Author's note: Honestly not 100% sure where I'm headed with this yet but I had fun writing, so hopefully I figure it out soon.
Falling Into Place
Chapter One: The Return
"Hermione, you look fine."
"Do I?" Despite Fleur's attempts to calm her, Hermione whips out her wand to tame her hair for what might be the seventh time since they flooed into the Burrow.
"You look fine." Bill says, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Ronald will not know what hit him." Fleur offers with a small smirk on her face. Unfortunately, Ron isn't the only person Hermione is nervous to see.
"Something hit Uncle Ron?" Victoire looks up from her book and asks.
"No, sweetheart, it's just a figure of speech." Her father explains.
"I'm surprised no one's home." Hermione can no longer sit still so she stands up and starts pacing.
"Mum owled me saying that she and Dad would be in Diagon Alley for a few hours and that everyone else would arrive around 3." Bill looks down at his pocket watch. "Two fifty-seven." Hermione sighs inwardly.
It's been 10 years since the war ended.
Three years since she and and Ron decided that things weren't working out between them.
Two and a half years since she started her job in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
Two years since the Minister began sending her all over the world to network with other ministries of magic.
A year and half since she'd last come home.
And a year since Ron and Lavender had started dating.
She distinctly remembers the day she received Ron's owl.
'I wanted you to hear it from me,' he had written.
It's not that Hermione was-or is- jealous, per se. It's just that.. she feels so bitter about the whole ordeal. She made it perfectly clear to Ron that she detested his little fling with Lavender during their sixth year. Now here he is, happily dating her.
'I'm happy you're happy,' she had written back. And she really was. But did it have to be Lavender sodding Brown?
Suddenly, green flames fill the inside of the fireplace so Hermione steps a safe distance away. In come Arthur and Molly.
"Grandmum, Grandpa!" Victoire jumps up from the couch and runs into their waiting arms.
"Hello Vickie. You're getting bigger and bigger every time we see you." Molly says into her hair.
"You just saw me last week, Grandmum!" Victoire laughs and pulls away.
"How is your Grandma Appoline?" Arthur asks.
"She's good!"
"She sends her regards." Fleur says with a smile.
"Hi Molly. Hi Arthur." Hermione calls attention to her presence. She had been standing off to the side, out of their line of vision when they came in.
"'Mione is that you?" Molly gasps. "We had no idea you'd be coming!" She and Arthur rush toward Hermione and pull her into an embrace.
"I wouldn't miss this for the world."
Hermione received Harry's owl a month ago.
'Ginny and I are engaged. I proposed last night with the ring you told me to get her. She loves it, of course. I wanted you to be the first to know so I convinced Ginny to wait until tomorrow night to tell everyone else..'
Sure enough, another owl came the following night. This time from Ginny.
'We're having an engagement party next month. Hopefully Kingsley will at least let you come home for this. You'll be in France by then, right? I miss you. Harry misses you- probably more than I do. We hope to hear from you soon.'
Hermione wrote back to congratulate them but didn't commit to coming home for the party. Little did everyone know, Kingsley always offered her time off. But after finding out about Ron and Lavender, she decided to keep her distance and spent the past year immersed in her work. She honestly might not have come home if she hadn't run into Bill, Fleur, and Victoire yesterday at a Parisian cafe she frequented.
'You know I have to tell them that we ran into you. Make it easier for everyone and just come home. You'll hate yourself for missing an occasion as special as this,' Bill had said. She knew he was right.
"Are you done with your work in France?" Arthur asks after releasing her. Molly keeps a firm arm wrapped around her.
"I am."
"That's wonderful, dear." Molly gushes and gives her a squeeze. "Ginny told me that France was the last part of your assignment. Does this mean you're home for good, then?"
"It was and I am."
"Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful."
"That Kingsley relies too much on you. I should give him a piece of my mind." Arthur says, which makes them all laugh. "We're glad to have you home." He smiles and tips his head toward Hermione.
"I'm glad to be home." She responds with as much sincerity as she can muster. Easier said than done.
"Let's go out back, shall we? I need to make sure everything is in order." Molly releases her.
"Of course you do, dear." Arthur chuckles then greets Bill with a pat on the back.
"Molly, what do you need me to do?" Fleur asks as she follows Molly outside. "Come along, Vickie. Let's help your grandmum." She calls to her child.
"Yes, Mummy." Victoire responds obediently. "I'm going outside, Daddy. Are you coming?"
"I'll be right behind you, sweetheart." Bill says then returns to conversation with his father.
"Aunt Hermione, you come too."
"I will, Vickie, in a few moments. I just need to freshen up."
"Why?"
"I need to make sure I look nice before the party begins."
"You're already very pretty, Aunt Hermione. You don't need to." Victoire rolls her eyes as if her aunt is absurd for thinking otherwise.
"Not as pretty as you." Hermione says and she gently pinches one of Victoire's cheeks. A wide grin spreads across the child's face and she begins to giggle happily.
"Go on, Vickie. I'm sure Mummy is looking for you." Bill urges her on. "We'll be right out." With one last grateful smile at her Aunt Hermione, she runs out the back door.
"She is so smart." Hermione comments.
"I reckon she got some of that from watching you." Bill replies.
"Well she had to get it from somewhere." Another person's voice surprises them. Hermione, Bill, and Arthur all look up to see George standing at the back door. "Hermione Granger, aren't you a sight for sore eyes?"
"Hi George." Hermione smiles as he approaches her. "It's good to see you."
"Wish I could say the same."
"George, don't be rude!" Even after all these years, George still finds ways to make his father scold him. At least Arthur is already used to it.
"Dad, she knows I mean no harm." George claps a hand on her shoulder. "It's just, now that she's here, I owe Draco 50 galleons." Hermione's face goes blank. She should feel insulted that George bet against her, but she's more preoccupied with the word 'Draco.'
"You two are ridiculous." Bill rolls his eyes then sees Hermione's face. "You alright, 'Mione?"
Within the first few years following the war, she and Draco Malfoy exchanged pleasantries only a handful of times- they attended the same Ministry events. But then he and Harry started to get along fairly well, especially after Ron left his job at the ministry. At the time, Draco had been working as a sort of consultant to the Auror program- providing intel on dark wizards and former death eaters. Hermione didn't disapprove of their friendship because, honestly, Draco Malfoy seemed to have turned a new leaf. He took his job seriously, was cooperative, and was-for the most part- actually... nice. Harry started inviting him to their weekly Friday night dinner so she went from seeing him a few times a year to seeing him once a week. It wasn't until Kingsley hired him into her department- just a week after she had been hired herself- that he became a permanent fixture in her daily life. She tried keeping interaction to a minimum, she really did. But her efforts were proven futile when he moved into the desk across from hers.
'You two are the best of the best in this department. A bit reminiscent of your Hogwarts years, is it not? Big plans for you two.' Kingsley had said one month into their working together. 'I forsee a rather harmonious partnership.' He wasn't completely off base. The pair did work quite well together- when they weren't squabbling, that is.
'You are an infuriatingly stubborn woman! Why do you always have to be right?!' Draco yelled at her one Friday morning. That particular day marked their third month as co-workers.
'Like you're any better! You're just as stubborn as me! Maybe even more!' She countered before slamming a piping hot cup of coffee onto his desk. They did this often- fight during their morning coffee break. So often, if fact, that Kingsley had moved them from the general work area into their own separate, private offices. Clearly, the 'separate, private offices' thing didn't stop them from fighting. But no matter how frustrated they were with one another, they always took turns getting each other coffee.
'I just think that bill is complete rubbish and I've no idea why you think any part of it makes sense!' He was still yelling.
And apparently, so was she. 'It's not my fault you can be so narrow-minded!'
'We're going to have to compromise on this bloody thing, alright? It needs to be ready for Kingsley by Monday.' His anger always simmered down as soon as he took a sip of his coffee. It was never quite so easy with her, though.
'I know, I know! It's completely stressing me out. If you hadn't kept shooting my ideas down, we would have had this finished by now!' She sighed loudly and plopped into the seat in front of his desk.
'Thank you for the coffee. Perfect, as usual.' He said absentmindedly- completely ignoring her yelling- as he read over the papers on his desk for the twelfth time this morning. She softened at his words of gratitude. She always did, because something about the way he said 'thank you' made something bubble up in her chest.
"'Mione, I said are you alright?" Bill repeats himself, which brings her mind back to the present.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just… haven't spoken to Draco since the last time I came home…"
"That long, huh? Well, he's still the same old prat. You haven't missed out on too much." George wants to say more but he knows it's not his place to tell her what she has missed.
"You all have to come outside! Grandma wants you there!" Victoire yells from the doorway and then runs away. After a split second, she comes running back. "Please!" In a flash, she's gone again. The four adults laugh and begin making their way outside.
The usual tent is set up outside, hovering a few yards away from the house.
"Are we expecting a lot of guests?" Hermione asks. She doesn't see why they'd need to use the large tent, considering it's just the engagement party, not the actual wedding.
"Not particularly. But it's Harry Potter's engagement party. You never know who might show up." George answers, all the while chuckling.
"Molly and I just wanted to be prepared." Arthur explains, chuckling right along with his son. It was actually all Molly's ridiculous idea, but he didn't want to throw his wife under the bus like that. Harry assured them that this would be a private gathering for family and close friends.
The familiar crack of apparition sounds from somewhere in front of the house. After all those months hunting horcruxes with Harry, Hermione had a keen ear for it- keener than most.
"Someone's here." She announces to everyone. They all turn toward the house to see who will come through the back door.
"I seem to be early." Kingsley Shacklebolt's deep voice reaches their ears as he appears in the doorway.
"Glad you could make it, my friend." Arthur meets him halfway and they share a firm handshake.
"Good afternoon, Minister." Everyone greets him.
"Good afternoon to you all." Kingsley responds then looks to Hermione. "Hermione, I'm glad you were able to finish in time to attend this party." He approaches her with a warm smile on his face. He is well-aware that Hermione completed her assignment a week ago, but he willingly offered to be part of her alibi had she decided not to come home.
"Me too." Hermione smiles back.
Kingsley's presence puts her mind at ease- probably because he's really the only person she's seen in the last year and a half. Her time away has made her feel a little out of place. The two get to talking about work and France's Minister for Magic. They've been so wrapped up in conversation that she doesn't hear people come through the back door or sense said people quickly approaching.
"'Mione." A man's voice says from behind her. A calm voice that's full of relief. She'd know that voice anywhere and it makes her eyes well up with tears.
She turns around and responds just as calmly, "Harry." Her voice mimics his relief. They approach each other slowly.
"You made it."
"I did." A second of silence passes between them before she suddenly embraces him. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too." He replies. Tears stream down her face now. She has no idea why she even considered staying in France.
After a few seconds, Ginny appears in Hermione's line of vision- she's smiling softly, patiently waiting to be called over. Hermione holds onto Harry for another second more before releasing him.
"Ginny, get your arse over here." Hermione calls to her friend. She links one of her hands with Harry's and uses her free hand to reach out to Ginny, who takes it gratefully. "Congratulations. I am so happy for you two." She gives both of their hands a squeeze.
"We're so happy you're home." Ginny says and squeezes back. "You look beautiful. Your hair looks great, when did you start styling it like that?"
"Oh." Hermione nervously pats down her hair. "About a year ago… It was a bit impulsive." She added layers and cut it to be just below her shoulders, which was a lot shorter than she was used to- she always kept it near the middle of her back. She also started using a spell and a few hair products that tamed her curls into soft waves.
"I can guess why." Ginny says, offering a sympathetic smile.
"Is he bringing her?" Hermione asks cautiously.
"I think so... For what it's worth, he debated bringing her for two weeks. He didn't want to make you uncomfortable. In the end, he decided he should bring her because he missed you. And he wanted you to see that she's different now." Harry replies and scratches the back of his head sheepishly.
"Is she?" Hermione's voice is filled with suspicion.
"A little... She's getting there. Honestly, I think she's trying to be better mostly for our benefit rather than Ron's. She doesn't want anyone to hate her." Harry explains while Ginny nods in agreement.
"Are you going to be alright?" Ginny asks.
"I think so. Really, as long as he's actually happy and she doesn't rub it in my face, I think I'll be alright. Besides, I have you two to keep me company." They smile widely at her.
"Draco will be here too." Harry adds. She knows that he means to make her feel better, but he has no idea that thinking about Draco twists her stomach in knots.
The three of them situate themselves at a table and begin to catch up. Even with the frequent owls, there's still so much for them to talk about. Hermione updates them on her last few weeks in France and the couple describes the night Harry proposed.
Slowly, guests begin to arrive, making it impossible to continue conversation. First, Neville and Hannah Abbott. Luna floats in shortly after them. Seamus and Dean. Percy and his family. Even Charlie came all the way from Romania. Professor McGonagall and Hagrid arrive together. Andromeda walks in with Teddy, who immediately pries his hand away from his grandmother's to play with Victoire. While the celebrants stand by the entrance of the tent to greet everyone, Hermione gets cornered by Cho Chang, who is just dying to know about her work at the Ministry.
"I thought we said this would be a private gathering." Ginny mumbles under her breath to her fiance.
"We did." Harry responds quietly as Ginny gives Angelina a hug.
"I suppose this is what I get for falling in love with the Chosen One." Ginny teases, linking her arm with his. He leans over to kiss her on the cheek.
"Hey, you two. You agreed to ease up on the public displays of affection in front of me." Ron's voice is bubbling with amusement.
"You're always late to these things." Harry laughs and rolls his eyes.
"Better late than never." Ron counters.
"Hello, Lavender." Ginny greets the woman clutching onto Ron's arm.
"Congratulations. This is all so wonderful." Lavender gushes. Ron doesn't bring her around often, so when he does, she always seems especially willing to suck up to the family. Ginny thought about using that to her advantage, but she soon realized this is the happiest she's seen her brother since he and Hermione broke up.
"Thank you. We're happy to have you." Ginny replies. Then she turns to her brother and gives him a pointed look. "'Mione's here."
"She came?" Ron asks, feeling a strange mix of excitement and anxiety. Excited to see her but also very anxious, as this is the first time he'll be seeing her since he started dating Lavender. He looks over at his girlfriend to gauge her reaction. It's like she's seen a bloody ghost or something- her eyes wide, jaw slacked, and color drained from her face.
"Go say hi." Ginny instructs him. For being the youngest sibling, she is very bossy. A trait she picked up from her mother, no doubt. Harry loves that about her. Ron, on the other hand, not so much.
"I will, I will." He sighs loudly then catches sight of Hermione talking to Cho Chang. She's facing their direction but hasn't noticed them."Lav, it'll be alright. She doesn't hate you. Just… be nice and she'll be nice back."
"Okay." Lavender squeaks. She and Ron begin walking toward Hermione but after a few paces, Ron turns to look back at Harry and Ginny.
"Will you come with us?" He asks, almost pathetically. Anxiety is starting to take over.
"I think it's better if we don't." Harry says calmly. "You'll be fine. You already know she's not mad at you."
"I know.. I just…" Ron sighs again and slumps his shoulders. He doesn't finish the rest of that sentence. He'd rather not tell his girlfriend that he feels like he might lose one of his best friends because of her.
"You'll be fine." Harry repeats to encourage him. Ron nods then continues walking toward Hermione. They're only a few steps away when she finally notices him.
"It was good catching up, Cho. But if you'll excuse me…"
Cho turns around to find out who Hermione is looking at. As soon as she sees it's Ron, she quickly ducks out to give them their privacy. The two exes stand a good distance away from each other, both feeling unsure of how to make this the least awkward as possible.
"You're back," Ron breaks the silence.
"Yes, finally." Hermione says and forces a small smile.
"Your hair is different," He points out.
"Er, yeah. I wanted to try something new." She runs her fingers through the ends.
"It looks nice." He states simply in a way only Ron could. This makes her smile sincerely.
"Thanks." She looks at Lavender now. The woman is basically hiding behind Ron's shoulder. Hermione almost laughs at the sight- she never thought she could frighten someone this much. Lavender takes the eye contact as her cue to say something.
"Hello, Hermione." She says politely as she steps out from behind Ron. "It's been a long time. The years have not aged you one bit, even with a job so time-consuming and, as I can only imagine, stressful."
"That's very kind of you." Hermione replies. "I hope Ronald has been treating you well." She says this light-heartedly, hoping it will break the tension. It does. Ron grins widely and smile makes its way onto Lavender's face.
"He's a perfect gentleman. His mother and, I'm assuming, you taught him well." Lavender looks at him lovingly.
"We did, didn't we?" Hermione says proudly and laughs.
"They did." Ron agrees.
"Now, there's no reason for any awkward-ness between us. Okay? I'm happy you're happy. Don't you dare worry about me." Hermione declares definitively. "Let's enjoy this party and look forward to spending more time together." She nods once as if to assure herself that she means every word she's saying.
"I'm... I'm really happy to see you." Ron says, taking a tentative step closer to her.
"I'm happy to see you too, Ron." She closes the gap between them to give him a hug and lets out a quiet sigh of relief when he responds by hugging her back. "Alright, go say hi to everyone. I'm sure Molly has been looking for you." She releases him and pushes him toward his girlfriend, who is smiling softly.
"I'll make sure he saves a dance for you." Lavender says before they turn to leave.
"Enjoy your night." Hermione says. They nod their heads and smile then go on to find Molly.
As soon as they're out of earshot, Hermione exhales loudly. That went way better than expected. Lavender does seem to have changed a lot- enough to actually impress her. And Ron looks so happy. It'll take some time until she's fully comfortable with them, but tonight was definitely a good start. She scans the inside of the tent. Everyone already seems to be having a good time even though the night's barely just begun. Harry catches her attention- he's looking expectantly at her.
"All good?" He mouths. She nods in response and offers a confident smile. He's satisfied with that so he smiles back and returns to entertaining his guests. Hermione begins to turn away when a flash of platinum blonde hair appears in her periphery. Of course. Just when she's able gather her bearings from the last emotionally stressful encounter, another one comes up. Taking a deep breath, she turns back to look in his direction.
Draco Malfoy stands in front of Harry and Ginny. Fashionably late, which is very unsurprising. He doesn't look much different. Other than the fact that he's let his hair grow out a little, he's still the same infuriatingly attractive man he's always been.
She last saw him on New Year's Day a year and a half ago- the last time she was home.
They had all spent New Year's Eve at the Burrow. Then on New Year's Day, Harry, Ginny, Hermione, and Draco decided to have lunch together. Ron was supposed to join them, but he was too hungover from the night before. After they ate, Hermione, for some ridiculous reason, was really craving ice cream.
'Let's go to Florean's!' Hermione exclaimed as the four of them walked down Diagon Alley.
'Are you mad? It's freezing!' Ginny said in shock.'You're the only one who wants to freeze their arse off even more.'
'Idunno, ice cream sounds kind of good right now.' Draco agreed with a shrug.
'Thank you, Draco. See, I'm not the only one.' Hermione gave Ginny a pointed look then looked to Harry to ask for his opinion on the matter. But one look at him bouncing from one foot to the other was enough indication that he was too cold to have ice cream. 'Well, then. What now?'
'You two can get your ice cream. Don't mind us. We actually planned on heading home soon anyway. I want to cuddle up by the fire.' Ginny held onto Harry's arm more closely as she said this.
'Vomit.' Draco made a gagging noise. Hermione laughed and Harry smiled. Ginny smacked Draco on the arm.
'Shove off.' Ginny warned jokingly.
'Alright, alright. Don't bite my head off. Go on home, you lovebirds. Hermione and I will enjoy ourselves without you.' Draco clapped his hand on Harry's shoulder then gave it a push.
'What time are you leaving tomorrow, 'Mione?' Harry asked.
'After lunch.' Hermione replied. 'Come see me before I leave?'
'You know we will.' He said then kissed her on the cheek. After they all said their goodbyes, Harry and Ginny apparated home.
'What flavor are you going to get?' Hermione asked Draco and they stood in the ice cream parlour. They were the only customers there.
'Coffee, as usual. You?'
'I think I want cookie dough.' She said thoughtfully as she tapped a finger to her lips.
'How old are you, again?' He teased.
'Shut up. It's delicious.' She proudly stepped up to the cashier and placed her order.
After receiving their ice cream, they apparated to his flat. They did this often, when they were working on a big project together- go to Florean's right after leaving the Ministry, apparate to his flat, and work on their project until it was too difficult to stay awake. It was the first time they've done this casually, but they've grown so used to their routine that they didn't even think twice about it. It wasn't until they were seated in the living room that they realized they had nothing to talk about other than work. So... they talked about work.
'So where are you headed off to this time?' He asked her.
'I'll be in Japan. For about a month.'
'Travelling sounds exhausting.'
'It is. But it's been a life changing experience. I've learned so much.'
'I believe that. Kingsley comes into my office with daily updates about your assignment. It's like you never left.' He rolled his eyes and she laughed.
'So how's it been at the Ministry?'
'It's been alright. Kingsley refuses to hire a temp to take your place so I'm stuck doing all our work by myself.'
'Nothing you can't handle.' She pointed out.
'True. But I've kind of missed having you around. The past six months have been weird- I don't have anyone to argue with, no one to bounce ideas off of, and worst of all, I always have to get my own coffee.' She'd be lying if she said she didn't feel a fluttering in her chest- the whole statement caught her completely off guard. Sure, they prided themselves in their ability to speak candidly with one another and sure, they had grown quite fond of each other over time... But never had they gone so far as to express that fondness in words. They were hardly friends, honestly. And both of them were well-aware of that. The only things they really knew about each other were the things relevant to work. This included work ethic, the way they took their coffee, what they normally brought for lunch, and their favorite ice cream flavor.
'You have to get your own coffee? The absolute horror.' She said exaggeratedly.
'You know, you're incredibly sarcastic for a Gryffindor.' He pointed his spoon at her.
'I just think I've spent too much time with you. Is being a Syltherin contagious?' She arched an eyebrow and looked at him expectantly.
'No, but my wit definitely is. That's another thing I've missed- someone who understands by high-brow humor. Really, Hermione, I should be upset with you for leaving me with Wonder Boy and the two gingers.' He placed his empty cup on the coffee table and sunk further into the couch.
'Well it's not like I want to be away from all of you for months at a time. It's good to know I'm missed, but I do think those three are turning you soft, Draco.' She teased and scooped up the last of her ice cream.
'That's exactly what I was afraid of.' He looked at her then, his eyes lingering a little longer than usual at her face. "You've got a little chocolate syrup." He pointed at a spot above his own lip.
'Oh.' She was mildly embarrassed but it was Draco- she knew he wasn't actually trying to embarrass her. She used her pinky finger to wipe at the area she thought he was referring to. 'Gone?'
'No. Right there.' He shook his head and pointed at his lip again. Again she wiped at her skin and came up unsuccessful. 'Merlin, this is why grown women don't get cookie dough ice cream with toppings.' He promptly reached out and wiped his thumb at the corner of her upper lip. He let his thumb linger there for a few seconds before saying, 'I'm going to do something. Don't hex me. And don't hit me like you did third year.' He instructed and she laughed nervously.
'Alright but you're making me nervous. Is there something else on my face?'
'Shh.' Before she knew it, he was leaning forward and his lips were on hers. Needless to say, she was stunned. She made no movement and, at first, neither did he. But then he leaned into her more- not quite to deepen the kiss but to try to illicit some sort of reaction from her. She should have taken that as her cue to move away. She didn't. Instead, her eyes fell shut and she let out an audible sigh so he decided to deepen the kiss. One of his hands made its way to the side of her face to cup her cheek and eventually to the back of her neck. That just did it for her, really. She got lost in the feeling of their tangled lips moving in complete sync. Then she moaned into his mouth and he responded immediately by releasing her neck and wrapping an arm around her waist to pull her flush against him. She was just about ready to straddle his lap when she suddenly pulled away.
'Draco. Draco, wh-what's going on?' She tried not to stumble over her words, but it was hard when she was so out of breath.
'Your lips are not at all misleading. They really are as soft as they look.' He ignored the question completely.
'If this was some sort of twisted joke just to get a rile out of me, I have no qualms about hexing you into the next century.' She scooted herself further away from him.
'No, it wasn't a joke.' He said exasperatedly.
'Then you just kiss people for fun?' She really hoped the answer was no.
'You're ridiculous.' He rolled his eyes.
'Says the person who just kiss-attacked me!' She yelled defensively.
'Did you just say 'kiss-attacked'?' He gave her a pointed look, clearly amused. 'First the cookie dough ice cream with chocolate syrup and now this? Really, how old are you?'
'Oh shuttup! You're such a git.' She crossed her arms and turned away. 'I don't even know why I kissed you back.' Of course she knew, but her pride was more important.
'But you did kiss me back.' He stated. She rolled her eyes and shrugged. 'Now tell me, are you not at all attracted to me? Because I'm sure as hell attracted to you. I have been for a few years now, but I never thought to act on it because I didn't take you for that kind of woman.'
'And, what, now you do take me for that kind?' She was starting to feel insulted.
'No, you insane woman. Now, you're not just a pretty face. I've taken quite a liking to your personality. Who knew there was more to Hermione Granger than being the insufferable know-it-all?'
'If you're trying to sweet-talk me into fancying you, you're doing a terrible job at it.'
Ignoring her jab, he continued, 'Your absence got me thinking about you. More than I'd like to admit. And I decided I liked you enough to explore this relationship. Granted, I needed to know if you felt anything for me.'
'So you kissed me as means of finding out.' No matter how many times she said it out loud, it didn't make this any less crazy.
'I spent so much of my life being told what to do and being scared of messing up. After the war, I wanted to become a man of action. Do things the way I wanted and the way I thought was right.'
'And what if this whole thing backfired?'
'You're a formidable woman, Hermione Granger. You and those lips of yours are well-worth the risk of being hexed. Or worse, hit.' She rolled her eyes, feigning annoyance, but she couldn't help the heat that rose to her face. After a few moments of silence, looked at him thoughtfully, unsure of what to say. 'Well?'
'Idunno, Draco. You've proven that you're a good person and I am so grateful to have you as a partner. And you are undeniably handsome...' She came to terms with that years ago when he attended a Ministry event dressed in a muggle suit. She told him that she never thought she'd see the day and he only responded with a smirk- much like the smug smirk plastered on his face at that exact moment. 'But we hardly know each other. The only person I've been with is Ron and we had been best friends for years.'
'There's nothing wrong with getting to know each other along the way.'
'I know, but... I'm leaving again tomorrow. And who knows when I'll be back. I just... don't see how this would work out.'
'I see.' He paused. 'So just to clarify, you feel the same way I do, then? About this.'
'To give you a real answer to your question, yes, I am attracted to you. And I do seem to genuinely enjoy your company so exploring this,' she pointed her finger back and forth between the two of them, 'is something I might be interested in. Might. However, timing just isn't in our favor. I need to think things over- to figure out what I want. When my assignment is done and I'm back home for good, and if you still feel the same way, maybe we could talk about it more. But for now, things will have to stay as they are.'
'I understand.'
'I'm sorry.' She apologized softly.
'There's nothing to be sorry about.' He said confidently.
Hermione is brought out of her reverie when his eyes finally meet hers. The two find themselves in a staring contest and, of course, neither will back down. She watches as he excuses himself from Harry and Ginny and as he walks toward her purposefully. Unlike Ron, he is unafraid to close the gap between them. He stands so close that she has to angle her head upwards to maintain eye contact
"I had no idea you'd be here." He says. His voice is as smooth as she remembers.
"No one did." She explains. "But that didn't stop you from placing that bet with George." He smirks, pleased with himself for being right about her.
"Hi," is all he says next.
"Hi." She repeats.
"Are you… back? For good, I mean."
"I am." She again remembers what they had talked about year and a half ago and she wonders if he'll bring it up. He doesn't- he knows that it isn't the right time.
"I'm glad."
"So am I."
"When will you be back at the Ministry?"
"I'll be back in my office on Monday with both our coffees."
"Good." They stand in silence. As the seconds pass, they search each other's faces. Searching for what exactly, neither of them know.
"It's good to see you." She offers in an almost desperate attempt to hear him speak.
"It's good to see you too. I like this." He lightly brushes his fingers against the ends of her hair. The gesture makes her heart race.
"I needed a change."
"Yeah. Ron and Lavender, huh? It's been a year and it's still strange." She almost forgot how well he knew her brain. "You seem to be taking it well, though."
"I'm trying." She pauses. "Your hair is longer."
"I want to cut it- I'm starting to look too much like my father."
"It looks fine."
"Thank you." He flashes a grin but it leaves his face as quickly as it came. "I'm sorry, I'm trying to make this feel as comfortable as possible but… A year and a half is a long time to go without speaking…"
"I'm sorry… I should have written."
"We both could have."
"I just needed time to process everything. And by the time I had made my mind up about you, Ron surprised me with his news. My emotions became this huge jumble of crazy and I started to feel overwhelmed, so I used my work as a distraction." She takes a deep breath and half a step towards him. "But I'm back now and I-"
"Hermione." He interrupts her. Because if the look in her eyes is any indication, she's about to tell him exactly what he hoped she would. And he couldn't bear hearing it. He looks at her sadly. "I'm engaged."
