I wrote two drabbles for Week 8. The trope I chose to submit was "In Vino Veritas." This is the other one. I didn't want it to just go to waste, so you all get a bonus. ;)
Week 8 Trope: Coworkers
Rating: G
Word Count: 250
Warnings: N/A
Result: N/A, was not submitted
Partners
Hermione stood rigid beneath the department's applause. She and Harry had just returned from chasing Greyback's second-in-command. They'd been gone a month.
Harry leaned down, whispered, "It was worth it."
It had to be.
Only one other person seemed to disagree. Malfoy leaned against his desk, sleeves rolled, arms crossed. Hermione's stomach lurched; she'd been dreading this conversation. He tracked her approach like a hawk.
"Most people are happy when their co-workers return safely."
He eyed the sling on her left arm. "Safely?"
She lifted her chin. "It's just a greenstick fracture. The brace comes off next week."
Draco scowled and pushed away from the desk.
"I wanted to tell you," she said, following him. "I couldn't. The pol—"
"I know the policy." Draco scanned the office; they had attracted an audience. He took her uninjured arm and closed them in an empty office.
"You could have been killed, " he hissed, "and I wasn't there."
"You're not responsible for me."
"Maybe I want to be."
Hermione's heart leapt into her throat.
"We tried that," she said. "It didn't work. You didn't want—"
"I was wrong." His hands cupped her face, his eyes bright and urgent. "I was wrong ."
"But Harry—"
"Potter doesn't need you like I do." Draco rested his forehead against hers; she felt him tremble, buzzing with adrenaline. "Please, Hermione."
"We can't just be partners. I want more with you, Draco."
She wanted it all.
"I know." His promise landed softly upon her lips. "I'm counting on it."