He's built out since school and boy does it show. Lean muscles and slick form, his blonde hair falling before his gray eyes and his big hands move to push it back. Hermione internally wished it was her hands tangled in his golden locks,
"Daydreaming again, Granger?" He husks out a laugh that makes her blush.
"No, Malfoy, just mentally going over what needs to be done today."
Ah, yes. Hermione's said complication.
She's in love with Draco Malfoy. Her best friend.
Hi welcome! If you're new here, my name is Kennedy & I write dramione fanfiction !
Welcome to my new fic, I currently have a written and published one shot along with a multi chapter war fic series, it is however a still a work in progress but progressing nicely :) If you haven't already, it would mean a lot if you gave those two a shot as well. Those are posted on my ao3 account and my user is /Kennedyybrie :)
Now, back to this fic. I plan for this one to be a fairly short story compared to my lengthy multi chapter. I'm thinking maybe 10 chapters so around 50k words. It's still in the works but I'm very excited for it ! I want this fic to be light hearted but also with it's fair share of angst and drama. There will also be smut of course ;) 18+ recommendation for those chapters coming up. That is the only warning for this story.
Stay tuned for more updates, I will try my best to release a new chapter at least 2-3 times a month.
My socials are, /DHshowermoans on twitter and /hoeeforrdracoo on tiktok !
September 16, 2004
The sun shines through her window, however, the dark atmosphere of the room tells her that it's still really early. Not that she gets much sleep anyways.
Yesterday was a long gruelling day, hell, this entire week has seemed to last forever. Hermione Granger works in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. She's worked her arse off for five long years and finally became head of the Department just last year.
Her days are usually long, drifting into the night most times. Her friends scold her for working too hard and far too much. But when she sets a goal, she has to see it through. There's a new issue for her everyday and she won't stop until she sees a major difference. Even years after the war some people still have old school beliefs.
After resting for a couple minutes in bed Hermione rolls out of bed rubbing her eyes and heads straight for the loo. She gathered that it was around six in the morning, still too early to head into work but once she's up she can't seem to ever fall back asleep.
Her nights are just as restless as she is during the day, her nightmares never really fading over the years. Sometimes she dreams about what her life would have been if she never turned out to be a witch. Probably attend a University, meet someone to spend the rest of her life with, maybe open a book shop or follow her parents practice in dentistry.
Her parents.
Still a sore topic after all these years. A year or two after the war, the healers were able to regain their memories that she so selfishly took away. To say they were upset would be an understatement, they ultimately loved their new life in Australia so decided to reside there permanently. Her relationship with them is obviously strained to the core but they keep in touch when they can.
So, it's just Hermoine these days. Living in a small apartment flat with Crookshanks, working day and night, then repeating everything the next day.
She's grateful for her life. Surviving the war for one is an accomplishment in itself but also gaining the promotion at the Ministry she's always wanted. Even though she doesn't see results on certain cases for weeks or even months, she's happy with her progression and just has to keep pushing.
To say she was content wouldn't be entirely true. When she was little she thought she would be in love by now, married, and maybe even having a baby on the way. But since Hogwarts her love life has been nonexistent.
She's been on a few dates here and there, all of them were set up by Ginny of course, but she was willing to put herself out there nonetheless. However, none of them obviously worked out, not even making it to a second date.
It seems she doesn't have time for anything other than work. The same routine everyday can get taxing. All her friends either married with children or engaged. Speaking of which, the next wedding up is Harry and Pansy Parkinson.
It was shocking at first, to hear that they were dating. They've been together for almost three years now and Harry popped the question a couple months ago. She's happy for her best friend but in some sense envious of his evolving life. It seems she's stuck in a loop with a never ending cycle, no way to escape, trapped at a vicious speed that doesn't ever let up.
Surprisingly, she's gotten quite close with Pansy, it seems to be a common revelation between her and other Slytherin's these days.
After a long shower, she dresses in her everyday style; work attire. A slim fitted black turtleneck, short sleeve. Worn with a gray plaid blazer and a fitted gray skirt to match, falling just above her knees. She pairs her outfit with silver jewelry and a pair of sensible black heels. Once she's satisfied with her look, Hermione leaves her apartment building and walks to her favorite coffee shop; bag in hand.
Once inside the shop, out of the hustle and bustle of the London streets, away from the stormy fall clouds, she waits patiently in line to order.
"Hi, could I get two teas please, one with extra honey. And could I also get two almond croissants," smiling gently at the handsome counter server she sees everyday.
"Of course Hermione, anything else?"
Shaking her head no, "I think that should do it."
"Okay, we'll have that right out for you." Jonathan is his name. He started working there almost a year ago and they only just started using each other's first names a couple months ago. After months of seeing each other every morning, he finally asked her name.
Not going to lie, it made her blush like no tomorrow.
Jonathan is tall with black hair and green eyes. He's toned to the muscle and in between being tan and olive. He's a dream for every lady he comes across but they've never taken their relationship past friendly. But she's fully guilty of that charge, there's a certain complication she can't seem to get out of. Jonathan did in fact ask her out once but thoughts running through her mind ultimately made her decline respectfully.
Her order number being called pulls her out of daydreaming. Hermione takes the tray of drinks and single bag of pastry foods then waves to Jonathan, "Thanks Jonathan, see you tomorrow,"
"Bye, Hermione!"
The door of the shop practically swings open from the wind and she takes the trail to the Ministry.
The Ministry is just as crowded as it is everyday, witches and wizards coming from floo, foot, apparition; you name it. Hermione side steps the people she can and darts to make an available lift.
Before she exits on level four for her office, she takes exit two and heads straight down the hallway,
"Good morning, Miss Granger, he just got out of a meeting and should be in his office," Miss Olivia Jones, the level secretary. She smiles brightly at her but Hermione only offers a forced happy nod. Then proceeds to cringe at her own behavior.
Knocking a quiet one and two, she turns the knob and ducks her head in slowly. Being careful not to disturb a phone or floo call. Which is a regular occurrence because he's fairly busy these days, much to Hermione's disappointment.
Just like this entire week, she indeed walks in the moment he takes a call. He gestures for her to sit and offers a quick smile before continuing with his call. She takes his tea from the tray and sets it down then wraps his croissant neatly in a napkin.
His call seems to have been a personal one and she winces at that,
"Yeah, I'll see you tonight." He finishes then takes his seat across from her.
"Gods, bless your soul," he mutters then takes a drink, "You have no idea how much I needed this. But I got us next time."
"Really, it's no big deal." Offering a gentle smile then eyeing him over as usual.
He's built out since school and boy does it show. Lean muscles and slick form, his blonde hair falling before his gray eyes and his big hands move to push it back. Hermione internally wished it was her hands tangled in his golden locks,
"Daydreaming again, Granger?" He husks out a laugh that makes her blush.
"No, Malfoy, just mentally going over what needs to be done today."
Ah, yes. Hermione's said complication.
She's in love with Draco Malfoy. Her best friend.
She groans but quickly recovers before he notices,
"You work too hard,"
"No I don't. I perhaps work more than others but to me it's a normal amount." She huffs a reply.
"Yeah, right. Have you even taken a vacation this year?" He inquired.
"No. I'm saving that time for Harry's wedding."
"That's coming up quick, I almost forgot."
"Yes, well. It should be a grand time," it rolls off her tongue more sarcastically than anticipated.
"Oh ho ho, someone has their knickers in a twist. Jonathan not there this morning?" His eyebrow raises curiously but only offers her anger. Draco has pushed for her to go out with Jonathan for weeks now and that notion was like a stab to the gut.
Clenching her teeth hard, "No, he was there."
"Why don't you just consider going out with him?" He pushes the subject more and she can only hide her distaste for so long.
"Like I've said before, he's a lovely guy but I don't have time for a relationship right now," that is part of the reason why but there's also the fact that she's desperately in love with him. But she doesn't stand a chance any day.
"Well I hope you make time for your birthday weekend, I'm taking you out." He grins.
Her heart picks up a fraction, "What? Why? What're we doing?" She can't help the adrenaline running through her veins.
His smirk increases which in fact sends chills down her spine, "That's for me to know and for you to find out."
"Okay well at least give me some information so I can dress accordingly. Shit, I gotta run, see you for lunch?" Standing quickly from his desk, Hermione gathers her drink and bag; walking to the door, awaiting a response.
They have lunch together almost everyday and she isn't looking to stop now, she blushes to herself.
He coughs, "Uh actually," rubbing his neck nervously, "I actually have lunch plans with Astoria."
Ah, yes. Another complication.
They've been dating for the last month and a half, to Hermione's dismay; she's been seeing less and less of him. Frowning to herself, she moves awkwardly with her back facing him then takes a deep breath.
"Oh, yeah, of course. No worries, see you tomorrow," Adjusting her purse strap around her shoulder Hermione turns the knob to leave his office as quickly as possible. The words tumbling out of her mouth at rapid speed.
"Granger, wait,"
"I really need to go," with a final nod, Hermione exits the room without looking back. She scolds herself for being so daft. For getting her hopes up everyday with the idea of spending time with him. She knows it isn't her place, he has a girlfriend and Hermione is pining after someone who would never see her as more than a friend.
About an hour later, she's sitting at her desk, files laid out but still untouched. She has always been an overthinker and rightfully so. She and Draco have gotten quite close over the past two years, becoming best friends was decidedly inevitable, falling in love with him however; was not.
"Hey, you didn't stop by my office today," breaking away from her never ending thoughts, Hermione looks up to see Harry leaning against her door frame with a questionable look on his face.
"Harry, hi! Sorry, this morning has been weird."
"Clearly, anyways. I wanted to give you the official date for the wedding. I know it's been an off and on discussion but we've finally decided,"
Shaking her head, "Yes, that would be solid information to have, taken that the wedding has been planned for ages. So? When is it?"
"We've decided on early December. The weather at the chateau in France will be beautiful and Pansy is set on having a winter wedding. We will, of course, have heating charms surrounding us but I think it's a brilliant idea."
December, wow, that's soon. Hermione thinks to herself.
"Wow, congratulations Harry. I'm sure it'll be perfect." Offering a small smile, but not quite showing her true feelings.
"So make sure to plan time off, remember it's a wedding week! Also let me know if you're bringing a plus one."
She groans at the thought of bringing a date.
"Have you let Draco know yet?"
He gives a curious eye, "Pansy did, just now. He's asking Astoria to be his date today during lunch."
Fucking fantastic.
"Right. I need to get back to work, but thanks for stopping by."
Taking the que of dismissal, Harry leaves with a firm nod and small smile.
Hermione drops her head into her hands and breathes in deeply. It's no surprise Draco would be asking Astoria - his girlfriend - as his date but just thinking about being in a chateau for a whole week with the two of them sounds like a full 168 hours of utter depression.
She groans loudly at her intruding thoughts. The day already ruined in itself, she tries to forget about everything and dives into work.
Hours pass by and she doesn't even realize it's half past six. Missing lunch, her stomach growls in need but eating doesn't sound too appealing today for some reason.
Shoving her documents into her bag, she reviews the day; her thoughts absolutely drowned out by a tall blonde. She doesn't know when it got this bad, falling in love with her best friend; that person being Draco Malfoy nonetheless. It hurts to think about him with anyone else. Just knowing they go on dates, share sweet kisses, and no doubt have fun in the bedroom.
Her chest tightens at the thought of him being intimate with Astoria.
Her feet carry her out of the Ministry building and lead her straight to the apparition point.
All night her thoughts consume her. Without a piece of food left in her stomach, the only thing she ate was the croissant she had this morning. But she can't bring herself to succumb to sleep or offer her tired body a bite to eat.
Her thoughts of Draco return. She's confused about everything. They always seemed to have this tension between them, small touches here and there, heated glances, and sweet talk. Then when he started seeing Astoria she had thought everything shared between them was made up by her mind, a sad excuse of her internal feelings.
Maybe none of it was actually real. She thinks sorely to herself.
With the night sky coming to an end, after a long dreadful night of tossing and turning, Hermione decides it best to just start her day. The week has felt like an eternity but with only two days left before her birthday she's actually excited for the days off. Especially if they are going to be spent with her best friend.
Blushing slightly, she hops out of bed and heads for the kitchen. Petting Crookshanks calmly on his sleepy head, she wishes him a good morning then makes a cup of tea. Her stomach protests in hunger but with a quick glance to the clock she notices it's later than she thought. Stressed and rushing through her small flat, she barely has time to tame her wild morning hair. Instead, she opts to put a charm on it for the time being.
Hopping through her flat with her coat half on, bag hanging off one arm, all the while trying to put on her left heel. It's been a chaotic morning to say the least but she exits her apartment with ease and grace, leaving every ounce of struggle behind her closed door.
Her stomach still growling, she marches through the busy London streets and makes it to her destination. She didn't have time to stop off at her favorite cafe but doesn't worry too much about it because if Draco stopped by there he more than likely picked her something up. The atrium packed to the brim, she bumps into more than one person on her way to the lifts. She exits at level two, hoping to run into Draco, but makes the excuse to stop by Harry's office.
To her delight, she in fact does run into Draco, but he is unfortunately accompanied by Astoria.
"Granger, hey!" She looks down to their hands and notices he did stop by the cafe, however, doesn't have anything for her.
That's okay, she thinks to herself, he must have been strapped for time too.
Noticing she hasn't responded to his initial voice of greetance, Hermione looks up to respond but is cut off,
"Nice to see you, Hermione," Astoria pulls her into a tight embrace before letting go, but Hermione struggles to find peace in her offering. She provides an awkward smile and her stomach yet again, growls. Embarrassed by the act, Hermione recovers quickly. Forgetting all about Harry and stepping away,
"Sorry, just haven't been feeling too well," waving off their looks of concern, she avoids eye contact with Draco, who she has still yet to interact with.
"Oh bugger, you're still up for this weekend right?" Draco's voice booms in her ears and she nods with fervor,
"Of course! I just haven't eaten much since yesterday, it's no big deal," his brows pinch together and she looks away quickly, then notices Astoria's face of confusion.
"What's this weekend?" Her perfect angelic voice breaks the small silence.
Draco waves a hand in between them, "Oh nothing, just taking Granger out for her birthday." Astoria nods but Hermione notices the slight tremor in her cheeks.
'Oh nothing' his words don't do anything to soothe her either.
"Okay, well I'll just be going." Hermione doesn't wait for a response, instead rushes back to the lifts.
Alone at last. In her tiny four walled office, although it is a step up from her previous office. She takes a minute to regroup, breathing in and out slowly, then pushing everything to the side; she sets to work, she has a lot to catch up on since yesterday.
Rubbing his temples slightly, Draco notices it's half past twelve and makes the decision to step away from his work to get a bite to eat.
Putting his files away, he stops at his secretary, "I'll be back Olivia, just going to grab some lunch. Please write down any messages while I'm gone." He offers a curt nod and quick smile before heading for the lifts.
His hands in his pockets, he's lost in thought during his walk to the Ministry cafe. He thinks back to his interaction with Granger this morning. It was weird and awkward and just didn't feel normal.
He quickly remembers that she hasn't eaten since yesterday and instantly grows concerned for his friend. He knows she tends to overwork and push everything else to the side but that still causes his growing worry for her.
"Two turkey subs, please, and one with no tomato," with their subs in hand, he also grabs two sodas and her favorite chips.
His unsettling feelings return. He thinks about the day before as well, noticing something was off the moment he brought up Astoria. Maybe she doesn't like her, but she doesn't even know her that well. Draco thinks of the strange dynamic and comes up with ways he can solve the tension between his best friend and girlfriend. Maybe they could all go out to shows or perhaps dinner, they could chat, get to know each other and then the air would become clear.
He's hopeful at the prospect and the tension in his shoulders starts to ease.
"Hello, Miss Davis, is Miss Granger here by chance?" The secretary looks through her pile of sticky notes before responding,
"No, sorry Mr. Malfoy, she just left for a meeting. But, she hasn't eaten today so if you wanted to-" she points to the food in his hand then tilts her head towards Granger's office.
"Right, I'll just be a minute," bummer, he was hoping to spend lunch together and maybe catch up. They haven't seen much of each other lately and that's mainly his fault but he's been so stressed with work lately and his new relationship with Astoria has been taking up most of his time. He feels sad at the thought, his friendship with Granger came out of nowhere but it's something he wouldn't trade for the world.
Their energies just match, yeah they fight and bicker but it's no fun without it. And it's usually all harmless banter. Intellectually they're on the same wavelength, whether it's talking about books or new theories, they could hold each other's conversations for days. She's a bit snarky too, her comebacks always hit hard but in the best ways possible. She doesn't hold back but he doesn't expect her to and vice versa. They mesh so well together and there was a point in Draco's life when he thought he felt something more for her. Presumably after the war, but it was instantly crushed when she started going out with the Weasel.
But then that didn't last long and all those feelings came rushing back. This past year he's gotten to know her, they became best friends but that's all he thought she would offer, so he swallowed the hard pill and locked those feelings away. He met Astoria and felt an instant attraction to her, not only that but she's actually quite smart herself. She'd make the perfect wife but sometimes at night Draco thinks if he actually wants perfect.
He shrugs those intruding thoughts away and sets her sub, soda, and chips neatly at the corner of her desk. He decides to put a stasis charm over it so it doesn't go bad, he's not sure how long her meeting will last and he wants her food to be fresh for eating.
He jots down a quick note then heads for his office for lunch.
Hermione huffs a sigh, her meeting with the Goblin Liaison Office didn't go exactly according to plan. They are usually very hard to work with but she thought they could make some progress with her new plan. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.
She gathers her missed messages from Miss Davis then grumpily enters her office. Immediately she spots the food on her desk and thanks the gods for at least the light at the end of the tunnel. Setting her bag down, she puts away any files so they don't get ruined then grabs the note left for her.
Granger,
I was hoping we could have lunch and catch up, your messy secretary informed me about your meeting so I left some food and that fizzy drink you got me hooked on.
You need to eat better, we can't have the great Hermione Granger being hospitalised on us, now could we? Who else would give pity to those poor grumpy Goblins?
Anyways, maybe you could tell me how your meeting went? Tonight, at dinner?
Just send an owl back with your response.
D.M
P.s, I expect to receive an enthusiastic 'yes' from you. We haven't seen much of each other and it's been absolutely dreadful. Theo and Blaise just don't carry the swottiness you so generously provide me.
Hermione smiles gently at the parchment before her, heat rising to her cheeks at the thought of spending dinner with him.
She sets his note aside then turns to her food. Ah yes, no tomato, just how she likes it.
During her meal she thinks of a way to respond, obviously she's going to say yes, even though she's absolutely knackered. She does miss Draco, even if he'll only see her as a friend, she can't stand the thought of not being in his life at all.
Sending her note off, she finishes her meal then sets back to work. She'll only review a couple files before heading home. She could use a good shower then she of course has to find something to wear.
Is it wrong to think this way? Especially if he has a girlfriend? Maybe it isn't that bad since he only sees this dinner as a 'let's catch up as friends' type of dinner.
Hermione scolds herself for thinking these thoughts. Of course, it's bad either way. But she can't help the butterflies swarming in her chest at the thought of seeing him in a suit, across the nicely lit dinner table. Maybe the table will be small so they could sit next to each other.
Again, Hermione scolds herself. Shaking the visions away, she decides to just go home now and get ready.
Draco,
When will you start calling me 'Hermione'? It's rather rude since I've been using your first name for months now.
And I suppose dinner couldn't hurt. I could use a break and someone to vent to.
Also, maybe I could give Theo and Blaise some pointers? There's a certain technique I use just for you after all. It's all in the tone.
Draco laughs to himself.
Where will we be dining? A lady always likes to prepare.
P.s, thank you for the lunch, those Goblins put me through the ringer today.
Her note came close to two o'clock and he wonders if her meeting took that long. He's grateful for her response and tucks the parchment into his drawer. Gathering two new pieces, he sends a response to Granger before starting his next note.
Arriving home, Hermione is stressed and feeling a bit flustered. What does one wear to a dinner like this? Obviously she wants to look good, not only for him but for herself as well, but if it's just a friendly dinner then maybe she shouldn't go too overboard and just stick to something more casual. But then again she doesn't want to look out of place. Especially since they're going to the new restaurant in Diagon Alley.
Hughes Tavern.
His note in response said to meet him there at 7:30, that gave her a good three and a half hours to prepare. Her hair would take the longest but she was definitely still concerned about what to wear.
She hops in the shower to take a full body one, using her favorite jasmine scrub all over her skin and adding her new hair care product to her scalp that Ginny found for her. She's used it one other time and her hair has never felt so smoothe, it provided her heat less and not to mention tangleless curls.
Once done with the shower, all towel dried, lotion applied, and curls tamed, she stands in only her knickers eyeing her clothing critically.
She decides on a midnight blue, thin strap, silk dress. It hugs her figure pretty fairly, the hem stopping just above her knees, the back is elegant but the front is loose at her bust, swooping down to show just a bit of cleavage. She pairs it with simple silver jewelry and black velvet heels, the strap going across her ankles to the other side.
With one last look in the mirror, she nods to her vision then finds Crookshanks in the kitchen. Grabbing a few treats from the cabinet, she whistles for him to sit on the counter before receiving his prize.
"I'll be back soon, love. Here's some of your favorite snacks, so I expect you to be good." Brushing his furry head, he purrs into her touch then attacks the treats.
She grabs her black coat from the coat rack and slips her wand in the inside pocket, snatching her favorite clutch, she adds muggle and wizard money before heading out. Her flat is close to the apparition point, only a short two minute walk.
She's eager to see him, heat floods her veins and she's nervous as hell, especially since she knows he'll be dressed to the nines. Hermione takes a deep breath to calm her nerves then apparates straight to the hustle and bustle of Diagon Alley.
Wizards and witches coming from all directions, she spots the restaurant but also notices the crazy line out front. Draco mentioned he's already booked a reservation so all she had to do was walk inside to be escorted to their table. She politely shoves past the crowded line and is greeted by warmth. The atmosphere around her is suddenly calmer and she's grateful for that.
"Hello, I have a reservation with Draco Malfoy." The hostess looks to her with a smile then to the clipboard, scrolling past all of the names until finding the M's.
"Of course, Miss Granger, follow me please."
He walks her through the elegant room and she uses this time to take everything in. It's definitely not what she expected, it's certainly romantic and that does things to her insides; tingly things. Hope rises and dizziness spreads. The thought of having a romantic dinner with Draco is enough to rock her off her feet.
The entire journey she's been eyeing the room around them, not noticing the destination has arrived, a back corner sits their table. Not too far away from the main dining room but enough to grant them privacy.
"Here we are, please enjoy." She offers a small smile then turns to face Draco.
Her heart drops, like it literally sinks to the core of the Earth. Plummeting through layers and layers of skin, bones, and debris. Heat burning her cheeks and not because he looks absolutely dashing, which he does and that's besides the point. But no, the current fire within her, coursing through her blood stream is caused by the unexpected occupant sitting right next to him. Words can't even describe the embarrassment she's feeling for herself.
"Hermione! You look lovely, please sit."
Astoria fucking Greengrass. Of course, she would be here⦠with her boyfriend.
