In the aftermath of the war, it took a couple of years for there to be some semblance of "normal." Set in a society grasping for stability and reconciliation, Hermione and Draco encounter each other again.
Hermione wanders Diagon Alley, lost. She has been struggling to reconnect with Ron after their much needed break up eight months ago. She had thought that given some time, he would move past it and begin to be friends with her again. Obviously, she was wrong. All her attempts to reach out had been ignored or receive monosyllabic responses. Harry, the dutiful best friend had tried to be there for both of them. Seeing as Ron has taken it to heart, Hermione and Harry agreed that it would be better to show Ron that he was slightly leaning towards his side. Hermione told herself that it's what Ron needed, his ego was more delicate than hers and she didn't mind Harry playing the boys stick together role. So, now she's walking listlessly, drinking her coffee and listening to a muggle song she's discovered called it's time to go.
"That old familiar body ache
The snaps from the same little breaks in your soul
You know when it's time to go
… Sometimes giving up is the strong thing
Sometimes to run is the brave thing"
As the lyrics played, she repeatedly tried to convince herself that she was right in her choice. They were better as friends and she was sorry that they tried for something more all due to teenage hormones and the false urgency that the war had fostered in their minds.
Just then, it started to rain. She watched as people rushed in to the nearest building or hid underneath patio umbrellas. Hermione stood there and let the water envelope her. She felt renewed. Clean.
Sighing, she walked towards the door in front of her not knowing what it was. She quickly cast a drying charm on herself. But as she did so, she looked up and realized it was a coffee shop slash second hand bookstore. Her eyes lit up as she ran her fingers along the spines of the books. Her joy became electrified when she realized there was even a muggle section! Yes, Hermione loved learning about charms, potions, and the magic world but there was always something so special about reading muggle books. She felt grounded, no matter if it was a silly little romance book with a predictable plot. She was so happy looking through the selection and occasionally cracking one open to give it a sniff, that she didn't notice she had caught a particular tall blonde's attention.
Draco Malfoy, a pardoned Death Eater with a sullied reputation, was reading in a quiet nook of the cafe. He was just sitting down when he noticed it started raining. Her looked out the window to see Granger just standing there, head tilted towards the sky and letting the water slide down her face. Her usually curly hair had started to get wet and was now beginning to lengthen from the weight and assumed a more wavy texture. She was wearing a white button up blouse with a black unzipped jacket over it. His gaze followed as she turned around and walked towards the cafe. For a few moments, as she was in full view of Draco, with a soaked white shirt, he suddenly felt warmer. He squirmed in his chair at his involuntary reaction and the realization that his blood started running south. Did she always have this effect on him?
He couldn't help but watch from the corner of his eye as she practically skipped towards the books and proceeded to sniff them. He chuckled at her giddiness and over the smell of second hand books. What an odd thing to be excited about, he thought. He noticed a strand of her hair was still wet. She probably missed a spot from being distracted by books. Typical.
After some time, Hermione picked out a small stack of books to read. She went for a sip of her coffee cup, only to realize rain water had gotten in and it now tasted like watered down dirt tea. She threw it away and decided it was a good day to just sit, read and have a drink in a cafe. Besides, they sold cappuccinos, so she thought it felt like a self care day. As she waited for her coffee to be ready, she set her books down on a table where she thought would have less foot traffic. Upon hearing the barista call her name, she looks up but from the corner of her eye, notices that someone else did as well. She finds Malfoy, sitting by himself looking at her. His face was inexpressive. She must have been staring for a second too long because the barista called again.
"Hermione, cappuccino"
It hasn't even sunk in that her name was called, until Malfoy looks towards the barista and she was snapped back to the current scene. She apologized and grabbed her coffee. She walks over to the table and purposely sits on the chair that gave her a view of Malfoy. It was curiosity, she told herself.
There was a lot that she had heard about the Malfoy family following the war. Like many pure blooded families who had known Death Eaters, the Malfoy family reputation couldn't quite recover. Yes they were still one of the most ancient houses, and they have given out thousands of galleons in charitable donations to begin to make amends, but it just wasn't the same. No matter the pardon the government had given them for Narcissa and Draco's small part in protecting Harry, society was slow to forgive. Last she read on the papers, Lucius and Narcissa had bought a luxurious yet tasteful home in the South of France where they have chosen to retire away from the aftermath of the war. Malfoy remained. She was always curious as to why. Though her purpose was to read and enjoy her cappuccino, she found herself quite distracted by the Slytherin sitting a couple tables away from her. She shook her head and made herself focus on reading. Fifteen minutes of reading, she peeks from her book to check on Malfoy only to find that his chair was empty.
Oh well, she thought. It had also stopped raining. She looked at her watch and realized it was getting late, she probably should head home. She walked towards the door and turned a corner and gets a whiff of coffee and cologne. It was Malfoy, leaning against the building, reading a book. They lock eyes until he broke the silence.
"Are u following me Granger." It wasn't a question, really.
She was offended, "In what universe would I care about what you're up to Malfoy."
"Seemed interested enough at the cafe." He looks down at her.
Hermione struggled to make a convincing retort, "I was just thrown off, I haven't seen you since the war."
"Right." Malfoy said as he proceeded to walk away.
Hermione hesitated as she took small steps behind him.
"Still following me Granger."
"This so happens to be the direction I need to take! I refuse to go out of my way just cause you happen to be taking the same path!"
He chuckled.
She huffed and put on her music and tried to ignore looking at Malfoy's back. Although it was quite a nice back. He got a bit taller since she last saw him. More muscular as well, and his hair isn't so greasy looking anymore. He looked more like a man. But I guess they've all grown up. She didn't look like the Hogwarts Hermione anymore either. Her hair had gotten longer and she had let it, it was almost down to her waist now. She started paying a bit more attention to how she dressed. Granted, she was no fashionista, but she did put more effort into coordinating.
Eventually, Malfoy had turned right and she had to go left. She had to be following him for most of her walk home, her apartment was now only a minute away. She made herself some dinner and climbed into bed with some comfortable socks and read. I guess she had been tired and dozed off.
The next morning, she woke up to the sun shining down her room. It was a Saturday morning. She decided to go for a jog before breakfast. She had really been trying to keep physically fit, it served as a small distraction from feeling lost and well, lonely. She was jogging past the cafe from yesterday and caught a glimpse of Malfoy purchasing a coffee. Huh, I guess he frequented this cafe. Before she could look away, Malfoy made eye contact. Shit. Now he's really gonna think she's been following him. She proceeded to jog faster towards home.
She made herself a breakfast bagel with runny yolk, spinach, red onions and Dijon mustard. She was in the middle of eating when her phone started buzzing. She picked it up to see who was calling. It was Ginny.
"Morning! How's it going?" She sounded chipper.
"Just having a bite, nothing too exciting really." Replied Hermione.
"Well, not right now but I've a favour to ask. Harry was supposed to come with me to this art gallery opening my friend is hosting. It wasn't really my thing but I wanted to go support her and she said there'll be free drinks and hors d'oeuvres so I figured it couldn't be that bad. Harry just bailed cause Ron is having a bad day so I figured we could make it a girls night! I haven't seen you in a while."
Hermione hesitated, she was looking forward to reading the new books she got.
"Hermione come on. Please come," Ginny was pleading.
I guess she could do with company, she has been lonely. The books can wait. "Ok, yes I'll come."
"Great! I'll swing by at 8 to pick you up, and wear something nice it's a high end type of thing. Okay see you later!" She hung up the phone before Hermione could say bye.
She wondered what she could be so excited about if Harry bailed on her. She disregarded it and started looking for something to wear in her closet. She didn't have too many fancy party dresses as there wasn't really occasion for it. Two options. The first was an off shoulder tight fitting little black dress. It looked quite elegant on her but she thought, plain. The second dress was a silver satin backless dress with a high neckline. Still elegant, both would have been good choices but as she looked in the mirror, one trumped the other. The silver just made her feel more desirable and carefree, and tonight she would try to enjoy herself.
Ginny floos through her fireplace at 7:43, a small bottle of wine in hand.
"Sooooo, I have some news." blurts Ginny. Hermione had anticipated this.
"Harry and I are going on a romantic two week long trip for Valentine's Day and I'm so excited! He suggested and planned it all which was even more interesting. I figured he must have gotten your help figuring all the details out, did he tell you about it?" Ginny was staring at her with eyes wide and a big smile on her face. She's anticipating that something will be coming out of this trip. But Harry had not asked for her help, she hadn't talked to him about anything past niceties in the last week.
"No, Harry didn't ask for my help, it was all him. It sounds like it's gonna be great fun Gin, and considering he took all the initiative, that's quite a step for Harry!" She wanted to sound positive for Ginny.
Ginny groaned. "I was hoping you knew something so I could plan better on what to pack. I guess I could always pack a little extra for surprises."
"Anyways, I brought us some wine before the event. It's strawberry wine that was gifted to me and I thought we could try it together." said Ginny as she popped open the bottle. Hermione grabbed some glasses and set them down on the table. Ginny started pouring this dark pink liquid, it smelled delicious.
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
It was delectable, sweet for sure but Hermione loved it.
"Mmm, I need to find out where to get that, it is delicious."
"Honestly, not my favourite it's a bit too sweet for my taste. Please help yourself to the rest, I think I'll find something else to drink." Ginny started rummaging through Hermione's fridge only to come up empty handed.
"You don't have any alcohol."
"Yeah, I haven't really had much occasion to host and drink," Hermione was apologetic but she walked towards the freezer and pulled out a small bottle of tequila.
"I bought this after the breakup with Ron, I thought I might need it but decided not to. Is it any consolation?"
"Only if you have a shot with me!" Ginny proceeded to grab the bottle and acciod some shot glasses. Nothing popped up, she should have knows.
"Alright well teacup tequila shots it is!" She poured a generous amount in her teacups and Hermione cringed at the thought of having to drink it.
"Down the hatch," Hermione said non enthusiastically. She proceeded to chase the tequila with some more strawberry wine. Might not have been the best idea, her tolerance has probably gotten a bit low since she hasn't drank in a while. Oh well, she thought as she gulped some more of the wine. There was well over a half bottle left, she'll save it for later. She might need it if this night turns out to be a bust.
Ginny had another shot before they left Hermione's apartment. She caught a glimpse of their reflections on the window. "Wow, we look great," blurted Hermione.
Ginny laughs, "that we do!"
The art gallery did not disappoint. It was breathtaking and tasteful. They were offered complimentary champagne as they walked through the door. It was hard to say no to that as Ginny and her both grab a flute. Ginny introduced Hermione to her friend, and she showed them around the gallery. She wandered around the room and came across a painting completely in different shades of grey. There was a boy standing in the rubble of what looked like a war, facing him was a dementor. It's dark tattered cloak reaching for the boy, trying to suck out his soul but there was nothing there. The boy's face was sunk, his eyes hollow. There was nothing for the dementor to take, his soul had left him as was his will to live. It was haunting and lonely, and it was a work of art. Hermione looked for the placard that described it. It was titled, Patronusby DLM. How ironic, she thought. She continued to admire, the painting when a low voice came from behind her, "Shall I get a restraining order, Granger."
She whipped around, "What are you doing here, Malfoy?"
"Could say the same about you, but I just spotted Weasley talking to one of the artists, so I assume you are all acquainted." He said as he sipped a glass of wine. "How is it possible that I've seen more of you in the last two days than I have in the last 3 years. What are you up to Granger."
"Suspicious little mind you've got, Malfoy. It has all been one unpleasant coincidence if you'd like the truth. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to return my attention to something worth looking at." She turns away from him, done with the accusations.
He leans against the wall next to the painting with a smug smirk on his face, "You think that's worthy of attention then?"
Hermione looks at his smug, sculpted, beautiful face. Beautiful? She couldn't even deny it. He's gotten more attractive since she last saw him. He used to be a greasy lanky weasel, but now, he's a man. A handsome one in a dark suit looking at her, and she couldn't look away. God, focus. "Yes, the artist actually has worthwhile thoughts to be analyzed. The same can't be said about you, so if you could please leave me alone I'd appreciate it." she snapped.
"Indulge me, tell me more." He walked over so that they were almost touching. He crossed his arms and stared at the painting.
She was puzzled. Why is he talking to her, taking up her personal space and wanting to hear her thoughts? What an odd man. It must have been all the wine but she started explaining why she thought it was masterful. Not only the technique used, but what it conveys. She watched as he kept a blank face, looking straight at the painting and occasionally looking down to glance at Hermione. He towered over her.
"Thank you," Malfoy says with a small smile on his face.
"What?" Hermione looks up at him. He didn't say anything, he only looked at her with a small glimmer in his eye and back at the painting. That's when it hit her. She groaned. DLM. Draco Lucius Malfoy. Oh bollocks, she just built this man's ego up some more.
He was clearly entertained, watching her squirm with the realization that she was just complimenting his work, his mind, his hands. His hand that was suddenly on her wrist as she tried to walk away from the awkward situation she had put herself in. "Wait."
She takes a moment before she looks back at him, his icy grey eyes looking straight at her. "I truly appreciate your unbiased opinion. Could you, look at a couple of others."
She was not sure what to do. She's never seen this side of Malfoy, decent and almost friendly. The war was over. He was a pressured kid under the scrutiny of a vicious and deadly wizard. He probably didn't have much of a choice, she reminded herself. Even with those thoughts she would have walked away, but his hand on her wrist felt magnetic as she found herself being pulled towards him as he walked her over to another painting. He showed her two others, all his. "I never knew you were an artist." she said, looking up at him.
"It wasn't really a skill encouraged in children of Death Eaters." he says.
And Death Eaters, Hermione thought. She glanced over his arm where the mark would have been. "You've done a wonderful job, I mean it."
Malfoy looks at her, the small glimmer back again. Like the sun reflecting off of pool of molten silver. She could swim in it. Trying to banish the thought of falling into Malfoy's eyes, she explained what she liked about the paintings and which one her favourite was. She didn't realize how long they've been talking and how many flutes of champagne she's had until a gentle hand on her shoulder catches her attention. Ginny. Oh my god, right, she was here with Ginny.
She has a puzzled look on her face and she looks back and forth from Hermione to Malfoy. "Hey, I'm ready to head out soon, but if you'd like to stay please feel free." She was trying to be polite, they were all trying to forget about the past. Hermione could see on the look of her face that if she needed her to be pulled away, this was her chance. But Hermione found she was quite enjoying the art, and maybe a small part of her was enjoying the company. She did have a few too many, maybe she should go. Yeah she should. "I'll stay for a bit longer." That's not what she meant to say.
Ginny was very confused. "Oh, okay well I'm gonna head out after I say goodbye to my friend. Are you sure you're ok?" She squeezed her hand. Hermione squeezed back, reassuring Ginny, although she herself wasn't sure. She hugged her goodbye and made Hermione promise to let her know when she's home. Ginny gives Malfoy a scrutinizing look before she walks away.
Hermione looked up to see Malfoy's face, mildly puzzled but with a small smile hidden on the corner of his mouth.
They continue talking about art, not just Malfoy's but what they thought about the other displays. Malfoy was drinking more champagne than her but did not seem to be fazed by it. She had only noticed how late it was getting as the last few people trickled out, until it was just the host, staff, and them left. They thanked the host and walked out. Malfoy guided her out the door, his hand hovering over the exposed small of her back. He wasn't even touching her but the proximity of his hand to her skin, sent nervous butterflies down her stomach. What is going on with her. She tried to reason with herself, she's had a few to drink and she's just been lonely, and Malfoy isn't exactly unattractive. She was still trying to find some logic in her attraction to him when he speaks up. "May I walk you home? It's gotten late."
Suddenly she had the thought of Malfoy in her apartment, in her room with his suit discarded. She could almost picture his muscles grabbing the back of her neck and pulling her closer. It was getting late, and thought she could defend herself, she's not sober and it wouldn't hurt to have someone to look out for her.
"I'd appreciate that," she smiles as they start walking towards her apartment. They mostly walked in silence until Malfoy asks, "so what brought you to the coffee shop?"
Hermione explained that she did not even mean to be there. She hasn't even know it existed despite it not being too far away from her home. Hermione climbs the short steps that led up to her door. She looked back at Malfoy, who remained at the bottom of the stairs. He wasn't expecting to be let in. He truly did have good intentions about the night, despite some small thought convincing her otherwise when he had offered.
She walked back down. She gingerly touched his arm and looked at him, "It was actually nice to talk to you today, thank you again for walking me."
He was tense from her touch, "You're welcome, Granger. I'll wait til you get in, so the she Weasley can be assured I have done nothing to you."
She laughs a little, and that reminded her to send Ginny a message, "Hey Gin, I'm home safe now."
She looked up at Malfoy who seemed to be studying her. They make eye contact and she found herself lost in those eyes again. "Would you like to come in?" She found herself blurting.
Whatever Malfoy was thinking, he did not let on. "I don't want to impose."
Hermione found herself telling Malfoy about the strawberry wine she had left and how good it was. Why was she asking him to come in and drink wine with her? She's so full of impulse today.
"That sounds tempting, but you've had a few to drink tonight, surely the wine can wait another time." He responds, "but if you'd like to have some coffee tomorrow, you know where I'll be." It wasn't really an invite, more of a, well I'll be there so you can join if you like.
"That sounds nice," she thought. He's being a gentleman. It only made him more attractive to her. He walks her up the stairs, she unlocks the door and he pushes it open for her. "Goodbye, Granger."
They lock eyes, his gaze was intense and she was suddenly very aware of how good he smelled. She found herself leaning closer, on her tippy toes and her hand found it's way to his cheek. He tensed a little under her touch, the look in his eye was questioning What are you doing you little witch? She didn't know either. She leaned in, and closed the distance between their lips. He was stoic as a statue. She felt embarrassed, she moved to pull away but Malfoy groaned and snatched her up by the waist and pulled her in. They stumbled into her apartment, the door shutting behind them. Malfoy had her pinned on the wall, his lips greedily devouring hers. His tongue made its way into her mouth and danced with hers. Was kissing always this good? She didn't remember it being this way. She felt like she could do it forever with him. Her fingers found their way into his soft platinum hair, as he hoisted her up against the wall, her legs wrapped around him. She started leaving kisses along his jaw and down his neck. He groaned as she nibbled on the sensitive skin. He took back dominance as he pulled her head back, his scrutinizing gaze on her again before he lunged to kiss her. Hermione felt electric. She started taking his suit off and he let her. Her feet were on the floor again, as she guided him backwards towards her bedroom. What is she doing. This isn't her, she hardly knows him and it was Malfoy. But one look at his tousled hair and his wrinkled shirt, and she smirked. I did that, my hands were in those locks. In this moment, she felt free, and Malfoy was her liberator. She was on top of him as she started unbuttoning his shirt. Once she pulled his shirt off of him, Malfoy flipped her over, and started running his hands along her back, down to her thighs, until it found the bottom of her dress. He caressed her thighs and paused to look at her. "Granger. Stop me."
She grabbed his hand and guided it up her dress to her breasts. She wasn't wearing a bra. "Don't stop." Malfoy let out a groan of defeat as he pulled off her dress and went for her neck he kissed her delicate skin. He nibbled at her earlobe and Hermione let out a moan. Malfoy proceeded to travel down and kissed around her breast before letting his tongue twirl over her nipple. He left kisses all over her body, along her hips, her thighs, teasing her. Bucking her hips, she groaned. "I want you Malfoy."
She watched as his eyes turned dark with lust. He looked ready to devour her.
Bzzzzz Bzzzzz
Hermione's phone was vibrating angrily. She groaned and looked at it, Ron was calling. She was about to hang up but suddenly felt a weight off her bed. Malfoy had left.
She was full of questions. Why had Malfoy left? Why is Ron calling her in this ungodly hour? And why now?
She picked up and basically yelled "What?!"
"Mioneeeeeee umm get meee" Ron slurred. She could hear Harry ask who he was talking to in the background. Footsteps, and Harry snatching up the phone. "Hey, Hermione. Sorry bout that he's just drunk right now. Go back to sleep."
"It's alright, I wasn't sleeping. Take care of him. I gotta go, bye." The guilt was eating her up. Here she was naked in her bed, with a half naked Draco Malfoy only minutes ago wrapped up in her. Touching her and kissing her, while Ron was piss drunk mourning the loss of their relationship.
As her thoughts filled her head, she found herself unable to sleep. She put some piano instrumentals on, it always works, and she dozed right off.
