Behind Closed Doors

Author's Note: This was a really difficult chapter to write. It's an emotional roller coaster so hold on.


The next few weeks went rather quickly. Classes became busier and between their Head Student duties, Quidditch, and homework, Draco and Hermione didn't have much time for their 'all nighters'. More often than not, their 'quality' time consisted of patrolling and their morning showers. That was a ritual they weren't willing to give up. Every day, they would start the morning together, making love, connecting with each other before they started their day. It was their one bit of comfort that kept them grounded.

It was 4am and Draco was still awake, alone in his bed. He had stayed up late to read, after tucking Hermione into bed around midnight. He had read and re-read Mike's letter several times. He knew Mike was right but it didn't make any of this any easier.

Draco,
If Mia means as much to you as you keep saying, you need to tell her the truth. Yes, she may never speak to you again. But she may also eventually forgive you and you can move forward together. And just so you know, Gabby says that Mia has been in love with you for a very long time. She thinks that she will eventually forgive you b/c she does truly love you with all of her heart. Yes, you did fuck up, big, on this one, Draco, but you have also lucked out. You have a wonderful girl in Mia. Do whatever it takes to get her to forgive you and do your very best to never break her heart again.
Good Luck. We're an owl away if you need us.
Mike and Gabby

He threw back the covers and walked to Hermione's room, in his stocking feet and flannel pajama pants. He quietly opened the door to see her hugging his pillow the way she normally hugged him when she slept. His heart sank. She looks so beautiful and innocent. The thought of telling her and knowing that she was going to cry made his heart hurt. He closed the door behind him and walked over to the bed. He slides the pillow out of her arms, he could hear her moan in protest and turn over. Draco climbed into bed behind her, curling up behind her really close. He felt her pull his arm around her. "What took you so long? I missed you."
"I'm sorry, angel...”
"It's ok... You're here now." She kissed his hand and nestled his hand between her breasts and started to fall back to sleep.
"I love you, Hermione...” He kissed her head as he buried his nose in her hair.
"I love you, Draco... Go to sleep...” She turned over, kissed him and snuggled into his chest. Draco buried his hand in the back of her massive curls, massaging her scalp, holding her tight. They fell asleep together, one of the best feelings in the world.

The next morning, they awoke, showered together, and headed to breakfast. The Headmaster reminded the students that today was the first trip to Hogs Meade for the year. Draco smiled inside. This could be good. He could get Hermione alone, outside of their quarters so he could talk to her. He took the galleon out of his pocket and while hiding it under the table, he sent her a message. He could see that she received it because he saw her jump when the coin started to get warm.

"Please don't go to HM.”
She looked up at him quickly, confused, but she gave him a quick nod, ok.

"Mione, are you ready to go?" Ron asked.
"I'm sorry, Ron, I can't. I have to an assignment that I have to finish."
"Oh come on, Hermione, you can do it later. Come with us." whined Lavender.
"Sorry, I really can't."
"Ginny, tell her she has to go with us."
"She's not gonna go if she doesn't want to, Ron."
Ron looks at Harry...
"Ron, she said she wasn't going... How often can we push her into anything?"
"Oh alright... We'll pick up something for you while we're out."
"Thank you, that's very thoughtful."

Hermione headed back up to the suite, while the others left for Hogs Meade. She had no idea why Draco asked her not to go to Hogs Meade but considering she hadn't had a chance to spend much time with her boyfriend lately, she didn't mind missing the trip. She walked into their quarters and saw Draco standing by the table smiling at her.
"Hi beautiful."
"Hi. What's going on?"
"I was hoping to spend the day with you while everyone was gone. Is that ok?"
"That would be lovely."
"What's all that stuff?"
"A box lunch, our favorite books, a blanket to sit on, we're having a Pieknick...”
"Do you mean a picnic?"
Damn...yeah... and I had been practicing that one. Do you like?"
"Yes, Hunny, I love it...” She ran across the room and jumped into his arms, placing kisses all over his face. Draco held her tightly, enjoying the smell of her hair and warmth of her body against his. He couldn't believe how much he loved her. As much as this was going to hurt her, he had to tell her the truth. It was the only way for them to move forward.

Draco and Hermione walked down to a semi secluded spot near the lake for a relaxing afternoon together. It was the first time in a couple of weeks that they had been able to just talk and catch up. They discussed the books that Gabby and Mike had sent to them. They knew both were avid readers so every other week they would send them new books with the explicit instructions. They each had to read each other's books and discuss them in length. This was the first time they had the opportunity to do so. Hermione was fond of Shakespeare while Draco favored Ibsen. As much as Draco didn't want to admit it, he actually liked some of the romance novels that Hermione had, although he would never admit to anyone that The Bridges of Madison County made him cry.
"So, Draco, does this mean you'll actually admit that some muggle books aren't that bad?"
"Hermione, books are books. I like them no matter who wrote them -muggle, witch or wizard. I have quite a few muggle books in my library at home. My mother is thoughtful enough to conceal them when I'm gone so my father won't find them."
"Oh...” She replied sheepishly. At that moment, Hermione realized how little she knew about Draco. She began to fidget. Draco noticed her apprehension and quickly changed the subject.
"Hey beautiful, I have a little surprise for you. Close your eyes." She looked at him skeptically as he smiled at her devilishly. "Come on...I promise, you're gonna like it." Hermione closed her eyes but still didn't know what he was up to. Draco reached into the basket and retrieved a small bowl of chocolate and a bowl of sliced strawberries. He took out his wand and warmed the chocolate slightly. He dipped one of the berry slices into the chocolate then looked at his love, waiting patiently for him.
"Are you ready, love?"
"I guess." He slides the berry into his mouth and kissed her, sliding the warm chocolate covered berry into her mouth. Hermione moaned with delight as she pulled him towards her, kissing him deeper. She snaked her arms around his neck, gently pressing her lips against against his ear. "No fair...You know what those do to me..."
"Of course I do, love. Why else would I bring them?"
"You like to torture me, don't you?" He pulled her close to him, pressing his lips against her ear.
"Baby, if I wanted to torture you, I know much better ways to use that warm chocolate. And I know how much you love when I lick chocolate from your lips. These lips." Draco slid his hand between Hermione's warm thighs, massaging her intimate folds through her pants... She sighs softly... "Do you want the rest of your dessert now?"
"Give me those berries." Hermione reached for the bowl of berries as Draco reached for the chocolate. He dipped his finger in it and she grabbed his hand, sucking every drop of chocolate off of his finger. He groaned, as he stared into her eyes.
"Two can play this game, love."
"Cute, Love...Very cute...”
Hermione became completely engrossed in the berries and chocolate, happily humming as she licked the excess chocolate off of her fingers as she happily devoured the berries. Draco was transfixed. She looked so cute when she was so engrossed in her favorite treats.
"Hermione?"
"Yeah?"
"I need to talk to you about something."
"Ok...”
"It's important...” She looked up at him, concerned...
"Draco, what's wrong?"
He took a deep breath and let it out..."Hermione, I've got something to tell you, its not gonna be easy for me to say and I know its not gonna be easy for you to hear. I need you to listen and not to jump to conclusions. I will answer all of your questions, I promise I will, but I need to tell you everything first. Can you do that for me?" She nodded quietly.
Her mind was racing. Did this mean he was going to break up with her? Was he gonna tell her this was all a joke? She was doing her best not to cry. Hermione was trying to prepare herself for the worst.

Draco took her hands in his; they were shaking; so were his but for a different reason. He took a deep breath and started, he couldn't look at her.
"You looked so beautiful the night of the Winter Ball. You took my breath away. I wanted to punch Potter and Weasley's lights out when they made you cry that night. You were the most beautiful girl at the Ball and they hurt your feelings... Some friends."
"Why is it that we've always hated each other? Is it because of your friends? My friends? My family? We never really knew each other."
"All I wanted to do is get to know you, without the pressure of our friends, my family... I just wanted to get to know you... I didn't mean any harm. I didn't think it through... I know this now... I didn't know I wasn't going to fall in love with you."
"Draco, you're not making sense, love."

"Hermione, can I see your bracelet for a moment." She looked at her wrist, and fingered the bracelet for a moment. She hadn't taken it off since Drake put it on her wrist in July. Hermione took off the bracelet and handed it to Draco. He took it, smiling slightly as he remembered the night he gave it to her. He sat her bracelet on his knee and took off his watch. He took out his wand and transfigured it back into the platinum bracelet. Hermione eyes got big. Draco quietly recited the enchantment, revealing the inscription on both on both bracelets. He handed her back her bracelet, she read it aloud:

You've taught me how to love and how to be loved. I love you with all that I am, and all that I will be. I am yours, mind, body and soul... Yours forever, Draco.

"I don't understand. How did you know about any of this? Why is your name on this? This was never engraved...” She looked at him confused. He pressed his finger against her lips, to quiet her before he continued. He still held his bracelet in his hand.
"My mother isn't harsh like my father is when it comes to the whole pure blood thing. She wanted me to be more open minded. My father's sister, Eliza, isn't like him either, so she and my mother wanted my cousin, Jon Michel, and I to be different from the Malfoys. Jon Michel and I have sent owled a couple of times a week since we were kids. We didn't see each other much b/c of my father but we still became really close, like brothers. Last summer, mother and Aunt Eliza arranged for Jon Michel and me to go on a vacation together." Hermione's wheels were turning trying to figure out what he was getting at. "I swear, baby, I didn't mean any harm. I just wanted to get to know you. I didn't think you would talk to me if I just came up and started talking to you." Hermione's mouth dropped open in shock. "I only used a small glamour so you would talk to me. You nearly broke my nose, third year. I was scared, I didn't think it through. All I thought about was that I wanted to spend time with you and this was the only way that I could. I never thought that you would have a kind word for me...I never dreamed that...that you could love me..." Tears were streaming down Draco's face, freely. He was terrified but relieved that he was finally telling her the truth, albeit slightly disjointed.

Hermione stared him; he couldn't read the expression on her face, which truly scared him. She spoke slowly and quietly as the tears ran down her face. "So you're telling me that you've been lying to me for the past month, no, longer than that. First, you lied to me by putting on a glamour b/c you knew that I wouldn't lower myself to spend time with a lying fuckwit like you...”
"Hermione, please...please don't do this... you promised you would listen," his voice begging; his tears stinging his face.
"Oh, I listened, Malfoy...You lied to me so I would be another notch on the Slytherin Prince's bedpost... How could I be so stupid?” Both of them were crying... Draco could hardly breathe...
"Please... don't say that... You know that's not true... Mia, Please...”

"Don't you DARE call me Mia! The MAN that gave me that name had honor, and sincerity. He doesn't exist. He was just another one of your lies. You... you're a despicable, loathsome, selfish child...”
"Hermione, I'm the same man that put that bracelet on your wrist. Those words have been true from the first time I held you in my arms. Tell me that these words meant nothing to you." He forced his bracelet into her hand and it grew warm as her enchantment was revealed.

"You have given me love, joy and friendship. I give you my love, I give you my heart, guard it well. My love eternally, Your Mia.'

Her body started to shake as she cried. Draco rested his forehead against hers, trying to soothe her. "Mia, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I just wanted you in my life. I love you so much, baby... Please don't leave me, Mia... Please... I don't know what I'd do without you." He buried his hand in hair, massaging her scalp, trying to calm her breathing. "Shhh, Love... Breathe... its ok..."

"Draco...Why? Why would you do that? Why didn't you tell me sooner? What else have you lied about? How can I trust you know?"
"Please, Hermione...just listen...Please.. I've been watching you for while and I've always thought you were pretty but considering who my father is and being Slytherin, I couldn't do anything about it. Besides that, you hated me, not that it wasn't well deserved but still. When you came to the Winter Ball with Krumm, you looked so beautiful. I was actually jealous of him. It broke my heart to see you crying when Potter and Weasley were acting like such wankers."
"You saw that?"
"Hunny, I spent much of my time watching you; you just didn't notice. When Mike, Jon Michel, and I saw you at the club with Gabby, I thought that was my chance to find out if I stood a chance with you. So I changed my appearance just enough but not too much. I wanted to know if we could get along when we were away from friends and family. We proved that we can. When I found this bracelet, it was a sign that we're supposed to be a part of each other's lives."

Draco rested both bracelets together and they reconnected as they gave off a warm golden light. He gently slides it onto her wrist so she could feel the warmth. "Mia, I didn't tell you sooner out of fear. The closer we got, the more scared I got. It’s the reason why I haven't been going to sleep with you lately. I've been trying to figure out how to tell you. Seeing tears of sadness in your eyes;it's killing me, what's worse is knowing that I'm the one that caused you such sadness; it's horrible." He kissed her on the forehead as he wiped her tears. "You asked me have I ever lied about anything else. Yes, it was a lie of omission... The first time I told you that I loved you was the morning we made love in the shower. Do you remember that?" She nodded, looking into his eyes. "That wasn't the first time I told you. It was the first time you heard me. I knew I loved you from when the night that we fell asleep together on the balcony of the suite in Cannes. I awoke up about 30 minutes before you did that morning. You brought tears to my eyes, Mia. You looked so beautiful and you were smiling in your sleep. You snuggled so close to me and held my hand and kissed it when you were still sleeping. It was the first time in my life that I felt completely loved. Until you, I didn't know that I was worthy of being loved. I pressed my lips close to your ear and whispered Hermione, I love you with all my heart and soul. I'm yours, for always."

She blushed and sniffled, "Of course you're worthy of being loved, Draco." His heart skipped a beat...
"Hermione, will you ever be able to forgive me?"
She stroked his cheek gently.” To you, I will always be, Mia. It’s going to take some time for me to work through this, Draco. You need to understand that." He nodded. "Merlin help me, I love you with all my heart, Draco; I do. But I need some time to think about all of this.
"I know; take as long as you need, angel..."
They sat quietly, holding hands, forehead to forehead for what seemed like hours. They would have been content to sit there and gather their thoughts but it was not meant to be.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing, Malfoy?" yelled Ron as he charged at them, wand drawn. Hermione sighed and Draco instant put on a conceal spell so his crying was not visible.
"What the hell do you want, Weasel?" Draco said, dryly as he stood up. Hermione's side was to Ron.
"Get your fucking paws off of her or I'll hex you into next year."
"Oh, I'm so scared..." He rolls his eyes.
"Hermione, come on... I'll get you away from this cad." While Ron was having his hissy fit, Harry, Ginny and Lavender walked over. "Hermione, come on."
"Go away, Ronald. This has nothing to do with you, so bugger off...”
"Hermione, what did he do to you? I'll protect you."
At those words, Hermione saw red, she stands up and turns around, "I don't need or want your protection. Now go away, Ron or I'LL hex YOU into next year... And you know I can do it."
Harry and Ginny step forward as Lavender walks over to Ron.
"Ronny, she isn't your concern anymore."
"Shut up, Lav. She will always be my concern. Come on, Hermione. Let's go."
Ginny spoke directly to Hermione, "Hermione, are you ok, Hun?"
Hermione absently nodded, yes. Ginny looks at her brother, "Ron, she says she's ok. We should leave them alone. This has nothing to do with us."
"Ginny, she's not in her right mind. That's more than obvious. For Merlin's sake, she's here with Malfoy. Hermione, if you don't get over here right now, I'm gonna through you over my shoulder and carry you back to the castle."
Draco stepped in front of Hermione,"Weasel, you won't touch her." Draco was holding Hermione hand behind his back. The only one that noticed this was Ginny. Then she started to notice the screen. A blanket, lunch box, books, pillows. This wasn't a fight between longtime adversaries... This was a date that they interrupted. She turned to Harry whispering," Get Ron and get out of here. I'll get Lavender. I will explain later." She kissed him the cheek and went to Lavender who was quietly crying as she watched her boyfriend make a scene over Hermione.
Harry stepped between Ron and Malfoy. "Ok, enough. Come on, Ron. Hermione is more than capable of making her own decisions and she doesn't want to leave with you." Ron started to fight Harry but Harry gave him a look that said, 'don't even think about it.' Ron mumbled and bitched under his breath but he left with Harry. Ginny walked with a quietly sobbing Lavender back to the castle. Ginny glanced over her shoulder as she was leaving; what she witnessed both surprised and touched her. Draco was cradling Hermione's face in his hands. He was wiping her tears as he kissed her softly on the lips. Draco was protecting Hermione from Ron. He's in love with her. She was sure of it.
When Harry and Ginny got back to the castle they went to secluded place so they could talk alone.
"Ginny, what's going on?"
"I could be wrong but I don't think I am and I'm going to trust you not to freak out, ok?"
Ginny, I don't freak out?" She gave him the look of disbelief. Harry smiled and shrugged.
"I think Hermione and Draco are together and they have been for quite a while."
"What? Please tell me you're kidding. This is a really sick joke, right?"
"Think about it, Harry... They haven't fought all year. Malfoy actually smiles now. He watches her when he thinks no one is looking. And it’s not that typical sneer; he looks her...the way you look at me, Harry. Yes, I know you look at me like that." Harry started to blush.
"Ok, so if they're a couple. Why didn't they tell anyone?"
"Well, that part's obvious. First, the Head Boy, Head Girl thing, they could lose their positions if anyone found out. Plus, the Death Eaters and Lucius thing.. That would be all sorts of bad for them. How many Slytherins have Death Eater parents? That could mean death or worse for both of them.
"So what do we do?"
"Right now, we say nothing. We can cover for them, if needed. If you watch them, you'll see, he really loves her, Harry and she really loves him. Its really subtle, but its there."
"You're serious? And you're sure about this?"
"Yes, I'm sure, Harry. She's my best friend. In some ways, I know her better than you do."
"Then why was she crying when we saw them?"
"I don't know but every couple has rows. Hello? We do, too. Then everything is fine later." Harry nodded. "We have to agree on one thing, though. We can't tell Ron... He will freak and ruin everything for them. It doesn't matter that he's with Lavender, he still wants Hermione."
"Yeah, I know. That's what worries me."

Hermione looked into Draco's eyes; bloodshot from crying, "I...I need some time to think...this is all so much..."
"I know, baby...I'm sorry." He kissed her on the forehead softly. "I'll take all of this stuff back and...I won't bother you for a while...” He kissed her hands and then walked over to their belongings and began to pack them up. When he was finished, he walked over to her placing a warm kiss on her temple. "I love you, Mia. Please don't ever doubt that." The feeling of his lips sent warmth through her entire body. She closed her eyes, she didn't want to watch him leave but she couldn't bring herself to ask him to stay. Draco headed back to the castle alone; he could hear her sobbing. It was like daggers in his heart.

He dropped the basket off in their quarters and headed to the Slytherin common room. He didn't want to be alone and it was the only place he could think of where he could hide in plain sight. When he arrived, he received the usual royal greeting for the Prince of Slytherin. The younger students stared in awe while the older ones clamored for his attention. Crabbe and Goyle sat together devouring chocolate frogs when he walked past. "Hey Draco...What are you doing here?” said Crabbe.
"It’s my house, why wouldn't I be here?" he sneered at him.
"I just meant that we haven't seen you much."
"Well, I'm here now. Where's Zabini? They pointed to the overstuffed chair by the fireplace. Draco walked over, and there was Blaise with Pansy on his lap. He was gnawing on her neck and taking great pleasure in shocking the first and second years that were transfixed as he fingered her pussy openly in front of them. Parkinson had always been quite the exhibitionist so putting on this little sex show for the kiddies was right up her alley. She rarely wore knickers and was always ready for good shag. Draco stood beside the couch, watching them, both amused and slightly annoyed. He was amused because they were providing these 1st and 2nd years with wanking off material for years and slightly annoyed because he had come here to hang out with them, not to watch them practically shag in the common room, not that he hadn't seen that before. It wasn't like he hadn't done that before with her, but right now he wasn't in a voyeur mood. Draco could hear Pansy start to squeak which meant that she was about to come. Blaise increased his pace and began massaging her clit. That was just enough; Pansy came all over his hand. She was panting and cooing as her body trembled and Blaise licked her juices off of his fingers.
"Are you quite finished with your little show?" Draco asked with annoyed amusement. It’s not like he hadn't been in a similar position with Pansy the previous year so this wasn't a jealousy thing.
"We do our best to education the youth." Blaise smiled proudly, still licking his fingers, while still stroking Pansy's pussy with his other hand, causing her to tremble from orgasmic aftershocks. "When did you get here?"
"Somewhere between orgasm one and two, I'm guessing. How about a game of chess, Zabini?" Blaise looked at Pansy. "She can suck your cock later." Blaise shrugged and pushed her off of his lap.
"Ok." He looked at Pansy and shrugged. She pulled down her skirt and stomped away in a huff.
"Where's she going?"
"Probably to go get off again, you know 3 times the charm with her." Draco nodded.

Draco and Blaise played chess for a couple of hours, only stopping for dinner. Draco noticed that Hermione wasn't there but he tried his best to put it out of his head. She was probably with Potter and Weasley, telling them what a cad he is. Draco shook his head trying to get the image out of his head. When he looked up, he saw Potter and the Weasleys but still no Hermione. He wasn't going to worry. 'She's a big girl; she's more than capable of getting herself back from the lake to the castle. Hell, she, she's kicked my ass before. There’s nothing to worry about.'
Draco went back to the Slytherin common room with Blaise and Pansy for a while, until Pansy's incessant pouting and pawing at Zabini became to annoying to bear. Draco said his good nights and headed back to the Head student's quarters. He had a heavy feeling in his chest as he climbed the stairs. He didn't know if Hermione was going to be there or not. Part of him wanted her to be there but part was scared as hell to see her...
***************************************

Hermione sat by the lake for what seemed like hours. She cried so much that she swore that she was going to dehydrate herself. It wasn't until the rain started to fall at a steady rate that she finally concede and headed back to the castle. By the time she reached the castle, she was soaked to the bone. She wasn't going to go to dinner looking like a drowned rat so she headed straight to the Head Student's quarters. She thought that her tears were finished and then she came through the painting; all of the memories came flooding back as her tears began again. She went straight to the bathroom, undressed and climbed into a hot shower. Hermione instantly fell to the floor sobbing uncontrollably. The memories of everything they had shared were crushing her. It was like she could feel his hands on her, his breath on her neck, his voice in her ears.
"Hermione, I love you... It scared the hell out of me but Merlin help me, I love you."
She was holding her knees, rocking back and forth. "Why Draco? Why did you have to do this? Everything was so perfect...Why did you have to make this so hard." She looked around...She realized that she was alone, yelling at no one. She felt like she was losing her mind... Hermione got up, finished her shower, wrapped a towel around her and walked to her room. Again, she thought she was going to lose it when looked around her room. She could picture the two of them curled up together in bed. She could see their first kiss on her bed. Their tickle fight. She could almost feel every time they had made love in her bed. Hermione slide into the small space between her wardrobe and her desk. Her tears continued to fall as she tried in vain to get the memories to stop.
As Hermione tried to will herself to get up off of the floor and put on clothes, she heard a tapping on the window. At first, she thought she was hearing things but it didn't stop. She moved to the window to see what was making the noise, she found Gabby's barn owl with a parcel. She opened the window, taking the parcel and turned to see if she had a snack for the bird, when she turned back the bird was gone. Hermione closed the window and sat on the floor, still clad only in a bath towel. She opened the parcel; there was a letter on top with another wrapped parcel.

Mia Love,
Please read this entire letter, no matter how difficult some parts are going to be. Also, please remember that I love you.

I found out that Drake was Draco shortly after Mike and I got serious. At first, I was furious and was going to turn him into a horny toad and give him to you in a box. But Mike calmed me down and told me that Draco just wanted to get to know you and he didn't think that you would even speak to him if you knew who he was. So I gave him a chance. He never over stepped his bounds. I know how much you wanted to lose your virginity to Drake last summer and I know that he said no. You need to know why. This is coming straight from Draco. 'I have real feeling for Mia and I don't want to be intimate with her unless she knows she's with making love with me, not some made up person. I want her to want me, Draco, not me as Drake Murphy.' All he wanted was to spend time with you, to see you smile. He would come back to the suite and talk about you for hours. He hated that he had wasted the past 6 years fighting with you. He wished he had more time with you, a month wasn't enough. He didn't know that you would even talk to him when you got back to school. He hoped that you would be nice to him every once in a while when you got back to Hogwarts.

He wrote to Mike (well, us) after the first time he told you that he loved you (yes, he told Mike about you giving your virginity to him and how he was happy that he waited until you knew that it was really him) and told us that you made his dreams come true. He had never felt loved until he fell in love with you. He even told us about 'the massage'. He said it was the most loving thing anyone had ever done to him or for him.
Mia, do you get it yet? This man adores you. Yes, he fucked up; he didn't think things through in Cannes. All he thought about was that he wanted to get to know you and that was the only way he could think of to do it at the time. Please open the parcel, if you haven't already. Mike took these when we were together in Cannes. He modified a muggle digital camera so it would take wizard pictures. The nice thing about these pictures is the fact that it didn't capture the glamour. Look at these and you will see what we saw a long time ago. Realize that you've been in love with the same wonderful man all along.

I'm sorry for keeping all of this from you but it wasn't my place to tell you. It is my place to show you that you didn't make a mistake by loving this man. He is as wonderful as you think he is. He loves you with all his heart and would do anything to make you happy.
I'm here for you if you need me.
Love, Gabby.

Hermione opened the parcel and began to look through the first photo album. The tears started again. When did Mike get these pictures? There was a picture of her and Gabby, all dressed up and one of them in the water. There was another of the 4 of them together on the beach and a picture of Mike and Draco on boogie boards, and a photo of Mike and Draco wrestling in the water that she remembered Gabby taking. There was a picture of the 4 of them riding bikes in the vineyards and one of them riding horses on the beach. Hermione was with Draco. It was a beautiful picture. She had one white pants and a red halter top with white trainers Draco had on a purple linen shirt and tan pants and white trainers. She was sitting in front of him, leaning against his chest with her head on his shoulder. They looked so happy. There was a picture of Gabby and Hermione on the topless beach and the last picture in the book was a photo of Draco kissing Hermione's neck from behind. The look on her face was absolute bliss. She picked up the second book, the cover read: Stolen Moments. When she opened it, she realized that all of the photos were of her and Draco. There was a picture of Draco kissing her; his hands were buried in her hair. She felt warmth go through her as she looked at the photo. There was one of them playing in the water, kissing as their hands were exploring each others bodies. The next photo was Draco was lying on top of her; he was looking into her eyes. He was stroking her cheek lovingly, smiling at her. The next photo Draco had slid her arms over her head; he was kissing her neck and chest. The final picture was them kissing again, he was massaging her scalp as he kissed her; then looking into each others eyes. Draco was looking into her eyes, she knew that look... It was the look he always had when he looked at her. Her tears escaped her eyes as she gently ran her fingers over the picture. He loved her; even then...he loved her. She looked at the picture in her hand, and picture of him looking into her eyes. How did she not know? Hermione closed her eyes, remembering how Drake's hands felt on her body. How did she not know that same loving gesture? He always massaged the back of her head, playing her hair when he kissed her? How did she not know how his kisses tasted? How did she not know they were one in the same? She picked up the albums and placed one of them on her desk. She walked out of her room, heading towards her future.

Draco came into the common room, all was quiet. Hermione's door was closed; the light was on but he didn't dare go talk to her. He promised to give her time and space. He didn't want to push. He decided he best go to bed. He went into his room and didn't turn on the light. He simply striped off his clothes and climbed into the king sized bed. He took a deep breath and exhaled. All of a sudden, he sat up. He could smell her distinct scent, cinnamon and vanilla. "Mia? Hunny, are you here?"
"Yeah..."
"Are you ok?"
"I don't know."
"You don't know?"
"I'm scared..."
"Scared of what, Love?"
"Everything..."
Draco still hadn't moved towards hers. He was still in shock.
"I don't understand?"
"I'm afraid of letting you in...All the way in... This hurt so much. If you hurt me again, I don't know if I would survive."
"Mia, I can't promise you that I will never make you cry, I can't promise you that I will never make you angry. I can promise that I will never lie to you again." He slowly reached forward to touch her hand. He could hear her exhale.
Her voice was shaky as she moved toward him. "Draco...I love you. I don't want to live without you." She touched his face gently. He closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth of her touch. It had only been a few hours but it had felt like weeks since he had felt her touch.
"Mia, what made you change your mind?"
"A photo." He looked at her confused.
Hermione turned away and took something off of the bedside table. "Lumos" She handed him the photo.
"That's...That's us...Where did you get this?? Who took this? When?"
"I just got this and some others from Gabby. Mike took them when we were in Cannes this summer."
"I don't remember this being taken."
"Me, neither."
"This made you change your mind?" She nodded. "How?"
"I looked at the photo and realized that you've been looking at me like that all along. I've only seen love in your eyes from moment one." He started to blush. "There's one more photo you need to see." She flipped to the photo of them kissing and looking into each other's eyes. "I should have known that you were one in the same. Kisses don't lie."
"No, Love, they don't." Draco closed the space between them, easing her back onto the bed, kissing her deeply as his hands began to explore her body. "So warm, so soft...” He moaned as his kisses moved down her body. His lips were like fire against her skin. He positioned himself between her legs, pressing his warmth against her most sacred place. He didn't proceed; he simply wanted to drink in the taste of her mouth and her skin, reveling in her sweetness. Hermione shifted her hips slightly, sliding him inside of her just a small amount. Draco sighed as he slid deep inside of her. They held each other tight, as if welcoming one another home. They made love slowly, reacquainting themselves with the tastes, smells and feels of each other's bodies. It had only been a few hours since they had made love but everything was different now. They could finally love with no barriers.
"Draco, I want to ride your cock..." He looked at her, shocked.
"Are you sure?" She nodded. He rolled over; position her on top of him. She leaned forward, kissing him deeply.
She began to rock her hips, never losing eye contact with Draco. She could feel her body starting to tingle as he fondled her breasts. She increased her pace as he began to massage her clit. Draco looked deep into her eyes as he increased their pace.
"Draco...I'm...I'm gonna come...."
"Yes, My Sweet...I want you to look into my eyes when you come..."
"Draco..." her voice shaky
"That's it, Love..."
"OH GODS, DRACO!!!!!" Her whole body shook as her orgasm overtook her body...never taking her eyes off of Draco... Tears of Ecstasy streamed down her face... She looked so beautiful, lust and abandon in her eyes. It took him over the edge. Draco came deep inside of her, never breaking eye contact with his Mia. They collapsed together, breathing heavily.
"I love you, Draco...”
"I love you, Hermione...”
They cuddled together and looked at the rest of the photos from Gabby.
"Is that what I look when you...?" She starts to blush.
"Give you pleasure? Oh baby, you look even more beautiful when I'm doing that." Hermione tried to cover her face with her hands but Draco won't let her. "Oh no, you don't. No getting embarrassed about enjoying when I pleasure you. You're supposed to, remember."
"But..."
"No but, Mia... we're gonna work on this..."
"Work on what?”She looked at him, concerned.
"Work on you not being so self conscious. You're supposed to be enjoying how sex feels and not worrying about how you look."
"Huh?"
"You have no idea how beautiful you look when you finally let go and lose yourself in the moment." She stared at him, focusing on his words, trying to understand. "Can I try something with you?" She looked at him with a suspicious look. "You'll like it, baby.” She looked concerned but she agreed. Draco kissed her on the head.
"Come here." He had her lie close to him and closes her eyes. He pressed his lips close to her ear. His voice was deeper, more sensual..."My beautiful Mia...So sensual...so soft..." His hands began to gentle explore her body. "Spread your legs for me. I wanna bury my fingers deep inside of you. I can't get enough of your sweet pussy.” He sucked her earlobe as she whimpered. Draco eased his finger inside of her, one, then two, then a third. Hermione moaned and rocked her hips to get his fingers to go deeper. "That's it, Love. Fuck my fingers, Mia...You wanna come don't you?"
"Gods yes..."
"Then work for it, Mia...Come for me, Love. You can do it." Her breathing becomes erratic as she began to buck her hips. "Oh Mia, you're so tight...you feel so good..." He moved his fingers ever so slightly as Hermione fucked his fingers harder. Her moans were deep and primal. "You're close, aren't you, baby?
"Uh....Huh...." She panted as she impaled herself on his fingers.
"You wanna come, don't you?"
She whimpered desperately, "yes...”
"Rub your clit, Mia. That will make you come, won't it...?”
"Uh-huh"
Draco pressed against her g-spot making her moan as her fingers began to gently massage her clit. She began to tremble as he forced his fingers deeper and deeper inside of her, Draco increased his pressure on her g-spot. Hermione screamed as her orgasm overtook her. She began to gush all over Draco's hand.
"Open your eyes, baby...see what you can do..." She opened her eyes and watched in shock and awe as her body trembled and convulsed. She was whimpering as tears of ecstasy streamed from her eyes.
"Draco...." she said weakly, trying to calm her breathing as much as possible...
"Yes, baby..."
"Why did you do that?"
"I wanted you feel what you could do...and I wanted to watch you come."
"You made me come so you could watch me?"
"No, baby, you made you come." She looked at him confused. "All I did was slid my fingers inside of you and reassured you."
"I...I did that?" He nodded.
"I wanted you to lose yourself in what you were feeling, what I was saying and you did." She looked at him in awe, like he as just given her an amazing gift. "Mia, can I ask you something, you may get a little embarrassed by I want you to answer the question anyway, ok?" She nodded. "What you just did, have you ever done what by yourself?" She started to blush and looked away. "Hermione, answer the question." He voice was gentle but slightly assertive. She shook her head, no. Draco had one of those 'ah-ha' moments. Now he understood. She wasn't just a virgin; she didn't know her own body yet. He couldn't help but smile inside a little bit. This was going to be fun. Teaching his girlfriend about her body and getting to watch her learn how to give herself orgasms. How great is that? He had to focus his mind back to the moment at hand. "It's ok, baby. Come here. We can learn together." Hermione snuggled into Draco's arms and quickly fell asleep, exhausted from her mind numbing orgasms and their emotional day. Draco fell asleep soon after, happy to finally have her back in his arms and relieved to know that he had no more secrets from her.