Chapter 30: Draco

Life had become almost a parallel universe. One where Lucius Malfoy was no longer alive, most of the world was locked down in the midst of a global pandemic and had taken to communicating via music from balconies, and Hermione Granger was my girlfriend.

That last one was undoubtedly my favourite part. We'd only officially been a couple for a few weeks, but it felt like forever. We had slipped easily into a comfortable routine which sounded horrifying to some, but I felt secure and content for the first time in my life. Yes, Granger was prone to sleep-talking and was a relentless blanket hog. Still, her unerring support of my mother and me in the days since my father's death had been amazing, and now the sight of her first thing in the morning, whether in my bed or hers, was fast becoming the best part of every day.

It was Monday morning, and Granger had stayed over at my place again the previous night. I'd summoned two steaming cups of coffee – I took mine black, she preferred to desecrate hers with milk and sugar – and left hers on the bedside table. I sipped mine while observing her from by the window. The sun was just coming up, and it cast a warm glow over the room. I stood in blissful calm for a few moments, before an object on the floor by the bed caught my attention. With a smirk, I used my wand to levitate it off the ground and into one of the drawers in my wardrobe. Granger stretched, her body moving languorously beneath the white sheets. A slow smile spread over her face when she spotted me watching her unabashed, and she held the sheet to her chest as she sat up.

"Morning," she murmured sleepily, running her fingers through her tangled mess of curls.

"Good morning, beautiful," I replied, gesturing with a jut of my chin toward the bedside table. "Your coffee is beside you."

"Oh, bless you, you wonderful, wonderful boy," she answered gratefully, turning to reach for the cup. She took a large swallow and exhaled a satisfied sighed, tipping her head back with her eyes closed. "I love that you bring me coffee in the mornings."

"Well, I have an ulterior motive," I said, coming to sit beside her on the bed. "You are an absolute beast in the morning until you have your coffee. Giving you caffeine works for both of us."

She shot me a dirty look. "I'll think of something to say once I've finished this," she said, her words mumbled into her cup. Granger drained her cup in record time and placed it in my outstretched hand. I vanished them both and stood up.

"You coming to have a shower?" I asked her. Granger shook her head and shuffled to the edge of the bed to stand up. The sheet covering her naked body fell enticingly, and I drew in a sharp breath, but Granger was seemingly oblivious.

"No, I need to get going and get ready for work." She pressed up onto her toes to kiss me and then wandered over to the armchair in the corner of my room, where she had deposited our clothes from last night. She filed through them, frowning. "Where are my knickers?"

I remained silent, a smug grin on my face. The knickers in question were burning a hole in one of the drawers in my wardrobe. She fixed me with a stern look, and we engaged in a silent staring game before she eventually broke her gaze.

"Fine. Continue hoarding them, like a cretin. See if I care," she mumbled, shrugging my pale blue business shirt over her head, and charming her clothes and shoes into her magically expanding bag.

"What was that, my under-caffeinated dream?" I said, walking toward her. "Do you want to give me shower head? If you insist." I gathered her in my arms and braced for the customary smack that surprisingly never came. Instead, she reached up to kiss me again. I kissed her back. The notion that I had found the woman of my dreams and she was here, with me, in my apartment, wearing nothing but my shirt, had me silently praising every unknown deity. Reaching down, I lightly squeezed her arse through my shirt. "Will I see you tonight?" I asked, murmuring against her lips.

"Of course. Here, or my place?" she replied, pulling back to brush my hair out of my eyes, still mussed from sleep. I placed a kiss on the tip of her nose.

"Yours. Your fridge is better stocked than mine."

Granger laughed melodically, tipping her head back. "Who says romance is dead?" She kissed me once more and wished me a good day at work, before gliding out of the room. I waited for the tell-tale sound of the Floo before I walked toward my bathroom to shower.

While in the shower, it occurred to me that I hadn't heard any more from Shacklebolt about the new taskforce for the pandemic since we spoke at the golf course. Odd, I thought with a frown. Understandable that he wouldn't have contacted me given the circumstances with my father's passing, but Shacklebolt had said that he was inviting Granger to come back on board. I wondered if he'd mentioned anything to her, and if so, why hadn't she said anything?

It was a painful knot in my stomach. I had Granger, and even though it was still the early stages, I was all in with her. I was Grangers, wholly and solely. But being with her meant that my participation in any Ministry project was off-limits. Once upon a time, it would've been an easy decision to make. Take what I want, fuck the consequences. To be blatantly selfish is what the old me would have done. Choosing Granger was still an easy choice. But the devastation that this pandemic was predicted to have on the world was giving me pause. Granger was selfless by nature and lived her life by going from one right thing to the next. Choosing to save the world over our relationship would be a no-brainer for her. My gut roiled, and I decided instantly that I was not too fond of the way that felt.

I swiped my wet hair out of my eyes and closed my eyes under the hot shower stream. What was the point of doing the hard yards all these years to prove that I had changed and that I wasn't my father's son if I was just going to undo it all now? I had to consider the possibility that if I chose Granger over a moral obligation to help protect the world, would she even want me anymore?

I had an impossible choice to make. Save the world and redeem myself, or fuck the world and be happy with the woman I love. There had to be a way to navigate this where I didn't lose both.

I emerged from my steamy bathroom with a towel wrapped around my hips and stepped into my wardrobe. I paused before opening my underwear drawer. Instead, I opened the drawer beside it and smiled at the small collection of lacy intimates I gathered. That's three pairs and counting, I thought smugly.

No, not counting, came a snide voice from nowhere. It was in my head. I hadn't heard that voice for a long time. It was the voice that came to me in moments of self-doubt, such as the day in the bathroom before Potter ripped my veins open. Enjoy it while it lasts, the voice sneered. The thought instantly sobered me, and I closed the drawer and continued to dress for the day.

Fuck sake.

It was a little before three in the afternoon, and I was at my desk trying to work while Theo performed his usual routine of occupying the armchair in my office, scrolling on his phone. He was humming along absently to the tunes I had playing. Earlier in the day, I'd gotten a text from Granger:

Meeting with Kingsley at 2 pm. Talk to you afterwards? Xx

My heart had sunk to the floor when I read it. There was no doubt what the meeting would be about if Shacklebolt hadn't discussed the new taskforce with her before now.

This was fucked. Get the girl, lose her once. Get her back, decide whether or not to lose her again.

Theo cackled aloud at something on his phone, which drew me back to attention. Theo seemed chipper but distracted, and I realised that I hadn't considered his position in our current situation. Shacklebolt had wanted both of us on the team again, and no doubt he would be bringing Potter, the People's Hero, onboard as well.

"Granger was meeting with Shacklebolt this afternoon," I informed him.

"I'm only human, after all. Don't put your blame on me," Theo warbled along with the song, still looking intently at his phone.

"Have you and Potter talked about what you're going to do?"

"'Geese goose', that's funny," he said blithely. Theo's attention was fixed too firmly on his phone for him not to be ignoring me. I tried a different tact.

"You knew that Pansy has been shagging Ron Weasley, didn't you?"

Theo waved a hand dismissively. "She wouldn't do anything of the sort, and certainly not without telling me." He finally looked up from his phone, his mouth dropping open in response to my knowing smirk. "No," he replied disbelievingly. "Weasley? But he's – no. Not the ginger prat. Pansy wouldn't disgrace us like that. I'm appalled, I tell you, appalled."

"You've been shagging Potter for the better part of a year," I pointed out as Granger stepped through the Floo, looking stunning as ever in a fitted ivory coloured dress and burgundy suede heels that, frankly, would look good tucked behind my ears.

"Entirely beside the point." Theo looked scandalised. "How could she not tell me?"

"How could who not tell you what?" Granger asked him, accepting my kiss with a smile.

"Wait, does Granger know about this?" Theo asked. "Because I'd imagine she'd be a complete basket case over this, and rightly so!"

Theo began texting furiously, unaware of the twin looks of confusion that Granger and I regarded him with. "He knows I'm standing right in front of him, doesn't he?" she asked in a stage-whisper.

"Theodore has a brazen disregard for reality at times. He probably thinks you're a ghost, so just go with it."

Theo suddenly thrust his phone in our direction. "She said that, yes, she has been sleeping with Weasley. Yes, Granger knows, and no, Malfoy, your tie does not go with that shirt at all." He looked desperately at us. "Why didn't she tell me?"

"Probably because she knew your reaction would be too level-headed and she needed some theatrics," Granger supplied helpfully. Theo narrowed his eyes and pointed his finger at Granger but then paused.

"Hmm," he answered simply. He stood up and exited my office without another word.

"Did you know that some girls stop their boyfriends from seeing their friends?" I asked, shaking my head and sitting down.

"I do know that."

"Can you be one of them?" I pleaded, and she giggled as she crossed the room to help herself to a glass of water. I admired her curves in her dress as she came to sit opposite me and was on the verge of suggesting she sit on something else in my office, namely my dick, but then I recalled that she'd just come from a meeting with Shacklebolt. "How did your meeting go?"

She sighed. "Yeah, that's why I'm here." She looked at me, the light from the afternoon sun highlighting the gold in her eyes. "There's a new project that he wants me to join. He said he spoke to you and Theo about it already."

I nodded solemnly. "With my father's heart attack and then his funeral, I pretty much forgot all about it until this morning."

"That's understandable," Granger empathised. "Kingsley said he hadn't discussed it with me before now because I was busy with Ludo Bagman's trial, and he was still in talks with the Prime Minister. But now that it's been put out there, obviously, there's a lot that we need to discuss."

I rubbed my hand over my mouth. This felt like a cruel episode of déjà vu, and I could feel myself getting agitated. Those first few weeks after Granger and I broke up the first time were fucking torture. Theo, Pansy and Blaise each took turns visiting me in the evenings, finding me in a constant rotation of drinking a bottle to myself, passing out, waking up with a mouth like the bottom of a chicken coop, knocking back a hangover potion, working to exhaustion, rinse and repeat. This pattern continued for two weeks until they all stepped in and demanded that I return to some semblance of normal. Eventually I did, but it wasn't easy. It felt like she'd imprinted on me in some way.

I'd been through some shit in my life but nothing hurt like leaving Granger the first time. Doing it again? The thought was unbearable. One look at Granger's pained expression told me that she didn't like the idea of going through it either.

"I don't want to lose you again, Granger," I stated.

"I don't want to lose you either, Draco," she assured me quickly. "But Kingsley was pretty quick to remind me about the relationship policy."

I let my head fall back, and I released a frustrated growl. "I don't get what the fucking problem is. It's a temporary thing, and I'm not a fucking Ministry employee. This shouldn't apply to us, or Theo and Harry."

"NottPott," she murmured, catching my puzzled look. "That's the nickname Theo told me they've gone with. And by 'they', I'm pretty sure he means just him."

"It's not good for your health to speak to Theo too much."

She smiled, but it was tinged with sadness. "I just don't know what to do. I want so much to choose you, Draco, and in every version of this world, I would choose you over and over again. But what if this virus is as bad as they predict it's going to be? What if it kills millions of people, and I stood by and let it happen for the sake of my happiness? How selfish is that?" She sniffed suddenly and used her wand to summon my pocket square. Dabbing lightly at her eyes, she suddenly fixed me with a fierce look. "But why shouldn't I choose my happiness for once? I've helped save the world twice now. I deserve to be happy and in love. I've fucking earned that right."

I hated seeing her cry, and the Ministry's stupid fucking rules were pissing me off with every second that passed.

"But I also know how it feels to want to protect your loved ones, and what it feels like to lose them. How can I still back and do nothing knowing that I could be doing something to prevent somebody else from suffering the way you and I both have?" She was quieter this time and was gazing at her hands as she spoke. This time when she looked at me, her glistening eyes were filled with helplessness and despair. "Could you look at me the same way knowing that I went against everything I stand for, for my selfish reasons?"

I drew in a sharp breath. This was the crux of our issue, and we were both feeling it. We wanted desperately to stay together, but our sense of duty and obligation to do the right thing was calling loudly. Both of us were worried that a decision to stay together would change the other's opinion of us.

But it wasn't just us. Theo had earned the right to be fucking happy for once as well. He'd suffered more than anyone deserved and still managed to have the world's biggest heart. Much as it pained me, Potter made Theo deliriously happy. From what I knew about Potter, he deserved a bit of fucking happiness as well. It couldn't have been easy sharing a soul with Voldemort for all those years; fuck knows it was hard enough sharing a house with him. Theo and Harry as a couple made absolutely zero sense, but I hated to admit it, they seemed pretty perfect for each other. It pissed me off that Theo, my brother and best mate, had finally found peace and contentment, and it could get taken away from him as well.

And for what? For some ridiculous policy that was entirely under Shacklebolt's control to change? I got up and began pacing, breathing hard through my nose. Between Granger and I, we were the best students at Hogwarts for our time. We are highly skilled, incredibly intelligent, and we push each other to be the best we can. Surely Shacklebolt was not so short-sighted that he would risk not having us on his team for the sake of sticking to some bullshit rule.

I looked down at Granger. She was staring out the window, her finger worrying the edges of my navy silk handkerchief. The sun was lower in the sky and lit her face with a warm golden glow. It reminded me of the sun on the bed this morning, and how beautiful she'd looked. I remembered how I'd felt just watching her, how calm and content I'd felt. With a kinship that I'd later kick myself for, I realised at that moment what Weasley meant to want to just be with her. For all of the things I loved about her, her mind, her heart and her fire, there were moments when just being in her presence made me want to stop time. I'd be damned if I was letting that go for a second time.

I stalked toward my desk and snatched up the telephone receiver angrily, pressing a button and barking for Theo.

"Come with me." With my mouth sent in a determined line, I grabbed Granger's hand and yanked her to her feet and pulled her into my chest. Theo appeared moments later.

"Where are we going?" she asked, clinging to me. I looked meaningfully at Theo, who gave me an understanding nod and walked toward the Floo. I pressed a firm kiss to Granger's lips.

"We're going to see your boss."

We stepped out at the Ministry, and I wasted no time in dragging Granger towards the elevators. I noted several people observing us with amusement and hushed whispers as Granger walked alongside me, her hand still clasped in mine. Using Granger's special access, our elevator ride was swift, and we entered the corridor that led to Shacklebolt's office.

"Draco, are you sure you know what you're doing?" Granger's hand hadn't left mine, her knuckles white as she gripped my hand.

"I'm choosing us. The rest is up to him."

Katie Bell, Shacklebolt's secretary, was sitting at her desk, and she looked at us with a shocked expression as we approached, waving us through.

Shacklebolt was seated at his desk, and he regarded us with surprise when we entered. His brow furrowed when he noticed our entwined fingers. "Well, Miss Granger, when I asked you this afternoon whether there would be anything preventing you from working with Mr Malfoy -"

"Nothing is preventing Miss Granger from working with me. Except you," I said. I felt Granger stiffen beside me; her face turned to me with her mouth agape. I took a step forward. "You've unknowingly presented Miss Granger and me with an impossible choice. I've been in love with this woman for longer than I care to admit, and I lost her once because of your Ministry's policies."

Shacklebolt looked to Granger, and she gave him a timid nod.

"She walked away from the Project and me last year because she's a good person, and she will live and die by doing the right thing," I continued. "Now, I have significantly less experience with doing the right thing, and since it's a recent development, I'd like very much to continue the trend. Both of us want to be involved with this virus effort."

Shacklebolt leaned back in his chair, expectantly. "Go on."

"But with all due respect, sir, your policies mean dick to me this time." I heard Granger's shocked gasp beside me. Shacklebolt gazed at me impassively. "The purpose of this project is to prevent a virus from killing millions of vulnerable people. You want the best people on the team, and we are your best people. The fact that we're in a relationship shouldn't matter." I levelled a challenging stare at him. "So this is up to you, Kingsley. You can accept the fact that she's my partner and waive the policy, or you can hold us to it and lose two of the best damned from your team. Because I refuse to let this woman out of my sight. Your call."

"Well, that was impressive, Mr Malfoy," replied Shacklebolt after a pause, looking thoroughly unimpressed. By now, Granger had taken a seat opposite Shacklebolt, her hand folded neatly in her lap. "The policy is there for a reason. It's for the safety and protection of our employees, and to mitigate the risk involved with security breaches and leaks should a high-level Ministry official get involved with a low-ranking employee."

Bit harsh, I thought to myself. Granger nodded, her shoulders sagging resignedly. "So that's it?" she asked. "I have to choose between Malfoy and this?"

Shacklebolt gave a palms-up gesture with his hands and offered an apologetic shrug. Granger nodded once more. "Then I'm sorry, Kingsley. I choose Malfoy."

"I'm sorry?" he said, shocked.

She drew in a deep breath. "You're asking me to choose between two sides of my heart. I've given everything to help other people. I want to take this one for myself. But I can be with Malfoy and still help the virus. I'll just go around you to do it."

Shacklebolt was silent for a moment before he leaned forward, reaching for Granger's hand. "Is this what you want, Hermione?" he asked kindly. Almost like a father to a daughter. She nodded again, and he leaned back once more in his seat. His face split into a wide grin, and he stood up.

"The one thing I have always admired about you, Hermione, is your strength and your determination. But going around me to get what you want? Dare I say that a certain amount of Slytherin has rubbed off on you." He walked around the desk and pulled Granger to her feet. "You've earned the right to call your own shots, and I'd be a fool to not allow you both on the team over something like this."

Granger smiled and leaned forward to kiss Shacklebolt on the cheek, and I heard her whisper thank you. Shacklebolt patted her hands affectionately. "Now I expect you both to act professionally, and in confidence at all times." We must've looked like a pair of excited teenagers the way we nodded in agreement, and Shacklebolt took a seat behind his desk once more. "Now, is there anyone else going to come bursting through my door with a Shakespearean declaration of love, or can I go home?"

Granger laughed and came to stand beside me, slipping her arm around my waist. "Did I see Theo Nott heading toward Harry's office on our way in here?"

"Yeah, that was him," I answered, smiling at her knowingly. Shacklebolt looked between us for a moment before tipping his head back.

"Oh, the shaft thing," he muttered, realisation dawning.

I guided Granger out of Shacklebolt's office, and we walked down the corridor hand in hand, passing Theo and Harry on the way.

We arrived back in Granger's living room, amidst a familiar scent of roses. There was a surrealness about being here after our conversation with Shacklebolt. This was the scene of our breakup, and I had really thought I was going to lose her again today. It occurred to me at that moment that there was absolutely nothing getting in our way now. No Ministry policy, no disapproval from my father, no deranged overlord is trying to kill her.

Granger knew me at my worst and had not only forgiven me but had given me the most precious gift of all – her heart. We had an ugly start, but everything had happened to bring us together like this.

Granger walked in from the direction of the kitchen and handed me a glass of champagne.

"What are we toasting?" I asked.

"I don't know. But this just feels like a huge moment for us that is worth celebrating."

"Well spotted."

"Well, by all means, if you think you can do better."

I looked at her, and I knew in a heartbeat what I wanted to say, but it was too soon. "We didn't have the best st -"

"Whatever you're about to say, just know that the Titanic theme song is playing in my head."

I glared at her fruitlessly, as her eyes were closed as she swayed gently in time with some imaginary song in her head. "Have you no tact? I'm trying to give you a nice moment, and you're cocking it."

She giggled, "Sorry, I'm done. Go ahead."

"You are a monumental pain in the arse, but I will love you forever."

She grinned. "That was actually kind of perfect. You're a loathsome cockroach, but I'll love you forever."

A/N: This is the final (official) chapter for Clash! When I first started writing this fanfic, I really didn't know if I would actually publish it - I have read some amazing fanfics and I thought there was no way I could match up. But I'm really glad I did because it's been fun, and I loved reading all of your reviews and kind PMs. I'll be back with an epilogue in the next week or so just to wrap this up properly.

Thank you so much for sticking with me through this, I really hope you've enjoyed it. I have a couple of ideas for some new fics but it will be a while before I can get started on those because of my job/uni schedule.

Stay safe and well, much love! XxX