Chapter 1
Hermione Granger was excited. She had an idea what was happening tonight and knew that she shouldn’t get her hopes up but it was too late. Her hopes were definitely up.
She dressed in her brand new very beautiful deep green silk dress that felt like it was made from the Gods. It wrapped tight around her small waist and breasts, had a low back with thin straps that held it together and came down to about her mid thigh. She examined herself in the mirror. Her make-up was done, very little was needed. The years have been more than kind to Hermione. The older she got the more beautiful she became. She now had luscious deep brown hair with natural caramel highlights that cascaded down her back to her waist in large curls that were no longer frizzy but silky and shiny. Her skin held a beautiful bronze tan and was covered in freckles along her chest, shoulders, nose and cheeks. Her eyes were a bright brown with golden flecks in them and her skin was soft and flawless. Her body had become one many women envied. Though she was quite short, only standing at 5 feet 3 inches, she still had an amazing figure. She had full, perky breasts, a flat stomach and thin waist with full hips and a round butt. She thanked yoga and running for her toned legs and body.
She heard the floo come to life and knew her boyfriend of over a year and a half, Matteo De Luca, had just gotten to her flat. She had met him back in August 1999, she had found her parents the last day of July and restored their memories. She thought that they would be upset with her but be happy that they were safe, but she thought wrong. They were absolutely livid with her. Her mother couldn’t even look her in the eyes and her father had stormed out, but not before telling her to leave and not come back. She had apparated to a city a few miles away and proceeded to get drunk in a hotel bar. She woke up next to a man she had never met before and snuck out before she could wake up.
Hermione then went back to the Australian Ministry and flood directly to the French Ministry in Paris and went to talk to the Minister, hoping that there would be any kind of job for her, as she was not ready to go back to Britain. The French Minister, Jean Beaulieu, was more than happy to give the British war heroine a job. She became part of the Potions Department, in research and development of new potions. She was so excited on her first day that she failed to notice a man in the corner of the lab that had his eyes trained on her. After about an hour he finally made himself known.
“Miss Granger, it is lovely to see you again.” He said smoothly with a devilish smirk on his face. For a few seconds Hermione was sure she had never seen this man a day in her life but as he came closer and she caught his scent, she knew instantly. It was the man she left after her drunk night in Australia.
“Ah, I’m sorry I don’t actually remember your name” she said with a blush creeping over her face. This man was extremely attractive and was five years Hermione's senior. He stood well over a foot above her, at least 6’3-6’4, had the most beautiful chocolate skin with dark brown eyes and brown curly hair that he kept short. He was filled out but lean, she could remember the muscles that looked like they had been hand sculpted by the Greek Gods, and his smile was brilliant. She could understand how he got her in bed, his smile could melt the knickers off any and every woman in the room. She was honestly unsure of what he saw in her because at this point she still had frizzy hair and was still pretty underweight from her time on the run.
From there their relationship only grew, he was one of the main potion brewers for the French Ministry. He had become one of the youngest Potion Masters in France and was very well known for his healing potions. Hermione had remembered when being on the run, she had come across some of his potions in the newest book for healing and potion remedies that had helped plenty while on the run.
At first she just thought he was just flirty with all the women in their department, but she started to pay closer attention and noticed it was just her. During the Ministry Halloween party Matteo had officially asked Hermione out and she was sure she was already head over heels in love with this man. She of course said yes and their relationship flourished. He was absolutely amazing to her. He treated her to the best restaurants in Paris and showered her with gifts, her favorites were the first edition books he would find for her. At first she tried to give the books and expensive jewelry back, as she felt like he was trying to buy her affection, but soon realized that his love language was buying her nice things, and he realized that Hermione’s love language was little touches and cooking.
Hermione was absolutely awful at cooking in the beginning and Matteo was always a good sport about it, making it seem like her meals weren’t that bad, when in fact, they were almost inedible. But as the months progressed, she became much better and now was honestly amazing at cooking. They spent more nights in Hermione’s flat cooking together than going out to eat.
Hermione was rushing to get her silver sparkly heels on by the time Matteo reached her bedroom door. She had three on a random pair of earrings and the diamond bracelet he had given her for Christmas this past year and was about to turn around when she felt his muscular arms wrap around her small frame. She inhaled his familiar scent and instantly relaxed.
“Ma petite chérie, I would love to spend the entire evening ripping this dress off of you and ravishing you in your bed but we must be off or we will miss our reservations.”
Hermione turned around in his arms and placed a delicate kiss on his lips. She would never get over how soft his lips were.
“Of course, I’m ready, lead the way kind sir” she winked at him as she reached for his hand. He wrapped his free arm around her waist and apparated directly in front of the restaurant. It was the newest restaurant that was added to the wizarding community, Place Cachée, which is the Diagon Alley of Paris. It was extremely hard to get reservations but since Matteo was practically Italian Wizarding Royalty it wasn’t hard for him. His family came from a long line of pure blood wizards from all over the world, but resided is France. His older brother ran the family business since his parents were both deceased. Though him and his older brother were close in age, they had not seen each other in years. His older brother wanted Matteo to join him with the family business and when he refused they had gotten into a huge argument and hadn’t really talked since.
As the couple was led to a table that had the most amazing view, she could see the Seine River and Eiffel tower. It was incredibly romantic, the soft music in the background, the dim lights, floating candles above them and roses surrounding them. She didn’t seem to notice how nervous her boyfriend was as she was taking in the scene around her.
After an amazing meal with the most delicious wine she’s ever had, came the most delicious chocolate dessert she’s ever eaten. She was sure her night could not get any better. She was looking out the window again at the beautiful view when she heard a few women gasp behind her. She turned her head to see what the commotion was about and to her utter surprise her boyfriend was standing, well technically down on one knee in front of her with the most dazzling ring she had ever seen.
“My Mia, you are by far the most amazing women I have ever met. Before you I saw in grey and now my life has color and meaning. You have bewitched me, body and soul. I love that even when you’re mad at me you still make sure I’ve eaten. I love it when you get all bookworm, know-it-all on me. And even though I’m one of the youngest Potion Masters you are still able to correct my mistakes. I love waking up next to you every morning and wish to do it for the rest of my life. So what I need to ask you is, Hermi-
Before he could even ask her, Hermione had jumped out of her chair and tackled him in a hug. He caught her around the waist and stood them up chuckling as she deposited sweet little kisses all over his face.
“Mia, I haven’t even asked you.”
“The answer is yes, a thousand times over yes!” She kissed his square on the mouth, not even caring about the other people in the room. She finally leaned back from him and couldn’t wipe the smile off of her face.
“Hermione Jean Granger, you stubborn woman, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“Yes yes yes!” She had tears in her eyes as he slid the beautiful ring on her finger. She looked back up at him and saw that he had tears in his eyes as well. At this point everyone else in the restaurant was clapping and cheering for them. Hermione was so sure she was going to burst from happiness. Before she could sit back down she felt someone tap her shoulder. She turned around and saw a face that she thought she had left behind in Britain.
“Granger”
“Zabini”