When a Muggle studies excursion goes wrong, Draco and Hermione spend some time alone.
Harry Potter is the property of J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. This work of fiction was created entirely for fun, not for profit, and no copyright infringement is intended.
"Oooof!"
Hermione hit the ground with a hard thump. She quickly looked around to get her bearings.
Beside her was Draco Malfoy. They were in a tube station.
She immediately knew something was wrong. The whole Muggle Studies class was supposed to be together on this field trip, but only she and Malfoy were here.
They got up and began talking at the same time.
"How-?"
"Where-?"
Hermione was able to answer his question. "We're in the Underground."
Draco looked around at all the Muggles. "At least I'm with you."
She stared at him.
"I mean since you're a Muggle-born."
That took Hermione aback. First, he seemed genuine in his statement about being glad he was with her, and second, he'd called her a Muggle-born with no rancor in his tone. "Are you being nice to me?" she asked skeptically.
Draco ignored the question. "Let's start on the assignment."
Before Disapparating from Hogwarts, Professor Burbage had given them the task of observing Muggles. Hermione was shocked by the ease of the assignment, but had agreed to go. Now, she and Malfoy discussed the scene in front of them with careful consideration.
Hermione found it easy to work with Draco, and was impressed at his thoughtful insights. He didn't say anything negative and he asked questions in a respectful way.
Once they had finished up, Hermione suggested finding an Apparition point and returning to Hogwarts. The pair rode the escalator out of the station. (Draco found it fascinating and asked to take an extra ride.)
When they arrived on the street, it was a beautiful day. They were outside a park where people were enjoying the sunshine and each other's company.
Hermione spotted an ice cream stand. "I brought money since I knew we'd be in Muggle London."
Since Draco had been so kind, she offered to buy them cones.
"Uh, sure," Draco said hesitantly.
After purchasing their items, Hermione and Draco sat on a nearby bench enjoying the ice cream in companionable silence. She was having a hard time believing that the boy sitting so calmly next to her was Draco. She'd always thought he was attractive, but his biting personality was more than enough for her to keep her distance.
"You know, I sometimes wish I could disappear into the Muggle world," Draco confided. He continued without looking at Hermione. "I wish I could escape my father and the Dark Lord." Draco finished his ice cream cone and put his elbows on his knees and held his head.
Hermione remained silent, not wanting to break their connection.
"I've always believed in the superiority of purebloods, but they are deliberately cruel. If we are so much better, why must we behave so harshly against others? And you…you're an amazingly talented witch even though you are Muggle-born. I know my mother is wavering about the things my father is doing. I want it all to disappear. I want to play Quidditch, and play pranks with Blaise, and only worry about my next essay. Instead, I'm questioning everything I've learned about the wizarding world, fearing for my safety, and knowing the worst is still to come. Please, I'm putting my trust in you to keep this secret."
He stood up and Hermione knew that he was finished revealing the thoughts that she knew he hadn't shared with anyone else.
"Thank you for listening."
They walked to the nearest Apparition spot. When they arrived, Draco grabbed Hermione's hand. He ducked down and kissed her hard.
Hermione felt Draco's repressed feelings. She pulled him in close.
They clung to each other for a few minutes until they silently agreed it was time to go back.
Crack!
The next day in Muggle Studies, Draco sat down next to Hermione.