Apples (A DxH One-Shot)

Disclaimer: Nope, own nothing. If I did, Draco Malfoy would be my love slave right now. In my dorm room. With whips and chains, the whole shebang. Yup yup yup (I don't know if anyone got my Land Before Time reference, which by the way I don't own either).

Author's Note: Just a one-shot. I'm going through some tough love crap right now, and I need to write a story about girl power. So will Hermione and Draco end up together in this one? Read on, my precious.

Apples

Apples.

That was the first thing on Hermione Granger's mind. Apples. She needed to get apples from the grocery store. Apples, apples, apples, oh, bother, where are the blasted things in this place?

Searching for those elusive apples, Hermione scanned the expansive market. She had never been there before, so she was completely lost. The store seemed to have no rhyme or reason, which, for a very rational woman like Hermione, drove her nuts. Apples, Merlin damn it, I just want some apples. Honestly. Then I can go home and read that book. Apples, come out, come out, wherever you are….

She regretted that thought instantly as soon as she finally found the apples. Something – or someone – had also come out as well and he was one person Hermione wanted to stay in hiding forever.

"Hello, Granger."

"Hello, Malfoy."

Awkward silence. What else do you expect when an ex-husband and ex-wife meet for the first time in over five years?

Hermione made a move towards the apples. She wanted Macintosh and of course, he had to be standing right in front of them. "Excuse me, Malfoy," Hermione said curtly, and when he didn't move immediately, she pushed him. She got her apples into the plastic bag she had brought along and started to walk away.

"Granger." She stopped – but she didn't turn around.

"What, Malfoy?"

"How have you been?"

How do you think, you pompous bastard? Miserable, thanks to YOU. "Fine." She began to walk away.

"Granger."

"I see some things never change." Suddenly, he was in front of her, staring deeply into her brown eyes. She could see his pupils dilate and silver irises start to swirl.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"You reverted to last names again, just as you did at school. What's next, going to refer to me as Mudblood?"

Hermione's ferocity startled Draco. Her coldness in her words made him imperceptibly shiver. "Hermione, I could never –"

"Oh, so now we're back to a first-name basis? Save it, Draco. I don't want to hear it. You've done enough, don't you think?" She walked around him and proceeded to the check-out.

"Hermione, please, just listen to me."

"Did you not just listen to me? I don't want to hear it." Hermione punctuated each word in hopes Malfoy would get it. Apparently, he didn't.

"Hermione, I'm sorry I hurt you."

"Malfoy, this is embarrassing." Hermione was now in the check-out, paying for apples. After that task was done, she walked briskly out the door. Unfortunately, Malfoy followed her out into the parking lot. Please, just go away. I can't stand to look at you. I hate you.

"Hermione, please take me back. I'll do anything to make you accept me. Please, Hermione, give me another chance."

Hermione pivoted around and looked at Malfoy square in the eyes. "No."

She knew how he got when he got angry. And, judging by the looks of him, he was pretty pissed.

"No, Hermione? Really? Give me a break. You can't be separated from me; I can see it in your face. You couldn't bear to be away from me when we were married, so how can you survive without me now?" At this point, the pain was too much to endure and Hermione dropped her gaze. "You'll always love me, Hermione. You always have, even when we were at school. You still do. And you will always."

Hermione looked back up at him, marveling at just how beautiful he was. His face, his lips, his eyes, his chest, everything. I did love him, I still do love him, he's right, oh he is so right. But I can't let him know that. I just can't.

"I don't love you anymore, Malfoy. You broke my heart. You took away my ability to love anymore. And now no one, especially you, can give it back."

"Hermione –"

"Goodbye, Malfoy. Don't come back. I don't want you in my life." Hermione did not have to turn around to know he had Disapparated.

"Goodbye…Draco."

PS - Sad? I'm sorry. It was supposed to be. Reviews welcome. And I am open to continuing this, so let me know if you think I should continue.