Chapter Seven
A date was set.
After a few days of overthinking, Hermione had finally managed to walk confidently back into the bookstore. Their encounter led to plans to meet for dinner on Friday, leaving her a bundle of nerves. The day advanced more rapidly than she'd expected.
Hermione checked her hair for the third time, ensuring her up-do was secure and smooth. Glancing at the clock, she had five minutes before Jackson was supposed to arrive. Looking over her reflection in the full length mirror in her bedroom, she adjusted her high-waisted skirt and green blouse before slipping on her heels.
Why was she so fidgety? It felt so unlike her to act this way about a guy. She didn't even know him well enough to determine if it would have the potential to last. Perhaps it was the lack of interest and experience she'd had with dating? Hermione mentally scolded herself to relax. It didn't matter if it didn't work out. She was putting herself out there. What if she began to fall for him and he rejected her? The idea of heartbreak was daunting.
Ding-dong.
"Stop analyzing, Hermione," she spoke to the empty room.
Reaching the front door she pulled it open, revealing Jackson in a suit and tie.
"Hermione! You look great," he leaned in and kissed her cheek, causing Hermione to recoil and blush.
"Thank you, so do you," she paused to notice what he was wearing. "Am I underdressed for where we're going? I feel a bit underdressed compared to you," Hermione rubbed the back of her neck.
Jackson looped his arm with hers and moved her along, smiling her way. "No, of course not! I love that skirt. And there's really no dress code."
She noticed the unfamiliar car in her driveway. "You haven't even told me where we're going."
"If I did that, it wouldn't be a surprise," he winked and grinned wider, opening the passenger door for her.
Hermione graciously sat herself down into the seat and waited for him to begin their journey.
The half hour car ride was a bit awkward. They asked each other random questions for less than ten minutes before the car fell silent, neither knowing what to say next. Jackson consequently turned on the radio and hummed to every song, while Hermione heard none she knew.
Arriving at L'Étoile, she felt a wave of flattery and embarrassment. Immediately she knew she was underdressed. Elegant chandeliers hung in every room and everywhere you looked declared expensive yet tasteful.
Hermione attempted to stay confident as they were seated while onlookers stared at her wardrobe disapprovingly.
"I didn't even know this place existed. This is much too expensive, I can't possibly let you buy me dinner here," she muttered, glancing around.
"Nonsense. I'm not afraid to spend a pretty penny for good food. Or on you, for that matter," he gave her another charming smile.
"It's all looks so lovely, I can only imagine what the food is like. But I'd definitely say I'm not dressed for a place like this," Hermione made brief eye contact with someone at another table before taking a large sip of the wine that was poured for them.
"Nonsense," was all Jackson replied before taking up a menu.
She reached for her menu when her peripheral vision picked up on platinum hair. Was she hallucinating? Did she have a sixth sense in detecting Malfoys? But of course she couldn't forget and leave it alone, she could have punched herself.
"Damn it..." she whispered.
Jackson raised his eyebrows in question without looking up from his menu. "Hmm?"
"Oh, nothing. I just need to use the restroom. If the waiter comes before I'm back, could you order for me?" Standing before she finished speaking, Jackson gave her a warm look, obviously touched that she trusted him to pick something for her. She almost felt bad since that wasn't actually the case at all.
Once towards the back of the restaurant, she tried to determine where he would have went. An idea came to her and she casually reached out, touching along the wall. Her hand hit a solid object that she couldn't see.
"Draco!"
An invisible force grabbed her arm and yanked her to an empty hallway, most likely only meant for employees.
"Why did you do that? Are you trying to draw attention to me?" Draco hissed.
"Me? What are you doing here, you nosy sod? Why are you using charms in a place full of muggles? You're just asking to get exposed!" Snapped Hermione.
"I was waiting outside but I just came in to do a quick check. You must be smart enough to figure out that if you go out of town, I have to follow you. I always have to be in the same the town as you. It's a pleasant job requirement," he jibed.
"Well, you could have informed me. All I need is a reason to become paranoid."
"You weren't even supposed to see me. It's not as if you go out of town much,"
"It's still my business when it involves me, thank you very much," crossing her arms defensively.
"Consider yourself informed," stated Draco, his attention towards the hallway in case they were interrupted.
"Now that we're clear, I'm finished with this conversation, so goodbye." Hermione turned on her heel and didn't look back at the blonde who was rolling his eyes, again, in her direction.
The rest of the evening was good, an average first date at best. Though she was glad to be home after having to drive another thirty minutes with him. Jackson kissed her on her doorstep, which ended up being nice. Then he'd tried to invite himself in for coffee, in which she gave him a firm no.
Hermione sighed as she locked the door. Did he really believe she'd let him get further than a kiss that quickly? Not to mention the chemistry between them didn't really spark. Once stripped down to an oversized t-shirt, she sat cross legged on her bed, twirling her wand between her fingers. The feeling of it always electrified her, awakened her.
She missed using and practicing her magic. The occasional, simple spell wasn't satisfying enough, but she'd made do. With a wave she flicked off her lights, shoving it under her pillow before lying down and grabbing the book on her side table.
Rap-rap-rap.
The door swung open and Draco stepped aside to allow Hermione inside. Reaching the living room, he picked up a sheet of paper and handed it to Hermione.
"It was originally coded but I've already translated it for you to read," he stated, breaking the silence.
It was short and sweet. A confirmation that they had received Draco's letter and that there were no new leads or updates at that time.
She sighed. "Okay, well, thanks. I wish they knew more."
"He's not the brightest but he sure knows how to keep hidden."
Hermione looked up at him, knowing who he was speaking of, and nodded sadly. Draco put the update away before offering her something to drink. She accepted, as her throat felt extremely dry in that moment.
"So I couldn't happen but to notice how awkward your date was with that git," he smirked knowingly.
Hermione shot a pointed look at him. "My date went perfectly fine and is none of your business."
He snorted. "Perfectly agonizing, if you ask me."
"Agonizing? He was a gentlemen and we had a delicious meal."
"Until he tried to invite himself in," Draco chuckled.
She blushed at his knowledge of the counter. "Why were you still following me once we were back in town?"
"I'll admit, I was curious to see how your atrocious evening would come to an end."
"Fine, you're right. It was awkward and the ending was the cherry on top of it all. Happy?" Hermione grunted.
He grinned at that. "Can you say that again? You know, the part about me being right?"
She rolled her eyes and shook her head, while the corners of her mouth turned up. "You're ego is positively foul."
"Not what I was looking for, but I'll take it," he leaned back against the chair and lifted his arms to rest his hands behind his head.
Hermione took this opportunity to peer out the window, noticing how quickly the sun had set from when she first arrived.
"Well, thank you for the update. I should be getting home to prepare something for dinner," standing as she placed her bag across her chest.
Draco subconsciously met her stance. "I'm just glad you chose a later time to show up at my house. Next time you ring while I'm showering, I'm going to answer in nothing but a towel."
"Oh, Merlin. Just stop right there please, that is the last image I want to see!" she exaggerated a grimace and scrunched her nose in repulsion.
"Like you haven't thought of me in a towel before," he spoke confidently, purposefully pestering her.
Hermione's mouth gaped. "I absolutely have not! Let me know if you'd like help deflating your head!"
The joking atmosphere ended abruptly when the lights went out and darkness surrounded them. Silence accompanied them as they separately worked out their confusion in their own heads.
"Draco?" Hermione inquired.
"What in the- why have the lights gone out?"
"This can happen with electricity. If the power lines get damaged by something, it can't run electricity to your home. It's probably not a big deal, I immediately thought the worst but I-..." she drifted off, not bothering to finish.
Draco felt her worry in her words. "You're right, it's probably nothing. What's living like a muggle without a few muggle problems?"
"Right. Maybe we should walk into town and see who else it's effecting and maybe someone knows what's caused it."
"That's probably a good idea."
By this time their eyes had adjusted to the black and they were able to navigate their way through his home to the front door. Hermione followed closely to Draco, her mind shouting the anxieties she was usually able to keep at bay.
The streets weren't much better but the stars helped a bit. As far as they'd noticed everyone else had lost power as well. Hermione's phone lit up and began buzzing.
"It's Alice," she told Draco. "Hello?" She answered.
Draco stood watching her and straining his ears, trying to figure out what was being said on the other end of the phone.
"Yes, I see that," long pause. "Well I'm glad. Hopefully they can fix it rather quickly," pause. "I will, we're making our way down there now," pause. "Myself and Draco..." long pause. "Alice don't be weird," pause. "I'll see you in a bit." And promptly hung up the phone.
"What did she say?" Draco raised an eyebrow.
"There are people coming from the next largest city near us to fix whatever the issue is. They should be here in about 20 minutes she thinks, according to what time they said they'd be here anyways."
The rest of the walk was rather quiet, but the silence was comfortable. Once in town she noticed the crowds of people in the streets, all talking in various groups. It was difficult to locate Alice without any light, but eventually Hermione wandered over to the right group.
"Hermione! Finally, you're here. They should be here any minute now, so you haven't missed much," said Alice, looping her arm with Hermione's while Draco stood quietly behind them.
"Hello, Draco," Alice greeted with a wide smile. "You remember Wyatt, Cassandra, and Gavin," she gestured.
Draco gave a nod. "Yes, it's nice to see you all again, even under these unfortunate circumstances."
"Indeed, this is absolutely ridiculous. No one's even done anything and yet here we are stuck without electricity. How lovely," Cassandra huffed.
"Good to see you, man," Wyatt reached out and shook his hand, while Gavin only nodded and gave a small wave.
Suddenly, two trucks were pulling up. Everyone looked relieved that they had arrived.
"Draco," whispered Hermione.
They both side stepped slightly away from the group, ensuring no one overheard their conversation.
"Do you feel that?" She continued.
Draco put all his focus onto her words. "Like a faint buzzing, almost…" he confirmed.
"Like the air is charged," Hermione added.
"It feels... dark. It reminds me of my days when you know who stayed at my manor..." he gave her a knowing look.
Before they could react, the men stepped out of the vehicle, everyone still partially blinded from the headlights.
"Who's in charge here?" he addressed the crowd
Hermione froze at the sound of the man's voice. "We have to go, Draco we have to go now," she pulled at his sleeve. "You guys, listen. I have no time to explain, but we need to get out of here right now."
Alice and Gavin gave confused and worried looks at the distressed Hermione, but didn't question her. Cassandra on the other hand gave a look of skepticism.
"Why? I'm not going anywhere."
"Honey, maybe-" Wyatt began.
"No," her distaste evident. "I'm not going anywhere with her if I don't know why."
"Hermione, we don't have time for this," Draco commanded and grabbed her hand to pull her away.
They stayed low and mixed in with the crowds. Alice and Gavin were on their tails, blindly trusting the two in front of them. A few people shot them questioning looks, but most didn't notice the group in the dark with their focus on the men from the trucks.
"This should be a relatively easy job," the man continued, his voice echoing from afar. "Before we get started, we have some forms we need signed by the person who caused it," he paused to let people murmur. "It says here it came from the house of... Hermione Jean. Does anyone know where she is? We'd like to get started so you all can go home."
Hermione tensed at the distant mention of her name and Draco quickened his pace. They'd just reached the first neighborhood when they heard something about 'home' and 'search'. At that point Draco took off in a sprint, still hand in hand with Hermione. Alice and Gavin kept up rather well, only falling a few yards behind. They eventually reached the forest just beyond Draco's home. He abruptly stopped, almost causing everyone to slam into each other.
"Stay here, stay hidden, I'm going to run to my house and grab a few essentials. I'll be quick," Draco explained. He turned to speak to Hermione directly. "We'll have to travel on foot so they can't track our apparition. Cast a disillusionment charm," and he commanded before dissapearing.
Hermione slid her wand out of the secret compartment in her coat, reciting the incantation.
"Okay, what the hell is going on?" Alice stammered, staring at her hands that had suddenly taken on her surroundings.
"All you need to know is that those men are after me, and potentially Draco since he'd be convenient to take along as well if they caught me. We have certain... capabilities. If we tell you both anymore you could be in danger for your knowledge," Hermione smiled apologetically.
Gavin scratched his forehead. "This is completely bizarre. Who is he? Why is he after you?"
"Umm," she searched her brain for a generic answer. "We were on different sides of a war. That's really all you need to know."
"War? What war? Where? When?" Gavin interrogated.
"Please, no more questions. I'm not sure what his intentions are with the rest of the people in town, but you also can't stay with us as that will put you in danger as well. We'll need to find somewhere safe away from here to take you both before Draco and I travel too far."
Draco reappeared just then with a backpack, his focus on Hermione. "Let's go."
