A/N: Wishful thinking doesn't change the fact that I'm not JKR. Sorry for the slow update, this time technology was to blame.
Hermione continued on her route home, despite the seemingly thunderous footsteps behind her. She walked with a calm and steady gait, however her mind was racing. If she went home Malfoy would then know exactly where she lived. This would be a gross invasion of the single space in her life that was her haven, her safe place. However she was at a loss as to how to outrun the arrogant blonde that was following her. The grey sky seemed like a reflection of Hermione's impending fate.
Draco watched the polka dotted umbrella before him and wondered what the body attached to it was going to do. If she was still as calculating as she was in their school days, and especially during the war, he knew that situations and solutions were running through her head at a rapid pace. He was simultaneously calculating his options as well.
What exactly did he mean to do with his new-found knowledge of the reclusive and mysterious Hermione Granger? As his feet hit the sidewalk and the rain continued to fall he considered some ideas. He could sell the information to the press for an ungodly sum. That benefitted the most important member of this equation: himself. However that would cause him to have to endure countless hours of questioning as well as having Hermione Granger the focus of everyone's attention yet again. He could tell her friends. They could do what they wished with the information and he would never have to deal with the problem again. However that would pique his insatiable curiosity and cause him to forever wonder what had become of her. He could do nothing. However that would leave him in the same position as telling her friends. He could continue to frequent her workplace to keep tabs on her. That would involve her in his life with benefit to his libido. What to do with this curious conundrum?
Hermione had come to her decision. Today was not going to be the day that Draco Malfoy invaded her home. She had noticed that the streets were becoming busier as lunch hour approached and intended to use that fact to her advantage. She spotted an entrance to the Tube station. If she timed her escape appropriately she could lose the tall man who was trailing her. She feigned innocence as she descended the stairs into the station. She quickly snapped her umbrella closed, hid it in her jacket, twisted her hair up into her hood and dropped her money into the turnstile. People milled about and provided the perfect escape route. Assuming that Malfoy had Muggle money, Hermione made herself as invisible as possible and ran to the nearest train. Hermione breathlessly gave apologies as she elbowed her way through the crowd.
She saw the train waiting patiently on the platform and twisted to see if Malfoy was able to follow her and she immediately spotted his platinum hair and the scowl on his face. He was not pleased with her sudden desire to avoid him. She turned and continued running toward her goal.
Draco knew that there would be trouble the minute he followed her down the steps to the Underground and noticed the crowd. Blast, she was going to try to lose him. The polka dots disappeared and her bushy hair was hidden under her hood as he spotted her pushing through the turnstile. Cheeky little chit she was. He kept his eyes trained on Granger's camel coloured jacket as he fished the few Muggle coins he had from his pockets as he had seen the other people do, yet was at a loss once it was his turn to pass through.
"Hurry up!" A disgruntled man behind Draco shouldered by him, dropped something in a slot and rushed through the gate. Draco took his cue from this man and dropped his coin in the slot, hoping to high heaven that it would work. He was leaning against the turnstile when it suddenly moved and threw him stumbling forward like a fool. Draco urged his humiliated body into a jog to catch up with the wily Hermione Granger. He searched the crowd, his own head higher than most, when he spotted her face searching the crowd for him. Setting his features into a scowl, he pushed through the thick queue and saw her pass through the doors of the train.
Picking up his pace, Draco followed her through the doors and noticed that she was frantically pushing through the train's patrons. He followed her when suddenly she slid through the doors and back on the platform. His last view of Granger was her blowing him kisses from her spot on the platform while the train he was on rolled away.
Hermione knew that he would follow her onto the train. She also knew that there were multiple doors on any car and all she needed to time it properly was a little luck. She knew how to rely on her body instead of her magic, both from being raised Muggle and her recent choice to live as one. Malfoy relied too heavily on his magic to properly put in the physical effort it would have taken to catch her. Weaving easily through the crowded train car Hermione waited until she heard the indication of closing doors and quickly slid through them, leaving Malfoy trapped on the inside.
Hermione cheekily blew Malfoy kisses and relished in her triumph. That was, until Malfoy's face changed and he conveyed to her through his eyes and body language what he wanted her to know.
He knew where she worked. She may have evaded him this time, yet he knew where to find her.
At least next time she would be prepared. With any luck she would be able to continue living her private, Muggle lifestyle for at least a little while longer.
Did you enjoy the chase? Kindly review :)
Until next time…