Summary
"Zabini, with all these specific questions, I'm pretty sure I'm the one your friend has a crush on." Hermione snickered. After her laughter subsided, she looked at Malfoy, a bit of pink staining his cheeks. "Are you alright, Malfoy?"He cleared his throat, "Yes, it's just...hot in here. I'm going to grab some fresh air."
"Zabini! " A voice roared through the Ministry of Magic.
"There goes our peace and quiet." Blaise said, downing the rest of his coffee. Meanwhile, Theodore started to count down when he would show up, "In three, two, one-"
The door banged open.
"What did I say about this charade?" Draco Malfoy said, pointing angrily at a scroll of parchment. "What's so bad about that?" Blaise questioned 'innocently.' Nott scoffed as he skimmed through the Daily Prophet, not wanting to deal with Draco and Blaise's next argument.
"Oh, I don't know, just the part where it's a whole love letter to Astoria!" Draco exclaimed, throwing the paper on the counter in front of the Italian. "Look, mate. It's simple; you need to get out more."
"I do go out Zabini. Every Saturday with you and Nott to some different, chaotic bar somewhere across the world only Merlin knows where and get drunk like never before." Came the reply from the agitated blonde. "And you go home immediately after, which is no fun..." Theo muttered.
Blaise scoffed amusingly, "Wow, interesting, Draco. It's like I'm not there every time!" He gave a narrow look, "Newsflash: I am."
Theo had to stifle a laugh at his feistiness. "Wow Blaise, who knew you could be so feisty," he looked at Draco, "reminds me of someone's partner." He said, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. At that, the Malfoy heir actually laughed at. "Oh, sure Theo. Granger's attitude would never match Blaise's."
He mock gasped in reply, "I never said Granger." He smirked.
Malfoy mimicked the gesture, "And I have no other partners, Nott. Looks like your backed into a corner with a snake."
"But anyways, if I was a girl, Draco would definitely be whipped for me," Blaise winked, "like he is for Grannggerrr." He said in a sing song voice. "Sod off." Draco rolled his eyes. "Can we say something that isn't true? Besides, I'm sure even Granger knows that it's a true fact." Theodore shrugged.
"And what do I know, Nott?" Came a calm voice from the doorway.
Three heads turned to look at the brunette leaning on the doorway, with a knowing look. "Malfoy," she started, looking at the pale man, "do you have the paperwork I need to finish the file?" She asked.
The blonde blinked before answering, "Y-yes," he cleared his throat, "yes, it's in the office, I'll fetch it for you," he sent a glare to Blaise's way, "right after I deal with these two."
She nodded before stepping in to grab coffee. It wasn't long after becoming partners that Draco learned Hermione was a coffee addict. It sums up, seeing as she's a workaholic and stays after hours when everybody's left.
"Look, I'm just saying that it was wrong to send Astoria that love letter." Draco looked at Blaise with a glare that said, 'Don't even think about saying anything before she's gone. '
The Italian shrugged, "Look, Dray. All I'm trying to do is hook you up with some chick so that we can all go on triple dates." The blonde rolled his eyes, "Red's made you all soft and fluffy on the inside, hasn't she." Blaise put his hands up in surrender, "What ever the lady wants, she gets from her boyfriend." He merely explained. "One who's a git and a man child..." muttered Draco.
Hermione almost dropped her mug. ' Astoria and Malfoy? ' She thought. ' Get a grip, Hermione. ' She sighed, why did she suddenly feel affection for her partner? And why did she suddenly feel like she wanted to punch that cow? She wasn't supposed to feel this way.
"Look, Dray. All I'm trying to do is hook you up with some chick so that we can all go on triple dates."
"Red's made you all soft and fluffy on the inside, hasn't she."
Hermione smiled, happy for the mentioned redhead. After the war, Harry and Ginny decided to be friends, instead of lovers. They desperately tried to make the relationship work, though they were simply two puzzle pieces that fit, but were from a different puzzle.
She went through something similar with Ron. Both tried to make it work, but they realized they saw each other in a platonic way, as siblings, much like she did with Harry.
Now at twenty one years old, instead of having a relation status that wasn't single, she's here having a school girl crush on the one person she never thought she would've.
Both her and Malfoy had become friends in seventh year, shortly after his hearing. She testified for him, proving that he had no choice in the war, just like the rest of them. Because of the influence of his parents, he became like them. She could see in his eyes that he wanted to change, he wanted to become his own person. Thanks to both her and Harry, Draco and his mother were spared, with Narcissa on house arrest for only a year, and Draco was forced to go back to Hogwarts.
Sighing once more, she was about to exit when she's heard...
"Sure, Blaise."
"At least I have a girlfriend and I'm wasn't a chicken to ask her out."
"Draco, Blaise, enough. You know that everyone else takes their own time."
A scoff. "Theo, I agree," a pause from Blaise, "but how can someone live without the urge to confess that they fancy someone when they're right there in front of them! Honestly, I mean- she's right here in the Ministry! It's practically killing me! Can't you see the tension?!"
"Relax, Blaise. I understand what you're trying to say, but please don't become a romance like person now..." muttered Theo.
' Malfoy has a crush on a girl in the Ministry? ' The small glimmer of hope in her brain was shut down by logic. ' What are you thinking Hermione? ' She thought, afterward putting her chin high until she reached her office, settling into the routine of work.
As Draco stepped in to his and Hermione's shared office, he noticed something more drastic with the atmosphere. The desire, and determination was now filled with dread, and routine. Much like his own usual shenanigans. Wake up. Eat. Work. Sleep. Repeat.
And that was his New Year's resolution ever since he'd found out what that was. Though there was a time when there wasn't.
"Alright, alright Draco today's the day you do it," Draco looked at himself in the mirror, his straightened his Slytherin tie, and combed back his hair, only making it frizzier and more messed up. But who cares? He freaking Draco Malfoy, the 'Bad Boy' as the Daily Prophet calls him.
It took him all his confidence to go tell Blaise, though he was worried because-
"You're- you're WHAT?!"
Draco sighed, "I told you, I'm going to tell her."
"You better do it quick," Blaise paused, look him in the eye with furrowed brows, "of course I don't want to spoil your moment here, lover boy." Draco scowled. "But I heard yesterday that she's going to Australia for quite sometime."
The blonde's eyes widened, and he was currently devising a 'Plan B' when-
SLAP!
"Ow!" Draco held a hand to his cheek, "What was that for?!" He exclaimed angrily.
"What are you still doing here?! Get out of here and go to her before she uses the portkey!"
floopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowder
"Granger!" He shouted, bursting into her office.
Darkness. Emptiness. The smell of jasmine and vanilla was faint. No more pictures of her and her friends on the wall, no more absurd amount of books on the bookshelf, all that was left was nothing. She was gone. There was only one thing to do left.
floopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowder
"Malfoy," nodded Ginny Weasley curtly, "might I ask what you are doing in my house?" She said, crossing her arms. "Well, Red, I was wondering-"
"Let me guess, 'I was wondering where Granger went.'" The ginger said in a mocking tone, "I love her so much I want to see her one more time before she leaves for Australia!" She said, clasping her hands dramatically, and making goo-goo eyes. Malfoy rolled his eyes, staying silent. "I think your silence is a 'Yes, Madam Potter, you are so wise!'"
She thought what Hermione had said before she left, "'Ginny, if anyone asks, don't tell. I need to do this alone. I finally have a chance to find my parents, and you know how much that means to me!" Ginny nodded, promising her friend.
She was going to keep that promise, no matter what. "Look, even if I did know I wouldn't tell you. You bet your arse that you can get any information," Ginny joked as he started to walk to the floo. "oh, Malfoy!" She called. He turned around raising an eyebrow. "Once you see her again, tell her. Maybe she feels the same way." She offered a smile.
It took him a few minutes before he smiled back, "Thanks Red." Was all he said before the green flames engulfed him.
floopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowder
"She's gone, Blaise." Draco said, not bothering to look up from his paperwork. "And? You're not going to find her?"
"You think I haven't tried? I've asked Potter, Red, Weasley, even Luna! They don't know, or they refuse to tell me."
"Why don't you try-"
"-Actually going to Australia to find her? Blaise, do you know how big a continent is?!"
Blaise sighed, organizing his paperwork, "Use magic. You're a wizard."
"It would take years to find her. You know how stubborn she is, she probably had an 'Undetectable Charm' on herself or something, everyone should have common sense that when Hermione Granger doesn't want to be found, she cuts off all communication."
"Ok." Was the only response that came, which shocked the blonde. "Alright then." He said, nodding before turning toward the door.
"Oh, and Draco," the man in turn stopped, hearing what Blaise had to say. "When she does come back, you better tell her. Sooner, or later someone else will hunt for the treasure."
Draco turned his head, and chuckled. "That, I will do Zabini," he managed a small smile, "oh, and you should know," he opened the door, "a woman shouldn't be merely a prize to win, instead she's a Snitch waiting to be caught."
The door shut. Blaise stared back at it for five moments before he snickered, "Granger and Malfoy sittin' in a tree, being nerds with puns that aren't funny... first comes tension, then comes dating, then comes arguments like the world is ending."
floopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowder
He cleared his throat, "Granger?"
"Yes, Malfoy?" She didn't bother to look up from her enormous stack of papers, larger than what her hair used to be. Coming back six months ago, she noticed that Malfoy was distant.
Far more than where he used to be. They'd started out as acquaintances, with simple nods and waves in the hall. Then, surprisingly a friendship blossomed. It turns out they had a lot of things in common, and they would spend lunch chatting about books, political opinions, even some muggle items that seemed to fascinate Draco.
She didn't know how, but she knew when she started to fancy him.
floopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowder
"I know!" Draco cried, "Isn't that absolutely ridiculous?!" Hermione couldn't stop laughing, "How did he not see the charm?!"
"I'm that good of a caster, love." He winked. 'Shoot. What the bloody hell was that?!' Draco panicked. "Honestly, Theo's a bloody idiot. Otherwise he wouldn't eat that soap!"
"It looked like cake! How could I have checked?!" Came Theo's distant voice.
Hermione laughed harder, but couldn't deny the pink tinge growing on her cheeks. She couldn't remember how this was the boy who'd bullied her in their Hogwarts years; now, standing in front of her was a man who had wit, humor, and everything else.
Alas, she had to deny. Deny. Deny. Deny. Every feeling that was headed her way.
floopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowderfloopowderpowder
"Here's the report, all ready." He said, waving his hand so that the file flew to her desk, landing gracefully and softly in front of her.
"Thank you."
He looked up at her.
"What?" She questioned, tilting her head.
He blinked once, twice, three times.
"Nothing, it's just- you've just thanked me." Draco smirked at her, that prat! Trying to tick her off! Not today. "Come on, Draco. I've thanked you more than once." She said with a knowing smile. "Are you sure about that?"
"Yes! There was the time when- or that case where- no, oh! The mission with- no, no..."
Malfoy chuckled. "See, you haven't even thanked me for our lively lunch breaks, Hermione." Exaggerating her name made her realize that she'd called him 'Draco.' "I'll thank you when you can turn in reports faster."
He rolled his eyes at her comment. "Yeah, yeah, it's not my fault." He muttered. She disagreed with that, "Really, who promised to turn this in first thing in the morning? Remember, the more work we get done, the more we can-"
"-have some free time, snog weasels, read millions of books-"
"-be a git, waste my time, have another one week relationship-"
He stopped writing abruptly. "Who told you that?" He asked, tilting his head in an oh-so-adorable way. "Do you really believe the Prophet,Granger?" She scoffed ignoring her previous thought, "Of course not. Honestly if you think I believe any of that foolishness Skeeter writes then you're horribly mistaken."
"Then you're just as 'mistaken' for believing that I would stoop that low." Her puzzled look urged him to continue, "I have my own preferences, Granger. Just like you and Weasley."
"After all this time you really think that Ron and I are-" she put two fingers up, putting them close side by side. His expression of a quirked eyebrow and a unamused look was all the confirmation she needed.
"If you didn't know, Ronald has been courting Lavender Brown again."
"That one bimbo who tried to eat his face off every second?"
She nodded. "He certainly has bad choice of women..." he added. "I mean, honestly- her over you? What an idiot."
Hermione looked up from her work once more, 'Was that a compliment?'
"Yes, maybe it was." '
'Did I just say that out loud?'
"Yes, you did."
'I should stop, shouldn't I?'
"Well, you shouldn't if what you were going to say next was, 'Draco, you're so devilishly handsome.'" He said, with a wink. "In your dreams, Malfoy."
Yes, Hermione. Surely in his dreams, but you know what they say, 'Make your dream a reality.' And here, my dear readers is where Draco Malfoy will trying to do exactly that.
Footsteps.
Coming closer.
Closer.
And closer.
The door opens, closes.
They resume once again.
They stop.
"What do you want?" Draco said with an annoyed tone. He knew exactly who it was. "Good afternoon to you too."
"Afternoon, Blaise." Said an unbothered Hermione, not wasting a second to peer at the Italian who now took a seat on the 'unsuspecting' blonde's desk. "Get your bloody arse off my work Zabini." Draco said firmly.
Silently shaking his head, he smiled at Draco mischievously. 'Oh no. What are you going to do now Blaise?' He thought miserably. "Granger," Blaise nodded in her direction. "I need your assistance with something important."
Draco looked at him suspiciously, and knew one thing: This was not going to end well at all. Meanwhile, Blaise continued, "I have this friend," he slightly turned his head to Draco, winking at him subtly while the pale man connected his hand to his forehead. "He's been having trouble lately. I was wondering if you could give me some advice to help him."
"Okay," said Hermione hesitantly, putting her quill down. "What's the current situation with your friend?" She asked politely.
"He wants to woo this witch, but he doesn't have the guts to tell her." he sighed dramatically. 'No wonder Pansy loves him.' Thought Draco.
"Let me guess, he's a Slytherin."
"He's certainly not a Gryffindor, otherwise he'd have the courage to go up and snog her already!"
Hermione then shifted her gaze to Draco. "What do you think, Malfoy?" She asked, picking up her quill and fiddling with it. ' Was she nervous? ' Draco looked back at Blaise (who had an impish look on his face), then back at the brunette. "I honestly think that you should let the bloke go at his own pace." He shrugged.
"But what if his pace is agonizingly slow?" Countered Blaise. "In my opinion, you should give him some space so that he can find a way." Said Draco calmly. "Yeah, some space to move all the way to France just to avoid her." Snorted Blaise.
"Granger, what's your say on this?"
"Honestly?" Hermione put her free hand under her chin, "I think your friend needs to get to know his witch, and he needs to approach her gently and calmly."
"Afraid that won't work, Granger. This is a Slytherin we're talking about. We tend to stray on the subtle, sly path." Blaise replied, smirking. "Ok, so he just needs to take that subtle and sly path." Shrugged Hermione.
"What would you want from a handsome man, Hermione?"
Draco scoffed, "Flattery will get men anywhere."
"Yes, as well as their huge egos." Responded Hermione, looking earnestly at her partner. "Back to my question," Said Blaise.
"Zabini, with all these specific questions, I'm pretty sure I'm the one your friend has a crush on." Hermione snickered. After her laughter subsided, she looked at Malfoy, a bit of pink staining his cheeks. "Are you alright, Malfoy?"
He cleared his throat, "Yes, it's just...hot in here. I'm going to grab some fresh air." He stood up, as did Blaise. Walking to the door, he held it open, "Zabini." He said with a tone, looking at his best friend with fire in his eyes.
As soon as the two men walked out, the door closed shut; finally leaving Hermione in the peace of silence.
"I wonder what that was about..."she muttered before at last focusing on the stack of files in front of her.
Draco sighed, walking to the lounge room, with Blaise not to far behind. He let the Italian stride in first, then closed the door, casting a quick 'Muffliato '.
Draco was silent. ' He's almost like a fart...silent, but deadly. ' Thought Blaise. It took the blonde several moments until he spoke- well- yelled.
"What were you thinking, Blaise?!"
"I was thinking about you!"
"What am I, a helpless child?!"
"You're sure acting like one!"
"Just quit it Zabini!" He yelled.
The two were panting, and then they stared at one another. "What are we even doing?" Asked Draco, shaking his head, turning to face the (charmed) window. "Arguing because I'm helping you get a girlfriend." The Italian shrugged.
"Honestly, Blaise I already told you-"
"-you're not good enough for her, bla bla bla. I know, but I'm sure you know that you're practically the only weakness she possesses- oh sh-" he covered his mouth immediately. Draco froze, proceeding to turn around like a caught criminal.
"What?"
"Nothing. Look, forget I said anything." He tried to cover up. 'Oh, Ginny's gonna murder me!' "Nice try." The blonde chuckled, "You can't just say something that credulous and expect me to obliviate myself of it."
"Just shut up, and woo her, Draco." Blaise sighed, wanting his cause of drinking coffee out of the room. "And you owe me!" He shouted, as Draco left the room. Well, he probably never even heard Blaise, seeing as no one had uplifted the spell...
He didn't know what possessed him. All he knew was that his feet was running at lightning speed with one destination in his mind: Hermione. He stopped abruptly when he finally reached the office doors.
What would he do if she rejected him?
' Well he could quit his job, change his name as Graco Dalfoy and move to America. Yeah, that seemed like a fool proof plan. Or- wait he could actually-
"Draco?" The use of his first name jolted him from his thoughts. He looked down and saw her looking up at him with her beautiful doe eyes. The urge to kiss her had to be resisted, for he had more important manners.
His face soon morphed into a smirk, starting to take a step forward, as she, back.
Forward. Backwards.
Two steps forward, two backward.
Three forward, three back.
By then she was close to being backed into her desk. Grinning, Draco closed the door and looked her dead in the eye.
"Who knew Hermione Granger had a weakness?"
She tilted her head adorably, well, to Draco it was. "Pardon?" She asked. "Don't you know that everyone has a weakness, Granger?" His smirk was beginning to crawl back on his face.
"Of course," Hermione scoffed. "Nobody's perfect. Not even Dumbledore."
That caused Draco to scrunch his nose up. "Who said he was even close to being perfect?"
She smiled, something that made his heart soar, much like the smile she granted him the day before she left.
"You still haven't answered my question." He said, crossing his arms.
"Well, yes, I do."
He quirked an eyebrow.
"I'm assuming you want me to tell you, don't you?"
"You catch on quick," Said Draco, winking at her. "Come on, I'm practically dying to know what the Hermione Granger's weakness is!"
"If I tell you mine, you tell me yours."
"Very mature, Granger."
"Says the man who's to coward to tell a girl he fancies her..." She mumbled, rolling her eyes. "Says the woman who's to coward to tell me her weakness." He mimicked.
"You tell me yours first."
Honestly, she didn't want to act like a silly schoolgirl, but she had no choice. What would he do when she told him? Laugh at her, make fun of her, avoid her forever...she shuddered at the mere thought.
Did he really have to be the one to initiate this? Hermione Granger, 'Golden Girl,' 'Brightest Witch of Her Age,' too Hufflepuff for once to be a Gryffindor. Honestly, this woman would be the death of him.
"Well?" The witch occupying his current thoughts had an impatient look on her face, while her foot was tapping at a very fast rhythm.
He put his hands up in surrender, "I won't say it until you." With a wink he added, "Ladies first, love."
"Aren't you a charmer?" Asked the witch sarcastically.
"You say that because I can charm you into doing anything." Draco wiggled his eyebrows.
"Yes, yes of course Mr. Malfoy! Let me just fetch you some tea," she playfully teased.
He was about to retort, maybe even about to ask her out if he had the opportunity, but-
"If this discussion isn't related to anything Ministry related, would you mind if I spare a few moments talking to Ms. Granger?" A low, smooth voice interrupted.
There stood the Minister of Magic himself, with a gentle smile on his face.Of course, he wasn't that old yet. He could see the tension between these two, and he knew this decision was the best. Even if it meant losing his best Auror duo.
"Minister Shacklebolt," Draco said, his posture straightening immediately. Slowly, he back up from Hermione, her cheeks were 'oddly' flushed, and she averted looking at Malfoy altogether. "I'll be on my way, then. See you tomorrow, Granger." He said, before walking to the door and swiftly shutting it.
He slapped his face with both hands. What an idiot! You could've just straight up told her, but no, you just had to engage into the playful banter! Merlin, why is she so irresistible?! He groaned as his hands slid down his face. Honestly, he had a feeling of why Kingsley was there.
He was going to promote her. Move her out of the field, out of their shared office, out of the department, out of everything! Why did she have to be the most perfect witch in the world?!
He sighed, walking to the floo, sending a silent prayer that something may happen...and that he may not get a partner like Weasley.
"What do you say?" Kingsley said, holding his hand out.
She thought about it. "I'll think about it, Kingsley. After all, being your assistant will be quite a handful, I'm sure." She admitted honestly.
The Minister took it well and laughed it off. "Of course, take as much time as you need Hermione. But for now, just think about it. I know one of your future goals is to take over in my position once I decide to retire." Shacklebolt connected his hands together.
"You make a good point,"
"Why else would I have been selected as Minister?" He joked.
Thankful Kingsley was so understanding, she smiled at sat on her desks. Meanwhile, the Minister took a look at the office and back to the young woman. He sighed, scratching the back of his neck, saying, "I'd better leave. I know by now Mr. Thomas will have a report about needing new supplies for the 'Experimental Project' we have going on."
Nodding her goodbye, he turned on his heal and headed for the door. Though before he closed it, he added, "And Hermione?"
"Yes Kingsley- I mean, Minister?"
"Maybe the job will come with something more than a promotion." He winked teasingly as he left her to ponder on his words.
One month later, a week until Valentine's Day...
She's accepted the promotion!" Wailed Draco, his forearm covering his sight of his friend's smooth ceiling. "Look, Draco. It's not the end of the world, besides, you do know-"
"He's leaving for America the day after tomorrow! Of course he'll bring Granger along with him! I'm doomed!" He cried, turning violently while burying the nearby pillow in his face.
"Blaise, I've made up my mind."
"And what is that Romeo?"
"Screw it all! I'm going to ask her out before she leaves."
"But- Draco, wait!"
Before he could even attempt to make his friend listen, the green flames had already engulfed him, sending Draco to the ministry, an eager smile on his face. He was going to do something stupid...again. How was he the second smartest student at Hogwarts? "Idiot..." Mumbled the dark man.
"Granger!" Draco yelled. Hermione froze. He must of found out, hasn't he? "I need to talk to you," He said seriously, pointing at her now old office. "In private." Draco added, opening the door for her. Honestly, what a gentleman dear readers. I bet we'd all like a Draco in our lives, wouldn't we?
"I hear that because of you new promotion you're going to the Americas with the Minister for a few months, regarding the negotiation between the two authorities."
"Yes, that is correct Malfoy. Tell me, may I help you in any way?" Crossing her arms, Hermione looked at Draco earnestly. "Actually, there is a dilemma I need assistance on, Granger."
"You see, next week is Valentine's Day as you are perfectly aware of," she nodded silently, a gesture to let him continue. "And the girl who I fancy well- she probably won't be here by then."
"Ah, yes! Your famous 'Mystery Gal'. I've got to say, I never figured out who she was."
"Well, that's why I need your help. You know who she is from head to toe." He fought the lopsided grin. He knew she was going to figure him out...eventually. "I'm going to need more facts than that." Hermione said impatiently. She really needed to start packing for both America, and she needed to pack some of her things out of the office.
"Let me think..." he tapped his chin teasingly. "She's very short."
"And so are many other women who were in our year."
"She's very feisty, and has a hot temper sometimes..."
"I never expected you to fancy a Weasley. Especially a married one."
"She is also a brunette."
"Lavender? My, my Malfoy. I never expected you to put your standards so low-"
"You bloody witch! It's a young woman with impossible curly hair, one that has those irresistible doe eyes, one who loves to read, and one who is standing right in front of me!"
He took a breath, panting from his quick outburst. One glance at her told him that she was shocked at his confession, so he continued. "And may I mention, that the 'Mystery Gal' that you've been wondering about is you, Hermione Jean Granger. You. I. Am. Bloody. Well. In. Love. With. You!"
'Me? He's in love with...me?!
"I- you really feel this way, Mal- erm- Draco?"
His eyes bulged out, "I practically yell my feelings out to the whole Wizarding World, and you are asking me if I really 'feel this way,' of course I do!" Draco grabbed her shoulders, shaking her as if it was the end of the world.
And...it was. The end of their world of friendship, that was for sure. And for the rest of their friends? Well, let's just say that there'll be an exchanging of quite a few galleons with many 'I-told-you-so's.
"Ok, ok, I get it you idiot! I was just checking if you were actually serious!"
"Sirius is my cousin, I'm Draco."
"Oh now we're on to ridiculous puns, are we? You know-"
And he shut her up, of course, but with his lips. All that was felt was the sparks, the explosions and fireworks behind their eyes. Honestly? Neither had never felt anything with anyone else that they felt with each other in the present.
"So," he started, taking in a few breathes, "will you go out to dinner with me on Valentine's?" In response, she chuckled breathily, "You do know that's the day I come back from America, right?"
"Yes, all the better to whisk you away to some overly-grand restaurant."
"Who knew Draco Malfoy was such a hopeless romantic," she smiled at him, her arms looped around his neck.
"The day he realized he was in love with Hermione Granger."
I know it may seem out of place most of the time, but that's because I wrote it in a span of three months! Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the first piece of 2022! I'm sorry that it's so late!
- GeekyPerson
