A/N: Thank you to those of you who reviewed my last chapter! I know I say this all the time but it DOES make my day – and it definitely makes me want to keep updating as much as possible.
CGinny: Thank you! I wish I could give you Draco Malfoy but he's not mine to give away! Thank you for being understanding and for reviewing!
LadiePhoenix007: Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter – I felt like I really struggled writing it. And thank you for your faithful reviewing – it really does make me want to write more!
Jen7: Thank you! I hope you enjoy this chapter ;)
Last Chapter
"Is he going to lose his shit whenever I kiss you?"
Her stomach erupted into butterflies and she could have sworn she could hear her own heartbeat. "I don't know. I hope not." She whispered.
He stepped even closer, his body now flush against hers as he pressed her against the counter.
"Good. Because I plan on doing it a lot."
Chapter 9
Monday, May 3rd 2004 – 9:03am
Office of Hermione Granger
Hermione had barely enough time to register what Draco had said before he abruptly turned on his heel and disappeared from her office. She let the desk behind her take the weight of her body as her mind swarmed with confusion.
What the hell did that mean? He was planning to kiss her a lot? She sure hoped so…or not…Merlin, she didn't know what she wanted!
If she was being completely honest with herself, she couldn't deny that she enjoyed his caresses. In fact, she hadn't been able to stop thinking about every kiss they had shared. But that didn't necessarily mean it was a good thing, did it?
She huffed in frustration, plonking herself into her desk chair. She really needed to stop thinking about this or she wasn't going to get any work done – and then, Phineas would have reason to get rid of her.
No, she needed to focus on her paperwork, the upcoming meetings, her scheduled appointments with various departmental representatives, their pending petitions – hell, anything but Draco bloody Malfoy.
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Monday, May 3rd 2004 – 9:05am
Office of Draco Malfoy
His heart hammering against his chest, Draco shut his office door behind him and slowly exhaled. He couldn't say for certain what had overcome him and pushed him to say what he did – all he knew was that she had looked utterly delectable leaning against that desk of hers.
He had caught a fleeting glimpse of her as Ginny dragged her into her office, and that alone was enough to send his pulse racing. The neckline of her white button-up blouse dipped low enough to show a subtle hint of cleavage. Her royal blue skirt clung to every curve of her body, almost calling out to him.
Draco couldn't have excused himself from Mitchell fast enough. If it hadn't been for Ginny's presence in the office, who knows what he would have done?
He hadn't been able to take his eyes off of her as she chatted to Ginny, the light sheen on her lips screaming for his attention. And sweet Circe, had he been rewarded when they had been left alone.
He wasn't sure where this put them now – if she kept looking like that, he was sure he couldn't be blamed for his actions.
He slumped behind his desk, mulling over the events of the prior few weeks. He had to admit, she was the first woman that had ever truly challenged him. His liaisons in the past had always been based on physical attraction alone but with Hermione, there was something almost visceral between them.
He was almost drawn to her; he wanted to know her in every bloody sense of the word. He was sure Blaise and Theo would piss themselves laughing if they ever knew, but he would give anything to simply spend all day and night simply talking with the damned woman. He wanted to be a part of every aspect of her life, every aspect of her being.
For the love of Merlin, what was wrong with him?
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Thursday, May 6th 2004 – 4:33pm
Office of Hermione Granger
Hermione leant forward on her desk, propping her head up with her palm. She had long tuned out of Mitchell's ramblings over the upcoming fundraiser, caught up in her musings over a certain blonde wizard.
She had no clue what had come over Draco – he was avoiding her like the damned plague ever since he had left her office on Monday morning. She had no idea what to think, especially after he had implied that he wanted to keep kissing her!
On the chances they seen each other in the corridors, he mumbled a few passing words to her before disappearing into his office or down the hallway. He had been avoiding any chance of eye contact with her during meetings and whenever she had tried to start a conversation with him, he had excused himself with some reason or another.
What the bloody hell was going on? Her eyebrows furrowed as she mulled over his odd behaviour, absently tapping her finger on the desk in front of her.
"Hermione!" She snapped out of her thoughts, blushing at the annoyed expression on Mitchell's face. "I said, sorry if I'm boring you!"
He raised an eyebrow at her, confused by her out-of-character disinterest.
"Ugh, I'm sorry. I've just got a lot on my mind." She sighed, leaning back into her chair. "Do you think we can continue this another time?"
It was Mitchell's turn to let out a sigh. And she couldn't blame him – she knew they were already behind on the planning. He got up from his chair, flashing her a tired smile. "Yeah, sure."
Hermione frowned after his retreating back, running a hand through her hair. This whole nonsense was affecting her work, something that was completely unacceptable to her, and that was precisely what Phineas was counting on.
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Trouble in Paradise?
Friday, May 7th 2004
Hello, my darlings!
I hope you've had a relaxing week to recuperate from the shock that was our annual Liberty Ball. And if you feel as though you're a little too relaxed from it all, I may just have enough juicy gossip to set your tongues wagging again!
It seems as though there is already trouble in paradise for our two famous lovebirds, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger, according to my sources – and trust me dears, my sources are quite reliable.
Ever since the wonderfully dramatic proclamation of their relationship, it seems as though the pair have been travelling on rocky ground. Despite their apparent adoration for each other on Sunday night, they have barely spoken to each other whilst in the Ministry where they both work.
"They are hardly even in the same room together, which is suspicious considering they have a handful of projects that they're working on together." My source tells me. "Things have suddenly become icy cold between the two."
Perhaps the brouhaha that followed their announcement last Sunday was too much for the couple to handle. Or maybe the curse of Ronald Weasley has struck again and made a mess of sweet Hermione's love life. Either way it would be devastating if after a year of dating, they were unable to handle the pressures of a public relationship.
I for one hope that this isn't the last we see of this gorgeous couple – they've barely caused enough of a ruckus for my liking! And as someone who personally knew both of them during our school days, I rather fancy the idea of them together – they do make a deliciously stunning couple!
Until next time, my darlings!
Parvati Patil
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Friday, May 7th 2004 – 9:00am
Office of Draco Malfoy
Draco shut his office door behind him, blocking out the curious stares and whispers that had followed him since his arrival in the Ministry atrium. If only he knew who Patil's damned source was, he'd show him (or her) what he thought of their crap.
But then again, it wasn't really crap, was it? He had been avoiding Hermione like the plague.
A frown settled on his face as a flying memo snuck under the door and landed on his desk. He quickly walked over and unfolded it, his frown deepening as he read it.
Malfoy,
My office NOW.
Phineas Goldbloom
Well, wasn't that just dandy.
Letting out a frustrated growl, he threw open his office door and made his way up the corridor. He turned into Phineas' office doorway, freezing as his eyes fell on Hermione. She was seated in front of their boss' desk, slightly turned so that she hadn't quite caught sight of him. Phineas was nowhere to be seen.
She jumped and turned to face him as Draco cleared his throat. "Draco!"
Sweet Circe, was she trying to tease him?!
Her maroon dress flowed gently from her waistline, which was accentuated with a thin gold belt, coming to an end a few centimetres above her knees. But the top half...it was form fitting, the thick straps giving way to a rather alluring plunge in the neckline to reveal just enough of the swell of her breasts. His eyes raked down the length of her enticing legs and up again, pausing momentarily on her chest.
To be quite honest, he was rather enjoying himself.
"Done ogling, Mr Malfoy?"
His perusal of Hermione's attire was rudely interrupted by Phineas pushing past him and taking a seat behind his desk. Draco let a scowl settle over his features as he took the seat beside Hermione.
"Imagine my displeasure when I saw my wife reading this this morning." Phineas started, throwing a copy of Witch Weekly.
Neither of them said anything, merely glancing down at the offending article. "How is it that you two are already failing the assignment I gave you? Do you not recall when I said that you had to bloody well act like a couple?"
Hermione opened her mouth to retort, silenced by Phineas' raised hands. "I don't want to hear it, Miss Granger. I want you both to leave my office this instant and fix whatever it is that is preventing you both from doing your jobs. You have until the start of next week to sort it out."
They both made their way to the door, stopped by his parting words. "May I remind the two of you, your jobs depend on this." And with that, his office door shut behind them.
"My office." Hermione muttered, anger clearly written across her face.
She stormed off ahead of him, not even pausing to see if he was following her. She paused in her doorway, letting him enter before firmly closing and locking the door.
"Her-"
"Don't! Silencio." She interrupted, turning on him with an unyielding stare as she silenced the room. "I will not lose my job because of you."
Draco's eyebrows shot into his hairline. "What? Because of me?!" What the hell was she on about?
"Yes, because of you!" She hissed, her voice heavy with sarcasm. "You've been acting like a complete jerk!"
"What? A jerk?!" He bellowed, thankful for the silencing charm Hermione had cast.
"Yes! Congratulations! Apparently you've got enough of a brain to repeat what I say!"
"What the hell crawled up your arse?!" His voice was nearly at a screeching volume.
"My arse?! You're the one who has gone off the bloody reservation!"
"Huh?" He asked inelegantly.
"It means you're acting like an imbecile! You've been acting as if I don't exist!" Hermione yelled, jabbing at his chest with a pointed finger.
"It's all I can do to not fucking jump you every fucking second!" His heart leapt into his throat as he realised what he said but Hermione didn't seem to have quite processed his words.
"Well, what the hell is stopping you?!"
Her eyes widened as the words left her mouth, her pulse hammering in her ears. They stood still for a long second, simply staring at each other in shock.
And suddenly, as if on cue, Draco surged forward. His hands cupped her cheeks as his lips urgently met hers. He let one of his hands fall to her waist, pulling her flush against his body. Hermione hummed contentedly as he ran his tongue along her lower lip, her hands desperately pulling at his shirt.
She allowed him to deepen the kiss, relishing in his gentle attention. And then suddenly his attentions were growing increasingly insistent and greedy. He lifted her into his arms, swiftly moving to press her against her office door. Her hands roved over his chest and upper arms, nails lightly raking his skin over his shirt. He nipped at her lower lip, hands frantically grasping at her hips.
Hermione let out a small cry of delight as he lifted her by the back of her thighs, pushing his body flush against hers. He recaptured her lips in his, swallowing the remnants of her squeal. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her fingers digging into his upper arms as she moved her lips down the line of his jaw.
He growled with arousal, hungrily grasping her arse as she sucked and nibbled at the nape of his neck. Draco suddenly thanked his lucky stars that she was wearing a flared skirt, as opposed to a pencil skirt, as his fingers lingered on her legs. He was rewarded with her light mewls of pleasure as he caressed her upper thigh, reaching the curve of her ample bum.
Dear Merlin, was she not wearing underwear? This witch was going to be the death of him.
"Hermione." He gasped between kisses. "Dinner. Tonight?"
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Friday, May 7th 2004 – 8:17pm
Cora's Restaurant
Hermione ducked off to the bathroom, giggling as she stole a coy glance over her shoulder at Draco who was paying at the counter. As enjoyable as the evening had been, she hadn't been able to take her mind off that morning. They hadn't gotten their hands off each other for another good five minutes before they had given in to the work piling on their desks.
She couldn't decide if she was relieved or disappointed that their moment had come to an end. She couldn't deny that she had enjoyed his affections – and trust her, she really had enjoyed it – but what the hell would it mean?
Where the hell did they stand with each other anyway? This whole thing was supposed to be a farce and yet she was perfectly aware that she was drawn to him in a way she had never experienced before.
Draco was undeniably gorgeous. His body was…well, it was to die for; flawlessly chiselled and amazingly taut. His features screamed of aristocracy and yet held a certain level of kindness when he let it – his smile made butterflies erupt within her and all the warmth of her body pool at the bottom of her stomach at the same time. He was intelligent and determined. And he was surprisingly attentive, gentle and incredibly engaging – something she had never expected from him.
They had come here straight from the Ministry and spent the entire evening simply chatting. They had so much to talk about, and so much in common it seemed – that was something she had never had with Ron…or any other guy for that matter. They had teased and laughed and flirted all bloody night.
She most definitely didn't want the night to come to an end.
Draco was standing near the restaurant door, waiting for her with that charming smile.
"Shall we?" He asked. She took his proffered arm as he led her out of the restaurant, shivering as the cool night's air hitting them.
Hermione let out a surprised yell as he suddenly pinned her against the brick wall. "I've been waiting to do this all day." He murmured before leaning in to capture her lips.
She almost dropped her purse in surprise, tangling her free hand in his hair. He clutched at her waist and hips, arching her back off the wall to pull her against him. His lips kneaded against hers, hungrily drinking in as much of her as he could. He deepened their kiss, his tongue battling with hers for dominance.
His kisses fluctuated from urgent and fiery to gentle and loving and then back again. She whimpered against his mouth as he nibbled at her lower lip, arching her back to press her chest against his.
Dear Merlin, he wanted this witch. He couldn't get enough of her.
He moved his lips from hers, caressing the nape of her neck. Her moans sent shivers through his spine, his arousal growing with each delightful noise. He tugged on the lobe of her ear, revelling as she hooked her leg around his. Hermione pulled her leg forward, pressing their pelvises together. He swore he could feel heat emanating from her body, calling him to her.
His hand moved gently over her body, coming to a rest at the gentle curve of her breast at her neckline. His fingertip brushed the edge of her bra, rewarded by goosebumps erupting over her skin. Taking a chance he dipped his finger underneath her bra, grazing her hardening nipple.
"Draco." She gasped and whimpered at the same time, her back arching further against him. "Not here."
He grunted, burning with desire as he continued to massaged her breast. "My place?"
"Yes." She moaned, pulling him closer for one last kiss before he Disapparated them to his apartment.
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Love is in the Air
Saturday, May 8th 2004
Never fear, my dear readers! Despite the rumours that have floated around about our favourite couple of the decade, it seems as though things have never been better between Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy. Don't you worry – my apparently trustful source is a source no more.
The couple were seen last night, engaged in a rather passionate embrace outside the walls of Cora's Restaurant – or rather, against the walls of Cora's Restaurant. Don't believe me – just take a look at the picture below.
Draco was seen turning on Hermione with a fierce kiss, which soon grew steamier by the second. The couple couldn't keep their hands, or lips, off of each other before they left for the night. We can only speculate where they went but my darlings, I admit I was fanning myself for hours after witnessing that.
You cannot imagine how much I wished I could take Hermione's place. The way Draco looked at her and showered her with affection, it was enough to make any woman swoon. It was clearly to see that they have an abundance of pent up sexual tension from their days at Hogwarts.
I can only hope that we see much more of this side of the sizzling couple.
Love and kisses,
Parvati Patil
A/N: Please read and review! I know I'm not good with any form of smut but I am trying for those of you who have asked for it. I'd love to know what you think!
