'What do you want to eat tonight?' asked Hermione. They were both in the library; Draco sat on the table in front of her, reading a book titled The Shakespeare Conspiracy: What Muggles Wished They Knew. It was strange how going out with Draco each night of her stay felt like the most natural thing in the world now. She was trying not to think about their little holiday coming to an end very soon.

'You're not supposed to eat before you swim,' he said nebulously while turning the page of his book. Hermione only shot him a confused look which – of course – he didn't see. When she remained silent, he added, 'That is should you fancy a swim. Dinner after?'

'Oh, um … sure, why not? But I didn't bring a swimsuit.'

Draco met her gaze, the slightest semblance of a smirk flashing over his face. 'Don't worry, you won't need one.'

'Oh.'

He laughed then, at – Hermione assumed – her dumbstruck expression. She cleared her throat in trying to compose herself.

'Where would we go that doesn't require swimwear?'

'Bath,' replied Draco curtly, once again attending to the book in his lap.

'Bath?' echoed Hermione. 'A bath? Or the Bath?'

'The latter. Have you ever been?'

'Yes, but – that was ages ago. My parents took me when I was a child, but I don't remember it well enough to Apparate.'

'Well,' said the blond, shutting the book and sliding off the table, 'we're lucky there's such a thing as Side-Along Apparition then.'

'Right, you play football there,' said Hermione, 'I almost forgot. So'– she closed the issue of Muggle Technology Today (the headline reading "The Internet: Why we should work with and not against it") and walked up next to Draco –'this might be a stupid question, but why England? Why not here? I heard there's a nice thermal bath nearby.'

'I have my reasons,' he smirked. 'Let's just say I know a gold mine when I see one.'

They collected their wands at the reception and left the library, Draco extending his arm to her once they'd made sure no Muggles were watching.

As soon as Hermione touched his sleeve, she felt the familiar tug behind her navel. Moments later, the blackness spit them both out, and they found themselves standing in a desolate alley, a light rain drizzling down on them – talk about summer in Britain. Draco led the way, walking them over the slippery cobblestone pavement, Hermione snaking an arm through his.

'And this,' he announced after they had turned around a corner, 'is why we're here. May I present to you: the brand new Thermae Bath Spa. Courtesy of … well, me. Sort of.'

Hermione could tell her eyes were growing wide as saucers, staring at the entrance of said spa.

'What do you mean,' she bubbled, 'is this yours?'

'In parts, yes. As soon as I heard of the plans to renovate and reopen it, I wanted in. Look at this place; it's grand! Muggles will love it, I'm telling you.'

'Will love it?'

'Ah, we come to the best part at last,' sighed Draco. 'It won't open for another week. It's all ours for now.'

'No way,' breathed Hermione, excitement welling up inside her. An entire spa to themselves? This holiday was turning out to be the best she'd ever had.

Please, it's already been for days, and you know it.

'But – do they know, you know, that you –'

'Of course not. Not that it really matters as long as there's money involved. Let's go inside, shall we?'

Hermione resisted to jump up and down as she followed Draco to the staff entrance. He rang the bell and moments later, a podgy man in his mid-forties appeared. He recognised Draco at once, opening the door for them.

'Mr Malfoy, what a pleasant surprise,' greeted the Muggle. 'Please, come in. May I ask what brings you here tonight?'

'Good evening, Mr Warren,' said Draco. 'I thought I'd stop by one last time before the grand opening. This is Hermione Granger'– they exchanged quick pleasantries –'She writes for an up-and-coming travel guide. I thought it'd be a great opportunity to create additional publicity. If we could … spend some actual time in the bath – you know, as guests, for an authentic experience?'

'But of course – what a fantastic idea!' said the Muggle excitedly. 'I will leave the facilities to you. I'll be here until – oh who am I kidding, it'll be bloody late as always, pardon the language. There's still so much to prepare … anyway, I hope you'll enjoy the spa! You can find robes, slippers, and towels just around the corner. And there's swimwear in the shop, at your disposal. Just call me if you need anything.'

'See, I told you you wouldn't need a swimsuit,' whispered Draco as soon as Mr Warren was out of earshot. 'Or could it be you thought I meant something different?'

Hermione pressed her lips together tightly, only a trifle embarrassed. She decided ignoring him this once was for the better and headed straight for the small shop where she picked out a navy blue halter one-piece with white polka dots.

'Lovely choice,' said Draco, reaching for a pair of simple black shorts. Pointing towards the lifts, he added, 'I'll meet you over there in a minute.'

The spa was utterly magnificent. Draco showed her around; from the Minerva bath to the wellness suite – which had differently scented steam rooms – to the restaurant and the balcony, and finally, to the rooftop pool.

Hermione mouthed a "wow" in awe of what lay before her eyes; the view up there was absolutely stunning. They could see the Abbey, the beautiful Georgian architecture, other churches Hermione didn't remember the names of, and of course the rolling hills enveloping the city, which sat right in its midst.

'I hope I didn't promise too much,' said Draco. He came up behind her, brushing aside her hair and gently nuzzling her neck.

'Hmm … this is perfect.'

She stepped closer to the pool, turning around and suddenly plunging in backwards, but not before grabbing Draco's arm and pulling him along with her.

The puzzled expression on his face made her burst with laughter.

'Can you read, Granger?' he huffed, which only made Hermione laugh harder. 'It says no jumping in.' He pointed at a sign next to the lifts they had used to reach the top level.

'Since when do you care about rules?' she sniggered.

'Right … you're clearly a bad influence on me – or was it the other way round?'

Hermione took one stroke towards him and cupped his cheeks, kissing him gently. It was still raining, the cool drops mingling with the perfectly tempered water surrounding them and running down their necks.

'I can't believe today is the last,' she said as soon as they had broken the kiss.

'Just the last day of your holiday. About that'– he rubbed his neck –'I might have crossed your plans for recreation a bit, sorry.'

'Don't be ridiculous. This couldn't have gone any better.'

'So … do you want to keep doing this?' he asked, Hermione detecting a hint of uncertainty in his voice. He really should know better.

'Of course, stupid,' she said, and Draco did indeed breathe a sigh of relief.

'You're not worried about the reactions then?'

'Not in the least,' said Hermione, swimming towards the pool's edge. 'It's been so long since … back then. I'm sure no one will actually mind. And even if they did … it wouldn't change the way I feel about you.'

'Feel about me?' he iterated hoarsely, clearing his throat.

Hermione rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue importantly. 'You know, I spent every day of my trip with you because I don't fancy you at all.'

'10 points for the sarcasm,' he said, kissing her. After a little more snogging, he added, 'D'you know what would make this last night really memorable?'

'Why do I get the feeling it'll involve these?' She pointed at the whirlpool nozzles on the underwater bench next to them.

'Seems like you can read my mind after all,' he smirked.

Just in that moment, the nozzles started up, and bubbles began rising to the surface. Hermione, having always loved whirlpools, sat down on the bench immediately, Draco soon joining her.

'This feels so good,' she said, closing her eyes and relishing the soft massage.

'Still, nothing compared to the prefects' bathroom.'

Hermione opened her eyes ever so slightly and peeked at him sideways, saying, 'I always forget you were a prefect, too.'

'How could you forget?' he asked sincerely. 'I – um – well. Let's just say I exhausted all possibilities.'

'Right … you withdrew quite a lot of points, if I remember correctly,' said Hermione, shutting her eyes again. 'With a certain proclivity for Gryffindors.'

'Yeah … not my most glorious days, were they?'

'Not your worst, either,' said Hermione absentmindedly, instantly regretting it. For a moment, she thought she had stepped over a line, fearing the worst – Draco getting cross with her and leaving. 'Sorry,' she added hastily, turning towards him, but Draco only shook his head and shot her a weak smile.

'Well, you're right, aren't you? I can hardly say anything against that. And it's okay, really. It's been a long time now, and I have made my peace with it.'

For some reason Hermione couldn't quite place, she answered by merely kissing him with a newfound intensity – a bittersweetness that wasn't there before. It only made her heart pound more heavily. Amazing, really, the effects time could have on a person, without actually changing their core, but pushing them forward, making them not different, but only a better version of themselves.

So what about her – how much had she evolved? Could her 19-, 22-, or 25-year-old self have been with Draco? Hermione didn't have an answer. She only knew that, regardless of how disappointing or painful her previous relationships had eventually turned out to be, they'd been there for a reason – even if it was just to prepare her for the time when it actually counted.

And this – this most marvellous of holidays with a lover most unprecedented – definitely counted for much.

'It's my turn, don't you think?' said Hermione, as she watched the sun disappear behind the rooftops. They were clad in their bathrobes, sipping cocktails on the spa's balcony.

'Again? You are more insatiable than I thought,' snorted Draco, and Hermione sniggered.

'I wasn't talking about that – although … no, let's save that for later. I meant something else.'

'Then I'm afraid, you will have to elaborate.'

Hermione set her drink aside and turned towards him. 'You've taken me so many places now, and I think it's time I took you somewhere for a change,' she answered.

'Where would you like to go?' asked Draco.

'Oh, as if I am telling you! Just … let me think …' Her gaze was vacant as she pondered about the places she had already seen, and which one of them would be an option.

'Got one,' she said after a while. 'We might want to get dressed. But leave your shoes off.'

'No shoes? Alright.' He emptied his glass and put it on the table between them. 'Let's get going then.'

Draco hauled himself out of his lounger and stood, Hermione casting one last look at the sunset before following him inside.

'Mr Warren will expect a full review now, thought you should know that,' said Draco, as soon as they met in the entrance area again. 'Unless of course, I tweak his memory a bit …'

'No!' Hermione swatted gently at his arm. 'Not unless there is a proper reason for it. Besides, we would have to get permission from the Ministry.'

'And there goes my bad influence, but fine – your choice, your consequences,' he said with a shrug. 'Now, where are we going?'

Hermione held out her arm. 'You'll see.'

As soon as he touched her, she pivoted on the spot, moments later landing atop a sand embankment. It was one of many, making the scenery look like a small patch of desert, encircled by gum and tea trees, and various shrubbery. The sun was already coming up, its rays poking through the treetops.

'Where are we?'

'Moreton Island,' Hermione replied, burying her feet in the cold, incredibly fine sand. 'Australia. And we're just in time for the sunrise.'

'To be honest, I wouldn't have pegged you for a hopeless romantic,' teased Draco. He wound an arm around her shoulder; it was quite chilly, and Hermione appreciated the gesture.

'Says the one who took me to bathe underneath the setting sun.'

'Point taken.' And he kissed her temples, lingering there. 'You smell nice.'

Hermione giggled. 'Thank you. It's just the shampoo and the fresh air out here I suppose.'

'Just take the compliment, Granger.'

She looked up at him and mirrored his smirk.

'Why have you chosen this place?' asked Draco. 'Don't get me wrong – it's brilliant.'

'After the war, I went to Australia to restore my parents' memories, and we ended up adding a bit of holiday time, just the three of us. We went here for a camping trip, and I remembered this place. It's gorgeous, isn't it? Like a miniature desert. And if you listen carefully, you can hear the waves crashing …' She closed her eyes and listened to the sound of the water. After a while, she continued, 'This is the third largest sand-island in the world, by the way. Fraser Island being the largest, and Stradbroke Island placing second.'

'Ever the walking encyclopaedia,' he chuckled. 'Whatever the facts, I think this is as good a place as any.'

'For what?'

Draco turned towards her. 'To give you this.'

He rummaged in his pocket, and Hermione half expected a jewellery box, scolding herself immediately for the foolish and very girlish thought.

What he gave her then exceeded all silly expectations.

'This is a library pass,' she breathed, holding in her hand a small booklet with the library's crest etched into the leather binding.

'Open it.'

'Lifetime premium membership,' she read, 'Hermione Jean Granger – you know my middle name? Access all areas … unlimited borrowing rights … Draco, this is wonderful!' She clutched the pass to her chest and kissed him. 'But,' she added, 'how much did you –'

'Don't worry about it. Really. If it makes you happy, I will gladly spend all of my gold on you. Not that I'm trying to buy –'

'If you were trying to buy my affection, you wouldn't have put so much effort into all of this,' she said softly. 'I still can't believe you were sneaking into my life for a year.'

They remained silent for a while, until he said, 'You know … I like you. A lot.'

'I figured as much,' said Hermione, pressing her lips together.

'Why does it look like you're trying not to laugh at me?' He raised an eyebrow, which brought out his aristocratic features, making Hermione's mouth dry.

'It's just – you're so sure about yourself most of the time, but in moments like these you have the confidence of a first year before Sorting.'

'That doesn't make any sense – I was very confident.'

'Oh, stop being so meticulous.' She snuggled closer. 'You know what I meant.'

'Yeah …'

They sat down to watch the sun rise for a while, arm in arm, a Warming Charm around them (it was winter after all) and a salty breeze tousling their hair.

'I want to stay here forever,' whispered Hermione.

'Maybe if we had some dinner, we could stay at least a little while longer,' said Draco, his stomach grumbling suspiciously. 'Pardon, I meant breakfast.'

Hermione laughed softly. 'You're lucky I'm well prepared then,' she said, pulling out her handbag. 'I always carry round one of Barnaby Bramble's Ready-to-Eat, Expendable and Nonperishable Picnic Kits. You know, just in case I have to feed the hungry.'

'You are one amazing witch, Hermione Granger,' said Draco, grinning broadly, and Hermione knew in that moment that she was falling for him already. Perhaps she had been for quite a while.

'Draco?'

'Yes?'

She buried her face in his jumper and inhaled his scent; it already felt like home.

'I like you a lot, too.'

The End.

A/N: Well, kind of the end. Hello there! So, a reader asked me for a HEA-Draco-and-Hermione-get-married-and-have-kids-epilogue today. An epilogue for a story with less than 10k words? Not really necessary, but what kind of Hufflepuff am I if I can't meet my readers' wishes? This is what I came up with; more of an appendix than a proper epilogue, but sod it! The names are very creative, I know. Had to wing it, after all. (Robert is Hermione's father's name in Faceless, and I imagine she's a Jane Austen fan. So yeah.)

Draco and Hermione return to London together and continue dating. They spend much of their time in her bookshop, with loads of tea and scones. Hermione's parents grow fond of Draco very quickly, and even though Harry and Ron go through an inital shock at first, they agree to leave the past in the past and slowly but surely befriend Draco; Dean definitely helps with that, as they begin playing football together on a regular basis – Harry, agile and quick, is a fantastic left-wing. Ron struggles with kicking a ball incisively, but turns out to be – who would have thought – a brilliant goalkeeper. A Muggle woman named Charlotte apparently thinks he's a keeper, too (Arthur is incredibly excited about his son being with a Muggle and sheds a tear or two at their wedding a few years down the road). Occasionally, the unlikely group of friends plus Ginny and George (and sometimes Charlie) play Quidditch together in the Weasleys' orchard, which makes Hermione immensely happy. She prefers knitting and chatting with Charlotte, though, while watching the children. Ginny only reluctantly joins them when she becomes pregnant for the third time.

As Lucius is in Azkaban, he doesn't have a say in anything. Narcissa is delighted to have Hermione as her daughter-in-law-to-be, her first reaction upon meeting her being: "Finally, I thought he'd never ask you out."

It takes the two a little over a year to move in together, buying a cosy cottage in Wiltshire, neither of them worrying about committing too fast, because who cares anyway, it's what they want. They get married three years later, and it doesn't take long for Hermione to get pregnant after that. In 2011, Lyra Jane is born. Two years after, Robert Scorpius follows. He later asks to be called by his second name because he thinks it's cool. (This might have to do with the Potters' youngest son encouraging him to do so because "you at least have a choice between a regular, boring name, and a cool one, not two stupid ones. So pick the cool one!")

Draco and Hermione have a solid, loving and caring relationship. Every year, they return to one of the places they had visited when they first started going out (Moreton Island actually being the place where Draco ultimately proposes, like Hermione once thought he would). Although they are not spared from crises, like any other couple, they grow stronger because of them and live a happy life together, being good partners for each other and even better parents for their children. Oh, and of course, both stay in marvellous shape, as they agree it's important they stay healthy and active – if you know what I mean.

Sex. I meant sex. They're having lots.

The End. For real.