A/N: New Dramione fanfic! Enjoy:)
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
Preface
She's done trying.
Right now she just wanted a man who could treasure her, listen to her inner thoughts, be sensitive and sweet and hold her while she wasn't feeling so well.
She has given up the hope of waiting for a true love – even the smallest ember of hope has disappeared within her soul. What she longed for, starting this moment, she decided, was the first man to treat her with respect, love, and care. She didn't need anything else. Not even the electric shock when accidentally touching his hand; not even the leaping of the heart to the throat while seeing him walk by; no, no, no, no nothing. Simply not falling into the depth of despair would already be a bless. She didn't need any more tears falling, heart-crushing, or any near-death experience. She was more than determined.
For once, long ago, she thought things would work out with her long-time ginger best friend. But no, he just had to be a two-timer and hung out with Lavender Brown. He had created a web of lies so full, that she even began to wonder if there was any space left for love. Other than their frequent fights and accusations, a relationship with Ron was packed, tight; as a best friend of so many years, she hadn't imagined he would turn out to be such a controller. He was a completely different person to her once they entered a relationship. Both of them needed a breather and they knew it. After the time away, it was as if everything went back to normal. With a flourish, Ron signed Hermione a check with an empty heading, designed for her weak, fragile heart, and let Hermione pick up the hopes of starting all over again. But stories just had to go downhill when the characters thought they were at the peak of bliss. She had caught him red-handed with that woman again. This time, he had let her down so much, that she had decided no more of her precious youth should go to waste on this hopeless man.
So now, helplessly, she has lowered her bottom line. She didn't need a man to fall in love with, she only needed a man who loved her.
Just so, just so she wouldn't get hurt.
Chapter 1 Why're you working here?
Sitting by the window of a warm café, Hermione was seeking shelter from the heavy snow outside, at the same time enjoying the goodness of an unread novel. She has ordered a hot chocolate to keep her company, but her rare good mood was about to be disrupted by the fact that it still hasn't arrived for a long time.
Just she has gathered up impatience to raise demand to a staff, she looked up to find herself facing a familiar face. Before she could react, a familiar voice rang at her ear, speaking the most unbelievable words ever.
"Here's your chocolate, miss,"
She narrowed her eyes at him.
"M-Malfoy?"
He returned her inquiry with a smirk.
"Why're you here? You're working here?" She said in disbelief. She didn't know Malfoys work. But here he was, standing in front of her in his uniform, holding a tray with a cake and a coffee.
"Good afternoon to you too, Granger," he replied, frowning.
"Since when do you work?" She demanded.
"As much as I'd love to chit-chat, I have work to do." He rolled his eyes, and off he went.
Bewildered, she gaped at the sight of his departure and her mind was blank… Malfoys and work – just couldn't mix. She watched him serving cake to a fat, old lady, gave a coffee to an important-looking man in a suit, kept his tray under his arm and went behind the counter to make another coffee.
It was simply overwhelming to see a Malfoy work so diligently. She watched in fascination as he took orders from another staff and took a piece of blueberry cheesecake from the kitchen and placed it in a plate. Carefully, he served it to a girl near Hermione's table.
Seizing the chance, she snapped his fingers at him.
"Waiter," she chirped. "Waiiiiter!" Boy, was she having fun. It has been a long time since she has had any fun.
He turned to her with a silent but murderous glare. She gave him a cheerful grin.
"Yes, miss?" He said through clenched teeth.
"I'd like…" she quickly picked up and flipped through the small menu lying on the table. "Um, I have no idea, what do you recommend?"
"Uh… A muffin?"
"Oh, okay." She shrugged.
"What flavour?" He asked, pulling out a small notebook from his pocket.
"Uh, chocolate."
"Got it," he scribbled in his notebook with the pen attached to it.
"So, why did you work here?" But he turned and walked away swiftly before she could finish.
"Jerk," she muttered under her breath, and returned to her book.
He arrived with her chocolate chip muffin five minutes later.
"Here you go, Granger," He said emotionlessly, and put the plate on her table.
"Malfoy!" she grabbed the hem of his shirt before he could escape again.
"Granger, I'm working!" He hissed angrily.
"A girl can be curious!"
He pulled his shirt and loosened her grip. Giving her a glare, he stormed away.
"Oh, waiter!" She called loudly. "I want to order!"
He turned around with an expression so dark she was reminded of the past wizard war.
"At your service, Granger, name what you want." He scowled.
"I want to know why you're working here," she said very fast.
"No clue, have you?" He smirked.
"Just tell me already!"
"Sorry, I'm working."
"What time would you be off the clock?" She asked.
"Eat your muffin, Granger" he muttered, and stormed away without a backward glance.
A/N: Please let me know what you're thinking by leaving your review down there. Muffins on me!
