Week 8 Trope: In Vino Veritas
Rating: G
Word Count: 250
Warnings: N/A
Result: N/A
Good Company
"To the happy couple!"
Hermione raised her empty glass to no one and stumbled over the balcony step. Fortuitously caught by a pair of strong arms, she craned her head back, treating herself an interior view of Draco's nostrils.
"Well groomed," she noted, smiling as he frowned and furrowed: an expression she'd memorized over their years as friends. "But then, you always are."
"All right, Hermione?"
"Yes." She straightened, clutching Draco's shoulder for support. "Why shouldn't I be? It's a wedding. It's Ron's and… And what's her name's…"
"Pansy."
"Pansy! Knew I'd know it. That's my thing: knowing."
His eyes narrowed. "You're soused."
"And you're judgemental."
He scanned the ballroom. "Who are you with?"
"I'm single, haven't you noticed?"
He rolled his eyes. "Please, try to focus."
She attempted to leave, but Draco's arm had wrapped around her waist. And he was awfully warm, wasn't he? She leaned into him.
"You smell good."
"We need to get you into bed."
"Ron wouldn't sleep with me." Draco's grip tightened. She looked up at him, his eyes like serious stars. "That's how I knew it was over."
Draco's expression turned bitter. "At least he didn't cheat."
"We deserve this too, don't we?" Tears threatened. "A chance at happiness?"
"Of course you do."
"Then when? I'm tired…" She looked up at the night sky, searching for strength. "I'm tired of being alone."
Draco pulled her close, held her tight. "I am, too," he whispered into her curls.
Yet at that moment, neither were.