A/N: I have to say a huge thank you to those who have taken the time to read, review, favorite and follow. I just noticed there was a jump in followers of this story so I had to post a new chapter. I'm so honored that you have chosen to keep up with my story. So, Thank you, thank you!
Disclaimer: My initials are DAS not JKR...
The sunlight spilled into Hermione's room early the next morning, shining beams of light across her face and duvet clad body. Her room is an eclectic mix of books, pieces of antique furniture, some repurposed items and some homemade experiments that didn't go completely to shit. The white walls reflected an amber glow from the sunlight as did the nest of comfy whites pillows and goose down comforter. She sat up and stretched her arms over her head letting out a loud yawn. Her sleep was not as rested, her dreams were troubled but not exactly nightmares.
Looking at the time she realized that she better get her ass in gear if she was to have brunch ready for Draco.
Man, he looked good ... and sounded good ... and smelled AMAZING! ...Manly, fresh and clean with a hint pastrami. She reminisced as she inhaled her aroma from her day old sweater. After that hug last night she wanted to sleep with the memory of his embrace. It really was good to see him... He'd changed so much from when they first met, who would have thought that they would actually be... friends. He was a prat, for sure, when they were younger but by fifth and sixth year she saw the changes. Only after helping Harry and no longer influenced by his family did she really see him give up the old ideas of blood prejudices he'd grown up with. During their last year at Hogwarts they spent a great deal of time together ... they grew close... but...
The halls were not as filled with students as it was in past years. Everyone was still recovering both physically and emotionally from the war. Only time could heal most of the wounds but others would take a lifetime to adjust to. After being made Head Girl by McGonagall, Hermione enjoyed the privilege of having her own private dorm room. Trying to adjust to school life without Harry and Ron wasn't easy. A number of her friends returned so she was not completely alone but there were times that she needed her best friends.
She was in her favorite spot in the library. The sun beaming through the window casting a halo on her as she sat lost in the pages of her book, subconsciously biting her lower lip. She didn't notice Draco standing before her. He was watching her, as he sometimes would without her knowledge. Capturing her features to memory. He was building up the courage to speak when Hermione quickly snapped her head up to look at him. He hastily tried to divert his eyes and walk away but her voice stopped him.
"Is there something you wanted Malfoy." Her tone short.
"As if Granger." He replied.
"Obviously it's something since you were standing there watching me." He tone unchanging.
"I was not "watching" you..." He was cut short.
"Then why were you staring at me?" She questioned a harshness in her voice.
He let out an audible sigh. "I was hoping I could speak with you, but if you're going to get bitchy then just forget it." He snapped.
Shooting him a dirty look. Slamming her book closed while hopping to her feet, she marched over to him with a scowl on her face, her nose crinkled. Heat emanating from her cheeks as she huffed right up to him inches from his face. His eyes intensely focused on her.
"You snide asshole, how dare you speak to me like that, tell me why the hell you're staring at me..." She began her rant but was stopped short.
"I'm sorry... okay." He said in a hushed tone.
She blinked as if his apology was a hallucination.
"I wanted to apologize to you, not for interrupting your reading. I wanted to apologize for everything... for ALL OF IT." He said keeping his voice low so only she could hear him. His eyes softened but still locked on to hers, slowly loosing himself in the reflection. She looked back at him, the fire that was radiating from her eyes cooled. She slowly relaxed her brows but paused. Waiting to see if he would take back the comment and make her the butt of one his cruel jokes. However, nothing followed. No snort or retort, he didn't even blink. Her face was overtaking by a look of confusion as she spoke.
"What did you say to me?"
Letting out a deep sigh and relaxing his body, her took a step closer to her, repeating. "Hermione, I'm sorry, more than you know, more than I can say. I treated you horribly, disgusting really. I wanted to apologize. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness. I doubt you ever could after all I've done... after EVERYTHING I've done. But I had to let you know that... I'm sorry!"
She felt her cheeks flush, and her body relaxed as he spoke. All she could do was nod her head at him affirming that she heard his words but she was so lost for words of her own. Draco "bloody little prat" Malfoy just apologized and she had not a singular word to say. She took a step back, as he retreated back as well. Their eyes were still locked as he cleared his throat, she blinked as he spoke.
"Right, that was what I had to say. Good day Granger." He spun on his heels and exited the library. She stood there like a statue trying to process what had happened. Luna bounced besides her standing as still as she was.
"What are we looking at." Luna chimed.
Hermione blinking and shaking her head to snap out of her Draco apology head-fuck daze. She caught herself.
"Luna, what are you doing here?" She queried.
"Did Draco make his speech? He was practicing it for a whole week. I hope he was able to get his point across." She responded lightly.
"Speech? What speech? Luna what are you talking about?" Hermione trying to keep her annoyance in check.
"Apparently he's been working on an important speech to say he's sorry. I heard him practicing it again an hour ago. It sounded great the first five times, but I think the sixth version was the best, but number fifteen was not bad. Hopefully, he went with number forty... that one made me cry." Luna explained in a roundabout way.
"Did he say who he was going to give this speech to?" Hermione asked.
"To you of course." Luna said mater-of-fact. "Don't forget we're going to Hogsmeade Saturday, hopefully the nargles will behave. Bye Hermione." With that Luna bounce away as Hermione stood there just as still as when Luna found her.
'Head-fuck' was all she could think.
The sun was bright and warm with that tickling nip in the breeze. Autumn in New York can be like a delightful dream... sure it was the city but the rich colors of the changing leaves, the sound of them rustling in the wind filled the air with anticipation of winter and the memory of summer. The world slowing itself down to hibernate for the coming season. They say Spring is the season of life but Autumn is the season of glory. Autumn can be like a fairy tale if you just take a moment to still the mind and enjoy the view.
Hermione made her way to pick up her surprise for Draco. She called in a favor the night before, entering the popular bakery she was greeted warmly by the staff.
"This must be for someone pretty special for you to call in a favor." The server said with a coy smile.
"They are for an old school chum, He's in town for a short time from Paris, so I'm making a 'welcome to the city' brunch." She said hoping to sound like it was no big deal but her smile betrayed whatever facade she was trying to show.
"School chum. More like lucky dog." He shook his head a bit handing her the box of delectable treats.
Hermione just rolled her eyes and flashed him another smile as she thanked him.
On her way back to her house she made a stop at the local farmers market for some last minute produce. She had an absent minded smile on her face as she pick and chose only the best looking vegetables for her brunch table. She paid for her items and headed back to her apartment. Her steps were light as if floating on air, the goofy smile still embedded on her face.
Hopping up the stairs, entering the apartment, heading to the kitchen, prepping herself and her ingredients she began to cook. Spinning and twirling, a pinch of this, a dash of that. The aroma intoxicating and filling her home... she was starving... hopefully he was too. She had just taking the bacon out of the oven when the speaker to the door buzzed, placing it down carefully so as not to burn herself, she skipped to the speaker. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she held the button to answer.
"Who is it?" She asked.
"How many people did you invite." He responded sarcastically.
"A girl can't be too careful." She answered just as she hit the button to open the door.
A minute later he tapped the door to her apartment. Smoothing her hands over herself one last time before opening the door. She wore a purple scoop neck, long sleeve shirt with skinny black jeans, and a simple silver necklace. She greeted him with a bright smile.
"Welcome to casa de Granger." She said with a giggle.
He gave her a smirk, handing her a bunch of flowers, replying. "Did you think it was the big bad wolf at your door?" A devilish glint in his eyes. Draco had on a long sleeve dark grey shirt with dark denim jeans. His hair looked like he lazily ran his finger through it foregoing any hair product.
She chuckled, taking the flowers, creamy white Hydrangeas. She held them to her nose inhaling their scent, stepping aside so he could enter her home. It was as he anticipated eclectic, an entire wall dedicated to books, a comfy couch neutral in color with an assortment of pillows in sea glass colors, in the corner by the bookshelf was an equally comfy chair cornered by a reading light. A bold patterned rug lay over the natural colored hard wood floors and on that was a chunky coffee table in dark colored wood. Two large windows that looked over the street below and letting in an abundance of sunlight. Simple thin white curtains framed the window and popped against the sea foam colored walls anchored by bright white crown molding. There were a few pictures of some familiar faces, Harry and Ginny on their wedding day. One of the "golden trio" during first year. Another of her parents. His eyes glanced over to the simple dining area with two place settings and two cups of what he hoped was coffee.
"These are lovely, thank you, I'm going to put them in water. Make yourself at home." She said.
Walking further in to her home he was hit with the aroma of their meal.
"It smells amazing in here Granger, need help with anything?" He said after his eyes roamed around the home finally settling them on her.
"Sure." She said offering her hand. He took a hold of it and followed her in to the roomy kitchen.
"The plates are in the cupboard just there." She pointed behind him as she grabbed a glass vase from the other side of the room and went over next to him to fill it with water from the sink.
"Hydrangeas are my favorite." She said smiling and arranging them to perfection.
"I remember." he said placing the plates carefully on the counter and feeling a bit of a flush in his cheeks that he hoped she didn't notice.
Letting a blush come across her face. It faded quickly, she turned to ask him to put the flowers on the table in the dining area.
Dutifully, he did as he was told and went back into the kitchen.
"What else can I do?" He asked.
"Come, sit, close your eyes and open your mouth." She said in a staccato phrasing.
"Um... Granger? What do you have planned?" He hesitated at her request but moving to sit on the kitchen stool in front of her.
"Ok, now close your eyes and open your mouth." She said in a bubbly tone.
"You know if this conversation was reversed..." He teased as her open hand landed on his shoulder with a sting. "Ow! Bloody hell I'm just saying."
"Stop being dirty and do what I say!" She said excitedly.
"I see you like to dominate... I figured you would." He said with a chuckle as she landed the back of her hand on the same spot on his shoulder.
"Keep it up an I'm not going to give it to you..." She caught how her comment sounded and recovered with a "shut it!"
With some resistance, Draco did as she said, he closed his eyes and opened his mouth. She opened the box from the bakery and carefully place the pastry far enough in his mouth for him to bite.
"Bite!" She commanded.
As he bit down on the warm flaky, sweet, buttery, airy goodness, he slowly opened his eyes to see where that amazing taste and texture came from. Nodding his head in affirmation, a child like smile spread across his face.
"What is that?" He said still chewing forgetting his manners.
"That my friend is a Cronut!" She said to him with wide eyes as she licked the icing off her fingers. Then handing him the rest of the tasty pastry. Holding on to her wrist he brought her hand closer to take another bite.
"Chef Ansel, he's from France, he came up with the amazing combination of a French croissant and an American doughnut... genius right." She informed Draco.
"The man deserves a medal." He replied with his mouth full from his third bite.
"I bought you a half dozen to take home." She said smiling at him.
All he could do was nod yes and he stuffed the last bite in his mouth with a smile.
She turned to grab the plates and began attentively plating their meal, making sure that it looked as appetizing as it tasted. Draco moved to the doorway leaning on the frame as he studied her. She was moving in fluid movements, not the somewhat clumsy girl she was. It's only been eight years but she had a grace to her movements now.
"I hope you've brought an appetite ... apparently I've cooked for an army instead of two people." She said with a giggle, adding an extra strip of bacon to his plate, picking them up and heading to the doorway. Draco stepped aside to let her pass then following her to the dining area. She set the plates down as he pulled her chair out at the head of the table. Giving him a small wink she sat down adjusting her seat as he smoothly took the seat to her right. Was he always this bloody charming. She thought to herself. Watching him as elegantly handled his knife and fork, she paused for him to take the first bite, waiting for his reaction. Eyeing him as the fork full of food entered his mouth and came out clean he made an audible "Mmmm".
"Merlin, this is amazing." He said. "Where did you learn to cook like this? I never would have pegged you as the culinary type giving your history in Advanced Potions." He ended with a chuckle.
She cleared her throat and crinkled her nose at his back handed comment. "I learned a bit from some chef friends and Mrs. Weasley." She said with a small smile at the end.
"Salazar, if I married you I'd never fit out the door." He smirked. Catching her eyes to see the shock on her face. Recovering he said, "Relax Granger, it's not a proposal, besides I left the diamond ring at home."
"That's a relief, I'd hate to have to break your heart." She replied dryly.
Raising his eyes to meet hers again. They stared at each other for a second and both let out a boisterous laugh. Catching her breath between chuckles. They enjoyed their meal and witty conversation.
After brunch, Draco and Hermione cleared the table and were in the kitchen. Draco stuffing another Cronut in his mouth. Hermione chuckled at him and said. "Weren't you full like two seconds ago."
"There is always room for sweet". Draco said mouth half full and winked at her.
Hermione just smiled and said. "Well, I should get this mess cleaned up, if you want you can relax on the sofa, it won't take me too long."
"No, no let me do it. I'm sure your exhausted after all the cooking." he told her, walking away to the other room quickly, then reappearing with his wand. Eyeing the wand in his hand, Hermione let out a small gasp and insisted he didn't have to help. Her eyes had a brief look of fear that she hoped Draco didn't notice. Insisting, it was just a quick flick of the wrist. Hermione hesitantly went to wrap up the trash, making a quick excuse to bolt to the door, out of her apartment before Draco could cast his first spell. The minute he spoke the last word of the incantation, she felt the energy around her change and the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. She stood outside of her building trying to still her mind and slow her breathing to normal. Just as she was letting out a jagged breath, she felt the energy change again. Taking a few more minutes to calm her nerves she took a deep breath, put on a smile and walked back in to the building.
"Hey, that took you long." Draco said.
"Oh, sorry my neighbor and I were chatting." She quickly replied. Looking over her magically cleaned kitchen while walking over to the sink to wash her hands. "What would you like to do today?" She asked.
"Whatever you'd like." Draco said gliding closer to Hermione, locking eye with hers. "I'm all yours..." he said.
Hermione felt a heat flood her cheeks.
The Autumn sun seemed to flicker through the trees as Draco and Hermione strolled through the park after brunch. The sounds of the leaves crunching under their feet and muffled chatter of kids playing at the playground. Draco's hands in his pockets and Hermione's hand tucked between his forearm and torso. They walked in silence for a little while when Draco's voice broke the quiet.
"Did I mention that Blaise is married with a daughter?" He asked.
"No, that is nice to hear though, have you guys remained close all these years?" She asked.
"Indeed, he made me her Godfather! I was quite surprised but I love Arianna she's a brilliant little thing too." He beamed with pride as he filled Hermione in on the details of his experiences watching her grow and change.
"We have a date on Sunday afternoons, I read her stories." He said.
Surprised that "cool as a cucumber" Malfoy was enamored with entertaining his Goddaughter with weekly tales of fairies, Princesses, talking farm animals and happily ever after. She watched and listened to him intently as he swung around her pausing their stroll to tell Hermione all about the stories he shared with Arianna with overly animate gestures.
"She likes that I tell her the stories in the voices of the characters!" He told her wide eyed.
A look of confused amusement spread across her face. "You speak like the characters?" She asked quizzically.
"Sure!" He says clearing his throat. He proceeds to speak in a falsetto imitating the Three little pigs. Letting out a cough he changed his voice sound like an old lady to sound like the Evil Queen from Snow White. Hermione's eyed were wide with amazement and her mouth agape in awe. Who is the man she is talking too and what the hell happened to Draco Malfoy? She internalized.
Catching her eye, Draco stepping closer to her, he cleared his throat again. "And for the Big Bad Wolf." He let out a low growl and moving his head closer to her ear his voice low and husky.
"Little pig." Moving even closer to her ear.
"Little pig." Leaning even closer still.
Letting out another low rumble in the back of his throat. She could feel his warm breath on her ear and neck as he heavily let the air out from his mouth and dropping his voice even lower.
"Let me in... (growling) or I'll huff... and I'll puff ... and blow your house in." Ending with another low growl, rasping out the end of the statement. The sound and sensation of his low, animalistic voice in her ear, the closeness of their proximity, his intoxicating scent and the heat radiating from his breath on her skin, sent a shiver down Hermione's spine.
As the words left his mouth her eyes fluttered shut and she let out a jagged breath. Did he just make a line from a beloved children's story a double entendre. Damn that is smooth. She felt a heat over take her body as she just stood there. Draco leaned upright away from her and standing in front of her now said with a devilish grin. "Hey Granger, you ok?"
Flashing her eyes open she eyed left to right then on him. Her mouth still slightly open in wonder of his wolf impersonation. She slowly nodded 'yes'. Draco let out a wicked laugh and threw his arm around her shoulder coaxing her weakened legs to move forward. What the bloody hell just happened? Her thoughts racing. This is Draco... Dear Merlin... did he always have this much sex appeal? Her face felt warm again and she let him lead her down the path.
I'm going to need a copy of that story she thought.
A/N: So concludes chapter 2. Chapter 3 will be up on Tuesday! Reviews are welcomed!
