Author's Note: This is linked to the last chapter. Enjoy!

Prompts: (word) tradition/(word) charitable

Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognise

Date

Hermione tried to argue that it was all because it was on her way to work but even she knew the little café sat two streets out of her way. She worked in the ministry of course and there was a far more direct route but she was determined to get her coffee every morning from the unlikely barista Draco Malfoy.

It had been awkward at first when she started coming in every morning and she was sure that he was wary this was all going to blow up in his face. He probably expected her to come along with the media with Harry and Ron in tow ready to shame him back into hiding but she would never do that. She enjoyed seeing him.

Eventually it became tradition, though they didn't speak much. He stopped asking for her order within the week and simply started preparing it the second she walked in the door. About a month after she first came in Draco made his first bit of conversation.

"Doesn't Weasel walk you to work?" he asked sounding incredibly casual but Hermione caught the flash of curiosity in his pale eyes.

"No?" she asked confused, "why on earth would he?"

"Well aren't you two an item? Besides you work together, surely you live together."

"Oh," she laughed. "No me and Ron lasted about a week. We're much better off as friends. I think that whole thing was born of stress."

"Oh."

He didn't say another word and Hermione was confused at his sharp tone but she didn't push it thanking him for her drink and leaving.

The next day however he was far more polite and even friendly. It confused her greatly but she wasn't about to point it out in case he went back to being sullen. This good mood continued for a week.

"I hope you aren't just being charitable," he blurted out finally, "I know this place isn't exactly on your way to work."

"I like it," Hermione defended blushing slightly at being caught. "You make good coffee and I've always been a creature of routine. I can stop coming if you like?"

"No!"

Hermione looked up at his insistent tone to see that he too was blushing. "No I- don't worry about that another customer is always good for me."

"Well I'm glad, I guess I'll see you tomorrow morning then," she turned to leave, drink in hand and had made it to the door before his small voice called out for her to wait.

She turned expectantly to find him leaning out over the counter.

"And, maybe, tomorrow night to? For- for dinner?"

Hermione grinned, "I thought you'd never ask."

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Much Love, MaryandMerlin x