A/N: So here we are. Another chapter. The last before they head off for the wedding. It's a bit of a filler chapter, just a couple of things that needed to happen. Filler chapters might not be the greatest but at least they make the story longer! I'm thinking there's going to be 38-40 chapters overall.

So chances are there won't be an update next weekend. I'm going out of town with no laptop so unless I'm done with the chapter by early Friday it's not going to happen. Sorry in advance.

Also, we are sooooo close to 2,000 reviews! So if you could just help me out a little I'd really appreciate it. And then once we hit 2,000 I'll let you know that we're sooooo close to 5,000, which is all I've ever wanted. ;o)

"Hermione, we need to get going!" Draco called into the washroom as he pulled a blazer on over his dress shirt. There was no response. "Hermione?"

He walked into the washroom, stopping and leaning against the doorframe, watching as she sat at the vanity he had gotten for her, staring blankly into the mirror.

"Hey," he said.

Her head snapped and looked at him.

"Everything alright?"

Hermione gulped. "I'm nervous," she said. "What if this backfires?"

"It won't." He walked towards her. "But if you don't want to go we don't have to."

She shook her head. "No, we do. I think Zabini's right, now that we're out in the open we need to just be out in the open. Show them we're not affected by this cruel invasion of privacy and, you know, in love."

Draco smirked. "That doesn't sound too convincing."

Hermione smiled. "Well, I am. I wouldn't be risking my career if I wasn't."

Finally reaching her, Draco grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. He put his hands on her waist and gave her a tender kiss. "We should go," he said. "I've been waiting months to take you out and show you off like this."

"What am I, your trophy?" She gave him a playful shove.

"No, just mine." He gave her one last kiss before guiding her back into the bedroom. They grabbed their coats, gloves and scarves before holding hands and Apparating to the restaurant. A camera flashed the moment they arrived. It seemed that Witch Weekly was on the ball.

The hostess hurried over and waved the camera owner away. "So sorry, Mr. Malfoy," she said, taking their coats and handing them off to someone else to be hung up. "Your table is ready. Please, follow me."

And so they did, continuing to hold hands as countless people stared, whispers coming from just about every table. Draco smiled at everyone he passed confidently but Hermione huddled close to him, avoiding their eyes and just focusing on the hostess in front of them.

Hermione and Draco were seated at a table near the back, in a corner quite dark with only the faint glow of one enchanted candle. There was already a bottle of wine at their table, not to mention a small bouquet of blood-red and white roses, garnished with holly and a festive ribbon. Hermione smiled when she saw it, suddenly feeling a lot more comfortable.

"You got me flowers?" she said.

"What kind of first date would this be if I didn't?" Draco winked and pulled out her chair for her. Hermione kissed his cheek before sitting. The hostess smiled as Draco took his seat, handing them their menus and pouring their wine for them before disappearing.

As soon as she was gone, Hermione and Draco picked up their glasses and clanked them. There was another flash. They both turned their heads to see a patron holding a camera that looked far too advanced to be casual.

"Looks like Patil doesn't plan to miss a moment," said Draco, taking a sip of his wine.

Hermione frowned. "Yes, it doesn't seem like it," she said, looking sadly towards the table. "I hate that our first date is a publicity stunt."

Draco shrugged. "I'll take what I can get. I'm just happy we finally get to do this."

Hermione managed a smile. "Really?"

"Obviously," he said, scooting his chair a little closer to her.

Hermione moved hers, as well, and met him halfway, the two of them finally close enough to hold hands under the table. And then, at the same time, they both remembered this wasn't a secret anymore, so they lifted their hands and put them on the table, smiling as they gazed at one another. They were so caught in the moment that both of them missed the next flash entirely.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" asked Draco, using his freehand to stroke her knee.

"No," said Hermione. "Have I told you how handsome you look? I like it when you don't wear a tie." She reached up and stroked her hand down his chest, exactly where a tie would have been.

"And here I thought you liked my ties," he said with a frown.

Hermione chuckled. "Don't get me wrong. There is nothing sexier than when you're strutting around your office in one of your suits, especially that dark-blue one you wear so rarely, but I like this just as much, but differently. It's more … relaxed."

"Well, you relax me," he said, leaning in and giving her a kiss, their first lip on lip moment in public.

For those few seconds their kiss lasted, flashes around the restaurant suddenly went crazy. They pulled away quickly, catching just about everyone watching them. Waiters and waitresses were running around, trying to get everyone with a camera to put it away.

Draco grunted. "Bloody hell," he said, letting go of her hand and putting his arm around the back of her chair. "I suppose it's probably going to be like this for a while."

"For the next year and on," said Hermione. "But at least, other than tonight, the photographers will have to find us first." She glanced at him and smiled.

"Yes, I've already given Victoire a little project while home to research low-profile restaurants we could hide in."

"Maybe you'd even like to go to a Muggle movie with me sometime. Or the aquarium!" Her eyes lit up. "I love the aquarium."

Draco laughed and said, "Whatever you want." He went in for another kiss, but stopped when he was once again blinded. They both grunted. "Let's eat fast and get out where the cameras will be less noticeable."

"Sounds like an excellent idea," she said, picking up her menu and taking a look.

It was a strange feeling, being on their first official date when they had already been together for six months. The conversation was natural, they instinctually fed each other bites from their plates, and a kiss every now and then was expected. It was only when a camera flashed that they were reminded how different this really was.

Once Draco and Hermione were finished with their dinner they decided against dessert, planning to just pick something up elsewhere since their date was expected to continue. Before they left the restaurant they put on their coats, scarves and gloves, Hermione linking her arm with his and happily carrying her small bouquet of flowers as they walked out to Diagon Alley.

Christmas was Hermione's favorite time of year here. Even though this was London and snow was normally pretty scarce, especially in December, the streets of Diagon Alley were always charmed with a light snowfall. There were street performers on every corner, either hoping for a little extra money for the holidays or just to bring joy to children's faces, stands selling hot butterbeer and cocoa, wreaths, garlands, lights, holly, bells, snowmen, the smell of cinnamon … it was perfect.

Draco grabbed onto Hermione's gloved hand and kept her close, buying her a hot cocoa with a candy cane and holding her flowers while she enjoyed it. They stopped and watched a man playing tricks with fire, all without a wand visible. Draco gave him a good tip. They then went into Flourish and Blotts so Hermione could get a few last minute Christmas presents for Rose and Hugo, as well as a book for herself. They were a family of readers.

Next, they stopped by the small ice rink that was setup every year, Hermione leaning against the railing with Draco holding her from behind as they watched the people skate by, some of them moving gracefully and doing fancy twirls in the air, but most sloppy on their feet and quite a few falls.

"I don't suppose you want to get out there," said Draco, kissing her cold cheek.

Hermione laughed. "Definitely not. I'm not very graceful. Ron always had to take the kids ice skating because I would stumble when they held my hand and pull them down with me. I believe Rose forbade me from going out there with her when she was only five or so."

Draco smiled and kissed her cheek again. "So what are you good at? Other than the obvious."

Hermione pursed her lips and thought. "When I was younger my parents took me skiing a lot, and I was really good at that. But I haven't been since before my father died."

"What's skiing?" he asked.

"It's a Muggle sport, where you fasten two pieces of long wood to your feet and use them to go down a snowy mountain."

"Sounds dangerous."

"Not if you know what you're doing," said Hermione, turning in his arms and wrapping hers around his waist. "Maybe, if you're lucky, I'll take you some time."

She leaned up and kissed him then, only to catch the flash of a camera out of the corner of her eye. She and Draco both looked. He grunted. "Can't even get one moment of bloody peace. Don't they have enough photos yet?"

Hermione frowned. "I guess not."

Glaring at the photographer, Draco took her hand. "Come on," he said, suddenly pulling her away from the ice rink.

The two of them rushed through the crowd, Hermione trying to ask where they were going but Draco either not hearing her with all of the noise or choosing to ignore her. He zigged and zagged, looking over his shoulder every now and then to see if they were being followed. Finally, he turned swiftly into an alley, hurrying down it and turning another corner until they were away from the hustle and bustle of the shops and on a small residential street. It was very quaint, decorated with the usual Christmas decorations and still covered with a thick layer of snow.

"Alone at last," said Draco, turning around and pulling Hermione back into his arms. He kissed her softly, happy to not be interrupted by the annoying flash of a camera. When he pulled away, Hermione was smiling.

"Ever made a snow angel?" she asked.

"I should say not - Ah!"

Hermione shoved Draco so hard that he fell back into a soft mound of snow.

"Now wave your arms about and make one, Draco," she demanded, demonstrating with her own arms. "I know you know how to do it."

Draco chuckled and gave it a go, but he didn't put much effort into it, more to tick her off than anything.

Hermione pouted. "Not like that. Like this!"

She put her flowers down, fell backwards into the snow next to him and began enthusiastically making her snow angel. When Draco still did not cooperate she took a large handful of snow and shoved it in his face. He tackled her after that, tickling her and shoving snow into her already damp and increasingly bushy hair.

And then they were kissing again, Draco's hand holding gently onto her chin and his lips feeling smooth despite being chapped from the cold. When he pulled away she smiled up at him, both of them continuing to gaze at each other, unable to get enough. Hermione had forgotten how great it felt to fall in love with someone.

Draco moved his thumb off of her chin and began to stroke her cheek. He could not take his eyes off of her. And then, even to his own surprise, he suddenly said, "I want to marry you."

Hermione's eyes widened as she lay there frozen, not from the cold but from the shock of it all. "What?" she found herself asking.

Draco looked hesitant at first, but then he took a deep breath and repeated, "I want to marry you."

Hermione gulped. "But … I thought that wasn't an option."

"I didn't think it was," he said. "I thought I'd never want to get married again, but the deeper I fall for you the more I realize that I didn't get to choose my first time. And I wouldn't mind trying it again. With the person I want."

Hermione stayed there staring at him, her breath quickening as she thought hard about what he had just said.

"You can relax, Hermione. That wasn't a proposal," said Draco, sitting up and pulling her with him.

"I know," she said. "I didn't think -"

"But would it really be so terrible?" he asked, a hint of sadness in his voice.

Hermione sighed. "No, of course not. It's not that, but I …" She took a deep breath and cast her eyes downward. "Draco, I just got divorced, and as happy as I am with you I won't say that it hasn't affected me. I don't know, maybe I'll want to get married again one day, but not anytime soon. I'm not … ready for that."

Draco nodded. "I know." He nudged her chin so she was looking at him. "It's just something I want you to consider. When you're ready."

She nodded back. "I love you."

"Then that's all I need," he said, leaning in and kissing her, even though he knew that wasn't completely true. He may not have needed it right in that moment, but he did need more.

Neither of them were especially shocked when their moment kissing in the snow was interrupted by a camera flash. They both looked over to see the main photographer who had been following them all night.

"Found you," he said with a smile. "As sweet as this is, would you mind heading back so we could get a few more shots in public?"

Draco and Hermione looked at each other. She rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, alright," said Draco, standing first before taking Hermione's hand and helping her up.

"I can't be out too much longer," she said, looking down at her watch.

"How about just an ice-cream visit then we'll call it a night?" he suggested.

Hermione laughed. "Honestly, Draco, what is it with you and ice-cream when it's cold?"

"I do not discriminate when I eat my ice-cream, Hermione," he said, picking up her flowers and handing them to her. "When a craving strikes I go with it."

The two of them clasped hands and began walking back towards the shops, but were stopped by the photographer before they got too far. He pointed up and they both followed his finger, noticing some mistletoe above their heads. It was hanging from a small stone archway, which was decorated with soft lighting, garlands and holly, so it was actually quite romantic.

"You know the rules," said the photographer, getting his camera ready.

Draco and Hermione looked at each other.

"You know the rules," Draco repeated with a mocking laugh. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. Hermione rested her hand holding the flowers on his forearm but lifted the other to grip his neck and pull him down to her, the two of them sharing a soft but passionate kiss under the mistletoe.

When they pulled away, the two of them smiled.

"That very well might have been the most romantic thing I've ever done," said Draco.

"Me too," said Hermione, suddenly having a newfound appreciation for the tacky Christmas decoration. Then the camera flashed again.

They both turned and stared at the photographer for a moment before remembering where they had been headed.

"Right … ice-cream," said Draco, taking Hermione's hand again and leading the way.

When they arrived at Florean Fortescue's the place was packed. Apparently, a lot of people craved ice-cream in the snow. Heading for the line, Hermione noticed a familiar family sitting in the corner. Lily noticed her first, waving enthusiastically before winking and giving her a thumbs up. Then everyone followed her gaze.

"Oh look. It's the Potters," said Draco.

Harry gave them a soft smile but did not stare for too long. Edie was there with James and she was as enthusiastic as Lily, but James was a little more hesitant. So was Albus. And Ginny … Well, Ginny barely gave them a glance before sucking in her breath and looking away, focusing very much on the sundae in front of her.

"I take it Mrs. Potter's not on board," Draco whispered into her ear.

"No," said Hermione. "Ron warned me that she wasn't." She sighed and looked at the menu. "Just order me a chocolate sundae. I'm going to try and snag us a table."

Draco nodded and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Hermione walked in the opposite direction of Harry and his family in search of a table, getting lucky and grabbing one just as a young couple stood and headed out. She watched Draco in the line, which didn't seem to be getting any shorter. He made a face at her and she did the same back to him, both of them laughing. Even from a distance, he could always make her smile.

"Aunt Hermione."

Hermione looked up to see Lily standing beside her table. She stood and gave her niece a hug. "Hi, sweetie. How were your exams?"

"All O's, of course," Lily said proudly, happily taking the empty chair that was reserved for Draco. "I'm a top contender for Head Girl next year."

"Of course you are," Hermione said with a smile. Then she looked over at the table Lily had come from. Ginny was watching them very closely, a cold look on her face. "Your mother doesn't look too happy that you're over here."

"Pfft." Lily waved it off. " Whatever . You know how my mum is. She'll get over it. I keep telling her that Mr. Malfoy is a babe! I mean, who could blame you?"

"He has other qualities, too, Lily."

"I'm sure he does. But being a babe definitely doesn't hurt." Lily smirked.

Hermione laughed. "Well, what about you? Has anything happened with you and Parker?"

Lily rolled her eyes. "Gods no! I mean, he's tried, even told Issy off when she came at me one day. But I don't know. It's all good and gallant and everything, but it would've been nice if he wasn't so stupid the first time around."

"Yes, I can understand that," said Hermione.

Lily suddenly glanced off to the side and smiled to herself. " But we did both agree that neither of us would use our plus ones to the wedding, so who knows," she said with a shrug.

Just then, Draco appeared by their table. He put Hermione's sundae in front of her.

"Hi, Mr. Malfoy!" Lily stood from the chair grinning from ear-to-ear. "I was just keeping my aunt company while you journeyed through that long line. Those are awfully pretty flowers you got for her." She pointed at the bouquet Hermione had set on the table.

"Thank you," said Draco, taking his seat when Lily pulled out the chair and offered it to him.

"Enjoy your evening. I'll see you both in a few days." She gave them one last smile before wandering back to her own table.

"She's a real fireball," said Draco, taking a bite of hic ice-cream.

Hermione smiled. "Yes, she definitely has a lot of her mother in her."

Draco scooted his chair closer to hers and the two of them quickly ate their ice-cream, still trying to ignore the constant stares and camera flashes. Harry and his family left sometime in the middle of it, him making sure to give a prominent wave this time since his presence would so obviously be mentioned. Hermione waved back. Flash .

Once their ice-cream was finished, Draco and Hermione knew it was time to call it a night. Without a goodbye to the photographers, they Apparated to Hermione's doorstep.

"Well, umm, Hermione, I had a really nice time tonight," Draco said while shyly avoiding her eyes.

Hermione laughed before mimicking him and wiggling her foot. "Me too," she said, catching his gaze for the briefest of moments before they both looked away.

"Do you think … maybe we could do this again sometime?"

Hermione smiled and tucked her hair behind her ear. "I'd like that very much."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Finally locking eyes, Draco slowly began to lean in. Hermione followed, moving her head but keeping her body back a couple of steps. They made contact, pecking their lips together once awkwardly before they couldn't take it anymore. They both burst out laughing, Draco grabbing Hermione's waist and pulling her closer so he could kiss her properly.

"I'd say this was a good first date," said Draco.

" Excellent first date," corrected Hermione. "Really … thank you, Draco. For being so amazing tonight."

Draco nodded and kissed her again. "Once the wedding's over I want to take you out again. Without the cameras."

Hermione smiled. "Sounds perfect," she said, not wanting to let him go. But she had to.

"I wish I could stay," said Draco.

"I wish you could, too. I love you, Draco."

"And I love you," he said, giving her one last kiss before reluctantly letting her go.

Hermione turned quickly and let herself into her house, carefully shutting the door behind her.

"You back, Mum?" she heard Hugo call from the living room. She headed towards him.

"Yes," she answered, stepping into the room.

Hugo was sitting cross-legged on the floor. He was in front of the fireplace and communicating with someone's flaming head through Floo.

"Sorry, Paulie, I gotta get going."

"Okay," she said. "I'll try and get away from my parents to contact you tomorrow but, if not, I'll see you in a couple days."

"Alright," he said, smiling as she blew him a kiss.

"I'm waiting."

He blew one back.

"That's better. Goodnight, Hugo. I miss you!"

"Miss you too," he said, watching as her head began to fade until he was staring at nothing but the fire once more. Hugo glanced back at his mom, who raised her eyebrows. "What?"

"Nothing," said Hermione, smiling to herself as she turned towards the kitchen. Hugo stood up and followed her.

"How was your very public date?" he asked.

Hermione opened one of cabinets and stretched for a vase. "Not bad," she answered. "It will be nicer when we can go out without the cameras."

"Yeah, good luck with that," said Hugo, watching as she filled the vase with water, then grabbed some scissors to cut the stems of her bouquet. "He got you flowers?"

"He did." She smiled, taking one red rose and putting it aside while she arranged the others in the vase.

Without even asking, Hugo picked up the extra flower and shut it into a big book she had on the counter by the slim chance that she might get a minute to read. He knew she liked pressing flowers like this.

"He certainly has that whole charm thing down, doesn't he?"

Hermione glanced at Hugo and gave him a look.

"Sorry," he said. "It's just weird. Seeing you date someone who isn't Dad. Especially when bloody gits at school are using a Sticking Charm to attach the photo of the two of you snogging to the inside of all of my books."

Hermione blinked. "They did that?"

Hugo grunted and nodded.

She frowned. "I'm sorry, sweetie."

"It's not your fault," he said. "Gits are gits. Can't do anything about that."

"I could owl Neville and -"

"Mum! No !" he said sternly. "Have you never heard of social suicide? I swear, sometimes it's like you never went to bloody school."

"I did, I just never cared what people thought," she said with a smile. "Alright, fine. You can do it your way. Maybe we can brainstorm a few retaliatory pranks while we watch the movie tonight."

Hugo chuckled. "Sounds like a plan."

"Could you make the popcorn while I get changed?" she asked, picking up the vase and walking back into the living room. She put it down on an end table she had in there.

Hearing the sound of the popcorn machine emerging from one of the lower cabinets, Hermione headed to her bedroom.

Every year on the Saturday just before Christmas she and Hugo watched Christmas Vacation - his favorite Christmas movie - and Miracle on 34th Street - her favorite Christmas movie - together, just the two of them. It was a tradition that started during Rose's first year at Hogwarts. She had just come back from school the day before but wanted to go out with some classmates and Albus. Hugo had been sad, since he had missed his big sister and the feeling didn't appear to be reciprocated, so Hermione cheered him up with popcorn and a movie night. Ron had been out on a mission that night so it was just them. They had done it every year since.

Hermione felt bad that they were getting such a late start, but Blaise had insisted that she and Draco needed to go out immediately, and on a high profile night. She still refused to say yes without Hugo's approval, and even though she got it she still hated the feeling that she had picked Draco over him. That was never her intention. Her children always came first.

And then she remembered that by dating Draco she was not putting Rose first.

With a sigh, Hermione pulled on her coziest set of pajamas. She grabbed some Chocolate Frogs she had purchased for Hugo earlier that day out of her purse and headed back out to the living room.

Hugo was already sitting on the sofa, munching on handfuls of popcorn with his feet up on the coffee table. Two steaming hot mugs of butterbeer were waiting and the movie was paused right at the start.

Hermione dropped the chocolate frogs into her son's lap. "Ah, sweet! Thanks, Mum!"

"No problem," she said, taking a seat beside him and reaching over to grab some popcorn. "I really am sorry about tonight, Hugo."

Hugo shrugged as he unwrapped a chocolate frog, grabbing on tight and biting off its head before it could leap. "S'alright. As long as we're still doing this I don't care what time we start."

"Really?"

Hugo glanced sideways at her and smirked. " Really , Mum. I get it. Your career's on the line because of that bloody article. The date was a publicity stunt. You didn't ditch me for him. Now, if there was no photo op … that would be a different story."

Hermione smiled. "Well, there definitely was. And probably many more photos to stick to your books."

Hugo shuddered. "Gross."

They both laughed a little. When it passed, Hermione grabbed her butterbeer and Hugo started the movie. Throughout the night the two of them brainstormed his retaliation. There were three guys who were messing with him, all Slytherins who had been rivals of his for years. One of them played Quidditch, so Hermione came up with the idea of hexing his broom so it continually spun in circles. She taught him the hex but made it very clear that this was to only be used during practice, not actual games.

Another was in the Herbology Club so Hugo came up with the idea to charm the plant he was working on to come alive and scare the dung out of him. The third they would leave up to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes and their Ton-Tongue Toffee. As a relative, George always let Hugo have free samples. Or really it was probably because he felt so guilty about experimenting on him so much when he was younger and didn't realize saying no to his uncle was an option.

When both movies finished, Hermione was dead tired. So was Hugo. It was probably close to three in the morning and they both headed off to bed, Hermione giving her son one more hug and a kiss before letting him go. She was just so happy to have him home.

Hermione went into her room, not incredibly surprised to find that her bed was already occupied. She smiled and walked over to it, kneeling down and stroking Draco's hair until his eyelids began to flutter open.

"Hi," he said sleepily.

"Hi," she said back. "What are you doing here?"

"I …" He yawned. "… couldn't sleep without you. My bed is bloody cold when you're not there."

Draco scooted back and held up the covers. Hermione climbed in, more than happy to wrap her arms around his warm waist and snuggle close. As she closed her eyes and began to fall asleep with Draco held so perfectly against her, her mind began to wander back to what he had said in the snow earlier. Draco wanted marriage. But, as much as she loved him, she just didn't know if that was something she could give. Definitely not now. But maybe not ever. It was just too soon. She only hoped he would understand that.

Hermione moved around her room getting ready on Monday, happy that it was going to be her only day working that week. Even with the stress of a wedding for the next few days, she was excited for this break. Draco had left a short while ago to get ready at his home. While Hugo was home, Hermione wanted to sleep there every night in case he needed her, so Draco had been Apparating into her bedroom after Hugo went to sleep. While Hermione refused to do anything physical with him as long as her son was there, Draco cared more about sharing a bed with her than anything. He couldn't sleep without her anymore.

Finally ready for her day, Hermione headed out of her room and towards the kitchen to make some coffee and a quick breakfast. On her way there, she was hit with the mouthwatering aroma of bacon. She stepped into the kitchen, a little surprised to see Draco in there, flipping something in a skillet while he turned his head and chatted with Hugo, who was sitting on a barstool by the counter.

"Momin, Mumm," said Hugo, his face stuffed full of pancakes.

"Morning." She walked slowly into the kitchen. "I wasn't aware you were coming over this morning," she said to Draco.

Hugo gulped down his bite and rolled his eyes. " Please , Mum. We all know he stayed here last night."

Hermione's eyes widened. Her head snapped to Draco. "Don't look at me," he said. "Potter called this morning. He needs me to come to the Ministry, so I came here thinking we could arrive together, get a few more publicity shots from those lingering photographers. Then the kid asked why I even bothered to leave."

"Hugo," the kid corrected.

"Right, Hugo , sorry." Draco smirked.

"These pancakes are bloody delicious," said Hugo, taking another bite.

"Your mother has been teaching me," said Draco, making a plate and handing it to Hermione. She thanked him with a kiss on the cheek.

"Yeah, she always makes me and Rose help her in the kitchen, but I don't think I'd ever trust myself without her looking over my shoulder."

"I never had that luxury," said Draco. "My mother has never cooked a day in her life. Our family always had a house-elf."

"Oooooh." Hugo sucked air in through his teeth. "Don't say that in front of her." He pointed at Hermione. "Remember, Mum, you have to be at work. No time for a 'free the house-elves' rant."

"I'm aware of Draco's past with house-elves," said Hermione sitting on the barstool next to her son and beginning to eat her breakfast.

"And I'm sure you're aware that Astoria has every intention of bringing Wimsy to the wedding, and not as a guest," said Draco.

Hermione's eyes widened. But then she realized something. "Have you talked to Astoria?"

"No." He made a plate for himself and set it on the counter across from Hermione, standing as he ate. "She hasn't contacted me and I doubt she's going to."

"Has she contacted Scorpius?"

"He saw her yesterday but our lovely photo in Witch Weekly never came up."

Hermione raised her eyebrows.

"Relax, Hermione, that's just how she is. When we see her at the wedding she will act like we don't exist and that's that. No big deal."

"Don't you think it's important that you talk to her?"

"Why?" he asked with a shrug. "We've been divorced for a year and a half now, we're very much allowed to see other people."

"But you know she's not …" Hermione trailed off and took a deep breath.

"Not what?"

"Nothing," she said, picking up a strip of bacon and taking a bite.

"Do you put cinnamon in these?" asked Hugo, trying to take them all back to a lighter topic.

"Yes," said Draco. "A trick Victoire taught me."

"What are your plans for today?" Hermione asked Hugo.

"I'm going to meet Pauline in Diagon Alley and we're doing some Christmas shopping. Any requests?"

"You know I always like books," said Hermione.

Hugo rolled his eyes and said, "Yeah, books you never have time to read."

Just then, there was a light tapping on the window. They all looked over to see an owl flying about. Draco walked over and let it in. The owl swooped over to Hermione dropped a package in her lap then swooped back out, all without missing a beat.

Hermione looked at the brown package, the return address being that of Parvati Patil. She grunted. "Looks like we got an early delivery of this week's Witch Weekly ."

"Ugh. Vomit," said Hugo, standing up and walking towards the sink with his plate. "If you could just flip past your article to Rose's I'd appreciate it."

Hermione caught his eye and smirked before ripping the package open. On top of the magazine was a note written by Parvati. Draco moved behind her and read over her shoulder:

Dear Hermione,

I have to admit, I'm a little embarrassed by our last encounter. You're right, I knew that woman was talking through her arse, but I needed an article to go with the photograph and I was on a deadline. I truly am sorry for any trouble I have caused you. While I know this doesn't fix anything, I have acquired a small bit of retribution for you. Turns out Annette Rees has quite a trail of dirty secrets. Since her husband works with Draco I assume you already know about the impending divorce, but I have included a little more information on her in this week's issue; a little pleasure reading for you. I hope you enjoy it. Can't imagine any Quidditch teams will want her after all of this gets out.

We kept the article on you and Draco very light, it's more of a photo essay, and Rose's article was a great addition. Your daughter truly has talent.

Good luck at the wedding this week. I will be contacting you in a few days about the photos. I wish the bride and groom all the happiness in the world.

Your friend,

Parvati

P.S. I have also included a photo of you and Draco for your own personal use. It was not what we were looking for in the magazine but the moment was too beautiful not to share.

Hermione lifted the letter and found a photo behind it. She smiled. It was of her and Draco under the mistletoe, but not while they were kissing. It was right after when they were just looking at each other, unable to hide their adoration.

"I bet the snogging one made it in," said Draco, taking it from her. "Only one copy?"

"I'll duplicate it for you," said Hermione, taking it back.

Hugo grabbed it from across the counter and took a look. He glanced at his mother, his expression somber. "It's nice," he said, handing it back.

"What does it say about Annette?" asked Draco,

Hermione put the photo and letter aside, and lifted the magazine. The main photo on the front was of the two of them sharing a kiss on the crowded streets of Diagon Alley. Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger go public . A small photo of Rose and Scorpius was in the top left corner. Rose and Scorpius' side of the story . Then, in the bottom right, was a photo of Annette. SCANDAL: The double life of a famous Quidditch player .

"Double life?" said Draco, cocking an eyebrow.

Hermione opened the magazine, flipping through it until she found Annette's article, which was actually near the front. She and Draco read in silence, their eyes growing wider with each sentence. There were names . Lots of names, none being Draco's, thank Merlin. One of the main accusations was that Annette slept her way to the top, not to mention the National Quidditch Team. It painted Colby out to be a victim and a saint, but Hermione was still embarrassed for him. He would hate that his divorce had become so public.

But there was more. Turns out Annette had been born into a scam artist family, both of her parents sent to Azkaban before she was thirteen for smuggling. What they were smuggling it did not mention. Her mother got out two years earlier and, together, they had been laundering money from the Quidditch foundation.

"Shit," said Draco, grabbing the edge of the magazine and leaning in closer. "I need to show Theo this."

"I hope he already knows," said Hermione, biting her lip.

"I don't bloody get it. Colby comes from money, she didn't need this shit." He stepped away for a moment and grunted loudly.

"She doesn't know any better, Draco. This is how she was raised."

"But she had a good life," he said. "I need to call fucking Alex. Tell her to warn Colby about this."

Draco took out his phone and left the room.

"Can you flip to the Rose part for me now?" asked Hugo once he and Hermione were alone.

She did as he asked, handing the magazine off to him. While Hermione began cleaning the dishes, she had a slight pang of guilt that this really did feel like good retribution to her. Annette had lied to and cheated on Colby, tried to trap Draco, threatened their relationship, threatened her; it only seemed fair that her career was over. Even if she got nothing from Colby in the divorce she was still a millionaire from Quidditch, and she would keep trying to find that next societal step up, trapping some other man she didn't really love. Now she wouldn't be able to do that. But Colby … It really was a bittersweet feeling.