DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter.

A/N: Thank you, AmandaLeigh, the author of THE DARK LORD'S DAUGHTER. I have learned a new way of telling a story.

Summary: They were meeting secretly. He would kiss and touch her as a boyfriend does to his girlfriend. He would pull her to broom cupboards, alcoves or even to the RoR. She had no idea what kind of relationship they have, so imagine her surprise when she woke up in her parents' house with him by her side - snuggled against his chest.

CHAPTER 1

"I know your eyes in the morning sun

I feel you touch me in the pouring rain

And the moment that you wander far from me

I want to feel you in my arms again

And you come to me on a summer breeze

Keep me warm in your love, then you softly leave

And it's me you need to show

How deep is your love, how deep is your love

How deep is your love?

I really mean to learn

'Cause we're living in a world of fools

Breaking us down when they all should let us be

We belong to you and me."

-"How Deep Is Your Love" (Maurice, Barry and Robin Gibb)

.

June 3, 1998

(the present)

Hermione Granger felt the different comfort of her bed - the familiar softness of the mattress, smell of the pillow where her nose was buried, the blanket she realized she was clutching. The bedclothes all smell like the fabric conditioner her dear mother used.

When did Hogwarts bed start to smell like this? she thought with a smile, still not opening her eyes. She wanted to enjoy the smell, the feeling of the bed. She felt like home.

She buried her nose deeper into the pillow and clutched the sheets tighter, but then, she felt an arm on her waist and the hand caressed her cloth-covered stomach. She frowned, wondering who was sleeping beside her.

Did Ginny come to my bed last night? Did she cry again because of Harry and fell asleep beside me?

She opened her eyes, shifted to face her bedfellow, but she was greeted by darkness. However, she smelt another familiar scent. A masculine scent.

Not Ginny.

Her bedfellow pulled her close to him - she was guessing it was a male based on the scent - and planted a kiss on the tip of her nose. "Did I wake you?" came a familiar male voice.

Hermione froze in shock upon recognizing the voice. What's he doing here? Is this a dream? Her heart was racing, her mind was bombarded with answers as to why Draco Malfoy was currently sharing a bed with her.

She tried to think what happened before she fell asleep: O.W.L.s exam; Harry fainted and said that Voldemort's got Sirius at the Ministry; she and Harry went to Umbridge's office to check on Sirius while Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Luna went to distract the Toad and her squad.

Then, they were caught. Umbridge came in with the Inquisitorial Squad members, nearly strangling her friends. Pansy Parkinson wanted to rip her throat, but Draco Malfoy, her secret love interest and 'almost boyfriend', snarled at Parkinson and said that he wanted to "break the Mudblood's bones". Hermione remembered feeling relieved because she knew that Draco would never hurt her - after almost nine months of meeting, studying together, arguing, snogging and craving for each other's touch. And she was right. Draco did not tighten his grip on her hands behind her. He was just holding her wrists casually and caressed her skin using his thumbs. Of course, no one should know, so she faked a pained look and pretended to struggle.

If someone told her years ago that she would be hiding in broom cupboards, Muggle or Restricted section of the library or the Room of Requirement, snogging Draco Malfoy, she would've called that person insane. She would've thought that that person needed to be in Janus Thickey Ward in St. Mungo's Hospital. But come September the first, she found herself alone in a compartment and later joined by Draco Malfoy. And that was the start of their secret affair.

Hermione also tried to remember what happened after Umbridge tried to hit Harry with Cruciatus Curse. She made-up a story about Dumbledore's secret weapon. She and Harry lured Umbridge into the Forbidden Forest and soon, the centaurs got the Toad. Ron, Neville, Luna, and Ginny soon found them and they went to the Ministry to 'rescue' Sirius.

But Sirius wasn't there. Hermione was right all along. It was a trap Voldemort planned to make him get the prophecy. Sirius wasn't there. Hermione remembered facing the Death Eaters - Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange, her boyfriend's father and crazy aunt.

She remembered dueling with them until she was hit by Dolohov with a non-verbal curse, and everything went black.

She sighed heavily. Am I in the hospital wing? Or at home? But either way, what's Draco doing here? Maybe this is a dream. Draco Malfoy would never let himself be caught lying beside me, hugging me.

"Love, what's wrong?" came Draco's concerned voice.

Hermione smiled at the endearment. He would call her that when they were in the middle of snogging or making out sessions; and when he was about to come and after their mind-blowing sex the night before the O.W.L.s. They only made love once, but it was incredible and unforgettable for Hermione. She loved it every time he would call her love. She felt so special and loved, even if it wasn't still clear what they are. Partners? Fling? Friends with benefits? More than friends, less than lovers?

She sighed. Maybe, now, she could ask him about their relationship. After all, they've crossed the line by having sex.

"Love?" came his worried voice again.

"Why do you call me that?" she asked quietly, meeting his grey eyes.

He frowned slightly but kissed her forehead. "Because that's what you are to me."

"What?" she asked again. I want to hear you say it.

"Love. You're the one I love," he replied in his sincere tone.

Hermione released her breath she had not realized she was holding. "Then, this is a dream," she decided.

"How can you say that?" he asked, sounding hurt.

"Because in reality, you'd never say that. You'd never call me that unless we're doing something."

"But, what if, I truly love you?" he asked, pulling her even closer.

"Slytherins don't answer 'what if' questions. You told me that. Therefore, this is just a dream," she replied stubbornly.

"You're not dreaming," he insisted. "I can prove you that."

"Do it, then," she replied quietly.

Draco moved and positioned himself above her, holding her wrists on the pillows. He leaned forward and captured her lips with his.

Hermione groaned and her legs suddenly felt like jelly. She couldn't resist Draco's mouth, so she opened hers and let his tongue work. His kisses were gentle and she couldn't understand how, but she felt his longing. Every kiss conveyed one message: he longed for her. She responded with equal fervour and untangled her hands from his grip to toy with his platinum blond hair. Draco's mouth left hers and she almost complained, but when she felt his lips on her neck, she moaned with satisfaction. Draco licked her neck, making her wet between her thighs and he kissed her exposed chest. She realized that she was wearing a tank top with spaghetti strap. Draco's mouth reached the valley between her breasts and he pulled down her straps to have better access to her now bare breasts. His eyes adored her mounds before bringing his lips to one of them. He kissed her left pink bud, then licked it with his skillful tongue, before sucking on it like a hungry child. She gasped and arched her back and tightened her grip to his hair.

"Oh, shit. Draco!" she exclaimed, not caring where they were and some people might hear them. "Don't stop!"

Draco's head bobbed up and down, sucking her breast while his one hand kneaded the other breast. After a few seconds, he turned to her right breast and gave it the same attention. Hermione could feel her wetness, so she parted her legs and guided Draco in between. She also yanked his shirt. His mouth left her breast only to remove his garments, including his boxers. Hermione did the same. She removed her tank top and shorts. When she was about to remove her knickers, Draco stopped her. He leaned forward and smelt her scent down there, before removing her knickers. Then, he buried his face on her crotch. She arched her body, offering herself to him and soon, she felt his tongue and fingers inside her, making her squirm and moan with lust.

"Oh, fuck! Keep going, Draco! Don't you ever stop until I..." And she clutched the bedsheet, curled her toes and she came. She felt so good and wanted more, so she touched his shoulders and motioned for him to move up. He got her message and crawled up to meet her face and gave her a searing kiss. Hermione could taste herself from his mouth, but she didn't mind. Instead, it made her sexually excited again, especially when she felt his erection pressed against her lower abdomen. They continued to kiss like there's no tomorrow and Draco slowly moved to press the head of his cock in her wet core. She wrapped her legs around his waist to pull him closer to her and soon, they joined. Draco thrust faster, calling her name with lust and it turned her on. Their moans were ruffled by the pressing of their mouths and they came together. Draco lay beside her and waved his wand to clean the two of them before pulling her to an embrace. Hermione felt tired, but happy, even if she knew it was just a dream. She closed her eyes with a smile on her face. She felt it when Draco reached for her left hand and fiddled something on her ring finger. She frowned when she felt two rings on her, but brushed off the thought.

Again, this is just a dream.

.

June 4, 1998

(the present)

When Hermione woke up, she was met by the sunlight coming from outside the window. She narrowed her eyes and faced the other side of the bed. Then, she realized that she was, indeed, home. In her parents' house. She wondered what happened after Dolohov hit her with the curse. She didn't feel any pain. When she checked herself under the sheets, she found out that she was naked. She gasped, sat up and clutched the sheets to cover her nakedness. Then, just in time, the door opened, revealing Draco Malfoy, wearing a white tank and a pair of sweatpants. He was smiling broadly.

"You're awake!" he said happily and sat on the bed beside her.

What's going on? Why is he here?

She swallowed and nodded.

"Something wrong, love?" he asked in a worried voice and he held her left hand. He fiddled something there.

She looked down and saw her ring finger with two rings on it. One was a white gold band with a princess cut sapphire stone. The second ring was also a white gold with diamond cuts around. Her eyes fell on Draco's left hand. He was wearing a ring similar to her second.

Hermione felt so confused and had no idea what the hell was going on. First, she woke up in the middle of the night with him beside her. Second, he said that he loves her. Third, they made love without being careful they might get caught. Fourth, she woke up again, wearing what appeared like engagement and wedding rings. She raised a hand and pressed her fingers to her forehead.

"Hermione, love, are you okay?" Draco sounded more worried than earlier and placed a hand on her back.

She closed her eyes. "What's going on?" she demanded.

Draco's hands left her hand and back. She opened her eyes to look at him. He looked tensed. "Hermione, I - I just want to - "

"Why are you here? Did my parents talk to you before you came here? Do Mother and Father know you're here?" she snapped.

"Of course! Your mother encouraged me to come here and see you and patch things up. As for your father, I believe he would advise me to do the same," he replied. "I'm glad that somehow, we've made up last night." He smiled.

"I don't understand, Draco," she confessed, looking down on her lap. "Why are you here? Why am I here?"

"You don't remember leaving our house?" he asked, disappointed.

"Malfoy Manor?" she asked.

"No. Our house in Cambridge. Your cottage," he replied, sounding impatient.

She bit her lip and fiddled her rings. "I - I can't remember the house you're talking about."

"Honestly, what's the matter with you?" Hermione didn't need to look up to see that he was dismayed. He sounded like it.

"I don't know. I'm so confused." Boy, she was really confused. She couldn't decide what to say.

"Confused? About what?" he asked, puzzled.

"About our relationship, you, idiot!" she snapped. It just came out of her mouth without even thinking. But really, she was. She didn't know what they were before the mayhem at the Ministry and when she woke up next, she was at home - with him. And the biggest things that confused her, even more, were the rings and the house he was talking about.

Draco sighed and didn't say anything. She tried to calm down and when she felt relaxed, Draco spoke again. "Care to elaborate that?" He sounded frustrated.

"This year has been... different," she confessed without looking up. "Since our first year, you have always tormented me... Then one day, you shared a compartment with me and decided that we become civil. Then... after a month, you started pulling me in the alcoves, broom cupboards, then snog me like I'm your girlfriend. Honestly, as much as I love you, you're hurting my feelings by not clarifying what kind of relationship we have."

"But, Hermione... Why are you talking about our fifth year?" he asked in a confused tone.

She frowned and looked up, meeting his eyes. Then, that's when she noticed his features. His hair was longer than the night before the O.W.L.s exam. His face was different. He looked... older. His chest was broader and more muscular.

"Hermione, why - what was the last thing you remember?" he asked in a concerned tone.

"O.W.L.s exams... Department of Mysteries... Time Room," she said slowly, looking directly into his grey eyes.

Draco paled and his eyes widened. "Are you sure?" Hermione nodded. Draco face-palmed. "Shit. This can't be..." he murmured.

She frowned. "Draco, what is it?"

Draco shook his head, then reached for her hands. "Love, I am not sure what happened last night before you went to bed, but... It's not our fifth year anymore," he replied patiently. "It's the year 1998."

Hermione's mouth formed a small 'o'.

"And well, you know what these rings mean, right?" he asked, fiddling her rings.

Hermione raised her hand to look at the rings she was wearing. Then, she turned to him again. "Married? We're married?" she asked nervously, but with a smile.

Draco's facial expression softened and he smiled as well; the crooked smile she loved. "Yes."

Hermione leaned forward to hug him and flung her arms around his neck. "Oh, Draco! We ended up together! I am so happy. I almost thought that I didn't mean anything to you after a couple of snogging sessions," she said against his chest. "Then, after a few more months, I was already falling in love with you... But you didn't say anything about our relationship..." She pulled away to meet his eyes. "I am so happy, Draco. Even if I missed two years of our lives."

Draco looked surprised. "You are?"

"Of course!"

"Even if you don't remember everything? Even our wedding?"

"Well, we have to find out what happened; why I lost my memories of the past two years. But it won't change anything, right? I'm still your wife and... You told me last night that you love me," she said, blushing.

Draco grinned and kissed her forehead. "Of course. I've loved you since the fifth year. And you're the only one since then. No one else."

Hermione felt happy. "Then, I don't have to worry too much. Maybe I just hit my head," she laughed and initiated a kiss, to which Draco responded fervently.

.

"Draco? Where are my parents?" she asked suddenly while putting on her day clothes after another round of mind-blowing lovemaking. Draco suggested that they stay on bed longer since it was a Saturday. Hermione couldn't resist his puppy eyes, so she allowed him to pin her on the bed and shower her with kisses until they joined again.

Draco was in the middle of putting on his sweatpants when he turned to her. He looked hesitant. "Mr. and Mrs. Granger are in Australia."

Her eyes widened. "Really? Oh, they made it, finally! You know, it was their dream, to travel to Australia continent and explore every single country there," she chuckled. "How long have they been staying there?"

"For almost a year now," he replied.

She turned to him again. "Really? Did we... did we move in together after the seventh year?"

Draco gave her a small smile and shook her head. "No. We... just got married a month ago. Not your ideal wedding, but we can get married again, the Muggle way, with your parents around."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Why? What happened? Why did we get married early? Not that I'm complaining. At least, I wouldn't see Pansy Parkinson looking at you with determination anymore."

Draco chuckled and moved towards her to kiss her on the forehead. "You don't have to worry about Pansy. She wasn't really in love with me. She only saw me as an ideal future husband, because of my family's social status."

Hermione scrunched her nose in annoyance. She almost wanted to hex Pansy Parkinson every time she would see her at the Great Hall, staring at Draco with a determined look on her face.

"She's married as well."

"Really? To whom? The land the last time I heard, she's planning to use a love potion on you," she teased.

Draco chuckled. "She briefly dated Blaise Zabini during our sixth year but later on fell in love with Ernie MacMillan."

Hermione raised her eyebrows. "But Ernie's a blood traitor. How did her parents react?"

Draco's face became serious. "Love, a lot of things happened, especially the past year, but I promise to tell you the rest, or anything you'd like to know after our visit at St. Mungo's today. But for now, I'll tell you something really important. Voldemort's dead. Harry defeated him and he's very much alive."

Hermione couldn't believe what she just heard. She felt victorious and hugged Draco tightly as if celebrating Voldemort's defeat and Harry's success. "I'm so happy for Harry! I should see him soon!"

Draco smiled. "Yes, perhaps when you remember everything again."

"Is that all you're going to tell me for now?"

Draco hesitated. "Uh. Since I mentioned Harry, I might as well mention your other friends."

"Yeah?" she asked, a little nervous. Did someone die? Was it Ron or Ginny?

"You and Harry are not friends with the Weasleys anymore," he replied hesitantly.

Hermione slowly shook her head. "That's impossible! Why? What's the reason?"

Draco looked away. "I don't know. You never told me, but I'm sure Harry can tell you everything. After all, the two of you decided to cut your ties with them," he replied quietly.

Hermione tried to think of reasons why she and Harry would end their relationship with the Weasleys, but she couldn't think of any. She sat on the bed and Draco came beside her, placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, love. I had to tell you because we're going out and you might see one of them, or..."

"I might insist on visiting them," she finished sadly. She sighed and rested her head on his shoulder.

"Yes."

She took his left hand and fiddled his wedding band. "Thank you, Draco."

Draco planted a kiss on the top of her head. "You're welcome, love."

.

They went down for breakfast. Hermione noticed that her parents' house still looked the same, except for some missing photos in the sitting room. There was only one framed picture on the mantle, and it was a photo of her and Draco. They were wearing formal dress robes, holding hands and smiling timidly.

"That's our wedding picture," came Draco's voice.

"Where are the rest of our family pictures?" she asked.

"Guess your parents brought them. I think you had to put them away after your parents left because the Death Eaters might come and search," he explained.

"I can't remember anything about the war," she said sadly.

Draco stepped forward and gave her a chaste kiss. "Don't be sad, love. We'll find a way to bring back your memories. Rather, the healers at St. Mungo's will find a way."

Someone cleared their throat. Hermione and Draco looked around and she saw a tiny creature - a house-elf wearing a pink tutu dress. "Mippy is sorry for interrupting you, Miss Hermy and Sir Draco."

Hermione's eyes widened and she turned to Draco. "We have a house-elf?" she asked angrily.

"No need to throw a shirty, love," he replied calmly. "All elves were freed after Voldemort's downfall. But they like working. It's something they can't stop doing. Don't worry, they're being paid."

Hermione narrowed her eyes to Draco. "Sir Draco is right, Miss Hermy. We don't have any master or mistress anymore because we are working on our free will," explained the house-elf. "But Mippy cannot leave Draco Malfoy. Mippy has been taking care of Draco Malfoy since he was born..."

Hermione's expression softened and she bent down to level her face with Mippy's. "I'm so sorry, Mippy. I don't know. I... woke up with no memories of the past two years."

"It's because Miss Hermy has accidentally drunk Tempus Oblivioni instead of the headache potion," explained the elf again.

Hermione frowned. "Tempus Oblivioni? It sounds... familiar."

"Temporary forgetfulness. Used for Aurors and other Ministry workers who have bad experiences and need time to recover from the physical and emotional injuries," quipped Draco who didn't look so happy.

Maybe he's mad at me for being so stupid! "Why do we have it here?" she frowned.

"Mippy doesn't know, Miss Hermy. But you, Miss Hermy, like brewing and studying potions."

"I do?" she asked Mippy and Draco in a surprised look. Transfiguration and Arithmancy were her favourite subjects. She didn't dream to be a potioneer when she was in the fifth year.

Draco gave her a small smile. "Potions wasn't your favourite, but you needed to learn how to brew complicated potions in preparation for your mission with Harry last year." Then, he turned to Mippy. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"Mippy didn't see Sir Draco yesterday. Mippy's presence was requested by Miss Hermy's mother," the elf replied, looking terrified.

"Draco, stop making her feel uncomfortable," she told her husband firmly.

Draco's facial expression softened. "I'm sorry," he told the elf calmly. "We'll be going to St. Mungo's today. At least now, we know what to tell the healers."

"Miss Hermy mentioned to Mippy that Tempus Oblivioni doesn't have an antidote," replied the elf, feeling anxious again.

"What?" exclaimed Draco, lurching forward and the elf took a few steps back.

"Draco, stop!" She grabbed his arm.

"How can you be so calm about this?" he asked.

"It's not her fault! I was stupid," she replied.

"Things will never be the same, Hermione! There's no antidote! You won't remember the past two years anymore!" he said in a frustrated tone.

"Can Mippy say something?" asked the elf.

Hermione and Draco turned to look at Mippy. "The effect of the potion is only temporary."

They stared at the elf, then realized something. "Of course," Draco sighed and raked his hair using his fingers. "Temporary forgetfulness."

Hermione smiled at the elf. "Do you know how long the effect of the potion will last?"

"A fortnight, Miss Hermy. After a fortnight, you will remember everything, including this conversation," announced Mippy happily.

Hermione sighed in relief. "Thank you, Mippy."

"You may take your day off today, Mippy. It's Saturday," said Draco.

The house-elf bowed. "Have a good day, Miss Hermy and Sir Draco."

"You too, Mippy," replied Hermione kindly. When the elf left, she turned to Draco. "Aren't you angry because I've been careless and stupid?" she asked, a bit anxious.

"If I get angry, what good would it do?" he replied patiently.

She forced a smile. What came to me? Why did I become so careless?

"Let's research or ask Severus to be sure if the effects would last for a fortnight only," suggested Draco who still didn't look happy about the situation.

"Professor Snape?" she asked. "I don't know. He might laugh at my stupidity."

"He's a changed man," replied Draco.

Hermione raised her eyebrows. "Changed? In what way?"

"He's kinder, relaxed... He isn't snarky and intimidating anymore. If you'd just... see him. He's my godfather, you know. But he cares for me more than my father did."

Hermione remembered Professor Snape being a spy for the Order of the Phoenix. He was also one of the best Potions Masters in Great Britain. "I trust books, but I think I'd rather go to Professor Snape," she finally said.

Draco gave her a content look. "When do you want to see him? I'll send him an owl regarding our upcoming visit."

Hermione sat on the nearest couch. "I don't know. There's a lot to take into my mind. Can we just stay home today?"

Draco nodded. "Of course. Let me know when you want me to send an owl to Severus."

She gave him a tired smile. "Thanks."