put that
look in his eye. No one had ever made her feel as sexy and wanted as he did.
She almost felt drunk just looking into his eyes.

The air itself seemed to tense in anticipation as he slowly lowered his head to
hers. Just before his lips touched hers he paused and inhaled slightly. His
purr of appreciation broke the silence and she smiled when his eyes closed and
their lips finally met.

It started soft, almost reverently, but quickly changed as if the air had
suddenly been electrified. His hand released hers and moved with tantalizing
precision over her. He couldn�t seem to touch enough of her.

She could barely think for the feelings coursing through her body and crashing
in small waves in her abdomen. His taste and smell washed over her, as his
hands slid under her shirt to smooth over her fevered skin. She gasped as his
fingers slid up to cup her breast; she felt branded with his heat. His low
groan near her ear as he nipped at a spot on her shoulder, flicked a switch in
her and she let her inhibitions go to show him how he made her feel.

Draco felt her cool hands slide under his shirt and up his back, and had to
hold back a low moan at the tingling sensation that followed. When she tilted
her head to slide her tongue around his ear he bucked against her and heard
himself sigh her name. She moved under him and he felt himself cradled by her
hips in a way he could only name as perfect. He lifted his head and found her
lips again, and even as he tasted that unique flavor that was her, he knew he
would have to stop soon, for both their sakes.

Hermione was enthralled exploring the various dips and planes of his body. His
muscles bunched and tensed under her fingers, and his skin was smooth and warm.
She purred against him as she slid her hands over the butt she had admired so
often. She felt him shudder when she ran her fingers back up his sides and over
his chest and smiled against his lips. And, when she ran her tongue over his
ear, in an attempt to taste him once more, he pressed himself against her and
she felt the evidence of his desire for her. She marveled that she could bring
him to such a state. Seeking to bring him closer she adjusted herself under him
and was rewarded as she felt their bodies meet perfectly.

Heaven.

�Mi,� he said as he kissed and licked the spot just above her cleavage and
pulled her shirt back down. �We should stop now, before...�

�Mm hmm,� she sighed and sifted her fingers into his hair. Then she blew out a
breath and whispered, �Yes, I guess we should.�

She lifted her knee and tried to wiggle out from under him, but his voice
stopped her.

�Mi, oh gods, please stop moving.� He dropped his head onto her chest and
groaned, �You�re killing me.�

She stopped moving and whispered with a giggle in her voice, �Sorry.�

He heard the laughter in her voice and lifted his head to say, �Think this is
funny, do you?�

She tried to stop smiling as she shook her head, but a tinkle of laughter
escaped when she answered, �No.�

His head dropped back down onto her and he laughed, �I guess I need to get up,
huh?�

�Well, it would be difficult to sleep on the sofa like this,� she replied.

Against her chest she felt his warm breath and couldn�t stop her hands from
moving back up to caress his face.

He sighed and slid off of her to sit on the floor. When he looked back up at
her face his heart thudded in his chest at the feelings that swamped him.

�You are so beautiful,� he stated and leaned up for another kiss.

�You make me feel like I am,� she answered honestly when he slid back down onto
the floor.

Man, I want you, Mi.

I wish he would just take me.

�I should go,� he sighed as his fingers toyed with her hair.

She glanced at his watch and reluctantly nodded as she swung her legs down and
sat up. Once again shyness overtook her and she didn�t know what to say.

What do you say to end a date? I don�t want to sound flippant. Or needy. Can I ask him to call me? Should I? Damn, I hate
this nervous first date feeling! Should I ask when I�ll see him again?

�Stop thinking so loud,� he teased her out of her thoughts. He swiftly got to
his feet and pulled her up with him. Then he took her hand and walked over to
the fireplace.

He pulled her close and leaned down to kiss her one last time.

�I�ll call you tomorrow at lunch, okay?�

�Okay,� she answered happily. �I had a great time tonight, Draco. Thank you.�

�Thank you, Hermione. It was perfect. You�re perfect.�

She shook her head in denial, but he nodded, �You are for me.�

Before she could formulate an answer he kissed her again, stepped into the
fireplace and with a smile and a flash of green fire, was gone.

She touched her fingers to her lips as if to hold his kiss there for a moment
longer, as she smiled softly. Part of her wanted to fly to the phone and call
Ginny, Beth and Snoop. But, the bigger part of her wanted to hold it to herself for a while longer. In a haze of wonder, lust, and
memories of the evening, she closed up the apartment and prepared for bed. Her
last thought before she drifted off was how skilled he was with his hands.

Four blocks uptown, Draco stepped into his apartment quietly. He saw Blaise�s
light on, but didn�t want make his own presence known. He wasn�t ready to share
her yet. Instead he moved to window and watched her lights go off with a smile.
He then went to his room and got ready for bed. The last thing he envisioned
before he fell asleep were her eyes sparkling happily back at him.

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

CHAPTER 15

�Shane, Wes, Brian, stop that this instant. You know the rules. No magic
in the halls.�

The nine-year old boys looked more upset at being caught, than ashamed and
replied, �Sorry, Ms. Granger.�

Hermione wanted to laugh at their resemblance to the Weasley boys in their
heyday, but she maintained her best �McGonagall�, �That was your last warning.
Next time it�s straight to the Principal. Do you understand me?�

All three nodded sullenly and she shooed them down the hall. She headed into
the teacher�s lounge to eat her lunch and read a book she had found in the
school�s library. As it was Tuesday, the children would have gym class right
after lunch, so she had at least an hour and a half before she would be missed.
She put her things down, pulled out her lunch and reached in her bag for the
book just as her cell phone vibrated. She jumped a bit at the sensation and
then reached back in to pull out the phone.

When she read the name on the screen she almost dropped it.

�Hello,� she answered tentatively.

�Hi, Mione,� Ron answered. �You busy?�

�Um, no, I�m at lunch. Aren�t you working?�

�Yeah, for another hour or so, but I wanted to talk to you.�

Hermione sat up straighter in her chair to brace herself for the oncoming
fight, �About?�

�I�m off for the day and well, um, would you meet me for lunch tomorrow?�

�Why?� she asked warily.

Ron sighed heavily into the phone, �Do I now need a reason to see my best
friend?�

Hermione didn�t know what to say that wouldn�t hurt his feelings, but
thankfully he continued before she had to respond.

�Look, I miss you, okay? I just want some time with you. I know things are kind
of screwed up right now, but you�re still my best friend, Mione. We can talk
about other stuff besides that gi�Malf�you know.�

Hermione answered hesitantly, �You�re right, Ron. Sure. Where?�

�How about that pizza place on 33rd at 11:30?�

�Okay. But, I only have an hour, okay?�

�That�s fine. Thanks. See you tomorrow.�

�Okay. Ron?�

�Yeah?�

�Thank you.�

She hung up the phone and stared out the window for a second as she tried to
figure out his call and invitation. Then she shrugged, if Ron was willing to
try, she was.

The phone rang in her hand and jolted her again.

This time she answered with a laugh, �What is this? Weasley
day?�

Ginny�s tinkling laughter came back, �Well, technically, I�m a Potter. Who else called?�

�Ron.�

�He did? Why?�

Hermione shrugged again, �He asked me to lunch. I guess he�s trying.�

�Ronald!� Ginny snorted. �He�s willing to get over Malfoy!�

Hermione laughed a little, �Well, no. It was made pretty clear that we won�t be
talking about Draco at all.�

�Ooookay,� Ginny said.

�So, you called me, Gin. What�s up?�

�I just wanted to make sure you were still planning to come this Saturday. And,
to ask you to bring one of those fantastic cakes of yours for the birthday
party,� Ginny pleaded.

Hermione laughed, �Of course! I wouldn�t miss Albie�s
first birthday! He loves me, you only want me for my cake.�

�Well, they�re good,� Ginny giggled.

�What time do you want it?�

�Can you get here by one? Mom�s coming around two and that�ll give us some time
to get caught up.�

Hermione nodded against the phone as she smiled, �One it is.�

�Draco can hang with Harry and the boys,� Ginny stated.

Hermione wasn�t sure what to say, �Um, he�what?�

�I said,� Ginny laughed, �Draco can han��

�I heard you,� Hermione interrupted, �but, um, do you really think that�s a
good idea? Does Harry know? And won�t Ron��

�Stuff him!� Ginny exploded. �And, it was actually Harry�s idea.�

�Oh.�

�Yeah, oh. Mione let me ask you something.�

�Yeah?�

�Do you really like him?�

�Harry?�

�No, Argus Filch! Draco, you idiot.�

�Well, yeah. Why?�

Ginny ignored the question and continued, �Do you see this�relationship lasting
a while?�

Hermione smiled as she thought about, �I sure hope so.�

Ginny heard the way Hermione sighed her answer and her eyes flew open wide. She
wasn�t sure how far things had gotten with them, but she knew that kind of
sigh. It was the one she used to get when she talked about Harry when they were
dating. But, since Hermione hadn�t made any confessions, she chose not to push.
Instead she kept up her line of questioning.

�Do you honestly think I am going to not see my best girl friend on the planet
for �a while� because my brother can�t get his head out of his arse?�

�Well, no, Gin. But, maybe right now isn�t the best time to push things. I mean
he�s just starting to come around a little.�

�Well, I want you here. You want to be with Draco. That means I want you and
Draco here. It�s a big house and I am sure he and Ron can avoid being together
long enough to do any real damage. Besides, if he is going to be around for
some time to come, Draco needs to start getting used to us, too, you know.�

�I know. Okay, if you�re sure,� Hermione said skeptically.

�I am.�

�I�ll ask him.�

�Good,� Ginny answered. Then she added with a laugh, �Just don�t forget that
cake!�

�I won�t,� Hermione laughed back. �And, thanks, Gin.�

�Love you.�

�Love you, too. Bye.�

Hermione put the phone down on the table in front of her and stared at it. The
two very unexpected calls in under ten minutes had
ruined her desire to eat. Her nerves were a bit frayed.

When the phone rang the third time she actually groaned before she read the
name on the screen and smiled.

�Hey Blaise,� she said as she relaxed back into her chair. �What�s up?�

�Hey babe,� he purred. �Did I catch you at a good time?�

Hermione laughed at the thought, but answered, �Sure.�

�Good. You�ve been ignoring me.�

�What?�

�Seriously, Mione. Since you�ve started up with Draco,
you never call me any more. I missed talking to you.�

�You just saw me at the party Friday, Mr. Needy,� she laughed. �Now, what do
you really want?�

Blaise laughed, �Okay, fine. I wanted to know if you guys wanna meet for
Chinese tomorrow night?�

�Us guys?�

�I really want Chinese and D can�t go tonight, but tomorrow�s good for
him and he said we should go out instead of ordering or conjuring. So, I called
to make sure it was good with you guys?�

Hermione laughed at his avoidance of the question, �Okay, but who is us guys?�

�You know,� he hedged. �You, me, D, and Beth�or somebody, doesn�t matter, just
so I�m not a third tire.�

Men are so sad. His invitation and he doesn�t want to be the third wheel.
Yeah, right. Why can�t he just admit he wants to ask Beth out?

She giggled, �Wheel, not tire. And, I�m free, but I don�t know who else I can
get.�

�Oh,� he answered, �well anyone�s fine.�

�Okay, I�ll call around and see. Changs?� she asked.

�Yeah. Seven good?�

She smiled at his sound of almost frustration, but continued cheerily, �Sure.
Thanks for the invite. See you guys then.�

�Oh, okay. Bye.�

�Bye Blaise.�

This time it was her turn to call someone.

�Beth, tell me you�re free tomorrow night!�

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

The next day Hermione stepped into the cool air of the packed pizza place and
spotted Ron�s red hair at a table in the back corner. He looked up as she
entered and waved her over.

�Thanks for coming, Mione,� Ron stood up and smiled at her.

Hermione smiled and gave him a brief hug before she sat down across from him,
�Thanks for asking me.�

�Well, we didn�t really leave things right between us the other day,� he said
as he looked down at the table.

�I know,� she whispered miserably.

�I don�t like it,� he sighed. Then he shook off the melancholia and looked at
her, �So, tell me about your job.�

For the next half hour they talked about their lives over the past two weeks.
He filled her in on his take on his honeymoon. And, she talked about her job
and the children. At first the conversation was a bit forced and stilted as
they talked around all things Blaise, Draco and Beth, as that meant talking
about Blaise. But, all their years of arguments aided them in getting around it
to start talking like the friends they were. So, by the time she needed to get
back to school, she almost felt like things were okay between them again.

�Ron, thank you for this. I really missed us,� she
smiled up at him as they stood on the sidewalk in front of the place.

�I�ve missed you and your smile,� he answered with a hug. Then he straightened
and looked down at her with a small frown. He started to speak and then seemed
to think better of it as he stepped back.

�What?� she asked even though she knew what was coming.

He looked away for a moment, �Are you still wi�You two
still, uh��

�Yes,� she answered softly.

He blew out a breath and nodded. Then he leaned down once again to give her a
quick kiss on the cheek, �I�ll see you Saturday.�

She watched him turn to leave and remembered, �Oh, Ron?�

He stopped to turn back to her, �Yeah?�

�Have you talked to Gin?�

�No, why?�

�Well, you see, she and Harry thought, uh, that I, well, that Drac�uh,
that is that he and I um, we should come together, and well�� she trailed off
as his face darkened.

�They invited him!� his tone was low, but his anger was obvious.

She nodded and waited for the explosion.

It didn�t come. He simply turned and walked away.

Her shoulders drooped as she watched him turn the corner without a backwards
glance. She shook her head and headed back to school.

�Why is this all so hard?� she sighed to herself.

Her discussion with Draco the night before hadn�t been much easier. He had
balked at going to Harry and Ginny�s. And, when she admitted that Ron would be
there he had almost backed out completely. She had asked nicely, then cajoled,
and finally gotten snippy.

Their simple conversation had turned into their first fight since their school
days. She crossed the street and smiled a little to herself as she thought
about how much they had both grown, since neither had digressed into name
calling over the phone. But, they had gotten angry enough at each other�s
unwillingness to bend and ended up hanging up with nothing resolved.

After she hung up the phone she had stomped around her apartment calling him
all the names she had refrained from using on the phone. She had just gotten
herself worked into a good lather about how he and Ron were just alike when he
stepped out of the fireplace.

�Okay, that�s below the belt!� he said interrupting her rant.

She had stopped mid-word and mid step and let out a scream of fright. And, then
he had apologized for fighting with her. Her anger had drained away at the look
of sincere apology on his face. When he agreed to go, if only so she wouldn�t
be upset with him anymore, she had jumped on him and kissed him silly.

Just as she stepped into the air conditioned school her cheeks flamed as she
remembered how they had spent the next half hour making up.

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

The next night, as planned, she and Beth showed up at the restaurant a bit
late. Hermione had explained that by arriving after the guys, they would be
able to see Blaise�s reaction to Beth being there and then witness together if
he noticed her enhancement.

It was all they could do to not dissolve into giggles at the extremely happy
smile that crossed his face when he saw her, before he covered it back up with
his trademark lazy grin. Then when Hermione stepped out of the way to greet
Draco, they saw his eyes widen as they lowered to her chest.

�What did you do!� he asked rather loudly for such a small place.

�What!� Beth asked defensively.

Draco chuckled, shook his head and pulled Hermione down next to him.

�Hi there,� he said as he kissed her briefly.

She smiled and leaned into him, �Hi yourself.�

They both looked back up to see Blaise standing over Beth seething, �Why would
you do something so stupid?�

�What do you mean, stupid?� she said as she poked him
in the chest. �I am not stupid!�

He ran a hand through his hair in a very frustrated motion and said through
clenched teeth, �I did not call you stupid, Beth. I said what you did was
stupid!�

�You have no right to tell me�hey!�

Both Hermione and Draco�s jaw dropped as Blaise took Beth�s arm and quickly steered
her out of the restaurant.

�What I wouldn�t give for a pair of extendable ears right now,� she laughed a
little.

At his look of question, she added, �They were these things Fred and George
created, gosh what was it, fifth year? They were little, amplifiers shaped like
ears, and they had really long cords. We all used them to try and spy on The
Order when we were at the headquarters and they wouldn�t tell us anything. I
say try because Mrs. Weasley caught us almost every time.� Hermione laughed at
the memory. Then she sobered a little, �F..Fr�Fred and
George made all kinds of things like that.�

Draco reached over and took her hand, �I�m sorry, Mi. That�s a nice memory to
have of him, though.�

Hermione blew out a breath and smiled a bit at him, �Yeah. Yeah it is.�

They were quiet for a moment and Draco looked over his shoulder to the door,
�Should we?� Draco asked a bit worried for Beth.

Hermione looked outside to see them yelling at each other and saw Beth poke him
again. When he stepped back and raised his hands in surrender, Hermione shook
her head with a smile.

�I think Beth can take care of herself.�

Draco turned more toward her, slid his hand to her and whispered in her ear,
�Well, while they�re gone��

Hermione shivered as his tongue unerringly found the spot right behind her ear.
She closed her eyes to let the sensation slide over her and reached out to lay
her hand high on his thigh. He groaned a little as she squeezed his leg. He
then angled his head and their lips met in a kiss that curled her toes yet
again. They continued to savor the taste of each other as their hands moved
steadily higher. Just as she was about to reach her goal they were interrupted.

�Hello!� Beth laughed. �You are in public!�

They jumped apart like caught naughty teenagers and looked up at the couple in
front of them. Neither seemed particularly upset anymore.

�Mione, can you please come with me to the ladies� room?� Beth sighed, but
smiled as she said it.

Hermione nodded and slid from the booth, leaving the guys at the table to talk.
She followed Beth�s quick step and as soon as the door closed exploded with
questions.

�Wow! That was actually funny. But, what happened? What did he say? What did
you say?�

Beth laughed at the barrage, but then frowned a little, �Well, you need to put
them back to normal.�

�What?�

�Yeah,� Beth sighed as she puffed her chest out and admired herself in the
mirror. �I�m going to miss them though. I was just getting used to them.�

�Wait. Why? What happened?� Hermione asked again.

�Well, first he yelled at me for getting a boob job. If I hadn�t been so mad
about being manhandled, I might have thought his concern was cute. But, as it
was, I just yelled right back at him that it was my body and I could do
whatever I wanted to it. Then he yelled back that I was fine the way I was and
didn�t need surgery to change anything. Again, I would have thought it sweet if
it hadn�t been yelled in my face. So, I yelled back that he wasn�t in control
of anything I did to myself as he wasn�t my father, husband or boyfriend.�

Hermione interrupted, �So, why are we changing them back?�

Beth�s smile turned a bit dreamy, �Well, then he stopped yelling and kissed
me.�

�What!�

�Yeah, I think it was mostly to shut me up, but he didn�t stop all that fast. Then,
he leaned back and said, �Beth, you were perfect the way you were. There was no
need to change.��

�Aww,� Hermione smiled.

�I know!� Beth squealed. Then she continued, �So, then he said, �Look, I like
you, okay? A lot. I know I�m not your boyfriend or
anything, yet, but I�ve heard those muggle surgeries are dangerous and I don�t
want you hurting yourself.� So, I confessed that you did it and he just smiled
and kissed me again.�

�Yet?� Hermione asked with a wide smile. Beth nodded
happily.

Hermione smiled at her friend�s joy, but was still confused, �Okay, so why do
you want to change them back.�

�Well, after he backed me up against the wall and kissed me senseless, he
grinned and said that because it was magical then maybe it was okay. And, I got
mad again and said, if he didn�t like me the way I was then he didn�t really
like little old muggle me!�

�You did! Good for you!�

�Yep. And, he looked completely confused and asked what my
being a muggle had to do with anything.�

�Told you,� Hermione laughed.

Beth made a face at her and continued, �Well, I didn�t know what to say,
because I hadn�t meant to actually say what I said, so I just stood there. But
then he laughed and said that my being a muggle was part of what he liked best
about me. Then he kissed me again.�

Hermione just smiled as she finished, �So, I guess if he really likes me the
way I am, then I don�t need these.�

They were interrupted by a woman coming in to use the bathroom and moved to the
sinks to wash their hands. With the water turned on full blast Hermione
mouthed, �Are you sure?� When Beth nodded Hermione quickly took her wand out of
her bag and pointed it at Beth. One flick and she was back to normal.

Beth looked at herself in the mirror and sighed as she turned off the water and
grabbed a paper towel, �Well, it was fun while it lasted.�

Both left the bathroom giggling. When they reached the table, Blaise smiled at
both of them. They watched his eyes flick down and back up and then he winked
at Beth as he pulled her down next to him.

The rest of dinner was a laughing affair. Blaise started off acting like the
ladies� man he was used to being, but after being teased by Hermione and Beth
about his act, he finally let down his fa�ade and relaxed. Draco enjoyed the
company, the food, and the blush that crept up Hermione�s cheeks every time he
slid his hand over her thigh and toyed with the edge of her skirt.

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
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Love and Forgiveness