Hey y'all! This is my first fic, first Dramione fic, first HP fic...etc etc. So sorry if this sucks, but feedback is ALWAYS welcomed!
I had a little trouble with the formatting, so forgive me :)
Rating: T, for language and because I'm paranoid.
Characters: Hermione G. and Draco M., sometimes mentioning/featuring Astoria Greengrass, Ginny W., Ron W., Harry P., and two (minor) OCs.
Summary: Five years after the Battle of Hogwarts, Draco Malfoy gets the shock of his life when Astoria Greengrass ups and leaves him. He needs a good divorce lawyer. That was what he needed and what he expected. But what he didn't expect, however, was a certain bushy-haired brunette in lawyer's clothing, reeling from a break-up with the Weasel King himself. Ignores epilogue. Eventual Dramione.
Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. Parts of this chapter are heavily based on Stephen King's "Lunch in Gotham Cafe." I do not own this either. :3
This story was corrected by several people along the way, you know who you are, and I give you a lot of thanks :)
It came as quite a shock to Draco when Astoria Greengrass left him.
He had come home from work early in hopes of giving his young wife a beautiful bouquet of flowers, something he had never done in their years of marriage, except for birthdays and anniversaries.
But Draco had heard the silence, felt it before the key turned in the lock. Fearing the worst, he dropped the flowers on the floor and ran further into their apartment. On the kitchen table, he found a rather harshly-worded note from Astoria, informing him she was leaving him, that she would handle the divorce, that he would be hearing from her lawyer. He sat down in one of the chairs by the table and read the note over and over again, not quite believing it. It was so...harsh.
Draco, it read. Just Draco. Not "husband," not "Dear Draco."
I'm leaving you. I'll take care of it. My lawyer will contact you shortly.
Take care of yourself.
Astoria Greengrass.
So brief. Four sentences, six if you counted "Draco" and the signature. So short, and yet it would turn his life upside down. So harsh. She hadn't even spared him an "I wish it didn't have to end this way," or "Hope you're alright." or even a small apology or rationalization for why she would leave him.
Draco walked into their bedroom. All of her belongings, her clothes were gone. There was nothing left of their time together. He returned to the kitchen and reread the note over and over again, finally grasping the meaning of the words. First, he thought it was a bad joke. Then again, Astoria wasn't really a joker about such things. But the thing was that he had no idea why it had occurred. Maybe he was dumb or insensitive? With a start, he realized he was both.
Two days later, he received a floo from Astoria's lawyer, who introduced himself as Shane Mason. After he was sure he was speaking to Draco Malfoy, he began to call him Draco. Lawyers are just so strange.
After about fifteen minutes of this, Draco began to get pissed. "Listen, Mr...?"
"Mason," the lawyer said.
"Mason. Right. The next to you call me Draco over floo network, I will disconnect. In person, I will most likely hex you, apparate away, and make sure that your little law firm is completely blasted into oblivion. . Are we clear on this?"
"Why...Draco, I mean, Mr. Malfoy.." but the rest of his sentence was lost when Draco discontinued his floo fireplace and sat down in his armchair, exhausted.
That afternoon, Draco spoke with his friend at the ministry who knew a good law firm that specialized in divorces. He set up a meeting at the firm, and met a lawyer that would be satisfactory for his case. Everything seemed to be going right for him, or as right as can be in a divorce.
But Draco wasn't all right. He was alone, for the first time in his life. In his childhood, he had his parents, in his school years, his friends, and for the past two, his wife. But now there was no one there, and the thought both frightened and fascinated him.
A week later, Mr. Mason flooed Draco again, this time being careful to call him , to which Draco was eternally grateful. He really wasn't in the mood to ruin someone's career today.
"So, we need to clear up some details, regarding paperwork and such, so would you be available for lunch on Thursday?"
"Lunch?" Draco repeated. Why not? Just to see her again, to get some answers, would be worth it.
"Yes, lunch, Mr. Malfoy. The day after tomorrow. Are you available?"
"Y-Yes, I believe so. Should my lawyer be there?"
Mr. Mason smirked. "He might want to."
"Where do you want to go?I know of some higher-class restaurants in Diagon Alley that I would recommend, but..."
Mr. Mason ignored the snub. "How about the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade? I've heard they have excellent food."
"Alright. Twelve?"
"Twelve."
Draco disconnected the floo. He would make a reservation for 11:30 and meet Mr. Jonson, his lawyer, early to discuss what they needed to say.
_-_
Draco glared at his watch. How dare his lawyer be so dreadfully late? His temper was brewing. This was a highly important meeting. Simply ridiculous, those lawyers. As soon as he finished that thought, there was a loud POP as his lawyer apparated into the Three Broomsticks.
"So sorry I'm running late, Mr. Malfoy." He seemed quite out of breath. "An emergency has come up, I simply do not have 'm afraid I can't make it today.."
"WHAT?" Draco was on his feet. How dare this paunchy, old coot back out on him? "That's it! You're fired!"
His former lawyer simply rolled his eyes and apparated again with a POP, leaving Draco to stew, waiting from Astoria and her lawyer to arrive.
Finally, they arrive together, fourteen minutes after 12. Draco stood to greet them. "You're late."
"Late. What does it matter?" Mr. Mason smirked while Draco inwardly rolled his eyes.
"Why, everything matters in a profession like this."
" Right. Where is your lawyer, Mr. Malfoy?"
"I fired him," Draco stated simply, looking at Mr. Mason with an arrogant smirk. He then turned to Astoria, who was desperately avoiding his gaze. "I missed you."
"No, you didn't." Her voice was hard.
Draco was stunned at his normally rather sweet-tempered's wifes words.
"You're good for nothing," she continued. "Selfish. I hate you. I hope you die."
Draco fought hard not to lose his temper. "I got you everything you needed. I cared for you for two years, Astoria, two goddamn years!"
"I hate you."
"I loved you when no one was left. I supported you when you had NOTHING."
"Go to hell."
Draco had enough. He struck Astoria across the face, not hard enough to really hurt her, just hard enough to make it seem obvious. He didn't regret it, in fact, it felt better than most things had in his adult life.
"Oh, you pig," she cackled. "Oh, you pig."
"I probably saved your life. Without me, you would be nothing."
"Don't touch me. Ever again." Draco rolled his eyes as Astoria continued her delusional rant. "I have lovers, you know," and smiled a terrible smile. It was a lie. The lie was written firmly into her face. But she wished it were true, and that hurt Draco more. "You miserable, good for nothing son of a bitch."
Draco had had enough. He stood up, pointed his finger at her and her good-for nothing lawyer and snarled: "I'll see you in court." With a POP he apparated out of the Three Broomsticks, leaving behind a crowd of gaping people, an arrogant bastard of a lawyer, and his stewing, soon to be ex wife.
He really needed a lawyer.
I really dislike it when people beg for reviews, but this is my first story, and I would really appreciate some constructive criticism. The second chapter is in the works, expect it soon :3 Love you guys!