Epilogue 8 years later:

Hermione Granger found herself in a sticky situation once again, but these days they were much more tame than the years leading up to the Hogwarts Battle. After the war, Hermione and the boys found it necessary to take a step back from the lives laid out for them by the Ministry.

Harry went off to teach at Hogwarts, which for him was taking a step back from the spotlight. Only the occasional student would gawk at him in the corridors but after the first week of school starting the star power usually wore off. He found happiness in teaching students how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts and knowing many of them would never have to use it but at least they were prepared. This often made him nostalgic of his days running Dumbledore's Army and teaching his peers when he first got his burst of pride while watching someone master a difficult defensive spell.

Ron found peace in working for George at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Manning the counter in a rush when Hogwarts students were on break was about as stressful as his life ever became and he was happy for it. After the war, Ron struggled with the fame that came along with helping defeat the Dark Lord and when George offered him to be a partner in the business, he was quick to accept.

Hermione was currently owning and operating a small business, a bar actually. After the war, Hermione withdrew into the Muggle world due to the never-ending flashing bulbs of reporters from The Daily Prophet and the like. She found this more her pace, she's only ever had to break up one fight and this fight consisted of fists rather than killing curses. Definitely an easier life and she was happier for it. The boys often came to visit her as well as her parents who couldn't get enough knowing she was working and living almost completely in the Muggle world. She had even begun relationships and friendships with many Muggles to indulge in the normalcy of people not knowing her for her fame.

Draco Malfoy had occasionally flitted through her mind as she brushed her teeth or was about to fall asleep. He often visited her in the fringe time of her mind, when nothing in particular was going on but she was reminded of him in some way. He was never a constant thought, just a dull ache that cropped up every blue moon.

At this time, Hermione had found herself in a sticky situation; she was pouring a drink for a bar patron when it splashed back and covered her hands. Apologizing quickly to the man with a quick but bright smile, she turned around to clean herself up at the sink. A tinkle at the door sounded and Hermione yelled hello without turning around completely. As she faced the new customer, she saw a head of blonde almost white hair and her stomach instantly cascaded to her feet. There was only one person she had ever known who had hair like that and it was no one she would ever like to see again. The dull ache was back.

"The Witch's Brew. Cute. Considering." A sly smile spread across his face as he checked out Hermione from the tips of her shoes to the bushiness of her hair in the makeshift sloppy bun on top of her head. "You look good, Granger." His slate grey eyes met her brown ones. Thoughts and curse words rushed around in her mind before she could figure out what was happening. Is this a joke? I must be getting punked. Hermione then knew what to do so she plastered a fake friendly smile on her face, "What can I get you?" Draco looked surprised but it didn't take him long to recover as he swiveled back and forth on his bar stool, "Ohh. So that is how you want to play this? Okay. I deserve that. Vodka soda, please." Hermione quickly turned towards the vodka and started making his drink as her hands only shook slightly. "So. This is what you've been up to? Hiding out with Muggles? I had a feeling but you'd be surprised how difficult it was to find you. At some point, I had to admit defeat and ask Potter. Not the best situation us working together, but you know, inner house unity and all that." Hermione faced Draco and handed him his drink with her jaw slack. "You asked Harry about where I was? That's a joke right? This whole scene must be a joke because I don't honestly know why you are here."

"Aw, Hermione you know exactly why I'm here. I found my courage." He slung back his vodka soda and drained it. "Tell me that you haven't thought about me one time over the years and I will walk out of the bar and never come back. But I'm here." The false bravado finally drained from Draco's face and Hermione could see his immense determination as well as fear. He looked at her earnestly. "Of course, I've thought about you, but what good is that? It has been six years since the war and things changed Draco. I'm not her anymore."

"That's actually perfect because I'm not fifth year Draco either. I'm different and I'm here to prove it to you. I'll give you some time to mull it over, you don't need to fall madly back in love with me tonight, but I'll come back every night until you do." At this Draco took out 5 pounds from his dark wash jeans and threw it on the bar top, grabbed car keys out of his jacket pocket and hit the button and a car out front beeped. He gave her one last smile and left the bar. Hermione's heart gave a flutter and she smiled to herself knowing he would be back.

***And we out. That's my end end. If anyone wants another story with this as the beginning let me know. After writing it, I definitely got the feeling that this could turn into something. Maybe a little too mushy for me, but we will see where it goes.***