"Malfoy, is that you?"
This was the kind of establishment she'd thought she'd never find herself in, let alone the epitome of snobbery and arrogance that was Draco Malfoy. But it was the best place that she could think of to hide.
"Granger, luv. Have a seat." He gestured to the bar stool to his right. "Nice dress. Although, I must say, you look like shit."
She rolled her eyes and took the seat to his left. When the bartender came over, she ordered herself a shot of Firewhiskey. Then thinking better of it, she ordered two more. That would be enough to numb the senses without getting completely intoxicated.
Hermione could feel his stare on her face. Tilting her head to the side and leaning against her arm she said, "Malfoy, you're pissed, eh."
"If you must know, I'm very drunk and I intend on getting still drunker before this evening's over." His words only had the slightest slur. Of course, he would hold his liquor well whereas she'd be stumbling after the four shot.
"Got problems, then?"
"I do. But things are looking a tad better now."
Leaning in closer, she was tempted to ask what spell he used to keep from smelling like a distillery. "Well, getting drunk is no way to deal with your troubles."
He laughed, louder than she had expected. "That's rich, coming from the witch sitting in a seedy bar dressed in her wedding gown. What happened? Did you have a fight? Weasley leave you at the altar?"
She threw back her last shot and slammed the glass down. "No. I left him."
"Ah, he stepped out on you?"
"No. Ron wouldn't do that."
"So, it was you who did the cheating."
"Why must you assume that it was infidelity? Maybe, I just need more. Maybe, I just want to be madly in love! I feel like if I marry Ron then my life is over. Nothing will ever happen to me again. It's not fair. They all have expectations and I'm just supposed to shut up and meet them! Every last thing, planned out. I already know exactly what everyday will bring. I can't. Malfoy, I just can't!" Apparently she was shouting and the regulars seemed to be enjoying the show. She put her head down on the sticky bar; not caring that it certainly hadn't been cleaned properly in years.
"Granger, what you need is another drink." He slid his bottle towards her. "Go on. It's on me."
Hermione didn't bother to lift up her head. "No, thanks," she mumbled.
"Aw, don't worry. I'll make sure you get home safely."
She chuckled. "I hardly think I'd ever be safe with you."
"Perhaps not, but I can assure you that it will never be boring."
Grasping the neck of the bottle, she poured as much as she could stand down her throat. She had made a decision. Tonight she would get drunk and let Malfoy take her home. Hermione didn't know if that was the right thing to do but quite frankly, she didn't give a damn.