Yuletide Blessings

by charlayla

She glanced up, wary of the wicked grin spreading on the redhead's face. "I'll tell you what you have to do. You just need to mount him and ride him into oblivion!" "Fucking hell! What does a guy have to do to eat in peace around here!"

Draco glanced up momentarily as his co-worker dropped rather unceremoniously in the chair across from his table, pulling his plate to her and grabbing a crisp.

"I was eating that."

Her only response was a short grunt accompanied by the shrug of her shoulders. "Healer Marshall asked me to tell you we just used up a whole lot of Dittany and Blood-Replenishing Potion."

He glanced up again from his cauldron, raising his brow in question. Letting out a deep sigh, she ran a weary hand down her face. "A group of Aurors walked into an ambush. Seven severely injured, with another six that needed tending to. Two are still touch-and-go."

He crossed the room and returned with an Invigoration Draught and handed it to Hermione without a word as she murmured her thanks.

A few more minutes passed quietly before she let out another sigh and stood. "I'll make a start on the Blood-Replenishing Potion – we're likely to use more on the two up there."

XXX

Over the next hour they worked seamlessly together, switching between measuring, mincing and stirring. Hermione could feel the fatigue threatening to overwhelm her. She had spent large amounts of energy in a flurry of healing spells earlier when attending to the Aurors, and whilst the Invigoration Draught had helped for a while, she was becoming increasingly weary.

Pressing her eyes closed for a few seconds, she shook her head, trying to push the fog away.

"Granger, take a break." She jumped at the sound of his voice, coming from much closer than she expected. She spun around to see him almost looming over her left shoulder, an amused glint in his eyes.

"N-no, it's fine."

She took a deep breath, immediately regretting it. She was overwhelmed, assaulted really, by a mix of bergamot, spiced apples and a scent that was so distinctly Draco Malfoy. A hint of a smirk lingered on his lips, the cauldron flames reflected in his pupils. It was intoxicating.

Hermione had long accepted that she found him attractive. Between his piercing grey-blue eyes, sharp jawline, muscular thighs and pureblood pedigree, he was a recurring fixture on the society pages of Witch Weekly. And it certainly didn't help that he was smart…incredibly so. It was the most appealing thing about him in her view. Well, that and his nimble long fingers as he brewed beside her. A shiver ran up her spine just thinking about it.

He took an almost imperceptible step towards her, eye flicking momentarily down to her lips. His hand reached up, tucking a stray curl behind her ear, his enthralling fingers lingering on her cheek. Oh Merlin.

A loud buzz erupted from the Healer badge on her coat lapel. 'Healer Granger, Code Red, Intensive Care Room 17!'

They both blinked, Draco's hand dropping from her face as he stepped back.

"I-I have to go." Hermione inwardly cursed how breathy and idiotic her voice sounded, before racing out of the room, wondering why in the hell she had ever suggested the Healer paging system.

XXX

"Wait, wait, wait. My brain is still waking up. It's too early."

Hermione took another big gulp of coffee. "Gin. It's 10 in the morning." It had been a few weeks since she had had a change to hang out with the Potters, thanks to their conflicting work schedules. Being a Healer, a Chaser for the Harpies and an Auror meant that they rarely had a day off that lined up.

"Yes, but some of us were up late last night, getting thoroughly shagged."

"GIN!" Harry yelled around a mouth full of eggs. "There are some things we can keep private!"

Ginny simply shrugged with a smug smile, turning back to Hermione. "Anyway, back to what I was saying before we were so rudely interrupted; I need you to tell me again exactly what happened with Malfoy."

Hermione wasn't even remotely surprised; she had long become used to Ginny's…directness, especially when it came to a certain blonde Pureblood.

She had forged a tentative friendship with Draco during their Eighth Year at Hogwarts. Returning to finish their final year had been optional, with Harry and Ron being drafted directly into Auror Training. Ginny had chosen to return, but they hadn't shared many classes.

Draco had extended an olive branch one afternoon after Slughorn had paired them together during Potions, apologising for his actions over their school years. And he had proved himself an extremely competent study partner. And then, Ginny's amused glances and comments had started.

Finishing their N.E.W.T.S after what seemed like an eternity, they had both been accepted into the Healer Training Program. Hermione had been surprised when he had slid into the chair beside her at their first lecture, a cautious smirk dancing across his lips. And from there, without the constant scrutiny of their friends, their friendship had blossomed.

One evening after Ginny had plied her with a reasonable amount of vodka, she had blabbed all about her attraction to Draco, and his damn lithe fingers and broom thighs. She hadn't heard the end of it. And now that it had been a while since Hermione had had a boyfriend, or a shag, Ginny was on a mission.

"I could have sworn he was about to kiss me, Gin, and then bloody Healer Marshall paged me!" She finished recapping the events of the day before, taking an angry bite out of her toast.

"I knew Billy Kaye was going to be more of a hassle when you hired him." Ginny grumbled Hermione's patient, glaring at Harry who just looked bewildered.

"He's a good Auror, Gin! Aced his training exams!"

Ginny huffed. "Yes, but Hermione could have finally gotten laid!"

Hermione slumped on the table in front of her. "I bet he's hung like a horse too."

"Oh for fuck's sake." Harry muttered, fixated on the plate in front of him.

Ginny was already giggling, waggling her eyebrows across the table. "Imagine what he could do with those fingers, Mione!"

Hermione dropped her head onto the table. "I don't know what I'm going to do, Gin."

She glanced up, wary of the wicked grin spreading on the redhead's face. "I'll tell you what you have to do. You just need to mount him and ride him into oblivion!"

"Fucking hell! What does a guy have to do to eat in peace around here?!"

They both roared with laughter as Harry stomped from the room, slamming the door behind him.

XXX

Draco had long tuned out from the conversation, cradling a tumbler of Firewhiskey in his hand. He had nearly kissed Granger.

If he were being honest with himself, which he often wasn't, he had wanted to for quite some time. At least since those late evenings, studying in a quiet corner of the Hogwarts library. Perhaps since she wore that periwinkle dress in bloody Victor Krum's arms. And maybe, just maybe, since she had slugged him in Third Year and nearly broke his nose.

And his friends all knew it. Ever since that day he had stopped dead in the street, grinning like a madman at the news of her breakup with the Weasel that was splashed across the front of Witch Weekly. That uncultured swine had never been good enough for her anyway. He was just happy for his friend, or at least that was what he told everyone. But they knew better.

Pansy would snicker whenever his gaze lingered on her for too long. Daphne was forever trying to set him up on dates, trying to get him to confess the real reason he always declined. And Theo and Blaise would constantly make comments about her arse in those Muggle jeans she often wore (which was just delectable) or guesses about what she wore, or rather didn't wear, to bed at night.

It was infuriating.

He was startled out of his thoughts as a droplet of condensation fell from his glass to his lap.

"Nice of you to join us." Theo drawled.

"Sorry. I'm just…tired." They didn't look at all convinced.

"Talk to us, Draco." Pansy cooed, leaning over to gently place a hand on his knee. "Anything interesting happen at work this week?"

"Not really." He downed the rest of his glass, instantly reaching for the bottle to refill it.

"No, no, no!" Blaise swiped the bottle off the table before he could get to it. "You've been off in another world since Thursday. What happened?"

Draco sighed. There was no avoiding his nosy friends. "Fill me up. Double shot. Then I'll tell you."

Blaise eyed him suspiciously before agreeing, pouring a rather generous amount of Firewhiskey. He tipped his head back, gulping the liquor, looking back down to see his four friends staring at him expectantly.

"I almost kissed her."

Pansy and Daphne were instantly screeching with excitement, Blaise waggling his eyebrows like a madman. Theo, on the other hand, looked ridiculously smug. "Her? Who is this her you speak of?"

"Fuck off Theo."

"Oh, but Draco darling, I haven't the faintest idea who you are talking about." What he would give to knock that smirk off Theo's face. He could be such an infuriating bastard. The rest of his friends were openly sniggering – sometimes, he missed the days when they feared him.

"Granger." His voice was almost a snarl. "I nearly kissed Granger."

The four other Slytherins whooped, Blaise clapping him on the back hard enough that he spilled a bit of Firewhiskey on his favourite grey slacks.

"Wait a second." Pansy interrupted the overlapping chatter of the others. "What do you mean almost?"

He slumped ungracefully into the chair. "Her bloody pager went off, and she ran out of there like she had seen a Boggart."

Pansy patted his knee sympathetically, the room quiet for a moment before Daphne gasped with excitement. "The Yule Ball!"

"Sorry?"

"The Ministry's Yule Ball is in two weeks. Ask her to go with you."

"She doesn't go to the Yule Ball."

Pansy scoffed at this. "What do you mean she doesn't go? It's one of biggest events of the year. Merlin knows, it's the only one actually worth going to."

"I don't know, Pans. She hasn't gone for the last few years."

"Huh, made note of that, did you?" She raised her hands in surrender at his glare. "Well, why doesn't she go?"

Draco thought for a moment, drawing a complete blank. "I…I don't know?"

"There's got to be a reason, Draco. She is the Ministry's darling!"

"Well either way, you have to ask her!" Daphne chimed in.

"It's not a bad idea." Daphne beamed at Theo's support, leaning into him.

He mulled it over for a few moments, annoyed at the way his four friends were all just watching him. Grabbing the Firewhiskey bottle and filling his tumbler up once more, he sipped on it carefully. The four sets of eyes were still focussed on him.

He really did want to have the chance to take her on a date, in whatever way he could, but he valued her friendship too. She was intelligent, sweet and feisty, and always gave as good as she got, especially when it came to him. He wasn't willing to lose that.

"Okay fine. Maybe."

XXX

Draco was bloody exhausted. The last week had been an absolute train wreck, as he had somewhat expected. The Yule season always brought a decent amount of chaos, with extended families getting together and obnoxious amounts of liquor. St Mungo's was guaranteed to see a handful of injuries and oddities because of fist fights and hexes, not to mention the gruesome disfigurements that came with intoxicated attempts to Apparate. And night shifts were the absolute worst – all the idiots came out to play.

He took a long deep breath as he gathered his things from his locker, stuffing them into his small satchel. His mother had asked him to stop by, but he quite simply just wanted to go home and pass out.

He was dreaming of his king-sized bed and Egyptian cotton sheets when he heard her. "Oh! Hello." And now he was picturing her in his sheets.

He spun around as Hermione moved towards her locker. "Morning." He tried to sound calm, but he could hear the waver in his voice. He hadn't seen her since the other day, and she had surely known that he had been about to kiss her.

His heart nearly melted at the concern on her face. "You looked exhausted. Busy night?"

Draco grinned at her – this was comfortable territory. "Just the usual. Senior Healer Simmons was a tyrant as usual, and there were a handful of bar duels. On the other hand, good old Mr Hawthorn was back again."

"Oh dear. Someone needs to tell him to stop. What was it this time?"

"He brewed a Virility potion but miscalculated the strength. Let's just say he couldn't un-pitch his tent."

Her peals of laughter made his smile even wider. She was far from an elegant laugher, bent over with her hands on her knees to support herself. But he bloody loved that sound and how infectious it was. Taking a deep breath to steel himself, he shut his locker and leaned back against it as her giggles subsided. "Are you going to the Yule Ball this weekend?"

She sat her bag in her locker and scoffed, rummaging through as she replied. "Me? No, definitely not."

"Why not?" He hoped that he sounded far more blasé than he felt.

Hermione closed the locker and pulled on her lab coat, taking the moment to consider her response. "I never end up enjoying myself. Since Ron and I ended, everyone seems to pity me, even though that was years ago! All our friends are paired off, either married or pregnant, and there's poor Hermione Granger, only good for her IQ, all by herself."

"Wait, what?" That was not at all what he was expecting.

She shrugged as though it didn't bother her, but he knew her well enough to see past it. "I got tired of the whispers and stares, so I don't bother going. It's not very fun when everyone is off dancing and I'm by myself anyway."

"Go with me." The words were out of his mouth before he could even process them.

Hermione froze, her eyes widening in surprise. "W-what?"

He cleared his throat, standing up straighter to try to portray some semblance of confidence. "Come with me, as my date, to the Ball."

Holy mother of Merlin. Was he really asking her on a date? If she were being honest, she really did like him – and not just for his taut arse and well-defined biceps. He was charming and clever, one of the rare few who challenged her intellectually. And he actually seemed to value her opinion. She probably would have jumped him years ago, as per Ginny's enthusiastic suggestions, if she hadn't been worried about ruining their friendship.

"A-as your date?!" Draco could see the disbelief in her eyes, part of him wondering if he had just misstepped.

He shrugged, trying to come across as nonchalant as possible. "You said you weren't going to go by yourself because of all the gossipmongers, so go with me."

Well, that was disappointing – a pity date. "Oh no, I couldn't do that. I'm sure there's someone else you'd much rather accompany."

Draco cursed inwardly at himself – he was fucking this up. So much for being a suave bachelor. "No!" Aaaand now he seemed desperate. He took a small step forward, trying again. "There is no one I would rather go with. It would be an absolute pleasure to go with you."

Her breath hitched at the sincerity in his eyes. "Okay. Yes. I'd love to."

A large grin broke on his face. "Brilliant!" His eyes flicked towards the clock as they heard a distant toll of bells. "I better go before I make you late. Chief Healer Sloan will have both our heads." He winked at her before sweeping out of the room, leaving her standing there staring as the door swung shut.

XXX

"He what?!" Both Harry and Hermione winced at the piercing shrill tone of Ginny's voice.

She had been on edge her entire shift, counting down the hours until she could race out of St Mungo's. And as soon as her shift was done, Hermione had Flooed directly to Grimmauld Place, ignoring the fact that it was nearing bedtime and was absolutely not an appropriate time to be dropping in unannounced. Thankfully both Harry and Ginny had been fully dressed.

"He asked me to the Ball!" Dear Lord, she sounded like a brainless twit.

Ginny screeched, clapping her hands together in excitement. Scratch that, Ginny looked and sounded like a brainless twit. "Tell me EXACTLY what he said! Word for word!"

Hermione noted just how unimpressed Harry looked at the two of them. "He said, and I quote, 'Come with me, as my date, to the Ball'."

"I can't believe he asked you on a date! Oh Circe, this is the most exciting thing that's happened since Harry and I got married!" Ginny leaned over and patted Harry's hand at the insulted stare he gave her. "Oh hush, you know I love you."

Hermione flopped into the chair across from them. "Don't get too excited, Gin. It's a pity date."

"What?" With a flick of her wand, she summoned a slice of cake from the fridge and slid it across the table to Hermione.

"He asked why I wasn't going, and I told him about how everyone seems to think I need to be with someone, and – oh God, this cake is unbelievable!" This is exactly what she needed today.

"Yes, yes I know, I'm amazing. And?"

She swallowed her bite, savouring the moment, before continuing. "And he said 'So go with me', so really, it's a pity date." Hermione could practically hear Harry rolling his eyes. "But then he did say that there's no one that he would rather go with."

Ginny sat back for a moment, squinting at Hermione as though she were trying to work out some complex puzzle. "Well then, we're just going to have to get you a dress that is going to make him want to throw you on his bed and impale you!"

Any response she might have had was cut off by the harsh sound of chair legs scraping on the ground as Harry abruptly stood up and stomped from the room. "Fucking hell, I'm too tired for this shit."

XXX

Hermione stood in front of the mirror, heart pounding as she stared at her reflection. Ginny grinned as she pinned back one side of her hair. "Damn, I'm good!" The redhead congratulated herself. Ginny had deigned herself as Hermione's personal beautician for the day, forcing Harry to come over with her to ready themselves for the Ball.

"Whoa!" Harry was taken aback when he walked in the room.

"Try not to sound so surprised." Hermione muttered, though she did have to agree that Ginny had outdone herself. The dress was more daring than one she would have chosen for herself, but Ginny had insisted on it from the moment they spotted it in the Muggle store.

The emerald dress was adorned with sequins in a leaf-like pattern, the A-line skirt closely skimming her hips as it fell to the floor. The plunging neckline showed slightly more of her cleavage than she was used to, and the side of the skirt had a daring slit that ended at the upper half of her thigh, showing most of her leg as she walked. The back of the dress sat on her lower back, the dress held together with criss-cross straps. It was elegant and so very glamorous, but far more daring than she was used to.

Her hair, thankfully far more manageable than their school days, was now pinned back on one side, with her natural curls on display, and her makeup was subtle, but enough to make her feel confident. Hermione carefully buckled the straps of her gold heels, thanking the heavens for cushioning and stability charms.

Hermione followed the Potters into her living room, intending to grab her earrings that she had laid out beside her clutch, when her fireplace roared to life with a green glow. Her nerves rose through her chest as Draco stepped out. His charcoal suit was tailored to perfection, highlighting his lean but muscular frame, his matching dress robes neatly folded over one arm. She noted the deep green of his necktie, realising that Ginny must have tipped him off at some point.

He stood in front of the fireplace, slack jawed as he took her in. She barely heard the soft 'Fuck' that he whispered, a shiver running up her spine.

Ginny looked positively beside herself, a knowing Malfoy-esque smirk spread across her face. "You're welcome, Malfoy." She snickered, dragging along her rather uncomfortable husband as she made for the Floo. "See you there Mione!"

And with that, it was just the two of them.

Draco was quite certain his brain had short-circuited the moment he saw her. She was exquisite, and far more than he had ever imagined. And all he wanted to do in that moment was take her back into her bedroom and abandon the Ball altogether. Or profess his unending adoration of her, though perhaps the former was preferable and far less humiliating.

Hermione self-consciously smoothed her hands down her front. "I…I just need to grab my earrings, and we'll be good to go."

"Wait." She paused, watching as he moved closer to her, one hand lost in his robe pocket. "This may be awfully presumptuous, but I bought these for you…for today." He handed her a thin black velvet box.

Glancing at him warily, she opened the box and gasped. The pair of drop earrings were simple but stunning – a round diamond stud with a gold chain hanging down to hold another round diamond. "Oh Draco," she breathed, "I couldn't p-"

She broke off as Draco's hand closed around hers. "I know, I know. I expected you to protest, but as soon as I saw them in the store, I knew they'd suit you. Humour me?"

Hermione huffed at him, all too distracted by the feel of his warm hand on hers, but didn't argue. It would have been a shame to waste such a beautiful set of earrings. And the contented look on his face was enough to make it worth it.

Grabbing her clutch, she was about to suggest that they leave when the look in his eyes made her pause. "Before we go and deal with all the hubbub, I just want to say that you…", he paused to take a breath, "you're absolutely breathtaking – even more so than usual, though I didn't think that possible." Before she could even think to respond, he offered her his arm, and led her towards the Fireplace. "Shall we?"

XXX

Hermione forced a smile on her face as Griselda Marchbanks droned on about her tenure with the Wizengamot, not quite focussing on what the older witch was saying. She usually tried her best to pay attention to any conversation, especially someone as esteemed as Madam Marchbanks, but she still had reserved feelings about anything related to the Wizarding court. And Draco's hand splayed across her back was far too distracting.

She could see Draco's eyes glancing around the room from time to time, those fingers dancing gently against her skin, and yet somehow he responded appropriately and hummed at the right moments. He glanced over at her, smiling as there was a slight change in the music. "Excuse me Madam, but it would be remiss of me if I don't take this opportunity to ask Miss Granger for a dance."

Madam Marchbanks dismissed them with a wave, ambling off as she spotted her dear friend Augusta Longbottom. "Shall we?" He extended his hand out to her.

Her cheeks flushed, Draco's hand closing around hers as he led her to the dancefloor. The music had slowed to a slow tempo, couples gathering around them to dance.

Draco gently placed his hands on her hips, turning her to face him. It took restraint not to instantly pull her against him, and wrap his arms around her. He had been mad at himself after leaving St Mungo's a few days earlier – he had finally asked Hermione on a date date, and then backtracked almost immediately. He had initially intended to make it perfectly clear that he truly did intend it in a romantic way, but the shocked look on her face had made him doubt himself.

His heart stuttered as she brought her arms up, wrapping them around his neck rather than placing her hands on his shoulders, and pulled him closer to her. They had been mingling with other attendees for the last two hours, and Hermione had been itching to spend time with him alone. And she supposed that this was probably as alone as they were going to get, surrounded by friends and acquaintances in the middle of a Ball.

Draco led her in small circles, much more proficient at dancing than she was. And despite having two left feet, Hermione found herself relaxing and enjoying herself. She caught Ginny's eye across the room, ignoring the wide grin on her friend's face. Harry hadn't noticed her, focusing on his feet as he tried to lead his wife through the dance.

Yes, you're lovely, with your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft

They swayed gentle to the music, his eyes alive with more emotion than Hermione was used to seeing. He cleared his throat and smiled down at her. "Are you enjoying yourself tonight?"

"Possibly the best Yule Ball I've ever attended." She responded.

There is nothing for me, but to love you
And the way you look tonight

"Possibly?" Draco raised a single eyebrow. "Not definitely?"

Her mouth split in a grin, a cheeky glint in her eyes. "Well, there was Fourth Year, when I went with Viktor."

"Cheeky witch!" He smirked as she giggled. Distracted, Hermione stumbled over the next step. He took advantage of the moment, moving his arms around her back so that his fingers were against her bare skin as he steadied her. He revelled in gasp that escaped her, the way that her cheeks flushed in response.

With each word, your tenderness grows
Tearing my fear apart

She allowed Draco to pull her a bit closer, enjoying the warmth of his body against hers. He clenched his jaw at the realisation that her breasts were pressed against his chest, willing that a certain part of his body didn't make itself known. He let the fingers of one hand skim her spine and back down, enjoying the goosebumps that erupted across her skin.

And that laugh wrinkles your nose
Touches my foolish heart

Hermione shivered as his fingers danced along the edge of her dress, teasing up and down her skin. Her mind instantly jumped to what else he could do with those long agile fingers, warmth spreading in her belly at the thought. She glanced up, a breath escaping her.

He was staring down intently at her, his pupils blown wide. Draco's fingers flexed, gently grasping at her skin, as his eyes flickered down to her lips and back to meet hers.

Lovely, never, never change, keep that breathless charm
Won't you please arrange it?
'Cause I love you, just the way you look tonight

Draco closed the gap between them, his lips pressing against hers in a feather-light touch, far too fleeting for her liking. She tightened her arms around his neck, pressing harder against him, carding her fingers through the hair on the back of his head. She was instantly rewarded as his hands spread wider to cover more of her back, pulling her flush against him. He nipped at her lip and then caressed the spot with his tongue, a whimper escaping from her throat.

Sweet Merlin, kissing Hermione Granger was more than he had ever imagined, and he had always been gifted with a vivid imagination. He could taste hints of champagne on her tongue as it tangled with his, her fingers twisting in his hair. He could quite gladly drown in this feeling and never come up for air.

They weren't sure how long they stood wrapped in each other for until they were jostled from behind. They broke apart gasping for air, turning to see who had so rudely interrupted them. Pansy had swept by with Blaise, spinning back around to face them. She gave them both a very telling stare, her eyes shifting around the room meaningfully, wordlessly reminding them that they were most certainly not alone.

Draco's eyes were straight back on Hermione, waiting to gauge her response. She stood still for a moment before dropping her arms from his neck. "Perhaps we should step outside?" She didn't wait for an answer before leading him onto the balcony.

He had barely closed the door behind him, blocking out the nosy faces they had glimpsed in the crowd, when her hands grabbed at his lapels and pulled him towards her. Their teeth clashed momentarily, before their lips fell in sync again, bodies pressed firmly together. He took a few steps forward, guiding her back against the cold stone wall as he ran his tongue along her lip. Hermione moaned in response, the sound spurring him on as he again deepened their kiss, alternating between nipping at her lips and entwining his tongue with hers.

Her fingers knotted in his hair as he broke the kiss, his lips and tongue laving a path down her jaw to the nape of her neck. She gasped as his teeth grazed a spot just below her ear, heat blossoming in her core. "Draco…" The sound of her moaning his name went straight to his groin, his arousal growing rapidly.

He rocked his hips against hers as her hands roved over his chest and upper arms, grasping desperately at him. Her nails raked his skin through his shirt as he grasped her hips and rolled them against his. Hermione gasped again, her unbound leg coming up to hook around his hips so that she could match his movements. He growled with arousal before recapturing her lips, as one hand fell to caress the thigh that was against his hip.

Draco's fingers inched higher up her bare leg, reaching the curve of her ample bottom. He rocked against her again, the new angle allowing his covered cock to grind against her centre. He twitched at her loud shuddering moan, repeating the movement as he again sucked at her neck.

"Draco." Her voice was huskier than he had ever heard it before. "Home…now."

He slowed his kisses, her words sobering him slightly. "I…Her…" Fuck, this was taking all his self-control. "You - you've been drinking. Maybe we shouldn't."

Hermione scoffed, tightening her leg around him and grinding roughly against him. "I am most certainly not drunk. Yes I've had a couple of glasses, but I am more than aware of what I'm doing. And I fucking want it. I want you. Take me home. Now!"

He didn't need to be told twice.

XXX

They appeared in his bedroom, Draco slamming her into the wall before she could take in her surroundings. His hands and lips were everywhere, sending thrills through her body. He pushed the skirt of her dress up, lifting her by the back of her thighs to wrap her legs around him. She clawed at his tie, forcing it apart and ripping it from his neck. He pinned Hermione against the wall with his body, one hand holding the curve of her arse as the other ran up her side to grasp at her breast.

"Yes." She hissed, rhythmically rolling her pelvis against him. She could feel the hard bulge of his cock against her, rubbing at the apex of her thighs. He pushed the fabric of the dress aside, tucking it behind the swell of her breast. His fingers pinched and pulled at her nipple, the throbbing in her core growing steadily. "D-Draco. Please." She mewled as he ducked his head and drew her nipple into his mouth.

"Tell me what you want." Draco's voice was rough and gravelly, though he was surprised he could even form a coherent sentence at this point.

"More. I need more." She whined, her fingers haphazardly grabbing at his shirt buttons. She growled in frustration before grabbing at his open collar and ripping the shirt apart. Her nails scraped down his chest. Sweet Circe, this woman was intoxicating.

He dropped her to her feet, quickly making work of his cuff buttons and shrugging out of both his shirt and suit jacket. He kicked his shoes off and undid his belt, as she slipped out of her heels. He towered over her, leaning over to sweep her curls over one shoulder. He quickly unclasped the back of her dress, pushing the straps off her shoulders to let the fabric fall to the ground so that she was left in nothing but her black lace underwear.

"Fuck." Hermione blushed at his awe, suddenly feeling somewhat self-conscious. "You're so fucking beautiful."

He lurched forward, pinning her back against the wall as his lips found hers. Her hands were on him in an instant, nails grazing lightly across his skin. She wound her leg back around his hips, desperately trying to find the friction from before. Draco tilted his hips slightly and ground forward, swallowing her growing moans. His cock was harder than he ever remembered, and all he wanted was to drive into her.

He peppered kisses along her neck and collarbone, one hand rolling her nipple between his fingers, her whimpers and moans encouraging him. She ground against him again. "Draco – Draco, please." She gasped out.

Her hands dropped to his hips, clumsily pulling and tugging at the buttons of his pants until the band loosened and fell from his body. She rolled her hips again; he almost couldn't take the heightened sensation. He pulled at her knickers as she dropped her leg and shimmied out of the garment. Hermione was in his arms again in an instant, his lips crushed against hers. He let a hand wander up her thigh, the tip of his finger brushing against her folds.

Her body shuddered against him, fingers tightening against his skin as her kisses faltered. He ran his index finger along her slit, pulling back to watch her face. She was wet and warm, her hips bucking in response to his gentle touches.

A ragged cry tore from her throat as his thumb pressed against her swollen clit. Merlin, she was so fucking responsive. Draco circled the sensitive spot a few times, enthralled by the way her chest rose and fell as she panted, the way that her eyes flickered with each touch.

"Dra-oooooohhh." He plunged a single finger into her before she could finish her demand. She felt like molten lava, hot and wet around him as her walls clenched onto him. His balls tightened in response, his cock begging for release. After a few thrusts, he added a second finger, sinking them as deep into her as he could, curling the tips of his fingers at the end. He drew his fingers out and plunged back in over and over, all the while continuing his ministrations on her sensitive nub.

He felt her tense and breath stutter before she let out a guttural cry, her walls fluttering around his fingers as her hips bucked wildly. It was mesmerising – the vision of her orgasm was enough to last him a lifetime.

Draco withdrew his fingers from her, earning a whimper of protest. Lifting her into his arms, he moved to the bed and gently threw her against the soft sheets. Within seconds his shorts were off and he was climbing onto the bed over her, his eyes searching for the answer to his unasked question.

Her eyes were glazed in her post-orgasm high, but she pulled his head down for a hungry kiss. "Draco," Hermione breathed, "I want you inside of me."

He sank into her with a sudden thrust, burying himself in her, and stilled. She was everything he had dreamt of, and more, and it took all his effort not to come immediately. Her walls clung onto him like a vice, her gasping breaths heating his chest.

"Her- Hermione, I…I don't…I'm not going to last long."

She tipped her head back so that she could meet his gaze with a mischievous grin. "There's always next time."

The words rang through his head - next time. She intended for there to be a next time.

Emboldened by her words, Draco drew his hips back and plunged into her again, driving into her with long steady thrusts as her legs wrapped around him. She shifted her hips, meeting each thrust, burying him to the hilt within her slick cunt. Her arousal grew as he uttered profanities in her ear, praising her for how good she felt.

Her moans grew louder with each thrust, her fingernails scraping down his back. He lowered his head to her chest, catching her nipple between his lips with a harsh pull. She wailed in response, her core clenching tighter around him. He could feel himself drawing closer to the edge. He needed her to come again, he needed to see the rapture on her face again.

He reached a hand down between their bodies, the pace of his hips growing more feverish by the minute. He felt her body stiffen as his thumb curled around her throbbing clit. "Come for me, Hermione. So beautiful. So fucking perfect. I want to feel you come on my cock."

She shattered around him, her body quaking as her orgasm ripped through her with a rasping cry. Her cunt squeezed around his cock, coaxing his release from him. His balls tightened and his vision exploded as he came, his hips jerking involuntarily within her.

He dropped his head to her shoulder, shuddering as he felt himself empty completely in her, carefully lowering his weight against her body.

It was more than what he had ever imagined, and now that he had had a taste, he was never going to get enough. He slowly drew himself out of her, wordlessly summoning his wand to cast a Contraception Charm followed by a Cleansing Charm. Hermione lay bonelessly beside him, a tired smile on her face as she twisted her fingers with his and squeezed his fingers gently.

Pulling the sheet over them, he pulled her flush against him, peppering lazy kisses over her shoulder, and let his eyes flutter closed.

XXX

Hermione sighed contentedly as something drew her from her sleep. She was warmer than usual, and the sheets draped over her were luxuriously silky. Her body tensed and her eyes shot open as she felt a warm hand dance over her skin, a pair of lips caressing her neck. A low chuckle and gravelly voice came from behind her. "Morning."

The night before flashed before her eyes in fractured images. Shit. Sex with Draco had been incredible, like two stars colliding – explosive and all-consuming. Her muscles ached in all the right places, and she felt complete for the first time in years.

But what the hell did it mean? He had been so tender the whole night, his attention on her at all times. But he had only asked her out because he felt bad for her…right? Was this just a one-night thing? Did he just want sex? Did he want to be friends with benefits? Could they even be friends after this?!

Her body shuddered as his hand crept higher up her abdomen, his fingers skimming the underside of her breast. He let out a husky chuckle again, his hips rolling lightly into her curve of her arse. She gasped at the evidence of his arousal pressed against her. "Stop overthinking, Granger."

"Oh, I'm back to Granger now, am I?" She twisted out of his arms to frown at him.

Draco huffed as she put distance between them. "What?"

She crossed her arms, belatedly trying to cover her chest from his view. He raised his brow at this, but said nothing. "Last night it was all 'oh Hermione, I want to fuck you, Hermione', but now its Granger again!"

"It's a habit, I suppose." He reached out for her, frowning as she pushed his hands from her. "Gr-Hermione…"

She exhaled, suddenly looking unsure of herself. "What is this, Draco? Is this…just physical?" She glanced up, grimacing at the surprise on his face. "Because it's fine if that is what you want! But…but I just need to know."

Draco guffawed and reached for her again, this time successfully grabbing her and drawing her back to him. "Granger, you're barmy." He tipped his head, placing a gentle kiss on the top of her nose. "It's not just about sex for me. I'm crazy about you, you silly witch. Have been for a long time now. I want every part of you…if you'll have me."

His heart leapt as a wide grin spread across her face before she kissed him soundly. She pulled back momentarily, "I'm yours. All of me." He tightened his arms around her, drawing her in close to him. She wrapped a thigh around him, rolling her hips to elicit a deep groan from him. His already erect cock stiffened further, as he felt her heat pressing against him. Deepening the kiss, he let his hands roam, cupping the curve of her bottom and pinching her nipple simultaneously.

Her gasping moan urged him on, his movements growing frantic by the moment as his continued to rock his pelvis against her. "Draco. Please." She whimpered, her fingers carding through his hair as she nibbled on the lobe of his ear. He shifted slightly, reaching between them to position himself, when a loud hoot disrupting them.

A suspiciously familiar grey owl flew through the open window, a large shimmering gold envelope in its grasp.

"Ignore it." Draco re-attached his lips to the nape of her neck. The owl hooted again with indignation, before dropping the envelope on their heads. He snarled with frustration, his hand batting the envelope.

But rather than falling to the ground, the envelope launched into the air and exploded, startling the couple apart. Gold glitter confetti flew into the air as a small letter floated back down towards them. Hermione's brows furrowed in surprised wonder as the glitter formed the word 'CONGRATULATIONS' above them.

Snatching the letter from the air with a frustrated grumble, Draco nearly ripped it as he opened it.

Dearest Love Birds,

CONGRATULATIONS! It's about fucking time…literally! We hope you both are thoroughly satisfied and exhausted. If we hear that either of you have left the confines of the bedroom in the next twenty-four hours, we will be sorely disappointed.

Granger, we expect your presence at our weekly Friday Night Drinks this coming week.

Yours truly,

Pansy, Blaise, Daphne and Theo

P.S. Draco, you really do owe Daphne. She would like to remind you that she is a big fan of that Muggle designer, Chanel.

Hermione giggled, covering her mouth with her hands as she took in Draco's murderous expression as he crumpled the letter in his hand. "Those fucking twats."