Take On Me

By

Ponderer

DISCLAIMER: I don't own the characters, just borrow them for my own plot that yes, I made up. This is, fortunately or unfortunately, my first Draco/Hermione story, so I'm fairly new to this relationship. I've read numerous stories including this couple and fell in love with it, yet, I'm still a hardcore Harry/Hermione. But, I'm open to new things, so I thought I'd give it a shot. R&R! D/Hr, D/G, H/G, R/OC. Sit back and relax! And Read!!!

Thanks!

Ponderer

Chapter One

          The streets were filled with victorious wizards and witches, waving their flags and banners high in the air showing their infinite pride. The way was over, and good had finally won. With the death of Voldermort and all the death eaters were put away, Harry Potter and friends were known even more, in both the wizard and muggle worlds. Everywhere they went, people cheered and smiled, owing their lives to the dream team.

          Ron had soaked up all the fame, finally in the spot light instead of being another Weasley or Harry Potter's best friend. He became extremely popular with the ladies, not knowing which witch to choose. Harry as always didn't like the fame, but was slowly getting used to the fact that forevermore people would recognize him especially for the lightening bolt scar on his forehead. As for Hermione, she became noticed for more than her brains and wit. She was also known for her bravery and independence, and her beauty. She was like Harry and didn't like the attention she was given, but still enjoyed being known.

          But another addition to the team continued to bewilder the people of London. Draco Malfoy was helping Albus Dumbledore? Only a few knew the actual truth behind his reasoning. Hermione was one of them, and the second to welcome him, behind Dumbledore, then Harry and Ron. As always squabbled and butted heads but they knew they were all needed to beat the Dark Lord. And it turned out they all became great friends.

          After things calmed down, the foursome purchased a large house in the countryside, away from London and the bustling and nosey people. Being that they saved both worlds, they were offered numerous jobs, all paying outrageous sums of money; therefore, it was very easy to find a house large enough. The mansion was named Wonder Manor, being that it was a beautiful, French masterpiece. Six spacious bedrooms, eight bathrooms, four floors, and a hallway full of church style windows. Each had their own wing, made to their individual liking.

          The basement was where all the garden supplies sat and was the location of all 'messy' magic. The main floor held the kitchen, dining room, living room, and sitting room. The last two floors each held three bedrooms, on in the middle, and two at the ends; the ends belonging to one of the four. Each master bedroom held a walk-in closet as well as a private bath. Also, between the two last floors held the two-story study/library. The house was always filled with life, family always stopping by, and friends over for parties. Many went to Wonder Manor simply because of its beauty.

          Working and being socially active was hard for the friends, especially since their work hours were hectic. Ron had become Keeper for The Chudley Cannons, being away from the Manor for days at a time. Harry had become an Auror alongside Draco, and both could be in four different countries within one hour. Hermione's job proved to be the easiest since she had took work at a Wizarding Clinic for medical aid. Because not everyone was home, they hired a staff of five to clean the house and such while they were away. Luckily, only few had significant others to deal with. Ron women he met on the road, Harry decided he couldn't commit himself yet, and Draco had been dating Ginny off and on. Hermione was the one that mostly stayed at home on Saturday nights with Crookshanks and the staff.

          It was Hermione's twenty-third birthday when things changed from the usual, to exciting. Romance was lurking around the corner, and denial was blocking its path. The three men, all ready having had their birthdays, wanted to plan a huge bash for their female friend. They planned the rendezvous in private months prior, carefully making sure that nothing leaked out. It was to be the weekend Hermione though everyone would be gone, extremely 'sorry' they couldn't he home for her birthday. Hermione had played it off as no big deal because of Ginny's plan of getting their friend occupied otherwise. Asking her to dinner, Ginny had done her part for the party, while the boys were stashed away at the Burrow.

          The Grangers, having known about the party in advance, got together with their daughter the day before, giving their gift early. Conveniently, it was a stunning black dress, with a low neck, cutting off just above her knees, giving her long legs a perfect sight. As if the dress spoke to her, Hermione wore it to the dinner with Ginny, but when they got to the restaurant, it was packed with her friends, Draco, Ron, and Harry right up front, big grins on their faces. After the applause broke down, and the music started from the piano man, Hermione ran to her friends, her smile only growing. Each of them were eminently handsome that evening, and it was obvious to see how much they had grown up in the years they'd known each other. She gave each man a hug, and a small friendly kiss for bustling around the room to talk to everyone.

          "She looks tumultuous," Harry said thoughtfully as the three wizards stared after the most important woman in their lives.

          "Yeah, I'm surprised she didn't smack us for lying to her," Ron laughed.

          "She'll get us back," Draco added, and just as he said it, Hermione turned to them and winked.

          "How does she do that?" Ron exclaimed.

          "It's a girl thing," Draco shrugged, surprised himself.

          After awhile, when Hermione was done making her rounds, she went to the bar completely parched. "What'll it be?" asked the bartender politely.

          "A glass of your best wine," a masculine voice drawled behind her. Hermione smiled when she turned around, face to face with Draco Malfoy, and the bartender nodded.

          "Yes Mr. Malfoy," and poured them both a glass.

          "I must say Ms. Granger, that you look bewitching," Draco said, giving her head a kiss before spinning her around in a circle.

          Hermione laughed before saying, "You don't look so bad yourself Malfoy."

          "So, what do you think of all this? Did we surprise you?" he smirked.

          "Actually, no. I heard Ron sneaking around late last night when he thought I was in bed. I wasn't," she giggled, watching Draco's face frown and then he shook his head.

          "I told him not to go, but he doesn't listen to me. He'll always be a weasel," he said.

          "Well thank you for trying. It's simply divine here. I can't believe you all did this for me," she answered, looking around the room at all the happy faces.

          "You're worth it Hermione. And, your welcome," Draco said and she had a faint blush to her cheeks. "Would you care to dance? I haven't seen you been asked to dance yet, and it is your party."

          "I would love to," she replied simply and gave his offering hand her own. Just as they got the dance floor, the lights went off, except for a bright one on them. Everyone surrounded them as a song started in the background, a familiar tune that was very special to Hermione.

          "Happy birthday Hermione," Draco whispered as he ducked his head close to her ear. She involuntarily shivered at his closeness but smiled as he slipped his arms around her middle as he guided her into a sensual dance. They stayed that way through the night.

Author's Note: I hope everyone liked the first part of this.  I had this originally be an introduction, but decided to change it to the first chapter. The second one, is over twelve pages written, while this was only six. It should be out soon, just as soon as I finish chapter three. I want to stay ahead, so you won't get anything new until the chapter after that is finished. Sorry for that, but it's what I need to do to be motivated. I hope this hasn't been too incredibly sappy or anything, but it's what needed to be for this story to actually begin. The next chapter is better, I promise. But, I need reviews to post again, so I warn thee. Please be kind!!! Review!

Thanks!

Ponderer