As much as Hermione loved routines, she knew they were dangerous. Because a routine was an expectation, an addiction almost. You wake up at seven in the morning everyday yet struggle to wake up at five one time. Routine altered, broken. You have one piece of chocolate for dessert every day but on Sunday you don't, routine stopped, a small piece of happiness gone.

You sleep over with a guy who technically isn't your boyfriend everyday for almost two weeks straight after he returns to work, and the moment he says he can't this weekend, the comforting and supportive routine is shattered and a heart aching and sharp edged disappointment appears in your stomach.

Hermione valued her routines, and she absolutely hated how Draco had become part of hers.

"I won't be available Saturday or Sunday." He told her, while she was asking what he wanted to do this weekend. Hermione was massaging his scar, his eyes were closed and head leaned back on his sofa.

"Oh." She said to him, not wanting to appear needy by asking him a thousand questions or push her limits of what she was allowed to know about his life. Instead she just focused on rubbing her thumbs down his cheek. "Alright then. Well when you're free…you can stop by, if you want. I may visit James this weekend so just…give me a heads up."

He nodded at her then changed the subject and the conversation was left like that.

Now Hermione walked down the streets of Diagon Alley, needing to run a few errands before she headed to Draco's office for lunch. He specifically requested she join him today, seeing as he wouldn't be around during the weekend. She agreed, happily, but felt her stomach turn precariously at the lunch date. It was the first time he offered to eat anywhere but their houses.

She'd obviously floo into his office directly, but from there, would they leave through the Ministry? Holding hands as they left for everyone to see? She contemplated letting it slip to Harry, telling him she had a scheduled afternoon with Malfoy, hoping he would then pop in and see it was real. THat's what she craved most, she thought, the validity that comes from others seeing them together. The confirmation that, yes, they were real, they were together and everyone could see them.

But she wasn't sure how Draco would deal with her essentially plotting against him, so she threw the plan away.

There was a small amount of comfort in keeping her mouth shut, no matter how many questions burned her brain. She enjoyed letting things play out between them, and everything surely felt like a relationship. They ate dinner, they talked and laughed, they slept in each other's beds nearly every night and when he rose for the day, leaving for work, he would kiss her cheek and wish her a good day.

All signs pointed to them being together. The only thing missing was verbal confirmation.

Hermione had stopped asking Ginny about it, knowing her redhead friend was one more insecure rant away from slapping her across the face just to get her to shut up and stop overthinking. So when the witch asked how things were going, Hermione only relayed the good.

There was a thought too, that maybe if she spoke more of her conversations with friends, he would get the urge to also mention her to his friends. She mentioned Ginny offers her greetings or something funny about James. But he grinned and barely said anything back, just formalities, and no conversations revolving around how he said a peep about her to anyone. Not his friends or colleagues, or even bloody Narcissa Malfoy.

He never mentioned meeting his mother or friends.

Never suggested they go out on a public date.

And he passed up on going out to the pubs now twice, even when she suggested they go.

So while her insecurity wasn't valid…it also entirely was.

There was no courage to push out the question to define their relationship. She took too much pleasure in what was going on between them and didn't want to lose it. So she did the mature thing, in her eyes of course, and remained quiet and pensive.

Part of her wondered that maybe if she could wow him, look exceptionally well dressed and he would be more inclined to take her out. See how she could be, and want it more. Thus, her errands in Diagon Alley. She had ordered a dress last week, hoping she would maybe use it on their first actual date but thinking it was casual enough to wear for his office lunch date.

Entering the robes shop, a small bell dingged as she stepped through the door. The shop was empty, except for the endless racks of clothes and color. Soft blue velvet drapes acted as the dressing rooms on the back wall, and there was pleasant soft jazz music playing through the store. A clerk appeared from the back, smiling when she saw Hermione.

"Hello, dearie. How can I help you?" She politely asked as Hermione walked up to the counter.

"Hi! I have a pick up for Hermione Granger." She told her.

The woman then reached beneath the counter and pulled out a clipboard with rows and columns of names, tracing a quill down the list until her eyes lit up and she smiled.

"Granger, found it! The size four marigold dress by Estrella Perez?" She confirmed.

"That's the one." Hermione said and the woman nodded.

"Perfect, I'll be right back with it." The clerk put the clipboard down on the counter and disappeared in the back. Hermione retrieved the money from her purse, patiently waiting for her to return.

"Seven galleons even for ya dearie." She said while draping the dress over the counter and standing back at the front. Hermione handed her the money and the woman opened the till. "Just need you to sign and date on our records."

The clerk handed her the clipboard while she deposited the money. Hermione smiled as she signed the form, re-reading the information to make sure it was all right.

H. Granger…marigold knee length...by maker E. Perez...size four…seven galleons…

She was just finishing the date when her eyes flitted lower on the sheet and something strange caught her eye. In deep, black ink, a few rows down, she caught the name D. Malfoy, and an order for two custom dresses…size eight.

Hermione could feel her cheeks warming, her brow curled down and the weight of her body sunk into her stomach. Eyes darted over his signature, retracing it and his order. He picked it up three days ago, placed the order three months ago. It clearly wasn't for her.

"Here you are Ms. Granger. Thank you for shopping with us and enjoy the rest of your day!" The clerk said cheerfully, handing her the dress and taking the clipboard from the dazed woman. Hermione tightly grinned, mumbly a pained thank you and took the dress and left.

She walked down the streets, faces blurred and mind reeling with why on earth Draco would buy two custom dresses, three months in advance. That was well before his accident, so very much before they had ever become…a thing. There had to be a rational explanation, she was sure she could ask him and he would tell her the truth.

Maybe they were for an ex fling and he just forgot about them, or for a friend's birthday. Strange to be gifting a woman two custom dresses, perhaps they were close. Possibly closer than him and her. Maybe he was…

Hot tears filled her eyes and her chest twinged painfully. No, no. She could not go into meltdown mode without knowing all the facts.

Checking the time, she still had thirty minutes before her scheduled lunch, so she decided to head into Flourish and Botts, needing the smell of books and parchment to calm her down and keep her grounded. She all but sprinted into the bookstore, inhaling deeply before moving to an alcove with a chair and table. The dress was laid over the spare seat and Hermione sat down then buried her hands into her face.

A horrible thought plagued her mind; Draco going away for the weekend with the woman that was there before Hermione. The first woman. His actual girlfriend.

Before she could physically vomit at the thought, a familiar voice sounded near the cash register. Her ears perked up and she sat so still you'd think she was petrified.

"Sanders, you look well." Narcissa Malfoy's easily recognizable posh voice greeted the storekeeper in pleasant conversation. Hermione's eyes widened and she held her breath.

"Thank you Narcissa, as do you. How have you been?" He kindly asked.

"Wonderful. Thank you." She said, Hermione heard the rustling of a paper bag.

"And how is your son? I heard he was in the hospital not that long ago." Mr. Sanders asked.

"Yes he was. Out on a mission and was severely injured, but he's all better now, nothing he can't handle." She said proudly and quickly.

Hermione wanted to be offended by the short sentiment. No mention of her or how severe his injuries were, or the fact that he lost his eye and will forever have a prosthetic one rolling around in his head. Her explanation was severely underrated, completely underselling Draco's heroism as well.

"Actually. I'm seeing him today!" She said happily and Hermione's ears honed in on the conversation once more.

"Well send him my regards." Sanders replied.

"I will. I'm also planning on meeting his girlfriend." She commented and Hermione tightly gasped, the air was lost in her throat. "He's been rather secretive about her but I suspect it's only because-"

Hermione didn't hear anything else. She hurried out of the store, her dress clutched to her chest as she began to openly cry. Narcissa's words confirmed her worst fears.

He was seeing someone else.

The thought burned her so deeply she sobbed rather loudly on the street, obviously catching the attention of passerbyers. Not wanting to appear belligerent, she ducked around a corner and apparated into her home. As soon as her feet landed, she threw the dress and began harshly wheezing.

Stupid, so stupid. How could she even think for a second she meant anything to him? She was the other woman, the one to fool around with and the one that paid him a gross amount of attention. A sob tore through her chest and she dug her palms into her eye sockets as tears burned down her cheeks.

He played her like a fiddle. Keeping her around to take care of his spoiled arse and let him have his way with her whenever he wanted. She was exactly what she had feared. A fun little fling to occupy his time. She would never mean anything to him, not the one to meet his mother, not the one to be taken out for public dates or ever the one to flirt with her at the pubs.

No. That was only for the other woman.

Hermione's lip trembled and she corrected herself. Hermione was the other woman.

In a flurry of fist shaking anger, Hermione stomped to her floo and called out the location of his work office. Not even thinking twice about her actions, only that she needed to confront him. Her heart was aching and the only sound remedy was for her to yell until her throat burned and hex him until he was sent back to the hospital.

Whisked away in the flames, Hermione could hear his voice before she stepped out of his office floo.

"Dowd has gone into hiding, whereabout currently unknown—" Draco said, circling the floating quill and parchment that was writing down his verbal notes. He cut himself off when he saw her emerge from the floo, a small smile gracing his lips before it morphed into concern.

She marched right up to him, eyes furiously blinking back her tears, face and eyes red with hurt and sadness.

"Hermione what's wr—"

"You selfish fucking bastard!" She shouted at him, taking two hands to shove him away. Draco looked shocked and insanely confused. He barely moved from her force but took a step back anyways. Hermione was right in his face.

"Whoa! What are you—"

"I know you're seeing someone else!" She accused immediately. His frown deepened.

"What?" He said in disbelief and she scoffed. Draco stood with his mouth parted, the gray and navy of his eyes looking at her like a mad woman. Wanker.

"I know there's another woman. Besides me. I know you have a girlfriend. I know you bought her dresses and I know that's who you're going away with this weekend." She listed her reasons, crossing her arms and waiting to hear his sorry explanations of why he thought he could get away with playing two witches.

But instead, a slow smile broke over his face and then he laughed once.

"Fucking arsehole!"

Seething rage bubbled up inside her, the strings of her heat broke so she took another step to shove him. And she did, it was forceful but Malfoy grabbed her wrists and kept her close. She threw a bloody fit.

"Stop pushing me!" He shouted at her as she struggled in his hold, his voice still light like he was laughing.

"Let go of me!" She sobbed.

"Witch! Just listen to me." He argued through a chuckle, trying not to hurt her but not wanting her to leave.

"Fuck you! Fuck—Fuck you Malfoy! You fool me into sleeping with you? Into thinking you actually—care?" Her voice broke and his smile finally slipped from his face. A noticeable gulp was taken.

"Hermione, please calm down. Just let me explain." He tried cautiously, voice soothing and tender.

"I don't want to hear it. I'm done." She said firmly, eyes refusing to meet his as tears continued to pour from her face. She tried yanking her arms free from him again, another whimper left her lips.

"Hermione." He said firmly. She just shook her head, gulping in air as evenly as she could as she openly cried in front of him.

She never meant to care for him so deeply. She never wanted to be attached or get her hopes up. All it brought her was…heartbreak.

"Hermione, look at me." The quiet demand made her stomach curl, and against her will, she listened. Through her bleary eyes, she saw his cautious expression and creased brow. He didn't look upset and or embarrassed, he looked shocked and genuinely confused.

"I'm not seeing anyone. Can you tell me why you think I am? Calmly?" He asked her, thumbs brushing against her pulse. She took a shuddering breath, lungs aching for a proper inhale. She hated that his comforting gesture actually helped her to focus her thoughts.

"I was picking up my dress today and I saw your name written on the client sheet. Two custom dresses, ordered months ago, size eight. Those…those aren't for me are they?" She said quietly, braving a look up at his face.

"No…but they are for my mother." He said simply.

Her mind went blank.

"Your mother?" She repeated dumbly and Draco nodded.

"Yes. For her birthday. We're spending time together in Prague this weekend and one of her presents are those new dresses." He explained, eyebrows raising in question as she waited for her to catch on and realize her mistake.

Hermione was too mortified to say anything. Her brain still thought back to the conversation she overheard at Flourish and Botts.

"But—today I heard your mother say she was meeting your girlfriend—"

A swift knock caught their attention. Draco looked at the door once before sending Hermione a quick smirk. He released her wrists and she wiped away her tears, sniffling to conceal any snot.

Draco opened the door, not enough for the guest to come through but just so he could slip out and have a quiet conversation with the person. Hermione tiptoed closer to the door, wanting to eavesdrop for more insight. But just as quickly as she got there, the door swung open and Hermione could make out the retreating figure of Draco's mother as he stepped back into the room. She met his eyes, seeing a coy expression over his face.

"She'll be back in a bit. Wanted to say hi to an old friend before we went to lunch." He told her then shut the door.

Hermione's mouth opened, dread consumed her.

"We?" She asked and he nodded tightly, his grin turning into a grimace as his eyes inspected her. Draco sighed, then ran a hand through his hair in frustration, fingers stroked the soft line of his scar just at the top of his forehead.

"Hermione…why in Merlin's name would you think I'm cheating on you?" He asked, sadness evident in his tone.

"Because we—you—" She began then shut her eyes in shame. Embarrassment surrounded her, and she was mentally cringing at her crazy behavior. The pangs of shame and humiliation crept up her body, she was submerged in hot and consuming guilt. "I—I didn't think we were together. We've never discussed the parameters of our relationship so I just thought—" She shrugged lamely, looking at the floor. "I just thought I was another woman."

Draco shook his head at the witch but felt pity nonetheless. He closed the distance between them, cradling her body into his chest and wrapping her in a massive embrace.

"And the last month and some wasn't clear enough for you that we were together?" He questioned and Hermione's chest hurt again.

"There was no verbal confirmation." She said, voice muffled by his shirt. Tears formed once she felt his hand wrap between the threads of her hair.

"I never thought there needed to be. Not when I want to spend everyday with you." He said softly and she sobbed again.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I feel like such a bloody idiot." She admitted, her shoulders shaking as she tried to breathe normally.

"I assumed the time and attention I give you would be enough to convey my feelings for you. But if it's not clear to you; yes, you are indisputably mine and I am unequivocally yours, Hermione."

If it weren't for her anxiety and embarrassment, she would have beamed at the words, because finally, she heard what she wanted to hear. It was definitive and honest. But her overthinking has soured the relief, making it unimportant.

"Draco I—" Hermione gasped, still muffled into his chest. She maturely pulled back so she could look at him, show him how sorry she was. "Please forgive me for acting so… erratic and senseless and mental and—and—"

She blinked up at him, releasing a quaking breath. He just stared at her compassionately, it made her feel worse. It didn't help that his hands rubbed up and down her back soothingly. With a groan she let her head fall back on his chest.

"I'm so sorry. I'm completely embarrassed for accusing you and storming in here like I did." Fear clawed its way up her spine and Hermione quickly stepped out of his warm and assuring embrace. His mother would be returning soon. She needed to leave.

"It's okay, but I want—"

"I didn't mean to ruin your day, or your weekend. I'm so, sorry. I just—I don't know what came over me. I should leave before your mother—"

"Hermione—"

"Really I need to go. You should enjoy what's left of the day without my inane behavior—" Hermione shook her head and swiftly turned on her heel, half jogging to the floo.

"Hermione, will you just wait!?" Draco grabbed her by the waist, clutching her body. She clenched her eyes shut in his hold, her back to his front, heat from his body seeping through her clothes. She was still breathing hard, but his warm breath tickling her ear erased some tension in her body.

Draco felt it and sighed a bit when she relaxed. He bent his head down, lips right by her ear.

"You're only allowed to leave if you need to change your clothes and freshen up before lunch. Other than that, you're not making a cowardly exit because you're afraid of how I'll react." He finished his sentence by softly kissing the shell of her ear, then pressed a long kiss to the angle of her jaw.

Hermione melted further into his arms. The reaction was not totally surprising, but she wasn't quite accustomed to him being straightforward with her, or knowing exactly what she needed. Her hand reached up and clasped over his forearm, head tilting up and sideways to look at him.

"You…still want me to join you for lunch?" She asked quietly, sniffling softly.

"Of course. My mother was looking forward to this all week." He told her and Hermione blinked her eyes open slowly before fully turning in his arms.

"Why didn't you tell me?" She began. "I mean…about lunch today with your mother. Or her birthday or going away for the weekend?"

Draco took her face in his hands, eyes searching back and forth over her brown eyes. His shoulder shrugged, his eyebrows came together.

"You never asked for the details." He told her and she vaguely felt herself grow angry.

"Draco I—" She shook her head and frowned. "I don't want to have to ask for the details of your life. I-I always want to know about you or things going on with you."

Hermione placed her hands over his shoulders, watching as Draco's mouth twitched as he swallowed. He blinked twice before making a quiet hum noise. It seemed like he was ready to say something, opening and closing his mouth a few times but struggling to form any real words.

"I—" He started but shook his head at her, his touch retreated and Hermione's heart clenched. But he grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles once. He stared at their linked fingers, rubbing a thumb over the back of her palm.

"I think we should have a conversation about this, us. Clear up everything, lay out all…worries. I-I don't want something like this to happen again." He told her. Hermione chewed on her cheek, noticing the conflicting emotions pass over his face but nodded nonetheless.

"Yes I think that's a good idea." She replied. "Will there be time before you leave or—"

Hermione was interrupted by another few knocks. Her stomach flipped at the noise, knowing who it most likely may be. Draco looked at her once then tugged on her hand, bringing her with him. Panic flooded through her, not that he could see as he led them to the door.

Draco finally released her hand and opened the door, Narcissa stepped through the threshold, eyes flickering to Hermione almost immediately. She must look quite horrid, because Narcissa did nothing to hide her once over judgmental glance. Hermione sighed but smiled as best she could regardless.

"All ready now?" She asked with a pitched voice then looked at Hermione again. Hermione then realized her look of judgment was actually one of…bewilderment but also trouble. "Or will we need another few minutes?"

Draco remained by the open door, a few people passing and casting inquisitive looks inside as they did. It made Hermione's palms sweat. Everything she had hoped for was suddenly hurling right at her face with no warning. She wasn't sure if she wanted to jump for joy or smack Draco for springing everything on her so suddenly.

"Hermione?" He asked, both sets of eyes on her now. "Did you need more time or are you ready?"

Hermione glanced between the two, her stare more centered on Draco. Under Narcissa's ice blue gaze, she felt uneasy and extremely unsure of herself.

"Oh um, I could meet you two at the restaurant. I think I should…freshen up some." She said, eyes darting back to Narcissa's, looking to see if it was the right call. Her face remained indifferent. Hermione clenched her jaw.

"Nonsense." Narcissa suddenly said. "You look fine. Besides, Giovanni's is a casual place."

Hermione nodded gratefully then looked back to Draco. He offered a small grin then waved his hand in her direction while turning his attention to his mother.

"Well I know you two have already met, but I think it would be appropriate for reintroductions. For obvious reasons." He said and Hermione's heart skipped a beat. "Mum, this is my girlfriend, Hermione Granger."

Hermione outstretched her hand, stomach rolling with excitement as the word 'girlfriend' passed through his lips. His mother took her hand and the woman shook once, both holding eye contact. Hermione's was hopeful and polite, Narcissa's was friendly and confident.

"Lovely to officially meet again, Ms. Granger." She said and Hermione felt her nervousness slip away.

"You as well." She said easily then looked back at Draco. "Giovanni's? I don't think I've ever been." She commented on the place for lunch.

"A quiet and quaint bistro. Perfect for an afternoon of conversation. Are we all ready then?" Naricssa said, leading the way out of his office. Draco placed his hand on Hermione's lower back, guiding her to follow.

"I believe so." He replied lowly, his voice right behind her ear. Despite her puffy eyes and still slightly damp cheeks, Hermione grinned genuinely. Her chest felt lighter, though the thought of their looming future conversation still settled unpleasantly in her body. But for now, everything seemed manageable. Clouds faded and the sky was clearing up for her.

"What time will you need to be back?" Narcissa asked her son, the three of them walking down the hallway to the main entrance of the floor.

"My afternoon is pretty light so we'll have at the very least an hour. Yesterday was spent in meetings since I will be unreachable this weekend." He explained just as they came into the opening. Narcissa glanced over her shoulder to smile at him.

"And the portkey sets to leave at what time tomorrow?" She asked and Draco half chuckled while rolling his eyes.

"Eight. Like you don't know. You've gone over every single minute of our agenda for the weekend and know it front and back." He teased her and Hermione found herself grinning at the interaction.

"I can't help it. I'm just so excited. Prague is—"

"Malfoy!" A shout interrupted her from an opposing hallway. The trio turned to the noise, watching as Harry jogged over to them. Hermione's body went still as his green eyes darted to her, slowing in step but then resuming his quick pace.

"Potter, what is it?" Draco asked as he grew nearer.

"Dowd and Gables. We found them hiding in a muggle city forty minutes outside of Madrid. Portkey is set, the group's leaving in ten minutes."

Hermione watched the exchange, Malfoy's eyes widened and Harry looked frantic. She knew the men they were referring to were the last ones that got away from the Delgado Assignment, when Draco was injured. She sucked in a breath and looked back up to him, waiting for him to speak.

Draco quietly swore and rubbed his on his forehead with his thumb, a habit he did when he was stressed.

"Mother, I'm so sorry. I have to go." He turned to her with worried eyes. Narcissa shook her head and smiled.

"Perfectly fine dear. Duty calls." She leaned up and gave him a kiss on the cheek then hugged him. "Be safe. Owl me when you're home."

"I will, mum."

Hermione wasn't able to fully appreciate the tender moment between the family members. Her only thoughts were memories of Draco's face, his vitals low in surgery and the way she gasped when she removed his bandages at the hospital. It was his first mission back, and her stomach tightened with painful anxiety.

The second Draco turned to her, he saw the scared expression right away. His chest tightened sadly when he realized he wouldn't have any time to reassure her he'd be okay, so instead he tightly wrapped her in his arms and kissed the side of her head.

"I'll be fine. Don't worry." He mumbled into her the soft strands of her curls. Hermione nodded frantically and swallowed, pulling away quicker than she would have preferred but Harry and his mother were standing right next to them, and time was of the essence.

"I know." She choked out as he pulled away. She tightly smiled to show she was fine, even though her heart sank into her feet. "Just—just be careful, please." She said quietly, focused on the gray colored iris of his fake eye.

Draco nodded, one side of his mouth curling up. He swiftly ducked down to peck her lips, then turned and looked at both women.

"I'll send you both an owl when I return. Potter, let's go." Draco turned towards Harry, who had his eyebrows raised at Hermione with an amused grin. Harry sent them both a wave, then jogged away with Malfoy down the hall.

Hermione released a held breath once their figures were completely gone, her shoulders slacking and lip was taken between her teeth.

"That's his first assignment back, isn't it?" Narcissa suddenly said and Hermione turned to her.

"Yes, it is." She quietly confirmed, a tight line forming on her lips.

"Hm." Narcissa looked back at the empty hallway where Harry and Draco disappeared, then clicked her tongue. "Well, Ms. Granger, seeing as we still have the reservation, would you like to accompany me to lunch?"

Hermione blinked, wondering how Narcissa could flip the switch so easy and not show outward concern for Draco right now. Regardless, she needed a distraction and wanted answers about the blonde man that was apparently so obviously her boyfriend to everyone but her, so she smiled thankfully at the woman.

"Yes, that would be nice."

The women walked to the lifts together in silence. There were some onlookers giving double takes to the two, most likely wondering what business the odd pair had with each other. Narcissa did a fine job of paying no mind to the onlookers. Hermione too, but couldn't deny she would sometimes stare at the people staring at her with a raised eyebrow.

They floo'd into Diagon Alley and continued walking down the streets until they approached the bistro. Narcisssa greeted the hostess politely, mentioned they would only be two of them, then they were escorted to a small table. As soon as they sat, a small flight of wine glasses appeared, four different samples.

"Are you a fan of wine, Ms. Granger?" Narcissa asked as she plucked up the small glass of white wine. Hermione opted for the rose.

"I am but I don't know that much about the different styles. I only know the gist of what pairs well with certain foods." She admitted and took a small sip, enjoying the tart and sweet flavor on her tastebuds.

"You and Draco should come back here then. They have lovely dessert wines and a delectable selection of truffles to pair."

Hermione must have made a face at the suggestion, because Narcissa tilted her head before she could say anything.

"What's wrong Ms. Granger?" She asked sincerely and Hermione's eyes went wide. There wasn't exactly a delicate way to voice her displeasure that her and Draco had never technically been out on a date in public, so she of course had her doubts that he would be willing to take her out period. She couldn't say all that, not to his mother.

"Nothing I—" She said awkwardly, running her fingers over the glasses in front of her. "Draco and I…don't really go out. In public."

Narcissa just stared, giving a single nod and it made Hermione continue nervously.

"We've just never gone on a proper, well not proper, but public date. I don't think he cares to, really, so I don't truly know if he'd want to go out. In a setting like this, I mean." She said, wincing at herself and leaving Narcissa's heavy eye contact. After Hermione nervously took a sip of her wine, she said something.

"And Draco's given this impression to you?" Narcissa asked, as if she knew the answer already.

"Yes…in a way." She added the last part, afraid to put Draco out there like that.

"How so?" Narcissa went on, sipping on her red wine. Hermione felt like she was already wrong before she opened her mouth.

"He—I guess his silence about going out on public dates has given me the impression that he doesn't want to. He's never asked or…hinted that we should. Today would have been the first date but it was with you so—not that I'm not happy you were coming with us—but yes today would have been our first date."

Hermione finished her wine and moved on to another, not caring if she appeared hasty and nervous. Maybe a buzz would make her less anxious.

"Hermione, may I be frank?" Narcissa said and Hermione froze at the woman using her name.

"Please." She said, offering her a half smile.

Narcissa looked at her for a few seconds, eyes darting over her face, then her hair, neck, and body. Hermione didn't move, just observed the woman clearly making judgements on her. When she saw a slight smile pull at her dark red lips, she only grew more antsy.

"Draco—" She said with a breath, then looked her dead in the eyes. "Acts entirely in the box you've put him in."

Hermione's eyes bugged out and her eyebrows nearly shot off her head.

"Excuse me?"

"He moves in a way that is careful to not make you uncomfortable. Have you ever told him you'd like to go out?" She inquired with a curved brow. Hermione frowned.

"Well…no but—"

"And have you mentioned that you would be open to that?" She cut her off, Hermione sputtered.

"I—we usually just—"

"Did you ever suggest going out on a public date?" Narcissa asked and Hermione's shoulders slunk forward.

"No." She said but then wanted to argue her point. "But I—drop hints for other things."

Narcissa raised her eyebrows high, a very familiar looking smirk on her face. Merlin did Draco take after her.

"Like what?" She asked and Hermione opened her mouth but didn't think of anything to actually prove her words true. She flushed with heat.

"Hermione, I have a confession." She said with a relaxed breath. Hermione held hers as soon as her blue eyes flashed up to hers and her lips curved again. "I've known you were seeing Draco for the last couple weeks, though he's only just finally mentioned he was in a relationship."

Hermione's mind went blank, her face heated and her eyebrows almost touched together.

"How, how did you know?" She asked while taking another sip of a different, stronger wine. Two glasses of her flight left.

"Well I did happen upon you sleeping in his room one afternoon. He went to the bathroom and I heard this awful sounding snoring. I headed to his chambers to inspect, saw you there in his clothes and just assumed." She said while throwing her hands up like it was no big deal.

"Oh my god." Hermione mumbled to herself.

"You should get that checked out dear, I had to silencio the room but I thought you were dying. Merlin me the snores were louder than any cry of werewolf I've ever heard." She said with surprise. Hermione winced.

"Okay—I—I get it, I will—look into that." Hermione said, needing to politely cut the woman off to save herself from her own humiliation. Narcissa looked over at the young woman, smiling a bit to herself before returning her attention to her menu.

"My point in all this is, Draco would take you out, introduce you to me or his friends if you simply would have been up front with him. He knew that I knew you were seeing one another, but out of respect for you, he waited. He wanted you to be the one to bring it up. He wants to be respectful of you, but he's always appreciated forthrightness. Something he picked up after he became an Auror." She said thoughtfully.

Hermione was ready to speak again but their waiter finally came by and took their orders. Narcissa smoothly ordered an appetizer for them as well as the bottle of white wine they both had already finished. Hermione asked for the first thing that looked good, too caught up in her conversation to pay a minute of attention to the menu. Once the orders were placed and their bottle of wine appeared, Hermione continued where she left off.

"So to go back to what you said, are you saying that Draco was waiting for me to say something?"

Narcissa nodded then hummed, licking her lips as she sipped her wine.

"Precisely. But I assume today he was just impatient and wanted to throw you into the water." She said with a laugh. Hermione found herself smiling then opened her mouth.

"I…suppose he usually encourages me to step outside my boundaries when it comes to us."

A plate of fresh bruschetta suddenly appeared. Hermione was thankful because her head was feeling light and it felt like her and Narcissa were old friends gossiping about boys.

"How so?" She asked.

"He…well I suspect, now that you've pointed it out, he's purposely waited until I initiated a kiss or a hug, or just…physical touch in general." She said with a small blush, maybe she shouldn't have said that. But Narcissa nodded all the same with a fond smile.

"Draco has become very good at getting the things he wants from people. Another thing that's changed since becoming an Auror. So funny, how different he is now from just years ago." Narcissa appeared differently now, very prideful, very knowing. Hermione read the expression with a certain respect. Her original assumptions about the woman had been all wrong, Narcissa was very much a mother who thought highly of her son. She just didn't brag.

"Yes I suppose he is." Hermione agreed, biting into the toast, relishing the fresh tomatoes.

"I hope you don't mind me offering a piece of advice about my son." Narcissa began.

"No please. I still struggle to understand his mind." She admitted with her own huff and smile.

"He's very good at assuming and is almost right about those assumptions. But he likes the words, he likes hearing what's exactly on your mind just so the little knob can be correct. He doesn't like being lied to. Gods, the amount of times I've had a bad day and he's just sat silently looking at me until I explode about what I'm angry at—" Narcissa chuckled and drank a hefty sip of her wine, Hermione also chuckled. "He's good at getting those things out, like I said good at getting you to act in the exact way he desires."

Hermione nodded to agree, smiling thankfully at the woman. Deciding it was enough about her and Draco she turned the questions on her.

"Are you excited for your birthday? Excuse me, what's the official date?" Hermione asked and was proud when Narcissa smiled widely and began discussing her weekend plans.

Hermione and her ended up having a long lunch, topping off their wine rather quickly and finishing half of another bottle. Hermione was teetering between tipsy and drunk, and she was certain Narcissa was oddly and completely sober, that was until she said a sentence that made no sense.

"It's probably best if we floo and not zapparate." Narcissa sighed as they exited the bistro. Stomachs full and eyes glossy. Hermione looked at her, unsure if she heard her correctly.

"What did you say?"

"Zapparate! You know because you kinda just—" Narcissa waved her arms about as they walked slowly. Hermione thought she looked like she was fighting off bugs buzzing around her hed. "You just zap away."

Suddenly, Hermione bursted out laughing. Gut wrenching, loud cackles with high pitched tones. Her eyes were watering and Narcissa was out of breath from laughing and simultaneously trying to explain herself.

"Wh—when Draco was a ch-child and we'd apparate with him, he'd—he'd beg us not to and say 'Mummy I don't want to zapparate!' Oh it was the cutest little thing. I say it only occasionally just to tease him." Narcissa wiped under her eyes as Hermione continued to laugh at the hysterical yet cute story. And mainly Narcissa's impression of her son.

"Oh that's rich. I could just picture him now with his hands on his hips."

"He would! He would! And then he'd give me a little pout and I would just have to hide my laughter. Oh he was a hoot." She said fondly, the ladies lazily walking next to each other to get to the Leaky.

"I'm bringing that one up to him." Hermione stated while still chuckling.

"Please do. He'll be so angry he'll probably place his hands on his hips while he scolds me." Narcissa said while rolling her eyes playfully. Hermione laughed again, her cheeks tight from how much she was smiling.

When the woman entered the Leaky, Narcissa surprisingly turned to Hermione and asked if she was busy for the rest of the afternoon.

"Oh I'm not actually. Nothing going on.." She said.

"Would you like to continue drinking? I have to say I forgot how fun it can be to have a companion to get tipsy with during a nice day."

Hermione grinned and nodded very enthusiastically. That's how she found herself sitting on Narcissa's patio, another bottle gone between them and photo albums of Draco as a child between them.

"That was Pansy Parkinson's fourth birthday right there. Her mother had a live band and a small zoo filled with harmless creatures. Draco shortly after this was taken, got pecked by a peacock." She said with a smile. Hermione snorted less than lady like.

"I see his admiration for creatures stretched early into his childhood." She said sarcastically.

"Lucius and I never complained that he never begged us for a pet. He had no interest in animals after that day." Narcissa said, leaning back in her chair and shutting her eyes to sigh heavily.

Hermione looked at the moving picture of Draco. Seeing his sweet little face smiling turn to the camera at the last second before grinning widely. Pansy was staring at the camera, but with an unenthusiastic smile on her face, like she had been smiling for ten minutes too long.

"Are Draco and Pansy still friends?" Hermione suddenly questioned.

"Mm. I think they catch up occasionally if she's home. She married someone in Australia and rarely wants to come home to her family." Narcissa said then opened her eyes, seeing Hermione look at the picture again with a thoughtful expression. She waited to see if the girl would say anything more.

"Draco doesn't really talk about his friends from Hogwarts. So I just wasn't sure…where he stood with all of them." Hermione looked up and saw Narcissa about to say something with a very Malfoy-like smirk but she held up a hand and cut her off. "I know, I know. I can just ask him."

Narcissa cackled loudly.

"Now you're catching on." She replied as she sat up and picked up another picture of her Draco and Crabbe and Goyle. Melancholy splashed over her face before it morphed into sorrow. "I think after the war and after Gregory's death, Draco was…unsure of where he and his friends' ideals matched. His opinions were changing and I can only imagine how confusing everything might have felt for him, especially with his father in Azkaban."

Hermione pursed her lips together, suddenly feeling very much sober for this particular conversation.

"So they all stopped talking for a period of time. I think he isolated himself from everything as some sort of—I don't know—penance for his place in the war. I thought that's why he wanted to be an Auror originally, until I realized he was just bloody good at it." Narcissa said with a deep inhale, Hermione slightly smiled.

"We don't talk much about the war. Or just after it. I'm always afraid to ask or say the wrong things that might make him feel differently about me." Hermione admitted insecurely, picking at her cuticles.

"He wouldn't. I would actually assume you're probably one of the few people he would willingly open up to about things. He's been different since his accident, happier indeed but also relaxed. At first I guessed it was due to his pain potions, but then I realized, it was you."

Hermione's stomach fluttered at the assessment. She couldn't fight the dopey and drunk smile on her face.

"I don't know how much I really could have impacted him. I think he's been more of an influence on me truthfully." Hermione replied but Narcissa waved her hands.

"Trust me, there is something lighter about the way he walks these days." Narcissa suddenly stabbed a piece of strawberry and dipped it in her bowl of cream. A nice, sweet afternoon snack when you're inebriated. "Thank Merlin too, he really could be such a moper."

Hermione stifled a laugh and took another piece of strawberry for herself while sipping more water.

"I should be leaving soon. It's far later than I thought." Hermione said regretfully, checking her watch.

"If you must. What's the time anyways? I'm surprised Draco hasn't sent an owl yet." Narcissa said, frowning. But just as Hermione's worry crept up on her, one of the house elves popped beside Narcissa, letter in hand.

"This just arrived for Mistress." The little thing said, smiling at her then Hermione.

"Ah! Speak of the damned devil." Narcissa exclaimed, making the elf jump a bit as she was slow to rise and swayed in step. Hermione stood as well, stumbling ungracefully as her foot caught on the leg of the table. She winced and looked up to see if Narcissa noticed, but the woman was too busy reading the words from her son to care, swaying in stance.

"Does the mistress need any more water or want any potions for her and her guest?" The elf asked, scrunching the fringe of her bright yellow shirt with a daisy on it. Hermione grinned at her then looked up at Narcissa again.

"Yes to both, if you could Lettie, thank you." Narcissa smiled just as she put the letter down and looked at Hermione. The elf popped away.

"Well good news, Draco is home and they caught their perpetrators. He said he'd be over in just a few minutes. You should stay until he gets here." Narcissa said and Hermione's stomach flooded with relief.

"Good, that's great for him and Harry." She said then bit her lip, sitting back down at the table. Lettie soon popped back up with a large carafe nearly as big as she was and some vials for hangover potion. The items were levitated back on the table.

"You should stay for dinner, Hermione. I'm sure Draco will be quite pleased to see you still here."

"I'd like that, thank you." Hermione said and relaxed into her chair. Narcissa and her sat in silence for a moment, both admiring the way the sun was inching closer towards the horizon, shadows and bursts of light fanning over her garden.

"I have to admit, I didn't think very highly of you that day in the hospital. When Draco went home." Hermione said, the alcohol in her making her spill her thoughts. Narcissa hummed into a snort.

"And why the bloody hell not?" She asked with a laugh. "I'm a very likable person. I had more friends at Hogwarts than any of my sisters. Andie included!" She pointed at her with a knowing and accusatory finger, knowing Hermione was still close with her sister Andromeda. She giggled and then offered an explanation.

"You were so concerned about the scar over his face! I take offense for two reasons. One being that I am an excellent Healer and know how to make scars heal well no matter how detrimental the injury was." Hermione said with wide eyes and grin, enjoying that Narcissa was once again laughing.

"Dear I didn't know it would heal as well as it did! I was afraid he'd spend the rest of his life looking like Greyback! Excuse my concern!" Narcissa said a bit out of breath.

"Two!" Hermione held up two fingers, not wanting to hear it with a shake of her head. "Two: Your son is a very handsome man, scar or not. It wasn't the end of the world considering I had just saved his life."

Narcissa folded her hands and smirked.

"Hermione, I did not mean to offend that day. I was merely worried that my son would not be able to find a woman to like his physical appearance. Witches can be quite harsh."

"He pulls it off rather well anyways. It gives him a sort of mystifying persona now. More than ever before." She stated almost dazedly, thinking about the way the silly smooth scar cut across his face.

"And you like that?" Narcissa asked gleefully, finding it very humorous to see the stars in Hermione's eyes when she spoke of Draco. But sweet as well.

"It has benefits." She said into her water with a cheeky expression. Narcissa laughed loudly just as she heard the door behind them shut.

"And what benefits might those be?" Draco's deep voice rumbled from behind, with obvious amusement. Hermione turned in her seat quickly, spilling some water over her hand. Narcissa stood and greeted her son.

"Darling! Hello there! Congratulations on catching your bad guys." Narcissa exclaimed with a child-like excitement. Draco gave her a look, half his face smiling while his eyebrows pulled together, wondering why his mother sounded like her words were slurring together.. He bent to hug the smaller woman, then looked up to Hermione who now stood.

"Thank you." He calmly said, then looked at the table. "What's going on here then?" His blonde eyebrow shot up, a dimple popping through his cheek.

"We had lunch after you left." Hermione said.

"And got a bit drunk and decided to bring out the photo albums, I see." Draco said and walked past Hermione, grabbing the extra chair and sliding it directly beside hers. He sat down and crossed his ankle over his knee, looking casual and relaxed as ever in his slouching position.

"Oh we were only tipsy at lunch. We came back to continue the merriment. It was a fun afternoon, wasn't it?" Narcissa said with a wave of her hand. Hermione looked at his mother, warmth spreading in her chest when she realized she did very much have a fun day with her.

"It was. Too bad you missed it." She said, turning to Draco as she placed a hand on his knee. He looked at the gesture with a content grin and plucked her hand in his before bringing it to his lips.

"I'm sure there will be more opportunities for all of us to have fun together." He replied genuinely, rubbing his thumb over the place he just kissed. Hermione's stomach whirled at the look behind his eyes. It was private, just for her. A reassuring expression that told her even though they had a grand conversation to be had about their relationship, everything was still okay.

Not even an hour later, they ate a rather large dinner and Hermione finally sobered up enough to realize how utterly exhausted she was. She found herself constantly forcing her yawns down as Draco explained how their mission went and Narcissa chirped about their plans this weekend. Hermione was happy to sit and listen, eager to watch the mother and son interact.

At the end of the night, Narcissa finally turned in for bed, thanking Hermione for a wonderful day and voicing her hopes that they'll be able to do this again. Hermione wished her a fun weekend and a happy birthday. Draco told his mother he would be back briefly, he just wanted to see Hermione home.

"You're sleeping here tonight?" Hermione asked him as they walked to the fireplace.

"Yes, it's just easier since our Portkey leaves first thing in the morning." He explained and she nodded.

"I like your mother. I had a very enjoyable day with her." She told him as he took a handful of powder. Draco laughed a bit.

"I'm glad. Imagine my surprise when I came to your place first and you weren't there but here, getting drunk with my mother and telling her how handsome you find me." He teased and ducked into the floo rather quickly, leaving Hermione stunned to silence and her own mortification. She followed, throwing the floo and being taken back to hers.

"Okay I'll have you know it was her idea to drink more. I'm not liable for any compliments I throw to you when inebriated. I'm…a very nice person when I'm drunk." She argued as soon as she stepped out of her floo and into her home, seeing Draco lean up against her wall with a smirk and his arms crossed.

"You're already a nice person." He countered with a raised brow and she mimicked his stance and crossed her arms.

"I'm…nicer. It's bad. I once paid an entire pub's round because I saw a couple celebrating their seventieth wedding anniversary and thought everyone should celebrate with them." She told him while shaking her head. He laughed loudly, just for a few seconds but it bursted out of his chest. Hermione basked in the sound then realized what he said earlier. "Did you really come here first?"

Draco smirked, then pushed himself off the wall and walked up to her. The sound of his three heavy steps it took him to reach her echoed in the empty house. Hermione found her navel tightening at the look he was giving her. With steady hands, Draco began twirling some of her curls then pushed them behind her ears.

"I did. I wanted to make sure you weren't getting gray hairs, worrying about me." He told her quietly, his eyes glinting. Hermione rolled hers.

"You make it out like caring for you is unnecessary." She said, unraveling her arms and bringing them around his waist. Draco's eyes flickered to hers, a very calm expression over his face before he broke out into a smile.

"You can care for me as much as you want and I'll do the same for you." He bent down to kiss her softly, lips plush and warm. Hermione inhaled his scent, melting into his embrace as he tenderly cupped her face. When he pulled away she shyly smiled at him, before she remembered earlier and felt guilt claw its way up.

"Draco I am really sorry for the way I acted—"

"Sh, Hermione." He said while shaking his head. "Let's talk about it when I get home. Right now I just want to hold you for a bit before I leave. Can I do that?"

Hermione of course agreed to his request. So the couple stood in her home, hugging and peppering each other with kisses in between soft conversations about their day. Hermione told him more about what she and Narcissa did, asked him about his mission and if anyone got hurt and little things about the weekend.

Somewhere along their embrace, Draco began swaying them. It was hardly noticeable but the barely there movements made her heart squeeze. She nuzzled deeper into his neck and chest.

"What time will you be back on Sunday?" She asked, mumbling her words into his neck then placing a kiss right below his ear.

"Hmmm." He sighed, tightening his grip. "Depends on my mother, but I suspect just around dinner."

Hermione nodded then placed another kiss on his warm neck, her one hand playing with the hair just at his neck.

"Can we have dinner when you get back?" She asked him.

"Sure." He said then kissed her temple. "My place or yours?"

"Actually, um." She began, pulling away to look up at him. The gray of his eye darker under the lowlights whereas the blue seemed more prominent. "Can we go out for dinner?"

There was a split second where Hermione thought that he would refuse, but then it dissipated just as quick as it came. No freaking out, no worrying, no thinking he was going to reject her. She finally felt clear headed. And Draco nodded, giving her a look that Hermione received all day from Narcissa.

"Of course." He said, cheeks dimpling. "Wherever you want."

Hermione reached up on her toes and kissed him. Draco brought one hand up to hold the back of her head, slipping his tongue to tease the tip of hers. Hermione pleasantly hummed in response, clutching the fabric of his shirt and bringing him closer. He gently sucked on her lower lip and she grinned, feeling him soon smile against her lips.

"It's late." She muttered into his mouth, the wet smack of their lips loud in her ears. "You should be getting back to your mother's."

Draco's one hand slithered down her back, cupping her arse. She sucked in a breath, letting it turn into a surprised moan.

"Are you kicking me out?" He asked, amused.

"No, but—" She said then sucked his tongue into her mouth, making him groan. "But you have an early morning and a long weekend."

Draco moved his mouth downwards, nibbling at her jaw with small pressure before slowly increasing it. She was absentmindedly grinding her hips into his.

"So?" He asked carelessly, panting into her neck.

"I—I won't want you to leave if you keep that up." She told him breathlessly. He came back to stand full height, his eyes mischievous and filled with delight.

"That's the plan." He said then kissed her deeply once more. Hermione whimpered into his mouth, feeling like she wasn't close enough despite their bodies and hands grabbing at everything.

"Draco—" She tried to warn but it came out like a moan. "Draco—you should go. It's very late."

He pulled away, sighing heavily and resting his forehead on her shoulder. He jokingly groaned then planted a single kiss to her neck.

"I know you're right. You just feel perfect right now." He told her and her heart melted.

"I'll feel the same come Sunday. But you need sleep and I shouldn't keep you any longer." She said, grabbing his hand and leading him back to her fireplace. Draco stepped in front of her, pulling her swiftly into him.

"Keep me for however long you desire. I'll have no complaints."

He told her seriously, eyes unblinking. Hermione forgot to breathe for a moment when he kissed her. It was only then when he wished her goodnight and promised to pick her up Sunday and smirked at her did her lungs finally remember how to take in air.


A/N: i know a lot of ppl don't like the miscommunication trope but i like it when it's done realistically. I kinda made just a simple argument out of nothing that more so derived from Hermione's insecurity that actual miscommunication. Hope it's not too terrible of a read, enjoy!