It's Been a While

by VineWolf12548

*ON HIATUS* Hermione and Harry have been best friends their entire lives. They've always shared the same friends and the same enemies. But what happens when Hermione comes home after spending 4 years in the US and finds out that the person she once thought was their mortal enemy is now her best friend's new best friend? HermionexDraco. AU, all muggles.

7. Chapter 7

AN: So it was called to my attention by a reader that I should use "Mum" instead of "Mom" Sorry about that, everyone! And another thing I picked up from a previous chapter, I royally screwed up the time difference between London and the US... So I went back and fixed all of that. Also, time is going to start moving faster, as promised. Ok, onto Chapter 7, which is going to be fairly short.

It's Been a While: Chapter 7.

Hermione's POV

"That was fun." I say to Harry as I drive home.

"Yeah, it was. Really nice that we were finally reunited. Plus Draco." He chuckles. I smile but I have nothing else to say. The both of us sit in silence for a while, staring through the windshield at the empty and dimly-lit road ahead of us. At times, more times than I'd like to admit, I sneak a peek at my rearview mirror to see Malfoy driving behind us. It's mostly too dark to see anything, but when I do get glimpses of him, his face is emotionless. As emotionless and blank as he used to look at me, at least when he wasn't smirking. An involuntary shiver runs down my spine. After about ten minutes of driving, I turn left.

"Well there goes Draco." Harry says, his eyes following Malfoy's car as it continues down the road. I wonder vaguely about where he lives. I've never been to the infamous 'Malfoy manor' and I'm tempted to ask Harry about it, but I hold my tongue. I don't really feel like talking about him; the strange feelings I had after hearing about Malfoy and Astoria are still settled in the pit of my stomach. Also, I'm not quite sure what possessed me to kiss him on the cheek earlier or why I felt embarrassed when he addressed me as 'Miss' or even why I felt inexplicably happy that he invited me to his birthday party. I quickly push those thoughts out of my head. The last thing I need right now is to be distracted. I have other, more significant things that require my attention. I try to think of something to talk about with Harry, but decide against it once I notice that he seems to be dozing off. I laugh to myself. I drive straight for another five minutes then finally make the right turn onto our street. I pull up in front of the Potters'.

"Harry." I shake his shoulder. "Harry, you're drooling."

"Wha-what? Are we home?"

"Yes, you're home." I snicker.

"Thanks 'Mione." He unbuckles his seatbelt then turns to smile sleepily at me.

"How is it you can knock out after only five minutes?"

"It's a talent only a few people are lucky enough to possess."

"I bet." I shake my head, smiling. He shuffles in his seat and awkwardly stretches his body over the center console to kiss my cheek.

"See you soon?"

"Obviously. Maybe tomorrow or Sunday, if my parents don't need me for anything." He nods and yawns then, after some fumbling with the handle, clumsily gets out of the car. He waves as he closes the front door.

I instantly feel tired as I step over the threshold of my home. I slip my pumps off and the arches of my feet start to ache. I haven't worn heels this high in a while. My special graduation heels weren't even this high. I slowly and quietly make my way up the stairs. The light in my parents' room is off so I walk straight past their door and into my room so that I can sit at the vanity and take off my jewelry. I free myself from clothing and put on an oversized t-shirt. I take my sweet time in the bathroom – cleaning my face, brushing my teeth, flossing.

I close my bedroom door and reach for the light switch, but my eyes fall on my dress and those strange feelings from earlier come back. Why hadn't anyone bothered to tell me that Malfoy was seeing someone? I mentally slap myself for even bothering to wonder about that. I know exactly why: It's none of my damned business. Why in God's name do I keep thinking about it? I hang the dress on the far end of my closet, trying to convince myself that, maybe if I can't see the dress, I'll stop thinking about Malfoy.

I shuffle over to my desk. Maybe I'm dong this out of spite, but I really need something to distract me from stupid Malfoy and his stupid life that has nothing to do with me. I fire up my laptop and sign into my email.

To: jacobschwitt
From: hjgranger
Saturday, 5/19/2012 12:06 AM

Hi, how was work today? – Hermione

I sit and wait. The minutes stretch on and on and I start to feel stupid for emailing him at all. But then I get a new email.

To: hjgranger
From: jacobschwitt
Saturday, 5/19/2012 12:17 AM

Hello, miss. Up late again, I see :) You have impeccable timing, I'm just about to punch out of work. It was fine. Some nice old lady gave me a huge tip for helping her! How was your day? – Jacob

I quickly type a response.

To: jacobschwitt
From: hjgranger
Saturday, 5/19/2012 12:18 AM

Yes, I'm up late again! Don't tell me you weren't happy to see an email from me. I had a good day. Spent time with some old friends. - Hermione

I feel a little silly for flirting with him via email.

To: hjgranger
From: jacobschwitt
Saturday, 5/19/2012 12:20 AM

Are you planning to stay up for a while longer? – Jacob

To: jacobschwitt
From: hjgranger
Saturday, 5/19/2012 12:21 AM

Idunno. Why? – Hermione

To: hjgranger
From: jacobschwitt
Saturday, 5/19/2012 12:22 AM

I'm about to take a cab home. Sign onto Facebook? We can instant message each other from there. It'll be easier to speak with each other :) But you'd have to wait for me to get onto a computer... So if you weren't planning to stay up, that's all right! – Jacob

Well... I wasn't planning to stay up but... Why not.

To: jacobschwitt
From: hjgranger
Saturday, 5/19/2012 12:24 AM

Sure. – Hermione

I sign onto Facebook and wait. To keep myself from falling asleep, I try to busy myself by perusing my newsfeed. I see that Ginny updated her status earlier before dinner. 'Dinner with my best friends :)' I click on her profile and see that her profile picture is of her and Harry at his graduation. I laugh a little, thinking about how Harry would feel about a picture of him on Facebook. I see that she's uploaded a whole album of pictures from both Ron's and Harry's graduations. There are a lot of Weasley family photos, as usual. Fred and George look like they're doing well. Even Bill and Fleur had made it to Ron's graduation and Fleur is pregnant! I feel giddy just thinking about a little Weasley baby. She looks far along already. I'll definitely need to meet with Ginny soon and really catch up.

There is also a good amount of photos of Harry, Ron, and Ginny. I feel empty, knowing I wasn't there to celebrate with them... I've definitely missed out on so much the past four years. With each picture, the emptiness grows vaster and I get to a point where I'm barely even looking at the pictures at all. Then I see a flash of blonde hair. Malfoy with Harry and Ron at Ron's graduation. Malfoy with Ginny, Harry, and Ron. Malfoy with Harry, Ginny, Ron, and all the Weasleys. Malfoy and Harry in their graduation gowns. Malfoy with Harry, Lily, and James. In every picture where I should be, Malfoy is there. I'm not a very jealous person, but jealousy is literally the only thing I'm feeling right now. It's one thing for me to miss out on the greatest milestones of my friends' lives, but knowing that he was there instead? I don't want to be a brat, but it hurts. If anything, I should have been there too. With Harry, Ginny, Ron, AND Malfoy. I exit out of the photo album and as soon as I do, a little chat box appears at the bottom of window.

Jacob Schwitter: hey :)
Hermione Granger: hey yourself!
Jacob Schwitter: what time is it over there?
Hermione Granger: about 12:45 AM
Jacob Schwitter: you should really be asleep
Hermione Granger: I should be, but I'm not. I wonder why that is
Jacob Schwitter: :) so...
Hermione Granger: so...?
Jacob Schwitter: my favorite color is navy blue, nothing beats the pizza in ny, I just turned 22 this past March, and I play guitar

He's telling me about himself. I smile at the computer screen.

Hermione Granger: I love to read, my dream is to travel the world, my favorite color is red, and I speak French almost fluently
Jacob Schwitter: French, eh? the language of love. care to share your knowledge, miss?
Hermione Granger: are you making a pass at me?
Jacob Schwitter: it depends. do you want me to be?

I roll my eyes but a smile spreads across my face anyway.

Hermione Granger: I'm not quite sure yet
Jacob Schwitter: that's completely okay with me :) maybe we can just continue telling each other about ourselves
Hermione Granger: that's completely okay with me :)

We go on like this for an hour and a half. Discussing things we like and dislike, our educational backgrounds, our hobbies and interests, and eventually our summer plans.

Jacob Schwitter: are you doing anything exciting this summer?
Hermione Granger: nothing too exciting. I really just want to stay put and spend time with my friends. I haven't seen all of them in a while
Jacob Schwitter: that makes sense
Hermione Granger: so what exactly is it that you have planned for the summer?
Jacob Schwitter: something I've been planning to do for a while, but never had the means necessary to do it
Hermione Granger: are you going to tell me?
Jacob Schwitter: I'll tell you eventually. I can't jinx it, remember?
Hermione Granger: well, all right...
Jacob Schwitter: hey, you should really be heading off to bed. I'm sure it's already past two in the morning over there

As if on cue, I yawn.

Hermione Granger: I really should
Jacob Schwitter: you really should.
Hermione Granger: goodnight, then
Jacob Schwitter: goodnight, miss. don't be a stranger
Hermione Granger: I won't
Jacob Schwitter: sweet dreams

Before I can say anything more, he logs off Facebook. My eyelids feel heavy as I close my laptop and so I finally slip into bed after such a long day. Once my head touches the pillow, I knock out.

xxxxxxxxxx

My first weekend at home goes by in a flash. I had originally planned to meet up with Harry on Saturday, but my parents told me they were inviting the Potters over for Sunday night dinner. So I spend Saturday lounging around with my parents, giving myself the much-needed down time. Sunday isn't too busy, except for when Mum needed me to help prepare dinner. The Potters arrive and when we all sit down at the table, things finally feel like they're starting to fall back into place. My family and Harry's family would always take turns hosting dinner on Sunday nights. Most Sunday nights, at least.

"So what are you doing tomorrow?" Harry asks me as I load the last plate into the dishwasher.

"I was actually planning to start looking for a job this week."

"Oh yeah? That's good..." His face looks crestfallen. He probably doesn't have anything to do with his free time since Ron and Malfoy work. Well, there's always Ginny.

"Are you spending time with Ginny tomorrow?"

"No, she's volunteering at the hospital on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays."

"I see... Why don't you look for somewhere to work, Harry?"

"I'm not really sure if I'd be able to find a job."

"Can't you work as a teacher's assistant somewhere?"

"Well, I could. And I'll have to, eventually. But it's summer."

"Oh. Then why don't you look for somewhere that has openings for the fall?"

"I suppose I could do that."

"Absolutely. I just don't want you sitting around, wasting your summer away. You can at least do something productive with your time." I clap my hands together. "So it's settled. The pair of us will make sure we find somewhere to work. Okay?" I stick out my pinky finger. He smiles.

"Aren't we a little too old for pinky promises?"

"Maybe." I smile and shrug. He laces his pinky with mine.

xxxxxxxxxx

I don't know where the week went; it's already Friday. I spent every single day this week looking for somewhere to work, but I've had no luck finding any place with an opening. Given that most of the businesses around here are fairly small, the only large company that would possibly have an opening is Malfoy Enterprises... and I'm not sure if I want to work there... No matter. It's only been a week of searching. There are plenty more places to look, right? I settle down at my usual table outside Café l'Amour.

"Nice to see you again, Hermione." Luke, the waiter, greets me. He's been working here since I started high school. We're the same age, but he went to the all-boys private school. He's very sweet. I like to consider him a close friend of mine, even though we only ever see each other when I'm here. His father passed away during our third year of high school and I know he's been working really hard to help his Mum and younger sister.

"Hi Luke." I smile up at him.

"The usual?"

"Yes, please. I really need a pick-me-up. I'm so tired. Job searching is more difficult than most people let on."

"Don't worry. I'm sure some place will be smart enough to take you." He graces me with his usual brilliantly white, toothy smile.

"You always know what to say, Luke." I laugh. "How's everything going for you? Have you finished school?"

"Everything's great, thank you for asking. I've been working here every day since I started. Lucy's just started high school so I've kept this job to help Mum pay for her tuition. Not that I could ever really quit. It's a bit difficult to leave when your boss is your uncle." He chuckles. "But he pays me well. He knows we need as much as we can get. And yeah, I've finished school. Going on to law school as soon as I can. But you know money's really tight, so I'm trying my best."

"I'm really glad to hear that. You're the hardest worker I know."

"You've always been our best customer. It's nice having you back home." He squeezes my shoulder lightly. "Let me get you your tea. And... Croissant?" I nod. "Coming right up."

"Thanks." I look away from him as he goes into the café.

"He seems to fancy you." I hear a familiar drawl. That drawl is unmistakable. I can even almost hear the smirk in his voice. Malfoy.

"I've no idea what you're talking about. But, hello to you too." I say, looking up at him as he approaches me.

"Hello." His smirk turns into a smile. "Running errands again?"

"No, not today." I wave my hand to offer him the seat in front of me.

"Thanks." He gladly obliges and sits down.

"I was going around looking for somewhere to work." I continue.

"How's that going?"

"Not very successful, but it's only been a week. I'll continue my search next week."

"You know-"

"It's okay, Malfoy." I interrupt him. "If I really can't find anywhere, I'll let you know."

"Fine, fine." He chuckles and puts his hands up in defeat. Luke comes to the table with my tea and croissant.

"Here you go, Hermione." Luke says. I catch Malfoy assessing him. "I didn't know you were meeting someone. I would've waited. Is this your boyfriend?"

"Oh, God, no." I say hurriedly. I feel the heat rise to my face. "He's not my... my boyfriend. He's- he's just a friend. A friend." My face feels like it's on fire. I look down at the ground.

"Ah, excuse me for assuming." Luke says apologetically. "Can I get you anything, sir?" He asks politely.

"An iced-tea, please. Thanks."

"Sure." I watch Luke's feet as he leaves.

"You're fiddling with your necklace again." Malfoy says to me. I begrudgingly look up at him, extremely embarrassed that my face is so flushed.

"Nervous habit." I explain.

"I noticed." He chuckles lightly and gives an understanding smile.

"Did you just get out of work?" I'm desperate to change the subject.

"Yeah, finally." He slouches in his seat. I had no idea that Malfoy could slouch. I smile a little at this new observation.

"What're you smiling at?"

"I've never seen you slouch before. I never imagined you were capable of slouching." I answer honestly. He laughs again.

"Spending so much time with Potter can do that to a person." I can't help but smile at that. "But in all seriousness, I'm not that petulant, snobby child I used to be." He explains.

"I noticed." I repeat his words from just a moment ago and smile. "How was work?"

"Pain in the arse. I'm beginning to hate my father's assistant. But work is work."

"Maybe you can put that old Malfoy charm to good use and torment him a bit. Or is that part of you nonexistent now?" I offer jokingly.

"Not nonexistent, just somewhere where I can no longer find it. But I suppose I could torment him a little..."

"Malfoy, don't do that! He's above you." I say, shocked.

"Yeah, but my father is above him. And who will my father choose between the two of us?" He pauses. "Probably him." He deadpans. "I suppose I can't torment the poor sod. Can't besmirch my father's name." He says haughtily then rolls his eyes.

"Would your father really fire you?"

"I wouldn't doubt it." He just shrugs as if it's nothing. "Good old Dad." He sighs and runs a hand through his hair, looking away from me. "He's better now, though. Better than he used to be." He says and suddenly looks right at me. "Not as... frigid. He's still cold, just not frigid." I smile half-heartedly, at a complete loss of what to say. Fortunately, Luke returns with Malfoy's drink.

"Thanks." Malfoy says to him.

"No problem. Let me know if you need anything."

"Damn, I should've ordered something to eat now that I think about it." Malfoy says after Luke has already gone.

"I can call for him, if you'd like."

"Ah... It's fine." The intonation of his voice and his expression indicate that he's not sure.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." His stomach quietly rumbles and he looks at me sheepishly. Another thing I've never seen Malfoy do. I should have picture documentation of these observations just so I know I'm not just imagining things.

"Stubborn git." I shake my head and sigh. I carefully break my croissant in half and push the plate between us.

"Thanks." His eyes soften.

"You're welcome." We sit in silence, except for the occasional sips of our drinks. I am vaguely aware than he is trying hard not to reach for the croissant at the same time I do, which I find odd but am fairly thankful for. I'd rather not accidentally brush my hand against his or anything... I feel my face start to heat up a little bit, just thinking about it.

"So what are you doing this weekend?" He breaks the silence.

"Nothing interesting. Resting up for next week's job hunt, I suppose. How about you?"

"Picking out table settings and calling caterers and all of that nonsense with my Mum in preparation for next week..." He groans.

"Are you preparing for a wedding or something? I thought it was just a birthday party." I giggle.

"I wish. But it's never JUST a birthday party at the Malfoys'." He sighs exasperatedly.

"It should be fun."

"We'll see." He laughs. "The festivities start at five o'clock, by the way. And semi-formal attire is expected, unfortunately."

"Are you sure this isn't a wedding reception?"

"I'm sure." He grins. "Well, I should go. Mum's scheduled a wine tasting this evening. It was nice seeing you. Thanks again for the croissant."

"Nice seeing you too." He stands up, takes his wallet out of his pocket, and leaves seven pounds on the table.

"Malfoy, this is more than enough for your iced-tea." I call after him.

"Yeah, but there's not JUST iced-tea on the table, is there?" He calls over his shoulder, a smirk on his face. "Bye, Granger." I gape at the back of his head. Stupid git paid for me. I blush furiously and my heart hammers in my chest at the realization. Thank God he's not here to witness it.

"He seems charming enough." Luke says, surprising me.

"Luke! God, don't sneak up on me like that."

"Are you sure you two aren't dating? Because it sure seems like it from what I could tell." He smirks playfully.

"Not even close." My face heats up even more, which I didn't think was possible.

"I think he fancies you."

"Don't be silly, Luke. Well, I'll see you soon." I stand up quickly, eager to leave.

"See you soon, Hermione." I hear him say as I rush away from the café. As soon as I get into my car, I take a deep breath and place my hands on my heated cheeks. My goodness, what just happened? And what's going on with me?