Lost

Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the Harry Potter universe. All is due to the wonderful J.K. Rowling.

Chapter Two

"Well, you're just better off anyway, he was always trouble, I told you that, you know," my mother said taking another sip from her tea.

I rolled her eyes as I too took a sip of my tea. It had been two weeks since the altercation with Ron and I had decided to finally tell my mum who was taking the news quite well.

"My sweet girl, I am sorry you are in such pain, but I feel this is for the best. Work is going so well for you and he wasn't doing much for himself-"

I cut her off, "Well, he was trying to get a job at the Ministry as well with Harry too." I realized I sounded defensive.

Why am I making excuses for him?

"Regardless, Hermione, this is better for you."

Her final sentence seemed to resonate with me for the remainder of the day after she left.

This is better for you.

She was right, right? He cheated on me. It was unacceptable, and she was right, he really was becoming a lazy bum with no drive, I knew that, but my heart still ached and wanted to love him, but wanted to hate him at the same time.

I finally crawled into my bed and stared at the empty space beside me, the pillow with the indent that used to be filled. I scanned the room. My room felt empty after sending away Ron's things. Even though a large dresser stood between two tall bookshelves filled with my readings and a desk where my laptop sat for work, it felt like something was missing.

I grunted as I tried to push Ron out of my mind I had done so well repairing myself after what had happened, but despite my efforts I drifted to sleep that night missing Ron.

The repetitive beeping of my alarm began at exactly 7:00 that next morning. I rolled over, shutting it off quickly, squinting my eyes as the sun found its way through the crack in my curtains. I hopped out of bed and dragged myself to the bathroom where I prepped myself for the day.

After a hot shower, I brushed my unruly hair and pinned it back, letting the rest feather down. I finally changed into a white blouse, a black pencil skirt, finishing off with wrapping my cloak around my neck.

I gathered my work for the night before and neatly placed it into my side bag, along with my wand. I pulled on my black heels and took a deep breath as I apparated myself to the Ministry.

I was welcomed to hundreds of others also following suit. Bustling, as they tried to find their way.

I glanced at my watch seeing I found myself 20 minutes early, but the Ministry was never quiet. I started for her level regardless. My level was, Level 4: Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. It didn't sound like much, but I was doing what I loved. I was helping magical creatures and protecting them. I ambled to the lift to take me up to my level.

I turned towards the attendee once I had reached the lift, "Level 1, please," I requested with a smile. I grabbed hold of the gold handle above me and waited patiently as the lift took off.

The lift halted to a sudden stop, I released the golden rope, began to step forward as the sing song voice started to speak.

"Level One: Minister of Magic and Support Staff."

I stopped dead in my tracks, looking around. Just as I started to look around, I saw a man approaching with the lightest blonde hair, dressed in a black uniform, accented in white, indicating he was an auror. The man was chatting with another man dressed identical to him, but with brown hair and circle framed glasses.

Malfoy.

Slam.

Draco's conversation stopped immediately. Draco grabbed onto my shoulders to stop me from falling, "Are you okay? I'm real sorry about that- Wait, Granger?" A smile crept onto Draco's face. Draco opened his mouth to speak before he was cut off.

"Hermione?" Even though my eyes were sinking into Draco's I could tell Harry was smiling as he said my name.

I blinked rapidly as I stood up straight, backing away, "Hi, yes, it's fine. I got off at the wrong level and wasn't looking where I was going it isn't your fault entirely, I suppose," I replied coldly. I tried my hardest after the war to forgive Draco, but it was hard. Harry however, seemed to handle it easily.

Seeing Draco was a weekly occurrence since I started working at the ministry. He wasn't as bad as others wanted him to be. He wasn't at all. He was actually a very good person. We teased one another a lot. I just still avoided him a lot for Ron's sake. Ron despised Draco and could see no different.

My body turned to Harry. My face lit up as to mimic his. "Hello, Harry," I replied with a smile.

"Draco and I were actually going to drop something off to your department the Ministers office right now, we could join you if you'd like?" Harry offered. Before I could even begin to reply, "No, I take it back, you don't get an option, let's go. I haven't seen you in two bloody weeks, 'Mione."

I tucked my hair behind my ear and smiled. "Well, let's go then, I have tons I need to do, Harry. I don't have time to just dawdle like you two probably do," I teased. It was true, I did have tons to do, but I missed Harry so terribly. I just didn't have the courage to face him after the everything these past two weeks.

I took one last quick glance at Draco. A smirk had appeared across his face, his grey eyes were cutting straight through me, I tore myself away from his gaze and turned towards the lift.

Harry chatted me up in the lift, I should've listened more, but my mind kept bouncing from Ron, to work, to Draco, to our time back at Hogwarts.

Most importantly our 6th year, one drunken night Draco and I had stuck ourselves into a closet instead of sneaking into the Gryffindor dormitory in fear of Harry. I relished in the memory of Draco's hand crawling up my shirt and pushing up my skirt, his laugh against my neck. My hands in his hair, pulling, our moans and laughing mixing in the dusty air.

I shuddered as we reached level four and I heard the sing song voice again. We stepped out of the lift and I watched as it pulled away.

"Hermione?" Harry called to me.

"Uh, yes. Yes, sorry. I was lost in my train of thought. What were you saying?"

Harry gave the manila folder over to Draco and smiled, "I'll walk you to your office. I'll see you in a bit, Malfoy."

"Alright, see you then," Draco paused and smiled, "See you around, Hermione."

I felt my face turn a light shade of red, "Goodbye, Draco."

I watched as Draco turned away to go talk to our receptionist Audrey. Audrey giggled as Draco spoke and fluttered her eyes. She was captured in whatever he was telling her. I began to walk towards my office to escape the scene unfolding in front of me.

"I have some news for you, 'Mione," Harry spoke softly as he walked beside me.

"Yes?"

Harry cleared his throat, "Ron has received a job as an auror."

My face turned white, causing me to stop dead in my tracks. I took a deep breath and began to walk again, "Really?"

"Yes, he did. He finished his training yesterday. He begins Monday," Harry replied, stopping in front of my office door.

I sighed, "It's okay. I can handle it." Not only was I trying to reassure Harry I was also trying to reassure myself. I opened my office door, stepping inside, "I'll be fine, Harry."

"I know you will be. I didn't want any surprises for you. I'm not taking any sides, but he really is trying to get his life back together, Hermione." Harry stressed.

"I know." My tone became cold. "Harry, I have no desire of getting back together with Ron. He cheated on me," I croaked. I pulled my keys out of one of the pockets in my side bag and opened my office. "I have work to do, Harry." I walked through the doorway and shut it promptly.

I leaned against the door and let out of sigh of relief, closing my eyes.

Who cares if he works here? It is a completely different level than me. I am far more mature than him. I can handle this completely.

I placed my bag onto my desk and started on the piles of work that seemed to never end.

4 o'clock seemed to come quickly. I yawned and stood up, packing away my things, and flicking off the lights as I stepped outside my door. I locked my door and briskly walked towards the lift. I came around a corner and to my surprise saw Draco leaning over the receptionist desk as if he never left earlier. He was making Audrey giggle. His smirk was so devilish and addicting.

"Goodnight, Audrey." I called out.

Audrey ignored me, but Draco didn't. He said goodbye to Audrey, but not before she slipped a piece of paper into his hand in which he stuffed into his pocket.

Draco jogged up to meet with me, "Hey, Granger." Draco was grinning at me now, but it was different than when he was talking to Audrey. Still the same devil-like charm, but different.

I tried to not smile, but I lost to my lips. "Hey, Malfoy. Are you stalking me?"

"You wish. Don't flatter yourself. The minister had me doing a lot of work up here today." Draco questioned as he stepped into the lift with me, "You heading home? Ground floor, please."

I gulped. Home just didn't feel the same. I went home to a carcass of a relationship I fought so desperately for, but no matter how hard my efforts had been I still was beaten down, every single night. "Yes, I am," I laughed.

That was the fakest laugh I had ever conjured.

"That is a downright shame. The lot of us were heading out to get a drink and Harry wanted me to ask you while I was up here."

Why was his smile so damn enticing?

"I'm not sure, Draco." I was sure though. I wanted to go out. I wanted to see everyone.

"Ground floor: Ministry of Magic"

"Well if you change you-"

"No, no, I'll go." My heart raced. I hadn't been out honestly since even before the split with Ron.

Draco's face lit up. He extended his hand, "Well, lets go then."

Grinning, I placed my hand in his, "Lead the way, Mr. Malfoy."

"How polite, Granger. Maybe you aren't as rude as I thought," Draco teased as he led the way towards the fireplaces. "You ready?"

I nodded.

Draco pulled me close. I could smell his cologne. It was sweet and woodsy. He wore the same cologne from when we were in school.

We appeared in the Leaky Cauldron.

It was noisy and dim.

"'Mione!" Harry called out, jogging up to us.

I gently pushed Draco off me. Harry arched his eyebrow at us.

"He was just my ride here-"

"I can be your ride anytime, Granger," Draco winked.

I groaned, "Shove it, Malfoy. Not in a million years," I turned back to Harry, "I meant we apparated together."

"I think I caught the meaning, Hermione," Harry laughed.

I stood there in silence for a couple of seconds, "I think I may go, Harry."

"Why?"

In that moment it hit me, Ron probably never told Harry who he cheated on me with.

"Stay Granger, I promise to behave myself." Draco pleaded with that damn smile again.

I sighed, "Only a couple of drinks."

A couple must have been a joke. I ended up drinking almost a full bottle of Fire Whiskey with just Harry. Hannah had served us all night and I had been kind and courteous till the very end where I began to be snobbish and rude.

"Hey, Hannah! So, how are you and Neville?" Before she could even reply I spat, "Oh, Ron and I are finished, I'm sure you knew that though, right?" I felt my face get warm.

Hannah smiled, "Ron should be here soon. He comes around almost every night right before I close to come see me. You could say hi to him," she turned her back to me as she helped the others at the bar.

Harry and Draco stopped their conversation and looked over at me.

"Hey Granger, its time to go home," Draco whispered sweetly to me.

My eyes were filling with tears, but I kept blinking to hold it back, "I want to go home," I croaked out. I stood up, wobbling.

Draco wrapped his arm around my waist to hold me up, "I had no idea, Hermione. We wouldn't have came here if we knew.." I could tell Draco felt ashamed and felt he were to blame.

I smiled, "Only you Draco would think this is your fault."

The next thing I knew I was grasping onto a table to hold myself up as fist found Draco's jaw. Draco fell into the wall holding his jaw.

"Stay the fuck away from her. Who the fuck do you think you are?" Ron spats.

Ron turned to me, trying to help me up.

What is going on? Jesus Christ.

"Ron, what is wrong with you? Don't touch me!" I yelled.

"Are you drunk, Hermione?" Ron questioned.

Harry ran up to us as he pulled Ron away from me he spoke, "Draco take her home. Now."

Draco was rubbing his face, but he still looked so cool. He ran his fingers through his hair and offered his hand to me.

I ignored it and just used the table for support to get up.

"Don't you fucking touch her, Malfoy." Ron yelled.

Draco put his arm around me to push me forward out the pub.

Oh God.

I could feel it in the pit of my stomach and I begged it to stop, but it pushed forward. Once we were outside I leaned over into a bush that was bare of its leaves and vomited all over it. I felt Draco come up behind me, his cold hands touching the back of my neck as he gathered my hair into his hands.

I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and walked forward.

Hermione, stop.

"Why are you so flirty with me, Mal-Draco, whatever your name is?" I practically yelled.

Draco looked almost un-phased by my comment which cut into me.

"Well, because I like you. Isn't that why people flirt with people, Granger?" Draco said with a smile. I moved forward, "Let's get you home. You have to apparate us, since I in fact do not stalk you."

I felt myself turn white, "Well, that's ridiculous. Absolutely, ridiculous. You hate me. Remember in-"

Draco cut me off, "I'd love to have this chat, really, I would, but it's freezing, Hermione, please."

I grabbed his hand fiercely.

We were in the middle of my apartment.

"Now, I'm sure, it was some drawn out thing about how I was a scummy person when I was 15, hm?" Draco replied slyly.

"You were scummy. For all I know, you still are, Malfoy. I always tried to see the best in you no matter what, but after Malfoy Manor.." My voice trailed off.

Draco's face became concerned, "Granger, I never wanted that to happen to you. You know that. You do. I didn't want to die. I was a coward. I couldn't stand up for what was right, I… I was just in the complete in the wrong in that moment and for most of our time in Hogwarts." He turned his face to the ground, rubbing the back of his neck. "I would do anything to take back what I did, Hermione."

Honestly, I knew he was sorry, I was just extremely drunk. I was just really upset and brought up something that didn't need to be brought up.

Most logical thing to do?

"Draco." I said plainly.

"Yes?" He turned his head up to me.

I pressed my lips against his hard.

Shouldn't you be softer? He was just hit in the face.

I ignored my thoughts. He placed his hands on the sides on my neck, kissing me back, mumbling into my lips, "Is this okay?"

Oh God, this is more than okay.

I smiled and pulled away, "Yes."

He grinned and raked one hand through my hair and the other was on the small of my back pulling me against him. The taste of gin and blood swarmed my mouth, but it was still all I yearned for. His cologne clogged my senses and before I knew it I was going crazy for Draco Malfoy.

Draco moved to my neck and kissed along it leaving sloppy kisses, "Just like Hogwarts," he chuckled.

I smiled, my hands exploring his chest, "I think this is probably better, Draco," I giggled.

I felt just like a schoolgirl. Engulfed in Draco. He looked up at me, picking me up, pressing me against my living room wall, pushing up my skirt. I felt goosebumps form on my arms as his kisses became softer and wetter while they trailed my neck to my collarbone then down to my chest.

Audrey. The note. What did the note say?

God damnit. I groaned, wishing it were out of pleasure, but drunk me had let my thoughts wander for a second too long and now I was upset. "Draco, put me down."

Draco complied immediately, "Are you okay? Was this not okay?"

I fixed my skirt, "What did that note from Audrey earlier say?"

"Excuse me?"

"Well, what did it say, Draco?" I said slurring my words.

Hermione, you're drunk. Stop.

Draco sighed, "I am realizing this probably was the wrong time to try anything with you. You're drunk, the bar," Draco motioned to his face. He raked his hair back, sighing in disappointment.

My heart tinged. Was he just trying to sleep with me?

"Were you just trying to sleep with me, you vile scum?" I spat.

"No, Hermione, I wasn't! I swear. I do genuinely like you. A lot. I invited you for drinks tonight. Not Harry," Draco grasped my hand, "I asked Harry to let me take on the work today for your department just in hopes I would see you."

"What did the note say then?"

Draco pulled the note out. On the note was scribbled was Audrey's name followed by a tiny heart and her phone number. "Why did you flirt with Audrey all day?"

"Hermione, I wasn'-"

"Just stop, Draco. Just leave." I crumbled the paper and threw it back to him.

Draco sighed, "I'll see you around, Hermione," Draco pecked me on the cheek before he apparated out of my apartment.

I pushed open my bedroom door and fell onto my bed. The room spun every time I would look up.

Fuck.