I hope you'll enjoy this chapter. Explicit language and some smut will occur, so bare that in mind.
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-o-o-o-
Hermione yawned quietly, peering through lidded eyes at her surroundings. Draco's arm rested heavy around her waist. She glanced out the one window in the room at the Three broomsticks, it was still dark outside. Slowly she removed herself from Draco's tight grip, he groaned but didn't wake.
Quietly, she pulled her lavender satin robe on, tied it quickly and grabbed her pack of cigarettes along with her wand.
The night air felt crisp, cold against her skin. From the balcony she had a wonderful view of the castle, her old school. It was amazing how well they had managed to restore it after the final battle. It looked untouched. She'd almost preferred if it still had some imperfections left. Now it just looked like the war had never happened there. It didn't match the images that'd been etched into her mind.
She slid a cigarette out of the pack and put it between her lips, using her wand to light it. She inhaled deep into her lungs, before exhaling, covering the air in front of her with smoke.
A smile crept up on her when her thighs rubbed together and she could feel how sore she was from the earlier intrusion. Merlin had she missed this. She wouldn't go so far as to admit she had missed him. But I was undeniable now, how inadequate intercourse with Ron had been. She had tried to convince herself that what she'd experienced with Draco had just been a faze, something to put her together after the war. Supposedly the war had changed her in too many ways. The Hermione that once only cared for her schoolwork and being top of the class, silently fancying her best friend was gone. Replaced by a much more complicated persona. With Draco she never felt she had to hide the hurt, the bruises and scars to both body and mind, with Ron she'd tried to force herself into the person she'd once been. It hadn't been pretty.
There were only a few stars visible on the dark sky, and the moon seemed brighter than usual, almost a full moon. She leaned against the balcony rack, placing her arms on top of it, balancing and ashtray next to her on the railing. Enjoying the view and the nicotine rush.
Draco woke to find an empty bed next to him. It took him a few seconds to orient himself. He opened his eyes to see Hermione through the window of the balcony door, leaning against the railing, her ass sticking out as she leaned in the most alluring way. If only her satin robe had been a little shorter. She stood in a cloud of smoke. He was not surprised she had not yet given up on that vice. He knew she had done drugs as well, straight after the war, and he couldn't blame her, he was almost sure though, that she'd quit that before they parted ways. Replacing the drugs with endless nights of shagging instead.
He didn't bother putting underwear on, and pulled on his trousers and transformed his shirt into a jumper, pulled it over his head to join her on the balcony.
Hermione's head turned towards the door when it opened. Shooting Draco a smile. He couldn't help but give her arse a gentle smack as he went to stand beside her. She whimpered and then preceded to offer him a cigarette which he quickly lit with his wand.
By the look of the sky and the darkness surrounding them he guessed it was still night, possibly early morning.
"I hear your work is going well," Hermione said between puffs. By the look of the ashtray balancing on the balcony rack this was her second cigarette.
"Indeed it is," Draco affirmed while knocking some ash from the tip of the cigarette.
"Do you like it?"
Draco considered her question for a brief moment before answering. "I do, it's a lot more satisfying doing something on my own. And it seems as the work we're doing are changing things, so there's that." Meaning he was glad to be out from under his father, doing something by himself, not relying on the family name to get places.
Hermione hummed. "You really are. Your work is the talk at the Ministry, did you know? They're practically praising your work abroad, especially with MACUSA," Hermione said and couldn't help but sound impressed.
Draco shot her his usual smirk. "Been hearing about be a lot have you?" Hermione blushed and Draco wondered how she could be shy after what they'd done just hours ago. He didn't wait for her answer; it really wasn't a question after all. "I've read about you in the Prophet, seems as though your career is well underway. Soon to be the next, and first, female Minister of magic."
"And the youngest," she added jokingly. Draco chuckled.
"And the youngest," he repeated.
Hermione shook her head, making her curls bounce around her face. "No, well, that is my goal, but it's not a sure thing yet. I still have to prove myself worthy of the position, and passing the new marital law reform is a step in that direction."
She'd been working hard, months on end, to try and get the Ministry to pass her marital reform, a reform that would remove some of the oldest wizarding laws regarding marriage between muggles and wizards or witches. It was a particularly hard one to pass, since one of the most imperative laws in the wizarding legal system was the Secrecy Act. Her reform would lift some of the Secrecy Act invoked in marriages between muggles and wizards or witches. She felt strongly about it, hoping it would send a message to the wizarding world to be more accepting of muggles, something she felt essential to highlight post-war.
Draco nodded. He wasn't sure where he stood in the debate of the reform. She'd surely met a lot of resistance, most of it from the Sacred Twenty-Eight, he'd heard. His own father was very much against it, no surprise there. He himself felt conflicted, he understood the need for the reform, the current law had been in motion for centuries, and it was long overdue to update it, adapt it, but he also felt it was a bit radical.
"If anyone can pass it, it would be you," he said, and it came out a little more affectionately than he had meant, so he focused his gaze on the castle in the distance.
Hermione was surprised by his answer, she knew he probably didn't support the reform fully, didn't think him able to.
"Maybe… fingers crossed," she said and Draco found it was a very muggle thing to say. He tapped his cigarette into the ashtray, carefully, as not to tip it over the edge. Hermione did the same.
They decided to try and get some more sleep before breakfast, they were both going to sit in on a few classes the next day, McGonogall had expressed interest in getting their opinions on some of the new hires.
They undressed and lay back on the bed. Hermione felt a bit uncomfortable being naked now, without the exhaustion of having had sex, but when he pulled her close to his chest and she felt his naked body tight against her backside, she relaxed.
Draco had always loved to cuddle, and being naked was never something that bothered him. He saw nothing wrong in pulling Hermione close to his body, to take full advantage of the softness of her skin. He fondled her breast with one hand, and nipped at her earlobe with his teeth. She moved her hips in response teasing his cock.
"I thought we were going to sleep," she protested. But it really wasn't a complaint.
"We are. Don't mind me. Just getting comfortable," Draco lolled.
"I can't sleep when you touch me like that," she cooed.
"Fine." Not really having it in him to go again anyways. He just cradled her closely instead.
-o-o-o-
Draco left in the morning; he decided he needed a shower and clean clothes from his suitcase in his room.
"Meet me for breakfast downstairs?" he asked before leaving, as he zipped his trousers. Hermione was already in the bathroom, getting the shower running. She was a bit surprised by his question. They had shagged, and slept together, many times, but it was very rare for them to share any kind of meals together. They'd kept everything very physical.
She pondered it for a second before deciding, they were older now, more mature, and they would most likely both want breakfast downstairs in the restaurant as opposed to at Hogwarts, it'd just be awkward to sit at different tables.
"I'll see you there in twenty?" she called from the bathroom.
"Sounds good," Draco answered and she soon heard the door closing behind him.
The warm water felt nice on her skin, she lathered up her hair with her favourite shampoo, she'd found it really helpful to her curls. She felt revitalised when she finished, and reached for Sleekeazy's hair potion to tame the curls one extra step. There was no harm in looking a little extra representable when she was to sit in on the Defense against the dark arts class after breakfast.
She made quick work of her clothes, having had limited options made it easier. When she'd decided on a grey skirt, thin black pantyhose, ending on the upper part of her thigh and a loose fitted deep purple satin blouse, she hurried down the stairs. Spritzing her favourite perfume on as she walked before putting it back into her handbag.
Draco was already seated in one of the booths, sipping a cup of black coffee. As Hermione sat down the booth filled with her delicate perfume. He really enjoyed that scent on her. It made him want to skip breakfast and fuck her senseless. Draco decided it would probably not be a good idea. He could toy with her a bit still, using words only. He'd never had the opportunity to do that in a public place before. It could be fun.
Hermione exhaled loudly and glanced at the menu. She decided on some scrambled eggs with toast and some English breakfast tea. Their orders arrived quickly. There was a handful of people in the restaurant, most of them being other guests staying at the inn.
Last night almost didn't feel real, she'd had no intention of ending up sleeping in his arms, and she wondered how he felt about it. She glanced up at him while warming her hands on her teacup. He was already staring at her when she looked up, she was unable to read his eyes. Was he amused?
The blonde hair lay neatly on his head, not a single strand of hair out of place. She watched his throat move as he swallowed a bite of his food. Even the way he gripped his cup of coffee did something to her. Draco could feel her eyes on him as he sipped his coffee, and when he bit into his toast. Subtle wasn't her strong suit he realised. Or maybe she wasn't aware of how much she stared. He decided to have fun with it, put on a show.
He let out a low groan when he swallowed the coffee, like he'd craved caffeine for weeks on end without having it. He licked his lips and hummed in appreciation when he took another bite of his toast.
"Delicious." He grinned, not missing how she shifted in her seat and tugged at one of her brown curls.
"Although your cunt last night was unquestionably delectable," he continued and cocked his head to the side. Eyes glued to her to see her response. Hermione's eyes widened in shock and she crossed and uncrossed her legs twice. Her cheeks turning an undeniable shade of red.
"Shh, Malfoy, that is so crass!" Hermione blamed.
"Oh but it was, I assure you," he replied in all seriousness. It only made her blush harder. Well this was fun, Draco thought to himself. It had a positive effect on her, seeing as she was squirming in her seat. She sipped her tea and avoided his gaze.
Hermione contemplated her reply while savouring her tea. She decided two could play at this game. Or so she thought.
"Well, let me tell you, that your cock was-" she stopped, unable to complete the sentence. It felt more than wrong coming out of her mouth, and while having breakfast too. It amused him greatly to hear her struggle for words.
Hermione Granger, having trouble finding words, it pleased him more than she could ever know.
Draco was quick to reply. He leaned forward in his seat, resting his head on his fist. "Yes, do continue, tell me all about how my cock was last night," he encouraged her.
Merlin she wanted to smack that grin off of his face right about now.
"Oh shut it!" she bellowed. There was no denying how he affected her, she could feel the wetness building in her knickers.
He chuckled and Hermione wanted to punch him and fuck him at the same time.
Draco returned to his food, a bit cold now, but it had been worth it.
-o-o-o-
The classroom for defence against the dark arts was filled to the brim, seemed as if no students were skipping class today. Harry Potter had been offered the teaching position but had declined and instead chosen the career as an auror. Professor McGonogall's choice had instead landed on a former auror, Hedda Albright. Hermione had only met her briefly at the Ministry, before Hedda had left her position there to teach at Hogwarts. From what she's heard she was doing a good job.
There had been two seats assigned to Draco and Hermione at the far back of the classroom, seeing as they were primarily there to observe. Draco looked stoic in his black trousers and grey cashmere polo neck, it brought out his eyes in ways Hermione didn't want to think about.
"Good morning students, please give a warm welcome to our guests today. Mr Draco Malfoy and Miss Hermione Granger," Professor Albright said and gestured to the two of them at the back of the classroom. The students shifted in their seats to have a look at them. Hermione crossed her legs and straightened her back, Draco however, leaned heavily against the back of the chair with one foot resting on opposite leg. Arms crossed. Looking completely unapproachable.
"Why don't we let the two introduce themselves? Mr Malfoy, do tell us a bit about yourself."
Hermione felt unprepared, but she had never been shy to speak in the classrooms of Hogwarts and now was not any different.
Draco uncrossed his arms and leaned forward slightly, looking over the sea of students who were going to hurt their necks if they kept staring so intently over their shoulders.
He cleared his throat. "Uh, yeah. So as Professor Albright just said, I'm here as a guest today to observe class. I graduated a few years ago, did my N.E.W.T.S post war. Two years ago I started my own diplomacy agency, D.M Unity, working primarily with post war efforts across the wizarding community, in ways aiding the Ministry of Magic to reconnect with wizarding societies outside of Britain. It means I get to travel a lot for work, never staying in one place too long, and form diplomatic relations."
"Wonderful, I have heard a lot about your work, and I'm sure some of our students have as well. Post-war efforts are crucial to re-establish Britain's standing in the wizarding community. It makes for interesting work." Albright praised. "Now, any questions for Mr Malfoy?" Her eyes searched over the crowd of students. They all had their eyes glued to Draco.
A boy in Gryffindor robes raised his hand and Albright gave the word to him.
"You were a death eater, how, doesn't that conflict with your current work?" the boy asked. It was a brave, albeit annoying, question Draco thought, and of course it had come from a Gryffindor. At least the kid had the decency to mention his death eater status in past tense. He let no emotion show as he answered, not bothering sounding too polite.
"Insightful. And yes, I was a death eater. And to say it has no bearing on my work would be a lie, it only makes my work that more important I would say. It also makes for interesting conversations." He drawled. Not mentioning how many times he'd snapped at people for insinuating he was only doing his work to mend the Malfoy reputation.
Hermione watched Draco intensely as he spoke, thinking it was a good answer. Reckoning he most likely had met a lot of resistance in the beginning. She'd heard rumours of people finding his efforts selfish and assuming he'd started his diplomatic work solely for the purpose of exonerating himself. She didn't give in to rumours, neither was she stupid enough to think there was no selfishness involved at all.
Some other students asked a few questions, all of them regarding his stance in the war, except for a few Slytherin's who asked more personal questions, like where he lived and if he was in fact dating Astoria Greengrass. It had been the talk for a while, and pictures of them had been floating around in wizarding magazines. Hermione wondered about that one herself, but she would never admit to it nor ask him about it. It was none of her business. Not really.
Malfoy answered the questions like a politician, giving nothing away.
"Thank you Mr Malfoy," Professor Albright said, turning her head towards Hermione.
She caught the hint.
"My name is Hermione Granger. I'm currently working in the department of family law at the Ministry of Magic." She continued to explain her work and some of the laws she had managed to pass during her time there.
A Ravenclaw student asked her about the new reform she was trying to pass, so she spoke a bit about that, highlighting that it would be a more difficult one to pass, and why that was. She also got a few non-questions that were more compliments towards her efforts during the war, and a few questions regarding her and Ron that made her uncomfortable, along with some about being friends with Harry Potter.
It occurred to Hermione that some students had more insight into her life than she would like, and that some saw her as kind of a celebrity, which just felt absurd.
The class continued and the student's reluctantly shifted their focus to Professor Albright's lesson. They paired up for duels and Hermione and Draco were asked to participate, walk around and give their suggestions and advice. Hermione noticed that the Slyterhin's were eager for advice from Draco, but the rest mostly wanted her attention. She pondered whether Draco's reputation as a former death eater would ever subside.
-o-o-o-
When class ended Draco went to the library to return a book he'd had since his sixth year, earning a shove on his shoulder and a scolding from Hermione.
She stepped outside for a moment, thinking she had deserved a cigarette break after all those inane questions about her love life. She decided on a spot hidden from view, not wanting to be a bad influence on the students.
Surrounded by bushes, she conjured a blanket and sat down on the grass, using a drying spell first to make sure the grass was not wet.
As she smoked she overheard two girls talking, and couldn't help but to sharpen her ears to listen in when she heard her name than Draco's. From what she heard, they had attended the DADA class this morning.
"I can't believe McGonogall invited a former death eater," one of the girls said horrified. "But don't get me wrong. I'm not that mad about it really."
"He was cleared of all charges," the other girl countered. And Hermione nodded where she sat.
"Yeah, and at least he's not bad too look at right?" she said and giggled.
"I'd snog him," the other girl replied without hesitation. Hermione gasped. These were sixth years for Merlin's sake!
"Definitely! But did you hear his reply when Danielle asked about him and Astoria Greengrass?"
"He really did dodge that question fully, it must mean there's something between them. Don't you think?"
"Well yeah, obviously, he almost looked uncomfortable. And I mean. It's Draco Malfoy, he never looks uncomfortable."
As if she knew him well enough to know.
Hermione stopped listening then. Lightning another cigarette as her mind raced. Were students this prone to gossip during her time at Hogwarts? Then she remembered Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown, they did gossip a lot. She felt a sting in her stomach at the memory of the girls and an image of Lavender's scared eyes, as she lay lifeless on the floor of the Great Hall, in the row of the dead.
The war would never leave her fully.
