Chapter 2
Goodness! What was she going to wear!
Draco Malfoy was used to the finer things in life; she was certain she wouldn't have an outfit for anything he might be planning. She wished she at least knew where they would be going. What if they ended at a nice restaurant or opera? Certainly jeans were out of the question!
Hermione wished her life-long friend and fashionista, Ginny, was here. She would know what Hermione should wear. Maybe she would even lend her something from her expansive wardrobe. Hermione looked through her meager closet that wasn't even half full. There were skirts at one end and blouses at the other with a few sundresses and hoodies in between, but no matter how many times she looked at them all, they never seemed appropriate. She dashed to the small wooden wardrobe by her vanity. There were mostly jeans and tee shirts and her under garments in there.
Oh! It really was hopeless, she thought as she threw another piece of garment aside. She felt her eyes tear up. Draco Malfoy was the date of a lifetime and she wouldn't even go because she had nothing to wear. A sob almost escaped her lips before she mentally slapped herself out of it. Who was she kidding? Her sensible part told her they were worlds apart and would never amount to anything, but a small hidden part of her dared to dream.
She decided she would just go take a shower to relieve some stress before deciding. Her mind was always thinking, however, so she was mentally filing through all the clothing she owned as she got into the shower. The water streamed down her back and she relaxed. Her safest option, she realized, was to wear something dark, as darker colors blended in more smoothly, just in case she wasn't adequately dressed for whatever Draco Malfoy had in store for them.
When she went back into her bedroom she looked into her closet again and decided on a simple top and skirt affair that would just have to do. She would pair black tights with them to pull the outfit together. It was warm in the evenings but closer to nighttime it would start to get chilly. Hermione took the jade knit cardigan that belonged to her mum and decided this was a special enough night for it. She buttoned it up because her top's neckline hung a little lower than she was comfortable with. Overall she liked what she had picked out on her own. She always thought the green color of her mum's cardigan brought out the golden flecks in her simple brown eyes.
Now, looking into the mirror, she just had to do something about her mass of long curly hair…
...
The air in the little black car was thick with tension. Hermione looked over to him, his face in profile. He looked amazing; simply dressed like her, but his clothing hinted at luxurious, designer labels. Here he was dressed in an outfit that probably cost more than a few months of her salary. Gods, she felt like she had dressed from the clearance rack at a Marks and Spencer's. He exuded such confidence that she was painfully aware she could never have. Sensing her gaze, he turned to look at her and gave her a heart melting crooked smile. He seemed the perfect picture of ease and she wished she could be just as sophisticated.
He brought his arm up around her to bring her closer and she felt her heart race at his touch. Goodness, he really does smell wonderful.
Now, Hermione had never been in love before. Ever studious, she thought it more prudent to finish her school work than belong to the party scene. That was not to mean that she hadn't had her share of late night parties here and there, but Hermione was a smart girl and she made sure to always end up in her own bed and not end up doing anything she might regret. Sure sometimes people told her to lighten up. Quite frankly she used to hear it often. Walk on the wild side! people would say. Her life might of been considered tame beyond all but she was comfortable with it, and preferred to be safe rather than sorry, and that was that.
"You know," she said, taking his arm from around her. "you're supposed to drive with both hands."
"Ahhh…I didn't know." He gave her a small wink.
They came to a stop light and after a few moments silence he exclaimed, "Damn!" He slapped his hand over the steering wheel rather dramatically. Hermione jumped at the sudden outburst and asked what was wrong. "I'm sorry," he replied. "It's just that I just remembered that I left these important documents that I need for work tomorrow."
Hermione could think of nothing else to say other than, "oh." She thought he meant to cancel their 'date' and was growing forlorn by the second.
"I'm sorry this took a turn this way, but would you hate me if I make a quick stop to pick them up before we get going?"
Her heart soared because he wasn't canceling! And how could she say no when he was smiling to her in such a way. "Of course not."
They drove for another twenty minutes making idle chat, mostly on his end; Hermione didn't get out at night too often so she mostly admired the beauty of the city and it's tall, lit buildings.
They must have arrived to their destination because she noticed he was moving into a parking garage. He slid his car into a numbered parking spot near an elevator and got out. Hermione didn't know whether he wanted her to follow him so she stayed put. Her question was answered a few seconds later when he opened her door looking at her expectantly.
He took her hand and led her the whole time. Her hands were warm, but she hoped they didn't feel sweaty.
When the elevator opened she realized this place, whatever it might be, was rather posh, like the rest of him was. They arrived to a plain but sleek door with a number on it. She was starting to realize that these might be private apartments.
He let go of her hand and fished for keys in his pocket. He smiled at her in a rather mischievous way and motioned for her to walk in. It was dark but he turned the lights on rather dimly when he shut the door.
"As you can see, I still need to buy some furniture, but you're welcome to take a seat," he said softly, taking her light jacket.
"Where!" She could have kicked herself for the little squeak but looking around she couldn't see anywhere she could sit, save the big king size bed in the middle. The walls were a tasteful color, but there was nothing in the room but the large, plushy bed and a spa hot tub in an elevated platform in the corner.
He moved over to a small counter attached to the wall and started to pour drinks. "Right there," he pointed to the bed. "It's alright, don't be shy." Again he winked at her. And suddenly it was all dawning on her. "You know I usually use this place to think and meditate when things at work or home get too hectic…"
"Draco, where are the documents you said you needed?"
"Excuse me? …Oh, that. Don't you worry your pretty little head about that." He winked again, making her feel like she wasn't totally grasping an inside joke.
Her heart started pounding all over again when he neared with two drinks in hand. He was so close she could smell his wonderful scent; it was making her head spin and she couldn't think straight. "Umm…it's a little dark in here, don't you think?" He gave a light chuckle but moved to turn the lights up another notch.
Hermione liked Draco, his easy manner and seemingly effortless charisma, but she knew she wasn't prepared to be in this situation with him or any other man, for that matter. Just as she was trying to think up a way to make her leave he came up behind her and put his arms around her, essentially trapping her.
"Better?" he asked in her ear.
She was breathing fast and couldn't think of anything to say. "What about your work documents?"
He gave that same light chuckle again, and to make her feel better, he pressed a little button and suddenly soft music started playing. Hermione didn't even see speakers anywhere.
"Look, why don't we drop this whole thing." He stood in front of her again, offering her one of the two small glasses of amber liquid. She didn't take it. He smiled that crooked little grin and a lock of blonde hair strayed forward making him look so handsome. He realized she wasn't going to take it so he quickly downed both glasses and let them drop to the thick, soft carpet.
"We are two young individuals and we're allowed to have fun," he winked. Hermione was now positive she wasn't liking where this was going. He put his arms around her again. "We both know perfectly well why we're here. I like you Hermione." He moved in for a kiss and although her brain was telling her to stop and go home, she still accepted his kiss willingly. "See, I knew you liked me, too. Don't be afraid, Hermione. There is no reason why we can't do this if we're both willing." Her body was trying to tell her brain that everything he was saying was true. They could just go for it. She could forget everything. Everything her mum told her as a child. Being a single parent she engraved in Hermione that she should wait for the right man, that all others would just use her and cast her aside as soon as they were done. She meant well, Hermione knew, and the story got old quick, but her mother told her over and over she didn't want history to repeat itself.
She didn't realize he was moving them to the bed until her back hit the soft comforter. Draco started kissing her neck and touching down her side. His hand felt warm and large on her hip when it met the skin there, under her shirt. It felt wonderful and Hermione knew she wanted him like she had never wanted any other man in her life.
"You've been driving me absolutely crazy, you know. You have no idea how much I wanted to kiss this lovely mouth…" He was half on her and she suddenly felt his growing desire. Her eyes popped open and she escaped from underneath him.
"No, Draco!"
If she wasn't so angry his look of utter shock would have been comical. "What? What's wrong?"
"Who do you think you are, Draco Malfoy! Did you think I was an idiot for swallowing the whole 'document' story?" He got off the bed and stared at her as if she was insane. "I know exactly why I'm here. I'm sure you bring them all here!" He tried to deny it but she didn't let him get a word in. "Don't worry, I'm sure they all come willingly too, and you probably don't even need to lie to them! Well I'm not interested in being one of them and I don't want to be one either-!"
"Why? What's so wrong with it?" He really didn't see anything wrong with having fun with other women if they were all in it for a good time.
Hermione went off again as if she hadn't heard him. "'No time to buy furniture' you said; well of course not! You don't really need anything other than the large bed, do you? I know what this is, I'm not stupid, Draco. I know this is a bachelor's apartment!"
"Yeah, so?" he said, as if not seeing anything wrong with it.
"Somehow I don't think you do much 'thinking and meditating' here," she sneered.
"Hermione, I honestly don't see why you're getting so upset here." He almost wanted to laugh, but decided to force it back down.
"Draco, if you only knew." There was pity towards him in her eyes. "Draco, you don't know anything about me. You aren't interested in who I am as a person. You don't understand the complexity of my life. All you want is to have a good time, and you don't realize that I'm not a girl you can just use that way!"
Hermione picked up her purse from the ground and walked towards the door.
"Let me drive you home, at least."
"No! Thank you!" she screeched dramatically. "Goodbye! Adios! Sayonara!"
And just like that she left, her hair swinging away in the air behind her, practically running away from an astounded Draco Malfoy. He was dumbstruck, for no other woman had ever done that to him.
….
Hermione wasn't even aware of how she made it home, but she took the her keys and opened the dingy door to her apartment. She was tired and embarrassed and just wanted to sink into her covers.
"Oh! You're back? I thought you'd be out much longer, 'Mione."
"Umm…Well, things didn't really go as planned, Gin." She walked into the small living room, shoulders hunched.
"Do you want to talk about it? I have a few minutes before I need to leave…" Ginny said, taking a seat and looking at her watch, which Hermione realized was new. She took an actual long look at the redhead and realized that once again tonight she was all dolled up. This time in a silver little dress that looked like it was of expensive design. Ginny crossed her legs and Hermione noticed her wearing tall, killer heels that made her slightly jealous of Ginny's grace and beauty. Which were much more up Draco Malfoy's alley. Yep. She definitely was an utter disaster in comparison to the lovely redhead, and the women he was used to, she was sure.
She smiled sadly at her friend. "Thanks but it's alright, Ginny, really…I just plan on going to bed. I'll tell you all about the disastrous evening tomorrow, okay?"
"Well, if that's what you want, then okay." Ginny smiled and gave Hermione a hug. "I'm heading out now," she said with one final glance at her watch. She started walking towards the door before Hermione stopped her.
"Gin?"
"Yes?" Ginny's beautiful long red hair was in waves tonight and as she turned it all shook gracefully about her, like a halo of fire.
"You look lovely." Hermione smiled softly. "So please be careful and take care of yourself," she implored.
"Don't worry, 'Mione, I always do." She smiled reassuringly. "I know what I'm doing."
Hermione felt a little sad and alone in the empty apartment after Ginny left. She changed and a small tear escaped as she hung her mother's lovely cardigan back inside the closet. Oh well, she thought to herself, I'm a big girl. She wiped at her tear with the back of her hand and went about her night routine mechanically. As she slipped under the covers she hoped tomorrow would be a better day.
One thing was certain, although she really liked him and thought him handsome, she never wanted to see Draco Malfoy again because men like him were everywhere and he was something she didn't need in her life. She just hoped it would get easier to get him out of her head and heart.
…..
When Draco arrived home his Mother and Aunt Bellatrix were sitting in the family room. As he neared he realized that Pansy Parkinson was also there, chatting away with his mom and aunt.
"Pansy!" The surprise and tone of his voice was almost insulting, but Pansy didn't notice or decided to ignore it.
"Hello, dear Draco! Yes, it's me. Just talking to two of my favorite ladies this evening," she simpered. Although Pansy was beautiful with her short dark bob and aristocratic facial features, Draco knew she was back on the prowl for him, but he really did just consider her a friend and nothing else. It looked like he was going to have to make himself more clear on the friend part. He frowned. Of course, that didn't mean he wasn't up for a little fun as long as she was clear about where they stood.
He gave his mum and aunt a kiss on the cheek in greeting.
"It's a little late, don't you think Pans?"
"Nonsense! It's not even yet nine."
"Draco, where have you been hiding this evening, dear?" Narcissa asked.
"Oh, just having a little fun, but it soured pretty quick," he shrugged dismissively.
"Well, darling, the night is still young. How about we go out to the club?" Pansy stood and took his arm. Draco took a look at her black tank top, cardigan, and short burgundy skirt, and thought this might of been her plan all along.
"What a wonderful idea, Pansy!" Exclaimed Bellatrix.
His mother smiled at him. "Why don't you go, Draco. It is Friday night after all."
Oh, well. After the strange night, he could use a distraction.
"Allllright. Why not."
Pansy beamed and wrapped her arm in his, leading them both out.
…
"I see everyone just has the need to come and greet you." Pansy's face was set in a pout.
Draco picked up his small glass and took half of his shot. The pair sat on high stools at one of the tiny, circular tables. The music was loud and modern, it was slightly dark but not terribly so, for there were many bright colored lights by the dance floor. It looked every bit like a regular nightclub would look in a large city meant for the rich, younger crowd.
"I can't help it if I have a lot of friends! I'm very…friendly." Draco lifted his eyebrows and smiled the way he knew would charm the pants off any woman.
"Girl friends. Seems like it's every slut in town. Even the Patil twins. And not a single one of them has said anything to me! You'd think they'd be the ones talking to me after I just got back from holiday!" Draco laughed. Yeah, from holiday. She huffed and crossed her arms. Draco was starting to wonder what it ever was about Pansy. She seemed a little childish right about now. "Don't you ever get tired of it?"
"What?" He downed his second glass.
"Them!"
"Ha! Never. My dear Pansy, it's good to experiment from time to time." Pansy looked like she swallowed something sour. He laughed at her expression and took the shot in front of her, too. "I've run across some very interesting things, I might have you know." He touched her nose playfully. He really was impossible! Here she was trying to charm him back into her arms, but she couldn't do that with every other girl in town trying to charm their way into his damn pants! "Come now, Pansy!" He really was right onto his way to getting sloshed. "I could show you some of the things I've learned." He wiggled his eyebrows and winked at her.
"Oh, let's just go dance, Draco!" Maybe if she reminded him of how well she was at dancing and rubbing herself on him, he might think differently and remember how happy he was with her.
…..
"So, what's my name now?" Draco asked a little glumly.
"Pardon?" Blaise looked over at his friend standing by his desk.
"Yep, give me whatever name your little heart desires….I told you Friday morning that Hermione Granger would fall for me completely or my name is not Draco Malfoy."
"No…way. Has the mighty fallen?" Blaise snickered, watching as Draco flopped onto his chair.
"It was an utter fail, mate. I don't understand! I took her to my apartment, sweet talked her, everything was going great! We kissed, kissed a little more, and suddenly she runs out on me!"
"I told you!"
"No way, Blaise. All women are the same! I just chose the wrong technique. I know! I'll take her the the most expensive restaurant in town, give her some shiny trinket and I bet she falls this time!" He was incorrigible.
Blaise shook his head and went back to work.
….
Come Monday Hermione went about her morning swiftly, decidedly putting Draco Malfoy as far out of her mind as possible. She arrived at the Malfoy Mansion at her scheduled time and was greeted by Emma, whom Hermione knew was a sweet older woman. She followed Emma into the sitting room making pleasantries.
"Have a seat Miss Granger." Hermione smiled her thanks and sat with her back straight on one of the fluffy loveseats. She crossed her legs at her ankles as if she was trying to hide her simple, small black heels.
Just like every other part of their home, the Malfoys kept this particular room just as lavish and exquisite, decorated in golden tones and beiges and the most comfortable and soft couches she had ever sat on. Hermione wondered what it must have been like to grow up this way.
"I'm afraid little Arabella isn't feeling too well today," Emma said with a frown.
"Oh no! I hope she's alright." Hermione chewed her lip.
"I think she's fine, just a little under the weather. I'm going to go see if she's up to having her lessons today." Hermione nodded her head, hoping Arabella wasn't too sick. She was still being payed for the lesson whether her student took it or not, but regardless she hoped she wasn't getting payed in vain. Even more importantly she really hoped Arabella's health wasn't declining again. This is why Hermione was brought here in the first place. Little Arabella had fallen very ill at the end of her last school year and needed to catch up quite a bit as to not repeat the same year for a second time. Hermione Granger was recommended as a top tutor by Arabella's private school and Narcissa Malfoy hired her immediately.
She opened a binder and was looking through her lesson plan for the day. Draco Malfoy was walking silently towards a grand staircase when he saw her. Her back was to him and she hadn't seen him yet. Draco noticed how she ran her thin, pale fingers through her soft hair, tossing it to one side, trying to get it out of her eyes. Their was a little, black watch on her small wrist. He wondered whether now would be the time to catch her or if he should wait until she was done with his sister's lesson.
He really was too anxious to wait until after. Especially with what he had planned. With a naughty little lopsided grin, he went to her. She was startled and dropped a sheet. He looked into her eyes intently and, silently, he took out a beautiful, small black box, opened it and presented it to her. His smile, just like always, made her knees weak. When her mind processed what it was that he was showing her, she stood quickly.
"What is this?" she asked, not taking the box.
"This is for you. Go on, take it." He smiled, not a care in the world. She didn't move. His grin dropped, but it was there again a second later. There was as ring in the box, which he took out when it was clear she wasn't going to. He tossed the box onto a coffee table next to them and placed the ring on her middle finger. "This is a gift, let's say its a pendant of virtue, picked out, with you in mind. Do you like it?" He said with his careless smile in place.
Hermione looked at the ring on her hand; it was a thin silver band with what appeared to be a pearly stone in the middle. "I like it, I think it's beautiful." He didn't seem to notice her monotonous tone that didn't sound at all cheerful. She picked up the box he had so carelessly tossed aside, took the ring off, placed it back in between the cushions of the box and handed it back to him. He took it with a confused look on his face.
"What are you doing?"
"Nothing. I'm giving it back to you." She looked at him evenly.
"It's just a small gift. Don't you like it? I thought you said you did-"
"Really Draco Malfoy? A beautiful piece of jewelry? After last Friday night?" She looked positively disappointed and angry. He couldn't have made her feel more cheap if he tried. "What were you thinking.." There was a hateful glare in her eyes.
"But, Hermione…I'm sorry if-" She let out an air of disgust, moved around him to pick up her things and walked out, deciding to wait to see what the verdict was on Arabella elsewhere.
Again, he was left dumbfounded. What was it with this woman!
….
Draco found Hermione out in the sunroom. She stood with her back to him next to the open double doors. It really was a nice day out. She wore a fitted pale pink sundress with a high empire waist and a short sleeved cotton cardigan.
"It seems as though I keep failing." He might have been thinking aloud, it sounded like it to Hermione.
She turned around immediately. "Maybe it's because you're going about it wrong," she said softly, not meeting his gaze.
"I think you might be onto something." He spoke just as quietly as she. "Maybe we could go out again and settle it differently." His hands were deep in his grey flannel trousers as he neared her; the blue sleeve ends of his nice oxford touched his pockets. She finally looked up at him. "Maybe exchange ideas and thoughts about what I could do. We could go anywhere."
"No." Her tone was back to normal. "I don't think so. Not again." She seemed set, but Draco knew he was good at changing minds.
He also realized she was right, indeed. He was going about this wrong, so he hastened to add, "No, I don't mean we'll go there again," he meant his studio apartment, but he didn't want to specify, and Hermione understood anyway. "How about dinner in a nice restaurant? And after we can go dancing or anywhere you would like, really." He was back to smiling again. He really did have a nice smile. Hermione bit her lip and it made his grey eyes flicker to them. He would have given up on the first fail after going out for someone of lower class like her. But there was just something about her. So different. Besides, he enjoyed a little challenge now and again.
"No, I'm sorry Draco Malfoy. I'm sorry, I cannot, I have to go home after. I have plenty to do."
He really didn't like it when she said his whole name. It sounded like a curse word when she spoke it like that. He ignored it for now though. "Come on, Hermione, we'll have fun! A couple of hours of your day isn't much, now is it?"
Just then Emma came into the room and Draco moved a few steps away from Hermione.
"I'm sorry, Miss Granger, but Arabella isn't up for her lessons today; she has a bit of a headache, you see. I apologize that you came in vain."
Hermione chewed her lip and frowned. "It's not a problem, really. Please tell her I send her a hug and I hope she gets better again soon."
"Of course I will," she said to the kind young woman. She smiled. "Now I'm sorry I can't see you out, but I'm going to make Ari some freshly squeezed orange juice to see if it might help."
"Of course." Hermione nodded, still worrying her bottom lip. She really did hope the little girl got better.
"See! Perfect! The hours you were going to spend on the lesson can be the time for our date!" He truly seemed pleased. "If you have plenty to do, you wont be losing time this way." He seemed jubilant at his deduction.
"No. I'm sorry, Draco Malfoy, I can't just go on about and waste time the way you can. I have to work. Goodbye."
What the hell! Draco Malfoy wanted to take a dive head first into the pool beyond the sunroom. This woman was an utter enigma and he didn't know what to do about her.
…
"See these? I like these. We're going for clashes of bright colors and patterns. Really bring out the contrast. These are more natural." Blaise lifted a silver sleeve of his button down and unconsciously smoothed his suit vest as he picked up a thick binder that was resting at the corner of Draco's desk. "And these models, no, they will never do. It doesn't flow. Call a reshoot for this one, Margot." Blaise was going through the photos of the recent photo shoots for the collections due for next season. "I know, tell them to give the models a short bob like yours. Blonde or softer brown to go with the season. Make them look more classy. This one is particularly crass." Blaise wrinkled his nose. "This isn't a men's magazine," he mumbled more to himself.
"Blaise, you're being too demanding. This will set us back. You're looking for perfection in these women and it simply isn't realistic," his assistant Margot said, worried that a reshoot will put them behind schedule further than Blaise's perfectionist tendencies already had. At the look on his face face, she sighed and told him she would do as he asked before exiting in defeat.
"You know it's a good thing you're marrying my sweet little cousin Astoria, Blaise."
Blaise smiled. "I'm so in love with her it's pathetic. She's pure perfection." Draco noted his smile and far away look. Draco loved his little cousin very much and as much as he hated the idea of marriage, he decided that if anyone was going to marry her he was very glad it was his best friend.
"Maybe you should get her to model, since all the other girls are so inefficient and 'crass'." Draco laughed.
Blaise moved to lean on his desk. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up…Now tell me what's wrong, Draco? You've been particularly absent headed today. This is practically the first time you've spoken all day-"
Just then the phone on Draco's desk rang. He picked it up and his secretary told him his father had requested him.
Draco sighed. "It's been a complete fail so far, of which I will tell you later. Father wants to see me." Draco shrugged his shoulders and left.
Blaise's eyebrows knitted together. He truly wondered about this Granger girl…
….
Knock, knock.
"Come on in, son." Lucius' eyes didn't waver from the papers in front of him.
"Hello, Father." Draco walked in, leaving the door ajar.
"I like what you did with the plan. The numbers look excellent. I'm very glad I have you as leader of the department, but you'd be an even better entrepreneur if you didn't spend so much time going after every woman you see."
Draco laughed. "Come now, father. I'm young. It's my favorite past time." Lucius chuckled at his son's antics.
"I don't see where you get that from. I was never like that at your age-"
"At my age you were already happily married to my mum, remember father," Draco gave a sly grin. "Quite frankly, I don't see how you did that." Draco stood. "By the way, here, do you have anyone you want to give this ring to? It was just a trinket for someone, but it didn't go down well so I've no need for it."
"Of course I have someone to give it to; your mother." Lucius smiled and took the box his son handed him.
Although Draco was very different to his father, he still loved that his parents were so in love. It was one of the reasons why Draco was almost always so happy and carefree. He had all the money he could ever need, his family was very loving and together, and he was very good looking if you asked him. What else could he ever need? What on earth could every turn his life upside down? Nothing, if you asked him.
Blaise came in a moment later, absorbed in the booklet of models that he might deem worthy of the next photo shoot. It seemed he had just wandered in here for no apparent reason.
"I'm going to have Margot schedule some of these models for casting. What do you think of this redhead and blonde here?" Blaise held out the booklet and placed it on the desk between Lucius and Draco.
Lucius didn't look up from the papers he was signing, but said, "I trust you to pick whichever girls you like best, Blaise. You're very good with our advertising."
Draco glanced at them but didn't really care for it either. "Don't look at me. You're the one with the artistic eye, Blaise. I agree with father. Pick whatever you think will work."
"Hmm," he agreed, walking out of the office. "Yes, I really think this redhead will do…"
…..
