8 months later….

Hermione bounded through the crowd, apologizing profusely as she bumped into countless people. Her hair was up in a messy bun, two pens crisscrossed through the back. Long wavy tendrils of hair were scattered around her face, framing her slim features. True to her nature, she clutched two enormous volumes within her arms, close to her chest. She had a worn, tan leather tote slung over her shoulder, carrying her trusty notebook and sketchpad. She was dressed in civvies, having been called last minute. She wore hip hugger faded blue jeans, and a cream cable-knit sweater with a funnel neck. Her feet were adorned with calf high slouchy booties, which resembled the same colour as her bag. She cursed herself for not thinking to bring a jacket along with her, but ignored the crisp wind as she kept moving. As she raced to the front, she rummaged through her tote, desperately searching for her clearance pass. Frustrated that she couldn't locate her lanyard, she briefly looked down, aiding her hands with sight. She continued to rush forward, slamming head on into a muscular figure.

The books she was holding dropped from her arms as she staggered backwards. A strong arm reached out, steadying her. This caused the person catching her to drop their gloves onto the ground.

"I'm so sorry." She apologized, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, "I should have been paying more attention."

She peered up, seeing the person she bumped into. Her breath was momentarily stolen from her. Standing before her, a hand still outstretched in her direction, was Draco Malfoy. At a first glance, he looked identical to the same boy from their 7th year at school, but the longer she gazed, the more she noticed his subtle differences. He'd filled out, no longer sickly thin. His bone structure was more defined and angular. There was a subtle 5 o'clock shadow along his jawline, a shade darker than the platinum locks atop his head. His hair hadn't changed all that much, the only differences were that it was no longer slicked back, and was much more styled to perfection. The fringe of his hair, fell forward into his face slightly, adding to his mysterious graphite coloured eyes. His clothes were still as pristine as before, pitch black slacks, a crisp white button down shirt, with the top button undone. He was wearing a long black fall pea coat over his shirt and a grey scarf loosely wrapped around his neck. His shoes were shined and reflected her prying eyes back at her. If she was being honest with herself, she was completely taken by his looks. He'd always been a good looking student while they were in school, but now he was more than just a student; he was a man.

"Oh..." she breathed.

She bent quickly, scrambling to gather her books. She reached out, her fingers catching against Malfoy's as he retrieved his gloves from the ground. A shock shot through her arm and she pulled it back quickly, straightening herself out. She hoped that he hadn't recognized her, having not looked directly at her yet.

"Watch where you're going, Granger." He looked down on her, his lips curving into his trademark smirk, the grey gloves he picked up, hanging loose in his grip.

Her heart palpitated as she heard her last name fall from his lips. She couldn't be sure whether it was out of fear for her childhood enemy or the jittery nervousness from his startling handsome looks.

She bit back her none too clever retort, trying for thinly veiled sarcasm instead, "Thank you Malfoy, I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

His smirk widened as he heard her remark. She turned to leave but was distracted by his sudden movement. His hand flicked out, one of her pens stark against his pale skin.

He reached forward, pushing the pen back through her hair, into her bun, "I think you're forgetting something."

She stared wide eyed at him, mouth agape. She was at a loss for words. Before she could respond, they both heard a soft feminine voice.

"Draco, dear?" the voice called.

Malfoy turned sideways, "Mother."

Hermione closed her mouth abruptly, having caught sight of the regal looking Mrs. Malfoy. She was briefly reminded of the good that this woman had done for her best friend Harry, during the war. Mrs. Malfoy walked up to stand next to her son. He held out his arm to her, letting her dainty arm curl around it as she stared at Hermione with a calculated look.

Malfoy cleared his throat, "Mother, you remember Hermione Granger? We went to Hogwarts together."

Mrs. Malfoy nodded, her lips lifting into a tiny grin, "Oh yes dear. She's the lovely young woman who bested you in all your classes."

Hermione choked out a cough, desperate to hide her laughter. She looked up at Mrs. Malfoy, whose eyes were twinkling with delight. Malfoy's calm demeanour shifted, showing his old rivalry towards Hermione.

Mrs. Malfoy tutted, seeing the change in her son, "Now, now Draco, you still were top of your class."

Hermione chose to diffuse the situation and greeted, "Mrs. Malfoy. It's a pleasure."

"You as well my dear, you as well." Mrs. Malfoy inclined her head. Before the pleasantries could become stale, Mrs. Malfoy turned to her son, "Draco, we should get going. I would like to see this magical phenomenon before it becomes too crowded."

Malfoy nodded, acknowledging his mother. Mrs. Malfoy gave Hermione a small wave goodbye, pivoted with grace and made her way for the front of the crowd.

Malfoy stood stiff. Hermione wondered what his problem was, and why was he still hanging around.

She piped up, "Well Malfoy… I better be going. It was, uhm… Nice to see you?"

She ended her farewell with a question because she wasn't sure what she was thinking at this moment in time. Malfoy gazed out at her, letting her words seep in.

He gave a curt nod, "Granger." And walked away, in the direction after his mother.

Hermione watched him leave for a moment, noticing that he still held himself to the highest degree, each step more confident than the last. She couldn't help but notice the lingering fragrance of him. He smelt of Christmas spices and citrus. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, letting his cologne linger around her another moment. When she realized what she was doing, her cheeks flared with heat and she shook her head. She put a stop to any unwelcome thoughts about Draco Malfoy before they could even begin. She tightened her hold on her books and turned in the direction of the Aurors. She needed to see Kingsley.