A/N: As promised, this chapter is full of Dramione.

Characters internal monologue are in italics as well as word emphasis in charcter's dialogue and of course, for book titles. I had to do a shout out to George R. R. Martin. Please note that the reason only the first two books in the series A Song of Ice and Fire are mentioned is due to the timeline, the rest of the books had not been published in December 1999.

As a reminder, since I haven't said this since the first chapter, I do not own Harry Potter or any of J. K. Rowlings characters, although I do enjoying playing with them.

Many cheers to CindyBarnard my amazing beta who has already helped fine-tune my writing style, fix places that I wasn't happy with, make sugesstions and corrections for all my typos, plot holes and errors! I am truly thankful for her!

Check out The Auror Mentalist Pinterest Board to see Hermione with Crookshanks

Username: ffaChalayne
Contact Name & Business Name: Fanfiction Author Chalayne

Chapter 7

It is three days before Christmas. Ginny is home for the holidays and she and Hermione have been looking for flats all morning. They decide to pop into the ministry to see if Harry can get away and go to lunch with them.

As they are riding up the lift to the Auror department the doors open up and Draco walks in. He is caught by surprise and smiles brightly at Hermione; she gives him a sweet smile then drops her head a bit looking back up shyly at him through her eyelashes. She thinks he has a brilliant smile when he isn't smirking. Hermione bites her bottom lip, then manages a breathy, "Hello Draco."

Ginny noticed her use of his first name and watches their interaction; she notices the slight blush on Hermione's cheeks and Draco's sincere smile. She clears her throat and it seems to break their trance; when Draco meets her gaze she notices his face has been schooled into his normal smirk. She thinks, so, it's just for Hermione; this is an interesting development.

"Good afternoon." Draco leans against the wall of the lift, crossing his arms over his chest in a way that exudes his normal casual aloofness. "To what do we lowly ministry workers owe a visit from one of the infamous Holyhead Harpies Chasers and the Auror Mentalist Extraordinaire and one-third of the Golden Trio, who should be far away from the Auror Office until January?"

"We've been looking for flats all morning, four different buildings and none are suitable. Thought we'd surprise Harry for lunch since we're both famished." She looks down at her now rumpled outfit and is sure her hair is a complete nightmare after being out in the wind. She wishes she'd done a little primping before coming upstairs like Ginny, at the time she didn't think of a reason she would want to freshen up. "I'm a bit frazzled." Hermione bit her bottom lip, she didn't really mean to say that out loud. She tends to not have much of a filter around Draco these days. Hermione catches Ginny watching them with a sly look on her face. Hoping to divert her she asks Draco, "Are you working on any interesting cases?" He turns toward her and gives her a sideways grin. It's all he can do not to reach out and touch her and tell her how beautiful she looks with her wild hair. "Oh no, you are not getting anything out of me again."

Ginny tilts her head, looks at Draco and back to Hermione as if to say, "What's he talking about?" She hasn't mentioned running into Draco that day in Diagon Alley. Hermione gives her a "tell you later look," she's thinking it's nice to have a good friend that's not a guy, and very thankful that Ginny understands her so well.

The lift jerks to a stop. Hermione hadn't been prepared and would have ended up on the floor if not for Draco catching her as she stumbled. Once she got her footing he reluctantly releases her. She looks at Draco and her eyes quickly skim his body up and down. Merlin, she thinks, has he always looked so fit? Draco notices her quick once over and is sore tempted to make a remark but she interrupts his thoughts when she turns and walks out the doors into the Auror Office.

Ginny watches Malfoy eyeing Hermione's backside in her muggle jeans and swallows a snort as she exits the lift. If she hadn't just seen it herself she would have never believed that Malfoy was attracted to Hermione and that it is possibly more than just an attraction.

Draco has an idea but doesn't want to appear too eager, he schools his features so he doesn't look like a bloody idiot and uses his long strides to catch up with Hermione then asks, "So are you getting a flat of your own or will you be rooming with the Weaslette?"

Hermione's eyes flash, she starts to snap at Draco but is surprised to see he isn't sneering like he did whenever he called Ginny that at Hogwarts, he just looks indifferent. Her anger is abated, but she still doesn't like it, her tone is a bit sharp but not harsh, "Please don't call her that." He furrows his brow and nods once, she knows that is a concession to her and so she smiles. "It will just be me, everything we have seen so far today has been so off-putting, but we still have a few more places to see this afternoon. I'd really like to sign a lease before the end of the year and get moved in before I start working again in January."

Draco silently rejoices but keeps his face neutral, "Well there is an open flat in my building." He knows she hasn't looked there since he owns it. "Blaise Zabini recently moved so his two bedroom is open, it's close to The Ministry, as well as quiet and safe. I could show you as I have his key."

Hermione shrugs her shoulders. "I don't want to be a bother." She really doesn't want to take up any of Draco's time; he wouldn't want to spend his lunch with her anyway. She frowns when she thinks this.

Draco watches as her eyes light up at his suggestion, and then as her face falls at her own dismissal. Forgetting they have an audience, he uses his index finger to lift up her chin, looking into her eyes and giving her a small smile, he slides his finger along her jaw line before dropping his hand to his side. "It wouldn't be a bother; you should know that by now."

Ginny watches them interact and is amused. So it seems there is more there than attraction alone. Does Hermione realize Malfoy is interested in her and is she interested in him? That should make for an interesting conversation later.

"Well, um I don't…" Ginny interrupts Hermione before she can say no. "Malfoy," awakening from their stupor, they both turn toward Ginny as she says, "Why don't you take Hermione to see the flat now. That'll give me and Harry some alone time." She smirks, wiggles her eyebrows and winks at Hermione; she notices that Malfoy turns back to Hermione almost instantly after she says his name.

Hermione turns her big doe eyes up to Draco. Gods, she's beautiful, he thinks. Since she's blushing he guesses what Weasley is referring to and just for a moment thinks about what he would do with some alone time with Hermione. He pushes that thought aside quickly before his body can react and says, "Would you like to floo or apparate?"

"Whichever is fine," Hermione replies a bit breathlessly; Merlin, what has gotten into her today?

He takes her hand and leads her to the special apparition point in the office, glad for the convenience that only Aurors and Unspeakables have due to circumstances of their positions. He is glad she let him choose; he's never liked using the Floo Network as it makes his robes look less than the pristine. He also likes the feel of her tiny hand in his as he brushes his thumb across her knuckles. "Apparate it is then."

She isn't sure that the funny sensation is from the side-along apparating or Draco's hand. She dismisses the thought; of course, that isn't the reason. She blows out a breath and looks around her.

"Welcome to my home." He realizes he has to let go of her hand or pull her along with him into his bedroom, he decides that probably isn't a good idea. Instead, he squeezes her hand then reluctantly lets it go. "I will just be a moment, please make yourself at home while I get Blaise's keys."

Hermione looks around, his flat is tastefully decorated, although it is definitely masculine but also feels comfortable, even homey. There is large, overstuffed leather furniture in a warm brown with mahogany bookcases that are overflowing. She wonders over and trails a finger along the spines of several books. She notices there are all types of literature, including wizarding and muggle classics, and even a few new fiction releases, including A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin that is part of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, which delights her. She almost scoffs when she thinks about trying to get Ron to read those, she feels a brief sadness then brushes the thought aside. No, I refuse to let thoughts of Ron interfere today. Instead, she continues perusing his vast library.

Draco watches her slim finger skims across his books, as she pulls one out and flips through the pages, she stops and gently rubs the pads of her fingers down a page. He'd love to feel that touch. He shakes his head; she would never caress him that way. Being the gentleman that he is, he offers, "You can borrow that if you would like or any of them."

She almost jumps, but his voice is too melodic to startle her. She slides the book back in its spot and turns around, her smile is bright but there is a hint of sadness in her eyes. "No, that's alright. I was just looking through Care of Magical Creatures. The picture of the kneazle in it looks a lot like my familiar from Hogwarts Crookshanks, although he was only half kneazle." She frowns and drops her head.

Draco walks over to her and puts a hand on her shoulder. She looks up and her eyes are glassy, and his questioning. "I left him at the Burrow while Harry, Ron and I went looking for Horcruxes. Ginny said she couldn't find him anywhere after the Death-Eater attack during Bill & Fleur's wedding reception."

She sees what she thinks is anger flash in Draco's eyes, then guilt. He drops his hand from where it was on her shoulder and takes a step back. His mind reels as he stumbles backward, landing on his sofa. What am I doing? I shouldn't be allowed to be in the same room with her. Fuck. She had to go through so damn much and those bastards probably killed her bloody familiar as well. How can she even look at me? He feels her tiny hand rubbing his arm and noticed she has sat down beside him. How can she bear to touch me after everything? His voice is thick with emotion, "I'm sorry Hermione, so sorry." His voice cracks. His head is down and his shoulders are sagging. She had never seen him look this way, so broken, even during the sixth year when he'd been sent on a suicide mission to kill Professor Dumbledore.

She swallows and asks in almost a whisper, her voice quaking a bit, "Were you, uh, were you at the Burrow that night? It was the night the ministry fell." Her hand's still on his arm, but no longer moving. He can't bear to look at her to see the hate in her eyes, the hate he deserves.

Defeat is his voice he answers, "No. I was getting ready to go back to Hogwarts. I didn't know about that attack until just now." He's still looking at his shoes, hating himself.

Hermione watches Draco closely and although she can only see his profile, she sees his tension as his eyes squeeze tightly shut and feels it in his bicep and tricep that are taut beneath her hand. This is such a staunch difference to any emotion Draco has ever shown her and she does not like it. She begins to caress his arm again, noticing that it has a calming effect. She smiles and says, "Then there is no need for you to feel sorry."

He runs his hand through his hair and scoffs quietly, "For that night no, but I have so much to ask for you to forgive." He still can't look at her.

Her voice gets a little higher at his response, "You already did at the trial, you apologized to everyone you hurt and I know you meant what you said." She pulls on his arm, trying to get him to look at her.

He nods and rubs his face. The pressure of her pulling at him gives him the ability to say more. He swallows and put his hand on top of hers and gives it a light squeeze. "Still, I have never apologized directly to you for everything I said and did at Hogwarts. I'm sorry I was such a bloody fool and egotistical prat. Would you ever be able to forgive me?"

She smiles brightly thinking that the conversation is almost over. "Apology accepted and I forgave you even before the trial."

He releases the breath he didn't realize he was holding.

"Thank you. There is one more thing." He turns his body to face her and then traces his index and middle fingers on the arm of her blouse where the mudblood scar is located and she shivers. He leaves his hand on her arm and she's still clutching his. He drops his head again. "I am so sorry I didn't do anything to stop that psychotic bitch of an aunt from hurting you. I wanted to do something and should have, but I was too much of a coward to even try." His words leave a bitter taste in his mouth.

She sees him sneer but knows it is coming out of self-loathing. "Oh, Draco, if you had interfered with Bellatrix, you would not be here today. Besides, you told your family, you weren't sure if it was us; that was brave." He desperately wants to believe her but shakes his head no.

She releases his arm and it makes his heart ache. She surprises him when she slides closer to him and winds her arms around his waist and rests her cheek on his chest just above at his heart. He circles her arms around her and pulls her even closer. They stay that way for a few minutes. He's the first to let go, but Merlin he doesn't want to; he places his hand on her back and says, "So let's check out this flat and see if you decide to be my neighbor."

Hermione's eyes widen as she takes in the flat, she's entranced as she goes from room to room; Zabini had an impeccable eye which leaned to making witches feel completely comfortable, thus easier to seduce. With a sigh, Hermione says, "It is perfect, but I doubt I'll be able to afford it, especially since it's furnished so beautifully."

Draco posture stiffens; he'd been enraptured watching her as she wandered the flat, eyes aglow. Well, it seems even Granger wouldn't be completely immune to Zabini's charms; I am glad the insufferable prat is back in Italy.

"Of course, I would want to transfigure a lot of the furniture; some of it is a bit over-the-top for me." He relaxes and bites back a laugh; take that Zabini, for all your talk there is one witch that didn't fall for it!

He asks how much she has budgeted and it is nowhere near what Blaise paid him, but that is not the point. "You never know, a great reference from me might be all that is needed." He smirks and his eyes dance as he reaches for her hand and leads her out of what is about to be her new home, "Come on, let's go back to my place and I'll whip us up a quick bite."

Draco warms some vegetable soup and makes a couple of hot sandwiches. Hermione watches as he puts together their simple meal. She expected to see him order some retched Malfoy house elf to fetch their food; instead, she watches him do it all with practiced ease, smiling fondly at him when he places the food in front of her. "This is perfect for a cool day. Thank you." He doesn't realize this moment has further endeared him to her.

"You are welcome." He takes a seat across from her raises his water glass to her and says, "To being neighbors." And she clinks her glass to his.

They chat a bit about Christmas plans as they eat. He tells her that he'll be going to France on Friday to spend Christmas with his family then be back to work after Boxing Day. She tells him that she'll be at the Burrow with Ginny's family and Harry. He hopes that Ron will not be there but doesn't ask. When lunch was finally finished, they apparated back to the ministry. She is pretty sure this time it is Draco holding her hand that causes the butterflies in her stomach.

"Thank you so much for today." She goes up on her toes to reach his cheek and kisses it lightly; before she can back away he pulls her into a quick embrace and whispers, "Delighted to be at your service," his breath tickles her ear and send delicious shivers through her; they break away from each other when they hear a door open behind them.

Ginny walks out of Harry's office looking a bit disheveled and Harry's hair is standing on end as well as looking dazed. Hermione snickers arching her eyebrow and ask the pair, "Enjoy your lunch?"

Ginny kisses Harry, then walks over and loops her arm through her friend's and says "Of course, but I'm famished; let's get something to eat."

Hermione sees Harry blush, but he is grinning from ear to ear, she looks to Draco and can't help but laugh at his stricken face as he shakes his head and moves toward his office.

As the girls walk to the elevator Ginny calls over her shoulder, "Enjoy the rest of the day; but I know it won't be as good as lunch!" Draco visibly cringes and the girls both laugh.

A/N: Thank you for your reviews, favorites, and followings! I do hope you continue to enjoy the story.

Please show me love and review! Thanks! Chalayne