He was someone that seemed unreachable, an impalpable being floating by life as if it were a dream lived in seconds. He acted impermeable, no public opinion or whispers of rumors spoken in the shadows could deter how high he held his head. She viewed it as admirable, others viewed it as arrogance.
She felt as if Draco Malfoy were someone not really…real. Anymore at least. He was embodied by someone she would have been friends with in school, someone she could have gotten along with throughout her life. He didn't seem like Draco Malfoy anymore, he seemed…new and intangible.
He was granted a very lenient year long probation, his mother given a similar sentencing but extended to five years of probation after serving three years on house arrest and his father given a seventeen year long sentence to Azkaban. It all seemed fair for the respective members of the Malfoy family, and with Lucius absent for the next almost two decades, Draco's sole responsibility was rebranding the Malfoy name.
And he did a damn good job at it.
He arranged handwritten apologies for nearly every classmate for his behavior during Hogwarts and during the war, Narcissa Malfoy made homemade (but assumed elf made) gift baskets for those who had spoken at their hearings to attest to their good character. They threw out galleons to funding efforts like it was candy in a parade, even taking out a full page ad in support of Hermione's legislation that would undue most laws that benefited purebloods, writing that 'The only stable state is the one in which all men are created equal before the law' a direct quote from a muggle philosopher.
Surprise was most evident for Hermione, followed by suspicion, gratitude, excitement then suspicion again.
That act alone was the one that sealed their welcome back into society, and the mother and son made their first public appearance since Narcissa's house arrest was completed at the Ministry's 296th Anniversary that summer.
They looked…grand. As if their patriarch wasn't locked away for crimes against the wizarding world, as if they had never been on the wrong side of the war, as if they belonged. It wasn't a fair assessment, Hermione surmised, but it just seemed a tad off for them to look so radiant despite everything.
The Malfoy's seemed to be the topic of conversation that evening.
"Feels weird seeing them chum it up here, even if they did make the largest donation to the Ministry ever the last couple years." Harry stated over his flute of champagne.
"Yeah mate, never thought I'd have to see that slimy git's face again." Ron added with a sneer.
"Suppose they both had an epiphany." Hermione commented thoughtfully, trying to give them the benefit of the doubt.
"More like they didn't want to become social pariahs." Ron dryly remarked and Hermione twitched her cheek.
"I can't tell if it's genuine or not." Ginny said as she looked at a smiling Narcissa Malfoy who just shook hands with the half-blood head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.
"I know, same here. Especially with the way they…look. Just totally, I don't know, surreal? At how natural they're acclimating back into society, a more progressive society at that." Hermione noted, watching as Draco's tall figure spoke with another ministry official, the two men soon chuckling.
"Maybe it's because the last time we all saw them was during the final battle and their hearings." Harry said, catching the Minister's eye and knew it was time to join the other speakers. "Either way, I don't find their presence unsettling. I may even go over there and speak with them."
"Well I won't. I have nothing to say to them." Ron stubbornly stated and Hermione rolled her eyes.
"I think I might. I only thanked them via letter for their support on my legislation. As much as I hate to admit it, what they did was very monumental. I think it pushed some Wizengamot members to vote yes." Hermione said, her eyes still trained on the summer robes Malfoy wore, a dark, deep blue. Not navy either, but brighter. She thought the color suited him.
"Mione, you can't be serious? The letter was fine enough. No need to extend yourself, especially to them." He nodded with slight disgust at the pair. She frowned at his attitude and took a step away, out of his hold on her hip.
"I will if I want to. Besides, I'm curious to see how genuine they are. Think of it as research."
Without another word, she began to make her way across the crowded atrium, getting stopped a few times as people wanted to say hi or take pictures, something she was accustomed to after the war. She obliged but continuously kept her eye on the Malfoy's, briefly making contact with Draco before he swiftly turned his back to her and whispered something into his mother's ear. Hermione thought the gesture odd, but carried on with her path anyway.
Once she reached the two, Narcissa was the first to speak, offering her a warm smile, a stark contrast to the look of worry and stress during her Ministry hearing and sentencing.
"Miss Granger, how lovely to see you." She said and Hermione let her thoughts drift negatively for a moment as she regarded the pureblood. Was it actually lovely or was she just being polite?
"You as well. Evening Draco." She said, turning to the young man in front of her, having to tilt her head up to meet his eyes despite her tall heels. He simply nodded with a tight lipped smile, so she returned her attention back to Narcissa. "I wanted to thank you both, in person, for the support again. It profoundly helped tip the scales to weigh more favorably in my interest."
"Of course, we were more than happy to offer our support, even though it was Draco's idea." She calmly stated and Hermione turned her eyes up to her former schoolmate. His eyes peered at her for a moment, then settled for something over the top of her head.
"Hardly mother." He remarked indifferently.
"No need to be modest dear. You read the piece of legislation cover to cover, researched how it had impacted the community and even found those moving articles by that muggle philosopher, oh what's his—"
"Mother." Draco interrupted. "I'm sure Granger doesn't need to be bothered by those drawling details."
Hermione was actually far more intrigued now, but before she could open her mouth to engage Draco further, Narcissa softly shook her head and continued.
"Of course. I don't mean to cut our conversation short Miss Granger but I see a friend trying to flag me down, so if you'll excuse us. It was nice chatting, good luck on your next draft of legislation." She said while wrapping her arm around Draco's.
"Likewise, enjoy the celebration." Hermione smiled then watched them walk away, Malfoy keeping his eyes set on his next destination. How strange.
The interaction felt civil and genuine, but Draco's behavior seemed awkward, maybe even embarrassed. Totally different than the persona he wore tonight. Whatever it was, it plagued her mind for the rest of the evening, constantly being called out by Ron for not listening.
"Are you okay? You've been daydreaming all night." He commented with a frown.
"I'm alright, just a lot on my mind and a lot going on at the moment. I think I may head upstairs, get some air." She said and stepped away from his body.
"Want me to come with?" He offered and she shook her head with a tired smile.
"That's alright, I'll only be a few minutes."
Hermione walked towards the back hall of the ministry, finding the set of stairs leading up to one of her favorite places in the building. The platform before the set of stairs on the third floor had a large window with a cement sill that could fit probably ten people across. Since no one ever used the stairs, she would often have lunch there, finding peace in the people watching as well as the seasons changing. She had never really visited at night, so she was a tad excited to have some time for herself to enjoy the night views away from the rambunctious crowd.
Huffing a bit as she trudged up the staircase, she was surprised to find another viewer. Not just any viewer though, it was stunned looking Draco Malfoy, illuminated by the lights from outside.
For a moment neither said anything, just stood in place, letting the silence be the one to try and find something to say. Hermione cleared her throat then padded to the opposite side of the expansive window.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude. This stairwell is usually never used and I wanted to get away from the spectacle downstairs." She commented, letting her hand run down one of the metal bars on the side of the glass.
"You're fine, I was just leaving." He said, then began to step in the direction of the steps.
"You don't have to leave on my account. There's plenty room for two spectators." She said suddenly, not entirely sure why her words were inviting when she actually did just want a moment for herself. With a longing and inquisitive look, Draco returned to his former position; hands resting atop the sill as he looked across the night sky.
Hermione felt her thoughts race through questions to ask him about their, rather, his mother and her's, conversation from earlier. Peeking out from the corner of her eye, she saw his intense focus and solidly still body. Almost too afraid to break their silence, she turned to look curiously down at a few pedestrians and bravely spoke.
"Did you really read my legislation cover to cover?" Her voice wasn't supposed to come out dainty and quiet, but for some reason, the spoken fact made her uneasy, or, embarrassed that he paid such specific attention to something she did.
"Yes. I like to thoroughly comprehend something before I throw my support and money out to a cause." His nonchalance was a defense mechanism, she was sure of it.
"Well besides me, you may have been the only one." She lightly joked and was surprised to see half of his mouth quirk into a grin. "But regardless, I am truly thankful for the support. The quote by Aristotle was the perfect touch as well."
"I'm happy that I could finally have a positive impact on something worthwhile." He commented and the statement made Hermione look over at him. Even if it had been four years after the war, Malfoy hardly looked like he physically aged. His only tell being his longer jaw, broader shoulders and growth. But intellectually, or maybe ethically, he aged quite a bit.
"Do you honestly mean that?" She couldn't help herself and the words slipped past her mouth before she could take them back. A noticeable stiffened posture made her regret the words, but she didn't retract. Being direct obviously offended him, but this may be the one time she would find herself alone with Malfoy. She'd deal with her regret later, after he answered her questions.
Malfoy turned to her, resting one hand on the cement ledge, tapping his ring and making a clinking sound as he regarded her question.
"I expected to be locked up, thrown in Azkaban with my father at least for a couple years. I thought I hallucinated when the Ministry read my sentence. At that moment, it kind of felt like I owed a life debt." He explained, watching his ring hit the stone.
"So you and your mother are doing all this out of guilt?" She questioned, finding an odd sense of disappointment brush inside her.
"Maybe at first. But now, it feels more purposeful, intentional. I don't actually care if people think the reason for our donations, pledges or letters of support are for show. I know they're legitimate, so does my mother. We've accepted the things we've done in the past and now we're trying to restore balance."
Hermione found herself in awe of the man. The humble tone and thoughtful words all seemed to mirror her earlier thoughts that she really had no insight on who he is. He ridded the ignorant hard shell of his former life and wore something much stronger. She felt herself faintly smile.
"'We cannot live better than in seeking to be better.'"
He looked at her, taking in the words and her appearance all at once.
"Where did you hear that from?" He questioned.
"Socrates, another philosopher and a student of Plato who was a student of Aristotle." She explained then quickly added, "You should research them as well, all regarded as the original and most prominent muggle philosophers…if you're into that sort of thing."
Draco bobbed his head once, mentally trying to remember the names. "Thanks for the suggestion." He said honestly.
"You're welcome." She replied with equal sincerity.
The two again found them in a still silence, but rather filled with uncertainty, it was composed of appreciativeness and strong feelings of acceptance.
"I should find my mother. We planned to leave soon before I excused myself." He said.
"Right, well, don't let me keep you. Goodnight, Malfoy. I'm sure we'll be seeing each other around."
"I count on it." He said before leaving her alone on the platform, listening to the heavy thumps of his shoes retreating down the stairs.
Hermione thought the interaction to be pleasant and spent far too many moments recalling the way his eyes seemed to light up when he parted from her that night. While others seemed to still hold distaste for the family and believe their kind intentions gilded in gold, she became one of the few people who openly spoke in favor of and defended their name.
The New Year's Eve party held at the Ministry was where one of those blooding boiling occurrences happened. A large benefactor by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Haughton, whom Hermione was trying to schmooze in order to receive funding for her new project, had eyed the Malfoy family and made a blunt comment about the family.
"Surprised the Minister even allowed them to come." He murmured to his wife and Hermione looked over her shoulder to his line of vision, finding Malfoy's white hair slicked and parted, while he wore black and white robes to match the theme of the gala. Narcissa wore a patterned dress robes that matched his tie and handkerchief.
Hermione turned back to the couple and tightly smiled.
"The Malfoy family has made wonderful strides the past few years to rehabilitate themselves. Many among us tonight agree." She kindly stated and Mrs Haughton snootily snorted.
"Narcissa would donate her way back into society, like that would ever erase the fact her son and husband are death eaters."
Hermione felt her cheek twitch.
"Was." She corrected and the couple's eyes flashed to her, both wearing dumb expressions.
"Pardon?" Mr. Haughton said.
"Draco Malfoy was a death eater if you count a child given an impossible choice to either join Voldemort or watch his parent's die an actual choice. He's reformed, as is his mother. And his father is serving his sentence without issue." Hermione stared them both in the eye, refusing to blink.
"Their punishment did not match their crimes. They all should have been locked away. I would've chosen death rather than join the Dark Lord, they should be ashamed for showing their faces." Mr. Haughton looked at her skeptically with a disgusted look on his face. "Please don't tell me you agree with them, you're a muggleborn after all."
Hermione felt the air flare out of her nostrils and her cheeks flame with a powerful heat. She straightened her neck and knew her next words would cost her the funds for her new project.
"Yes sir, and I pity people who think the way you do. It's the exact ignorance that divided us into wars and since I was one of the many teenagers who actually fought in that war while you hid in a cozy mansion all the way across the world, I don't exactly favor the rhetoric you're currently spewing. No one is above anyone, and the Malfoy's have not only legally served for their crimes and poor judgement, but they have gone out of their way to learn from their wrongdoings and pay it forward. Maybe you could perhaps learn something from them, excuse me."
Hermione promptly left the speechless couple and wove in the direction where Ron stood. He looked at her appearance and frowned.
"You alright? You look angrier than last week when I compared your cooking to the mess they serve at Azkaban." He stated and Hermione narrowed her eyes at him, her irritation growing.
"I'm fine, just had a difficult conversation." She sighed and took a swig of her drink.
"Didn't get the Haughton's get open up their pockets? S'okay Mione, I doubt the illegal fwooper breeding and fighting will grow. Next year will present more opportunities, yeah?" He tapped his glass against hers and waved at someone behind her. Hermione irritatingly stood there then shook her head.
"I'm getting some air, I need to cool off." She said about to turn but Ron grabbed her.
"Mm." He said while smacking his lips clean of his drink. "Midnight's in thirty minutes, make sure to get back before then so we can ring in the New Year." He kissed her cheek then lightly tapped her side.
Hermione quietly agreed then made her escape. She politely passed people, making sure to huddle the ends of her dress off the ground so she or anyone else wouldn't step on it. The empty and dark hallway engulfed the echoing of her heels on marble floors. She took even breaths up the stairs, happy to see the window abandoned and a small fluttering of snow breezing past the glass.
She dusted off the ledge then sat down, her upper half facing the outside while her legs kept her balance against the ground. The noise from the party seemed dull now, white noise matching the white delicate flakes sticking to the ground. Leaning her forehead on the cold glass, Hermione could feel her mind slow down, the quiet life below her seeming to calm her.
The family sounding heavy footpads made her chest leap for a second. She looked towards the stairs to see Malfoy walking towards her, no surprise on his face this time, only a small smirk to greet her.
"Granger. I was wondering if I'd bump into you again up here." He said, matching her position on the ledge but keeping a full body's distance away from her.
"It's the only place in the Ministry with a view. I come up here often when I want to be left alone." She said and looked out the window again.
"Oh." He sounded disappointed and stood up. "I can leave then if that—"
"Oh no no!" She rushed out with a half laugh. "I meant more during my work days. I eat my lunches up here and sit when I need a break. You can stay, I was just speaking…generally."
Draco made an 'ah' noise then resumed his former sitting position. "Not enjoying the festivities?"
Hermione curled her lips inside her mouth and then looked around their dark area. She didn't want to reveal what happened to cause her such anger. It was over and done with and she didn't want to spoil his mood either, especially if he was having a good night.
"I can only take so much schmoozing. It's not exactly my strong suit." She said instead.
"Right and having to defend me to the Haughton's is also soul sucking." His voice seemed like he was joking, but with a hint of sarcasm. Hermione scrunched her eyebrows at the inflection, not liking why there was bitterness between the lines. She huffed and sharply stared out the window.
"'Complacent ignorance is the most lethal sickness of the soul.'" She said firmly before turning to look at him again. "I wouldn't have said anything unless I stood by it. And the Haughton's in all their pompousness were not going to get away with slandering your name."
He made an amused face before tapping his chin in thought. "Plato."
Hermione's mouth parted and she tried her best to hang onto her irritation, but it was falling away just like the snow outside. "Yes. You've been researching?" She asked surprised.
"In my free time." He commented and paused. "Thank you. You certainly didn't need to defend a name that's been raked through shit."
"I didn't do it just for you. I did it for all the other families like yours that are experiencing the same thing. Discrimination at any level is wrong. How did you even hear about it anyways?" She stated and heard the deep rattle of his chuckling.
"Your voice carries when you feel strongly about something. Don't be surprised if you receive a thank you letter and a bouquet of flowers from my mother tomorrow."
Hermione felt something unfamiliar spring in her chest. The feeling sat heavy, clutching at something she forgot she could feel.
"Do you have any resolutions for the new year?" She questioned appropriately.
"Hmm. Find a job, can't be a lazy, spoiled rich kid forever." He said and Hermione felt herself hold back a loud laugh.
"For a second I almost believed you." She joked and Draco's eyes squinted at her, the telltale sign of a small dimple poking through his cheek betraying his cold stare.
"I am being serious. But the job market is scarce when you're a death eater." His voice faded into the end of his sentence.
"Former." She added and his stare flickered up to hers, intensity pouring out of his irises. His facial features softened, eyes quickly scanning her body and the flowing black dress she wore.
"Right. Former." She sent him a small smile, he reciprocated and the short moment felt infinite. "But what are your goals for the new year?"
"Um, well since I lost my project's biggest donor tonight, my goal is to find a new one before February." She sighed heavily, her warm breath fogging up the frosty window.
"How short are you?" He inquired casually.
"About four thousand galleons, and some change." She groaned. "Gods I'll be lucky to even find half of that before next Christmas."
Draco listened carefully, paying close attention to the frown lines on the witch's forward, the slight pout of her lips and the bright lights passing through her shining brown eyes.
"I think I have another resolution." He stated and Hermione perked up a bit.
"Oh yeah? And that is?"
The tolling of the bell rung through the walls once, signaling five minutes to midnight.
"I'll tell you next year." He cheerily stated and Hermione stood, wiping her dress and rolling her eyes.
"That's the worst joke ever." But her mouth moving upwards told him otherwise. "I should get back to the party, find Ron before midnight."
"Right. Well Happy New Year's, good luck with your resolutions." He stood as well, clearing his trousers and robes of any dirt or dust.
"Happy New Year's and if you need any with the job hunt, you know where my office is." She smiled then walked away, leaving Draco to watch her disappear down the steps.
Hermione barely made it in time to find and kiss Ron, a flash going off in front of them just as their lips touched. Ron grinned at the photo being taken and Hermione humbly smiled, never being one for excessive displays of affection. The rest of her night was spent with tired conversation and forced laughs.
The following week there were three things on Hermione's desk when she arrived at work that morning.
The first: A newspaper showcasing a moving picture of her and Ron at the New Year's party, the title read "Will the New Year Bring in New Engagements?"
Hermione threw the paper away, not wanting to read Rita's rubbish so early.
The second: A shimmering silver poinsettia and a thank you card from Narcissa Malfoy for Hermione defending her family.
She set the plant on the front of her desk.
The third: An envelope addressed with her name on it and a familiar looking black seal. Opening it to reveal a letter.
My resolution…
'Be slow to fall into friendship, but when you are, continue firm and constant.' — Socrates
Your resolution…
Attached was a check with the amount of money for her project, two thousand galleons over what she needed.
The smile and excitement did not falter once after she received that post, and her week was spent hiring the proper individuals to help her bring the illegal fighting to an end. Her New Year's began busy and in the exact way she was hoping for. Drafting a thank you letter didn't seem like it was a big enough thanks, so she explained she hoped to repay him in some way, even going so far as to offering to buy him lunch one day when her schedule wasn't hectic.
Draco smiled at the correspondence and kept up with the progress of the DMLE's project, finding that they had already arrested half the possible suspects they were looking into and were in the process of prosecuting all of them. He declined her invitation for lunch, stating there was no need to be repaid and he just hoped her group could be successful in their pursuits.
Hermione still pondered over the over gracious donation and how his support had already led her to rehabilitate fifteen fwoopers and six new born fwoopers. She compiled a list, thinking of current job openings she knew of around the Ministry and scratched off more jobs than she had circled, thinking he was way too intelligent to be wasting his brain doing some menial tasks.
"Granger." A voice drawled and her head snapped up from her list, smiling when she saw the blonde that quite often camped out in her thoughts.
"Hello Malfoy, what are you doing here?" She asked surprised, trying to indiscreetly brush away any crumbs off her lips and hands from her Shepherd's pie. Collecting her sprawled papers and items, she made room on the ledge for him in case he wanted to sit down, and he did, a polite distance away.
"I had a job interview actually. I went to swing by your office to see the progress of your project but your secretary said you were on lunch, so I took a chance and came here." He explained and Hermione felt impressed he remembered a detail about her that she offhandedly said months ago.
"Sharp memory. What job were you interviewing for?" She curiously asked.
"Ah…court filer for the Wizengamot." He replied sheepishly and Hermione frowned.
"But that's…" she began with a confused laugh. "That's just pushing paperwork and you're way too smart for that, overqualified even, a sixth year could do that."
Draco looked down and tapped his ring against the cement, sighing heavily before trying to wear a grateful expression. "I'm aware, but if they're willing to have me, who am I to complain? Better to get my foot in somewhere."
To be punished over and over again for something that happened when he was a frightened teenager didn't sit with her. The unfairness people continued to show him when he made amends with everyone he's harmed was unjustified, especially when there were actual horrible human beings out there.
"You should hold out for something better." She said with a tight click of her jaw and Malfoy rolled his eyes.
"I haven't got anything better, Granger. Don't fuss over it. Tell me about the project." He interlocked his knuckles laxly in his lap, turning his eyes to focus on her patiently. Her lip quivered, aching to go off on a rant about the discrimination he faced and how inappropriate people were acting. But his waiting expression halted the words in her throat and instead, she swallowed and proceeded to explain with wild and unconfined joy how close they were to catching the head of the fighting rings.
He listened quietly and held her eye contact throughout her ramblings, asking the right questions to engage her further, taking their conversation deeper and deeper into her work until she realized she was about thirty minutes past her usual lunch time and only had five minutes to make it on the other side of the Ministry for a meeting.
"Oh gosh, I have to scramble. I had no idea I went on for that long. You should have stopped me." She worriedly said as she gathered her items and trash. Malfoy merely huffed a laugh and handed her some folio files.
"I had no measure of how long we were talking, I apologize for taking up your lunch and nearly making you late." He kindly remarked and she just smiled at him, not actually bothered by her running late, but more so that they were cut short.
"No troubles at all. I'm glad I ran into you and got to thank you in person for your donation. Will you be attending the Ministry's Anniversary in a few months?" She questioned hopefully.
"Wouldn't miss it." He said and began walking with her down the stairs, into the dimly lit hallway and back into the bustle of the atrium.
"Well good, I'll be seeing you soon then, if not sooner." She said, nearly dropping her large files in her hand. Draco helped her juggle and situate the papers safely back into her arms. She mumbled an embarrassed thanks.
"Can't hardly wait. I look forward to hearing what your next project will be by then." He told her and she felt her stomach turn weirdly as she realized it would most likely be months before she'd see him again.
"And I look forward to learn what lucky department decides to employ you." She said back and he rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the happy grin from her words. "Gotta run, bye Malfoy." She waved behind her, turning to awkwardly jog to the lifts and Draco turned to the floos, finding his day's trajectory to go up immensely after speaking with Granger, even when he received an owl later stating he didn't receive the Ministry position.
Hermione had gone home that night and floo'd Bill, asking if there were any openings he knew off. After a quick conversation, Bill had explained one of his older coworkers were to retire in the summer, and the department were desperately seeking a competent curse breaker but were having a hard time recruiting.
Hermione then listed off an anonymous friend's NEWT scores and essentially interviewed him for the job. Bill said with a man that intelligent they'd be lucky to have him and asked for the name, surprised but not at all concerned that it was Draco Malfoy. He owled the Slytherin next week, requesting him for an in person interview but hiring him on the spot anyways. Malfoy was ecstatic, eagerly accepted and thanked Bill for the opportunity. Bill explained to him that Hermione was the one to throw his name out there, otherwise he would have no inclination that Draco was even looking for a job. The learned information caused Draco to be confused at first, followed by annoyed and embarrassed. Sensing his cross of emotions, Bill smiled at Malfoy and reassured him.
"She's a good friend like that, always looking out for people she cares about."
The statement then caused a fluttering sensation in his stomach, not leaving well until the following week.
Hermione attended the Ministry's 297th Anniversary slightly annoyed, having just fought with Ron before they arrived, again about the timeline of their relationship and future. Ron was eager to marry and have kids, but Hermione was intent on not having kids for at least another five years, to which Ron said he was hoping to have two kids in five years already. Hermione asked the conversation to be put on hold for a later discussion, Ron accused her of always playing that card but then they left their home and forced themselves to appear as if everything was normal once they arrived at the Ministry.
Her mood didn't change until she saw Bill and Fleur conversing with Malfoy, his gray eyes jumping up to hers with a small amount of giddiness that was almost undetectable. Almost.
"You made it. Hermione, you look stunning." Fleur commented and kissed her cheeks, doing the same to Ron as she hugged Bill.
"Thank you Fleur, as do you. Pregnancy glow and Veela radiancy? It's almost a crime how beautiful you are." She said sweetly and Fleur happily rubbed her small growing pouch.
"Always too kind, but thank you." She replied and Hermione grinned before turning her attention to the blonde dressed impeccably well.
"Malfoy, it's wonderful to see you."
"Likewise Granger."
"I was just telling Fleur what a catch Malfoy is at work, true diamond in the rough. We lucked out snatching you." Bill expressed with sincerity and gratitude. "I can't tell you how much of a help you've been, it's refreshing not having a partner that's ninety years old and half blind."
The group laughed, but Ron only awkwardly pulled half his face up, making him look more doubtful than anything. Hermione noticed but she hoped Malfoy didn't catch on to the poor manners of her boyfriend.
"You're overselling me. Not hard to impress when Patterson has almost killed you and himself five times in the last month before he retired." He remarked with a grin, eyes flashing to Hermione's to note whether or not she found the conversation amusing.
"I'd like to hear those stories, Bill." Hermione expressed and Bill shook his head, almost cringing at the memory.
"Not worth relieving for my mental sanity, but I was lucky Malfoy was shadowing us during that month. Otherwise I honestly think I would have been cursed and killed by that child's doll."
"You can repay me by getting me another drink and offering me a raise?" Malfoy tried and Bill gave him a pointed stare.
"Your contract gets reviewed every six months, how about you try again in August? You might have better luck then, but I will get you that drink, anyone else?" Bill offered and Malfoy chuckled and put in his order, as did Hermione but Ron declined.
"No bourbon for you?" Fleur questioned Ron, knowing he always drank at these boring Ministry functions.
"Not tonight. Not really in the mood for it." He grumbled and looked at Hermione who instantly felt guilty for his sour attitude. "Excuse me, I'm going to say hi to some lads from the office."
He disappeared away from them just as Bill returned with their drinks. Hermione quickly swallowed a large sip of her wine, rolling her eyes at herself for being so sensitive to him.
"We're going to find a seat, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and warm from the crowd." Fleur explained, Bill and her promising to catch up with them more later in the night. Hermione and Draco agreed then turned to each other, expectant glances and unsure hesitation between them.
"So, where's your mother this evening?" Hermione asked, rising on her toes to push her eyesight over the crowd, having no luck finding the woman. Draco fought off a smile as he watched her stretch her neck, her tiny height inhibiting her from seeing anything but thought her attempts were silly if not cute.
"She's over there." He pointed vaguely with his glass of whiskey to his mother and another woman who spoke what appeared to be secretively. "Speaking with Mrs. Greengrass, I'm sure discussing their holiday trips for this winter." He explained but a small amount of dread crept up his chest as he watched the women talk for a moment.
"Ah. Well I'm sure I'll catch her later this evening, just wanted to see how she's doing." Hermione said, shuffling back to her normal standing position.
"I'll tell her in case you don't get the chance. I heard you were one of the main speakers this evening. With the total take down of the illegal fighting, it's the highlight of the DMLE this year already. Won't be long before they name you Director." Draco assessed and Hermione blushed at the attention.
"It may be a few years before I get that title but yes, I have to speak before dinner is served. Shacklebolt was thrilled that I closed the case half a year earlier than expected and couldn't wait for me to brag about it tonight." She shook her head down at her feet, certainly proud of her accomplishment but not wanting to go off and showcase it to the entire Ministry and it's international guests.
"It's something worth bragging about." He spoke honestly, causing Hermione to look away to calm her reddening cheeks.
"Maybe, but it's wrong to speak of yourself in that way. Humbleness is a quality often lost on people these days."
"Well if you won't brag about yourself, I certainly will." He leaned down to her ear to speak, it was the closest he had ever been to her and she could smell the faint trails of his masculine cologne. Distracted by the new aroma, she didn't process his words until he shot straight up and introduced himself to a gentleman.
"Mr. Santos. Draco Malfoy, we met earlier this year at the rainforest preservation fundraiser. How are you?" He extended his hand and the man smiled, remembering the encounter.
"Ah yes. Nice to meet you again. I'm well, thank you for asking, and yourself?"
"Remarkable sir, thank you. Have you met my friend Hermione Granger? Deputy Director in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." He said, his hand brushing against her back for the tiniest of seconds, but sending an electric spark to her skin regardless.
"I don't believe so. How do you do? I'm Oscar Santos, Director of Intergovernmental Relations of the South American Ministry."
"Pleasure to meet you." Hermione shook his hand, relishing in the buzz of her skin where he touched her and trying her best not to appear flustered. Draco continued on.
"Mr. Santos, Hermione just wrapped up a case involving the illegal breeding and fighting of Fwoopers. Prosecuting all twenty people involved. Didn't you mention Agentina was having similar issues when we met?" He said and she felt herself awkwardly smile at the praise and the way he was trying to get her to network.
"Right! Our DMLE Director heard about that case. And yes we're still having those issues. Oh I'd love to set up a meeting for us to discuss more of your success. It would be highly insightful for us." Mr. Santos lit up and turned his head around the crowd before shouting in Spanish and flagging a woman over excitedly. He and the woman spoke in Spanish, gesturing to Hermione with eager eyes.
Draco leaned down again, his breath fanning over her ear like a warm summer breeze; comforting and relaxing.
"Think you can take it from here?" He asked and Hermione turned her head to the side to send a thankful smile and nod. Draco excused himself away from the conversation, leaving Hermione to discuss and arrange possible assistance to the Argentinian Ministry.
The rest of the evening went considerably smooth, her former anger with Ron completely forgotten as she happily spoke to new international officials. Her speech was well received, highlighting the progress and goals of the departments as well as the Ministry's overall history.
Many people were looking to speak with her after dinner, and while she was happy to oblige, she felt distracted by movement over someone's shoulder. A head of white walking towards the least populated hallway, disappearing into the dark. She grinned then politely removed herself from the chat she was having with the Minister.
"Quite the topic of conversation this evening." Draco said as she stepped on the last step, leaning his hands and behind on the concrete, facing the opening of the stairwell.
"All thanks to you. I have about thirty people to add to my rolodex and I'll most likely be heading to Argentina for the next month come Monday, once Shacklebolt approves." She mirrored his stance, crossing one ankle over another so she was more sitting than standing, leaving half a meter between them.
"That's wonderful. See? A little bragging goes a long way." He teased and she softly hummed.
"You'll have to teach me how you do it so suavely. I'm sufficiently lacking."
"Years and years of practice of being an absolute twat. Don't know if you remember our younger years, I was always exceptionally happy to talk about myself." He joked and Hermione genuinely threw her head back and laughed, the sound reverberating off the quiet walls. Draco looked over and thought the full tooth smile was stunningly pretty, especially when he was the reason it was there.
"How could I forget? Thank you for the boost. It helped my confidence a lot tonight." She said as she settled down, wrapping her arms around her stomach.
"No need to thank me. I owe you a lifetime of favors for getting me a job." He told her.
"I didn't get you that job, you did that on your own merits. I simply suggested your name." She argued, finding the comment silly.
"If you didn't know Bill or go out of your way, I'd probably be cleaning the Ministry's floors." He said and Hermione turned her eyebrows up at him. "Not that there's anything wrong with that!" He quickly added worriedly, afraid she would take his judgement of the labor job the wrong way. "Just not the job I wanted to do, and I'm actually…quite happy right now, so thank you. Again."
Hermione chucked and recrossed her ankles, slightly leaning towards him more so that her weight rested on the other side of her body.
"You've thanked me plenty and act as if the large bouquet of flowers you originally sent wasn't enough."
"It wasn't." He cut her off with a serious tone, his stare purposely holding hers. She was glued to him and his words. "It wasn't. You have no idea how much that meant to me. I love being a curse-breaker and even have a small group of friends now because of it, ones that weren't convicted of war crimes. I—" He swallowed deeply, voice lowering. "There was a time where I thought all this was unattainable." He softly admitted, his ears going pink as he looked down at his shoes.
Hermione found herself shocked at the man beside her. Once recalling how she thought nothing truly bothered him, the confidence he casually wore was one of his best attributes when it wasn't matched with his former sarcasm and sneers. He would often float through these events, face never frowning or showing discomfort. To hear an actual insecurity of his made him feel reachable.
Without another thought, Hermione placed her hand over his.
"Aristotle argued that friendships should be built with a mutual appreciation and value for the other's good character. They last when there's a want for intentional growth." She began with a soft smile. "And as your friend, I know the best of you is yet to come. I can see the goodness in you, in your character, maybe you should stop thinking others can't too."
Draco looked at the tender expression, the hopeful look that asked him to believe her words, because they were true. And Hermione Granger wouldn't have said anything unless she stood by it. Staring for a moment longer, he embraced the warmth from her palm, wondering for a small second, if her body was as warm as her hand when she hugged someone she cared about.
"'It's not so much our friend's help that helps us as it is the confidence of their help.'" He recalled with a deep sigh.
"I don't know that one." Hermione scrunched her forehead down, trying to remember if it were in any books she read.
"Epicuras. It stuck with me awhile back when I delved deeper into the works of muggle philosophers." Draco explained with a personal grin. Hermione felt herself mimic him then released the gentle hold she had on his hand, the coolness taking her by surprise for a moment until she moved forward with their conversation.
"I'll have to brush up on my philosophical studies. Can't have you showing me up with applicable life quotes." She said, a sense of joy roaming through her veins as she imagined Draco with piles of muggle books surrounding him.
"You would try and goad me into an academic-like competition. Can't even stand the thought of coming in second?" Draco amusedly replied.
"Why settle for anything less than the absolute best, right?" She responded while pushing herself off the sill. She turned around to watch his eyes fall down her body a little too slowly to be considered anything but intentional. Frozen to the spot and victim to his assessing gaze, Hermione waited until his eyes met hers again before she made any voluntary movement.
There was something sharp in his look. It wasn't menacing or harmful, nor was it happy and friendly. It felt flirty and out of line, pulling at the muscles in her navel until a gasping shiver burst through her skin.
"You're right, Granger. Excellent point." He regarded, then stood up as well, walking up to her shoulder, the soft material of his suit rubbing against her skin. Her heart thudded loudly in her chest, she stared straight ahead, afraid of what she'd see if she turned into him.
"It's a good thing I'm already the best." He whispered, then began fleeing down the stairs.
Hermione felt a fog cover her brain, his words traveling into each blood cell and raising her body's temperature to a boiling point. Huffing out a frustrated and slightly confused breath, she turned to follow him back to the party, but his height allowed him to quickly escape back into the sea of people.
She didn't see him for the rest of the night, except for when Ron suggested they leave after the Prophet took their picture. After the flash settled, she found Malfoy looking at her curiously, before raising a glass and quirking a brow at her.
A/N: Feels like I've been away for so lonnngggg! Welcome to this fic that was intended to be a one shot but i just kept going on and on. It's a little different than my previous works and please notice the rating (it may change). This is definitely a chest aching, in my feels short fic and it's intended to cause a lot of emotion. PLease comment and follow and let me know what you think so far! Next Update is Sep 9th.