Disclaimer: Nothing is mine except the plot.
Chapter 15
The wind was strong and hard bits of snow tore at Hermione's hair and scarf as she arrived on the outskirts of Hogsmeade. There, she walked with her head bowed low until she saw a hazy outline of the Shrieking Shack, in the now darkening sky, and a lone figure standing hunched next to the fence. She hurriedly made her way over to them and shivered as she forced her hands out of her fairly warm pocket to try and brush away some hair.
"Hello," she managed to say loud enough over the buffeting wind.
The figure turned towards her but their face was covered with a black scarf, only showing their eyes. The head was hidden by a hood from a coat they were wearing.
"Follow me; let's get out of this weather." The man turned away and began walking in long strides and Hermione jogged to keep up, careful to not slip on the thickening snow.
They headed back in towards Hogsmeade, where the last stragglers and couples were hurriedly rushing to shelter. Hermione followed the tall man into The Phoenix Song, where she had previously gone with Pansy, and she took off her scarf and coat at the sudden blast of warmth as they entered the restaurant.
She watched with curiosity as the man took of his scarf – his back to her – and then his coat, revealing the oh-so-famous blond hair. Hermione couldn't hide a smile as Draco turned to grin at her and kiss her on the cheek.
"Did you know it was me?" He asked as the maître'd led them towards a secluded table at the back of the surprisingly quiet restaurant.
"I had a feeling," Hermione was still beaming as she sat down and accepted a menu. "Thank you for all those beautiful flowers, by the way, they smell gorgeous."
Draco shrugged and murmured to the waiter for him to bring them the best bottle of red wine they had.
"But Draco, I've been meaning to ask you something and it's been really nagging me." Hermione began, straightening her knife and fork.
"You're going to ask why I haven't seen you much, aren't you." Draco scrunched up his nose in discomfort. "I'll tell you, but don't get your hopes up for anything spectacular. It'll be a real anti-climax, I assure you."
Hermione shook her head. "Doesn't matter. Just tell me what your mother said after that day."
Draco sighed. "All she said was to not muck up."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. That was unexpected. "On what?"
"This. Us." He waved a hand between them, looking flustered.
"But why did you have to be so weird? You hardly spoke to me, and when you did, it was only to show that magazine. That conversation lasted all of five minutes." Hermione frowned slightly, confused. She picked up her wine glass which the waiter had now filled a quarter of the way up, and swished it around her glass slightly before taking a sip. "That's fine."
The waiter nodded and filled the rest of Draco and Hermione's glasses up before departing quickly.
Draco answered Hermione's question. "Because I was thinking. I was thinking so much my brain hurt each night. My mother's words kept replaying in my mind and I realised that I didn't want to muck up. Not at all. You see, Hermione, I want to take our relationship to the next step."
Hermione paused in mid-swallow and choked on the wine, spitting it into her serviette. "Sorry," she gasped. "Are you serious, Draco? You want to go out, like, officially?"
"Yeah, I do actually." Draco leant back in his chair and surveyed Hermione. She was looking rather flustered – but that could have been because she had just choked on her wine – but he spotted a twinkle of excitement in her eyes.
"Wow," Hermione's lips twitched, fighting to keep a smile off her face.
"And I'm serious. Deadly." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively and Hermione laughed.
She honestly felt flattered, anxious and incredibly happy. Draco actually wanted to be her boyfriend. "Yes!" She almost screamed and a couple of heads turned in their direction.
Draco stood up and leaned over the table to kiss Hermione full on the lips. It only lasted a couple of seconds but Hermione still felt that shivery feeling running through her bones. He sat back down just in time for the waiter to take their orders of the fettuccine with roasted tomatoes and arugula. Once that was done, Hermione and Draco began to talk non-stop for the rest of the night, pausing only to take a mouthful of food. They talked about all sorts of things; their families and friends, jobs, past love lives; their favourite foods until the maître'd came over and asked them to leave as it was past the closing hour. Draco hurriedly paid the bill before joining Hermione outside in the now calm night, and taking her hand, they strolled down the Hogsmeade street back towards the Shrieking Shack.
"Oh, um, there's a trial for Theodore Nott in March." Draco said casually, glancing at Hermione as they arrived at the Shrieking Shack, their breath creating puffs of white mist.
"Really? So, I have to testify." Hermione pulled a face. "I'd have to do it sooner or later, anyway." "The thought of having to recall the events in front of a court, having to remember what happened on that horrible day made Hermione shudder. Being shoved onto the desk, having her clothes vanished, almost being raped …
"That's the spirit," Draco said weakly, leaning against the fence.
"It's cold." Hermione said cheerfully, trying to divert the subject.
"And fifty points to Hermione for stating the obvious!" He rolled his eyes, but smiled kindly at his girlfriend – he'd have to get used to that – who only glared back at him.
"You still are a ferret, did you know?"
He smiled smugly. "And you're still a bookworm, did you know?"
"And I'm proud of it." Hermione flashed a grin before turning to face the Shrieking Shack. "I haven't been in there for six years."
"I've never been in there." Draco joined her in staring at the faint outline of the crumbling building. "Would you like to Apparate there now?"
Hermione turned slowly to face Draco. "Are you serious? Now? When it's freezing cold and snowing?"
"Yeah, come on, where's your sense of adventure? That old hat didn't put you in Gryffindor for nothing."
"Alright, then," Hermione nodded her head. "Let's do it."
Draco laughed and grabbed her hand as she apparated them to the Shrieking Shack. The wind howled and whistled through the cracks in the old building and Hermione shivered as a blast of cold hair ruffled her hair and face.
"Shall we go upstairs?" Draco asked loudly.
Hermione nodded and she led the way up the rickety staircase. Believe it or not, Hermione thought she actually saw little dried spots of blood from where Ron had been dragged up the stairs by Sirius, ten years previously. Nostalgia hit her hard and fast as she entered the room where they had almost caught Peter Pettigrew. It was such a long time ago and Hermione gazed at the collapsed four-poster bed, where she, Ron and Harry had attacked Snape.
"Wow, what a place." Draco's eyes travelled over the peeling paint, the rotting floorboards and the broken and dusty furniture.
Hermione forced a laugh. Being here brought back so many memories - some happy but most of them extremely unpleasant. She remembered how the three of them crouched under the invisibility cloak downstairs, watching as Voldemort killed Snape. She shuddered at the horrifying memory and Draco immediately took her hand, concern written all over his face. "I'm fine, Draco, it's just weird being here. I don't really like it much."
Draco nodded and then jumped slightly as the wind tore at the shack. "Do you want to get out?"
Hermione nodded, apologising with her eyes.
"That's fine. I'm not eager to stay either." He muttered as he Apparated them away from the barren and cold building, to his warm apartment where he collapsed onto the sofa, pulling Hermione down with him with a shriek.
"Hey! Let me take off my coat!" She laughed as she struggled to get up from his tight grasp.
"No," he replied, holding her tighter.
"Draco!" She was trying not to laugh. "Please?"
He loosened his hold so she could take off her coat, scarf and kick off her shoes. Just as the second shoe hit the floor with a dull thud, he pulled her back into his embrace, laughing as he did so. She looked up at him, smiling with her mouth and her beautiful brown eyes, and he bent down gently to kiss her on the lips, slowly and softly. He ran a hand through her silky curls and he slowly dipped her onto the sofa so he lay on top of her, making sure to keep his weight on his knees and his one arm. The hand went from her hair, down her neck and onto her shoulder, where he moved it slowly to the buttons on her blouse. He felt her hands on his back and head freeze suddenly and she pulled away shaking her head.
"I can't, Draco, I'm sorry." She felt awful for having to stop such a moment but she knew that she didn't want this. Not now.
Draco sighed and sat up properly. "Don't apologise; it's my fault. I know you want to wait until you're married and I … I respect that."
"Thank you," She whispered and kissed him on the cheek. She stood up from the sofa and slipped back on her shoes. "Tonight was lovely, Draco, it truly was. Thank you, again."
Draco nodded dumbly from the sofa. How stupid was he? He pushed things and now their relationship had probably gone one step forward and five steps back. "I'm sorry, Hermione." He managed to blurt out just before she entered the fireplace.
She nodded and disappeared in the green flames.
--
Over the next month or so, Hermione and Draco's relationship blossomed despite what had happened on Valentine's. Various gossip magazines such as Witch Weekly and even the Daily Prophet had commented on their new-found romance. Women shot her dirty looks in the street but Hermione just laughed it off as it was still sinking in – she was going out with Draco Malfoy!
The trial for Theodore Nott had happened quickly and surprisingly quietly. There had been a full court trial at the Wizengamot and Theodore had sat in the chair, chained and extremely quiet. Hermione was called up to testify against the weedy man and Theodore Nott did not deny anything he had done to Hermione. The Chief Warlock – Percy Weasley, in fact – had declared that he was to be sent Azkaban for life.
Hermione smiled at the memory, glad that the whole thing was over, and entered a little café in Diagon Alley where she saw Ginny and Pansy chatting at a table. She went over and sat down, beaming.
"How are you guys?" Hermione asked brightly.
"We're fine thanks, but what about you?" Pansy winked.
Hermione rolled her eyes, laughing. "I'm fine. No, wait, I'm brilliant."
"Ron's still not talking to you much, is he?" Ginny asked sadly, dampening the mood slightly.
Hermione sighed and shook her head. Unfortunately, Ron had found out about her and Draco's relationship in the way she would have not chosen. He had found a discarded Daily Prophet sporting the picture of her and Draco, happily strolling down Diagon Alley hand-in-hand. He had thrown a huge fit but he had calmed down slightly since then. Hermione and Ron's friendship had been on very rocky ground since the New Year incident, and this did nothing to help it.
"Oh well, he'll come round, I know he will." Ginny placed a comforting hand over Hermione's. "Anyway, I got my dress; you both have yours; the reception is all sorted; but, I still haven't found out who Harry's second best man is!" She pouted.
Hermione giggled. "I think I might know, but I'm not going to say. I can't believe you're getting married in one month!"
"I know; May 9th. It feels quite daunting actually." Ginny was easily swayed off the topic of the best men.
"And I can't believe that Harry accepted yours and Draco's relationship so well." Pansy nodded towards Hermione, impressed. "Ron could learn something from him."
Hermione laughed. "Poor, Ron. He's not all that bad. Your Valentine's Day was very nice, if you remember."
"Yeah, I know, it was lovely." Pansy grinned sheepishly. "Wow, we've been together for almost eight months now."
"That's equivalent to about four years for you, isn't it Pansy?" Ginny sniggered from beside the black haired witch who glared at her.
"So, what are you two having for lunch?" Hermione asked loudly, trying to change the subject.
"Soup." Ginny was trying to hide a laugh. "You should have the lasagne, Hermione. I had it last time and it was really nice."
"Okay, thanks." Hermione smiled happily and closed the menu.
"So, Hermione, when's the next date with Mr Malfoy?" Pansy asked, folding her arms and raising an eyebrow.
"Next Saturday, actually. But, it's me who's doing the taking out. We're going to see my parents in Chelsea and then we're going to Kew."
"Why Kew?" Ginny asked, curious.
"House hunting." Hermione grinned devilishly.
Pansy and Ginny exchanged glances. "You're moving in together?"
Hermione laughed loudly, shaking her head at their absurd question. "Of course we aren't; don't be so silly. We've been going out, what, two months? No, it's for me – I'm fed up with living in Vauxhall."
"It's quite pricey." Pansy warned.
"Yeah, I've been saving for a while though. I think I have enough to buy a small apartment. I'm so excited, girls." Hermione bounced up and down in her seat.
"How do you think your parents will be around Draco? You told them about how he bullied you at Hogwarts, didn't you?" Ginny asked, frowning slightly at the maybe small complication.
"Yeah, I was worried about that too, but I told them that he's changed and a really lovely guy, so I'm going to leave them to form their own opinion after the visit." She smiled reassuringly.
"A really lovely guy, huh?" Pansy giggled. "You're really serious about him, aren't you?"
Hermione contemplated that statement for a bit as their food was served. "Yeah, I guess I am." She said quietly.
"Well, I wish you both the best of luck," Pansy grinned, tucking into her light salad.
"Thanks," Hermione smiled but then it fell into a small, thoughtful frown as she picked at her lasagne. "I really hope it lasts."
Ginny squealed. "Oh, we do too! I've noticed that you've been so much happier this last six months and I know it's to do with Draco."
Hermione didn't say anything but she coloured deeply.
"Oh, I hope you get married." Ginny sighed happily.
"Whoa, whoa, don't you think that's taking it a bit too far?" Hermione laughed embarrassedly.
"No," Pansy said, leaning forward. "I think that's perfectly reasonable, especially as Narcissa is already planning to have you as Draco's wife."
"Oh, yes, I forgot about her." Hermione scowled. "No, I don't think I would marry Draco."
"Yet," Ginny added smugly.
Hermione didn't object and Ginny and Pansy noted that with deep satisfaction.
"Speaking of weddings, what food are we having?"
--
As Hermione was strolling back down Diagon Alley towards her shop, a blonde haired woman shoved into her.
"Oh, sorry," Hermione immediately apologised to the young woman.
"How could you? You filthy Mudblood!" The woman hissed, glaring at her. A few passers-by stopped in shock at the forbidden insult.
"How could I what? Bump in to you? If you hadn't noticed, it was you who went into me," Hermione said coldly, staring hard at the lady. She looked vaguely familiar.
"I don't give a crap about that, Granger." The woman stepped up close to Hermione, her blue eyes boring into her own brown ones. "How could he?" She screamed.
Hermione only raised an eyebrow as she suddenly realised who the crazy woman was in front of her. "Ah, Daphne, how are you?"
Daphne's nostrils flared angrily as she continued to look down at Hermione. "Bitch. I'll make sure you don't last. You'll see, Mudblood, and he'll come crying back to me." She gave a hysterical laugh but then stopped when she saw someone come hurrying towards them, yelling. "Talk of the bloody devil." She added with a mutter.
"Hermione!" Draco arrived next to Hermione, panting slightly. "What are you doing, Daphne. You should be in St. Mungo's." He added quietly.
Hermione was extremely confused. What the hell was going on? It was then she noticed Daphne's appearance. Her hair was dishevelled and a white hospital gown hung loosely off her body. She prayed she was wearing underwear.
"Why should I be in there, Draco?" Her once harsh tone had changed into a somewhat falsely sweet one. "I should be here with you instead of that Mudblood." She stepped towards him and made to wrap her arms around his neck, but he pushed her away forcefully.
"Don't you dare call Hermione that in front of me!" Draco had turned deathly pale and his fists were clenched to prevent him from hitting the crazed lady.
"What's happened to you, Draco?" She whined, nervously tugging at her hair. "You used to be so rude and spiteful towards the stupid, buck-toothed girl."
Draco lost it. He grabbed Daphne's shoulders and shook her hard until her teeth rattled. "Just shut up! You know nothing about her! You're stupid-"
"Stop it!" Hermione wailed, jumping forward to take Draco off her. "Don't, Draco, she's not right in the head."
He immediately let go of the witch and she collapsed on the floor, hissing angrily. "She – she called … had to do something – I can't let people …" He muttered in Hermione's arms.
"Draco, listen to me. Get hold of St. Mungo's and they can take her back. She obviously escaped somehow, and they're probably out already looking for her."
He only stared at the pitiful woman on the ground with extreme disgust. "I would never be with you again. Ever. Our relationship was a mistake – a huge one." He turned and walked away, shaking his head, through the many onlookers who had stopped to watch the exchange.
Hermione conjured a patronus to send to St. Mungo's and decided to stay with Daphne until a Healer arrived. She would deal with Draco later. A camera bulb flashed nearby and Hermione scowled. No doubt this would be the headline in tomorrow's Daily Prophet. How sad.
Within two minutes, someone had arrived and in that time, Daphne hadn't uttered a word to Hermione. She had just sat there, rocking back and forth slightly, wailing and muttering under her breath obscenities about Draco.
The Healer murmured a thanks before gently crooning to Daphne to get up so they could go back 'home'. Hermione felt deeply saddened by the whole event and she sighed heavily, emotionally exhausted. Now, off to find Draco. She quickly made a detour to the bookshop and literally begged Olivia if she could work the rest of the day on her own. Hermione promised she would pay her double. She heartily agreed and Hermione quickly Apparated, first, to his apartment, and after finding he wasn't there, she went to the Ministry of Magic where she took the lift up to Draco's floor. She ignored the strange glances and continued to the Auror department where, with relief, she spotted Harry and demanded to know where Draco was.
"I don't know, sorry!" He seemed a bit taken aback by her tone and she apologised.
"I have no idea where he's gone." She sighed and leant against Harry's desk. "Shall I send a patronus to him?"
Harry pondered on the question. "You could try. He's probably gone somewhere quiet to think and stuff. He may not want to be contacted."
Hermione nodded and kissed her friend goodbye before running back to the lift. She had an idea where Draco might be, but Harry's advice nagged at her mind. He could be right; maybe Draco didn't want to be contacted.
She sighed as the lift slowly moved to the atrium and she got out with a couple of other wizards. She was heading towards the floo when she heard her name being called from the restored fountain of magical brethren. She whirled around to see Ron waving at her, smiling sheepishly.
Hermione scowled and hesitated in moving towards him, taking her time.
"Hermione, I need to apologise to you."
"Damn right you do, Ronald." Hermione snapped angrily.
"I'm sorry!" Ron's eyes were beseeching.
Hermione shook her head. "I'm a very forgiving person, Ron, but every time you make a mistake with me, a simple I'm sorry won't mean anything to me anymore. It'll be like the times you said I love you but I knew you didn't mean it." Hermione glared up at her so-called best friend.
"But I do mean it, Hermione, I do." He insisted, grabbing her arms.
"Then prove that to me! If Draco and I decide to get married, how do I know that you won't throw a huge hissy fit then?" Hermione demanded angrily. "You need to start supporting me in my decisions, Ron, like I've always done for you. Can't you see that this is making me happy?"
Ron closed his eyes. "Can we talk somewhere else?"
Hermione reluctantly agreed and she followed him back up in the lift and back into the Auror office, where they passed Harry who gave her a funny look.
Ron closed the door to his office. "Hermione, I know I act extremely irrationally sometimes and I just ask that you understand. I'm sorry I overreacted to you and Malfoy and I guess I shouldn't have taken in everything from the Daily Prophet."
"No, you shouldn't have." Hermione agreed, scowling.
"I hate fighting with you," Ron sighed.
"I do as well." Hermione relaxed slightly and sat down on a squishy chair. "But you need to stop overreacting to everything I do or say with Draco."
"I will. I promise." Ron nodded his head furiously. "And I'll try and be … civil with him. I guess he's coming to the wedding?"
"Yeah," Hermione grinned, the frosty mood dissipating. "Do you know who the second best man is?"
"No," He shook his head. "I wonder why Harry hasn't said. Anyway, I'm sorry, Hermione, but I have loads of work to do."
"I'll leave you to it," She got up and hugged her best friend, pleased that she had finally managed to get through to him.
Outside of the office, she made her way over to Harry where he was sifting through some parchment. "Harry," she began, stopping next to him.
"Is everything okay?" he asked, worried.
"Yeah, Ron's finally got over it all." Hermione rolled her eyes. "Anyway Harry, who's the second best man?"
He looked awkward at the unrelated and abrupt question and put the parchment down on the table. "I haven't told anyone this yet, except for the person, obviously. I don't know how you will react and I'm not sure if it's even a good idea."
"It's Draco, isn't it?" Hermione smirked.
Harry nodded, and grinned sheepishly. "Do you think it's sensible?"
Hermione threw her arms around Harry's neck and hugged him tightly. "I think it's brilliant."
"Good," Harry breathed a sigh of relief. "Don't tell him you know, though. I think he's quite nervous about it."
"I would be too," Hermione laughed. "Having your old school enemy ask you to be their best man at the wedding. Uh-oh."
"What?" Harry asked, concerned.
"Ron won't be at all happy." Hermione sighed.
"Well, if you have got through to him, he won't be too bad." Harry pulled a face and took off his glasses so he could clean them. "
"Promise me you'll tell Ron before the big day won't you?" Hermione asked seriously. "But don't do it the day before!"
Harry nodded. "Weddings are so stressful."
"I bet they are, but Ginny's enjoying herself." Hermione winked. "Anyway, I'll leave you to your work, Harry, and I'll see you soon!"
She waved goodbye as she, once again, left the Auror office and headed back down to the atrium in the slow, clanking lift. She got in the floo and went to her apartment where she sat down and kicked off her shoes, closing her eyes.
"Hermione,"
She screamed as Draco's voice filled the room and her eyes found him sitting on the armchair next to the fireplace. "What the – Draco!"
He laughed and got up to join her on the sofa. "Hello, dear."
"What are you doing here?" She asked, moving up so he could sit next to her.
"I wanted to think so I came here. Where have you been? You finished work half an hour ago." Draco poked her playfully.
"I didn't go back to work afterwards. I went to go and look for you, so I went to the Ministry of Magic but you weren't there, but Ron asked to speak to me and everything's okay now between us. I also spoke to Harry." She did as she was told and didn't mention anything of her knowledge about Draco being best man.
"Busy." Was all he said.
"I suppose so. Draco," She began slowly. "What's the story behind Daphne?"
He sighed. "Right, well. It's all a bit silly really, since I dated her for about four months in seventh year. I think she's held onto that fact and never really got over me."
"You sound really big-headed." Hermione joked.
"It's true though," he winked and kissed Hermione on the head. "Anyway, during the war, her whole mother's side was wiped out by Voldemort because they refused to go on his side. Her father was distraught and a couple of months after the war ended, he killed himself. Daphne went crazy. Her younger sister hadn't completed her final year at Hogwarts and instead had gone off with this guy from Durmstrang, and she felt horrible. She blamed it all on herself, and then she began to blame her parents' death on herself for some unknown reason. And in the past six years, her health has worsened." He finished with a heavy sigh and buried his face in Hermione's hair. "I was so harsh on her. I feel so guilty."
Hermione felt awful. She felt so sorry for the young woman whose life had been destroyed. She took Draco's hand and held it comfortingly. "We could go and see her, if you'd like."
"Yeah, maybe." His voice was muffled and strands of his hair tickled Hermione's chin.
They sat like that for a while, neither moving, just content to be with each other. Hermione felt so happy. She honestly thought that her dream of having someone there with her was coming true. Yeah, they weren't married and Hermione wasn't even thinking about having children with him – just yet – but at this moment in time, she felt so peacefully and satisfied.
Both of their stomachs rumbling ruined the moment and they stretched as they got up from the sofa.
"Stay here tonight." Hermione said gently as they moved into the kitchen. "I'll transfigure the sofa for you."
Draco only hugged her in his thanks. He felt so bad in the way he acted towards Daphne. It was his anger which got him saying those horrible things to her and he regretted it. She wasn't even in the right state of mind.
Hermione heard him sigh heavily and she looked towards him with a face of concern. "Look, we'll go see her tomorrow as it's my day off on Sunday. Will that be okay?"
Draco nodded gratefully and began to help Hermione make the dinner. They chatted to each other but it was only for the sake of making conversation. Hermione couldn't help but feel awkward around Draco whilst they were eating, as the only sound was the scraping of knives and forks and the clock ticking.
After supper was over, Hermione cleaned the dishes and went into the living room where she transfigured the sofa into a large, king-sized bed. She grabbed a spare duvet, sheet and a pillow and waved her wand so the bed made itself. Satisfied, she gestured to Draco the newly made bed and he smiled appreciatively.
"Thanks, Hermione." He murmured gently as he sat down. "Sorry I've been such a grumpy old fool this evening. Sit down and we can talk."
He sat back against the head-board and patted the space next to him for Hermione to join. She clambered onto the bed and cuddled up to his side.
"I'm glad we took this to the next step." Hermione sighed happily. "I thought it would be a mistake at first … and that we didn't really like each other."
Draco laughed lightly. "I was a bit nervous myself, actually."
"If someone had told me that I would be going out with Draco Malfoy about eight months ago, I would have laughed in their face."
"Excuse me? How could you? Most people would have jumped at the chance!" Draco exclaimed in mock outrage.
"See, you're so self-conceited." Hermione giggled, poking him in the ribs. He wiggled away. "You're ticklish?"
"No," He said quickly, trying not to laugh.
"You are!" Hermione sat up and grinned at him. "Ha! Draco's ticklish!" Her fingers moved quickly over his ribs and he curled up in a ball, trying to get away from her.
"Stop!" He gasped, laughing.
"No!" Hermione cried out triumphantly. "I could be really mean and cast a tickling jinx on you like Harry did in second year …" She added thoughtfully.
"N-n-no!" Tears streamed down his cheeks as Hermione's fingers continued to dance over his torso.
"Do you want me to stop?" Hermione asked cheekily, peering into his face.
He nodded, unable to speak from laughing.
"Say it. Go on." She challenged, tickling him harder.
"S-sto-op!" He managed to cry out, trying to shove her hands away.
Hermione sat back against the head-board, chuckling to herself as her hands retreated to her lap. She watched him lie on the bed panting, still laughing occasionally.
"You're mean. You're really mean." Draco scowled from under his arm to look up at Hermione.
"And you love me for it!" She sing-songed, bending down to kiss him gently on the lips. "I'm going to bed now; it's nine o'clock."
He pulled himself up, looking incredulous. "You're going to bed now? Whoa, if I'd known you were this boring, I wouldn't have ever talked to you."
Hermione's eyes narrowed and she raised her wand, opening her mouth to cast the tickling jinx.
"Okay, okay, sorry. I take that back." Draco grinned. "But stay up a little longer, please?"
"No," She smiled and yawned. "I'm tired."
"Please?" He begged.
"I'm sorry, Draco, but I really am tired. Anyway, we should get up early tomorrow so we can go to see Daphne."
Draco pouted. "Fine! I'll go and grab my things from my apartment."
Hermione nodded and kissed Draco once more on the lips before skipping into her bedroom where she got ready for bed. She was just brushing her teeth when she heard Draco come back through the floo.
"Don't come in! I'm getting changed – well, you can if you really want to." He called through.
"No thanks. I don't want to see your lanky, pale chest. Not to mention all the other bits and bobs." Hermione yelled back, almost choking on the toothpaste from laughter.
She heard an outraged cry from Draco as she had a quick drink of water. Giggling, she knocked on the living room door and bade goodnight, before jumping into her own bed.
Draco glanced at himself in the mirror as he was undressing, noticing that he was rather pale. Scowling, he threw an old t-shirt over his head and slipped under the duvet of his new bed, turning off the lights. He lay there for a while, unable to fall into a deep slumber, his thoughts plagued by images of Daphne and Hermione. He tossed and turned for almost an hour before he heard the living room door creak open gently. Pretending to be asleep, Draco slowed his breathing and relaxed his whole body as he felt Hermione slip into the bed beside him, her musky scent filling his nose. He heard her sigh and she snuggled up close to him and he tried not to flinch as her cold feet pressed against his legs. Draco smiled tiredly, happy she was there next to him. I could do this, he thought. I could do this for the rest of my life.
Well, was that cheesy, or was that cheesy? Haha, thanks for all your reviews guys! I appreciate it all! And thank you to my beta – you're a legend! Ah, yes, I have exams after Christmas – shudder – so I shall be revising I'm afraid. And that'll mean less frequent updates ): Sorry.