Disclaimer: Characters owned by JK.
Just a short DM/HG oneshot, set Post-Hogwarts. I was running low on inspiration, so I went to the Random Word Generator (just type that into Google and you'll find it) and got a whole bunch of wors to include in a story. I lost the paper halfway through writing but I carried on anyway, and came out with this. :)
Cliffs
Hermione looked down at the waves as they crashed violently against the rocks below. Her legs dangled lazily over the water as she sat on the outmost ledge of the deserted cliff edge, droplets every so often spraying face from the untamed waters beneath her. Her hair hung in playful loops above her shoulders and was tied back in a high but loose ponytail. The sky was a light grey colour as the clouds refused to shift, even though there was a harsh wind blowing.
"Do you like it?" a voice jolted her out of her distant thoughts. Hermione nodded vaguely, turning towards her boyfriend. "Good," he stated, looking back across the landscape. They had the perfect overview of the greyish blue sea that appeared to be in a somewhat angry mood. It reminded Hermione of a large illustration that Draco had painted a short while ago as a present for her - the same time that she had discovered his hidden art talent. Her teeth were chattering, but she didn't seem to feel all that cold.
"So why did you bring me here, Draco?" she asked, barely more than a whisper. Draco's attention was brought back to her after the distraction of the ocean, but he didn't answer. She continued to stare at him, her expression muted, but he looked away, his cheeks reddening. Not betraying her surprise at his blush, she turned her attention to the sky. Dark grey clouds rolled around haphazardly above her, darkening the sky in their wake.
"I'm sorry," he said. She turned her head so sharply her neck cricked painfully. He noted her questioning expression, and took a breath, averting his gaze. "For everything I did to you. I was cruel and malicious, but... it was simply because I was infatuated by you. Now I realise that it's turned into love." Hermione blinked, letting the statement sink in. This time he did not flush or turn away, yet his eyes portrayed a slight desperation as he stared longingly at her. She was speechless. He gulped and grinned - seemingly to himself more than her. "It's only really occurred to me now how childish I was. I'm surprised you only punched me once."
It was Hermione's turn to smile, a pink tinge filling out her cheeks. She lowered her head, hiding her blush, a stray lock of hair falling in front of her face. Draco pulled himself towards her and reached out with his pale hand, tucking her flyaway tresses behind her ear with his slender fingers. They were surprisingly warm against her soft skin, and Hermione closed her eyes as they trailed across her cheek.
"You're beautiful, Hermione," he said gently, examining her pallid face with deep grey eyes. "I can't believe it took me 7 years to tell you that..." He trailed off as Hermione opened her eyes, salty tears clinging to her eyelashes. For a moment they simply stared at each other, like lovers on the verge of a fierce embrace, or wrestlers on the brink of a fight until Draco broke the silence. "I know you'll find it hard to trust me, but..." he paused as he rolled up the sleeve of his robe. Hermione stared at the creamy complexion of his arm, pure, unbroken - the Dark Mark had vanished. She looked back up at him, a question in her eyes.
"It disappeared when Voldemort was defeated," he began, then stopped. "I need to know one thing-" he broke off as her vibrant lips curled up into a smile.
"I trust you."
I hope you liked it - reviews are made of chocolate. :)