A/N: I hope I'm not going too slowly for anyone but I don't want to rush this story. I'm posting a day early since I won't be at my pc on Friday.
Hope you like...
The late afternoon sun was trying to break through the heavy clouds as Hermione made sure everything was turned off in her office. The day had been productive after her initial trouble with distracting thoughts. She had made quite a lot of progress with a case from St Mungos. The patient was afflicted with spontaneous fire-starting. He was currently housed in a special room where nothing would burn if he touched it and his meals were left in an ante chamber is case any contact with a person caused any harm. Ordinarily St Mungos would be able to treat the case quite quickly but their specialist was away for the time being and the usual remedies weren't working as desired. Luckily the fires he started seemed incapable of hurting the patient so at least they didn't have to treat any burns he might have.
She shut the door securely behind her and hurried down the stairs. She only had an hour or two to get ready for her date and she didn't want to waste any time. Luckily Herbert wasn't the chatty kind and muttered a good bye in reply to hers as she almost ran past him in her haste.
She nearly made it to the break room door when a voice sounded behind her.
"Hermione! I was just about to leave after seeing the lights were off in your office."
She stopped suddenly and took a deep breath. Her happy mood deflated a bit as she turned around to see Ron standing a couple of feet away from her. He had always had bad timing. She wished she could just turn around and walk away but it was amazing that he was here let alone talking to her voluntarily so she stayed rooted to spot, waiting for him to speak.
"Ron, I don't want to be rude but I really need to get going. I've got a date tonight and don't have much time to get ready."
As soon as she saw his ears going red she knew she should have kept the news of the date to herself. For some reason he was never able to adjust to her dating other men after they had broken up. Even after years and years he still couldn't let go of her completely. Perhaps that was why she had just stopped going out and meeting people over the last year or so.
"Oh well fine then! I break up with Amelie and then come to ask an old friend to dinner and maybe patch things up but now she's too busy to fit me into her schedule! Go on then, leave. It's what you always do to me anyway."
Hermione's temper flared at his words. She stalked toward Ron and stopped just short of colliding with him.
"Oh please! Ronald, did you even stop to think that it has been years since we broke up and even more years since we were even remotely romantically involved! Even when we were going out it didn't take long for the fire to sizzle out. You made me miserable and now you just expect me to crawl back once you're free? What'd you do to Amelie? She was lovely and maybe a bit too good for you but she loved you. What did you do? Break up with her because you fancied another woman who you'd only just met?"
Realisation dawned as Ron squirmed under the barrage of words and wouldn't look her in the eye.
"Wait. No. I know what's happened. She broke it off with you! You cheated on her didn't you? Just like you did with me? I hope you weren't stupid enough to have sex in your own bed with her only to have Amelie walk in like I did? You wouldn't make the same mistake twice I'm sure."
Hermione breathed in deeply and tried to calm down. This was not how she had wanted to spend her time before meeting Draco. Her heart was racing and she was sure her face was flushed.
"It's been ten years Ronald. Just let me go. Please. Now, I've got to go."
Hermione spun on her heel and walked as fast as she could out through the break room and into the little foyer. The black door appeared before her and she stepped through it into the alley. Ron was probably still standing in the middle of the library, mouth hanging to the ground. She hoped he wouldn't cause any problems for Herbert as she spun and appeared at her garden gate. Drops of rain began to fall from the sky and a heavy downpour ensued as Hermione entered her little cottage.
"Whew. That was close," she said to her owl. The animal cracked open one eye before shuffling around on the perch to present it's back to her. Hermione chuckled and went into her bedroom to begin getting ready. She was still hyped up from the confrontation with Ron but slowly, as she showered and did her hair and makeup, the frustration and anger slipped away and was replaced by a pleasant feeling of anticipation of the evening to come. She managed to laugh out loud as she thought of Ron's face if she had told him who she would be seeing. He got mad enough at the mention of a date. His head would explode if he found out it was with Draco!
It was almost seven o'clock by the time she was standing in front of the dress she had laid out on the bed. Doubt began to invade her mind as she wondered if the outfit she had planned was a bit too much but she shook her head. Draco would arrive any minute now so she had no choice but to follow through. Taking risks was part of dating and if she wanted to progress through life at all she would have to just make the jump and do things she wasn't accustomed to.
After managing to zip the back of the dress up, Hermione scrutinised her appearance in her full length mirror.
The dress had a high neck and was sleeveless, showing off her toned arms perfectly. It clung to her curves like a second skin and the oriental style suited her nicely. It ended just above her knees and gave her a chance to wear her brand new black round toe pumps. With a small amount of makeup and her hair up in a slightly messy plaited chignon Hermione was pleased with how she looked. A knock at the front door announced a visitor, most probably Draco. Her heart began to thump as she walked to the front of the house. She took a deep breath to try and calm herself though it didn't really work. She paused a moment longer and then grasped the door handle and opened the door.
Draco stood before her, holding a bunch of dark blue orchids. The smile on his face froze as he registered her dress. After a moment of looking her up and down he said, "Wow. I thought that purple dress looked amazing on you but this dress knocks that one out of the top spot by a long shot."
He took hold of her right hand and kissed it lightly.
"You look stunning."
Hermione blushed and tried to collect her thoughts. Inviting him in would be a good first step, she thought.
"Please, come in. You're right on time. I like a punctual man."
They were standing in her small front sitting room and Hermione cringed as she wondered what comparisons he must be drawing between her humble home and The Manor. It must seem like a shoe box to him. As he surveyed the room Hermione had a chance to take a good look at her date. He was wearing a dark grey suit, white button down shirt and a dark red tie. Heh, that's funny. We're colour coordinated, she thought.
He looked very good and so sexy Hermione was having trouble trying to keep her imagination out of the gutter.
"Ah, I got these for you. I hope you like orchids."
Hermione started as her mind came back to the present and she focused on the flowers. The hue of the flowers was so vibrant it was as if they were lit from the inside.
"They're lovely! Thank you. You know I think I even have a vase somewhere. Maybe in the kitchen."
Draco trailed after her as Hermione bustled out of the room. He noted how tidy and clean everything was, not that he had expected anything less of the highly organised woman. And of course the walls were lined with built in bookcases. Even the kitchen had its own shelves for books. Only a couple of cookbooks rested there. The other works seemed to be there only because there was no more room on any of the other shelves. He wondered if she could cook. It was rare for anyone from his world to be able to cook anything as they all relied on house elves. Draco himself had learned how to cook, partly out of boredom. After a while he found he enjoyed the art of baking more than preparing main dishes. There was something relaxing about losing himself in the steps of a cake or bread recipe and producing something tasty at the end was always a bonus. It had taken a while for the house elves to get used to him being in their kitchen. But once they realised he wasn't there to punish them or to keep an eye on them they grew used to his visits and ignored him after some time.
The kitchen he stood in now was quite different to the cavernous room he was accustomed to. The area consisted of the kitchen and also a space for the dining table. Large bay windows covered the wall down near the dining table and to his left was the wall oven, stove top, sinks and kitchen bench. It was a pleasant room and Draco thought it would be nice to relax at the dining table with a coffee and the morning sunshine streaming in through the windows. He wasn't surprised that the feeling of the room was completely different to his own home. Even though he had redecorated The Manor it would always feel too grand for him in some ways. And it would always faintly remind him of his father and the atrocities that had occurred there.
He could picture himself living with Hermione quite easily and it surprised him a bit. He had only just reconnected with her and he was already dreaming of the day he would move in!
I'd better keep those thoughts to myself, he thought. Don't want to freak her out completely and scare her off.
Hermione finally located a vase and filled it half way with some water and placed the flowers in, making sure they weren't too heavy for the vessel. She would snip the ends off later and give them fresh water to try and keep them as long as she could. They were the most beautiful flowers she had ever been given. Actually, as she thought about it they were the only flowers she had ever been given. She couldn't remember one time that Ron had ever surprised her with a spontaneous gift. He hadn't even tried to apologise by buying her things after she had caught him in bed with another woman.
Hermione narrowed her eyes. No. I will not think of that prat and let the memories of him ruin my evening with Draco.
She glanced at Draco and found he was looking at her curiously, probably wondering what she was thinking to have such a sour look on her face. She smiled brightly and said," So, shall we go? Are you going to tell me where we're going or will I just have to wait with bated breath?"
Draco chuckled and pretended to give it some thought before saying" No. I think I'll make you wait and see. It's more fun that way."
He held out a hand for her to take and laced his fingers with hers as he gently led her from the kitchen to the front door.
"I'd love a proper tour of you house some time. It's really quite nice."
He had his back to her so he didn't see the surprised look followed by a pleased smile appear on Hermione's face. He seemed to genuinely like her house. An image of them sitting on the couch together chatting or reading sprang into her mind. She could imagine him being around, comfortably settling into her life and maybe even living with her.
Oh wow, she though. I must be nuts to be even thinking about that step! We've only just met again for goodness sake and I'm already acting like some love sick idiot.
She chuckled softly to herself. She had to remind her brain not to travel too far ahead. For all she knew their date would end and then she wouldn't see Draco again. But she wouldn't give up. She would make more of an effort to meet someone else. The thought of having her own family one day was too appealing to just discard and give up on.
Before leaving the house Hermione grabbed her coat and bag, making sure her wand was securely inside. They left the house and walked to the bottom of her gate.
"Trust me?"
Draco quirked an eyebrow as he waited for Hermione to reply.
After a fraction of a second she said, "Yes" in a somewhat breathless voice. Draco linked their arms and apparated before she could think twice.
It took Hermione a couple of moments to take in her new surroundings. She hated side-along apparition but it was the only way for them to get to the date location without Draco telling her their destination, besides muggle transportation of course.
Her eyes opened wide as she took in the front gate entrance of The Manor. A slight tremor ran through her body. Draco felt it and patted her arm gently, trying to reassure her.
"It's safe, I promise. Your experience tonight will in no way reflect the last time you were here. If it does then I've obviously organised the date very poorly."
His attempt at humour helped lift some of Hermione's anxiety but she knew she wouldn't' be able to relax until they got inside and she could see that it was all different. The wrought iron gate swung open as they walked toward it and proceeded to the front door. Draco placed a hand on the enormous front door and it too swung in without any effort. She assumed it was enchanted to admit a Malfoy without the need to knock and have someone else open the door from the inside.
They walked into the foyer and Hermione had to admit she was impressed. The wall sconces were dimly lit and helped to give a nice warm feeling to the room without illuminating the room too harshly. A double staircase was in front of them leading to the upper floor. Numerous closed doors led off into rooms and Hermione didn't even try to guess at what kinds of spaces dwelled behind. She could also see a corridor that went past the staircase. Perhaps it led to a kitchen or out to a garden?
A door to their right was open and the flickering light indicated a fireplace. Draco spread his arms wide and said, "Welcome to The Manor. I won't waste time with a tour. I'm sure you'll see the rest of the house at some stage but tonight is about us and not this old house."
He helped Hermione shrug out of her coat and hung it on the coat rack along with her bag. He motioned toward the open door and they made their way into the room which turned out to be Draco's study. Hermione instantly loved the feel of the room. The carpet was so plush and soft she was sure you would be comfortable sleeping on it without a mattress. The sizable desk was made of a dark wood and glowed in the firelight, as if it had been recently polished.
Gigantic floor to ceiling windows filled the entire wall behind the desk and Hermione could glimpse the silhouette of plants through the glass. There were bookcases along the walls and various sculptures and artworks all around. The fireplace itself was a work of art and was enormous. She was sure she could stand in it and not hit her head on the marble mantelpiece. It had been sculpted out of black marble with grey and white streaks running through it. A dragon had been craved at each end of the mantel but other than that it was unadorned. A couple of Chesterfield armchairs had been placed in front of the flames and a small table sat between them with a tray of different bottles and two glasses on top.
The whole room was like a piece of art and Hermione couldn't help but smile and clasp her hands together.
"It's beautiful Draco. You said you redecorated?"
Draco nodded, enjoying her happy mood.
"You did a very nice job. Simple but elegant and really nicely decorated. I love it!"
Draco took a couple of steps to stand in front of Hermione. She smiled and looked up into his eyes. He gently placed his hands on her waist and her smile faded slightly as her lips parted expectantly. He seemed to be waiting to be told that the contact was alright with her so Hermione took half a step and secured her arms up around his neck. It was all the encouragement he needed as he lowered his head and placed his lips on hers. The contact made her jump slightly as she felt a little spark as their skin connected.
Must be static from the carpet she mused. That was her last coherent thought as Draco began to move his lips over hers. It felt wonderful. Hermione could feel her body begin to heat as passion started to pump through her. She sighed in pleasure and Draco took the opportunity to deepen the kiss. His tongue darted into her mouth, making Hermione moan and tingling sensations shot along her nerve endings. Goose bumps trailed along her skin and she felt as if she was melting.
Draco had only meant to kiss her in appreciation of her words and mood but the kiss had gone from just a bit more than friendly to passionate and promising more. He was finding it difficult to control himself. It had been so long since he had held a passionate young woman in his arms. His kisses with Astoria didn't even compare! No wonder their relationship had ended so miserably. He could feel Hermione press against him, trying to get as close as she could.
I have to stop this otherwise we won't make it to dinner!
He gentled the kiss to bring down the intensity slowly and then withdrew his lips from hers. Her face was prettily flushed and her eyes were slightly glazed. Draco was sure his face looked the same. His hands settled on her back, gently rubbing little circles as he said," Would you like to have a drink? I've got everything from firewhisky to peach schnapps if you're into that. Personally I think it's too sweet and doesn't pack much of a punch but I wanted to make sure I had everything."
Hermione grinned and patted at her hair, making sure it was still in place.
"Ah, I guess I'll have a scotch and dry if you have it."
They walked over to the chairs and Hermione sank gratefully into one. Her mind was still muddled from their kissing. She didn't think she had ever kissed anyone like that before. She was glad Draco had had the presence of mind to stop before it had progressed but a small part of her was sad that they hadn't gone further. Her body was thrumming with sensations and her mind wandered to what it would be like. She already knew Draco was in good shape. Seeing him without his shirt would take her breath away.
He handed her a glass with amber liquid in and she smiled into her drink and stared into the flames. They sat a while like that, enjoying each other's company in a confortable silence.
That was until a sickly sweet voice floated into the room.
"Oh for goodness sake! Those silly house elves have misplaced my reading glasses again! I don't know how many times…."
Draco cringed and waited for the noise to fade before looking at Hermione. Her expression was one of surprise.
"Ah, yeah. My mother decided she needed to come home and stay for a while. Don't worry, she will stay out of the way tonight. I'll also remind her that silence is also included in the bargain."
Damn his interfering mother! She knew exactly what she was doing. There was no need for her to be yelling and screaming. He was stupid to have allowed her to stay and even more stupid for believing her loving words of encouragement for his budding relationship on the first night she was back. The prejudice ran deep in the older generation of pure bloods.
Hermione cleared her throat.
"Oh well. It doesn't matter too much. And it's a big house right? I'm sure she doesn't want to spoil the evening for us.
I hope, Hermione added to herself.
