It almost always starts with the little moments that are unasked for, unnoticed at first that turn routine and comfortable. Who knew.
When they first really started talking, it was just as pen pals. He would send her owls throughout her week just cause; sometimes it was not more than a few kind words like a reminder to eat.
Granger, breathe, woman. You only received the assignment yesterday. I can hear the bloody cries from the ink from here. It's screaming "save me Draco, she's burning the magic out from within me".
At the time, she did in fact put her feather down to take a deep breathe. Only to pick it up again to scribble, Malfoy, you arse, in response and sent the owl back.
Hermione Granger had starting working, but not directly for the Ministry. She had received the assignment to research the fluctuation usage between driving magically through muggle traffic in various locations and to report where would be best to increase the floo networks, in order to keep the economy a flow with the purchase of floo powder. She had been working ever since as a deadline six months away could easily sneak up on her.
Upon receiving the assignment, she had to admit, he was the first one she told.
Malfoy, I just received amazing news! I've been given a new assignment. It seems there's been a downflow in purchase of floo powder in multiple locations both popular and remote. It's been declining ever since that absurd hover board came out that lets you ride through muggle traffic without being seen by muggles. The first report is due in six months of my findings. Three months following, I will meet with my proposed plans. Then another three months to begin construction. Lastly, a year from then to ensure everything goes well.
They said maybe I can get these new networks set up in a name of my choosing. I know you may not be familiar with the muggle term, but it's something along the lines of an "airline". An airline lets muggles fly via an airplane from one destination to the other. Each airline supplies its own staff, airplanes and other services unique to it.
I'm so excited! I can't wait to begin ~
Sometimes she received pages, him sharing his experiences (and thoughts of it) that occurred to him. The two of them had gone away together on a Ministry program for community service. This particular one was for any wizard or witch interested in volunteering to assist rebuilding muggle houses for muggles who lost their homes due to natural causes; unbeknownst to the muggles, it was caused from the Second Wizarding War. As a result from both losing a bet against Ginny, the pair were voluntold to complete each and every task, the muggle way. Ginny took their wands for safe keeping the day they left. They weren't completely left without magic as they were participating with other wizards and witches, plus the program was administered by the Ministry.
Granger, have you heard of barbecue before? Or in this case, tried it? It's bloody amazing. I'll have to ask what occasion or tradition this is for. I must start it for myself upon my return home.
We finished the second house, so they've moved us to a new location entirely. There's a few families here. One particular, mum, dad, little boy and a daughter on the way. The home was burnt down to ashes. We got done clearing and salvaged what we could for them. Tomorrow we start with building fresh foundation. I'm starting to get the hang of this nail and hammer thing. Think I still have some bloody bruises. In case you're worried, I'm no longer as sore.
As a thanks, they offered to make us food. Not sure how they were going to procure food without a kitchen, but they were insistent. I told Potter and Timmons they probably meant end of the week after we build their fire wood oven. Silly muggles. Sure enough, the dad proved me wrong and roll this contraption in front of us. Forgot, I think they call it a griddle? Grill?
The little boy was asking questions and I was trying to listen as he explained. Honestly, I'm still a bit lost of the difference.One has lines and one doesn't? Otherwise the same?
But then the dad just started throwing all sorts and was letting it cook. There was so much smoke everywhere. He kept stacking and stacking and he flipped it after some time.
I was skeptical to try it, I admit. It looked bloody burnt by the time he was done. Mione, I think my mouth watered after I took my first bite.
You must try it too.
They weren't always this close. At first, they didn't even acknowledge the other.
It was one day at dinner at the Weasley household, Ginny had announced a replacement was finally found for the seeker on her Quidditch team. It was none other than Draco Malfoy.
He had gone quiet from the public eye once the war had ended. Some say he changed his name and looks to start anew. Another said he was going to replace Voldemort. Her favorite was he was living as a muggle and was still amongst them. That he was in one of those muggle homes that have a magic home behind it. If so, she would only like to ask him if he feels the magic every time the home moves in order to accommodate for the wizard or witch trying to pass through. There were always going to be rumors though.
The Malfoy's did still have the reputation of being one of the oldest pureblood families. Lucius Malfoy in particular was not quiet after the war and had made quite the scene. In his rants, he never brought up Draco. He always spoke on behalf of his family.
Hermione remembered seeing Lucius' face on the paper. His cold grey eyes looked right back at her right before tossing and turning and throwing a tantrum of his own.
The reputation he left behind for Draco was not easy for him to come back into the public eye. His family's reputation had made him the new kid outcasted within the quidditch team. Ginny did say at first he would just show up for practice and be there for games. When the team would go out to celebrate, Hermione was invited, and occasionally she would agree to go.
She would see him at the bar whereas the others were talking and laughing at the tables.
He must've felt obligated to go.
It was one occasion that she noticed he had company with him. She was a giggling mess and he seemed unaffected by it and continued nursing his drink. She didn't think anything more of it. She collected the drinks from the bar and returned back to the table. They never made eye contact and she continued with her life.
Her relationship with Ron had ended. They ended the engagement amicably. It was for the best as the adrenaline from after the war ended had worn off. Her and Ron didn't have much in common and were just better as friends.
This didn't mean there wasn't still lingering feelings. They almost committed a life together.
Ron Weasley was always going to have a small part in heart.
Draco and Ron definitely did not see eye to eye. She's certain that will never change.
For one time only, they put aside their feud. Ron had swallowed his pride and thanked him for saving his baby sister. Draco had told her in a drunken state. She's fairly certain, sober, he would've never told her. As nosy as she was, this was probably a moment best kept between the two of them. He probably doesn't even remember telling her.
It was at a muggle bar, the team were celebrating their win again. Draco at the bar, the team at the table. Neither made an effort. She wasn't there that day and only heard the bits told from the others. She was actually with Harry as she was helping him plan a surprise for Ginny.
A patronus had shown up announcing that Harry get to St Mungos immediately. Ginny had been hurt in an accident and was on her way there.
Harry's state of mind went into shock. She wasn't certain if flooing or apparating was better that day, but somehow they both made it there.
They got to the waiting room. Everyone was there.
Another chaser on the team, Katie had shared and broken the news. Some unappreciative fans from the other team strongly felt Ginny had cheated. Katie and her were leaving the ladies room when they got pulled outside. Ginny wasn't haven't it and had argued back.
Before Katie knew it, they were getting attacked with the Crucio curse. They had taken their frustration out on Ginny with no regard.
Draco had stepped in and started fighting back. He had been careful not to pull out his wand as they were in a muggle location. He was outnumbered though, but held his own long enough for the rest of the team to get there. He had punched the wizard in the face; the blow knocked the wand out of his hand. The angered wizards had focused their attention on him instead of the ladies. The arrival of the team was the distraction he needed to get an upper hand against one guy. Unfortunately, Muggle police had been called and had arrived at the same time and Draco was arrested for being on top of one guy and for having bloody knuckles.
Hermione had remembered hearing that thanks to Draco's interruption. Ginny had suffered damage to her face and ribs, but nothing some potions couldn't fix. The damage could've been far worse had he not interrupted.
After being bandaged up, Ginny was released and reunited with Harry and everyone in the waiting room. Her first action was to just hold onto Harry. She had comforted him, telling him she was fine and for him to stop worrying.
Draco had arrived separately after being released by the police and let go with a warning. That and the involvement of the Ministry. As it was an act of defense, aurors on the scene reported he would still have to show up for an appointment, but for now he was free to go. He had gone to St Mungo to check on his teammates.
Ginny went to him and hugged him tightly, thanking him. Katie looked at their team and they all slowly all got up and grouped hugged the two.
Hermione felt, that moment was when they really became a team or at least it felt rather intimidate to be there.. It didn't happen instantaneously overnight, but he was opening to them. Captain of the team even acknowledged Draco was a really good seeker and was thankful he was there when he was.
It was actually Ginny who pushed Draco out of his shell.. Draco and her had bonded as she was more willing to put in effort to see him as just him. Harry and him didn't quite see eye to eye and would bicker any chance they got. Ginny finally put her foot down and made them both acknowledge they needed to grow up.
"I'm not going to choose between the bloody two of you. Make up now and be friends already or at least find some common ground. I'm sick of you two fighting every moment you get the chance to. No more"
Ginny was absolutely a mini Molly Weasley, fury included, and she was proud of it.
After grumbling, the two shook hands and started joking with the other. To Ginny's dismay, the two started an immature friendship. They were competing with the other over ridiculous things, but now it was all for a good laugh at the other's expense.. Having grown up with all brothers, Ginny rolled her eyes and let it happened.
Slowly, Draco joined in on their days together. Hermione and him only acknowledged each other when he would tag along with Ginny and her with Harry. It would take months before her and him were comfortable around the other without others..
It was the first time they hung out the two of them.
With Hermione's work schedule the way it was, she was getting busier than usual. She was meeting up with the others less and less as she buried herself further in her work. Harry and Ginny has gone on a vacation trip to celebrate their anniversary. Ron was away for work.
And well, Draco.
"I think you owe me dinner. I bet myself a galleon you'd still be here, and I was right". Hermione looked up and Draco was leaning against the doorframe. He was in a suit. The tie had been loosened.
"Malfoy, always a pleasure" she said rolling her eyes. She was trying to finish another page before calling it a night.
"Uh uh. Come on woman, let's get dinner. I'm famished. I also promised Weaselette I'd check on you while her and Potter were away".
"Sod off. Everyone knows you don't actually have to follow through and it's just assumed everything goes fine".
"You've also never been hit by a bludger from one Ginerva Weasley-Potter".
"Touché".
"So dinner? I was kidding earlier about you owing me. It's my treat. I know a place, a muggle one, that has really good wine. I'm willing to share it with you"
"I'm rather close to finishing my work for the day"
"Come on love, let me wine and dine you for a night. Have mercy if Weasley ever did"
Draco had made himself comfy in the chair across her desk.
"Are you out of your mind?"
"I even guarantee at the end of the night…" Draco leaned in and looked at her suggestively.
"Don't finish that" Hermione put a finger up in warning.
"It'll be your new favorite place too" he ended with a smirk.
Before she could continue, her stomach betrayed her.
"Fine, let me grab my coat"
"Brilliant"
She found she rather enjoyed his company. Still a little surprised he knew about this restaurant. It goes towards her theory he lived as a muggle.
Their time spent together talking would occasionally lead down heated topics; it was those particular discussions that would leave her frustrated but hungry to research and learn more in depth later. She didn't quite agree with all his points and would make a mental note to discuss them with him again later.
It was also a different pace to talk to him. She found he didn't hold back on how he felt and almost always gave his side.. He had a justified argument (sure) based on his upbringings and would counter and question her thoughts towards it. Most people would just stop to agree with her due to her own reputation.Or rather attempt to argue with no grounds.
Sure enough, that spot turned into one of her favorite muggle restaurants and where they would get dinner together and talk until closing. They had a table in the back corner.
"Excuse me, I apologize but I have to interrupt. It's about time to close".
Hermione looked around and there was almost nobody but the wait staff lingering. All the other chairs have been flipped over the table, everything packed away.
"Oh I'm so sorry. We lost track of time… again". Hermione smiled apologetically.
"Have a lovely evening" Draco said, while slipping his arm around Hermione's waist and leading her towards the door.
"I thought we said we would keep better track of the time this time around"
"You mean, you said you would keep better track of time," Draco had removed his arm and laced his hand with hers. He brought it to his lips for a quick kiss.
"Brr it's chilly tonight. Let's walk that way towards the park"
"Ha who knew you were so infectious that I got distracted, only to forget my plan to ditch you early"
"How dare you ditch me! Whatever would I do without you to scare off all the pretty ladies from getting a good look at me"
"I should've ditched you at dessert" Hermione snorted.
"You still never answered if you prefer the crème brûlée or the cheesecake"
"They're both just so different in texture to compare!"
"Have you tried tiramisu?"
"Unfortunately not, every time I get the chance, something comes up"
"How about next next weekend, you reserve a day, you pick, keep it open for me. I'd like to bring you to Café Vonluu. It's quite a hidden hole in the wall that not many people know about. It's magic run and there's all the dessert you could ask for and we could do a tasting. You just have to absolutely pick which one is the best before we leave"
"Yes"
Draco and Hermione had walked to a statue of a fisherman at the park. Draco looked around, before walking into the statue and pulling Hermione with him.
They were in magic territory away from muggles but now there were nosy people around the corner.
He let go of her hand.
"You're free to apparate from here. No muggles. Good night Granger"
"Good night Malfoy"
It has become a friendship she didn't know she needed. Draco Malfoy invited her into his life.
She just didn't know when the unwritten rules changed. She tried to play it off as he's just a parasite she can't get rid of, but she's slowly learning now, that's not true.
She likes having his attention when it's only on her. She loves those moments when it's just the two of them. She's not ready to share him.
They thought they were being sneaky from the world by keeping their feelings to themselves, but the only fools were the two of them, or really, just her.