Hermione was driving herself up a wall. Going completely bonkers and she had half a mind to floo to speak with Ginny. But she knew her friend would roll her eyes and call her crazy if she told her what was on her mind.
Draco was getting his cast removed today, which meant Monday he'd be back at work and their healer/patient relationship would end. Hermione didn't know what that meant for them. If you could even call them a them. He wouldn't need her help removing or cleaning his eye now. He could move about freely with no restrictions and work at the same pace he left.
She was worried that now since he didn't need her help, his interest would fade and prove her point right that he was only interested because he was bored.
She tried to think of what Ginny would say. In her deadpan voice and slightly disbelieving expression at how hysterical Hermione could be. It didn't work, and the doubts crawled in like spiders up her spine. Screw it, she was picking up James in ten minutes, so it wasn't odd if she arrived a few minutes early. She needed Ginny to calm her down.
Flooing to the Potter's home was a bit more frantic than what she was expecting. Ginny was running around and James was in his playpen. Ginny's eyes widened at the sight of her and she let out a big relieving sigh.
"Oh! Thank Merlin you got here early." She said picking up James and handing him over to her as well as his overnight bags. "We made the decision last night to portkey to a small cabin in Scotland. Now I'm running around trying to get my clothes organized."
She hoisted James onto her hip, already trying to unclench his tiny fist in her curls.
"Where's Harry?" She asked and the floo roared just as she finished her question.
"Right there." Ginny said.
"Hey Hermione." He greeted, kissing her cheek then taking James from her arms. "Be good for your godmother. No getting into things you shouldn't."
Harry smiled brightly when James muttered a quiet 'okay' with a slow nod of his head. Harry kissed his son's cheek and the small child giggled.
"Cabin in Scotland?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, last minute thing. Saw a brochure, figured why not? Got Ginny all excited." He said, nodding as his wife seemed to have a large bag for only one day. "Don't know why you're packing so much, you'll hardly need it."
"Gross." Hermione said as Ginny smirked at her husband. "Give me my godchild so we can get out of her before you two rump like animals."
The married couple laughed and Hermione shook her head.
"Don't act all pure. I know you were doing some rumping of your own this week." Ginny accused and Harry's head dashed to Hermione's face.
"Ginny—" She warned and the redhead crossed her arms.
"Yeah that's what I thought. How have the last few nights alone been?" She questioned and Hermione glanced at Harry, wondering how much his wife has shared with him.
"Fine, we haven't…done anything. Because of his…limitations." She explained as vaguely as possible. Ginny crinkled her nose.
"Well I thought those won't be a problem anymore. Didn't you say today was—"
"Yes, yes I did." She shut her eyes and irritatingly cut her off before she said too much to give away the man's identity to her best male friend and also the co-worker of the guy she was kind of in a fling with. "Today and then he resumes everything…normally. I-I don't think we'll be doing anything after today."
"Merlin's beard." Ginny huffed. "What's the issue now?" She said with irritation in her voice.
Hermione bit her lip and set James down so she could hold him by his hand instead.
"What if this was all really because he was bored?" She said and Ginny threw her hands up.
"Bloody hell." She grumbled.
"Who?" Harry asked, confused.
"Hermione, you're seconds away from getting hexed. Would you stop doubting everything already?" Ginny said.
"I can't help it! Everything you say makes sense but then I get alone and think he's just leading me on."
"Who's leading you on?" Harry asked again.
"You spent the last three days with him, including nights. Sleeping in each other's arms, doing obnoxiously cute things for even that troll of a man." Ginny fired back, tired of having to repeat herself.
"But he hasn't even asked me out on a date yet!" She pointed out.
"Maybe he's waiting until he's totally mobile so he can wine and dine and shag you." Ginny said with an obvious expression on her face.
"Who's trying to shag Hermione?" Harry kept interrupting, his and James' head bouncing between the two arguing witches.
"Or maybe he doesn't want to. Maybe I'm just convenient to keep buttering up with late nights and heavy songs so he can shag me once and get his fill." Hermione countered.
"Bleeding fuck Hermione. Stop being paranoid. If you're so worried about what's going on between the two of you just ask him and get clarification." Ginny laughed sarcastically.
"I can't do that. I actually like him now!" Hermione shrieked.
"Who do you like!?" Harry shouted louder.
"Malfoy!" Both girls yelled back, annoyed by his constant interruptions. Harry clamped his mouth, eyes going wide.
"Oh." Was all he said while raising his eyebrows high on his forehead. He shook his head and held his eyes shut for a moment. "I shouldn't have asked." He mumbled, making Ginny snort.
"Look, what's the harm in just asking him point blank what's going on?" Ginny asked with her hands on her hips.
"I already told you it's cause I—" Her eyes darted over to Harry, who raised a brow at her. "I like him now. Properly."
"And?" Ginny pushed.
"And I don't want to be rejected." She said simply but Ginny just slowly shook her head.
"Hermione, you can't keep having these moments of security and then ruin it with your clouded judgement. You're going to have to put your feelings on the line sometime."
Hermione swallowed and looked down, playing with James' hair as if it would erase her embarrassment. She felt like she was being scolded by her mother.
"I know. You're right." She mumbled.
"And if he doesn't actually want the same things you want, then his loss." She shrugged and if coming out of a fog, Harry spoke up.
"You like Malfoy?" He reiterated and Hermione blushed. "Gods you and every other witch in our department."
"Harry James! Say something helpful or nothing at all!" Ginny scolded.
"Sorry Mione. Just seems like every witch has fallen trap to him. Don't know why, he's hardly a friendly bloke at work. Maybe jokes every now and then with some people. I never suspected you'd be one susceptible to him."
Hermione blew a curl off her forehead.
"Neither did I."
Her and James were on the floor coloring. Hermione was smart enough to buy those magic crayons and markers so only ink would show up on the white paper. He made a picture of what he claimed to be her, but it was mainly brown circles over the page with two black dots and a squiggly red line. Hermione smiled and accepted the lovely drawing, acting like it was the most beautiful portrait she had ever received, exaggerating just to see James' eyes light up at the compliments and praise.
When James was in the middle of his afternoon nap, Hermione received an owl she recognized to be Draco's.
Coming over for dinner tonight?
-Draco
Hermione smiled a bit and reluctantly sighed. She wrote her response.
I can't, I told you, I'm watching James tonight and tomorrow morning.
-Hermione
Hermione was folding laundry when she received another owl.
Bring him, then. I have kid friendly food.
Xx
Something fluttered in her stomach at the thought of her and James spending a Thursday night with Malfoy. She couldn't properly fathom that he was okay to help her watch a child, not that it was hard. But Malfoy hardly seemed like the paternal type, and it wouldn't be entirely appropriate to take James over there when he had only wanted to specifically see her.
Don't know if it's such a good idea. I'll be over after I drop him back off at Harry and Ginny's.
X
Ten minutes later she received a floo call. One guess at who it was.
"What isn't it a good idea?" He asked immediately and Hermione laughed at the question.
"James doesn't know you or your home environment. It would just be better if he and I stayed here for the evening." Hermione said. "I'm sorry, I can make—"
"Well…can I come over then?" He questioned and Hermione found herself stuttering.
"Wh—you want—why?"
"I want to see you, that's why." Draco automatically said, the tone in his voice almost revealed he was offended by her question.
"But James is here." It felt like she was repeating herself.
"So? Is he a mean child?" He teased.
"Well—No." She replied. "You're okay with being around James?"
"He's a child not a demon. Though if he's Potter's kid he may come close." He joked and Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Keep talking about my godson like that and I won't let you through." She warned.
"I'm sorry." Draco said. "I'm ready when you are."
Hermione stood up and ended the call, then let her floo open. Draco arrived in a burst of green flames seconds after. He stepped out of the fireplace wearing his signature style; crisp black button up, gray trousers and black leather shoes to match. His eyes were twinkling and he used both– now cast free– hands to dust off floo powder and ash.
"Hello there." He greeted, his voice giving away his mischief.
"He—" She was cut off by two hands firmly clasping her cheeks, angling her head up to slant his lips over hers. A muffled tone of surprise left her mouth and Draco swallowed it with pleasure. He pulled away with a deep sigh, resting his head on hers.
"I've been waiting to touch you properly for weeks." He said, thumbs stroking her cheekbones. He readjusted his arms, pulling her body into a hug-like position before kissing her once more. He bent her over, her back arching as one hand held her head at the base and the other held her tightly to his chest. Hermione was a puddle on the floor.
When he brought her back upwards, she lifted a hand up to her lips, lightly running her fingers over the moist flesh. Her cheeks were reddening and she stepped around him to head to her living room, a tiny smile on her face, Draco followed with a sickly boyish grin.
He laughed when he saw the status of her home.
"Good gods Granger. Potter's child is a demon if he caused all this." He said and Hermione glared as she picked up some toys.
"I had to tire him out so he'd lay down for a nap. We did a lot of activities obviously." She said, lifting her wand to clean up the blocks and trains they were using. Draco walked over to the coffee table, eyes picking up one of the papers they were drawing on.
"Is this supposed to be you?" He asked, showing her the portrait of her James drew. She furrowed her brow.
"How in the hell could you tell?" She asked and Draco shrugged while fighting off a grin.
"The hair is spot on." He teased and Hermione chucked one of James' stuffed animals at his face. He easily caught it with one hand, raising a brow at her. Hermione just glared, making him chuckle.
"Miney?" A quiet voice called from a different room. Hermione's face turned serious in a second, all playfulness leaving as the child's voice filled the air. She walked into the hallway, a small toddler walking towards her with his arms up in the arm and a tired expression over his face.
Draco had seen James a few times within the last year, when Potter would bring him into work. He never really interacted with him, but still politely sent him a card this year when he turned two years old. Draco was more interested in the way Hermione had picked up and cuddled the child with ease, murmuring into his hair and placing soft kisses on his head while he lazily rested over her shoulder.
"Did you have a good nap?" She mumbled and the child nodded. "Did you want a little snack? Some grapes maybe?" He nodded again and Hermione went into her kitchen, James stare meeting Draco's for a split second. They re-emerged into the living room, a bag of grapes in Hermione's hands while she carefully sat down on the couch.
James turned in her hold, nuzzling himself against her chest while she draped his blanket over him and opened the bag for them to eat. James looked at Draco curiously. Hermione looked up at him and nodded for him to join them. Draco did, unsure of how close he was supposed to sit to Hermione now that there was a child present.
"James, this is Draco. He works with Daddy. Do you remember him at all?" She asked, her voice still quieter to allow the child to wake up some more. He popped a grape into his mouth, it sliding to his cheek as he slowly nodded while assessing Draco.
"Can you say hi?" She asked, pushing back some of his hair. James removed a tiny hand and waved, Draco's mouth curling up. "Maybe he'll play lions with you later."
Draco looked up at her while James' eyes widened.
"Lions?" He asked. "What's lions?"
"It's a game he likes to play with Harry. He gets on his back and Harry crawls through the house on all fours roaring like a lion. He loves it." She smiled, looking down at James and poking the protruding grape in his cheek. He hummed a laugh but Draco looked skeptical.
After a few minutes of James eating his grapes and Draco inquiring about dinner, James seemed alert and pointed a tiny finger at Draco's face.
"Daddy's." He pointed to Hermione. She grimaced a bit and had to lower his arm.
"Don't point, love." Hermione gently scolded, giving Draco a sorry expression who just looked confused.
"What?" He asked.
"Like daddy's." James said again, crawling out of Hermione's hold and standing on the couch. Tiny hands touched Draco's face, who merely flinched every so slightly.
"You have a scar. Like Harry's he's saying." Hermione translated.
Draco looked back to the child, plucking his chubby hands off his face and holding them to his body.
"My scar is much cooler looking than your father's." Draco said with such a serious tone that it made Hermione puff some air out in a snicker. James didn't understand, so he reached forward again, tracing his hands over Draco's forehead where the scar slid downwards. Unsure of what to do, Draco let the child touch his face, lost in his own amazement.
"I got into a work accident." He told the child, acting as if they were old work friends. James just stared at the scar, his fingers tracing up and down his forehead before lightly moving over his eye. It was a bit awkward but it made Hermione smirk nonetheless. "I'm sure sometimes your dad comes home looking a little bruised, doesn't he?"
James took his hands away, curiously looking at Draco's silver eye. He nodded slowly.
"Yeah well, I got this scar trying to save his life. There was a big explosion 'Kaboom!'" He demonstrated and James' eyes widened. "I flew in the air and got injured. Your dad luckily found me and your Aunt put me back together.
James pointed at his silver eye, looking back at Hermione.
"Eye." He said and Hermione nodded.
"It's fake. Auntie Hermione gave me a new one so I can see." Draco said. James looked so intrigued. "I can even take it out."
James tilted his head to the side, Hermione wasn't positive if he was comprehending the logistics. Draco reached up into his head, and before Hermione could stop him, removed his eye.
"Oh no no! Don't—" She tried.
Draco held his prosthetic in his palm, James' mouth parting before he looked up at him, saw the gaping hole then looked back to Hermione. She tried not to panic or show any emotion, wanting to first react to James' emotions. He frowned deeply, his eyes squinting up in fear and crawled away from Drac, making tiny whimpering noises as he did. Hermione's heart pulled for the scared little child but when she saw Draco frowning she also felt equally bad for him.
James was nuzzled so deeply, groaning in fear in Hermione's arms. She looked sympathetically to Draco who sighed, looking defeated and a bit uncomfortable.
"It's okay James. He's okay. He can put it back in and be all better. Watch." Hermione encouraged, sitting forward so his head would poke out from her arms. Draco lifted his eye and pushed it back in, shutting his eyelids so it rolled properly straight. When he opened again, the silver was back to normal, and James suddenly looked interested.
His little head poked out, curious as to how the man was alright. Hermione smiled a bit, trying to gently encourage him.
"See? All better. Just something he has to do. Nothing to be afraid of."
James moved out of her arms and stood on the couch again, making his way to Draco who immediately placed his hands around the little boy to steady him. For a long moment, the boy just stared at Draco, who glanced back at Hermione frequently as if asking what he wanted.
"Didn't mean to frighten you." He said. "Thought you may find it…neat."
Hermione almost laughed.
James continued staring into Draco's silver eye, his little hands resting on his shoulder. One raised forward, fingers reaching for his eye as if he was attempting to remove it now. Draco pulled his hand back and James frowned in confusion.
"Want me to take it out again?" He questioned, confirming the boy's actions. James nodded. Holding out his hands like he was waiting for food.
"Yeah." He replied, still nodding.
Draco laughed a breath through his nose, Hermione did the same and watched as he carefully removed his eye again and held it up for James to see. This time, the little toddler blinked at the eye and observed Draco carefully put it in his palm. The boy's fingers flexed, and his other hand came upwards to grab it. James inspected the eye then looked back to Draco who raised his eyebrows at him.
James suddenly thrusted the eye back at Draco, making him flinch at the quick action and because the tiny fist almost hit him in the face.
"Eye!" James exclaimed and Draco's hand enclosed around the hand holding his prosthetic. It seemed he wanted Draco to put it back in his head.
"You want me to put it back in place?" Draco asked to confirm, taking the eye and James nodded with excitement. His arms flailed once. Hermione was finding it hard to control her giggles. He stuck the eye back in his socket, blinking to get it properly adjusted. Once Draco looked down at the little boy, he looked calm until he clapped his hands together then threw them up in the air.
"All better!" He grinned at Draco, who felt himself smile down at the kid.
Hermione laughed loudly and grabbed James so he fell back into her lap.
"All better!" She agreed and kissed James on the cheek while tickling his tubby belly. The child squealed and Draco found himself amused at the display in front of him. Hermione glanced up when James settled in her lap again, seeming to be content with playing with a stuffed animal she picked up from the ground. With a warm smile, she asked how getting his cast removed went.
"Took a few minutes. Not that much muscle lost either." He told her while holding out his arms to show her. She looked on, raising her eyebrows at him when he suddenly lifted his arm to flex his bicep nonchalantly. A few veins rippled out, muscles contracting and her mouth parted open. Draco, who was unaware of her heated stare continued talking.
"Set to head back to work Monday. Have to say it's a bit weird to put my own eye in still."
Hermione licked her lips while nodding. Draco then looked back to her, tilting his head at her dazed expression. A grin splayed on his lips as he could easily tell her faces apart now. Her eyes were unmoving, lips barely parted and face usually calm. Despite the normal appearance, it was her eyes that always gave her away. She was aroused.
"Thinking about something?" He asked cheekily and she shook her head with a sigh.
"No, nothing in particular." She casually said with a slow swallow. Putting her attention on James was a safer bet then staring at Malfoy with his delicious smirk and rippling muscles. "James, go show Draco your trains."
She said lightly patting his stomach. James' eyes grew wide and he slowly climbed off Hermione and the couch to sprint into the hallway. Draco watched him leave then swiftly turned to Hermione, leaning his body forward to surprisingly kiss her deeply. She was caught off guard and felt a shudder run to her core when his tongue slipped out for only a second. He pulled away, an inch away from her face.
"Stop eye fucking me when there's children around." He commanded lowly then got up from the sofa to follow James. Hermione was left stunned in place, cheeks flushing with heat as she was caught in the act of her ogling.
She bit her lip when James came pushing on his toy train, little chubby legs propelling him forward as the sat on the plastic train engine with wheels, a wide toothy smile on his face. Draco stood behind him, walking slowly with him as he watched him roll around.
"Choo! Choo!" James cheered with puffy cheeks. Draco smiled as did Hermione. The child continued around the living room like that for some time. Draco pushed him occasionally when James would look up at him to silently ask for his strength to propel him.
Hermione announced she would begin making dinner. Mac and cheese, apple sauce and roasted carrots for James. Chicken, roasted carrots and couscous for her and Draco. She was almost done with the meals when she heard feet approaching her from behind. She peered over her shoulder, but did a double take when she saw him holding James on his hip, both looking entirely at ease.
"Bloody starving." He mumbled, the two boys peering at the stove to smell and look at the food. "Is there a place to sit—ah, nevermind."
Draco set James in the high chair then returned to Hermione's side who was still watching them, not noticing the mac and cheese bubbling. He turned off the stove for her and Hermione looked down when his hand lightly touched her hip. She looked back up to see an amused face.
"Distracted again?" He teased and Hermione rolled her lips into her mouth, turning her head away from him.
"You're…good with him." She said, furrowing her brows.
"And that's surprising because? You expect me to be repulsed by Potter's spawn?" He asked with a chuckle and she rolled her eyes while handing him a plate of food.
"I've just never seen you with kids or heard you—I don't know—being interested in kids." She said bizarrely, almost trying to decipher what she was feeling currently.
If anything, the warmth in her stomach told her everything she was feeling. Seeing Draco happily play with her godson definitely churned up her feelings for him, and probably even increased them.
Draco didn't say anything, instead he took the open chair across from James and held up a carrot to his lips. Hermione joined them just as he chomped on his veggie and placed his food in front of him with a small spoon. James eagerly accepted and scooped up the applesauce immediately.
Draco and Hermione didn't speak much throughout dinner, rather talking to James and chuckling at his adorableness. James' mouth was smothered with melted cheese, Draco mumbled a wandless scourgify on the child every so often, which just made Hermione's inside melt.
"Done!" James said, holding up his spoon and grinning at Hermione.
"Good job! More carrots?" Hermione said, offering up her fork. His mouth popped open and waited for her to feed him. She chuckled a bit and fed him the rest of her carrots, grinning wildly at James' eagerness to eat.
Draco had finished eating and sent the dishes cleaning. Hermione had reached into a cabinet and pulled out a tiny tray of fudge she stashed away, knowing that if James saw them earlier he would have begged to have one or even tried to steal a few. She pulled him out of his high chair and bent down to whisper to him.
"You've been so good today James, would you like dessert?" She asked, looking up at Draco who had his back turned to them. "There's only one left and it's just for you, okay?"
James nodded with large round eyes. He held out his hands as Hermione carefully brought the small cube of fudge from behind her back and placed it in his palms. He grinned and looked up at her.
"Thank you." He quietly said, not wanting to share his fudge so he scattered away. Hermione chuckled then stood up. She turned around, seeing Draco with his eyebrows raised, his pink scar matching the light shade on his cheeks. He looked at her knowingly.
"Lying to a child?" He asked as he plucked his own brownie from the pan. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Trust me, if you feed him more sweets he'll be a little devil. Worse than Peeves." She explained, taking her own square of dessert and putting it into her mouth. Draco smirked.
"Am I allowed something sweet?" He questioned innocently, pushing off from the counter and coming to stand right in front of her. Hermione looked up, swallowing the last richness of the chocolate and cleaning her teeth with her tongue. She reached into the pan and held up another piece of fudge between them. Draco looked down at her hand then back to her, his eyes glimmering with a naughtiness.
"Will this do?" She asked, equally playful and purposefully ignorant.
Draco ran his tongue over his bottom lip then grabbed her elbow with a gentle but firm hold. He raised her hand up, leaning his neck to meet her halfway as he kept his beautiful eyes on her. His mouth opened, lips closing around the chocolate and of course over her fingers. His tongue didn't need to brush against her digits so languidly, but he preferred to see her squeamish reaction.
Hermione felt a shiver spread through her body that was chased with a dull heat in her belly. His mouth, so warm and wet on her skin, made her take a quick breath and hold it. He made a humming noise of pleasure when he began eating the fudge.
"Delicious. Thank you." He said lowly, the smells of fudge hitting her senses as he leaned down to swiftly kiss her.
He pulled away before she even had the opportunity to appreciate his soft lips molding against hers. Draco had walked away, heading into the living room to see what the toddler was up to. Hermione followed seconds after, a bit warm and entirely flustered when she saw Draco laying on his back, hands straight up in the air as he held James and moved him in the air.
It looked like they were playing airplane, but Hermione knew Draco probably didn't know what that was anyways, but still, the toddler had his arms out, a bright smile on his face as Draco made him soar through the sky. James' squeals were delightful to hear and she watched the adorable display from the couch.
With some convincing, James and Draco did play lions. Hermione was entirely too smug about it to the point that Draco had to threaten her.
"Tell Potter and I'll hex you." He warned as crawled on all fours while James clung to his back and neck. Hermione giggled, shaking her head and held up her hands in defense.
"I never said anything!"
"The look on your face tells me you're enjoying this far too much. I'm sure you and all your Gryffindor friends would love to discuss this bit of information." Draco said then James loudly roared to break up their conversation. Draco looked over his shoulder and smirked a bit before roaring back at the child.
It was pleasant. The domestic evening had caused flutters to spread in her stomach throughout the whole night. Seeing big, bad Draco Malfoy comfortably play with a child all night made her fondness for him grow. It only got worse when James began getting sleepy. He offered to read to him, sitting on the sofa as Hermione enlarged James' crib in the guest room. When she returned, only gone for five minutes, Draco was scooping up a sleeping James in his arms and walking towards her.
"In here?" He whispered, James' cheek resting on his shoulder. Hermione nodded and stepped aside to let him into the room. Draco carefully set him into the crib, and Hermione came to his side with his blanket and stuffed animal. She lightly touched James' cheek before leaving the room with Draco. He was walking back into the living room, casting a cleaning spell and a silencing charm so no noise would disturb the child.
Hermione awkwardly stood while watching him. Now that there was no James to distract herself with, she was reminded that he had never been in her home. And while this thought might have given anyone else the upperhand, Hermione was already at a disadvantage considering the way he acted like he owned the bloody place. With his confident movements and quick abilities to bond with James, the day had gone on like she was the guest.
She began to fidget with her hands, nervous of what she were to do now. This is her home, she should feel relaxed, but Draco turned to look over at her with a cool expression that she envied greatly and sent her a simple grin.
"What are you doing over there? Come here." He ordered as he sat down, patting the cushions for emphasis.
Hermione hesitantly walked over to him, lifting her leg and sitting on it as she placed a good distance between them. She lifted her eyebrows when he squinted, eyeing her body once.
"What?" She asked a bit too pitchy.
He only rolled his eyes at her.
"You're too far away." He said simply, then outstretched his arms and grasped her hips and sides. "I want you closer."
Hermione stared as she allowed him to move her. Her body rested in the middle now, her legs unravelling as he placed them over his knees, their hips touching as he kept an arm over her back, essentially cuddling her to him. She didn't think she could ever be used to the knowledge that Draco Malfoy was a very touchy individual. Of course it wasn't a complaint, but still surprising at times.
Without another word from either of them, Draco smirked down at her and brought his free arm up to her face. His thumb brushed over her chin and then her cheek, fingers sliding back to hold her head. For a moment, his eyes just roamed, mercury mixing with the colors of the sky traveled over every freckle and birthmark, all the shades of brown in her eyes and then finally down to her lips.
He studied her lips the longest, hypnotized by the colors and gradient, the very noticeable plushness of the skin. Draco let go of a huff through his nose, sounding somewhat thoughtful.
"Just like spring orchids." He mumbled before leaning forward. Hermione felt herself smile as he spoke, referencing the first time he explained how different colors look with his new eye.
The small gap between them was closed, lips melted against one another. Hermione couldn't understand how even now, after all the days spent in his arms, receiving kisses and intimate touches from him, her stomach was still tight with a forbidden tension that begged to be satiated.
Hands rested on his shoulder and chest, her fingers beginning to dig into his shirt when he sucked a little hard on her bottom lip. Hermione felt him beginning to lean forward, which caused his hand on her waist to push her closer, letting their bodies feel more.
Draco held his lips still, hovering his mouth over hers and they both let small puffs of air hit each other in the face. Hermione kept her eyes closed, leaning her head back up to reconnect, but his head tilted away just barely. Her eyes slowly opened, looking to find him as she pouted at his distance. She found him smirking, his hand holding her head pulled her In and he rested his forehead on hers.
She braced herself for the impact of his lips, but instead, his tongue slowly poked up, slowly running against her lip, teasing her with light brushes and flicks. Hermione opened her mouth wider, reaching her tongue forward until she felt the wet tip of his. Explosions erupted between her thighs, her stomach muscles were pulsating as they continued to just taste.
The flavors of his brand felt like she was consuming the sweetest berry picked from God's forbidden garden. He suddenly plunged his tongue into her mouth. She gave out a breathy whimper, consumed by his taste.
The hand on her waist slipped under her shirt and she shivered immediately at the sensation. His wide palm laid flat against her ribcage, fingertips just brushing over the silky band of her bralette. Draco kissed her harder, capturing her lips with a fever that made her aching for more. She held steadily on to his neck, one hand sliding up into his soft hair to grasp.
Tiny noises from his throat made her sit up straighter and soon the hand under her breasts was encouraging her to move. She counted to three in her head, willing herself to be composed and smooth, then she adjusted her legs off his lap so she could straddle him.
The movement proved to be wise and soon his hands were everywhere. One rubbing down her back, both squeezing her hips and thighs, one pushing against her back as the other palmed her arse. It was frantic, he seemed unsure of where he wanted to keep his attention, and it made her feel incredibly sexy to be touched like this. She was wanted and desired, the thought made her kiss him harder to show she felt the same.
His erection lightly pressed into her middle. Her jeans were suddenly too thick of material and she longed to have all their layers removed. She couldn't remember the last time she had a need this powerful, she was burning from the inside out, fire licking her center and engulfing her senses.
Draco pushed his hips up, bouncing her but pushing his groin against her damp cunt. Hermione furrowed her brows, groaning into his mouth and began pulling away. Driven by her lust, she began kissing down his neck, lapping at his veins and hot skin while pushing her hips against him.
"Hermione." He moaned, head tilted back against the ledge of her couch, her name coming off his lips like a plea.
She hummed in response, teeth scratching and nipping. His hands applied pressure on her bum, helping her push into him while he thrusted upwards. Their breaths were quickening, Draco's pants were tight and uncomfortable, his cock begging to be freed. Hermione was one thrust away from removing her shirt until she remembered she had a guest quietly sleeping down the hall.
The thought suspended all movements, her mind and rationality coming back to her. Haziness evaporated and she stopped kissing over his neck and pulled herself upright. Draco was panting, cheeks flushed, eyes blinking curiously up at her with his dark red lips parted. She shyly smiled and felt her stomach fluttering when he mirrored her.
"What's wrong?" He asked breathlessly.
"James is down the hall. I-I'm being an irresponsible godmother." She said and Draco let out a quiet snort.
"There's no harm in partaking in a quick snog. Besides, he's asleep." He grinned then leaned back up to quickly kiss her. Hermione felt her protests die when his hands moved up and around her back, snapping one of her bra straps against her skin.
"Draco—" She tried but he kissed her a bit harder, biting her bottom lip and factly running his tongue over the damaged skin.
"I'll be good." He promised in a sultry voice. She couldn't help but smirk.
"Why don't I believe you?" She asked in between kisses, just as his fingers went to the clasp of her bra.
"Probably because you're still harboring old Gryffindor ideals against Slytherins." He joked and she huffed.
"Or maybe—mmm—" She said but was cut off when his tongue openly roamed in her mouth. "Maybe you're just acting naughty."
She didn't fathom her word choice until Draco groaned deeply, pushing his hips upwards again and eagerly kissing her harder. Her stomach clenched and the air shifted into frantic eagerness.
"Me naughty?" He asked darkly, his voice hoarse. Hermione moaned in response, grinding her hips down. "You've been eye fucking me all night darling. In front of a child."
Hermione physically reacted to his words, her body shook, thighs tensed and cunt was squeezing so tight on air. She felt it in her stomach, the need to be filled and stretched until she couldn't breathe. The fire inside her licked up her thighs and into her core, fanning her desire.
"So if it's anyone being naughty…it's you." He said, one hand coming up to roughly palm her breast and pinch her nipple. A pathetic little whimper flew from her lips and directly into his mouth, her cunt throbbing when he whispered the dirty words to her. Draco captured it greedily, pulsing his other hand to her arse.
Time was lost as they both kissed hungrily. A line was never crossed though, no clothes were removed or questions asked. It was just kissing. A heavy snog with lots of groping and grinding, paired with deep moans and quiet whimpers of pleasure.
Draco knew nothing more would happen, so he tried his hardest to make this moment last as long as he could tolerate it. Before he slipped over the edge and lost all the self control he was exuding right now. He was entirely at her mercy, though she probably didn't even realize. She could ask whatever of him right now and he'd be more than willing to give it all to her.
When he moved to kiss up her jaw and kiss around the shell of her ear, Hermione knew she had to halt things. She was putty, legs were heavy and body felt heavier. Whatever he asked of her she wouldn't be able to say no, so she had to stop this.
"Draco—" She began sighing deeply and tugging on his air when he hummed into her ear. "I-I need to go to bed."
She tried to pull away, but the rough grasps turned soft, his heavy pants turned into lower breaths.
"Let me stay the night with you." He stated but it wasn't forceful. Hermione slowly opened her eyes, leaning into his embrace and his lips against her ear. "I'll be good." He said with a smile in his voice.
She couldn't help but grin and nod her head to kiss his neck. Putting some distance between them, she was able to take him in again.
"Only if you promise." She said while biting her lip.
"I promise. I'll be on my very best behavior." He told her while raising his eyebrows. Hands smoothed down her back and then finally out of her shirt. She already missed the contact.
"And I also promise," He started, voice lowering and eyes darkening. "That when he leaves tomorrow, I'm going to take my time and ravish you until the sun goes down."
Hermione swallowed, her cheeks flaming at the vow. Not even trying to sound seductive, and instead rather insanely curious, she asked him a question that came off so completely innocent it made Draco laugh.
"What about after sunset?" She said while tilting her head. Draco looked stunned for a moment but read her expression seeing she was actually concerned. He chuckled loudly then remembered there was a tiny human sleeping not far away. He looked worriedly back to the hallway then at her again, still fighting off chuckles.
"Well, if I can't quench your appetite I'll continue the ravishing until sunrise. Sound decent?" He asked and Hermione felt silly for a moment but it was lost when he reached up to plant a tender peck on her lips.
With a small nod, Hermione began to crawl off his lap to stand, Draco followed suit. They wordlessly walked to her bedroom, keeping the door open in case James cried out and fell asleep entangled with one another. Skin always touching, bodies always needing to be close.
A/N: i feel as if i may get comments or questions about Hermione's consistent deluded behavior but that is the whole theme of the story hence the title of the fic. So just keep in mind that while Hermione is a very smart individual and has moments of total clarity, she will still fall back into bad habits and doubt herself and her reality. Being smart doesnt mean she doesn't have other shortcomings with intelligence lol. Thank you for reading a long! Hope you all had a great holiday!
