Hullo ?
Been a while, hasn't it?
Hermione's hands matched Draco's in fervent pace, ripping at his shirt and drawing it over his smooth skin. She ran her hands over his stomach and the small trail of blonde hairs that travelled from his navel to something she had been craving for longer than she wished to acknowledge.
The nerves of Hermione's skin rippled as Draco's hands pushed up her sides, forcing her pyjamas over her small bump and tracing delicate lines of promise and seduction along her waist. His lips dipped to her neck, soft kisses pressed against Hermione's throat made her tilt her head back, her eyes fluttering closed as she savoured the feel of the wizard against her.
"Draco… please." Hermione begged, "I need you."
Wooing be damned, Hermione's body was alight with desperate need. She'd waited, she'd tried being friends, but now she just needed to feel Draco. To feel his own desire, to know him once more the way she had before.
"Patience, Hermione." Draco licked the sensitive spot on her neck. Trailing slow bites down her collarbone as his nimble fingers pushed the outer top of Hermione's pyjamas over her shoulders. Cool air burnt at her tempered skin, Draco's lips fanning the heat through her body.
"You're a tease." Hermione groaned as Draco lifted one of her arms, extracting it from her flannel pyjamas and kissing down the length of it.
Draco lifted his head as he kissed the inside of Hermione's wrist, tilting it so he could look down at Hermione as he did. Kneeling above her, Draco's hands held her own, and with a sly grin, he kissed the back of her hand softly. It would have been a very proper gesture if he wasn't currently kneeling above her on the pile of blankets, disrobing her as she panted for him to hurry.
"A tease?" Draco smirked, "Miss Granger, don't tempt me."
Hermione tried to tug Draco back down to her, but he resisted.
"I think, Hermione, considering the words your father had for me earlier," Draco nipped at her wrist again, "you should consider yourself lucky even to get me this far. If he had any idea what I planned to do to you, I'm quite certain the Speck would never meet his father."
Hermione's breath skipped a beat. Perhaps she should have apologised for her father or assure Draco that her father wouldn't do anything to him, but she was too distracted.
"And what, exactly, do you have planned for me?" Hermione licked her lips in apprehension, studying the grin that spread across Draco's face as he watched her reaction.
"I thought," Draco kissed his way down Hermione's arm until he was resting over her again, his soft lips brushing against her collarbone. "I would start from here and work my way down."
Hermione murmured something of encouragement as Draco's hands pulled off her singlet and laid her back down in the blankets. One hand rounded the curve of her breast whilst Draco's lips kissed gently down her chest. A low chuckle emanated from Draco's throat, making Hermione open her eyes once more.
"They're bigger." Draco's hand cupped Hermione's breast, holding the round weight in one hand.
Hermione tried not to blush as he swiped his thumb across her already hardened nipple.
"And ah-" Hermione let out a hiss as Draco's lips sealed around her left nipple and sucked gently. "-more sensitive. Please be gentle."
Draco released her nipple, kissing it delicately as he laid by her side,
"I will. I promise." His hand palmed the heavy weight again, "Tell me if it's too much."
Hermione nodded, her eyes fluttering closed as Draco's fingers danced softly on her nipple, his movements slowly dictated by the soft breaths and moans they elicited from Hermione.
"Please," Hermione begged, opening her eyes to find Draco watching her, "…more."
Draco's lips kissed her breasts' soft skin, trailing to their round curve and then she felt his teeth against her. A gentle nip made her gasp, his mouth sucking hard on the underside of her breast.
She knew it would leave a mark, and all the galleons in the world couldn't convince her to remove it with bruise cream.
Draco's lips touched her abdomen; soft kisses peppered down her stomach softly. Hermione giggled as he reached her waist, the tickle of his lips teasing her sensitive sides.
"Please," She begged again, her hands entangling in Draco's hair as she felt the warm breath of his laughter ghost along her hips.
"So impatient tonight, Hermione." Draco looked up at her as he moved, shifting lower until he pushed her legs apart and knelt between them.
Hermione bit her lips, but a small groan slipped through as she watched him lie between her legs, grey eyes watching her reaction whilst his lips pressed against the inner curve of her thigh.
"Yes," She hissed.
Hands trailed against her legs, finding the waist of her shorts and underwear. Hermione lifted her hips, and within moments Draco had divested her of her remaining clothes.
Part of Hermione felt somewhat exposed, completely naked in front of him, but the way his eyes trailed along her body only made her feel seen. His arm slid under her thigh, adjusting her as he murmured,
"You are magnificent, Hermione Granger."
Hermione's heart fluttered against her chest. She tried to think of something to say in reply, to tell him he was near painfully handsome, but when she opened her mouth, all she could do was gasp.
"Draco… oh, gods." Hermione's chest arched, breath ripped away from her as Draco's tongue found her most sensitive spot and with a long, decisive pass made her eyes roll in her head. "Yes… oh merlin, there."
She'd forgotten, she realised, how it felt. The way Draco's tongue could move to her clit, finding it in moments and swirling around it to make her mind shatter. Small deft flicks of his tongue made her legs tremble as Draco's thumb found her entrance. Draco moved his thumb gently across her slit, gathering the pooling wetness and spreading it whilst his tongue sucked gently at her.
Hermione's hips jolted despite the way Draco held her; she panted and looked down to find his grey eyes on her. Watching, she'd forgotten the way he watched her, waiting for the moment she would spill over the edge for him.
"Draco," Hermione moaned softly.
As if a reward, Draco's thumb stopped and was replaced by two of his long, perfect fingers. Breath caught in her throat as Draco slowly dragged his tongue along her length.
His lips were glossy with her slick as his fingers pressed against her opening.
"Do you want this, Hermione?" He asked softly, teasing her entrance with a promising pressure.
Hermione nodded emphatically.
"Talk to me, love." Draco's lips quirked, "Do you want this?"
At his last word, Draco pressed his fingers into her but only just enough for her to feel the way it stretched her. The allusion of what it could be.
"Yes," Hermione's voice was tight with need. "Draco, I want you."
Another reward for her breathless words, Draco pressed into her until his knuckles brushed against her. Then slowly, without withdrawing, his curled fingers drew circles inside of her. Hermione's eyelids fluttered at the teasing sensation. It could have gotten her to the edge if only it were a little stronger. From the gentle smirk on Draco's face, he knew that as well.
"Tell me, Hermione," he said, rocking his fingers back and forth only just enough to make Hermione's hips tilt in reply. "Have you been thinking about this?"
Evil, he was truly evil. Hermione knew it now, the way his cheek pressed against her thigh as he drove her mad in anticipation. Fingers still working her into a slow delirium, Draco seemed to have all the patience in the world.
Had she been thinking about this? About the way he touched her?
Yes, of course. Near every night, she thought about the ways he had made her come. The way they had gripped each other in her office, the rough, desperate shag against her desk. She'd thought about the way he'd fucked her slowly in the Manor's hidden corridor, the way her head had knocked against the stone walls as her hand had held back his moans. She remembered the things they had done and imagined all the things they hadn't.
The potential for more. Draco's inconceivable knack for finding her nerves and bringing out a side of her Hermione wasn't sure she'd ever known before.
The sensations stopped at the exact moment Hermione realised she hadn't said anything. Too caught up in the feel of him, she'd let Draco's question drag her into her memories rather than answer him.
"Hermione." Draco chided softly, his thumb twisting to press against her clit. One small flick was enough to make her mouth move.
"Yes." She groaned, "Yes, of course."
"Tell me." Draco's voice was light and amused.
"I will." Hermione looked down at him, trying to match the way his mouth quirked to one side. "If you put your mouth back down there."
Draco rolled his eyes.
"Have you always been this bossy?"
Hermione shifted her hips, forcing his hand to move again and muttered,
"Have you forgotten who you're talking to?"
Draco shifted his elbow again as he swirled his thumb. She could feel his breath on her as he reminded her,
"Tell me."
Hermione had covered her eyes with her hand, suddenly regretting her power move. It didn't last long, Draco's lips were around her clit, and his hand moved slowly, drawing a long moan from her.
"Hermione." It was muffled from between her thighs, but clearly, Draco wasn't going to renege on their agreement.
"All the time." Hermione panted softly, "I think about this, about you, all the time."
Draco didn't hold back; as promised, Hermione's words seemed to urge him on. Soft flicks, then hard passes on her clit all whilst his fingers worked in a glorious curving motion. Her thighs trembled as she tried to collect her thoughts enough for words to pass her lips.
"I think about you. In my bed, in the shower, on the sofa when I can't seem to find anything else to satisfy me."
Draco groaned softly from between her, his ability to consume her something she had never been able to replicate no matter how she tried. Her fingers couldn't reach like his could, couldn't touch her with the same soft bruising pressure that he had mastered.
"I miss the way you feel inside of me, Draco. It aches, not being able to touch you when you're near. When I just want to push you down and…"
Hermione's words faltered as the trembling feeling built, her body quivering as it reached closer and closer to a crescendo. She could feel the way it surged behind some invisible barrier, prepared to crash down on her and leave her shattered.
"Oh, gods…" Draco's hand gripped Hermione's trembling thigh as he pressed closer and, with his tongue, made her come. "…Draco."
Body trembling Hermione let the orgasm crash through her, waves of relief from the tension of their past interactions seeming to break with it. She knew he would be watching her, grey eyes alight as Draco slowed his fingers and released her clit.
Hermione closed her eyes, just trying to stay with the feeling even as she felt Draco move. He leant above her, and as she opened her eyes, she took in the way his gorgeous hair had been ruffled and the swell of his wet lips.
"Perfect." He whispered, more to himself than to her.
Hermione chuckled as she reached up and pulled Draco down until she could kiss him. He tasted of her, but she didn't care, too busy running her hands down his chest.
When Hermione let Draco break the kiss, she had to flop back into their blanket pile, trying to catch her breath. Her body felt heavy, completely satisfied after so much time craving him.
The blankets were warm, and Draco's body pressed against her side equally so. Hermione's eyes were heavy even as she thought about all the things she could do with that man.
There was no way she could ever go back to mediocre sex again.
"That was…" Hermione's chest heaved up and down, her eyelids mimicking the movements. "Incredible. Exceeds Expectations. Outstanding. Really."
Draco kissed her gently on the cheek. Hermione tried to open her eyes, wanting to chase after his lips and kiss him properly, but her body seemed to sink deeper into the blankets. Overwhelmed with fatigue, she found herself folding into Draco's body, his arm curling around her.
"Just need… one minute," Hermione mumbled into his warm chest, fully intending to rest her eyes for only a moment.
"Hermione? Are you asleep?" Draco's voice was soft, laughing above her as Hermione tried to reply but was pulled further into her slumber.
"You look… happy." Padma tilted her head, eyes examining Hermione as she seated herself across the booth.
"I think I am, actually." Hermione cupped both hands around her glass, more Gillywater from the Leaky Cauldron's crowded bar.
"Are you glowing from…" Padma's voice dipped as she waved her hand in Hermione's general direction, "…you know. Or from you know."
Hermione frowned.
"Oh, come on." Padma grinned, "You know, or the action that got you into your current state of you know."
"Thanks so much for the elaboration." Hermione rolled her eyes. She knew Padma was purposefully trying not to mention Hermione's pregnancy or Draco by name, not with how many ears there were in the vicinity, but she doubted whether the unorthodox communication method about 'you know' wouldn't cause more curiosity.
Hermione's finger ran around the rim of her glass, memories of the previous Friday coming back now that Padma was grinning at her with a knowing look.
Saturday morning Hermione had awoken, satisfied, and drooling on Draco's chest. He was kind enough not to mention the damp patch on his shirt when he woke not long after Hermione, instead grumbling about the state of his hair. Hermione had slept comfortably, but even her hair hadn't fared well from sleeping in their makeshift fort.
She'd felt a little bit bad about falling asleep or falling asleep without being able to return the favour for Draco. She'd fully intended to take advantage of the man, first date or not, her libido had her near begging for more at the sight of his bedhead. It was just a shame that the rest of her body had prioritised sleep.
Draco had been called away Saturday morning, an owl's note dragging him away before Hermione had even had the chance to offer him breakfast for his troubles. Still, he had kissed her before flooing away; one had curling through her hair and the other brushing softly against the curve of her abdomen.
Yes, in the most surprising ways, Hermione did find herself rather happy.
"So I take it Friday went well?" Padma sipped on her wine. "How was… dinner?"
Hermione realised she was blushing, thoughts of the evening colouring her cheeks.
"We, uh, never made it dinner."
"Oh… oh." Padma gave a sly smile, "So it was a very good date then."
Hermione tried hiding behind her glass for a moment, the long sip giving her a moment to control the blush that wanted to reappear on her face.
"It wasn't like that exactly. We stayed at my flat, and it was very romantic if you want to know. He was very sweet."
"Sweet?" Padma said, "Then why do you not seem capable of meeting my eye, Hermione."
Hermione ducked her head. Curse Padma and her intuition. Draco had been sweet and romantic. He'd even been romantic with his head buried between her legs, asking her to whisper all her dirty secrets to him.
Hermione cleared her throat.
"What about you then, Pads? How was your Friday evening?" Hermione was finally able to look up and meet Padma's gaze.
Padma smiled over her glass,
"It was rather good, thank you for asking. Blaise is phenomenally well endowed if you were curious."
Hermione sputtered, coughing Gillywater on the table. Padma ignored her, still talking when Hermione was able to breathe again.
"…my sofa, on the other hand, may never be the same."
"Right." Hermione flicked her wand, and the table dried instantly. "I wasn't that curious, but thanks for the update."
"Not all of us are embarrassed by having a good time, darling."
Hermione only grunted.
"A good time, eh?" A voice carried into their vicinity, "You wouldn't happen to be talking about me, would you?"
Hermione looked up to see a very smug Blaise approaching, drink in hand. Dressed in his stylish office attire, Hermione couldn't help but glance around to check for a blonde-haired companion.
As Blaise slid into the booth next to Padma, one arm draped over the back of the chair, he grinned at Hermione's curious glance.
"He's still at the office."
"What?" Hermione blinked and finally turned to Blaise. "Oh, I was just…um."
Padma and Blaise shared a look.
"Anyway," Blaise smiled brightly again, "I thought we were talking about me?"
Hermione leant back into her chair, hoping this meant she was off the hook and conversation did not have to focus on her Friday night activities.
"So you think you're the only one who can show a lady a good time?" Padma sniffed dramatically, hands playing with her glass.
"No." Blaise was watching her smugly, his dark eyes obvious in the way they followed the curve of her neck. "Though I do pride myself in ensuring every time is a good time."
"How cocky." Padma's eyebrow raised, "We were actually just discussing Hermione's weekend."
"Oh," Blaise looked over the table, "I have some questions about that too."
Hermione had to glare at Padma. She didn't appreciate being thrown under the bus, and just when she had started to hope she was free from that interrogation, it had gotten worse.
Blaise's wand was out, and with a careful flick, he whispered,
"Muffliato. Hermione, darling, would you mind telling me why- if Friday was so successful, as I'm presuming it was since I haven't been fired this week, does my boss seem so… frustrated."
Padma snorted, earning herself another glare from Hermione. Padma only lifted an eyebrow in response, obviously curious herself.
Blaise, on the other hand, didn't seem curious. He seemed positively downright giddy. Hermione eyed him for a moment, the wizard's lip twitching in amusement.
"Does he bloody tell you everything?" Hermione asked with a deep sigh.
Blaise burst out in laughter. Padma looked between them, obviously trying to work out what she was missing.
"Yes." Blaise admitted, "Who else would listen to his rants? And if I'm forced to listen to his little panics, then I should also get to listen to dirty little-"
"It's not dirty!" Hermione groaned, "It's just embarrassing."
Padma's head swung back and forth, eyes bright and curious.
"Oh my gods, Hermione, what happened?"
"Nothing!"
Blaise snorted.
"He's not allowed to know if I don't." Padma pointed an accusatory finger at Blaise.
"Well, that's not my fault," Hermione grumbled.
Blaise was laughing, chuckling as Hermione pouted in her seat and Padma practically bounced in hers.
"Please, Hermione." Padma put on her best whine and pouted at Hermione. "I'll tell you what happened to my sofa."
"Hey." Blaise stopped laughing, "You swore that to secrecy."
Padma only shrugged at him, clearly happy to bargain the information for her own gain.
"I don't want to know what happened to the sofa!" Hermione wrinkled her nose, "but fine, I'll tell you."
Padma edged closer, eager eyes watching Hermione as Blaise glanced at her, a soft smile on his face.
"It's not that interesting," Hermione sighed, "I- uh, we were, you know, and after I... Well, I fell asleep."
Padma snorted loudly, and Hermione prayed the Muffliato would hold. It was the last thing she needed people overhearing.
"Let me get this straight..." Padma grinned, "When you say you know, was it during you know or the fun stuff leading up to you know?"
"After the fun stuff. Um, well, fun stuff for me. I fell asleep before I could reciprocate."
Blaise laughed,
"Like I said... frustrated."
Padma snorted into her hand.
"Oh, dear." Padma glanced up to Hermione's frown, and her expression softened. "Oh, no, it's really not that bad."
"Thanks," Hermione grumbled, glaring at her hands.
"No, seriously." Padma kicked her softly under the table. She grinned when Hermione looked up and wrinkled her nose at her. "How many times have men left us frustrated? I dare say he'll survive."
Hermione tried not to laugh, but the horrified expression on Blaise's face as he looked at Padma had Hermione snorting into her hand.
"Excuse me." Blaise blinked rapidly, "I didn't hear any complaints on Friday."
Padma turned her head, a smile playing on her lips.
"I never said it was about you."
"You're not saying it's not either." Blaise scowled. "I pride myself on my ability to leave my partners as unfrustrated as possible."
Padma patted Blaise's leg gently.
"I'm sure you do." She said with a grin, "It's just not always possible. Besides, with the horrendous rate at which women feel compelled to fake their orgasms, I'd hardly blame you for not knowing."
Blaise's mouth dropped.
"I can assure you no one has ever felt the need to fake it with me."
"Uh-huh." Padma turned back to Hermione. "Hermione, you know what I mean, don't you?"
Hermione shrugged,
"Sure." She said with a blush. "But ah, not with my present company. Quite the opposite, actually."
Blaise nodded at Padma,
"See," he grinned smugly. "Not everyone is incapable."
"He is in a rather exclusive club of one, however." Hermione shrugged.
"Kudos to Malfoy then," Padma smirked. "You're going out again on Friday, correct?"
"Yes," Hermione said, "actually going out this time. Draco said he had dinner planned."
Blaise's attention seemed to focus back on Hermione for a moment.
"Draco mentioned," he said, "somewhere nice, wasn't it?"
Hermione frowned at him,
"Yes," she said slowly. "Marcel's, I think. Why?"
Blaise grinned, a sly smirk spreading across his face.
"No reason." He said, twirling his fingers in the air slowly. "It just slipped my mind for a moment."
"Right." Hermione frowned, wondering if there was something more to the way his lips tipped upwards in a satisfied smirk.
"Well," Padma said, giving Blaise a similar side-eye to Hermione. "Then you'll have a chance to reciprocate. If he's as frustrated as Blaise said, I'm sure he'll be appreciative."
Padma winked at her over the table as Hermione hid behind her glass,
"and be sure to give me updates."
"Absolutely not." Hermione scoffed.
"I'll tell you about my sofa if you don't."
"Please," Hermione laughed. "Have mercy."
"Anyway," Blaise interrupted, clearing his throat before turning back to Padma. "Are you insinuating I am not in this elusive 'club'?"
Padma grinned as she drank the remnants of her glass.
"I can hardly let you in the club after one night."
Blaise raised an eyebrow,
"Is that a challenge?"
His voice had dropped an octave as he leant over and whispered something in Padma's ear that made the woman grin.
"Maybe." Padma leant back, "If you're up for it."
Hermione rolled her eyes,
"Not that this isn't delightful to watch," she said, sliding out of the booth, "but it's getting late, and I think I'll leave you two alone now."
"You don't have to go." Padma frowned as she refocused on Hermione, "Sorry, am I being a terrible friend?"
"No," Hermione laughed, "you're always perfect, Pads. Just please don't ever tell me about your sofa."
A quick hug and final greeting to Blaise and Hermione was free for the evening. A glance over the shoulder as she left the pub, and Hermione had to shake her head in amusement to see Blaise offering Padma a hand out of the booth- their own departure clearly imminent.
Thursday and Friday passed in rapid succession. Hermione's scrap of baby tasks was buried somewhere under the pile of paperwork on her desk whilst she attempted to manage her ever-growing workload. She'd barely had any time to run home from work on Friday, when Draco kindly sent her an owl at six to remind her they had their second date, to change back into the red dress and a nice coat before Draco was arriving through her floo.
It was late when they floo'd into the Leaky Cauldron, slipping through the crowd and into the streets of muggle London. Cold puffs of air hung above them as they walked further away from wizarding society, and in a quiet street, Hermione took advantage of a doorway to drag Draco off the road.
The street was dark as Hermione shoved her hands into Draco's coat, tugging him closer until she could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek.
"Where are you taking me, Granger?" Draco grumbled as he was jerked off their path and into Hermione.
"Just here." Hermione nodded to the small alcove that sheltered them.
Draco's eyes found hers, lips only millimetres away.
"You wouldn't be planning on distracting me from our date again, would you?" He whispered, glancing down at her lips and back up.
Hermione curled one lip, mimicking his signature smirk. From the flicker of his eyebrow, Hermione knew she was getting better at it.
"I quite liked our alternative activities last time."
"I noticed." Draco's lips brushed over Hermione's lower lip, but before she could lean into him, they were gone, the softest brush trailing along her jaw.
Hermione tried to pull Draco closer to her, but he resisted, a low chuckle coming from his mouth as hot breath by her ear sent a shiver down her neck.
"I'm afraid, Hermione, you'll have to wait until after our date." Draco's hands found her waist, letting his hands stroke along her sides as she groaned softly. "Marcel will kill me if we miss another reservation."
"So why are you torturing me now?" Hermione asked as Draco's lips pressed gently against her neck.
"Retribution." He murmured into her skin.
Draco's nose brushed along her neck, the ghosting of his lips driving her mad as she felt his hands roam down her back, one hand cupping her arse.
"You're a tease." Hermione's voice was high and tight as she dragged her hands through Draco's hair.
"I would never."
Hermione opened her mouth to refute him and possibly to convince him Marcel could live without their presence when movement caught her eye.
"Mr Malfoy, Miss Granger." A voice called from the corner and abruptly caused the pair to pull apart.
A quick glance up told Hermione that she'd most certainly given Draco his telltale post-snog hair. Its usual neatness disrupted by her desperate fingers. She tried to ignore it as she peered into the darkness at the owner of the voice.
A slim body leaned against the stone wall, a bulky satchel bumping against his side as the man shifted his weight. Hermione bit her lip as she recognised him.
"It's Basil, right?"
"Yes, M'am."
Hermione frowned; long gone was the arrogance for their past interactions. She wondered what had taken him down a peg. The man shifted, shrugging his camera out of the bag and lifting it slightly.
"You wouldn't mind a picture, would you? And maybe a few words?"
Hermione looked at Draco, who had a mild frown on his face. It was a quiet night, and despite the few looks they'd gotten passing through the apparition spot, she doubted word had travelled to the journalists of the evening that fast. From the calm manner Basil pushed off from the brick wall, Hermione suspected someone had tipped him off about their location.
"Blaise sent you?" Draco asked, voicing Hermione's thought.
Basil licked his lips nervously and nodded quickly.
Hermione frowned, cursing herself for being naïve enough to believe Blaise had simply been curious about the location of their next date. Slytherins, she thought to herself with a soft sigh.
"Yes, sir. Said I might come by here 'round this time. Might see if you'd be interested in giving a few words, makes an article come up real classy, like."
Draco hmm'd, but Hermione had the distinct feeling that the article might 'come out real classy' because of a few shiny coins. Draco looked down at Hermione and shrugged.
"It's up to you." He said, "but it'll come out one way or another."
Hermione chewed her lip; he was right. As much as she enjoyed their kissing in hidden corners, it wouldn't last forever. Especially considering the swell of her stomach, charmed with a notice-me-not spell for the evening.
Regardless if they told Basil to bugger off, as soon as word got out they were having dinner together, someone would write an article, and they might as well get ahead of the press. If luck was on their side, it might even give them a few weeks before the news of her pregnancy hit the headlines.
"Alright," Hermione said, smiling at Draco. She leaned forward in his arms, smiling as she whispered, "Does this mean you'll kiss me now?"
Draco smirked at her, tugging both hands on her waist and leaning down to gently kiss her on the lips. It was a quick, chaste kiss that still managed to leave Hermione breathless. Nothing too scandalous for the camera that clicked wildly in the night sky.
Privately Hermione thanked Basil that he hadn't decided to get snap happy on their earlier interaction. It would have been significantly less appropriate for print but substantially more valuable for the journalist. Hermione wondered just how many galleons Basil had been promised for his good behaviour.
"What a lovely couple," Basil said, grinning from one ear to another. "And how long have you two been together now, Miss Granger?"
Hermione paused, was nine days an appropriate response? Probably not. It would just complicate matters.
"December." She somewhat lied, glancing up at Draco, who smirked at her again.
"And is it serious, Mr Malfoy? Have you found 'The One'?" Basil had pulled out a small notebook and was now struggling with an over-enthusiastic Quick-Quotes quill.
Draco frowned at that; most likely, Blaise would be getting words the following day.
"Hermione and I are very happy." He said tersely.
"Lovely, lovely." Basil nodded enthusiastically. "Miss Granger, do you expect to take the Malfoy name when you marry or will you be retaining-"
"That's enough," Draco growled. His arm slipped around Hermione protectively as she found her eyes widening.
Bloody presumptuous git. Hermione's wand hand flicked covertly as she felt Draco's hand on her waist. Across the dark street, Basil's quill sputtered, ink splashing over his notes as he screeched and hurriedly tried to wipe it off.
"My apologies, Basil, we're late for our reservation," Hermione said politely as she stepped off the alcove's stairs, Draco following closely behind. "Have a good evening."
Draco hand slipped into Hermione's as they strode down the street together.
"Whoever told you you weren't suited to Slytherin was an idiot," Draco said softly, as Basil's exasperated sighs echoed off the stones behind them.
"I think you mentioned it once or twice." Hermione lifted an eyebrow at him in the dark.
Draco met her eye firmly, his grey eyes soft but stern for a moment,
"Then I was a fool."
Draco's fingers brushed gently against hers as they strolled towards the Leaky Cauldron. The night air had grown colder since leaving the restaurant. Or rather awkwardly being kicked out of the restaurant as it closed for the night.
Politely asked to leave could have been more accurate, but Hermione had blushed anyway when she'd realised half the staff were loitering around the restaurant, their closing duties complete and their freedom only limited by the lingering couple.
"I'm just saying," Hermione said as she stepped onto the street, coat wrapped tightly around her shoulders. "You could corner the market this early on."
"Are you sure this isn't just a ploy to have me work with a Weasley?" Draco grumbled as he guided her back onto the pathway.
Hermione was walking backwards now, hands gesturing in animated passion.
"As much as that amuses me, no." Hermione rolled her eyes at him. "Besides, Charlie is lovely. I'm just saying it would be a revolutionary step in the market."
"Cruelty-free dragon hide?" Draco still looked somewhat dubious, despite the lengthy discussion they had had over the topic at dinner.
"Exactly." Hermione's eyes glinted in the moonlight, "Dragons already shed their scales, and any wizard worth his gold knows the magical properties of dragonhide aren't in the hide at all. It's about the scales."
"Worth his gold?" Draco raised an eyebrow as they reached the door of the Leaky Cauldron. "Are you trying to insult my very extensive vaults?"
Hermione leant on the door, pushing it open with a gust of warm air.
"Do I need to?"
Draco snorted,
"No, you are right. It's a sound investment."
"And you've let me carry on for the last hour about this?" Hermione laughed. She'd gotten so caught up detailing the process of scale collect rather than hide removal on dragons she hadn't even realised she'd been lecturing Draco for the latter part of their date.
"It was interesting." He shrugged, "Not exactly our speciality, but we're always looking to expand the business."
Draco had explained more about Malfoy Industries over their decadent meal, the companies extensive investments and Draco's personal interest in potion development.
The warmth of the Leaky Cauldron wrapped around Hermione slowly as Draco stepped inside with her. For a moment, his hand loosened from hers, but Hermione slid her fingers against his, and he returned the grasp.
"Coming?" She said, nodding towards the floo as she ignored the stare from a young witch at the bar.
It was late, and the Leaky wasn't as crowded as usual for a Friday night, but there were still looks cast their way as Draco nodded through a tense jaw and Hermione led him past the bar, their entwined hands unhidden.
Hermione straightened her back and lifted her nose in the air in a way she hadn't felt the need to do since Hogwarts. She was uncowed and wouldn't hide away just because of the gawking glance of a few.
Throwing the floo powder aggressively into the flames, Hermione dragged Draco through the floo and into her flat.
Where Hermione's frown showed her anger, the slight frown on Draco's made him seem concerned.
"I'm sorry," he said as they stepped into Hermione's flat.
"I'm not." Hermione said, unbuttoning her coat, "I had a lovely evening, Draco, and I won't let anyone ruin it."
"But it'll only get worse," Draco rubbed at the back of his neck with a sigh, "and you'll bear the brunt of it. Once the article is out, and then they'll find out about-"
Draco stopped talking as Hermione grabbed the front of his coat and tugged him towards her.
"Let them." She said thoughtfully, "People will bicker and gossip and talk all they want, but at the end of the day do you know what I'll be doing?"
Hermione slid her hands over Draco's coat, entwining them behind his neck as he gave a soft sigh.
"What?"
"I'll be snogging my boyfriend."
"You-" Draco's melancholy seemed to break, his eyebrow quirking as he looked down at her. "Did you just call me your boyfriend?"
Hermione shrugged,
"It seems fitting. Ginny keeps calling you my 'baby-daddy', and that's just…" Hermione wrinkled her nose in distaste. "Also, you're ignoring the part about snogging. It was very smooth."
"Smooth?" Draco's hands found Hermione's hips, the hint of a smile returning to his lips.
"Suave," Hermione said, leaning closer. "Debonair, even."
"Hardly," Draco grumbled, pulling her closer until their noses nearly brushed together. "But I suppose as my girlfriend-"
"As your girlfriend…" Hermione mimed.
"-I can forgive your terribly Gryffindor methods."
"Does that mean you'll snog me now?"
"If I must."
Draco's lips brushed against hers, softly at first, before she pulled herself against his chest and deepened the kiss. Draco's hands worked their way around her hips, releasing a satisfied groan as he cupped her arse.
Slowly, Hermione allowed him to walk her backwards until they bumped against the back of her sofa. Hermione let out a soft grunt as hands lifted her, arse first, until she was sitting atop the sofa's back.
"You looked beautiful tonight, Hermione," Draco murmured as their lips parted.
"Thank you." Hermione kissed his cheek. "Thank you for organising everything, and being kind, and talking to the reporter, and for last Friday."
Hermione paused, trailing kisses down his jawline and to his neck.
"Especially for last Friday."
Draco groaned softly as Hermione nipped his neck. His head was tipped back, and his eyes shuttered as he let her hands unbutton his coat and slide it off. As soon as it was off, his eyes and hands were on her. Nimble fingers removed her coat, pulling it over her shoulders as he said,
"You never have to thank me for that, Hermione. All I think about is that."
To prove his point, he rolled his hips against her. Hermione could feel the hardness of him through her dress, his fly pressing against her knickers and the friction eliciting a soft moan.
She wanted to rub against him, to find her release immediately, but she forced herself to calm. She pushed back against his shoulders, freeing herself from his hold.
Draco raised a quizzical eyebrow but allowed her to shuffle off the sofa back and push him against the kitchen bench. He grinned as she forced him to stand still, one hand on the button of his trousers.
"Good." She said slowly, "Because all I've been thinking about this week is doing this."
Hermione flicked open the button as she sunk to her knees before him.
Draco's eyes were hooded, the grey of his iris consumed by his rapidly dilated pupils as he looked down at her. Hermione smiled back up at him, hand sliding against him until he dropped his head back with a soft moan.
"You know I was joking about retribution earlier." Draco said as Hermione pulled down his trousers, "You don't-"
"Oh, hush," Hermione said firmly with a roll of her eyes. "If I didn't want to, I wouldn't. Let me enjoy myself."
"Bossy."
"Are you complaining?" Hermione's fingers pulled at his pants, dragging them down to his knees and releasing his erection.
"Hardly," Draco muttered, his eyes dark as he looked down at her, as she wrapped a hand around him and slowly pumped his cock.
Hermione moved closer, letting her tongue flick out and lick the tip of him. Draco watched her closely, his breath coming out in small pants as Hermione experimented with the head of his cock.
She licked the underside, feeling the cord of nerves against her tongue, then lapped at the slit on his tip. Hand still pumping around the shaft, Hermione looked directly up at Draco as she closed her lips around his length.
Draco groaned as Hermione swallowed as much of him as she could, breathing out through her nose as she experimented with the length and fitting him deeper into her throat.
Draco let out a noise that could be only considered a whimper as Hermione's nose brushed against his cropped blonde curls, his cock deep in her throat. Hermione slid back, satisfied now with her research. She could take all of him, she just needed to time her breathing correctly and not gag, but she smiled in satisfaction as she released his head with a pop.
"Merlin, Hermione." Draco's hand brushed against her curls as she began using her hand once more.
"Just practising." She murmured, pressing her lips to the head of his cock and tonguing the line underneath.
"Practicing?" Draco's eyes were dark as he stared down at her. "Practice much more, and I won't last ten minutes."
It brushed her ego, and Hermione grinned wickedly up at him.
"I'm sure I could make it five." She smiled sweetly before wrapping her lips around him once more.
Hermione hollowed her lips and used her tongue to flick against him as she moved him in her mouth. She loved the taste of him, the way his cock twitched at her movements and the soft moans it drew from him.
Hermione let her eyes roll back, allowing herself to enjoy the feel of him in her mouth. She'd always relished giving oral sex before, something about the power of pleasure she held at that moment. With Draco, Hermione cherished the way he moaned and the gentle grip he had on her hair. He didn't force her. Instead, he let her experiment with him, rolling her tongue and sucking with a pressure that made him rock hard in her mouth.
She avoided using her teeth, making sure not to scrape him as she pushed herself to take more and more of him with every movement. Her name spilt from his lips as Hermione felt herself getting wetter.
She could taste his precum, the saltiness of him as she breathed deeply, taking him deep into her throat once more and bobbing her head until Draco's legs shuddered.
"Hermione, I'm close." He said, looking down at her. He groaned softly as Hermione pushed herself the last few centimetres, rocking her mouth down on him as she made it clear she had no intention of letting him come anywhere but her mouth.
She wanted to taste him, to feel him come undone. She watched him, the way he threw his head back and his hand twisting in her hair.
"Hermione." Draco groaned loudly, his cock twitched, and Hermione felt his come spill into her mouth.
She pulled back, hand pumping his length and mouth sucking on his head through his orgasm. His thighs shuddered under her other hand, his body slowly relaxing as Hermione slowed.
Hermione grinned to herself as Draco's chest heaved slowly, his eyes still closed. It wasn't until she took his hand from her hair and kissed it gently that he hmm'd softly.
"I dare say that was at least eight minutes."
Hermione laughed,
"It was closer to six."
Draco pulled her up by the hand, dragging her close and kissing her, despite his own taste still being on her lips.
"Then I'll just have to make you come in five." He growled, nipping at her lip.
"Oh, you're on."
Saturday was uneventful, almost disturbingly so. The Prophet came and went without concern. Which only had Hermione more concerned- no matter how much she would have liked it, there was no way the Prophet wouldn't be running with the photos.
Hermione chewed on her lip as she flipped through the paper. She hoped that somewhere, stuffed back in the less exciting pages, she would be mentioned, and that would be that. With a huff, Hermione flipped the final page and closed the paper. The photos from her date with Draco were not included, nor any mention of them.
Tea did not calm her. Not even shooing Misty out and finally being able to clean her flat herself put Hermione in a better mood. When everything was sparkling clean, and her neighbours were most likely sick of her loud music, Hermione flopped on the sofa and resigned herself to waiting another day for the inevitable.
She rubbed a hand over her stomach affectionately.
"What do you think, little Speck? Are we doomed?" Hermione looked at the parenting books on her coffee table and then back down at her stomach. "Sorry, you're not even here yet, and I'm already burdening you with my problems."
Eventually, Hermione decided to ignore her problems. It seemed like a sound choice for the evening. It was hardly like she could do anything until the article came out.
Instead, she opted for a bath, candles and all. It was relaxing for the most part until she was sinking deep into the tub and came to the sudden realisation.
Her bathtub was deep. It had been one of the draws to her small home. Only how was she meant to lean over the deep walls to bath a small child. Hermione kicked at a dried rose petal, one that had been released from her milky, pink bath bomb.
She needed a list of some kind. Some sort of organisational system of all the things she needed to do before the Speck arrived.
Buy a child's bath/ find a spell to make a big bath less cumbersome would be number one on her list.
Plus the cribs, birthing classes, maternity clothing, clearing out her spare room…
Hermione groaned and sank under the water.
Once she stepped out of the water and dried herself, Hermione found two pieces of parchment. On the longer, she started scribbling all the things they needed to do before the Speck arrived.
On the second, she wrote a short note.
Hello,
Thank you for yesterday; I really did have a lovely time. Also, I'm confident it was at least seven minutes, perhaps you'll have to practice?
Despite the suspiciously quiet Prophet and impeding whatever they decide to cause, I am still looking forward to more dates with you.
Also, I've started a list. I'm calling it step eight- organise all the things we need to do before the baby arrives. I've charmed it and am sending you a copy- if we write something down, it will appear on both.
Your girlfriend,
Hermione Granger.
Ps. We are now just past twelve weeks which is the size of a plum.
Still owl-less, Hermione again passed the note and Draco's copy of the list through the floo, hoping he would see it at some point.
Hermione found an empty wall in her kitchen and, with a tap of her wand, affixed the list. She smiled at it, then added
Ultrasound- 13 weeks. March 6 th .
Hermione shook her head; how was she thirteen weeks already. Once again, she rest a hand over her bump,
"You're coming a lot sooner than I expected, little Speck. I hope we're ready for you."
Hermione awoke just after dawn on Sunday to the incessant tapping of an owl at her window.
In the owl's claws was the Prophet, and Hermione frowned as she was forced to pay for her own gossip. She planned to take the paper to the kitchen and stubbornly ignore it until she was settled with a cup of tea and some toast.
She didn't get much choice. Already on the rolled paper, she could see a black and white version of herself moving in the shadows of a streetlamp.
Frontpage, she realised, brilliant.
Did the wizarding world really not have anything better to report on than her romantic life?
Hermione was about to resign herself when something in the kitchen caught her eye. On the list, after her note about the next ultrasound, a new line had appeared.
Kill Blaise, or name him Godfather. Still undecided- article to determine.
Hermione snorted and looked back at the Sunday Prophet. There was no point prolonging the inevitable then.
Unwinding the paper, she spread it flat and came face to face with their kiss. Still, she was glad it had been the one they'd known was being taken and not their less than savoury one moments before.
Hermione supposed that was a point in Blaise's favour.
FORBIDDEN LOVE: HERMIONE GRANGER, WAR HERO, AND DRACO MALFOY, ACQUITTED DEATH EATER, ADMIT LOVE AFFAIR.
Hermione groaned. Dating, they'd admitted they were dating. Hermione almost sent a Patronus to Blaise, cursing him right then and there, but she continued.
Spotted just outside wizarding London on Friday night Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger have confirmed their romance, initially reported exclusively by the Daily Prophet in December of last year. When asked for comment, Draco Malfoy claimed the pair were 'very happy'; and Hermione Granger confirmed their love had blossomed, as reported by the Daily Prophet, at the recent Christmas Gala at the Malfoy Residence.
Hermione chewed her lip. She hadn't actually confirmed any such thing, only that they had begun dating in December- even if the line between truth had blurred a little. Still, the Prophet seemed to pat themselves on the back grandly, as if the blurry image of their original snog had been high-quality journalism. They hadn't even seemed to take it seriously themselves, letting the gossip die quickly and quietly.
They seemed to have no such intentions this time. The following paragraph detailed Draco's work with Malfoy Industries, Hermione's with W.O.F and a vast amount of conjecture on how they'd 'fallen in love'. Hermione read on, letting out a grumble as she realised why they hadn't published the day before.
An unusual pairing, their backgrounds entangled in the War and the rebuilding efforts, could bring speculation on just how long their affection has been present. The Daily Prophet asked Harry Potter, Chosen One, whether his intervening in Malfoy's 1998 trial had anything to do with Granger's affections; however, Potter has declined to comment. Ronald Weasley-
Hermione groaned at the name. Nothing good could come out of the Prophet breaking the news to Ron about her relationship. Hermione rubbed her eyes before reading on.
When asked by a Prophet reporter, Ronald Weasley appeared unaware of the couple's relationship and claimed it was 'utter bollocks' and had to be removed from the establishment by his now-fiance Lavender Brown. However, a close friend of the couple have confirmed their relationship and have said 'they are a wonderful couple and a shining example of our future'.
Hermione wondered if that was Blaise, no one else had been granted anonymity, and it was perfectly polished.
Hermione scanned the remainder of the article but found little to be concerned about. It was, in the grand scheme of things, a decent piece. The headline certainly left something to be desired, but none of the actual article referenced Draco's past and, for the most part, stuck to current events. There was no mention of actual affairs, nor their pregnancy, and thankfully Hermione's marriage with Ron was barely mentioned.
The picture was rather lovely, albeit irritatingly public. Hermione thought she looked pretty good, but she still winced, having to watch herself lean in and whisper to Draco before he kissed her gently. They looked happy; honestly, they seemed utterly enamoured.
Overall, the rest of the article was positive if a little over-enthusiastic, proclaiming their apparent love and even suggesting some plans for marriage. Hermione groaned at that but hoped that people would be able to read through the lines.
She probably owed Blaise another bag of galleons too. The Prophet writing a positive article about Hermione? Highly unlikely, even without Skeeters meddling. The Prophet not running with the prospect of a torrid affair? Near impossible.
Hermione threw the paper onto her coffee table and leant back, trying to relax and tell herself it had been better than she'd expected. She hoped people read past the title, its bold black letters the most condemning part of the entire front page.
As Hermione settled on the sofa, determined not to let anyone's opinion of her relationship affect her, there was a loud, window shaking thud. With a start, Hermione's eyes flew open, and she stared at the source.
An owl, looking somewhat crumpled and dishevelled, had flown directly into her window. It was now sitting rather dumbly on the window sill, its beak tapping slowly at the glass.
"Oh, Merlin," Hermione muttered as she hurried over, "Errol."
The Weasley family owl, which was somehow still alive after all these years, flew gratefully into Hermione's flat and deposited a letter into her hand. It was small and, from the crooked nature of the writing, hurriedly written.
Hermione, my dear.
It has been far too long since you came to see us. I still consider you one of my daughters, despite all the business with Ronald.
We're having lunch next weekend- Harry and Ginny will be there, and I would so love for you to join us. Draco is, obviously, welcome.
I've missed you, Hermione. Please don't feel the need to stay away any longer. We are and always will be your family.
-Molly.
Hermione chewed on the inside of her lip. A pang of guilt hung over her. She had barely seen the Weasley matriarch since her marriage had ended abruptly- despite the kind words she'd always been terrified Molly would no longer accept her.
Now she wanted Hermione and Draco to come for lunch. Hermione was about to write back, excusing herself until Errol hooted again. He dropped another letter, barely more than a scrap of paper.
Mum says if you say no, she'll drag you here herself. Don't bother declining. She's determined to see you- and Draco.
Harry and I will be there. Ron isn't invited. Please come. I can't handle any more of Mum's questions.
- Ginny
Ps. The article is fine, adorable photo.
PPS. Brilliant timing with the date, by the way. I don't know if it was intentional, but family lunch has certainly been interesting.
PPPs. Harry says hi. Harry says if you have any problems with anyone, to let him know, he'll arrest them.
Hermione sighed, reading Ginny's numerous scribbled additions before frowning.
The date? Hermione glanced around; she'd been too concerned about the article itself to worry about when it would come out.
Hermione grabbed the paper off the coffee table and looked at the date on the page.
The 1st of March, it announced.
Hermione covered her mouth, then snorted. She tried not to, knowing it was horrible, but she was overcome with a fit of giggles as she stared down at the paper.
Laughing mercilessly, Hermione flopped on the sofa- suddenly unable to take any of it seriously. She wondered if the Prophet had known by delaying the article an extra day and finally publishing the news of her relationship on the first what they had done.
That they had published the article on Ron's birthday.
My inbox is a little full, and while I'll try to respond to most of them here is a little blanket 'I see you, you're amazing'. Thank you to everyone who commented, messaged, asked, recommended Nine Months over the last few months, I do see and read all of them and they mean the world to me.
- Nif.