A/N: Yay for another chapter!

All CaBW readers, if you haven't noticed I finally got around to writing that first Theo/Bronson one-shot. Go check it out if you haven't already.

Also, some happy and sad news. Happy: I got a new job! It pays significantly better, is a bigger company and the hours are normal. Sad: I don't know what this means for my writing. Part of the reason I get chapters out so quickly is because I've worked 6am-3pm for the past two years, which left me with a lot of free time while everyone else I knew was still working. But we'll see!

Hermione was in Draco's washroom, putting the finishing touches on her hair and makeup for Molly's party while Draco pouted in the other room.

"I don't know what you're so upset about," she called into the bedroom. "You get to spend the evening with your little Slytherin boys club and we still get to shag when I get back."

"And you're going to call me the moment you leave that bloody place," he said in a demanding voice.

Hermione looked out the door at him and rolled her eyes. "I said I would." She lifted one of her bare legs onto the edge of the bathtub and started to rub lotion on it.

Draco groaned from the other room. "Stop doing that!" he shouted.

She looked at him and blinked. "Doing what?"

"Looking so fucking delicious when we don't get to shag for a few more hours."

Hermione smirked and continued rubbing in her lotion. "Sorry, but I can't help it if I'm naturally delicious."

She put her leg down and lifted the other, continuing to lather lotion into her skin. When she was finally finished, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her from behind.

She laughed as Draco kissed her neck. "What are you doing?"

"Tasting how delicious you are," he said, moving up to her ear.

Hermione smiled and rubbed her cheek against his. Draco's hold on her tightened.

"Very clever of you wearing nothing but this robe so there will be no chance of me ripping your dress."

Hermione turned in his arms and wrapped hers around his neck. "Was it?"

Draco smirked, kissing her hard as he lifted her up and carried her towards the bed, tossing her into the center of it before climbing on after.

"Weren't we going to work on controlling our urges?" she asked as he lifted her leg and caressed her thigh, using his other hand to hold back her hair while he kissed her again.

"The majority of couples in the world wish they had our passion, Hermione. It would be wrong of us to ignore it."

Draco grinded into her, Hermione moaning as she bit his bottom lip. One of his hands found its way into her robe and began caressing her breast through her bra.

Someone cleared their throat. They both turned their heads to find Theo and Blaise standing in the doorway.

"You're fucking early," said Draco, pulling Hermione's robe so it covered her completely.

Theo turned to face the other direction but Blaise was not as courteous. In fact, he tried to sneak a closer peek.

Draco pulled the entire comforter over Hermione. "Turn around before I beat your bloody arse, Zabini!"

Blaise winked at a very red Hermione before finally turning.

Hermione threw the comforter off of her and hurried to the closet where she grabbed her dress, followed by her drawer where she grabbed some tights. Then she ran into the washroom and slammed the door behind her.

"What are you pricks bloody doing here so early?" asked Draco.

"We aren't that early," said Blaise as he and Theo both turned back around to face Draco. "And how were we to know she would even be here?"

He and Theo both began looking around the room. Hermione's clothes were scattered about the floor along with several pairs of shoes. Makeup and perfume were on the dresser, and several of the pureblood books - Draco's copies since she was keeping Theo's in her office - were on the nightstand beside the bed with a pair of feminine-looking reading-glasses.

"Is she bloody living here or something?" asked Blaise.

Draco grunted. "No. She's just here a lot so I told her she can leave some things."

"Well, she's certainly left a lot," said Theo, kicking one of her heels so it was sitting upright.

"She's here more than she's home," Draco said proudly.

While he was putting on his shoes, Hermione emerged from the bathroom, looking around the floor until she located the heels she wanted near the closet. "Sorry I'm not already gone," she said as she stepped into them. "I didn't mean to invade your boys' night."

"Men's night, Granger," Blaise corrected.

Hermione rolled her eyes. Then she looked at Draco and smiled. "I'm leaving my phone behind so you won't waste your night sending me dirty messages."

He smirked.

"I'll see you later."

Hermione Apparated to the drawing room. Before she even had a chance to grab some Floo powder, she heard a ' Pop ' behind her. She turned, not surprised to see Draco there.

"I know you want me to have fun tonight, but if you need me to come back early you will call me," he ordered. "The moment you get back."

Hermione gulped and nodded. "All right."

Draco stepped towards her. "You're not losing your nerve, are you?"

She shook her head. "No. I know this is long overdue. I'm ready for it to be over. But I hope you realize Ron isn't going to magically change his mind tonight."

"Tell him you're dating me and I'm positive he will." Draco smirked, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her. "I'll miss you tonight," he whispered.

Hermione smiled. "I'll miss you too." She kissed him one last time before heading for the fireplace, keeping her eyes focused on him as she stepped into the flames and said, "The Burrow."

"Fuck, you've got it bad."

Draco turned to see Blaise and Theo standing behind him. It was Blaise who spoke.

"Stop bloody following me, I said I'd be right back," he spat.

"But we're leaving ," said Blaise. "And this is the exit ."

Draco grunted. "You're fucking annoying, you know that?"

When Hermione stepped out of the fireplace at the Burrow, she was immediately bombarded by a dozen heads of red-hair.

"Aunt Hermione, we have to talk about these bridesmaids dresses Rose is looking at," said the younger Molly, giving her a hug. "You need to stop her!"

"Hugo wants me to send him like ten Quidditch books," said Roxanne, taking the next hug. "Should I do it?"

"Where is that Apothecary shop you took Vickie to?" asked Dominique, stealing her from Roxanne's arms. "She's all out of that bloody craving stuff and going to town on Granny's cake."

"The dresses really are bad," said Lucy, taking her next. " Please talk to her."

"What does an usher have to wear to a wedding?" asked Fred, waiting for Hermione to come to him with a hug. "Am I going to have to wear a penguin suit?"

"'Ermione!" Fleur pushed through the crowd and stole her from everyone. "Come 'ave a drink with me."

As she pulled her away, Hermione shouted at her nieces and nephews, "If you have any issues with the dresses bring them up with the bride. No, Roxanne, do not send him those books, he needs to concentrate on his studies. The Apothecary shop is on the west side of Diagon Alley, I will email you the address tomorrow. And no, Fred, you will not be wearing a penguin suit, you will be wearing a tux, and you should be so lucky to look as cute as a penguin. Spread the word to the other ushers!"

"Quite eempressive," said Fleur, taking her into the kitchen and pouring them both a glass of wine. "Zat ees why I will vote you mother of ze year over me any day."

"Coming from a woman with three perfect children, I take that as quite a compliment."

"Yeah, zey are all right. Except for zat Louie!" she joked as her son walked by, wrapping her arm around his neck and forcing him to hug her.

"Bloody hell, Mum! Quit it!"

Fleur laughed and let him go. "His girlfriend is 'ere so Bill and I 'ave made eet our mission to embarrass 'im as much as possible."

"As all good parents should," said Hermione with a laugh.

"Hermione, you're here!" said Ginny, walking over and hugging her.

"I just arrived," said Hermione. "Where's Molly? I still need to wish her happy birthday."

"Oh, just busy basking in the glow of her many grandchildren." They all looked over to see Molly sitting on the sofa, laughing as several of her grandchildren entertained her. "Only Hugo and Lily are missing this year. She's in heaven."

"And by zis time next year she will 'ave a great-grandchild to celebrate with," said Fleur excitedly.

"This time next month," corrected Hermione, spotting Victoire and her large belly enjoying both a piece of cake and a handful of crisps at the same time. "I haven't asked her yet, do you know if she's going to stay on at Malfoy Enterprises after the baby is born? I know Draco would love to keep her."

Ginny glanced sideways at her. "He's 'Draco' now?"

Hermione ignored her and waited for Fleur to answer.

Fleur crinkled her nose. "I really should not say anyzing, but … well, she wants to stay. Do eet all like 'er at 'Ermione." She smiled. "But Teddy … 'e sort of disagrees."

"Yes, I was starting to get that impression," said Hermione, crossing her arms and pursing her lips.

Suddenly, Angelina pushed her way through the crowd. "Were really none of you going to come save me from 'boy talk' over there?" she asked. "Oh, excuse me. I mean 'man talk'."

The others laughed. That seemed to be a popular joke that night.

"So what is it about this time?" asked Ginny. "Obviously not Quidditch or you'd still be over there."

"About that bloody Draco Malfoy," she said, rolling her eyes.

Hermione tensed. "Why? What are they saying?"

"They were just laughing about something in Witch Weekly about him. I know you and he have become chummy but the things they write about him …"

"Why does everyone always say it like that? Chummy ." Hermione pursed her brow. "Am I really the only one out of this whole lot who accepts that he's going to be family?"

"I 'ave no problem with 'im," said Fleur, holding up her hand. "Vickie adores 'im. She says 'e ees incredibly brilliant."

"He is," Hermione assured her. "I expected more from you, Angelina."

Angelina gulped down the sip of wine she was in the middle of. "I walked away, didn't I?"

"Yes, but even addressing those horrible rumors they print about him is unacceptable."

"Sorry," said Angelina with a shrug. "You're right, Rose is a good kid and I'll make sure those gits we love shut up before she gets here."

Angelina walked back over to where George was talking animatedly to Ron, Harry, and Bill. She smacked him hard on the back of the head.

"I really don't get this friendship of yours," said Ginny, as they watched Angelina scold the men. "He still seems like a prick to me."

"Then try talking to him once on your own," said Hermione.

Ginny looked at her and sighed. "Fine, you're right. Harry said you wanted to take both him and Malfoy out for a drink. I'll come too, if that's all right?"

Hermione smiled. "Now, that's the spirit."

Just then, there was a ' swoosh ' in the fireplace and Rose appeared. She spotted her mom and waved, waiting for Scorpius to come through before dragging him over.

"Mom, all of the girls keep complaining about the bridesmaids' dresses I picked out. You liked them, right?"

"Well, I thought they were a little short but the color was pretty," Hermione said honestly. "Lily's choice, right?"

Rose groaned. "She sent me a million owls about it."

"The maid-of-honor's dress is allowed to be a little different, you know?"

"Something to consider," said Rose.

"And how are you tonight, Scorpius?" asked Hermione. "How's Eirwen?"

Scorpius, who looked a bit uncomfortable, smiled at the mention of his owl. "Great. Perdy still chases him, but he's really smart and when she jumps at him he gets her to smack right into the wall." He laughed.

Rose pouted. "It's not that funny."

"I took a video on my mobile," said Scorpius, taking it out and playing it for everyone. It actually was pretty funny.

"Poor kitty," said Rose, looking at the video of her little orange kitten and frowning.

"He has some interesting markings for a snow owl," Hermione commented.

"Yeah, that's why my grandfather chose him for me. The way his feathers splay out, they kind of look like dragon scales."

Hermione suddenly felt overcome with sadness as she thought about poor Scorpius turning down his dream job for reasons she did not understand. Then she found herself looking around, wondering if Charlie was coming in from Romania for this.

"So how come Granny turning seventy-five is a big deal but you turning forty-five was nothing?" asked Rose, narrowing her eyes at her mother.

"Because Granny likes birthdays and Mummy doesn't," said Hermione, playing with her daughter's hair.

Rose smiled and wrapped her arms around her mother, for some reason seeming kind of sad that night.

"Let's get you a drink," said Hermione, dragging Rose back towards the kitchen. Once they were alone, she asked, "What's wrong?"

Rose frowned and tapped her fingers on the counter. "Am I that obvious?"

"To me, yes," she said, taking a bottle of butterbeer out of the refrigerator and handing it to her daughter. "Are you upset because Scorpius kept the owl? I know you didn't like -"

"No, no, it's not that," said Rose. "If I realized it was that important to him I never would have asked him to get rid of it. I like Eirwen. We're a bit crowded but we'll make do." She paused and slowly sighed. "It's just … he really didn't want to come here tonight because he feels like no one likes him. I just don't get it. Why is this such a problem for everyone? Wasn't the point of the war you all fought in to end segregation? I know his dad was like, mean to Dad and Uncle Harry in school but come on! Bloody get over it already."

Hermione smiled. "I know the feeling. But I've told your father and Harry a million times to be nicer."

"Yeah, well, Granny and Granddad aren't much better."

"Just give them that little pouty face you make and they'll melt like butter," said Hermione.

Rose finally smiled. "That might work on Granddad."

"Charlie!"

Hermione looked back out to the living room, just able to spot the fireplace and Ginny hugging a red-headed man. Sure enough, when she pulled away Hermione recognized the smiling face of Charlie Weasley.

"I didn't know Uncle Charlie was coming!" Rose said excitedly. "Scorpius really loves dragons. I wanted to introduce them!"

Rose ran out of the kitchen before Hermione could stop her, grabbing Scorpius, who had been talking to Albus, and pulling him towards Charlie. If at all possible, Scorpius grew even whiter when he saw him.

"Uncle Charlie!" Rose shouted, giving him a hug. "I want you to meet my fiancé Scorpius. He's a really big dragon fan!"

Now Scorpius blushed. "Evening, Sir," he said, holding out his hand.

Charlie smiled and shook . "Well, if it isn't the famous Scorpius! I've heard a great deal about you. Word is, our little Rosie is just the happiest girl in the world!" He rubbed her head affectionately.

"And the luckiest," said Rose, hugging Scorpius' arm and gazing at him adoringly.

"Charlie, we need you over here for a minute," said Bill, grabbing his brother's arm and pulling him towards George, Harry and Ron.

"Nice meeting you!" Charlie called to Scorpius as he was dragged away. "We'll talk shop later."

"So about these bridesmaid dresses," said Molly as she and Lucy walked up to Rose.

Rose groaned. "I'll consider altering them slightly and just have Lily's be different, but I like them and weddings are definitely not about the bridesmaids. I already told you I'll wear whatever for your wedding, Molly ."

"And I think you'll all be very happy with the dress I'm considering," she said confidently.

"Let me guess. Blue?"

Molly narrowed her eyes. "Turquoise. It's summery."

"Oh, of course," said Rose with a smirk.

"Where is Darren tonight?" asked Hermione, walking over. She had abandoned her wine in the kitchen, not really wanting to drink tonight.

"He's outside with James. I guess some new girlfriend of his is coming tonight and she's Apparating so they're waiting."

Hermione and Rose stiffened. "James' girlfriend?" asked Rose. "Has he told anyone -?"

"Who she is?" finished Molly. "No. Not even Uncle Harry knows. I don't know why he's being so secretive."

"Hmm." Hermione looked around until she spotted Ginny, wandering over to her and pulling her into a corner. "Do you know anything about James' girlfriend?" she asked.

"No. Why, do you?"

Hermione bit her cheek. "Sort of. Just … be open-minded."

Ginny went dead-white. "Fuck Merlin, what does that mean? Is it a boy or something? While that's not exactly ideal, you know Harry and I are very liberal. Actually, he used to tell me that he thought maybe Al was -"

"Ginny! It's a girl," said Hermione with a laugh.

"Then what's wrong with her?"

Right at that moment, the front door opened. Ginny's head snapped in that direction, her stance tense as she watched Molly's fiancé Darren enter. James walked in after, holding the door as a nervous-looking witch entered. Edie looked around, blushing when she realized all eyes were on her. He took her hand and she calmed slightly.

"A Nott," said Ginny, scanning Edie up and down before glancing over at Harry. He was just as pale as she was. "The most narrow-minded pureblood family around."

"Yes, that's true, but her father isn't like the rest of them," defended Hermione. "He hates his family."

"But -"

"Ginny, my daughter is marrying a Malfoy, who all turned out to be nothing like I expected. Don't be like the Notts and try to keep an open-mind. From what I understand, James really likes this one." Hermione looked at Edie, who caught her eye, and smiled. "Plus the poor girl looks scared out of her wits."

Ginny cracked and laughed a little.

Noticing everyone in the room just staring at Edie, Scorpius took Rose's hand and dragged her over to his friend with him. "Hi, Edie. I didn't know you were going to be here."

"It was kind of last minute," she said, glancing sideways at James. Then she looked at Rose. "You look very pretty tonight, Rose."

Rose attempted a smile and said, "Thanks. So do you."

"First a Malfoy and now a Nott," Hermione heard Molly whisper to her sister Lucy. "Merlin, is our family going down the crapper."

Hermione reached over and flicked her head.

"Ow!" screamed Molly. "Aunt Hermione, what'd you do that for?"

"I expected more from you, Molly Lynn Weasley," she said scornfully. "Your fiancé seems to be chatting with her nicely. Maybe you should go over and introduce herself." She then looked at Lucy. "Both of you. Be the sweet, charming girls I know are in there somewhere."

Both girls pouted but still walked over to where Edie was standing, holding out their hands and chatting like they were not just being rude. While Hermione loved all of her nieces and nephews, she would be lying if she said Percy's children were not her least favorite, and she knew Rose felt the same. She did not even want Molly and Lucy to be bridesmaids but since she was one in Molly's wedding it was really not an option.

"And who do we have here?" asked Arthur Weasley, walking up to James and putting an arm around his shoulders.

"Granddad, this is Edie," James said proudly. "My girlfriend."

"Lovely to meet you," said Arthur, taking her hand and giving it a kiss.

"Edie Nott , Granddad," said Molly with a wicked smile.

"Oh, right!" said Arthur, completely unfazed by his granddaughter's cruel intentions. "Your dad is helping our Hermione prepare for her next stint in front of the Wizengamot!"

"Yeah," said Edie, her plastered-on smile suddenly brightening. "He's wanted to separate our family from the rest of the Notts for a while now, saying their beliefs are primitive and insulting, by my mum always said it's good to keep family close since you might need them in a pinch. But now that they're no longer together he's trying to make that line between us and them very clear." She looked around and saw that several Weasleys were listening to her. "My dad raised me and my brother to believe in equality."

"Sounds like quite the bloke," someone said quietly beside Hermione. She looked over to see Ron standing there.

"Theo is very nice," she said. "You'd probably like him if you gave him a chance."

"And would I like the other Slytherins, as well?" he asked.

Hermione took a deep breath. "No, you probably wouldn't like Draco and you definitely wouldn't like Blaise, but we'll never know if I'm right or not unless you actually talk to them. Especially the one who is going to be family in six months."

Ron was quiet for a moment. "Hermione, please, just tell me -"

"Ron, no!" she snapped. "What I do or who I date is none of your business."

"I'm your husband!" he snapped back.

Hermione took another deep breath and quietly said, "Not for long."

All color drained from Ron's face. The two of them gazed at each other for a long moment before Hermione finally walked away. She went up to the older Molly, who had always been like a second mother to her, and gave her a hug.

"Sorry it took me so long to get over here, but happy birthday," she said.

"Thank you, dear," said Molly, pulling away and playing with a strand of Hermione's hair. "Everything all right?"

"Yes, fi -"

Suddenly, someone was grabbing Hermione's arm and yanking her around the corner. "What do you mean ' not for long '?" Ron demanded once they were alone.

Hermione looked over and could just see Molly watching them, waiting for her cue to come over.

"I really don't want to discuss this here."

"Well too bloody bad because I want to know what you mean!" he demanded.

"You already know what I mean , Ron," she said, staring at him with cold eyes. "I asked you for a divorce and you refused, I tried to give us another chance and I couldn't even fake the motions for a week before I felt sick to my stomach. I know this waiting until December was my idea but you're not even doing what we agreed upon!"

"Which means you are !" he shouted.

Hermione tensed. "Fine. Yes , I am doing exactly what we agreed upon, but that has absolutely nothing to do with what I'm about to say. All that is happening right now is us putting off the inevitable. I want -"

"No!" Ron closed his eyes and covered his ears. "Why are you doing this?" he asked. "You're not even giving me a chance to win you back."

"Because I don't want to be won back!" she said. "I was hoping you would take this time to find someone else."

Ron lowered his hands and opened his eyes, gazing hard at the wall. "Because the last time I did that you reacted so well."

Hermione huffed and shook her head. "Yes, because the woman who used private information I gave her about our relationship to get you to cheat on me is someone I want you to end up with! Please, Ron, date her again! I beg of you!" she said mockingly.

"Ronald!"

Hermione and Ron's heads snapped in the direction of the voice, both of them so caught up in their argument that they did not even notice their corner had been invaded by Arthur.

"Is what she's saying true? Did you cheat on your wife?"

Hermione had never seen Arthur, who was normally such a cheerful man, look so angry before, his face beet-red and his fists clenched at his sides, his teeth actually grinding as he stared daggers at his youngest son.

Ron looked ashamedly to the floor. "Dad. What are you -?"

"Answer the question," he ordered.

"I … It was just a kiss," Ron finally said, his voice soft as several tears dripped down his cheeks. "It didn't mean anything."

Hermione could feel a few tears of her own building up. "Arthur, I'm sorry," she said, avoiding the eyes of both men. "You weren't supposed to hear that."

"Don't you dare apologize! If Molly and I had known -"

"No!" shouted Hermione, her head snapping up and looking at him. "Don't tell Molly. This is something between me and Ron. No one else."

"I can't keep this from my wife -"

"No!" she shouted again, her face flushing as she pushed past Ron to get to the stairs, running up them until she reached Ginny's old room and shutting herself inside of it. She just needed a moment to regroup, a moment to herself to try and figure this out. Sure she was angry at Ron about his kiss with Colette, but she did not want his entire family being angry with him and feeling sorry for her. That was not her defining moment. When that happened she already knew it was over. While she felt betrayed by that act it certainly did not leave her broken hearted.

Knock. Knock. Knock .

"Come in," she called against her better judgment.

The door opened and Arthur poked his head in. "Are you all right?" he asked, looking far less cheery than he did earlier that evening.

"Yes, of course," she said. "I'm just embarrassed. I never wanted any of you to know about that."

Arthur stepped in and shut the door behind him.

"Arthur, you need to understand something." Hermione put her hands together and brought them up to her forehead, closing her eyes for a moment as she took a deep breath. "While I am not happy about what Ron did, our marriage was over long before then." She opened her eyes and looked at the man who had always been like a father to her, the only father she had left, and she could not control herself. She cried. "I've asked Ron for a divorce, but he won't give it to me. He won't even talk to me about it. I just … I'm ready for it to be over. So we can both move on."

Arthur looked sadly at her and gulped. "There's no chance -?"

"No," she said before he could finish. "I'm sorry but I'm not in love with him anymore, and I don't think I ever will be again. We've reached that point where there's just …" She stopped and thought. "There's no going back. It's over."

Arthur cast his eyes to the floor as several tears dripped out of them.

"I already planned on talking to you about this tonight. Without that horrible introduction," she said, wiping a few tears away. "Please, try and talk some sense into him. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way but he's still stuck in the past and how it used to be. I can't get him to move forward. But maybe you could -"

"All right," said Arthur, looking up at her again. "I'll talk to him. Not tonight, this is Molly's night, but soon."

It was like a huge weight had suddenly been lifted off of Hermione's chest. "Thank you."

"But I can't guarantee he'll listen to me," he said. "Ron is definitely one of my more stubborn children. Rivaled only with his sister."

Hermione smiled. "Percy's pretty stubborn too."

"By golly, you're right!"

Arthur smiled back before holding out his arms. Hermione went into them, hugging him tightly and crying a little into his chest.

"No matter what happens you are always part of our family."

" Merlin , you don't know how happy it makes me to hear that," she said, giving a small chuckle.

"Once a Weasley, always a Weasley," he said, moving his arms around her shoulders. "Now, let's get back to the celebration! Seventy-five years ago today the most beautiful witch in the world was born!"

"Isn't Molly's actual birthday on Wednesday?" asked Hermione.

Arthur paused and stared pensively into the air. "You know, I believe you're right! If you could just not mention that …"

"My lips are sealed," she said, laughing as he led her out of the room and back down to the party.

After grabbing some food, Hermione made herself comfortable on the sofa next to her very pregnant niece, who ended up stealing the majority of her plate. She watched closely how Edie and Scorpius interacted with the others, both trying to be friendly but looking so incredibly uncomfortable. Especially Edie. Scorpius seemed to be starting to get used to this. When Rose wasn't on his arm, he talked to Albus a lot. They were in the same year and both smart, not to mention Quidditch players, and they seemed to get on all right. But there was still a bit of separation with the adults. Other than Ginny and Harry meeting Edie briefly, there was not much of anything else. The birthday girl met her too and she seemed all right with James dating a Nott, but her other grandchildren kept pulling her away.

Hermione felt the sofa shift as Victoire stood to go to the loo, but when it shifted again she did not look over.

"I'm sorry."

She finally glanced sideways to see Ron sitting there.

"I really can't say it enough," he said, looking down sadly at his clasped hands on his lap.

"Yes, and I've heard you before," she said. "We're past sorry, Ron. I've forgiven you as much as I can."

"Does whoever you're seeing treat you right?" he asked, his clasped hands beginning to shake.

"Yes," she answered.

Ron gulped. "And … is it serious?"

Hermione sighed and thought hard about how she should answer that. "No," she finally said, knowing that it was the painful truth. Suddenly overcome with a horrible ache in her chest, Hermione stood. "I'm heading outside for some air. Please, just give me some space."

She walked towards the door and headed out, a little surprised to find how cold it was. She wrapped her arms around herself, suddenly wishing she had her purse with Draco's untouched flask still in it so she could use the firewhiskey to warm her insides.

Hermione walked until she was at the edge of the oddly built house. She knew the Weasleys were wizards and all, but she never understood why that meant they could defy all laws of physics.

After a few moments, Hermione smelled something in the air. Smoke. Pipe smoke. She pursed her brow and turned the corner, immediately met with the guilt-stricken face of Charlie.

"Hermione!" he shouted in surprise. " Don't tell my mum!"

Hermione smiled. "Only if you share."

Charlie stared at her curiously for a moment before handing the pipe over. Hermione lit it and took a puff, or several, before handing it back to him. She leaned against the house again and watched him.

"How did you know to cover for Scorpius when Rose introduced you?" she asked. "To get into your dragonologist program, I suspect he had to speak with you at least once."

"Three times, actually," said Charlie. "Through Floo. He contacted me first last summer when he wanted to get a jumpstart on the application process, then again at Christmas when he heard a spot was becoming available, and then at Easter for his interview. When someone that eager to get in doesn't accept, I can only assume it's for love." He took another puff of his pipe. "Rosie has no clue, huh?"

"No," said Hermione, hugging herself a little tighter.

"Then how do you know?"

"His father told me," she said honestly. "There's really no way -?"

"No," said Charlie. "The spot has been filled and you know they don't become available often."

"But he can reapply?" she asked.

"I kept his application," said Charlie. "All I need is his go-ahead to make it active. His test scores on the entrance exam were the highest since … Well, since mine, to be frank. I even tried to contact him past the deadline but he never returned my owls. I like the kid, and I wouldn't mind having my little niece in Romania with me." He paused. "But, if I'm being honest, it may be a while. Sure, another spot can open up in ten days, but it also might be ten years. It's very exciting work, but it's also strenuous and we just never know when people are going to reach that point of exhaustion."

Hermione nodded. "Just make his application active, Charlie. Rose would want Scorpius to -"

"What?"

Both Hermione and Charlie looked to see Scorpius stepping out of the shadows, coming from behind the house.

"You're talking about me?" he asked.

"Umm … yes," said Hermione. She looked at Charlie. "Could you maybe give us a moment?"

"Sure," he said, taking one last puff of his pipe before putting it away. "Remember, our secret." He smirked. "Nice meeting you in person, Scorpius."

Charlie walked off and Hermione and Scorpius were left standing there. Hermione bit her lip, unsure of what she was supposed to say right now.

"Did my father tell you?" Scorpius asked after a few minutes had passed.

"Yes," she answered truthfully. "He showed me your acceptance letter after I was getting on him the other week for being so down on you when it came to your job." She paused and looked at him. "Scorpius, why didn't you accept the spot? From what your father says it was your dream."

"It's none of your business," Scorpius said harshly, looking back at her with cold eyes she had never seen on him before. "He shouldn't have shown you that and you shouldn't have gone behind my back to try and make my application active again. It was my choice not to accept. Fuck , you're just like him!"

Hermione blushed.

Scorpius grunted. "Sorry. I didn't mean to use that language -"

"It's fine," said Hermione. "I just … I'm sorry I'm butting in but I really just don't understand why you didn't tell Rose. She loves you, she wouldn't want you to give up your dream for her."

"You're right, you don't understand. You couldn't," he said, his eyes darting around the dark. "Look, I … I messed up in the beginning, all right? I messed up bad and when we left for the Christmas holiday Rose told me unless it had to do with our Head duties she never wanted to speak to me again. The only reason I even got another chance was because of you. She was upset over your separation and I used that to get close to her again. It was wrong, I know it was, but I …" He paused and wiped his eyes, which were now soaked with tears. "… I needed her. She's not like anyone I've met before. She's different. She's special. And if she told me tomorrow she couldn't be with me anymore because she never fully forgave me I'd understand. That's why I can't tell her. I can't take that risk!"

Hermione looked into those familiar silver eyes and sighed. "I don't know what you did but -"

"I did bad," he said sternly.

"Even so, you can't live your entire life by this fear. If you give up everything you want for Rose then you're only going to end up resenting her in the long run."

"But it's my choice," he spat. "Don't tell her about this."

"But -"

" Don't . Tell. Her ."

Hermione sighed again and cast her eyes to the ground. "Fine. I won't tell her. I wasn't going to. But I think you're making a mistake."

"And it's mine to make," he said, crossing his arms and leaning against the side of the house.

Hermione looked around. "What are you even doing out here?"

"Getting away," he said, his eyes still wet. "No one in there wants me here."

She frowned and said, "That's not true. Rose does and that's all that matters. Everyone else will come around eventually."

Scorpius was about to say something but stopped when someone called his name. "Over here, Rosie!"

Rose walked around the corner, pursing her brow when she saw her fiancé and mother standing alone in the dark. "What are you two doing out here?" she asked.

"Getting some fresh air," said Hermione. "You know how stuffy it can get in that house, especially when the entire family is here."

"Seriously," said Rose, rolling her eyes. "Scorpius, I really want you to talk to my uncle Charlie. He's ready now if you're done getting your air."

"Yeah, sure," he said, walking over to her.

"Coming, Mom?"

"In a minute," said Hermione.

Rose nodded and guided Scorpius away.

Once Hermione was alone, she decided to take a walk out towards the garden. There was a bench out there that she had always loved to sit on whenever she needed to think. Tonight had been a bit rough, but she had done what she came here to do. Arthur was going to help her move this divorce along, and she would finally be getting what she wanted.

Only that was not true. She wanted Draco. She wanted to be with him and hold his hand and kiss him in public. To have this divorced finalized and be able to start something with someone new. Someone she cared about. Someone she thought about constantly and wished was here with her to help her get through this.

"Hermione."

Without looking up, Hermione said, "Hi, Harry."

"What are you doing out here?"

"Thinking," she said. "This is the only quiet spot anywhere around the Burrow."

"Yeah, I know," he said, taking the seat beside her.

"You came looking for me." It was not a question.

"Yeah."

"You talked to Ron." Also not a question.

"I did," he said, pausing to take a deep breath. "He told me you finally admitted that you're seeing someone."

"Is that really all he took out of our conversation?" she said irritably. "Harry, I didn't want to go down this road but I've had enough. You need you to talk to him."

Harry said nothing.

"Did you hear me?"

More silence.

"Harry, please -"

"That chair in your office," he said suddenly.

Hermione was taken aback. "What?"

"Ginny and I went shopping for a new sofa the other day and I saw that chair in the store. I sat in it and told her how I wanted to get it for my office. She took one look at it and began laughing hysterically. I guess it was made by some big designer they feature in Witch Weekly . Really popular among the wealthy. Then she showed me the price tag." Harry stared at her but Hermione avoided his eyes. "Hermione, how did you afford that chair?"

"I didn't," she answered. "It was a gift."

"From who?"

Hermione bit her cheek.

"Because there's only one wizard I know who would spend that kind of money so freely and I couldn't help but notice that he has a similar one in his office."

She remained quiet.

"Hermione … Did Malfoy buy you that chair?"

Hermione sighed and said, "Yes, all right? He bought it as a gift for me when we decided to work together. It's just a chair, Harry. I have no idea what it costs."

"Ten-thousand Galleons."

Hermione choked on her breath. " What ?" If she had known that then she definitely would have … Actually, she probably would have still kept it. It was very comfortable.

"Hermione, I need you to tell me the truth," said Harry. " Why is Malfoy buying you such expensive gifts?"

"He's not -"

"I know he's the one who got you those flowers. I found the card."

Hermione's jaw dropped. That card was definitely tucked deep in a drawer in her office. "You went through my things ?" she spat.

"I had to. You won't tell me anything. Please, I just … I need to hear it."

"Why? So you can go and tell Ron on me?"

"No, I wouldn't! I just do, all right?" Harry shouted. "Tell me, Hermione."

"No."

"Is he the one?"

"It's not your bloody bus -"

"Is Draco Malfoy the man you're bloody seeing?" he snapped.

Hermione's eyes went wide, her entire body tensed as she glared at the wizard who was supposed to be her best friend. "You want to know? Then fine, here it is!" she shouted angrily, jumping up from the bench and turning to face him. "We shagged the night of the engagement party! I was drunk and upset, and he was there! It was just supposed to be once but he kept pursuing me and I caved! Because I don't want to be with Ron anymore, Harry! I want to be with Draco but I can't bloody have that, now, can I?"

Hermione stared at her, his eyes unblinking and his face in complete shock. "Hermione … How could you? With him ?"

"With him ?" she repeated. "You don't get the right to judge him, Harry Potter! You don't even know him!"

"And that's why you've wanted me to have a drink with him? So I can get to know your new fucking boyfriend?"

"NO!" she screamed, her entire body flushing with anger. "Because I want you to be part of my new life! I want a divorce, Harry!"

"Because of Malf -"

"I asked for a divorce in May!" she spat. "Long before Draco ever came around! But Ron wouldn't sign! He still won't sign!"

Harry finally blinked, taking several deep breaths through his nostrils.

"And how are you this angry with me? Were you this angry when Ron told you he cheated on me?"

He went white. "Yes. Angrier. But Hermione … Ron loves you and he's sorry. Malfoy will never love you that way. He can't. He's incapable. Ron told me how his wife said he was late to their wedding because he was busy sleeping with two other women."

"He was late because he had cold feet!" she defended. "But there were other women. He admitted it to me. He and Astoria … Their wedding was arranged, Harry. He had never even kissed her before the ceremony!"

"And that made it all right?"

"No, but at least he was honest with me about it!" Hermione spat, tears now stinging her eyes. "He cares about me."

"No, he doesn't!" argued Harry. "Hermione, he's pictured with different women every week."

"His clients ," she insisted, her tears finally spilling over. "I am the only woman he is seeing."

"I don't believe -"

"Believe what you bloody want, it's true!" she cried. "You say nothing has changed and we're still best friends, then you should trust my judgment, Harry. Draco and I have something and, as my best friend, I need to know that you're on my side!"

Harry continued to gaze at her, his eyes sad through his glasses. They caught in the moonlight and the glint let her see the tears underneath. "Hermione, I … can't support this. Not him. Not Malfoy."

And with those few words, the weight that had been lifted off of Hermione's chest not even an hour earlier suddenly came back in full force. Unable to keep it in any longer, Hermione broke down, crying hysterically while clutching at her aching heart.

Harry stood up and tried to hug her but she pushed him off. "DON'T!" she screamed. "You supported Ron while he dated Colette but you can't support me now. You've made your choice, Harry Potter, and it certainly isn't me!"

"Hermione, no! That's not true!" shouted Harry as she stormed away, heading in the opposite direction of the house. "I just don't want you to get hurt!"

"I won't !" she yelled over her shoulder at him.

"Where are you going?"

"Where do you think?"

Hermione turned for one more brief moment after she exited the anti-Apparition shield around the house. She looked disappointedly at Harry before Disapparating, reappearing on the road that led to Malfoy Manor, where it was pouring down rain.

"Shit!"

Hermione hurried up to the gate. She had access now and used her wand to cast the password. The gate slowly opened and she ran inside, tripping on the cobblestone, tearing her tights and scraping her knees. It was very windy here and the rain was thrashing against her, stinging her burning cheeks. Thunder sounded above her head just as she reached the door, yanking it open and Apparating to Draco's bedroom the moment she was inside.

Hermione grabbed her phone off of the dresser where she had left it. Then she hesitated. She had wanted so badly for Draco to have this night with his friends. But after that fight with Harry … She needed him right now. More than ever. So she called.

Draco sat in the Leaky Cauldron with Theo and Blaise, laughing about their times as single men just after the war. Somehow, after stops at several other pubs, they had ended up here. Blaise's idea, saying the pickings were prime the last time Draco had dragged him in.

What was funny about their stories was that, until recently, Draco had considered this to have been the best time of his life. But that was before Hermione, and being with her made him rethink everything.

Suddenly, his phone went off in his pocket. Only two people ever called him on the weekends and both were supposed to be at that bloody Weasley party. He took it out, his heart beating fast when he saw Hermione's name flashing with a still photo of her. He smiled and answered. "Finished already?"

Draco's face sunk as he listened to her crying hysterically through the line.

"Whoa, slow down," he said, standing up and walking towards the back of the pub where it would be quieter. "Baby, what's wrong?"

After a few choked sobs, the only word Draco could make out was, "Harry."

Draco's fists clenched. "I'm coming home," he said. "Stay there."

He hung up his phone and turned. A camera flashed.

"Who was that?" asked his usual photographer.

"None of your fucking business!" he snapped, shoving him out of the way.

"Who you calling 'baby' on that Muggle contraption? I can't imagine many of the women you know own one. Just the one."

"Get out of my fucking way!" Draco shoved him and returned to his table. "I need to go but I didn't bring any Floo powder," he said. "Do either of you have any."

"Sorry, mate," said Blaise.

Theo shook his head. "Everything all right?" he asked.

"No, I need to get home."

A camera flashed again.

"Get away from me!" he shouted.

Hannah, who had been watching from a close by table, hurried over and stepped between Draco and the photographer. "You need to leave, Sir," she said to the latter. "You're upsetting my patrons."

"Oh, come on!" he said. "I'm not hurting anyone." He snapped another photo.

Hannah waved over at someone and two bulky wizards came over, escorting the photographer out by his shoulders. Then she reached into her pocket and pulled out a pouch, offering it to Draco. "Take what you need," she said.

"Thank you," said Draco, reaching in and grabbing a handful of Floo powder. He hurried to the back room of the pub, using the fireplace to get home.

As soon as he arrived, he Apparated to his bedroom. Hermione was sitting on his bed, soaking wet and crying. She jumped up when she saw him, immediately running into his arms.

"Hermione, what's wrong?" He pulled back and looked at her. "You're bleeding," he said, noticing her knees.

Draco sat her down and ran to the washroom. He came back with a wet towel, pulled off her torn tights and cleaned her dirty knees before grabbing his wand and attempting to heal them.

"What happened?" he asked.

"Harry …" She said again, continuing to sob. "He knows about us." She hiccupped. "He knew but he wanted me to confirm it. So I did."

And then she went on to tell him about the rest of the fight, along with everything else that had happened that horrible night.

"I never should have gone," she cried.

Draco sighed and kissed each knee. He had gotten rid of the scrapes but they were still a bit bruised. After helping her change out of her wet clothes, he tucked her into his bed, climbing in next to her and holding her tight while she cried all night into his chest. He did not know what he could say to make this better. But he wanted to. More than anything, he wanted to take away any pain that she felt.

The next morning, Hermione sat on the covered balcony, wrapped in a blanket as she mindlessly watched the rain. Her phone kept ringing inside. Harry. But she ignored it.

At one point, Draco came out and asked her if she wanted to go to the Farmers Market, hoping it would take her mind off of things. She agreed and they both bundled up, grabbing a big umbrella before walking outside and going through the gate so they could Apparate to an abandoned store nearby. Same as they always did.

While walking through the stands and picking out what they needed, Draco held on to Hermione's hand, holding her close as they talked to some of their usual vendors and kissing her without having to worry about anyone seeing them. No one knew who they really were in this world, or the circumstances that kept them from being together entirely. But, even if it was for just one day a week, it was nice to be here, holding hands without a care in the world.

Hermione did not care what Harry believed. What she had with Draco was real. Even if, for some reason, she did not believe his words, which she did, the way he held her when he did not have to worry about anyone watching was proof enough. And even on this cold day, nothing felt warmer than his hand entwined with hers.