It has been two years since Draco Malfoy left me sitting on those lonely bleechers, looking out over an empty Quidditch pitch. Two years as of today, as a matter of fact, so how ironic is it that today I see a face I never thought I'd lay eyes on ever again.
The day started out normally enough. I was up by 7, out the door by 8, on my way to work. I have been working for the American Ministry of Magic since I left Hogwarts, and I love it. I work in the International Magical Alliance. We handle everything from Dragon laws cross-country to the bezoar trade between Sweden and China. I see some basar and interesting things in my work and I have been trained extensively to handle any situation. However, no level of expertice prepared me for the emotional shock of my life.
I got to work right on time, and was immediately attacked by Colin Creevey, who is interning with us over here before going back to England to work at the ministry there.
"You have two visitors." He said, walking with me down the hall.
"Ah, yes." I said, shrugging out of my jacket, "Seanus and his dark arts expert."
"Right. To talk about controlling the dark activity in India."
"Good. We could use someone with some experience in handling the dark arts." I said. "India is getting out of hand."
I smiled at Colin before backing into my office and closing the door.
"Hermione, right on time as usual."
I turned and saw Seamus Finnigan smiling at me.
"Hello, Seamus." I said, taking his hand and smiling, "Good to see you again. It's been too long."
My eyes went past his shoulder and locked on his partner, whose back was to me. I froze when I noticed his hair. It was silver-blond, just like--
"You remember Draco Malfoy, don't you?"
I caught my breath in my throat. So it was him. Draco turned and looked at me with a nervous smile.
"O-of course I remember." I said, taking Draco's hand, all businness, and shaking it, "Thank you for coming."
He nodded and I gestured for them to sit before going around my desk and sitting down shakily.
I swear, through that whole meeting I could feel his eyes boring into me, though I focused on Seamus as much as possible. Afterwards, Seamus left but Draco paused in the doorway.
"Hermione?"
"Yes?"
"Do you want to go get a drink with me later? I want to...catch up."
I let out a shaky breath, "Sure. I get off at six."
"Perfect."
He smiled at me and left. I fell back into my chair, my heart racing. I told Colin to cancel all meetings that weren't life-or-death important.How do you react to seeing someone you've been in love with for two years? Expecially when they look absolutely gorgeous.
I haven't dated since leaving Hogwarts, mostly because all the men I know are my best friends and live in England. And even when a friend tried to set me up, I never forgot that day with Draco, and couldn't warm up to anyone. The way he made me feel that day will never leave me. I was free for a few scarce minutes. Free to be someone else, I suppose. I fell in love with him. When he left, I tried to fall out of love, but it doesn't work that way. Not when I need it to.
He came to pick me up at 6 sharp. We headed to Tully's, a pub around the corner, one of the few clean establishments in the city. We were silent until we ordered our drinks.
"So. How've you been?" I asked, folding my hands nervously in my lap.
"Good...I've been working in alliance with the American ministry for a year now."
"Yes, well, I was surprised to see you today. Who'd've though that Draco Malfoy would cross over to the good guys?"
He smiled and looked down, "Yes, well, after my father died, it seemed pointless to try and please him."
"Right."
I took a gulp of my drink, trying to drown out that picky little voice in my head that reminded me that I wasn't in 7th year anymore and that I needed to stop thinking like I was.
"Seeing anyone?" I asked suddenly, and could have kicked myself for it. *Oh now that's not obvious.* I berated myself.
He looked away, "Actually, I'm engaged."
My heart stopped, cracked, and shattered in a split second, "Oh?"
"Yes. Her name is Andrea."
"Oh."
"And you?"
"Yes! Actually, I'm living with...Harry."
"Potter?"
"Uh huh."
"Wow."
"Yeah."
I can't believe I lied but what was I to say? 'Oh, I've just been mooning over YOU for two bloody years while you were off making nice with Andrea!'. I don't think so.
I ordered another drink.