Her Shoes

Thanks to t_stevenson yet again – sigh, it just never gets old, does it? The hand-clasping was all HER! :-)



Thank you Lady Lynn for your help and amazing skill – girl has S.K.I.L.L.S. Thanks for making me delve into the deeper end with Draco. And again to Wildcatcdc.



The one and only lexy_malfoy made a fantastic book cover as gift for Her Shoes. Go read her stuff (make sure you have a fan cause it’s HOT) and take a peek at the book cover (http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt99/margaritaabate/HerShoesBookCover.png).



Finally, sorry this took a bit to get out. It was written immediately after Chapter 15 but I wanted to get it right. The next chapter is halfway written and 18 is outlined. The story is drawing to an end, just a few more chapters. As I’ve stated before, please feel free to PM me at my LJ account if you want to discuss anything in the fic. I welcome constructive, well-thought out and respectful POVs and opinions, a few of you have taken me up on my offer so I thank you again for the lively discussion. Again, I bow down and thank the lovely readers for the many kind words and enthusiasm.



Someone asked who my Draco and Hermione would be if I couldn’t have Tom and Emma. Here are my choices:

Hermione – Emmy Rossum (its floorcoaster’s fault) (http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3987/25_2008/Emmy-Rossum.preview.jpg)



Draco – Toss-up between Justin Hartley (http://media.movieweb.com/img/1/6/b/PH44qa44ITt16b_m.jpg) and Alex Pettyfer (http://www.lornaroach.co.uk/assets/images/03Photoshoots/04AlexPettyfer/01.jpg)



PS: If you review, please feel free to share your fave romantic song or songs. I listened a lot to Corinne Bailey’s “Like a Star” and Beyonce’s “Halo” as I was writing this.



*********************

Hermione was on her back, splayed out in the center of Draco’s bed with her legs in the air . . . still fully dressed.



She crossed and uncrossed her ankles, turned her legs this way and that, marveling at her gorgeous sandals.



She really, really loved these shoes. They made her legs look so good. Long and leggy even, and Merlin knew she didn’t have long legs; they were very nice legs but petite like the rest of her. The fringes on the stilettos swayed so prettily. She circled one foot then the other before she turned her attention towards the closed bedroom door for what seemed to be the millionth time.



She huffed loudly, flipped over onto her stomach and palmed her cheek. Was the git ever coming back?



After he hauled her off like some kind of Neanderthal from Pansy’s party, they’d Apparated right into his bedroom where he’d unceremoniously dumped her onto his bed. He drew his wand and muttered some spell she couldn’t quite make out under his breath. He snapped at her to remain there on the bed and not take a step from of it, and exited the bedroom while Hermione bellowed indignantly that he had no right to leave her holed up in his bedroom to which he responded by slamming the door shut behind him.



She called him a litany of names as she rose up on her knees, prepared to hop off the bed and storm after him only to find herself pushed back onto the bed by some unseen force. She attempted to leave several more times and finally after the fifth attempt had just given up all together.



Hermione snorted. The wanker had placed some type of Shielding Spell which prevented her from actually leaving the damn perimeter of his bed. Where did he think she was going to go exactly?



Expecting him to return shortly, she propped up the pillows behind her head and made herself as comfortable as possible. Time passed. And passed. And passed. And passed. Though she had no watch, she knew at least one hour and, quite possibly, nearly two hours had gone by since she’d been imprisoned. Damn good thing she didn’t need to use the loo.



Goddess, she contemplated clawing those gorgeous, silvery-blue pools of pure deliciousness right out of his face, then shoving them right down that arrogant throat until he slowly choked to death. ARGH! This was ridiculous. She had been sure that the deity, spirit, fairy or whoever was in charge of her karma was an ally. It was now painfully obvious she’d been betrayed!



She wished, not for the first time, she had her wand; she was extremely annoyed that she had taken Blaise’s advice and left it in her clutch, which was currently sitting on Pansy’s bed. She really didn’t expect to need it; at least that’s what Blaise had reasoned quite rationally to her. Besides, where would she be able to carry it with what she was wearing? She now suspected Blaise knew exactly what Draco had intended and it had been he who had messed with her karma. Damn all those good-looking Slytherins! Couldn’t trust the lot of them.



At least the blond bastard left her some light, she mulled as she stared into the flames of the fireplace. The warm glow cast enough illumination to see the bedroom.



She puffed away a wayward lock that fell across her eyes before she groaned and buried her face into the bed. When was that ferret coming back? He had no right to haul her away and treat her like this. Was she or was she not the injured party in this whole debacle?



Damn it, she was starting to feel a bit peckish now. Perhaps she’d hex that glorious platinum mop right off his head! Wait, no, not hex; she was going to shave it instead. Yes, do it the good old-fashioned Muggle way with a very, very dull blade.



She heard a loud ‘POP’ and looked up to find Meena placing a small table in between the leather chaises in front of the fireplace.



FINALLY!



Scrambling to her knees, she smiled at the little elf. “Meena?”



The tiny creature turned and smiled back at Hermione. “Miss. Hello. Is you well? Meena missed Miss.”



Hermione’s heart skipped a small beat. “I missed you as well, Meena. May I ask what you’re doing?”



“Master ask for table.”



“And where is Master Draco?” Hermione hoped to draw out a little more information from the tiny elf.



“Out, Miss.” Two more ‘POPs’ revealed two more house-elves carrying a plate of fresh fruit, a bottle of white wine and two goblets. “We leave now, Miss.”



Panicked at the thought of being left alone once again, Hermione called out desperately, “OH, NO! Meena, wait.”

Meena looked at Hermione with wide eyes. Hermione smiled and swallowed. Here was her chance. “Meena, I can’t seem to be able to leave the bed. Is there any way you can help me? Lift the spell, perhaps? Please?”



Hermione immediately regretted saying anything as she watched the tiny creature start to shake her head violently. Her little body was quavering and she began wringing her hands over and over again. “Oh, Miss. Master says you ask Meena for help. Oh Miss, Master says no help Miss. Master says Miss naughty and stay where Master leaves her. Master says he is back for Miss soon. But Meena not helps the Miss. Meena feel bad. Meena says no to Miss. Meena is bad to Miss. Meena is bad house-elf. Meena punish Meena.”



THAT SLIMY SNAKE! She was the naughty one? Hardly!



She tapped down her fury and sought to ease Meena. “No, no, no. Do not punish yourself. Is that clear? It’s fine. Please don’t worry, Meena. Calm down. Please.” Hermione was very upset at having placed the little elf in such a distraught state.



At this point, Meena was dashing around the room scolding herself, pulling at her ears and thumping her head on the floor. She made her way over to the windows and Hermione was sure she would bash her teeny head through a windowpane. Hermione was near tears at being unable to physically stop her. She flung herself against the invisible barrier only to be thrown back onto the middle of the bed. She got up on her knees, ready to try to talk to Meena again.



“MEENA, STOP!” a male voice commanded.



At the issued order, Hermione’s favorite house-elf looked up. “Oh, Master. Meena was bad house-elf. She wants to help Miss but Master says no help Miss.”



Draco strode into the room authoritatively and crouched low to look at the elf. “Meena. It’s fine. I know you like the Miss. I like her as well but you mustn’t punish yourself. It makes the Miss upset. We spoke about this, remember?”



Hermione snorted at hearing that he liked her as well. Nonetheless, she continued to study his interaction with Meena.



He spoke in gentle, soothing tones. Meena looked at Draco and slowly bobbed her head in understanding. Giving her a lopsided grin, Draco rose. “Thank you, Meena. You may retire for the evening. You’ve done well.”



With a small curtsy, a quick glance and a wave at Hermione, Meena Apparated from the room. Hermione was now alone with the handsome, blond arse that had become the bane of her existence. Damn it, she could feel her heartbeat speed up along with her breathing as she became very aware of being very alone with the sod. Her palms felt clammy and tiny shivers trembled over her skin. She attempted to ignore the tightening of desire low in her lower body altogether!



Draco turned to look at her, his head cocked to the side and a small grin playing across his mouth. “Upsetting the house-elves, Granger? Tsk, tsk. Shame on you. I thought you protected them, not threatened them.”



Sitting back on her heels, Hermione crossed her arms in front of her chest and gave him a withering glare. “Well, I wouldn’t have upset her if I hadn’t been forced to ask for her assistance. No thanks to you, you bloody prick. How dare you kidnap me and then cage me to your bed like some . . . piece of chattel! This is the twenty-first bloody century!”



Draco’s grin broadened. He was clearly amused and she wanted him anxious, worried about her reaction to his outrageous behavior. Damn him. Damn him. Damn him.



“I felt it was the better option at the time.”



Hermione gave him a loud harrumph and tossed her head, looking away from him. “Better option than what, exactly?”



He walked around the bed, taking in every inch of her appearance while she remained aloof and unmoving. She refused to look at him but stole covert glances at him from under her lashes. He looked completely edible in black, flat-front, beltless trousers and a simple, thin wool, heather grey jumper that complemented those eyes so well.



He stopped at the foot of the bed and stared down at her. His eyes darkened slightly and his body was taut. “It was either throw you on the bed and leave . . . or . . .” He leaned down and whispered hotly with a tinge of anger, “Spank you hard, tie you up, then fuck you into the mattress for being the naughty girl you are!”



Hermione closed her eyes and bit her lower lip painfully as she worked to slow her rapid breathing. No, no, no! She would not react to him; now was not the time to be thinking with her groin, damn him.



“What? Nothing to say, Granger?”



She opened her eyes to glare at him once again. “I’d like to get up, now. I’m rather uncomfortable.”



Draco blinked. “Of course.” Drawing his wand, he stated an audible, ‘Finite Incantatem’.



He held his hand out to her, which she blatantly ignored as she slid off the bed. Stretching slightly and shaking her curls, she walked over to the chaise and sat down, crossing her legs. She picked up a strawberry, bit into to it delicately and moaned in pleasure. She glanced over at Draco as she licked her fingertips and raised her eyebrows. Smiling, she leaned down picked up a cube of pineapple and popped it into her mouth, savoring the sweet and tangy taste.



“Hungry, Granger?” Draco walked over and sat down into the chaise opposite Hermione.



She bit into an apple slice and replied in a low, sultry voice, “Very. Feels like I haven’t eaten in ages.” She crunched down hard on the slice. “You need to the chill the wine.”



Her clueless blond prat shook his head and laughed as he set a Chilling Charm on the wine. He poured out two glasses and handed one to Hermione. “Well?”



Hermione looked at Draco with an innocent expression and took a sip of her wine. “Well, what?”



“Are you going to explain yourself?”



She nearly choked on her wine as she let out a disbelieving laugh. Hermione had reached her breaking point. Honestly, the man was shameless. “Me? Explain myself to you? I’m sorry, Malfoy, but you must have me confused with another witch. I’m not one of your desperate conquests. In case you’ve not noticed, I’m Hermione Granger. You know, the one witch that isn’t afraid to hex your balls off.”



She watched as his eyes narrowed. He studied her before saying, “So, you’re not going to tell me why you were dating my three best friends? Why those so-called best friends were about to fuck you against a wall, at the same time I might add? And why you didn’t seem to be stopping them?”



“Malfoy, it’s none of your business. If you recall, you broke it off with me. I’m a young, single, independent woman. I can date or sleep with whomever I please.” Swirling the contents of her glass, she took another sip and smiled sweetly up at him, quite aware his anger was beginning to boil. “I’ve never had three men at once. I dare say those three would have made it quite an experience. Theo’s so playful. Adrian is so gentle. And Blaise . . . mmm . . . well, Blaise is so masterful . . .” She placed her glass down and sighed.



Draco jumped up and threw his glass into the fire in anger. “So you did fuck all of them, didn’t you? Tell me, Hermione, or so help me I’ll . . .”



She narrowed her eyes in defiance, issuing a silent challenge. “Or you’ll what?”



Hermione raised her eyebrows in amusement as the smoldering Slytherin’s face darkened, his nostrils flared and he merely shook his head. She fisted an imaginary hand in the air, she knew his temper but at the end of the day, he would never follow through on any heated warnings he issued to her. No, Draco Malfoy didn’t intimidate her. He might drive her to body-melting sexual distraction, but that was all. She was going to win this little war and he was going to do as she dictated in order to get back into her good graces.



Hermione slowly uncrossed her legs and leaned back into the chaise, a small smile playing on her lips. “Are you done?”



Draco blinked and frowned. “Pardon?”



Oh, he was so confused. If she wasn’t so angry with him, she would find him adorable. “Are. You. Done.”



“Done with what, woman?”



She twirled a curl around her finger. “Behaving like a completely jealous and possessive idiot.” She couldn’t suppress her laughter. “Oh, do sit down, Draco. Sit!” She watched as he sat back down. With sudden seriousness, she leaned forward and whispered, “Doesn’t feel good, does it?”



Draco seemed to hold his breath and looked at her suspiciously. “What doesn’t feel good?”



“To have your life played with? To be manipulated? To be made a fool? It doesn’t feel good, does it?” Hermione rose and walked over to the fireplace then turned to face Draco. “I was so angry at you for what you did. How you manipulated my life. Draco, you broke into my home. You invaded my privacy.” She held up her hand, stopping whatever he was about to say. “You do not get to say anything. Not now. You will sit and listen to me. Got it, Malfoy? Nod if you understand.”



Draco nodded.



“No more interruptions, please. I scarcely know where to begin. I couldn’t believe the man I’d come to trust, respect and feel safe with, could have done what you’d confessed to. Why couldn’t you just talk to me and behave like a normal man? You could have said, ‘Granger, would you like to have dinner with me?’ I would have responded, ‘No, you bloody ferret; I would never have dinner with you.’ You would have known how to play to my Gryffindor sensibilities and challenged me, ‘Oh, Granger, never say never – one drink then; come on, unless you’re afraid.’ And I would have accepted the challenge and told you, ‘I’m not afraid of you, Malfoy; fine, one drink.’ Really, would that have been so difficult? But no, you decide to go mad. You dispose of my boyfriends, and I’m pretty sure none of them would have lasted anyway because none of them was you, but I would’ve liked to be the one to end things, thank you very much. You force me to work with you and act like an arse the entire time. You threaten my friends, and, by the way, Adrian is just my friend and yours, though you don’t deserve his friendship at all!”



Hermione watched as Draco’s jaw tightened at Adrian’s name. She rolled her eyes. Really, she was going to brain him before the night was through.



“Then you give me several of the most wonderful months of my life. You show me you’re sensitive, sweet, loving, kind and generous. How dare you be such a perfect boyfriend? How dare you! And how dare you be so damn good in bed! Merlin, no one should be that talented.”



She buried her face in her hands.



“Gods, I wanted to just hate you after you confessed. I spoke to your friends, my friends, your mother and your grand-mère, who by the way refuses to speak to you until you submit to my demands. I told myself that I should just walk away from you. But I couldn’t . . . I just couldn’t. That day, when you saw me with Adrian, we were talking about you, you jerk! He was doing his best to convince me to give you another chance and he was doing a damn good job at it. Until you showed up and botched it all to hell!”



She wagged her finger at him. “And that note! Breaking up with me via owl, Draco?! That was low, even for you. Then to ignore me and try to push me out of your life the way you did was the last straw! It was time to teach you a lesson. Theo, Adrian and Blaise were more than happy to help. Merlin, they volunteered to help.”



By this point, Draco settled back into the chaise and gazed up at her. He seemed bemused at her ranting but she didn’t care. She needed to unload this burden that had been weighing on her heart and soul.



“I knew how jealous you’d get. But I couldn’t just date any bloke, could I? No, you would’ve done something stupid to bully them. And don’t deny it, I know you. I needed wizards who weren’t easily intimidated by you. Who better than Slytherins? And those three? Well, you couldn’t push them around, could you? Bet that just ate away at you. Well, good! I was hoping you’d be absolutely miserable.”



She slowly paced back and forth in front of the fireplace.



“There’s a pool you know, to see how long it would’ve taken you to finally break. I think Pansy won. Merlin, Blaise was hoping he wouldn’t have to actually shag me against that wall before you showed up. Theo applauded your efforts to hold out as long as you did. Adrian is just down-right angry at you. Gods, Draco, you’re your own worst enemy. You’re also a stupid, bloody fool. How could you think your friends would shag your girl? Or that I would ever allow that? You have good friends, Draco. So, don’t be too angry with them. They just wanted to help teach you a lesson that you know, very well, you deserved.”



Hermione stood in front of the fireplace. She had one hand on a hip, her legs askew and she wore a smug smirk.



“So, here we are. What do you have to say for yourself?”



Draco exhaled slowly and grinned. “I would have to say that you look utterly delectable right now, sweet. Are you only wearing naughty knickers underneath that piece of fabric you call a dress?”



Outraged, Hermione screeched, “WHAT?”



Draco sat up and slowly eyed her up and down from the top of her wild ringlets to her toes. “Well, its just I can see everything, sweet. It’s bloody distracting.”



Feeling her cheeks flush, Hermione looked down and noticed that indeed, one could see everything. The flames from the fire had outlined every curve of her body, silhouetting her nearly nude form to his gaze.



Mortified, she glared at him and clenched her fists. “Argh! Did you even hear a bloody word I said, you pervert?”



Rising from the chaise, Draco took a few steps to tower over her. “Of course, sweet. You played me well. I commend you. You were as scheming as a Slytherin could be. I’m proud of you. And I’ve learned my lesson. I’m a terrible, bad man. I should be whipped for all my sins and misdeeds.”



His fingertips grazed her arms in light, simple strokes. “I’m sick, twisted, dark and emotionally challenged. I don’t know how to communicate. I’m overbearing. I jump to conclusions and don’t bother to ask questions until later. I let my jealously get the best of me. I’m possessive and full of anger. I’m a prat, a git, an idiot, a fool; correction – stupid bloody fool, a jerk, a ferret. I don’t deserve you, at all. But, by the gods, sweet . . . I love you so bloody much.”



Hermione stared up at him as he listed out his faults. He continued to touch her, the light strokes building to lazy circles up and down her forearms and shoulders. The other hand had now made its way into her curls while the other hand was caressing her face, lovingly. “Draco, I don’t want to hear what you think I want to hear.”



“I know and I’m not telling you what you want to hear. I . . . I’m . . . bloody hell, I’m so bad at this.” He looked up, his jaw clenching just a fraction. He was frowning when he looked at her again.



Feeling the slight trembling in his fingers, she felt him cup her face and trace his thumb across her chin and pink lips. He seemed to be holding his breath and gathering courage.



“Just tell me,” she encouraged with a little nod and nuzzle into the palm of his hand.



Without relinquishing his hold on her face, his other hand stilled in its gentle pattern making. Draco closed his eyes and took a deep breath. His lips parted and spoke in a hoarse, low whisper. “I-I love you so much it hurts.”



He opened his eyes and Hermione had never seen his eyes quite so clear and quite pale, the silver and blue swirling as one hue. They shone brightly with what she suspected were unshed tears. Draco brought up the other hand to cradle her face tenderly.



He stared straight into her brown, inquisitive eyes as he choked out, “Merlin, I can’t live without you. I’m nothing unless I see your smile everyday.” Hermione’s lips parted to say something but Draco silenced her with one finger. “No, you listen to me, now.”



Gentle fingertips outlined her lips. “I love your lips.” A wayward thumb grazed underneath her eyes. “I love your eyes. They’re not just brown, they’re like rich chocolate pools that make a man want to dive in and never come out. Sometimes, I think you can see my very soul.” Both hands entangled themselves in her nest of curls to give them a slight tug. “I love this mess of a tangle you call hair.”



Hermione’s heart was thumping so loudly and hard, she was sure it would leap from her chest. Draco’s breathing grew deep and harsh, his voice dropped an octave. He seemed to be speaking to himself as he murmured and stared at her eyes and face. His hands were now holding her neck very lightly while his thumbs wreaked havoc on her skin, “I love that you’re kind to house-elves. I love how you crinkle your nose in your sleep and try to steal the covers. I love how you’ll read a book over and over again.”



Pausing, she held her breath as he bent his head stopping only inches from her lips, “I love the way you purse your lips as you read.” Suddenly, he chuckled low and deep. “Did you know that your face goes through every emotion when you read? It does, and I love it.”



Straightening his body, one hand encircled her waist pulling her a bit closer. One finger flicked her nose as he continued, “I love how badly you sing in the shower when you think I’m not around. I love how awkward you feel in a crowd then put on a brave face so no one knows.” Both of his hands had found their way to hers. He wove his fingers with hers and pushed her away from just a few inches to look at her from head to toes. “I love that you love naughty knickers. I love your crazy and sexy shoes.”



Draco then pulled her back in and placed her small hands on his broad chest. Embracing her firmly, he smiled imperceptibly. “I love how you light up and command a room whenever you enter. I love how you stand up for what you believe in. I love how you turned the tables on me to teach me a lesson I did indeed deserve.”



Suddenly serious, Draco stated, “I love how you make my heart skip when I see you.” Slowly, he moved one of her hands over his heart, gazed deeply into her eyes and whispered, “Can you feel my heart, Hermione? Can you? It’s yours. It’s always been yours.”



He seemed to wait for some acknowledgement from her so she gave a small nod and then he continued in a quiet voice, “I love how unsure you make me feel, how you keep me on my toes. I love how you make me want to be a better man.”



Hermione felt his body shudder as he shut his eyes. When he opened them, they were full of some unnamed emotion mixed with regret. “I love you, Hermione! Will you forgive me? Will you give me another chance to show you that I can be the man you need and deserve? Will you have me?”



Was this Draco Malfoy? The aloof, cool and distant Draco Malfoy?



Speechless. This man had left her speechless. Merlin, she was crying, the tears rolling down her cheeks uncontrollably. Had he not been holding her so tightly in his strong arms, she was sure her knees would have buckled under her. She held onto him, afraid she would fall if she let go.



Draco plowed on, full of courage to unburden himself, “Gods, do you think I don’t know just how bloody twisted I am? I do and I despise myself for it. I sometimes think I’m turning into my father.” His lips had lifted into a light sneer at the last thought. Draco blinked, shook his head and stated with a determined tone, “But I want to be different. I know I need to change. I want to change and I know I can. I will. I’ll do whatever it takes. Whatever you ask. I promise to try. Just tell me what you want, consider it done.”



“Draco, you can’t wave a wand and fix things,” she explained, her heart breaking as she still tightened her hold.



Draco nodded. “I know. I know that. I want to try, though. I want to try and fix things. I want to start over. I want to do it for you, for us. I want a real chance. Please give me a chance. Merlin, I-I don’t want to be like my father. I can’t be like him.”



Hermione’s breath caught in her throat.



She reached up and cupped his face with her hand. Draco closed his eyes and leaned against her palm, nuzzling into the skin like a starved man. “Oh, Draco . . .”



“Please, sweet. Please. I can’t live without you. I’ve tried and I just can’t. It hurts too fucking much. Please forgive me. I’m so empty without you. Please, please, please . . .”



Draco Malfoy then did something that nearly broke her heart. He fell to his knees and hugged her close to him, burying his face into her, his voice muffled against her body. “I’m begging you, Hermione. Please.”



Trembling, Hermione reached down and held his face with her hands. “Look at me, Draco.”



Swirling pools of silver met her tear-filled chocolate eyes. The honest and genuine love that shone from his eyes humbled her. She could see fear in them as well. Fear of her rejection. Fear she wouldn’t love him. Fear she would abandon him.



What he offered was a start. An honest start. Knowing she had the power to affect change in another human being, that could put someone’s soul on the path of true redemption, touched her heart. This man, this confused, broken, complex yet lovely man, was asking for her trust and help. How could she refuse? Hermione Granger never turned her back on anyone. And she wasn’t going to start now. Not with the man she was in love with.



Years later, when she would recall this day with love and joy in her heart, she would reflect upon her words and actions as those that marked the turning point for her and Draco.



“I love you so much,” she hiccupped. “Gods, I’m so in love with you. There’s never been anyone but you.”



Hermione dropped to her knees, pulled his head towards hers and kissed him. It had been ages since she’d tasted him and doing so now had never felt so right. Wrapped in his embrace, in his scent, in his very essence, Hermione knew this was where she belonged.



She was finally home.



Hermione felt his hand intertwine in her hair, tugging it gently as they lost themselves in each other. Delicate arms clung around a strong, masculine neck as soft feminine fingers combed through silky golden locks. She moaned into his mouth as his tongue swirled around hers before gently sucking on it then nipping at her lips. Draco’s lips left a trail of wet kisses from her cheek to her ear and whispered, “Hold on, sweet.”



He Apparated them to his bed and continued to bury his lips against her neck. He gave her tiny bites as his hands unwound themselves from her hair and roughly worked their way down her back. “Oh gods, I’ve missed you, sweet. Let me love you.”



“Oh, Draco . . .” Her hands roamed over his chest and back, ending at the hem of his jumper. She tugged it up and over his head then tossed it aside. She held his face in her hands and leaned up to give him a chaste, sweet kiss. “I love you.”



He kissed her again. Gently, tenderly, slowly and deeply. She raked her nails lightly over his chest and tugged at his nipples, pleased when she heard him groan. She wanted him to feel the same mix of love and heady desire that left her breathless. She moaned and arched into him when his thumbs grazed over her taut, pebbled nipples. His lips left hers as his hands slid under the dress and pulled it up slowly. It landed somewhere in the vicinity of his jumper.



He bent again to capture her lips in a searing and soul-searching kiss. They touched and kissed for what felt like ages. They studied each other’s bodies, running hands and nails over shoulders, arms, hips and backs, leaving little blazing trails of desire all over one another in the wake of their exploration.



Draco sucked and nipped on her shoulder as he brushed one finger down her spine, stopping to cup her bottom and bring her closer to him while his other hand fondled one breast, pulling at the tiny peak until it stood stiff and proud. Hermione grasped his arms to hold on as she moaned his name in a throaty whisper.



“Love you . . . beautiful . . . missed you . . .” Draco’s loving words caressed her skin in hot, breathy wisps. “Mmm . . . gods, sweet . . . your knickers undo me every time . . . such a pretty present.” With deft fingers, he plucked at the jersey lacing along her bum. “I love you,” he sighed as he unraveled the delicate knickers with his hands.



“Lie down on your stomach, sweet. Please.” She briefly whimpered at the loss of skin contact, then looked at her gorgeous love, who was smiling as she turned and lay as he’d asked.



She felt him push off the bed and watched over her shoulder as he shucked off the rest of his clothes. He bent down and let his hands travel up the sides of her legs to the edge of her knickers and tenderly tugged them off. She bit her lip in earnest when she felt his lips against her ankle. He carefully undid the straps of her shoes and slid them from her feet.



Draco began his sweet onslaught on her body with his lips and hands. She giggled a bit when he kissed her feet and made his way up to her ankles and calves. He lavished equal attention to both legs; butterfly nips, kisses, and licks made their way up her legs, stopping at her thighs where he spread them apart and sucked hard on the inside of each thigh, making her moan. He blew softly in between her legs and she bucked lightly. Hermione felt she would surely combust when he reached her bottom and bit ever so carefully into each cheek.



She heard his hoarse, “I love you, Hermione.”



She wanted to reply. She really did, but he was driving her mad with desire. Her body was burning and he’d barely touched her. She wanted so desperately to reach out and feel his body under her hands but she was caught under his spell. He’d never been so tender, loving and passionate.



His tongue travelled up her spine, sending delightful little shivers of ecstasy straight to her already hot, wet core. He drew little, lazy patterns with his tongue, tasting her while igniting a flame of never before felt fervor. She felt his body tremble as he treated hers with the delicacy of something priceless and precious to him.



He seemed to be memorizing her body, line by line. No crevice or tiniest detail of her skin was left overlooked or unexplored.



“Draco, please.”



“What, sweet? What do you need?”



“You. I love you.”



He gently covered her small body with his larger one, holding her for a moment as he nestled himself against her. “You feel so good. Love you.” He rolled off to his side and took hold of her chin, forcing her to look at him.



The power of the emotion she saw in the depth of his eyes took her breath away. Goddess, she loved him so much. She turned to lie on her side and reached up to brush away the fringe of hair that had fallen over his eyes. He grasped her hand, kissed the palm, then very gently pushed her onto her back. He leaned into her and once again kissed her.



Hermione felt every bit of his desperation and love poured into the melding of their mouths. Wordlessly, he bared his soul to her in that moment and entrusted his heart into her care. She accepted all that he offered and gave her love and heart in return.



Teasing caresses traced the lines of her arms and sides of her body as Draco’s hand reached her breast to pinch the sensitive tip into a rock hard pebble. He left her lips reluctantly and peppered her skin with kisses before his lips closed around the other breast. She could only mewl in response as his tongue laved and licked the rosy little peak over and over before sucking it hard then releasing it to give the same level of worship to her other breast.



She watched that wicked and delicious tongue trail a path of desire down her body as he continued his adoration of all that was Hermione Granger. He teased her with sharp nips then soothed them with his tongue in swirling circles. He travelled between the valley of her breasts, across the plains of her stomach and over the taut expanse of her hips. She was writhing and moaning by the time he’d reached the tiny patch of curls that covered her sex.



Ever so gently, he spread her legs for both his pleasure, and hers, their gazes locked upon one another. Merlin, she wanted him so desperately in that moment. Her entire body flushed and her breath ragged from the whirling emotions he evoked and the ravenousness hunger she felt for him.



“Draco, please.”



“I love you,” was all he said before opening her like a delicate flower and exposing the hot, wet petals that so craved his attention.



He blew on her lightly and she could only gasp and close her eyes. She purred in satisfaction when she felt his tongue brush her clit in one broad stroke. Draco lifted her legs so they draped over his shoulders to give himself better leverage. He teased, suckled and played with her in a languid, lazy pace until she pushed her hips against his face, urging him to go faster. He ignored her demands and continued to savor her as if he’d never have the opportunity to do so again. It was if he was branding himself into her. Just when she thought she could bear no more, she felt him plunge two fingers into her core and nearly screamed with need.



He kept the same steady tempo with his tongue and fingers, making her body burn on the edge of sweet release. Suddenly, his fingers tapped and brushed that inner spot as his mouth latched on her tiny pearl until it was swollen with pleasure. He kept playing her body like an instrument, knowing exactly what notes made the most beautiful music. Bucking and moaning at the overload of sensations, Hermione felt her body leap and soar in a whirl of exploding bliss as her climax tore through her body.



Soft, wet kisses along her thighs and hips sent tingles down to her toes. She opened her eyes to find Draco nuzzling her skin and staring up at her. His eyes were dark with desire. He lowered her body gently onto the bed and crawled his way up her body, his lips and face shining with her very essence. She moaned at the erotic image he presented – a sleek, sexy panther.



Reaching up with both hands, she pulled him down for another kiss. She tasted herself, tangy, as he slanted his mouth over hers and kissed her over and over again. She wrapped her legs around him, pulling him even closer to her.



Sometimes, life is lived by the moments experienced. For Hermione, this was one of those moments to relish and forever sear upon her heart. Kissing him at that exact moment in time was an exquisite luxury and humbling experience. She didn’t think it was possible for her heart to feel more than it did. But having been apart from him for so long had been torture, and being in his arms now was the ultimate joy.



Merlin, she could kiss him forever. He was delicious and all hers. Tears pricked at her eyes at the thought of this complicated man’s complete devotion to her. Never would she have believed that Draco Malfoy would let her into his heart and soul the way he had. She realized she loved him in spite of his darkness, because deep down, he was still insecure and afraid. He had let her see that secret part of himself. It was she who held power over him, not the other way around.



Their kiss was a merger of their very souls; it was filled with their love of today and promise of tomorrow. She knew words were never enough for Draco. He was a man of action; she wanted her actions to express the depth of her love, the feeling of completeness he instilled in her. She wanted him to feel as treasured and as deeply loved as he made her feel. Because to her, he was precious.



He broke off, his chest heaving. “I love you, Hermione.” His thumbs grazed her wet cheeks. “Why are you crying, sweet?”



Hermione sniffed. “Because I love you.”



He grinned like a happy schoolboy. “And that’s a bad thing?”



She shook her head. “No.”



“Then, what?” His hands were tracing the lines of her body once more, leaving burning points of yearning in their wake.



“I . . . when I’m with you, I feel safe.”



“Mmhmm,” Draco responded while his lips kissed her shoulders.



Whispering low and unevenly, she sighed. “I’m lost without you. You’re my home, Draco.”



Draco froze. Hermione’s breath hitched slightly as he turned to look at her. He swallowed thickly and asked huskily, “Home?”



Nodding, she replied, “Home.”



Like lightening, he gathered into his arms and kissed her roughly, desperately. His hips were undulating in a slow rhythm, grinding his thick shaft against her wet heat. He reached between them, guiding himself to her opening, then plunged into her in one powerful move.



Hermione gasped at being filled so completely. He began to move, unhurried and tender, savoring each thrust. Both of them moaned as they drowned in the sensation of their bodies finally joining in the ultimate expression of their love.



Gentle words of love were exchanged, sweet sighs of delight as they tantalized each other’s bodies. Their hands joined and clasped together as Draco picked up the pace. She writhed and bucked under him, meeting and matching each powerful swivel and stroke. Merlin, what he did to her.



Lost in one another, they rocked into each other’s bodies. Both enjoyed each notch of pressure building taking them higher and higher, knowing that it would lead them to delectable oblivion.



“Sweet, come with me,” Draco groaned, looking deeply into her eyes.



“Oh . . . yes . . .” she panted, staring back at him.



“Love you . . . look . . . at . . . me . . .”



She never once looked away or closed her eyes. She watched his face strain in pleasure, his eyes roll back slightly only to come back to hers, his jaw tense as he sought control.



A fine sheen of perspiration blanketed their bodies, which were moving in perfect tempo together. She arched into him as she felt the pull of her body taking her closer and closer over that abyss of ecstasy. Still she kept her eyes open; she didn’t want to miss one detail of this experience. She could sense Draco holding back, waiting for her.



Then she felt herself fall. Like their lovemaking, her release was slow and washed over her languidly. It was like being wrapped in a silky cocoon of heated bliss. She saw Draco’s body tense as he found relief in the warm depths of her body. Their names exhaled from each other’s lips like small prayers of adoration.



She watched as he collapsed against her, trying not to crush her. She tried to regulate her breathing, gasping at the sensitivity of her skin as it made contact with his.



He buried his face into the crook of her neck and squeezed her hands. “Love you.”



“Mmm,” she replied as she held onto his hands tightly.



It was quiet; the only sounds were their heavy breathing. No words were necessary to express what she knew they both felt.



Draco lifted himself slightly and rolled to one side. She turned her head to look at him. He grinned and she replied with a shy smile of her own. She reached over to brush the wisps of fringe that had fallen over his beautiful eyes.



Silently, Draco gathered her under his arm and pulled her close into his embrace. They lay there, arms wrapped around each other, legs intertwined, hearts beating as one until the soothing call of Morpheus led them to sweet slumber.



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Again, my deepest apologies for the wait, I hope this was worth it. Your patience, while I craft the next few chapters, is greatly appreciated.