Waiting for a roar
Looking at the mutating skyline
The city is my church
It wraps me in the sparkling twilight
Midnight City - M83
The day rushed past, and Hermione found herself clinging to the final hours of her time in California as she picked at the last of her fish tacos and chips on the Venice boardwalk, feeling comfortably full.
Never could she have imagined she would enjoy a day with Malfoy, but there was something about the situation. His friends were so much more welcoming than she would have guessed, and Hermione found herself laughing and joining the conversation as if she'd known them all longer than a day.
She sipped on some fruity concoction in one of the restaurants on the Strand, cognizant of the fact that it was nearly seven. A few times, she'd felt Malfoy's gaze slide to land on her, and as they finished up with their meal she pulled him aside.
"Can I talk to you?" she asked, slipping her hands into the pockets of her shorts.
Everyone else was preparing to leave for the day, and from the sounds of it they had decided to go to Lisa's house to carry on with the evening.
"Yes." Malfoy swept his hair from his face, leading her to a quiet spot on the boardwalk where they could observe the sun beginning to drop over the beach. With a glance at his watch, he said, "I guess this is where we part. It was good to see you again, Granger."
"You too," she murmured. "Thank you for today."
"And you know," he continued, rolling out his neck, "if you ever want another lesson."
With an incredulous laugh, she turned to face him. "You can't be serious."
"I am." He gave a shrug. "I know it probably won't mean much now, but I regret how I acted at school. Living out here has changed my perspective on a lot of things." He pressed his lips into a thin line, looking uncomfortable. "Everything was so fucked up back home and I just… I needed to get out, you know?"
"I hear that." Releasing a tight breath, Hermione rummaged through her bag for the Portkey, setting it on the rail beside her. His gaze flickered to it. "It's still a mess, to be honest. The Ministry and everything. School was a little better, I guess because we all saw first-hand what that sort of hate does to a person."
The air between them was thick with tension, and she wasn't sure whether he even wanted to continue the conversation.
But he turned to face her, his expression hesitant. "Yeah. I get it. Living here has given me a fresh start, and I can't walk away from that. But maybe I'll reach out to a couple of people."
She heard the words he didn't ask. "I'll leave that to you, then. I won't tell anyone about any of this."
His lips twitched. "Thanks, Granger. It really is too bad you're leaving so soon. It'll be a good night – but I'll make your excuses for you."
Biting out, "Thanks," she managed an uneasy smile.
They both tensed, startled, when the Portkey began to emit a faint glow. Malfoy's eyes landed on the rusted cup but he didn't speak. Hermione swallowed, her stomach twisting into knots.
She hadn't even wanted to come to California in the first place – she had responsibilities back home. She'd arranged all those interviews, and there was Healer training, or the Gringotts internship, or maybe a job waiting for her at the Ministry…
Voice soft, Malfoy said, "Take care of yourself, Granger."
She couldn't tear her eyes from the Portkey, and jumped when he nudged her in the shoulder. Her eyes widened and swept to meet his. Mouth dry, she whispered, "Did you mean it?"
"Yes."
In the early hints of the darkening sky, the glow of the Portkey cast a blue tinge across his face, and Hermione's heart pulsed heavily in her chest, adrenaline racing through her veins.
Malfoy huffed, leaning back against the rail. "It's your decision, Granger. But you need to make it now."
She found herself breathing, "Do you think I should stay?"
His jaw clenched and he didn't answer.
Moments later, Hermione flinched as the Portkey dulled and whisked away without her.
Malfoy released a tight huff of a breath and said, "You should stay." His eyes lifted to meet hers and his lips tugged into a smirk. "Welcome to California, Granger."
Eyes widening as the implication settled in, Hermione turned to him with a nervous grin. "Guess I need to find somewhere to stay."
"You'll be fine." He snickered, gazing around. "Lots of homeless here in Venice."
Scowling at him, Hermione toed the ground. "I guess I'll take you up on that second lesson after all."
Malfoy barked a laugh. "Come on. We're late for the party."
Rolling her eyes, she followed him back to the Jeep, attempting to quell the nerves chasing through her stomach at the thought of exactly what she would do now.
The sun was fully down, leaving everything in a blanket of darkness, illuminated only by the roaring bonfire in front of her as her world swam in the soft haze of Malfoy's alcohol.
Lisa had a small house not too far from Venice Beach and the rest of them had all congregated around the fire.
Hermione felt adrift as she nursed her third beer from his cooler, but he hadn't said anything about it.
Now that she'd missed her way home, she didn't have any immediate plans, and while the thought was terrifying, it was also liberating. She sat quietly while he and his friends shared stories and anecdotes, a smile playing about her lips as she listened.
The following day she would have to see about finding a temporary job if she was going to spend any additional length of time in America, so she could find a place of her own to stay. She couldn't very well ask Daphne for continued use of the villa now that her friend had returned home. Hermione wasn't even certain how she was going to broach the situation with Daphne at all.
But she had determined to worry about everything tomorrow.
"Granger has unexpectedly decided to extend her stay," Malfoy was saying, and her eyes snapped to him at the mention of her. "So maybe we'll make a surfer of her yet."
Lisa grinned on Hermione's other side. "I have faith."
With a snicker, Hermione shook her head. "I'm glad someone does – right now I just feel like everything's broken."
There was an appreciative chorus of laughter and Lisa said, "Totally normal!"
"What do you think, Lis?" Malfoy asked with a smirk. "Are you looking for a new roommate?"
Hermione's eyes blew open as she stared at him, mouth hanging open at his brash ask. Then she turned to Lisa, whose brows were high in surprise. "Really, it's okay. I'll find somewhere to stay tomorrow."
But Lisa waved a hand. "It's fine. Just clean up after yourself. Help out with the rent and bills."
Swallowing, Hermione mused, "I can do that."
In the darkness, Malfoy's foot nudged hers and she scowled, returning the gesture with a kick. He gave her a slow grin, rolling his eyes. He announced, "Great."
She took another sip of her beer, feeling the drink wash over her, and settled back into her seat, until Lisa elbowed her, handing her a joint.
Blinking at the offering, Hermione pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. But Malfoy reached across, snagging the joint and taking a hit. "Granger doesn't smoke," he said after he'd blown out the smoke.
"I never said I don't," she quipped, eyes narrowing in his direction. The teasing smirk on his face felt like a challenge. "Only, it's been a couple years."
"Fine," he said, handing her back the joint.
She wasn't lying – she'd last tried the substance with her Muggle neighbours the summer before leaving on a Horcrux hunt with Harry and Ron.
The thought stirred something in her and she glanced at Malfoy before taking a quick hit from the joint, pleased with herself that she managed to avoid a coughing fit. His eyes met hers as he took it back, and he muttered, low enough so only she could hear, "Just full of fucking surprises."
Unable to quite tear her eyes from his, Hermione wasn't sure what to think of the way his words made something clench low in her belly. His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, his expression faltering.
"The fuck, Malfoy," Mikhael called, and Malfoy flinched, realizing he still held the burning joint. He cracked a grin, took a drag, and passed it on. As a warm flush crept into her cheeks that had nothing to do with the fire, Hermione looked away and took a long swig of her beer.
When she glanced around, Lisa was staring at her with a knowing smile. Hermione offered a grimace in return.
Realistically, she'd always known Malfoy was attractive, and there was something about him now. A little rougher around the edges, less of a prat, and a bit more fascinating. She decided to chalk it up to the day they'd shared in the ocean, coupled with the few drinks she'd had.
But the teasing smirk certainly wasn't helping matters, and she couldn't help the thoughts from dancing around her brain about what it might be like to kiss him.
She shifted, uncomfortable, as she attempted to repress the consideration.
"Come on," Lisa said, rising and offering a hand to Hermione. "I'll show you your room."
"Thanks," Hermione said, grateful for the diversion. Malfoy watched for a moment before turning back to his mates.
The house was small but loaded with eclectic ornaments, brightly coloured abstract paintings, and other assorted bits of oceanic decor. It was crowded but tidy, and Hermione smiled as she looked around.
"So what's going on with you and Draco?" Lisa asked as she led Hermione through the house, and threw a smile over her shoulder.
"Nothing," Hermione rushed. "We went to school with one another, and only reconnected a few days ago. We've never gotten on even remotely before this." She hesitated, glancing at the beautiful girl. "You aren't –"
"Oh, hell no," she said with a waved hand. "He's too young for me. And too blond."
Hermione smiled. "So Mikhael, then?"
Lisa huffed a laugh, her eyes rolling. "Maybe." But then she went on. "Only a few days, and he's convinced you to stay longer? He must be magic."
Pressing her lips into a polite smile, Hermione peered into her new room. It was fully furnished and decorated much like the rest of the house, and she felt a wider smile crack her face. "It's perfect."
"Great." Lisa clapped her hands together. "We'll work out the details tomorrow."
When they emerged back into the yard, the rest were engaged in some sort of game on the lawn involving a spinning disc and Malfoy walked over as Hermione took up a spot on the deck to watch. He sat beside her, silent.
"Another drink?" he asked, his eyes swivelling to meet hers.
"I'm good," she returned with a nod. "Thanks… for your help."
His brows lifted for a moment. "It's nothing. You'll need to find a job, but I'm sure there are plenty of options around here."
Releasing a long breath, she gazed out to where Lisa joined in their game. "It's strange to think I'm just here now."
With a snort, he shook his head. "You can leave whenever you want. That's the good thing about all of this. We aren't locked into any one thing, you know? Just because you completed your NEWTs, it doesn't mean you need to work at the bloody Ministry. I can't imagine anything more boring."
"More boring than the horse race booth at the carnival?" she teased, nudging him in the shoulder.
"So much more boring," he admonished. He pushed back and left his shoulder pressed against hers. "You wouldn't believe some of the things that happen on that pier."
Hermione chuckled, feeling uncertain about his proximity but somehow unwilling to pull away. "I think I've about torn every muscle. When will you go surfing again?"
He laughed, taking a long swig of his drink. "I still feel that way some days. Usually a couple times a week. We don't often get a large group together like this. Sometimes I just go alone."
"Sounds nice."
"It can be."
Turning to face him, Hermione stifled a wide yawn behind her hand. "It's been a long day. Are you going to drive home?"
Malfoy shook his head, making a face. "Too much to drink. I'll probably just crash on the couch."
"Okay," she managed, and the thought of him sleeping in the next room was unsettling as much as it put a flutter in her stomach. "I think I'll get some sleep. Thanks again, for today."
"Right." He stared at his empty can for a long moment, before turning back to her. "Sleep well, Granger."
Rising to her feet before she could do something stupid like ask him to walk inside with her, Hermione gave a little wave to Lisa and made her way into the house. It was oddly quiet, after the general hum in the yard, and she slipped into her new room, setting out a few things from her beaded bag to make herself comfortable.
After a quick trip to the loo to prepare for bed, she dropped into the sheets, falling asleep in an instant.
Hermione awoke to a muffled ringing in her ears and an unpleasant feeling in the pit of her stomach – and she wasn't certain it had anything to do with the few drinks she'd consumed the night before.
Not only had she missed her Portkey home, but she had committed to staying in California for some indeterminate length of time. She had no owl, and no way to cancel the interviews she had arranged in Diagon Alley over the next handful of days. Furthermore, she needed to find a job now in order to cover her share of expenses.
And she didn't know what sort of fallout there was from missing an International Portkey, not that it was the most pressing of her concerns.
The worst part was, she had no clue how much of it was of her own volition, and her own desires to delay the life waiting for her at home, and how much had been because she was interested in spending more time with Malfoy and his friends.
Prior to three days ago, she never would have thought twice of the blond.
Releasing a groan, she dropped her head back into the pillow, wondering if she had any vials of hangover draught left.
She would need to spend the day looking for a job – and she didn't know what cost she would be looking at for her share of the rent and expenses, but she suspected any job she could find would do for now.
Dressing quickly, and making her best effort at freshening up, Hermione emerged into the kitchen.
Lisa, Mikhael, and Malfoy were already seated at the kitchen table, drinking from mismatched coffee mugs. Rubbing at her eyes, Hermione gave a weak smile as she settled into the fourth chair.
"How is everyone doing?" she asked, peering around the quiet room. There was a general muttering of discontent. With a grimace, she rose and poured herself a cup of coffee from the pot, settling back into her seat. The coffee nearly scalded her throat but was reassuring all the same, and she joined the imposed silence as she sipped the first half of her cup.
Rubbing at the back of his neck, Malfoy handed her a copy of the local newspaper, opened to the classified ads. She dipped her head in acknowledgement and let her gaze land on the job offerings, not entirely able to look him in the eye.
A short while later, Mikhael finished his coffee and made for the door. Lisa announced she had to get ready for work and vanished into her room.
Hermione felt a blush settle into her cheeks as she became aware of Malfoy's eyes on her.
"If you find a job near the pier," he said, breaking the silence, "I can drive you."
"I'm sure I can take the metro. Or maybe I'll get a bike," she said, still skimming the job opportunities, jotting a list of businesses looking for employees. She didn't have a CV, or any Muggle job experience whatsoever, which left her options limited. Looking up, she added, "But I appreciate the offer."
Malfoy shrugged. "Obviously, I can't all the time anyways. Do you know how to drive?"
"Sort of," she murmured, feeling the flush intensify. "But I never had a chance to get my license."
That Malfoy of all people knew more about something intrinsically Muggle than she did, felt unsettling.
His lips twitched, as if the same thought had registered with him. "I have to work at three today. I can drive you somewhere if you want before then."
"It looks like there are a few options on the pier and along the Santa Monica boardwalk," she announced, folding the paper, and tucking her list into her pocket. "I don't have a CV, so I'll just visit these places."
"Fine." He finished his coffee, leaving the empty cup in the sink. "I'll pick you up at half two."
Uncertain how much of the camaraderie between them the night before had been used up, and how much had been a result of alcohol, she merely nodded. "Thanks, Malfoy."
With a sharp returning nod, he turned and walked out, leaving Hermione alone in the kitchen.
Several hours later, Hermione wandered the pier, lingering down at the end so she could watch the waves crash and break as they rolled in.
She had been offered a part-time job at a souvenir shop in the park, and tried to rationalize that it wasn't that much worse than working in one of the shops on Diagon. In fact, it was most assuredly better than working somewhere like Eeylops, where she would spend half her day cleaning up owl pellets.
The games area was quiet when she made her way back to the park, and she found Malfoy's booth void of visitors. He was leaning against the wall, headset around his neck, and his eyes closed.
"Sleeping on the job?" she asked, and Malfoy jolted, eyes flying open in surprise.
"I wish," he grumbled, rubbing at his face. "Three more hours still, and I'm ready for a fucking nap."
A group of teenagers approached and he huffed, arranging the headset on his head as he hollered at them how to play. With a smile, Hermione selected one of the polyester stools and joined in, offering him a paper note.
Malfoy's lips lifted into a smirk as he looked at her; Hermione rolled out her shoulders, preparing herself. She wasn't willing to do so poorly as she did the last time.
In the end, one of the boys narrowly beat Hermione's horse to the finish, and Malfoy clicked his tongue as he handed the boy a prize and suggested they play again. He shrugged, unconcerned, when they carried on.
"Did you find a job?" he asked, turning back to Hermione.
"I did." She made a face. "In the souvenir shop. It'll do for now."
Malfoy stared at her for a long moment before he nodded. "Lisa's nice. I think you'll get along, or I wouldn't have suggested it."
Hermione twisted on her stool and folded her legs beneath her so she could gaze out. "I appreciate it. I guess I'm still trying to wrap my head around all this."
Leaning against the wall again, he hummed. "Sometimes we're never ready for the turns our lives take, but we make the jump anyway."
"Insightful," she mused, her lips curling up. "When I think about it, the thought of starting into a career so soon left me feeling paralyzed every time. I have all these job offers in my trunk, but this is what I feel like I should be doing right now."
Snickering, Malfoy adjusted his headset once more as a couple wandered to the stall. He muttered, "Haven't I told you, Granger? Just go with it."
As she spun on the stool, preparing to jump into another round, she felt her lips quirk into a smile.
Author's Note: Thank you all SO MUCH for reading this little story (that has turned out to be not so little). Your comments all make me smile. I hope you enjoyed this one - let me know what you think!
Alpha credit to Kyonomiko and LadyKenz347, and beta hearts to I was BOTWP!