Based off Ed Sheeran's "Friends." Give the song a listen before (I do not own lyrics). Been wanting to write a one shot based off the song for forever and i wrote this all yesterday so please enjoy!
No one would have ever assumed that Hermione and Draco would become friends, best friends at that. In fact, if you were to ask Malfoy if the notion was even plausible some two years ago when he found out Granger would be his field partner, he would have laughed in your face and maybe even hexed you for saying something so ridiculous.
But it's not two years ago anymore, it's the present day and as unfortunate as it was to admit it, Hermione Granger was his best friend.
He could never understand how it happened, but if he had to guess when their relationship began evolving he could assume it was June 4th, 2001, five months after he and Granger were partnered to be field Aurors and one day before his birthday.
Granger walked into the Auror Department and stopped at his desk, her eyebrows pushed down as she looked at him, almost frowning.
"Is there a reason you're already glaring at me? You usually save the glares for our nine fifteen meetings." Malfoy remarked, not looking up from the report he was working on. He could hear Granger huff and see her roll her eyes without even looking at her. But he knew there was no malice in his joke, and she knew it was an actually funny and somewhat true statement.
"I'm just wondering why you're here when Robards gave you the day off."
This made Malfoy look up. There she stood with her all knowing look that seemed to always possess her cocky face, her hip poked out to one side, arms crossed, coffee in hand that she took with two sugars and one cream, and a satchel on her side containing reports and portfolios. She had one brow raised at him like he was missing something obvious.
"How did you know Robards gave me the day off?" He questioned, brows pulled down.
"Because I'm the one that requested it." She stated eyes unblinking, something she did when she was nervous he learned.
"Oh? Explain why you would request me to take off. Are you interviewing my replacement already?" His voice was sarcastic and the notion made her pink lips curl up.
"No but that's a good idea. I just thought it being Friday and we have no new assignments until next week, and only reports to file that you should take the day off." She said, and Draco became increasingly curious.
"So you asked that I have the day off?" He confirmed.
"Don't really need you here. You can work from home or just do whatever. But I thought it would be nice to get my work done in peace while you're gone. I'll be more productive since I won't have to explain everything to you every five minutes." She flipped her hair over her neck.
Draco assessed her for a moment, eyes squinting over her face as he held back a smirk.
"There's no other reason why you want me to take the day off?" He asked, tongue poking out of his cheek. If she wanted to remain obtuse then so would he, it was actually quite funny seeing her ignore the obvious, for both their sakes.
"Not one. Just don't want to see your ferret face on this lovely Friday." She said and reached into her bag pulling out a blue folder. She placed it on his desk with a slap and raised her eyebrows again. "Just file this one and leave after, yeah?" She commanded and walked away to her desk that was placed directly behind him.
He looked at the blue folder and opened it, revealing a simple white card with a very colorful birthday cake on it with exploding candles. Opening the card there was a small handwritten note in her god awful scratch handwriting.
To my fairly competent work partner, Happy Birthday.
Draco's face betrayed him and he smiled, cheeks raising until his eyes began to squint. He closed the card and the folder and began collecting his items. He opened a cabinet on his desk and threw the blue folder under his personal things. Raising from the desk, he put on his traveling cloak and turned to her.
"I'm off then." He told her.
"Bye." She said with obvious disregard, not looking up from her own paperwork. He smirked down at her, wanting to get his own whimsical jab in before he saw her again on Monday.
"You know, your gesture could be considered friendly, Granger. Don't confuse things here." He teased, causing her to look up at him with amusement gleaming in her dark eyes.
"We're not friends, Malfoy." She expressed and he smirked.
"Nor will we ever be." He replied. Turning on his heel he called over his shoulder. "Have a good weekend."
"You too." She called back, eyes focusing on her paperwork once more, a small grin spreading over her lips.
Somehow, and this part is a blur to him, Granger and him began finding themselves out at work functions together. Their division would go out for employee appreciation lunches and dinners, they would do drinks on every first Thursday and attended the same weddings during that year. Their conversations drifted off into more personal topics, they'd gossip with each other about people in the office and find themselves in spirited debates that made the whole office observe with smirks and snickers.
Currently, they were out with their friends, Potter and the she-weasel included, celebrating her birthday at some bar that had her favorite food. It was a large turnout, they had reserved a table for ten but more people filtered in. Draco was talking to Potter about the upcoming Quidditch recreational league he organized when he overheard Granger.
"It was horrid, his face blew up like a balloon. I had no idea he had a deadly allergy to shellfish." She told the she-weasel, who was hysterically laughing with tears in her eyes. "It was the worst date, he never owled back, rightfully so."
"I can't believe you almost killed Peter. Hermione that is gold." Ginny cried, her cheeks a bright red.
"You went on a date with Peter? From Department of Mysteries?" Draco suddenly interjected, making Hermione's glassy eyes flash to him.
"Yeah and almost killed him." Ginny wheezed out a laugh, making Hermione's skin a deeper shade of red and more people turn their attention on her.
"You didn't tell me that. When did that happen?" Draco continued.
"About two weeks ago. I didn't tell you because I was so bloody mortified when he had an allergic reaction to me kissing him." She sheepishly said and Draco looked surprised.
"Come again?" Harry asked.
"I had shellfish at dinner and he didn't tell me he was allergic. So at the end of the date I reached up to kiss him and when I pulled away, I—well he, his lips were swollen and cheeks were blotting red because the allergy is so severe. He started sweating and floo'd to St. Mungo's before I could even apologize." She told the story again, making everyone at the table laugh, including Malfoy who's stomach hurt probably as much as Ginny's.
"Wow, you have such an interesting way to woo men." He chuckled, and she flipped him off while topping off her butterbeer.
"Fuck you. I have better methods than that. In fact, I even secured myself another date with someone new for next week." She confidently told him, raising her chin at him.
"Yeah? Who's the unfortunate fella?"
"Someone I met in Diagon Alley the other day. He's tall, dark and handsome. Curly auburn hair, bright hazel eyes and lips that look sinful." Hermione bragged with a smirk, making Draco roll his eyes.
"Congratulations, try not to kill him on the first date. This bloke could be your last hope for marriage." He grabbed a chip off her plate before she slapped his hand away.
"Ha ha. I'll let you know how it goes. Though I have a good feeling about it." Hermione grinned with hopeful eyes and Draco couldn't help but feel happy for her. He nodded once and rose from his seats.
"Shots for the birthday girl?" He yelled into the group and everyone cheered and clapped. Hermione furiously shook her head, but knew she had no choice when he grinned devilishly at her.
Hermione did in fact have a great date with Ethan, who Draco learned was an aspiring Mind Healer at St. Mungo's. She came bouncing into work that Thursday, a cheery smile on her face and brought Draco a to go cup of tea from his favorite tea shoppe.
"Morning!" She called as she placed the tea on his desk and proceeded to sit down at her own. Malfoy spun in his chair with a knowing smirk on his face.
"Granger." He greeted. "Given your mood I'd wager that you just found out all house elves are free or…you got laid last night."
Hermione popped her mouth open and sent him a glare.
"No you crass idiot. I did not. But I did have another amazing date with Ethan. We went to dinner at that new restaurant you know right by Teeny and Tilly's boutique?" She rambled and Draco gave her an obvious nod. "And after he took me to the theatre, stall seats! It was wonderful."
Draco couldn't help but narrow his eyes, it had been the fourth date they went on that month and he still hadn't heard her say they were exclusive nor were they fucking. Seemed odd.
"And he didn't imply he wanted to have sex?" He questioned and she glared again.
"No. Not every man is obsessed with sex like you are."
"Bleeding hell Granger. I tell you one time, ONE time, that I had sex with two different girls in the same week and you judge me worse than ever before. Here I thought we were becoming friends." He crossed his arms over with a fake snarl.
"We're not friends Malfoy." She told him and he grinned.
"Nor will we ever be." He automatically replied. "But I just think it's weird he hasn't pushed more for it. I mean, wine and dining you the way he is, you'd think he'd want a little something in return."
"We are happy at the pace we're going out. That time will come eventually." She opened her filer and pulled out one of her reports.
"Yeah and I'm sure that won't be the only thing coming." He slyly commented while turning back to his desk.
"Ugh!" Hermione exclaimed and crumbled up a piece of paper to throw at the back of his head, earning a laugh from him. "You're foul."
"And you're annoying." He responded. Hermione smiled down at her reports, shaking her head at his humor, and though she couldn't see it, Draco quietly chuckled too.
When Draco finally met Ethan at the Ministry's Christmas celebration, he immediately disliked him. There was just something off about him. Maybe it was his arrogant smile when Hermione introduced the two, or his excessively firm handshake that only tightened when Draco's shake tightened, or maybe it was the fact that he tugged Hermione a little too possessively when they spoke to each other. Whatever it was, Draco did not like the feeling the guy gave him
"I've heard a lot about you, nice to finally meet." Ethan cooley said, a glowing Hermione by his side.
"All bad things I'm sure, knowing this one." Draco played, eyeing Hermione and she rolled her eyes at him but still found a smile on her face.
"Not even Malfoy. I happen to throw a compliment at you once a month." She said.
"Yes and I have celebratory champagne on those days." He replied, making her lightly chuckle.
"Where's your date tonight? I thought Hermione mentioned you were seeing someone?" Ethan asked with raised eyebrows and fake concern. Draco could feel his mouth twitch.
"Darling, remember that I told you Malfoy and Maeve broke up a week ago." Hermione quietly told him and Ethan opened his mouth in remembrance.
"Right. My sincerest apologies, Draco, it must have slipped my mind." Ethan expressed. Draco did his best not to shoot daggers at the man. Instead he placed a smile on his face, eyes lowering as he spoke.
"No worries. Besides, I prefer coming to these little Ministry events alone, give all the taken women something to fantasize about later in the evening." He said with some edge. Ethan gave him a tight lip smile, message clearly received. Hermione just giggled, unaware of the tension between the two men.
"Cocky as ever." Hermione commented.
"Only when I need to be." He nonchalantly stated, his gaze leaving the annoying pair of hazel eyes finding her warming chocolate ones. "By the way, Merry Christmas, partner." Draco pulled a long rectangular wrapped box from his robes and handed it to Hermione. She looked at him with genuine awe and gratitude.
Hermione opened the gift and her eyes lit up with a gasp. "Malfoy you didn't!" She squealed, making him smile.
"Had too. You keep losing your wand and what kind of Auror are you without a proper holster?"
Hermione held up the new metal wand holster. It shined under the lights of the ministry and made her eyes glow. It was brand new on the market, having special features like adjustable sizes, featherlight charms already in place and protective spells formed into the metal to ensure the wand couldn't be broken.
"My god. This is amazing Malfoy thank you so much." She said and reached forward to give a tiny hug and a light kiss on his cheek, something that became a habit more frequently now. He glanced at Ethan, whose jaw was clamped shut and smirked.
"I'm so excited to use this!" She bounced as she inspected the light metal trying to decide if she should place it on her thigh or on her side. "Oh! Here's your present as well. Thought since you moved out of the Manor you could use some decorative touches."
Hermione reached into her small purse, digging half her arm into it before retrieving a gold gift bag. Draco reached inside and raised his eyebrows, seeing Hermione bite back a laugh that made her face go pink.
"Granger are you serious?"
"Oh come on! It's hilarious. I even made it myself!"
Draco pulled out a throw pillow, dark green on one side, white on the other. The white side had a green and blue dragon hand stitched into the fabric that was blowing fire, or rather, vomiting a lot of red and yellow yarn. He couldn't help but laugh at the thoughtful and silly gift. They had a conversation about a month ago about his name, and what he'd look like if he was actually a dragon. He couldn't believe she attempted to artistically create it, or even remembered the conversation for that matter.
"The stitch work could use some improvements, I think you should stick to reading as a full time hobby." He jested and ran his fingers over the pillow. "This is great though, thank you."
Hermione smiled and nodded her head, almost forgetting her boyfriend was right beside her until he spoke up.
"You two have a wonderful friendship." He dryly commented.
"Oh we're not friends." Draco stated. He looked at Hermione whose eyes were warm with appreciation, enjoying their small inside joke. "I should make my rounds though. It was nice to meet you again Ethan. You two enjoy the rest of the night and holiday."
"Likewise Malfoy." Ethan responded not reaching his hand forward to engage in a shake, Draco didn't extend his either.
"See you next week Granger." Draco walked away from the pair, gift bag in hand as he attempted to flirt with some girl in the payroll department that evening. He took her home, brought them both to their respective orgasms and kicked her out all before 1:00 am. Once he successfully ridded her, Draco pulled out the pillow and placed it next to his head before falling asleep.
Draco actually hated Ethan more after the Ministry party. He hated the way Hermione wouldn't come out for drinks anymore because her and Ethan had a date. He hated the way that even after six months of dating her, Ethan still didn't know how she liked her coffee and he hated that Hermione began to slowly engage with him less and less at work, no longer talking to him about Ethan but no longer asking him about anything going on in his own life. He knew it was because Ethan was threatened by him, and he could take a guess that he made it known to Hermione, which in turn made her speak to him less.
But Draco truly hated Ethan with every fiber in his being when Hermione knocked on his door, with eyes bloodshot and swollen, cheeks blotching red and tears all over her face one night. It was 11:00 pm on a Wednesday and Draco worriedly tugged her inside his flat and sat her down on his sofa.
"What's going on?" He questioned softly, offering her tissues and water. Her lip quivered and eyes flooded with fresh tears, a sob tore into the air and Draco felt his chest tighten at the sound.
"He cheated on me…with his ex." She cried and Draco for a moment saw red. He didn't have anything to say in the moment so he instead pulled her into his arms and let her sob, and grossly snot, into his t-shirt.
"He cancelled our date tonight because he said he felt sick, so I went over to his place to surprise him with soup and some medicine and-and—" Her body shook and Draco tightened his hold on her, flattening her curls on the back of her head in comfort. "They were on his couch snogging like they were going to eat each other's hideous ogre faces off."
Draco couldn't help but chuckle at her angry and descriptive words. Even in sadness she was still a fiery witch, something he really liked about her.
"Hermione I'm so sorry. If you want, I'll have someone plant illegal dragon eggs in his house so we can arrest him next week." He offered and she breathed out a laugh through her tears. She sat up and away from his embrace and wiped her face again.
"No that's too obvious." She sadly said.
"You're right." Draco tucked away a piece of her hair that stuck to her wet cheeks. "Week after?"
She laughed again and he felt his chest loosen at the sight. He felt a tremendous amount of pride build in him from making a sad witch happy, from being able to console his friend. They talked for hours that night, catching up on things they may have missed since she had been irritatingly occupied due to her atrocious ex boyfriend. She even admitted to being a bad friend in the last few months.
"I'm sorry I've not been around more." She said, topping off her tea, holding her mug with two hands. "He didn't…like you. Not sure why, but he just made some comments about you but I always defended you. So eventually I just stopped talking to you a lot, I thought maybe it would help his and mine's relationship. It was wrong of me, I'm so sorry Malfoy."
Draco snorted and placed his own mug on the table. "No worries Granger. I didn't exactly like the twat anyways and now I really don't."
Hermione looked at him confused. "Really? Why didn't you say anything then if you didn't like him? I trust your judgement." Her brown eyes were wide with honesty, he had to look away for a moment, feeling overwhelmed by her.
"I know, but you looked happy so I didn't want to interfere." He quietly admitted, while chewing on his lip, he heard her huff.
"Well next time you have a bad feeling about a guy I'm dating, please tell me. It'll probably save me some heartbreak." She said with a frown and sniffled. Draco felt his anger rise again and had to shake his head. How could anyone treat her like this? Absolutely despicable.
"Granger," he said and she looked up at him, "that man does not deserve to even clean the dirt off the bottom on your shoes. You are worth an infinite amount more than what he ever showed you. Don't let him make you feel differently."
Her eyes welled up again and she gave him a shaky smile. Setting her own drink down, she threw her arms around his neck, her warm breath fanning against his skin that made an involuntary shiver rush through him. His palms splayed over her back, warmth seeping through her shirt and onto her skin. She sighed deeply.
"You're a good friend Draco Malfoy." She said softly, fighting her tears off. He felt his stomach lurch at her voice and cleared his throat.
"We're not friends." He spoke and she pulled back to stand up.
"Right. Can we go out for drinks with the gang this weekend? I'll need it." She asked as she walked to his floo.
"Sure, whatever you need." He said, walking behind her. She grasped the floo powder and let her lips curl upwards, thankfulness all over her face.
"Night Malfoy."
"Night Granger."
She disappeared into the flames and though Draco was severely upset that her feelings were hurt, he grinned up into the darkness of his room at the thought of her no longer being with that fool.
"Fucking bastard." He muttered before turning on his side and grabbing his dragon pillow.
Drinks that weekend felt like old times and Hermione felt herself loosen with every butterbeer bought. Her coworkers admitted they also didn't like her ex and offered to hex him next time they all saw him, if they ever saw him again. She'd giggle and looked honored that she had such a genuine group of friends that she gained from work.
Draco was attentively observing her the whole night, watching every smile and brightening with every snarky comment she retaliated with when he'd egg her into some debate. It felt like old times, and he couldn't deny how nice it felt to have her out again.
"Mary is going to be my maid of honor." Lisa, who was getting married that autumn, told the group and everyone awed. "She's been my best friend since we were ten so it's only fitting."
"How sweet! I wonder who would be my maid of honor if I ever get married." Hermione drunkenly thought out loud making Lisa snort.
"Probably Malfoy." She said, making Hermione burst out laughing while Draco rose an eyebrow. "You two are best friends."
"We are not." They said simultaneously and stared wide eyed at each other before laughing hysterically.
"Yeah bloody right. Malfoy what's Hermione's favorite color?" Lisa asked.
"Yellow." He said taking a sip of his whiskey.
"What's Malfoy, Hermione?"
"Teal." She immediately said with a shrug.
"How does she take her coffee?"
"Two sugars, one cream." Draco looked at Hermione who had her mouth wide open in a large childish smile, she looked ridiculous.
"Very good Malfoy, Ethan didn't even know that!" She exclaimed and felt himself frown into a grimace. "You take your tea with only honey, nothing else."
"I do." He replied, a small smirk on his lips instantly replaced his sour expression. "Your favorite muggle book is 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'"
She gasped, like Draco finally learned how to conjure a patronous. "Yes! And you say your favorite book is 'Merlin's First Spell' but it's actually 'Annika and Andrew's Tales of Forever.'"
Draco's eyes widened and some of their coworkers laughed at the revelation. He glared at Hermione and her drunken admission.
"Annika and Andrew's? Isn't that a romance novel, Malfoy?" Lisa giggled but Hermione responded.
"Yes! He brings it every time we're on a stake out. He's obsessed with the series." She giggled, clapping her hand on Malfoy's shoulder. The table laughed and he suddenly regretted any nice thing he's ever said about his partner.
"I'm going to kill you Granger." He growled and finished his drink while his neck tinted with pink.
"You wouldn't dare do that to your best friend would you?" She said in fake shock.
"It would be as easy as blinking. You are in so much trouble." He taunted glaring into her eyes.
"Ooh, I'm so scared Malfoy." She grinned at him, both of them holding each other's stand off stares. Her cheeks were a warming pink and pulled upwards with her smile. She looked so much better than when she was crying in his arms.
"I'm glad you're out tonight." He randomly told her and she looked stunned for a moment before twitching an eyebrow. "We all missed you."
"We? Or you?" She challenged, taking her lip between her teeth and looking at him with lowered eyes.
"We." He carefully said, doing his best to appear aloof. "I'm just glad you're not crying on my doorstep tonight. That was traumatizing seeing your hair like that."
She smacked his arm as he chuckled, turning in her seat to face forwards again. They ordered three more rounds and Hermione was soon singing some songs, extremely loud, on a table with two other girls on the pub table. Her eyes were shut and her hair was a frizzy mess. Draco and their other coworkers all watched with growing amusement.
Their rowdy song ended and they were helped off the table. Draco grabbed Hermione's waist and helped her bounce down on the ground. She stumbled and held tightly onto his shoulders.
"Whoa, you're blurry." She slurred, making him laugh.
"And you're cut off. No more for you tonight, in fact, I think it's time you head home."
"Noooo!" She protested heavily leaning her body weight against him, swaying them off balance. "Lisa said one more shot!"
"No you don't need anymore."
"Malfoy's right Granger. Time for you to go home." Lisa interjected, handing out the final round of drinks to everyone but Hermione and Draco.
"Boo!" She stuck her tongue out but laughed. "I'm just kidding. I love you guys so much, you're all s-so wonderful and lovely and I couldn't ask for better friends or coworkers." She hiccuped her words and everyone chuckled.
"Let's go drunkie." Draco clutched her side to his and said goodbye to his coworkers, keeping her upright with every step.
"I have to go now!" Hermione sang, words fumbling over her mouth. "My best friend is going to help me get home. Isn't he nice!?" Everyone cheered and Draco felt his cheeks burn as he led them away from their table and to the floo. It was a struggle to get her into the fireplace since he was also drunk and she couldn't stand upright, her whole body going dead weight on him. He shouted her address and successfully got her into the living room before she totally fell into him.
He picked up her legs and carried her into her bedroom, listening to her mumble as he removed her shoes.
"My feet are ticklish so be careful."
"Okay Granger."
"Can you grab my fuzzy socks? They're in my uh, in my uhhh, oh shoot, what's the word?" She frowned down at him and he grinned at her.
"Dresser?" He finished and she lit up like a Christmas tree.
"Yes! Dresser. You are so smart Malfoy, thank god I have you." She sighed dreamily and leaned up on her hands. Draco stood, found the fuzzy orange socks she was referring to and bent down once more to put them on her feet. He didn't like the way her words made his chest constrict from the compliment.
He handed her a t-shirt and bottoms for her to change into.
"Can you manage it?" He asked to which she proceeded to snatch the clothing out of his hands.
"Yes I'm not a child, Malfoy." She pouted and he turned around to give her privacy while she changed.
"Okay Granger." He said amusedly while listening to her huff and groan as she struggled. It was taking her some time to remove her clothing and put the pajamas on, but he patiently waited until she asked for help.
"Malfoy?" She innocently asked.
"Yes?" He replied, still facing the opposite way.
"Can you help me?"
He turned around and saw one arm correctly in it's sleeve but the other was half poking at the whole where her head was. She looked annoyed with herself but pouting at her struggle. He chuckled and bent down, reaching inside the empty arm sleeve hole to find her forearm and pull it through. She sighed once she was properly adjusted.
"Thank you." She crawled up her bed, pushed the covers down and snuggled into her pillow, looking up at him with hazy eyes. "Are you staying?"
He stiffened and raised a brow. "I wasn't planning on it."
She was quiet for a moment and then shut her eyes. "You can stay. You're already here, so you might as well."
Draco looked down at her, she said it so casually but it made his stomach twitch with unfamiliar feelings. He didn't understand the situation and he knew he should have gone home, but instead, he shucked off his shoes and removed his shirt and jeans, leaving him in his boxers and undershirt. He turned off her lights and as he got under her covers, she turned around so her back was to his front and scooted into him. She blindly reached for his hand and wrapped it around her body. She sighed once more, nuzzling herself into his warmth.
"Night Draco." She said sleepily. Draco had his eyes wide open, body immobile for a few moments before he slowly allowed himself to melt into her body.
"Goodnight Hermione."
After Draco snuck out of her room in the morning, leaving a lighthearted note about her singing rendition from the previous night paired with a hangover potion, they continued on their friendship like there was never a lapse. They worked better that way too, their intelligence and determination turning them into one of the most successful pairs in the Auror Department. They were promoted at the same time, getting moved to develop a team that handled violent crimes. They still got to be involved in regular Auror action, but it was much more puzzle solving than anything, which meant they spent more time talking and planning than before.
Which meant long nights at the office or in each other's homes. It often led to them just sleeping over each other's places when it became too late.
"You should just stay over tonight Granger. You're practically sleeping now anyways." Draco yawned and rubbed his face.
"Oh alright, your bed is pretty comfy anyways." She stretched and headed to his bedroom, throwing herself down on the mattress with a soft groan. Draco tried not to look at the way her bum looked in those extremely tight and stretchy pants she wore, leggings or whatever. He threw off his shirt and got under his covers, both facing away from each other on their respective sides. But every morning Draco would wake up, she would be nestled into his chest and his arm would be wrapped around her.
Harry noticed the two behaving differently. They were more touchy than before, Hermione would talk about Malfoy more, usually about his interests or things he was up to that week besides work. He had joined them for drinks one night and leaned across the table not wanting to be heard by anyone else.
"Are you and Hermione dating?"
The question had caught Draco so off guard that he began choking on his drink, the liquid suffocating his breathing tube. Harry grinned at the reaction with a parted mouth.
"No. What the fuck Potter?" Draco angrily wiped the drink off the table and his mouth.
"Just curious." He shrugged and looked at the bar to make sure Hermione was still occupied with getting them drinks. "Wanted to know if there's a reason why she's turned down three guys in the last month."
Draco's eyes flickered up to meet Potter's, his face betraying him. A look of curiosity and wonder coming over him. "She what?"
Harry nodded with a smirk. "Yep. All pretty handsome lads too. But if she's not seeing you then maybe she's just not interested in them…or she's waiting for someone else to come along."
Before Draco could respond, Hermione came back with their levitated drinks. Draco saw she got him a whiskey and water.
"What's with the water?" He asked her and she looked up at him.
"Hm? Oh. Well it's your third whiskey and I know you usually have water after your third whiskey." She explained like second nature then turned to continue her conversation with Ginny.
Draco accidentally looked up at Potter who had a cheeky expression matched with raised eyebrows.
"Fuck off." Draco said, slurping his water.
"I didn't say anything." Harry responded with a half laugh.
Draco didn't like that his chest seemed to twitch anytime her hand brushed against his when she handed him his tea.
Nor did he welcome the fact that he was increasingly worried about her safety when they would go on missions and always ask her to owl him when she returned from solo missions, which she always did.
It was atrocious that if she went home without him after a night of drinking, she'd always wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him on the cheek goodbye and he had to refrain from not turning his head to capture her lips.
What was most heinous though, was when he'd find himself up late at night, fist stroking his painfully erect member as he conjured an image of them together in his brain, touching each other's skin, no barriers between them. Just thoughts of what she'd sound like if she'd moan his name, what she'd taste like if he unravelled her with his tongue, how she'd feel if he ever got the chance to be one with her. He'd come in his hand, her name on his lips in a quiet whimper.
He always felt guilty after. She was his best friend, a pure and decent human being who had been one of the first people in the Ministry to give him a shot at redemption. He couldn't ruin that, couldn't poison their almost perfect work relationship and friendship, he valued her too much.
He tried dating, rather, he tried fucking. Draco needed a distraction, badly. He skipped out on heading to the pub with the group which made Hermione pout and question where he was going.
"Ah, I have a date tonight." He'd mumble as they walked to the Ministry floos together.
"Oh right." Hermione would say, small bits of disappointment in her tone that Draco could never detect. "Melissa was it? Or is it Corina tonight?"
"Um, they were last week. I'm taking out Jasmine tonight." He embarrassingly admitted and Hermione could feel her insides twist, but she plastered on a smile and thought of a jab.
"Hard to keep track of your flavors of the week." She joked and he said nothing. They stopped at the floos, an odd and uncomfortable air between them. "Well if she's boring and your night ends early, you could still meet us out." She offered hopefully.
"Yeah I might." He responded.
Hermione knew he wouldn't so she dipped out on getting drinks with her coworkers. Draco's night had in fact ended early. He was no way attracted to Jasmine and her straight blonde hair with bright blue eyes, so they got dinner and went their separate ways. He decided to walk, rather quickly, over to his crew's typical pub and could make out their table through the window, but he didn't see Granger. He slowed his pace and watched for a few minutes, waiting to see if she appeared, but she never did.
So he apparated to her flat and knocked, rolling back and forth on his heels as he waited for her to answer.
"Malfoy? What are you doing here?" She asked, a large cotton sweater dwarfing her size that he recognized to be his. He must've left it here awhile ago. He eyed her attire, eyes warmed at the sight.
"My date was a dud and I wasn't sure if you were out or not. So I swung by to see before I headed to the pubs." He half lied, not wanting to share he avoided the work gathering only because she wasn't there.
"Oh yeah, decided not to go, too knackered. I'm watching a film and having some wine, wanna come in?"
She held the door open and he stepped into the living room. Feeling right at home as he placed his shoes on her designated mat and hung his coat on the hook. He sat down on the sofa and she handed him a glass of wine.
"What movie is this?"
"The Princess Bride. I think you'll really enjoy this."
She tucked her feet under her, body leaning towards him and the middle of the couch. He slouched in her direction, elbow hoisting himself up as he watched the pictures on her projection box. An hour or so later and a bottle finished, she had laid a pillow on his lap and rested her head on it, body facing the screen. Draco was absentmindedly twirling a curl of hers between his finger, occasionally looking down at her, seeing the flashes of color hit her face as the action scenes played out.
The film finished not long after, they were half way done with another bottle of wine and Draco was very aware of the way her fingers were dancing over his kneecap, little scratches soothed with the pads of her fingers.
"That's nice." He accidentally said with a sigh as the credits rolled. Hermione rolled on her back and nodded.
"It's a great movie, regarded as one of the best movies in muggle culture." She said and Draco was thankful she thought he was talking about the movie and not her gentle motions on his knee. "Thanks for watching it with me. I hope I was better Friday night company than Janice."
Draco didn't correct her on his former date's name, because she truly didn't matter at all to him. He smiled down and placed his hand on top of her head, combing down her hair.
"Worlds better." He said, still smoothing back her hair, making her eyes flutter every so often.
She stared up at him, in a way he'd only catch for a moment before she reluctantly turned away from him on other occasions. But this time, she stared at him with stars in her eyes, wonder and beauty glinting in the deep browns. Draco swallowed once, letting his hand rest on her face and his thumb stroke the side of her forehead.
He was too afraid to do anything. Thinking this was all in his head and he was just imagining the way she gazed at him, stomach knotting with hope and worry, so he did nothing. He allowed his eyes to trail over her face, watch her eyelashes touch her cheek and mouth part in silent exhales.
After some time, Hermione's eyes fell shut, gentle snores coming from mouth that made him smile. He watched her sleep for at least ten minutes, finding her face angelic in her relaxed state. Attempting to scoop her into his arms proved problematic, he woke her up, a confused gasp releasing from her mouth.
"Oh." She softly said when her eyes landed on him, sitting up so she could get her bearings.
"Bedtime for you, I should be heading home." He stood up and so did she, a sleepy and adorable look on her face as she looked up at him.
"No just stay, it's late." She reached for his hand and began walking backwards, taking all protests he had out of his mouth. She looked so tired and soft and warm, nothing sounded better than getting under her covers and holding her until they both fell asleep. He obediently followed her to the bed, removing his clothes and keeping the appropriate ones on for sleep. She turned into him, head resting on his chest as one hand slid under his shirt to feel his warm skin. His stomach clenched and he stopped breathing for a moment.
"Sweet dreams Draco." She mumbled and Draco's heart stuttered.
"Goodnight Hermione." He whispered, kissing the top of her head.
Draco stopped sleeping around, stopped entertaining women and let himself hope. He found himself in her bed more times than not, sleeping in each other's arms and still waking up before her. He let himself hope that maybe she felt what he was feeling. He let himself hope for two weeks, and then all was crushed when he walked into work one day, seeing a large bouquet of roses on her desk, some of the women in their team gushing over the gesture.
Draco frowned, Hermione's eyes found his and he quickly looked away and found his desk. There wasn't a to-go tea cup on his desk that day, it felt like someone wretched a knife in his gut. He turned around and played his part, the total best friend he was and all.
"What's all this then?" He asked, looking at his coworkers and not Hermione.
"Hermione had a date last night, guess it went well eh?" Lisa jutted her elbow into Hermione's side, forcing out a laugh. So that's why she denied him when he asked if she wanted to hang out last night. Someone twisted the knife deeper.
"Ah. Who was the lucky bloke?" Draco calmly asked, and Hermione bit her lip, avoiding his gaze after a few seconds.
"Timothy, from administration." She said with a faint smile.
"He's dreamy." Lisa complemented.
Draco wanted to tell Lisa to shut the fuck up and that her idea of dreamy was any man under the age of thirty.
"Glad it went well." Draco excused himself from the conversation and headed to grab a cup of tea. He could still hear the ladies talk about the date.
"Oo! You should invite him to your birthday outing coming up. We can all get to know him!" Lisa exclaimed. Gods Lisa, please shut the fuck up if you know what's good for you.
"Yeah maybe. I'm sure he'd like that." He heard Hermione softly agree. He firmly grasped his mug, ignoring the burn on his tongue as he took a sip. Draco barely spoke to her unless necessary for the remainder of the day and he stopped asking if she was available after work for the next week.
Despite his jealousy and feeling hurt, he still woke up early the day of her birthday, bought her coffee the way she liked it, placed a red velvet jumbo cupcake on her desk along with a wrapped box, no card. He was the first one in the office and surprisingly, she was the second. He heard her heels clicking on the floor and looked up, both of them stunned to see each other there so early. Her eyes flashed with irritation before softening almost immediately, he thought that was weird.
"Granger." He greeted as she continued walking to him. She placed a cup of tea on his desk, even though he made a mug for himself. The gesture made one half of his mouth turn upwards even though she couldn't see it.
Hermione walked to her desk, chest squeezing as she saw the display. She set down her items, looking at Draco once she settled, seeing his back facing her and let herself widely grin. Tearing away the paper, she stood up to look inside the box, gasping as she pulled the present out. Draco had to get up and leave while he heard her opening the present, not wanting her to come up to him face to face to thank him.
A throw pillow, maroon on one side, white on the other with yellow stitching on the edges and yellow tassels on each corner. There was a lion's head on the front, with the word Gryffindor stitched underneath it. Her vision suddenly became blurry and she looked up to thank Malfoy but he was gone. She looked around the office, pillow in hand and wondering around before she spotted him exiting the bathroom.
He halted in his tracks, seeing her expecting expression and her hands on her hips, pillow hanging on her side. He looked away awkwardly, trying to see if anyone was coming into the office.
"Happy Birthday." He swallowed and she jumped at him, arms tightly around his neck as she bent his body into hers. Her face cozying into his neck, sighing as he brought his own arms around her. He discreetly smelled her hair, missing the nights when the scent would lull him to sleep and joyously wake him up. He rubbed his hands up and down her back and squeezed her tightly, savoring the feeling of her body tucked into his once more.
Hermione pulled back, a huge smile on her face, eyes bright with happiness. Her hands remained on his shoulders, his securely on the small of her back.
"I love it. Thank you so much." She said and reached up on her toes, puckering her lips. Draco's body washed with heat as her lips caught the corner of his mouth in a much too long thanking kiss. She pulled back and stepped away, hugging the pillow to her chest, noticing the bloom of pink on his cheeks.
"You're welcome." He scratched the back of his head.
"Are you coming out tonight?" She asked.
"Of course, Granger. Wouldn't want to miss you getting up on chairs and singing again."
Hermione's birthday was always well attended and it felt like every ten minutes Draco's neck craned behind him to see if that stupid Timmy from administrations would ever show up. Some sad excuse of a date if he couldn't even show up to Hermione's birthday. He was making a bad name for himself already.
He felt a hand clap him on his shoulder and turned sharply to look at Potter who clinked their glasses together before drinking his butterbeer.
"Alright Malfoy?" He asked, noticing the small strain in his face. Draco released a breath.
"Yeah yeah. You?" He turned over his shoulder, seeing nothing. Harry noticed and leaned in.
"He's not coming." He told him and Draco panicked. He tried to play innocent and confusedly responded.
"Who are you talking about?"
"Timothy." He laughed. "Merlin you're terrible at concealing emotions."
Draco sneered at him and drank his own liquor but couldn't help but be thankful that Harry knew what was going on with him.
"Why isn't he coming? That's pretty rude to do to Hermione on her birthday." He spoke and Harry rolled his eyes.
"She didn't invite him, didn't want to."
Draco slowly shook his head, finding Hermione speaking with a group of women at the table. She was already buzzed, her cheeks glowing and a drunk smile never leaving her face. She caught his eyes and smiled even bigger at him for a moment before returning to her conversation. He could feel his throat dry up.
"Why?"
Harry shrugged. "Maybe she doesn't see him fit to meet her friends yet. Maybe she's waiting for something else to happen."
Draco chewed on his cheek, doubt creeping over him. He researched Timothy. He was a half-blood, came from a good family, even had a cousin fight in the Battle of Hogwarts, went to school in Spain, had aspirations to be a Wizengamot member, fierce supporter of centaur rights, he was annoyingly fucking perfect for her. His chest ached and he sighed.
"Geez Malfoy." Harry chuckled and shook his head. "I think you need to get your head out of your arse before someone else ends up loving her the way you do."
Draco looked bewildered and sneered at him.
"I don't love her."
"A piss poor lie." Harry challenged.
"It's the truth. She's my best friend Potter. I love her as my best friend." He defended himself and Harry turned to him, a seriousness in his face.
"Malfoy, I love Hermione as a best friend. But I look at Ginny the way you look at Hermione. So don't give me that shit yeah?"
He swallowed again and saw Hermione was rising from her chair and walking over to them. He straightened up and Potter muttered into his drink.
"Stop being such a fucking moron and get a move on Malfoy."
"Fuck you Potter."
"It's called tough love, you'll thank me later." Harry walked away and smiled at Hermione just as she stopped in front of Draco.
"Hey." She grinned.
"Hi. Having a good time?" He asked and she nodded, hands clasped behind her back as she swayed side to side.
"Yep." She popped the 'p.' "But I think everyone is due for another round and I think it's your turn to buy." She pouted her lip out with a sneaky grin. He couldn't stop the dirty thoughts rising in his mind of how much he'd like to bite on that lip.
"Oh it's my turn to buy huh?" He stepped forward, their chests touching. Hermione's eyes widened and he heard her slightly gasp. "Whatever you want, birthday girl." He sent her a flirty smile and walked away, Harry sending him an appreciative nod as he just watched the interaction.
Two hours later, Hermione was standing on the bar singing some muggle song about a man named Benny and jets he owned. The song made no sense, but muggle borns and half bloods all sang it at the top of their lungs. Draco just laughed at her, watching her silly dance moves and offered her a hand to help her down once she finished the song.
"Oooh I think I am done for the night." Hermione shouted, straightening herself but running her hands on Draco's chest. His palms stayed on her hips, fingers digging into her back to keep her steady.
"You're cutting yourself off?" Draco chuckled.
"Yes yes. Anymore and I think I may puke." She leaned her sweaty forehead over his pectoral and took a deep breath.
"Alright, let's get you home."
People hugged and kissed Hermione goodbye, wishing her a happy birthday and laughing at the way she was clinging to Malfoy. Ginny and Harry both sent him knowing grins that made him roll his eyes and give them the bird.
They arrived in her flat and Hermione sprinted to her room, banging her knee on the wall and crying in pain. Draco rushed after her, seeing her clutching her knee with a large frown.
"Ow, ow owie." She hissed and he sat beside her, worry all over his face.
"Are you okay?" He asked, removing her hand to inspect the damage, seeing a blue bruise already rise to the surface. "There's already a bruise forming. How are you such a clumsy drunk?"
"Don't scold me it's my birthday." She swatted his arm but then leaned on his shoulder, watching his fingers soothe over her skin. Draco chuckled at her.
"Do you want anything for it?" He felt her shake her head no.
"Just want to go to bed with you." She sighed and removed herself out of his grasp. She shimmied out of her flowy dress, clad in a thin looking bra and knickers. Draco felt the air leave his lungs. He slowly licked his lips.
"Um, I'll grab you some pajamas." He rasped out, standing from the bed.
"No, no. Just give me your shirt please." She threw out her hand and opened and closed it a few times. If she wasn't half naked, Draco would have thought the gesture to be adorable. He took a breath and unbuttoned his shirt, ready to give it to her. "No your undershirt. It smells nice."
A clumsy, flirty, audacious drunk she was.
Draco blinked a few times before slowly removing his shirt, leaving his top bare and he kneeled on one leg to hand her the shirt. She threw it on and fell on the pillows, arms hugging the Gryffindor pillow he made her to her chest. His heart stuttered.
"Come on, I'm tired." She whined. Draco wordlessly removed his pants and slid in next to her. More recently, she slept facing him or on his chest, entangling their legs as they slept. He reached an arm out and she instantly moved to him, cuddling into his side like a routine she'd done thousands of times.
Draco tried not to focus on the fact that Hermione happily hummed when their legs wrapped together, or that he could feel her bare thighs on his, or that his shirt was riding up her stomach, letting him feel her skin on his stomach. He closed his eyes and focused on his breathing for five seconds, her gentle voice breaking his concentration.
"Draco?" She asked.
"Hm?"
"I don't know what I'd do without you. I'm so happy you're my best friend and in my life." She reached up and blindly searched for his cheek, but she didn't know that his face was tilted down to her. She caught his mouth instead, pressing a delicate and lasting kiss right on his lips. He wasn't sure if she realized it was his mouth, especially because he didn't do anything with his lips to respond. He remained stiff until he was certain she was asleep, and then relaxed into her arms.
Draco woke up with warm skin on his body, a bulging erection in his boxers and a thigh right beside it. He looked down at Hermione, still sleeping and totally sprawled over him. He cursed in his head and rubbed his eyes. There was no way he could escape without waking her, which meant that she would feel his boner, which was fucking mortifying.
He tried to scoot away but she groaned in her sleep and rolled her body into his, tightening her clutches on him. Draco verbally cursed now, her thigh brushed against his throbbing erection and he fraudulently indulged in the moment. Body pressed into his, her breathy groan in his ears as she gripped him closer. Fuck, fuck, fuck. He needed to get out, before it became impossible and he'd cross the line that would forever ruin their friendship.
Draco took a breath and shifted his hips away from her leg, then gently shook her awake.
"Hermione." He breathed and she groaned into his chest. "Hermione, come on wake up. You have lunch with your parents and I need to leave."
Her glossy brown eyes opened and met his, he felt his lips tug upwards. "Hey. Come on, can't be late for your birthday lunch with your parents."
She sighed dreamily, and thankfully rolled her legs off him, but her arms and head stayed on his upper body. She readjusted her head to fit right under his chin.
"Ten more minutes." She mumbled making his chest rumble with a chortle and his stomach flutter and flap.
"No come on it's," Draco casted a tempus, "eleven. You need to get up and I gotta head out."
"My head feels like it's collapsing."
Draco smiled as she sat up and he successfully got out the bed and put on his pants. His back was turned to her so he didn't know she was watching him dress. Nor did he know she saw him tuck his erection up so it wouldn't show so prominently though his pants. She bit her lip and looked away as he buttoned up his shirt.
"Potions right there." He said, putting on his shoes. "Don't be late for your lunch. I have to run, I'm already late for the quidditch rec league with Potter."
"Ugh. Whoever thought it would be fun for you guys to play quidditch after a night of drinking is a sadist." Hermione chugged the potion and instantly felt better. She hopped out of bed just as Draco stood up.
"Yeah well, having stupid ideas is the definition of Harry Potter." Draco looked down at her legs, thankful his shirt covered half her thighs. His eyes flickered back up to hers and she looked curious. He shook his head, not dwelling on the reaction and bent down to hug her. "Enjoy your day, I hope you had a lovely birthday Granger."
Hermione sighed into his collar, inhaling the remaining scents of his cologne. Draco boldly pressed her chest tighter into him, making her back arch. He swiftly kissed her neck and then her cheek. "Gotta go, bye."
He dashed into the floo, cheeks pink and erection still obvious. But Draco found himself hopeful which was a dangerous emotion for him. Any time he'd allow himself to feel hope, something happened that ultimately crushed him. He tried to remain rational, they were friends, but everything last night felt different. The way she looked at him periodically throughout the night, the way she reached for his hand when she got excited about something, the way she kissed him. He gulped down the hope, doing his best to not get ahead of himself but deciding to do what Potter suggested and stop being such a fucking moron about it.
Lisa's wedding was the following Saturday and Draco knew Hermione was bringing Timothy but that wasn't going to deter him. Draco made a point to find small ways to touch her more, especially in more than friendly ways on Monday. He thought it was working, because she grew flustered when she'd tried to speak after, or blush deeply when he'd smirk at her.
He turned it up a bit with the teasing and flirting when they walked down to the cafeteria together. Draco knew he was playing with fire, especially since she was technically dating someone, but he no longer cared.
"So is Timothy from administrations a good dancer?" He asked, taking a spoonful of the clam chowder in front of him. Hermione nervously glanced at him, unsure of where he was going with this.
"I don't know really. Guess we'll find out Saturday." She said neutrally, eyes focused on her panini.
"Well if he's a terrible dancer, I'll be sure to swoop in and save you from the embarrassment he's caused." Draco told her, jousting with her like he would last year, early on in their friendship. Hermione rolled her eyes at him.
"How gracious of you Malfoy." She wiped her lips and he smirked. He placed a hand on her thigh resting against his and leaned into her ear, close enough so she could feel his breath but far enough away so their skin didn't touch.
"Anything for you Granger." His voice sent a noticeable shudder through her body and he leaned his mouth away and then slowly with his hand. She shut her mouth and looked at him from the side of her eyes before clearing her throat.
"What will your date think of when she sees you dancing with another witch?"
"Don't know since I'm not bringing a date." He told her. "But who knows, I could always leave with a date." He teased and saw a small grimace.
"Vile." He mumbled, making him chuckle. They finished their lunch and Draco stood unnecessarily close to her in the lifts. He watched the skin on the back of her neck turn pink when she felt him play with some loose curls from her ponytail.
Draco's confidence was struck down the second they returned to the office. Timothy stood with a brownie and a single sunflower by her desk. The smile Hermione had given Timothy was one he'd never know, and he felt that familiar twist of the knife in his stomach again. His chest tightened and he had to look away when the prick leaned down to capture her lips in an office appropriate kiss. That's not how a witch like that should be kissed you fucking arse.
He remained stoic for the remainder of the week, ending the flirting and kisses on the cheeks and letting Hermione be the one to lead conversation between them. He was gloomy and it was noticeable but he didn't really care. Timothy had stopped by the office every day and he just wanted to strangle the man every time smiled at Hermione.
Saturday arrived and Draco tried his best to remain positive for his coworker's happy day but found himself absolutely dreading to go. He luckily found Ginny and Harry first before Hermione, they chatted while waiting for the ceremony. Draco couldn't bring himself to look around the area to find Hermione sitting next to that fucking prat. The venue was filled so he would just have to see the pair after the ceremony and during the reception.
The couple was married, everyone cheered, threw flower petals and headed into the dining hall where their reception was. Draco eagerly headed to the bar first, getting a shot and a whiskey immediately. He headed back to his table, feet stopping as soon as he saw her.
She wore a form fitting, canary yellow dress. Her brown curls brushing on her back, a genuine smile gracing her pink lips. He had to tell his brain to take him to his seat, and engage in conversation with a best friend who he was in love with and the bafoon she brought as a date.
The table greeted him and he thankfully sat away from the couple, but also unfortunately had a perfect view of Hermione in all her beauty.
"Draco, I didn't even see you during the ceremony." She said and he took a harsh gulp of his drink.
"Was sitting up front with Potter. Didn't see you either." He replied.
"We arrived late, so we had to sit in the back." Timothy put an arm over her chair and smiled at Draco.
"Malfoy, nice to see you again." He nodded and Draco nodded back.
"Timmy." He grinned a little too fake.
He ignored them for most of the night, floating around after the meal, trying to put as much distance between him and them. He could feel her brown eyes on him from across the room as he flirted with some girl at the bar who he allowed to shamelessly touch him. He didn't like it, but he was going home with someone tonight, even if it wasn't Hermione.
Lisa and her husband had their first dance, then opened the floor to vigorous and body jolting dancing. Draco observed Hermione dance with Timmy, rolling his eyes when he bumped into the person behind him. Prick.
The song ended, some slow muggle song came on, lyrics ringing out and Draco thought it was sickly sweet. He turned to the barmaid and asked for water when someone tapped his shoulder. Draco rotated his body and saw Hermione with a warm smile on her face, hands clasped in front of her.
"Want to dance?" She asked with a hopeful gaze. "I haven't seen you all night."
Draco narrowed his eyes at her.
"Dance with Timmy." He told her nodding over at him sitting down at their table across the hall..
"It's Timothy." She corrected, turning that knife again. Yeah well it was Jasmine not Janice. "And I told him I wanted to dance with you so."
Draco leaned back on the bar and raised a brow.
"Why?"
"Why?" She chuckled at the bizarre question. "Cause you're my best friend and I want to."
Draco gulped the rest of his water and threw some galleons to the server. He met her eyes with a cold stare.
"We're not friends." He sneered and walked away, leaving the grand hall and heading towards the floo without saying goodbye to anyone.
He marched into the hallways, almost safely to the floos until he heard her heels on the wood floor and called out for him to stop walking. He didn't slow down but she somehow caught up to him and yanked his shoulder to face him.
"What is wrong with you? Monday we were fine and you were playful and...and fine. But then you just became so closed off, didn't speak to me and now you're being rude." Her eyes were angry and confused, wrinkles creasing in between her brows. She shook her head at him, placing a hesitant hand on his chest and he clenched his jaw. "Draco, you can tell me anything okay? You're my—"
"Don't. Just don't finish that sentence. Because it's not true."
"Yes it is Draco. The little joke isn't funny anymore."
"Just go back to Timmy, Granger, I'm sure he's anxiously waiting for you." He snidely remarked walking to the floo but she got in front of him.
"What do you have against Timothy? He's a good guy. I thought you wanted me to be happy." She protested.
"Fucking hell. Of course I do Hermione."
"Well then tell me what's going on. You've never been this cold to me." She said and he looked down at her frown.
"My apologies for no longer wanting to be on your beck and call." That was pretty harsh, but he was also very angry. Hermione gasped.
"Is that how you think I treat you? Like some sort of servant? Draco I value you more than you know." He scoffed and tried to side step her to the floo but she mirrored his steps. "I thought as friends we could discuss this more maturely."
"Stop saying that." He growled, not thinking he could handle her referring to him as that anymore.
"Are we suddenly not? I deserve to know why you no longer consider me your—"
"Stop."
"Seriously? You're being childish. Tell me what's wrong—"
"We're not friends!" He shouted, making her slightly jump. "Nor have we ever been, Hermione."
They stared at each other for a moment and Draco ran a frustrated hand through his hair and loosened his choking tie. Hermione felt herself swallow tears.
"If you treat all your friends the way you treat me…then I can no longer be your friend. I-I can't." Draco said, his chest heaving with air as he felt his chest crack open.
"I don't underst—"
"Friends don't sleep in the same bed." He cut her off angrily, glaring at her with every ounce of hurt he currently felt.
"And friends don't treat me like you do." Draco shook his head and stepped closer to her, his anger falling apart, vulnerability taking him as her brown eyes widened and her mouth parted with a tiny gasp.
"And, fuck, Hermione I know who you are as a person but friends don't kiss me like you do."
He reached up and brushed his fingers on her cheek, making her eyelashes flutter. His hand was shaking, his knees giving out but he thought if there was ever a place to call home, it would be her glimmering brown eyes.
She let out a ragged breath, feeling his warm air brush against her cheeks.
"And I don't love my friends the way I love you."
He took a step into her, chests touching, breathing mingling. Draco took a chance, his body filling with hope and leaned forward to fit their lips together, He held his breath, waiting for her to push him away. But she didn't. She gripped his collar and opened her mouth wider so they could move together. He felt his chest explode, birds flew through his stomach and he let out an uncontrolled whimper into her mouth as she kissed him back.
It was indescribable, a waterfall of emotions flooded his brain. Draco was dizzy between the feeling of her lips and her body under his hands. He thought he was going to pass out when she flicked her tongue into his mouth and bit his lower lip. Her hands pulled at his hair and arms wrapped around his neck, just like how she hugs him. Her body bent into his, and he pressed her down, needing to be closer.
A cough from behind him broke them apart and they turned to see Potter grinning at them with his arms crossed over his chest.
"About bloody time."
"Fuck off Potter." Draco said and meant it in the most appreciative and friendliest way. Hermione giggled and reached up to place a kiss on his neck, he squeezed her hip.
"Just wanted to let you know the floo is right there and I don't think anyone would appreciate seeing you two shag in the hallway."
"Fair point." Hermione said and reached down to grab Draco's hand, tugging him to the floo. "Make up some excuse for us Harry?"
"Anything for my friends." Harry sang and turned on his heel back into the hall.
Hermione and Draco rushed into the floo, he was hardly coherent as her lips attacked his neck when he shouted his address.
Hermione dashed into his bedroom, Draco on her heels. She spun quickly making Draco halt, bumping them back a few paces as his hands secured her balance. He leaned down with a grin and found her lips, her eagerness waking up his member. Hands held the back of her head as one snaked down to her arse, giving it a firm squeeze as he pushed their centers together.
She whined into his mouth, frantic hands undoing his belt buckle and working on the buttons of his shirt. Draco pushed down his trousers and let her hands push off his shirt. He found the zipper of her dress and pulled it down in a swift motion. She stepped back to remove it and he pulled his undershirt over his head and stepped out of his boxers.
She wasn't wearing a bra, and he felt like a virgin seeing a pair of breasts for the first time again. His cock was aching and he was certain there was not a woman in heaven or earth that held more beauty than her.
He took her into his arms and kissed her deeply, letting her feel the stroke of his tongue and savoring her taste in his mouth. They fumbled onto the bed, Draco rising to his knees, keeping his eyes on her blushing face as he removed her knickers. He leaned down, a finger testing her to see if she was ready and fuck was she ready.
Hermione hissed into his mouth as she felt his finger slide into her, her hips moving desperately against the feeling. All Draco could think of was bleeding fuck, she was so wet and moaning because of him.
Her eyes popped open and she panted into his face. "Draco, I need you."
Fuck. She needs him.
Withdrawing his finer, he held himself, positioning his length right at her heated sex. Her arms cradled his middle, legs spreading open for him, one knee bent to take him in. Draco pushed, nearly keeling over as her soaking center took him in. She was a sensual fit, wrapping around his cock like a glove. Sex has never felt blissful.
Hermione sobbed into his neck as he thrusted, pushing into her until she could feel his tip deep in her stomach. Her walls kept gripping him tighter and tighter, his eyes rolling in his head.
"Oh fuck, Hermione." He moaned kissing all over her chest, pinching her nipple and soothing it with her tongue. His other hand grasped at her other breast, massaging it in his palm only to pinch it seconds later. The switching movements of soft pain and pleasure made Hermione's stomach clench, she moaned into her shoulder. Draco continued his teasing licks over her buds until they were red and covered with his spit.
He kissed her, claiming her mouth, trying to make her understand what a real kiss feels like, how she deserves to be kissed. She moaned and threaded her fingers into his hair, nails roughly scraping his skin. She removed her mouth and latched it onto his neck, harshly biting and sucking at the skin, purposely trying to give him a love bite. He shivered when her breath fanned over the sensitive and wet area, his thrusts stuttered.
She kissed up her way to his ear, teasing the skin with her tongue before gripping his hair tighter and whispering in his ear.
"All mine." She moaned and Draco slipped up his rhythm, shocked by her possessive words but finding them incredibly sexy and reciprocated.
He growled and picked up his pace, snapping his hips so deep into her that he was seeing stars and so was she. His cock stroked her walls, hitting the sensitive spot and making her cry out relentlessly.
"Draco," She cried, clawing at his back. "I'm so—ah—close."
"I'm almost there." He moaned and she circled her legs around his waist, angling her hips into his so she could reach her point.
"Ah fuck! Yes Draco!" She moaned into his ear, holding him into her while his thrusts became inconsistent and shallow.
"Yes, yes Hermione—oh!" He shouted, his hips erratically thrusting as he filled her. Her walls pulsed around him, taking every last drop from him. It was the most intense feeling, coming with her, being inside her and feeling her soft and comforting walls flutter around him. He was seeing white behind his eyelids.
He was brought back down to reality when he felt soft kisses on his neck. He looked under him, his vision slightly blurry but he could make out the lazy smile on her face.
"You look beautiful." He mumbled before kissing her.
"I'm naked I think you have to say that." She joked and kissed him again but he rolled his eyes.
"You looked beautiful at the wedding." Kiss. "You look beautiful every day at work." Kiss. "And you look beautiful now." He gave her a long-lasting kiss, humming into her mouth when he felt her needy tongue. He pulled away and slyly grinned. "And yes I'm only saying that because you're my best friend."
Hermione laughed and slightly smacked his arm, bubbling smiles on their face that soon turned into looks of absolute adoration. She smoothed some hair back as his fingers trailed over her face. Their eyes met, smiles grew.
"I love you."
Draco's heart surged out of his chest, his blood heated immensely and there was no stopping the goofy smile he grew.
"I love you too." He bent down to kiss her again before rolling off her body, both of them looking up at the ceiling with satisfying expressions on their face.
"Definitely not friends." She panted and Draco breathlessly laughed. He opened up his arm and let her move into his side, hugging her body until she was almost on top of him. They sighed contently, hands tenderly running over each other's skin. He reached down and gave her a loving kiss, smiling at her as her eyes opened.
"And we never will be again."