Draco got into the Ministry just before lunchtime on Monday afternoon. Wanting to take advantage of every second he had with Hermione, he scrapped his original plans to leave Sunday and spent one more night in New York. Even Hermione had hit the snooze button on her alarm twice that morning, stealing an extra ten minutes from her morning routine to wrap herself around him and pretend the real world wasn't waiting for them.
Stifling a yawn, he unlocked his office door and groaned at the amount of paperwork in his inbox. He was going to need at least one more coffee to even think about starting that. He shoved his suitcase under his desk and collapsed into his chair. Resting his head back, Draco closed his eyes and let out another yawn.
"You plan on telling me where you fucked off to for four days?"
Draco cracked an eye open to find Harry glaring daggers at him from the doorway.
"South of France," Draco answered, slowly opening both eyes.
He and Hermione had decided to keep their relationship under wraps for the time being. Neither felt like facing an inquisition from their friends and the smug 'told-you-so' looks. Plus both were relearning what a proper relationship looked like and felt that it would be easier to navigate the newness of it all without nosy friends.
"Decided a last-minute vacation was needed. What's up?" Draco asked, leaning his elbows on his desk.
"What's up?" Harry repeated incredulously. "Do you realize how worried we were about you? You just up and left, not leaving anyone any inclination as to where!"
"I'm not a child, Potter. I didn't realize I needed to ask permission."
Harry groaned and sat down across from Draco. "You're such a prat, Malfoy. It's just common courtesy to tell people if you're leaving the country so we don't think you're fucking dead or being held hostage somewhere."
"Dramatic much?"
Harry narrowed his eyes, clearly unamused at the situation. Draco almost cracked and told him where he had really been, knowing that that would diffuse the tension immediately. But that was not his decision to make alone so he said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you and Ginevra worry. I had been needing a way to clear my head and my therapist suggested a vacation."
"Therapist? Since when do you see a therapist?"
Draco bit back the threatening smile and played along. "For several months now. I did tell you about it back in September."
"You never said it was a therapist. You said-I thought-" Harry stuttered, his face screwed up as if he was doing mental Arithmancy.
"Did you really think I was seeing an escort?"
"Well, yeah, I mean you never corrected me so I just assumed…"
"Sweet Merlin, Potter," Draco laughed, standing up and shaking his head. "No, I am not seeing a sex worker. I've finally admitted that my head is truly barmy and I'm not entirely happy with it being that way. Coffee?"
"Do you think the ladies in the cantina would drop a shot of whiskey in mine?" Harry asked, slowly standing and following Draco out the door.
"I'm maturing. I thought that's what you wanted?"
"Draco, wait."
Draco stopped and turned and before he could protest, Harry was hugging him. He gave Draco two thumps on the back before releasing him.
"Potter?"
"I'm proud of you, man. I know shit like that isn't easy for you and want you to know that whatever you need, Ginny and I are here for you." He punched Draco's shoulder and added, "Just tell us next time you plan on disappearing, you twat!"
"Right, sorry." Draco rubbed his shoulder and smiled. He was coming to find having people give a fuck or two about you felt pretty good. "Coffee?"
December 2003
Hermione pulled her coat tightly around her as the wind whipped and burned her face. Beside her, Lizzie held a shopping list in shaky hands, her breath coming out in quick little puffs.
"Tell me where to go, Liz, before we both turn into living ice sculptures," Hermione pleaded, hopping from one foot to the other in an attempt to keep her blood moving.
The two friends were traveling about the city, trying to finish up their Christmas shopping. The day was grey and freezing, with big clouds hanging overhead threatening them with what the weatherman had warned would be at least half a foot of snow. Hermione's arms were laden with the final gifts for her family and friends, even though she wouldn't be giving them out until after the new year when she was back in England.
"Umm, Barney's," Lizzie finally declared, shoving the list back into her purse and linking her arm through Hermione's. "I should be able to get the last of my sisters' gifts there."
"Are you buying your way back into their good graces?" Hermione teased.
"It can't hurt to try," Liz laughed, hugging Hermione close as they made their way up the crowded sidewalk.
Ron had invited Lizzie to spend Christmas and New Year's Eve with him and she had eagerly accepted. Her family wasn't quite as pleased to find out she was ditching them to spend the holidays with her new boyfriend in a different country. Lizzie was immune to their guilt trips, though, and the family finally gave up. They set aside a day to have a family dinner and exchange gifts with her before she left.
Stepping into the lobby of Barney's, Hermione let out a sigh as she was enveloped by a blast of warm air. She pressed her fingertips against her cheeks, urging them to thaw. Once there was feeling back in her extremities, she followed Liz toward the jewelry department.
"Have you gotten anything for Draco yet?" Liz asked as she eyed a jade pendant hung from a gold chain. "Do you think this would suit Princess Kristy?"
Hermione stepped closer to look at the necklace and nodded. "It'd compliment her eyes nicely. And no, I haven't gotten anything for Draco. What do you get a guy you've been dating for barely a month?"
"Blow jobs are always in style," Lizzie replied nonchalantly, earning a scowl from the grey-haired sales clerk behind the counter.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I'll keep that in mind." She aimlessly strode away and found the men's section.
She wasn't completely without a gift for Draco. She had gotten him a cashmere scarf. During his visit the previous month she had noticed he wasn't wearing one. Attempting to add some color to his standard black and green wardrobe, she purposely chose a deep, wine red color.
Hermione came to a stop at the watches. Did Draco wear a watch? She couldn't ever remember seeing him wear one. Nothing caught her eye until she was just about to walk away. In the top corner, with some of the more high-end designers, she spotted a piece with a midnight blue face and silver edging. She leaned down and saw it was a miniature replica of the night sky. The stars moved along with the time, showing what constellations were visible in each hemisphere. She was able to spot Draco's namesake currently residing in the southern hemisphere.
"Excuse me," Hermione called, flagging down the sales clerk. "I'd like to get this watch, please."
The clerk looked at Hermione, glanced at the watch, and then back up at Hermione. He narrowed his eyes as he took the timepiece from the display case. "This one?" he asked, holding it out but not setting it down.
"Yes, that's the one."
"You're aware of the price?"
"Yes, it is very clearly marked," Hermione replied through gritted teeth. "Are you this rude to all your customers?"
The clerk let out an irritated huff before asking, "And how would you like to pay?" Hermione shot him her own irritated glare as she handed over her credit card. "Very well. Would you like it gift wrapped?"
"No, thank you."
As the clerk finalized the sale, Lizzie appeared beside her with two Barney's bags added to the collection that had amassed on her arm throughout the morning.
"Find something nice?"
"I did," Hermione said with a smile. "Under no circumstances is he allowed to know what I paid for it, though," she added with a whisper.
"Lock and key, babe," Lizzie said, holding a finger to her lips.
"Have a great day, Miss, and happy holidays," the clerk said, passing a small bag to Hermione.
"And to you," Hermione said, forcing her lips into a smile. As soon as they were out of earshot she muttered, "Ugh, what a pompous arse."
"I think it's a hiring requirement. The lady who helped me wasn't very pleasant either."
"You did talk about blow jobs in front of her," Hermione reminded, holding the door open for Lizzie.
"Oh, like she's never given one or two in her day," Lizzie scoffed. She pulled her gloves on and rubbed her hands together. "Chinese for lunch?"
"Sure. I think I'm done shopping for the day. I do have one last thing I'd like to get for my dad but-" Hermione was cut short by her mobile ringing. "Oh, I really hope they aren't calling me into the office," she groaned, awkwardly digging through her purse while trying to balance the shopping bags. She looked at the caller ID and frowned. "It's a U.K. number but I don't recognize it."
"Give it here." Lizzie plucked the phone from Hermione's hand and flipped it open. "Hello, who's this?"
"For Merlin's sake," Hermione took her phone back. She could hear someone shouting before she even got it to her ear. "Hello?"
"I don't think it's working," a familiar irritated voice was saying. "There's nothing there?"
"Draco?" Hermione moved out of the path of other passing shoppers. "Draco, is that you?"
"Hermione?" The voice came through louder this time. "Can you hear me?"
"Yeah, I can hear you," she laughed. "Where are you calling me from."
"Just a minute." And then his voice was distant again as she heard him saying, "Thanks for all your help. Have a great evening. Hermione?"
"Still here. Where are you calling me from?" she asked again.
"My brand new mobile phone that I have no clue how to work and feel daft talking into."
"Are you serious? When I gave you my mobile number I didn't expect you to go out and actually buy your own phone."
"I know. What have you done to me?" Hermione was about to protest but Draco continued, "The way you talked about these things I figured it would worth the investment. Much more convenient than owls and, to be honest, it's nice getting to hear your voice."
Hermione couldn't help but smile and blush as she said, "I like hearing your voice too. Did the salesperson show you how to program the number into your phone so that you don't have to dial it every single time?"
"No, but I am armed with a thick manual that will tell me more than I ever wanted to know about these things. Where are you, by the way? It's hard to hear you over all the background noise."
"Sorry, give me a second." She slipped back into the lobby of the store and said, "Lizzie and I are out, trying to finish up our shopping."
"I won't keep you long then since we can't really have a proper conversation. I wanted to ask tho-"
"Hi, Draco," Lizzie chirped, her head suddenly on Hermione's shoulder.
"Hello, Elizabeth," Draco said as Hermione swatted Lizzie away.
"He called you Elizabeth," Hermione laughed and Lizzie stuck her tongue out. "What did you want to ask?"
"Are you talking to me or Elizabeth?" Draco asked.
"You, sorry. What did you want to ask."
"The Ministry's holiday party is on the twenty-second and I was wondering if you'd be able to accompany me? I marked that I'd attend with a plus-one and then realized I never asked if you'd be here. So, will you be here?"
Hermione's heart sank and she frowned. "I wish I could be but I won't be back in England until January second."
"That's fine, I knew it was a longshot. I'm sure Ginevra will enjoy the extra plate of food."
Hermione could feel the disappointment he was trying to hide. "I really am sorry. I wish I could be there."
"I know. I really wish you could be here too, but I know the negotiating you had to do to get the time off you got in order to be with Ginevra and the baby."
"And to be with you," she added.
"I'm not excited about competing with the baby for attention."
"I'll make sure you get plenty of special attention." Hermione's face burned as Lizzie made gagging noises behind her. "Can I call you back in like two hours when I have a bit more privacy?
"I look forward to hearing more about this special attention."
Hermione didn't think it possible but she swore she heard him smirk. "Talk to you soon."
"Bye, Hermione."
Hermione shut her phone and shoved it in her purse. When she turned around, Lizzie was wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. "I want to hear more about this special attention, too," she said, linking a bag free arm through Hermione's and leading her back outside.
In the restaurant, the two slid into a corner booth and devoured the bowl of crispy wontons before the waitress got to take their drink orders. Once the tea was poured, wontons refilled, and orders placed, Hermione relaxed against the cushioned red vinyl.
"What did you have to turn Draco down for?" Lizzie asked, gently blowing on her tea before taking a tentative sip.
"Oh." Hermione let out a long sigh. "The Ministry's holiday party is on the twenty-second and he was hoping I might be able to go."
"That's the day I leave. You can hitch a ride on my portkey."
"Thanks, but it's not a travel issue. It's a work issue. You remember the hassle I went through trying to get the three weeks that I did. There's no way I can scrape another week and a half together at this point in the season." Hermione rested her head back and closed her eyes. "It's a shame. I always liked the holiday parties. I'd buy a new dress and Ron wouldn't complain about putting on nice robes. We'd dance, have a five-star meal, and get tipsy on expensive champagne, all on the Ministry's sickle."
"I bet Draco looks dashing in dress robes."
"Yeah," Hermione said with another sigh. She sat up and shook the hazy start of a daydream from her mind as the waitress returned with their meals. "I'll have to plan ahead for next year."
"Thank you," Lizzie said when the waitress set down two sets of chopsticks. She picked up her set and pointed them at Hermione. "I'm gonna get you to that ball, Cinderella."
Hermione snorted a laugh. "You know you can't employ those negotiation tactics anymore."
"Nothing like that," Lizzie reassured, popping a piece of broccoli in her mouth. "But I do have a few favors I can call in."
"I don't want you to use your hard-earned favors on me."
"Who said anything about hard-earned?" Lizzie scoffed. "The best part about being a personal assistant is getting all the juicy gossip first-hand."
"So, you're blackmailing people?"
"I'm protecting secrets for a to-be-determined price," she corrected. "Leave it to me. You just worry about finding something stunning to wear."
"Oh, lord," Hermione groaned, cradling her head in her hands.
Hermione stepped out of the International Portkey office and was greeted by the sight of her best friend tangled up in the arms of her ex-husband. All she could do was laugh and shake her head.
"You do know you have a place you can do that in private, right?" Hermione called.
Ron pulled back and looked over Lizzie's shoulder to see who had interrupted his snog and his eyes went wide.
" 'Mione, hey. You look-"
"Gorgeous, doesn't she?" Lizzie interjected, giving Ron's waist a squeeze and stepping towards Hermione. She reached out to straighten Hermione's gold choker necklace and fix a few curls that were askew from the portkey journey.
"Yeah, gorgeous," Ron echoed, lacing his fingers with Lizzie's as she returned to his side. "What are you doing...you're here for him, aren't you?"
Hermione blushed and pulled the sheer gold wrap tighter around her bare shoulders.
"I knew it!" Ron crowed. He chuckled and nodded his head towards the lifts. "You're just in time. I saw everyone making their way into the reception hall when I got here. I bet you can still get there in time for the first round of champagne."
"Think we can sneak in and steal a glass?" Lizzie whispered conspiratorially.
Ron glanced down at his jeans and blazing orange Cannons shirt, and then at Lizzie's black miniskirt and off the shoulder sweater.
"Sure, we'll blend right in," Ron said with a shrug.
Hermione followed the couple to the lifts and Ron hit the button for the ground floor.
"You knew about this?" Ron asked Lizzie, jabbing his thumb at Hermione. Hermione scowled but Lizzie smiled and nodded. "How long?"
"Since Thanksgiving," Lizzie answered smugly.
Ron looked at Hermione and she clarified, "End of November."
When the lift gates opened, they joined in with the last few guests walking into the Ministry's reception hall. She heard Ron whisper, "Let's hang towards the back and watch the show."
Hermione huffed and shot him a glare before spinning on her heel and heading in the opposite direction.
Lizzie had been able to wrangle her enough shift coverage to allow Hermione to change her plans and travel to England in time for the party. She hadn't told Draco, though, opting to repay his surprise appearance from the month before.
Hermione slowly made her way into the large hall, taking in the decorations as she scoured the room for Draco. A large Christmas tree laden with red and gold baubles stood to the side of the stage where an orchestra was playing a rendition of Good King Wenceslas. Enchanted icicles hung from the candelabras that illuminated the hall in a soft, golden glow. Round dining tables were adorned with silver table-clothes and snowflakes flurried above them.
A few couples were on the dance floor, swaying to the carrol, but most were standing about, mingling and grabbing flutes of champagne from trays floating through the crowd. Hermione had just caught a glimpse of blonde hair when someone grabbed her hand and spun her around.
"You're just going to sneak into the country and not tell your best friends?" Ginny scolded, a hand perched on her expanded hip and Harry at her side with a bemused look.
Hermione recoiled, having momentarily forgotten who else she would be encountering that evening.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asked. "We weren't expecting you for almost another two weeks."
"I know. I, um…" Hermione's eyes darted over Harry's shoulder and she caught Ron saluting her with a glass of champagne. Resisting a growl, she continued, "Lizzie was able to help me get some extra days and I thought I'd surprise everyone. An early Christmas gift." Hermione opened her arms, hoping Ginny bought her hasty coverup.
"My best friend for Christmas? Best gift ever!" Ginny leaned over her bulging middle and gave Hermione a tight hug. "How did you know about the Christmas party though? You look amazing, by the way."
Ginny stepped back and ran a hand over the silk skirt of Hermione's emerald green dress with gold swirls embroidered from the waist to the hem that just swept the floor. Lizzie had done her hair in a half updo and then let the rest of her curls hang freely down her back.
Hermione was about to answer Ginny but Harry's smirk stopped her short.
"South of France, my arse," he muttered, shaking his head. He took Ginny's hand and tugged her to his side. "I think Hermione has a date she should be joining."
Hermione gave her friend a grateful smile and turned, leaving him to endure Ginny's endless questions. A quick scan of the room and Hermione found Draco again, standing just by the bar. He was engaged in conversation with an older couple, oblivious to her presence.
Gliding through the crowd, she thought about what she would say when she reached him. Should she go with a simple hello? Maybe tap him on the shoulder and ask for a dance? If she knew who he was talking to she might throw caution to the wind and announce her arrival with a kiss. Alas, she didn't recognize the man nor the woman and didn't want Draco to appear unprofessional in front of his colleagues.
Coming up behind him, she settled on saying nothing and slipped her arm around his. Keeping her attention on the unknown wizard, who was chatting about potion stability, she acted as though she had been there for the entire conversation while watching Draco's reaction from the corner of her eye.
It was a credit to his attentiveness that it took two beats and then a double-take before he realized what was going on.
"Excuse me, Leonard, but I must kiss this beautiful witch that has just appeared on my arm."
Hermione didn't even get to say 'hello' before Draco made good on his intentions and pressed his lips to hers.
"What are you doing here? I thought you couldn't get the time off." Draco's smile stretched from ear to ear as he cupped her cheek.
"We'll talk shop after the holidays, Mr. Malfloy," the now known wizard, Leonard, said, patting Draco's shoulder. "Enjoy the party. Nice to see you, Miss Granger," he added with a slight bow of his head.
As Leonard and his wife walked off, recognition set in. "Oh, I do know him. Healer Dolson, from St. Mungos."
"Yes, he's a very generous beneficiary to our department. I like to stay in his good graces." Draco focused his attention back to Hermione and opened his mouth but no sound came out. Instead, he leaned down and kissed her again, though slower than the first, as if he was testing to see if she truly was standing in front of him. He pulled back slightly and murmured, "Uh oh."
Hermione let out a sigh and rested her forehead against his. "She's right behind me, isn't she?"
Draco could only nod as a shriek of "When the bloody hell were you going to tell us about this?"
"She sounds just like her mother," Hermione muttered as she turned around, slipping her hand into Draco's.
"You take that back, Hermione Granger!" Ginny growled, stalking forward until she was directly in front of them. "I am not just like my mother!"
"I only said sounds like," Hermione said defensively.
The redhead glared at them for a moment before holding out her hands with a demanding, "Well?"
"Merry Christmas, Draco!" Lizzie chirped, appearing out of nowhere and giving Draco a peck on the cheek.
"Cheers, Elizabeth," Draco replied as she scampered off. Hermione was impressed when he returned Ron's wave as he and Lizzie left the hall. "It's not that big of a deal, Ginevra. We haven't been sneaking around behind your back or anything nefarious. I was in New York last month. Hermione and I met up, had some dinner, and decided to see where a relationship might lead."
"Met up?" Hermione leaned back and gave him a perplexed look. "You stalked my flat and fell asleep on my stoop."
"Thank you, Granger. I was going for a version of the story that didn't make me look like a desperate vagrant." He pulled her back to him and wrapped an arm around her waist. "You're supposed to help improve my image." His face dropped as he looked back at Ginny. "I'm sorry, we didn't mean to upset you. We both have such rough past relationships we just-"
"I'm not upset, you twat!" Ginny cried, sniffling and hastily wiping her eyes. "I'm so fucking happy for you both!" She threw her arms around both of them and half hugged, half-strangled them. "I'm sorry if I came off angry. I'm not. I'm just shocked and happy, and relieved, and hormonal."
Harry gave them a knowing smile and kissed the top of his wife's head before suggesting, "How about we go claim a table and they can spill all their secrets."
Ginny nodded and barely took a step before letting out a sharp hiss and grabbing her side.
"Gin, you okay?" Hermione grabbed her friend's free hand. "Is it time?"
"No, it's not time," Ginny said, waving her off. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Everything aches these days. I'm fine, though."
They snagged plates of hor d'oeuvres and found an empty table where Hermione and Draco took turns regaling the couple about Draco's unexpected weekend in New York City. Ginny sat and listened, keeping her questions to a minimum until the very end.
"You planned a date?" Ginny said at the same time Harry asked, "You bought a mobile?", both looking at Draco in disbelief.
"Yes, and yes," Draco answered, finishing off the last of his canapés. "It would appear I do have the ability to function like a reasonable, mature adult. Or at least the foundation is there. Oh, please don't cry again," he pleaded.
Hermione looked up and saw Ginny's eye glistening again. Giving her a reassuring smile, Hermione reached over and squeezed her hand.
Ginny pouted and croaked, "Don't tell me what to do, Malfoy," and glared as she shoved a crudités in her mouth.
"I think what Ginny means to say is that we are both very happy about this surprising news and any tears shed are happy tears," Harry translated, rubbing his wife's back.
Draco leaned close and whispered, "He's learned quickly over the past nine months."
His breath across her neck gave her delicious shivers and she instinctively rested her head against his, prompting a kiss just below her ear.
"Have you seen who's tied for the top of the league?" Harry interjected and Draco laughed.
Whatever the inside joke they had going was lost on Hermione and she asked, "Which teams?"
"The Tornados are actually tied with the Chudley Cannons."
"Wow. I feel sorry for Lizzie on match day. How long has it been since Ron's washed that eyesore of a jersey?" Hermione scrunched up her nose, her mind full of vivid memories of Ron never letting her even near his lucky Cannons jersey when the team was on a winning streak. After week three, the stench coming off that thing had a life of its own.
"Six weeks," Harry and Ginny groaned in unison.
"Oh, god." Hermione suppressed a gag and shook her head. "When's the next match? I can't let her see that side of him yet."
Draco had never particularly enjoyed the Ministry's holiday parties. The only reason he would turn up was to represent his department and make sure they stayed on the good side of all their donors. So every year he would slap on a smile, make the same polite small talk, laugh at the same lame jokes, and leave exactly thirty-minutes after dessert had been cleared.
At the moment, though, Draco had no clue how long it had been since the dessert plates had vanished. With Hermione resting against his chest, letting out contented sighs as they swayed on the dance floor, he didn't much care what time it was.
"I'm going to send Lizzie the most expensive bottle of wine tomorrow," he murmured, grazing one hand up and down her back while holding her close with the other.
"She's partial to red," Hermione sleepily replied.
"Noted," he said with a soft chuckle. "Are you ready to head out? You sound tired."
"Mmm, can we hold to this moment just a little longer?" she said, tightening her hold on his shoulders.
He smiled into her hair and was about to oblige the request until he saw a frighteningly familiar dark-haired woman coming towards him. What the fuck was she doing here?
"Sorry, but no. We have to leave, now."
He grabbed Hermione's arm and started for the door but was slowed as his dazed and confused girlfriend stumbled after him. He caught her around the waist before she lost her balance.
"I'm sorry," he said urgently. "I don't mean to rush but we have to get-"
"Draco!"
Hermione's brow furrowed as he groaned and his hands instinctively clenched. His right eye would start twitching by the end of her next sentence.
"I thought that was you. You weren't trying to run away, were you? "
And there was the twitch.
"Hello, Astoria," Draco replied, forcing his voice and face to keep an even keel. As he turned, he briefly caught the look on Hermione's face. Her eyebrows were slightly arched but she too kept her face passive as she followed his cue and turned to face the banshee. "Apologies but you caught us just as we were leaving."
"Us?" Astoria asked innocently.
"Hermione Granger. Nice to meet you."
Hermione held out her right hand, while securely holding onto Draco's arm with her left. He wasn't sure if the gesture was to keep his temper grounded or to add an extra effect but, either way, he appreciated it.
"You're actually seeing someone," Astoria quipped, side-eyeing Hermione but making no move to shake her hand. "Your pool of slags dry up?"
Draco could feel a vein about to burst in his temple and was about to spit out a retort when Hermione's nails dug into his bicep and he heard her say, "High road," in a low, sing-song voice. He took a deep breath, ready to turn and walk away when a large neanderthal of a man came up behind Astoria and handed her a glass of champagne.
"Here you are, babe," he said, resting a hand on Astoria's hip.
Hermione let out a squeak and when Draco looked, her face was still fairly emotionless except that her eyes seemed to sparkle with amusement. He turned back as Astoria introduced her brute.
"I'm sure you recognize Cormac McClaggen. He's the keeper for the Montrose Magpies." Astoria looked up at him with a sickening, saccharine smile.
"Hello, Cormac," Hermione greeted. "It's been a while."
Cormac glanced down at Hermione with a slow blink and then he grinned. "Oi, Granger! You're looking fit!" And he gave her what Draco assumed should have been a friendly pat on the shoulder but ended up throwing her into Draco's side. Cormac took no notice and asked, "How are ya?"
"Fine, thank you," Hermione said, smoothing out her dress.
"How do you know Draco's friend, darling?" Astoria cooed.
Draco bit back a growl as he felt Hermione give his bicep another squeeze. The woman had quite the grip. He predicted a bruise or two by the end of the evening.
"Dated in sixth year, didn't we, Granger?" Cormac all but grunted.
Hermione smiled sweetly and said, "Sure, we'll call it that."
Draco was about to question his girlfriend's sanity when he noticed the hint of malice in her tone as she stared down Astoria. When he glanced back at Astoria he found her smile faltering and eyes full of agitation. He smirked. Hermione was able to take the high road and still get under the serpent's scales. Brilliant!
His smugness was quickly washed away when Astoria raised her glass to her lips and Draco was practically blinded by the light bouncing off the obscene diamond perched on her ring finger. A boulder dropped into his stomach. She had laughed at his proposal yet accepted this clod's?
Hermione didn't miss a beat though. She nodded at Astoria's absurd accessory and said, "Congratulations. When is the big day?"
"Oh, thank you! We haven't set a date, yet, but I'm thinking of June. Maybe the fifth?" She shot a simpering smile at Draco and he felt another bite of Hermione's nails. Astoria continued, "It'll be some time this summer. We're waiting for the Quidditch season to end."
"Yes, that makes sense." Hermione turned her gaze back to Cormac and said, apologetically, "I really hope the season turns around for your team, Cormac. I can't imagine the stress you're under with the threat of relegation."
It took every ounce of will power to remain calm and not gape at her. Where was she suddenly pulling Quidditch stats from? Between his marveling of Hermione and animosity for Astoria, Draco felt on the verge of a panic attack and desperately wanted to get out of the hall.
Cormac was stumbling over his attempt to put together a coherent sentence about why his team was performing so poorly while Astoria stood fuming, her angry stare alternating from Draco to Hermione.
Interrupting Cormac's nonsensical rambling, Hermione said, "It was lovely to meet you, Astoria, but we really must be going. Have a lovely evening." Then she smiled and gently pulled Draco towards the door. He thought he heard Cormac grunt goodbye but there was only silence from Astoria.
They didn't talk as they rode the lifts to the International Portkey office so Hermione could pick up her suitcase and then she apparated them to his flat.
Back home, Hermione sent her suitcase floating to his bedroom and hung her wrap up on a coat hook. Draco stayed standing in one spot, willing the tension to drain from his body. It's as if all outlets had been dammed up and his anger kept coursing through his veins.
"Shit," he swore. "We should have told Harry and Ginevra we were leaving."
"I'm sure once they see that harlot, they'll understand our hasty exit," Hermione called from the kitchen. When did she go to the kitchen? She reappeared a minute later and placed a cup of tea in his hands. "It's nice to see actual food in your cupboards."
He smiled and took a sip of tea, knowing the liquid was hot but relishing the burn on his tongue as it started jogging his senses back in place.
"Talk to me," Hermione said softly, cradling his cheek.
Draco isn't sure what to say. He shook his head and took another swig of his tea. "That woman just gave me a whole gift basket of issues to discuss with Marie tomorrow."
"You're feeling conflicted."
It was a statement, not a question. How could he tell his beautiful girlfriend that he was self-conscious about his vicious ex-girlfriend marrying some dumb jock instead of him?
"I have a feeling I know what's going through your mind and the truth is that you weren't good enough for her."
"That doesn't make me feel better."
"She was looking for someone rich, good-looking, and dumb. You only check two of those boxes." And her lips were on his before he could respond. "You're too intelligent for her. She needs some dumb sheep that she can manipulate and will keep her pampered."
"I'm sorry," he whispered, hiding his face in her hair. "I shouldn't even care about it. It's not fair to you and-"
"Draco." Hermione pulled back and took his half-empty teacup. She placed the cups on the table and then placed her hands firmly on his shoulders, looking him in the eye. "Trust me, a therapy veteran, when I say it's perfectly normal. Just because your brain thinks it doesn't mean it's how you actually feel."
"I'm really happy you're here."
"I'm really happy I'm here, too."
He leaned down and kissed her, humming in amusement when she undid his dress robes and pushed them from his shoulders.
"Would you please explain your connection with McClaggen?"
"It's a story that involves both him and Ron. Do you really want to hear about it now?" she asked, placing a palm over his growing erection.
"I suppose it can wait. Can I at least ask how you knew about the Quidditch relegation fact?"
"Winged it. I honestly have no knowledge of Quidditch stats and standings." She swiftly undid the buttons of his shirt and stripped it from his torso. "Are you done asking questions now?" she asked, her fingers dancing up his chest.
"My curiosities are satisfied, for now."
"Good, cause I thought now would be a good time to give you an early Christmas gift."
"Oh? What is it?" He let out a hiss of pleasure as she nipped at his neck and unzipped his trousers.
"A wise witch told me that blow jobs never go out of style," Hermione purred, sinking to her knees and taking his pants with her.
"Fuck," Draco groaned, kicking the clothing off his feet and to the side. Hermione's face was right in front of his crotch and the soft puffs of breath were making his cock twitch.
Her soft, nimble fingers caressed his calves and slowly worked their way north, grazing through the fine hairs on his thighs, smoothing over the curve of his ass and then fingernails digging into the soft flesh, making him elicit another hiss followed by a wanton moan. Hermione brought her hands back to his front, cupping his balls while dragging a finger over his perineum, making his cock strain and bounce in anticipation. Her tongue darted out to lick a drop of precum from his slit and she looked up at him as she seductively spread it around her lips.
"Such a fucking tease," he rasped. "Don't stop."
"Wouldn't think of it," she purred, wrapping her fingers loosely around his cock and stroking up and down his rigid shaft. "Tell me, how are you feeling now?"
"So fucking good."
"Mmm." She leaned in until her mouth was just about grazing his prick. "And what's on your mind...right...now?
Draco looked down into the lust-filled hazel eyes gazing back at him. There was only one thing he could focus on at that moment.
"You," he breathed. "Only you."
The minx on her knees grinned and kissed the tip. He watched in rapt anticipation as she licked a strip from the base of his cock to the head, swirling her tongue around the knob before briefly sucking it into her mouth and then releasing with a soft pop. She repeated her ministrations three more times and Draco let his head loll back, reveling in all the blissful torment the witch bestowed upon him.
He let out a long keen when Hermione fully took him in her mouth. With slow and steady sucks, she sheathed him in her wet warmth until her nose was nuzzling his pubic hair and his cock was throbbing at the back of her throat. When he looked down, she was still peering up at him, her cheeks hollowed and pupils hiding all but a sliver of hazel.
"So beautiful," he breathed, tangling his fingers in her hair. When he gave her curls a gentle tug she hummed in approval, almost causing him to lose himself. The effect did not go unnoticed by Hermione.
As she drew her lips back up his cock, she let out another low hum and held it as she sucked back down. The vibrations as she slid up and down his length were maddening. He wasn't going to last much longer and Hermione was still in her evening gown.
He fought against his release, pulling at her hair and panting, "I'm close, so close." As nice as her mouth was, he could think of other places he longed to explore.
"Mmm-hmm," Hermione hummed, sucking harder and quicker.
Draco couldn't hold back anymore. He growled as he took a firmer grip on her hair and started snapping his hips forward, fucking her wickedly divine mouth. Hermione gripped the sides of his hips, her nails finding purchase in his flesh, and held tight as he thrust in and out, his body begging for surrender.
It was a sublime surrender. Hermione's eyes never left his as his knees locked, his toes curled, and his jaw went slack. He thrust forward once more, spilling himself down her throat as she held him in her mouth, eagerly sucking and swallowing every drop.
As Draco shuddered and his body started to relax, Hermione eased her sucking to languid swirls of her tongue as she pulled back and finally released him.
"Fuck," he breathed, pushing curls off her sweaty face. "I had more planned for the evening than just getting sucked off in the sitting room."
Hermione laughed and stood up, her dress falling to the floor as she did. The sight of her standing in nothing but black panties, high heels, and a gold necklace made his cock start twitching again.
"Oh, are you already spent for the night?" Hermione asked innocently, bending down to take off a shoe.
"Leave those on," Draco instructed.
"Yeah?" She straightened up and smirked.
"I think we can find a few more tunes for you to hum."
He picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. She let out a shriek and Draco gave her arse a slap before carting her off to the bedroom.
"Hermione! Hermione!"
"No," Hermione grumbled as she struggled to lift her head from the pillow. Creaking open one eye she glimpsed out the window at the still star-studded sky.
"Hermione! Wake up!"
"Go back to sleep, Draco. We can go again in the morning," she mumbled, burying her face back in her pillow.
"Not me. Potter," Draco's muffled voice answered.
Hermione bolted up and looked to her right. Draco was just rolling over to look up at her.
"Hermione!"
"Shit!" Hermione grabbed the bedsheet and bolted from the bedroom, wrapping the sheet around her as she skidded to a stop in front of the fireplace. Harry's disembodied head floated there, panic rippling across his face. "Harry! I'm so sorry! What's wrong?"
"The baby is coming and Ginny kicked me out of the delivery room. She's demanded I get you. I'm sorry, Hermione, but can you please come talk to her? I really don't want to miss the birth of my child and-" Harry abruptly stopped and looked down. Hermione clutched her sheet tighter, afraid she had let a bit slip, but then Harry said, "Sorry for the interruption, Draco."
Hermione looked back and saw Draco naked and standing behind her. "Oh, for fuck's sake," she cried, jumping up to stand in front of him.
"What? You took the sheet," Draco said, putting his hands on her shoulders. "What on earth did you do so wrong that Ginevra kicked you out?"
Harry looked back up, momentary relief flashing in his eyes. "I have no idea. Hermione, will you help please?"
"Of course. Let me get some clothes on and I'll be right there," she reassured.
"Thank you! You can floo right into the Labor and Delivery waiting room. Bye, Draco." And then Harry's head disappeared and the fireplace went dark.
"I don't even get you for a full night before I have to share you with the baby," Draco sighed.
Hermione rolled her eyes and rushed back to the bedroom. She threw open her suitcase and pulled on the first set of clothes she could lay her hands on. After hastily shoving her feet into trainers and hair into an elastic, she gave Draco a kiss and said, "I don't know when I'll be back."
"Don't worry about that. Give Ginevra my love and tell Harry to stop being an idiot. I am going back to sleep." He gave her one more kiss and crawled back into bed.
"My jealousy knows no bounds." She gave a longing look at the bed before heading back to the fireplace and sending herself to St. Mungos.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," Harry said quickly, hugging her and then pulling her out of the waiting room and down a low lit hallway. "I seriously don't know why Gin kicked me out. I've been doing all the things the books said- soothing massages, comforting reassurances, making sure she has everything she needs."
"Okay, we'll get it all sorted out, I promise. What I need you to do, while I talk to Ginny, is calm yourself down. You hyperventilating and having a panic attack right now isn't going to help anyone. So go get a drink and sit down for a few minutes."
Harry stopped them in front of a closed door and nodded. "This is her room."
Hermione gave him a hug and said, "It's going to be fine. You won't miss the birth of your first child, I promise."
When she walked into the room, Ginny was sitting up in the bed and taking sharp breaths through gritted teeth. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail but a bit had escaped the elastic and was sweatily plastered to the side of her head.
"Good thing I was able to get here a week early," Hermione said, keeping her voice low. She moved to Ginny's side and gently rubbed her back.
"My husband is an arse," Ginny gritted, squeezing the bed rails until her knuckles were white.
"I know. He's not trying to be one though."
The contraction must have passed because Ginny released her death grip on the rails and rested back against the pillows.
"Can I get you anything before the next one?"
"There's a cup of ice chips on the table by the window." Hermione fetched the large blue cup and passed it to Ginny. "I know he means well, Min, but I couldn't take his hovering anymore. He was constantly talking and asking me questions and jumping at any little movement or sign of pain. I'm about to push a baby out of my body! Of course there's going to be pain!"
"Harry hates seeing anyone in pain. It's going to drive him even crazier when you're the one experiencing it." Hermione dabbed a flannel over Ginny's forehead. "He's just trying to help in any way he can. I mean, did we really expect Harry Potter to act any other way?"
Ginny gave her a feeble smile and nod. "I know, I know. And I love him desperately for it all. But at the moment it's driving me insane! I need him to relax and just be here with me. I need-ahhh haha, I need this baby out of me!"
She was gripping the bed rails again and Hermione could see she was trying to remember the Lamaze breathing techniques but her breaths were coming quickly and harsh. Hermione rubbed her shoulders, gently coaxing her friend through the contraction.
When Ginny flopped back on the pillows, Hermione said, "I'm going to go get your medi-witch and send Harry back in, okay?"
"Thanks, Min. Sorry for interrupting your evening."
"The only thing you interrupted was sleep. Though Harry did get quite the view when Draco came out of the room. You should ask him about that."
"Oh, I'm definitely asking him about that." She smiled at Hermione and opened her arms for a hug. "I love you."
"I love you, too." Hermione hugged her tight and then gently rubbed her belly. "And I can't wait to meet this little one."
Back in the hallway, Hermione flagged down a medi-witch and let her know Ginny's contractions were coming quicker, and then went back to the waiting room. Harry was actually sitting down with a cup of tea in hand, but his leg was jittering up and down and his eyes were darting around in all directions as if he wasn't sure what he should be doing.
When Harry saw her he jumped up and tossed his half-drunk tea into the bin. "How is she? Is the baby here? Can I go back in?"
"She's fine Harry. She's just overwhelmed. You need to calm down and relax when you go back in there with her. Stop asking so many questions and just be with her. If she needs anything, she'll tell you."
"Since when has Ginny not told everyone exactly what she wants."
Hermione looked over Harry's shoulder and saw Charlie Weasley kicked back on one of the couches. Arthur was beside him, chuckling into his paper while Molly sat knitting what looked like an entire wardrobe for the new baby.
"Relax and be in the moment, Harry. Everything is going exactly how it should be." Hermione hugged him tightly.
"Thanks, Hermione." He pulled back and glanced down. "You know your shirt's on backward?"
"That's what happens when you're rudely awakened at," Hermione search the walls for a clock, "two in the fucking morning. Merlin, you're lucky I love you."
"I tell myself the same thing all the time." Harry patted her arm and then hurried off to Ginny's room.
Hermione's body suddenly felt like it weighed a ton and it took all her energy to drag herself to the sofa, kick Charlie's boot, and say, "Budge over," before collapsing beside him. She let out a long yawn and rested her head against Charlie's arm.
"What would your new fella say about this?" Charlie laughed, adjusting so that Hermione wasn't leaning at such an awkward angle.
"I forgot how quickly news travels with you Weasleys," she mumbled, closing her eyes and instantly falling asleep.
She was awoken again at five o'clock to Harry shouting, "It's a boy! It's a boy." Her vision came into focus in time to see his unruly hair disappearing down the hall.
"Knew it," Hermione yawned. "Told Ginny back in May that it was a boy."
Arthur and Molly turned to her, Molly's ecstatic smile dropping. "May? She told you in May?"
"Umm, no...maybe?" Oh god, she did not have enough sleep for this.
"Doesn't matter, Mum," Charlie said, gently guiding Hermione to an upright position. "The baby's here."
"Of course, of course," Molly said, waving her hand as if erasing the thought from existence.
While they waited for Harry to return, Hermione floo called Ron to let him know the good news. Luckily he and Lizzie were in a better state of dress than she and Draco had been on Harry's call. Ron just threw a t-shirt on over his lounge pants and came through as Harry came back with the baby.
Hermione got to snuggle and coo over her new godson for a few minutes before passing the baby to Ron and saying her goodbyes, promising to visit as soon as Ginny was back home.
Exhaustion had set in hard by the time she got back to Draco's flat. Jetlag had her feeling like it was only midnight and it felt way too early for the sun to be peeking over the horizon.
When she fell into bed, Draco rolled over and wrapped his arm around her waist. "Everything go okay?" he asked sleepily.
"It's a boy. He looks just like his father and they named him James Sirius. Merlin help us all," she sighed, succumbing to the exhaustion before Draco could ask anything else.
A/N- Stay safe and healthy everyone! May your fics be plenty and your hands clean 3