Draco awoke from another fitful sleep at the crack of dawn. Even after all these years his mind played tricks in his dreams, conjuring images of darkness and torture and red, murderous eyes piercing through him. These nightmares had come less frequently over the years, but Draco figured the looming date of the seven-year anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts had to do with this resurgence.

Knowing the chances of returning to sleep were quickly diminishing, Draco rose from his large bed and began his morning routine of a vigorous run, followed by a quick shower and breakfast. As he proceeded, his thoughts lingered on his recent dreams. He allowed himself the rare chance to ponder back at his life since the fall of Voldemort.

Draco had felt a significant shift in his sense of self on that fateful day in May. From that moment on, he vowed to live his life on his own terms and without fear of the future or any expectations put upon him. He distanced himself from his father, knowing that so much of Draco's adolescent strife came from the man's actions and influence. When the topic of initiating a marriage contract between himself and Astoria Greengrass had been voiced soon after his graduation, Draco quickly and adamantly refused to go along with the notion.

At that point in time, Draco had no idea of what the future may hold for him, but he knew he must pave a new way for himself. He wished to use his skills and influence to improve the lives of others and evolve the society he was raised in.

As a man of means, he made himself a silent benefactor of a variety of charities and foundations. Draco was not naïve; he understood the overall opinions that were set upon him as a Malfoy. He therefore thought it best to contribute as anonymously as possible, without anyone presuming his actions to be self-indulgent. Draco believed he was given an undeserved second chance at life seven years ago and strived to be worthy of it.

His thoughts naturally veered towards the day of his trial, and the unexpected aid he had received.

He sat in the large court room, staring down at his shoes to avoid the judgemental glares of the courtroom and the eerie sight cast on the ceiling. From the sudden chill that erupted across his body as soon as he walked in, Draco was certain of the presence of dementors high above. Draco had previously heard speculations that the newly appointed minister planned to disband the ghoulish creatures from their association to the ministry. Clearly this supposed change was to occur after dealing with them and not a moment before.

That morning, Draco sat through many hours merely waiting for his impending sentence to Azkaban. Before him were other Death Eaters, faces of various witches and wizards he had seen in the last few years in his family home. One by one, he heard Kingsley's voice sentencing them to life in Azkaban or straight for the Dementor's Kiss for the most egregious of offenders. The guilt he had felt far before the recent death of Voldemort was clear proof to Draco of what was to come. In his mind, his presence as a bystander to the various heinous crimes he observed made him as culpable as anyone sentenced that morning.

His parents, whose own individual trials were to follow shortly after Draco's, implored him to defend himself by any means, perhaps by claiming he was under the effects of the Imperius Curse for the past two years. However, Draco felt deserving of the trial and whatever its outcome may be.

When his turn came, Draco stood stoically behind the podium with his chained hands clasped together, facing the entire Wizengamot. He answered all questions as honestly as he could, resigned to his fate. From the proceedings thus far, he felt certain he would be following his peers before him.

You, Draco Malfoy, had chosen of your own volition to become a Death Eater during your sixth year of education…

You singlehandedly designed a passage for Death Eaters to freely enter Hogwarts through the use of a pair of vanishing cabinets. This has been confirmed by multiple Death Eaters to be the case.

Are you not indirectly responsible for the death of your late headmaster, Albus Dumbledore?

You have participated in various Death Eater gatherings lead by the murderer Voldemort in the past year. Can you deny any of these claims?

Draco remained poised and collected his scattered thoughts before responding. "I do not deny these claims. I was conscious of my actions and take full responsibility for them. For what it may be worth, I deeply regret my mistakes, and apologize wholly for my wrongdoings."

"I appreciate the sentiment, Mr. Malfoy," Kingsley began while grabbing a hold of the gavel near his hand. "Nevertheless, such willful crimes must be dealt appropriate consequences. If there is nothing left to add, we will begin voting on this matter."

Draco closed his eyes and took a deep breath, preparing himself for what was next. Suddenly, he heard an all too familiar voice from the far-right side of the room.

"If I may interject, Minister." All eyes in the room veered towards Hermione Granger who was now standing and approaching the center of the room. "I would like to voice a defense on behalf of Draco Malfoy. I believe I have important information that the Wizengamot should hear before making their final decisions."

Draco stared at the witch in shock, his calm appearance long gone, as Minister Shacklebolt motioned for her to proceed.

"Although Mr. Malfoy admits his guilt to the crimes you've brought before him today, I must strongly argue that they were committed with no malicious intent. He was initiated as a Death Eater in order to protect himself and his family in a volatile period of time after Tom Riddle's defeat at the Battle of the Department of Mysteries. His involvement as a Death Eater was not due to his desire to aid in the dark cause but out of necessity.

"When he was ordered to kill Albus Dumbledore upon threat of his own life, he could not do so. He was seen by multiple witnesses to have lowered his wand before Professor Snape inevitably intervened. In the final Battle of Hogwarts, I saw Draco Malfoy with my own eyes switch sides and help defend the school against further attacks. This shows the innocence of this wizard's soul, and you have myself as well as the memories of Harry Potter and the late Severus Snape as witness to these claims! I contest that any of these crimes were willful."

Indecipherable muttering broke out among the plum coloured crowd.

"Miss Granger, do you claim that to the best of your knowledge, the Death Eater Draco Malfoy has not willfully committed or passively witnessed any contemptible crimes?"

Draco felt the last fleeting chance he had fade away. Hermione bore witness to his most heinous crime as she was the victim of it. Although the Wizengamot had not been made aware of it yet, she would certainly recall Draco standing by and allowing his deranged aunt to torture the witch.

Hermione's eyes met Draco's for a brief moment before she squared her shoulders and boldly responded. "None, Minister. I believe Draco Malfoy, like many others, to have been a victim of the society in which he was born and raised. It is our responsibility in this critical time to come together and effect fundamental changes."

Draco remained standing and bewildered as the Wizengamot ruled in a nearly unanimous vote to clear him of all charges. He stumbled off the podium, his eyes glued to the head of bouncing curls stepping out of the courtroom.

Contrary to his infrequent contemplations about his own past, Draco's mind would still venture regularly to thoughts of Hermione. Appointed by many the "brightest witch of her age", Draco often thought of her more as his saviour.

Her shocking defense on the day of his trial was undoubtedly what altered the jury's opinion of him. What proved to be even more shocking to Draco was the companionship that had grown between them over the years.

As he continued through his morning routine and prepared himself to commence the day, he remembered how that relationship was initiated.

Both Draco and Hermione were among the fraction of students in their class that chose to return to Hogwarts for an unprecedented eighth year of studies. The newly appointed Headmistress McGonagall had added a fifth table in the Great Hall to seat eighth years of all houses to promote unity among the students. Friends of these students from all houses tended to join in which further allowed lower year students to mingle together about the tables and halls.

For the first half of his final year at Hogwarts, Draco tended to keep to himself and a small set of Slytherin friends. Despite his determined innocence, he made a conscious effort to remain as inconspicuous as possible in order to lessen the tension he felt surrounding him. His efforts had been successful as almost everyone had avoided him at all costs.

The exception to this was the newly appointed Head Girl who haunted his thoughts nearly every hour of the day. Since the beginning of the school year, Hermione had inexplicably shown up near Draco's side to strike up trivial conversations regarding a variety of topics: how he felt about the Advanced Potions assignments they had received, what subject he was thinking of choosing for his independent study in Ancient Runes, whether he had noticed the bouncing bulbs that snuck out of Neville's bag during class.

This just added to the mounting confusion instilled in Draco's brain ever since she had defended him during his trial. It was during one evening in the empty library, as Hermione kindly asked if he would like to work together on some homework questions due the next day, that Draco felt compelled to question the well-intentioned witch on her unusual behaviour.

"What's going on, Granger? Why do you persist on having conversations with me, being around me? Frankly, since the day of my trial, everything you've done has thrown me for a loop!" He stared at her face with intensity, awaiting some answers to the questions racing through his mind.

After a moment, Hermione calmly began to respond. "I was hoping we could all turn a new leaf after everything that we've had to go through. I meant everything I said that day, Malfoy. You're not to blame for what has happened. You were just as much a victim as the rest of us."

Draco was more confused than before. "How… how could you believe that?! After everything you've seen me do." He felt his pulse begin to quicken and his face warm with emotion. "After you saw me that day in the manor… after you saw me ju- just standing there! Letting you be tortured while I just stood back and watched! How could you not tell them?"

Hermione stared back at him, the emotion he felt reflected in her face. "Of course, I wouldn't tell them. You should not have to answer for the crimes of your sick aunt. You had no other choice, just like the rest of us! We were all forced to make difficult choices during the war, and sometimes they're better left unsaid."

The pair stood in silence, navigating their thoughts for a while.

"I didn't mean to bother you, Malfoy. I know you've hated me for so long that nothing could just simply erase all that."

Draco quickly shook his head at her claims. "You didn't bother me, Granger… and I don't believe there was ever a time I could have ever truly said that I hated you. I'm sorry that I ever made you feel that way… there is so much I wish I could take back when it comes to you."

He still remembered the way she looked at that moment. Her beautiful hair tossed to one side billowing down her shoulder in clashing waves. Her bright eyes watery with unshed tears and a glowing smile radiating off her face that, for the first time ever, was directed at Draco.

"I'd like it if we could try to start over," she began walking towards him with her hand sticking forward. "Let's forget what we can and move forward."

For the first time in a long time, Draco's mind was calm, and he was able to genuinely smile. He took the witch's petite hand in his and shook it.

"Agreed, Granger."

Thinking back to their final year at Hogwarts reminded Draco how grateful he was for the presence of Hermione in his life. She had continued to interact with him for the remainder of that year which surprisingly softened many other students towards him.

Draco could confidently and shamelessly state that many of the important business connections in his adult life would not have been created without her benevolent influence. The high status of these connections is not what he appreciated, but rather the degree to which it allowed him to contribute to worthy causes.

Long ago, Draco had been given a second chance at conducting his life. Above all else, he wished to prove himself worthy of this chance as well as the woman of his dreams. He couldn't deny that after all these years, Hermione Granger had bewitched him.

He went about his day as quickly as his schedule allowed. Later that evening, he rushed home to prepare himself for the seventh annual Halcyon Ball held by the Ministry to commemorate people's heroism and sacrifice. Draco continually looked forward to this event as it was one of the rare occasions he was afforded nowadays to spend time with Hermione.

Due to his efforts to remain anonymous, his philanthropic work provided no opportunity to interact with the witch despite the fact that she happened to be a board member of a number of them. Their nearly decade-long friendship remained strong even though the pair would only occasionally cross paths throughout the years at various group gatherings.

For the third time that day, Draco's thoughts wandered to a memory of the witch.

Draco had been preparing for the start of his workday when he heard the pecking and scratching of a Ministry owl at the terrace of his apartment. He quickly offered a treat to the ill-tempered bird and snatched the letter from its talons before it flew off.

He broke the seal of the envelope and was astonished to find an invitation, addressed to him by name, to the first ever Halcyon Ball taking place at the end of the summer. Draco was of course aware of the event, having read about it in the Daily Prophet, but was truly surprised to have received an invitation. He was sure there must have been some mistake – perhaps an error when issuing invitations that automatically included previously prominent households. Draco slipped the card into the pockets of his robe and made a note to himself to remedy the error quickly and quietly.

Later that day, Draco dropped by the office of Terence Higgs, an old Slytherin housemate that had graduated a few years before him, at the Ministry headquarters to advise in a matter involving the Department of International Magical Cooperation. After their quick meeting, Draco mentioned the strange occurrence that morning and asked to whom he should discuss the matter further.

"You should probably ask Hermione Granger over at the Magical Creatures Department. She's been spearheading a lot of the event and can probably answer any questions you may have."

Draco, now even more confused than he was before, proceeded to travel down a flight of stairs in search of Miss Hermione Granger. The witch never ceased to amaze him, and evidently others as well.

Having only joined the Ministry a few months ago straight after graduation, she had already begun to make a name for herself with her diligence and involvement in a variety of councils and committees. There were already speculations that she would one day become Minister herself. If so, she would be the first female Minister in over a century as well as the first ever muggleborn. Draco had no doubt in his mind of her future success.

He found Hermione sitting at her desk and took a moment to admire her as she sorted through a seemingly endless stack of files. He could not help but internally lament at the loss of the chance to marvel at her mane of curls. Ever since graduating from Hogwarts she had begun clipping her hair back in a tight twist for presumably a more professional look.

Draco lightly knocked on the open door of her office. Hermione looked up from her mountain of work and instantly broke out in a smile as she stood to greet him.

"Draco, what a nice surprise it is to see you! It has really been too long."

He stepped into her office, engulfed in a lovely scent of apple and cinnamon. "Hello, Hermione. It's nice to see you again." He smiled at her as he extracted the card from his pocket. "I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I was told you were the person I should speak to. I was sent this invitation to the Ball by mistake and wanted to make sure the Ministry was made aware of it."

Hermione glanced down at the card in question with slight confusion. "There was no mistake, Draco. In fact, I added you to the guest list myself."

Draco pondered this for a moment. "Why would you do that?"

Hermione smirked at him as she walked back behind her desk. "It's time you rid yourself of these insecurities, Draco. You deserve to be there as much as the rest of us. Besides, you can think of it as an opportunity to make new business connections."

Draco remained silent for a moment, holding the invitation in his hand with hesitation. She smiled at him once more as she picked up her quill.

"I'll see you at the Ball, Draco. Dress to impress!"

Draco chuckled at the memory. He did in fact attend the event that year and every year afterwards. Not only did it prove to be a good business opportunity as Hermione had predicted, but he could not resist the chance of seeing his witch dressed so elegantly.

Of course in actuality, Hermione was not his witch.

He recalled seeing her accompanied by Ron Weasley for the first two years. It had been a shock to many when the redhead was spotted escorting Maxine O'Flaherty the following year. The romantic relationships of the Golden Trio never ceased making headlines for Rita Skeeter and the likes. Weasley had seemingly went on in the following years to court a long list of witches including Fay Dunbar and Gillian Ossett. Excitement about the famed Auror's love life had lessened over time as he seemed to be steadily dating Gabrielle Delacour for the past few years.

All this didn't matter much to Draco, of course – the two men had never been able to start afresh and after all these years they still held some animosity towards one another. What truly astounded Draco was how Ron was ever able to let Hermione go.

Draco remembered the slight sadness in Hermione's features in that first ball without Weasley by her side. Fortunately, her expression did seem to lighten over the night as she relaxed with her friends. Draco could admit to himself that he enjoyed being able to spend time with her without any male encumberment. Such occasions had always been his favourites.

On the years Hermione did have a date to the ball, the gossip columnists revelled in discussing whether she had finally found the wizard that captured her heart. She had gained a reputation as being a most sought-after yet elusive bachelorette. In addition to her accomplishments during the Second Wizarding War, her quick ascension to Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement spotlighted her even further in the public's eyes.

Although the tittle-tattle always fizzled away weeks after the event due to the lack of appearances of the supposed couple, Draco couldn't help but feel a tightening in his chest at any mention of it.

Having finished dressing in his gold-accented black suit, Draco gave himself a quick once over in the full-length mirror before departing for the night.

Draco was seated at his table and engaged in an entertaining conversation with Rolf and Luna Scamander when his attention was captured by Hermione walking through the archway on the other side of the banquet hall. Momentarily speechless, he studied her from across the room.

She wore a floor-length black gown that draped down her body deliciously. Gold lace accents teasingly twisted along the sleeves and curves of the dress, complemented well by the gold necklace and earrings she paired. Her hair was clipped back in an elegant twist, which Draco could not gripe about as it showcased the tasteful low cut of the back of her dress. Draco felt his heart stirring in glee as he noticed she entered only alongside Harry and Ginny Potter this year.

As he began to recollect his thoughts, Draco noticed a look of amusement being shared between the couple beside him.

"Come along, darling." Luna grabbed Rolf's hand as she stood up. "Draco can't talk to us right now. He has more pressing matters. Don't lose your courage this time!" She gave Draco an insistent look before flitting away. The seemingly clairvoyant witch continuously hinted at knowing of his secret infatuation. He peculiarly felt a new surge of confidence from her encouragement and began striding across the hall towards the trio.

He shook Potter's hand and softly kissed the ladies' cheeks, pausing for a moment longer by Hermione to indulge in her hypnotizing scent.

"Don't you look handsome tonight, Draco!" Her compliment warmed him and left him feeling more confident to express his feelings and gauge hers.

"Honestly, Hermione, I believe everyone here tonight pales in comparison to your beauty." A light flush crept up her cheeks upon his confession. Ginny and Harry shared a look of delight before waving at Draco to alert him of their quiet departure.

"Would you care to open the night's dance with me?" Seemingly still slightly flustered from his declaration, she cordially nodded and took his hand as he led her to the open floor. The orchestra queued up the music as Draco faced Hermione and gently placed his free hand on her warm, exposed back, taking a moment to admire her beauty from up close. He caught the contemplative gaze she directed at him which he could not recall ever noticing before.

The music began playing and the pair began waltzing across the dance floor jovially. They partnered remarkably well, being able to sense the other's movements as the song dictated. It reminded him of a comical moment in the past when their respective dancing was less than stellar. Hermione noticed him chuckling mid spin.

"What's so funny?"

He chuckled again before responding. "I'm just remembering the night of the Yule Ball back in fourth year. Your dancing seems to have improved quite a lot," he teased.

The memory caused her to start laughing as well. "I could say the same about you! I did the best I could with the limited lessons we received from McGonagall at the time."

Draco shook his head as he reminisced. "At least McGonagall gave you all proper lessons. Snape refused to participate in any way and left us with a demonstration from Filch and Mrs. Norris."

Hermione laughed boisterously at the image formed in her mind of such a lesson. Draco smiled on and the pair continued retelling funny Hogwarts stories as they transitioned into a second dance.

Soon afterwards, he became concerned that Hermione's feet might be aching from the endless waltzing and suggested they take a break. They walked over to a refreshments table to grab some hors d'oeuvres and drinks and sat at an unoccupied table. Draco was having a splendid time with the witch, reminiscing about their pasts some more and discussing their professions and hobbies. After some time, as other attendees would politely interrupt their conversation to speak to Hermione, Draco felt he had monopolized enough of her time and quietly excused himself.

Nevertheless, he continued to gravitate towards the witch throughout the night. Much to Draco's satisfaction, she always seemed pleased to see him again. They continued to sporadically chat and dance until the crowds began to lessen and the music softened. Draco grabbed two flutes of champagne and suggested they step outside to the large balcony to enjoy their last drink.

They strolled out and enjoyed the delightful weather of the summer night, leaning against the stone balustrade. The balcony was otherwise empty and the pair welcomed the opportunity to bask in the silence.

The light of the moon bounced beautifully off Hermione's face, making her face glow softly. With her eyes closed, Draco seized the chance to admire her figure in the tantalizing dress. As his gaze travelled up her alluring form, his eyes became fixated on the faded, silvery scar that was peaking through the translucent sleeve. Hermione opened her eyes to find him staring at her forearm which she had taught herself long ago to feel no shame in showing.

Hermione remained silent as Draco's fingers hesitantly traced over each letter, allowing him the chance to gather his feelings and speak when he felt ready. He eventually took a deep breath and looked into her eyes, keeping a firm but gentle hold of her forearm.

"Of all the mistakes I've made in my life, there are none I regret as much as those I've committed to you, Hermione. I'm ashamed of ever using this foul word on you. For what it's worth, I promised myself long before my trial that I would never utter it again.

"But the one thing I wish I could take back more than anything is that night in the manor. It's continued to haunt me to this day. I haven't even set foot in the place since that night." He shook his head as he stared at the ground, hoping he could throw the memory right out of his mind. "Watching you being tortured while I just stood there is the most cowardly thing I've ever done." Draco's vision began to blur as unshed tears filled his eyes.

"Now, you listen to me, Draco… I told you this years ago and I will continue to say it until you believe me. You are not to blame for anything that happened that night. You risked your life enough by trying to hide our identities. If you tried to stop Bellatrix it would've only put your parents' lives in jeopardy as well as your own. It's all in the past Draco, and everything transpired the way it had to."

She grabbed his forearm precisely where his faded Dark Mark was intentionally concealed by his sleeve.

"These markings on my skin do not define me… just as much as the markings on yours don't define you. I don't believe you need my forgiveness but if it will ease your conscience to hear it, then I will say it. I forgive you for your past, Draco, as we all make mistakes we regret and wish to push past."

She then smiled at him mischievously. "I don't like the thought of a world without you, Draco. There would be so many magical creature foundations and muggleborn rights groups that would lose your supportive patronage!"

He looked up at her in astonishment, his ears beginning to redden at being exposed. "Who told you about that?!"

Hermione chuckled and shrugged her shoulders. "I am an active member of these organizations; I was bound to find out sooner or later! Plus, Luna may have hinted at it at our last S.P.E.W. meeting. I reckon it's time you stop being so silent in your philanthropic work, Draco. We could use your advice on multiple matters."

Draco gave a light chuckle and timidly nodded his head in acquiescence. She smiled and gave him a heartfelt, lingering hug. "I hope you know how important you are to… all of us. Please believe me." He squeezed her back and nodded again, wanting nothing more than to remain in her affectionate embrace.

As time crept on, and the emotions of the moment began to fade away, Draco could feel the air shift around them. His senses focused on the feel of her body against his, the sound of her deep breaths, and the scent of her hair under his nose.

Hearing the clacking of heels coming towards the balcony, the pair slowly drew out of their embrace and turned to see Ginny waving.

"Hermione! We're about to head out. See you at the club?" Hermione nodded and waved back as her friend headed back inside. She then turned to Draco with a teasing look.

"Ever partied the muggle way, Malfoy?"

Draco chuckled and shook his head. "I'm not sure my presence would be welcomed, Granger."

"Well, I'm welcoming you, and I don't give a fig what anyone else has to say on the matter." She glanced down at their attire. "We might need to do some light transfiguration work to make ourselves look a bit less formal."

Grabbing her wand out of the small purse tucked inside the pocket of her dress, Hermione began to shorten the hem line of her dress and remove the sleeves. Draco followed suit by vanishing his suit jacket and tie, and unbuttoning his shirt slightly.

Hermione nodded in approval of their changes. "There we are. I think we're ready to head out, don't you?"

Draco paused, his thoughts momentarily preoccupied before responding. "Just about." He stood closer to the witch and began to slowly remove the few clips holding her hair back. He then lightly combed his fingers through her thick hair, brushing it down and relishing in the feeling of the soft, bouncy ringlets for the first time. "Perfect. Now we're ready."

With glazed eyes and flushed cheeks, Hermione quickly nodded and grasped Draco's hand to apparate them to their next destination for the night.

Hermione and Draco walked slowly through the club hand in hand in search of their party whom they eventually found occupying a booth near the back. The fairly large group greeted the pair happily, with only Ron quietly rolling his eyes at the unexpected arrival of the Slytherin which Draco chose to ignore.

As the night rolled on and the drinks added up, Draco felt he was truly enjoying sitting next to Hermione and spending time with the group. They chatted endlessly about a variety of topics including quidditch, their jobs, and funny instances that occurred during the ball that night which Draco confessed to have missed most of as his attention was often otherwise occupied.

As the night continued, some of the group began to wander away or take their leave for the night. When Harry hinted to his wife that they had better return home to relieve their babysitter, an inebriated Ginny whined and reached across the table to grab Hermione's hands in hers.

"No, we cannot leave yet! I never even danced once with Hermione. Let's go, darling!" The redhead pulled a laughing Hermione off the chair and towards the middle of the dance floor. The girls jumped and shook along to the heavy bass of the dance. Draco followed Hermione's every movement, admiring the rare sight of the highly regarded young Ministry official letting loose.

As the beat began to slow into a smooth R&B ballad, Harry stood up to make his way over to his wife. "I think I'll have one dance myself." He quickly reached Ginny and grabbed her waist to catch her attention.

Hermione continued happily dancing alone as she turned slowly and moved her hips about. Opening her eyes, she noticed Draco's attention on her and smiled at him in invitation. Needing no more incentive, Draco hurriedly stood and made his way over to his siren. As he neared her, Hermione linked her hands together behind his neck. Draco responded by putting his arms around her waist and lazily rocking their hips side to side.

They continued moving along to the music with little attention being paid to anything outside their little bubble. Draco closed his eyes, committing this moment to memory as he felt Hermione's hand playing with his hair near the nape of his neck. As the song transitioned to another slow ballad, Draco grabbed Hermione's waist and brought her closer him and marvelled at the feeling of her entire body against his. The tip of his nose lazily skimmed over her neck and shoulder causing Hermione to inhale sharply and shiver in pleasure.

His hand crept up her bare spine, finding residence in the expanse of curls on her head. He could feel the soft shell of her ear against his lips as he spoke softly to her. "You have no idea what it does to me when I see your hair like this… all wild and untamed." He heard her gently moan as she tucked her face closer to him.

Their private moment was eventually interrupted as dancing bodies began bumping against them as the music changed to a fast song. Hermione smiled and leaned in to speak near his ear. "I think it's time we call it a night." Draco nodded with slight disappointment and manoeuvred them out of the dancing crowd and out into the quieter London streets.

As they began walking towards the nearest apparition point in silence, Draco considered the events of the night. He was surprised to conclude that Hermione was unopposed to his advancements, and at times had drawn him closer herself. He felt that this would be the perfect moment to make his feelings to the witch known.

When they turned onto the empty lane, Draco grabbed Hermione by the hand and slowly brought her closer to him with nervous anticipation. He placed a hand on her cheek as she drew closer, continuing to move slowly in case she wished to stop him.

As his intentions became clear Hermione stared at his face, bouncing from his eyes to his mouth. She then closed the final distance between them and placed her lips on his. Draco responded immediately to her actions, moving his lips against hers and trailing his fingers back through her hair. Hermione's hands began to travel across Draco's chest as their mouths moved against one another with Draco taking particular enjoyment in nipping at her lips.

Draco slowly kissed a path up and down her neck, speaking softly as he reached her ear. "Stay with me tonight, Hermione."

Breathing heavily, Hermione pulled away to stare at Draco's darkened, earnest eyes as she nodded. He grinned as he leaned in for one last lingering kiss before reaching for his wand and apparating them straight into his bedroom.

The couple landed by the end of Draco's bed with only the moon to light their way. Draco wasted no time before attacking Hermione, the thrill of having his most desired fantasy realized making his body sizzle.

As Hermione responded to his kiss and ran her fingers tantalizingly through his hair, Draco's hands traveled all along her body. Beginning by her waist, they trailed upwards towards the swell of her breasts before permanently settling on her backside.

Hermione unbuttoned Draco's shirt, taking pleasure in his heightened gasps and small moans as her nails roamed across his torso until she pulled his shirt off. In retaliation, Draco turned her body away from him and began leaving a trail of kisses down the back of her neck as he squeezed her full breasts between his hands. As he sat on the end of his bed his kisses descended down her spine while he slowly unzipped her dress. Once it fell off her body, he turned her around, continuing his attack on her chest and stomach.

Hermione moaned as she grew impatient from his ceaseless teasing. She grabbed his shoulders and pushed him to lie back on the bed as she removed their remaining articles of clothing. Draco stared in amazement as the witch stripped in front of him while obeying her silent order of lying back.

She then knelt between his open legs and began to reciprocate the torment. Her fingers traced along his feet as she lazily placed light kisses from his pelvis to the end of his hardened member. Draco's chest began to heave and he groaned deeply from her torture. She repeated this path a second time, after which she enclosed her mouth around the enlarged head and lightly danced her tongue around it. Draco, taken completely by surprised, grunted loudly and snaked his hands around the back of her head.

Motivated by his response, Hermione giggled and continued her ministrations as she took more of his length in her mouth. Draco coaxed her further, pushing gently against the back of her head in rhythm to her movements. When he felt his member hit the back of her throat and Hermione swallow around him to fully envelop him, Draco could no longer lie in submission.

Sitting upright, he nudged her off of him by lightly tugging on her hair which caused her to moan deeply in pleasure. As he stood up, he grabbed her by the hand to coax her up and lifted her as she wrapped her legs around his waist. The witch held close as they continuously kissed one another.

Draco slowly turned them around and laid Hermione on the bed. He stood still for a moment to hungrily gaze down at Hermione, her nude figure illuminated by the moonlight and her hair splayed wildly around her, before pouncing on top of her. Draco trailed his tongue lightly from her navel up to her right breast, grazing her nipple before taking it into his mouth and lightly nipping.

Hermione moaned in intensity and all playfulness instantly disappeared. Draco lifted his body to line up along Hermione's, watching as his erection moved back and forth along her wet center. Hermione watched along as her pelvis began lifting up to meet his in anticipation.

Not wanting to leave her waiting any longer, Draco grabbed his member and gently began pushing against Hermione's center. She eagerly began opening to him, moaning as he continued to push inside. His hips rocked back and forth in a hard, steady rhythm with endless motivation from the sounds of Hermione's pleasure and the pulsing he felt of her inner muscles.

Wanting to explore her desires further, Draco began quickening his pace and swaying his pelvis to push against her. She inhaled in lustful surprise, grabbing for Draco in desperation and gyrating intensely in response. "Yes, yes, Draco. Please, more! More!"

He grabbed her by her hair and arched her back enough to latch his mouth back onto her breast, nipping at it slightly harder than he had before. She cried out in pleasure, her body shaking and rocking in ecstasy. As her orgasm began ripping through her Draco laid her back down and grabbed her hips, thrusting hard and deep into her.

Draco marvelled at the sounds and movements she made in reaction to him. His carnal side awoke from her excitement for his rougher play. As she groaned and rocked in orgasm, Draco quickly followed her in ecstasy, thrusting against her and groaning in unison.

Losing the energy to move, he lied slightly on top of her as they tried to catch their breaths and regain the use of their bodies.

Eventually, Draco raised himself up and observed the tired, elated expression on Hermione's face. He chuckled and lovingly pecked her on the mouth before standing to find his wand. He casted a quick cleansing spell on them before returning to lie next to Hermione who had already begun to doze off. He placed them underneath the sheets and clutched onto her, spooning her body against his own.

Draco awoke the next morning from his peaceful, deep sleep by the late sunlight beaming through the windows. He rubbed his eyes awake, recalling all the events of the night before. He looked to his right and was captivated by a beautiful vision. Hermione was lying asleep facing him, a serene look across her features that could only be produced from the most relaxing of slumbers. Her wild curls swept in every direction framed her face in a tousled mess from their activities the night before. Draco could not help but to stroke her hair and gently twirl a strand around his finger.

Hermione eventually opened her eyes from the movement and chuckled. "So I guess you really do like my hair."

"I would call it more of a healthy obsession," he responded merrily. "I remember it was your hair that first caught my eye in Hogwarts. So different than the prim, straight styles I was used to seeing in pureblood society…"

Hermione listened on in silent curiosity. "But that's what I liked about it. Then as I learned more about you, I realized how well these wild curls suited your nature. You and your boundless curls simply hypnotized me."

Hermione's cheeks flushed from his appraisal. She looked away as she began to speak. "Ever since I was young, I would get teased about my hair… it was too bushy, too curly, too messy. Despite all that, I always liked it. My hair was something that made me different which I appreciated."

She stared into Draco's eyes, searching for an answer. "To know you prefer it the way it is makes me like it even more."

He moved his hand from her curls to softly stroke her cheek. "I love it, Hermione, exactly the way it is. And I wish to admire it for as long as you'll have me."

A/N: Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it. Leave a review if you feel compelled to do so!